Chapter 382: Out to Sea (Part 1)

After a while, Han Li awoke from his contemplation, seemingly having formed a new idea.

Showing no unusual expression, he continued to browse the shops selling cultivation techniques and ancient texts. This time, Han Li found nothing unexpected. Most of the cultivation methods and Five-Element spells sold in the shops were familiar to him, differing little from those in Tiannan. If there was any noticeable difference, it was the greater number of Taoist scriptures related to water-element spells, and a few new spells Han Li had never encountered before.

Han Li purchased the Taoist scriptures related to the new spells, along with a copy of "Appraisal of Alchemy" that he stumbled upon. He bought this book because it contained a description and critique of the "Dustfall Pill" by a master alchemist. Han Li intended to study the book carefully before deciding whether to accept Six-Alliance Palace's demands for the pill.

After this, Han Li lost interest in buying anything else. He then led Qu Hun directly out of Tiandu Street and headed towards the city outskirts. Shortly after leaving Kui Xing City, Han Li and Qu Hun soared into the sky on their artifacts, speeding towards Gu Family Village.

Less than half a day later, Han Li spotted the somewhat familiar mud walls of Gu Family Village in the distance. Instead of flying directly into the village, Han Li felt a sudden urge to land on a nearby hill to check on the small wooden hut he had built himself long ago. The small wooden hut still stood in its original spot, but it was significantly more weathered than when Han Li had left it. Some parts even showed signs of rot and blackening.

After observing it for a while, Han Li sighed softly before pushing open the wooden door and stepping inside. "Oh!" Han Li was slightly surprised. The interior was not, as he had expected, filled with dust and the smell of decay. Instead, it was immaculately clean; the tables, chairs, and wooden bed were spotless, and an unfamiliar pot of blue flowers even sat on the wooden table.

Han Li stood stunned for a moment before letting out a wry smile. "It seems the Gu family has put a lot of thought into this," Han Li murmured to himself, rubbing his nose. Without lingering, Han Li then left the hut, instructing Qu Hun to remain on the hill while he slowly walked towards Gu Family Village.

Han Li had no intention of directly entering the Gu family compound using his artifact, even though the restriction outside the Gu family's land was insignificant to him now. However, since the Gu Master was an old acquaintance, he felt it was proper to be more courteous. As Han Li approached the main gate of the Gu family residence, two burly gatekeepers noticed him. One of them asked, with a hint of suspicion: "Who are you, sir, and what brings you to our Gu Family Village?"

"Tell your Master of the Manor," Han Li said softly, smiling, "that an old acquaintance named Han has arrived."

"Our Master does not meet outsiders. Hmm! Han?… Could you be Master Han, the Immortal?" The gatekeeper initially refused but then eyed Han Li up and down before suddenly asking with a look of suspicion.

"You know me?" Han Li frowned slightly.

"It really is Master Han, the Immortal! Please wait, Elder Immortal; I'll inform the Master right away!" The gatekeeper then immediately turned and ran into the manor without another word.

Han Li gazed expressionlessly into the manor, remaining silent. A short while later, a large group of people emerged from the manor. The elder leading the group, upon seeing Han Li, immediately broke into a wide smile and exclaimed loudly: "Master Han, the Immortal, you've finally arrived! I've been waiting for you for many years."

The elder then hurried forward to greet Han Li, while the others behind him respectfully bowed. Han Li focused his gaze on the elder's vaguely familiar face; it was none other than the Gu Master. However, his hair was now white, and he looked frail with age. "Mr. Gu, I trust you've been well!" Han Li said, his expression softening slightly.

With the Gu Master's respectful welcome, Han Li entered the large mansion in the center of Gu Family Village. Upon entering, before Han Li could speak, the Gu Master proactively had someone bring a large pouch of spirit stones and handed it to Han Li. He then enthusiastically introduced several young Gu family members to Han Li, especially his eldest son, a thirty-something youth named Gu Kai, who was the primary focus of his introductions.

Witnessing this, Han Li understood the Gu Master's intentions. The Gu Master likely knew his life was nearing its end and hoped that Master Han, the Immortal, would provide some support to the Gu family in the future. Han Li smiled faintly and, out of consideration for their past connection, vaguely agreed. The Gu Master was immediately overjoyed and promptly suggested hosting a banquet, but Han Li politely declined. After chatting a few more words with the Gu Master, he gracefully departed Gu Family Village.

As soon as he emerged, Han Li signaled to Qu Hun on the hill, and together they flew towards a nearby small town. In the town, Han Li casually found an inn to stay, then spent the entire night engrossed in studying "Appraisal of Alchemy," going without sleep. By the second day, Han Li had finally gained a general understanding of the various elixirs in the Starfall Sea, and he had studied the Dustfall Pill countless times.

According to the book, the Dustfall Pill's refinement required not only the inner cores of several rare demonic beasts but also numerous other uncommon spiritual herbs, making it exceptionally precious. This pill indeed possessed the miraculous effect of increasing the chances of core formation. Although the increased probability was reportedly not significant, and only one pill could be consumed during core formation, it was still regarded as a treasure by many cultivators facing this crucial stage. Even a one percent increase in success rate during core formation was something a cultivator would eagerly covet!

However, Han Li also understood that since Six-Alliance Palace was willing to offer such a rare elixir as compensation, the task was certainly not as simple as they described, merely "presiding over a formation." If he went, the danger would undoubtedly be significant; Heaven knew what kind of thorny issues he might encounter.

Nevertheless, Han Li yearned intensely for the Dustfall Pill, as both he and Qu Hun were approaching the core formation stage. He himself didn't even expect to succeed this time. However, although Qu Hun's Fiend Core was said to have a one-third chance of core formation, failure remained the more likely outcome. Han Li couldn't rest easy; he absolutely had to obtain the Dustfall Pill!

After pondering deeply for most of the day in the inn, Han Li finally decided to take the risk. After all, by then, he and Qu Hun would both be late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, so self-preservation shouldn't be an issue even if danger arose. Furthermore, Six-Alliance Palace appeared to be a highly influential power. Establishing a connection with them could prove very beneficial for his future standing in the Starfall Sea.

Before proceeding, however, he needed to inquire among other cultivators about Six-Alliance Palace's reputation. He certainly didn't want to complete the task only for them to turn ruthless afterward; that would be a huge loss! Having made up his mind, Han Li immediately took Qu Hun and flew on his artifact towards Kui Xing City.

Half a month later, an enormous sea vessel sailed into the port of Kui Xing Island. Shortly after, two streaks of light, one white and one blue, rapidly approached from a distance and unhesitatingly shot into the ship. Once the light faded, three figures appeared on the deck: a tall, ugly brute, a middle-aged man with an unusual appearance, and an ordinary-looking youth.

"Welcome, honored Immortal Masters, to our ship. I am Luo Zheng, the captain of this vessel. The other Immortal Masters are already on board, and I shall escort you all to the location where the demonic beasts are active." A man with thick eyebrows and large eyes stepped out of the cabin, speaking respectfully to the brute and the youth. The "Immortal Masters" he referred to were naturally Han Li and Qu Hun. The middle-aged man who accompanied them was Cao Lu, the manager of Whitewater Tower.

"Fellow Daoist Qu, take care! I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be heading back now." Cao Lu exchanged a few extremely polite words with Qu Hun, then flew away on his artifact.

"Please enter, honored Immortal Masters. Your rooms have already been prepared. The ship is about to depart," the thick-browed man said, standing with his head bowed.

Han Li glanced at the cabin, then silently walked inside with Qu Hun, followed closely by the man who called himself Luo Zheng. At the same time, the massive ship slowly began to move again.

As soon as they entered, Han Li was slightly taken aback by what he saw! What greeted him was not the narrow corridor he had imagined, but a luxurious hall, over ten zhang in both length and width. The hall featured a red brocade carpet on the floor, and a long, inlaid ebony table, adorned with gold and silver, stood in the center. A dozen or so chairs were arranged around it, and several people were gathered around the table, conversing. Upon seeing Han Li and Qu Hun enter, several sharp gazes immediately swept over them. However, their gazes merely flickered past Han Li, settling instead on Qu Hun.

"I am Qu Hun, and this is my junior disciple, Han Li! How may I address you, fellow Daoists?" Qu Hun stated expressionlessly, his body flashing as he stepped in front of Han Li.