Chapter 756: Conditions

When Han Li heard Lu Luo's words, the scene of Mu Peiling and Nangong Wan meeting immediately flashed through his mind, and he muttered to himself. However, he naturally thanked Lu Luo again verbally.

"What are your plans for the future, junior brother? Originally, according to our agreement, after you acted once, you wouldn't need to participate in the subsequent battles. However, a few days ago, when the high-ranking members of our Righteous and Demonic factions and the Nine Nations Alliance gathered to discuss countermeasures, someone mentioned you. They said that since you could instantly kill black-robed mages, you would certainly be able to suppress these black-robed individuals in battle. Therefore, they all hope you can still participate in the upcoming major war. Our Heavenly Dao Alliance representatives also feel that you are a significant force, and it would be unreasonable if you didn't fight. So..." Lu Luo said hesitantly, a conflicted expression on his face.

"Of course, I can participate again. If Tiannan is truly occupied by the Mulan people, our Falling Cloud Sect won't fare any better. However, how does the Alliance plan to handle its previous promise? It's not just empty words, is it?" To Lu Luo's surprise, Han Li showed no anger; instead, he sneered and asked calmly.

"Of course not. Furthermore, considering your merits in exposing a Spirit Control Sect spy and killing a black-robed individual, the Alliance promises that as long as you're willing to continue participating in the war, you can propose any conditions you wish. They will do their best to fulfill them as compensation," Lu Luo said with a wry smile.

"Willing to compensate? That's good to hear. As for the specific conditions, I'd prefer to discuss them face-to-face with the person in charge," Han Li said, his expression unchanged after hearing this.

"Very well, I'll take you to meet the current representatives of our Heavenly Dao Alliance now. As long as your conditions aren't too excessive, they should be able to agree," Lu Luo said with a slight smile, though his words carried a subtle hint.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Lu. I won't ask for too much and put you in a difficult position," Han Li said with a light chuckle.

"Junior brother, you jest. Don't worry about my reputation. It's rare for those old fellows to be so generous. You should certainly ask for what you deserve," Lu Luo said, feeling relieved that Han Li understood his meaning and knew how to handle the situation. His words, of course, were different from his inner thoughts.

Han Li listened, a faint, unreadable smile on his face. He said nothing more.

Immediately after, Lu Luo led Han Li out of the Falling Cloud Sect's encampment and headed straight for the Heavenly Dao Alliance's main council hall.

"The Heavenly Dao Alliance is currently managed by an Elder Council composed of cultivators from over a dozen major sects. Every ten years, a few of these sects are replaced. Of course, the three founding sects of the Heavenly Dao Alliance – the Luanming Sect, Ancient Sword Sect, and Ni Hangzhai – are exempt from replacement. In fact, most Alliance matters are decided by these three sects. However, the Luanming Sect is slightly stronger than both the Ancient Sword Sect and Ni Hangzhai. The main authorities in Tianyi City are Daoist Long Han and Daoist Feng Bing of the Luanming Sect. You probably know them. They are a dual-cultivating couple who can jointly contend with late Nascent Soul cultivators. Our Alliance's ability to stand against other forces relies entirely on them. However, currently, only Daoist Long Han is appearing publicly; Elder Feng Bing went into immediate secluded cultivation upon arriving in Tianyi City. It seems a certain secret art has reached a critical stage. Junior Brother Han, as long as you reach an agreement with these presiding elders in Tianyi City first, it will be considered approved by the Elder Council. Besides Elder Long Han presiding, elders from the other two major sects are also permanently stationed there." Lu Luo explained the affairs of the Heavenly Dao Alliance to Han Li as they walked side by side.

Han Li already knew some of these things, while others he heard for the first time. He said nothing, simply nodding silently.

The main council hall was located in the center of the West City. After walking unhurriedly for a while, the two arrived at their destination.

A majestic pavilion, surrounding a grand bluestone hall, appeared before them.

"Greetings, Senior Lu. Are you here to see the elders, Senior? And this senior is..." Several Foundation Establishment cultivators guarding the hall entrance clearly recognized Lu Luo, an elder of the Falling Cloud Sect. One of them saluted respectfully and asked politely. However, when his gaze fell upon the unfamiliar Han Li, a hesitant expression appeared on his face.

"This is Elder Han of our sect. He is here to meet Elder Long and the others," Lu Luo said indifferently, his expression unchanged. "Ah, it's Senior Han. Please wait a moment, both seniors. The elders are discussing matters in the side hall; I'll inform them right away." The cultivator was startled and looked at Han Li with surprise, then his demeanor became even more respectful, clearly recognizing who Han Li was.

The cultivator then casually took out a sound transmission talisman, whispered a few words into it, and flicked it away.

A red light shot inwards.

Moments later, three long, melodious chimes suddenly echoed from within the hall. Upon hearing the sound, the guarding cultivator immediately bowed slightly to the side and said:

"Please enter, seniors. The elders have been informed of your arrival."

Lu Luo nodded and strode into the hall with a confident air.

Han Li followed behind him, his expression normal and unhurried.

After passing through several corridors, Lu Luo led Han Li into a side hall.

Upon entering, they saw five or six Nascent Soul cultivators seated inside.

As soon as the two entered, everyone looked over.

However, their gazes merely skimmed over Lu Luo, mostly lingering on Han Li, all showing expressions of interest.

These individuals all possessed extraordinary cultivation, but Han Li's gaze, after a flicker, settled on a middle-aged man seated in the center. This man wore a grey robe, had an imposing appearance, broad bones, and his cultivation was far stronger than that of an ordinary mid-Nascent Soul cultivator; he seemed to have reached the peak of the mid-stage, just a step away from entering the late stage.

Han Li's heart tensed, and he immediately knew this person was Long Han of the Luanming Sect.

With such profound cultivation, it was no wonder he could contend with late Nascent Soul cultivators when he teamed up with his dual-cultivation partner.

He had initially thought the rumors were somewhat exaggerated, but it seemed they had actually understated this person's cultivation.

Before anyone else could speak, the middle-aged man smiled.

"Brother Lu, this must be Elder Han of your sect, right? His name has been resounding in our ears lately," Long Han said, rising and cupping his hands, a friendly expression on his face.

"Daoist Long Han. I have long admired your reputation as well," Han Li said with a smile, returning the courtesy after carefully observing the middle-aged man.

"Speaking of reputation, among recent cultivators, who could possibly match Daoist Han's renown? Brother Han has brought our Heavenly Dao Alliance much prestige," a pale-faced old man seated beside Long Han said, half-jokingly.

"This Daoist friend jests. May I ask your name?"

Han Li had already noticed this old man. As the only other mid-Nascent Soul cultivator present besides Long Han, he naturally dared not be disrespectful.

"Junior Brother Han, this is Brother Kuang from Ni Hangzhai. His Heaven-Earth Soil Art has been renowned throughout Tiannan for centuries," Lu Luo quickly introduced before the pale-faced old man could reply.

"So it's Brother Kuang. I've also admired you for a long time," Han Li said, a hint of surprise flashing across his face upon hearing this.

Han Li's words were sincere. This cultivator surnamed Kuang from Ni Hangzhai was indeed highly renowned, second only to Long Han and his partner in the Heavenly Dao Alliance. The silver-haired elder of the Falling Cloud Sect had repeatedly mentioned him. Han Li hadn't expected to meet him here.

Next, Lu Luo introduced the remaining cultivators to Han Li one by one. The others were unremarkable, but when he introduced Elder Tian from the Ancient Sword Sect, a cultivator with an ugly face, Han Li couldn't help but glance at him twice.

Afterward, Han Li and the others retook their seats.

Long Han smiled faintly and then said calmly:

"Daoist Han, since you've come to the council hall, you likely already understand that the Alliance hopes you will continue to participate in the war. To be honest, we have indeed broken our word to you. However, with the major war approaching, your divine abilities are truly a great asset to us Tiannan cultivators, and we had no choice but to ask this of you. As compensation, we can offer some redress in terms of raw materials, pills, and so on. If Daoist Han is not satisfied, other conditions can also be discussed. Essentially, anything the Alliance can do, we will not refuse."

Long Han truly lived up to his reputation as a cultivator who had long governed the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Without waiting for Han Li to state his purpose, he preemptively offered an apology to Han Li.

Even if Han Li had initially harbored any resentment, he wouldn't have been able to express it at this moment.

However, Han Li hadn't been angered by this in the first place.

He had managed to escape with his life from the Mulan Divine Masters. Even if future battles were more intense, he would still have more than enough ability to protect himself.

Since his life was not in danger, he naturally had no displeasure. Instead, he felt this was a rare opportunity!

Therefore, after a slight contemplation, Han Li spoke unceremoniously:

"Since Brother Long has put it this way, continuing to participate in the upcoming war is no issue. After all, I understand that if the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. However, I truly have some matters that can only be achieved with the Alliance's help. I will, therefore, unceremoniously take advantage of this opportunity."

As Han Li said this, he displayed a frank demeanor.

He knew that it was better to avoid petty cleverness in front of these old monsters; being straightforward would make it easier to achieve his goals.

As expected, these undisguised words gave most of the cultivators present a favorable impression of Han Li.

The cultivator surnamed Kuang even chuckled and said directly, without pretense:

"Daoist Han is straightforward and outspoken, which suits my temperament perfectly. Tell us what your conditions are. I'm quite curious!"

Long Han's eyes flickered a few times, then he smiled subtly without speaking.

The others also stared at Han Li, wondering what conditions he would propose.

"It's actually quite simple. I hope to use the Alliance's power to help me gather a certain material for artifact refining. To be frank with you all, this item is quite important to me. If I can gather it before the great war, I'll undoubtedly have a few more assurances when dealing with those black-robed mages," Han Li said calmly, his expression unchanged.

"Artifact refining material?" The people present exchanged glances, none of them showing surprise.

With their wisdom, they naturally knew this material must be extremely rare and difficult to find. Otherwise, Han Li wouldn't be using this opportunity to propose it as a condition.