Published: August 16, 2025
Chapter 125: Arrangement
“Time? Place name?” Xi Tieniu was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, seemingly having no impression of it. But seeing Han Li’s seriousness, he knew this was crucial to his chance of making a contribution, so he lowered his head and pondered deeply.
Half an hour later…
“Got it!” Xi Tieniu suddenly looked up and shouted with joy written all over his face.
“I remember that female immortal once said that before attending the immortal assembly, the male immortal was to accompany her to a place called Tainan Valley. She mentioned that other immortals were also there.”
“Tainan Valley?” Han Li murmured the name twice but had no memory of it at all. It seemed he had never heard of such a place.
Han Li turned his gaze to Sun Ergou. If such a place existed locally, this native informant should surely know something about it.
“Jiayuan City has no such place! If there really was such a valley, I would remember it clearly,” Sun Ergou said, frowning and shaking his head repeatedly.
“Are you sure?” Han Li looked back at Xi Tieniu with a sharper tone.
“Absolutely not. That woman also said that if they traveled half a day further, they could meet her friends at Tainan Valley,” Xi Tieniu quickly swore to the heavens.
“Half a day’s journey! On foot, that wouldn’t even be out of Jiayuan City’s vicinity, but they were riding flying birds for travel, which expands the range considerably. Still, it shouldn’t exceed Lanzhou’s borders,” Han Li pondered silently.
“Do you two know if anywhere in Lanzhou is called Tainan Valley or just Tainan?” Han Li’s expression softened as he asked them.
Sun Ergou and Xi Tieniu glanced at each other and almost simultaneously shouted:
“Tainan Temple!”
“Tainan Mountain!”
“Two places named Tainan?” Han Li was startled and a bit troubled.
“Master! No, there is only one!” Sun Ergou quickly answered.
“Tainan Temple is built on Tainan Mountain,” Xi Tieniu added, unwilling to be outdone.
“Oh! Great, it seems Tainan Valley should be around here,” Han Li said with relief.
“But Master, we’ve never heard of any Tainan Valley near Tainan Mountain! Could it be a mistake?” Sun Ergou asked with suspicion.
Han Li smiled and said, “No mistake, it’s definitely this place!”
“You two are not immortal cultivators, so naturally you wouldn’t know. I guess it’s probably a long-term residence for some cultivators,” Han Li thought excitedly.
“Where exactly is Tainan Mountain located?” After his excitement, Han Li realized he hadn’t figured out where the place actually was, so he asked casually.
“Master, Tainan Mountain is in the southernmost part of Lanzhou, about forty li west of Guanggui City,” Sun Ergou replied respectfully.
“Southern Lanzhou?” Han Li frowned. The Poison Tyrant Manor he wanted to assassinate was in the north, so the two locations were completely opposite directions—not on the same route at all. Looks like he would have to make several trips.
“Sun Ergou, when you return, make Xi Tieniu the deputy gang leader of the Siping Gang. I know you’re not happy about this, but since I promised him, I must keep my word,” Han Li instructed Sun Ergou.
“Dare not, Master. Whatever you say, I will do without complaint!” Sun Ergou was startled by this and recalled the words Han Li said earlier, turning even paler.
“Don’t worry, I know whether you’re loyal or not. This bottle is an Antidote Pill, which will completely remove the poison from your body so you will have no worries. This was also part of my promise to you; I treat everyone equally and won’t deceive you,” Han Li took out a bottle of pills and handed it to Sun Ergou.
Sun Ergou was overjoyed. The “Rotting Heart Pill” poison in his body had long made his meals tasteless and his sleep restless. Now that it could be completely cured, how could he not be excited?
“Thank you, Master! Thank you! I will be utterly loyal to you, even unto death!” Sun Ergou took the bottle and said earnestly.