Published: August 16, 2025
Chapter 148: The Elder in Gray
Senior Disciple Uncle Wang led Han Li, both stepping on a leaf-shaped magical artifact, flying for about an hour before landing on a lush, green mountain ridge. They descended into a dense cluster of simple stone houses. Each of these stone-built houses was incredibly plain, and not a single person was seen anywhere in the entire settlement—it seemed as if all the houses were empty. This puzzled Han Li somewhat.
“Don’t be surprised. These houses are indeed all empty. This place was originally meant for newly admitted disciples to live in. Once their magical power reaches a certain level, they move out to find other accommodations. It’s currently the cycle of ten years, and the new disciples haven’t entered yet, so the houses are temporarily vacant,” Senior Disciple Uncle Wang explained calmly, seeing Han Li’s confusion. Only then did Han Li suddenly understand.
Uncle Wang led Han Li as they weaved through the houses, making several twists and turns until Han Li felt dizzy. Finally, they stopped in front of a house much larger than the ordinary stone ones. Without any explanation, Uncle Wang shouted loudly:
“Junior Disciple Lin, open the door! I have brought a new disciple to collect some items!”
As soon as Uncle Wang’s voice fell, the door automatically swung open with a whoosh. Seeing this, Uncle Wang didn’t hesitate and led the way inside. Han Li hesitated for a moment but then followed him into the house.
Inside, the space was even larger than Han Li had expected from outside. This surprised him; he wondered if some trick had been done to the house.
The scene inside gave Han Li one clear impression: “chaos.”
Various miscellaneous items were scattered everywhere, piled up haphazardly in different corners. Some were clothing, while others were weapons like swords and knives. But judging by the spiritual power fluctuations on these weapons, they were actually quite well-made magical artifacts.
Apart from these, there were also everyday tools like shovels and hammers. They were also full of spiritual energy and seemed to have been refined into something akin to magical artifacts. Han Li was amazed and wondered what magical effects these tools might have when used.
In the center of the room stood a square Eight Immortals table. Behind it, facing the door, sat an elder wearing gray clothes with disheveled hair. The elder paid no attention to Han Li and Uncle Wang and was fully focused on carving a palm-sized piece of yellow wood with a gleaming small knife.
Senior Disciple Uncle Wang frowned slightly at this but quickly regained his usual calm. He didn’t disturb the elder’s work; instead, he pulled over a chair from the corner of the room and sat quietly opposite the elder, waiting patiently for him to finish carving.
Seeing this, Han Li blinked and silently stood behind Uncle Wang, sensibly waiting together.
The gray-clad elder’s hands moved swiftly, wood shavings falling from his fingers in a gentle flutter. In just the time it took to drink a cup of tea, a vivid little monkey appeared in his palm.
“Junior Disciple Lin’s carving skills have improved a lot after some time away!” Uncle Wang smiled and praised.
“Nothing much. I was just idle, killing time,” the elder in gray replied casually, but his eyes had already shifted to Han Li, seemingly having guessed their purpose.
“It’s no big deal. I just came to collect some belongings for the new disciples who have just entered the valley, to equip this Han disciple nephew,” Uncle Wang said with a smile.
“Didn’t the new disciples of this ascension gathering already receive their items? Why is there an extra one? And his aptitude is quite poor! Has Sect Leader Zhong’s vision really lowered to the point he would accept such a mediocre talent into the valley?” The gray-clad elder spoke bluntly in front of Han Li, criticizing him harshly. From his tone, he did not show much respect to Sect Leader Zhong either.
Han Li felt extremely embarrassed hearing this, and Uncle Wang also wore a wry smile.