A Record of A Mortal's Journey to Immortality

Chapter 294: Flame Manipulation Technique

“Hmph! You sneaked into the room—either a thief or a scoundrel! And you dare to act all mysterious? Let me see how I deal with you...”

The old Taoist, perhaps spoiled by the flattery he had received from the people in the Prince's Mansion these days, shouted sharply without a second thought.

But the moment he habitually cast the heaven's eye technique to glance at Han Li, his previously furious expression immediately froze, then turned pale.

“Y-You... you are a foundation establishment stage senior?”

The old Taoist stammered, disbelief shining in his eyes.

“Didn't you already use your magic to see for yourself?” Han Li’s smile faded, and he spoke calmly.

“Please don’t blame me, senior. I have never before met a foundation establishment stage immortal cultivator. The highest cultivation base I’ve seen is only at the eleventh or twelfth level of the qi refining stage. I simply couldn’t judge your cultivation base! I only know that your cultivation is unfathomably profound!”

Seeing this, the old Taoist seemed to suddenly awaken from a dream, hurriedly extinguished the fireball in his hand, stepped forward to salute, and kept explaining with a forced smile and a cautious expression.

Han Li noticed that the old Taoist did not show fear like Elder Xiao did, but rather a faint excitement, which surprised him.

After a moment’s thought, Han Li understood the old man’s little scheme.

This white-haired old Taoist, at such an advanced age, was still stuck at the sixth level of the qi refining stage, likely a rogue cultivator with poor aptitude who had never had access to cultivators with profound magical power.

After all, even rogue cultivators only interact intimately with those of similar cultivation bases.

Now, encountering a high-level foundation establishment stage cultivator like himself, the old Taoist naturally saw it as a rare opportunity and likely hoped to gain something from Han Li!

Realizing this, Han Li smiled slightly. If the old man could satisfy him, he wouldn’t mind giving him a little benefit.

Han Li looked at the old Taoist and slowly said,

“You guessed correctly, I am indeed a foundation establishment stage cultivator!”

Upon hearing Han Li’s words, the white-haired old Taoist’s expression grew even more respectful, and a brighter joy appeared in his eyes.

“May I ask, senior, is there some matter you wish to entrust to me, appearing here so suddenly?” the Taoist asked respectfully.

He knew very well that to gain benefits from Han Li, he had to do something first.

Han Li showed a satisfied expression and smiled lightly:

“First, tell me about your background. Today I saw your fire manipulation technique performed in the Prince’s Mansion—it was quite impressive!”

Han Li truly meant this compliment.

The old Taoist was shocked to hear that this senior had indeed seen his performance, but he quickly replied humbly:

“Don’t say that, senior, you flatter me! I only have skill in fire flame manipulation, nothing else. As for my background, there’s nothing much to say. When I was young, I accidentally obtained a talisman manual called ‘Fiery Sun Technique’ from a dying cultivator, and that’s how I entered the immortal cultivation world. Unfortunately, my aptitude is poor, and without a mentor, I have barely reached the sixth level.”

“Is your fire manipulation technique also from that manual?” Han Li asked with some interest.

“No, it’s not. That technique is a small trick I came up with after reaching a bottleneck in my cultivation. Over the decades, I have refined and improved it, and now it’s my proudest achievement.”

“You developed it yourself?” Han Li was surprised and took another look at the white-haired old Taoist, astonished.

“Yes, senior! I even wrote down my cultivation method into a book titled ‘Flame Manipulation Technique’. If you don’t mind, please accept it and maybe give me some guidance!”

Seeing Han Li’s apparent interest, the old Taoist hurriedly took out a thin book and respectfully handed it over.