Published: September 2, 2025
Chapter 553: Seeing Through
Han Li glanced at the expressions of the two female cultivators, stroked his chin, and revealed a thoughtful look. Without saying a word, he nodded.
One of the female cultivators reached out to touch the wall, and a ripple of azure light spread out. A stone gate appeared there.
"I can only escort you this far, elder. I’ll take my leave now," the old man seized the opportunity to hastily bid farewell and left.
Han Li paid no mind and strode into the room.
Passing through a short corridor, Han Li entered a hall.
In the middle of the room stood Madam Fan, dressed in a light green dress with subtle makeup on her face, waiting respectfully. Her face was filled with a bright smile.
"I apologize for not personally greeting you, elder. Please forgive me," the woman said with a cherry-like mouth, smiling charmingly as she bowed gracefully.
Then, she gracefully stepped aside and invited Han Li to take a seat.
Han Li glanced at the sandalwood chair behind her, raised an eyebrow, and without hesitation, walked over and sat down.
Next, his gaze circled the delicate brows and charming face of the woman, then he calmly said,
"It seems Madam is not worried at all. I have come with ill intent toward your sect."
"You flatter me, elder. With your cultivation base, how could you trouble a late foundation establishment stage junior like me?" Madam Fan moved lightly and sat beside Han Li, covering her mouth to laugh softly.
At this moment, the beautiful woman was only about three meters away from Han Li, and a faint enticing fragrance wafted toward him.
Han Li furrowed his brows slightly but maintained a calm expression.
However, after the beauty sat down, a trace of inadvertent surprise appeared on her face, and suddenly, she began to scrutinize Han Li with a strange gaze.
A flash of cold light flickered in her eyes just as Han Li was about to ask her what she meant.
At that moment, a young female cultivator with delicate features quietly walked in, holding a pale red tea tray.
She placed a cup of richly aromatic clear tea before each of them, then stood behind Madam Fan.
Madam Fan’s expression seemed unchanged, but a flash of anger passed through her eyes, though she said nothing.
Seeing this, Han Li glanced at the two women and felt a stir in his heart.
"Elder, what brings you to our sect this time? If there is anything our sect can assist with, we will do our utmost," Madam Fan asked composedly after taking a small sip of her tea.
"Since Sect Master Fan has said so, I will be straightforward. Has your sect completed the teleportation formation leading back to the Inner Sea? I would like to borrow it once," Han Li said expressionlessly, as if mentioning a trivial matter.
"Teleportation formation?" Madam Fan was momentarily stunned. After flicking her beautiful eyes a few times, a faint, ambiguous smile appeared on her face.
"I'm afraid you will be disappointed. The teleportation formation isn’t fully completed yet. But it should be soon—just a little more time..."
"How much longer?" Han Li interrupted coldly before she could finish.
"That’s hard to say! As you know, the formation is only lacking the Illusion Dream Stones. Elder Yun and other seniors last went to the stone’s source to harvest them but were disturbed by demonic beasts. After a fierce battle, they only managed to retrieve a few stones and lost several elders. Now, Elder Yun is planning the next expedition..." Madam Fan revealed a hesitant look, setting her teacup down as she explained to Han Li.
"Ahem..." The female cultivator behind Madam Fan suddenly cleared her throat.
A flicker of annoyance crossed Madam Fan’s beautiful face. But then, as if hesitant about something, she stopped speaking.
A trace of strangeness appeared on Han Li’s face. He then looked up and coldly stared at the female cultivator, who hastily lowered her head in fear.
"Since the teleportation formation cannot be used in the near future, there’s no need for me to say more. I will take my leave," Han Li said after a moment of thought. Without intention to stay longer, he stood up.