Published: September 2, 2025
Chapter 554: Request for Help and a Deal
Han Li was speechless upon hearing this—truly, the world was full of the strange and unusual. There were even people who could recognize others just by their aura.
Faced with such a situation, Han Li could only lament his bad luck. However, he showed no signs of panic.
As long as it wasn’t those guys like Barbarian Huzi or Feng Xi appearing, with his current cultivation base and treasures, there were very few people he needed to fear.
This woman had witnessed his power before, and deliberately came alone to this secluded place; he was sure she had other intentions.
With this in mind, Han Li said indifferently:
“Since you have already recognized me, madam, I won’t stubbornly deny it. But now, should I address you as Left Envoy Fan or Sect Master Fan?”
“It seems senior doesn’t acknowledge my position as the sect leader of Miaoyin Sect. But you may not know, if I hadn’t followed the orders of those on the demonic path back then, Miaoyin Sect would probably have vanished from the Chaotic Star Sea long ago. I admit, I am somewhat attached to the position of sect leader, but most of it was out of helplessness,” Madam Fan said, her face first lighting up with a smile, then twisting into a bitter expression as she explained.
“No need for madam to tell me these things. I’m not interested in who leads Miaoyin Sect. This elder identity I have is just nominal. But from what you just said, it seems you know some things about me. That does pique my curiosity. Care to share?” Han Li’s expression was casual as he stretched lazily, showing an indifferent attitude.
Madam Fan showed a slight look of surprise. After gazing at Han Li for a moment, she smiled charmingly.
“Although your name isn’t known by everyone yet, among advanced-stage cultivators it’s famous. A foundation formation cultivator who, in front of many old nascent soul cultivators, stole the Void Heaven Cauldron—a supreme treasure—and then disappeared without a trace. Just that one matter has made Elder Han’s name widely known,” Madam Fan said, her eyes sparkling with flirtatious charm.
“Yeah. Nine out of ten cultivators who know about it want to kill me. The tenth is just swallowing his saliva, dreaming of getting the Treasure Cauldron for himself! Left Envoy Fan, have you had the same thought?” Han Li sneered coldly, looking at her as he called her by her former title.
“Senior jokes. If I were a core formation stage cultivator, I might have such delusions. But since failing to form my foundation again, I’ve given up on further cultivation. Such a supreme treasure is not something I am lucky enough to possess. I wouldn’t want to do something foolish like lighting a fire under myself,” the beautiful woman sighed repeatedly upon hearing Han Li’s words.
Han Li carefully observed her expression. She seemed sincere, but he would never trust words at face value. So he cautiously continued:
“Besides the matter of the Void Heaven Cauldron, are there any other rumors about me?”
Having previously avoided contact with advanced-stage cultivators, Han Li really knew little about the information circulating about himself. Taking this rare chance, he naturally asked without restraint.
“It seems senior has heard some rumors. There is another one related to you. Some say that Elder Han is actually the 'insect demon' who has killed many cultivators in the nearby waters in recent years. I don’t quite believe this. Since you acquired the Void Heaven Cauldron, a supreme treasure, you would have hidden your identity. Why act so recklessly? But many uninformed cultivators have been incited by these rumors. If not for the sudden occurrence of the beast tide, those who lost relatives and friends to the insect demon might have formed a demon-slaying coalition to hunt you down!” The woman covered her mouth, staring at Han Li with a half-smile.
Han Li didn’t even blink, just nodded calmly without saying a word.
This made Madam Fan mutter silently to herself.