Published: September 5, 2025
Chapter 560: Belonging
"Thank you, Senior Uncle Yu, for your guidance!" Although feeling a bit awkward, Han Li still showed a respectful expression on the surface as he expressed his thanks.
As for the burly man with the beard, he just grinned. He seemed simple and not very talkative.
This left Han Li, who already sensed there was something off about the man's background, speechless inside.
Either the burly man was a master of acting, having reached an extraordinary level, or he truly didn’t realize the strange aura surrounding him.
If that were the case, then the unusual look Senior Brother Miao gave him earlier was quite intriguing. Han Li didn’t believe a late foundation establishment cultivator could detect the cold aura on this man.
There had to be some hidden secret.
The young man surnamed Yu seemed quite satisfied with Han Li and the burly man’s behavior. After giving them a few more tips, he led the two of them to a pavilion on the mountainside of Heaven Spring Peak.
On the bluestone platform where they landed, two teenagers—a boy and a girl—stood side by side chatting. The moment they saw the young man, they immediately stopped talking and approached.
"Isn’t this Senior Uncle Yu? Are you here to see the Grandmaster?" The girl, with a baby face and looking about fifteen or sixteen, asked with a bright smile.
Her casual attitude surprised Han Li, who knew how strict the immortal cultivation world was about seniority and respect.
"That's right. These two are the new external disciples assigned to us. I want the Grandmaster to meet them, then decide which senior brother’s sect they should join," the young man surnamed Yu said with a slight smile, appearing very familiar with the girl.
"Oh, so they’re the new junior brothers. Next time, don’t forget to tell me and Junior Brother Xin about things from the mortal world. I really want to hear about them," the girl said, her eyes twinkling as she sweetly smiled at Han Li and the burly man behind her.
"If Senior Sister wants to listen, why involve me? I need to cultivate," the dark-skinned boy beside her muttered honestly.
"You can start cultivating anytime. But having new junior brothers from the mortal world join Heaven Spring Peak is a rare thing, so naturally we want to hear some interesting stories from outside," the girl, though small in stature, took on a mature tone as if lecturing the boy, which was genuinely amusing.
The young man surnamed Yu gave a wry smile and shook his head, then stopped talking and led the two into the courtyard opposite.
"Listen carefully. Junior Sister Ma and Junior Brother Xin may look young and be the same generation as you, but they are actually Grandmaster’s juniors from the mortal world. Although not officially disciples yet, it’s only a matter of time. You must not offend them. If the Grandmaster blames you, no one can protect you," the young man cautioned as they walked.
Han Li smiled bitterly and nodded.
The burly man scratched the back of his head and smiled silently.
Seeing their expressions, the young man smiled slightly and comforted them, "Junior Brother Xin is honest and won’t do anything inappropriate. Junior Sister Ma has been away from home since she was little and is a bit mischievous but means no harm. So you don’t need to worry too much, just be a little careful."
Han Li and the burly man nodded repeatedly in agreement.
As they talked, the group walked through several courtyards and appeared in front of a quiet side room.
"Is that Jun’er?"
Almost as soon as they arrived, a faint male voice sounded nearby.
"Disciple pays respects to Master!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Jun immediately stopped and replied solemnly.
"Your Third Senior Brother and Fifth Senior Sister are here too. Bring the two behind you in," the clear voice sounded cheerful and smiling.
"Yes!" Yu Jun didn’t dare delay and called to Han Li and the burly man before quickly entering the half-open door of the side room.
Inside was an exquisitely simple hall. Besides a few pots of lush green unknown flowers and plants, there was only a set of blackwood table and chairs. Sitting beside the table was a middle-aged man dressed like a scholar, with an unusual appearance: three strands of long black beard flowing over his chest, emanating an aura of transcendence and otherworldliness.