Published: September 8, 2025
Chapter 727: Ying Ning of Old
“Three fellow cultivators, you’ve arrived just in time. I just received news that a group of spellmasters has already broken through Tiantai Valley, which was guarded by fellow cultivator Bu. They are now pressing forward in this direction. At most, in half a day, the defeated fellow cultivators from Tiantai Valley will reach here. It would be best if the three of you could go assist them,” the burly man with the shaved eyebrows said without hesitation. After a brief explanation, he made his request.
“That’s easy, just leave it to me alone. No need for Daoist Han or Brother Gu to get involved!” Elder Ma said casually, taking full responsibility.
Han Li and Gu Shuangpu looked at each other with slight surprise.
“Don’t be suspicious, it’s not that I want to show off. It’s just that I recently acquired an exotic treasure and wanted to test its power. You two wouldn’t try to compete with me, would you?” Elder Ma twirled his beard, his face showing a hint of mystery.
“Heh heh! Since Daoist Ma is so confident, Brother Gu certainly won’t interfere,” Gu Shuangpu laughed lightly.
Han Li only smiled quietly from the side.
“Very well, then Daoist Han and Brother Gu can take a rest first. Let’s leave this to Daoist Ma. I will have the Murong Brothers accompany you. Their lightning spells pack quite a punch,” the burly man said after some thought and nodded in agreement, sending the siblings along as well.
Elder Ma had no objections; after all, having companions was better for moving about, especially being new here.
Soon after, the elder from Vast Righteous Pavilion and the Murong Brothers set off to assist the retreating core formation stage cultivators of the Nine Nations Alliance.
Meanwhile, Han Li and Gu Shuangpu, under the guidance of a woman surnamed Li and Chongxuzi, left the main hall, and the two were assigned resting quarters.
Along the way, Han Li parted ways with the pigeon-faced elder. Led by the petite female cultivator, Han Li arrived in front of an elegant, secluded small building.
“Senior Han, lower-ranked disciples are normally forbidden here. This should be the best place for quiet cultivation. Please rest here,” the beautiful and petite female cultivator said, pointing at the pavilion before stepping aside.
“Indeed, it’s quite nice,” Han Li nodded, a trace of satisfaction on his face.
“Senior, is fellow cultivator Nie Ying really alright? I haven’t seen Senior Sister Nie for a long time either,” the woman hesitated before asking instead of leaving immediately.
“What, are you also close with Miss Nie?” Han Li was a bit surprised. He scrutinized her carefully and asked discreetly.
It was then Han Li realized that although he was seeing this woman for the first time, her delicate brows and bright eyes seemed oddly familiar, giving him a sense of recognition.
Han Li’s unwavering gaze made the woman, Li Ying Ning, a little uneasy. Though inwardly annoyed, her cheeks reddened.
“I was fortunate to apprentice under Blade Refining Wharf thanks to Senior Sister Nie’s recommendation. How could I not know her well?” the petite female cultivator lowered her head slightly and explained.
“Ying Ning! Li Ying Ning?” Han Li’s face involuntarily revealed surprise upon hearing her name.
“What? Senior, you’ve heard my name before?” Li Ying Ning noticed the strangeness in Han Li’s tone and raised her head, somewhat astonished.
“What’s your mother’s name? Which country was she from?” Han Li did not directly answer but instead inhaled deeply and asked.
“My mother is Mo Yuzhu, originally from Yue Country. Why do you ask?” Li Ying Ning hesitated for a long moment before answering, feeling she had nothing to hide and vaguely recalling something.
“That Spirit-Linked Jade Pendant, do you still have it on you?” Han Li fell silent for a moment and then spoke the words that made the petite woman’s heart skip a beat. She suddenly felt enlightened.
“Yes, I have kept it close since I was young,” she replied immediately, then blushed as she turned away under Han Li’s gaze.