Rescue, Dissatisfied

Chapter 142 Rescue, Dissatisfied

"Miss Wang, how have you been?"

Han Li responded politely, poured himself a cup of spiritual tea, blew on the rim of the cup, and then took a small sip.

The spiritual tea that Miaoyin Sect uses to entertain guests is quite good. Although it is not as fragrant as the tea made by Xin Ruyin, and it does not have that bittersweet taste, this spiritual tea has a unique flavor after tasting it.

"Really you?"

A few strands of hair on the girl's forehead fell down as the wind blew, making her look listless.

The two remained silent for a long time.

She had fantasized countless times about the appearance of the person who saved her that time. Most of them were young men with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and some were mature, steady and domineering handsome uncles, but none of them were like the one in front of her now.

This one is utterly unremarkable.

It's the kind of person who would be completely invisible if you threw them into a crowd.

It's really too ordinary.

The imagined second-generation elite or rising star of a certain power is gone.

"Miss Wang, you seem quite disappointed to see me, Han?"

Han Li smiled.

"I wouldn't say disappointed, just a little surprised."

The girl shook her head in denial.

"Accident?"

"Yes, I really didn't expect you to appear at Miaoyin Sect, Senior." Wang Ning then suppressed the gap between expectation and disappointment in her heart and became more pragmatic.

"Oh? Why can't I appear at the Myriad Sounds Sect? Why can't I appear before you?"

Han Li put down his teacup and his smile faded.

"Senior, the person you intercepted back then was the young master of the Qingyang Sect, the only bloodline successor of the Three Yang Old Demon. The Old Demon is still alive today, so why did you risk coming here? Aren't you worried that my Miaoyin Sect will expose your identity and whereabouts?"

Wang Ning said with a smile.

Her eyebrows were curved.

Even through the veil of exotic treasures, it was difficult to completely conceal her captivating beauty that went straight to the bone.

"After all, you went to great lengths to shift the blame onto my Miaoyin Sect, and through a series of coincidences, you managed to pin the blame for the murder of the young master of the Qingyang Sect on my mother and me. Once your identity is exposed, even without concrete evidence, the person from the Qingyang Sect won't let you off easily, will they?"

She became very upset whenever this was mentioned.

People sit at home, and the pot comes from the sky.

Anyone would be in a bad mood in that situation, right?
"Is that so? But at that time, there were quite a few people in the shadows who wanted to kill the young master of Qingyang Sect. Even if I didn't make a move, others would have. But their actions weren't as measured as mine, and they would have inevitably affected you, young lady. Could it be that the wonderful experience you wanted to have?"

Han Li, unusually patient, argued with the girl for a few moments:

"Even if those people fail to succeed, even if the young master of Qingyang Sect protects you, Miss Wang, you should already be the young master of Qingyang Sect's furnace by now, right?"

"Your Miaoyin Sect has mostly become an appendage of the Qingyang Sect."

"The Star Palace has always been at odds with both the righteous and demonic paths. Once your Myriad Sounds Sect aligns itself with the Azure Sun Sect, how could the Star Palace tolerate you?"

"Of course, if the entire Miaoyin Sect is already eager to climb the social ladder by attaching themselves to the Qingyang Sect, then I, Han, have played the villain and ruined your plans. But if the entire Miaoyin Sect has some backbone, or some foresight, and doesn't intend to rely on the Qingyang Sect or rush to take sides, then my actions not only haven't harmed the interests of the Miaoyin Sect, but have actually helped them make a choice and won them goodwill from the Xinggong Sect ahead of time, haven't they?"

"The Miaoyin Sect has developed steadily in Tianxing City over the years, largely thanks to the care and support of the Star Palace. Otherwise, how could it have established itself and grown so powerful? Isn't this the benefit I gained after making the decision for you?"

"It's one thing for Miss Wang not to thank Mr. Han for his good intentions, but why does she blame and threaten him?"

"Furthermore, before I left, I specifically left behind enough cultivation resources for you to condense your Golden Core and even reach the mid-stage of Core Formation. That wealth already exceeds the total resources of your Miaoyin Sect back then. Your mother was able to make rapid progress in her cultivation over the past two or three decades, reaching the mid-stage of Core Formation in one fell swoop. Can you say that she didn't rely on some of those cultivation resources?"

"The girl's family received a benefit, but instead of being grateful, they blamed Han..."

"They even threatened Han..."

"What's the point?"

Han Li's words left the girl speechless.

Facts speak louder than words.

Because Miaoyin Sect was among the first, and even many years earlier, to actively side with Xinggong, it received the most and greatest support in all aspects.

Although many interests were lost, a broader space for development was gained.

Overall, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages of what happened back then.

"The senior is eloquent, while the junior is not as good."

The girl took a deep breath and shook her head.

She really didn't have much room for argument.

Firstly, the fact that the other party didn't kill her back then was already the greatest act of kindness. Moreover, this person left her a large amount of cultivation resources, which is a fair compensation. Furthermore, this person also reminded her and her daughter to seek refuge with the Star Palace, which led to the current stability of the Myriad Sounds Sect.

Because they were the first faction to actively pledge allegiance to the Star Palace, the Star Palace treated them well, even if it meant spending a fortune to acquire their skills.

"So, Miss Wang, are you still going to reveal Han's information to Qingyang Sect?"

Han Li responded with a smile.

"Senior, you didn't come here just to talk to Ziling about this, did you?" The girl returned behind the curtain and prepared to sit down again.

Han Li nodded, then looked at the woman's back and asked:
"Where's your mother?"

“A month ago, a disciple found a batch of good goods outside, and Mother personally took charge of the contact and escort this time.”

Over the years, Miaoyin Sect has long since moved away from vulgar trade involving the flesh and has instead focused more on commerce.

With the connections they built back then and the channels provided by Xinggong, Miaoyinmen's business has been thriving in recent years.

Even though it is far inferior to the four major merchant alliances, it is still far superior to most medium-sized forces.

"Good stuff? What good stuff?"

"I wonder, would you consider the inner core of a level six demon beast and a thousand-year-old spiritual herb to be precious items?"

"A level six demon core and a thousand-year-old spiritual herb?"

"good."

"They are indeed all good things." Han Li nodded, then added with a hint of doubt, "How could your Miaoyin Sect collect such rare items?"

Feeling slighted, the young woman gritted her teeth and blurted out another piece of news:
"Senior underestimates my Miaoyin Sect. We have even managed to obtain a Heavenly Thunder Bamboo, which has been extinct in the Star Sea for many years."

They found it two months ago from a small, declining sect.

That sect could no longer afford to pay its disciples with spirit stones; it was on the verge of disbanding. The last Foundation Establishment stage disciple gritted his teeth and sold a two-thousand-year-old Heavenly Thunder Bamboo, which his ancestors had secretly cultivated for generations, to the Wonderful Sound Sect…

As for why the Star Palace wasn't given?

On the one hand, there was concern that the corrupt middle-level Star Palace might resort to underhanded tactics; on the other hand, the Myriad Sounds Sect had a good reputation over the years, and that declining little sect also wanted to satisfy some of its needs by forming a dual cultivation partnership with a female disciple of the Myriad Sounds Sect.

"Thunder Bamboo?"

At first, Han Li didn't pay much attention, but after hearing about the Thunder Bamboo, his right hand suddenly tightened, and he crushed the teacup in his hand.

"What's wrong, senior?"

The girl was taken aback again.

Han Li suppressed the turmoil in his heart and looked at the woman with sympathy.

Seeing this, Wang Ning's heart sank.

"S-senpai..."

"Prepare for your mother's funeral," Han Li said calmly.

"what?"

"I'm afraid your mother won't be coming back this time."

"Why, why?"

"I remember back then, I reminded you not to leave Tianxing City to do business on your own, didn't I?"

"It was mentioned, could it be...?"

A bad feeling arose in the girl's heart.

Han Li also revealed some of the behind-the-scenes information about the Star Sea:
"The Inner Star Sea is now turbulent and fraught with danger. Forces like the Six-Linked Palace have been infiltrated by the two leading forces of the righteous and demonic paths. Some sects and merchant alliances that originally leaned towards the Star Palace have had their high-level cultivators either bribed or controlled by the two leading forces of the righteous and demonic paths. If nothing unexpected happens, your Myriad Sounds Sect will also be tricked this time."

"By the way, you can take this as me exaggerating, but I believe I'm stating a fact."

These words struck Wang Ning like a bolt from the blue:
"How, how could it be?"

The girl's body was trembling slightly.

"This is the true situation in the Inner Star Sea. The Holy Demon Island and the Myriad Laws Sect of both the righteous and demonic paths have joined forces and planned for over a hundred years to build a behemoth comparable to the Star Palace. In the coming decades, they may make further probes against the Star Palace and the Twin Saints at any time. Your Myriad Sounds Sect was the first to pledge allegiance to the Star Palace and enjoy the convenience it brings, but you must also bear the risks and costs behind this convenience."

The Myriad Sounds Sect is now a prestigious brand that the Star Palace uses to attract smaller and medium-sized forces from all sides.

Similarly, they are a thorn in the side of the Reverse Star Alliance.

Whatever Miaoyinmen does next, they will face the test of having to choose sides in advance.

“Your mother will most likely encounter several high-level cultivators on her journey.”

"Those who disobey will surely die."

"The two righteous and demonic factions do indeed need to be made an example of."

And Master Wang of the Miaoyin Sect is just that "chicken" that will be slaughtered.

"No, no, Mother will be fine. The three guest elders from the sect all went with her."

Wang Ning's face turned slightly pale.

His lips trembled slightly.

"You expect those three scumbags to risk their lives to help your mother? Ha, those three rogue cultivators at the early stage of Core Formation, even if there were three or five more, wouldn't be enough for me to handle alone." Han Li scoffed, "Besides, they don't even need to risk their lives."

"why?"

The girl quickly approached Han Li, her eyes filled with anxiety as she asked.

"Think about it carefully, you'll figure it out."

Han Li remained calm and composed throughout.

What does it matter to him whether Master Wang lives or dies?

He took in concubines, not his mother-in-law.

As for the interests of the Miaoyin Sect... what do they have to do with him?

The Little Wonderful Sound Sect, once gone, is gone.

"Could it be that they will turn against us? Will they side with the righteous and the demonic forces?"

The girl's face turned pale.

"As the saying goes, a wise man submits to circumstances. As long as those three aren't stupid and are willing to hand over part of their primordial spirit to be enslaved and controlled by the other side, their lives will be temporarily saved, right? And the three who are controlled can gradually interfere in the affairs of your Miaoyin Sect and use the convenience that your Miaoyin Sect has to help them do things."

"Therefore, instead of hoping that the three of them can help your mother get out of trouble, it's better to pray that your mother has some trump cards up her sleeve to save her life."

The more Han Li tasted the spiritual tea, the more flavorful it became.

Maybe it's because eating melons really tastes pretty good?
"Actually, if those three hadn't gone this time, your mother might have survived by chance. After all, your Miaoyin Sect has some value to both the righteous and demonic factions. Controlling the Miaoyin Sect would make it relatively easy to obtain information about the Star Palace. If the three of them hadn't gone, your mother would have been the only option. Unfortunately, all three of them were taken along, so your mother is doomed. Tsk tsk..."

Controlling three high-level rogue cultivators is far more effective than controlling Sect Master Wang.

Sect Master Wang might risk his life to prematurely expose the existence of the Reverse Star Alliance for the sake of his daughter and sect, hoping to gain the Star Palace's sympathy, recognition, and more support through his own death. But the three high-level rogue cultivators would absolutely not do that.

Those three are only concerned with their own lives; they only care about their own well-being.

"Senior, is there any way to save my mother? Senior, you must have a way, right?"

Wang Ning wasn't stupid; she had her own set of logic, which told her that what the person in front of her said was definitely not false.

This is definitely not baseless.

But it was precisely because they realized that what this person said was true that they were both surprised and panicked.

Her mother was her only family in this world.

"Seeking help from the Star Palace is much more reliable than asking for help from someone like me with no known background."

Han Li said calmly.

"No, you are different, senior."

The middle and upper echelons of the Star Palace are all ruthless and heartless.

If they were to ask those people for help, the Miaoyin Sect would likely lose all possibility of independence. The higher-ups of the Star Palace would likely use this opportunity to install high-level cultivators as protectors, gradually replacing the current core group and effectively sidelining the mother and daughter.

Moreover, by doing this, neither the Miaoyin Sect nor the outside world can say anything.

And the person in front of me…

After saving her, he deliberately left her a large amount of cultivation supplies, which shows that he wasn't a bad person and had his own morals and principles. Even though he shamelessly took what belonged to her, he was definitely a reasonable and good person.

The fact that I can calmly chat with her right now is proof that she has tested me.

"Heh, of course I'm different from those people in the Star Palace. I'm easy to talk to, aren't I?"

Han Li saw right through the woman's ulterior motives.

"Senior, I didn't mean that."

The girl hurriedly tried to explain.

Upon hearing this, Han Li immediately waved his hand to interrupt:
"No need for explanations, just tell me the price you're willing to offer. Let's keep things separate."

Businessmen shouldn't talk about feelings.

"Senior, could you please tell me... a general rescue plan?"

After considering for a moment, Wang Ning asked cautiously.

"How long have your mother and the others been gone?"

"Five days."

"How many days is it from Tianxing City to the trading location? At the speed your mother and the others travel, how many days will it take to get there?" "Nine days."

She sought his help because of time constraints.

Only as a last resort will one seek help from the star palace.

"Nine days' journey in total? Hmm, then there's still time. With my escape techniques, I can definitely make it. As long as your mother doesn't get into trouble on the way, I can help her out."

"But senior's cultivation level..."

"You look down on those in the mid-stage of Core Formation?"

"No, it's just that I don't want you to put yourself in danger, senior."

Sending someone in the mid-stage of Core Formation to provide rescue would likely be extremely dangerous.

"That's a nice thing to say..."

Han Li smiled.

His imposing aura was no longer concealed.

Mid-stage Core Formation, Late-stage Core Formation, Peak of Late-stage Core Formation!

The pressure of magical power and spiritual sense, comparable to those of a Nascent Soul cultivator, pressed down on the girl's body and mind, leaving her instantly stunned and speechless.

"Peak of the late Core Formation stage? No, it's the Pseudo-Infant stage!"

But that doesn't make sense either.

She had seen cultivators in the pseudo-infant stage before; she had seen more than one in the Star Palace, but none of them could match the oppressive aura she was experiencing now.

The combined pressure from this person's magical power and divine sense is comparable to that of a newly promoted Nascent Soul stage monster in the Star Palace who has been around for seven or eight years.

"Senior, are you a Nascent Soul stage cultivator who has been concealing your cultivation level?"

The girl asked tentatively, her voice tinged with excitement.

"No, I'm just a mere Core Formation stage cultivator."

Han Li shook his head.

how can that be?

How could someone at the Core Formation stage possess such spirit?
After being shocked, Wang Ning exclaimed sincerely, "With your cultivation level, you are probably the number one person below the Nascent Soul stage in the Chaotic Star Sea."

What?
The number one person below the Nascent Soul stage?
"I don't like this nickname, you should give it to someone else."

Han Li solemnly refused.

"Senior, please save my mother. After it is done, I will serve her by her side and never abandon her. If I break this promise, may heaven and earth not forgive me."

"You're using yourself as a bargaining chip?"

Han Li was moved.

"In front of my seniors, this is the only bargaining chip I have to offer."

"You know I've got my eye on you?"

Upon hearing this, the girl raised her arm, rolled up her sleeve, and revealed the still intact virginity mark.

The silence speaks.

"So what do you think I like about you?"

After thinking for a moment, the girl removed the veil that covered her face, revealing a stunningly beautiful face that could topple kingdoms and bring ruin to the country.

"She's very beautiful, one of the most stunning beauties I've ever seen, and she's just as beautiful as my concubine..."

Hearing that someone possessed beauty comparable to hers, Wang Ning was deeply moved.

Hearing that the beautiful woman was merely a concubine of the man before her only fueled her suspicions.

"but…"

"Senior, but what is it?"

"However, what I value is not just your beauty, but more so your physical condition!"

"constitution?"

"Your physique is quite good. If developed properly, there are few cultivators in this world whose potential surpasses yours."

"how is this possible?"

Wang Ning was stunned.

She knew all too well what her spiritual root talent was like.

It's clearly just an ordinary three-elemental root.

If she really had some extraordinary hidden physique, wouldn't those Nascent Soul seniors have already taken her in as their disciples?

Han Li smiled but remained silent, offering no further explanation.

He has piqued the woman's curiosity, and that is enough.

Given this not-so-unfounded premise, the woman's body and soul belonged to him for a very long time.

After all, in this entire world, apart from the one sealed in Kunwu Mountain who might have seen through the special nature of Zi Ling's physique, only he was the one who had the foresight to know the situation.

outsider.

There is no way to offer any positive guidance or advice to this woman.

If this woman wants to go further, if she wants to achieve something in the path of immortality, then no matter how far apart they are in the future, she will always think of him, miss him, long for him, and follow in his footsteps hoping to get an answer.

"senior…"

"Let's go, let's try to save your mother first."

...

a few days later.

A small island, several tens of miles in size.

The two groups of people converged.

On one side was the purchasing team from the Miaoyin Sect, led by Sect Master Wang, who was at the mid-stage of the Core Formation realm. On the other side was the seller, a medium-sized merchant guild.

The goods delivery process went smoothly.

One hand delivers spirit stones, the other delivers goods.

Just as the Miaoyin Sect was returning, a group of cultivators dressed in black emerged from the sea in broad daylight and surrounded the Miaoyin Sect's group in multiple layers.

"Tsk, finally caught a big fish."

A hideously ugly man emerged from the group of men in black.

"Extreme Yin Island... Ugly Crow?"

"Oh, Sect Leader Wang actually knows me, Wu?"

“Fellow Daoist Wu Chou, my Miaoyin Sect has never had any grudges with Jiyin Island. Why are you blocking our way with your men?”

"Why? Hmph, it's all because you chose the wrong side, opting for the already rotten Star Palace as your backer. Since your Myriad Sounds Sect has become the Star Palace's lackey, my Reverse Star Alliance naturally cannot let this go. Perfect, killing you will allow us to gain merit from the Three Yang Ancestor of the Azure Sun Sect."

This would serve the dual purpose of making an example of someone to deter others, cultivating good relations with the Qingyang Sect, a powerful demonic sect several times stronger than their own Jiyin Island, winning over the Three Yang Ancestor, and simultaneously planting spies from the Reverse Star Alliance within the Miaoyin Sect to gather intelligence on the Star Palace…

With so many perfect opportunities, why wouldn't he take them?
"Grab the supplies and rush out. Don't linger in the fight. Those who escape should immediately call for help from the Star Palace."

"This is what Master Wang said telepathically."

The three Core Formation stage guest elders and their thirty or forty Foundation Establishment cultivators immediately broke through the encirclement in twos and threes.

"Hmph, trying to run? Do you think you can escape?"

On the side of Jiyin Island, more than two hundred Foundation Establishment stage men in black rushed forward, while eight Core Formation stage men broke out from the formation.

Eight people, six in the early stage of Core Formation and two in the middle stage of Core Formation.

The key point is that, to the left and right of Wu Chou, there is another corpse at the mid-stage of the Core Formation realm.

These are the two precious treasures of the Extreme Yin Ancestor, among the eighteen Heavenly Corpses:

"Kill, don't let anyone escape."

The difference in strength, several times greater than the others, left the members of the Miaoyin Sect looking ashen-faced.

Soon, both sides suffered casualties.

However, the casualties on the Miaoyin Sect's side were undoubtedly greater.

In a brief exchange, more than ten Foundation Establishment cultivators were brutally killed in the battle, slaughtered to the point of being nothing but ashes by the cultivators of Jiyin Island.

As he faced the two Heavenly Corpse and the Ugly Black Crow, Sect Master Wang's face grew increasingly pale.

"It's over."

Miaoyin Sect... is finished.

I regret leaving Tianxing City for a little commercial gain.

But it was at this very moment.

An arrow of wind pierced through several cultivators from the Extreme Yin Island, hurtling towards them from over ten miles away. As the arrow struck and wounded a thick-skinned Heavenly Capital Corpse, a telepathic message reached Sect Master Wang's ears:

"Burn your life essence to escape! Your time is running out!"

What seems like a distance of ten miles is actually only a matter of a breath or two when Fengwen Ring draws his bow and nocks an arrow in a well-prepared attack.

High-grade ancient treasure, with extraordinary power.

If driven by a Wind Soul using wind-attribute magic, regardless of its destructive power, its speed alone would definitely be at the Nascent Soul level. However, since it's not being driven by a Wind Soul, its speed is only close to that of a Nascent Soul cultivator. Its power is also somewhat diminished.

The next moment, another arrow of wind shot out, heading straight for Wu Chou.

The arrow was incredibly fast, and Wu Chou didn't think he could completely dodge it, so he quickly summoned another Heavenly Corpse. The Heavenly Corpse, shrouded in black mist and difficult to kill completely, blocked the attack for him.

This is not.

A large hole suddenly exploded in the chest of the corpse, pierced by an arrow.

Upon seeing this, Master Wang's face lit up with a flash of joy.

But upon closer inspection of the Heavenly Capital Corpse, she discovered that this specially refined corpse was still full of life and could move freely without being affected by injuries, which immediately made her heart tremble.

This is something that no human cultivator could possibly do.

"Which senior is protecting the Miaoyin Sect? I am Wu Chou, a disciple of the Jiyin Ancestor of Jiyin Island. I humbly request your assistance."

Wu Chou chickened out and instinctively moved away from Master Wang, hiding in the crowd.

However, the situation of the Miaoyinmen team did not improve.

On Jiyin Island, the disciples did not stop because of this.

Upon seeing this, Master Wang was filled with sorrow.

"Still not leaving?"

That voice echoed in my ears once more.

"Senior, could you please intervene and save my disciples? I will reward you handsomely afterwards..."

"Master Wang pleaded."

He turned to look at the other Miaoyin Sect cultivators who were trapped in the battle and suffering losses, feeling a deep sense of reluctance.

"Since you wish to stay and be buried with me, then I will not keep you company."

Han Li's voice was no longer gentle, but icy cold.

What the hell is that?
Do you want to drag him down with you?

He had already pushed himself to the limit by not forcing the Extreme Yin Primordial Spirit within Wu Chou to reveal itself. If the struggle continued, the Extreme Yin might emerge from Wu Chou's body, carrying the Heavenly Capital Corpse Fire. At that point, he too would be in trouble.

You thought your opponent was just a lowly disciple of the Extreme Yin Island led by Wu Chou, but Wu Chou can summon the ancestor to possess you when he's in dire straits!
And the most troublesome thing is that the true form of extreme yin might arrive.

With his considerable resources, he could certainly fight against Ji Yin, so why would he risk his life to fight Ji Yin for the sake of the Miao Yin Sect?

How desperate must he be to waste his resources to help the Miaoyin Sect rescue people?
Therefore, Han Li decided not to care whether Sect Leader Wang lived or died.

This woman brought this upon herself; she has no one to blame but him.

He turned his head and quickly left, grabbing a wisp of air.

That wisp of air was none other than Wang Ning, whose form was concealed by the "invisibility ring".

"Mother, hurry up and go!"

The girl cried out in anguish.

The sound spread and was caught by Sect Master Wang's divine sense, causing the woman's expression to change drastically.

Without any further delay, he bit his tongue and quickly activated his essence blood to escape.

We dare not linger here any longer.

As for the disciples and retainers, let them go if they are lost.

It's better than me getting burned myself.

...

After watching Master Wang escape, Wu Chou did not give chase.

The previous two arrows still left him with lingering fear.

He dared not gamble his life on whether the newcomer had the ability or the will to kill him.

"Young Island Master, shall we pursue them?"

"Go chase your mother!"

If you want to die, don't take him with you.

(End of this chapter)