Chapter 1349: Still That Same Huyan

The mountain range before Han Li and the others stretched endlessly, with many towering peaks piercing the clouds. However, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth here was not particularly abundant, and accordingly, there were few demon beasts or dangerous creatures, giving the place a somewhat desolate air.

Such a place held nothing worth seeking, so naturally, cultivators rarely set foot here.

As soon as Daoist Huyan entered this mountain range, he became noticeably more relaxed. At times, he would recite a poem aloud with self-satisfaction, and at other times, he would point out to Han Li and the others some of the peculiar sights in the mountains that he found quite interesting.

Han Li was not particularly concerned about this at first, but when he saw that Nangong Wan was listening with great interest and occasionally offering her own insights, which made Hu Yan the Daoist exclaim in delight.

Thus, Han Li also calmed his mind and carefully savored the mood of Hu Yan the Daoist at that moment, finding it quite unique and enjoyable. Occasionally, he also put forward some of his own views, which, due to their different perspectives, sparked a discussion between Hu Yan and Nangong Wan.

The three of them chatted and laughed along the way. Under the guidance of Hu Yan the Daoist, they wandered around the mountains for most of the day, finally landing before a secluded peak.

In fact, from a distance, Han Li had already sensed that this mountain was out of the ordinary.

It was not that this peak was markedly different from the surrounding mountains, but rather that it was adorned with some rather clever restrictions; even cultivators below the Taiyi stage might not detect them, let alone break in.

Taoist Huyan flipped his hand and produced a white token. He gently shook it, and a beam of white light shot out, vanishing into the void before the mountain col.

After a slight ripple in the void, a white crack appeared, within which everything was hazy white, making it impossible to see clearly.

"Gentlemen, please."

With these words, Taoist Huyan led the two of them into the white crack.

Han Li felt the scenery before him change dramatically, and what appeared was a quiet and charming small valley.

Inside the valley stood several exquisite two- or three-story bamboo buildings. On one side of the bamboo buildings was a large bamboo grove and a clear stream connected to a pond, looking very serene. Many immortal cranes and spirit beasts were resting by the stream and in the forest.

On the other side were several plots of nursery land and some exotic flowers and herbs, with two figures busy working among them.

"Eh!"

With a soft exclamation of surprise, the two people busy in the nursery stood up and walked toward Han Li and the others.

One of them was Yun Ni, and the other was a graceful, stunningly beautiful young woman.

Han Li was no stranger to this young woman; she was Bai Suyuan.

After years apart, both Yun Ni and Bai Suyuan had made considerable progress in their cultivation. Yun Ni had reached the late Golden Immortal stage, while Bai Suyuan had also attained the Golden Immortal realm, and the subtle fluctuations of qi around her indicated that the technique she practiced was extraordinary.

"I was wondering who it was—so it's Fellow Daoist Li. Over the years, Hu Yan has been longing for you; every time he drinks, he mentions you." Yun Ni's face broke into a smile as she approached.

"Fellow Daoist Yun, it's a pleasure. Long time no see." Han Li returned the greeting.

"Senior Li, I have never been able to repay your great kindness in taking me to the Candle Dragon Sect back then. Please allow me to bow to you." Bai Suyuan's eyes sparkled as she stepped forward and performed a deep bow.

"Miss Suyuan, you need not be so polite." Han Li smiled slightly and raised his hand.

Bai Suyuan's body was lifted by an invisible force, and she stood up involuntarily.

She was startled at first, then quickly glanced at Han Li a couple of times, and smiled gently at Nangong Wan. Her bright eyes flickered, as if she were wondering how the woman before her had been so fortunate as to attach herself to Li Feiyu.

But a trace of shock flashed deep in Yun Ni's eyes. Being able to lift a Golden Immortal with such ease was something even an ordinary Tai Yi stage cultivator could not accomplish.

Han Li then introduced Nangong Wan to Yun Ni and the others. After exchanging pleasantries, they entered the second floor of one of the bamboo buildings.

The interior was quite spacious, and the decor, though simple, was elegant. Through the window, one could take in the entire view of the valley, a verdant expanse that was quite pleasing to the eye.

After they sat down, Han Li immediately asked why Daoist Hu Yan and the others had come to live here.

"It's a long story. Our family originally lived in seclusion in a remote place in the Northern Cold Immortal Domain, but then a large number of Gray Immortals suddenly invaded the Northern Cold Immortal Domain, throwing the cultivation world into chaos. Our residence was also affected, so we had to flee quickly. Fellow Daoist Feng Yi unfortunately fell due to some reasons. After many twists and turns, we finally arrived at the Black Earth Immortal Domain." Daoist Hu Yan sighed, as if unwilling to speak more about it.

When Yun Ni and Bai Suyuan heard this, their expressions also dimmed.

Han Li sighed inwardly upon hearing this.

Under the turmoil in the True Immortal Realm this time, many immortal domains had been affected, making the already arduous path of cultivation even more rugged. Those with weak strength, lacking the means to protect themselves, could die at any moment, and ten thousand years of cultivation might turn to dust in an instant.

As the nominal official power of the True Immortal Realm, the Heavenly Court was still preparing for the so-called Bodhi Feast, and the various immortal domains were actively planning for it, seemingly paying little attention to what was happening in the insignificant minor domains.

Perhaps in the eyes of Great Luo cultivators, or even some Dao Ancestors, the low-level cultivators of the True Immortal Realm were like ants, and their life and death were naturally of no concern.

"After we arrived at the Black Earth Immortal Domain, we heard that the Illusion Smoke Swamp was once the site of the True Word Sect's ruins. After it was destroyed by the Heavenly Court thousands of years ago, it became desolate and rarely visited, so we simply settled nearby. As you can see, this place has a nice environment, doesn't it?" Hu Yan continued.

"A winding path leads to seclusion, with mountain light and pool shadows—it truly is a paradise," Han Li nodded, turning to look at Nangong Wan. She was also looking at him, a hint of expectation flickering in her bright eyes, but it vanished in an instant.

Han Li sighed inwardly and quietly reached out a hand to gently pat Nangong Wan's palm.

He knew that Nangong Wan had endured hardships and ascended from the Spirit Realm to the True Immortal Realm. Although she also harbored a heart seeking the Dao and immortality, a large part of the reason was to be reunited with him.

Though Nangong Wan had not said it explicitly, as someone who had been through it, he understood the weariness hidden deep in her heart.

Who would have thought that after arduous cultivation in the Human and Spirit Realms, achieving what was thought to be a perfect ascension to become a true immortal was merely the beginning of another path of cultivation?

And this path was even more difficult and longer.

In fact, it stretched endlessly out of sight...

But this woman had always been strong-willed and knew the bigger picture. She understood that given Han Li's current situation, there was no turning back, and it was even more impossible for him to stay by her side for long.

During their travels these days, Han Li could feel Nangong Wan's affection for him and her cherishing of the time they spent together.

Whenever he thought of this, a warm feeling surged in his heart.

Nangong Wan seemed to sense the sentiment in Han Li's eyes and nodded slightly at him, a certain determination appearing in her gaze.

This exchange of glances between them lasted no more than a breath, yet it surpassed a thousand words, leaving everything unspoken.

Hu Yan then asked about Han Li's experiences over the years. Since arriving at the Black Earth Immortal Domain, the three of them had lived in seclusion and rarely visited the major cities, so they had not seen the news of the Heavenly Court pursuing Han Li.

Seeing that they knew nothing of his affairs, Han Li was unwilling to involve them, so he only said that he had been cultivating in the Black Mountain Immortal Domain and said nothing else. His visit to the Illusion Smoke Swamp was solely to explore the True Word Sect's ruins.

"Daoist Hu Yan, you just said that the Heavenly Court destroyed the True Word Sect's ruins here thousands of years ago. What exactly happened?" Han Li asked.

"Senior Li, after we arrived here, I specifically inquired from nearby sect forces. It is said that several groups came, including the Heavenly Court and other forces, and they thoroughly searched the True Word Sect's ruins, presumably looking for something. In the end, no one knows if they found it, but they destroyed the place along with the spiritual veins," Bai Suyuan, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up.

"That does sound like the Heavenly Court's doing... Such matters are pointless to discuss. Let's drop it. Daoist Hu Yan, why has your cultivation declined so much?" Han Li changed the subject and asked about Hu Yan's cultivation.

Yun Ni's expression shifted, but she said nothing.

Bai Suyuan, who was beside her, lowered her head upon hearing this.

"It's nothing. When I first arrived at the Black Earth Immortal Domain, I happened to encounter an old enemy. His cultivation was on par with mine. After a fight, I wounded him, but he also struck my vital point, causing my cultivation to plummet," Hu Yan said with a laugh, completely unconcerned about his drop in cultivation.

"I see," Han Li nodded slightly, knowing that behind Hu Yan's seemingly casual words, there must be hidden circumstances he was unwilling to disclose. Since the other party did not want to elaborate, he naturally did not press further.

"Enough of that. Let's get back to the point. Youngster Li, over the years, I've gathered some spiritual materials from the Black Earth Immortal Domain and brewed several kinds of fine wine. Let's have a taste together," Hu Yan stood up and said with a smile.

"Hu Yan, times have changed, and things are different now. Why are you still using the old address for Daoist Li?" Yun Ni, sensing Han Li's unfathomable cultivation, felt uneasy when she heard Hu Yan still calling him 'youngster' and quickly interjected.

"It's just a form of address. If Youngster Li couldn't see through such a trivial matter, he wouldn't have achieved what he has in such a short time," Hu Yan laughed.

"Haha, Daoist Hu Yan is absolutely right! Everyone here today is an old acquaintance. Let's just talk about pleasant things and drink together. Why bother about cultivation levels and seniority?" Han Li also laughed heartily.

Yun Ni was somewhat surprised at this, but soon relaxed, and a smile appeared on her face.

Bai Suyuan's gaze shifted between Hu Yan and Han Li a few times, and her expression unconsciously regained some ease, though the respect in her eyes when she looked at Han Li deepened.

Hu Yan then invited Yun Ni and Bai Suyuan to accompany Nangong Wan on a tour of the valley, while he himself dragged Han Li to a small building in a remote corner of the valley.

This small building seemed to be the most inconspicuous among the several bamboo structures, but once inside, it was beyond description.

The building was filled with various wine gourds, jars, bottles, and cups of different materials, even more abundant than before.

Once inside, Hu Yan seemed to become a different person. He pulled Han Li around, enthusiastically introducing the wine recipes he had acquired at great expense over the years and the wine vessels he had scrounged from various places.

He could recite these things like the back of his hand, and was even more excited than if his cultivation had greatly improved.

It was only at this moment that Han Li felt the old Hu Yan—the one who 'wielded his sword through the mortal world stirring storms, and drank wine drunk laughing at the world'—had returned.