Bachelor [EN]: Chapter 159

Cheol-ra immediately began to explain what had happened that day.

“That person was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and his techniques were exceptionally unique. He unexpectedly controlled a puppet-like mechanical beast, and its power was considerable…”

The bald giant recounted his battle with Han Li in detail. After he finished, there was a long pause before the leader spoke.

“The puppet he controlled is likely from the Thousand Bamboo Sect’s puppetry techniques. There have been sightings of individuals believed to be from the Thousand Bamboo Sect near the border of the Yuanwu Kingdom, so he might be one of them. Your decision to retreat after transforming into a demonic beast was wise.”

“No, it’s not that. Actually, even when the opponent took out the magic treasure, I thought I could win after transforming into a demonic beast. However, once I transform, I can’t fully control my body, so I retreated without even trying to fight.”

“Cheol-ra, I know you were unharmed against magic treasures before. However, the power of magic treasures varies greatly. Even if they are refined from the same material, their power isn’t the same. Judging from your explanation, that person’s magic treasure was beyond your ability to handle, even in your demonic beast form. It might be different if Cheongmun transformed into a Wood Demon.”

The Black Fiend Sect leader gently chided him.

“I will keep that in mind. Then, what do you plan to do with that person? If he is not a disciple of the Seven Great Sects, the Four Great Blood Servants will step forward to offer him to you for your cultivation!”

From his enthusiastic voice, it was clear the giant wanted to avenge the humiliation he suffered from Han Li.

“That’s enough. It’s just a guess that he’s from the Thousand Bamboo Sect, and we must consider the possibility that he has a different background. Now is a crucial time, so we can’t needlessly provoke a strong enemy. I’ve already instructed all the sect members in Yue City to focus on guarding the imperial palace. We’ll discuss everything again after I complete my cultivation! After all, even if we don’t use a Foundation Establishment cultivator as a sacrifice, it will only be delayed by a few months. By then, no one below the Core Formation stage will be able to threaten our sect.”

Even the usually calm sect leader couldn’t hide his excitement at the end of his words. It was a conclusion that matched Han Li’s expectations.

“Congratulations on nearing the completion of your cultivation! I will immediately gather the sect members to strengthen the palace’s defenses.”

“Yes, do that.”

The Black Fiend Sect leader said nothing more, and the bald man respectfully backed away and left.

* * *

More than ten days had passed since the letter containing the new information was sent again.

During this period, the Black Fiend Sect and Han Li seemed to have made an unspoken agreement to avoid each other.

The Black Fiend Sect members did not search Yue City for Han Li and the others, and Han Li did not dare to invade the palace, so it was as if nothing had happened between them.

Moreover, since there was no news of the demonic cultivators who seemed about to appear, Han Li could breathe a sigh of relief for now.

The worst-case scenario was that the Black Fiend Sect and the demonic cultivators would join forces to attack the Jin family, but that situation had not occurred.

Han Li thought it would take at least ten days for the Pear Blossom Garden to send someone, so he didn’t rush and focused on his cultivation. Zhen Yan also refrained from going out and stayed in the mansion as Han Li wished, enjoying the family’s harmony in his old age.

However, this morning, while Han Li was cultivating on his bed, his eyes suddenly snapped open, emitting a cold aura.

“I don’t know which cultivator you are, but reveal yourself!”

As soon as his cold voice fell, his hand moved to his storage pouch, and a white shield and a Fire Cloud Talisman appeared. In an instant, he was ready to face the enemy.

The reason Han Li was so tense was that four Foundation Establishment cultivators were standing outside the door. Although they used techniques to conceal their aura, they could not escape the senses of Han Li, who had mastered the nameless incantation [a secret cultivation technique].

‘Could they be the Four Great Blood Servants of the Black Fiend Sect?’

The moment this ominous thought crossed his mind, he thought he should leave immediately. The Jin family members of Meng Mountain were not more important than his own life.

Amidst his unease, instead of the magic treasure or spell attack he had expected, a clear laugh was heard.

“Haha, I told you my youngest junior brother would notice, didn’t I? Junior Brother Han has already reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, so how could we deceive him?”

At the familiar voice, Han Li called out,

“Senior Brother Song! Junior brother greets Senior Brother!”

It was natural that Han Li’s reply was full of joy.

“You guessed it right away!”

The one who opened the door and entered without hesitation was his fourth senior brother, Song Meng.

Behind him followed two men and one woman. Except for one handsome man with a serious expression, the other two were smiling and looking at Han Li. Among them, a dignified man smiled and spoke to Han Li.

“I’ve heard a lot about the eighth junior brother from Master. I and the seventh junior sister have never had a chance to meet you until now. It’s amazing that you’ve reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment so quickly.”

At those words, the beautiful woman standing next to the man covered her mouth and laughed, looking at Han Li with curious eyes.

After carefully looking at the two, Han Li hurriedly got off the bed and paid his respects.

“Third Senior Brother and Seventh Senior Sister, I’ve heard of your reputations, but I haven’t had the chance to greet you. Senior Brother has long since reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, so what is there to say about my level of cultivation?”

Han Li answered politely, leaving a good first impression on his third senior brother.

Han Li immediately turned his head and paid his respects to the handsome man as well.

“Sixth Senior Brother, you’ve come too. I’m troubling all the senior brothers with my affairs.”

Despite his polite attitude, Mu Hyun only nodded. He still didn’t like Han Li because of what happened with Dong Hyun-ah. However, Han Li maintained his smile and did not show any discomfort.

Mu Hyun was surprised inside, even while maintaining a cold expression.

The last time he saw Han Li, he was only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, but in that short period, he had reached the mid-stage. For Mu Hyun, who had been stuck at the early stage of Foundation Establishment without any progress, it was surprising and envious.

“Please, come inside. I’ll serve you tea.”

“There’s no need for tea. First, tell me what kind of experts are lurking in the Black Fiend Sect. I also want to have a fierce battle with Foundation Establishment cultivators, but I couldn’t do anything by Master’s side! If Master had allowed it, I might have defeated demonic cultivators like the eighth junior brother and gained enlightenment and achievement.”

Before everyone even sat down, Song Meng asked about the opponent’s strength, as if he couldn’t stand the itch in his hands and feet. The fourth senior brother was usually very calm, but he changed completely when it came to fighting.

“Don’t talk nonsense! Who said that killing each other increases achievement? The most important thing is cultivation. Junior Brother Han must have reached his current level through hard training.”

The third senior brother scolded Song Meng as if his words were absurd. Han Li was a little surprised to hear this.

He thought that Song Meng would argue back, given his personality, but unexpectedly, that didn’t happen, and Song Meng quietly accepted the third senior brother’s scolding with a foolish smile.

The third senior brother turned his head and looked at Han Li.

“Before we left, Master told us about the general situation, but there must have been changes since then, so Junior Brother Han should explain in detail.”

“That’s right, I’m so curious too. Who is that evil sect leader who dares to kidnap cultivators? He’s so bold!”

The seventh junior sister, Jong Wi-rang, had a smooth, round face with dimples when she smiled, making her quite cute.

However, contrary to her appearance, Junior Sister Jong was a renowned genius who succeeded in Foundation Establishment at the young age of sixteen and was a promising cultivator who would soon reach the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Naturally, she was one of the disciples most cherished by the Pear Blossom Garden couple.

Thinking this, Han Li sighed.

“Most of the cultivators captured by the Black Fiend Sect members are offered as sacrifices to enhance their cultivation, and some are forcibly made external disciples. They have expanded their power over the years, and there are quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators among their members, so it’s natural that they’ve become bold.”

“Sacrifices? Isn’t that an evil technique that uses the blood of other cultivators to increase their achievement!”

Even Mu Hyun, who had been serious, seemed interested in the unexpected information. Song Meng and the others were equally surprised.

“Is such a bloody thing really happening?”

Liu Jung’s noble face turned pale, and a sharp killing intent surged. Han Li was startled for a moment by the change.

The third senior brother was not the strongest disciple of the Pear Blossom Garden, but he was famous for his intolerance of injustice and his hatred of evil, and it seemed to be true. It was said that countless cultivators had died at his hands, so even the martial arts idiot Song Meng treated him with great respect.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Junior Brother Han, tell us in detail what you’ve experienced.”

Senior Brother Liu’s face was extremely serious.

“The first time I went to the Jin family’s head and the banquet at the Hyungwang Mansion…”

Of course, he omitted the things he had to hide and slowly explained everything from the time he went to the Hyungwang Mansion.

However, the third senior brother was not an easy person. He interrupted several times and asked for details, making Han Li sweat several times. It was the first time he felt it was difficult to lie. While he was answering Liu Jung’s questions, the expressions of the three people listening beside him were not good either.

It was unbelievable that a small group like the Black Fiend Sect had four Blood Servants who had succeeded in Foundation Establishment, as well as sect leaders of similar levels and an unknown sect leader. It was something they couldn’t handle with their own strength.

Moreover, the opponent’s lair was surprisingly the imperial palace of Yue City, a place where disciples of the Seven Great Sects could not enter.

“Senior Brother Liu, shouldn’t we send a message to Master and ask him to send more people? It seems difficult for us to capture the Black Fiend Sect leader with our strength.”

Mu Hyun hesitated and conveyed his opinion.

He didn’t want to violate the unwritten rules of the Seven Great Sects and invade the imperial family, and he wasn’t confident in victory either.

“Is the sixth one afraid?”

Liu Jung raised his eyebrows as soon as he heard Mu Hyun’s words.

“It’s not that, but according to Junior Brother Han, it seems they won’t run away for the time being, so I think it’s more appropriate to seek Master’s opinion.”

Of course, Mu Hyun, who couldn’t show a weak side in front of his senior brothers, made an excuse.

“Is that so? Then that’s fortunate. Master called me separately and instructed me to look for the disciples of Master Hwimyeong, who are on a mission in Namoh City near Yue City, if we have any difficulties. Master and Master Hwimyeong are close, so they won’t refuse our help.

Also, even if we violate the sect’s will by recklessly invading the imperial palace, how can we stand idly by when we see that the imperial palace has already been occupied by a corrupt force! If there is any blame, I will take responsibility, so everyone just follow my orders.”

Liu Jung’s firm order fell.

There was a moment of silence as they looked at each other’s faces, and seeing the hazy look in the seventh junior sister Jong Wi-rang’s eyes, it seemed she had long since fallen for the third senior brother.

“Let’s do it! If Third Senior Brother says so, I, as a junior brother, can’t miss this party. I will fight with you.”

Song Meng shouted very cheerfully, as if he had been stimulated by Senior Brother Liu’s words.

“I will never leave Senior Brother alone. I will attack the imperial city with you.”