Bachelor [EN]: Chapter 390

Suddenly, as if struck by an idea, Han Li was about to move when the white-robed old man’s figure flickered, and he reached the cushion first. Seeing him examine the cushion, Han Li frowned and moved towards the potted plant by the window, beginning to observe it closely.

“Senior Han seems interested in the Yin Condensation Grass. It’s rare, and its Yin-cold energy is the best material for enhancing the potency of elixirs [magical potions].” Not long after he began examining the plant, a woman’s voice came from behind. Han Li, with a glint in his eyes, slowly turned to find Lian Yu’e standing there, unexpectedly.

“Unlike other spirit herbs, the Yin Condensation Grass reaches its peak of Yin energy at 100 years. This one has been here for too long and is useless now,” he replied calmly, observing the plant. Wang Xian and Wang Tiangao were too busy discussing the treasures with the others to pay any attention to them.

“To be so knowledgeable in alchemy as well as formations, I am truly impressed!” Lian Yu’e smiled, her eyes sparkling like stars. Han Li grew wary of her obvious flattery.

“It’s just a few tricks. But surely, Fellow Daoist Lian knows the relationship between me and Fellow Daoist Wang, so is it alright to be chatting like this?” “How could I not know? It is precisely because I know that I have come forward to resolve the misunderstanding between you and my husband, Senior,” Lian Yu’e said with a smile, as if she was regretful.

“Resolve a misunderstanding? Anyway, the Demonic Path and our Heavenly Dao Alliance are enemies, so what’s the point?” Just as Lian Yu’e was about to reply, Nan Longhou’s voice was heard from afar.

“Everyone, please gather! Let’s distribute the treasures on the first floor and then go up to the second floor together.” At that, Han Li, as if Lian Yu’e was of no concern, took the lead. Lian Yu’e’s beautiful face darkened, but she silently walked towards the group. Wang Xian was surprised to see Lian Yu’e following Han Li, but he only glanced at her and said nothing.

“Well, after checking together, there are six ancient treasures and ten magical treasures here. The materials and elixirs are also divided into eight equal portions. Everyone will probably want the ancient treasures that can unleash their full power without refinement. However, these magical treasures are not ordinary either. They are powerful magical treasures that the merchant Cang Kun used to defeat countless enemies in his time, so even if they require refinement and can only use 70% of their original power, they are still precious. Everyone can decide what to choose. Fellow Daoist Wang Xian and Fellow Daoist Lian Yu’e will have to share one portion,” Nan Longhou gathered the items on a table and explained calmly.

“At my age, when would I have time to refine a magical treasure? I’ll take an ancient treasure!” The old woman, not caring about her dignity, used her age to claim an ancient treasure. Everyone’s expressions remained unchanged, but they were clearly sneering inwardly. At that moment, Wang Tiangao asked Nan Longhou and the white-robed old man meaningfully.

“Fellow Daoist Nan Long and Fellow Daoist Yun, aren’t you going to choose first? There might not be any treasures left on the second floor that you want.” “What are you talking about, Brother Wang?” Suddenly, Nan Longhou’s expression changed, and his voice became a little cold. The white-robed old man also looked displeased.

“What do you mean? I’m just saying that you two have priority, and I’m worried that you might not get a chance.” Wang Tiangao smiled lightly and withdrew his meaningful gaze. “Hmph! There is nothing here that I or Fellow Daoist Yun would want to take first. If Fellow Daoist Han wants something, he can choose from here,” Nan Longhou’s face was cold, and he still seemed to be in a bad mood.

“I don’t think I need to be greedy this time either. Let’s talk again when we get to the second floor,” Han Li, who had been stroking his chin, also postponed his priority without hesitation. “Then, this distribution will be three items each, fairly. How about we make it so that if you choose an ancient treasure first, you can’t choose a magical treasure in the second selection?” Wang Tiangao proceeded immediately.

“Alright.” “Agreed!” The others seemed to think it was fair and agreed one after another. Han Li chose a bamboo tube-shaped ancient treasure, the power of which he couldn’t discern, and put it into his storage pouch without hesitation. For his second choice, as promised, he took a bundle of materials and elixirs instead of a magical treasure. For the final third choice, everyone chose a magical treasure, and the distribution of the first floor’s treasures was complete. However, seeing the white-robed old man carelessly throw the cushion on the floor, Han Li also lost interest in it.

Several people approached the Yin Condensation Grass pot and examined it, but after recognizing what it was, no one touched it. Seeing this, Han Li smiled bitterly inwardly. The people gathered here were all secretly examining every item in the pavilion, even though they didn’t show it. Besides the obvious treasures, there was a high possibility of hidden treasures in such ruins. The cultivators who had finished searching gathered and went up to the second floor. However, those who went up to the second floor all stopped halfway.

As they went up to the second floor, the scent of sandalwood became stronger, and at the end of the stairs, an altar was set up. On the altar stood a golden statue of a demon god with three heads, six arms, and one horn. The golden demon god statue had a very ferocious face, but it was so lifelike that it seemed alive. In front of the altar was a bright red brazier emitting white smoke, which explained the source of the sandalwood scent. As soon as Han Li saw the three-headed, six-armed demon god statue, his heart began to pound. The statue looked exactly like the demon beast engraved on the fragment of the Sacred Transformation Diagram he possessed. Even the expression of anger with wide eyes and the six arms raised high were identical.

Without further hesitation, Han Li quickly scanned everything else besides the altar. To the left of the altar, not far away, was an ordinary-looking desk and chair, and on it were piled inkstones, brushes, and books. To the right was a blue jade bed, and even from a distance, he could feel a coldness emanating from it, as if it were made from a special jade. Three jade boxes of varying sizes were placed at the head of the bed, which were very noticeable. The second floor of the pavilion was the space that the merchant Cang Kun used as his bedroom!

Figures flickered, and the white-robed old man suddenly approached the bed, trying to grab one of the jade boxes. “Wait a moment!” Almost simultaneously, another figure shot out a black light, aiming for the old man’s back. “What are you doing! Are you trying to fight me now!” The old man Yun withdrew his hand, dodging the surprise attack, and glared fiercely at the attacker. The attacker was unexpectedly Wang Tiangao, who was fluttering his sleeves.

“Brother Yun, don’t be so hasty! I was just trying to confirm if you were going to use your priority on that jade box.” “We need to check what’s inside before deciding. If it’s a useless item, what good would it be for me to take it!” The old man Yun regained his composure and stared at Wang Tiangao. “If my memory serves me right, you two were supposed to choose one treasure each, and then the rest of us would distribute the remaining items fairly. But on the second floor, besides those jade boxes, there doesn’t seem to be anything else to divide?” Wang Tiangao looked at the jade boxes without any sign of fear.

“So, what are you trying to say? Are you planning to break your promise!” This time, Nan Longhou stood next to the white-robed old man and cast a gloomy gaze at the three members of the Ghost Spirit Sect. “I have no intention of breaking the promise. But it’s also true that there aren’t enough treasures on the second floor for everyone to share, isn’t it? We can’t see inside the jade boxes even with our spiritual sense, but they are most likely the most precious treasures in the pavilion. Perhaps they contain Cang Kun’s profound techniques or the secrets of the Bone-Piercing Whip. In this situation, it seems too much for you two to check what’s inside before choosing!” Wang Tiangao raised the corners of his mouth.

“Too much? We agreed to choose treasures first, and now you’re saying this!” The white-robed old man Yun’s face hardened, and he shouted coldly. “You can’t say that. You still have priority. But there’s no rule that says you have to open the boxes and check inside before taking them. If you don’t like it, choose something else. That bed seems like an invaluable treasure for cultivators who practice techniques that require cold energy,” Unexpectedly, the old woman suddenly sided with Wang Tiangao.

At those words, Nan Longhou’s face darkened further, and at the same time, he released his aura. In an instant, Wang Tiangao and the old woman’s expressions changed, and they had no choice but to take a step back. The difference between the early and mid-Nascent Soul stage was not small. “If anyone else agrees with Brother Wang, step forward. Since Brother Wang is saying this, there must be others who share his opinion!” Nan Longhou swept his gaze over the others with a sharp look.

“Fellow Daoist Nan Long, there’s no need to be so angry! What Brother Wang said isn’t unreasonable. Even if we made a promise, you should leave something for the others to share,” The dark-skinned man, who had been silent, opened his mouth calmly. Fellow Daoist Long quietly moved behind Wang Tiangao, as if forgetting their past discord. Now, except for Han Li, the cultivators in the pavilion were divided into two factions. Nan Longhou and the white-robed old man’s expressions completely changed when they saw them.

“It seems you’ve already formed a conspiracy. When did you discuss this? There wouldn’t have been a chance on the way here,” Nan Longhou quickly regained his composure and asked calmly. “It’s not exactly a conspiracy, but we had a brief meeting before we set off. We discussed how to resolve any unpleasant events or crises, and it seems that the current situation falls into one of those categories,” At Wang Tiangao’s leisurely reply, Nan Longhou looked at Han Li with a darkened face.

“What do you think, Fellow Daoist Han?” With two mid-Nascent Soul stage cultivators facing four early Nascent Soul stage cultivators and two late Core Formation stage cultivators, it could be considered somewhat balanced. Now, Han Li’s choice, who had not expressed any opinion, had become important. Han Li did not answer immediately but tilted his head slightly to observe Wang Tiangao’s side. Wang Tiangao wore a nonchalant smile, showing no signs of worry. However, Wang Xian and Lian Yu’e behind him seemed quite flustered, as if they were unaware of their separate alliance.

Madam Tai and Fellow Daoist Long were also waiting for Han Li’s answer without any signs of panic. Han Li’s heart sank, and he immediately realized that something was wrong and heightened his vigilance. He silently retreated, creating distance from both factions, and smiled. “I have no particular opinion, so Fellow Daoist Wang and Brother Nan Long can discuss and come to a conclusion. I will follow whatever you decide.” Nan Longhou was not surprised by those words. Judging from Han Li’s usual attitude, he had expected him to choose neutrality. His question was merely to confirm his position.

Nan Longhou nodded slightly towards Han Li with a much gentler gaze, then turned his cold gaze back to Wang Tiangao. However, before Nan Longhou could say anything, the white-robed old man stepped forward. “Brother Nan Long, what more is there to say to these people! Do you think you can do anything to us just because a few of you have joined forces!” As soon as the white-robed old man finished speaking, he opened his mouth, and a white light flashed. It looked as if a magical treasure was about to come out.

“Brother Yun, wait a moment! Let’s just discuss it for a moment… Hah, you!” Nan Longhou hurriedly tried to stop the old man Yun’s impulsive action. In fact, if they were to engage in a battle in this narrow space, it would not end well. However, he never expected that the white-robed old man Yun would fiercely turn his head and launch the silver wheel from his mouth at Nan Longhou, who was standing close by. *Thud!* Under Nan Longhou’s incredulous gaze, the wheel pierced through the golden protective barrier and attacked his chest. Due to the surprise attack, Nan Longhou staggered back several steps, and his chest was deeply caved in.

# 392