Bachelor [EN]: Chapter 161

The next day, Han Li left his room and joined the others in the main hall. They chatted as usual, discussing the upcoming battle. He didn’t breathe a word about the Reversal Five Elements Formation.

In Han Li’s view, the fewer people who knew about his last resort, the more effective it would be. If they could achieve a great victory without using the Reversal Five Elements Formation, that would be the best outcome.

Liu Jung and the other disciples of the Yellow Maple Valley were excitedly discussing the battle that would take place tonight, unaware of Han Li’s inner thoughts.

Except for two or three of them, most had never fought against Foundation Establishment cultivators, which seemed to heighten their anticipation. This was a major reason why Han Li didn’t think this plan would end well.

Many cultivators who had not experienced bloody battles often suffered greatly or lost their lives to more experienced opponents, no matter how high their cultivation level was.

Han Li couldn’t help but look at the faces of those laughing and chatting with a strange gaze.

He knew better than anyone how hard they had worked to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, and he felt sorry that some of them would be buried in the imperial palace tonight.

“Junior Brother Han, could you spare me a moment?”

Jin Gyo-cheon, who had been chatting and laughing with Jong Wi-rang, suddenly asked Han Li to step outside. Not only Han Li but even her fellow disciples seemed surprised by her request.

They alternated their gazes between Han Li and their Senior Sister, who usually treated male cultivators like stones. Seeing Han Li’s dumbfounded expression, Jong Wi-rang whispered something into Jin Gyo-cheon’s ear.

At that, Senior Sister Jin, her face flushed, glared at Jong Wi-rang and immediately left the room, clearly expecting Han Li to follow.

“What are you spacing out for, Junior Brother? A beauty like that is waiting, you don’t have time to hesitate!” Liu Jung lightly slapped Han Li’s back and joked.

Hiding a wry smile as he scratched his nose, Han Li rose to his feet under the envious gazes of the other male cultivators. If he hesitated any longer, it would only arouse suspicion.

As he stepped out of the main hall, Jin Gyo-cheon was gazing at the garden with a wistful look, lost in thought. Hearing Han Li’s footsteps, she spoke without turning her head.

“Let’s take a walk in the garden. There’s something I want to ask you.”

Having said her piece, she didn’t wait for Han Li’s reply and started walking towards the garden. Han Li, slightly furrowing his brow at her retreating figure, let out a silent chuckle and followed her.

Walking through the garden with a beautiful woman was indeed refreshing.

Just admiring her graceful figure from a few steps behind was enough to make the walk worthwhile. Besides, wasn’t she the woman with whom he had a special, albeit unspoken, connection a few years ago?

“When you achieved results in the Blood Color Trial, I thought you were just lucky. My older brother and I were both lacking in judgment. I didn’t realize you were a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Not only did you deceive us siblings, but you also manipulated countless deceased people there. I must say, you’re quite impressive.”

Just as Han Li was lost in reminiscence, Jin Gyo-cheon began to speak, her back still turned. It was an expected remark, so he wasn’t too surprised.

“A wolf in sheep’s clothing? You’re exaggerating. I was just lucky.”

His face was so nonchalant that he seemed to genuinely believe it.

“Are you still trying to deceive me?”

Jin Gyo-cheon turned her head, revealing a cold gaze, as if Han Li’s answer had offended her. However, Han Li still wore an expression as if he knew nothing. This clearly angered Jin Gyo-cheon even more.

“Alright, let’s leave the Blood Color Trial incident aside. Then, answer my next question truthfully.”

“If Senior Sister Jin asks, I will tell you anything.”

His heart began to pound, knowing what kind of question was coming, but his face showed no such emotion.

“Seven or eight years ago, did anything happen east of the Taeak Mountain Range?”

Her face was flushed, and she looked somewhat awkward.

“Seven or eight years ago…”

Han Li lowered his head, pretending to think.

‘She still has that past in her mind. Judging by her expression, has she developed feelings for the person who saved her?’

However, Han Li had no intention of bringing up the past with her and becoming her partner. Perhaps he had built a psychological wall because he knew of her close relationship with the Yuk family.

“Well, at that time, I was busy helping Senior Brother Ma tend the herb garden, and the only thing I remember is the Blood Color Trial.”

Han Li raised his head, having finished his thoughts, and answered her question calmly. At that, Jin Gyo-cheon’s face turned pale.

“I clearly remember a record that Junior Brother Han left the sect around that time?”

“Ah, now that you mention it, I did go out for a while to buy magical artifacts and talismans in preparation for the Blood Color Trial.”

He did not refute Jin Gyo-cheon’s question. She stared at him silently for a long time, making Han Li’s hair stand on end.

“Then there’s nothing more to ask. Junior Brother Han, go back first. I need to sort out my thoughts alone before going back in.”

A hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes for a moment, then she immediately turned her head away. However, there was a clear sense of exhaustion in Jin Gyo-cheon’s voice.

Sighing, Han Li realized that whether she believed him or not, she wouldn’t bother him about this matter again.

If she knew that he was deliberately pretending not to know, it would be difficult for her to ask again with her arrogant personality.

“Then I’ll go back in, Senior Sister.”

Han Li clasped his hands and left the garden without hesitation. Jin Gyo-cheon’s gaze turned towards the direction he had gone, confirming that he had completely disappeared.

“If it wasn’t you, then who could it be? At that time, you were the only one who had left the sect with that kind of skill, Junior Brother Han!”

She murmured softly, easing the frustration in her heart, and plucked a fully bloomed peony, inhaling its fragrance.

And as she smelled the flower, she too became lost in deep thought. Having escaped the awkward moment, Han Li let out a long breath and shook his head. Then, he quickly returned to the main hall where the others were gathered.

Everyone looked curious when he returned, but no one asked him indiscreetly.

Only a few people joked about Han Li and Jin Gyo-cheon, but Han Li just smiled and didn’t reveal any change in his feelings. Soon after, Jin Gyo-cheon also returned with a calm expression and sat next to Jong Wi-rang.

As the situation returned to normal, the others stopped joking about them and turned the topic to the battle with the Black Fiend Cult.

Time passed, and the sun was setting.

The Yellow Maple Valley cultivators had already returned to their respective quarters to prepare for the battle.

They all believed that they had the advantage because their numbers were greater than the Black Fiend Cult’s Foundation Establishment cultivators, but no one could be careless when their lives were at stake.

However, some were unable to hide their excitement about the benefits they would gain from raiding the Black Fiend Cult’s lair.

Since there were more than one or two Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Black Fiend Cult, they would have a considerable amount of materials and magical artifacts. The disciples of Senior Sister Jin who had agreed to help were also participating for this reason.

Otherwise, there would be no reason to risk their lives, even if it was to eliminate evil cultivators. At this time, Han Li was in his quarters, inspecting his puppets, with the Mongsan Four standing in a row beside him.

As Han Li’s fellow disciples gathered, the Mongsan Four wanted to get to know them and build good relationships.

However, would the disciples of the Yihwa Garden or Senior Sister Jin’s fellow disciples even bother with Qi Refining cultivators like the Mongsan Four? They would only accept their greetings out of courtesy and not give them any attention.

It was only natural that the Mongsan Four, realizing that the other disciples of the Seven Great Sects would never associate with them, bowed even more respectfully to Han Li.

“Regardless of the outcome of this battle with the Black Fiend Cult, there’s no need for you to participate. All of you should leave Wolgyeong City and stay out of harm’s way.”

Han Li, having polished his puppets until they gleamed, put them away as the sun set.

“Senior, we are not cowards who would retreat before a battle.”

The old man spoke on behalf of the others.

“It’s not about that. For you to invade the imperial palace is just a waste of life. Take one of these superior-grade magical artifacts each. It’s a farewell gift from your senior.”

Han Li shook his head and smiled faintly. As he waved his sleeve, magical artifacts that emitted light appeared on the table.

Just the superior-grade magical artifacts alone were enough to fill everyone with joy, and they asked him to visit them in Mongsan whenever he needed anything in the future.

Han Li had heard what he wanted to hear, so he personally escorted them out of Wolgyeong City, which moved the Mongsan Four to tears. However, just before leaving, the old man secretly approached Han Li.

“Senior, our fifth brother won’t be working as a member of the Black Fiend Cult, will he? That child has already crossed the point of no return, so it would be better for our brothers if he doesn’t show his face again.”

The old man, with a determined expression, left those meaningful words and bowed respectfully before leaving. Han Li looked at them as they disappeared, pondering the old man’s words.

He smiled for a moment and then began to fly back to his quarters.

* * *

As the sun set, the Yellow Maple Valley cultivators in the Jin family’s residence gathered, waiting to depart. However, unexpectedly, their third senior brother was nowhere to be seen.

Han Li looked around the room and asked Song Meng, who was preparing his blue sword.

“Senior Brother Song, where did our third senior brother go?”

“Senior Brother Liu went to try and persuade our sixth brother one last time. If Junior Brother Mu went with us, our chances of victory would be higher. But in my opinion, it’s a waste of time. If Mu-hyeon had wanted to help, he wouldn’t have left like that back then!”

“He went to find our sixth senior brother?”

No sooner had he spoken than Liu Jung opened the door and entered. But his expression was not good.

“Junior Brother Liu, did Junior Brother Mu-hyeon refuse to go again? Anyway, we can handle the Black Fiend Cult even if one person is missing, so don’t worry.”

The oldest of Senior Sister Jin’s fellow disciples comforted him as if it were nothing.

“I wish that were the case, but I’m on my way back without even seeing Junior Brother Mu’s face!” Liu Jung said with a wry smile. Everyone was confused, not understanding what he meant.

“What do you mean, Senior Brother Liu? Are you saying that he’s not at the inn, but has already returned to the sect?” Jong Wi-rang asked, blinking her eyes.

“No, I asked the innkeeper, and he said that Junior Brother Mu-hyeon left early this morning and hasn’t returned. But considering that he didn’t even pack a change of clothes, it doesn’t seem like he went back to the sect.”

His expression was full of worry. Everyone had different opinions, but no one knew what had happened to Mu-hyeon.

However, Han Li was quietly lost in thought.

‘Could it be that Mu-hyeon was captured by the Black Fiend Cult leader?’

Liu Jung seemed to have a similar thought as Han Li, and he looked out the window at the darkening sky and made a bold decision.

“Let’s discuss Junior Brother Mu’s matter when we return, and let’s depart now! We must destroy the Black Fiend Cult in one go!”

* * *

As darkness fell, uninvited guests arrived at the imperial city. They were none other than the nine Yellow Maple Valley cultivators, including Han Li.

Liu Jung, who had arrived on the city wall of the dark imperial city on a magical artifact, felt uneasy about stepping into the forbidden area, but he didn’t show it and decisively waved his hand.

“Let’s go!”

There was not a hint of hesitation in his bold command. Liu Jung naturally took the lead and stepped into the forbidden area.

The others also decided not to abide by the unwritten rules of the Seven Great Sects and followed him.

Han Li slowed down and moved towards the back of the group. It wasn’t because he had any particular intention, but because he was looking for the hidden Reversal Five Elements Formation.