Bachelor [EN]: Chapter 170

171. Old Memories

As his hand brushed against the charred remains, a golden light shot out, creating a large pit beside them. With a flick of his sleeve, the ashes were swept into the pit by the wind. Suddenly, Han Li’s eyes flashed, and he stopped what he was doing.

With a puzzled expression, he waved his hand, and a silk handkerchief floated out of the pit.

“This is…”

His face was filled with suspicion as he examined the handkerchief. It looked old, but it emitted a faint light. However, what caught his attention was the vague map embroidered on it.

Intrigued, Han Li looked at the map from different angles, but eventually lost interest. Upon closer inspection, it was clear that it did not depict the terrain of the State of Yue, but a very unfamiliar region.

Moreover, this handkerchief was not the entire map, but only half or a fragment of it.

It was difficult to examine it in detail now. He stored the map fragment together with the Five Elements Pill in the jade box.

Now, rather than solving riddles, it was time to meet the other cultivators. With the Emperor of Yue dead, the aftermath would surely be a headache.

He met Jin Qiaotian and the others in front of the ruined palace and received bad news. In the secret chamber of the Black Fiend Sect Leader within the ruined palace, they had discovered the body of Wu Xian, who had been drained of blood not long ago.

Han Li was initially a little surprised, but he just smiled wryly and said nothing.

Because of the Black Fiend Sect’s actions, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from their sect had died like this, so the Harmonious Spirit Garden would not look kindly upon him. After all, he was at the root of all of this.

Han Li left the aftermath to the others and made an excuse to return to the Jin family’s residence. Even then, he had no idea that an unexpected person was waiting for him.

“Greetings, Senior Uncle Han!”

A middle-aged man dressed in silk bowed to Han Li.

“Is that not Junior Brother Ma! What brings you to me at this late hour?”

Puzzlement flickered in Han Li’s eyes. He had just returned from the imperial palace, and a disciple from his sect, who was in charge of the liaison in Yue Capital, was waiting for him.

Moreover, judging by the situation, it seemed he had been waiting for a long time.

“The higher-ups have issued an order. All disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage or higher are to immediately return to the Seven Great Sects’ camp to prepare for the final battle. The enemy has sent a declaration of war, and it seems that the outcome will be decided in two months. Also, there is a letter from Martial Ancestor Lihua Yuan.”

The middle-aged man handed over the order and a jade letter with a serious expression. Han Li silently accepted the items, taken aback by the unwelcome news in the middle of the night.

The content of the order was as the other had said: all Foundation Establishment disciples on external missions were to return to the camp within a month to prepare for the battle against the Demonic Path. The spiritual energy mark at the bottom of the order was also genuine.

Having confirmed the sect’s order, he poured his consciousness into the letter.

Within it, a phantom of Lihua Yuan appeared, giving a simple order. He was to withdraw from the Jin family, and according to recently collected information, the Demonic Path’s plan to infiltrate the State of Yue and cause trouble had been canceled for an unknown reason. Han Li and the other disciples were ordered to return to the camp with peace of mind.

Listening to Lihua Yuan’s words, even though it was just a phantom, Han Li felt wronged and wanted to protest. He suppressed his feelings and withdrew his consciousness. Han Li looked at the items in his hand and then spoke to Junior Brother Ma.

“I understand, you may go. I will inform the other senior brothers.”

“Then I will trust Senior Uncle.”

The middle-aged man hesitated for a moment, but still responded respectfully and left. Han Li watched him off and only opened the door and entered after the middle-aged man had completely disappeared.

The next morning, the five Yellow Maple Valley cultivators gathered in the main hall to discuss leaving Yue Capital. After confirming the order, Jin Qiaotian spoke first.

“I need to visit my family before participating in the battle, so it seems we won’t be able to travel together.”

“I have to deliver Senior Brother Liu’s belongings to the Liu family.”

Zhong Weilang, looking haggard, said with red eyes.

“I have nothing to do, so I can return with Junior Brother Han!”

“I also have some personal matters to take care of.”

Song Meng, who had cheerfully patted Junior Brother Han’s shoulder, was met with a polite refusal from Han Li, who wore a smile.

“Well, I guess there’s no helping it.”

“How about I return with Junior Brother Song?”

Senior Brother Jin looked at Song Meng with a smile. Song Meng was greatly pleased that he would have someone to spar with on the way back.

Han Li chuckled inwardly. It was amazing that his fourth senior brother was still the same after experiencing a bloody battle yesterday. They decided to leave separately early the next morning.

In the afternoon, he went to see Jin Yan and told him that his family was safe and that he was leaving. Jin Yan urged Han Li to stay a little longer, but Han Li knew it was just a polite gesture and refused with a smile.

After finishing his conversation with Jin Yan, Han Li was walking towards his residence. Unexpectedly, Jin Qiaotian was standing in front of the garden. She seemed to be admiring the flowers, but he couldn’t just pass by without greeting her.

“What a coincidence to meet Senior Sister Jin here.”

Han Li greeted her naturally and tried to pass by her. However, Jin Qiaotian suddenly turned around and stared at Han Li’s face, causing him to miss his chance.

“It’s not a coincidence, I was waiting for you!”

Her red lips moved as she stared directly at Han Li, conveying a complex emotion.

“For me?”

He felt a little bitter at her words, but also inexplicably pleased, though he couldn’t show it.

“I heard that a place called White Chrysanthemum Mountain near Yue Capital is a scenic spot. Could you go with me?”

“Very well.”

Han Li answered as if possessed. He had originally intended to refuse immediately, but when he saw the longing in her eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to say no.

“Then let’s go right now. If the sun sets, we won’t be able to see anything.”

Jin Qiaotian was delighted that Han Li had agreed, and her face flushed.

Han Li began to regret it as soon as he spoke. He had clearly decided not to get involved with her, but seeing how readily he had agreed to Jin Qiaotian’s proposal today, he realized his will was not firm.

“Alright. We can get there quickly if we ride the Wind Chaser Boat together.”

He took out the pure white Wind Chaser Boat [a type of flying magical artifact] and invited Jin Qiaotian to join him. Jin Qiaotian smiled gracefully at the sight and boarded the boat.

Soon, they arrived at White Chrysanthemum Mountain, which was famous even in Yue Capital. Various chrysanthemums bloomed on the mountain, but white chrysanthemums were the main attraction, creating a stunning view.

Contrary to his expectations, Jin Qiaotian did not start a conversation after arriving at White Chrysanthemum Mountain, but instead began walking along a small path. She would walk and then stop for a moment when a good view appeared.

Han Li, following behind her, also remained silent. He was drawn to her alluring figure and paid no attention to the scenery. After an hour, Jin Qiaotian and Han Li reached the summit and stood side by side under a small pavilion.

There was no one else at the summit except for the two of them. Since neither of them spoke, there was only silence. As the strange atmosphere continued, Jin Qiaotian spoke first.

“Junior Brother Han, I will be getting married after this war is over.”

Han Li was startled and looked at her.

“My partner is a direct descendant of the Qin family, another prominent cultivation family, and a cultivator who has just succeeded in Foundation Establishment under the Iron Quell Fortress. I’ve seen him a few times, and he’s not a bad person, so unless something unexpected happens, we will become dual cultivation partners [a practice where two cultivators cultivate together to enhance their power].”

Jin Qiaotian’s voice was calm. Han Li, having recovered from his surprise, hesitated before speaking politely.

“I sincerely congratulate Senior Sister Jin on finding a good match. When we return to the sect, as a junior brother…”

Jin Qiaotian, not wanting to hear what he was about to say, flew away on a disc-shaped magic tool before he could finish his sentence.

Han Li watched the direction she had disappeared in and let out a long sigh. He then immediately returned to his residence on his magic tool. He had already made a decision, but it was still not a pleasant feeling to know that the woman he had once harbored feelings for would become another man’s wife.

He was lost in thought as he gradually approached the Jin family’s residence. When he returned to his residence, the others informed him that Jin Qiaotian had left first.

Although he felt uncomfortable, Han Li did not show it and spent half a day mingling with his fellow disciples. The day passed like this, and the next morning, everyone left the Jin family’s residence, leaving Han Li as the last one.

Initially, he had planned to secretly visit Wen Fengwu to say goodbye before leaving. However, when he saw Wen Fengwu through the window, he soon changed his mind.

Dressed as a young wife, she was reading a book with an old woman, and her expression seemed peaceful. He decided that it would be better for her to live a peaceful life like this rather than seeing him, who would remind her of painful memories.

After leaving Yue Capital, Han Li took a roundabout route and headed to Jia Yuan City first. He had promised Wen Fengwu that he would avenge her if the opportunity arose, so he felt he should stop by.

Although the Demonic Path was not currently invading, with the battle against the Six Demonic Sects approaching, it was unlikely that any high-level cultivators from the Seven Great Sects would remain in Jia Yuan City.

If he secretly eliminated the Five Colors Sect Leader, it would be difficult for the disciples of Spirit Beast Mountain to track him down.

In addition to the Five Colors Sect issue, he was also curious about how Sun Yigu was managing the Four Peace Gang. Some time had passed, but with the help of Qu Hun, there should have been some progress.

Looking back now, it was a pointless act to leave Sun Yigu and the others behind as a precaution.

On the Wind Chaser Boat flying towards Jia Yuan City, Han Li was lost in old memories. It had been over ten years since he had left Jia Yuan City, but everything was still vivid.

* * *

Five days later, a young man in a blue robe visited the old shop, Xiang Family Tavern, in Jia Yuan City.

The person standing on the street, narrowing his eyes and looking at the Xiang Family Tavern sign, was Han Li, who had just entered the city. After savoring the nostalgic feeling for a moment, he calmly entered.

As he went up the stairs to the second floor, the window seat where he had sat back then was empty. As soon as he sat down, a waiter approached, wiped the table, and took his order.

Han Li smiled and ordered a few dishes, sending the waiter away. After all, he had not come to this tavern to fill his stomach.

Han Li’s gaze turned to the window. The Wen family’s residence was as grand as ever. However, the characters on the huge plaque that had read ‘Wen Residence’ had been changed to ‘Yi Residence’.

For some reason, the inscription on the plaque kept bothering him. The previous ‘Wen Residence’ inscription felt much more fitting for the residence.

While he was observing the gate, the waiter brought the food he had ordered, and he saw several young men laughing and chatting as they entered the door from downstairs. They were all dressed in silk and satin, and they seemed to be young masters from wealthy families, with several sturdy servants following behind them.

Among those who came up to the second floor, a thin man gestured to the waiter. The waiter rushed over, a smile on his face, and hurriedly spoke.

“Young Master Ha, what do you need?”

“Call the owner. We need to treat a distinguished guest today, so tell them to clear out the third floor. We will compensate for all losses.”

He spoke very boldly. A middle-aged man in his forties came up a moment later. He immediately accepted their request and quickly sent the waiter up to the third floor.

It was unclear whether it was because the owner was capable or because the young masters were famous, but a moment later, everyone who had been eating on the third floor came down. Surprisingly, not a single person complained.

It was common for ordinary young masters to use their family’s influence to do childish things. A moment later, the man called Young Master Ha and his group nodded in satisfaction and went back downstairs to greet someone.

As their footsteps echoed again, Han Li’s head turned. Among the heavy footsteps, one was light, as if it were not there. It was clearly the gait of a martial artist skilled in lightness techniques.

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