Bachelor [EN]: Chapter 274

Although Han Li was filled with thoughts about how strange the one calling themselves Ling Yuling was, his face remained expressionless.

“I am Han Li. It was a minor matter, so there’s no need to worry about it. If the other party hadn’t been so forceful, I wouldn’t have acted this way.”

Ling Yuling smiled faintly, exuding a charming aura.

“Even so, it is something to be grateful for.”

At that sight, Han Li felt a chill instead. How could he blindly like someone just because they were pretty when he didn’t even know if they were male or female! Ling Yuling stopped smiling and immediately returned to a serious expression.

“Seeing how urgently you are traveling, are you perhaps heading to Celestial Star City? The security there is already tight, making it difficult to enter. If it’s alright with you, I can escort you. I wish to repay the kindness of saving my life.”

That was a bit unexpected. However, killing the two Inverse Star Alliance cultivators was done to elicit this kind of request.

This way, he could show that he had no connection to the Inverse Star Alliance. Since the other party was offering what he wanted first, there was no reason to refuse.

Han Li replied in a gentle tone.

“My residence is in Celestial Star City, so I was hurrying there. If there is no other way, I suppose I will have to accept Fellow Daoist Ling’s help.”

“Since Fellow Daoist killed the Inverse Star Alliance members without hesitation, you have proven that you are qualified to enter the city. Our Star Palace will welcome you. However, there are still those who are chasing me, so we should leave this place quickly.”

Han Li did not object and nodded. The two of them transformed into streaks of blue and white light and flew towards Celestial Star City.

While flying, Han Li curiously scrutinized the other party.

The loose white robes covered their entire body, making it impossible to determine if they were male or female. However, upon closer inspection, their Adam’s apple was not prominent.

But this alone was not enough to determine their gender. He had heard that some strange cultivation methods could reverse the balance of yin and yang, distorting the physical characteristics of men and women. And besides that, there were countless other possibilities.

Perhaps noticing his gaze, the other party smiled at him. Han Li could only awkwardly turn his head away for a moment.

Ling Yuling mentioned Han Li’s ancient treasures while flying.

“To possess two ancient treasures, you are truly favored by the heavens. I wonder what kind of power the ring-shaped ancient treasure possesses to have such miraculous abilities.”

“It was just fate.”

When Ling Yuling saw that Han Li didn’t want to answer, they immediately changed the subject.

“Haha, in any case, the ability to deal with two fellow cultivators of the same level is impressive. Does Fellow Daoist Han have any intention of joining the Star Palace? I can recommend you.”

Hearing that voice in the light, Han Li’s face subtly hardened.

The person named Ling Yuling was not easy to deal with. They hadn’t even let him into the city yet and were already asking difficult questions.

To join the Star Palace now was no different than becoming cannon fodder in the war! Han Li had no intention of throwing himself into a pit of mud.

He lightly cleared his throat and, after organizing his thoughts, replied.

“I have long heard of the Star Palace’s reputation, but I have received great kindness from the Myriad Sound Sect and am serving as a guest elder, so it will be difficult for a while. I am truly sorry.”

“No, I am even more impressed that you are a person who upholds principles. Just remember that the Star Palace will always welcome someone like you.”

Ling Yuling, in the white light, did not show any particular dissatisfaction with Han Li’s tactful refusal. Instead, they calmly smiled and talked about the stories circulating in the Chaotic Star Sea and interesting information about the Star Palace and the Inverse Star Alliance.

Ling Yuling’s quick-witted actions made Han Li also enjoy the conversation.

* * *

After a day, the two were delighted at the sight of the massive Celestial Star City in the distance.

Then, before they even approached the island, four male cultivators and one female cultivator appeared out of nowhere.

The middle-aged man with a yellow face leading the group was at the Core Formation stage, and the rest were Foundation Establishment cultivators. The Foundation Establishment men and women recognized Ling Yuling and immediately bowed respectfully.

“Greetings, Protector Ling.”

Then, the yellow-faced cultivator asked in surprise.

“Junior Sister Ling, are you alright! I was very worried when I heard that South Clarity Island was attacked. And who is this person?”

As a suspicious gaze swept over Han Li, Ling Yuling calmly replied.

“On the way, I was chased by two Inverse Star Alliance cultivators, but I was able to survive with the help of Fellow Daoist Han. He said his residence is within Celestial Star City, so we returned together. There shouldn’t be any problem with him entering, right?”

Having pushed themselves too hard while flying in a hurry with their injuries, their complexion had already turned pale. They had a face that would make anyone worry.

“He is Junior Sister Ling’s benefactor, so of course not. Junior Sister Ling, are you injured?”

The yellow-faced cultivator spoke to Ling Yuling with a worried tone, and Han Li’s eyes lit up.

“It’s alright. I was attacked by a magical treasure, but I was protecting myself with the Heavenly Fragrance Cord, so I didn’t suffer any serious injuries.”

A faint blush appeared on Ling Yuling’s beautiful face, but their expression was cold. The yellow-faced cultivator became even more concerned at those words and hesitated for a moment before taking out a bottle.

“There is one Heavenly Spirit Pill, so Junior Sister Ling, take it and consume it. It will prevent your vital energy from being damaged.”

“Then, since Senior Brother gave it to me, I will gratefully accept it. I must go to the inner palace first to report on the South Clarity Island matter, so I will leave Fellow Daoist Han to you, Senior Brother. Please take good care of my benefactor.”

Ling Yuling accepted the bottle with their graceful hand and smiled, exuding a captivating aura that made them seem like a complete woman. The yellow-faced cultivator was captivated by Ling Yuling’s words and expression and patted his chest, assuring them.

“Don’t worry! Elder Wang is on duty today, so he won’t make things difficult for you. You can trust me with Fellow Daoist Han’s matter.”

Han Li’s expression became a bit strange.

Could Ling Yuling be a woman? The yellow-faced cultivator was clearly infatuated with Ling Yuling.

The man with the yellow face stared at Ling Yuling until they completely disappeared, and then finally regained his senses and turned to Han Li.

“Although you are Junior Sister Ling’s benefactor, there are things that must be confirmed. Please understand the situation.”

Han Li, with a calm face, replied without hesitation.

“Ask me anything.”

“First, please reveal your identity.”

He calmly reached into his storage pouch and took out two identity tokens, handing them to the other party.

“I am an elder of the Myriad Sound Sect, and this is the identity token that proves it. This is the token to unlock the restrictions of my cave residence in Celestial Star City. I believe Fellow Daoist will recognize it.”

The other party accepted the two identity tokens without hesitation and gave an order without turning his head.

“Myriad Sound Sect? Check if there is such a person as an elder in the Myriad Sound Sect.”

A handsome female cultivator standing behind him immediately replied that she understood. She rummaged through her storage pouch for a while and eventually took out a book, infusing it with her consciousness. After a moment, she examined Han Li’s appearance and respectfully replied.

“Protector Jo, there is an elder named Han in the Myriad Sound Sect, and it is confirmed that he is the same person based on the portrait.”

“Then, both identity tokens are real.”

Protector Jo returned the identity tokens to Han Li and gave an order.

“I will escort Fellow Daoist into the city to complete the procedures. You all continue patrolling the vicinity.”

“Yes!”

The yellow-faced cultivator gestured to Han Li without saying anything and flew towards the city first.

Han Li also transformed into a blue light and followed behind him.

Not long after, they arrived near the high walls of Celestial Star City and approached one of the city gates.

Although there was no one visibly patrolling the area, at least four or five people were hidden, guarding the area. Most of them were Foundation Establishment cultivators, but the presence of a Core Formation cultivator was also clearly felt.

The security had been strengthened after South Clarity Island was attacked. If someone hadn’t guided them, entering Celestial Star City would not have been easy. They saw about a dozen white-robed cultivators in front of the city gate where they arrived.

As they got closer, they noticed that the city walls and gates were gleaming with white light. There were restrictions placed on them.

The yellow-faced man landed on the ground and approached an old man sitting in a chair.

The yellow-faced man cupped his fist towards the old man and said respectfully.

“Protector Woo, this is Elder Han of the Myriad Sound Sect. We have already confirmed his identity and tokens. I apologize for the trouble, but please complete the procedures for entering the city. I have to return to continue patrolling.”

Han Li also became more vigilant when he saw the old man. He was a Core Formation cultivator in the mid-stage.

“Myriad Sound Sect?”

The old man slowly opened his eyes, looking as if he had not fully woken up.

“Yes.”

The yellow-faced man hesitated for a moment and reluctantly added.

“He helped Protector Ling on the way.”

“That’s a rare thing. Alright, go and do your work.”

The old man’s eyes flashed for a moment, but he soon returned to his listless state.

The yellow-faced cultivator did not care about the old man’s attitude at all and flew away. He didn’t even glance at Han Li.

The old man looked at Han Li and spoke leisurely.

“I’ve seen Zi Ling of the Myriad Sound Sect a few times. She’s a very clever child. I’ve heard stories about Fellow Daoist from time to time, but I never thought I’d meet you in a place like this. But seeing how young you look, it seems you’ve learned a technique to maintain your appearance like Protector Ling! I’ve heard that such techniques usually have strong yin energy, which is not good for men to cultivate.”

Han Li calmly replied.

“From what you say, it seems Protector Ling was a man. I did not learn a secret technique to maintain my appearance, but rather I consumed a Youth Preserving Pill early on.”

The old man smiled and said leisurely.

“There are few people in the Star Palace who know for sure whether Protector Ling is a man or a woman, so how could this old man know? However, it is certain that he has learned a related technique. Haha, Fellow Daoist Han is lucky. You even had the opportunity to obtain that precious Youth Preserving Pill.”

When Han Li didn’t say anything, the old man continued.

“Enough of this talk. Since your identity has already been confirmed, there is no reason for this old man to suffer. However, the regulations of Celestial Star City have changed from usual, so listen carefully.”

Han Li focused on the old man’s words.

“There are two options for you now. The first is to temporarily join the Star Palace and fight against the enemy. Then there will be no restrictions on your activities within Celestial Star City. The Star Palace will pay you a reasonable reward for each task you complete.

The second is to remain quietly in the city without participating in the war. Our Star Palace will not force anything. However, you will not be allowed to leave your residence except for certain scheduled times, and those who violate this will be killed by the Star Palace law enforcement within the city, regardless of their status. Now, tell me what Fellow Daoist Han wants.”

Han Li fell into thought for a moment. The old man did not rush him and waited with narrowed eyes.

“After entering the city, is it possible to use the teleportation array to go to the Outer Star Sea?”

Even though it was a sudden question, the answer came back as if it had been expected.

“Normally, it would be possible with the payment of a certain amount of spirit stones, but the situation is different now, isn’t it? Any cultivator who wishes to go to the Outer Star Sea must do one thing for the Star Palace.”

“What kind of thing are you talking about?”

“It’s simple! In the upcoming war, you just need to kill one cultivator of the same level from the Inverse Star Alliance for the Star Palace.”

The old man was smiling, but there was a hint of mockery in his expression. Han Li could only smile bitterly at the conditions.

They had made it impossible for cultivators who wanted to escape to the Outer Star Sea without seeing the blood of the Inverse Star Alliance.

# 276