Bachelor [EN]: Chapter 355

The silver on the beetles’ wings was now reduced to pinhole-sized spots. Unless one looked very closely, their entire surface gleamed with gold.

Even so, they hadn’t reached their final growth stage, so despite his joy, Han Li felt a twinge of disappointment.

However, he felt like he had entered a new world with the power of the golden Devouring Gold Beetles. He had placed over a hundred of the three-colored Devouring Gold Beetles together with the newly evolved golden ones. The golden beetles, about twice the size of the three-colored ones, devoured them instantly.

Their biting power and physical strength far surpassed that of the three-colored beetles. Moreover, after evolving, the Devouring Gold Beetles emanated a ferocious aura that could make ordinary people tremble. They had become more cruel and violent, with a strong urge to devour and eliminate anything.

It was completely different from before. If Han Li hadn’t implanted control restrictions on the beetles’ bodies beforehand, they would have devoured him without hesitation. However, even with these precautions, Han Li couldn’t shake the feeling that he was losing control.

It seemed that with the next evolution, ordinary control methods wouldn’t be enough to manage the ferocious nature of the Devouring Gold Beetles.

With these thoughts, Han Li selected the larger beetles and isolated them for cultivation. He hoped to see them evolve quickly into their complete adult forms, which were said to have existed only in the ancient wilderness era.

Judging by the increasing time it took for each evolution, he wouldn’t see their final form for at least a hundred years. That much time would also allow him to find a way to control the adult beetles, so it wasn’t a bad thing.

As Han Li pondered, he collected the Devouring Gold Beetles and went to the medicinal herb garden inside his residence. There, he carefully harvested the Spirit Eye Water and Nine-Bend Spirit Ginseng, which had almost returned to their original forms.

The Nine-Bend Spirit Ginseng had suffered greatly from being used to make elixirs, but thanks to Han Li’s consistent use of the green liquid to nurture it, it had now almost recovered its original vitality.

The Spirit Eye Water had also been cultivated for many years, and the time to extract its pure essence was not far off.

Han Li had high expectations for the Bright Clarity Spirit Water, which he could produce in large quantities using the pure essence. If he washed his eyes with it, he would be able to see through any technique clearly.

He left the other miscellaneous items behind, not bothering to take them, and exited his residence.

Han Li flew into the sky and unconsciously looked down. He saw that the Mo woman was still standing there, gazing in the direction of the stone mountain.

He shook his head lightly. He knew what her problem was without having to hear it, and solving it would be a piece of cake.

However, he didn’t want to give other cultivators the impression that he was using his authority to suppress others as soon as he became the Grand Elder of the Fallen Cloud Sect. Moreover, both the Mo family and the Yan family involved in this matter were powerful cultivation families in the State of Ji.

Besides, considering his previous bland relationship with her, there was no reason for him to get involved. He couldn’t possibly fulfill every request from those he knew when he was a Qi Refining disciple, could he?

He quietly slipped away and arrived at the summit of the mountain peak where his new residence was located. The clouds slowly parted, opening a path for Han Li.

After dealing with the Devouring Gold Beetles and spirit herbs, he left everything else to Yin Yue and hurried into the secret chamber to consolidate his Nascent Soul stage [a stage of cultivation].

During this time, the silver-haired old man and Fellow Cultivator Lu also knew what Han Li was doing, so they didn’t bother him.

After a hundred days, Han Li successfully solidified his Nascent Soul and reached the initial stage where his spirit and Nascent Soul became one. Now, he could freely control his Nascent Soul even when it left his body.

When Han Li emerged from the stone chamber, Yin Yue was waiting for him in her usual young woman’s form. However, her expression was a little strange when she saw Han Li.

“Why do you look like that? Speak if you have something to say. Is something the matter?”

Yin Yue chuckled.

“Starting ten days after you went into seclusion, ‘Martial Aunt Mo’ began to visit, and she’s still outside today. She’s been waiting somewhere outside the mountain peak for several days now.”

“She doesn’t know her place. If she likes waiting, let her do as she pleases. I won’t interfere.”

“Shortly after that woman came, the Yan and Mo families sent voice transmission talismans [a method of communication]. Since you were in seclusion, I made copies of the talismans. Would you like to hear them?”

“Voice transmission talismans from the Mo and Yan families? Judging by your behavior, you’ve already seen the contents. What’s the problem?”

Yin Yue couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Hehe! As expected, you know everything. You should listen to them yourself.”

“Show them to me.”

Yin Yue immediately took out red and white voice transmission talismans from her body and held them out with both hands. Han Li soon revealed an angry expression.

“Hmph! How audacious. Did she think that just because she’s been my nominal martial niece for a few years, I would tolerate this lie!”

A cold aura emanated from his face. Yin Yue barely managed to suppress her laughter and said,

“Of course, she knew that doing this would provoke your anger. But after experiencing you, she probably realized that you’re not a heartless person. Otherwise, how would a Foundation Establishment cultivator [a lower stage of cultivation] dare to ask a Nascent Soul stage elder for help? Besides, no matter how severe the punishment, it would be better than becoming the partner of that ‘Martial Brother Yan’.”

Looking at Yin Yue, who seemed to be enjoying the spectacle, Han Li spoke,

“She directly went to both families and said that I had taken her as my chamber maid. Both families hurriedly sent voice transmission talismans to apologize to me and announced that the marriage was off. They definitely didn’t want to fall out of favor with a Nascent Soul stage cultivator. But since she acted so recklessly, she must have been prepared for the consequences!”

“What do you mean, Master…?”

Looking at Yin Yue’s puzzled expression, Han Li suddenly smiled languidly.

“Now that I’ve reached the Nascent Soul stage, it wouldn’t be strange for me to take a chamber maid. Besides, the woman is exceptionally beautiful, and I am a man after all.”

However, there was a coldness in the smile on his lips. Yin Yue, oblivious to this, grumbled petulantly,

“You’ve always stayed away from women and rejected several beauties. What’s so different about this woman…?”

“The past is the past, and now is now. When my cultivation was still shallow, I didn’t have the luxury to think about other things, but if I were to meet Wen Siyue again now, there would be no reason to refuse her.”

Yin Yue stood there blankly, unable to find words.

Yin Yue hesitated, then widened her large eyes and asked again,

“Master, you’re not serious, are you?”

“Whether I’m serious or not, you’ll see. Bring that woman in now. With her cultivation, she won’t be able to tell that you’re transforming into a fox demon.”

“Understood!”

Filled with all sorts of speculations and imaginations, Yin Yue responded respectfully, and Han Li immediately walked to the main hall. After a short while, Yin Yue returned with an elegant gait, followed by Mo Peiling, whose face was slightly pale.

“Master, Miss Mo has arrived.”

“I see. You may leave.”

“Yes.”

Yin Yue left the main hall, giving a sly smile to the Mo woman beside her.

“Greetings, Senior Han.”

Mo Peiling bowed respectfully and remained silent, as if waiting for Han Li’s punishment. Han Li’s gaze swept over her face. Without revealing any anger, Han Li spoke each word very calmly.

“You know very well why you were summoned. Because of the lies you spread, I’ve been branded as a cultivator who became arrogant and reckless as soon as I reached the Nascent Soul stage. After all, taking a woman who is engaged as a chamber maid isn’t a good story to hear.

However, of course, the Mo and Yan families wouldn’t dare to express any dissatisfaction. But regardless, your reckless actions will have consequences. You must be prepared to accept any punishment!”

Mo Peiling’s face became even paler, and she raised her head.

“Please forgive me. Although I have committed a great wrong, it is my sincere wish to become your maid rather than marry into the Yan family.”

“Hmph! Now that it’s known that you’re my maid, I won’t ignore this matter or clarify the ‘rumors.’ Otherwise, I’ll be seen as someone who can’t even protect a Foundation Establishment woman. How do you think I should punish you?”

When Han Li asked with a sharp glint in his eyes, Mo Peiling’s lips trembled as she spoke in a trembling voice.

“No matter what punishment you give, Mo Peiling will not dare to resent you.”

“Since others will think of you as my concubine anyway, I’ll give you two choices. First, you will remain as a chamber maid in name only, but in reality, you will live as a servant for twenty years. You will come when I call and do as I say. Once the rumors die down, I will naturally grant you freedom. But a servant is a servant! Don’t even think about receiving any help or guidance in your cultivation.”

Disappointment flashed across Mo Peiling’s face, and she raised her head again.

“Then, what is the second option?”

“The second option is to turn the lie into reality. You will truly become my chamber maid and stay by my side for the rest of your life. I can’t be stingy with a woman who shares my bed, so I might even give you some guidance in your cultivation, depending on my mood.

However, you must know that if you become my chamber maid, I will place a restriction on your body. If you ever change your mind and betray me, it will only be a matter of time before my personal secrets reach the ears of others.”

“I…”

The woman, having heard the whole story, could only hesitate. The shadow on her face showed that she was struggling to choose between Han Li’s conditions.

Mo Peiling wasn’t too reluctant to become Han Li’s chamber maid.

“I know your arrogant nature. Even though I’m a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, I’m probably not the ideal husband you’ve dreamed of. But you’re not the ideal partner for me either, so it doesn’t matter. If you can go further on the path of cultivation under my protection, it wouldn’t be a bad choice.

Besides, you know that I’m not a violent or eccentric person. I’ll place a restriction on you, but you won’t suffer or face any hardships by my side. It’s not impossible for me to remove the restriction once I’m reassured. Or you can just be my servant for twenty years. It’ll pass in the blink of an eye anyway.”

With an indifferent expression, Han Li looked away from her face, showing that he didn’t care which choice she made.

Mo Peiling’s face was complex. It was too difficult to make a decision right now.

“Senior, could you give me two days to consider?”

“Very well. You can leave now and come back in two days.”

Han Li, who readily agreed, called for Yin Yue. Mo Peiling bowed and left the main hall, guided by Yin Yue.

Shortly after, Yin Yue returned with a gentle gait.

“Those two offers just now were really…”

Han Li noticed the wavering in her eyes and turned his gaze to her.

“Really what? Do you think I was too harsh? I’m fulfilling the woman’s wish while also getting a young and beautiful maid.”

“I don’t think you were too harsh. It’s just that the woman’s passion for cultivation is so strong that she can’t even swallow her pride. I’m just worried that no matter which choice Miss Mo makes, she might regret it.”

Han Li scanned Yin Yue’s alluring body and made an unexpected observation.

“Yin Yue, you seem quite interested in that woman.”

Yin Yue paused, then gave a wry smile.

“It’s not so much interest as it is that her personality feels familiar to me. It’s as if she resembles someone I was very close to in the past. That’s why I feel a slight fondness for her.”

Han Li nodded and didn’t ask further.

After that, Yin Yue didn’t mention Mo Peiling’s matter again and began to discuss the Azure Glacial Flame with Han Li. After all, that was Han Li’s biggest concern.

# 357