Bachelor [EN]: Chapter 532

Han Li’s face contorted, taking on a strange blue hue, and his eyes turned chillingly cold.

Seeing this, Gal Tianhu, the Celestial Maiden Tian Lan, and the other four cultivators immediately went on high alert, their inner magic treasures seeming ready to burst forth at any moment.

However, Han Li, as if remembering something, unexpectedly dispersed the blue energy and spoke coldly,

“If I recall correctly, the Jinxiu Market strictly prohibits fighting among cultivators. Violating this rule results in a pursuit order from the three major Daoist sects and Buddhist schools that oversee the market. Do you wish to be chased by fellow cultivators? Or do you believe that with the backing of the Yin Fiend Sect, you can disregard the Daoist and Buddhist sects?”

“I’d like to see who dares to disregard our Daoist and Buddhist lineages. This humble monk is called Wu Bi, and it would be good to become acquainted.”

No sooner had Han Li finished speaking than a powerful voice echoed from afar. Following this, streaks of silver and gold light flew from another pavilion in the alley, landing in front of the group. They were a Daoist and a Buddhist monk.

“Who could it be but the people of the Yin Fiend Sect? How dare you break the rules here and try to start a fight?”

The speaker was a Daoist with a shiny, gray-white head of hair. He glared at them, looking as if he could lose his temper at any moment.

The other figure was a middle-aged monk with a haggard face and a snub nose. He remained silent, but his displeasure was evident. He coldly stared at the Yin Fiend Sect cultivators, then noticed Han Li and the Celestial Maiden Tian Lan, looking puzzled.

It was rare to see two unfamiliar Nascent Soul Stage cultivators in the Great Jin.

“We only have some business to settle with that cultivator. Don’t bother meddling in other people’s affairs,” Gal Tianhu retorted coldly, recognizing the old Daoist.

“No matter what you do, you cannot break the rules here. If you intend to fight, you should leave this place immediately. If you break the rules, don’t blame this humble monk for whatever happens.”

“Wu Bi, then join us after we’ve started fighting. I’ve been curious about the divine abilities of the Jinge Sect anyway.”

Gal Tianhu’s tone became harsh, clearly irritated.

“Fellow cultivator Gal, there’s no need to be so agitated. As long as you don’t use your magic power to fight, we won’t interfere. However, these two benefactors look unfamiliar. Could you please tell me your names?”

The haggard monk rolled his eyes.

“I am Ren Yinbing of Tian Lan. I am actually searching for an enemy of the Tian Lan Sacred Hall, and I only wanted to check that cultivator’s bundle to confirm his identity. If he is not the one I seek, I will apologize and let him go.”

The Celestial Maiden Tian Lan, Ren Yinbing, turned her head to look at Han Li.

“What a joke! What do you take me for? Why should I prove my identity to you?”

“Whether the cultivator wants to or not, the person I seek is an irreconcilable enemy of the Tian Lan Sacred Hall. I cannot let him go without confirming his identity.”

“Celestial Maiden Tian Lan, are you not the Celestial Maiden of the Moran Grasslands?” the old Daoist asked, and the haggard monk also looked surprised upon hearing this.

“Yes, I have the honor of holding the position of Celestial Maiden.”

“The Daoist Xu of Tian Lan is exceptionally talented, reaching the Nascent Soul Middle Stage in less than four hundred years, isn’t it? This humble monk has met him a few times. Is he still doing well?”

Wu Bi’s expression softened.

“Daoist Xu is doing very well. He reached the Nascent Soul Late Stage a few decades ago and is now one of the Great Immortals of the Tuoluo Tribe.”

Ren Yinbing felt relieved inside, hearing the Daoist speak as if he were acquainted with one of the Great Immortals of the Moran Grasslands.

“As this humble monk expected. To reach such a high level of cultivation at such a young age, Daoist Xu’s future is promising,” the old Daoist said with genuine admiration. Han Li, seeing the situation taking an odd turn, quickly racked his brain. Surrounded by so many Nascent Soul cultivators, he would likely have to use the Blood Shadow Escape [a powerful escape technique] again to flee.

As he hesitated, the Great Yan Divine Monarch suddenly sent him a telepathic message. Han Li raised an eyebrow for a moment, listening to his words, and then regained his composure.

At that moment, the old Daoist, having heard the news about Daoist Xu, turned his gaze to Han Li.

“Fellow cultivator, your cultivation is also extraordinary. Could you tell me where you are from and who you are? Perhaps I could mediate.”

“It’s the first time I’ve heard that one must reveal their identity in the Jinxiu Market. If there were such a rule, I would have followed it, but if not, I see no need to do so,” Han Li replied coldly. The old Daoist’s face hardened at Han Li’s cold response, but he had nothing to say. Then, the monk beside him chuckled and stepped forward.

“Of course, there is no such rule. Fellow cultivator Wu was only trying to resolve a misunderstanding. If you don’t want to reveal your identity, so be it. However, we will only stop fights within this area; what happens elsewhere is beyond our jurisdiction. If you are surrounded by four Nascent Soul cultivators then…”

The monk smiled, subtly threatening him. Han Li sneered, but seeing the looks in Gal Tianhu and the Celestial Maiden Tian Lan’s eyes, he knew they wouldn’t let him go easily.

After a moment of thought, Han Li stared at Ren Yinbing and opened his mouth.

“You only need to check the contents of my bundle, right? But if I am not the person you think I am, a simple apology won’t suffice. How do you plan to resolve the resentment in my heart?”

“What are you saying? Are you threatening us?” Gal Tianhu asked coldly.

“You’re holding me here for no reason and forcing me to open my bundle! How do you think I’ll react after suffering such humiliation? I’m confident in my escape techniques, and I can assure you that I can escape even if all four of you attack at once. If that happens, you’ll see what I’ll do to the Yin Fiend Sect and you all, by any means necessary. I’m a lone wanderer, so I’m not afraid of retaliation.”

Han Li’s strong stance changed the expressions of Gal Tianhu, the Celestial Maiden Tian Lan, and the other cultivators. Wu Bi and the middle-aged monk also felt a chill in their hearts.

Judging by his words, he seemed to be a rogue cultivator at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, and if he was the type to seek revenge for even the smallest things, he was the last type of person they wanted to get involved with.

With their cultivation, they could randomly attack the lower-level disciples of any sect, and there would be no way to stop them. Especially if they had mastered unique divine abilities and escape techniques, even a Nascent Soul Late Stage cultivator would be unable to stop them from fleeing.

Therefore, even the major sects tried to recruit or avoid antagonizing cultivators at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage or higher. It was better to kill such a person on the spot than to incur their wrath.

If he wasn’t the person they were looking for, it would become a huge headache. Gal Tianhu glanced at the Celestial Maiden Tian Lan.

Ren Yinbing also frowned, looking troubled. If the other party really sought revenge, the Tian Lan Grasslands would be making an enemy for no reason.

“There’s no need to be so agitated over such a small matter. We only wish to see the contents of the cultivator’s bundle. How about this? If I have misunderstood, please suggest a suitable condition for compensation. What do you say?” Ren Yinbing blinked her eyes and gave a beautiful smile.

The Celestial Maiden Tian Lan also had no desire to make an enemy of a high-level cultivator over a mere misunderstanding.

“A condition…”

Han Li coldly scanned the woman’s body, then thought about something with a blank expression.

“If you wish, I can express my apologies with spirit stones [currency used by cultivators].”

“Spirit stones are unnecessary,” Han Li said with a sneer, waving his hand. The bundle on his back flew forward. Everyone was surprised by his sudden action, and their eyes focused on the bundle. Han Li immediately ripped off the wrapping.

A clear sound rang out, and a long, golden sword appeared, radiating a brilliant light. Although the blade was hidden in its scabbard, the dazzling light of spiritual energy and the humming sound made it clear that it was an extremely precious treasure.

It was no wonder he was so angry at the demand to forcibly open his bundle and show its contents. Anyone would be furious if they were forced to reveal their cherished treasures.

Ren Yinbing, still suspicious, released her consciousness to examine the long sword in detail. Only then did she finally dispel her doubts.

Gal Tianhu and the other Yin Fiend Sect cultivators also wore awkward expressions upon seeing the treasure in the bundle. It seemed they had needlessly provoked a high-level cultivator of their own rank. It was fortunate that it didn’t escalate into a fight; otherwise, they would have incurred a grudge by attacking rashly.

The Daoist and the monk smiled silently, taking the attitude that it was none of their business.

“It seems we have truly misunderstood the cultivator. It was my fault. Please, name anything,” the Celestial Maiden Tian Lan said with a sigh, sounding disappointed as she apologized.

“I don’t lack spirit stones, so let’s do this. I like the jade pendant you have. Would you give it to me?” Han Li said, glancing at the jade pendant on the Celestial Maiden Tian Lan’s waist.

“This jade pendant?” Ren Yinbing asked, surprised, looking down at the turquoise jade pendant with a butterfly pattern.

It was an item she always carried with her, so it was not ordinary, but it was a magic tool that cleared the mind. It was not something a Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator would covet, let alone a Foundation Establishment or Core Formation cultivator.

She had only kept it with her because it was beautifully crafted and she had carried it for a long time, but she was puzzled that the other party unexpectedly asked for it. Ren Yinbing hesitated.

“Why? Is it too precious? Then let’s change it to something else. That hairpin in your hair is quite…”

Han Li said, his eyes gleaming, casually trying to change what he wanted.

“It’s just a magic tool, so it’s not precious. It’s just that I’ve had it for a long time, so I’ve grown attached to it. I’ll give it to you, cultivator,” Ren Yinbing said, immediately throwing the jade pendant to Han Li.

Han Li caught the jade pendant with one hand, feeling the warmth that still lingered, and nodded. He flipped his palm, and the jade pendant disappeared into his storage pouch.

Then, he retrieved the long golden sword, wrapped it back in the bundle, and turned around without a word.

Watching Han Li walk towards the market entrance, the other cultivators exchanged glances. Then, as if remembering something, Ren Yinbing spoke again.

“Um… now that I think about it, I still don’t know the cultivator’s name. Could you tell me?”

“I am a cultivator from across the sea, Lyu Biwu!” Han Li said, not stopping his steps as he walked further away.

“Lyu Biwu? Brother Gal, have you ever heard of such a cultivator? To remain so calm when surrounded by so many cultivators of the same rank, he must be quite capable,” Ren Yinbing said, looking at Han Li’s back. No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t completely dismiss her suspicions about the contents of his bundle.

“Cultivators from across the sea are also part of the Great Jin cultivation world, but they don’t interact much with inland cultivators, and they rarely appear inland. Moreover, the cultivation levels of cultivators vary greatly, and there are many rogue cultivators and small and large forces, so it’s difficult to know the details unless you’re from that region. Of course, there are exceptions for powerful figures like the famous Three Immortals of the Outer Seas,” Gal Tianhu explained to the woman, looking troubled. The Celestial Maiden Tian Lan frowned at his words. It was even more difficult to find out more about the cultivator who called himself Lyu Biwu.

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