"How would this junior dare to have such thoughts? Senior's attempt to break through the Body Integration bottleneck is of paramount importance; it's only natural to be cautious," the young woman said with a graceful smile.
"When this old man broke through my own Body Integration bottleneck all those years ago, I also chose an extremely remote location. My thinking was quite similar to Fellow Daoist Han's," the blue-robed elder said, also chuckling.
Upon hearing this, Han Li naturally offered a smile in return.
After that, the three of them dropped the subject and shifted their conversation to other matters.
Han Li's experience of having roamed the two continents alone in his early days was vast, his worldly knowledge deep beyond measure.
As for the elder and the young woman, one was the master of a True Spirit clan, the other a cultivator who had advanced to the Body Integration stage many years ago; their insights and experiences were naturally extraordinary as well.
After an extended conversation, the three found themselves surprisingly enjoying each other's company. Both the elder and the young woman felt they had gained significant new perspectives.
"Fellow Daoist Han, based on what you've just said, you seem remarkably well-informed about other races. Much of it isn't recorded in our human race's texts, and you even mentioned events from other continents. Could it be that Fellow Daoist has traveled to other continents?" the elder could no longer contain his curiosity and asked directly.
"Fellow Daoist Qi has a sharp eye! This one has indeed just returned from wandering in the Wilderness. As for the other continents, I was fortunate enough to visit one as well," Han Li replied frankly, without any intention of hiding the truth.
However, the blue-robed elder and the young woman couldn't help but draw sharp breaths.
Fairy Xiaofeng was silent for a moment before speaking, a touch of hesitation in her voice.
"No wonder, with Senior's cultivation and abilities, this junior had never heard of you before. It turns out Senior has been cultivating abroad all this time and only recently returned to our race. However, I recall Elder Yun mentioning that you spoke of the Ye and Long clans, who are also True Spirit clans. That reminds me of something, though I'm unsure if I should mention it."
"Oh? What matter is it? Please speak freely, Fellow Daoist," Han Li said, his expression unchanged.
"Since Senior says so, then this junior will speak candidly. To be honest, after Elder Yun told me about Senior, I became quite interested and used some of my connections to investigate individuals sharing your name. Although the time was short and I didn't find much, I did obtain some basic information. One entry mentions a 'Han Li' who served as a Azure Moon Guard at Sky Harbor City several hundred years ago. Might that be you, Senior?" Fairy Xiaofeng asked in a slow, measured tone.
The blue-robed elder looked somewhat surprised upon hearing this. Both the fact that Han Li had once been a member of Sky Harbor City, and the idea that a mere Azure Moon Guard could become a Body Integration stage cultivator in just a few short centuries, greatly astonished this Elder of Sky Harbor City.
"Hehe, the reputation of the True Spirit clans is indeed formidable. In less than a year, you've uncovered my background. Yes, this one was indeed a Azure Moon Guard at Sky Harbor City. However, after completing a mission back then, I regained my freedom and left the city," Han Li's expression flickered slightly, but he quickly composed himself and replied.
"In that case, the person being sought by both the Long and Ye clans is also you, Senior Han?" the young woman's expression grew somewhat peculiar.
"The Ye clan? The Long clan? Have they been looking for me?" Han Li narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone turning somewhat somber.
"The Ye clan searched for you for over a century before giving up. As for the Long clan, known as the premier True Spirit clan, they apparently never formally rescinded their search order. Over the years, relations between the Ye and Long clans have soured. While it hasn't yet led to all-out warfare, friction has occurred between them on occasion. It so happens that this deterioration began after the two clans started searching for you, Senior," the young woman said meaningfully.
Han Li furrowed his brow, not responding immediately, and instead fell into contemplation.
"You once served as an Azure Moon Guard at Sky Harbor City? That's somewhat unexpected. However, this works out well, as I can be direct. The true purpose of this old man's visit—I imagine Fellow Daoist Han has already guessed a few parts of it?" the blue-robed elder cleared his throat and spoke up at this moment.
"Mmm. Does Brother Qi mean to invite me to rejoin Sky Harbor City?" Han Li raised an eyebrow slightly and replied calmly.
"Correct. This old man is indeed here representing the Elder Council to formally invite you to join our city. Of course, with your Body Integration stage cultivation, you would immediately become a member of the Elder Council upon joining. As for the subsequent treatment and benefits, since Fellow Daoist Han has stayed at Sky Harbor City before, you should be well aware of them. There's no need for this old man to elaborate further," Elder Qi Xubing said solemnly.
"Well, this..."