"So Fellow Daoist Bao already has a plan. In that case, venturing into that Realm of First Seal once more should carry a fair chance of success. But I'm curious — at this gathering, apart from people from our two worlds, how many helpers from other realms will be able to arrive?" The bald, brawly man's eyes shifted back and forth before he abruptly posed the question.
"So far, aside from the Black Flame Realm, every realm bordering our Sacred Realm has dispatched fresh reinforcements. The numbers can't compare to the first wave, but they still add up to over forty in total. The most powerful of them all — the Heavenly Crow Realm — sent nine Mahayana cultivators in one go, and the legendary Elder Bronze Crow himself has personally descended into our realm." Xie Lian replied with a light laugh.
"Elder Bronze Crow — could it be the famous Bronze Crow, one of the Four Avians? Why would he come here in person?" The bald man drew a sharp breath upon hearing the name.
"It seems Brother Jin has heard of the old man's reputation. That's hardly surprising — Fellow Daoist Bronze Crow's renown across the various realms surpasses even that of our Sacred Realm's three great progenitors. It would be stranger if you hadn't. As for why he chose to come in person, it's said that among the powerful figures from other realms who previously became trapped in the Realm of First Seal, one was a direct descendant he treasured above all others. That's why he had no choice but to make the journey himself." A faint trace of mockery flickered across Xie Lian's expression.
"For someone at Elder Bronze Crow's level to risk his life over a mere junior descendant — that really is rather unexpected." The bald man scratched his shiny head and let out a sigh of amazement.
"It's said that Elder Bronze Crow has only this one direct descendant. He poured untold effort and rare materials into pushing the young one all the way to the Mahayana stage. Naturally, he can't simply sit idle while that person is in danger." This time, Xie Lian's tone was flat and matter-of-fact.
"That does make sense, when you think about it. If I, Jin, had a Mahayana descendant of my own, I'd certainly place immense importance on them too." The bald man blinked, then burst into hearty laughter.
"Now that Fellow Daoist Xie Lian has laid everything out so clearly, Crab and I will most certainly attend the gathering. When the time comes, please do notify us." Han Li had been silently mulling things over for a while before he finally let out a long breath and spoke.
"Of course. Once the departure date is set, I will personally send a letter to the three of you." Xie Lian agreed without a moment's hesitation.
"Then we won't impose on you any further. I'll take my leave first." Han Li nodded and rose to his feet without any hesitation.
Daoist Crab and Silver Moon followed suit, falling into step behind Han Li as though he were their unquestioned leader.
"Why the rush, Brother Han? My Chaotian Peak boasts several rare spirit fruits — why not sample them before you leave?" The woman in palace robes asked with a smile.
"There's no need. There will always be opportunities to taste spirit fruits in the future." Han Li chuckled lightly, gave a slight cupped-fist salute, then flicked his sleeve. A swath of golden radiance billowed forth and swept all three of them up, transforming in the next instant into a golden streak that shot through the air. With a single flash, they vanished beyond the hall's doorway.
Xie Lian did not attempt to call them back, but her slender brows knitted together ever so slightly.
"Ha ha! It seems this Fellow Daoist Han isn't particularly eager to cultivate a relationship with you, Holy Sovereign of the Demon Realm. Can't say I blame him — your Demon Realm and the Spirit Realm just fought a massive war not long ago. A grudge like that doesn't dissolve so easily!" The bald man laughed loudly.
"The relationship between the Sacred Realm and the Spirit Realm is hardly something for Fellow Daoist Jin to pry into. In any case, Han Li has agreed to attend the gathering. What are your intentions, Brother Jin?" Xie Lian's expression cooled slightly as she asked.
"What's there to ask? Naturally I'll be joining as well. However, the two of us have no interest in sleeping under the open sky, so I'm afraid we'll need to impose on your hospitality for a while longer." The bald man gave a boisterous laugh and spoke without the slightest hesitation.
"Very well. Since the two of you are willing to go together, that's for the best. As for staying, there is absolutely no problem at all. It would be my honor if the two of you would consent to reside in this humble abode for a time." Xie Lian finally allowed a trace of a smile to return.
The bald man and his companion both looked visibly satisfied.
At that moment, several women in palace robes entered through the hall's doorway, carrying trays of spirit fruits and pots of fragrant spirit tea…
Meanwhile, Han Li's party was hurtling through the sky at high speed.
Before long, the three of them descended into a secluded valley nestled within the Myriad Mountains range.
Han Li raised his hand and released several giant ape puppets, then carved out a temporary cave dwelling into the sheer cliff face on one side of the valley.
The moment the three of them stepped inside, each retired to a separate private chamber to sit in quiet meditation and rest.
Before attending the gathering of Holy Sovereigns and powerful figures from other realms, there was nothing further they needed to discuss regarding their next course of action.
Silver Moon, of course, could not entirely suppress her worry for the Ancestor of the Azure Sky.
But once she learned that everyone was merely trapped within the Realm of First Seal and in no immediate mortal danger, she felt a measure of relief.
A month was but a blink of an eye for cultivators of Han Li's caliber.
On this particular day, Han Li was sitting quietly in his chamber with eyes closed, tending to his spirit, when his expression shifted. His arm moved in a flash, and he grabbed at the empty air before him.
A soft *pop*!
A translucent white jade slip materialized in his grasp, having been plucked from thin air.
Without a word, he placed the slip between his palms and gave them a gentle rub.
The jade slip instantly shattered, and a burst of green flame erupted from within.
"Brother Han, the time has come. Please make your way to Chaotian Peak. I will be departing today." Xie Lian's calm voice emanated from within the green light, as though the woman herself stood right before him.