"No! It's just that your disciple bears a striking resemblance to an old friend I haven't seen in quite some time." The strange gleam in Fairy Nangong's eyes faded, replaced by her usual cool composure.
These words left a bitter taste in Han Li's mouth.
"Oh, what a coincidence then!" Li Huayuan said with a smile, glancing at Han Li once more. But Han Li's expression remained as calm as still water, betraying not the slightest hint of emotion.
The other cultivators exchanged glances. While all of them showed looks that suggested they understood perfectly well, how many actually believed a word of it — only the heavens knew!
Fairy Nangong knew her words were hardly convincing, but she offered no further explanation and simply drifted away. The remaining guests cast several meaningful looks at Han Li before taking their leave from Li Huayuan and his wife.
The smile on Li Huayuan's face gradually faded after all the guests had been seen off. He furrowed his brow slightly and turned to Han Li, speaking in a flat tone: "Come inside. I have something to ask you!"
Hearing this, Han Li groaned inwardly but could only agree. His master's young wife offered him a few words of gentle comfort before following them inside as well.
When Han Li entered the main hall, Li Huayuan was already seated in a chair, wearing a pensive expression. The young woman sat right beside him.
"You know Nangong Wan from the Crescent Moon Sect?" Li Huayuan asked bluntly as Han Li approached, cutting straight to the chase.
Han Li fell silent for a moment, weighing his options in a split second. He could tell that Nangong Wan's unusual behavior had been noticed by his master, and there was no way to brush it off. So he simply nodded and admitted: "This disciple did indeed have a brief encounter with Martial Aunt Nangong!"
Hearing Han Li admit it so readily took Li Huayuan slightly by surprise, and his expression softened noticeably.
"What happened? Would you tell us about it?" His wife asked, curiosity piqued by Han Li's words. Just moments ago, Nangong Wan had flatly denied knowing Han Li, yet this disciple of hers claimed otherwise — there was certainly a story there.
Li Huayuan nodded at his wife's question and looked at Han Li, clearly wanting to hear the details as well.
"Forgive me, Master, but this matter involves some of Martial Aunt Nangong's private affairs. I once promised never to speak of it to anyone. I hope Master and Mistress will understand!" Han Li had long prepared a perfectly noble-sounding excuse and delivered his refusal in the most tactful manner possible.
Hearing this, Li Huayuan and his wife were both quite taken aback. After exchanging a glance, it was Li Huayuan who, after a moment's deliberation, spoke slowly as though weighing each word: "Since you've already given your word, I naturally cannot ask you to break your promise. However, I must warn you — it would be best to keep your distance from Fairy Nangong! The people of the Crescent Moon Sect are skilled in charm techniques. I truly worry that you might fall victim to their arts without even realizing it. But seeing now that your mind is clear and your speech coherent, I'm somewhat reassured."
Han Li felt a wave of relief upon hearing this and quickly voiced his agreement.
Li Huayuan, seeing Han Li's respectful demeanor and earnest devotion to his teacher, felt the last traces of displeasure fade away. He even went on to offer cordial guidance on Han Li's cultivation issues. Han Li, naturally, listened with full concentration, not wanting to miss a single word.
After a while, Li Huayuan casually asked Han Li about his cultivation experiences and insights, and seemed quite satisfied with the answers. Then he suddenly said something unexpected.
"Han Li, I have a personal matter I'd like you to handle for me. Would you be willing?"
"A personal matter?"
Han Li was momentarily startled, but he immediately agreed without hesitation: "If Master has a task, please give the order. This disciple will do his utmost!"
Li Huayuan was well pleased by Han Li's unhesitating attitude. He stood up, paced a few steps around the room, then said in a solemn voice: "It's nothing particularly dangerous! I simply want you to serve as a bodyguard for a while — help me protect a certain family!"
"A bodyguard? Protecting someone?" Han Li was somewhat taken aback, but he calmly awaited Li Huayuan's next words.