Early in the evening, inside the Qin family's main hall, Qin Yan paced back and forth ceaselessly, his face etched with anxiety.
That morning, a servant sent to bring Han Li his meal had reported that Han Li was unexpectedly not in his room, having apparently not returned all night.
This news made the Qin family head worry greatly—not so much for Han Li's safety, but because he feared the young protector might have left without a word. How would the Qin family then defend themselves against the demon path's harassment?
"Qin Ping, go check again if Young Master Han has returned. Report back immediately with any news!" Qin Yan instructed, his tone somewhat frantic.
"Yes, Master." Qin Ping replied respectfully, secretly pleased. Then he darted out of the hall like a gust of wind.
In his view, the more Master Qin cared about Young Master Han, the more it proved he had attached himself to the right patron. It seemed his rise within the Qin estate was just around the corner.
"Why must you be so anxious, Master? It's perfectly normal for a young man to go out and about occasionally. There's no need to get so worked up!" Madam Qin, the Third Madam and Qin Yan's favorite, was also in the hall. While her words ostensibly defended Han Li, the sour tone in her voice was unmistakable.
This was hardly surprising. Ever since Han Li arrived at the Qin estate, the Qin family head had kept the young man constantly by his side, while no longer mentioning or supporting the young masters and young ladies of the Qin family whom he previously doted on. This included the Third Madam's own children. Now, she couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy.
"Hmph, what would a woman know?" Qin Yan obviously caught the meaning behind the Third Madam's words, but his mind was occupied with the life and death of his entire family. He had no patience for such petty jealousy. He shot her a glare and ignored her further.
Qin Yan's attitude naturally made the Third Madam feel even more aggrieved. However, she knew her husband detested women making a scene. She had to swallow her resentment and say nothing more, though her anger toward Han Li only increased.
After some time, Qin Ping suddenly ran back in with a look of joy on his face. As soon as he entered the room, he shouted loudly: "Master, Young Master Han has returned! And he brought several guests back with him. Young Master Han hopes you can arrange for these people to stay somewhere near his residence."
Hearing this, Qin Yan finally felt his suspended heart settle back into his chest. As long as this great expert hadn't left without saying goodbye, let alone bringing a few friends—even if he'd brought a dozen or several dozen people back, he wouldn't have a single complaint.
"Since Young Master Han has said so, let them stay in the nearby Qingyin Courtyard. Be sure not to be remiss in entertaining Young Master Han's guests," Qin Yan said without hesitation. This made the Third Madam's expression turn even uglier.
"Yes, Master, I'll see to it right away!" Qin Ping dashed out again in a flurry of activity, looking full of vigor.
"Master, isn't this a bit improper? Our Qin estate is large and influential. Letting several strangers suddenly move in... isn't that too rash?" the Third Madam couldn't help but voice her concerns carefully.
This time her words weren't entirely directed at Han Li; she genuinely felt a bit uneasy.
Qin Yan was slightly taken aback hearing this, but after a moment's hesitation, he waved his hand dismissively.
"There's no issue. Young Master Han's friends will be perfectly fine."
Hearing Qin Yan speak of Han Li with such doting indulgence, the Third Madam was left completely speechless.
...
At that moment, Han Li was sitting in a chair within his residence, with five other people seated before him. They were the Five Friends of Mengshan.
The young man among them was speaking at length about something, while the others occasionally added a sentence or two. Han Li wore a thoughtful expression.
On the desolate outskirts of the capital of the Yue Kingdom, relying on his powerful spiritual sense, Han Li had indeed successfully erased the blood curses from the previous four people. Afterward, he led them to infiltrate the place of the sole remaining person, a middle-aged woman.
Surprisingly, they extracted her with complete ease, without the slightest difficulty.
Though slightly surprised, Han Li also removed the blood curse from her and brought all of them back to the Qin estate.
Actually, it wouldn't have been impossible for these people to find lodging elsewhere, but Han Li was a bit uneasy about letting them out of his sight.
Without him watching over them, he dared not guarantee that the Five Friends of Mengshan would truly behave and stand united against their powerful enemy, even though he had rendered them the favor of breaking their curses.