The voice made Han Li pause briefly, a hint of surprise stirring within him.
Below, the sea surface rippled with waves, and after a flash of white light, a figure slowly flew out from the water.
This person wore the white robes of the Heavenly Star Palace, with shoulder-length black hair and a jade-studded emerald headband around their forehead. They regarded Han Li with a composed expression.
But when Han Li saw the person's face clearly, he froze in astonishment.
The face was like white jade, with dark brows sweeping toward the temples, phoenix eyes and a refined nose, lips red and delicate — a person of extraordinary beauty. What left Han Li incredulous was that he simply could not tell whether this person was male or female.
If one said they were female, there was a lazy smile playing at the corners of their mouth, and every gesture radiated an easy elegance. If one said they were male, the features were far too lovely and pretty, and the hint of seductive charm between those brows would be absolutely lethal to any man.
"May I ask your honored name, friend? I am Ling Yuling, Outer Affairs Enforcer of the Heavenly Star Palace. Many thanks for your assistance!"
The voice was pleasant and melodic, yet perfectly neutral in tone. This only made Han Li frown slightly, muttering inwardly.
This person immediately reminded Han Li of Tian Buque from the Joyful Union Sect among the South Sky's demonic cultivators.
But upon further thought, the two seemed nothing alike.
That Tian Buque, though also exquisitely beautiful in appearance, had mannerisms and a voice that gave away his male identity at a glance.
Ling Yuling, on the other hand, though adopting entirely masculine gestures, carried an indescribable feminine grace beneath it all. Moreover, the voice was deep and magnetic — truly making it impossible to distinguish one way or the other.
"I am Han Li. It was a trifle, nothing more. Had they not insisted on pressing the matter, I would never have struck so ruthlessly." Despite his astonishment, Han Li's face betrayed not a shred of emotion.
"Regardless, I remain most grateful." Ling Yuling smiled radiantly, an inadvertent dash of charm flowing forth.
Han Li felt a chill run through him at the sight. Until he could determine whether this person was male or female, he intended to remain completely indifferent to those stunning looks.
"In such a hurry — might you be heading to Heavenly Star City? It should be under martial law by now, and entry will be very difficult. If you don't mind, I would be happy to escort you inside, in repayment for your rescue." Ling Yuling's smile faded, and with a turn of those bright eyes, they spoke in a perfectly serious tone.
These words surprised Han Li somewhat.
But on second thought, having this person escort him into the city was precisely the main reason he had eliminated those two cultivators from the Anti-Star Alliance. This way, it would demonstrate he had no connection to them whatsoever.
Now that the other party had offered on their own, he naturally would not refuse such a good opportunity. His expression shifting slightly, he replied at a leisurely pace: "My cave dwelling is in Heavenly Star City. This hurried journey is indeed to return there. If I truly cannot enter, then I would be much obliged to you, Fellow Daoist Ling."
"Of course. You destroyed those two without the slightest hesitation — naturally you need no further proof of your right to enter. The Heavenly Star Palace welcomes you most warmly! However, those pursuing you weren't limited to just those two. There are several others of considerable power still about. We should leave this place quickly." Upon hearing Han Li's words, Ling Yuling immediately broke into a beaming smile, eyes sparkling and glancing about with luminous charm.
This time Han Li said nothing, merely nodding slightly. The two transformed into streaks of azure and white light and flew toward Heavenly Star City.
Along the way, Han Li studied his companion with some curiosity.
Ling Yuling's white robes were somewhat loose-fitting, and from the outside revealed no distinguishing features whatsoever. But upon careful observation, Han Li noticed the person lacked an Adam's apple.
Still, this alone was far from conclusive. As he understood it, certain bizarre cultivation techniques could reverse yin and yang, altering physical characteristics between male and female. Perhaps this person practiced precisely such a technique?
Han Li found the thought rather peculiar.
As if sensing Han Li's gaze, this stunningly beautiful person flashed him a bewitching smile that left Han Li feeling awkward, and he involuntarily looked away.
"You possess two ancient treasures, Fellow Daoist — it seems you are a person of exceptional fortune. I wonder about the origins of that copper ring treasure. I've been fortunate enough to see several other ancient treasures before, but never one with such powers." Ling Yuling spoke casually while flying onward, bringing up the matter of Han Li's treasures in a seemingly offhand manner.
"Nothing remarkable — merely a bit more luck than most, that's all." Han Li naturally would not tell the truth, and deflected the question with an unchanged expression.