When Han Li entered the pavilion, Mu Peiling was meditating in the first-floor hall. The moment she saw him come in, she rose with bright, sparkling eyes and greeted him with a curtsy, her graceful and slender figure on full display.
Han Li waved his hand to let her rise and said:
"In the future, when I'm not here, you don't need to wait for me. During the trade fair, it's not convenient for me to be seen with you. You're free to go about your business. Here is a pair of Spirit Heart Pendants — wear one on your person. If you encounter anything urgent or dangerous, just infuse it with spiritual power. It will not only create a protective spiritual barrier, but I'll also sense it from within a thousand li."
With that, Han Li produced a pair of azure jade pendants and handed one to her.
"Young Master is too generous!"
Mu Peiling was momentarily stunned, then a faint blush swept across her porcelain-like face as she answered in a soft voice. She accepted the pendant and hung it at her waist.
After instructing Mu Peiling to return to her room and rest, Han Li made his way to the second floor.
The woman watched his retreating figure as he headed upstairs, lowered her head, and fiddled with the pendant at her waist, a complicated expression crossing her face.
On the second floor, Han Li casually chose a bedroom and sat cross-legged on the bed with his eyes closed, meditating.
But after resting for a little over two hours, he opened his eyes again. He turned to glance at the night sky outside the window and murmured to himself:
"It's about time. I should go visit that person."
With that, he got out of bed and left the bedroom.
He slipped out of the pavilion without a sound and headed straight for a familiar place in Tiantian City.
Before long, Han Li appeared in front of the very building he had visited earlier that day.
He looked up at the plaque above the door bearing the three golden characters "Crystal Dragon Pavilion," stroked his chin, peered into the pitch-dark interior, and then walked in without hesitation.
"Welcome back, Fellow Daoist! I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Han to be so punctual — you've arrived at exactly the agreed time." As soon as Han Li stepped inside, the entire room blazed to life with light. Perfected Tianjing was sitting behind the long table, watching him with a smile, just as he had during the day.
"Since it was I who invited the Perfected One, how could I possibly be late. But judging by your appearance, it seems you've been waiting for some time — I'm truly humbled!" Han Li replied calmly. He then swept one hand backward, and an invisible force gently pushed the pavilion's front door shut on its own.
Perfected Tianjing gave a soft laugh at this and said:
"When you left today, Fellow Daoist, you suddenly sent a voice transmission saying you still had Soul Stones. I wonder if that was true or false?" After asking this, the old Daoist narrowed his eyes, appearing somewhat skeptical.
Han Li didn't reply right away. He patted his storage pouch with one hand, flipped his palm, and produced a crystal the same size as the Soul Stone from earlier — glowing with green luminescence and emanating astonishing yin energy.
He looked at the old Daoist without saying a word.
"What Fellow Daoist said is indeed true. I wonder how many more Soul Stones of this quality you have, Brother Han. I'm willing to trade for every last one. Spirit stones? Materials? Just name your price!" Upon seeing that Han Li truly possessed Soul Stones of such quality, a look of excitement spread across Perfected Tianjing's face as he spoke with barely contained eagerness.
"There's no need to be so hasty, Fellow Daoist Tianjing. I naturally intend to trade with you — that's why I've brought out the Soul Stone. But before that, I need to ask you two questions. As long as your answers satisfy me, consider this Soul Stone a gift." Han Li said unhurriedly, then tossed the Soul Stone to the other party without so much as a change in expression.
Perfected Tianjing caught the Soul Stone in surprise, examined the item in his hand, and a look of astonishment crossed his face. After a long silence, he let out a deep sigh and said:
"Fellow Daoist is truly generous! It seems your questions will certainly not be simple. But as long as they are things I can answer, I will absolutely ensure Fellow Daoist Han is satisfied." With that, Perfected Tianjing carefully tucked away the Soul Stone, his expression returning to its former composure.