Although Han Li still did not know the exact origins of the Blood Demon Sword, now that he was aware of its dangerous backlash of demonic Qi, he naturally did not want Nangong Wan to use this most perilous demonic artifact. Without any further hesitation, he accepted it.
As for the remaining items, there were still several ancient treasures like the Condensation Light Mirror. However, it was clear that Nangong Wan did not intend to take them, leaving some face for her senior sister.
After all, the Condensation Light Mirror ancient treasure had been with the cold woman for many years, and many people in the cultivation world knew of it. If the two of them took it away, it would likely bring no small amount of trouble.
At this moment, Nangong Wan placed the restriction token between her palms and gently rubbed it together. A flash of red light was followed by the emission of ink-black Qi. Then, her palms separated, and the token had already disintegrated into nothing.
"Alright. The Mind-Entrapping Technique is finally removed. However, before we leave, I will leave a few words for Senior Sister." With the restrictions completely lifted, Nangong Wan said with a bright smile, her mood greatly improved.
Han Li naturally had no objection whatsoever.
Nangong Wan then took out a white jade slip from her person and, with a light movement, pressed it to her forehead.
Light flickered across the jade slip as Nangong Wan immersed her spiritual sense within it, using it to inscribe some words.
After a full quarter of an hour, the woman removed the jade slip from her forehead and placed it together with the items on the ground, storing them back into the storage pouch. She then fastened the storage pouch to the cold woman's waist.
"Let us go. Senior Sister was covered by my Samsara Divine Light for so long. Without a day and a night, she will not wake up." Nangong Wan smiled at Han Li, a hint of bashfulness in her expression.
Seeing the woman's gentle demeanor, Han Li's heart skipped a beat. He reached out and grasped her slender hand. Combining their magical power, they transformed into a streak of rainbow light and shot out of the great hall.
……
"Why should I go to the Falling Cloud Sect first alone? What does this mean?" Atop an unnamed small mountain on the border of the Northern Cool Country, Nangong Wan stood beneath an ancient tree, her delicate brows furrowed.
"My handmaiden and Senior Brother Lu of the Falling Cloud Sect, for some reason, are still lingering in Tiantian City and have not left. However, I estimate it's most likely related to the invasion of the Matsuda clan. Both of them have some connection to me, and we came out together. I cannot simply leave them behind and return on my own without looking in on them first," Han Li said slowly, standing shoulder to shoulder with Nangong Wan, inhaling the subtle fragrance close at hand.
"In that case, I'll go with you. Why must I leave alone?" Nangong Wan shot Han Li a reproachful glance, a trace of dissatisfaction in her tone.
"Wan'er, you are a Nascent Soul cultivator of the Masked Moon Sect. Within the Nine Nations Alliance, there are surely many high-ranking cultivators who recognize you. Although I have already taught you the 'Shape Transformation Technique,' this secret art might still be seen through by cultivators whose cultivation is deeper than yours. It would be better for you to return to the Falling Cloud Sect first," Han Li explained with a smile.
"But, now that you have offended our Masked Moon Sect and the Intent Transformation Gate, going back to Tiantian City makes me truly worried," Nangong Wan wrinkled her pretty nose slightly, a look of concern appearing.
"Rest easy! You've seen my abilities yourself. In the Tian Nan region, there may be many whose cultivation far surpasses mine, but those who can trap and kill me should only number a scant few. Furthermore, as an Elder of the Falling Cloud Sect, with the Matsuda clan currently invading, the Nine Nations Alliance is on the front lines. They would not dare cause unnecessary trouble. Moreover, I expect your senior sister will follow the plan for escape you described in the jade slip. Otherwise, it would be difficult for her to explain herself to Wei Wuya. If that's the case, there is even less to worry about," Han Li said with a light chuckle.
"Since you are so determined to go, I won't stop you. But you must take extra care. However, for the sake of safety, take this treasure for your protection." Seeing that Han Li's mind was set, Nangong Wan did not say anything more. Instead, she reached to her waist and her hand produced a gossamer-like silk handkerchief, which she handed over calmly.
"What is this?" Han Li sensed an unusual spiritual energy emanating from the handkerchief and asked with curiosity.
"This is an unknown ancient treasure I obtained by chance while traveling some years ago. It is very convenient to use; it can automatically activate for defense with but a single thought. Since you might encounter danger on this journey, you should carry it with you. That will put my mind more at ease," Nangong Wan explained gently, like a devoted wife.
Han Li fell silent, his gaze fixed on Nangong Wan's clear, bright eyes for a long while, until the woman's cheeks flushed a faint red. Only then did he smile and teasingly accept the item, carefully putting it away.
Seeing this, a faint smile appeared on Nangong Wan's face. But suddenly, as if remembering something, she produced a crimson-glowing jade pendant from her sleeve, her fragrant lips parting:
"This Fire Warding Jade is a keepsake I often carry. Although I don't like to be entangled by worldly matters, in the past I did impulsively accept a few In-Name Disciples. They became my disciples, but they are not disciples of the Masked Moon Sect. Currently, two of them run shops in that Tiantian City. If you truly need manpower, you can show them this item, and they will follow your instructions."
After speaking, Nangong Wan softly whispered two or three names.
A touch of warmth welled up in Han Li's heart, and a look of tenderness appeared on his face as he silently committed the names to memory.
The feeling of being genuinely cared for... it seemed he had not experienced it in a very long time.
……
One month later, Han Li appeared alone in the skies over the wilderness outside Tiantian City.