Chapter 1209: Volume 7: Across the Human World Chapter 1204: The Battle of Star Palace (Part 5)

The azure light screen radiated brilliantly, and a bizarre circular tunnel, about one zhang in diameter, suddenly appeared in the middle.

Han Li cast a calm look at it, transformed into a streak of cyan light, and entered through the tunnel. After a few flickers, he appeared within the restrictive formation.

The light screen trembled once more, and the tunnel vanished without a trace.

“Fellow Daoist Han, you’ve finally arrived.” As the cyan streak of light flashed at the city gate and Han Li’s figure mysteriously appeared, Ling Yuling, dressed in a woman’s gown, pursed her crimson lips and revealed a joyful smile.

“Since Celestial Ling has invited me with the Ten Thousand Miles Talisman, how could I break my promise and not come?” Han Li responded with a faint smile.

“I am deeply grateful for your great assistance, Fellow Daoist Han. With you here, those clowns of the Starfall Coalition pose little threat. However, this is not the place for conversation. Fellow Daoist, please follow me to the Sage Mountain. Elder Sun, go and summon all elders of the palace who are not on duty to gather at the Holy Temple. I have important matters to discuss.” Ling Yuling invited Han Li while simultaneously instructing the nearby yellow-robed cultivator.

“Yes, Palace Master!”

The yellow-robed cultivator, who was at the early Nascent Soul stage, had been scrutinizing Han Li since his sudden appearance. Upon sweeping Han Li with his spiritual sense, he found that Han Li’s mana was immeasurable, and he was completely unable to perceive Han Li’s realm. This shocked him deeply and filled his demeanor with awe. Upon hearing Ling Yuling’s orders, he immediately clasped his hands in acknowledgment and took out a stack of Sound Transmission Talismans from his robe to start notifying the Star Palace elders.

At this moment, Han Li turned his gaze towards the white-haired elder nearby and said courteously yet calmly, “So many years have passed, Fellow Daoist Zhao, and you not only remain as spirited as ever but have also substantially improved your cultivation. Such a development is truly gratifying!”

It turned out that the white-haired elder was none other than Zhao, the elder who had once suggested dual cultivation on Silver Shark Island. In just over a hundred years, this elder had progressed, like Ling Yuling, to the mid Nascent Soul stage.

“Haha, I wouldn’t have been able to advance to such a realm with just my own abilities. It was only thanks to the immense aid of the two former Palace Masters that this old man could further improve his cultivation,” Elder Zhao answered with a bitter smile, seemingly hinting at some deeper untold circumstances.

“Oh, I see!” Han Li’s eyes flickered briefly, a thoughtful expression emerging on his face.

“To think that Elder Zhao and Fellow Daoist Han are acquaintances–this makes it all the better. Let’s head to the Holy Temple first; we can chat in detail there.” Ling Yuling smiled lightly, her lips curling slightly.

Han Li naturally had no objections and nodded in agreement.

Subsequently, the group took to the air, streaking across the skies as they headed straight for the Sage Mountain at the center of Heavenly Star City.

Under Ling Yuling’s lead, Han Li quickly arrived at the summit of the Sage Mountain. They descended before a seemingly plain green stone hall and retracted their streaks of light.

Han Li examined the stone hall with a few glances, a flicker of surprise visible on his face.

“What is it? Does Fellow Daoist Han find the palace’s Holy Temple too ordinary?” Ling Yuling turned her head to glance at him and commented with a charming smile.

“It definitely exceeded my expectations,” Han Li admitted openly without pretense.

“This hall may seem ordinary, but it was the secluded cultivation site of our palace’s founding ancestor. Therefore, it has been preserved and treated as a cornerstone of the Star Palace. Normally, outsiders would not be allowed to enter this location freely, but since Fellow Daoist Han has come all this way to assist us, you are certainly an exception.” Ling Yuling explained with a smile.

“Although the hall appears unremarkable, the spiritual energy here is exceptionally dense, making it an outstanding sacred cultivation site. I doubt you could find such an excellent location on any island within the Inner Star Seas.” Han Li nodded lightly, indicating his understanding.

Ling Yuling’s smile grew even more radiant upon hearing his words, and she promptly led Han Li towards the stone hall’s entrance.

At the entrance to the hall stood a dozen Star Palace disciples serving as guards. They hurriedly saluted the group once they approached, sneaking curious glances at Han Li.

Ling Yuling naturally paid no heed to explaining anything to the guards. Leading Han Li through the entrance, she took him along a short corridor before guiding him into an ancient and rustic hall.

Once inside, the group seated themselves according to the arrangement of host and guest.

“Fellow Daoist Han, I presume you are already aware of the dire circumstances the Star Palace faces on your way here?” Ling Yuling got straight to the point as soon as she sat down.

“Indeed, I am aware to an extent. Your palace’s situation looks quite unfavorable.” Han Li replied impassively.

“Then Fellow Daoist Han must already know that my Star Palace was initially in a position of overwhelming advantage. The sudden shift in the situation was primarily due to Wan Tianming advancing to the late Nascent Soul stage and attaining the status of a powerful cultivator. This allowed the Starfall Coalition to gradually nibble away at our peripheral forces, ultimately leading to their encirclement of our city. As long as Fellow Daoist Han can keep that individual occupied, I am confident we can crush the Starfall Coalition once again.” Ling Yuling’s expression turned solemn, and a hint of malevolence flickered in her brows.

“Are you suggesting I go up against Sect Master Wan?” Han Li’s gaze flickered, his expression calm as he posed the question.

“Exactly. Does Fellow Daoist Han have any objections to this?” Ling Yuling was momentarily taken aback, her tone laced with hesitation.

“Not objections, but perhaps Celestial Ling has misunderstood something?” Han Li raised an eyebrow and replied without reservation.

“Misunderstood? Do you mean to say Fellow Daoist Han isn’t here to assist me?” Ling Yuling’s expression shifted slightly.

“Of course, that’s not it, but–” Han Li was about to say something when his words abruptly paused. He turned his head towards the entrance of the hall.

Ling Yuling naturally followed his gaze to the same direction.

Moments later, three cultivators strode casually into the hall from outside. One was at the mid Nascent Soul stage, while the other two were at the early Nascent Soul stage.

The mid Nascent Soul cultivator was a large man in a purple robe, his face covered in pockmarks. Upon entering the hall, he made no attempt to greet Ling Yuling immediately. Instead, he cast a hostile look directly at Han Li, radiating an air of defiance.

However, as his spiritual sense swept across Han Li’s body, his pupils abruptly shrank, and his expression turned unsettlingly grim.

Ling Yuling chose this moment to speak, her tone cheerful:

“Elder Ma, you’ve arrived so quickly. Please take a seat. Once the remaining elders have gathered, I will introduce an esteemed guest of the palace to you all!”

“Hmm, this Fellow Daoist’s cultivation is unfathomable; the Palace Master’s grand reception is certainly warranted.” The large man forced a smile at Han Li after his initial unease, then took a seat on the side, his earlier overbearing demeanor subdued considerably.

The other two Star Palace elders, unable to discern Han Li’s cultivation either, exchanged startled glances upon noticing Elder Ma’s docile behavior. They quickly clasped hands towards Ling Yuling before following suit and sitting down.

Ling Yuling raised her delicate wrist, gracefully twirling the ink-black strands of hair flowing past her shoulders. Yet, a hint of cold sharpness flared momentarily in her bright eyes.

In contrast, Han Li watched the entire scene with a faintly amused expression.

It was obvious that Elder Ma harbored some dissatisfaction towards the newly ascended Star Palace Mistress, Ling Yuling. Meanwhile, Ling Yuling had seized the opportunity to flaunt her association with Han Li to assert dominance, effectively borrowing his prestige. This led to a mix of exasperation and amusement in Han Li’s heart.

Nonetheless, given his past ties with Ling Yuling, he didn’t bother dwelling on the matter. After all, her maneuvering had no bearing on him whatsoever.

Soon, with Elder Ma and his two companions’ arrival, the rest of the Star Palace elders also began streaming into the Holy Temple. As each entered and spotted Han Li, an unfamiliar and imposing figure, they couldn’t help but display astonishment.

Though none of the Nascent Soul elders present were newcomers, skilled at deception and intrigue, most of them found themselves deeply rattled upon witnessing Elder Ma’s unusually subdued demeanor. Hence, they adopted an exceptionally polite attitude towards Han Li.

In a short span of time, over twenty Star Palace elders gathered within the hall. Apart from Zhao, Ling Yuling, and Elder Ma, who were at the mid Nascent Soul stage, the rest were all at the early Nascent Soul realm.

“Since most of the elders have arrived, allow me to introduce a distinguished guest,” Ling Yuling announced as she gracefully rose. Her jade-like finger pointed lightly towards Han Li, and she spoke with a smiling demeanor, “This is Fellow Daoist Han Li, a Guest Elder personally appointed years ago by the late Palace Master.”

“Han Li! What–it’s him?!” Among the gathered elders, some immediately recognized the name, sparking uproar. One elder even cried out in shock.

Han Li’s gaze shifted swiftly toward the source of the exclamation. The speaker turned out to be a kindly-faced white-haired elder dressed in white robes.

Han Li narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, and his face darkened slightly as memory surged forth.

“I was wondering who it might be. It turns out it’s Fellow Daoist I met at the Star Palace’s inner hall years ago. May I ask about the whereabouts of the other elder who presided over the opening back then?” Han Li’s voice turned somber.

The white-robed elder’s complexion abruptly paled at those words.

That person was none other than the Star Palace Law Enforcement Elder who had nearly pierced Han Li’s heart with a sword during their encounter at the inner hall all those years ago. He hadn’t recognized Han Li earlier; only now did the combination of Han Li’s presence and the memories stirred by the preceding commotion elicit clarity.

“What–is Fellow Daoist Han acquainted with Elder Ximen?” Ling Yuling, noticing Han Li’s frigid aura, felt her heart sink but couldn’t help asking.

“It’s nothing. Years ago, before I had formed my Nascent Soul, I had some… entanglements with Fellow Daoist Ximen.” Han Li’s expression fluctuated before returning to neutral. His tone became detached.

“I see. If Elder Ximen caused any offenses in the past, I hope Fellow Daoist Han will exercise magnanimity and let bygones be bygones. Now, may we turn our focus back to discussing the matter of countering Wan Tianming?” Ling Yuling, sensing the shift in Han Li’s tone, was visibly relieved and quickly redirected the conversation to the pressing threat at hand.

After all, the Starfall Coalition remained the Star Palace’s greatest enemy!

The white-robed elder, though easing up somewhat at Han Li’s dismissive response, couldn’t entirely mask the lingering look of dread emanating from his face.

“Celestial Ling, I don’t know what prior arrangement the Twin Sages made with you. However, to be clear, the promise I made back then was limited to assisting only when your own life was in imminent danger and strictly within my capabilities. At no point did I agree to risk my life fighting a cultivator of equal rank merely for the sake of the Star Palace’s survival,” Han Li stated slowly and firmly.

As these words left his mouth, the hall fell into absolute silence.

(First chapter update! Second update will be posted later tonight–let’s adjust the schedule accordingly!) (To be continued. If you wish to learn what happens next, please log onto www.wuxiaworld.site for more chapters and support the author through official channels!)