82: Shadow Breaker

The Red Flame Sect Headquarters was not particularly prosperous inside. Looking around, the streets did not have the restaurants, inns, or eateries found in the market outside.

However, the streets were all paved with bluestone bricks and were extremely wide on both sides. The people coming and going on the road were all wearing the uniform clothing issued by the Crimson Flame Sect, clearly indicating they were Disciples of the Crimson Flame Sect.

But simple did not mean crude. Wooden streetlights were set up on both sides of the streets and alleys, and the houses inside were not as small and dark as the small courtyards in the alleys and hutongs of Yuqing Ward.

What met the eye here were large houses and large courtyards.

These houses had red paint and white walls, and even on the eaves, one could vaguely see horned beasts placed there, symbolizing peace and auspiciousness.

It could be said that Qiuzhu Alley, where Han Yi previously lived, was equivalent to a shantytown in his previous life, while the small courtyard of the Li Residence where he now lived was like a normal residential area. This place, however, could completely be called a high-end residential area.

Furthermore, this place left Han Yi with another extremely deep impression: it was quiet, extremely quiet.

There were none of the bustling, chaotic sounds of the market outside, nor the sounds of hawking and shouting.

Here, there were only the soft shuffling sounds of walking, or the quiet voices of people talking.

Overall, this place felt as if it were isolated from An Yan City, like a secluded paradise, self-contained, and even more peaceful and tranquil.

No wonder those Outer Sect Disciples all wanted to become Inner Sect Disciples. Just based on the living environment in the headquarters, their cultivation progress could probably increase by a few points...

Han Yi followed the address left in Li Feng's letter, passed through a few streets, and arrived at a sparsely populated area.

If the places just inside the city gate were residential areas, then the extremely large mansion before him was enough to be called a villa.

Soon, he stopped in front of a mansion that had two stone elephant sculptures placed before its gate.

In front of the gates of the several mansions Han Yi had just passed, the objects used to guard the residence were mostly lions, Qilin, and the like. Although elephants symbolized auspiciousness and peace, elephants were after all a species from the Southern Barbarians, and not many people knew about them within the borders of Great Xuan.

Moreover, Martial Artists mostly preferred objects that symbolized might and dominance to guard their residences, so using stone elephant sculptures to guard the gate and courtyard was rare.

Could it be that Elder Li was a peace lover?

Han Yi suddenly had a thought that made him want to laugh and cry at the same time.

Behind the stone elephant sculptures was a large gate, and on the gate hung a red plaque with two black characters carved on it: 'Li Residence'.

On either side of the gate, one left and one right, were two guards watching the gate and courtyard. Both had long breaths, and sparks of light occasionally flashed in their eyes, clearly indicating they were not ordinary servants.

Han Yi glanced over and saw that values of '30~35' were floating next to them. They were actually two Martial Artists around the Refining Blood guarding the house and courtyard.

This Li Residence truly had a vast fortune. Using Lian Xue martial artists to guard the gate was truly luxurious...

Han Yi casually walked forward and showed his token. After one of the Martial Artists confirmed it repeatedly, he spoke: "Young Master Han, please wait a moment. Young Master Feng gave instructions earlier. I will go inform him now."

"Long time no see, Han Yi!"

A moment later, a hearty laugh came.

"How have you been? Are you used to living in An Yan City these past few days?"

"The assassination attempt that happened before didn't cause you much trouble, did it!"

After Han Yi heard this familiar voice, a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. He fixed his gaze and looked.

He saw Li Feng wearing a white training uniform, with tiger eyes and sword-like eyebrows. He was usually the most mature and steady person, but a hint of excitement couldn't help but show on his face.

"Yes, it's really been a while... I am doing well!"

The overall strength floating above Li Feng's head had reached '75~90'. This was a huge improvement compared to when Han Yi first met him. It was likely that Li Feng's cultivation had reached the Late Blood Refinement Stage and he was preparing to break through to the Connecting Veins Stage!

Although my strength has improved quickly, Senior Brother Li wasn't just sitting around either. Everyone has their own way of cultivating...

Subsequently, Han Yi strode forward and followed Li Feng into the mansion.

Inside the Li Residence, the Outer Courtyard, the training ground, and the Inner Courtyard all had green bricks and black tiles. In the corridors, there were arcades and pavilions everywhere.

In the Outer Courtyard, there were some wing rooms. These wing rooms were not large and were connected, appearing to be living quarters for the guards and servants.

After passing through the Outer Courtyard, there was a training ground that occupied a considerable area. In the center of the training ground was a prominent square platform, several meters high from the ground.

On one side of the platform, there was a row of weapons, including swords, spears, blades, halberds, axes, and all eighteen types of weapons. On the other side were some special training equipment like stone locks, large stones, wooden hammers, and even a few metal dummies whose purpose was unknown.

In the Inner Courtyard, there were more than ten rooms of varying sizes, some high and some low, separated by garden scenes, flower beds, rock gardens, and other decorative elements. These should be the residences of the Li Family members.

Han Yi followed Li Feng into the largest room among them and stopped in front of the study door.

Knock, knock, knock

"Enter."

Elder Li's faint voice sounded.

With a creak

Han Yi and Li Feng pushed the door open and entered.

A faint, refreshing and invigorating scent of incense smoke entered their noses, making them feel refreshed.

Inside the study, two rows of large bookshelves carved with pine, bamboo, and plum patterns came into view, filled with various ancient books. On the walls hung several pieces of calligraphy and paintings, which were slightly yellowed, looking quite old.

On the desk, there were not many brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, but each item was antique, and even someone who didn't understand such things would surely feel they were valuable.

Behind the desk, Elder Li was holding a celadon tea bowl with gold tracing, sitting leisurely in a grand armchair, seemingly deep in thought about something.

"Elder Li!" Han Yi slightly cupped his hands.

Elder Li's overall strength was still between '105~160'. It seemed that it was even more difficult for a Tongmai Stage Martial Master to increase his strength!

Elder Li raised his eyelids, glanced at Han Yi, then put down the tea bowl, and a smile instantly appeared on his face.

"Han Yi, sit down!

"I summoned you here this time for two matters...

"One is regarding the assassination attempt against you before. Do you still remember? Recount some details again..."

Han Yi then described the Black-Clothed Man's attack that day, including the slogan they shouted: 'Shadow Lord walks alone, onebrake eternal'.

Elder Li put down his teacup with a 'bang', clearly a bit surprised himself.

"Hmm..."

Elder Li paused, then spoke: "This should be the slogan of a force called 'Yingsha Pavilion'. How did you provoke them?"

Yingsha Pavilion?

Originally, Han Yi had planned to ask Bai Sanren for help in inquiring about it, but unexpectedly, he obtained the relevant information from Elder Li here.