129: Elder Yuhua, shocking news

The flying ship descended from the sky, and Han Li and the others appeared from within it.

“Clap, clap, clap—!!!”

Thunderous applause erupted. Looking at Han Li and his group, the Sect Leader’s face broke into a radiant smile.

Qingyuan Sect winning the championship was something that hadn't happened for many tournaments.

Everyone was invigorated.

“Greetings, Sect Leader!”

Han Li and his group bowed in salute. The Sect Leader nodded slightly, took a step, and immediately appeared before Han Li.

“Good, very good. I didn’t expect you to achieve such dazzling results this time. Excellent, truly excellent!”

The Sect Leader looked at Han Li with a beaming smile.

“This Disciple fought with all his might and fortunately did not fail his mission!” Han Li cupped his hands.

“Mm, good. Not arrogant or impetuous, stable and principled. Very good.” The Sect Leader nodded.

“Sect Leader, Han Li’s contributions to this tournament are immeasurable,” the Grand Elder interjected.

“Mm, I understand.” The Sect Leader nodded, then said, “Let’s go. All Elders and Peak Masters, gather at Qingyuan Palace.”

With that, the Sect Leader took Han Li’s hand and directly flew away, disappearing.

The various Peak Masters and Elders also recovered, their figures moving, and they all vanished before the mountain gate… In Qingyuan Palace, within the grand hall, over a hundred figures appeared.

The various Elders and Peak Masters were all present.

At the head of the left side, Han Li sat at the forefront, with his Senior Brothers and others behind him.

The Great Senior Brother, however, was in another position at the head of the hall.

The Sect Leader sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Han Li.

“This time, Han Li won the Nine Provinces Tournament. According to this venerable one’s previous promise, the rewards are the Shaking Heaven Seal and one million Low-Grade Spirit Stones!”

As soon as his voice fell, a cosmos ring appeared, along with a golden brick Magic Treasure, which was none other than the Dao Artifact from before, the Shaking Heaven Seal.

Han Li also rose, standing tall. The Shaking Heaven Seal and the cosmos ring directly fell into his hands.

Many eyes watched him, filled with envy.

A Dao Artifact!

It was a Magic Treasure that even the Peak Masters of various peaks desired.

Unfortunately, there were only a few Dao Artifacts, making them extremely rare.

However, to receive a Dao Artifact as a reward, given Han Li’s championship honor, it was not excessive.

For the Qingyuan Sect, this was a historic moment.

After many years of dormancy and several tournaments at the bottom, today, they finally erupted.

Winning the championship with a Xiantian Second Realm cultivation was also something that had never happened in the history of the Nine Provinces Tournament.

Han Li not only won the championship but also created an insurmountable legend.

Defeating all Peak of the Acquired Realm Disciples, his strength was unfathomable.

“This Disciple respectfully thanks the Sect Leader!”

Han Li accepted the cosmos ring and the Shaking Heaven Seal, immediately cupping his hands in salute.

The Sect Leader looked at him, a smile on his face: “It should be this venerable one thanking you. Your battle, one could say, has washed away the Qingyuan Sect’s decline of many years.”

“As a Disciple of Qingyuan, this is my duty,” Han Li said.

“Sect Leader, Han Li’s contributions this time are immense, truly great. I have a proposal and wish to ask the Sect Leader to approve it!”

Wu Wuji suddenly spoke, and everyone’s gaze turned to him.

The Sect Leader looked at Wu Wuji and nodded: “Speak.”

Wu Wuji: “This time, Han Li won the championship, and his strength has reached the point of sweeping through the Innate Realm. My proposal now is for Han Li to succeed as the Peak Master of Yuhua Peak and command Yuhua Peak!”

“What!!!”

Hearing these words, the faces of the Elders and Peak Masters in Qingyuan Palace showed shock.

They looked at Wu Wuji with astonishment and disbelief.

Han Li to succeed as the Peak Master of Yuhua Peak?

This… this was a bit too hasty, wasn’t it?

Although his contributions this time were immense, Han Li had only joined the sect about two years ago.

Moreover, Han Li was indeed too young, around sixteen years old. At this age, to serve as a Peak Master was truly a bit much.

“Senior Brother is really forcing me to take the position…”

Hearing Wu Wuji speak, Han Li looked helpless.

The position of Yuhua Peak Master was revered, but Han Li didn’t want it.

It wasn’t that he disliked Yuhua Peak having few people, but serving as a Peak Master would mean an added responsibility.

Furthermore, he couldn’t teach others; his Dao was something others couldn’t replicate.

And, he still lacked much in terms of accumulated knowledge in various aspects. Considering several points, Han Li definitely couldn’t be the Yuhua Peak Master.

Just as he was about to speak, the Grand Elder also spoke.

“Sect Leader, Han Li’s strength is indeed formidable. Not to mention invincible in the Innate Realm, he can at least surpass ninety-nine percent of Peak of the Acquired Realm Geniuses. Moreover, winning this tournament has washed away our sect’s past decline, and his contributions are immense. Serving as Yuhua Peak Master is very suitable.”

Han Li: “…”

The Grand Elder also pushed for it… The Elders and Peak Masters looked at each other.

With Wu Wuji, the current Grand Elder, and the Grand Elder both pushing for it, they couldn’t say much.

The key was that he was from Yuhua Peak, and serving as Yuhua Peak Master was also reasonable.

They couldn’t interfere.

Now, Yuhua Peak had Wu Wuji above and Han Li, this Prodigy, below, sweeping through the Nine Provinces Tournament. With this strength, they had no need to contend with others, nor could they.

If there were any issues, the Sect Leader would definitely side with Wu Wuji.

The God Realm Supreme’s authority was something even all of them combined couldn’t match.

Mindful of their own business, the Elders and Peak Masters did not interject, quietly watching.

The Sect Leader looked at Han Li. At this moment, Han Li also rose and said, “Sect Leader, this Disciple has something to say, may I speak?”

“Of course you may.” The Sect Leader nodded.

“Great Senior Brother, Grand Elder, first of all, I thank you for your recommendation. However, I cannot take on the position of Yuhua Peak Master,” Han Li said, his voice echoing in Qingyuan Palace.

Wu Wuji and the Grand Elder both looked at Han Li, their brows furrowing.

At this moment, Han Li continued: “My cultivation time is short. To succeed as a Peak Master, I’m afraid I’m somewhat lacking, and I still lack much in various aspects of accumulation. Therefore, I’m afraid I cannot take on the position of Yuhua Peak Master. Furthermore, I am by nature free-spirited and find it difficult to calmly teach others. I fear I would not teach well, so I refuse.”

“…Junior Brother, have you thought this through?” Wu Wuji asked, looking at Han Li.

Han Li nodded, his expression serious.

“Thank you for the Great Senior Brother’s suggestion, but I truly cannot serve as Yuhua Peak Master. I still ask the Great Senior Brother to continue in his post. If, later, a few Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters break through to the Peak of the Acquired Realm, one can be chosen based on merit.”

Han Li said.

“Alright, since you are unwilling, I will not force you.”

Wu Wuji nodded.

“Why did he refuse?” Behind him, several Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters looked at Han Li in astonishment.

However, Han Li had already stated his position, so they naturally couldn’t say anything.

It wasn’t their place to interject.

“Han Li, you… alas, alright.” The Grand Elder also sighed, wanting to say something, but the words that reached his lips could only be swallowed.

Han Li, however, smiled and said, “Sect Leader, Great Senior Brother, Grand Elder, although I will not serve as Yuhua Peak Master, I am still a part of Yuhua Peak, and a part of Qingyuan Sect. If there are outstanding individuals in the future, I can do my best to assist them. That is not a problem.”

“Each wave surpasses the last, and talented individuals emerge in every generation. In the future, I believe there will definitely be even more outstanding Disciples.”

“Alright, then let’s drop this matter.” The Grand Elder nodded.

The other Elders and Peak Masters all looked at Han Li.

They had never expected Han Li to actually refuse to succeed as Peak Master.

This was quite unexpected.

“Everyone from Yuhua Peak is eccentric…”

A collective thought arose in the minds of the Peak Masters and Elders.

At this moment, the Sect Leader spoke: “Since that is the case, then we will not discuss this matter. However, this time, Han Li’s contributions are immense, raising the reputation of Qingyuan Sect and earning great merit. Therefore, this venerable one has decided that today, Han Li will be exceptionally promoted to an Elder of our Qingyuan Sect.”

“Uh…”

Han Li was stunned.

He had just refused a Peak Master position, and now an Elder position came along.

However, being an Elder didn’t require him to worry, so he didn’t refuse.

He could refuse once, but refusing twice would be too much.

And it was a direct order from the Sect Leader; this was no longer just a suggestion.

“What do the esteemed Elders think?”

The Sect Leader’s gaze swept across the hall.

The Peak Masters and Elders all recovered their senses.

“The Sect Leader is wise, I approve of the Sect Leader’s order!” Wu Wuji spoke, and the Grand Elder immediately echoed him.

Seeing this, the Peak Masters and Elders all nodded.

Refusal? What was there to refuse? The Sect Leader had ordered it, and the Grand Elder had agreed. Even if they wanted to say something, they would need the strength to do so.

Han Li’s Qi was profound, and he had swept through the Nine Provinces Tournament. Serving as an Elder was no problem at all.

Even as a Peak Master, his strength was sufficient.

“Unanimously passed, very good. From today, Han Li will officially become an Elder of our Qingyuan Sect. Hailing from Yuhua Peak, he shall be conferred the title of ‘Yuhua Elder’. Announce this to the entire sect!”

The Sect Leader’s voice rang out again.

“We respectfully obey the Sect Leader’s decree!”

A chorus of voices rose.

“Thank you, Sect Leader.” Han Li cupped his hands in salute.

“Alright, the others may withdraw for now. Peak Master Wu and Elder Han, stay behind.” The Sect Leader said.

The Elders and Peak Masters nodded, then vanished from the great hall.

After everyone left, Han Li looked at the Sect Leader: “May I ask what other matters the Sect Leader has?”

“It’s nothing major. It’s just that I will be entering seclusion in a few days. You two are both rising stars of our Qingyuan Sect, and the future of Qingyuan Sect will depend on you.”

The Sect Leader said.

“…”

There was nothing wrong with the words, but why did it feel like he was giving his last instructions?

Entering seclusion was normal, wasn’t it?

“Sect Leader, rest assured. With Great Senior Brother here, I believe everything will be fine.”

Han Li said.

Wu Wuji also nodded.

The Sect Leader looked at the two of them, a smile on his face, but the next second, the smile vanished, replaced by a solemn expression.

“There is one more matter. This matter, you two must not reveal for now.”

Seeing the Sect Leader’s solemn expression, Han Li and Wu Wuji nodded.

Seeing their reaction, the Sect Leader waved his hand, activating his magic power, instantly shielding the entire Qingyuan Palace.

“What kind of matter requires such a grand display?”

Han Li was startled.

Wu Wuji’s expression also became serious.

The Sect Leader looked at them and said, "A day ago, the two Grand Elders were ambushed by the Yin Demon Emperor in the Yin Domain and, being outnumbered, died in the Nether Land of the Yin Domain."

"What!!!"

Hearing this, Han Li and Wu Wuji's pupils instantly constricted.

The two Grand Elders had fallen.

How... how could this be!!!

What did the fall of two God Realm Supremes mean for the Qingyuan Sect?

It was an absolutely massive blow.

For the Qingyuan Sect, the severity of this blow was almost fatal.

Shocking bad news!

"How could this happen...?" Even Wu Wuji's expression changed drastically in an instant.

The Sect Leader looked at him, sighed, and said, "The two Grand Elders found a longevity divine medicine in the Nether Land, but they never expected it to be a trap set by the Yin Demon Emperor. Before they could even get their hands on the longevity divine medicine, they were ambushed by several Yin Demon Emperors. In the end, they were outnumbered and fell in the Nether Land of the Yin Domain."

"longevity divine medicine..."

Han Li listened to the Sect Leader speak, his mind racing.

Soon, he remembered.

He had once seen an introduction in an ancient book.

longevity divine medicine was just a general term.

There were many types, and each one was uniquely blessed and exceptionally rare.

A single longevity divine medicine could increase one's lifespan by at least a thousand years.

Even powerful, top-tier longevity divine medicine could increase one's lifespan by ten thousand, or even a hundred thousand years.

However, the more lifespan it increased, the rarer such longevity divine medicine became.

Extremely rare.

It required specific locations and environments, plus countless years, to nurture a single longevity divine medicine.

And refining Medicinal Pills with longevity divine medicine could even more perfectly unleash the medicine's power.

longevity divine medicine not only increased lifespan but also had the miraculous effect of enhancing cultivation. Some Heaven-Defying longevity divine medicine could even allow a person to directly Breakthrough a Realm.

However, such types basically only existed in legends.

According to the ancient texts, the places where longevity divine medicine were more likely to appear were not the human world, but the Yin Domain.

Ordinary people couldn't go to such a place.

"I have only informed the two of you of this matter for now. Be mentally prepared. Although it won't be leaked for the time being, it won't be kept secret forever," the Sect Leader said.

"Understood. Please rest assured, Sect Leader. We will definitely not leak this news."

Han Li and Wu Wuji nodded simultaneously.

The Sect Leader also nodded.

"During this seclusion, I plan to attempt to Breakthrough to the Yuanshen Realm. If I succeed, it can also avert significant future impacts."

The Sect Leader said.

Attempting to Breakthrough to the Yuanshen Realm!

Han Li's heart skipped a beat.

The Yuanshen Realm, that meant a lifespan of over a thousand years.

A top-tier God Realm Supreme.

"Han Li, your talent is good. Here is a violet spirit essence pill. After you consume it, it can enhance your True Qi cultivation and help you Breakthrough to the Third Realm sooner."

As the Sect Leader spoke, he took out a purple Medicinal Pill with clear patterns on it, exuding a rich medicinal fragrance.

"violet spirit essence pill!"

Looking at this Medicinal Pill, Han Li took it. This was a top-grade Medicinal Pill that could greatly enhance True Qi and aid in Breakthroughs.

Its effect on him was still significant.

"Thank you, Sect Leader." Han Li nodded and accepted the Medicinal Pill.

"There's nothing else. You two may leave." The Sect Leader nodded.

"Yes." The two nodded, then turned and left the Qingyuan Palace.

Watching the two leave, the Sect Leader's eyes flickered, and his figure instantly vanished from the spot... "Junior Brother, this matter is of great importance. You must not leak it, otherwise, the impact on the Qingyuan Sect will be enormous."

Looking at Han Li, Wu Wuji spoke.

Han Li nodded.

"Senior Brother, don't worry, I won't leak it."

"Mm, then you should return to Yuhua Peak first. You've been tired these past two days, so get some good rest." Wu Wuji nodded.

"Great Master Brother, I'll take my leave!" Han Li cupped his hands, then turned and flew towards Yuhua Peak.

"Alas, blessings never come in pairs, but misfortunes never come alone!" Wu Wuji sighed, and his figure also vanished before the Qingyuan Palace... The news of Han Li becoming an Elder quickly spread throughout the Qingyuan Sect.

As for this outcome, most people found it incredible, but they also felt there was no major issue with it.

The first person in the Nine Provinces Tournament, the champion!

This would have a huge impact on the future development of the Qingyuan Sect.

During the next Qingyuan Sect recruitment, many people from across the Nine Provinces might come.

With Wu Wuji Breakthroughing to the God Realm and becoming a Martial Dao Supreme, and Han Li winning the Nine Provinces Tournament, the Qingyuan Sect's influence in Qingzhou completely surpassed that of the Tianxuan Sect and the Golden Spirit Sect.

Becoming the number one among the three sects!

And this glory would continue.

With Han Li's talent and strength, his Breakthrough to the God Realm was only a matter of time.

At that time, the three-way standoff would be completely broken, and the Qingzhou would be dominated... Qingyuan Sect, Yuhua Peak.

Han Li's figure descended from the sky and entered the Yuhua Hall. Han Li looked at the familiar surroundings and soon arrived at the courtyard behind.

Standing in the courtyard, Han Li gazed at the sky.

The fall of two God Realm Supremes, he had not expected this.

The influence of a God Realm Supreme on the Qingyuan Sect was self-evident.

Even the fall of one would be a monumental event, let alone two dying at once.

The danger of the Yin Domain, he had truly felt it this time.

It might be even more dangerous than what Tang Sanzang had described.

The two Grand Elders, venturing into the Yin Domain in search of longevity divine medicine, failed completely at the last step.

Han Li could also understand that these two Grand Elders were already approaching the Five Declines of Heaven and Man.

Flesh decay, spiritual decay—this was an irreversible rule of heaven and earth.

Only longevity divine medicine could break this rule.

Alas, heaven did not grant their wishes. In the final step, they perished in the Yin Domain, ambushed by the Yin Demon Emperor. After their death, they didn't even have a chance at Reincarnation.

Upon entering the God Realm, a Martial Artist's spirit condenses, manifesting the Soul. During the Five Declines of Heaven and Man, there were only two paths: either seek longevity divine medicine to be Reborn from the ashes and continue their glory, or undergo Corpse Dissolution Reincarnation.

Corpse Dissolution Reincarnation was only for desperate situations.

Because once one underwent Corpse Dissolution Reincarnation, it was equivalent to Reincarnation, with all cultivation completely dissipating. Moreover, after Reincarnation, there was no guarantee of Awakening their past life's will.

It was like abandoning everything and starting over.

If the will wasn't Awakened, then everything would be in vain.

The stronger the Soul, the higher the chance of Awakening.

Cultivating into a Primordial Spirit would make the chances even greater.

However, even top-tier Supremes who had cultivated to the Yuanshen Realm were unwilling to attempt this step.

Most still sought longevity divine medicine.

With Corpse Dissolution Reincarnation, not even one in ten thousand Supremes might be able to Awaken their will.

It required specific opportunities to possibly succeed.

And these two Grand Elders chose the first path, but unfortunately, they failed at the crucial moment!

Ultimately failed!

Completely shattered, dissipated into heaven and earth.

Corpse Dissolution Reincarnation isn't something you can do just by thinking about it; it requires a lot of preparatory work.

Clearly, facing the ambush of the Yin Demon Emperor, they no longer had time for that option.

"Still, I have to rely on myself, otherwise, everything is an illusion..."

Exhaling, Han Li calmed his mind, then he entered the Cultivation room.

Sitting cross-legged on the futon, Han Li revealed the Shaking Heaven Seal.

At the same time, he also revealed the Zhuxian Bow.

Two Dao Artifacts, one Medium Grade Dao Artifact, and one Low-Grade Dao Artifact.

They were his strongest Magic Treasures.

This time, he wanted to successfully refine them in one go.

This way, if he encountered a desperate situation in the future, he could still unleash a glimmer of hope.

Forcing out his essence blood, Han Li began refining the Shaking Heaven Seal.

"Buzz—!"

Golden light shimmered. Dao Artifacts possessed consciousness, and to completely refine them successfully would not take just a few days.

But now, he had enough time... A month passed quietly.

The Qingyuan Sect was more bustling than ever.

Having won the Nine Provinces Tournament, an upward-moving atmosphere permeated the entire Qingyuan Sect.

Han Li's name had also become deeply ingrained in people's hearts.

A sixteen-year-old Elder, this absolutely broke the Qingyuan Sect's history.

He was also the youngest Elder in the Qingyuan Sect's history.

Many people came to Yuhua Peak to visit Han Li, but Han Li had announced his seclusion, so they could only return disappointed.

The situation of the Nine Provinces Tournament had also completely spread throughout the Wu Dynasty.

Han Li's name was thoroughly known by all major and minor forces in the Wu Dynasty.

Even after a month, Han Li's fame in the Wu Dynasty did not diminish, but rather increased significantly... Yuhua Peak, in the Cultivation room.

Waves of majestic pressure permeated the Cultivation room.

The Zhuxian Bow and the Shaking Heaven Seal, these two Dao Artifacts, Han Li had spent over a month, finally successfully refining them completely.

Fully refined, he could feel the terror of the Dao Artifacts.

However, with his current strength, it was difficult for him to unleash the power of the Dao Artifacts.

Especially the Zhuxian Bow, even expending all his True Qi, he couldn't unleash half its power.

Even one-third was a struggle.

In comparison, the Shaking Heaven Seal was currently more suitable for him; at least its consumption was much less compared to a Medium Grade Dao Artifact.

However, he still couldn't fully unleash its power; the gap was still very large.

"Retrieve!"

With a thought, the two Dao Artifacts instantly vanished into thin air, and the pervasive pressure also decreased instantly.

Submerged in his Dantian, Han Li gazed at the two Dao Artifacts.

With continuous nourishment, his connection with the two Dao Artifacts became even closer.

Withdrawing his mind, Han Li opened his eyes.

"The violet spirit essence pill, I'll wait until I complete all the transformations of the Qing Yuan Skill's True Qi before consuming it."

Han Li murmured to himself, then he closed his eyes and began to Cultivate.

Having refined the two Dao Artifacts, next, he would fully dedicate himself to Cultivation.

Not only did he need to improve the Qing Yuan Skill, but for a portion of his time, he also needed to Cultivate the Heavenly Evolution Divine Art.

The stronger his spirit, the faster he would Cultivate martial arts, so he naturally couldn't neglect it.

Strength was everything. Under his great fame, he was no longer like before; with such renown, he would be more susceptible to danger when out and about.

Only after completing this period of improvement could he go out and continue to kill and gather blood Qi.