131: Kyoto Demon Kingdom

With the help of the violet spirit essence pill, Han Li spent three days successfully Breaking Through.

Stepping into the Innate Purple Qi Realm, the quality and quantity of his True Qi surged many times over.

His flesh, tendons, bones, and internal organs also improved after the successful Breakthrough.

Becoming even more compact, his strength also increased by one million jun, reaching an astonishing two million four hundred thousand jun of power.

Compared to the strength of an ordinary Peak of the Acquired Realm Cultivator, it had more than doubled.

Surging Spiritual Qi gathered within his body, and the aura around him gradually stabilized.

"Hm? Senior Brother is here?"

Suddenly, Han Li sensed a powerful aura in Yuhua Hall.

Relying on his powerful spiritual Soul, Han Li instantly sensed a figure, which was none other than his Senior Brother.

Standing up, Han Li immediately stepped out of the cultivation room door... In Yuhua Hall, Han Li emerged from the cultivation room and entered the main hall, where he immediately saw a familiar figure, who was none other than his Senior Brother, Wu Wuji.

"Senior Brother!"

Han Li stepped forward and bowed.

Seeing Han Li's figure appear, Wu Wuji was slightly startled, but quickly recovered.

He scrutinized him up and down, his pupils slightly contracting.

Indeed, Junior Brother had Broken Through to the Peak of the Acquired Realm.

His aura was even more profound than when they met a few months ago.

"Junior Brother, congratulations! You've Broken Through to the Innate Purple Qi Realm, and your Martial Dao has advanced another step," Wu Wuji said with a smile.

"Senior Brother overpraises me. Please, have a seat first." Han Li smiled, and then the two sat down. Han Li took out a pot of tea and poured a cup for Wu Wuji.

"Having just Broken Through, it seems I've arrived at just the right time," Wu Wuji said, looking at him with a smile.

"I must also thank the Sect Leader for bestowing the Medicinal Pill, otherwise, it might have taken some more time to successfully Break Through," Han Li said.

"This speed is already fast enough. Looking back over several hundred years in Qingyuan Sect, your Breakthrough can definitely be called the first," Wu Wuji said, taking a sip of tea.

"Senior Brother, did you come here for something in particular this time?"

Han Li asked.

Wu Wuji shook his head, "Nothing in particular, I just came to see you."

"The Sect Leader has already entered seclusion now, and it's estimated that he won't be able to come out for a long time."

"Breaking Through to the Primordial Spirit Realm is indeed not easy and requires some time. If the Sect Leader successfully Breaks Through, then even if that matter leaks out, there shouldn't be any problem."

Han Li said.

"It's not easy, Junior Brother. Your talent is exceptional. One day, you will also be able to step into the God Realm. When that time comes, the situation will be much better," Wu Wuji sighed.

"That will probably take a very long time," Han Li smiled.

Having just Broken Through to the Xiantian Second Realm and reached the Peak of the Acquired Realm, the gap to Break Through to the God Realm from the Peak of the Acquired Realm is even greater.

Many Martial Artists spend their entire lives and still find it difficult to successfully Break Through.

This is a huge barrier.

A transformation from mortal to saint!

Stepping into the God Realm, one's lifespan will increase to a minimum of five hundred years.

Divine Aperture, Divine Treasury, Primordial Spirit!

These three Realms, each Realm is a new heaven!

Their transformations are equally earth-shattering.

Every step forward requires enduring the baptism of heaven and earth.

"Within ten years, you will definitely be able to Break Through into the God Realm," Wu Wuji said, looking at him and taking a sip of tea.

"Then I'll borrow Senior Brother's auspicious words," Han Li smiled.

"With you being so outstanding, Revered Master can also rest in peace," Wu Wuji said.

Hearing this, Han Li's eyes flickered slightly. He took a sip of tea and said, "Senior Brother, there's actually something I've always wanted to say, but I wasn't too sure back then, so I never mentioned it."

"Hm?"

"What is it?" Hearing this, Wu Wuji looked at him with a surprised expression.

Han Li pondered for a moment, then with a wave of his hand, a profound True Qi instantly surged, enveloping the entire Yuhua Hall.

Wu Wuji: "??"

Seeing this scene, he felt even more puzzled.

And at this moment, Han Li spread his hand and revealed a jade pendant.

"Senior Brother, you should know this item, right?" Han Li asked.

Senior Brother looked at the jade pendant, his brows furrowing slightly, and he nodded gently: "Of course I know this. It's a jade pendant bestowed by Revered Master, and I have one too."

As he spoke, Wu Wuji revealed an identical jade pendant.

It was exactly the same as the one in Han Li's hand.

"What's wrong, Junior Brother? Why are you so cautious about such a small matter?" Senior Brother asked, looking at Han Li.

Han Li looked at him and said, "Senior Brother, every Senior Brother and Senior Sister has one of these jade pendants."

"Yes, I know," Wu Wuji nodded.

"But I don't," Han Li said.

Wu Wuji: "?"

Hearing this, he looked at the jade pendant in Han Li's hand: "Is this from another Junior Brother or Junior Sister?"

"None of them," Han Li shook his head, then said, "This jade pendant might be Revered Master's."

"Then perhaps Revered Master prepared it for you. It's not a big deal for you to find this jade pendant while living on Yuhua Peak," Wu Wuji said.

Han Li: "Senior Brother, this jade pendant wasn't found on Yuhua Peak, but outside. Later, I saw the jade pendants of several other Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, and I suspect... Revered Master is still alive!"

"Revered Master is still alive..."

"Hm?"

"What did you say?!"

Senior Brother instantly sobered up, stood up, and looked at Han Li.

"Junior Brother, this is no laughing matter. You were there when Revered Master underwent his Heavenly Tribulation. How could Revered Master still be alive? What are you talking about?" Senior Brother asked, his eyes wide.

Han Li, helpless, looked at Wu Wuji and said, "Senior Brother, don't rush. I know it's unbelievable, but it's truly hard to explain. The situation is like this: back then..."

Han Li recounted the situation in detail.

"So, that's why I suspect Revered Master might not be dead," Han Li said.

Wu Wuji's brows were tightly furrowed, and he remained silent for a long time.

After Han Li explained the situation, he couldn't find any reason to refute it.

But... how did Revered Master survive?

He was annihilated into dust under the Heavenly Tribulation, leaving no bones behind.

It's impossible for him to still be alive.

Moreover, the Sect Leader was also present at that time. If he had escaped the Heavenly Tribulation, it would have been impossible to hide it from the Sect Leader.

Such a situation simply couldn't happen.

But how to explain what Han Li witnessed with his own eyes?

If Revered Master were still alive, why wouldn't he appear in Qingyuan Sect?

Could there be some unknown secret?

Wu Wuji's brows were tightly knitted, almost forming a knot.

This situation was indeed unexpected.

"Senior Brother, I also find it incredible, but that familiar feeling back then couldn't have been wrong. Although I didn't see his face clearly, I feel it's not far off."

Han Li said.

"This matter is indeed strange. Could it be that Revered Master has some unspeakable secret?" Wu Wuji recovered, his heart still in turmoil.

No one would believe this situation.

"Junior Brother, please wait for me here. I'll be right back," Wu Wuji said.

Han Li nodded, and the next second, Wu Wuji disappeared from his sight as if out of thin air.

Watching Wu Wuji disappear, Han Li sat on the chair, drinking tea and waiting.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the disappeared Senior Brother reappeared.

"How was it, Senior Brother? Any findings?" Han Li asked.

Wu Wuji shook his head, "No, I've searched all over Changyang Mountain, thoroughly investigating every inch, and found no anomalies."

Hearing this, Han Li also sighed. He had hoped that Senior Brother could find some clues.

But things didn't go as he wished; even with Senior Brother's current strength, he found nothing.

"Junior Brother, have you ever told anyone else about this matter?" Senior Brother asked him.

Han Li shook his head: "I haven't told anyone; only Senior Brother knows."

"We can't be sure yet, but this is good news. If Revered Master is still alive, he will definitely show up in the future," Wu Wuji said.

"I just don't know if we'll ever meet again..." Han Li sighed.

"For now, don't speak of this matter. We'll discuss it when there's new information," Senior Brother said, looking at him.

"Understood, Senior Brother, rest assured." Han Li nodded.

"If his Physical Body no longer exists, then perhaps Revered Master might be in another world," Wu Wuji mused for a while.

Hearing this, Han Li looked at him and said, "Another world, Senior Brother, do you mean in Hell?"

"Yes," Wu Wuji nodded.

"However, with our current strength, I'm afraid we can't enter Hell. We'll go and see when we Break Through in the future," Wu Wuji sighed.

Han Li nodded gently.

"Junior Brother, Cultivate well. One day, if your strength is sufficient, you might be able to see Revered Master again," Wu Wuji said, looking at Han Li.

"Yes, I will work hard." Han Li nodded.

"For this situation, don't tell the other Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters yet. We'll inform them when it's confirmed in the future," Wu Wuji said.

Han Li nodded.

Afterward, Wu Wuji did not stay long. After a few words, he left Yuhua Peak.

Watching Wu Wuji leave, Han Li immediately turned and entered the back courtyard... A few days passed.

Han Li had completely stabilized his current Realm.

Having Broken Through to the Innate Purple Qi Realm, his strength had more than doubled compared to during the Nine Provinces Tournament.

Arriving in front of the main hall, Han Li gazed into the distance. The heavy snow had stopped, but Qingyuan Sect was still covered in white snow.

"It's almost time. We can proceed."

With a thought, Han Li instantly transformed into a golden light, breaking through the air and disappearing... Three days later, in the Wu Dynasty, on the outskirts of the Wu Capital, Han Li's figure appeared on the thick snow.

Standing on the snow, Han Li looked out at the Wu Capital.

Compared to Tianling City, the Wu Capital was even more magnificent.

The first step of the Demon Slaying plan required him to gather detailed information on the Three Demonic Sects.

And Han Li also remembered Bai Yi's promise from back then.

With the intelligence power of the Demon Suppression Division, he could clearly understand the entire distribution of forces of the Three Demonic Sects.

He had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Looking at the Wu Capital, Han Li then took out a sound transmission bell.

After transmitting a message, he quickly received a response.

"East suburbs..."

Listening to the location Bai Yi reported, Han Li looked towards the eastern suburbs of the capital.

His figure silently disappeared over the white snow.

--

Moments later, Han Li arrived in front of a mansion in the eastern suburbs of the capital.

This place was very secluded, but being on the outskirts and not in the main urban area of the capital, a bit of seclusion was normal.

However, seclusion was only relative; nearby, there were still market areas and accessible streets.

Looking up at the mansion's plaque, Han Li confirmed he hadn't made a mistake and again took out the sound transmission bell to communicate.

A moment later, the tightly shut mansion gate opened, and a figure appeared in Han Li's sight.

It was Bai Yi.

Dressed in black brocade, his aura was even more profound than a few months ago.

"Brother Han, I finally get to see you, haha! Quick, come on in!" Bai Yi greeted Han Li with great enthusiasm.

"I apologize for my sudden visit and the intrusion," Han Li said, cupping his hands.

"I've been hoping to see you! You haven't been in touch since the Nine Provinces Tournament. Now that you're here, you absolutely must stay with me for a few days."

Bai Yi said with a beaming smile.

With that, he invited Han Li into his residence.

Han Li didn't stand on ceremony for too long and stepped into the mansion.

The residence was quite large.

Following Bai Yi, they walked through the courtyard corridor and soon arrived at a grand hall deep within the mansion.

Inside the hall, a warm atmosphere permeated the air.

It seemed like a different world from the outside.

"Come, come, please sit." Bai Yi gestured with his hand. Han Li nodded and then sat down in a chair.

Bai Yi immediately poured two cups of hot tea and sat beside Han Li.

"Innate Purple Qi Realm!"

After sitting down, Bai Yi sensed Han Li's aura, and his heart instantly skipped a beat.

When they first met, he hadn't sensed it too deeply, but now, he could perceive Han Li's Realm.

Innate Purple Qi Realm!

Only about half a year had passed since the Nine Provinces Tournament ended, just a few months, and he had broken through again.

He remembered the first time he met Han Li, who was only in the Innate First Realm back then.

At the Nine Provinces Tournament, he was in the Xiantian Second Realm, and now, he had reached the Peak of the Acquired Realm.

Next time, he wouldn't have broken through to the God Realm, would he?!

Bai Yi's heart clenched.

He found this speed of Breakthrough incredible.

He considered himself a Genius, but compared to Han Li, he felt... the difference was not just a little bit.

This guy was improving too quickly.

He also knew Han Li's strength; back when Han Li was in the Xiantian Second Realm, he was able to sweep the Nine Provinces Tournament, defeating Qin Wushuang and Nie Cangqiong.

Now, he probably didn't even know how strong he was.

"Innate Purple Qi... I didn't expect, Brother Han, that you've improved again since we last met." Bai Yi sighed.

Han Li took a sip of tea, "It was just luck. With the Medicinal Pill bestowed by the Sect Leader, I managed to succeed in the Breakthrough, and I only broke through a few days ago."

Bai Yi: "..."

Luck, managed... The way a Genius boasts is always so simple and unadorned.

"I've been in the Xiantian Second Realm for three years now, and I still haven't made it. Brother Han, comparing people is infuriating!" Bai Yi took a sip of tea and sighed.

"It's just an Opportunity. With enough Opportunity, soaring to the sky is not a problem. Big Brother Bai's Revered Master is the Supervisor, so a Breakthrough is only a matter of time," Han Li said with a smile.

"I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to break through even in another year," Bai Yi sighed.

"This time, I came to ask Big Brother Bai for information about the Three Demonic Sects, the more detailed the better." Han Li looked at Bai Yi and got straight to the point.

Bai Yi looked at him and said, "Brother Han, you're not planning to make a move on the Three Demonic Sects, are you?"

"Slaying demons and devils can be considered eliminating harm for the people," Han Li said, not denying it.

"The leaders of the Three Demonic Sects are all God Realm magnates, Brother Han, you must be careful. These Three Demonic Sects are not to be trifled with, and furthermore, they have the Eternal Sky Sect behind them."

Bai Yi said with a solemn expression.

Han Li smiled: "Big Brother Bai, I understand. I'm definitely no match for a God Realm expert. However, I'm only dealing with other people, and I think that shouldn't be a big problem."

"If you cause too much commotion, I'm afraid these three leaders will personally take action against you," Bai Yi said gravely.

"If I can't win, I can run away. I don't think it's too big of a problem," Han Li replied.

Bai Yi: "...?!"

In front of a God Realm expert, you think you can just run away?

Looking at Han Li's calm and composed expression, Bai Yi became a little unsettled.

Could he possibly contend with a God Realm expert?

Impossible!

The gap between the God Realm and the Peak of the Acquired Realm is more than a hundredfold. No matter how strong he was, he couldn't possibly reach the level of contending with a God Realm expert.

Thoughts whirled through his mind like lightning.

And at this moment, Han Li's voice came again.

"This time, I've troubled Big Brother Bai. This is a small token of my appreciation; please accept it, Big Brother Bai."

Bai Yi came back to his senses. Han Li took out a hundred treasure sack and placed it in front of him.

Bai Yi looked at the hundred treasure sack with a displeased expression: "Brother Han, what are you doing? Am I that kind of person?"

"...Big Brother Bai, we are friends, and friendship is friendship. This is also a gift from me to Big Brother Bai; please accept it, Big Brother Bai," Han Li said.

"I won't accept it. Take it back," Bai Yi shook his head.

"This is just..."

"Brother Han, if you continue like this, then I won't help you with this matter," Bai Yi said calmly.

Han Li: "..."

"How about this, I'll give it to Junior Sister Bai Yu. That's fine, isn't it? Given our friendship, can't I give a gift to your sister?" Han Li changed his approach.

"Brother, we have a guest!"

At this moment, a voice came from outside the hall, and a young girl stepped into the hall.

It was Bai Yu.

"Oh, Big Brother Han!"

Seeing Han Li, Bai Yu looked surprised.

Looking at Bai Yu who had suddenly appeared, Han Li immediately stood up, holding the hundred treasure sack, and stepped forward: "Miss Bai, this is a small meeting gift."

"Meeting gift?" Bai Yu looked at the hundred treasure sack in front of her, slightly startled.

"For me?" Bai Yu asked in astonishment.

"Of course, I left in a hurry this time and didn't prepare much," Han Li smiled.

"Thank you, Big Brother Han." Bai Yu happily accepted the hundred treasure sack and checked it, her big eyes instantly lighting up.

"This mischievous girl..." Bai Yi shook his head speechlessly, but said nothing.

"Brother, Big Brother Han is so generous! Look at you, your birthday gifts to me are always so stingy." Bai Yu shook the hundred treasure sack and looked at Bai Yi.

Bai Yi: "..."

"Can you stop chattering and go out? Your Big Brother Han and I have something to discuss."

Bai Yi said with a dark expression.

"Big Brother Han, you're not leaving immediately after coming this time, are you?" Bai Yu asked Han Li.

"I should be delayed for a day or two," Han Li replied.

"Alright then, let's go explore the Wu Capital tonight. The night market in the Wu Capital is very famous," Bai Yu said with a smile.

"Okay, no problem." Han Li nodded.

"Then you two chat, I'll go make arrangements for dinner soon." Bai Yu waved her hand and then turned to leave the hall.

"Sigh, this girl just has that personality, Brother Han, please don't mind it." Bai Yi sighed.

"Not at all, your sister is at a lively age, it's normal," Han Li smiled.

"Tomorrow then, I need to gather some information. I can give it to you tomorrow," Bai Yi said.

"In that case, thank you very much, Big Brother Bai." Han Li cupped his hands.

"However, you still need to be cautious with the Three Demonic Sects. They have been entrenched in Youzhou for many years; they won't be easily destroyed." Looking at Han Li, Bai Yi reminded him.

"I will be careful." Han Li nodded.

Immediately, Han Li sat on a chair nearby, looked at Bai Yi, and asked: "Big Brother Bai, do you know which place outside of the Wu Dynasty, in the entire Southern Continent, is the most chaotic? Or rather, which place has the most demons?"

"Why do you ask this? Chaotic lands are not so easy to venture into. Although I believe in your strength, some places are still very dangerous," Bai Yi said.

Han Li smiled: "This time, I plan to go on a journey, so I'm asking in advance."

"As for chaotic lands, I do know of a country where demons run rampant, and there are a great many of them. It could almost be called a demon kingdom. In fact, this kingdom is even controlled by demons."

Bai Yi said.

"There's such a place?" Han Li was surprised.

A kingdom controlled by demons... that's too rampant, isn't it?!

"The world is vast, and there's nothing strange under the sun. Such a situation, if you look at the whole world, is not uncommon. Do you know that in the North Continent, demons are everywhere? That place is a paradise for demons, but Hell for the Human Race. The Human Race is ruled by demons there; it can be called a true Monster Realm in the North Continent."

Bai Yi said slowly.

"...The North Continent, that's too far away." Han Li sighed.

The distance between the five continents is not just generally far.

From the Southern Continent to the North Continent, one has to cross two great sea areas to arrive.

Among them, the most dangerous is the North Sea.

The Abyss of the North Sea, where demons roam freely—this is the scene described in books.

"Where is this demon kingdom?" Han Li asked, looking at Bai Yi.

He probably wouldn't consider the North Continent for now. The Southern Continent is vast, and he hasn't even explored it, let alone the North Continent.

This legendary "Monster Realm" is not an ordinary place; he had a clear understanding of his own abilities.

"Pu Tuo Country."

Bai Yi spoke a name.

"Pu Tuo Country..."

Han Li noted down this name. When the time came, he could just locate it on the ruyi compass.

His ruyi compass covered the entire territory of the Southern Continent.

As long as there was a name, it could be located.

"I once visited this country. That place is truly a living Hell on earth."

Bai Yi sighed.

"To describe it as 'flesh turning to mud and bones forming forests,' there's basically not much difference."

"..."

Flesh turning to mud, bones forming forests... Is it that exaggerated?!

Han Li's eyelids twitched.

This description was a bit horrifying.

"Pu Tuo Country, are there no powerful Martial Artist forces?" Han Li asked.

"No, it's just a small country. Its territory is less than 108,000 li. Perhaps there once were, but now there are none. Of course, some small forces still exist. These small forces rely on demons for survival, and some rely on the forces of other countries for survival."

"Of course, it's not like this everywhere. Some areas close to the spheres of influence of other major countries are still stable," Bai Yi said slowly.

"Such a country would probably have been destroyed long ago. Why does it still exist today?" Han Li asked.

"Although the demons in Pu Tuo Country all eat humans, these demons will raise them, eating some and leaving some. When they reach a certain number, they eat some more, but they won't eat them all at once. Moreover, Pu Tuo Country has several terrifying existences at the Demon Emperor level, and other surrounding major forces are unwilling to easily provoke them."