154: Run away and return to Qingyuan

"Impossible!"

Baoyue National Teacher’s eyes were filled with horror.

His magic power surged, and the black slaughter blade in his hand once again erupted with light.

"Om—"

But at this moment, Han Li’s figure suddenly vanished into thin air.

The next instant, he appeared behind Baoyue National Teacher.

Golden light shone, and a golden brick-like object appeared in his hand, shattering the Void Realm as he ruthlessly smashed it towards Baoyue National Teacher.

"Bang—!"

Caught off guard, Baoyue National Teacher had no time to defend himself. This brick left him dizzy, and his body plummeted to the ground like a meteor.

"Pfft—!"

He crashed into the ground, creating a deep pit. Baoyue National Teacher spat out fresh blood, and the divine light in his eyes dimmed by three points.

The next instant, Han Li reappeared, holding the Shaking Heaven Seal. With his True Qi fully unleashed, it was like a small mountain, smashing fiercely towards Baoyue National Teacher.

"Clang—!!"

This time, Baoyue National Teacher reacted quickly, swiftly drawing his blade. His magic power surged, and with one strike, he sent the Shaking Heaven Seal flying. He also used this brief opportunity to quickly escape from the deep pit.

However, before he could even catch his breath, the air exploded again, and a thunder seal blasted towards him.

"Heaven and Earth One Blade Slash!"

Baoyue National Teacher fully unleashed his slaughter blade Dao Artifact, and a heaven-shaking saber strike once again burst forth.

"Boom—!!"

The lightning shattered, and the thunder seal was directly pulverized by the saber strike.

However, Han Li’s figure mysteriously appeared behind Baoyue National Teacher. A tall phantom emerged behind Han Li, radiating an intense azure light.

Azure Emperor Wood Monarch Fist!

Unleashing the Divine Ability Azure Emperor Dharma Image, the power of this strike instantly made Baoyue National Teacher feel a fatal aura.

"Om—"

In the nick of time, Baoyue National Teacher quickly activated his magic power. Spirit light shone, and a top-grade Spirit Treasure shield appeared behind him.

"Crack~"

The top-grade Spirit Treasure shield made a cracking sound, and destructive power permeated through it.

But this bit of power could no longer harm Baoyue National Teacher.

The strike missed.

A purple light instantly broke through the air and vanished.

He ran!

Baoyue National Teacher directly fled.

Han Li, with the embroidered rivers and mountains map above his head and the Shaking Heaven Seal in his hand, looked in the direction Baoyue National Teacher had fled. He did not pursue.

This time was just a test. Although he had made Baoyue National Teacher vomit blood and suffer injuries, his current strength was still insufficient to completely eliminate a Divine Aperture Realm giant.

"Let me add some more to the mix!"

Han Li’s eyes flashed, and the Zhuxian Bow appeared in his hand.

The bow was fully drawn, and a golden arrow condensed.

"Whoosh—"

Locking onto Baoyue National Teacher's aura, an arrow vanished into the Void Realm.

After firing an arrow, Han Li turned and ran, disappearing without a trace... In Baoyue Imperial City, on a hillside in the suburbs, a purple light descended from the sky.

It was Baoyue National Teacher.

Not far away, the Third Prince watched Baoyue National Teacher’s disheveled appearance, utterly stunned.

What... what... what happened?!

How could the National Teacher be beaten to such a state?!

Where was Han Li?

A series of question marks appeared in the Third Prince’s mind.

But at this moment, Baoyue National Teacher suddenly looked back at the Void Realm. The Third Prince also sensed something and looked up.

"Whoosh—!"

The Void Realm shattered, and a golden arrow appeared in their eyes.

Carrying a destructive aura, the Third Prince even felt the signal of death.

"Om—!"

At this moment, Baoyue National Teacher raised his hand and slashed with his blade, and a terrifying Saber Qi cut towards the golden arrow in the Void Realm.

Destructive fluctuations spread, destroying nearby rocks and vegetation.

"Pfft—!"

Even with Baoyue National Teacher’s intervention, the Third Prince was still shaken and vomited blood from the impact.

The golden arrow disappeared. Baoyue National Teacher plunged his blade into the ground with one hand, gasping for breath.

His aura became even more unstable.

"National..."

The Third Prince tried his best to calm the turbulent aura within him. Just as he was about to speak, Baoyue National Teacher instantly transformed into a purple light and rushed into Baoxiang City.

Third Prince: "..."

Watching Baoyue National Teacher directly enter Baoxiang City, the Third Prince was slightly stunned.

What... what exactly happened!

Could it be that Baoyue National Teacher’s miserable state was Han Li’s doing?!

But how was that possible?

No matter how strong Han Li was, he was still just an Innnate martial artist, completely different from a God Realm giant.

Controlling the power of heaven and earth, opening the body's secret apertures, and condensing magic power, the gap between a God Realm giant and an Innnate martial artist was a comprehensive suppression of over a hundred times.

But what was going on with the heavily injured Baoyue National Teacher?

Was it really Han Li’s doing?

Or did Han Li have the support of a giant, and only through a sneak attack did this situation occur?

Comparing the two, the Third Prince was more willing to believe the latter.

After all, this was too incredible.

For an Innnate martial artist to be able to beat a God Realm giant so badly.

It was simply impossible, completely defying the natural order!

No matter how strong an Innnate martial artist was, he was still just an Innnate martial artist.

In this situation, even with any special Physique, it would be difficult to achieve.

Clearly understanding the power of the God Realm, the Third Prince believed that Han Li must have sought the help of a mysterious giant, which led to this situation.

"Next time, the situation might be even more different..." The Third Prince sighed.

Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he also left.

—

Imperial City, inner palace, in a grand hall, a figure stepped out of the hall and looked towards a part of the Imperial City.

A middle-aged man dressed in a dragon robe.

"The National Teacher is injured?"

The man in the dragon robe frowned. The next second, his figure disappeared... A day later, within the Youzhou territory of the Wu Dynasty, a figure appeared.

The night sky enveloped him, and the distant city glowed with bright lights.

Han Li gazed at Dark City.

After a moment of thought, he chose another direction and vanished from his spot.

There was no need to rush to deal with the Demonic Sects now.

It wouldn't be too late to act when his strength improved in the future.

The Three Demonic Sects, with their three Sect Leaders, were all God Realm giants.

Moreover, they were Divine Hidden Realm giants.

There were also three other God Realm giants from the Eternal Sky Sect.

Once he made a move, it would inevitably attract unpredictable dangers.

He had already tested his current strength. Although he had defeated Baoyue National Teacher, God Realm giants were still not to be underestimated.

After all, his current strength was not enough to kill a God Realm expert.

Han Li had lost much interest in dealing with other members of the Demonic Sects.

Different strengths lead to different perspectives.

And now, the situation in Dark City would definitely change, so Han Li decided to return to the Sect first... Leaving Youzhou, in two days, Han Li arrived in Qingzhou.

He first went to the county city, but he didn't see his second uncle. The house was still empty, so Han Li could only return to Qingyuan Sect.

—

The scorching sun hung high in the sky. At the entrance of Qingyuan Sect, Han Li’s figure appeared.

Looking at the entrance of Qingyuan Sect, Han Li also breathed a sigh of relief, and his tense nerves relaxed.

During this trip, his nerves had been constantly taut.

Now, he could finally relax.

"Elder Han!"

As Han Li stepped into the Sect entrance, a voice called out, and Han Li turned to look.

A graceful figure appeared in his sight.

Yang Qi!

Han Li quickly recognized her. This person was Yang Qi, who had entered the Sect with him.

Now, she had also Cultivated to the Tōngmài Realm Peak, with a profound aura. It seemed she was not far from Breaking through to Innnate.

Han Li did not keep her at a distance; he nodded.

Yang Qi took two or three steps and arrived in front of him.

Looking at Han Li, she sized him up a few times.

She could only feel a vast aura; nothing else could be sensed.

"Greetings, Elder Han." Yang Qi cupped her hands and bowed.

"Junior Sister Yang, no need to be so polite." Han Li smiled.

Yang Qi looked at Han Li, and her eyes revealed endless complexity.

They had entered the Sect together, and she had always worked hard to Cultivate.

But compared to Han Li, the gap was only growing wider.

During the Mountain and River Tournament, the gap widened, but she still had confidence to catch up. However, after Han Li Broke through to Innnate, and then represented Qingyuan Sect in the Nine Provinces Tournament, winning the championship, she knew that she could no longer keep up with Han Li’s pace.

Now, she wondered to what extent Han Li’s strength had improved.

Perhaps, he was not far from the God Realm...

"Junior Sister Yang?" Han Li's voice came again from beside her ear.

Yang Qi immediately snapped back to reality.

"Ah, what is it?"

Han Li: "..."

"The Sect is very lively today. Has something big happened?" Han Li asked, looking at Yang Qi.

"Ah, yes, Senior Brother Chen Dongfeng has Broken through to Innnate. Many Disciples have gone to his Dao field to celebrate today."

Yang Qi said.

"Chen Dongfeng..." Han Li nodded slightly.

"Why aren't you going?" Han Li asked her.

Yang Qi: "I was just about to go. I just happened to meet you."

"Alright, then I’ll take you. I can also congratulate him while I'm at it."

Han Li nodded.

"Okay, that would be great." Yang Qi immediately smiled.

Immediately, Han Li waved his hand, and a white cloud descended from the Void Realm, stopping in front of the two of them.

Seeing Han Li inadvertently display this skill, Yang Qi’s heart trembled again.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped onto the white cloud. Han Li also followed onto the white cloud. After Yang Qi indicated the direction, Han Li urged the white cloud towards Chen Dongfeng’s Dao field... Soon, the two arrived at Chen Dongfeng’s Dao field.

The newly built palace was grand and magnificent. Many Disciples were in the Dao field, along with some Elders and Managers.

After all, he was a Disciple of the Sect Leader's lineage, and Chen Dongfeng was also good at making friends. Most of the people from the entire Sect were present.

Han Li, carrying Yang Qi on the cloud, descended from the sky, instantly attracting many gazes.

"Hmm?"

"That's Elder Han of Yuhua Peak!"

A Disciple exclaimed.

Many people looked at the two on the white cloud.

The white cloud landed and then dissipated. Han Li’s gaze swept around, and he recognized most of the faces.

He had met many people when he himself Broke through to Innnate.

"Elder Han, haha, I didn't expect you to come too!" A laugh came, and a middle-aged man in brocade robes stepped forward.

Manager Wu.

Han Li recognized him at a glance.

He nodded his head.

Others also gathered around.

Although more than a year had passed since the Nine Provinces Tournament, Han Li’s strength had long been deeply ingrained in people’s hearts.

It could be said that among all of Qingyuan Sect, apart from the Sect Leader and the Grand Elder, Han Li was the foremost person.

This strength was evident to all.

Han Li had also brought glory to Qingyuan Sect, avenging its past humiliation.

Regardless of his fame, strength, or status, in the hearts of all Disciples, he was the foremost person below the God Realm.

A large group of people gathered around, each showing a friendly smile and greeting him. Han Li also responded with nods.

Qingyuan Sect was also his second home in his heart.

Although there had been some minor disagreements in the past, Han Li did not take them to heart.

With his strength different, his state of mind was also changing.

Beside him, Yang Qi looked at Han Li, his calm demeanor suggesting that nothing could shake his spirit.

Not long after, surrounded by everyone, Han Li also met Chen Dongfeng.

“Greetings, Elder Han!” Chen Dongfeng stepped forward to salute.

Han Li smiled, looked at Chen Dongfeng, spread his hand, and spiritual light bloomed.

“I just returned today, a bit rushed. This Earth Elemental Divine Pill will be a gift. Congratulations on stepping into the Innate Realm. Our Qingyuan Sect has gained another expert.”

Han Li handed the Earth Elemental Divine Pill to Chen Dongfeng.

Everyone’s eyelids twitched.

Earth Elemental Divine Pill!

This was a rare top-tier Medicinal Pill among Innate martial artists. As expected of the First Elder, his generosity was extraordinary!

“Thank you, Elder Han.” Chen Dongfeng beamed with joy, accepting the Earth Elemental Divine Pill with a radiant smile.

“Elder Han, please come in. I have already arranged a banquet.”

Chen Dongfeng said with a chuckle.

Han Li nodded, then strode into the palace.

Arriving at the back hall, at the invitation of the Elders and Disciples, Han Li took the main seat.

“Come, everyone, today Elder Han returns, and it coincides with my Breakthrough to the Innate Realm. This is truly a double blessing, let’s drink a toast.” Chen Dongfeng raised his cup and spoke. Han Li and the other Elders and Disciples also raised their cups and drained the wine.

“Elder Han, I heard that you single-handedly wiped out the Demonic Sect strongholds in various prefectures of the Wu Dynasty, leaving only the Demonic Sect headquarters in Youzhou. Is this true?” A Disciple curiously looked at Han Li.

The other Elders and Disciples also looked at him.

Han Li took a sip of wine, put down his cup, and said with a smile, “Minor matters, not worth mentioning.”

“!!!”

Minor matters… This is still minor matters!

It was all over the various Sects.

The Three Demonic Sects had suffered great losses this time.

“Elder Han, you haven’t been heard from for several months. May I ask where you went?”

An Elder asked.

“I traveled to other places to broaden my horizons.” Han Li said indifferently.

“Come, today is Dongfeng’s big day, let’s not talk about these minor matters, have a drink.” Han Li raised his cup, and the Elders and Disciples, seeing this, also raised their cups and drained the wine… The banquet ended, and Han Li also took his leave, returning to Yuhua Peak.

However, as soon as he arrived at Yuhua Peak, Han Li met the Grand Elder.

In the main hall, Han Li sat on a chair and looked at the Grand Elder.

“Grand Elder, is there anything you need from me?”

“Han Li, I have some news to tell you.” The Grand Elder looked serious.

“What news?” Han Li asked.

“Nie Cangqiong of Cangjian Palace broke through to the God Realm two months ago, and Qin Wushuang of Tai Xuan Sect also broke through to the God Realm a month ago.”

The Grand Elder said with a solemn expression.

“Oh.” Han Li nodded, without much change in his expression.

Oh?

“…Aren’t you surprised?” The Grand Elder looked at Han Li in surprise.

“It’s normal. The two of them were already at the Peak of the Acquired Realm Perfection during the Nine Provinces Tournament. It’s only a matter of time before they Breakthrough to the God Realm.” Han Li said indifferently.

Grand Elder: “…”

“Both of them have made statements.” The Grand Elder looked at Han Li and said.

“What statements?” Han Li looked at the Grand Elder.

The Grand Elder took a deep breath, “Both of them said that if you Breakthrough to the God Realm in the future, they want to fight you.”

“…”

Han Li frowned.

The Grand Elder looked at him, sizing him up, “Your current strength must be even profounder. You need to work harder. You are the most hopeful to Breakthrough to the God Realm.”

“Grand Elder, don’t put such a burden on me. I’m under a lot of pressure.” Han Li said helplessly.

“Hahahahaha, pressure brings motivation.” The Grand Elder laughed.

Han Li: “…”

“However, their statements are not a joke. When you Breakthrough to the God Realm in the future, you probably can’t avoid a fight with them.” The Grand Elder said seriously.

“Then let’s fight. It’s not a big problem.” Han Li said indifferently.

“…You kid, the changes after stepping into the God Realm are earth-shattering, not to be underestimated.”

The Grand Elder said with a serious expression.

“I understand. By the way, where did Senior Brother go?” Han Li asked.

“He seems to have gone to the Western Continent. I’m not sure what for.”

The Grand Elder said.

“Is the Sect Leader still in seclusion?” Han Li asked.

“Yes, the Sect Leader is still in seclusion. He probably needs a long time before he can come out.” The Grand Elder nodded.

“I wonder when the two Grand Elders will return. Alas, the current situation is not easy to handle.”

The Grand Elder sighed.

Listening to this, Han Li glanced at the Grand Elder, his throat moved a little, but in the end, he still didn’t say it.

This matter was no small feat.

If the news of the two Grand Elders’ demise spread, the impact on the entire Qingyuan Sect would be earth-shattering.

Now, with the fame of the Nine Provinces Tournament, the Qingyuan Sect exceptionally opened its gates to recruit Disciples. If the news spread, it would also be a huge blow to the entire Sect.

In the end, Han Li still held back.

“What are your plans for this return?” The Grand Elder looked at Han Li and asked.

“I plan to go into seclusion, stabilize myself, and by the way, try to Breakthrough to the God Realm.” Han Li said.

Grand Elder: “?!!!”

And by the way, try to Breakthrough to the God Realm?

Is this even a “by the way” thing?!

Looking at Han Li, the Grand Elder’s heart trembled, and a hint of joy appeared on his face: “Breaking through to the God Realm, how confident are you?”

Han Li shook his head: “It’s hard to say now. I still need to improve.”

“Well, that’s true. The more stable you are, the more confident you’ll be. If you succeed, then our Qingyuan Sect will be able to rise another level, surpassing the two major Sects.”

The Grand Elder said with a smile.

“I hope so.” Han Li nodded.

“Alright, you just returned, so get some good rest. I won’t disturb you any longer.” The Grand Elder stood up and said to him.

Han Li nodded, saw off the Grand Elder, and then went to the backyard.

“Today, I’ll get a good night’s sleep first.”

Looking at the sky, Han Li walked around the courtyard, then entered his room… The next day, early in the morning, Han Li got up.

Complete relaxation and rest made his spirit even more abundant.

Immediately, Han Li came to the Artifact Refining Room. Looking at the spacious Artifact Refining Room, Han Li waved his hand, and the Yuhua Peak’s protective Formation instantly activated.

Having rested well, he was now going to start refining his Magic Treasure.

Han Li immediately took out the 13,000-year-old Tianlei Bamboo.

Purple lightning was released, emitting a powerful aura.

Looking at the Tianlei Bamboo in front of him, Han Li immediately sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to regulate himself.

When all his conditions reached their best, Han Li’s True Qi stirred within him, and he immediately released his Innate True Fire.

Having consumed the Phoenix Golden Lotus, Han Li’s Innate True Fire had also changed.

It possessed the characteristics of Phoenix True Fire.

The powerful golden True Fire burned fiercely, instantly enveloping the Tianlei Bamboo.

At the same time, Han Li took out a large amount of Geng Metal.

He separated his Innate True Fire to smelt it.

His True Qi was immensely abundant, so Han Li wasn’t worried about consumption.

Han Li planned to fuse the Geng Metal with this Tianlei Bamboo to create a set of Magic Treasures.

This way, combined with his Taiqing Shadowless Swordplay, its power would be earth-shattering.

A total of twelve Magic Treasures were needed.

The Tianlei Bamboo was just enough; any more wouldn’t work.

With his current cultivation and Artifact Refining experience, forging this set of Magic Treasures into top-grade Spirit Treasures was not a problem.

As for breaking through to Dao Artifacts, that was basically impossible.

Han Li also didn’t intend to refine any Dao Artifacts.

That would at least be something for after he stepped into the God Realm.

Only after stepping into the God Realm would he be able to refine Dao Artifacts.

Twelve top-grade Magic Treasures, refined from Tianlei Bamboo and Geng Metal over ten thousand years old, could even contend against Dao Artifacts.

This was the power of a combined Magic Treasure.

Of course, the more important thing was the Materials.

Thirteen thousand parts of Tianlei Bamboo, this was extremely rare.

It was basically impossible to buy.

Of course, some auction houses might have it, but such a rare treasure would not be affordable at an ordinary price.

And there was also a large amount of Geng Metal, which was an excellent Material for refining Magic Treasures.

In the future, as his cultivation improved, Han Li could also upgrade this entire set of Magic Treasures to Dao Artifacts.

When twelve combined Dao Artifacts were unleashed, their power would definitely be capable of slaying gods and immortals.

Although Han Li had Dao Artifacts, and more than one, he still needed to refine them.

This set of combined Magic Treasures had infinite potential, incomparable to a single Magic Treasure.

He planned to Cultivate them into his Lifebound Treasure… Time flowed by minute by minute.

Han Li’s return also caused a stir in the Qingyuan Sect, but it quickly subsided.

With the Yuhua Peak’s protective Formation activated, no one disturbed him.

Inside the Artifact Refining Room.

Three days passed before Han Li successfully smelted the Tianlei Bamboo and also successfully smelted the required Geng Metal Materials.

Top-grade Materials presented enormous difficulty in smelting.

Ordinary Innate True Fire was basically incapable of smelting them.

Fortunately, his True Qi was pure enough to rival spiritual power, and coupled with the characteristics of Phoenix True Fire, he was able to successfully smelt them.

But even so, Han Li still spent a full three days to succeed.

His True Qi consumption was huge, but with the Iron Plate’s recovery, Han Li maintained a stable state. If worse came to worst, he still had many Medicinal Pills, so he didn’t need to worry about True Qi issues.

He just needed to focus on refining… Time flew by, and a month passed.

Inside the Artifact Refining Room on Yuhua Peak, scorching high temperatures permeated the air, making it twist.

Han Li sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion. Before him, twelve purplish-gold flying swords floated.

Lightning occasionally flickered on the sword bodies, and a powerful aura filled the entire Artifact Refining Room.

Each of the twelve purplish-gold flying swords exuded a sharp aura.

With the help of the Tianlei Bamboo, Han Li also added a Heavenly Lightning attribute to this set of Magic Treasures.

Even the power of a single piece far surpassed that of an ordinary top-grade Spirit Treasure.

Twelve thousand, seeking support…