93: Master of Heaven and Earth [please subscribe]

Zhang Yi was carried away, but no one paid attention to this scene; everyone's gaze was fixed on Han Li.

Late Stage Pulse-Connecting Realm, first place.

This situation had only occurred once before, with Wu Wuji of Yuhua Peak.

And now, this unbreakable record has been broken again.

He even surpassed his predecessor.

Shattering the barrier—this level of strength is probably even slightly stronger than that of a newly advanced Xiantian martial artist.

Yuhua Peak might have few people, but every one of them is a Genius and Prodigy.

Feng Taixu's last Disciple had reached an unparalleled level.

A newly initiated Disciple directly overturned the previous myth.

And the one who overturned this myth came from the same lineage.

"Is this Junior Brother's true strength?!"

Chen Qi's eyes widened as she looked at Han Li in disbelief.

His Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters also felt a strong shock in their hearts.

They hadn't known much about their Junior Brother before, but now they saw that when he didn't act, it was fine, but once he did, it was earth-shattering.

Pairs of eyes fell upon Han Li.

Shock, astonishment, disbelief... Participating in the Mountain and River Tournament for the first time, he advanced triumphantly all the way to claim the championship.

Moreover, in the final battle, he shattered the barrier, directly elevating the myth created by Wu Wuji to a completely new height.

It's likely no one will be able to break this record.

Not even a special Physique could achieve it.

Wu Wuji, with his special Physique, had already created a myth of unparalleled height, and now, Han Li's achievement has made him even more out of reach.

"I should have fought for him back then..." The Peak Masters looked at Han Li, their hearts twitching.

"The champion of this Mountain and River Tournament is Han Li!"

At this moment, on the high platform, the voice of the presiding Elder rang out, breaking the silence of the venue.

"Clatter clatter~"

Thunderous applause erupted, shaking the very air.

No one expected that this time, a super dark horse like Han Li would emerge as the champion of the Mountain and River Tournament...

The Mountain and River Tournament officially concluded, and Han Li returned to stand before his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters.

Tomorrow would be the award ceremony.

Now, he had achieved his goal.

"Let's go."

Baili Changqing led Han Li and his group out of the venue, waving his hand to reveal a flying ship. Under the gaze of countless onlookers, the group boarded the ship and flew off into the distance.

Everyone else also dispersed.

With the champion of the Mountain and River Tournament decided, Han Li's name spread throughout the Qingyuan Sect.

Even the sweeping boys and servants knew his name.

The quiet Yuhua Peak also reached new heights once again.

— —

In Yuhua Hall, Han Li and his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters sat in the courtyard of the back hall.

A table laden with delicious food made their mouths water.

Bright smiles appeared on their Faces.

The atmosphere was joyful.

"Haha, Junior Brother, this time, you truly made us look at you with new eyes! Eldest Senior Brother and Third Junior Brother will surely be very happy when they hear about this," Baili Changqing said with a hearty laugh.

"Second Senior Brother is too kind. The pressure wasn't too great this year," Han Li said calmly.

"Zhang Yi's strength is comparable to a Xiantian martial artist, and you say the pressure wasn't great? Your strength is almost on par with a Xiantian martial artist," Duan Ye said with a laugh.

"I am far from a Xiantian martial artist, Senior Brother Duan is too polite," Han Li replied.

"Come, no matter what, Junior Brother won the championship. Let's raise our cups together to celebrate Junior Brother."

"Cheers!"

The group stood up, clinked their cups, and drained the wine... The meal lasted a full hour and a half before ending, and the sky had grown dark.

The quiet Yuhua Peak was enveloped in joyous laughter.

Just as the group was dispersing, a long rainbow streaked towards Yuhua Peak from outside.

Inside the main hall, the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters were chatting when they suddenly sensed a presence. Their gazes turned towards the Void Realm outside the hall, and Han Li's gaze also followed to the Void Realm outside the hall.

The long rainbow pierced through the air, arriving in an instant. The figure of a purple-robed old man appeared before Han Li and the others.

"Grand Elder!"

The group was astonished, exchanged glances, and stood up one after another. Han Li and his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters stepped out of Yuhua Hall.

The Grand Elder was standing in the square outside the hall.

"Greetings, Grand Elder."

Han Li and his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters bowed in unison.

The Grand Elder smiled slightly, stroked his beard, and looked at the group, his gaze falling on Han Li. The smile on his Face grew even brighter, as if he were looking at a rare treasure.

"Grand Elder, may I ask what brings you here and what instructions you have for us?" Baili Changqing, as their leader, stepped forward and asked the Grand Elder.

The Grand Elder smiled: "No need to be nervous, this Elder merely came to see Han Li."

"See me?"

Hearing the Grand Elder's words, Han Li was astonished.

He didn't seem to have any interactions with the Grand Elder, so why would the Grand Elder suddenly come to see him?

Something was strange about this!

His Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters also looked at Han Li, then at the Grand Elder.

Huangfu Yanran's eyes flickered, as if she realized something, and she softly said: "Grand Elder's arrival is a blessing to Yuhua Peak. Why not come inside and sit for a while?"

"No, this Elder only wishes to speak with Han Li alone this time," the Grand Elder shook his head.

Hmm?

Hearing this, the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters frowned slightly.

Han Li also furrowed his brow.

The Grand Elder wants to talk to him?

And he came specifically for him... this is very strange!

"Han Li, can you grant this Elder this Face?"

The Grand Elder's voice rang out again, his tone very polite, with a faint smile still on his Face.

Hearing this, Han Li recovered and said: "Since the Grand Elder wishes to speak with this Disciple, this Disciple would certainly not refuse."

Seeing this, the other Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters said nothing more, then turned around, passed through Yuhua Hall, and entered the back hall.

"Grand Elder, please come in," Han Li said politely.

The Grand Elder nodded slightly, then stepped into Yuhua Hall.

In the spacious main hall, only Han Li and the Grand Elder remained.

The Grand Elder's eyes were fixed on Han Li, the smile on his Face growing even brighter, his gaze making Han Li feel a little uneasy.

Han Li stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed, saying: "May I ask what the Grand Elder wishes to discuss with this Disciple?"

The Grand Elder smiled and said: "It's nothing much. I came today just to congratulate you on winning the championship in your first Mountain and River Tournament. Not bad at all."

What exactly does he want to do?

He came all this way just to congratulate him?

Surely not?

There must be something else!

But as the chief Grand Elder of the Qingyuan Sect, he held a high position and power, and his strength, apart from the few God Realm Supremes, was even three points stronger than some Peak Masters.

For the Grand Elder, with his esteemed status, to seek him out... there must be a problem.

Han Li muttered inwardly, but his Face remained normal: "Grand Elder is too kind. This Disciple only won by luck."

"Your strength and talent are both exceptional; there's no need to be modest," the Grand Elder said with a beaming smile.

Han Li looked at the Grand Elder and said: "Grand Elder's visit, I presume, is not solely to congratulate this Disciple?"

Han Li laid his cards on the table directly.

He also disliked beating around the bush; it was better to speak plainly. What was the point of all that elaborate fuss?

The Grand Elder looked at him but did not answer, instead observing him carefully, his gaze filled with tenderness.

The Grand Elder wouldn't have some special hobbies, would he?

Being looked at with such eyes, Han Li's scalp tingled.

But he couldn't understand; even if he had special hobbies, it couldn't be him, could it?

Logically speaking, shouldn't it be those delicate and frail types?

This, he was completely unrelated, wasn't he... "Grand Elder?" Han Li really couldn't hold back and spoke again.

The Grand Elder coughed, looked at Han Li, and said: "Ahem, my apologies, I got distracted. Actually, this Elder has another matter for coming today."

"Grand Elder, please speak freely," Han Li said.

"Elder Feng has been deceased for several months. With your exceptional talent, have you considered taking another Master?"

The Grand Elder spoke.

So he wanted to take him as a Disciple... Han Li breathed a sigh of relief, then continued: "Grand Elder, this Disciple currently has no other thoughts and does not wish to take on another Master."

The Grand Elder frowned, looked at Han Li, and said: "Han Li, have you thought it through? With such talent, if you were to take another Master, your potential would surely be unearthed even more brilliantly. This is a rare Opportunity not to be missed."

"Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parents, Revered Master. Although my Revered Master has passed away, this Disciple is unwilling to take another as Revered Master. This goes against the Dao of proper conduct," Han Li replied.

Grand Elder: "..."

These words truly left the Grand Elder speechless.

Looking at Han Li, the Grand Elder hadn't expected this young man to be so respectful of his Revered Master.

However, this only further proved the character of this person.

A rare talent!

To take such a respectful Disciple under his wing would also be a rare good fortune.

Thinking of this, the Grand Elder's expression turned serious. He looked at Han Li and said: "Han Li, Elder Feng has passed away. Your steadfastness is admirable to this Elder. However, as the ancients said, if a Revered Master passes away, one can choose a worthy successor. Taking a Revered Master is not like marrying a wife, and even if one marries a wife and she passes away, one can still remarry, can't they? What do you think?"

Han Li: "?"

What kind of absurd analogy is this?

Can taking a Revered Master be compared to marrying a wife?

You're stretching it too far, aren't you?

Han Li was greatly shocked in his heart, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say.

Seeing Han Li silent, the Grand Elder spoke again: "To be frank, this Elder believes you are a rare talent, and I have no Disciples under me. If you are willing, I can impart all my lifelong knowledge to you. You would also be my only Personal Disciple. I also know that the Yuhua Peak lineage has few members. How about this: if you are willing to take me as your Revered Master, I can still allow you to remain on Yuhua Peak. You can be my Disciple and also a Disciple of the Yuhua Peak lineage. What do you say?"

"..."

Han Li was silent.

The Grand Elder looked at him, took a deep breath, and said: "I will not force you to take me as your Revered Master. You can choose freely."

Han Li lowered his head, and after a long while, he looked up at the Grand Elder and said: "Thank you for your kindness, Grand Elder, but this Disciple still stands by his original words. Please forgive me, Grand Elder."

"Alas... you young man, fine. Since that is the case, I will not force you, lest I become the villain. In that case, I shall take my leave." The Grand Elder sighed deeply. In the next instant, he stepped out of Yuhua Hall, flew into the night sky, and disappeared from Han Li's sight.

Watching the Grand Elder leave, Han Li also withdrew his gaze.

Taking a Revered Master... Since Feng Taixu's Undergoing Tribulation, he had never thought about this question.

The Grand Elder personally coming to take him as a Disciple was also something Han Li had not anticipated.

"Junior Brother."

At this moment, Baili Changqing's voice came, and Han Li looked over to see his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters entering the main hall.

"Senior Brother," Han Li nodded.

"Junior Brother, why weren't you willing just now?" Huangfu Yanran stepped forward and asked.

“The Grand Elder's strength is profound and unparalleled; one could say he has one foot in the God Realm. If you could become his Disciple, it would be a good thing, and it wouldn't strip you of your Yuhua Peak identity. It's killing two birds with one stone.”

“Heaven, Earth, Emperor, Parents, Revered Master. My Revered Master passed away not long ago. To take another as Revered Master would go against proper conduct. Senior Sister, there's no need to say more. I will not take another as Revered Master.” Han Li shook his head, his Face serious.

“Such backbone! If you don't want to, then don't. It's no big deal.”

“It's getting late, Junior Brother. You should rest well. Tomorrow you still have to receive your award,” Huangfu Yanran said.

“Mhm.”

Han Li nodded.

“Oh, right, Second Senior Brother, have you ever been to the Underground Palace Secret Realm?” Han Li suddenly thought of something and asked Baili Changqing and the others.

“I haven't been. First Senior Brother has, but he's not here unfortunately,” Baili Changqing shook his head.

“The Underground Palace Secret Realm is a Secret Realm of the Supreme Paragon, a treasure trove. Junior Brother, you're in luck this time,” Chen Qi said with a smile.

“Is there no danger in this Underground Palace Secret Realm?” Han Li asked.

“There's definitely danger. There are demons inside, but the specific situation isn't very clear,” Fourth Senior Brother replied.

“Demons…” Han Li nodded.

Baili Changqing looked at him and said, “You don't need to worry, Junior Brother. You'll go with other True Disciples, and an Elder will lead the team. There won't be any problems.”

“Understood.” Han Li nodded.

“You can ask the Sect Leader then. Just mention it, and the Sect Leader will definitely tell you,” Huangfu Yanran said.

“Okay.” Han Li nodded.

Immediately, he bid farewell to his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters and entered his room… The night passed quickly.

The next morning, early.

Han Li woke up early.

Inside the main hall of Yuhua Peak.

Only Fourth Senior Brother remained; the other Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters had left for other matters.

The Mountain and River Tournament had concluded; today was just for receiving awards.

“Junior Brother, it's getting late. Let's go. I'll take you there to handle it, and then I have other things to do,” Duan Ye said.

“Alright, thank you, Fourth Senior Brother.” Han Li nodded.

“Why be polite? Let's go.” Duan Ye waved his hand, and a white boat appeared in the Void Realm. The two stepped onto the white boat, and Innate True Qi was activated. The white boat beneath their feet instantly broke through the air, heading towards the depths of the Qingyuan Sect… Qingyuan Palace.

It was a vital area within the Qingyuan Sect.

His initial apprenticeship was also in Qingyuan Palace.

Aside from his very first entry, today was Han Li's second visit.

Today's awards ceremony was also held in Qingyuan Palace.

The awards for the top three were personally handled by the Sect Leader.

Arriving at Qingyuan Palace, looking at the magnificent and grand palace hall, Han Li saw two other people.

One was Yi Xuan from Tiandu Peak.

And the other was Zhang Yi from Xuandu Peak.

After a night of meditation, and with the recovery provided by Spirit Pills, both had recovered.

When they saw Han Li, their gazes flickered, but they didn't say anything.

Han Li naturally wouldn't try to get close to them.

The feud was already established, and he wouldn't regret it.

If they weren't convinced, he'd just beat them up again.

Killing was not allowed, but beating them up was still fine.

Of course, he wouldn't easily make a move; as long as they didn't provoke him, they would be safe.

If they did provoke him, then they shouldn't blame him.

Within the Sect, it could still be restrained, but outside the Sect, it would be a different story.

Han Li glanced at the two and then withdrew his gaze.

The three of them waited in the square of Qingyuan Palace.

Duan Ye, meanwhile, was calmly drinking tea in a pavilion not far away.

Tiandu Peak and Xuandu Peak also had people accompanying them, but they didn't greet Han Li and his group.

Duan Ye certainly wouldn't take the initiative to greet anyone from those two peaks.

If not for being within the Sect, given Duan Ye's temperament, it would be considered good if he didn't beat up people from those two peaks… After waiting for a while, a bell rang. Han Li heard the bell and immediately stood up. Zhang Yi and Yi Xuan also stood up simultaneously.

Not far away, in the pavilion, Duan Ye nodded slightly towards Han Li.

Immediately, Han Li, Zhang Yi, and Yi Xuan entered Qingyuan Palace.

Inside Qingyuan Palace, after Han Li and Zhang Yi entered, the Grand Elder and several other Elders appeared. The Sect Leader's figure was also among them, seated in the center.

The three of them stepped forward and bowed in unison, “Greetings, Sect Leader! Greetings, Elders!”

“Excellent! This time, you three performed outstandingly in the Mountain and River Tournament, especially Han Li, who broke multiple records. Truly commendable!”

The Sect Leader's voice rang out, his tone gentle.

Han Li bowed again, “Thank you for your praise, Sect Leader. This Disciple's victory was entirely due to their gracious concessions.”

Zhang Yi and Yi Xuan looked at him simultaneously, a hint of resentment flashing deep in their eyes.

Concessions… What kind of concessions?

The two grumbled inwardly, but in front of the Sect Leader, they showed no unusual expressions.

The Sect Leader looked at Han Li, then at Zhang Yi and Yi Xuan, and said, “You are all Geniuses of my Qingyuan Sect. In the future, you must not create trouble. Fellow Disciples should help each other so that the Sect can develop more gloriously, understand?”

“We obey the Sect Leader's decree!”

The three responded in unison.

The Sect Leader nodded, then looked at Yi Xuan, “Yi Xuan, step forward.”

Yi Xuan stepped forward. The Grand Elder took out a hundred treasure sack.

The Sect Leader said, “You achieved third place in this tournament. Now, the award will be presented.”

The Grand Elder handed out the hundred treasure sack to Yi Xuan, and at the same time, had Yi Xuan hand over his identity token.

“The third-place award: ten Essence Pills, one High Grade Spiritual Artifact, and five hundred thousandMerits (contribution points)!”

“Thank you, Sect Leader.”

Yi Xuan received the award.

Immediately, Yi Xuan stepped back and stood properly.

The Sect Leader called out Zhang Yi's name again, and he also stepped forward.

The Grand Elder announced the award.

“The second-place award: fifty Essence Pills, one High Grade Spiritual Artifact, and one millionMerits (contribution points)!”

“Thank you, Sect Leader!”

Zhang Yi received his award and stepped back to his position.

The Sect Leader's gaze fell upon Han Li, saying, “Han Li, step forward.”

Han Li stepped forward. The Grand Elder revealed another hundred treasure sack and simultaneously announced the award.

“The first-place award: one Xiantian Pill, one hundred Essence Pills, one top-grade Spiritual Artifact, and five millionMerits (contribution points)! Additionally, you receive this tournament's special award: a spot in the Underground Palace Secret Realm.”

“Thank you, Sect Leader!”

Han Li listened to the awards, put away the hundred treasure sack, and stepped back to his position.

The Sect Leader looked at the three and his voice rang out, “Your talents are outstanding. Cultivate diligently in the future and never neglect your training. You must know that in martial arts Cultivation, if you don't advance, you retreat. You must not become arrogant, understand?”

“Understood! We will abide by the Sect Leader's teachings!”

The three replied in unison.

The Sect Leader nodded and said, “Alright, you may withdraw. Han Li, stay.”

Zhang Yi and Yi Xuan nodded, then exited Qingyuan Palace.

The Sect Leader waved his hand, and the Grand Elder and the other Elders also left Qingyuan Palace.

“Han Li, please sit. No need to be constrained.” The Sect Leader spoke. Han Li nodded slightly, then sat on a chair nearby, only perching on half of it, his back ramrod straight.

The Sect Leader also sat on the other side, looking at Han Li, and said, “Han Li, your talent is exceptional. Have you ever considered taking another Revered Master?”

“This Disciple has never considered it,” Han Li replied.

“The Grand Elder sought you out?” The Sect Leader looked at him.

Han Li nodded.

Seeing this, the Sect Leader nodded and then said, “Han Li, do you know about the Underground Palace Secret Realm?”

“This Disciple knows a little, but not too clearly. I ask the Sect Leader to inform this Disciple.”

Han Li spoke.

The Sect Leader smiled and said, “The Underground Palace Secret Realm is an ancient Secret Realm, a Legacy left by an ancient Saint Realm Supreme. It is rich in Spiritual Qi and contains many Heaven And Earth Treasures. There are even some Legacies left by this Saint Realm Supreme. If you obtain one, then stepping into the God Realm in the future would not be a problem.”

Han Li: “!!!”

“However, there are also some demonic beasts inside. These demonic beasts are ancient creatures, so there is some danger. But you don't need to worry. These demonic beasts have been encountered many times, and now, they are not easily met. Moreover, the Sect will arrange for Elders to lead the team. If you go to the Underground Palace Secret Realm, you must not act on your own. Follow the arrangements, understand?”

“This Disciple understands.” Han Li nodded.

“There is a token in the hundred treasure sack. Two months from now, you will proceed to the entrance of the Underground Palace Secret Realm. At that time, the token will vibrate to remind you. Just come here then and meet up with the other Disciples going. The Underground Palace Secret Realm will be open for one month, which means you can explore it for one month. Whatever you gain then will depend on your own Opportunity.”

The Sect Leader said.

Han Li nodded, and his mind became clear.

“Do you have any other questions?” The Sect Leader asked, looking at Han Li.

Han Li pondered for a moment and said, “Sect Leader, this time, besides our Sect, will the other two Sects also send people to the Underground Palace Secret Realm?”

“Yes, this is a set rule,” the Sect Leader nodded.

“Then where is the approximate location of the Underground Palace Secret Realm?”

“Within Tianyang Prefecture,” the Sect Leader replied.

“This Disciple has one more question. Which Supreme is the Saint Realm Supreme of this Secret Realm?”

Han Li asked.

The Sect Leader glanced at him and said, “This Supreme is an ancient Supreme named Gu Huang. Too much time has passed; this Supreme is probably no longer alive.”

“Gu Huang…”

Han Li nodded.

“Are there any other questions?” The Sect Leader asked.

Han Li shook his head. The Sect Leader looked at him, spread his palm, and a thin booklet appeared in his hand.

“Here are some details and locations about the Underground Palace Secret Realm. You can go back and read it to be aware beforehand,” the Sect Leader said.

“Thank you, Sect Leader.” Han Li was delighted and immediately put away the booklet.

“Alright, you may withdraw. There isn't much time, so it's best not to leave the Sect easily, lest any unexpected situations arise,” the Sect Leader said.

Han Li nodded, then stood up and excused himself.