97: Collection of Three Sects Pinpoint Maimang

“This guy, it seems he can't swallow this anger…”

Yuan Zong and the others looked at Zhang Xuan.

The words sounded fine, but in reality, there was a big problem.

Although the Underground Palace Secret Realm was dangerous, the rewards were also astonishing.

To directly cut off his opportunity in front of him, this grudge would probably be impossible to resolve.

The Sect Leader's face was calm, showing no change, like an ancient well without ripples.

Elder Bai also didn't speak, his face likewise showing no change in expression.

Only the Grand Elder frowned slightly.

“Sect Leader, Junior Brother Han is still young, and his talent is good. If he encounters danger in the Underground Palace, it would bring a great loss to the Sect. Therefore, Disciple suggests that Junior Brother Han remain in the Sect; this would also ensure his safety.”

Zhang Xuan spoke again.

The Sect Leader looked at him, and at this moment, Yun Xi spoke.

“Revered Master, Disciple has something to say.”

Yun Xi spoke.

The Sect Leader's gaze fell on her, and he nodded gently.

“Revered Master… she is a Disciple of the Sect Leader's lineage…”

Listening to Yun Xi speak, Han Li's heart trembled slightly.

And hearing Yun Xi speak, Zhang Xuan's expression changed slightly, but he didn't say anything.

Yun Xi looked at the Sect Leader, then at Han Li, and said, “Sect Leader, Junior Brother Zhang is right. The Underground Palace Secret Realm indeed has some dangers. Under normal circumstances, those who haven't entered the Innate Realm have a very high chance of perishing…”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuan's face showed a smile.

Han Li's expression remained unchanged, showing no ripples, but his fists clenched subconsciously.

“However… I am roughly aware of Junior Brother Han Li's strength, because Disciple had contact with him on the third floor of the Demon Suppression Valley. So, I think this trip shouldn't be too problematic. Going to the Underground Palace Secret Realm together, I think it's not a big issue.”

Yun Xi's voice rang out, and the smile on Zhang Xuan's face abruptly stopped.

The Grand Elder and Elder Bai looked at Han Li, a hint of surprise in their eyes.

Entering the third floor of the Demon Suppression Valley, this was something only Xiantian martial artists could do.

However, the strength Han Li displayed at the Mountain and River Tournament also seemed to be no big problem.

“Senior Sister Yun, the Underground Palace Secret Realm is not the Demon Suppression Valley. There will be more powerful demonic dangers there.” Zhang Xuan interjected.

Yun Xi looked at him and said lightly, “Aren't there Elders leading the team? Moreover, if we encounter danger, we should help each other. Could it be that if Junior Brother Han doesn't go, we won't encounter danger?”

“This…”

Zhang Xuan was speechless, not knowing what to say.

Yun Xi spoke again, “Moreover, Han Li's strength probably isn't much weaker. After all, he once achieved the feat of single-handedly killing an Innate First Realm demon king.”

“What?!”

“Killing an Innate First Realm demon king alone?”

As soon as Yun Xi said this, everyone's gaze fell on Han Li.

Han Li's strength might be slightly stronger than an ordinary Xiantian martial artist, but to be able to kill an Innate First Realm demon king alone, this… this was too incredible, wasn't it?

Martial Artists of the same Realm might not even be able to do it.

Han Li's strength is that formidable?!

This was more than just surpassing a Martial Artist of one Realm; it was directly being able to completely defeat an Innate First Realm Martial Artist.

Zhang Xuan also froze for a moment, looking at Han Li with a stunned expression.

“Is what you said true?” the Grand Elder asked.

Yun Xi nodded, “Disciple witnessed it herself, there's no falsehood. If I speak falsely, may the heavens strike me with five thunderbolts!”

“Hiss…”

Seeing Yun Xi's serious expression, Yuan Zong and Zhou Yun couldn't help but gasp.

Their gazes towards Han Li changed.

“Han Li, is what Yun Xi said true?” the Grand Elder looked at Han Li.

Han Li hesitated slightly, but still nodded: “Disciple did kill a demon king a few days ago, but it was also with Senior Sister Yun's help. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy.”

“I merely blocked the demon king's escape route; you killed it, so you killed it.” Yun Xi said lightly.

“This guy's talent, even Wu Wuji is probably a bit inferior!” The Grand Elder's heart churned, regretting it even more.

It's a pity this guy isn't willing to take another Revered Master!

You can't force a good horse to drink; it's truly a great regret!

“The spots for the Underground Palace are set and cannot be changed. No more discussion.” At this moment, the Sect Leader spoke.

“…Yes.”

Zhang Xuan opened his mouth, wanting to say something more, but in the end, he swallowed it back down.

To refute again would be to challenge the Sect Leader's authority.

“The Sect Leader is wise.” The stone in Han Li's heart, which had been taut, also fell. He bowed in salute.

“Elder Bai, you take them to wait outside for a while. Han Li, stay here first.” The Sect Leader spoke, and Elder Bai, who was beside him, nodded.

Immediately, he led Yun Xi and the others out of Qingyuan Palace.

The Grand Elder stood to the side, his eyes on Han Li.

The regret in his eyes was visible to anyone.

Han Li could only pretend not to see it.

After the others left, Han Li looked at the Sect Leader and said, “I wonder if the Sect Leader has any other instructions?”

The Sect Leader stood up and came before Han Li, opening his hand. A golden Talisman appeared in his palm.

The next second, this golden Talisman fell into Han Li's hand.

Han Li looked at the golden Talisman in his palm. It had a sword on it, and some special symbols he didn't understand.

The texture was not like paper, but rather like it was made from some special beast hide.

Before Han Li could ask, the Sect Leader spoke.

“This is this Seat's Golden Sword Talisman. It can unleash the full power of a God Realm First Realm attack once. Take it, and do not use it lightly unless absolutely necessary. Keep it for self-defense, understand?!”

The Sect Leader's voice entered his ears, and Han Li quickly came back to his senses.

Looking at the Golden Sword Talisman in his hand, his pupils constricted slightly.

Unleashing the full power of a God Realm First Realm attack once, this was a good item for saving one's life.

Its value was extraordinary.

“Thank you, Sect Leader, for bestowing this Talisman. Disciple will engrave it in his heart.” Han Li cupped his hands and bowed in salute.

“Mm, go.” The Sect Leader nodded, and Han Li immediately bowed and withdrew, stepping out of Qingyuan Palace.

Watching Han Li's receding figure, the Grand Elder sighed, “What a pity, this child is unwilling to join my lineage.”

The Sect Leader looked at the Grand Elder and said lightly, “You are the Grand Elder of Qingyuan Sect, and he is also a Disciple of Qingyuan Sect. It's not necessary to take him as a Disciple. Wild growth might lead to faster development; this is an example.”

“I understand the Sect Leader's words.” The Grand Elder's eyes flickered, and he nodded.

“During this period, the Sect's affairs will be entrusted to you. This Seat is going to the Central Continent.”

“Going to the Central Continent?”

The Grand Elder was startled, looking at the Sect Leader and saying, “Sect Leader, why are you going to the Central Continent?”

“Naturally, for something important. You just take care of the Sect's affairs.” The Sect Leader said indifferently.

“Understood. Sect Leader, please go with peace of mind. I will be responsible for everything in the Sect.”

The Grand Elder nodded, and the Sect Leader's figure moved, then disappeared from Qingyuan Palace.

“Central Continent…”

Watching the Sect Leader disappear, the Grand Elder murmured… Outside Qingyuan Palace, on the main hall plaza.

Han Li and Yun Xi's group reunited.

Elder Bai also didn't waste any words. Seeing Han Li come out, he spread his hand, and a greenTower Ship appeared out of thin air.

With True Qi stimulated, this greenTower Ship instantly transformed into a size of over ten zhang, suspended in mid-air.

Han Li and the others successively boarded the greenTower Ship, and then, under Elder Bai's urging, the greenTower Ship immediately broke through the air and disappeared without a trace.

A layer of light shield enveloped theTower Ship. The strong winds generated by theTower Ship's movement couldn't blow into theTower Ship at all.

Standing on theTower Ship and looking into the distance, Qingyuan Sect soon disappeared from view.

Han Li also retracted his gaze.

Looking at the Golden Sword Talisman in his cosmos ring, Han Li hadn't expected the Sect Leader to give him such a self-defense item.

Although the Golden Sword Talisman only had one use, if used correctly, it would be well worth the price.

“Junior Brother Han, did you really kill a demon king?” At this moment, a tender female voice rang out. Han Li turned his head to look, and Zhou Yun's face showed intense curiosity.

“Mm, yes, thanks to Senior Sister Yun's help.” Han Li nodded.

“I was just watching; he killed it himself.” Yun Xi said lightly.

“…”

“Amazing! When you Breakthrough to Innate, I'm afraid your strength will be even more terrifying, Junior Brother. In the future, you'll have to look out for me, okay?”

Zhou Yun said with a giggle.

“Senior Sister Zhou, you flatter me.” Han Li smiled.

Then, he looked at Yun Xi and said, “Senior Sister Yun, thank you very much this time. Otherwise, some people really would have succeeded.”

Han Li's voice wasn't loud, but Zhang Xuan, who wasn't far away, heard it clearly.

His face darkened.

He gave Han Li a deep look, then simply turned and gazed into the distance.

“I merely stated the facts. The fundamental reason lies with yourself.” Yun Xi spoke.

“I still have to thank Senior Sister for speaking up for justice. The Sect Leader's lineage produces outstanding Disciples, unlike some people whose hearts are narrow and cannot tolerate others.”

Han Li spoke.

Zhang Xuan, who had his back to Han Li, clenched his fists, but still remained silent.

“Among fellow Disciples, it's still best to be harmonious.” Yun Xi looked at Han Li and said.

“Naturally.” Han Li nodded… The greenTower Ship traveled through the sea of clouds.

Standing on theTower Ship's corridor, looking at the churning sea of clouds, Han Li's heart also surged with emotion.

As long as he entered Innate, he would be able to fly.

Only by cultivating to Innate could one explore a more vast world.

The Nine Provinces of the Wu Dynasty were boundless, and beyond the Nine Provinces, there was an even more expansive world.

Yuan Meng Country and the Wu Dynasty, in the Mortal World, were just the tip of the iceberg.

The stronger one's strength, the more vast worlds one could explore.

One day, he would also surely go and see this magnificent world, the Mortal World… After two hours, Elder Bai's greenTower Ship sailed into Tianyang County of Qingzhou.

This was also a large county.

It was very far from Qingyun Prefecture.

It belonged to opposing directions, north and south.

And the Underground Palace Secret Realm was located within Tianyang County.

This county did not have the main strongholds of the three major Sects, but the power of the three major Sects was present.

“We're almost there.”

On theTower Ship, Zhou Yun looked at the mountains and rivers, her voice ringing out.

Hearing this, Han Li also perked up, looking at the mountains and rivers.

A Secret Realm ruin, this was Han Li's first time experiencing it. Everything about it filled him with an unprecedented sense of novelty.

TheTower Ship continued forward, then suddenly swooped down.

In an instant, it descended into an open space surrounded by mountains.

TheTower Ship stopped, and Han Li and the others successively disembarked.

His gaze swept around. Here, mountains surrounded them, and the scenery was picturesque.

However, the location was very remote, about two hundred li from the nearest county town.

Han Li scanned the area, but didn't find anything peculiar.

It seemed like an ordinary place.

"Is this the entrance to the Underground Palace Secret Realm?" Han Li blinked.

"Yes," Yun Xi nodded.

"Why don't I see anything special?" Han Li asked.

"It requires the combined tokens of the three great Sects to reveal the Secret Realm entrance. Without the tokens to activate it, unless you cultivate to the God Realm, you won't be able to see or sense it," Yun Xi explained.

"I see." Han Li nodded.

"What a country bumpkin," an ambiguous voice sneered, Zhang Xuan's face full of mockery.

Han Li's expression remained unchanged, without the slightest ripple, completely ignoring Zhang Xuan.

Now, he only regarded that guy as a dog.

Just a dog barking.

Why bother with it?

Seeing Han Li unmoved, Zhang Xuan glanced at him but said nothing more.

"The other two Sects haven't arrived yet?" Han Li looked around, apart from them, there were no other people.

"They'll be here soon," Elder Bai said, putting away theTower Ship (Lóuchuán).

As soon as he finished speaking, a whooshing sound came from the Void Realm, and a rainbow light descended from the sky.

It was also aTower Ship (Lóuchuán) Spiritual Artifact.

TheTower Ship (Lóuchuán) descended, and six figures walked off it.

Each of them was in the Innate Realm, and among them, the strongest was a beautiful woman in purple.

With her hair in a bun and dressed in a purple skirt, her curvaceous figure and fair skin exuded a mature charm.

Her Aura was the same as Elder Bai's, both existing in the Innate Third Realm.

Among the few people behind her, only one was in the Innate First Realm, while the rest were in the Xiantian Second Realm, both male and female.

"Elder Yue, long time no see."

Looking at the beautiful woman in purple, Elder Bai greeted her with a smile.

The beautiful woman in purple also smiled and nodded slightly: "Elder Bai, it has been a long time. It must have been two years since we parted in Youzhou, right?"

"Yes, time flies so fast. Two years have passed in a blink of an eye."

Elder Bai nodded.

Elder Yue smiled and said, "After two years, Elder Bai's Aura has become even more profound. I'm afraid a Breakthrough to the God Realm is just around the corner."

Elder Bai sighed, "Alas, it's not that easy. Last year, Elder Feng was Undergoing Tribulation, and even with his strength, he failed to Breakthrough. I have even less hope. I'm afraid I won't be able to Breakthrough to the God Realm in this lifetime."

Hearing this, Elder Yue said, "I know a thing or two about Elder Feng's Heavenly Tribulation. If not for the mutated Heavenly Tribulation, he should have entered the God Realm."

"It's fate," Elder Bai sighed... "Which Sect are they from?" Han Li asked Yun Xi in a low voice, looking at Elder Yue and the people behind her.

"Golden Spirit Sect," Yun Xi replied.

"Golden Spirit Sect..." Han Li nodded.

Just then, Han Li suddenly felt a gaze directed at him.

He looked up and saw it was Elder Yue.

"Oh, Elder Bai, why did you bring a Vein Opening Realm Disciple this time?" Elder Yue asked, surprised.

As she spoke, the Disciples of the Golden Spirit Sect also looked at Han Li.

A Vein Opening Realm cultivation. They hadn't sensed it clearly before, but looking at Han Li, several Golden Spirit Disciples also felt very surprised.

Bringing a Vein Opening Realm Disciple to the Underground Palace Secret Realm, were they serious?

Even Xiantian Realm Martial Artists were in danger. If a Vein Opening Realm Disciple encountered any special situation, wouldn't they be doomed?

"This is the Sect Leader's order, because he is the top Inner Sect Disciple of our Sect."

Elder Bai said.

"The top Inner Sect Disciple!"

Hearing Elder Bai speak, a hint of surprise flashed in Elder Yue's eyes.

The Disciples behind her also looked surprised.

"Han Li, this is Elder Yue Ling of the Golden Spirit Sect," Elder Bai said, looking at Han Li and introducing her.

Han Li stepped forward and bowed, "Disciple Han Li greets Elder Yue."

"Not bad, your Qi and blood are abundant, even stronger than an ordinary Innate. You're a good prospect."

Elder Yue smiled and nodded.

Elder Bai smiled, "Elder Yue doesn't know, but Han Li is also the last Disciple Elder Feng took in. He's only been initiated for about a year."

"Elder Feng's Disciple!"

"Achieved such cultivation in one year!" Elder Yue's heart skipped a beat, and the Disciples also felt a hint of shock.

Becoming the top Inner Sect Disciple within a year of joining?

Either the Inner Sect Disciples of Qingyuan Sect were too weak, or this person's strength was extraordinary.

Qingyuan Sect had at least several thousand Inner Sect Disciples, and those at the Vein Opening Realm Peak were certainly not few. This person was probably the latter.

"Elder Feng's judgment is indeed not bad," Elder Yue nodded.

"He is indeed excellent," Elder Bai also smiled and nodded.

And just as they were chatting, another whooshing sound came from the Void Realm.

A hugeTower Ship (Lóuchuán) descended from the sky and landed on the open ground.

From within theTower Ship (Lóuchuán), six figures also stepped out.

Leading them was a Gray-Robed Old Man, and the Disciples behind him were all in the Innate Realm, one in the Innate First Realm, and the rest in the Xiantian Second Realm.

"You all arrived quite early!"

The Gray-Robed Old Man's voice came.

As he spoke, he put away theTower Ship (Lóuchuán) and led several Disciples forward.

"Not early, we just arrived," Elder Yue smiled gracefully.

"Elder Yue, you're becoming even more captivating," the Gray-Robed Old Man said, looking at Elder Yue.

"This concubine is old, merely a faded flower of yesterday."

"That's what makes it even more charming," the Gray-Robed Old Man smiled.

"In front of the Sect Disciples, Elder Xu, you should still maintain some self-respect," Elder Bai said.

Elder Xu looked at Elder Bai, raising an eyebrow: "It's you again. What, Qingyuan Sect doesn't change people? Or is it that there's no one left to change?"

"When you die, they'll change," Elder Bai said lightly.

"You..." Elder Xu was enraged.

"These two have a grudge..." Watching this scene, a thought flashed through Han Li's mind.

"Alright, Elders, we are here by order to open the Secret Realm, not to quarrel," Elder Yue interjected, playing mediator.

The anger on Elder Xu's face also disappeared, returning to calm. His gaze swept around and landed on Han Li, his eyes suddenly lighting up.

"What, it seems Qingyuan Sect really has no one left. They even brought out a Vein Opening Realm Disciple. Could it be that they can't even gather a few Innate Martial Artists?"

Elder Xu's face was full of mockery, and the Disciples behind him also looked at Han Li.

"High cultivation doesn't necessarily mean strong power," Elder Bai said lightly.

"Haha, what a joke, Elder Bai, do you even believe that yourself?" Elder Xu continued to mock.

Han Li did not speak, his expression as calm as an ancient well, showing no emotion.

With the Elders of the two Sects conversing, he was indeed not qualified to interrupt, nor did his strength allow it.

"Of course I believe it. Back then, Wu Wuji of our Sect beat up your Sect's Disciples, one in the Innate First Realm and one in the Xiantian Second Realm, yet they were still beaten to their knees begging for mercy. Isn't that a fact?" Elder Bai said lightly, a hint of sarcasm on her face.

Hearing this, the smile on Elder Xu's face instantly froze.

"Senior Brother's battle achievements are quite numerous!"

Hearing this, Han Li's heart skipped a beat.

"Qingyuan Sect only has one Wu Wuji. You keep boasting about him. Besides Wu Wuji, I'm afraid there's no one else worth mentioning, right?"

Behind Elder Xu, a scholarly young man spoke, his face calm.

"Hmm?"

Elder Bai's gaze sharpened, looking at the scholarly young Disciple who spoke.

Han Li also looked at the scholarly young Disciple who spoke.

He was the only Innate First Realm Disciple of Tianxuan Sect.

"Well said," Elder Xu said with a triumphant smile.

"You are not worthy of mentioning Senior Brother Wu?" Han Li's voice rang out, looking at the scholarly young Disciple.

Elder Xu's smile instantly froze.

The scholarly young man's expression hardened, his eyes like daggers, looking at Han Li.

"A Vein Opening Realm Disciple, you dare to be so arrogant, an ignorant fool."

The scholarly young man said coldly.

"Whether I know my place or not, you don't need to teach me. What are you?" Han Li retorted calmly, but his gaze was sharp.

His Aura was not weak at all!

"Bastard, what did you say? What kind of dog are you? With your strength, you dare to bark?"

The scholarly young man glared furiously.

"My strength isn't great, but it's more than enough to beat you," Han Li said lightly.

"..."

"Junior Brother Han, so arrogant, but these words sound very comfortable."

Yuan Zong and the others looked at Han Li, their faces expressionless, but their hearts were secretly delighted.

In a contest of face between Sects, one absolutely could not show weakness.

Even Zhang Xuan, who was at odds with Han Li, didn't say anything about him.

At this moment, he represented Qingyuan Sect. If he were to belittle his own Sect's Disciple in front of outsiders, Elder Bai would probably kill him.

"You..." The scholarly young man was furious, veins bulging on his forehead, and his Aura also spread out.

"The Underground Palace Secret Realm is very large, young man. Don't die in there," the scholarly young man said coldly, suppressing the anger in his heart.

"Don't worry, I should live longer than you," Han Li said lightly.

"You..."

"Enough!" At this moment, Elder Xu spoke, and the scholarly young man clenched his fists, looking at Han Li with a sinister gaze.

"Elder Bai, are your Disciples all so ill-mannered?" Elder Xu said coldly.

Elder Bai's expression was calm, and she said, "I don't see your Disciples being particularly well-mannered either."

"You spe..."

"Elders, don't forget the rules," Elder Yue interjected at this point.

Elder Xu glanced at Elder Bai, snorted coldly, and directly displayed a token.

Elder Bai also said nothing more, and likewise displayed a token.

Immediately after, Elder Yue also displayed the same token.

"Buzz!"

True Qi surged, and the three tokens flew into the sky, instantly coming together.

"Rumble~"

A thunderous sound vibrated, and Han Li and his group looked up at mid-air.

The space suddenly twisted, accompanied by continuous thunder, and a spatial rift, ten feet wide and thirty feet high, appeared.

Purple light shone.

When this purple spatial rift appeared, the three tokens emitted light, instantly stabilizing the fluctuating spatial rift. As the purple spatial rift stabilized, the three tokens also flew back into the hands of the three Elders.

"Go!"

Elder Xu spoke first, stepping into the purple spatial rift and disappearing. The few Disciples behind him also successively stepped into it and vanished.