Deep within the mountain forest, Han Yi landed, gently setting Zuo Lie down.
"Fellow Daoist Zuo, you go first. I'll cover our retreat."
Han Yi's gaze was profound as he looked up at the seven cultivators from the Southern Dipper Divine Palace who had been relentlessly pursuing them and were now preparing to descend into the forest.
"Fellow Daoist Han, you..." Zuo Lie hesitated, his concern evident. However, seeing Han Yi's calm expression, he realized the man wasn't acting rashly. If Han Yi dared to stay behind, he must have confidence in his abilities.
A moment later, Zuo Lie inwardly mocked himself. Why am I worried about Han Yi? Han Yi's combat prowess had already been terrifying back in the True Dawn Grand Void Heaven. Just recently at Star River Plaza, even Ding Jiansheng of the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect couldn't withstand a single strike from him. He doesn't need my concern.
On the contrary, Zuo Lie realized, I've become a burden, slowing him down.
Without further hesitation, Zuo Lie turned and fled, his hand gripping his blue sword artifact so tightly that his knuckles turned white. A fierce, unyielding fire burned in his eyes.
Watching Zuo Lie's escape, Han Yi turned and fled in the opposite direction, deliberately maintaining a speed typical of a Late Foundation Establishment cultivator.
To Han Yi's astonishment, all seven cultivators from the Southern Dipper Divine Palace were pursuing him. Among them was one Golden Core cultivator, two Late Foundation Establishment cultivators, and four Mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators, including Fu You, with whom Han Yi had a deep-seated grudge.
It seemed the Southern Dipper Divine Palace's sole target was him. Blood River True Person had lured True Person Jade Heart away, then used a Six Spirits Immortal-Slaying Talisman to breach the Emerald Immortal Boat's defenses, forcing everyone aboard to flee. His plan was to eliminate Han Yi before leisurely departing on the Immortal Boat.
This way, he would avoid incurring the wrath of White Jade Tower. This, Han Yi surmised, was Blood River True Person's scheme: to nip the Profound Pill Sect's Qian Dragon List cultivators in the bud.
As Han Yi flashed through the forest using his escape technique, two scenes suddenly flashed through his mind.
The first was aboard the Emerald Immortal Boat, where True Person Jade Heart had said that if Han Yi survived, he would owe White Jade Tower a debt of gratitude. Now it seemed that this debt was unavoidable—a debt of life-saving proportions. Had Han Yi fled alone, Blood River True Person would have ambushed him, leaving him no chance to escape. In essence, this was a debt for saving his life.
The second thought that lingered in Han Yi's mind was Zhuge Wuyou's deep concern atop the Azure Dragon Palace. At the time, Han Yi had speculated that the Profound Pill Death Tribulation might not be over. Now, it seemed that its conclusion might hinge on Blood River True Person, or perhaps the Southern Dipper Divine Palace itself.
Han Yi dismissed these thoughts, focusing entirely on the upcoming battle. He already had a plan.
As soon as the seven cultivators entered the forest, Han Yi's speed surged dramatically. He transformed into a blur, vanishing from sight. This velocity was the same he had achieved during his time on Mirage Immortal Mountain, using a breakthrough in his Mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation to reach the Return to Simplicity stage of the Light Body Technique.
This speed rivaled the full-throttle pace of an early-stage Golden Core cultivator, far surpassing that of any Foundation Establishment practitioner.
"Impressively fast," Yu Hao, the Golden Core True Person who had landed in the forest, muttered, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes.
Yu Hao's figure flickered as he gave chase. A three-legged golden cauldron materialized in his hand, its interior seething with black spirit light. With a pointed gesture, he drew the darkness forth.
The spirit light unfurled, transforming into a vast, pitch-black curtain that blotted out the sky.
Upon closer inspection, it became clear that this wasn't a curtain at all—it was a living sea of countless black insects, a swarm of Black Devouring Insects.
"Kill them all!"
Wherever the swarm passed, it devoured everything in its path, obliterating forests and even consuming tree roots.
Han Yi glanced back to see a dark shadow closing in, and his expression hardened.
With a swift gesture, he unleashed the Spirit Flame Art. Orbs of spirit flame materialized, floating forth to land upon the writhing sea of insects.
To Han Yi's shock, the flames vanished instantly.
These Black Devouring Insects could even devour spirit flame—their terrifying nature undeniable.
Despite the growing dread in his heart, Han Yi remained composed.
In less than three breaths, he had already used his Escape Technique to flee several kilometers through the forest.
Noticing the Golden Core cultivator behind him closing the distance, Han Yi abruptly surged forward. In an instant, he flashed over a kilometer—not in a straight line, but in a wide arc back towards his pursuer.
This was his true full speed, now surpassing his previous limits. Having broken through to Late Foundation Establishment, he unleashed the Return to Simplicity form of the Light Body Technique. His current speed was nearly twice as fast as when Lu Jie had chased him through Mirage Immortal Mountain.
In terms of speed alone, Han Yi had already surpassed Lu Jie, exceeding that of an average early-stage Golden Core cultivator.
"Damn it!" Yu Hao's expression twisted in fury.
The black sea of insects on the ground transformed into Spirit Light and vanished back into his Golden Cauldron Magic Treasure. He crushed a Spirit Talisman and reappeared a kilometer away.
But when he steadied himself and looked ahead, his eyes widened in disbelief.
While Yu Hao had been chasing Han Yi, the other six cultivators from the Southern Dipper Divine Palace hadn't been idle. They had split into two groups of three, flanking him from both sides, their objective clear: to help eliminate Han Yi.
By the time Yu Hao had pursued Han Yi six kilometers, these two groups had advanced about two kilometers themselves.
At that precise moment, Han Yi, having assessed the situation, realized it was time to execute his plan. With a sudden burst of speed, he bypassed the Black Devouring Insects and charged toward the group of three on the left. By the time Yu Hao recalled his insects and crushed a Third-Tier Teleportation Talisman at the critical moment, Han Yi had already streaked past the trio flanking him from the left.
Pfft.
Two heads soared into the sky as two headless corpses plummeted to the ground. The third cultivator, a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment expert, frantically crushed his Defensive Spirit Talisman in a split second. Even so, Han Yi's casual sword strike sent him hurtling hundreds of meters like a cannonball, smashing through over a dozen massive trees. His eyes widened in terror as blood gushed from his wounds.
Too fast...
Too strong...
Just moments ago, he had only glimpsed a shadow flickering into existence thousands of meters away. In the blink of an eye, it was upon him.
Then, an overwhelming aura of destruction crashed down, forcing him to activate his Spirit Talisman. The protective barrier it formed had barely enveloped him when he was blasted away.
Mid-flight, he realized that his two Junior Brothers beside him had already been decapitated with a single sword strike.
This terrifying speed and power could no longer belong to a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator. This was a Half-Step Golden Core expert—and one of the most elite, rivaling even an early-stage Golden Core cultivator.
Meanwhile, Han Yi swept past, his Teleportation Talisman burning to ash at the precise moment he arrived. Just as Yu Hao had possessed a Teleportation Talisman, so had Han Yi—and he had used his with far greater decisiveness and resolve.
The last time Lu Jie had hunted him down, Han Yi had run out of Spirit Talismans and been forced to sell his Silver Frost Sword. Learning from his mistakes, he had since stocked up on Spirit Talismans, even purchasing a Third-Tier one.
The talisman he had just activated was naturally a Teleportation Talisman.
Only with such a talisman could he have dared to kill the two cultivators before Yu Hao could react.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
When his life was on the line, Han Yi was never one for leniency.
Especially since Blood River True Person of the Southern Dipper Divine Palace was connected to the Blood God Sect of the Annihilation Sect.
With both old grudges and fresh hatred, only killing could bring him satisfaction.
However.
Killing the two Mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators would likely be his only real gain this time. A flicker of regret flashed in Han Yi's eyes.
Earlier, he had been eager to test his limits by attempting to kill a Golden Core cultivator.
While his current strength was comparable to theirs, every Golden Core cultivator was formidable. Even for him, such a feat would require a flawless opportunity.
After eliminating the two Mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators, Han Yi knew that such an opportunity had vanished.
Moreover.
Blood River True Person still loomed in the sky. If True Person Jade Heart were to fall, Blood River True Person would undoubtedly come after him, sealing his doom.
Thus, he had no choice but to abandon his ambition.
Without looking back, Han Yi maintained his peak speed. With a few swift leaps, he vanished into the depths of the mountain forest in the blink of an eye.
Behind him, Yu Hao halted, his face dark with fury. The three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the other team crowded around him, their faces pale with fear. They worried Han Yi might strike again, convinced that they wouldn't even have time to activate their Spirit Talismans if he did.
Terror, dread, resentment, horror, and rage churned in the eyes of one of them: Fu You.
Han Yi had randomly chosen to attack the left side, not realizing Fu You was on the right team. This stroke of luck had saved Fu You's life.
"Cough, cough..."
The Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator who had been blasted away struggled to his feet, coughing up blood incessantly.
Yu Hao swept his gaze across the sect before glaring fiercely in the direction Han Yi had fled, his voice cold and resolute.
"We can't pursue him any further. His strength rivals mine. If we chase him, you'll all die except for me."
"Let's go."
Yu Hao turned and soared into the air, landing on the Immortal Boat above. The vessel shuddered to life and rapidly ascended.
High above, the blood-colored river of energy contracted abruptly, pooling into the Immortal Boat. The vessel accelerated from a crawl to warp speed, vanishing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.
True Person Jade Heart descended from the sky and landed on the Immortal Boat. A smear of blood at the corner of her mouth testified to the injuries she had sustained in the battle. Blood River True Person hadn't fared any better; strictly speaking, the clash had ended in a draw, with both sides suffering comparable wounds.
Moments later, Zhu Changxia, Qiao Yuxi, and Zuo Lie returned after receiving her summons. However, Han Yi was nowhere to be seen.
Noticing Zuo Lie's concern, True Person Jade Heart's eyes lit up with unexpected delight.
"The Heavenly Mansion Immortal Boat that departed earlier from the Southern Dipper Divine Palace is now missing two Mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators. I suspect Han Yi killed them."
"Moreover, Yu Hao looked grim and defeated, not at all like someone who had succeeded. Han Yi must have escaped."
"To escape from a Golden Core cultivator and even slay two Mid-Foundation Establishment experts—Han Yi's strength far exceeds my expectations."
"My injuries were well worth it."
"This favor might prove invaluable in the future."
Zuo Lie paused briefly, then relaxed.
"Martial Uncle," Zhu Changxia interjected doubtfully, "if what you say is true, has Han Yi reached the Half-Step Golden Core stage?"
True Person Jade Heart nodded solemnly, her expression turning serious.
"After the Tower Master forged a First-Grade Immortal Foundation, he reached the Golden Core stage in nine years and the Nascent Soul stage in thirty-seven. Even at the peak of Foundation Establishment, he had already slain a Golden Core Tribulation Cultivator—a feat recorded in the Tower's archives."
"Had he not broken through to the Golden Core so early, he would undoubtedly have secured a spot among the top three on the Qian Dragon List."
"And this Han Yi... I fear he may even surpass the Tower Master."
The Tower Master True Person Jade Heart referred to was, of course, the current leader of White Jade Tower, a True Monarch-level powerhouse considered among the pinnacle of his rank.
The crowd's faces paled with shock. They had never imagined Aunt-Master Yuxin would hold Han Yi in such high regard, comparing him to the Tower Master himself and even suggesting he might surpass him.
Zuo Lie's expression shifted rapidly, torn between joy for Han Yi and frustration at being left so far behind.
"Don't dwell on it too much. Heaven's Chosen in the Cultivation World are fundamentally different from ordinary cultivators."
"Their potential and strength far exceed ours, but correspondingly, they face greater trials and tribulations. Direct comparisons are meaningless."
"Let's go."
Moments later, Zhu Changxia reinserted the Spirit Stones. The Emerald Immortal Boat shuddered gently, its pace increasing from a crawl to a sprint. Within three breaths, it transformed into a streak of light and vanished beyond the horizon.
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
After swiftly killing two Foundation Establishment cultivators with a single sword strike and blasting away a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator who had activated a Spirit Talisman, Han Yi didn't linger. He sped away at full speed, even twenty percent faster than Yu Hao, the forest blurring into streaks of afterimages in his eyes.
Two full hours later, Han Yi reached the edge of the forest. Using a Disguise Technique, he altered his appearance and aura before entering the nearest market town. He moved through the streets, shifting his appearance several times, each face based on cultivators he had previously encountered. None of them were conjured from nothing. Finally, he settled on the face he had used during his last visit to Star River Garden—the face of Han Yi from his previous life on Earth, which he called "Face No. 0."
Upon arriving at the Flying Immortal Pavilion stronghold in the town, Han Yi didn't present his Myriad Immortals Token. Instead, he joined the queue for the Immortal Boat like any ordinary Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivator. Without the protection of the White Jade Tower, he decided to keep a low profile to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Suddenly, a familiar cultivator hurried into the Flying Immortal Pavilion, his eyes darting nervously. He approached the counter and purchased an Immortal Boat ticket.
Han Yi recognized the cultivator as Dou Yu, a rogue cultivator from Taiyi Workshop who had struck up a conversation with him uninvited on his way to Star River Garden.
"Oh, it's you! Fellow Daoist, have you made it onto the Qian Dragon List?" Dou Yu exclaimed, his expression shifting as he recognized Han Yi. He leaned closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. Their previous encounter had ended on a sour note after Han Yi claimed to have received an invitation to the Heavenly Secrets Grand Assembly, leaving Dou Yu irritated.
"Yes," Han Yi replied tersely.
Dou Yu chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on the sword artifact behind Han Yi. While it resembled the one carried by the Ninth Dragon of Qian from the Profound Pill Sect, its design and aura were distinctly different. Still, with countless sword artifacts in the world, similar designs were common. This was undoubtedly just a coincidence. As for Han Yi's claim of being on the Qian Dragon List, Dou Yu dismissed it as mere boasting.
"May I ask your name, Fellow Daoist? And what rank did you achieve on the Qian Dragon List?"
Han Yi shook his head, refusing to answer. He had no intention of revealing his identity.
Dou Yu settled down beside him, his eyes still fixed on the sword artifact. Suddenly, a mischievous idea sparked in his mind—a perfect way to extricate himself from his predicament.
"Fellow Daoist, judging by your strength, you must be quite capable. Might you be seeking a follower?"
"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist, the followers I recommend are all of pure character. Moreover, they're all female cultivators—not just one, but several for you to choose from. Once they pledge allegiance, they'll devote themselves wholeheartedly and fulfill your aspirations for the splendor befitting a Heaven's Chosen on the Qian Dragon List. No, no, I mean, they'll ensure you have the grand retinue proper for a Heaven's Chosen like yourself."
"Just a hundred Mid-Grade Spirit Stones—a bargain, absolutely! For just a hundred Spirit Stones, you can have a loyal and diligent follower who'll handle all your trivial matters."
"Think it's too expensive?"
"Eighty stones then. I can't go any lower."
Dou Yu's performance was remarkably convincing. His expressions, gestures, and tone of voice were so compelling that someone with a weaker will might have been tricked into falling for his scheme.
However, this act wouldn't work on Han Yi.
Though he couldn't fathom Dou Yu's true intentions, Han Yi was still trying to escape his pursuers and had no desire to entangle himself in new troubles.
"Fellow Daoist, while you're not currently on the Qian Dragon List, I have a plan to make your Qian Dragon Dream a reality. What do you think?"
"From today onward, you will be known as Han Yi."
"Exactly! The Ninth Dragon of Qian from the Profound Pill Sect—Han Yi himself!"
Han Yi, sitting beside him, nearly leaped to his feet, sword drawn. The sudden use of his name sent a chill down his spine, even for someone with his unwavering resolve. It felt like seeing a ghost.
He forcefully restrained himself from drawing his sword, though the mana in his Spirit Sea surged violently. His Divine Sense locked onto Dou Yu, who was growing increasingly agitated. Frowning deeply, Han Yi asked, "What do you mean by this?"
At that moment, Dou Yu remained blissfully unaware of how close he had come to death's door.
Suddenly, a bone-chilling sense of danger washed over him, raising goosebumps across his skin. He instinctively glanced at the street outside the Flying Immortal Pavilion, exhaling in relief when he saw no one approaching.
"Relax," Dou Yu said. "We're saying you're the real Han Yi. Just act like you know what I'm talking about."
"If you pretend to be Han Yi, I can introduce you to a follower and make your Qian Dragon Dream come true. When you get tired of it, just find some excuse to dismiss them."
"Forget the Spirit Stones. Consider it my act of charity—helping you realize your dream."
"Bad news. They're here."
"Remember: mysterious, aloof, and absolutely enigmatic. Speak as little as possible to avoid slipping up. Leave the rest to me."
Dou Yu spoke rapidly. As soon as he finished, the panic on his face vanished, replaced by a calm, composed demeanor.
Just then, seven female cultivators stormed into the Flying Immortal Pavilion, their expressions filled with fury.
The other cultivators in the pavilion watched with amusement.
"There he is, the damned scoundrel!"
"Dou Yu of Danxia Mountain, you're finished!"
"This guy's definitely a habitual offender. He probably made up that 'Rogue Cultivator of Danxia Mountain' title himself!"
"Enough talk. He dies today!"
The seven female cultivators surrounded Dou Yu in a tight circle, their eyes blazing with fury.
A faint smile played on Dou Yu's lips as he preempted their accusations.
"Ah, ladies, you've arrived," he said. "Perfect timing. This mission can finally be concluded."
"Allow me to introduce you to my friend, Han Yi of the Profound Pill Sect, the Ninth Dragon of Great Qian."
The seven murderous female cultivators paused, their gazes shifting to Han Yi. While he possessed an extraordinary aura, his appearance and demeanor differed significantly from the Han Yi who had performed a Martial Display on Star River Plaza during the Heavenly Secrets Grand Feast. Their anger flared anew.
"Wait a minute," Dou Yu interjected, noticing their confusion. "You're probably wondering why this Han Yi's aura and appearance are different from what you've seen before, aren't you?"
"I understand your lack of experience," Dou Yu said, suddenly lowering his voice. "Fellow Daoist Han just defeated Ding Jiansheng of the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect at Star River Plaza. Do you think they might be enraged and send a Golden Core cultivator to settle the score?"
"He's using spells to alter his appearance and aura," one of the female cultivators said. "You're all so naive."
"Look at the sword artifact behind him," another added. "Doesn't it look familiar? That's right—it's the sword artifact of Han Yi of the Profound Pill Sect, the Ninth Dragon of Great Qian."
"It's genuine, no doubt about it. He's definitely the real deal."
Dou Yu's voice returned to normal as he cleared his throat. "Fellow Daoist Han, please make your choice."
"These seven fellow Daoists are all of good character and exceptional talent. Their cultivation levels are... passable, but rest assured that any task you entrust to them will be executed swiftly and efficiently."
Dou Yu's eyes flickered, signaling Han Yi that it was his turn to perform.
Han Yi was utterly bewildered.
Apart from Dou Yu's incorrect assumption that the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect would seek revenge instead of the Southern Dipper Divine Palace hunting him down, every single one of his deductions had been shockingly accurate.
He had to admit, the man was a true talent.
Han Yi felt an overwhelming urge to skewer him with his sword.