A year had passed.
Han Yi's Ancient God Contemplation Technique had finally progressed from the Masterful stage to Perfected Purity, nearly three months later than he had anticipated.
However, once this body refinement skill reached Perfected Purity, Han Yi realized that even if it had taken longer, it would have been worth it.
The technique's potency was undeniable. His physical body had become immensely powerful. Han Yi felt confident that with his current physique alone, he could withstand a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Combined with his mana and Divine Soul power, he no longer feared early-stage Golden Core experts and even believed he could hold his own against mid-stage Golden Core cultivators.
Body refinement techniques weren't solely about defense; they also provided tremendous combat enhancements. The speed of his physical reflexes, his control over mana, and his heightened sensitivity to danger were all crucial factors in determining victory or defeat in battle.
This Ancient God Contemplation Technique was far from ordinary. Han Yi estimated that given his current comprehension, Root Bone quality, and cultivation level, mastering a standard cultivation technique from novice to Perfected Purity would typically take no more than a year—perhaps even just half a year.
Upon reflection, Han Yi realized that any cultivation technique capable of being stored within the Hengyuan Ancient Jade must be extraordinarily profound. This realization reinforced his decision to choose this particular technique.
Having purged the remaining toxins from his body, Han Yi's Spirit Sea fully recovered. Yet he remained vigilant, continuing his cultivation for another six months, this time focusing on advancing his cultivation realm.
Half a year later, Han Yi emerged from seclusion to find his Proficiency Panel completely refreshed.
Name: Han Yi
Lifespan: 64/260
Cultivation Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (91/100)
Cultivation Technique: Great Sun Divine Gang (Subtle Insight 18/100)
Skills:
- Sword Control Technique (Return to Simplicity 15/100)
- Light Body Technique (Return to Simplicity 5/100)
- Fire Shield Technique (Return to Simplicity 9/100)
- Wind Wall Technique (Return to Simplicity 7/100)
- Ninefold Soul Tower (Return to Simplicity 18/100)
- Li Fire Sword Manual (Return to Simplicity 9/100)
- Spirit Void Finger (Peak Perfection 78/100)
- Alchemy Technique (Perfected Purity 49/100)
- Turtle Breath Technique (Perfected Purity 82/100)
- Spirit Flame Art (Perfected Purity 38/100)
Ancient God Contemplation Technique (Perfected Purity 18/100)
Disguise Technique (Perfected Purity 16/100)
Aura Concealment Technique (Masterful 51/100)
Qi Observation Technique (Masterful 48/100)
Change Hexagram Art (Hall Entry 11/100)
Talisman Crafting Art (Initial Glimpse of the Dao 29/100)
Time waits for no one. Han Yi was now sixty-four years old.
Yet his appearance remained youthful, frozen in his early thirties.
The changes in his proficiency levels were noteworthy. Besides the Ancient God Contemplation Technique reaching Perfected Purity, the Disguise Technique had also achieved this milestone during his years of fleeing. The Spirit Void Finger, which he had used less frequently in recent years, remained at Peak Perfection. Progress in the other six skills that had broken through to Return to Simplicity had slowed to a crawl.
The most significant change, however, was in his cultivation realm.
Through years of dedicated practice, Han Yi's progress in the late Foundation Establishment stage had finally reached 90/100. By his understanding, this level qualified as Peak Foundation Establishment.
Cultivators could attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage as early as the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement. Now in the late Foundation Establishment stage, he could also attempt to advance to the Golden Core stage.
However, having just broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage, Han Yi's success rate for Core Formation was still low. Only upon reaching the peak of Foundation Establishment—progressing to 90/100 within the late stage—would his chances of a successful breakthrough become substantial. Achieving 100/100 would represent the highest possible odds.
Core Formation was far more challenging than Foundation Establishment. Han Yi naturally aimed for 100% progress, but meticulous preparation beforehand was equally crucial.
Given the paramount importance of Core Formation, and considering that Qian Capital wasn't the Profound Pill Sect and Qin Wuxian's presence was intermittent, Han Yi wouldn't risk having his efforts ruined by sabotage at a critical moment. He resolved not to undergo Core Formation in Qian Capital.
With this in mind, Han Yi emerged from seclusion, left his Meditation Chamber, and flew to the Profound Immortal Pavilion on his sword. Upon reaching the fourth floor, he found Bai Wanqing.
Three years prior, after the incident at the Profound Immortal Pavilion in Jinyun Immortal City, the Sect had shifted its strategy. They temporarily suspended the Garrison Elder positions, dismantled the Profound Immortal Pavilions in four locations, including Jade Capital Immortal City, and reassigned Bai Wanqing, the founder of the Jade Capital branch, back to Qian Capital to oversee the local pavilion.
"Junior Brother Han, judging by your aura, have you already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment?" Bai Wanqing's heart trembled as she stared intently at Han Yi, her gaze piercing.
Han Yi's face lit up with joy. Having broken through to the peak of Foundation Establishment, he was now within reach of Golden Core. His combat prowess had also significantly improved, bolstering his self-preservation capabilities. If he were to encounter the Black God Tower assassin who had targeted him again, he could confidently face him head-on.
He nodded. "It took far too long. I only managed to break through today."
Bai Wanqing's pupils constricted momentarily before she let out a wry laugh. "Junior Brother Han, you're still being held back by the Black Hell Powder. If not for that poison, you would have advanced much sooner."
As soon as she finished speaking, she seemed to remember something and quickly added, "But don't rush it. The residual toxins from the Black Hell Powder are notoriously difficult to eradicate. In his recent messages, the Sect Leader has repeatedly warned you against hastily attempting Core Formation. He's devising a method to completely purge the toxins, no matter how challenging it may be."
As she said this, a hint of worry crept into her expression.
Hearing this, Han Yi felt a warmth spread through his heart.
For the past year and a half, every time Han Yi emerged from secluded cultivation, the garrison elders would relay sect news to him. Among these updates was always a recurring message from Sect Leader Yuan Shun, urging him not to be impatient, to focus on building a solid foundation, and to wait until the residual toxins were completely eliminated before considering Core Formation.
Attempting Core Formation with residual toxins from the Black Hell Powder is a recipe for disaster. The core can shatter at the critical moment, and this isn't just scaremongering; it has happened before.
Yuan Shun's greatest fear was that Han Yi might disregard this warning and act rashly.
However, Han Yi had a different perspective.
Having cultivated the Ancient God Contemplation Technique, he had completely resolved the issue of residual toxins. Still, he deeply appreciated Yuan Shun's and the Sect's concern.
"Senior Sister Bai, rest assured," Han Yi said. "When I emerged from seclusion this time, I not only advanced my cultivation realm but also completely purged the residual toxins from the Black Hell Powder."
"Once I return to the Profound Pill Sect and meet with the Sect Leader, I will personally inform him of this."
Bai Wanqing's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Han Yi nodded. "Truly."
Suddenly, a new thought struck Bai Wanqing, and her expression turned to shock. She quickly pressed him for clarification: "Does this mean, Junior Brother Han, that you intend to attempt Core Formation after emerging from seclusion?"
Han Yi smiled and nodded. "Precisely."
"Senior Sister," he continued, "I plan to leave Qian Prefecture and return to the Sect immediately. After successfully forming my core, I'll consider returning here. Please inform Senior Sister Liu and Senior Brother Fei on my behalf."
Bai Wanqing nodded solemnly. "Very well, Junior Brother. I wish you a smooth breakthrough to the Golden Core and success in becoming a Supreme Elder."
With these earnest words, her expression shifted to one of complex emotions.
"It seems like only yesterday that Luo Yunzhou brought you to Azure Dragon Peak and registered you under my name. But it's already been over twenty years."
"Who could have imagined the Sect would undergo so many changes in those two decades?"
Han Yi's heart stirred, and he turned to Bai Wanqing, his eyes gleaming.
"Senior Sister Bai, you must be nearing the Late Foundation Establishment stage yourself. I offer my congratulations in advance for your successful breakthrough."
Han Yi cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. A fleeting smile crossed Bai Wanqing's face. "Serving as the Garrison Elder in Jade Capital City placed immense pressure on me. I didn't fully realize the weight of it while in office, but after being relieved of my duties and returning to Qian Capital, three years of reflection and assimilating my accumulated experiences proved invaluable. My cultivation has indeed advanced significantly."
"However, my modest achievements pale in comparison to yours, Junior Brother."
Han Yi nodded.
In the Cultivation World, cultivators above the Foundation Establishment stage typically break through their cultivation in one of two ways:
First, through diligent, methodical cultivation in secluded meditation, following established methods step by step.
Second, by enduring trials and tribulations, overcoming disasters, and refining their cultivation through harrowing, life-or-death experiences.
The first path involves steadily accumulating cultivation over time, a solid and reliable method with no inherent flaws.
The second path, however, treads the edge of danger, seeking enlightenment through combat and awakening through bloodshed. Under relentless pressure, one's mana, divine soul, and physical body rebound with ferocious force.
Han Yi had originally intended to follow the first path, but reality had other plans. For years, he had been forced to walk the second.
Yet, this second path had surprisingly allowed him to break through the limitations of his innate root bone, progressing far faster than his peers who had followed the traditional route.
Moments later, Han Yi bid farewell to Bai Wanqing and departed from the Profound Immortal Pavilion on his sword flight. Soaring higher, he summoned a new Immortal Boat. His previous vessel had been lost in Jinyun Immortal City during an encounter with assassins from the Black God Tower. This new boat, gifted by Qin Wuxian, was another Low-Grade Magic Treasure-grade Earth Immortal-grade Immortal Boat.
With a gentle shudder, the boat accelerated toward the outskirts of Qian Capital.
As Han Yi soared through the air on his sword, then switched to the Immortal Boat to fly toward the Ninth Layer Immortal Court, a corpulent middle-aged man sat in a cultivator-frequented tavern about a kilometer away from the Profound Immortal Pavilion's compound, idly fanning himself as he sipped wine.
As Han Yi departed, a glint of triumph flashed in the middle-aged man's eyes.
"It's been almost three years," he muttered, "but I've finally caught up to you again. It hasn't been easy."
"This time, I'm fully prepared. Let's see how you escape now."
After settling his bill, the middle-aged man staggered out of the tavern, clutching a flask of wine. He turned into an alley, and within three breaths, a Profound-Robed Cultivator emerged, sword in hand. He soared into the sky, summoned an Immortal Boat, and gave chase in the direction Han Yi had vanished.
This pursuer was none other than Yan Bu of the Black God Tower.
Three years prior, Yan Bu had chased Han Yi into the Myriad Demon Mountain Range. He had scoured the trade routes before withdrawing to guard the mountain's perimeter, wary of a counterattack. He had maintained this vigil for three months before abandoning the hunt.
In his eyes, Han Yi, poisoned by the Black Hell Powder and fleeing into the Myriad Demon Mountain Range, was surely on the verge of death. Even if luck had spared him encounters with Demon Cultivators during Yan Bu's three-month watch, the poison would have claimed him long ago. He was dead. Definitely dead.
Yan Bu couldn't have imagined Han Yi's survival. Upon leaving Jinyun Immortal City, he had declared the mission complete to the Black God Tower and claimed his reward.
However, a year and a half ago, while Yan Bu was on another mission in Shu Prefecture, the Black God Tower informed him that his previous assignment remained incomplete.
This was problematic.
The Black God Tower stipulated that assassins could withdraw from missions they deemed impossible, but they would receive no compensation for their wasted efforts.
However, if an assassin completed a mission, confirmed the target's death, and received payment, only to have the Black God Tower later discover the target was still alive, the assassin faced two choices: either unconditionally continue the mission until the target was dead, or pay a hundredfold penalty on the original reward.
Yan Bu had no intention of paying such a hefty penalty. Staking out the target and finishing the job himself was his only option.
Besides, he relished the challenge of hunting down formidable cultivators.
In truth, a year and a half ago, Yan Bu had attempted to infiltrate the Profound Immortal Pavilion's compound. However, he was nearly discovered by Qin Wuxian, the Pavilion's Garrison Elder at the time, and had been forced to retreat.
He had set a five-year deadline. If the target didn't emerge within that time, Yan Bu would infiltrate the compound and poison him—this time not with Black Hell Powder, but with an even more insidious toxin.
If it took less than five years, there was nothing more to discuss. Just as he had done in Jinyun Immortal City, Yan Bu would follow Han Yi, find an opportunity to poison him, and bring this matter to a complete end.
The five-year deadline stemmed primarily from the Immortal Boat.
This time, determined to avoid any unexpected complications, Yan Bu had spent a fortune renting a Heavenly Immortal-grade Immortal Boat from the Black God Tower. A Heavenly Immortal-grade Immortal Boat was a Mid-Grade Magic Treasure, typically only affordable for late-stage or Peak Golden Core cultivators.
Five years would incur an enormous Spirit Stone fee. If it exceeded that, the entire mission would be a waste—years of wasted effort, and a Mission Violation mark from the Black God Tower, resulting in catastrophic losses.
Within five years, however, after deducting the Immortal Boat rental costs, he could still turn a small profit.
The Heavenly Immortal-grade Immortal Boat wasn't particularly fast. Yan Bu trailed leisurely behind Han Yi's Immortal Boat, maintaining a distance of over fourteen kilometers to avoid detection, since his Divine Sense range extended to fifteen kilometers.
Han Yi was merely at the late-stage Foundation Establishment realm. Even if he possessed extraordinary talent, his Divine Sense range couldn't possibly exceed ten kilometers. Yan Bu's fourteen-kilometer buffer accounted for any unforeseen circumstances with maximum caution.
Han Yi's survival after encountering the Black Hell Powder was no ordinary feat.
As an assassin, Yan Bu had honed caution to an extreme.
For the first fourteen kilometers, Han Yi remained completely unaware of the pursuit behind him.
In truth, by the time Han Yi condensed the second layer of his Ninefold Soul Tower and achieved the Return to Simplicity stage, his cultivation realm had broken through to Peak Foundation Establishment, and his Divine Sense range had already exceeded ten kilometers.
The ten-kilometer limit for Foundation Establishment cultivators typically applied to ordinary practitioners. Those who established their Foundation Establishment with a First-Grade Immortal Foundation—whether First-Class Divine Soul Immortal Foundation or First-Class Spirit Sea Immortal Foundation—were exceptions to this rule.
Han Yi's Divine Sense range now stretched twelve kilometers. Had Yan Bu been less cautious and set his perimeter at only ten kilometers, he would undoubtedly have been detected. Had that happened, Han Yi would certainly have reacted, likely abandoning his current course.
Such was the way of fortuitous coincidence.
Yan Bu remained unmoved as Han Yi crossed the boundaries of the Eighth and Ninth Heaven Immortal Courts.
He showed no reaction when Han Yi passed through the Immortal Ship Passage and departed Qian Capital.
Nearly half a month later, as Han Yi approached the Qian-Shu border, Yan Bu, seated aboard his Heavenly Immortal-grade Immortal Boat, suddenly opened his eyes, their depths radiating chilling murderous intent.
Yan Bu didn't immediately charge forward. Instead, he maneuvered his Heavenly Immortal-grade Immortal Boat around Han Yi, maintaining a distance of fourteen kilometers. Then, he accelerated ahead, positioning himself directly in Han Yi's path.
From above, it was clear that Han Yi had initially been in the lead, with Yan Bu trailing behind. Yan Bu's sweeping maneuver to overtake Han Yi resembled tracing a semicircle with a radius of fourteen kilometers around Han Yi, effectively reversing their positions.
Next, Yan Bu precisely calculated the distance and hurled a Spirit-Trapping Talisman into the Void behind his Immortal Boat, at the point where Han Yi's vessel would inevitably pass. As the talisman activated, the Void within a hundred-meter radius shuddered violently, as if the very fabric of space had become viscous.
This spatial stickiness was specifically designed to ensnare Immortal Boats. Yan Bu had activated a Third-Tier Spirit-Trapping Talisman, capable of immobilizing any Immortal Boat below the Heavenly Immortal-grade.
But that wasn't all.
After deploying the Spirit-Trapping Talisman, Yan Bu produced a set of nine Formation Plates. With a few swift movements, eight of them vanished into the Void three hundred meters away, causing the surrounding space to shimmer faintly. Clutching the ninth Formation Plate—the Main Formation Plate—in his hand, he formed a magic seal and pressed it onto the plate. Instantly, the Formation constructed from the plates became temporarily invisible.
After stowing the Main Formation Plate, Yan Bu stored his Heavenly Immortal-grade Immortal Boat in his Cosmic Ring and descended into the forested mountains below.
Less than a minute later, an exceptionally swift Immortal Boat flashed into view. Without a Heavenly Immortal-grade vessel, Luo Bu, who had only recently reached the mid-stage Golden Core realm, would have been unable to keep pace with Han Yi's Earth Immortal-grade Immortal Boat, a fact he had learned painfully three years prior.
Han Yi, seated cross-legged aboard his Immortal Boat, abruptly lifted his head. He was about to react, but it was already too late.
Boom!
The Immortal Boat seemed to sink into quicksand, its velocity plummeting from lightning-fast to a crawl in less than a breath.
Han Yi's expression darkened. He abruptly launched himself into the air on his sword, golden light blazing in his eyes as he surveyed his surroundings. In that instant, a shimmering barrier of spirit light had sealed off the Immortal Boat and the surrounding three hundred meters, forming a closed formation.
A formation.
Under his Qi Observation Technique, Han Yi recognized it as at least a Third-Tier formation, likely a type designed to trap and confine.
A Profound-Robed Cultivator materialized in the air, a short sword glinting in his hand.
Han Yi's pupils constricted.
Han Yi didn't recognize the cultivator, but the short sword was all too familiar. The poison on that blade had taken him over two years to completely eradicate—a testament to its terrifying potency.
This was the same Black God Tower cultivator who had pursued him before.
What puzzled Han Yi was that Black God Tower assassins typically relied on stealth and ambushes. Why had this one abandoned his usual tactics and confronted him openly?
Yan Bu, the cultivator who had emerged, felt a different kind of tension.
As an assassin, he rarely revealed his true face. But this mission was different. His target was at the late Foundation Establishment stage and possessed remarkable escape skills, having even evaded Black Hell Powder. Most critically, Yan Bu had prematurely ended his previous attempt, already incurring punishment from the Tower. Failure this time would bring consequences beyond calculation.
To ensure absolute success and utterly eliminate Han Yi, Yan Bu had tracked him down to trap him like a fish in a barrel, ready for the kill.
As a newly mid-stage Golden Core cultivator who had activated his strongest Third-Tier Formation, Yan Bu was confident that Han Yi had no chance of survival.
The two men locked eyes, neither speaking.
In the next instant, Yan Bu pressed his hand on a palm-sized Formation Plate. His figure vanished completely, and simultaneously, an incredibly dense fog spread across the formation within a three-hundred-meter radius.
This fog was profoundly bizarre. Even with Han Yi's cultivation, he could only see clearly within a three-meter radius. Beyond that, everything was utterly obscured. Even when he activated his Qi Observation Technique, his golden-glowing eyes could barely pierce through to five meters.
This was the Third-Tier Formation: the Spirit Kill Illusion Array—one of Yan Bu's trump cards.
Han Yi's focus intensified, his expression grave but composed. He was on full alert, but showed no sign of panic.
Three years had passed.
Three years ago, he had barely entered the Late Foundation Establishment stage. Now, he had reached the Peak Foundation Establishment stage. Combined with the combat prowess granted by his dual cultivation of spirit and body through the Ancient God Contemplation Technique, his strength had surged dramatically.
Even three years prior, Han Yi had been able to ambush and slay the Golden Core Demon Beasts Golden Ni Beast and Que Chen. Though their carelessness had contributed to his success, Han Yi's decisive strike had proven his ability to kill Golden Core cultivators.
Now, three years later, Han Yi felt confident he could at least challenge a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator.
Moreover, Han Yi still had trump cards up his sleeve. If he found himself at a disadvantage, he could use the Demon-Slaying Dagger to break through the formation. His intuition told him that while the formation was strong, it couldn't withstand the dagger's power.
The Seven Stars Kunwu Sword hovered above his head, and two Spirit Talismans had already materialized in his hands. These two talismans, purchased at a heavy price that had drained his savings, were a Three Spirits Immortal Fall Talisman and a Six Spirits Immortal-Slaying Talisman.
The Spirit Talismans, the Demon-Slaying Dagger, his Peak Foundation Establishment cultivation, and the Seven Stars Kunwu Sword—these were the factors that gave Han Yi the confidence to confront his opponent head-on.
As Han Yi remained vigilant, the dense mist suddenly churned violently.
A figure clad in a Profound Robe materialized from the side, brandishing a short sword and lunging forward in a deadly strike.
Han Yi whirled around, and the Seven Stars Kunwu Sword hovering above his head flashed out with lethal force.
Whoosh!
The sword artifact streaked through the air, cleaving through the Profound-Robed figure in an instant. But with a boom, the figure exploded into a cloud of mist, scattering into nothingness.
An illusion.
At the same moment, a second Profound-Robed figure appeared directly above Han Yi, its short sword plunging downward.