When Han heard the name, he finally understood why he felt so familiar with Hai Xin Jia.

  Sister Yun Duo seemed to dislike talking too much; she spoke only a few words before leaving.

  "Your sister's name is Yun Yun? As in, the character for 'grace'?" Han asked.

  "Yes," Yun Duo replied.

  Well, it made sense for a family with the surname Yun to have a sister named Yun Yun. Nothing strange about that.

  The strange part was that Han knew too much.

  Yun Duo said, "My older sister is very talented. Like you, she cultivates both soul and martial arts, but her talent isn't as good as yours."

  "Oh, she practices both?" Han became interested.

  This was the first time he encountered someone who practiced both disciplines besides himself.

  Although Bai Tian had mentioned before that many people practiced both, that was based on Bai Tian’s extensive travels and worldly knowledge.

  In the area Han frequented, this was his first encounter with someone who also trained in both.

  "Yes, my sister has been practicing for thirteen years now. Her soul cultivation has reached the level of Night Traveler, and her martial arts have reached the Meridians Stage," Yun Duo continued.

  Uh, is it okay to say that?

  But honestly, this seemed quite far from Han’s expectations for someone practicing both soul and martial arts.

  As a member of the Yun family, she surely had ample resources, but her cultivation speed was...

  Han couldn’t help but think of something Bai Tian and Lu Qingmo had both said.

  A person's energy and time are limited.

  While cultivating both soul and martial arts may seem promising, with a bright future ahead, it often leads to a delay in soul cultivation, and martial arts progress can slow as well.

  Han didn’t mean to look down on Yun Yun, but from her, he truly felt the difficulty of cultivating both paths.

  Before, when Lu Qingmo said that cultivating both paths was difficult, Han had no real understanding.

  After all, just a few days of breakthroughs didn’t seem so hard.

  Han stayed for a meal at the Yun family home, where Yun Duo’s older sister Yun Yun and her third brother Yun Feng were present.

  Yun Duo also had a second brother, but he was not in Black Cloud Town, reportedly studying the Dao elsewhere.

  Though Black Cloud was nice, it was still too remote.

  By the way, her second brother was named Yun Shan, and his situation had caused quite a stir...

  Yun Feng was a martial artist at the Organs Stage, and he was quite curious about Han, marveling at his talent and speed of cultivation.

  During the visit to the Yun family, Han wasn't troubled, and there were no awkward or unpleasant moments.

  After bidding farewell to Yun Duo and returning to the martial hall, Han was surprised to see Meng Hao.

  Han was suspicious—was this guy specifically waiting to confront me?

  No, something was off with his mind.

  This time, it was only Meng Hao; Mu Bo was not present.

  When he saw Han, Meng Hao waved.

  "Brother Meng, what brings you here?"

  "I don’t know many people in Black Cloud Town, so I had no choice but to come here and bother you," Meng Hao explained, then pulled out a spiritual herb and handed it to Han. "I hope Brother Zhou won't mind."

  Han’s eyes flickered with suspicion—was this an attempt to corrupt me?

  His instincts were spot on.

  He secretly observed the other disciples, noticing that they too seemed off.

  It seemed they had all received gifts from Meng Hao.

  "Brother Meng, I can’t accept this. I really can’t," Han politely declined, but Meng Hao insisted, and Han reluctantly accepted.

  After that, Meng Hao stayed at the Taibai Martial Hall, but he knew his boundaries. When Han and the others practiced martial arts, he never intruded, only engaging with them during breaks.

  Han especially noticed that Meng Hao was most enthusiastic about talking to him.

  This...

  When Han was about to leave for Yunjiang, Meng Hao followed him and asked if he could join.

  Han politely declined, saying it was a personal matter.

  Then, Han quickly ran toward the Peach Grove.

  "Aunt Mo..."

  When Han entered, Lu Qingmo was bending over, watering the flowers. Her alluring curves and the perfect fullness of her figure were right in Han’s line of sight.

  Thankfully, only the senior sister and Yun Duo could enter here, and there would be no sudden intrusions.

  Otherwise, someone with ulterior motives might see this scene!

  As for Han, a gentleman of impeccable character, he had no such thoughts.

  "What’s the matter?" Lu Qingmo straightened up and looked at Han.

  "About Meng Hao..." Han explained the situation.

  "He’s probably interested in you," Lu Qingmo said. "After all, he knows about your achievements. His curiosity is normal."

  "I suspected as much, but doesn't he have other intentions?" Han asked.

  "Don't worry," Lu Qingmo reassured him with a smile. "He'll only try to befriend you and win you over. He won't do anything harmful."

  "Why?"

  "Because of the Meng family’s honor."

  Han felt a little more at ease. Whenever honor and spirit were involved, people often had an unexplainable level of persistence.

  "Don’t worry about anything," Lu Qingmo smiled again. "As the son of the Purple Sky Monarch, he’s seen all kinds of talents."

  "The Purple Sky Monarch himself is a legend."

  After Han left the Peach Grove, Lu Qingmo returned to her flower-watering duties, but unlike before, she didn’t bend over this time.

  Han’s destination was Yunjiang, which was his purpose all along.

  Bai Tian had returned, and now Han felt safe—no one in this area would dare harm him.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  Today’s underwater excursion hadn’t revealed any strange beasts, but Han did find a few spiritual plants.

  He also discovered a human skeleton, but there was nothing else around.

  Yunjiang... who knows how many bodies had sunk here.

  Back at the martial hall, Meng Hao was still there, and Han felt free to converse with him about the legendary Purple Sky Monarch.

  "My father? He's not anything special, just like any other person," Meng Hao chuckled.

  "Even in Purple Sky City, I rarely see him."

  "Is it because the Purple Sky Monarch is always in seclusion?" Han asked.

  Already on the Mountain and River Sage List, and still working hard to cultivate—how admirable.

  "No, it’s because he’s always off traveling with my mother, so I don’t get to see him."

  "..."

  Only a true legend could be so free-spirited.

  "Brother Zhou, you have great talent. Your future won’t be limited here," Meng Hao said.

  "If you ever get the chance, you must visit Purple Sky City. I’ll treat you well."

  "I admire and envy cultivation geniuses like you."

  Meng Hao’s admiration was plain to see.

  "Brother Meng, you’re just envious of yourself," Han joked.

  Meng Hao shook his head. "No, I’m serious."

  "As for me..." Meng Hao sighed. "I don’t have any hope in this life."

  "Huh?" Han asked, confused. "I noticed you haven't practiced martial arts. Shouldn’t you be a cultivator?"

  "Exactly. I’ve never trained in martial arts, nor in soul cultivation."

  "I’m just an ordinary person, though I did consume some treasures that made my body stronger."

  "Ah?"

  Han was stunned. How was this possible?

  "It’s not a secret. Many people know," Meng Hao said, looking unusually unfazed.

  "When I was twelve, doctors found a problem with my body. I couldn’t cultivate, and my father couldn’t do anything about it."

  "He’s not all-powerful."

  Meng Hao had been born with everything everyone else could only dream of, but there was one thing he had lost.

  The potential for cultivation.

  The gains and losses were hard to weigh.

  Han didn’t know what to say.

  Offer comfort?

  With his background, Han had no place to offer sympathy.

  "Sorry for bringing this up."

  Meng Hao, though young, was very open-minded. "It’s nothing."

  "From another perspective, not being able to cultivate actually has its advantages. At least no one dares to provoke me."

  "If I went to the Heavenly Mother Sect’s headquarters, I doubt anyone would dare make a move on me."

  Han was speechless.

  Among martial artists, fighting was normal, and if the descendants of the Purple Sky Monarch died in a martial conflict, it wouldn’t be a surprise.

  Of course, the Sky Monarch had the right to disregard reason.

  "However, if anyone kills Meng Hao, it would be a massacre of mortals by cultivators, and that would be a serious problem."

  Such a mortal holds no real threat, though.

  Nightfall

  "An Lang, which would you choose: the most prestigious background and cultivation talent, or something else?" Han asked as he gazed at An Lang under the moonlight.

  An Lang thought for a moment before answering:

  "I choose to stay by your side, my Lord."

  Han chuckled to himself, feeling both flattered and a little troubled by such sweet words.

  "Take it, take it," Han said, handing An Lang some incense sticks, fully aware that An Lang had him figured out.

  An Lang happily accepted the incense and found a corner to enjoy it.

  Humph, let them think I’ll fall for this. Just because they ask doesn’t mean I’ll get what I want.

  The incident with Meng Hao had stirred Han’s thoughts. The powerful offspring of a great lineage had lost some of its luster.

  Han was grateful for his cultivation talent.

  If he couldn’t have it all, he’d definitely choose cultivation over noble birth and status.

  As long as he became strong enough, wherever he went would become the most prestigious place.

  So, the chopping begins!

  Fifteen light orbs fell, and Han examined the spoils. There were five spirit herbs, one soul plant, three cultivation pills, and a special pill.

  【Character Elixir: Turtle Breath Pill】

  【Taking it will induce a false death state, lasting for three days】

  While this pill wasn’t useful on a regular day, it could prove invaluable in certain situations.

  The other five items included:

  【Rare Item: Heart of Ice】

  【Ice essence that doesn’t need refinement, can be directly embedded into weapons to grant them ice powers, or into the heart of certain special beings, granting them extraordinary abilities (this effect is only available for ice-affinity physiques and races)】

  【Rare Item: Flame Core】

  【Flame core that doesn’t require refinement, can be directly embedded into weapons to grant them flame powers, or into the heart…】

  【Dao Seed: Spirit Rain Technique】

  【Gathers the water essence from the heavens and earth, transforming it into rain that promotes plant growth】

  【Material: Thunderstrike Jade】

  【A precious jade struck by lightning yet unharmed, can be used to refine magical tools or weapons with lightning attributes】

  【Magical Tool: Qi Gathering Spirit Vessel】

  【Passively absorbs the vital energy of the heavens, moon energy, and other forces, and can enhance spiritual power once filled】

  The materials weren’t particularly noteworthy, but the Dao Seed was planted directly into the Soul Field.

  "It's a pity I’m not a disciple of the Immortal Sect’s spiritual garden starting out. Otherwise, with this Dao technique, I’d do quite well," Han thought. If an Immortal Sect disciple started with something like this, Han wouldn’t even have to say anything.

  This magical tool, however, was quite useful. It would accelerate Han’s cultivation by gathering and refining energy.

  But Han was most interested in the two rare items.

  The Heart of Ice and Flame Core could be embedded into weapons.

  Wasn't this basically the equivalent of magical enchantment stones?

  Three Days Later

  Han found himself in a dilemma.

  Lu Qingmo's flying carpet hovered in the air, with her seated on the left and Bai Ruoyue on the right.

  And Han… was stuck in the middle.

  It was a classic "sandwich."

  This situation had started earlier that morning, when Han visited Lu Qingmo. She had informed him that the weapons were ready and that the County Ghost God Division needed his help with something.

  Additionally, there was a grand event about to take place in the county, so they were all heading there.

  However, when Han went to the martial arts hall to notify Bai Ruoyue of his departure, the problem arose.

  Bai Ruoyue wanted to come along too.

  This time, she didn’t want to just wave him off; she wanted to join in, making it a trio!

  She had expressed her displeasure earlier while following Han into the peach grove.

  "Mo Yi, you used to always take me to the county, but now you're always taking Junior Brother!" she complained.

  "We have business to attend to…" Lu Qingmo explained.

  But after seeing Bai Ruoyue’s sulking face, Lu Qingmo had reluctantly agreed to bring her along.

  And that was how the "sandwich" situation came to be.

  Thankfully, the flying carpet was large enough to allow some space between the three of them.

  Otherwise, if they were all squished together, it would have been uncomfortable.

  It was a relief… or was it? Han wasn’t sure.

  County Ghost God Division

  Han ran into two familiar faces here.

  Zhao Duguan from the Qinghua County Ghost God Division, and Zhao Guang, the Deputy Duguan of the Qinghua County Martial Division.

  Alongside them was another middle-aged man of average looks, standing with the two Zhaos.

  A martial artist at the Flesh Realm.

  Ye Chong and another large man sat at the main seats.

  Upon seeing the group arrive, Ye Chong’s stern expression softened slightly.

  "Lu Duguan, Zhou Xunyou," he greeted them.

  "This is Wu Duguan from the County Martial Division," Ye Chong introduced the large man beside him.

  "We still need your cooperation with the Tianmu Sect matter in Qinghua County."

  "Of course," Han nodded.

  So, standing with the two Zhaos, was none other than the rarely seen Duguan from the Martial Division of Qinghua County.

  Lu Qingmo had notified Ye Chong ahead of time that she had arrived, which is why he had called for the three from Qinghua County.

  With the three of them now in the county, the Qinghua County issue should soon be resolved.

  The time to settle up was drawing near...

  Next, Han recounted the entire matter, with the three from Qinghua County adding their details, ensuring nothing was left out.

  It was all the truth, of course—Han wouldn’t bias the report in their favor.

  In the corner, someone was quietly taking notes on everything they said.

  "Negligence! The Tianmu Sect's stronghold has grown to this extent, and you are to blame!" Ye Chong slammed his fist on the table.

  This was directed at the three from Qinghua County.

  "Fortunately, Lu Duguan and Zhou Xunyou were involved, or things could have taken a turn for the worse."

  The three from Qinghua County nodded, and while they may have had thoughts, they weren’t going to speak up at this moment.

  Ye Chong continued to scold them, and Wu Duguan joined in, his tone even harsher and angrier.

  "You may leave now. Stay in the county for the investigation. As for Qinghua County’s affairs, we’ll send others to handle them."

  "Once the investigation concludes, your punishment will be decided."

  The three of them left, and the note-taker quietly left as well.

  "Thank you both for your time," Ye Chong said politely.

  Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No problem."

  Then, Wu Duguan spoke:

  "Zhou Xunyou, you really are an impressive young man."

  "I’m not worthy," Han responded humbly.

  But then Wu Duguan turned his words, saying, "However, Zhou Xunyou, sometimes your methods are too extreme."

  "Destroying the Tianmu Sect stronghold was a great achievement, but without evidence, directly executing the two deputy Duguans was improper."

  "I hope that in the future, you’ll think things through more carefully. If everyone acted like this, what would become of the law and the court?"

  "Even disciples of the Xuan Du Sect must abide by the rules."

  Han frowned, about to speak when Lu Qingmo intervened.

  "Everything he did was permitted by me. Do you have any objections?"

  "Even if Lu Duguan allowed it, Zhou Xunyou’s actions were not in line with the rules. If everyone acted this way, where would the law and the court stand?"

  "Disciples of the Xuan Du Sect must follow the rules too."

  Han spoke up, "Wu Duguan is right, but the situation was urgent. The people from the Tianmu Sect were about to hold a meeting with their followers, planning to harm the people."

  "If I had followed the rules, it would have been too late."

  "It was a special situation, so it deserved special handling," Ye Chong interjected with a smile. "Zhou Xunyou was only thinking of the people of Qinghua, and we can understand that."

  Wu Duguan’s expression softened slightly. "I’m not trying to hold Zhou Xunyou accountable. I know his achievements."

  "I misspoke."

  Wu Duguan shook his head and left without saying more.

  Han looked at Ye Chong and asked, "Who is he…?"

  Ye Chong smiled bitterly. "That’s just Wu Duguan’s style. Don’t take it to heart, Zhou Xunyou."

  Han wasn’t upset; he knew whether his actions were in line with the rules or not.

  What surprised him, though, was how direct Wu Duguan was.

  He couldn’t decide if Wu Duguan was truly straightforward or just playing the part.