The handsome young prince was naturally unaware of what Han Li was thinking at that moment. Instead, he chatted amiably with several acquaintances among the Qin family youths, his manner refined and courteous. Two of the young ladies in the group had flushed cheeks — they were clearly smitten.
Han Li saw this and let out a cold, silent laugh in his heart.
There was something deeply wrong with this young prince. If these Qin women truly threw themselves at him, they would absolutely not end up well.
Even if this young prince devoured them body and soul, Han Li would not find it the slightest bit strange!
After a short while, Prince Xin excused himself from Qin Yan and the others, then took the young prince onward to the next table to continue his socializing. This left the Qin family youths who had been enjoying their conversation with the young prince, along with Elder Hua's grandson and granddaughter, somewhat disappointed.
Meanwhile, Han Li took advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention to gaze at the young prince's retreating figure, a contemplative look flashing in his eyes.
The banquet finally came to an end after more than an hour.
The guests, now fully satisfied, began taking their leave of Prince Xin and his son one by one.
Qin Yan led Han Li and the others out among the crowd, offering their farewells, and headed straight for the front gate of Prince Xin's manor.
But just as Old Master Qin was about to get into the same carriage they had arrived in with Han Li, the latter suddenly spoke up and asked a question that left Qin Yan stunned.
"Uncle Qin, who are those two people? Could you tell me about them?"
Though Han Li phrased it politely, Old Master Qin dared not neglect the request. He immediately turned to look and said: "Which two people is Young Nephew Han referring to? Oh my, isn't that the old master of the Xiao family? He's the owner of the famous Xianyun Tavern here in the capital of the Yue Kingdom. A very low-key man. I'm not particularly close with him. As for the young man beside him, he looks unfamiliar — probably one of his grandsons!"
When Qin Yan caught sight of the old man and the youth that Han Li was staring at, surprise appeared on his face. He had no idea why Han Li had taken an interest in these two people.
"Oh, I see! Uncle Qin, you go on ahead. I'll take a stroll and come back to the manor a bit later." Han Li nodded thoughtfully and said casually.
Then, before Qin Yan could say anything, he slowly walked away toward a narrow path along the side of the manor wall.
Qin Yan stared blankly at Han Li's retreating figure, then glanced at the Xiao family old master in the distance, who was furtively looking their way. A sense of puzzlement arose in his heart.
But after a moment's thought, he decisively climbed into the carriage and ordered his trusted coachman to drive off.
And so the Qin family's carriages departed from the front gate of Prince Xin's manor, heading east toward the Qin family estate.
As for those young Qin ladies and gentlemen, they had not noticed Han Li's disappearance at all. They were still chattering excitedly in the back two carriages about everything they had seen and heard at Prince Xin's manor.
They were elated! Even though they hadn't formed any connection with immortality, this was absolutely something they could brag about to their companions back home.
Meanwhile, Han Li walked for about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, and finally, following the towering wall of Prince Xin's manor, arrived at the manor's back gate.
The imposing rear gate was shut tight, with not a soul in sight.
Han Li smiled. This was just right — it saved him from having to use any concealment techniques.
He simply stood at the back gate in plain sight, looking up at the sky with nothing to do.
Before long, Han Li had drifted into a daze, as if lost in thought about something.
Suddenly, he sensed someone approaching from a distance, their steps furtive and hesitant. He lowered his gaze and cast a cold glance.
There, the Xiao family old master and the girl disguised as a young man had circled around from the other side of the manor. When the old man caught sight of Han Li, his body stiffened and a look of hesitation crossed his face. The girl, on the other hand, wore an expression of pure curiosity, without a trace of fear.
Perhaps the old man had worked something out in his mind, for his expression quickly calmed. He strode forward with large steps, the girl following behind him.
"This junior, Xiao Zhen, thanks the senior for showing mercy back in the manor! If I caused any offense, this junior is willing to offer his apology."
Having walked up to Han Li, this Xiao family old master still could not discern the slightest hint of Han Li's cultivation level. Shocked and even more awed, he bowed respectfully before speaking, offering a sincere apology.
Han Li's expression remained unchanged as he accepted the bow, then said coolly: "Why are you not in seclusion, cultivating diligently in a place rich with spiritual energy, instead appearing here in the capital of the Yue Kingdom? Could it be that you still long for the mortal world's glory and splendor, and have no desire to continue cultivating any longer?"