"A connection to the Demonic Path?"
When the old Daoist heard that Han Li was a cultivator of the Yellow Maple Valley, he didn't show much surprise—he had already vaguely suspected as much. Foundation Establishment cultivators outside the seven sects were far too rare. But when he learned that the disciple he was about to take on and Steward Wang might have ties to the Demonic Path, his face turned pale green in an instant.
Everyone knew the reputation of the Demonic Path in the Yue Kingdom's cultivation world—it was virtually synonymous with bloodshed and cruelty. As a mere Qi Condensation cultivator, he would naturally want to avoid it at all costs.
"You haven't made a mistake, have you, Senior? That little prince—I've genuinely examined his body before. There really isn't a shred of magical power inside him." After the initial shock, the old Daoist thought it over carefully and found it somewhat hard to believe.
After all, he had spent a considerable amount of time around this little prince, and he truly couldn't see anything that matched the rumors of Demonic Path practitioners.
Han Li listened to the old man's words and didn't bother with any nonsense. He simply said with a calm expression: "Whether these two are people of the Demonic Path or not, you'll notice their abnormalities yourself if you keep a close watch. There's no need for me to explain anything. I'm not asking you to take any hostile action against them—just monitor them quietly. And whatever you do, don't try to probe or test them. If they find out that you know their identity, your life will almost certainly be in danger!"
Han Li issued this final warning to the old Daoist.
The doubt in the white-haired old Daoist's eyes vanished the moment he heard Han Li's words, replaced by a look of dread.
After hesitating for a moment, he opened his mouth and said somewhat timidly: "What if these two discover that I'm watching them? What then? My cultivation is meager—I'm truly afraid I'll jeopardize your important matter, Senior!"
Hearing this, Han Li furrowed his brow.
The old Daoist appeared to have been spooked and was looking for a way to back out. That wouldn't do—it seemed he needed to offer a little more incentive.
Thinking this, Han Li reached into his storage pouch, pulled out an item, and gently set it on the table.
"Monitoring these two does carry some risk. I happen to have a suitable high-grade magical artifact here, which I'll give you for self-defense. Once this matter is concluded, this artifact will officially become yours." Han Li pointed at the faintly glowing purple bead on the table and said to the old Daoist in an even tone.
"A high-grade magical artifact!" The old Daoist perked up immediately upon hearing this.
Poor as he was, he couldn't even dream of affording a mid-grade magical artifact, let alone a high-grade one!
"This is the Purple Light Bead. Once infused with magical power, it can instantly project a light shield to protect your entire body. I believe very few ordinary Qi Condensation cultivators would be able to break through this defense. That should be more than enough to handle most dangers." Han Li continued in his characteristically placid manner.
"A defensive artifact?" After hearing the detailed explanation, a look of burning desire appeared in the old Daoist's eyes once more.
Defensive artifacts were the rarest and most precious among all types of magical artifacts. If the old Daoist had to save spirit stones on his own to buy this high-grade defensive artifact, he would most likely never manage it even if he lived to a ripe old age.
"Fine. This humble Daoist will definitely do his utmost." After his expression shifted back and forth for a good while, the white-haired old Daoist finally gritted his teeth and agreed.
It seemed that the saying "birds die for food, men die for wealth" held just as true in the cultivation world!
Seeing that the old Daoist had agreed to take on this great risk, Han Li showed a smile on his face, though inwardly he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sentiment.
"I'm going to place this spiritual mark inside your body for now. That way, if anything goes wrong, I can locate you immediately and perhaps even save your life. Additionally, after this matter is over, I'll give you another bottle of Yellow Dragon Pills as payment." Han Li said, using the same technique to imprint a ball of spiritual energy into the old Daoist's body, combining soft words with firm measures.
The old Daoist, upon seeing Han Li's action, was briefly startled, then pretended not to understand the true intention behind it and repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
Seeing that the old Daoist was so perceptive, Han Li chuckled, then rose to take his leave. Under the old Daoist's respectful escort, he quietly departed the prince's estate.
He had no intention of returning to the Qin residence immediately. Instead, he casually found a teahouse, went inside to sip tea and collect his thoughts, and began to mull over everything that had happened recently, checking whether there were any missteps or oversights on his part.
Frequently reflecting on his actions and plugging any gaps was a habit Han Li had cultivated. Only by continuously reducing his weaknesses and compensating for his shortcomings could he remain safe and unscathed in the perilous cultivation world.
And so, Han Li sat in the teahouse for the better part of the day, not leaving until the sky had grown dim, departing under the curious gaze of the young waiter.