277: Chapter 277 Junior Brother Han, long time no see!

The stone doors of the Immortal Cave on the thirty-sixth floor of the Sacred Mountain were tightly shut, isolating the inside from the outside.

Three months had passed since the day the Core Formation Phenomenon had dissipated.

Inside the Quiet Room, Han Li sat cross-legged. His aura had become much more stable and harmonious compared to when he first entered Core Formation.

The cyan-gold Golden Core rotated slowly within his Dantian, naturally breathing in Spiritual Qi and emitting stable yet powerful fluctuations.

Three months of sleepless, closed-door cultivation to consolidate his Foundation had allowed him to fully adapt to the power of the Core Formation Stage. He had stabilized his Realm and initially mastered Divine Abilities unique to a Core Formation Cultivator, such as the external release of Divine Sense and the basic manipulation of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

“Phew...” Han Li let out a long breath of turbid Qi and opened his eyes.

The divine light in his eyes was restrained; no longer was there the sharp edge he possessed when his Golden Core was first formed, but it appeared even more profound.

He stretched his muscles and bones, feeling the magic power within him that had surged several times over and his tougher, broader Meridians. A hint of satisfaction appeared on his face.

Only now could he truly be considered an Early Core Formation Cultivator.

It was time to end his seclusion and handle some necessary matters. He stood up, walked to the door of the Quiet Room, and waved his hand to undo the multiple layers of protective and isolating Restrictions around the Immortal Cave.

As the light from the Restrictions faded, the Immortal Cave was reconnected with the outside world.

Almost simultaneously, several Sound Transmission Talismans of various colors and shimmering spiritual light flew in through the pre-allocated openings in the Restrictions at the entrance, like long-awaited homing birds, hovering before Han Li.

Han Li’s gaze swept over them; there were about seven or eight.

He casually reached out for one and probed it with his Divine Sense.

“Congratulations to Fellow Daoist Han on successfully forming your core; the Great Dao is within reach! I am your neighbor, Wang Lun, an Early Core Formation Cultivator. If you have leisure in the future, you are welcome to visit my humble abode to discuss the Dao...” This was a polite congratulatory message from a nearby Core Formation neighbor.

Han Li nodded slightly, acknowledging it. He set that Sound Transmission Talisman down and picked up another.

“Congratulations to Senior on achieving the Golden Core! I am a deacon of the ‘Four Seas Chamber of Commerce.’ Hearing of Senior’s great joy in Core Formation, I have come specifically to offer congratulations. Our chamber is thirsty for talent; if Senior is interested, we are willing to offer the position of Guest Elder, with an annual stipend of three thousand Spirit Stones, several Medicinal Pills, and...” This was a recruitment offer from a merchant union, with quite generous terms.

The next few were much the same. Some were recruitments from other small organizations or small families, offering Elder positions and resources, and some even hinted at marriage alliances.

The most outrageous one came from a faction that sounded rather improper. They immediately offered to gift a pair of carefully trained, exquisitely beautiful “stunning maidservants” at the Foundation Establishment Stage as a “modest gift,” only asking for Han Li to lend them his name.

Listening to these recruitment words—some sincere, some utilitarian, some absurd—Han Li remained expressionless, but he couldn’t help but roll his eyes inwardly.

These people were certainly well-informed.

He had just formed his core, and they swarmed around him like sharks smelling blood.

Guest Elder?

Stipend resources?

Stunning maidservants? It sounded nice, but where in the world was there such a thing as a free lunch?

These organizations were recruiting him for nothing more than his strength and potential as a newly advanced Core Formation Cultivator, wanting him to risk his life for them or serve as a figurehead.

The Karma, obligations, and even risks involved were definitely not something those superficial benefits could offset.

That Han Li could reach this day was not by relying on others, but through his own caution, diligence, and the resources accumulated from fighting on the brink of death time and again.

After Core Formation, the path of the Dao remained long and fraught with peril.

Joining a certain organization would certainly provide temporary protection and resources, but it would also mean losing freedom and becoming embroiled in unnecessary disputes.

This was absolutely not what he desired.

“It is better to keep a low profile and travel alone,” Han Li decided.

In the future, he still had to find a way back to Tiannan and explore the higher Great Dao; he had no interest in putting shackles on himself.

Regarding the Sound Transmission Talismans from Core Formation Cultivators who simply offered congratulations, Han Li politely replied to each, stating he had just ended his seclusion and needed to stabilize his Realm, suggesting they meet later if fate allowed, thus fulfilling the social etiquette.

As for those recruiting organizations, he politely declined them all with a firm tone, leaving no room for negotiation.

Having done this, he intended to tidy up the Immortal Cave and consider whether to continue renting here or find a quieter place with denser Spiritual Qi.

Just then, his gaze fell upon the last unexamined Sound Transmission Talisman, which looked ordinary and had a slightly faded pale yellow color.

This Talisman was mixed in with the other shimmering ones, making it quite inconspicuous.

Han Li’s heart stirred, and he raised his hand to take it. The moment he probed it with his Divine Sense, a calm and gentle voice—yet one with a trace of long-lost familiarity, as if it could pierce through the years—rang out directly in his Sea of Consciousness:

“Junior Brother Han, it has been many years since we parted. I was delighted to suddenly hear the news of your Core Formation; it is truly worth celebrating. Your Elder brother, Lu Qiu, is currently residing in Tianxing City. If Junior Brother has leisure after ending your seclusion, you may come to the ‘Star-Moon Pavilion’ in the west of the city, Heaven Room No. 3, on the third of next month for a chat. I await your good news.”

The voice was calm, without much emotional fluctuation, yet it made Han Li’s hand gripping the Sound Transmission Talisman tighten suddenly!

He was like someone hit by a Body-Fixing Spell, freezing on the spot instantly, his eyes filled with unbelievable shock and astonishment!

Senior Brother Lu!

It was Lu Qiu, Senior Brother Lu!

Though nearly a hundred years had passed, and though the voice was more stable and restrained than in his memory, he would never mistake that unique gentleness and calm!

Back then in Yellow Maple Valley of the State of Yue, later crossing the sea together, and parting at Kuixing Island... those scenes long buried deep in his memory suddenly became vivid along with this voice!

He was also in Tianxing City!

Furthermore, he actually knew about his Core Formation and had specifically sent a transmission to invite him!

An extremely complex surge of emotions instantly rose in Han Li’s heart.

Surprise, realization, a trace of indiscernible vigilance, and... an indescribable sense of anticipation and sentimentality.

It had been nearly a hundred years. In this Chaotic Star Sea, far from his homeland, he could actually meet an “old friend” from the same land with whom he had once fought side-by-side.

Especially this “Senior Brother Lu,” who had already displayed cultivation and mystery far exceeding his peers back at Kuixing Island. Now that nearly a hundred years had passed, what Realm had he reached?

Middle Core Formation Stage?

Late Stage?

Even... Han Li didn’t dare think of that possibility; after all, how difficult was the Nascent Soul Realm?

“Senior Brother Lu...” Han Li repeated in a low voice, his eyes flickering.

The other party had taken the initiative to invite him with a friendly attitude; by all rights and reason, he should keep the appointment.

Moreover, he was indeed full of curiosity about this mysterious “Senior Brother Lu’s” experiences and current cultivation over these years.

Perhaps he could learn some deeper secrets about the Chaotic Star Sea from him?

However, his cautious instinct prevented him from setting out immediately.

He first carefully inspected the inside and outside of the Immortal Cave again, confirming there were no other abnormalities or hidden surveillance.

Then, he spent several days thoroughly familiarizing himself with the power of the Core Formation Stage and refined several Magic Treasures to prepare for any unforeseen needs.

Although he believed Lu Qiu wouldn’t act against him, one must always be on guard against others, especially in this cultivation world where the strong prey on the weak.

After completing these preparations, Han Li patiently waited for a few more days until the day before the appointed date, then quietly left the Immortal Cave without alerting anyone.

He changed into an ordinary cyan long robe, restrained his Core Formation Spiritual Pressure, and blended into the endless flow of people in Tianxing City like an ordinary Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator.

...

The western district of Tianxing City was one of the most prosperous commercial areas in the entire city, with tall buildings and shops lined up one after another.

The “Star-Moon Pavilion” was one of the largest and most famous restaurants in this district, seven stories high, with carved beams and painted rafters, looking extraordinarily grand.

This building only received Cultivators, providing delicacies and fine wines that contained Spiritual Qi, and even special spiritual meals cooked with the flesh of low-level Yao Beasts and rare spiritual plants. The prices were high, but the taste and the slight benefit to cultivation were beyond what ordinary restaurants could compare to.

Those who could host banquets here were either wealthy or noble.

On the third day, just after noon.

Following the instructions in the Sound Transmission Talisman, Han Li arrived at the entrance of the Star-Moon Pavilion.

Inside the building, guests were as numerous as clouds, and their auras were mixed, but most of them had significant cultivation, and Core Formation Cultivators were not rare.

He announced the name of the “Heaven No. 3” private room, and a pretty maidservant at the Late Qi Refining stage immediately led the way respectfully, taking him to the top floor.

The Heaven-grade private rooms were located on the top floor of the Star-Moon Pavilion. Not only were they spacious and luxuriously decorated, but they were also equipped with sophisticated soundproofing and protective Restrictions, providing excellent privacy.

The maidservant led Han Li to a red sandalwood door carved with patterns of the sun, moon, and stars, knocked gently, and then withdrew.

The door slid open silently inward.

Inside the private room, near the window, stood a round red sandalwood table, upon which several exquisite small dishes and a pot of spiritual wine were already set.

By the window, a person stood with hands behind his back, looking at the bustling street scene of Tianxing City outside. The person wore a simple cyan dharma robe and had a tall, straight posture; just a view of his back gave a sense of being as steady as a mountain and as deep as an abyss, unfathomable.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, the person slowly turned around.

His face was still young, his features gentle, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. It was indeed Lu Qiu, from whom he had been separated for nearly a hundred years.

His appearance seemed not to have changed much since they parted, but his temperament was more restrained and calm, his eyes as deep as an ancient well, as if they could reflect one's heart.

His aura was peaceful, with no overwhelming Spiritual Pressure, but the moment Han Li’s eyes met his, he felt his heart tremble slightly, as if he were facing not a person, but a bottomless pool or a vast, boundless starry sky.

“Junior Brother Han, long time no see.” Lu Qiu smiled slightly and spoke first, his voice warm and calm, as natural as a reunion between old friends.

“Senior Brother Lu!”

Suppressing the shock in his heart, Han Li stepped forward quickly and gave Lu Qiu a solemn bow.

“It has been nearly a hundred years since we last met; your demeanor is even more impressive than before! I, Junior Brother Han Li, congratulate you on the progress of your Dao arts!”

These words came from the bottom of his heart.

Although he could not see through Lu Qiu’s specific cultivation, that unfathomable feeling was even stronger than any Late Core Formation Cultivator he had ever encountered!

Could it be... that Senior Brother has truly reached the peak of the Late Core Formation Stage, or even... he did not dare to think any further.

“Junior Brother, there is no need for such formalities.”

Lu Qiu gave him a slight upward gesture and pointed to the seat opposite him. “Sit. We are old friends reuniting, so do not be constrained. Taste this ‘Bi Ling Chun’ and a few snacks from Star-Moon Pavilion; though they are of little use for cultivation, the flavor is quite acceptable.”

Han Li sat down as told, but his gaze involuntarily swept over Lu Qiu once more.

He attempted to use his newly stabilized Core Formation Stage Divine Sense to carefully and imperceptibly probe Lu Qiu’s cultivation.

However, as soon as his Divine Sense touched the area within three feet of Lu Qiu, it was like a clay ox entering the sea, vanishing without a trace. He could sense nothing but a deep, profound emptiness.

It was as if the man was standing there, yet simultaneously merged with the surrounding heaven and earth, leaving no trace behind.

Middle Core Formation Stage?

No, definitely more! Core...

...Formation Late Stage?

Even that might not necessarily give him this completely inscrutable feeling!

Han Li was inwardly appalled, and his estimation of this “Senior Brother Lu” instantly rose to an unimaginable level.

He had originally thought that after reaching Core Formation himself, the gap between them might have narrowed. Now it seemed that far from shrinking, the gap might have grown even wider!

“Junior Brother has just reached Core Formation; your Realm is stable, your aura is concentrated, and your Foundation is solid. It seems you have not wasted these years.” Lu Qiu acted as if he hadn't noticed Han Li’s probe and personally poured him a cup of emerald-green spiritual tea, the steam carrying a faint, fresh scent of vegetation.

“It is truly not easy to reach this step in the Chaotic Star Sea. I will use this tea instead of wine to congratulate you, Junior Brother, on your successful Golden Core. Your path to the Great Dao is promising.”

“Senior Brother overpraises me.”

Han Li hurriedly took the teacup with both hands, but his heart skipped a beat at Lu Qiu’s mention of a “solid Foundation.”

Did the other party seem to be able to easily see through his true state?

“My Aptitude is dull. Being able to luckily reach Core Formation was entirely due to a bit of fortune and not daring to slack off. Compared to Senior Brother, it is truly the difference between a firefly and the bright moon. I wonder if Senior Brother... has been well all these years?” He asked cautiously, wanting to probe Lu Qiu’s situation without being too direct.

Lu Qiu took a sip of tea, his gaze wandering to the bustling street outside the window as if falling into a brief memory, then smiled faintly. “Me? I have just been wandering around, seeking some opportunities, and barely stumbling along the path of the Dao. Though the Chaotic Star Sea is vast, it is also fraught with peril. To be able to live to this day and see an old friend is also a blessing. As for you, Junior Brother, being able to reach Core Formation in this Tianxing City, you must have had your own encounters. What are your plans for the future?”

He gently threw the topic back to Han Li, neither revealing too much of himself nor denying Han Li the space to speak.

Han Li understood and knew that Lu Qiu was unwilling to talk much about himself.

After a moment of deliberation, he recounted his experiences over the years, simplifying the complex and selecting only what could be told.

How he established a foothold on Kuixing Island, how he earned resources, how he came to Tianxing City, and how he went through hardships to finally gather the items needed for Core Formation, and so on.

He omitted the “Small Bottle” and some particularly dangerous or secret experiences, sketching only the image of a cautious, hardworking Loose Cultivator with decent luck.

Lu Qiu listened quietly, nodding occasionally or asking about a detail or two, appearing quite interested.

Once Han Li finished, he spoke slowly: “For you to reach this day by your own strength, Heart-Nature, Opportunity, and perseverance were all indispensable. On your future path, as long as you maintain this caution and tenacity, the Nascent Soul Realm may not be out of reach.”

“Nascent Soul...”

Han Li shook his head with a bitter smile. “Senior Brother must be joking. The Nascent Soul Realm is so distant and vague; I do not dare to hope for it. I would be satisfied just to Cultivate steadily and increase my cultivation a bit.”

These words were half sincere caution and half a test.

He wanted to know if Lu Qiu seemed quite confident about the Nascent Soul Realm.

Lu Qiu gave a non-committal smile and did not continue the topic, instead asking about Han Li’s impressions of Tianxing City and some of his cultivation insights after reaching Core Formation.

The two of them were like brothers reunited after a long separation, chatting about cultivation experiences and interesting stories of the Chaotic Star Sea while savoring spiritual tea, spiritual wine, and rare spiritual delicacies, and the atmosphere gradually became harmonious.

Han Li could feel that Lu Qiu bore him no ill will and even had the intention of looking after and advising him.

The insights Lu Qiu occasionally revealed during their conversation regarding Cultivation Techniques, resources, and even the general trends of the Chaotic Star Sea all benefited him greatly and broadened his horizons significantly.

This caused the wariness in his heart toward this mysterious “Senior Brother Lu” to unknowingly decrease by a few more points, replaced by a complex sense of awe and a faint expectation.

Perhaps, in this peril-filled Chaotic Star Sea, having such an unfathomable “old friend” as a potential ally or guide was not a bad thing?

After the wine had been served three times and the food five times, Lu Qiu put down his wine cup, looked at Han Li, and suddenly asked, “Junior Brother Han, since you have already reached Core Formation, have you thought about joining a certain power to obtain more resources and protection? I see that there should be many people recruiting you lately.”

Upon hearing this, Han Li’s expression turned serious, and he shook his head. “To be honest, Senior Brother, I have indeed received many Sound Transmission Talismans from various organizations. But I am used to being free and do not like Restrictions, and I know well that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Joining a power may bring temporary benefits, but it also involves Karma and leaves one unable to act of their own will. I still feel that being alone is more comfortable and secure.”

“Mm, it is good that you can see this point clearly.”

Lu Qiu nodded in agreement. “However, being alone also means that resources, intelligence, and even certain high-level cultivation methods will be more difficult to obtain. Especially after reaching Core Formation, every step of improvement requires a massive amount of resources, which are often unavailable even if one has the money.”

He paused, looked at Han Li, and said in a casual tone, “I currently have some dealings with merchant alliances such as ‘Liulian Hall’ and ‘Fengle Alliance’ in the city. They occasionally have tasks suitable for Core Formation Cultivators or internal exchange meetings. The rewards are acceptable, the risks are relatively controllable, and there is no mandatory commitment. If you are interested, Junior Brother, I can introduce you in the future. Of course, whether to participate is entirely up to your own will.”

“Liulian Hall? Fengle Alliance?”

Han Li’s heart stirred.

He had naturally heard of these two names; they were among the top merchant alliances in Tianxing City and even the Inner Star Sea, with great strength and decent reputations.

If he could gain access to some of their internal tasks or channels through Lu Qiu’s connections, it would undoubtedly be a huge help to him.

Moreover, Lu Qiu emphasized “voluntary” and “no mandatory commitment,” which exactly matched his wishes.

“In that case... I will have to trouble Senior Brother to go to the effort!” Han Li hurriedly cupped his hands in thanks, this time with true sincerity.

He knew that Lu Qiu was providing him with a relatively safe and guaranteed way to obtain resources; this favor was not small.

“It is just a small matter.”

Lu Qiu waved his hand and then, as if remembering something, added, “By the way, Junior Brother has just entered Core Formation and must have a need for Core Formation Stage Cultivation Techniques and secret arts. I have also collected some miscellaneous Jade Slips over the years, some of which might be useful to you. I will make a copy later and have someone send it to you.”

“This... how can I accept this!” Han Li hurriedly declined, but his heart felt a surge of warmth.

Cultivation Techniques and secret arts were closely guarded secrets in any Sect or power, worth a fortune.

Lu Qiu was actually willing to share them?

“There is no need to be polite. They are just some predecessors' experiences and miscellaneous studies, useless to me. If they can provide you with some inspiration, then they are being put to good use.”

Lu Qiu’s tone was gentle but carried a sense of brooks no refusal. “We come from the same place, and meeting in this foreign land is fate. Helping each other is only right.”

Han Li opened his mouth but ultimately did not decline again, only solemnly giving Lu Qiu another bow. “Senior Brother’s great kindness will be remembered in my heart! If there is anything you need in the future, as long as it does not violate my Dao Heart, I, Han Li, will never refuse!”

He knew that the harvest from today’s drinks far exceeded his expectations. Not only had he re-established contact with this mysterious Senior Brother Lu, but he had also received substantial help and guidance.

This gave him a few more points of confidence and expectation for his future path of cultivation in the Chaotic Star Sea.

Lu Qiu smiled slightly and raised his cup again. “Come, Junior Brother, let us have another drink. May our paths be smooth, and may we glimpse a higher Realm soon.”

“To Senior Brother!” Han Li also raised his cup in return.

Outside the window, the lights of Tianxing City were just beginning to come on, reflecting the silhouettes of the two men onto the exquisite window lattice of the private room.