In the bustling South Lin Street of Jia Yuan City, a large estate stretched over several acres. The imposing black gate of the mansion was adorned with a plaque reading "Mo Manor." Beneath it stood eight well-trained, muscular guards, each standing in formation with an air of professionalism, warning anyone who came close not to underestimate the place.
Not far from Mo Manor, across the street, stood the well-known Xiangjia Restaurant, a three-story establishment famous throughout the city. Its signature drink, Bai Li Xiang, was renowned for its rich taste and attracted many guests, particularly during mealtime when the restaurant was crowded with patrons from all over.
As the midday meal hour approached, the restaurant was packed, with people filling the tables on all three floors. The scent of delicious food wafted out onto the street, tempting every passerby and drawing hungry customers inside.
On the second floor, near a window that faced the street, sat a young man with a few plates of fine dishes and a bottle of the famous Bai Li Xiang wine. He appeared disinterested in the food, instead gazing absentmindedly out the window, occasionally lifting his cup and sipping the drink. Behind him stood a towering figure, a giant man, acting as his bodyguard. This was none other than Han Li.
From his vantage point, Han Li surveyed the street below and, more specifically, Mo Manor. His expression remained unchanged, but his mind was deeply engaged in thought. He had recently learned that Mo Dafu's two biological daughters and his adopted daughter were all renowned beauties in Jia Yuan City, collectively known as the "Three Charms of Mo Manor." Their beauty had made them the object of desire for countless suitors, leading to much competition among young men, many of whom were martial artists. Among them, Mo Yuzhu, the most sought-after, was at the center of attention, especially after her engagement had sparked a wave of heartbreak among her admirers. Many martial artists had challenged her fiancé, Wu Jianming, only to be defeated by him in succession. His skill and reputation grew, and his bond with Mo Yuzhu deepened.
Han Li found this situation somewhat amusing, especially knowing more about Wu Jianming than most. He was not the charming suitor he appeared to be. In fact, Han Li suspected that Wu Jianming was likely sent by Mo Dafu's rivals as a probe, possibly trying to test Mo Manor's stability in his absence. What interested Han Li was how Wu Jianming had gained the trust of the Mo family, as simply a letter or token wouldn't have been enough to convince them.
As Han Li mulled over the situation, a new figure entered the scene.
A young man in a blue robe, appearing to be in his late twenties, walked up to the restaurant's second floor. The waiter guided him to an empty table next to Han Li's. The moment their eyes met, Han Li felt a strange pull, as though the man's gaze reached deep into his very soul, piercing through all his defenses. Han Li felt a shiver run down his spine and quickly turned his head, the sudden realization that his own thoughts might have been seen made him uneasy.
The blue-clad man, too, seemed startled for a moment. He briefly locked eyes with Han Li before coldly looking away, resuming his focus on his meal. Han Li's heart raced as he realized that the man was no ordinary person. There was an undeniable aura of power radiating from him, a force that Han Li could feel even from a distance.
This man was a powerful cultivator, far beyond Han Li's current level. It was an unsettling feeling, something Han Li had never experienced before. He had previously encountered two cultivators—Yu Zitong and Jin Guang, both of whom were no match for him. But this man felt different, and Han Li found himself uncertain about how to deal with someone far more powerful than himself.
Could this blue-clad man be like Jin Guang, who was eliminated without mercy on my first move? Han Li wondered, anxiety creeping up his spine. But to his relief, the man finished his meal, wiped his mouth with a napkin, paid with a silver ingot, and left without sparing Han Li another glance. He walked out of the restaurant as if Han Li had never existed.
Han Li slumped into his chair with a deep sigh, feeling the immense pressure of the encounter melt away. What had seemed like an eternity was finally over. His body relaxed, but the weight of the blue-clad man's presence lingered. Han Li knew that the encounter had shaken him more than he cared to admit.
As the blue-clad man exited the restaurant and walked down the street, he was met by a man in a yellow robe waiting at the corner. The two exchanged a few words.
"Old third, you're late. We still have to meet with the big brother," the man in yellow said with some displeasure.
The blue-clad man laughed, "Hehe, second brother, don't be upset! I've just been enjoying some long-forgotten earthly food again."
The man in yellow gave him a disapproving look. "I've told you many times, as cultivators, we should live simply and avoid indulging in such pleasures. Every time you eat like that, it weakens your resolve."
The blue-clad man only chuckled in response. "Alright, alright, I'll learn my lesson. By the way, I met another cultivator while eating."
"Oh? How was their strength?" the man in yellow's interest piqued.
"He wasn't very impressive. From what I could tell, his cultivation was barely at the seventh or eighth layer of basic techniques, just enough to qualify for the Ascension Conference. I don't understand why someone with such shallow cultivation would bother coming to Lianzhao. Do they really think they'll get lucky and win?" the blue-clad man scoffed.
"How old was he?" the yellow-robed man asked, his curiosity growing.
"Probably seventeen or eighteen," the blue-clad man replied, a hint of mockery in his voice.
The man in yellow nodded. "That makes sense. He's probably here with an elder to gain some experience. He's likely just here to see the sights, not truly participating in the Ascension Conference yet."
The blue-clad man seemed proud. "Well, that makes sense. His potential seems decent. If he practices for another ten years, he might reach my level."
"Don't be too proud. With your cultivation only at the tenth level, you're nothing special. There are many more like you at the Ascension Conference. Wait until you reach the eleventh or twelfth level before boasting," the yellow-robed man scolded with a smile, shaking his head.
The blue-clad man muttered under his breath, "If I hadn't used the Foundation Building Pills, I would've never reached the tenth level. What's the point of this Ascension Conference? I might as well find a master and leave all this behind."
The yellow-robed man shot him one last glare before turning and walking away, with the blue-clad man trailing behind him, continuing to grumble.