Recruited by Star Palace

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Tianling Island.

Three figures stepped into an elegant teahouse.

The first was a middle-aged man in his forties with fair skin, narrow eyes, and long brows—his expression gentle. On his left stood a young man in green robes, plain in appearance. The last wore black, his face expressionless.

The trio sat down, chatting and laughing.

Han Li had just arrived in the Chaos Star Sea. Due to the language barrier, he encountered a few problems—but fortunately, a Jindan cultivator named Jin Qing stepped in to help. Jin Qing not only resolved the issue but also introduced Han Li to the customs of the region.

After a few days, Han Li had a basic understanding of life in the Chaos Star Sea.

Jin Qing, seeing Han Li's talent in formations, became especially enthusiastic. He invited him to explore the ruins of an ancient cultivator's site together. Han Li, while appreciative of the kindness, felt conflicted. By nature, he preferred caution—he should be retreating to a cave for quiet cultivation, not treasure hunting.

After pondering, Han Li finally said, "Brother Jin, give me two days to consider it."

He figured it best to repay this favor sooner rather than later, avoiding future entanglements. Even if there was danger, Han Li believed in his ability to survive—or escape. After all he had endured forming his golden core in Tiannan, he had confidence in his strength.

Jin Qing smiled, pouring him a cup of spiritual tea. "No rush. The rewards I promised will remain unchanged. Jin eagerly awaits your answer."

Among casual cultivators, those adept in formations were rare. Jin Qing saw great value in befriending Han Li—not only because of the immediate need to break through ancient formations, but also for future possibilities.

Just then, a group of Demonic Path disciples burst into the teahouse, brandishing portraits and interrogating each customer. The three leaders were Jindan stage cultivators. No one dared resist.

Naturally, Han Li and his companions took notice. Unfamiliar with local affairs, Han Li looked puzzled.

Jin Qing leaned over. "They're from the Demonic Path, under the Six Paths Supreme Saint's orders. They're hunting someone who killed his disciple, Wen Tianren, ten years ago."

Han Li raised an eyebrow. He'd heard of the Six Paths Supreme Saint—a peak figure in the Demonic Path, terrifyingly strong at the late Nascent Soul stage. His disciple Wen Tianren had once bested nearly all late Jindan cultivators in the Chaos Star Sea.

Who could possibly dare kill such a man?

"Oh? What's his name?" Han Li asked, his tone casual but curious.

Jin Qing took a sip of tea. "Qi Yuan. He comes from some obscure background but claims his master is a Nascent Soul cultivator."

Qi Yuan...

Senior Brother Qi?

Han Li's eyes twitched, and his hand trembled slightly, spilling a bit of tea. That name struck deep in his memory. Though decades had passed with no word, the impression Qi Yuan left was unforgettable.

Still, the world was vast. It might be someone else with the same name.

As Han Li composed himself, a Demonic Path disciple approached and held up a portrait. "Have you seen this man?"

Han Li glanced at it—and his heart jolted. It was indeed Qi Yuan!

Jin Qing shook his head. "Never seen him."

Han Li echoed, calm as ever. "Nor have we."

Once the disciples left, Han Li turned to Jin Qing. "Brother Jin, tell me more about Qi Yuan—everything you know."

Jin Qing eagerly recounted Qi Yuan's legendary feats, starting from his single-move defeat of Night Crow. As the tale unfolded, Han Li grew more and more uneasy. The timelines matched perfectly with Qi Yuan's disappearance from Tiannan.

But what unsettled Han Li the most was that while Qi Yuan had soared past the Jindan stage and into the heights of power, he himself still struggled in early Jindan.

Was Qi Yuan's five-element spiritual root truly stronger than his four? That made no sense. Both had come from Huangfeng Valley—neither's spiritual root constitution was a secret.

Unless... Qi Yuan had a miraculous treasure, like the rumored Little Green Bottle.

Should he go and reunite with him?

Han Li shook the thought away. With the Demonic Path watching, it was best to feign ignorance. He was safer in the shadows, quietly observing.

Still, he asked, "If they know he's based in Tianxing City, why are they still searching so blindly?"

"They suspect he might disguise himself and leave the city to stir up more trouble," Jin Qing replied with a smile.

Meanwhile, in Tianxing City's 49th floor sector—

Qi Yuan had just broken through to the late Jindan stage and was enjoying some leisure.

In a mist-filled pool, Qi Yuan sat bare-chested, reading a book, while Yuan Yao—clad only in a pink bellyband—massaged his shoulders tenderly. Her flushed cheeks, damp hair, and fiery gaze betrayed her intent.

"Master, I've reached Jindan... When will you come to me?" she whispered.

Qi Yuan chuckled. "Yao'er, you've waited this long. What's a bit more?"

"But I'm very anxious," she pouted, arms draping around his neck as she kissed his cheek.

"Have you mastered Dianfeng Peiyuan Gong?"

"I have," she beamed.

Qi Yuan smiled, pulling her close. Her curves pressed against him—perfectly full where they should be. "When your senior sister returns, I'll fulfill your wish."

Yuan Yao blushed with joy. Her dream was finally coming true.

Just then, Yanli walked in, presenting a sound transmission jade talisman. "Young Master, the elder of Star Palace invites you to a meeting in three days."

The big fish had taken the bait.

Qi Yuan accepted. "Reply that I will attend."

Three days later—

Qi Yuan arrived at the Star Palace's 80th floor.

"Stop! This is the Star Palace's sacred ground!" a guard shouted, his aura radiating the late Jindan stage.

Qi Yuan marveled at the wealth. Even Jindan cultivators were reduced to guards here?

"I am Qi Yuan, here at the elder's invitation."

"Ah! Fellow Daoist Qi. We were informed. Please, come with me."

Led through a series of corridors, Qi Yuan entered a grand starry hall, glittering like a galaxy.

At the far end sat a middle-aged man in white robes trimmed with star patterns. His aura...

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