Chapter 13: A Bold Proposal and a Costly Price

Chapter 13: A Bold Proposal and a Costly Price

Inside the Worship Hall, Guang Ling animatedly described his disciple's martial soul abilities and development potential. When he casually mentioned that he might have found a way to break through to the next level, Xiong Shi, Qian Jun, and Jiang Mo could no longer hold their composure.

Qing Luan, however, remained unfazed. He had always doted on Guang Ling, and seeing his younger brother advance only made him happy. Besides, although his martial soul was a beast type, it also carried elemental properties. After listening to Guang Ling, he found himself vaguely inspired as well.

Qian Daoliu and Jin Crocodile exchanged glances, seeing the same surprise in each other's eyes. They hadn't expected their offhand suggestion for Guang Ling to take in a disciple to yield such results. More importantly, they realized that Han Li's true talent might not just lie in his martial soul his way of thinking could very well be his greatest asset.

While the worshippers engaged in a lively discussion about future cultivation paths, Han Li had already arrived at the residence Guang Ling had arranged for him.

Through casual conversation with the escorting guard, he learned that aside from the worshippers, only he and Xiu'er lived here. The worshippers themselves rarely stayed in the area, with only Guang Ling and Qing Luan residing permanently, their homes situated right next to his.

After thanking and dismissing the guard, Han Li stepped into what would be his home for the coming years. As soon as he crossed the threshold, a familiar figure rushed toward him.

"Young Master, you're back!"

Xiu'er skidded to a halt before him, her face brimming with excitement.

"Yeah, I'm back. How do you like the place Teacher arranged for us?" Han Li smiled, taking her hand gently.

"It's much bigger than the estate in Nuoding City, but… but there are so many servants. I told them I'm just your maid, but they won't listen! They keep calling me 'Miss' and insisting on serving me. I… I don't know what to do," Xiu'er said, looking up at him, her expression filled with worry.

Han Li noticed the way she anxiously observed his reaction, as if afraid someone might take her place as his personal attendant.

He chuckled but didn't comment on it. Instead, he looked around and led her to a nearby pavilion, where they sat down.

"Xiu'er, relax. And you should know by now I've always thought of you as my sister. From now on, stop calling yourself my maid."

As soon as he spoke, Xiu'er sprang to her feet, flustered, but Han Li gently pulled her back down before she could protest.

"Listen to me," he continued patiently. "I understand what you mean, but you also know that my teacher is a Titled Douluo. We have to learn to adapt. Since he has declared you my sister, then that's what you are."

Mentioning Guang Ling worked like a charm. For a native of this world, few things carried more weight than the words of a Titled Douluo.

Seeing the conflict still lingering in Xiu'er's eyes, Han Li pressed further.

"This was all arranged by Teacher. You don't want to make him angry with me over something so trivial, do you?"

Xiu'er's expression changed immediately. "No! I… I'll listen to you, Xiao Li."

Satisfied, Han Li nodded.

Still, she hesitated. "But Xiao Li, does this mean I won't be able to take care of you like before?"

Han Li couldn't help but laugh.

"Of course not! You're my sister who's going to stop a sister from looking after her little brother?"

Xiu'er's eyes lit up with joy.

"And besides, I've already gotten used to your care. You're still the only one I trust as my personal attendant."

"That's right! I'll always be the one taking care of Xiao Li," she declared confidently.

"But," Han Li added, "you have to promise me something too. You have to let the other maids take care of you as well, okay?"

Xiu'er was about to refuse instinctively, but after a pause, she nodded. "O… okay."

Done.

Han Li silently gave himself a mental pat on the back.

Convincing Xiu'er had never been easy. This time, with his teacher as leverage, he'd finally made some progress.

But there was still a long way to go.

As Xiu'er relaxed, her previous worries fading, Han Li's eyes flickered with determination.

Perhaps it was time to consider Qian Daoliu's promise.

He had been planning for a long time.

After confirming that reawakening was not an option, he had spent years researching alternatives. Eventually, he came up with a daring theory but he had never been able to test it.

Now, thanks to Qian Daoliu, he had hope.

Letting Xiu'er live a normal life and simply bringing her to the God Realm after he ascended? That was an option, but it wasn't good enough.

And while he could give her an immortal herb, he wasn't sure if her body completely untouched by cultivation could withstand it. Even the gentlest immortal herb could potentially destroy her.

No. He needed a safer method.

Han Li glanced at Xiu'er, who was happily leading him around their new home.

There's nothing to hesitate about anymore.

By the time they finished exploring, it was already dinner.

Guang Ling finally arrived, bringing Qing Luan along. Xiu'er immediately ran off to the kitchen to make sure the dishes suited Han Li's taste.

After a brief greeting, Guang Ling tossed a few things to Han Li: a meditation technique he had modified using the Angelic Path as a reference, an official Worship Hall token, and a booklet.

Han Li curiously opened the booklet.

"These are my subordinates," Guang Ling explained. "You can contact them for minor matters. If they can't solve it, then come to me. The meditation technique is strictly confidential only your family or future disciples can learn it. Oh, and you don't have anyone to teach it to anyway. Xiu'er can't cultivate."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Qing Luan elbowed him. Guang Ling looked sheepish, while Qing Luan turned to Han Li with an apologetic expression.

Han Li simply shook his head. He wasn't offended.

After making sure Xiu'er was out of earshot, he looked up at the two powerful Douluos with a serious expression.

"Teacher, tomorrow after obtaining my first spirit ring, I'd like to meet the Great Worshipper and make a request."

Guang Ling and Qing Luan blinked in surprise.

They exchanged a look, seeing the same question in each other's eyes.

Why was he using Qian Daoliu's promise so soon?

Guang Ling coughed. "Disciple, I don't think you realize how valuable that promise is. Let me put it this way do you know what a hundred thousand year spirit ring is?"

Han Li nodded.

"Then my advice is this: wait.

The best time to use this is when you're ready to become a Titled Douluo. At that point, a single request could earn you a hundred thousand year spirit ring and a corresponding spirit bone.

That would put you leagues ahead of everyone else. With it, surpassing me would be a certainty."

Han Li remained silent for a moment before meeting their gazes.

"Teacher, I understand.

But I still want to use it now."

He rose to his feet and respectfully bowed.

"Teacher. Uncle. Please hear me out."

"I'm not acting rashly. I simply have something more important than a hundred thousand year spirit ring.

Something only the Great Worshipper can grant."

"You both know Xiu'er's situation. Because of her incomplete awakening, she can't cultivate.

But I have a theory."

"Her inability to cultivate might be due to an incorrect awakening, leaving her internal spirit power pathways blocked.

If we could obtain a low level bear type spirit bone ideally a ten year one or even weaker she might be able to absorb its energy and reawaken properly.

If it works, she'll finally be able to cultivate.

If it doesn't… at least I'll know for sure."

Han Li straightened, voice unwavering.

"I know this request is childish.

But this is what I want.

As for a hundred thousand year spirit ring and spirit bone…

I believe I can obtain those myself.

So please, Teacher. Grant me this request."

With that, he bowed deeply, remaining in place.

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