Chapter 17: Everything in Place, Meeting Qian Daoliu

Chapter 17: Everything in Place, Meeting Qian Daoliu

Seeing Han Li's casual movements, Guang Ling and Qing Luan exchanged glances. Instead of discouraging him, they praised, "Not bad. Your spiritual power has increased significantly you're already approaching the level of an ordinary Spirit Elder."

Guang Ling's face lit up with joy. "Not only that, but this also compensates for your lack of early combat ability. As long as you train your archery properly under me, you'll be able to rival so called 'geniuses' even with just this one spirit skill."

Qing Luan nodded in agreement, clearly sharing Guang Ling's thoughts.

"Mm."

Han Li responded with a smile. He had originally planned to sacrifice early combat power in exchange for long term growth, but now that he didn't have to give anything up while still strengthening his abilities, he was naturally pleased.

"Alright, now switch to Ice Fire Blades. Let's see if the effect is the same."

Guang Ling urged impatiently.

Han Li was also curious about the changes in his Ice Fire Blades, so he wasted no time in switching forms.

Two curved blades, now even more dazzling than before, appeared in his hands. He glanced up and noticed that his spirit ring remained positioned behind his head. However, at the base of each blade's handle, there was now a faintly glowing yellow ring, hanging like a decorative ornament almost unnoticeable unless one looked closely.

He raised both hands to demonstrate before closing his eyes to sense the changes.

After about thirty seconds, Han Li opened his eyes again. He slashed the Ice Blade and Fire Blade toward an empty spot in front of him, sending out a blue blade of ice energy and a red blade of fire energy. When the two collided, they triggered a violent explosion.

He examined the distance and spoke, "The amplification effect is the same as with the Ice Fire Bow currently at 30%. However, I've gained the ability to launch blade energy attacks. Right now, I can only control them within five meters, and their strength is still lacking. The energy cost is also much higher compared to arrows. At my current level, I can only release about twenty strikes at full power."

Guang Ling and Qing Luan's lips twitched.

"Only five meters"?"Not strong enough"?*

What were they supposed to say?

From their perspective, Han Li's blade energy wasn't much weaker than the third spirit skills of some Strength Type Spirit Elders. More importantly, it had no cooldown. This was something most spirit abilities couldn't achieve.

No, this was practically a self created spirit technique.

As Han Li grew stronger, whether it was his blade energy or the perfectly fused elemental arrows he hadn't used yet, they would only improve. Many Tool Spirit Masters couldn't even launch long range attacks without spirit rings, yet this kid was already doing it.

"Mm, not bad. Compared to me when I was your age, you're barely acceptable."

Guang Ling tried to maintain a calm demeanor, but he failed to notice the look of disdain in Qing Luan's eyes.

If Han Li weren't present, Qing Luan would have outright laughed.

You, Guang Ling? At this kid's level when you were young? Don't kid yourself.

Guang Ling had really struck gold with this disciple.

As Han Li ran off to excitedly show Xiu'er his new abilities, Qing Luan watched Guang Ling who was grinning ear to ear and felt his first twinge of jealousy.

Why couldn't I find a disciple like that?

Then he thought, Well, Guang Ling is like a little brother to me… so technically, this kid is kind of like my nephew.

That thought helped him feel a little better.

Putting on his big brother face, Qing Luan stopped Guang Ling from going overboard with his excitement and pointed toward Han Li, who was already pulling Xiu'er over.

"Teacher, now that I've absorbed my spirit ring, can we proceed with the matter I mentioned yesterday?" Han Li looked at Guang Ling expectantly.

Guang Ling glanced at Xiu'er, who clearly had no idea what was going on, and sighed. He pointed at Han Li's clothes.

"You just finished absorbing a spirit ring. Go take a bath and change into clean clothes."

He then turned to Xiu'er. "You go as well. Your idea is good, but I can't guarantee it will work. No one has ever tried something like this before. Since we're using up Grand Worship's promise anyway, we might as well be thorough. With him watching, even if things fail, it shouldn't have any lasting consequences."

"Thank you, Teacher! I'll go right away. Teacher, please explain things to Xiu'er for me!"

For the first time, Han Li openly displayed his emotions.

After giving Xiu'er a tight hug, he sprinted off toward the bathhouse. His laughter echoed in the distance.

Xiu'er, meanwhile, was left standing there, feeling confused and nervous as two Titled Douluo stared at her.

She glanced at Han Li's retreating figure, unsure whether to run after him or stay put.

"I'll explain," Qing Luan said gently, seeing her hesitation.

With his usual calm demeanor, he began explaining the situation to her.

By the time Han Li returned to the hall, freshly dressed, the three of them were already waiting.

Xiu'er's eyes were red, clearly from crying.

The moment she saw him, she rushed into his arms, tears flowing again.

Han Li gently patted her back, comforting her softly until she finally calmed down.

He subtly controlled his fire element to evaporate the dampness from his clothes before turning toward Guang Ling and Qing Luan.

"Thank you," he said sincerely.

It was obvious that Xiu'er hadn't protested with phrases like "Young Master, don't do this!" or "This isn't right!" which meant these two had done a thorough job convincing her.

Even though he had asked them for help last night, the results were far better than he had expected.

"Let's go."

Seeing that both Han Li and Xiu'er had composed themselves, Guang Ling and Qing Luan wasted no more time. Each grabbed one of the children and soared toward the Worship Hall.

In just moments, they arrived.

After setting the two down, Guang Ling and Qing Luan walked inside at a more relaxed pace.

Han Li held Xiu'er's hand as they stepped into the grand hall together.

As soon as they entered, they felt dozens of eyes fall on them.

Even Qian Daoliu, who rarely opened his eyes, was now watching them closely.

…Huh?

Was something wrong with him?

Han Li glanced down at himself, checking to see if anything was out of place.

"Ahem. Alright, Han Li, put away those antennae. What's there to show off? You afraid people won't know you've completely fused with your external spirit bone?"

Guang Ling had already returned to his seat and cleared his throat loudly.

However, when he spoke, he deliberately emphasized the words "external spirit bone" and "completely fused."

It was so obvious that everyone in the hall instantly knew what he was doing.

"Ah? Oh, right. My mistake, Teacher."

Han Li finally realized that he had forgotten to retract the external spirit bone.

Because it was only a low year spirit bone, its absorption had been too smooth, making it feel like a natural part of his body. His excitement had kept him from noticing.

Guang Ling's behavior, of course, was just showing off.

Qing Luan understood his intentions and subtly played along it was harmless fun.

As for emphasizing "completely fused," Guang Ling wasn't worried about anyone here trying to take it by force. They weren't that kind of people.

No, he was still bragging.

Having an external spirit bone instantly and perfectly integrate with someone was practically proof of both talent and luck.

It was hard not to be envious.

And indeed, Guang Ling's words successfully drew everyone's attention so much so that even Jin Crocodile was this close to punching him.

If not for the fact that two children were present, he probably would have.

Everyone in the Worship Hall knew about Xiu'er.

But bringing her here?

That meant something serious.

As curiosity filled the air, Han Li stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said:

"Grand Uncle, I have a request. May I use the promise you gave me?"

As soon as he spoke, the atmosphere in the hall became strange.

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