Longevity Clan Starts with the Patriarch's Marriage

Under the watchful gaze of the entire venue, Han Li slowly made his way to Li Deshun’s side, causing many to frown slightly.

Could it be that the old ancestor was about to seek assistance from Li Deshun?

Li Deshun was a Pihai Realm seventh-layer Loose Cultivator; among all present, his strength was enough to rank in the top three.

If Han Li received help from Li Deshun, then killing him would become somewhat troublesome for them.

The inconspicuous Lu Renbin silently watched, his lips curling into a slight smile, everything under his control.

The rogue gave them a glance, desperately wanting to shout, “You’ve all fallen into this old sixth’s trap.”

“Cultivator Han, what business do you have?” Li Deshun’s eyebrows arched, his face cold. He also had no desire to get entangled with Han Li at the moment.

Even if Han Li had come to his senses now, it was already too late. No matter what was offered, Li Deshun would not escort Han Li back to Lingjun City; he wasn’t willing to risk his life, especially when he still aspired to ascend to the Gangyuan Realm in his lifetime.

The treasures that Han Li brought out for sale were impressive, but they still weren’t enough to move him. Did they really think an old ancestor could be so easily persuaded?

Han Li smiled and said, “Doesn’t Cultivator Li wish to purchase a Lifespan Extension Pill? I just happen to have a seventh-grade one.”

Li Deshun’s expression changed instantly, replaced with a smile, and in a voice smooth as silk, he said, “As long as Cultivator Han sells it to me, Li can agree to one condition from you.”

Delightful!

Li Deshun found Han Li to be quite agreeable and someone worth developing a relationship with; he was genuinely selling a pill. Who wouldn’t want a treasure like the Lifespan Extension Pill for themselves?

It seemed he would have to escort Han Li back to Lingjun City after all. Perhaps he could even get one or two Lifespan Extension Pills from Han Li. Surely, the pills must have been obtained through some fortunate adventure; there was likely more than one.

He had considered simply taking them by force, but if Han Li only carried one and hid the rest, then killing Han Li would mean losing any further opportunities to obtain them—a loss not worth the risk.

“I want the pill formula for the Sea-Opening Pill in your possession, and the rest can be converted into Spirit Stones,” Han Li stated directly.

Li Deshun pondered for a moment, then said, “It’s possible, but I will need to gather some Spirit Stones.”

A single Lifespan Extension Pill was worth at least a hundred thousand Lower-Grade Spirit Stones on the market. Although the Sea-Opening Pill’s formula was precious, it was at most worth forty to fifty thousand Lower-Grade Spirit Stones, and he only had about thirty thousand Lower-Grade Spirit Stones on hand, still a considerable amount short.

With the successful trade, Li Deshun acquired a seventh-grade Lifespan Extension Pill and Han Li obtained the Sea-Opening Pill formula and thirty thousand Lower-Grade Spirit Stones. Li Deshun promised the remaining Spirit Stones would be delivered to Han Mansion in Lingjun City within half a year.

Han Li agreed. Li Deshun’s reputation was sound, and in order to continue buying his Lifespan Extension Pills, he should not default. If he did default, Han Li would have no choice but to collect in person, and at that point, the cost would be much greater.

After acquiring the Lifespan Extension Pill, Li Deshun assimilated it on the spot to prevent others from coveting it. Once assimilated, he turned to Han Li with a solemn expression and said:

“Cultivator Han, shall we leave together later?”

His hopes for extending his lifespan rested on Han Li, so naturally, he wanted to ensure Han Li’s safety as much as possible. With enough lifespan and his aptitude, he had hopes of breaking through to the Gang Yuan Realm and becoming a Great Master.

“Damn it!” Witnessing this scene, several Loose Cultivators felt their hearts sink, simultaneously turning their gazes towards one individual.

“Hehe~”

A red-robed elder with his hands in his pockets and a vicious expression sneered, signaling them not to worry.

Even if Li Deshun truly intended to help Han Li, there was no cause for concern. Also in the Pihai Realm seventh layer, although his strength was slightly inferior to Li Deshun’s, he would have no problem stopping him for a while.

His greed was even greater; Han Li surely had more Lifespan Extension Pills on him. Once Han Li was killed, all the treasures would be his.

“Damn it!” Lu Renbin cursed softly in the corner.

This was his Lifespan Extension Pill, which Li Deshun had actually consumed, causing Lu Renbin great displeasure. He set his sights on him, planning to finish off the yellow bird before going to kill Li Deshun.

Upon seeing Han Li really produce the Lifespan Extension Pill, an uproar surged through the crowd. Many Loose Cultivators’ eyes glistened with desire. Two of them even made up their minds on the spot to ambush Han Li. If they couldn’t acquire the Lifespan Extension Pill, they would at least share some of his other treasures.

After giving those two a glance, the rascal lowered his head, mumbling to himself, “Two more heading to their deaths.”

Han Li shook his head, declining, and said that he had other important matters to attend to shortly.

Li Deshun’s expression stiffened. Was Han Li truly unaware? Or was he playing the pig to eat the tiger?

He felt the first possibility was more likely, for Han Li had advanced to the Pihai Realm too recently. His talent seemed to lack, making it impossible for him to be playing the pig. So, he must be a genuine pig.

Li Deshun quietly warned, “Fellow Daoist Han, be careful on the way.”

He couldn’t elaborate, lest he offend those Loose Cultivators. He decided to secretly follow along. If danger arose, he would offer his help. After all, Han Li was his hope for breaking through to the Gangyuan Realm.

Not long after, the gathering of Loose Cultivators came to an end. They started to leave one by one. Those who had plans lay in wait outside, ready to ambush Han Li.

Han Li took a look around and noticed that the rascal had disappeared without a trace. He bade farewell to Li Deshun and left the mountain peak.

Gliding through the air, Han Li admired the magnificent landscape along the way, seemingly on a leisurely trip. He did not hurry at all, much to the surprise of several groups following behind.

Is Han Li a real pig? Is he so accustomed to dominating Lingjun City that he thinks he can roam the world unchallenged, fearing no danger?

That’s what most of the following Loose Cultivators thought. Yet, two or three sensed something amiss. They slowed down, then turned around and left.

Although Han Li was tempting, sensing something off meant an immediate retreat. This was their code of conduct, unbreakable. Many who defied it had died.

Lu Renbin frowned, sensing something wrong as well. Han Li’s flight path was not heading back to Lingjun City but further into uninhabited lands. Was this intentional or unintentional? Was he really just admiring the scenery?

After considering the intelligence on Han Li, Lu Renbin slightly relaxed and continued to follow, though at a slower pace. He was resolved to flee immediately should anything go awry.

Elsewhere, Li Deshun was following from a distance, his brows tightly furrowed, greatly puzzled. What was Han Li trying to do?

After flying another hundred li, Han Li stopped and smiled, saying, “The scenery here is pretty good, truly a place of idyllic beauty.”

“Indeed, it’s not bad, seldom tread by humans, suitable as a burial ground,” a voice replied.

At that moment, sounds of cleaving wind rose as several figures sped toward him, surrounding Han Li. The leader, a red-robed sinister Loose Cultivator, sneered.

Gazing at the landscape below, Han Li nodded and said, “This is the burial ground I’ve carefully selected for you all.”

What?! The Loose Cultivators were taken aback. Three Early Pihai Realm Loose Cultivators immediately turned to flee, while several Mid Pihai Realm Loose Cultivators’ eyes darted around, ready to retreat.

Han Li had known about their intentions all along, which explained why he had come to this deserted area. He was playing the pig to eat the tiger, planning to counter-slay them.

“Hmph—what is there to fear? Han Li only broke through to the Pihai Realm a dozen or so years ago. How high can his cultivation be?”

The red-robed sinister Loose Cultivator was frustrated. These so-called partners were terribly unreliable, running away at the first sign of danger. They must be cowards for sure.

With unreliable partners, he had to take the lead, otherwise, the group would disband, turning the ambush into a farce. Truth be told, he was somewhat uncertain himself, evaluating Han Li’s strength. Having partners would increase his odds of success. At the worst, they could serve as cannon fodder to buy him time to escape.

Sure enough, after he spoke, the three Early Pihai Realm Loose Cultivators reluctantly returned. They were all well aware of Han Li’s situation; he had advanced to the Pihai Realm only as his life neared its end. His aptitude was surely poor, and his cultivation couldn’t have improved much in a dozen or so years.

Perhaps he possessed some powerful weapons. As long as the others could withstand the brunt of those weapons, there remained a great chance to rob and plunder.