Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Han family, the other elders looked at each other in bewilderment.
“Patriarch, this Senior Su is so young, yet her strength is earth-shattering.”
A Fourth Realm elder swallowed hard and said in a low voice, “If we can serve her well, even if we only forge a tiny connection, who in Luochuan City would dare touch a single hair on our Han family's head in the future?”
Another elder's eyes lit up, and he leaned closer, whispering, “This senior is so stunningly beautiful and doesn't look very old. How about... we search the city for a few delicate and handsome young lads with top-tier looks and send them to her as male concubines? What if she likes that sort of thing...”
“Nonsense!”
Han Zhen glared at him and scolded, “What do you think an expert of her caliber is? Her saving Ling'er and Yu'er was purely an act of casual benevolence!”
“The fact that she's willing to stay in our estate for a cup of tea is already giving us immense face. If you dare harbor such crooked thoughts, try to be clever, and end up angering her, she'll obliterate our Han family into blood mist with a single punch, just like the Zhao family!”
Standing to the side, Han Qingling also shook her head and said seriously, “Father is right. Senior Su's eyes are exceptionally clear, and while she is easygoing, she carries an immense dignity. She is definitely not someone who covets pleasure. We only need to treat her with sincerity; we must absolutely not resort to cheap tricks.”
Han Zhen sighed. “That is true, but Senior will eventually leave. We must quickly arrange the guide so we don't delay her important matters.”
Grand Elder Han Changqing adjusted his robes and took a step forward. “Patriarch, searching for herbs in the Cangji Mountain Range is no trivial matter. Its depths are ridden with toxic miasma and many fierce beasts. I am the most familiar with that mountain range in our family, so I will lead the way myself and personally escort Senior Su into the mountains!”
Han Zhen nodded. “It is indeed safest for the Grand Elder to go personally. However... remember to be extremely respectful. Do not offend Senior.”
“I understand.”
Han Changqing nodded and turned to arrange the equipment for entering the mountains.
...
Meanwhile, in the backyard of the Han estate.
Han Yu did not take Su Yueli to stuffily stay in a guest room, but instead pulled her along to stroll through the Han family gardens.
The young girl was lively by nature. Having just escaped death, she quickly recovered her high spirits, her mouth running non-stop along the way.
“Sister Su, look at the lotuses in this pond. They're a unique sight in Luochuan City!”
Han Yu pointed at the water and said with a giggle, “My father usually treasures this lotus pond the most. If anyone dares step on even a single leaf, he'd skin them alive! But since you're here today, Sister, he probably wishes he could move the entire pond of flowers into your room.”
Su Yueli strolled along the corridor, her light blue robe fluttering gently in the breeze.
She looked at the chattering young girl beside her with a calm gaze, occasionally offering a faint smile.
“Sister, how exactly do you cultivate?”
Han Yu leaned closer to Su Yueli, her eyes filled with adoration as she gestured with her small fist. “Just a gentle squeeze, and bang!”
“That high-and-mighty cultivator and the Zhao family's young master were completely gone! That's just too incredible!”
“My father is usually so proud, boasting every day about how powerful he is at the peak Fifth Realm. Hearing that you killed an immortal master today, his legs probably turned to jelly from fear.”
Hearing this, Su Yueli shook her head.
She replied casually, “If you train your fists long enough, your strength will naturally increase.”
“How is that just strength...”
Han Yu stuck out her tongue. “I've been training my fists for some years too, but my strength is really poor.”
The young girl pulled Su Yueli to sit in the pavilion. As she poured tea for her, she began to talk about the interesting happenings in the city.
“You might not know this, Sister, but our Luochuan City actually had cultivation sects a long time ago. Later, I heard from the older generation that a spiritual meridian in the distance was drained, causing the spiritual energy here to grow scarcer. The grand sects all moved away, leaving behind only untalented martial artists like us to cluster together.”
“That young master of the Zhao family used to run rampant in the city, snatching whichever girl he took a fancy to. His death at your hands today is truly a blessing from the heavens! If the commoners in the city find out, they'll surely set off firecrackers for three days straight!”
Listening to the young girl talk about these trivial matters of the mundane world, Su Yueli lifted her teacup and took a sip.
The tea tasted ordinary, but seeing the young girl's animated expression lent a touch of mortal warmth to this long, boring time.
Just then, a flurry of footsteps echoed from the other end of the corridor.
Grand Elder Han Changqing had changed into a fresh set of robes. Carrying a rolled leather map and a medicine pouch on his back, he quickly stepped into the pavilion.
He approached Su Yueli and bowed deeply, his manner extremely respectful.
“Senior Su, I have prepared the map of the mountain range, some poison-warding pills, and dry rations for the journey. I have entered the Cangji Mountain Range for years to gather herbs and mine ores, so I am highly familiar with the routes. I will personally guide you this time.”
Su Yueli set down her teacup and stood up. “Thank you for your trouble, Grand Elder.”
After handing over the map and rations, Han Changqing paused slightly.
Then, a subtle, flattering smile appeared on his face.
Bowing slightly, he lowered his voice. “Senior, this journey into the depths of the Cangji Mountain Range is perilous, tedious, and lonely. If you don't have someone attentive by your side to serve you...”
“Our Han family knows a few delicate and sensible young lads in the city. They have very fine features and know how to warm tea, massage shoulders, and anticipate your needs. If you do not mind, why not select one or two to take along? They can serve tea, pour water, and help ease your fatigue.”
Su Yueli was taken aback, a look of bewilderment crossing her face.
At first, she thought he was referring to hiring some chores disciples to carry luggage. But seeing the Grand Elder's odd expression and shifting gaze, she instantly understood.
Serving her? Delicate young lads? Anticipating her needs?
This old man... was beating around the bush to offer her male concubines!
Even though Su Yueli had lived for countless years and witnessed endless storms, the corner of her mouth couldn't help but twitch slightly.
Beside her, Han Yu failed to grasp the deeper meaning entirely.
Blinking her large eyes, she asked in utter confusion, “Grand Elder, what young lads? The mountain paths are so difficult to traverse. If you find a few lads who can't fight to follow us, won't they just be a nuisance when we encounter demon beasts?”
“Besides, if Sister Su is lonely, my sister and I can chat with her!”
Having said that, Han Yu turned to look at Su Yueli, pressing with curiosity, “Sister Su, do those lads the Grand Elder mentioned have some special skills? Why do we need to bring them along specifically?”
Seeing the young girl's clear and innocent eyes as she kept asking, the Grand Elder coughed awkwardly, shrinking his neck back, not daring to speak plainly.
Su Yueli felt a headache coming on.
Seeing Han Yu's probing gaze, she quickly raised her hand and cut her off.
“No need! I do not like having outsiders follow me. Just take the items and let us set off immediately.”
Seeing that Su Yueli understood and was so decisive, the Grand Elder instantly realized his attempt at flattery had backfired completely.
Cold sweat broke out across his back, and not daring to utter another word, he quickly cupped his hands.
“Yes, yes, yes! I understand. Senior, after you!”
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