Seeing the two acknowledge him, Han Li felt a wave of indescribable emotion. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "When I left home to pursue the Dao years ago, I never imagined that the Han family would become a prominent clan. Truly, the ways of the world are unpredictable! You both may rise; to the Han family of today, I am almost as much a stranger as any outsider. There's no need for such formalities."
"Uncle, how could you say that? It is we descendants who are unfilial, not knowing that you were still alive. Otherwise, we would have sent someone to show our respect," the middle-aged scholar replied respectfully as he stood up.
"Show respect? That's unnecessary. I came just to take a look and will leave shortly. I am a seeker of the Dao now, and it's best to minimize worldly attachments," Han Li said with a wave of his hand, his tone indifferent.
"Uncle, you are leaving already? That's too hasty. How about visiting the fortress to see the other Han family members before you go?" the scholar exclaimed in surprise.
"No need. As I came here, I flew over the Han family fortress and used my spiritual sense to scan it. Unfortunately, although there are many family members, none of them possess spiritual roots. There is no one with whom I share a destiny. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind taking a couple of family disciples to cultivate," Han Li sighed, feeling a bit regretful.
"It seems we descendants are not fortunate enough to have a destiny with Uncle," the scholar said with a bitter smile, a hint of disappointment flashing across his face.
"Possessing spiritual roots needed for cultivation is a rare occurrence. It's normal for none of the hundreds of Han family members to have such qualities. Moreover, it's my wish that the descendants of the Han and Li families stay out of the cultivation world. The current cultivation world is not peaceful. Entire clans and sects being annihilated is not uncommon. If the Han family were implicated, it would be disastrous," Han Li said, shaking his head.
"We will follow Uncle's instructions," the scholar said, initially taken aback but then responding earnestly.
"You, what generation descendant of Li Feiyu are you, and what is your name?" Han Li's gaze shifted, suddenly focusing on the bearded man.
The man hurriedly lowered his head and replied, "Junior Li Feng, the eleventh generation descendant of Ancestor Li Feiyu, greets Uncle."
"Li Feiyu and I were sworn brothers. You calling me 'Uncle' is appropriate. Earlier, I saw you protecting Han Tianxiao, which indicates that the Li family has indeed taken care of the Han family over the years. As an uncle of the Han family, I cannot neglect the Li family. Here are some pills that are highly beneficial to martial artists, saving your family much effort in internal cultivation. Take them," Han Li said, patting his storage pouch. A flash of white light revealed seven or eight small bottles of various colors in his palm, which he handed to Li Feng.
Li Feng was overjoyed and thanked Han Li profusely, quickly accepting the bottles.
Internal energy cultivation for martial artists, though not as long as for cultivators, still required many years. These pills would allow the Li family to produce numerous experts swiftly.
Seeing this, the middle-aged scholar felt happy for his friend but couldn't help showing a hopeful look towards Han Li.
Noticing this, Han Li smiled slightly. Unhurriedly, he took a spirit beast pouch from his waist and lightly patted it.
Instantly, thousands of three-colored gold-devouring beetles surged out of the pouch, forming a large cloud of shimmering insects in midair, sparkling like stars in broad daylight.
The scholar and Li Feng were stunned, marveling at the sight.
Without saying a word, Han Li pointed at the cloud of insects above his head.
