"But when this junior was out purchasing items, I unintentionally encountered a senior with unfathomable cultivation. He insisted I deliver something to Ancestor Nangong and placed a restriction on me, claiming only Ancestor Nangong could lift it," Han Li instantly put on a worried expression as he spoke.
"A senior! A Core Formation cultivator?" The pale-faced cultivator was stunned and asked with some suspicion.
"This, the junior doesn't know. However, he claimed to be an old acquaintance of Ancestor Nangong. Hearing that Ancestor's joyous day was approaching, he sent a congratulatory gift and a few words for me to personally relay to Ancestor," Han Li responded with a distressed face, as if forced by circumstances.
"An old acquaintance of Ancestor? Could it be another Nascent Soul senior?" This time, the rough-looking cultivator also showed some surprise.
"That could be possible. But if this senior was already here, why didn't he deliver the gift himself?" The pale-faced cultivator, after recovering from his shock, seemed puzzled.
"Who knows! Maybe the senior had other urgent matters or inconveniences. Yuan Shizhi, let me see your hand. I want to check the restriction in your body first," the rough-looking cultivator guessed a couple of things before impolitely demanding Han Li to extend his hand.
Han Li had anticipated this and calmly extended his arm. At the same time, he activated his spiritual power, simulating a peculiar restriction within his body.
The rough-looking cultivator grasped Han Li's wrist and sensed for a moment, his face showing astonishment.
The pale-faced cultivator, curious, also placed two fingers on Han Li's arm, and soon his expression changed as well.
"Indeed, there is a powerful restriction within you. Judging by its complexity, it was likely set by a Nascent Soul cultivator. However, this alone is not enough for us to let you ascend the mountain easily. First, show us the senior's gift. One of us will deliver it to verify if the ancestor recognizes it and is willing to see you. Yuan Shizhi, do you understand?" The pale-faced cultivator's expression turned serious, but his tone softened.
Han Li looked distressed but nodded after some thought.
"Alright. But make sure to explain to the ancestor about the restriction placed on me!" Han Li took out a long wooden box from his storage pouch and handed it over, adding a concerned remark.
The wooden box was sealed with a pale silver restriction talisman, indicating it was quite significant.
Evidently, this was to prevent the messenger from peeking along the way.
"Understood. Just wait here. Brother Ma, I'll be back shortly!" The pale-faced cultivator impatiently instructed Han Li before advising his companion and flying towards the mountain with the box.
Han Li could only stand and wait.
Although he was confident that Nangong Wan would see him upon recognizing the item in the box, he still felt some anxiety.
He casually answered the Foundation Establishment cultivator's questions while they waited. When asked about the appearance of the "senior" who sent the gift, Han Li claimed the person was cloaked, making it impossible to discern even their gender.
After what felt like a meal's worth of time, the pale-faced cultivator finally returned empty-handed.
"Ancestor Nangong confirmed that the person is indeed an old friend. You may come with me to see the ancestor and have the restriction lifted," the pale-faced cultivator efficiently conveyed, signaling Han Li to follow him up the mountain.
Han Li was delighted but outwardly showed excitement as he followed closely.
"Be careful not to stray from the path; the restrictions here are much stronger than those in the middle layers. Even I wouldn't survive getting trapped," the pale-faced cultivator warned as he led the way.
Han Li responded affirmatively.
At that moment, a blue light approached them. The pale-faced cultivator, recognizing the newcomer, respectfully halted his flight.
A moment later, the blue light revealed a sinister-looking, middle-aged man in ornate robes.
"Sun Shizhi, why are you bringing a Qi Condensation disciple up the mountain? Don't you know the rules?" the middle-aged man asked coldly after scanning Han Li.
"Senior Brother Lan, I was ordered by Ancestor Nangong to bring this disciple up. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare," the pale-faced cultivator explained quickly, showing great respect.
Meanwhile, Han Li used his divine sense to scan the man. He was only at the early Core Formation stage, not a significant threat. Despite his thoughts, Han Li remained respectful and silent.
"Ancestor Nangong wants to see this person? Explain the situation to me," the middle-aged man, surprised, demanded.
The pale-faced cultivator repeated Han Li's story without omission.
"An old friend of Ancestor Nangong, and a restriction on him?" The man frowned and stared sharply at Han Li.
"Let me examine your restriction," the man ordered.
Han Li internally cursed the man for meddling but complied.
"Interesting! The restriction is complex but not harmful. It seems the person indeed had no ill intentions. Proceed to see Ancestor Nangong," the middle-aged man said after a moment.
He then flew away, his blue light eventually fading and disappearing without a trace.
"Senior Brother Lan's invisible flight technique is truly exceptional. Even late Core Formation cultivators would struggle against him," the pale-faced cultivator murmured in admiration.
Han Li was intrigued by this "invisible flight technique."
Could this person be related to the "Qiong Laogua" who appeared before the Blood Trial? A disciple or descendant, perhaps?
Han Li set aside these thoughts as they continued their ascent.
They encountered no one else until they reached a cave mansion near the summit.
"This is Ancestor Nangong's retreat. Be careful with your words; you might receive more than just having the restriction lifted," the pale-faced cultivator advised with a hint of envy.
He then respectfully called out at the entrance.
"Ancestor, I have brought the disciple."
"I understand. Let him in, and you may leave," a familiar yet somewhat strange female voice responded, and the stone door opened with a flash of yellow light.
Han Li hesitated briefly before stepping inside.
To his surprise, a young, pretty female cultivator in a short yellow robe stood inside. She seemed about sixteen or seventeen years old but had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage.
"Follow me. The ancestor is waiting in the hall," she said coolly after a quick glance at Han Li, then turned and led the way.
Han Li took a deep breath and followed silently.
The cave mansion wasn't large. After a short walk and passing through several small rooms, they reached the hall.
The hall was elegantly decorated with an unknown incense burning and ancient flower stands with rare plants at the entrance.
In the center was a small square table with two green wicker chairs on either side.
A black-haired girl in white sat in one of the chairs, examining a shiny silver sword.
On the table was an open wooden box, now empty.
