"No need. If this person is indeed who I suspect, his cultivation is incredibly profound, comparable to the Mulan Divine Master. Ordinary cultivators wouldn't stand a chance against him and might even provoke his wrath. Moreover, he holds the method to lift the soul-sealing curse. I don't want to alert him prematurely," Han Li shook his head and said slowly.
"Comparable to the Mulan Divine Master! Could he be a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator? If that's the case, it would be too dangerous for you to go alone, Junior Brother. We should invite Long Han and his wife to help," the silver-haired elder said in shock.
"Although Fellow Daoists Long Han and Feng Bing could handle him, it would take at least three to four months for them to come and go. We don't have that much time. The man left me two months in the jade slip, clearly estimating my return time. He didn't expect me to return so quickly. Let me think it over and decide how to deal with this. The most important thing is to find a way to get the method to lift the soul-sealing curse," Han Li said calmly after taking a deep breath.
"Very well. If you need any help, just say the word. All the disciples in the sect are at your disposal," the silver-haired elder agreed with a nod.
"Thank you, Senior Brother. According to Wan'er's jade slip, the technique she used should theoretically delay the curse's onset for nearly a century. But no one has tested its actual effectiveness. I'm quite worried," Han Li said, looking at the lifelike girl in the ice wall with concern on his face.
"Junior Brother, don't worry too much. I believe Sister Nangong will overcome this trial. I'll start searching through ancient texts to see if I can find a way to break this curse. Perhaps we won't even need to find that black-robed man," the elder said comfortingly after some thought.
"Thank you, Senior Brother. If you don't mind, I'd like to stay here alone for a while. I hope you won't find it strange," Han Li said with a forced smile.
"Of course. I'll go to the library now. Spend some time with your wife," the silver-haired elder said understandingly, despite his initial surprise.
The elder then left the secret chamber, closing the stone door behind him.
The room was now empty, save for Han Li and the girl in the ice wall.
Han Li turned to look at the ice wall, a forlorn expression on his face, and sighed deeply.
For an entire day and night, Han Li stayed in the secret chamber without leaving.
The silver-haired elder, upon returning from the library, was worried to see Han Li still inside. After waiting for another half day, just as he was about to break in out of concern, Han Li finally emerged with a calm expression.
"Junior Brother Han, are you alright?" the elder asked, unable to hide his concern.
Seeing the elder waiting outside, Han Li felt a warm gratitude and apologized.
"I'm fine. I was just thinking of strategies to deal with our enemy. Thank you for your concern. From now until the deadline given by that man, I have a month and a half left. I plan to go into seclusion to prepare. Unless there's something urgent, please don't disturb me."
"Going into seclusion now? Can you achieve anything in such a short time?" the elder asked, surprised.
"I obtained some Geng Essence on my recent trip. I plan to reforge my old magic treasures. This should only take a little time and will enhance my power in the upcoming confrontation," Han Li replied vaguely.
"I see. Junior Brother, go into seclusion without worry. I'll instruct the disciples not to disturb you," the elder said, now understanding.
"Also, since this ice wall has formed, I won't risk moving it. I'll set up several formations around the secret chamber to ensure Wan'er's safety. Please watch over her," Han Li said seriously.
