The Three Great Demon Kings quickly selected their peaks and hurried off to set up their Immortal Caves, eager to seize this rare chance to Cultivate.
After stabilizing her cultivation, Liu Ruyan excused herself and returned to her residence to continue studying the Samsara Dao Scripture.
The scene fell silent; only Gu Han and A'Yao, still focused on absorbing Spiritual Qi, remained.
Gu Han did not disturb her.
She walked to the edge of Yaochi, quietly observing the changes in the lake.
The Fusion with the Immortal-grade Spiritual Vein had lent the already ethereal waters an indescribable divine charm.
A Cultivator with a Water Spiritual Root who trained here would reap unimaginable benefits.
"System," Gu Han called inwardly.
"Host, I'm here."
"The girl I sensed earlier seems extraordinary—pull up her information."
Name: Gu Luoli
Age: Twenty-three
History: Born a Mortal, her Innate Double Pupils were deemed ominous; by chance she was discovered by the Holy Master of Qingyun and accepted as a Disciple. After an accident left her gravely injured, she was abandoned.
Potential: Hidden ten-star (due to dao injury and Cultivation Technique issues, currently manifests as seven-star)
Cultivation: Early Foundation Establishment Stage (formerly Early Golden Core stage)
Physique: Innate Double Pupils (unawakened)
Status: Severely wounded dao foundation (worsening)
Special: Carries the remnant soul of an Eighth-Grade Alchemist from the Mahayana Stage—Yun Miaoyi.
"Hidden ten-star potential! Innate Double Pupils!"
Gu Han's eyes flickered.
"And an Eighth-Grade Alchemist's remnant soul?"
On the Canglan Continent, alchemists are ranked from one to nine, with nine the highest.
An Eighth-Grade Alchemist can refine top-tier Medicinal Pills useful even to Cultivators Undergoing Tribulation, and enjoys exalted status.
Even as a remnant soul, her alchemical experience and knowledge are priceless.
Gu Luoli's setup is basically a protagonist template.
Particularly that Innate Double Pupils—Gu Han had read about it countless times in novels before Transmigration.
Those who possess double pupils are dragons among men, once-in-ten-thousand-years prodigies!
For such talent to be buried and on the verge of death from dao injury is truly lamentable.
As for Qingyun Holy Land, Gu Han had glimpsed it in the geographic Jade Slip she purchased.
It seems to be a hegemon-level power in the southern region, with several Mahayana Old Ancestors.
For Gu Luoli to become its Saintess, her Luck and talent must indeed be extraordinary.
"System, where is she now, and what's her condition?"
Gu Luoli is heading northwest; her target is Linyuan City, roughly eight hundred li away.
"Linyuan City…"
Gu Han pondered—it was apparently the largest gathering place for Cultivators within thousands of li, far more prosperous than Wanshan City.
The corners of Gu Han's mouth curved upward.
Yaochi Immortal Palace currently lacked a qualified professional to run the Pill Refining Pavilion.
And Yun Miaoyi was practically a future "Pavilion Chief" delivered to her doorstep!
This protagonist-template holder really is different… "A Yao."
Gu Han turned toward the little one still Cultivating.
"Martial-mother Master!"
A Yao opened her eyes at once, her small face rosy.
"Master has to go out for a while. Cultivate well, all right?"
Gu Han urged gently.
"Master is going out again?"
A Yao sounded disappointed, but quickly brightened.
"Then come back soon! A Yao will miss you!"
"I will."
Gu Han smiled, patted her head, and sent Liu Ruyan a few final instructions via voice transmission.
Then her figure flickered and vanished.
Linyuan City.
As the largest gathering place for Cultivators within thousands of li, its prosperity dwarfed that of Wanshan City.
Tens-of-zhang-tall walls of solid obsidian were laced with flowing runes, forming a sturdy defensive Formation.
The gates were wide, the traffic endless—Cultivators, Mortals, and merchant caravans streamed in and out.
The air was thick with the mingled scents of Spiritual Plants, Medicinal Pills, and Yao Beast Materials, along with the clamor of the Mortal world.
Gu Han's figure appeared in a grove outside the city.
With a thought, spiritual power flowed; her moon-white dress became a high-quality white brocade robe, sleeves fluttering.
She looked exactly like a graceful, handsome Young Master.
Her snow-silver hair dulled to glossy black, pinned up with a simple white jade hairpin.
Her eyes sparkled like stars, carrying a free and uninhibited air.
She raised her hand; a folding fan snapped open with a swish, and she strolled leisurely toward the gate.
After paying the entry fee, she stepped inside.
The streets were broader, paved with lustrous bluestone that could accommodate several carriages abreast.
Buildings lined both sides, their upturned eaves and carved beams richly ornamented.
Shop signs glittered with treasure light: Hundred-Grass Pavilion, Divine-Arsenal Workshop, Myriad-Talisman Tower… plus some lavish establishments echoing with music and… pleasure houses.
She soon locked onto the busiest section west of the city.
As she reached a building called Drunken Spring Pavilion, a heady mix of perfume, wine, and incense hit her.
Several lightly dressed, alluring women stood at the door, laughing invitingly at passers-by.
Seeing Gu Han's striking looks and noble bearing, two of them brightened and swayed forward.
"Oh my, what a handsome Young Master! A new face—first time at our Drunken Spring Pavilion?"
Gu Han kept her expression neutral, though inwardly she felt odd.
In her previous life as a corporate drone she'd only seen such places on TV.
Now she was not only seeing one in person but being warmly welcomed; the feeling was… peculiar.
Yet driven by sheer curiosity she didn't refuse.
Since she had nowhere in particular to be, she might as well experience it.
"A-hem."
She coughed lightly, feigning calm.
"Reserve a private room, bring your best dishes and wine, and send up your best qin player."
"Yes, yes—this way, Young Master!"
The madam, a shrewd, attractive middle-aged woman, noted Gu Han's wealth and composure.
She personally led her upstairs to a third-floor suite.
The room was elegantly furnished, lightly scented, its window overlooking the city's busiest street.
Soon the table was laden; a pot of spirit wine exuded an intoxicating aroma.
A delicate girl carrying a pipa entered, bowed gracefully, and seated herself.
Her fingers plucked the strings; melodious music and soft singing drifted through the air.
Gu Han poured herself a cup and gazed through the carved window, casually sweeping her eyes over the crowds below.
"Music, wine, and a beauty to keep company… what a place!"
"Pity… I can never again…"
She sighed inwardly and pushed the thought aside.
Her Divine Sense quietly spread, probing every corner of Linyuan City.
She was waiting for the grievously injured girl with Innate Double Pupils—Gu Luoli.
According to the System's estimate, she would arrive by dusk at the latest.
"Former Saintess, now discarded… Innate Double Pupils… plus an Eighth-Grade Alchemist's remnant soul…"
Gu Han's lips curved, a smile flashing in her eyes.
"Come quickly, my good Disciple…"
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