As they approached the palace, Guang Ling composed himself, let go of Han Li, and reverted to his usual cold demeanor. A slight displeasure appeared on his face, and without waiting for his disciple, he strode quickly into the hall.
Already getting into character?
Han Li blinked and then promptly got into his role, running to catch up with an earnest expression on his face.
Guang Ling walked directly into the hall without speaking and headed straight for his usual seat.
The others, noticing the commotion, opened their eyes. Seeing that Guang Ling's state was no different from before he left, they were momentarily taken aback.
"Old Five, you're back already? Where's the disciple that Big Brother asked you to take in?" Jiang Jun couldn't help but ask.
"Behind me. Look, here he comes."
Guang Ling sat back in his original spot, expressionless, and pointed with his chin towards the entrance.
The other Worships turned their gaze towards the door and saw a slightly nervous, handsome young boy stepping over the threshold and slowly walking in.
His appearance was acceptable. The Worships nodded in unison, admitting to themselves that most people are influenced by looks. At least a good first impression wouldn't make them feel repulsed.
Under the gaze of these powerful individuals, Han Li felt a bit nervous. This was arguably the most elite group of warriors among humans. Even the slight mental pressure in their eyes wasn't something a child who hadn't started cultivating could easily withstand. He felt a chill as if he were being scrutinized thoroughly.
Taking a deep breath, Han Li walked to the center of the hall and politely greeted, "Han Li greets the esteemed Worships."
Hearing his address, Golden Crocodile and Lion Douluo slightly furrowed their brows and looked at Guang Ling.
Lion Douluo, however, spoke directly, "Old Five, what's going on? You didn't tell him anything? Also, this boy is empty-handed. Did you take on a disciple without even giving him a basic storage soul tool?"
In front of these individuals, Han Li's secrets were laid bare. Even without consciously examining him, they could see everything. Hearing Lion Douluo speak, Jiang Jun and Jiang Long, who had intended to tease Guang Ling, exchanged glances but remained silent.
Guang Ling snorted and turned towards Lion Douluo, speaking somewhat displeased, "Fourth Brother, are you the one taking in a disciple, or am I? If you think I haven't done a good job as a teacher, then you, as the senior uncle, can give him something."
"Han Li, this is your Senior Uncle Lion. Greet him, and he'll give you a storage soul tool. The best kind, one that can store living creatures," Guang Ling said sharply to Han Li.
Han Li, somewhat frightened, glanced at Lion Douluo, who had just spoken for him, and then at his teacher, seemingly afraid to speak.
Guang Ling snorted again, his tone much harsher, "Didn't you hear me? I told you to greet him."
Fearing Guang Ling, Han Li cupped his hands and bowed to Lion Douluo, saying, "Han Li greets Senior Uncle Lion."
After Han Li spoke, Guang Ling looked at Lion Douluo with a challenging gaze but remained silent, his disdain evident.
Lion Douluo, furious, saw Guang Ling's expression and noticed the others looking at him. He then glanced at Han Li, who was still bowing, and gritted his teeth, "Fine, I'll give it. It's just a storage soul tool. Unlike you, I don't stingily hold back on my disciples."
With a swipe of his hand at his waist, a wristband-like item appeared. Pushing it with his soul power, it landed in Han Li's hand, though no one could see the pain on his face.
Seeing the item in Han Li's hand, Guang Ling dropped the act. He quickly stepped to his disciple's side, pressing down his just-straightened body, and said with a beaming smile, "Thank your Senior Uncle."
With Guang Ling's action, the others instantly realized what had happened. Their earlier guesses were all wrong. Guang Ling had orchestrated this to get Lion Douluo's storage wristband for his disciple, which explained why he had specified the item earlier.
Guang Ling really can pull off something like this. But this also indirectly shows that Guang Ling is quite satisfied with this disciple; otherwise, he wouldn't specifically target good items to trick people out of them.
The Lion Doulou's reaction was a bit slow, but he realized what was happening. It looks like he'll have to spar with Guang Ling in a few days. This guy just loves to mess with him. It was fine before, but now he's lost face in front of the younger generation. If he doesn't regain his dignity, his authority will be utterly destroyed.
The atmosphere in the Worship Hall suddenly became lively, even Qian Daoliu, who had not opened his eyes all this time, slightly curled his lips. On this mountain, nothing could escape his perception. However, he found it amusing.
Since Qian Renxue went undercover, these people didn't dare to act out in front of him. Perhaps having another junior around was a good thing, adding some vitality to this place.
Seeing that several people were finding it hard to hold back their laughter and that the Lion Douluo was glaring at his teacher with fiery eyes, Han Li knew it was his turn to speak.
He changed his previous cautious demeanor, respectfully bowed to Lion Douluo, and said, "Uncle Master, my teacher instructed me before coming here that you have the best relationship with him, so he asked me to cooperate and liven up the atmosphere. The disciple serves when the teacher needs him. Now that the task is complete, and this gift is too valuable, I ask you to take it back."
With that, he took a few steps forward and handed the item back with both hands.
The Lion Douluo didn't expect Han Li to say this and was particularly mindful of the phrase "Guang Ling said he has the best relationship with him." Seeing the kid reluctantly staring at the wristband, he turned his head to the other side and waved his hand.
"Don't mind, don't mind!" he said, feigning indifference. "A gift given is not taken back. It's just a storage soul tool; your Uncle Master can afford it."
Upon hearing this, Han Li happily put the wristband on his left hand, infused a bit of soul power, and the wristband shrank to perfectly fit his arm.
"Thank you, Uncle Master. As expected, my teacher was right, your relationship with him is truly good." Han Li immediately covered for his teacher.
"Heh."
Guang Ling didn't mind, chuckled, and led Han Li over to the two brothers, Qianjun and Jiangmo, making his intentions clear.
Han Li didn't pretend anymore, relying on his childlike face, called them uncles, and then innocently looked at the two Offerings with his big eyes.
One had to admit, that Guang Ling's face was valuable. Just making a round, Han Li managed to stuff quite a few good things into his new soul tool.
The two brothers, Jiang Jun and Jiang Long, indeed didn't have anything particularly valuable, so they gave Han Li two cards worth 100,000 gold soul coins each, earning Guang Ling's disdain for some time.
Azure Luan Douluo, unable to help but laugh and cry, handed Han Li a cultivation manual and advised him to come to him for guidance anytime.
When it came to Golden Crocodile, Guang Ling didn't dare to approach, instead pushing Han Li forward. Golden Crocodile smiled, said nothing, and directly handed him a set of keys and a property deed, making Han Li internally exclaim, "Wow, the oldest one is indeed the richest."
After making the rounds, Guang Ling collected his smile, and with Han Li, respectfully bowed to Qian Daoliu without saying a word.
Qian Daoliu opened his eyes, scrutinized the master and disciple duo who seemed cut from the same mold, and after a long time, smiled warmly, gently patting Han Li's head, "From now on, this is your home. Cultivate well. I don't know what to give you, but if you lack anything, just tell your teacher. However, you can come to me anytime to make a request. As long as it doesn't go against the principles of the Spirit Hall, I'll agree. How about that?"
To be honest, Han Li was a bit dazed by Qian Daoliu's words until Guang Ling nudged him to bring him back to his senses.
"Thank you for your generosity, Grand Worship… no, thank you, Uncle Master."
After calling out, Han Li immediately corrected himself, striving to appear obedient.
This time, not only Qian Daoliu but all the Worships present laughed. Through the recent interactions, they had initially gauged Han Li's character—it was a miniature version of Guang Ling. His act of being obedient was just like Guang Ling in his youth, tho Guang Ling wasn't this cunning at this age.
"Alright, my good disciple, you go back and accompany young Miss Xiu'er for now. I'll chat with your senior uncles for a while and come find you later."
Seeing that his embarrassing past might be exposed, Guang Ling quickly summoned a guard to escort Han Li back. He stayed in the Worship Hall to recount his recent gains.
Han Li had the same intention. He was worried that Xiu'er might get scared being alone for too long. So, he didn't refuse. After politely bidding farewell to all the Worship, he followed the guard to his future residence.
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