Sunset Hall was a place where only the Elders of the Moon Concealing Sect could reside. It was constructed in a place abundant with spiritual energy and heavily fortified with restrictions. Apart from a few elders, no one could approach the hall without the Grand Elder's permission.
At this moment, a foot-long red light shot over from a distance and circled the hall's restrictions a few times before slipping inside without any hindrance. The red light passed through several layers of nearly invisible barriers and then made a few turns before flying into a side hall.
Inside was a beautiful woman, sitting cross-legged on a mat, her skin pale and cold, exuding a faint icy aura. She appeared to be in her early twenties.
The red light swiftly flew to her front, and the woman opened her eyes slowly, frowning as she beckoned to the light. The red light transformed into a fist-sized fireball, landing in her hand. She stared at the flame expressionlessly and, with a flip of her hand, extinguished it.
"What is this girl up to, wanting to see me of her own accord? But since she's softened her tone, it's worth checking out!" the woman muttered to herself.
This woman was clearly a decisive person. She immediately transformed into a white rainbow and flew out, heading straight in a specific direction. Shortly after, she arrived in front of Nangong Wan's cave. She withdrew her light, scrutinized the surroundings to see everything was normal, and confirmed that the array outside the cave was still partially damaged. Satisfied, she raised her hand and cast a white spell on the stone door, which opened automatically.
Without hesitation, the cold woman walked in. "Greetings, Ancestor!" A young girl in a yellow robe, waiting behind the door, immediately bowed deeply upon seeing her. The girl was the same one who had led Han Li inside earlier.
"Your cultivation seems to have improved since our last meeting. I see you've used the pills I gave you," the cold woman remarked indifferently, casting a casual glance at the yellow-robed girl before proceeding into the cave.
"Thank you for the pills, Ancestor. They allowed me to advance so quickly," the girl replied respectfully, following closely behind.
"Good to know. Has Nangong behaved in the cave without any strange actions?" the woman inquired.
"None, Ancestor. She only met with a disciple today, but nothing else," the girl replied meticulously.
"I heard from your Uncle Lan's transmission. That disciple seemed to deliver a gift and then left?" the woman asked.
"Yes, he was just a low-level steward from the sect and left a little while ago. But Nangong seemed somewhat unhappy after receiving the gift," the girl answered.
"What gift made her unhappy?" the woman asked, surprised.
"Just a silver sword artifact. But Nangong seemed disturbed after seeing it," the girl explained, bowing her head further.
"She might have known some rogue cultivators during her travels. That's normal," the woman said, slightly puzzled but dismissive.
"After receiving the sword, Nangong thought for a while before sending a message to meet you," the girl added.
"That's surprising that something could change Nangong's mind," the woman mused.
"Continue monitoring her actions. With the high-level talisman I gave you, Nangong shouldn't notice your surveillance. Do this well, and you'll be rewarded," the woman instructed nonchalantly. They were now close to the main hall.
"Yes, Ancestor. Nangong is waiting for you inside," the girl replied in a low voice, leading the woman to the hall entrance.
The cold woman, out of caution, intended to scan the surroundings before entering. However, as soon as she appeared outside the hall, Nangong Wan's voice came from inside.
"Senior Sister, come in. I've thought over your proposal and can reluctantly agree, but I have one condition you must promise to fulfill."
Nangong Wan's voice was calm and indifferent.
Hearing this, the woman's face lit up with joy. Without further thought, she strode forward, saying, "Nangong, you've finally come around. That's wonderful! Whatever your condition, I'll agree if it means you'll marry Elder Wei of the Huayi Sect. With Wei Wuyuan's help, our Moon Concealing Sect will flourish."
As she entered, she saw Nangong Wan sitting in a rattan chair, examining a crude silver sword. Nangong Wan's eyes were fixed on the sword, as if she hadn't spoken at all.
Seeing this, the woman hesitated but still walked into the hall, slowing her pace slightly. She was about to speak when her expression changed, and she quickly reached back, her fingers emitting sharp sword energy.
However, the yellow-robed girl standing there smiled eerily, then ducked down and vanished into the ground, leaving only her torn yellow robe behind.
Seeing this unusual earth escape technique, the cold woman instantly tried to retreat. But before she could move, a massive green sword flew in from the door, aiming to split her in half.
The woman's face changed, and she shot out ten cold beams from her fingers, intercepting the sword. With a loud crash, the green light and white beams clashed, and both the sword and the woman were thrown back.
The woman managed to stop after retreating a few feet, while the green sword dispersed into dozens of flying swords, forming a formation around a young man who appeared in the center.
The young man smiled calmly, not in a hurry, as he watched the woman.
"What is this? Nangong, who are these people?" the woman demanded coldly, recognizing Han Li's cultivation level.
Reaching to her waist, she pulled out a red token.
"A restriction token!" Han Li's eyes narrowed, staring at the token.
"Hmph! So, Nangong told you everything. I don't know who you are, but this is an internal matter of the Moon Concealing Sect. It would be wise for you to step back. Otherwise, you'll face the wrath of six sects," the woman threatened.
"No need for threats, Senior Sister. I have friends in the six sects who wouldn't support you if they knew how you treated fellow disciples. And even if you try to activate the restriction on me, do you think I'll give you the chance?" Nangong Wan replied coolly, standing gracefully.
She then spat out a red ring, her natal treasure, the "Vermilion Bird Ring."
Hearing this, the woman's expression turned grim. Seeing Han Li showed no intention of retreating, she sneered and flicked her sleeve, releasing two flying swords, one black and one white, which grew into giant swords exuding icy and fiery auras.
She then began chanting softly, the red token glowing eerily. But Han Li, who had been watching her closely, didn't let her finish. He immediately tossed a small silver bell into the air, which hovered above his head, emitting a buzzing sound that directed waves of silver light towards her.
Simultaneously, Han Li cast two spells, one red and one blue, onto the nearby pillars. The array in the hall activated with a tremor.
