Although it was the second meeting, the two had a minor conflict.

But during the first meeting... they had a warm conversation. At that time, Hu Li affectionately called him Elder Qiu.

"So, Brother Wang, what are you planning to do now?"

Ji Yuan asked, still considering whether Wang Cultivator had other methods. If there was a way to directly infiltrate the ancient battlefield,

that would be much more convenient.

Finding Hu Li was the last resort.

"What can we do?" Wang Cultivator shrugged his shoulders, "Nothing can be done for now."

"We can only wait and see when this group decides to leave. Their young master is cultivating inside, but he can't possibly stay there forever, right?"

"That's true. Let's wait and see."

So, for the time being, the two stayed in this courtyard.

They waited for half a month.

Ji Yuan also went out several times to gather information, but there was no sign that the group of demon cultivators was leaving... Waiting any longer felt untenable. He hadn't come all this way to cultivate here.

Moreover, entering under the guise of a demon cultivator wasn't particularly risky.

If necessary, he could first blend in with the group of demon cultivators and become one of them, allowing for free passage.

Working alone, Ji Yuan had his methods, so he wasn't worried.

After another two days, the demon cultivators remained there, guarding the entrance.

Thus, Ji Yuan prepared to take action.

Before leaving, it was only proper to bid farewell to Wang Cultivator. After all, they had traveled some distance on the same path, and could be considered fellow Daoists.

"What, you're leaving?"

Wang Cultivator was a bit surprised upon hearing Ji Yuan's words.

"Yes, those cultivators aren't leaving, and waiting any longer isn't an option. Brother Wang, since your family is here, there's nothing you can do, but I still have to head elsewhere. I can't afford to wait."

Ji Yuan thoughtfully explained his reasons for leaving.

"Indeed, take care, Brother Qiu. Be careful in everything. I'll be waiting here at Yao Feng Market until they leave. If you need any help, you can come find me anytime."

"Alright, take care, Brother Wang."

Ji Yuan cupped his hands in farewell, then summoned his Sky Raider Flying Boat, took off from the courtyard, left the market, and headed east.

Half a day later.

A rather androgynous-looking man, riding a skull wreathed in billowing smoke, came from the east, bypassed Yao Feng Market, and landed in the dense forest to the north.

That day, Hu Li, as usual, emerged from the ancient battlefield, along with two other demon cultivators, guarding the entrance.

The three of them would either cultivate or chat idly, mostly fantasizing about how wonderful life would be once Shangxi's demon cultivators overpowered Shang Dong's Six Paths Alliance.

"As they say in the Mortal Realm, 'Welcome the Royal Master,' when the time comes."

Hu Li joked, but unfortunately, the other two uneducated demon cultivators didn't understand, showing no reaction.

He could only silently gripe, "Ha, with brains like yours, devoid of any knowledge, how can you expect the young master to take notice? Serves you right!"

Just as he was thinking this, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

"Hey, little fox, where did you hide? Turns out you sneaked here."

Hu Li, who had been smiling, suddenly froze. He immediately extended his Divine Sense to search in all directions... to no avail.

It had been years since they last met. Although he had also broken through to the mid-stage Foundation Establishment, Ji Yuan's Divine Sense... with the assistance of the Meditation Room and the constant nurturing of his Divine Soul with the Divine Soul Technique "Nine Quarters Empowerment Manuscript,"

Ji Yuan didn't have a specific grasp, but he estimated that even compared to someone at the peak of Foundation Establishment, he wouldn't be lacking.

Once his cultivation reached the late-stage Foundation Establishment, he even estimated he'd be stronger than the average peak Foundation Establishment.

Thus, he could clearly see Hu Li's panicked expression and noticed the other two mid-stage Foundation Establishment demon cultivators chatting leisurely, yet they couldn't detect his presence.

"What, don't recognize me?"

Ji Yuan spoke again.

Hu Li, unable to find him, gave up the search.

He could vaguely recall the voice, as if he had heard it somewhere before, but when asked who it was, he couldn't remember.

"May I ask who this expert might be..."

He asked in a mind voice.

"Let me give you a hint: Upper River Square."

That was where Ji Yuan first encountered Hu Li.

As soon as he heard this, Hu Li instantly remembered!

That old ascetic!

Back then, I was cultivating peacefully at Upper River Square when Zhu Ji inadvertently stirred up trouble by attracting an old ascetic. Had I not handled it well, I might have died there!

This ascetic is relentless, following me even to this place.

"Why so silent, are you cursing me in your heart?" Ji Yuan transmitted a sinister-sounding question.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. I was merely reminiscing about your magnificence, senior,"

Hu Li shamelessly replied.

"Ha, out with it. How did you end up here?"

Hu Li remained silent for a moment, unsure of how to answer or what to say.

Ji Yuan, with a half-joking tone, said, "What, did you latch on to a benefactor? Why not introduce me too?"

"You're joking, senior. With your strength, you don't need such things," Hu Li quickly replied with a laugh.

"No, I'm serious. If your benefactor has Golden Core strength, introduce us. After traveling so far and wide all these years, I also want a place to settle."

Ji Yuan seemed to speak lazily.

He intended to understand the situation first.

Hu Li's heart fluttered at this... If it was true, then he would have made a contribution again.

From their last meeting, his cultivation was at least at the late-stage Foundation Establishment, and very likely the peak. If he could recruit a peak Foundation Establishment as assistance for the young master,

it would be a significant achievement.

With this thought, Hu Li prepared to reveal a bit and disclose as much information as he could.

"To be honest, the senior I'm following now indeed possesses Golden Core cultivation."

"Oh?"

"But that's not the point. The point is this Golden Core senior is merely a guardian; the real decision-maker is a late-stage Foundation Establishment young master... a young master with a notable background!"

In the dense forest, Ji Yuan's eyes instantly opened.

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