The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 97: Behind-the-Scenes Dealings

Upon hearing these words, Sect Leader Wang's heart skipped a beat, and he began to feel uneasy.

Yesterday, after he and the other high-ranking members received Li Feiyu's notice that Han Li would arrive at Sunset Peak at noon the following day, some immediately proposed taking advantage of the meeting to eliminate Han Li, citing his excessive danger and difficulty to control.

However, this suggestion was vehemently opposed by another faction. They argued that such a move was far too risky, as failure could provoke severe retaliation. They believed it would be better to negotiate with Han Li first before making any decisions.

Those who wanted immediate action fiercely countered, claiming that delaying would risk leaks and that "long nights invite many dreams."

In truth, everyone knew that calling Han Li "too dangerous" was merely an excuse. Some simply coveted his cultivation techniques and sought to exploit the physician for personal gain. Even those who opposed killing him likely harbored similar desires—only their methods were more subtle and restrained.

The two factions argued heatedly in front of Sect Leader Wang, neither side yielding even as the meeting neared its end.

Finally, the surviving gray-robed Junior Martial Uncle could no longer stand it. With a cold remark, he silenced the room:

"Have you considered what would happen if this Physician Han's elders came seeking vengeance?" His words doused the heated leaders like a bucket of cold water.

"That's right! If someone so young is already this formidable, he must have immortal elders backing him. If we recklessly kill him, wouldn’t we all be doomed when they come for retribution?"

Once they realized that harming Han Li meant their own demise, even the most aggressive proponents changed their stance. Though a couple of greed-blinded individuals still resisted, the faction advocating a gentler approach ultimately prevailed.

Now, hearing Han Li suddenly drop such a loaded remark, Sect Leader Wang couldn’t help but feel guilty. He assumed Han Li, with his Divine Abilities, had somehow learned of yesterday’s dispute and was issuing a warning.

However, Wang Juechu had been a sect leader for many years—his composure and experience were extraordinary. He quickly shook off the effects of the Heavenly Eye Technique and regained his calm demeanor.

"Why would Physician Han say such a thing? Our sect is deeply grateful to Your Excellency," Wang Juechu replied, deciding to test the waters first.

"Yet I’ve heard rumors that some wish me harm," Han Li said coolly, a faint smirk on his lips.

Sect Leader Wang was startled at first, but seeing no signs of anger from Han Li, he relaxed slightly. The fact that Han Li spoke without fury and had come alone suggested he might only have caught wind of the dispute—not the full details. There was still room to mend relations."Divine Doctor Han may have some misunderstanding. Indeed, a few scoundrels emerged from our sect yesterday, attempting to be ungrateful. But rest assured, Your Excellency, these individuals have already been apprehended and are under strict custody. You must understand that the majority of our sect remains deeply grateful to Physician Han and would never commit acts that grieve our allies and delight our enemies." After some internal deliberation, Wang Juechu spoke these words with an air of righteous solemnity.

Upon hearing this, Han Li inwardly sneered. Ever since revealing his true strength to help the Seven Mysteries Sect overcome this crisis, he had been reminding himself to remain cautious, drawing lessons from the adages "cast aside the bow once the birds are gone" and "remove the bridge after crossing the river." One shouldn't assume that kindness shown to others would always be reciprocated with gratitude—the human heart is the most unpredictable of all. For these so-called important figures, as long as there was sufficient benefit, ingratitude and betrayal were as common as drinking water, mere daily occurrences.

This was also one of the reasons why Han Li had secluded himself upon returning to the valley, refusing to meet outsiders. He deliberately let these high-ranking figures cool off, lest the flames of greed consume all their rationality.

Later, when Li Feiyu delivered the message about meeting with the higher-ups, Han Li had no intention of keeping the appointment on time.

He was well aware that even though his current strength far surpassed that of ordinary Jianghu practitioners, if his opponents resorted to underhanded methods, there were countless ways they could end his life.

Thus, for safety's sake, he deliberately arrived half a day early to secretly meet Sect Leader Wang alone.

And just now, with only a slight probe, this esteemed Sect Leader Wang had already revealed his true colors. It seemed these high-ranking members of the Seven Mysteries Sect had indeed considered taking action against him.

But it didn't matter! Whether they truly intended to act or merely entertained the thought, he wouldn't waste anger on it. After completing his transaction with the sect's foremost figure, he would leave for good, never to cross paths with them again.

"I'll skip the pleasantries! To be frank with Sect Leader Wang, after this meeting with Your Excellency, I will depart from this place and journey far away, likely never to return to Rainbow Cloud Mountain again. Before I leave, I wish to propose a mutually beneficial transaction with the sect leader." After staring intently at Wang Juechu for a moment, Han Li suddenly spoke mysteriously.

"A transaction?" Sect Leader Wang was first taken aback upon hearing Han Li's intention to leave, but then grew puzzled at the mention of a transaction.

"What kind of transaction could I possibly have with this Divine Doctor Han?" He couldn't help but feel uneasy.

…………

When noon arrived—the originally scheduled meeting time—Han Li did not appear in the main hall of Sunset Peak. Instead, Sect Leader Wang was the last to stride energetically into the venue.

The esteemed Sect Leader Wang announced on the spot that there was no need to wait any longer, as Han Li had already left Rainbow Cloud Mountain, his whereabouts unknown. It was estimated he might leave Jingzhou, or even the State of Yue, meaning all troubles had vanished.

Upon hearing this, everyone present widened their eyes in shock, exchanging bewildered glances. The entire hall fell into dead silence.

"The man's already gone—what's the point of scheming now? Let's just get back to our business!" they thought helplessly.

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(End of Chapter)