Chapter 110: Soaring Through the City Unwelcome Guests at the Door
The next morning, Han Li was woken up by the sunlight.
He had been utterly exhausted the night before, barely managing to clean himself up before falling into a deep sleep. In his fatigue, he had forgotten to close the curtains.
Feeling the emptiness in his stomach, he ordered breakfast from the hotel staff. After finishing his meal, he knocked on the door of the adjacent room.
Guang Ling seemed to have woken up a bit later than him, but he had also just about finished eating. Seeing Han Li at the door, he pushed his meal aside.
"Looks like you've recovered well," Guang Ling said with a smile.
"Not bad, at least it won't affect our plans," Han Li replied, taking a seat and looking at his master. "Are we going to inform the local Spirit Hall and have them cooperate, or are we going straight in?"
"The local Spirit Hall? Hah."
Guang Ling's expression darkened, and he let out a mocking chuckle.
"Big problem?" Han Li asked directly.
"No, no problem. It's just useless. Do you know what their biggest role in this city is?"
Guang Ling asked with obvious disdain.
"To make the academy look more powerful?"
Han Li instinctively responded.
"Mm, close enough."
Hearing his disciple put it that way, Guang Ling's anger dissipated slightly.
"Let's skip that visit. It's just going to be an eyesore. We'll go straight there."
Guang Ling always acted decisively. With a sigh, he set the plan.
"Straight to Tianshui Academy?"
"No, directly to her house. Early this morning, I had the hotel staff send an anonymous invitation. By now, they should have received it."
Guang Ling shook his head.
An anonymous invitation?
Han Li immediately understood it was basically a threat letter. His master really had a way with words.
This time, their visit was framed as a noble gesture finding a disciple for Qingluan Douluo but in reality, they were here to take someone. More importantly, it was a message from the Worship Hall to Bibi Dong, a subtle warning.
Tianshui Academy and Shui Bing'er were merely excuses. Guang Ling had seized an opportunity to act in his own interests winning favor with both Qingluan and Han Li while securing a new talent for the Hall.
As for whether Shui Bing'er or Tianshui Academy had a choice in the matter? They didn't. They were nothing more than a piece of meat on the chopping block, and the only thing left for them to decide was how to sell themselves for the best price.
This was the true reality of the Spirit Master world. Strength dictated everything.
It was only during their journey that Han Li had fully understood this. Guang Ling had used this mission to give him a firsthand lesson in the real rules of the game.
"Alright, let's go."
Glancing at the time, Guang Ling stood up and walked toward the door.
The moment they stepped outside, Guang Ling spread his wings. He turned to Han Li expectantly.
Han Li took a deep breath and followed suit, his own wings unfurling.
With that, the two shot into the sky, leaving behind a startled crowd.
Below them, a squad of Spirit Masters quickly began pursuing their silhouettes. Judging by their uniforms, they were from the local Spirit Hall.
But what was more interesting was the reaction of the common folk they weren't afraid of the Spirit Hall officers. Instead, they casually discussed how their local Spirit Hall was likely dealing with yet another big shot and would probably fail once again.
Flying above, Han Li silently observed these conversations, shaking his head.
He hoped that when word of today's events spread, these people would still have the same confidence.
Nearly crossing the entire city, Guang Ling finally came to a stop above a modest estate.
Han Li glanced down.
Though not large, the estate was tastefully designed elegant pavilions, artificial hills, and small lakes, all reminiscent of Suzhou gardens from his past life.
Below, at the entrance, four figures were already waiting two elegant women and two young girls. They stood in place, gazing up at the two figures in the sky.
"You two must be the ones who sent the invitation. May I ask what brings you here?"
One of the women stepped forward gracefully, her voice neither humble nor overbearing.
"You're the headmistress of Tianshui Academy?"
Guang Ling remained hovering, looking down at her.
"That's correct. I am Su Yan, headmistress of Tianshui Academy. May I ask who you are?"
She maintained her composure but grew more respectful.
"Spirit Hall Worshiper, titled Guang Ling. Rank 96."
Guang Ling casually announced his title and rank. As he spoke, he descended walking through the air as if stepping down invisible stairs until he was standing before them.
Han Li, on the other hand, retracted his wings and shot downward in a flash of blue light, landing silently half a step behind Guang Ling. He said nothing.
"I'm here for only one thing. Her."
Guang Ling pointed directly at Shui Bing'er, showing no intention of restraining his aura.
"My third brother needs a disciple. He's taken a liking to her. What do you think?"
A few moments of silence passed before Guang Ling clapped his hands, looking at the women struggling under his aura.
"Good, very good. I'm satisfied with your response. No objections? That means you agree."
"Then it's settled. She'll be coming with me to Spirit Hall shortly."
Only after saying this did Guang Ling seem to realize he hadn't withdrawn his oppressive aura. He smiled as if suddenly remembering his manners and retracted it.
"Oh, my mistake. Forgive my lack of restraint how impolite of me. I apologize. I trust you don't mind?"
The two young girls were relatively unharmed, as Guang Ling had consciously avoided pressuring them. The two women, however, had to support each other just to stay standing.
Despite their disheveled state, they quickly lowered their heads.
"Of course not, Your Eminence."
"You don't mind?"
Guang Ling chuckled, then glanced toward the estate.
"Well? We're all family now. Aren't you going to invite me in?"
Though the two women looked grim, they exchanged a glance before Su Yan spoke again.
"Please, Your Eminence, come inside."
"No rush. I was in such a hurry to get here that I forgot to meet some of my incompetent subordinates. Let's wait here for them."
Guang Ling suddenly relaxed and turned his attention toward the direction they had flown from.
Three minutes later, the Spirit Hall officers finally arrived.
Yet, as they reached the estate, they hesitated, clustering together as if debating whether to enter.
"It seems you two have quite the presence here. This place looks like it's become a restricted zone for my Spirit Hall."
Guang Ling sneered, turning back toward Su Yan and the other woman, who had yet to raise their heads.
Then, looking toward the hesitant officers, he spoke in a chilling tone:
"Get your asses over here."
As he spoke, a token whizzed through the air toward the officers it was Guang Ling's Worshiper emblem.
The moment they recognized it, their group erupted into hushed chaos.
A few seconds later, the Enforcement Squad finally mustered the courage to step into the estate.
"Greetings, Your Eminence."
The squad captain approached cautiously, bowing deeply as he returned the emblem.
"I know what's been going on, so I won't make things difficult for you. Just pass along a message to Ling Sihui if he enjoys living up to his name and always thinking about retreating, I'll personally help him step down permanently."
With that, Guang Ling turned away, casually strolling into the estate, ignoring its rightful owners.
Once Han Li and the others followed inside, Guang Ling's voice reached the stunned officers outside.
"Oh, right. Almost forgot."
"My name is Guang Ling."
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen