C22 Preparing to Leave

"Oh, forget about Ironscars. Would even the righteous sects commit such atrocious acts?" Ling Han asked.

"Psh, to enhance their cultivation, even those esteemed elders would resort to killing," Yu continued. "Ling Han, you don't grasp the essence of power, nor do you understand the sensation of wielding immense strength in your own hands."

"Power?" Ling Han mused, hearing the depth in Yu's words for the first time.

"Attaining a high realm equates to possessing great power. With a sufficiently advanced realm, starting your own sect isn't out of the question," Yu elaborated.

"Hmm."

After a moment of contemplation, Ling Han declared, "I've made up my mind to join the Charscars Sect, as only a major sect can provide what I seek."

"Hmm, aren't you going to reconsider the Weeping Blood Pavilion?" Yu inquired.

"No, it's not advisable to disclose my affiliation with the demonic path, and it would compromise my own standing," Ling Han replied, pausing briefly.

"Don't be fooled into thinking that the orthodox sects are any purer than the demonic ones," Yu quickly interjected, clarifying for Ling Han, "Some 'righteous' sects commit acts even more vicious and bloodthirsty than those in the demonic path. I once witnessed a Transcendent Mage obliterate an entire city with spatial magic just to capture a spiritual herb."

Ling Han shuddered inwardly.

Nevertheless, he pressed on, "Let's leave it at that. I've made my choice, and I'll stand by the Charscars Sect."

A figure had unexpectedly entered Ling Han's thoughts—Bai Ning'er. In the past, within his humble sect, the Second Elder and Chu Qing conspired against him, and it was Bai Ning'er who had come to his rescue in the name of justice.

This act of kindness was something Ling Han could never forget.

Thus, Ling Han's decision to ally with the Charscars Sect was also driven by a purpose: should he encounter Bai Ning'er again, he could proudly declare his affiliation with his new sect.

"Alright, alright, it's really quite a trivial matter," Yu conceded, unfamiliar with the Charscars Sect or the Weeping Blood Pavilion. Regardless of Ling Han's choice, Yu had no objections.

"Great! I'll bid farewell to Faang Yi tomorrow and also ask for directions."

After Ling Han had everything in order, he was able to sleep soundly.

The next day.

Inside the Outer Pavilion of Lunar Crest Keep.

"Please, young master, come in and take a seat," a woman in her thirties, still radiating charm, invited. "Here, you can witness a variety of talent performances. As long as you're willing to pay, any lady can keep you company."

"Oh? I'm actually here to see Miss Faang Yi. Could you please let her know?" Ling Han inquired.

"This..." The woman's expression suddenly shifted as she replied, "Members of the inner pavilion are disciples of the Lunar Crest Keep's Master. I would ask that you show the proper respect."

The woman had assumed Ling Han was a mere mortal seeking the company of a cultivator like Faang Yi, which necessitated her stern tone.

Ling Han, however, took no offense.

In that moment, he produced a VIP token and asked, "Will this suffice?"

Faang Yi had previously given Ling Han this token when she requested his assistance. Now was the perfect time to use it.

"Hmm?" The woman, clearly in her thirties and in charge, recognized the 'moon' emblem on the token at once. She promptly stood and bowed respectfully, saying, "My apologies for the oversight! You are a VIP of Lunar Crest Keep. I will inform her immediately."

Ling Han simply nodded and settled into a quiet corner of the Outer Pavilion to await Faang Yi's arrival.

"Did you come here just to seek my company?" Faang Yi appeared before Ling Han after a short wait, her tone playfully teasing.

Since Faang Yi had already learned the full story from the woman in the Outer Pavilion, Ling Han wasn't surprised by her approach.

"Miss Faang Yi, you jest. My visit is specifically to inquire about the route to Charscars."

"Oh, is that so?"

Despite already knowing the truth, Faang Yi couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at Ling Han's straightforward request.

"Take this; it's the book from Lunar Crest Keep that documents all the powers in the world," Faang Yi offered. "It contains detailed directions to all the major sects."

"Such a valuable book must be important to you as well, Miss Faang Yi. It doesn't seem right for me to simply take it," Ling Han remarked, noticing how casually Faang Yi placed the book in her pocket. He knew it was an indispensable guide for travelers and felt it wouldn't be right to deprive her of it.

"No need, I'll just give it to you," Faang Yi said with a playful flick of her tongue. "I finished reading this book when I was twelve and can recite it from memory now. I've just gotten into the habit of keeping it with me."

"Then I am grateful for your generosity, Miss Faang Yi," Ling Han replied, taking the book and preparing to stand.

"Wait, don't leave just yet," Faang Yi interjected quickly. "You're planning to join Charscars, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'm looking for a strong ally," Ling Han admitted openly.

"Just be careful," she cautioned. "The sect is rife with intrigue and power struggles."

"Understood. I'll be on my way now."

Watching Ling Han gather his things to depart, Faang Yi mused how wonderful it would be if Lunar Crest Keep, her own sect, could make an exception and admit male disciples.

Once outside, Ling Han opened the book gifted by Faang Yi. Bringing it close, he caught a whiff of a subtle scent, likely Faang Yi's own, from it being kept in her clothing pocket for so long.

"You don't know how to appreciate your good fortune, do you?" Yu's voice suddenly chimed in mischievously inside Ling Han's head. "I can tell Faang Yi has taken a liking to you."

"I can't afford to be distracted by romance," Ling Han thought. "I'm without a home, and it would be dangerous and unfair to involve a girl in my precarious life." He was acutely aware of his lack of status and means, the very picture of a pauper's son.

"Don't sell yourself short," Yu chided for the first time. "A Transcendent master can have hundreds of wives and children, given their long lives. With your potential, you could do the same."

Ling Han chose not to engage further with Yu on the subject, instead focusing intently on the information about Charscars, his intended destination. Charscars, one of the Three Pure Ones, was led by the esteemed Xingli Yu.

Located 3,900 miles from Lunar Crest Keep, the sect's mountain gate, forged from Starfall Iron, had the power to detain any expert of Astral Force intent on forcefully entering the sect. Over the past millennium, its rise had been meteoric, positioning it squarely alongside esteemed factions such as the Solarsmiths and Burning Rage.

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