Azure Dragon Palace.
Han Yi did not see Lu Li. The elder on duty at Azure Dragon Palace was a mid Foundation Establishment cultivator named Wo Changyun.
When Wo Changyun saw Han Yi, his eyes widened. For a moment, he was so shocked that he could barely speak properly.
"Junior Brother Han, you, you... have you formed a Golden Core?"
Han Yi had only just broken through and had not deliberately concealed his aura. The aura around him was almost identical to what Wo Changyun had sensed from Shen Ping half a year ago. No—not identical. It was far stronger than Shen Ping's.
That overwhelming sensation made him feel as though he were facing Elder Huo Ming, who had formed his Golden Core many years ago.
Han Yi nodded and smiled.
"I just broke through."
Before Wo Changyun could ask further, he said, "By the way, where is Senior Brother Lu?"
"And what has happened to the sect? I saw that something seemed to be going on over at Battle Arts Peak."
Wo Changyun came back to his senses as well. He took a deep breath, his expression becoming far more respectful than before.
"Senior Brother Lu Li left seven days ago with Senior Brother Shen for the Profound Blood Branch Sect."
"At Battle Arts Peak, they are currently selecting the second batch of disciples to reinforce the Profound Blood Branch Sect."
Han Yi raised his gaze.
"Oh?"
"Senior Brother Shen Ping has come out of seclusion?"
"And what happened to the Profound Blood Branch Sect?"
Wo Changyun nodded. "Senior Brother Shen emerged from seclusion half a year ago and successfully broke through to the Golden Core Stage."
"As for the matter of the Profound Blood Branch Sect..."
At this point, Wo Changyun drew a deep breath, fury surging from