Atop Star-Magnetic Peak, in the Stargazing Pavilion.
Han Li gently pushed the three-year preparation outline for the Northern Heaven Expeditionary Army, which he had just finished reviewing, toward Nangong Wan across the desk.
"For the next two years, I will leave affairs in Heavenly South to you, Lu Yun, Zhou Tong, and our fellow Daoists." Han Li's voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable resolve. "The sharing of the Great Evolutionary Sword Art and the Star Essence Soul-Refining Art must be carefully paced. We must keep their appetites whetted while preventing their achievements from overshadowing their master. Mo Ling and the Heaven Division's three battalions can help maintain order, but they must not interfere excessively in the internal affairs of the various sects."
Nangong Wan took the jade slip and swept it with her spiritual sense, her graceful brows drawing slightly together. "Palace Master, are you planning to... leave now? There are still two years before the matter of the Mulan Grassland comes due. Would setting out alone on a distant journey at this time not be too dangerous?"
"Affairs in Heavenly South have already been settled. With the three alliances deliberating together and their interests bound to one another, everything can proceed in orderly fashion even without me presiding over it." Han Li cast his gaze northward, then slowly drew it back. "However, my journey to the Chaotic Star Sea cannot be delayed any longer either. Palace Master Ling Yuling is overseeing the Headquarters Altar, and I must go there in person. First, to thank him for his assistance. Second, to... return the Grand Elder's remnant soul to his homeland. Third, to retrieve what belongs to the Star Palace."
He did not explain what "belongs to the Star Palace" meant, but Nangong Wan was exceptionally perceptive. She immediately thought