The faint glow of the Cold Pool Cave's opening wards had yet to fade when Han Li slipped like a phantom into the dappled shadows cast by the forest outside. He pushed the Essence-Concealing Technique to its limit, suppressing his aura until he seemed no different from an ordinary stone. Only his Profound Yin Spirit Eye remained active in the darkness, warily surveying his surroundings.
Nangong Wan's voice transmission had put him on his guard. He had heard a little of Nether Nightmare: a true elite of the Shadow Killer Sect, at the false core middle stage, skilled in assassination, with bizarre and unpredictable methods. Since this man had already reached the outskirts of the sect, he could hardly be content merely to wait. Most likely, he would conceal his movements, infiltrate the sect, and await his chance!
The sect itself was hardly a solid slab of iron. Han Li knew well that he had attracted far too much attention, and with his dark spiritual root, countless people coveted what he possessed or hated him out of jealousy. Now that he had emerged from seclusion, supposedly "just recovered from grave injuries," certain people would see this as the perfect opportunity to strike.
Instead of heading straight to the Council Hall's side chamber, he chose a more secluded route that led through a deep bamboo grove. It seemed like a detour, but he was actually luring the snake out of its hole! If someone lay in ambush, this rarely visited grove would be the ideal place to attack; if not, he could still reach his destination without trouble.
Bamboo shadows swayed as a cool breeze swept past with a soft rustling, adding a hint of murderous danger beneath the stillness. Han Li's steps appeared unhurried, but every muscle in his body