The Han Household patriarch's pale complexion gradually regained its color.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Remembering what the patriarch had just said, they suddenly formed a conjecture.
Could one of the Han Household's ancestors still be alive?
Some of the senior clan elders were already racking their brains, trying to think which clansman could have cultivated to such heights.
The Han Household was, after all, only a small clan in the cultivation world. Its prodigies were not particularly dazzling when measured against those of the whole world.
Which generation's ancestor could possess such heaven-reaching cultivation?
"I... I'm all right?"
Han Feng opened his eyes and felt comfortable all over. His Law Power circulated without obstruction, as though he had returned to his peak.
He immediately realized that Han Xuanji had intervened to save him. He bowed at once and said respectfully, "Thank you, Patriarch."
Seeing that the patriarch had not only fully recovered from his injuries but possessed an even stronger presence than before, the clan elders felt as though they were dreaming.
After all, even a Nascent Soul Realm expert had been helpless against the patriarch's injuries.
Could this mysterious patriarch be an existence above the Nascent Soul Realm?
"On the path of cultivation, you must advance step by step. Never rush for quick results."
Han Xuanji offered this brief advice in a calm voice that carried its own authority.
"This junior will heed your instruction."
Han Feng lowered his head respectfully and cupped his hands in acknowledgment.
In his heart, Han Xuanji had to be one of the Han Household's reclusive ancestors. He offered this bow with wholehearted respect.
Seeing this, Han Xuanji was somewhat amused, but it was not convenient for him to reveal the truth.
He said nothing more. His figure flickered, and he vanished from the spot.
The next moment, the powerful pressure enveloping everyone dissipated.
Everyone breathed deeply in relief, as though they had just struggled their way out of deep water.
"That just now... was terrifying..."
A Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator's legs went weak, and he fell to the ground.
He was the very person who had tried to stop Han Xuanji earlier. A mere blast of that presence had shaken his mind, and he still had not fully recovered.
Han Feng stood rooted to the spot, a complicated look on his face.
He had not wanted the patriarch to remain with the clan indefinitely. He had only hoped that Han Xuanji would stay a while longer and help the Han Household through its current difficulties.
"Patriarch, are you all right now?"
Han Xiu hurried forward and asked with concern.
"I'm fine. In fact, I've never felt better." Han Feng shook his head, his tone firm.
The grand elder carefully examined Han Feng's presence and finally became certain that the patriarch's injuries had completely healed. He could not help murmuring:
"It's really true... This is simply..."
A storm of shock surged through him, and he could not resist asking, "Patriarch, did you get a clear look at that senior's face? Which generation of our Han Household's ancestors is he?"
Han Feng sighed softly. "I couldn't even see his face clearly."
Everyone fell silent upon hearing this. Though they did not understand why this patriarch had concealed his appearance, they did not dare speculate recklessly. They only felt that there had to be a deeper reason.
"If only this patriarch could stay and watch over us..." a Foundation Establishment clan elder could not help murmuring.
A Foundation Establishment Realm clan elder could not help saying.
"Enough. How can we presume to guess what the patriarch is thinking?"
Han Feng frowned and spoke sternly.
They did not know what level Han Xuanji's cultivation had reached, but one thing was certain: the entire Han Household could be of no help to him.
That was also why Han Feng had not suspected Han Xuanji of harboring ill intentions. A little goodwill from such an existence was enough to benefit them endlessly. Even if Han Xuanji was a false member of the Han Household, they would still have to acknowledge him!
"I don't want any rumors of the patriarch's appearance reaching the outside world. If so much as a whisper leaks out, I'll get to the bottom of it, whoever is responsible. Understood?"
"I don't want anyone going around making a fuss and stirring up trouble because they think our Han Household has a powerful patriarch."
Han Feng's powerful presence erupted in an instant, utterly unlike his earlier weakness.
Everyone present knew clearly that the domineering patriarch of old had returned.
"Yes!"
The members of the Han Household jolted and dared not entertain any other thoughts.
At the very least, with a Middle Golden Core patriarch watching over them now, they would no longer have to live in fear every day.
And now they knew they had a powerful backer behind them.
At that moment.
Han Xuanji moved and returned to the courtyard where his parents were staying.
That should be enough.
Han Xuanji sighed inwardly.
Though he could do more to help the Han Household, he could help them for a time, but not for a lifetime.
Helping the Han Household too much would only make them overly dependent on him.
He had no desire to look after the Han Household like a nanny.
When all was said and done, he did not owe the Han Household anything.
"Father, Mother, it's time for me to leave."
Han Xuanji appeared before his parents and bid them farewell.
"Xuanji, go and pursue your cultivation without worry."
Father Han sighed. Though reluctant to part, he knew cultivation was not easy and was very understanding.
And she had a faint feeling that, after this meeting, there was no telling when they would see each other again.
At the thought, Father Han felt melancholy.
"Keep this ring safe. If anyone in the family proves suited to cultivation, pass it on to them."
Han Xuanji took out a spatial ring and solemnly placed it in Father Han's palm.
It contained a vast quantity of cultivation resources, all spoils from the Devil Cultivators he had slain earlier.
They were just about enough to support one person's cultivation to the Nascent Soul stage.
However, the ring could only be opened once someone of his direct bloodline reached the Foundation Establishment Realm. Anyone else who took it would merely trigger the restriction and reap what they had sown.
"And this thing too. Keep it with you."
Han Xuanji took out something resembling a puppet. It was only the size of a palm, but exquisitely crafted.
"What is this?"
Father Han asked in confusion.
Han Xuanji did not explain much. "If you go out, you can take it with you for protection. Otherwise, just leave it in the house."
In truth, this was a sentient Nascent Soul puppet with the combat strength of a Nascent Soul cultivator. With this thing, their safety was practically assured.
But a full explanation would be too shocking.
Father Han wanted to speak but stopped himself. He could sense that his son seemed to have changed, yet also seemed unchanged.
After giving them a few final instructions,
Han Xuanji said little more. He turned into a streak of light and vanished into the horizon.
Father Han and Mother Han watched the streak of light disappear into the distance, then exchanged a wordless glance.
Han Xuanji returned to the Divine Profound Sect at great speed and arrived at the Soaring Cloud Palace.
He could forget anything else.
But there was no way he would forget to sign in.
For Han Xuanji, the daily chance to sign in could not be wasted.
After all, sign-in opportunities were limited. If he missed a day, there was no make-up sign-in card.
System, sign me in!
Han Xuanji said silently in his heart.
[Congratulations, Host. You have successfully signed in at the Soaring Cloud Palace and obtained the Movement Method "Nine Steps of the Great Void."]
After the system's voice fell silent, the complete inheritance of this Movement Method appeared in Han Xuanji's mind. Its many mysteries were beyond the grasp of ordinary cultivators, having reached an entirely new height.
Wander the great void in spirit, and travel heaven and earth as I please. This is... a heaven-tier Movement Method.
Han Xuanji rejoiced inwardly.
Every heaven-tier Cultivation Method had its own unique qualities, and among the many heaven-tier methods, heaven-tier Movement Methods were particularly rare.
As it happened, he had already cultivated the earth-tier Movement Method "Heaven-Treading Step" to perfection and needed to seek a higher-level Movement Method.
With his comprehension, he could certainly deduce a way to bring the Heaven-Treading Step to new heights, but it would take too much effort.
For him, cultivation was the foundation, so he had not devoted much thought to studying them further. Once he cultivated a method to the limit of his current realm, he would not spend much more time on it.
The Nine Steps of the Great Void-once mastered, nine steps can carry me across the Great Void Spirit Realm.