Three figures suddenly emerged from behind the giant tree, forming a fan shape to block his path.
The leader was a lean male cultivator, dressed in dark brown leather armor with a pair of short swords hanging at his waist, who was warily sizing up Han Xuanji.
Behind him were two people, a man and a woman. The man's hand rested on his longsword, while the woman held a pale golden talisman. The edges of the talisman were already shimmering with spiritual light, clearly ready to be activated at any moment.
The lean male cultivator glanced at Han Xuanji from head to toe, and seeing that he was a complete stranger, his tone became more impolite:
"This place is occupied by my Ten Thousand Immortals Association. Please state your identity, fellow Daoist, otherwise you Ten Thousand Immortals Association."
Han Xuanji remained expressionless, his mind already clearly understanding the true nature of the three people before him.
Both are at the peak of the Eternal True Lord Perfection cultivation level. Two follow the Dao of Principle, while the other follows the Sword Dao. Their backgrounds are extraordinary, and both possess remarkable talent, roughly equivalent to the Heavenly Seed level of the Principle Conference.
As expected of the Nine Mysteries Saint Realm, geniuses abound, while sacred bodies are less valuable than dogs.
His Saint Soul Perception spread out silently, and the fluctuations in the aura of the three people were like three flames of varying brightness, which were clearly visible in his perception.
Two of them were calm and wary, but not malicious. However, the lean male cultivator in the lead lingered on him for a moment, a barely perceptible hint of coldness flashing deep in his eyes.
That killing intent was extremely faint, so faint that even the opponent himself might not have noticed it, but under the Saint Soul Perception, it was as clearly visible as a candle flame in the night.
He should be able to handle it, as long as the other side doesn't get any reinforcements...
Han Xuanji glanced at the opponent's positions without showing any emotion, circulating his spiritual energy within his body, ready to make a move at any moment.
The lean male cultivator leaned forward slightly, his toes unconsciously turning a few points in his direction. Although the two swords at his waist were not drawn, their hilts were positioned in the most convenient grip position for his right hand.
The other two stood relatively loosely. Although the talisman in the female cultivator's hand shone brightly, it was never aimed at him, and the male cultivator's hand on his sword was merely a half-hearted gesture.
It seems these people have different ideas, and the other two don't seem to intend to make a move.
As for the lean male cultivator, his killing intent had dissipated somewhat, probably because he felt he posed no threat?
"This brother looks unfamiliar. Are you new to the Ten Directions Sacred Domain?"
Seeing that Han Xuanji remained silent, the lean male cultivator took the initiative to break the silence.
His tone sounded polite enough, but the slight upward inflection at the end of his voice carried a hint of condescending scrutiny, like a veteran assessing a newcomer's abilities.
Han Xuanji was about to speak when she noticed a slight change in the lean male cultivator's expression.
It wasn't because of him, but because someone was secretly communicating with him.
Clearly, one of the three recognized Han Xuanji.
Judging from the change in the lean male cultivator's expression, Han Xuanji knew that his identity had been recognized.
Sure enough, the lean male cultivator's attitude softened considerably.
When he spoke again, his tone was noticeably more respectful than before, and even his posture softened slightly. "I was mistaken; you are the esteemed disciple of the Nine Mysteries Holy Lord. My apologies for my overconfidence."
Han Xuanji's eyebrows twitched slightly, but she did not deny it; she simply nodded slightly, which was taken as tacit agreement.
Seeing his calm attitude, the lean male cultivator wasn't annoyed; instead, his smile became even more enthusiastic.
"Since Fellow Daoist Han has come to the Ten Directions Sacred Domain, why travel around alone? Why not join us?"
With Fellow Daoist Han's status and strength, he is definitely a pivotal figure here, far better than someone struggling alone in this Sacred Domain."
He paused, a hint of arrogance in his voice.
"Our leader is Chi Yuan, a disciple of the Saint Venerable Haoxuan. Fellow Daoist Han, you must have heard of this name."
As he spoke, his chin unconsciously lifted slightly, his gaze fixed on Han Xuanji's face, as if he wanted to see what kind of expression this disciple of the Holy Lord would show when he heard the words "disciple of the Saint Venerable."
Saint Venerable Haoxuan is a transcendent being in the Sacred Court. Although there is only a one-word difference between Saint Venerable and Holy Lord, there is an entire realm between them. He did not believe that Han Xuanji could not weigh the weight between them.
The implication was clear: you, a disciple of the Holy Lord, are nothing compared to the disciples of our Saint Venerable.
Han Xuanji's expression remained unchanged.
To be honest, he really didn't know anything about Chi Yuan.
I've heard so much about you.
Han Xuanji responded with a cupped-hand salute, calmly looking at the lean male cultivator.
Naturally, he was not intimidated by the title of "disciple of the Saint Venerable," nor was he angered by the other party's subtle arrogance.
"You..."
The lean male cultivator frowned, clearly unaccustomed to Han Xuanji's unmoved attitude.
He suppressed his displeasure and changed to a more earnest and persuasive tone to continue his advice:
"Fellow Daoist Han, I was only thinking of you."
This Ten Directions Sacred Domain is not something you can make a name for yourself on your own. To enter the Ten Directions Immortal Hall, you need one hundred strands of Ten Directions Sacred Light, a number that you simply cannot gather by fighting alone.
To be honest, our Senior Brother Chi Yuan's forces have already occupied one-third of the territory within the Sacred Domain, and many fortuitous opportunity lands and habitats of Variant species are under our jurisdiction.
To put it bluntly, Rogue Person like you who came in alone might not even be able to catch a glimpse of the Variant, let alone gather enough Holy Light.
Moreover, lone wolves don't survive long in the Ten Directions Sacred Domain Realm.
That's the truth.
Han Xuanji admitted to himself that although the lean male cultivator's attitude was unpleasant, what he said was not exaggerated.
Such is the ecosystem of the Ten Directions Sacred Domain: going it alone is feasible in principle, but extremely difficult in reality.
Variant are limited, fortuitous opportunity are limited, and these resources have long been divided up by various forces.
Even battle maniacs simply don't join any guilds, not that they refuse to cooperate with anyone.
A true lone wolf is either so powerful that no force dares to provoke him, or he's already been killed on the way.
However, Han Xuanji has no intention of relying on anyone at the moment.
Thank you for your kindness.
He spoke, his tone calm yet firm, without the slightest hesitation.
"I will not interfere with your actions, but please do not hinder me."
As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding air seemed to grow colder.
The smile on the lean male cultivator's face finally crumbled, and the coldness that had returned to his previously warm eyes became even more intense. His hand unconsciously rubbed the short sword at his waist, as if weighing the pros and cons.
Han Xuanji was alone and had no Holy Light around him. Killing him would bring no benefit and would only offend this Wuliang prodigy for no reason.
That's not really worth it.
The other two had obviously thought of this as well. The female cultivator subtly shook her head at the lean male cultivator, her meaning clear in her eyes.
It's not worth it.