The Origin of Haozhou's Demon

"Xiuyuan, why did you suddenly return home this time?"

Night falls inside the Han residence.

The grandfather and grandson of the Han family sat cross-legged, sipping tea and chatting.

Upon hearing this, Han Xiuyuan's face showed an embarrassed expression. "Uncle, to be honest, I have been seeking immortality outside for the past few years without any success, and I have also spent all my money. I was expelled from the Daoist temple and had nowhere to go, so I returned home."

Haven't you written home in the past few years?

Han Ping asked with a puzzled look.

"Uncle, three years ago I entered a Evergreen Daoist Temple. It is said that the abbot is a true cultivator, but to obtain immortal techniques from him, one must renounce worldly ties. Therefore, I..."

Han Xiuyuan speaking, a look of shame appeared on his face.

Over the course of those seven years, he spent a considerable amount of his family's money visiting four or five Daoist temples, spending three years in some and three months in others. Not to mention, he learned nothing of skill.

He was unaware even when his family suffered a major disaster.

Give me your hand.

Han Ping did not blame Han Xiuyuan, his only junior.

Han Xiuyuan didn't know what his second uncle was going to do, but he still reached out his hand.

Han Ping placed his fingers on his pulse and said calmly, "Did you learn any breathing techniques at Evergreen Daoist Temple?"

Han Xiuyuan said with a look of shame, "Uncle, I have studied the breathing techniques, but I have not yet made any progress. I also do not want to practice martial arts, so I have not been able to obtain the Evergreen Daoist Temple's martial arts techniques."

Han Ping: "Your breathing technique is a method of cultivating qi. Reaching perfection in it can indeed Spirit Awakening. It seems that Evergreen Daoist Temple is only a half-baked cultivator."

"This... doesn't this mean I'll never be qualified to cultivate in this lifetime?"

After listening, Han Xiuyuan showed a regretful expression.

Han Ping smiled and said, "On the contrary, the fact that you can master this breathing technique means you have the aptitude for cultivating immortality."

However, if you want to Spirit Awakening using this method, it will take at least several decades. But if you use a Spirit Awakening method, you can successfully Spirit Awakening within three months and officially embark on the path of cultivation.

Thump!

Upon hearing that he would become a cultivator in his lifetime, Han Xiuyuan was so excited that he knelt down on the ground.

"Please teach me, Uncle."

"Stand up."

Han Ping helped Han Xiuyuan up. "Starting tomorrow, I will naturally Spirit Awakening, but before that, I must establish a family precept."

Han Xiuyuan lit up with joy. "Uncle, I'll go prepare the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone for you right away."

Han Ping stopped him, saying, "No, tomorrow you should have someone prepare a seven-foot-tall granite stone. I want to write the family precepts on that stone. Besides that, we should also look for your little sister's whereabouts."

Han Xiuyuan: "Uncle is absolutely right. I'll go and Xiuyuan the arrangements right away."

"Um."

Han Ping nodded slightly, then turned and left.

The next morning, the servants of the Han household began to get busy.

Han Ping then walked around the entire Han residence, pondering what kind of formation he should set up to protect the Han family's descendants.

Although he was not an expert in formations, he had some knowledge of them after working Rogue Cultivator for a few years. After joining the Dao-Seeking Academy, he also learned some knowledge of formations, so setting up a small formation was not difficult for him.

About half an hour later, Han Xiuyuan hurriedly found him.

"Uncle, the Prefect and other powerful figures from Haozhou have come to pay their respects."

"Let them in."

Han Ping spoke without hesitation.

"Promise."

Han Xiuyuan responded and then turned to greet the guests.

Han Ping led Mandala toward the hall, which was already full of people when he arrived.

We pay our respects to Master Han.

The prefect and his entourage said in unison.

No need for formalities.

Han Ping asked calmly, "What brings you all here to visit me?"

The group present were slightly taken aback upon hearing this, but fortunately, the prefect, who was used to dealing with cultivators, quickly said, "We heard that Immortal Master Han has come to pay our respects and see his divine countenance. Although we are mere mortals, we have some influence in Haozhou City. We are happy to serve whatever Immortal Master asks of us."

The surrounding dignitaries immediately echoed, "Indeed, we are willing to serve the Immortal Master with utmost loyalty."

Is this really true?

Han Ping wore a questioning expression.

"We dare not conceal anything from the Immortal Master."

Everyone said in unison.

Han Ping smiled and said, "Very good. Xiu Yuan, Xiuyuan tea to everyone. I also have something I'd like to ask you all."

Upon hearing this, the group of dignitaries all smiled. They weren't afraid of the immortal master making demands; what they feared was him not making any demands.

In the hall, everyone quietly sipped their tea.

Han Ping suddenly spoke up and asked, "Gentlemen, I see a strange Yao Qi above Haozhou City. Can anyone tell me what's going on?"

The moment those words were spoken, the entire hall fell into complete silence; even the sound of breathing could be heard clearly.

Seeing that no one spoke, Han Ping smiled and said, "It seems that you all know about this matter. Who would like to answer my questions?"

All the powerful and influential people turned their attention to the prefect, who in turn turned to look at the old man beside him with pleading eyes.

"Well..."

The old man sighed deeply, "Senior, it's not that we can't speak of this matter, but rather that we dare not. If we anger that being, the entire city of Haozhou might become its prey."

Han Ping took a sip of tea and said unhurriedly, "Haozhou is also a major city of the Xu Kingdom, and it has many counties under its jurisdiction. Has the current ruler become so incompetent that he doesn't even want a single province?"

The old man looked embarrassed and said, "To be honest, that man was sent by the King to guard Haozhou."

"Is the King of the Xu Kingdom associating with demons?"

Han Ping squinted his eyes and said.

He could still distinguish between the auras of demonic beasts and spirit beasts, especially since the Yao Qi shrouding Haozhou City contained a lot of blood energy, indicating that the demon had devoured many people.

"Not a demon, but a demon immortal."

The old man quickly explained.

"Hehe."

Han Ping chuckled, "A demon that eats people to cultivate, does it even deserve to be called a demon immortal?"

Upon hearing this, the old man looked alarmed and said, "Senior, you mustn't say any more. The one guarding Haozhou is a True Fate. If we continue, it might reach his ears."

"So, you all intend to submit to the demons? In that case, my Han family will have no choice but to find another place to establish our Lineage."

As Han Ping spoke, he observed the expressions of everyone present.

A complex mix of resentment, frustration, and inner conflict was evident on the faces of everyone present.

The old man gritted his teeth and said, "Senior, it's not that we want to submit, but that we have no choice but to!"

The surrounding dignitaries echoed, "That's right. If it weren't for survival, why would we send some of our children to that person every year, and then have to tell everyone they were kidnapped by bandits?"

Upon hearing this, Han Xiuyuan's expression changed drastically, and he shouted, "What did you say? Say it again!"