Danzun War God

Chapter Seven Leaving Home

Time flies, and half a year has passed. Muyun City remains the same, but the Han family is no longer the same; tremendous changes have occurred. First, the Han family head has advanced to the Tribulation Manifestation Realm. On that day, a heavenly tribulation appeared above the Han family, dark clouds obscured the sun, and three bolts of Nine Heavens Profound Lightning struck down, their power shaking the entire city. This was the fourth heavenly tribulation to appear in Muyun City in recent years. The previous three were caused by the heads of the Lu and Lin families, respectively. The Lu family head caused two heavenly tribulations and is now at the fourth level of the Saint Infant Realm; the Lin family head caused one heavenly tribulation and is now at the seventh level of the Tribulation Manifestation Realm.

Han Yuanshan had been at the Condensation Realm for many years without a breakthrough. Recently, due to the rise of the Han family's power, Han Yuanshan had been riding high and suddenly broke through. Han Yuanshan's breakthrough shocked the Lu family the most. Previously, the Lu family, relying on their superior cultivation, had repeatedly suppressed the Han family. Han Yuanshan's breakthrough into the Tribulation Manifestation Realm, although still somewhat weaker than the Lu family head's fourth-level Saint Infant Realm, at least allowed him to dismantle much of the Lu family's suppression. Ultimately, the competition between families boils down to a contest of cultivation strength. Lu Yong, having suffered a crushing defeat in the final battle, had become much more restrained in his actions and was now focused on cultivation. Although his aptitude wasn't great, he had now reached the sixth level of the Breakthrough Core Realm, hoping one day to avenge himself on Han Qi.

Another change in the Han family is that Han Qi has now reached the ninth level of the Breakthrough Core Realm and is cultivating the fire-attribute spiritual technique, the Blazing Heart-Burning Technique. Although he possesses all five talents, Han Qi chose to cultivate the fire attribute first. On the one hand, fire is an essential attribute for alchemists, and on the other hand, the whereabouts of the Fire Spirit Orb needed to cultivate the Primordial Five Elements Sacred Technique have been found. After obtaining the Fire Spirit Orb, he can quickly unleash the power of the five elemental orbs.

The most astonishing change in the Han family was the transformation of their alchemists. Han Cheng and the other four had all broken through to the third or fourth level of the Breakthrough Core Realm. Since an alchemist's rank largely depends on their cultivation level, the minimum required for a fourth-tier alchemist is the Breakthrough Core Realm. Indeed, Han Cheng had reached the fourth-tier alchemist level. Han Wei, Han Kai, and the other three had also achieved minor success in their third-tier pill-making skills. The 'Seven-Character Formula' was indeed the essence of alchemy summarized by the Pill Master; although their understanding wasn't complete, they had already reached their current level. All three of the Earth Fire Openings in the Alchemy Pavilion were open, and they took turns refining pills, cooperating seamlessly.

That night, Han Qi knocked on Han Chen's door.

The person who opened the door was Han Chen. He was taken aback when he saw Han Qi, not expecting her to come to him on her own initiative. He then said coldly, "Why are you here? What's the matter?"

Han Qi walked straight into the room, found a chair, and sat down. He slowly said, "Second brother, please don't take it to heart. I've come to discuss something with you today."

Han Chen was taken aback again. For so many years, he had never called him "elder brother," and Han Qi had never called him "second brother." The brothers had always maintained this lukewarm relationship, which even the servants had grown accustomed to. Today, Han Qi's actions truly puzzled Han Chen. The candlelight flickered in the room, and Han Chen couldn't see Han Qi's expression. Not knowing what to say, he remained silent and simply sat down opposite Han Qi.

Seeing that Han Chen remained silent, Han Qi continued, "Second brother, we are both members of the Han family. It doesn't matter who becomes the next head of the family. The most important thing is to put the Han family on the right path. Don't you agree?"

A hint of displeasure flashed across Han Chen's face. He knew in his heart that Han Qi's influence within the family had recently become too great. Although the family members hadn't explicitly stated it, they all believed Han Qi was the next head of the family. Even he himself highly regarded Han Qi's abilities. However, the two had been vying for power for so many years, remaining evenly matched. But recently, Han Qi had displayed overwhelming strength, and Han Chen believed Han Qi was indeed the deserving next head of the family. He feared that once Han Qi took the position, he would be targeted at every turn, leaving Han Chen somewhat bewildered and unsure of his place. Han Chen coldly said, "Everyone agrees you'll be the next head of the family, so I have nothing to say. Tell me, what do you want?"

Han Qi smiled slightly and said, "Second brother, you're joking. The next head of the family will be you, not me. I, your elder brother, will not be the next head of the family. I came here today to tell you that I will be going on a long trip soon and I don't know when I will be back. I want you to take good care of Father and our Han family."

Seeing Han Qi's serious expression, Han Cheng knew that what Han Qi said was true. He felt a mix of emotions, joy and sorrow, and after a long while, he choked up and said, "Brother, I misunderstood you. Actually, I also agree that you should be the next head of the family, but after so many years, I don't know how to bring it up."

"It's alright, Second Brother, all of this is in the past," Han Qi said, patting Han Chen's shoulder. He then took out a bottle of pills from his pocket and said, "Second Brother, I have a few Breakthrough Pills here. They can quickly help you improve your cultivation. I hope you can achieve something soon and help Father. However, the pills can only be an aid; the real improvement still depends on yourself."

Han Chen took the pill and held it tightly in his hand, saying solemnly, "Don't worry, brother, I will. Be careful on your journey and come back soon."

"I will," Han Qi said from the front. After saying that, the two brothers shared a long-awaited hug.

After leaving Han Chen's residence, Han Qi went to Han Yuanshan's residence.

At this moment, Han Yuanshan was circulating his internal energy and had already sensed Han Qi's arrival through his soul. He slowly withdrew his profound energy and said slowly, "Qi'er, is that you? Let's talk inside."

Han Qi gently pushed open the door and walked in. Han Yuanshan looked at Han Qi affectionately; Han Qi was his pride and the next head of the family he wanted to choose. He said kindly, "Qi'er, what brings you here so late?"

Han Qi said, "Father, I plan to go on a long journey to complete a mission. This was entrusted to me by the old Taoist priest who saved my son, and it is something I must complete. I estimate that I will not be able to stay by your side for a while, so I came to ask for your permission." After saying this, he looked at his father seriously.

Han Yuanshan looked at Han Qi for a long time without saying a word, and finally said, "It's good to go out and gain some experience. Be sure to be careful on this trip and come back quickly. I don't know when you're leaving, so your father can see you off."

"I plan to depart first thing tomorrow morning, so there's no need for everyone to see me off," Han Qi said calmly. He paused, then added, "I've already entrusted the Alchemy Pavilion to Han Cheng. My third brother has considerable talent and will surely become an excellent alchemist in the future. From now on, the affairs of the family will depend entirely on Father, my second brother, and my third brother."

Han Yuanshan stood up, walked to Han Qi's side, patted Han Qi's shoulder, and after listening to Han Qi's story, knowing that he didn't know when they would meet again, he felt endless sadness. So he said with a sad expression, "Alright, Qi'er has grown up and needs to be tempered. If you need any help from your father, just ask."

With everything prepared, Han Qi bid farewell to his maid Caixia the following day and set off for Huoyun City. Caixia had been insisting on coming along, saying she could take care of Han Qi and wouldn't be a burden. Having entered the Han family at the age of ten, Caixia had always been by Han Qi's side and considered him her closest relative. However, Han Qi knew he didn't know when he would return, and Caixia lacked cultivation, so he feared he couldn't ensure her safety. He felt it was safer for her to stay at the Han family, so he insisted on setting off alone.

It was still dark, and Han Qi didn't disturb anyone, as he disliked the sadness of parting.

Fire Cloud City is extremely remote; many people in Twilight Cloud City have never even heard of it. Han Qi cannot fly yet; only those who reach the Cave Profound Realm can fly. He can only travel by horse-drawn carriage. Han Qi mounted the prepared horse, glanced back at the Han family, and then slapped the horse's back before galloping forward.

In the evening, after several days of travel, we finally arrived at a small town. There were not many pedestrians on the main street, and they came and went in a hurry with anxious expressions. Most of the shops on the street had already closed, and the gates were tightly shut.

Seeing this scene, Han Qi was secretly surprised; something seemed amiss on this street. Unable to find an answer, he could only continue walking, intending to find a place to stay.

I visited several inns, but they all had "Full" signs and were no longer accepting guests.

Finally, Han Qi saw an inn that was still open, and the waiter was about to close it.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute!" Han Qi had no choice but to call out.

The waiter glanced at Han Qi impatiently and said hastily, "Sir, please hurry up."

Han Qi darted into the house, and the waiter immediately called for someone to lead Han Qi's horse to the backyard, then hurriedly bolted the door. Turning around and seeing Han Qi's puzzled expression, he said, "Sir, you must be from out of town. It's obvious you don't know about the strange things that happen in town."

"Strange thing? What strange thing?" Han Qi asked calmly.

The waiter, in order to find a room for Han Qi from the ledger, casually said, "Recently, every night, monsters come down from the mountains behind the town to kill people. Several people have already died near the town, all with their hearts and lungs ripped out, all dying in the same way, their faces contorted in horror, as if they had seen something terrifying." He paused slightly before continuing, "There's a superior room upstairs; I'll show you." He then headed upstairs without even glancing at Han Qi.

Han Qi had no choice but to follow the waiter upstairs. The room was quite spacious, with the window facing the street. The street was deserted, with only a few leaves occasionally being swept up by the wind and swaying back and forth. No lights were on in any of the houses, and the street was eerily quiet.

"This is the room. Please rest here. I'll be downstairs if you need anything," the waiter said, leaving the room. Seeing that Han Qi didn't react, he gently closed the door. The door was pushed open again as soon as it closed, and the waiter said, "Sir, remember not to turn on the light, or we'll attract the monster and cause trouble." He then closed the door again.

Han Qi turned around and smiled helplessly. She had been running around for several days without a proper rest, and she knew she had to get some rest tonight. Afterward, Han Qi went downstairs, got some food, and lay down on the bed.

Just then, a full moon rose outside the window, and Han Qi felt a wave of sleepiness wash over him, and he gradually drifted off to sleep.