Mortal: My name is Ma Liang, and I also possess a magic brush.

Han Li did not remove the restriction. "Senior Brother Ma, how did you get to the Chaotic Star Sea?"

Ma Liang countered, "And how did Junior Brother Han get here?"

He softened his tone and waved his hand, "Some things don't need to be investigated too deeply. You don't need to worry too much either. This is Tianxing City. It's very easy for the Star Palace to detect cultivators fighting here. Once the Star Palace takes notice, you won't gain any advantage."

"We even drank together back in Tiannan, how could I possibly harbor hostility towards you?"

"Besides, in this vast Chaotic Star Sea, as far as the eye can see, there are only the two of us from Tiannan."

"We are all people who have left our hometowns; we should look out for each other. If we really have to fight each other, wouldn't that be too inhumane?"

Han Li secretly made a hand seal to stabilize his protective magic treasure, and the spiritual power within his body also became more and more concentrated.

"What Brother Ma said makes sense, but you act too mysteriously. I really can't see through your true nature. Please go back, Brother Ma."

Ma Liang shook his head helplessly. "Junior Brother Han, I sincerely want to befriend you. Since you are still wary of me, I won't force you."

"If you encounter any difficulties in the future, feel free to contact me using the communication talisman. Don't worry, as long as you're not being chased to the brink by a Nascent Soul cultivator, I will do my best to help you."

After saying that, he waved to Han Li as a farewell.

A flash of light appeared beneath his feet, and a streak of azure light pierced the sky, heading down the mountain.

Watching Ma Liang's departing figure, Han Li finally breathed a sigh of relief. With a flick of his hand, he released his protective magic treasure, which transformed into a stream of light and was stored in his storage bag.

Although Ma Liang was currently displaying a Core Formation stage cultivation level, Han Li dared not underestimate him in the slightest.

After all, back in Tiannan, he broke the great formation that even Nascent Soul cultivators couldn't handle, so his true strength is probably far more complex than it appears on the surface.

Han Li stared in the direction Ma Liang had left, alarm bells ringing in his heart. He felt that every moment he stayed there was more danger than ever before, so he immediately turned around to go back to his residence to pack his bags and flee Tianxing City that very night.

But before he could take a step, Ma Liang’s words, “This is Tianxing City. A battle between cultivators will surely alert the Star Palace,” suddenly echoed in his ears.

Yes, Tianxing City has the Star Palace in charge, and it is this rule that can curb Ma Liang's unusual actions.

If he were to flee the city in a panic, without the constraints of the Star Palace, given that person's unfathomable strength, he would only find himself in an even more dangerous situation.

Han Li frowned, his fists clenching unconsciously.

They're already Core Formation cultivators, how come they can't even decide their own fate!

"Yes! The crux of the matter ultimately lies in insufficient strength!"

Instead of agonizing over whether to stay or leave, it's better to seize the time to improve your cultivation.

He turned around and returned to his residence, determined to devote all his energy to increasing his strength. Whether it was studying cultivation techniques or refining magical treasures, he wanted to have the confidence to contend with Ma Liang as soon as possible.

On the other hand, after leaving, Ma Liang returned to Miaoyin Sect.

Having already promised Wen Siyue that he would go to her house, he did not delay and soon arrived at Ziling's residence.

As soon as I stepped inside, I saw two beautiful figures huddled together in the courtyard, whispering something to each other.

The two women turned around immediately upon hearing the voice. Wen Siyue was the first to greet them, "Senior, have you finished your business?"

Zi Ling followed closely behind, her beautiful eyes filled with a hint of inquiry. "Senior, did you just go to the residence of that newly promoted Core Formation cultivator?"

Ma Liang nodded and looked at Zi Ling.

"I wonder if the sect leader has made up his mind by now? I suppose Siyue has already told the sect leader some of my secrets."

Zi Ling recalled the details she had asked Wen Siyue privately earlier.

Decades ago, it was this senior in front of me who helped Wen Siyue and her family escape from Kuixing Island, which undoubtedly disrupted the layout of Jiyin Island.

This alone is enough to determine that he has no connection with the Extreme Yin Island.

Her mind raced, and she made her decision.

"Senior, the time is not yet ripe; further planning is needed. I will inform you when the time is right. What is your opinion?"

Upon hearing Zi Ling's words, Ma Liang was both amused and exasperated, and scratched his head.

"It's really strange. Han Li and other cultivators are all begging for cooperation, but it's me who's eagerly offering my help that has made Zi Ling so cautious."

He then realized that it was his previous reckless actions that had caused others to have reservations.

"Very well, then I will await news from the sect leader."

Ma Liang looked at Wen Siyue and said, "Come on, Siyue, let's go to your house. It's been so many years, let's go see your parents."

Upon hearing this, Wen Siyue's eyes lit up instantly. "Great! Senior, let's go! My home isn't far from here."

She turned to look at Ziling, "Miss, I'll head back now."

Zi Ling nodded. "Go."

As soon as Ma Liang and Wen Siyue left, a pair of gazes returned from the pavilions on either side.

Fan Jingmei and Zhuo Ruting saw the streak of light disappear into the horizon almost simultaneously.

Without the slightest delay, they immediately went downstairs, avoiding the sight of the disciples inside the sect, and followed the secret passage of the Miaoyin Sect, hurrying one after the other towards Ziling's residence.

As soon as Fan Jingmei and Zhuo Ruting stepped into Ziling Residence, the former could not contain her eagerness.

"Miss, who was that Core Formation cultivator just now? His sudden appearance without warning couldn't be a coincidence!"

Zhuo Ruting nodded in agreement, "Yes, Miss. This person's origins are unknown, and his behavior is strange. We are currently planning to establish the Extreme Yin Island, so we cannot associate with unknown people."

With her back to the two, Zi Ling said, "This person's purpose is related to Wu Chou of Ji Yin Island."

"What?!"

Fan Jingmei and Zhuo Ruting were both startled.

Zhuo Ruting stepped forward anxiously, "Miss, has our plan been exposed?"

Zi Ling shook her head and turned around. "That's not the case. This person also has an old grudge against Wu Chou. He came to make amends and wants to cooperate with me."

However, I did not agree to his request.

Fan Jingmei patted her chest and breathed a long sigh of relief.

"You did the right thing, Miss! Our plan was already well-arranged."

"This person's eagerness to get close to us is rather strange. We shouldn't let him ruin our grand plan!"

Zi Ling paced back and forth in the room a few times, as if weighing something.

After a moment, she stopped. "Let's proceed with the preparations as usual. As for this person... I have my own considerations."

"If Miss is so confident, then we can rest assured."

After saying this, the two of them concealed their auras and withdrew.

Silence returned to the room. Zi Ling subconsciously looked out the window, gazing at the mountain peak that had recently shown signs of Core Formation.

……

An ordinary little courtyard, simple and clean.

As soon as Wen Siyue stepped through the door, she eagerly called out, "Father, Mother, come out and see who's here!"

The courtyard was quiet, without a single response.

She was anxious and didn't have time to think. She ran towards her parents' bedroom.

Just then, with a "whoosh," the wooden door to the bedroom was pushed open from the inside.

Liu Su walked out quickly and straightened the corner of her clothes.

"Siyue, what's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"

Wen Qiang followed closely behind, walking out of the house and looking at his daughter with a hint of doubt.

When Wen Siyue saw the two of them come out, she didn't have time to think about why the door was closed in broad daylight. She just excitedly gesturing behind her.

"Father, Mother, look!"