Chapter 225: Deal Sealed, Han Ignites the Holy Son
The atmosphere was eerily silent. Not only were Yang Wudi and Bai He completely speechless, but even the women behind Han Li except for Xiu'er were utterly dumbfounded.
They were all from noble families. Even though they now belonged to Spirit Hall and aligned with its principles, they had still grown up being taught that the conflict between Tang Hao and Spirit Hall was merely a power struggle between factions with the immense value of a hundred thousand year soul beast at the core of it.
They had long known about these hidden truths and, while they acknowledged Spirit Hall's actions as justified, they still believed that Qian Xunji had mainly targeted Ah Yin for personal gain. After all, if they were in his position, they too would have made the same choice.
But after hearing Han Li's words, they found themselves questioning everything.
If what he said was true… then wasn't Spirit Hall truly too righteous?
Through their shared mental link, Han Li could sense their emotions and couldn't help but laugh bitterly. I was just saying that casually, and they actually believed me?
Sure, Spirit Hall was just, and everything he had said was technically correct. But the organization's mission and its actions didn't always perfectly align.
Unlike the others, Han Li knew the full picture. Qian Xunji's motivations had indeed included maintaining order, but a significant part of his actions had been because he wanted Ah Yin for Bibi Dong. He had hoped that offering Ah Yin to her would help mend their strained relationship.
So yes, things weren't purely black and white most of the time, the world was painted in shades of gray.
Looks like I'll have to strengthen their ideological education later. They got swayed by my rhetoric far too easily. That's not a good sign.
Of course, if it were an enemy or some outsider, Han Li would be delighted if they were this gullible.
"So, gentlemen, you should be grateful that Spirit Hall is merciful and reasonable."
"Otherwise… heh, we wouldn't even have to lay a finger on you. We'd just need to reveal the truth, and your fates would be far worse than they are now."
"After all, when the Haotian Sect decided to seal itself away, you four single attribute clans were the ones who actively chose to fight Spirit Hall."
"No one cares whether you knew the truth or not. The only thing that matters is what people saw. And to them, you were the perfect scapegoats."
"Traitors to humanity. Beast lovers. Countless other labels would have been thrown at you. The question is, could you have handled that kind of condemnation?"
"Oh, and let's not forget you'd be nailed to the pillar of history's shame. A thousand years, ten thousand years later, people would still spit on your names."
Han Li said all this with a bright, cheerful smile.
But Yang Wudi and Bai He felt a chill run down their spines. As Han Li painted these nightmarish scenarios, they couldn't help but envision them vividly. These two men, who had long since become numb to life and death, were suddenly drenched in cold sweat.
They knew Han Li was exaggerating. But that didn't make it any less terrifying.
If Spirit Hall had truly chosen to push that narrative back then, it wouldn't just be the four clans even Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan wouldn't have survived it.
Han Li was saying all this so openly, which meant Spirit Hall had considered doing it. For some reason, they had chosen not to.
Wait… Han Li had mentioned Yang Wushuang and Yang Yan earlier.
Could it be that they were the reason Spirit Hall had held back?
Realizing this, Yang Wudi felt an overwhelming sense of shame.
Just moments ago, he had arrogantly declared that he would treat those two as enemies.
But now… it seemed they were the only reason his clan still existed.
As a clan leader, as a brother, as a father he had utterly failed in every role.
Han Li observed their shifting expressions with satisfaction.
He had no interest in recruiting these clans, but he also wasn't about to let them become allies of his enemies. If he had the chance to plant some doubt in their minds, he would.
Now, even if Titan tried to drag them into something later, they'd be too hesitant to act.
In fact, after this conversation, there was a good chance that at least one of the clans would start leaning toward Spirit Hall. After all, Yang Wudi's own brother and son were part of the organization now.
As for the Power Clan? Han Li had no strong opinion on them. They could do whatever they wanted.
Come to think of it, I'm doing a pretty good job as the Holy Son.
Infiltrating the enemy ranks, quietly dismantling their alliances… this is some quality work.
I should send this report back. The higher ups in Spirit Hall will love it.
Bibi Dong, take notes this is how a real Pope operates.
With that little mental joke, Han Li stopped paying attention to the two stunned elders and turned to Ye LingLing.
She caught his gaze and pointed at Bai Ming on the ground.
Han Li gave a small nod.
The next second, the healing light surrounding Bai Ming intensified. Three seconds later, Ye LingLing retracted her martial soul and stepped back.
"Alright, gentlemen, the treatment is complete. Please check on your injured man and let's settle our bill."
Han Li turned back to them, casually motioning toward Bai Ming.
"Oh. Right."
Yang Wudi and Bai He finally snapped out of their thoughts, remembering their injured clansman who had just undergone treatment.
To be fair, the information they had just received was earth shattering it had completely overturned their understanding of the past ten plus years. The fact that they hadn't broken down from the shock was a testament to their mental fortitude.
The two exchanged glances before Yang Wudi stepped forward to check Bai Ming's condition. However, unlike before, this time he dismissed his martial soul entirely.
Han Li's words and actions had already made it clear that he harbored no ill intent. Whether Yang Wudi held his spear or not was meaningless at this point, especially with the constraints of the martial soul oath.
After a quick examination, Yang Wudi took out a pill from his pouch and fed it to Bai Ming.
The injuries were completely healed so much so that if Yang Wudi hadn't seen the wounds with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed Bai Ming had ever been injured in the first place.
The only thing left was a bit of weakness from blood loss, but even that was fading rapidly. At most, in three days, Bai Ming would be fully recovered.
Yang Wudi stood up and nodded toward Bai He, signaling that everything was fine.
Bai He let out a long sigh of relief. Bai Ming was one of the pillars of the clan's future. As long as he was safe, nothing else mattered.
With that thought in mind, Bai He turned toward Han Li and tossed over a small box. "The deal is done. This is yours."
Though there was still a trace of reluctance in his eyes, it was far weaker than before. He also realized something strange his hostility toward Spirit Hall had noticeably faded, and he even felt a slight appreciation for this young man before him.
Han Li caught the box with a smile but didn't bother opening it, simply storing it away. Bai He, seeing this, couldn't help but nod slightly, his respect growing even further.
Truth be told, Han Li's actions weren't some calculated ploy.
The box was far too flimsy to block his spiritual sense. The moment Bai He took it out, Han Li had already confirmed that the Crystal Blood Dragon Ginseng was inside. There was no need to check again.
And honestly, if Bai He had tried to play some tricks… well, with Han Li's current strength, he wouldn't have minded sending him to meet the Asura God assuming Asura would even want him.
"Good. The deal is complete," Han Li said with a smile, glancing at the three men before turning to his own group and signaling their departure.
"Well then, we'll be taking our leave now. Oh, right Senior Yang, perhaps soon, Senior Wushuang and Yang Yan will no longer be restricted. You'll likely have more opportunities to meet them."
"As for what I said earlier, feel free to tell Clan Leader Niu Gao. As for the other one… that's for you to decide. As long as you don't cause too much of a mess, do whatever you like."
Han Li had taken a few steps before pausing to give one final reminder.
Yang Wudi and Bai He froze momentarily before realizing he was referring to the situation within the Strength Clan. They exchanged a thoughtful look before nodding.
Then, just as they thought Han Li was finally leaving, his voice rang out once more.
"Clan Leader Bai He, you should count yourself lucky that you were with Senior Yang this time. Otherwise, considering your relationship with Tang Hao… the Min Clan, well…"
Han Li trailed off, but Bai He immediately understood his meaning. His already bitter smile became even more strained.
Great. Just great. Haotian Sect again.
He barely got to enjoy its glory before suffering its consequences. And now, he was dragging his entire clan down with him.
"My sister has been gone for years. Tang Hao and I were never close," Yang Wudi suddenly interjected.
Han Li simply shrugged. "Doesn't matter what I think. Can you convince everyone else?"
If Bai He wanted to change public perception, he'd have to work for it. Han Li was just here to stir the fire it wasn't his job to put it out.
"Oh, by the way," Han Li suddenly turned to Bai He, "if you're looking for work, you might want to contact the Seven Treasures Chamber of Commerce. I guarantee it's a better deal than whatever you've got going on now."
The Min Clan was full of top tier laborers cheap, efficient, and highly productive. There wasn't a better workforce for logistics and transportation. And with the right incentives, they'd be even more motivated.
Bai He hesitated for a moment before giving a slight nod. He knew this was Han Li throwing him a lifeline.
The Seven Treasures Chamber of Commerce was a massive rising force, deeply tied to Spirit Hall. Even the Min Clan wouldn't dare investigate too deeply, fearing the consequences.
At the moment, he could only nod. Whether they followed through would depend on discussions with Yang Wudi and Niu Gao. Finding proper work for their clansmen wouldn't be easy.
"So… no name to leave behind?"
Just as Han Li's group was about to move again, Yang Wudi's voice called out.
"Ah, look at me forgetting my manners."
Han Li turned, his usual smile still in place, and finally revealed his face.
"I am the Holy Son of Spirit Hall Han Li."
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