Chapter Forty-Two: Will You Miss Me?

Chu Han gave a faint smile, preparing to resume his fighting stance, ready to continue the battle. Duanmu Meng’er, however, pouted, sheathing her dagger.

“Let’s call it off. Right now, neither of us can do anything to the other. If we really fought to the bitter end, we’d both end up severely injured. Honestly, dying together with a ruffian like you would be a terrible waste.”

At this moment, Duanmu Meng’er had already formed an idea of Chu Han’s strength. Since they were evenly matched, continuing would be pointless. There would be time enough in the future to settle things between them.

Chu Han was perfectly content with this outcome; after all, he had no real desire to fight this woman. To be honest, she was blatantly a tomboy, and besides, he still hoped to extract some information from her.

“All right, then. Why don’t we go inside and have a cup of tea? I have a few questions I’d like to ask you.”

Chu Han smiled, stepping aside to let her pass. Duanmu Meng’er said nothing, simply walking inside. Chu Han followed behind, signaling to Tang Hao with a glance. Though Tang Hao was curious, he understood Chu Han’s meaning and immediately ordered the servants away, ensuring no one would disturb them.

Chu Han took the host’s seat, while Duanmu Meng’er sat as his guest. Soon, steaming tea was served. The two faced each other in silence, an awkward atmosphere pervading the hall.

“You’re not from this world either, are you? Where do you come from? What exactly is the Hongmeng Realm?”

Chu Han sipped his tea, getting straight to the point. He had a strong feeling that Duanmu Meng’er knew a lot about the Hongmeng Realm; even the technique she’d used to escape earlier was exceedingly rare—one he’d never even heard of.

After leaving the Hongmeng Realm, it was only by absorbing the realm’s pure lightning essence that he’d reached the Celestial Palace stage. Duanmu Meng’er’s rapid growth in strength was equally inexplicable. Clearly, this was no ordinary woman.

Duanmu Meng’er looked embarrassed at his question, hiding her expression behind her teacup.

“To be honest, I don’t know either. One day while cultivating, I was simply sucked into the Hongmeng Realm and ended up in the place where we met before. I really don’t know what the Hongmeng Realm is.”

She lied without batting an eye. In truth, she had fled to this world with the Hongmeng Realm to escape an arranged marriage, but she would never reveal that to Chu Han.

The Hongmeng Realm was a colossal secret for everyone. If it were ever revealed, chaos would sweep the world. Though she was prone to mischief, she knew when a matter was of true importance.

“Oh? Then what about the technique you used to escape that day? I’ve never heard of anything like it. And how has your strength grown so quickly?”

Chu Han raised an eyebrow, pressing further. Duanmu Meng’er grew visibly tense under his persistent questioning.

“That’s a secret technique of my clan—I can’t disclose it. As for my strength, well, that’s just due to my talent. I’ve always progressed this quickly.”

She forced a laugh, continuing to drink her tea.

Of course, Chu Han saw through her fabrications, but there was little he could do. It was still possible Duanmu Meng’er truly knew the secret of the Hongmeng Realm. If he could get his hands on that secret, he might even obtain the other half of the Thunder Emperor’s Law.

The two sat there, each harboring their own designs, neither speaking, the silence growing ever more awkward. No matter what he asked, she would never answer truthfully, leaving Chu Han at a disadvantage.

After exchanging a few more inconsequential words, Duanmu Meng’er rose to take her leave. Chu Han, realizing he could extract nothing more, simply cupped his hands in a polite gesture and saw her out.

“Chu Han, here’s a word of advice: the Hongmeng Realm is far more complex than you imagine. If you truly wish to enter it, you’d best focus on increasing your strength first.”

With that ambiguous remark, Duanmu Meng’er vanished into the night.

Chu Han pondered for a moment, the corners of his mouth curving up slightly. Duanmu Meng’er clearly knew a great deal about the Hongmeng Realm; she simply refused to speak of it. As for himself, he needed no reminder from her—if he wished for vengeance, strength was everything.

At that very moment, Duanmu Meng’er stood atop a rooftop, gazing at the distant Tang family residence with a sly smile. “Chu Han, I believe in your potential. I’ll be waiting in the Hongmeng Realm. When the time comes, we’ll see who is truly superior.”

The night passed in silence.

At this time, the Tang family’s prestige in Jingyuan City was unmatched. The Lin and Mo families had been utterly suppressed, posing no threat to the Tang family’s position, while their own standing grew ever more precarious.

The rebellion at the Lantian Camp had been completely crushed, and General Lantian had reappeared, demonstrating once again his formidable power. With the camp’s protection, the Tang family now walked unchallenged in Jingyuan City.

Over the past few days, Chu Han had been absorbing the piece of lightning-struck wood given to him by General Lantian. He had now reached the peak of the Celestial Palace stage, only a step away from the Dao Palace. Yet, that single step was the hardest of all.

He could have used elixirs to aid his breakthrough, but he refused. Unlike his previous life, this time he wished to rely solely on his own strength, to ensure his foundation was rock-solid and that he would never fear any opponent.

On this day, having just finished inspecting the businesses entrusted to him by Sun Hao, he wandered the streets idly. Liu Qingli, the spirited young girl, followed by his side—their handsome and beautiful appearance drew envious glances from all around.

“Brother Chu, I may have to leave Jingyuan City soon. If I leave, will you miss me?”

Usually lively and full of energy, Liu Qingli was now uncharacteristically despondent. Sensing the change in mood, Chu Han was about to inquire when she spoke first.

Her words took him by surprise. In his previous life, Liu Qingli had never left Jingyuan City, remaining there until his death. This time, however, things were already deviating from the past.

By now, the two had walked beyond the city limits, into a sparsely populated area. Clearly, the girl had something important to say.

Just as Chu Han was about to speak, several figures flashed out, surrounding them. There were more than a dozen of them, all clad in identical black garb, their faces obscured. Yet the aura they exuded marked them as formidable practitioners of the Wheel Sea stage.

“Who are you?”

Chu Han placed Liu Qingli behind him, his voice grave. These people were clearly here for him, and to send over a dozen Wheel Sea experts at once was no small show of strength.

Liu Qingli, too, grew tense. With her cultivation at only the eighth level of Body Refinement, she would stand no chance against such powerful foes, yet she did not shrink back. Raising her tiny fists, she was ready to act at any moment.

“Hand it over.”

The leader spoke, his voice hoarse and deeply unpleasant, though it was clearly a deliberate disguise.

Chu Han was momentarily confused by the abrupt demand, unable to fathom what they meant or what they wanted him to hand over.

“Who exactly are you? I’ve never met you before, nor have I taken anything from you. What is it you want me to hand over?”

He was exasperated. Though he did not fear these people, with Liu Qingli present, he preferred to resolve things peacefully if possible. After all, battle is blind, and he feared for the girl’s safety should things turn violent.