Chapter 63

Within the Immortal-Trapping Formation.

In front of Hongniang, several young and handsome men stood poised, their fair features and dashing demeanor making them appear as paragons of elegance. If they had been on Piao Miao Peak, they could’ve easily caused thousands of hearts to flutter—girls screaming themselves hoarse.

But for someone like Hongniang—an old "cured meat" among the sect's elders—such appearances weren't worth a second glance.

"Han Luo, don’t think your martial aunt has a taste for this sort of thing."

Hongniang placed a hand on her forehead in mock distress. Although she was the youngest among her senior brothers, she was still several hundred years old—long past the age of chasing after pretty faces. No matter how charming the façade, only a legendary hero might stir her heart now.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, the illusion shifted.

A stage rose from the earth. Standing atop it was a man with the bearing of a noble immortal—elegant and stately, exuding an aura of divine confidence. He wore a feathered ceremonial crown, a robe of pale golden yellow embroidered with precious patterns, and boots adorned with coiling dragons. A jeweled belt cinched his waist, and he wielded a trident-shaped spear with effortless ease.

The moment she laid eyes on him, Hongniang was briefly stunned by the figure’s commanding presence—eerily reminiscent of a famous general from ancient tales.

But before she could fully react, several trident-shaped blades surged from the ground, hurtling toward her at lightning speed.

Hongniang didn’t miss a beat. Crimson ribbons unfurled around her body, snaring the blades with graceful precision. She hopped onto one of the weapons like a bird in flight, her movements as elegant as they were beautiful.

"You little brat—if you don’t undo this array right now, don’t blame your martial aunt for destroying it. And don’t you dare go crying to your master afterward, saying I bullied you."

She pouted dramatically, knowing full well Han Luo was watching and playing along.

As her voice faded, a winding path opened beneath her feet, the dangers vanished, replaced by blossoming flowers and soft grass. At the end of the trail, Han Luo strolled toward her with a warm smile.

"Martial Aunt Hongniang, my apologies. I was cultivating in seclusion just now and didn’t realize you had arrived. Please forgive me."

He greeted her politely, though inwardly he was reeling. He’d done it on purpose—to use Hongniang as a test subject for his Immortal-Trapping Formation. Though the array was close to the fourth grade in power, it was technically still a third-grade formation—not much of a threat to a Golden Core cultivator like her. Had she used her full strength, she could’ve crushed it instantly.

"You brat—were you trying to get back at me for ‘stealing’ your beloved junior sister? Is that why you had those trident blades full of killing intent aimed at me?"

She narrowed her eyes and jabbed playfully at him, her tone sweet but laced with mock suspicion.

Hongniang was well aware Han Luo had used her to test the formation. If it had been anyone else, she would’ve taught them a lesson. But since it was him, she had her own playful ways of retaliating.

"Martial Aunt Hongniang, how could you say such a thing? I wouldn't dare. Besides, since my junior sister is now your goddaughter, I’m thrilled beyond words. There's no such thing as resentment here. You’ve truly wronged me."

Han Luo kept up his respectful front. He knew that while he might one day surpass her, today was not that day. Until then, it was best to stay humble, maybe tease a little here and there—but never cross the line.

True geniuses rise above. The ones who can't? They’re nothing but forgotten footnotes.

"Giggle~"

Hongniang chuckled, charming and seductive. She slung an arm over his shoulder.

"But just a moment ago, when you activated the formation, you certainly weren’t this humble."

Han Luo quickly withdrew, feigning embarrassment.

"Martial Aunt, please... have some decency. I’m still just a kid."

As a transmigrator, the idea of flirting with someone several centuries old—even if she looked young—felt… unwholesome. Like fondling a piece of century-old cured meat. He had standards.

Hongniang giggled again, clearly enjoying his discomfort.

Yep, I’m consistent—I like them young, clever, and fun.

"You remained calm even within my domain. Impressive temperament. No wonder my precious goddaughter could complete seven rounds of spiritual refinement in such a short time under your guidance."

Han Luo only smiled at the praise.

"You cheeky brat, wasn’t it you who told Xian’er to drop hints to lure me here? Come on, speak up. Whatever your terms are—just say it. Any condition, I’ll agree. Don’t waste this rare chance."

Her expression was playful, teasing.

Since you’re not into the girls of Piao Miao Peak, I guess I’ll have to take matters into my own hands. I’ll endure the teasing from the others—for the sake of ascension, I’ll suffer a little.

Han Luo cleared his throat, trying not to falter.

There was something in her presence—an aura—that constantly assaulted his spirit. Thankfully, the recent mental strengthening from his visualization technique and the support of the Immortal-Trapping Formation and the bronze mirror helped him withstand it.

Golden Core cultivators really were terrifying.

"Martial Aunt Hongniang, let’s speak elsewhere."

He waved a hand, opening a portal to a spot beneath the phoenix tree atop Luoxian Mountain.

"Hm?"

Hongniang noticed the shift in energy as the portal appeared and blinked over in an instant.

As she stood atop Luoxian Mountain, watching white tigers and qilins frolic below, true dragons and phoenixes soaring above, she was visibly stunned. Then she recalled the visions surrounding Shen Xian’er and understood the cause of the scene.

"Senior Brother Yun Yangzi said your talent in formations rivals even the grand elder’s. I didn’t believe it until now. You’ve merged a vision phenomenon with the Immortal-Trapping Formation—brilliant, truly brilliant."

She stretched her long legs and settled onto the grass, basking in the sun and breeze. To her surprise, some of her long-stagnant cultivation bottlenecks began to loosen.

"Woof!"

A big yellow dog wagged its head as it rubbed affectionately against Han Luo’s leg.

"A six-time refined spirit beast?"

Hongniang raised a brow in amazement.

"Come here."

She beckoned, and Jiutong obediently trotted over, nestling at her feet for pets.

"A mutt with less than ten years of natural life, yet you’ve raised it into a powerful spirit beast and even pushed it through six refinements. What’s the matter, showing off now?"

Han Luo flushed. He’d been caught.

He sighed. Yep. You really have to tread carefully around these old-timers—one slip, and you’re exposed.

"My apologies for the showboating, Martial Aunt."

"We’ll settle that later. For now, speak—why did you call me here?"

This was tactfully said.

Though she had intended to ask how Shen Xian’er achieved such rapid refinement, this way she retained the upper hand. If negotiations were to happen later, she had the leverage.

"No rush, Martial Aunt. Why not enjoy some coffee I brewed myself while we wait for the others?"

He handed her a cup.

She took a sip and lit up.

"You always bring out such fascinating things—I like it. Give me more."

She didn't bother with courtesy, and Han Luo happily obliged. Just as they chatted, a ripple echoed through the Immortal-Trapping Formation—another visitor had arrived.