"Hahaha, look at these two beasts. I raised them since they were young. Da Hu, Xiao Hu, pick whichever one you like!"
As Hua Hu Li introduced them, Su Han immediately looked at the two black tigers before him.
He had to admit, these black tigers were incredibly majestic. They stood at least three meters tall, a head taller than ordinary black tigers. Each had an exquisite saddle on its back, making one want to ride it and gallop away.
"I'll take this one, Da Hu!"
Su Han observed their sizes. Da Hu was larger and possessed more strength, while Xiao Hu was slightly smaller but extremely agile.
"Da Hu... you'll follow this kid from now on. From this moment on, you must obey his commands, understand?" Hua Hu Li earnestly instructed.
Evidently, Da Hu seemed quite displeased, fidgeting as if begging Hua Hu Li not to send it away. However, after Hua Hu Li's comforting words, Da Hu could only resign itself and follow Su Han!
Soon.
Su Han familiarized himself with Da Hu and, in no time, had mastered its usage. He felt as if Da Hu were a super mount; not only was it incredibly fast, but its combat power was also astonishing. Da Hu could handle minor threats like small fish and shrimp on its own.
"Thanks, Sister Hu Li."
After thanking her, Su Han prepared to take his leave. According to their prior agreement, Hua Hu Li had provided him with an overview of the Spirit Realm City.
It could be said that the Spirit Realm City was currently a dragon's den and a tiger's lair!
Hundreds, even thousands, of Emperor Realm powerhouses had joined the Holy Altar, making its strength unfathomably deep. If he went now, his chances of survival would be slim.
Moreover, he himself had not yet truly entered the Emperor Realm. Therefore, after discussing it with Hua Hu Li, Su Han decided to wait for half a year before they would journey to the Holy Altar together.
During this half-year period, both of them needed to make final preparations!
"Good brother, after you return, you must prepare well. In half a year, if that Ye Clan fellow Ye Wu Shuang can also reach the Emperor Realm, the three of us Emperor Realm experts, combined with my black tiger army, should make those old geezers dare not act rashly. Oh, and when you go back, remember to bring those two girls from the Xue Clan. I heard they are both experts in dual cultivation!"
"Uh... you know about that?"
Su Han was somewhat shocked. He hadn't expected Hua Hu Li to know about that. This indicated the astonishing reach of Hua Hu Li's intelligence network.
"Alright, Sister Hu Li, there's no need for pleasantries between us. Since you've been observing me from afar for so long, you must know my character. I will never yield to those old geezers. The Holy Altar's reckless actions are something I, Su Han, will never condone. You can rest assured, I will never secretly join the Holy Altar..."
Su Han's assurance eased Hua Hu Li's worries considerably. Before he left, in her excitement, she gifted Su Han another ordinary black tiger. Although not as powerful as Da Hu, it was a decent mount.
Su Han did not refuse and immediately gave it to his attendant, Ye Ling Shan.
...
Three days later!
After a long journey, Su Han finally returned to Blue Star. The reason he rushed back before the major conflict was to seize the remaining half-year to consolidate his cultivation.
"Su Han, didn't you say you'd help me become emperor? What's going on, bringing me to Blue Star?"
The Third Princess was anxious. She had previously reached an agreement with Su Han: Su Han would support her ascension to the Xue Clan throne, and she, in turn, would exchange cultivation insights with him.
Yet now, Su Han had brought her and her sister, Xue Yuan, back to Blue Star.
"Don't rush. In half a year, if you both cultivate diligently with me on Blue Star, when we return, I guarantee you'll both be emperors. How about that, hahaha..."
As Su Han spoke, Xue Yuan and Xue Ling both showed expressions of disdain. Su Han's words sounded like empty promises. However, the two had no other recourse, as Su Han's strength had far surpassed their expectations. Moreover, both of them had, in their own ways, developed a strong interest in Su Han.
Of course, Li Fei'er had also returned with them!
As someone with peak alchemy talent, she was originally a sought-after figure among the major sects of the Spirit Realm, able to easily find a master to learn from. However, Li Fei'er, missing home intensely, insisted on returning.
"Su Han, I'm really grateful to you this time! Thank you, and I apologize for my previous attitude. When I return, I'll spend another half-year with my family before seeking apprenticeship..."
Su Han nodded. After all, Li Fei'er had left in such a hurry last time, making it difficult for a girl of her age, barely twenty, to accept.
"That's fine, Fei'er! I will be heading to the Spirit Realm again in half a year. During this time, you're welcome to seek me out anytime. Don't worry, whether you come or not is up to you. If you're not interested in alchemy, you can learn some real combat skills from me instead!"
Su Han chuckled. He didn't want to be too harsh on Li Fei'er. The girl had suffered quite a bit in the Spirit Realm, and it was time for her to enjoy some comfort.
Upon returning home, Su Han bid farewell to Li Fei'er and, taking only Xue Yuan and Xue Ling, headed to the Mysterious Bureau. As the Grand Elder of the Mysterious Bureau, Su Han was essentially its leader.
His plan for this return was to take Xue Yuan and Xue Ling on missions, slay some monsters, and then enjoy some good food and drink. The thought of such a leisurely life made Su Han feel delighted.
"The Grand Elder has returned..."
"Quick, notify everyone, the Grand Elder is back!"
"Grand Elder, you're finally back! Waaah..."
The entire Mysterious Bureau erupted in tears and excitement, swarming towards Su Han.
However, what puzzled Su Han was that the atmosphere felt somewhat off this time. The Mysterious Bureau was surprisingly sparsely populated, with many of his former colleagues nowhere to be seen.
"Hmm? What's going on? Where did those guys go?" Su Han asked.
Upon hearing this, several old members of the Mysterious Bureau immediately reported to Su Han!
"Grand Elder, you have no idea how miserable our Mysterious Bureau has been in your absence... We've been targeted by those Western trash organizations! We've engaged in skirmishes with them no less than a hundred times recently, and our people have suffered heavy casualties..."
"Grand Elder, those fellows have one goal: to annex us! I heard they have a formidable company behind them, one that has already taken control of those Western Mysterious Bureau personnel..."