After hearing the encouraging words from Master Zhong Ling, two attendant disciples entered the hall, each carrying a tray. One tray held a storage sack with golden edges, while the other carried a small pile of mid-tier spiritual stones of various colors—clearly the time had come to fulfill their earlier promises. This, in itself, was a form of pre-battle encouragement, thought Han Li with a touch of malice. The mid-tier spiritual stones were generally available for each disciple to take according to their individual needs. Han Li already had one earth-element and one fire-element stone, so he simply took a blue water-element stone, which no one contested. However, when it came time for the disciples to draw their items from the storage sack, their expressions grew serious and attentive. This storage bag is quite different from ordinary ones. With most storage bags, one merely extends their consciousness into it and channels spiritual energy to retrieve items. This bag, however, completely blocks the cultivator's consciousness from probing, requiring no spiritual energy input—only the hand needs to be inserted to draw out a spiritual artifact that has been shrunk to just a fraction of its original size. The exact nature of the retrieved item, however, remains uncertain and must be judged solely by tactile sensation. It appears this storage bag was specifically crafted for the purpose of extracting spiritual artifacts. Otherwise, its practical utility would fall far short of that of a standard storage bag—how would anyone use it? Though all items inside are of upper-tier spiritual artifacts, defensive ones are notably rarer than offensive ones, and the artifacts are typically either all defensive or all offensive, with a clear distinction in quality and effectiveness. Being able to retrieve a suitable artifact significantly enhances one's chances of survival during the Crimson Trial. For those, especially students who are particularly short on spiritual artifacts, this becomes a matter of great importance. Han Li didn't give it much attention. Last time he visited the market, he had emptied the wondrous collection of the Wan Bao Pavilion, securing two top-tier artifacts alone—let alone later obtaining the Qing Jiao Flag and several other upper-rank artifacts. Adding one more upper-rank artifact wouldn't warrant such excitement from him. When Han Li approached, most of the attendees had already drawn their items, and everyone silently agreed not to disclose what they had received, nor did they wish to display them publicly. With one hand, Han Li reached into his pouch, fumbling randomly, and eventually grasped something unusual. A spark of recognition passed through him; without hesitation, he withdrew it from the storage bag and glanced at it briefly before subtly returning it to the pouch. At that moment, someone behind him eagerly stepped forward. Seeing this, Han Li promptly yielded his spot and returned to his original position. Immediately after the ritual objects were drawn, several new arrivals entered the hall. Many of them were the various heads of departments that韩立had met when he first entered Huangfeng Valley. Among them was Ye Xing, the elderly master whom Wang Shishe and Han Li had always looked down upon. These newcomers, in sharp contrast to their usual demeanor, all approached with respectful gestures, forming a respectful circle around a middle-aged man with a square face. Not a single person dared to engage in casual conversation. The elder appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, with slightly gray hair, yet he was energetic and in excellent health, his complexion bright and vibrant. His eyes, sharp and commanding even without expression, clearly indicated a person of strong character. As his gaze swept over the group of disciples, Han Li immediately felt as though every organ and function within him had been scrutinized in detail, leaving him deeply startled. Upon seeing the elder enter, the Grand Master Zhong hurried to greet him, repeatedly addressing him as "Master Li" with great respect, almost with an air of deference, which left the disciples utterly astonished. Yet the other senior officers remained composed, not only showing no sign of disdain, but even expressing admiration and envy as they watched the elder casually exchange a few words with Zhong Ling. It seemed that simply being able to speak with him and call him "Senior Uncle" was a rare honor. Under the astonished gaze of Han Li and the others who were unaware of this, Zhong the Master introduced the elder to the young disciples. It turned out that the "Senior Uncle" he mentioned was one of the senior cultivators in the Cong Dan stage—Li the Senior—whom Han Li and the others had long heard of but never met before. This journey to the sacred precinct would be led by Li the Senior, accompanied by five other senior officers, including Wang the Senior. As soon as Zhong the Master finished the introduction, Li the Senior promptly said just two words—"Depart"—and concluded their first meeting with the younger generation. Then she took the lead and left the hall. Han Li and the others stood there, wide-eyed and speechless, before finally rushing out after being urged by the other senior officers. As soon as they stepped out of the hall, the disciples gasped in astonishment. Hanging in the air just outside the hall's entrance was a colossal creature, over twenty zhang long, shimmering silver, suspended there with its immense form exuding a heavy, suffocating presence that made the crowd feel as though they were about to choke. Yet, Master Li stood calmly atop the creature's head, observing them with a cool, steady gaze. Before meeting Master Li, Han Li had always felt vague and uncertain about his journey in cultivation, lacking a clear sense of direction. However, after this astonishing experience, Master Li's profound and incomparable cultivation prowess had become a clear and steadfast presence guiding his path, firmly strengthening his confidence in achieving enlightenment. "Everyone, come up and stand steady! My silver-armored horned serpent flies much faster than any of you can ride your vehicles. We'll reach our destination in just two days!" Master Li, completely indifferent to the chaotic state of the people beneath him, calmly instructed after gently brushing his massive horn. Thus, Han Li and the others stood in trembling anticipation atop the great serpent, journeying through two days and two nights of continuous flight, finally arriving at this unnamed remote mountain. Master Li had indeed not exaggerated—this creature's flight speed was truly astonishing, far surpassing what Han Li and his fellow disciples could achieve with their current means of travel, especially considering that they themselves lacked superior flying vehicles. Only now, through the accounts of several officers, do the disciples learn that this location is the agreed-upon gathering point among the seven great sects. Only when all seven sects assemble will they jointly proceed to unlock the sealed sanctuary. Otherwise, no single sect alone can gain access. The scheduled time is tomorrow morning. However, since the sanctuary lies within Jianzhou and Huang Feng Valley serves as a partial host, the Valley's sect typically arrives one day early to await the other sects here. Now, the disciples are free to move about. They will need to line up together and wait in unison tomorrow. Since the officers have all confirmed this, Han Li and the others naturally scatter throughout the mountain, each engaging in various preparations for the impending great battle. Thus, twenty-some disciples in yellow robes sit cross-legged, conserving their strength; others carefully wipe and polish their magical artifacts; while a few stand motionless, looking deeply concerned, as though anxious about the coming events. Yet a few others remained composed, chatting and moving with the ease of someone on a leisurely outing. Han Li paid particular attention to them. At that moment, footsteps came from behind, causing Han Li to furrow his brow. He had deliberately chosen an unobtrusive corner to sit alone, hoping to go unnoticed—so why were others coming here? "A young disciple named Han," said a voice that was both elderly and smooth, "I would like to discuss the matter of your journey into the restricted grounds tomorrow. This concerns not only your journey but your very life and survival. Would you be so kind as to meet with me?" The voice, though not revealing the speaker's face, only deepened Han Li's skepticism. The elaborate presentation, though he had not yet seen the person's face, had already labeled him as insincere and untrustworthy—clearly, this visit was not a mere courtesy. Yet Han Li understood that it was better to offend a noble than a commoner. Despite his reluctance, he managed to turn around and greet the elderly man and the younger companion who had arrived behind him.