So was it a standalone initiative by the Gui Ling Sect, completely independent of the Six Sects and Five Passes of the Magic Path? If so, even the combined strength of the Yan family could easily handle the delegation from Gui Ling Sect, since the Yan family had a Ji Dan stage cultivator stationed there! After thinking this through, Han Li felt a great deal more at ease. Even if the pavilion collapsed, it would be the taller ones who would bear the weight! What secret plans might Gui Ling Sect have for this visit? As a mere Juzhi stage cultivator, what could he possibly do about it? He could simply rely on the Yan family's representatives to manage the matter. As long as he remained vigilant, he need not worry about the entire city being engulfed by a fire—like the proverbial "fire spreading from the city gate and affecting the pond." He wondered whether the others were thinking the same. After their initial shock, their expressions gradually calmed, and no one mentioned the matter again! In fact, they began discussing various insights and experiences from their cultivation journeys, which now captured Han Li's interest. Without hesitation, he joined the conversation. Time flew by quickly, and as the sky gradually darkened, the several individuals who had been speaking at length finally reached the moment to part ways after the other cultivators had departed. The exchanges of insights proved highly beneficial to all—especially the methods and opportunities that the mid-junior foundation cultivators had used to break through their bottlenecks, which left Han Li and the other early-junior foundation cultivators deeply satisfied with their visit. Clearly enthusiastic, the Wu-named middle-aged man then proposed that the group meet again the next day at a more secluded location, inviting several additional companions to continue the in-depth discussions, and also organizing a small-scale item exchange event—what a splendid idea! The suggestion received unanimous approval from the others, and Han Li naturally agreed without hesitation. Thus, after finalizing their arrangements, everyone gradually dispersed. Han Li then headed toward a guest inn specifically designated on the map for hosting visiting cultivators. This inn is located in the southeast corner of Yanling Fort, modest in size and quite unimpressive compared to the others, clearly falling short in stature. Therefore, it would naturally host only a small number of cultivators. Yet Han Li chose precisely for its quietness and sparseness—fewer people meant fewer disturbances and potential disruptions. Moreover, being close to the city walls, he would find it convenient to swiftly respond in case of any emergency, like a sudden incident involving the young lady, Tao Zhi Yao Yao. After all, the arrival of the Gui Ling Sect cultivators had still left Han Li somewhat uneasy. Making preemptive preparations, as a matter of habit, was simply his cautious nature. Indeed, the "Feng Yue Inn" proved to have only a modest number of cultivators, mostly those who preferred solitude or were naturally reserved. They remained in their rooms, rarely venturing out into the inn itself—this gave Han Li even greater satisfaction. He promptly settled into a cleaner room. As for Dong Xuan'er's current residence, Han Li had no intention of seeking it out; after all, he would surely encounter her during the start of the Treasure-Seeking Grand Assembly. At that time, all he needed to do was return to Huangfeng Valley with this young lady! Thinking thus, Han Li drifted off to sleep. As the many cultivators began to enter sleep or meditate to refine their qi, within a well-guarded room in the "Feiyun Pavilion"—the highest building and command center of Yanling Fort—a red-haired elder stood with his hands behind his back, pacing back and forth, his expression utterly composed. Nearby, three gray-robed elders stood at attention, their demeanor profoundly respectful. "Zi-jun, did the young disciple from Gui Ling Sect really say he would come to see me tonight?" the red-haired elder finally stopped, gazing calmly at one of the elders. "Yes, Elder! Indeed, after the tournament, the young master of Gui Ling Sect personally sent a private message to me!" the elder replied respectfully. "Hmm," the red-haired elder nodded without expression, yet a flash of light passed briefly through his eyes. At that moment, a middle-aged man in black robes suddenly entered the hall. He bowed respectfully and said, "Master, the three Elders—our guest has arrived and has been settled in the main hall. However, the two guards accompanying him are unwilling to wait outside. Several Iron Guard members attempted to move them, but ended up being restrained themselves—seemingly cultivators at the Jiadian stage. How to handle this situation, I beg Master to advise." "Cultivators at the Jiadian stage? That's not surprising at all! If the esteemed Young Master, the heir of the gate, has no guards at all, how could the Master of Gui Ling Sect be confident in sending him here? Let us go see for ourselves. I'm particularly curious about what the Young Master looks like beneath his mask—so secretive and cautious he is!" The red-haired elder, upon hearing the report from the black-robed man, frowned slightly, speaking with a tone of mild displeasure. Then he stepped out of the room first, and the others followed naturally. As soon as he entered the hall, the red-haired elder noticed a young man seated motionless at the guest seat, tall and slender, wearing a silver mask of a demon-god. Behind him stood two figures in green robes: one with deeply etched wrinkles, completely white-haired, appearing as if aged beyond measure; the other a young boy with bright white teeth and rosy lips, braided at both ends. In the center of the hall, seven or eight black-robed cultivators lay prostrate, each breathing heavily, unconscious, their faces filled with dark energy. "I thought it was someone else," the red-haired elder murmured, his eyes briefly narrowing upon seeing these two green-robed figures, yet maintaining his composed expression. He then walked toward the main seat, settled himself with a smooth gesture of his sleeve, and lightly clapped his hands twice. Instantly, several black-robed figures entered from outside, silently dragging the unconscious cultivators out of the hall. "Hehe, we never thought our reputations would reach such heights—even the elder of the Yan family has heard of us! That's truly a source of honor for us brothers! Nevertheless, this time, our two brothers are solely responsible for safeguarding the young master's safety. The real decision-maker is our young master himself. Should anything arise, please consult with our young master, Yan brother." The child-like youth smiled with genuine innocence, yet his voice came out rough and hoarse, like that of a broken gong, startling the Yan family members who had been on high alert. The red-haired elder, upon hearing these words from the two formidable magi, felt a sudden sense of seriousness. Such a young master—capable of making these two renowned adversaries so respectful—must indeed be no ordinary figure. His gaze settled firmly upon the young man wearing the silver mask. After observing him for a moment, he asked calmly, "Are you indeed the young master of Gui Ling Sect? Why do you wear a mask? Is there something you'd rather keep private?" "Actually, that's quite mistaken of me." The young disciple actually has a reason for wearing the mask—there's nothing particularly private or shameful about it. If the elder truly wishes to see, the young disciple is more than willing to remove the mask and present it to the elder." The young master of Gui Ling Sect smiled lightly, speaking with composure and dignity. "Hmph. What's so remarkable about a man's face? I have no interest in that at all! Rather, what brings the Gui Ling Sect people all the way to our Yan family? And why specifically to see me? Now that I'm here and you've seen me, there's no point in further delay—just get straight to the point. I have no patience for prolonged discussions or involvement in your affairs." The elder of the Yan family glanced coldly at the young master of Gui Ling Sect and spoke with unwavering directness, as if ready to intervene at any moment should things not settle. "Ah, well, if the elder has said that, then the young disciple shall cut through the formalities and speak plainly. My father has entrusted a letter to be delivered to the elder, and also wishes for the young disciple to convey two words to the elder." The young master of Gui Ling Sect found it remarkable that, despite the way the elder of Yan family treated him, he remained calm and composed—his grace was truly exceptional. "What letter! We have never seen one between our families, nor do we share any ties with the Yan family. What letter do you expect to deliver to me? And what's more, you're making such a big deal about 'delivered'—isn't that just playing games with me?" As the elder of Yan family spoke, he unconsciously glanced at the Li brothers, watching for any signs of reaction. Still, the elder of Yan family found it hard to believe that the one in charge was truly the young master of Gui Ling Sect. The Li brothers clearly sensed his skepticism, yet after exchanging a smile, they made no further move. At that moment, the young master of Gui Ling Sect drew out a jade scroll from his robes and stood up, stepping forward a few paces to present it. Yet Master Yan remained seated without a single movement, showing no intention of reaching out to take it. After glancing at the jade scroll, he spoke with cold detachment: "The letter can be reviewed later. For now, please state those two words. Only after I hear them will I decide whether to read the letter!" Upon hearing this, the junior master of Gui Ling Sect did not grow agitated. Instead, he gently exhaled through his mask and softly uttered two words, which he then delivered into the elder red-haired man's ears. Though the other members of the Yan family could not hear the words, upon hearing them, Master Yan's body suddenly stirred—he rose from his chair with a sharp breath, his face now deeply stern. "Bring the letter to me and follow me to the inner chamber!" The red-haired elder finally made up his mind after a moment of fluctuating expression. Thus, in the presence of numerous Yan family disciples, Master Yan led the junior master of Gui Ling Sect into a sealed chamber protected by multiple barriers and wards. The others, along with the two Dan-stage cultivators from the Li family, remained outside. These two showed not a single sign of concern, appearing highly confident in the safety of the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect. They waited there for the entire night. (Sorry, I had some family matters to attend to, which delayed me. I've finally finished writing now!)