In the evening, Qin Yan was pacing back and forth in the study of the Qin household. Early this morning, a servant who had gone to deliver meals to Han Li reported that Han Li was not in his room at all—seemingly having not returned all night. This news had not caused Qin Yan much concern, though. He wasn't worried about Han Li's safety per se, but rather afraid that the bodyguard might suddenly decide to leave without notice. How would the Qin family then respond to the magic sect's growing threats? "Qin Ping, go check again whether Master Han has returned. As soon as you have any news, come straight away!" Qin Yan ordered, sounding rather anxious. "Yes, sir," Qin Ping replied respectfully, secretly pleased. Then he dashed out of the hall. In his view, the more Qin Yan cared for Master Han, the more certain he was that he had made the right choice—Han Li's rise to prominence within the Qin household seemed all but assured. "Why bother so much, sir? It's quite normal for a young man to go out and explore occasionally. There's no need to be so urgent!" The third consort, whom Qin Yan had most cherished, was also present in the hall. Though her words were intended to defend Han Li, there was a clear undercurrent of bitterness in her tone. It was only natural—since Han Li had arrived at the Qin household, Qin Yan had been constantly accompanying him, closely involved in every aspect of his life. As a result, the once-favored Qin sons and daughters, including those of the third consort, had been largely overlooked. Now, the latter could hardly contain her growing resentment. "Hmph! What do women know?" Qin Yan certainly understood the meaning behind the third consort's words. Yet, with his family's very lives hanging in the balance, he could hardly afford to dwell on these petty squabbles. He gave her a sharp glance and then turned away, paying her no further attention. Qin Yan's demeanor naturally only deepened the third consort's sense of being overlooked and hurt. Though she knew her husband detested women's outbursts and tantrums, she had to suppress her frustration and silence herself. Yet, her growing displeasure toward Han Li only intensified. It wasn't clear how long it had been before Qin Ping suddenly rushed back with a beaming smile, and as soon as he entered the room, he shouted loudly, "Lord, Mr. Han has returned, and he has brought several guests with him. Mr. Han would like the Lord to arrange for these guests to stay near his residence." Upon hearing this, Qin Yan finally let out a deep breath, his anxiety easing. As long as this esteemed guest didn't simply vanish without a word, whether he brought a few friends or even a dozen or more, he would have no complaints at all. "Then, let's have the Qing Yin Courtyard accommodate them near Mr. Han's residence. Don't overlook his guests," Qin Yan said without hesitation, which only made the third lady's expression more strained. "Yes, I'll go and arrange it right away!" Qin Ping hurried out once again, full of energy and enthusiasm. "Lord, isn't this a bit awkward?" "Our Qin family is large and well-established—having several strangers suddenly move in must seem rather abrupt, isn't it?" Lady San still couldn't help expressing her cautious concern. Her words weren't entirely directed at Han Li, but rather reflected her genuine sense of unease. Upon hearing this, Qin Yan was slightly taken aback, but after a moment's hesitation, she waved her hand and said, "It won't be a problem at all. Han Li's friends will certainly be fine." Hearing Qin Yan's so tender and protective tone toward Han Li, Lady San was completely at a loss. Beyond the wilderness outside the city of Yuejin, relying solely on his powerful spiritual awareness, Han Li successfully erased the blood curses of the four individuals he had previously encountered. He then led them to the only middle-aged woman who remained stationed there. To his surprise, they were able to retrieve her without any difficulty. Though slightly surprised, Han Li also removed the blood curses from her and brought them all back to Qin's residence. While it was certainly possible for these individuals to find lodging elsewhere, Han Li still felt uneasy about them. Without his constant supervision, he could not guarantee that the Five Friends of Mengshan would remain loyal and steadfast in their alliance against the common threat, despite his prior debt of blood curses to them. Human nature is indeed unpredictable! Today, they might be deeply grateful and willing to risk their lives for you, but tomorrow they might find their own survival more important and be ready to do anything—however ungrateful or dishonorable—to protect it. Han Li found this entirely understandable. Moreover, they didn't necessarily share any close bonds with them, and likely valued their own lives more than anything else! Of course, if one applied the same restrictions and used toxic remedies to them, one could certainly force control over them. But in that case, in their minds, they would probably see themselves no different from those others. Over time, they would surely retaliate against such treatment. If the goal was merely to leave an unfavorable impression on them, Han Li wouldn't mind employing this method. Yet deep down, Han Li still harbored other thoughts. Should the seven sects truly withstand the demonic forces' invasion and resume their former cultivation routines, Han Li intended to identify a few individuals specifically to gather formulas for elixirs and raw medicinal materials. This way, he wouldn't have to constantly travel around, and could instead devote all his time to rigorous cultivation—his progress would surely improve significantly. And the five companions from Mengshan, with their cultivation levels neither weak nor overly strong, were precisely the ideal candidates. Therefore, Han Li did not intend to resort to underhanded means to forcibly control them. Yet Han Li also had a clear self-awareness—he knew that without sufficient benefits, even a novice cultivator would never continue serving other cultivators as a mere errand runner. Moreover, he needed to spend some time getting to know these individuals personally before he could feel confident in their qualities. All decisions would have to be made after this matter concluded. "...Indeed, we are quite ashamed! To this day, aside from having met a few cultivators who were also taken captive alongside us, we have not even seen the true faces of the two individuals who have been issuing orders. Our knowledge of them remains quite limited!" The young man finished his remarks and offered a wry smile. "Nothing remarkable. We now know that the opposing faction is called the Black Devouring Sect, and that they primarily capture people to refine their evil cultivation techniques—this is more than sufficient," Han Li replied calmly. "Nevertheless, Master Han! Shall we simply remain here, waiting for reinforcements to arrive before taking any action?" "The middle-aged woman who had just been rescued suddenly asked a cautious question. The other four listened intently, turning their concerned gazes toward Han Li, waiting to see how he would respond. Han Li inwardly sighed with a quiet smile—these individuals clearly hoped to minimize their interactions with the Black Death Sect. Yet, as for the Seven Sects, where could they possibly send reinforcements? Currently, each sect is struggling to maintain even its own garrison forces in defense against the demonic forces. No matter how hard he tried to report the situation truthfully, he could be certain that no reinforcements would arrive. Fortunately, upon returning, he had sent a request for assistance via his contact at Huang Feng Valley within Yuejing, briefly outlining the situation to Li Hua Yuan. While the sects themselves might not take immediate notice, would Master Li truly ignore this matter? After all, he had willingly incurred such significant trouble solely to serve Master Li—and had to endure it all, holding on steadfastly without even considering escape. Otherwise, if he couldn't handle the situation, how could he possibly have managed to stay put? He would have long since fled!" But as for exactly what reinforcements would come, Han Li truly had no clear idea—perhaps a few of his senior disciples would be sent, he thought to himself. On the surface, however, Han Li replied with ease, "Of course not. At the very least, we must gather more detailed information about their outposts and key figures before the reinforcements arrive. Only then can we launch a coordinated strike. Otherwise, staying put at Qin's residence and merely waiting would be too passive. It would give them ample time to track our movements, which would be highly detrimental to us. We must absolutely prevent them from settling in and making their final preparations!" "Rest assured. From the descriptions you've given of those two commanding figures of the Black Shad Sect, I already know who they are. Once I capture them alive, I'll have half of the story about the Black Shad Sect clarified." Han Li spoke calmly, as if he had anticipated this all along. This remark first stunned the group, who then all expressed surprise and admiration, further deepening their sense of Han Li's profound insight. "Very well! Since Master Han has a plan in mind, we shall follow your instructions without hesitation," the elder with a stern face declared firmly. Han Li nodded in satisfaction. "Let's act tonight. The faster we move, the less prepared the others will be." Han Li narrowed his eyes and spoke coldly. "Tonight?" The five companions from Mengshan could not help but look surprised.