"No, several years ago, when I was assisting Master Ma with the herb garden, the Blood-Color Trial also took place then, didn't it? Why does Sister Chen ask this now?" Han Li raised his head and answered calmly. Chen Qiaoian's face turned pale suddenly. After biting her lower lip, she said stiffly, "No? But I remember that Master Han had been away at the time—seemingly just right in timing!" "Ah, at that time I was preparing for the Blood-Color Trial, so I went out to purchase some artifacts and scrolls. There was no unexpected incident, however," Han Li calmly denied. Upon hearing this, Chen Qiaoian remained silent for a while, only coldly gazing at Han Li, her stare so intense that Han Li felt a bit uneasy. "Then there's nothing more to say. You may go, Master Han. I would like to be alone for a while." A faint trace of disappointment flickered on Chen Qiaoqian's face as she gently turned her head aside, her voice carrying a sense of weariness. Han Li sighed, knowing that no matter whether she believed his words or not, Chen Sister would no longer disturb him. He had clearly conveyed his distant yet respectful feelings, and with her proud nature, she would naturally not keep coming back to him. "Sister, then I shall be off!" Han Li bowed slightly and turned away without hesitation, stepping out of the garden. Only after Han Li's figure had completely disappeared did Chen Qiaoqian turn back, gazing toward the garden gate with a complex expression, and murmured softly, "Could it be anyone else? Among those with your level of ability in the valley who were away at the time, only you, Han brother, fit the description!" After saying this, she gracefully walked up to a fully bloomed peony flower, extended her jade-like finger, gently bent it, and skillfully plucked the vibrant, dewy bloom, placing it lightly beneath her nose to inhale its fragrance. With the sweet scent filling the air, Chen Qiao became completely immersed in her own thoughts. Han Li stepped out of the garden, took a deep breath, shook his head slightly, and then hurried back into the hall. The others, seeing that Han Li had returned so quickly, were somewhat surprised. Yet no one dared to be impolite and step forward to inquire about the matter. Even when a few light remarks about Han Li and Chen Qiao were exchanged, Han Li merely smiled calmly, showing no sign of discomfort. Not long after, Chen Qiao also entered the hall, maintaining her usual composed demeanor and continuing to chat quietly beside Zhong Wei Niang. Seeing this, the others naturally felt embarrassed to bring up the matter again and promptly shifted the conversation back to the topic of preparing for battle against the Black Death Sect. Time flies by swiftly; the daytime passes quickly. The cultivators of Huang Feng Valley have already returned to their respective homes, making final preparations for the great battle. Though each one believes their numbers of Jianji-level cultivators are vastly superior and thus victory should be assured, they remain exceptionally cautious—after all, no one would risk their own lives with carelessness. Nevertheless, the excitement within them is hard to contain, especially when they think of the numerous benefits awaiting them after the complete destruction of the Black Shad Sect's stronghold. Usually, such opportunities to openly besiege Jianji-level cultivators arise only rarely—though, of course, there are exceptions when facing mortal combat with Daoist cultivators, where one's head is literally on the line. This time, however, the Black Shad Sect boasts no mere handful of Jianji-level cultivators, but a significant number. They surely will be able to claim a share of their fine materials and exquisite artifacts. Particularly the younger sisters and fellow disciples who came to lend support—many of them have come precisely for this very reason. Otherwise, how would anyone spontaneously come here to fight, merely relying on empty words about eliminating the evil cultivators? Han Li remained inside the room, quietly inspecting the several puppet beasts in his hands, while the four companions from Mengshan stood respectfully before him, clearly treating Han Li as their leader. Since Han Li's fellow cultivators arrived, the stoic elder had indeed hoped to approach them, make some friendly connections, and secure some benefits. Yet neither Song Meng nor the others, nor later arrivals such as Chen's sister, regarded the elder, a mere Qi-stage cultivator, as anything more than a minor figure. After a few blunt remarks, they simply dismissed him. This made the elder clearly aware that not every Qi-stage cultivator among the Seven Great Sects was willing to engage in friendly relations with them—thus, his respect for Han Li grew even stronger. "Regarding this battle against the Black Devouring Sect, regardless of the outcome, you need not attend—better to leave immediately and take refuge outside the capital tonight." The puppet beast in Han Li's hands flashed with white light and was instantly stored in his storage scroll. He then spoke calmly. "But, senior, how can we possibly retreat at such a critical moment?" the elderly man with a stern expression quickly interjected on behalf of the others. "This isn't a matter of retreat or hesitation. You simply can't get involved—you'd be sending yourselves to certain death merely by stepping in. Here are several upper-tier spiritual artifacts. Take one each. This shall serve as my parting gift." Han Li shook his head slightly and smiled gently. As he brushed his robe across the table, several gleaming, refined spiritual artifacts appeared. Han Li certainly had more than his share of upper-tier spiritual artifacts—indeed, he had collected an impressive number, having defeated so many foundation-stage cultivators. Yet, he had no intention of offering these to the group. For these upper-tier artifacts, even to the individual cultivators at the qi stage, were already quite valuable gifts. If he brought out top-tier spiritual artifacts, it might反而 stimulate the greed of these several individuals, making it even less favorable for him to eventually win their loyalty. Indeed, upon seeing these artifacts, the four companions from Mengshan all expressed delight, repeatedly expressing gratitude, and pledged that should any future need arise for their assistance, they would be more than happy to serve Han Li—anytime he called upon them. Satisfied with the promises he had hoped to hear, Han Li generously honored them by personally escorting them all out of the Yuecheng City, leaving them deeply moved. However, just as they were about to depart, the stoic elder suddenly pulled Han Li aside privately, speaking with care: "Master, will Sister Wu no longer be part of the Heishada Sect? Master need not say anything—our brothers already know this, and even our fourth brother has sensed a few clues." Yet no one had yet pointed out this layer of the window curtain—after all, the fifth sister had become deeply entangled, and perhaps it would be best if she simply ceased to appear before us brothers. With these words, the elder seemed to have shed a heavy burden, and with a renewed sense of courtesy, he bowed and departed. Han Li remained in place, gazing at the fading figures of the four companions from Meng Mountain, still pondering the deeper meaning behind the old man's final words. A moment later, Han Li suddenly smiled faintly, then drifted back toward the city. ...When he returned to Qin's residence, the sky had grown dark. The people of Huang Feng Valley had already gathered in the hall, dressed and ready to go. Yet he was surprised to find that his third senior brother was not inside. Han Li turned to Song Meng, who was wiping a blue-longsword artifact, and asked in astonishment: "Fourth brother, where is the third brother?" "Master Liu is going to try again to persuade the sixth brother. If the martial brother agrees to join him, the battle tonight will be even more promising." But in my opinion, Liu Shengxiang has simply wasted his time! If Wu Xuan had agreed to help, he wouldn't have left in the first place!" Song Meng said without looking up. "Have you gone to find Sixth Brother?" Han Li furrowed his brows, just about to ask further questions, when Liu Jing had already returned alone from outside, looking unusually puzzled. "Liu Shengxiang, is your Wu brother still unwilling to come? If that's the case, then it doesn't matter whether he joins or not—we nine are more than enough to handle the Black Shad Sect's forces." The eldest male disciple among the fellow students, who appeared to be the oldest, spoke with calm indifference. "That would indeed be a relief! The real issue is that I haven't seen Wu brother at all during this entire visit!" Liu Jing sighed and said slowly. Everyone else, including Han Li, were now startled. "What's going on, Liu Shengxiang? Isn't that timid young man staying at the inn nearby? Has he already checked out and returned to the monastery?" Zhong Weimang blinked her large eyes, speculating, "Not true! I spoke with the innkeeper. After Wu's younger brother left early yesterday morning, he has not returned since. Moreover, his personal clothes and bedding have remained untouched—clearly not as if he had returned to the valley." Liu Jing shook her head, her voice filled with concern.