Han Li observed the guards closely. Though they showed no fluctuations of spiritual energy, each of them was physically agile. What most intrigued him, however, was the cylindrical device. These guards, lacking any spiritual energy themselves, were able to identify cultivators solely through this object—a truly remarkable feat. Han Li glanced at the cylinder several times, more intently than before. Wang Changqing, standing beside him, noticed this and smiled, offering an explanation: "That's the Spirit Disk—it allows us ordinary people to recognize the identities of cultivators!" "Spirit Disk?" Han Li was slightly taken aback by the term, but immediately recalled that a palm-sized jade disk was indeed embedded at one end of the cylinder. He nodded gently, saying nothing. Then, while Han Li watched with a calm, detached expression, the beast carriage proceeded along a paved stone road, heading toward the city center. The pedestrians were numerous, moving continuously and bustling in all directions, with the activity growing more vibrant as they approached the heart of the city. The clothing of these people was mostly white; even where other colors appeared, they were light yellow, pale green, or other soft, delicate shades—there was not a single person dressed in vibrant attire. Clearly, there was a distinction in status among them: often, one or two individuals in more elaborate garments walked ahead, followed by three or four in slightly worn clothing, evidently servants. Eventually, due to the large number of people and animal vehicles, Han Li's vehicles had to slow down considerably in order to make progress. After much effort, the animal carriages finally reached a vast plaza at the city's center. The plaza covered several acres and was truly crowded—Han Li looked out and saw dark heads everywhere. People from all directions continued to pour into the plaza without cease. Along the perimeter of the plaza, numerous shops were open, each filled with bustling crowds. In the midst of these shops, there were also temporary stalls, each equally crowded. In the middle, a larger crowd was bustling with animated conversations, lively and vibrant. Han Li's eyes nearly widened with the intensity. He estimated that, with people standing so densely packed, the square must be crowded with at least tens of thousands. The beast vehicle could no longer advance. Gu Dongzhong stepped down first, leading Han Li and the others on foot toward a palace-style building at the edge of the square. This structure stood about fifteen zhang high, clearly taller than the other buildings. A line of guards stood at the grand entrance, holding gleaming spears and stationed there, preventing others from approaching freely. "Today is the market day of the Qiuxing Island, held once every three months. Therefore, the people of Dongshi City have increased several times over compared to usual. Essentially, residents from nearly a dozen towns in the eastern region come to trade for rare goods that are otherwise hard to find," Gu Dongzhong explained as they walked forward. Han Li smiled faintly and followed him to the palace. Gu Dongzhushu approached the guard and exchanged a few words with him; upon gesturing, the guard waved them inside. Thus, Gu Dongzhushu promptly invited Han Li and Wang Changqing to enter together. As soon as they stepped through the hall doors, the atmosphere became cooler and more serene. Along the corridor beyond, several dozen individuals of apparent status were gathered in small groups, whispering to one another. Upon seeing Gu Dongzhushu's arrival, they all cast wary glances toward him. At that moment, however, the purple wooden door at the far end of the corridor opened, and a young man in a white robe stepped out. He appeared in his twenties, with a refined and clean-cut appearance, seeming rather delicate and gentle. "Ah, is this Mr. Gu?" the young man said kindly, glancing at Han Li. "All the others have arrived, but the Gu family has yet to come. However, only those participating in the challenge are permitted entry. Mr. Gu, you will have to wait here for the results." With that, he bowed politely to Gu Dongzhushu. The young cultivator's cultivation level became clearly evident under Han Li's inspection, ranging roughly from the 4th to 5th stage—very much comparable to Han Li's current level. Seeing this, Gu Dongzhǔ could only cast a hopeful glance at Han Li before nodding and stepping aside. Han Li maintained his composed demeanor as he walked through the wooden door, which then closed automatically behind them. "My name is Wen. You may call me Wen Qiang. However, I notice you seem unfamiliar with me—perhaps you're a new cultivator who has just arrived at our Kuixing Island?" As he led Han Li through the door, the young man turned back with a warm smile and asked. "My name is Han Li. I only arrived at Kuixing Island last month!" After several weeks of practice, Han Li had finally become quite fluent in the local language. "Ah, truly impressive! At your current level, you're already brave enough to venture out and explore—what a bold spirit! As for me, I've never left Kuixing Island since I was born here." The young man expressed his admiration. Hearing this, Han Li gave a light smile and said nothing. Then, Han Li followed the young man straight through to a circular hall, where thirty or so cultivators of various expressions were either seated or standing. "It seems everyone has arrived," said an elderly man with a serene, noble bearing, sitting across from the crowd, "Let's draw lots right away. The competition will be one-on-one, with only injuries allowed—no fatalities. Otherwise, the winner will be disqualified." Among the group of Qi-level cultivators, he was the only one with a Jianji-level foundation, clearly the one in charge of the event. As soon as the young man entered the hall, he hurried to stand behind the elder, hands folded. The elder paid no attention to him and instead produced a jade cylinder of a clear hue, inside which were twenty-some bamboo slips. "All who wish to challenge should draw one slip. Those with the same number will first compete against each other; only the victors will be eligible to challenge the representatives of the current merchants." Upon hearing this, most of the thirty attendees turned their attention toward the jade cylinder. The jade cylinder suddenly emitted a layer of emerald light, enveloping the bamboo stick within. The consciousnesses of the others were automatically repelled outside this glow, some even feeling a slight impact, their bodies wavering slightly. Among those who hadn't used their consciousness to probe the cylinder, the practitioners slated for challenge showed expressions of envy and satisfaction. After all, they naturally hoped the challengers—like Han Li—would suffer as much as possible. Though Han Li's strong consciousness could easily penetrate the light, he would certainly not make such a conspicuous effort. Thus, after exchanging glances, the cultivators one by one took turns to draw the bamboo sticks. As Han Li drew his stick, he glanced sideways and noticed an odd silver symbol. He furrowed his brows slightly—he had indeed forgotten about this matter; he simply didn't recognize the local script! Yet Han Li maintained a composed expression, calmly gathering the stick as though nothing had happened. "Number One," the elder said coldly. At once, two cultivators each holding a bamboo skewer stepped forward. "You go to the platform on that side and compete there. There, a spell array has been set up, which will protect it from spell damage. As long as you secure the other's bamboo skewer and deliver it to me, you win. I won't inquire about the methods or means you use—only that you do not kill your opponent." The elder spoke without hesitation. "Yes, Master!" The two bowed to the elder and proceeded toward the open platform visible at the back of the hall. Upon the platform glowing with a bright white light, their forms vanished. A short while later, they reappeared on the platform, somewhat weary. One eagerly handed the elder two bamboo skewers, while the other, subdued, simply walked out of the hall. "Number Two!" the elder coldly declared. ... Since cultivators at the Qi Condensation stage typically employ straightforward combat techniques, the outcome of their contest was determined swiftly. Even a pair of cultivators had just entered and stepped out moments later, both victors and vanquished beaming with joy. This made Han Li slightly puzzled. "Seventh," the elder called out, and immediately a cultivator stepped forward, while the other remained hesitant. The elder grew serious and called out "Seventh" again. Only then did Han Li finally step out, quickly apologizing, "Senior! I'm truly sorry. I mistakenly thought my number was nine—my eyes must have been playing tricks on me!" The elder paid no attention to Han Li's words, waved his hand impatiently, and Han Li promptly hurried alongside the other cultivator toward the platform. After a flash of white light, Han Li and his companion appeared in a realm of hazy white mist, with a space of several dozen zhang in the center, and white vapor swirling around the periphery. "Your cultivation level is two tiers below mine," the elder remarked. "I believe we need not continue fighting. Why don't you simply yield, friend?" "If by any chance I make a mistake and seriously injure my esteemed friend," the middle-aged cultivator said confidently to Han Li. Han Li glanced at his opponent, a seventh-level Qi Cultivator, who, like himself, had not even opened his protective shield, and smiled gently.