"The ten cultivators you challenged—though each of them has a relatively modest level of cultivation—have gained extensive experience through frequent sea voyages to hunt demonic beasts and through constant competitions and duels against fellow island cultivators. In terms of combat experience and tactics, they far surpass ordinary cultivators. It's no surprise at all that even cultivators with a few levels higher than theirs could fall to them!" Wen Qiang expressed his amazement, murmuring in admiration. "Nothing special, Master Han. I'm merely fortunate!" Han smiled politely. As for combat experience—he certainly didn't lack it himself! "By the way, Master, are you here to handle some formalities at the Hall of Ascension?" The young man glanced toward the green mountains and then smiled warmly. "Yes, Master Wen has guessed correctly. I indeed intend to register for permanent settlement on the island, and also wish to secure a suitable place for cultivation and residence." These matters were nothing to hide, and Han spoke them with calm confidence. "Ah!" Han Li has visited the Dengxian Pavilion several times already, so why not take my friend along for the journey? It's just a matter of convenience. Otherwise, with this Qingyun Mountain so vast, it would indeed be difficult to find. Upon hearing Han Li's words, the young man immediately suggested without hesitation. Seeing how enthusiastic and proactive the other was, Han Li was slightly taken aback and continuously thanked him. Thus, the two of them flew side by side toward the large mountain ahead. "Our island's Qingyun Mountain features not only the three major peaks—Tianzhuyu Peak, Tianxiao Peak, and Tianmen Peak—but also 367 smaller peaks. Countless caves and valleys of various sizes add to the landscape, making it truly abundant with places suitable for cultivation." As they flew forward, the young man enthusiastically described the mountain range to Han Li. "Of course, while most of Qingyun Mountain lies along a substantial spiritual energy vein, the concentration of spiritual energy varies significantly from one area to another." Generally speaking, the higher the mountain peak, the more abundant its spiritual essence. Thus, the thirty-six most spiritually vibrant peaks become the focal point of the island's spiritual land challenges, held every ten years. Anyone whose cultivation level surpasses that of the masters of these thirty-six peaks may challenge them at will; the victor will then inherit and become the master of that peak. As for the other peaks, their spiritual essence varies only slightly—once a cultivator reaches the Foundation Stage, they automatically gain access to one of these peaks as their place of cultivation. Qi-stage cultivators, however, are typically limited to seeking out valleys or caves for their practice. "Can Foundation-Stage cultivators independently own a mountain peak?" Han Li was genuinely surprised. "Yes, though the Foundation-Stage cultivators on this island have already secured most of them. As for us Qi-stage cultivators, we won't be able to enjoy such an advantage." The young man said with a touch of self-deprecating humor. "Ah!" Han Li's mind raced with various thoughts, and he felt a growing sense of excitement. "Oh, right—the three main peaks are so towering; wouldn't their spiritual essence be even more abundant?" Han Li suddenly thought of something, and casually asked. "Of course. The highest peak, Tian Zhu Peak, is the island's spiritual eye—the place where Master Mu Long, the island's abode, cultivates. It's strictly off-limits to other cultivators. I hear Master Mu has reached the Jian Dan stage, mid-level, and possesses remarkable abilities. As for Tian Men Peak and Tian Xiao Peak, they are the residences of the two deputy island masters, Yuan Jun and Kan Qin. While not as exceptional as Tian Zhu Peak, their spiritual essence is still several times stronger than that of other areas on the island." Wen Qiang spoke with a touch of admiration in his tone. "Wen brother, are the two deputy island masters also Jian Dan-level cultivators?" Han Li raised a brow slightly, asking gently. "Not only are they Jian Dan-level cultivators, but they are also a married couple practicing dual cultivation together." Wen Qiang said with a composed nod. Upon hearing this, Han Li unconsciously furrowed his brow slightly. It truly came as a surprise to him that a single Qi-Xing Island should have three Jin-Dan stage cultivators. While quietly pondering this, Han Li had already, together with Wen Qiang, entered the interior of Qingyun Mountain, occasionally encountering other cultivators who were also riding their vehicles through the air. Yet, these cultivators merely glanced at the two of them coldly before continuing on their way without further notice. Half an hour later, Han Li finally reached the summit of a higher mountain peak, guided by Wen Qiang. There, atop the peak, stood a modest two-story pavilion. The pavilion had been constructed for some time now, yet its exterior was worn and dilapidated, with a wooden plaque hanging on the door missing a corner and bearing three slightly crooked black characters: "Deng Xian Pavilion." Upon seeing this, Han Li was momentarily stunned. "This must be...?" Though the sign was clearly visible, he still found it hard to believe, and turned to Wen Qiang to ask. "Though I'd rather not admit it, this is indeed the Deng Xian Pavilion," the young man replied with a look of resignation, spreading his hands. "All right, then!" I'll leave it here. By the way, the senior in charge of the Dengxian Pavilion has a rather odd temperament—please be mindful of that!" The young man waved farewell to Han Li and, as he was about to part, transmitted a voice message of reminder. Han Li simply glanced at him with a calm expression, nodded slightly without much thought, and then settled himself gracefully before the pavilion, walking steadily toward it. Yet, as soon as he reached the doorway, a slightly sharp and stern voice reached his ears. "Come in! The door is closed." At this, Han Li was momentarily startled, yet without hesitation, stepped inside the pavilion. Inside, Han Li was utterly amazed. The interior stood in stark contrast to the pavilion's exterior, adorned with magnificent splendor! The floor was covered with a precious, vividly red silk that shimmered brilliantly, while the walls were embellished with gold and jade, countless sparkling gems gleaming continuously. In the corners of the pavilion, there were several lush, vibrant flowers—species that Han Li had never seen before. In front of Han Li stood an odd stone bed, glowing with a faint blue light. Though the exact material of the bed remained unknown, it was clearly an exceptionally rare and precious artifact. On the bed, a middle-aged man lay half-sitting, his face pale and worn. He wore a vibrant crimson leather robe, his hands cradling a large white pearl, gazing quietly at Han Li. Then, a flash of brilliant light in his eyes, he glanced at him thoughtfully. "I heard a new monastic disciple has arrived on the island, defeating members of the guard squad with only five layers of cultivation—can it possibly be you?" The middle-aged man casually stroked a pearl in his lap and suddenly asked, with an air of indifference. "Upon hearing this, Han Li was first taken aback, then broke into a wry smile. How remarkably coincidental! Did this person intend to stand up for his disciple? Han Li felt a growing sense of unease. 'Rest assured,' the middle-aged man glanced at him coldly, 'this is merely a matter between your younger generations. I will not treat you unfairly. However, in five years' time, I hope you will once again challenge my rather unremarkable disciple. Regardless of the outcome, I will not hold this against you.' With that, he spoke with a steady, composed tone. 'Should the elder have such a request, then I, as a junior, shall certainly not hesitate to comply!' Han Li's mind eased, and he immediately responded with enthusiasm. Seeing Han Li's prompt and sincere acceptance, the middle-aged cultivator was first momentarily surprised, then smiled with satisfaction. 'Now, I shall arrange for your settlement matters,' he said, raising his hand and flashing a white glow. Instantly, the pearl vanished. Then, slowly rising to his feet, he continued speaking." The settlement procedures turned out to be quite simple. The middle-aged man produced a golden scroll from his person and inscribed Han Li's name upon it, and that was all. Naturally, the green jade card Han Li had originally used when he arrived at the port would be collected, and replaced with a new blue jade pendant. This blue jade pendant shimmered with a gentle glow and was, in fact, a low-rank magical artifact. According to the man, it offered a modest water-resistant effect, which proved quite practical. Then, the man drew out a silver-bound illustrated volume from his person and tossed it to Han Li. "Any spot glowing with golden light has already been occupied. The white ones are vacant and suitable for cultivation. Choose whichever you prefer! Ahem... ahem..." The man seemed to be in poor health; he spoke a bit hurriedly, and kept clearing his throat intermittently, as if seriously ill.