After a while, Han Li awoke from his contemplation, yet his expression remained unchanged. He continued to browse through the shop selling techniques and treatises. This time, there were no surprises for him, as the various techniques and the Five Elements spells available inside were quite familiar—he found them no different from those in Tiannan. The only notable difference was that there appeared to be more treatises on water-based spells, and indeed, several new spells he had never heard of before. Han Li purchased the treatises related to these new spells, as well as an incidental volume titled *An Evaluation of Alchemical Practices*. He had chosen this book because it contained a detailed description and appraisal of the "Dust-Reducing Pill" by a renowned master. He intended to study it carefully before deciding whether to agree to the Sixth Continuous Hall's request regarding this pill. With no further interest in purchasing other items, Han Li then took Qu Hun and directly left Tiandu Street, heading toward the city's outskirts. Not long after leaving the Kuixing City, Han Li and Qu Hun took to riding their enchanted vessels, soaring swiftly toward Gu Family Village. Half a day later, Han Li spotted the familiar earthen walls of Gu Family Village in the distance. Yet instead of immediately descending into the village, he descended first to a nearby small hillock, where he paused to visit the little wooden cottage he had personally built that day. The cottage still stood in its original spot, though it had clearly grown much older since Han Li had last left—it was even somewhat rotten and dark in places. After gazing at it for a while, Han Li sighed gently and then pushed open the wooden door, stepping inside. "Huh!" Han Li was somewhat surprised. Inside, it wasn't as dusty or musty as he had expected; rather, the room was spotless, with tables, chairs, and the wooden bed all immaculate. Even on the table stood a vase of an unknown blue flower. Han Li stood there, stunned, and then broke into a quiet, embarrassed smile. "It seems Gu's family has truly put in a lot of thought!" Han Li rubbed his nose, murmuring to himself. Then, without lingering, he stepped out of the wooden hut, leaving Qu Hun to remain on the mountain, and slowly made his way toward Gu's manor. Han Li did not intend to arrive by flying directly to Gu's estate, even though the outer seal there was no longer a significant obstacle for him. After all, Gu the elder was still a personal acquaintance, and it was only natural to be courteous. When Han Li reached the entrance of Gu's manor, two sturdy guards naturally noticed him. One of them asked with a hint of suspicion, "May I ask who you are, and what brings you to our estate?" "Tell Master Gu that a former acquaintance of mine from the Han family has arrived," Han Li said with a gentle smile. "Master Gu usually doesn't receive visitors. Hm, Han?... Is it possible you're the one from the Han Sect?" The tall man first refused outright, but after carefully examining Han Li from head to toe, he suddenly looked puzzled and asked, "Do you know me?" Han Li slightly furrowed his brow. "Indeed, you are Master Han! Master, please wait a moment—right away, I'll inform the head of the estate!" Without a word, the man dashed off toward the inner part of the estate. Han Li stared silently at the estate, saying nothing. Not long after, a large group of people emerged from within. At the forefront stood an elderly man who, upon seeing Han Li, beamed warmly and greeted him enthusiastically, "Master Han! Finally, you've arrived! I've been waiting for you for years!" The elder quickly approached to pay his respects, and the others behind followed suit, all bowing respectfully. Han Li gazed intently at the man's familiar face—wasn't he Gu Dong? Only now did he notice that the man's hair was white and he looked somewhat frail. "Master Gu, I hope you're well!" Han Li said, his expression easing slightly. Under the warm reception of Gu Dongzhu, Han Li entered the grand manor at the heart of Gu's estate. As soon as he stepped inside, Gu Dongzhu didn't wait for Han Li to speak—he immediately summoned someone to present him with a large bundle of spiritual stones and enthusiastically introduced several young members of the Gu family, particularly his eldest son, a thirty-something man named Gu Kai, whom he specifically highlighted. Seeing this, Han Li immediately understood Gu Dongzhu's intention: clearly, he felt his own days were numbered and wished to secure some support from Han Li, his immortal master, in the future. Han Li smiled calmly, acknowledging the past connection with a vague, courteous acceptance. Gu Dongzhu was delighted and immediately proposed hosting a banquet for Han Li, but was gently declined. After a few more conversations, Han Li then drifted gracefully out of the estate. Once outside, he summoned Qu Hun from the hillside and took off toward a nearby town. In the town, Han Li casually checked into a guest inn and stayed there, reading the book *An Evaluation of Alchemical Techniques* all night long, unable to sleep. By the next day, he had a general understanding of the various alchemical preparations in Luan Xing Hai, and had read the *Jiang Chen Dan* over and over again. According to the book, this Jiang Chen Dan required not only the inner hearts of several rare mythical beasts but also a variety of uncommon spiritual herbs—making it truly precious. Indeed, it possessed a remarkable effect of enhancing the likelihood of achieving the Dan Stage, though it was said that the success rate was not particularly high, and only one pill could be consumed during the critical moment of Dan Formation. Still, for many cultivators facing the challenge of Dan Formation, this was a treasure beyond measure—since even a one-percent increase in chances was highly desirable. Yet, Han Li himself knew well that the Six-Connected Hall had chosen such a rare and valuable medicine as compensation. The matter, therefore, could not be as simple as they had described—merely involving the hosting of a ritual. If they go, it's surely going to be quite dangerous—there's no telling what kind of difficulties they might encounter. Yet Han Li truly longs for the "Jiangchen Pill." After all, whether he or Qu Hun is facing the crucial step of achieving Dao Body cultivation. He doesn't even expect to succeed this time. Though Qu Hun's Shada Body cultivation has a one-third success rate, the likelihood of failure remains high. He simply cannot bear to let go of this "Jiangchen Pill." After pondering deeply in the inn for half a day, Han Li finally decides to take the risk. After all, when the time comes, he and Qu Hun will both be late-stage Foundation Stage cultivators, so even if there are dangers, self-protection should be manageable. Moreover, he observes that the Liulian Hall appears to be a powerful force. Establishing a connection with them would surely prove beneficial for their future standing in this turbulent Star Sea. However, before that, he needs to inquire among other cultivators about the actual reputation of the Liulian Hall. Don't let it go to waste when the matter is finally settled—only to have the other party turn cold and ungrateful right away! Once he had made up his mind, Han Li immediately took Qu Hun and set off toward "Kuixing City." ... Half a month later, a colossal sea vessel entered the harbor of Kuixing Island. Soon after, two beams of bright white and blue light sped in from afar and entered the ship without hesitation. After the light faded, three figures emerged at the bow of the ship: one was a tall, somewhat unattractive strongman, another a man with an unusual, ancient appearance, and the third a young man of ordinary looks. "Welcome, both of you, esteemed immortals, to our vessel," said a sturdy man with broad brows and a strong presence, stepping out from the cabin. "My name is Luo Zheng, the captain. All the other immortals have already boarded. I shall be pleased to show you the locations where the demonic beasts have been spotted." The immortals he referred to, of course, were Han Li and Qu Hun. The middle-aged man who had accompanied the two was Cao Lu, the manager of Bai Shui Building. "Master Qu, take good care of yourself! I have some matters to attend to, so I shall be off now." After exchanging several polite greetings, Cao Lu ascended into the air and departed. "The two of you may enter. Your rooms have already been prepared. The ship is about to leave the dock." The man with broad brows bowed respectfully and stood waiting. Han Li glanced at the cabin and, together with Qu Hun, entered silently. The man who introduced himself as Luo Zheng followed closely behind. At the same time, the massive ship began to move gently once more. As soon as they entered, Han Li was momentarily struck by what he saw. Instead of the narrow corridor he had expected, he found himself in a magnificent hall, measuring over ten zhang in both length and width. The hall was carpeted with a red brocade rug, and at its center stood a long mahogany table inlaid with gold and silver. Several chairs were arranged around it, where a group of people were already conversing. Upon seeing Han Li and Qu Hun enter, they immediately cast sharp glances at them—though their gaze swept only briefly over Han Li, it settled firmly on Qu Hun. "This is Qu Hun, my junior disciple Han Li. May I ask your names, esteemed friends?" Qu Hun stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Han Li, and spoke with a composed demeanor.