The so-called "Sealing Pillar" is actually a massive artifact specifically designed by ancient cultivators to seal off ambient spiritual energy and completely prevent its leakage. This rare artifact is typically employed in only two scenarios. One is to seal exceptionally precious spiritual herbs or medicinal plants, preventing their spiritual essence from dissipating due to energy loss—thus warranting such a substantial investment. The other is to stabilize powerful ghostly or spirit-type demons and monsters, ensuring they cannot transform or vanish. Regardless of which of these two cases applies, either one signifies that the discovery made by Han Li and his companions is truly significant. As for the medicinal herbs, if the Sealing Pillar is used to contain a particularly formidable ghostly entity, that entity is not only subdued but also incorporated into the artifact, becoming an optimal material to enhance the power of the artifact itself. Nevertheless, they also recognize that any ghostly or demonic entity capable of being sealed by such a pillar must be exceptionally powerful. It's possible that upon entering, they failed to subdue the demons and instead were themselves overwhelmed or reversed by their power. Thus, after exchanging glances, though all looked visibly surprised, none dared immediately propose to rush over and examine this pillar right away. After a long silence, Jin Qing finally sighed with a faint smile and murmured, "Well, this is indeed a bit of a headache. But since we've all invested so much effort, no one is likely to simply walk away now." "You two go ahead—myself, I absolutely won't be leaving! Even if there's no monster inside, I'm determined to try and tame it myself," said the Jian-family cultivator, arms folded coolly. "What about you, Hu friend?" Jin Qing smiled slightly, saying nothing, and turned to ask Hu Yue. "As you know, our independent cultivators prefer freedom and aren't bound by others' expectations. While we enjoy a good life of ease and comfort, we're generally much more financially strained compared to other peers of our level. This is a rare opportunity—I'm determined to make the most of it!" Hu Yue paused thoughtfully before finally making up her mind and declaring. Hearing this, Jin Qing did not seem at all surprised, and instead turned to Han Li. "I don't mind much. If most of you are willing to go, I'll also take a look." Han Li slightly raised his brow and said this calmly. He carried the "Severed Bamboo Cloud Sword," crafted from seventy-two thunder-bamboo spears—how could he be afraid of any demons or monsters? "Don't ask me. Though I'm only at the Foundation Stage, I happen to have a magical artifact passed down from my father. Even if I can't defeat them, I'll certainly be safe enough." Stone Di didn't wait for Jin Qing to ask, but simply tilted her head and spoke proactively. "Alright! Since none of you wish to leave empty-handed, let's settle on this pillar. But everyone should be a bit more careful!" Jin Qing sighed lightly and spoke with a cautious tone. "Hehe! That doesn't need to be said by Jin Daojun—none of us would take our own lives lightly. But let me say it now, right from the start." If there truly are any fierce ghosts or demons, then whoever manages to subdue them shall claim them—no competition allowed." The Jin-family cultivator's eyes flashed with unusual light, and suddenly spoke slowly. "Of course. If such beings exist, they will naturally be subdued by those who possess the skill and strength." Jin Qing immediately affirmed without hesitation. The others naturally had no differing opinions either, and upon seeing this, the Jin-family cultivator brightened noticeably, beaming with satisfaction. "Now, Master Jin, does it seem you have a special technique for subduing demons, which gives you such confidence?" Shi Die glanced at him sideways, asking with a half-smiling, half-quirky tone. "Well... I won't conceal this from my esteemed friends. The cultivation technique I've been practicing indeed includes a specific divine ability particularly effective against ghosts and demons. I had always thought it would never be put to use in my lifetime, yet today, I find myself ready to try it out." The Jin-family cultivator hesitated slightly before finally nodding and openly admitting it. "The black skull head the friend Han just used to defeat the demon-being appears to have been specially cultivated by the demon-mage itself—didn't Friend Jian find it quite challenging?" The Stone Immortal maiden still looked unconvinced. "Ah! Excuse me, Miss Stone. My own ability requires prior preparation to manifest. When facing that demon-being, I was somewhat unprepared, hence my current awkwardness," the Jian-named cultivator scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed. Upon hearing this, Stone Butterfly only slightly nodded and then turned back to gaze at the sealing pillar. "Since none of you wish to let go, then let's proceed! This sealing pillar is quite stubborn—it requires considerable force to rotate it several times before it can be toppled." Stone Butterfly spoke with a touch of excitement. Others looked at each other, somewhat puzzled... Though they were cultivators, their strength wasn't particularly great. Even with a powerful strength seal, they might not be able to move these massive stone pillars, thick as several grown men's bodies. Seeing this, Han Li furrowed his brow and silently instructed himself in his mind. "Let me take it," he said firmly, stepping forward. "I just happen to have a bit of strength." Qu Hu then stepped out and walked toward the pillars. Hu Yue and the others looked slightly surprised. After all, Qu Hu had rarely spoken since arriving here. Now, stepping forward to volunteer for this task, they found it quite unexpected. "Then thank you, Qu brother!" Stone Butterfly said with curiosity. Yet Qu Hu seemed completely unaware. In just a few strides, he reached the pillars, activated his strength seal, and then rolled up his sleeves. With a loud cry, he suddenly wrapped both arms tightly around the stone pillars. The stone pillar, towering about two zhang high, began to rumble and slowly rotate. Seeing this, everyone immediately grew excited. Qu Hu's arms were taut with prominent sinews, and a faint glow shimmered around his body. After rotating the pillar three full circles, he gave it a strong push to one side, then leapt backward with a sudden surge of momentum. Amid the roaring sound, the pillar collapsed to the side, causing the ground to tremble slightly and leaving a deep furrow in its wake—clearly, the pillar was incredibly heavy. Yet no one paid attention to the fallen pillar, instead all eyes turned to the large opening that had suddenly appeared in the ground where the Sealing Pillar had collapsed. This opening was dark and misty, with a cool breeze drifting out, and a small stone staircase extending straight downward into the earth. "Let's go!" said the Jin-family cultivator, gazing at the opening for a moment, then without further hesitation, stepped forward and began descending. The others hesitated briefly before following suit. By this point, no one dared to hesitate or retreat. Han Li watched the cultivators, their faces bright with excitement, file one by one into the cave, yet remained in place without immediately moving. He gently lifted his chin with one hand, displaying a thoughtful expression. Suddenly, he flipped his hand, bringing forth the glowing scroll that shone with a warm red light, and held it in his hands, playing with it. After a while, with a thoughtful gaze, he tucked the scroll away and walked toward the entrance of the cave. Qu Hu followed closely behind. The cave was deep—after a full minute, Han Li finally reached the end of the stone steps. Before him, a square hall of over twenty zhang in size came into view. In addition to the entrance, there were two semicircular side doors, one on each side, leading to unknown destinations. The ceiling was adorned with several night pearls, each the size of a clenched fist, casting a creamy light throughout the hall. The walls were dotted with subtle glimmers, as though some spell had been cast upon them, making the space exceptionally beautiful. Hu Yue and the others who had gone down first stood motionless at the center of the hall, intently gazing at the same spot, occasionally whispering to each other as if studying something in particular. Han Li, curious, stepped forward a few paces. "Is this it?" Han Li exclaimed, upon seeing clearly what everyone was focused on, his expression filled with surprise. Before him lay a skeleton of pure white, as delicate and luminous as jade, half-resting beside a small pond. A slender green arrow, about a foot long, was firmly embedded in the skull, pinning it to the ground—an appearance most eerie. Yet the crowd's eyes did not linger on the skeleton at all; instead, they were all animatedly fixed on a three-colored lotus bud floating in the pond. Though still only a bud, the lotus had already grown to the size of a bowl and radiated a glowing hue of green, red, and yellow. Most astonishing of all, at a few inches above the lotus, a delicate, shimmering seven-colored rainbow appeared spontaneously, sparkling brilliantly and radiating splendid beauty. Even the pool water lifting the colorful lotus was no ordinary clear water, but a thick, creamy white liquid, subtly exuding a distinct, fragrant aroma. "Seven-Cloud Lotus! No doubt about it—this is truly the thing. I thought it was merely a mythical tale passed down through error, yet here it is, real and tangible. That pool water... could it possibly be the legendary Thousand-Year Stone Milk?" Hu Yue stared straight ahead, murmuring in wonder. "Then it makes perfect sense that so many arrayed spells and seals have been set up, and that the spirit pillars have been used to encase it! With these two treasures, I’d still feel the need to add another dozen layers of seals." Shi Die maintained steady focus on the lotus, her expression utterly enchanted. "But who is this skeleton? Could it belong to the master of this estate?" Jin Qing, having recovered from her initial astonishment, glanced at the skeleton and asked with mild curiosity. "Who cares? We’ve made a real breakthrough! Though this Seven-Cloud Lotus displays only three colors, it will surely fetch a sky-high price at the auction hall." The Jian-family cultivator spoke directly, not turning around, his eyes filled with greed.