Han Li pondered the information he had just received. Though he didn't know what lay ahead, this strange floating palace clearly resembled the "Blood Trial" of the Yue state. It had been entirely built by ancient cultivators from the wild, barbaric times. While there were many treasures within, he was certain dangers would also be unavoidable. The inexplicable expression the Jade-Yin Master had just displayed made him feel particularly uneasy—what strange plans might he have? Perhaps he should simply withdraw immediately and make his exit. Yet, hearing the old masters say that this place was only accessible once every three hundred years, if he now stepped back, he might never have another such opportunity. This made Han Li hesitate once again. As he struggled to decide, a voice from the side spoke up—“Young man, what precious item of the Jade-Yin lineage do you possess? Otherwise, why would he have shown such a reaction toward you?” "If I'm not mistaken, young man, you're going to have quite a rough time!" Pyongu's voice, though calm, clearly carried a tone of mockery. Hearing this, Han Li coldly snorted and immediately replied, "Should the Master of Jiyin Island be aware that you're here, I'm certain he would be even more delighted. He would likely take the time to properly establish a master-apprentice relationship with you." "Do you dare threaten me?" Pyongu's expression darkened upon hearing Han Li's words. "Not at all! In my capacity as a senior disciple and with my current standing, how could I dare make such a move? However, I urge you not to take pleasure in my misfortune. Should my life be in jeopardy, I might inadvertently say something ill-considered that could draw you into the spotlight." Han Li spoke with a composed demeanor. Pyongu remained silent for a while. Just as Han Li thought the other was growing increasingly irritated and would no longer bother him, a cold, detached voice suddenly reached his ears. The content of the words startled him at first, but then filled him with sudden delight. "Would you like to form a Yuan婴 together?" "Senior, what exactly do you mean?" Han Li suppressed his excitement and asked calmly. "Ha ha, what's so difficult? My words are simple. I know of a method that greatly increases the chances of successfully forming a Yuan婴. This item is located within the Xutian Hall. Beyond that, there is no other way. If you agree to join forces with me and take the opportunity to eliminate Jiyin—the rebellious disciple—I will personally show you where this item is and explain in detail how to succeed. How does that sound? Know this: if it weren't for my cultivation path, which is rooted in the realm of spirits and ghosts, this method would be entirely useless. I won't give this item to you under any circumstances. And even if you refuse to cooperate with me, Jiyin will likely come to you on his own. Then, hehe…" Xu Gu spoke with a blend of persuasion and threat, clearly not concealing his deep animosity toward Master Jiyin. After hearing this, Han Li neither immediately agreed nor declined, but simply sat there in quiet contemplation. His brows were slightly furrowed, his expression deep in contemplation. The young man, taking the form of the Xuan Gu elder, was equally composed, calm and unhurried. He believed that as long as the cultivator had reached the Jian Dan stage, no one could possibly resist such a compelling invitation. All he needed to do was patiently wait for Han Li's response. At that moment, Ji Yin Master and Wu Chou had arrived at an empty pillar beside the elderly scholar, engaging in casual conversation with him. From time to time, they would exchange a few words with the warm-named beauty. Yet, after wiping the sword, the woman simply drew it back and settled into a meditative posture, her eyes closed, never lifting her eyelids—seeming completely indifferent. Despite this cold treatment, Ji Yin Master remained unfazed, neither angry nor embarrassed, maintaining a warm, smiling demeanor—clearly possessing a deep level of composure and insight. Han Li glanced at the scene with a slight shift of his eyes, growing increasingly wary of Ji Yin Master. This person was not only deeply accomplished in cultivation, but also far more astute in mind than most. Had it not been for this, how could the old Xuan Gu Magician have fallen at his hands, suffering such a fate that he had to abandon his original path and instead pursue the ghost and spirit realm, sealing off his very path to reincarnation? To Xuan Gu, this was a source of profound resentment, one he would have dearly wished to crush to dust! Nevertheless, regardless of the long-standing grievances between Xuan Gu and Jiyin, now he has found himself squarely under the watch of this individual. This is truly a serious matter for her! While it's true that at present, she lacks even the chance to escape when facing a Yuan Yin stage cultivator, she still has a slim chance of successfully evading confrontation should she choose to stand her ground. After all, the gap between a Jade Condensation stage and a Yuan Yin stage cultivator is simply too vast. Even with her formidable artifacts and the Golden-Feeding Insects, she would likely only be able to withstand a decisive defeat. After pondering this over, Han Li finally transmitted a voice to Xuan Gu, asking: "Could you please give me a bit more detail about what you've mentioned? I can't simply believe you at face value and immediately face off against "Of course, as long as you're willing to join forces with me, even if I didn't mention it, I'd reveal some details anyway." Xuan Gu's face subtly brightened, and he quietly transmitted his words back. Han Li listened and said nothing further. Instead, he simply sat there, gently closing his eyes, pretending to be refining his qi. "That item is called the 'Nine-Curve Spirit Ginseng,' a substance formed from the essence of heaven and earth. Though its physical form is merely a type of spiritual herb, it possesses remarkable vitality. From the moment it comes into being, it transforms into various animals or insects, capable of moving independently and especially adept at burrowing through soil and wood. I first witnessed this creature within the Void Sky Hall many years ago. However, at that time, my cultivation level was still low, and I lacked the appropriate artifact to capture it—so I had to set it aside. When I came back the second time, I had already attained the Yuan Ying stage, and thus, I no longer needed to expend effort on such a matter. Now, it's your lucky day." Xuan Gu spoke with a touch of reluctance. "Nine-Curve Spirit Ginseng?" Han Li exclaimed This herb, Han Li has long heard of its fame. It's said to be a true immortal herb! Though he has seen its name mentioned in many spiritual herb treatises, Han Li always thought such a thing would only have appeared in the wild, during the more primitive times. Could it be that the Xutian Hall still possesses this very herb? After all, finding one or two such herbs among these ancient cultivator sites isn't entirely impossible. Yet this Nine-Curve Ling-Shen Root is particularly beneficial for consolidating a true Yuan-Infant. He had never heard of this specific use before. The treatises mention its properties only vaguely, with no reference to this particular function. Could the old demon be deliberately deceiving him, faking this information to mislead him? Han Li began to doubt. Perhaps sensing Han Li's hesitation, Xuan Gu later added, "Don't worry! When you reach the second gate during the breakthrough, I'll personally assist you in securing this herb." Then, after I have dealt with that rebellious disciple, I will give you another secret recipe for a medicinal elixir. Simply follow the steps outlined in the recipe, and you'll be able to greatly enhance your chances of successfully condensing your true essence. However, this visit to the Xutian Pavilion has brought me one other thing of vital importance—something that will prove immensely beneficial to my future cultivation. If you can lend me a hand at that time, my confidence will grow significantly. Thus, I have actively removed your doubts and added a condition that is neither too burdensome nor too trivial, effectively easing most of your reservations. "Very well! If you truly have the strength to defeat Jiyin, then I will gladly assist you." Finally, Han Li agreed, and the two had forged a temporary alliance. Yet this alliance remains fragile—how long it will last is far from certain. It is likely that their relationship will dissolve precisely when Jiyin is finally extinguished. Nevertheless, Han Li felt a deep sense of relief. According to the old master's tone, he had visited the Xutian Pavilion no less than once. With such a seasoned ally, it was finally much better than the earlier situation of being completely lost. At the very least, he could now glean some basic information about the Xutian Pavilion from the other party, and remain trustworthy before facing Jiyin Master. Thus, after establishing a verbal agreement with the other party, Han Li began subtly probing into the Xutian Pavilion's general situation through indirect questions. After lengthy private discussions with the Xuan Gu Magistrate, Han Li's expression grew increasingly grave. It seemed that opportunities and dangers always went hand in hand—this journey to the Xutian Pavilion truly appeared fraught with peril. He couldn't help but take a light breath. Then, he truly immersed himself, beginning to cultivate and meditate. Within this hall, Han Li no longer needed to worry about any sudden attacks. For he had already tried—it was only with minor spells like floating techniques that he could manage. Once he summoned a significant amount of inner qi, it immediately leaked out, preventing successful spellcasting. Even his internal法宝, which should have been accessible, remained lifeless and utterly unable to be activated here. The seals in this place truly were astonishingly refined. Subsequently, over the following five or six days, more and more cultivators arrived in the hall, gradually accumulating to over a hundred. The upper ends of the jade pillars were soon completely occupied. Those cultivators who arrived later had to settle on the ground at any available spot, temporarily resting until further notice.