This lady is not particularly stunning in appearance, yet after her smile just now, she suddenly became exquisitely charming. This surprised Han Li quite a bit! If it weren't for the fact that the Daxian Ju cultivation technique within him showed no reaction, Han Li would have almost believed she had employed some refined charm arts. Thus, his earlier awkwardness now seemed rather puzzling. Han Li muttered to himself a few times, then turned back to gaze at Zilin, the immortal maiden, who had already returned to her modest, unassuming appearance—her once breathtaking charm had vanished completely. As Han Li pondered this, the gray-robed elder approached them. "My name is Ge Li from Tian Tai Island. May I know your names, esteemed friends?" The elder bowed politely and greeted them. Han Li set aside his lingering doubts, smiled warmly, and replied, "My name is Han Li. This is Zilin, the immortal maiden from Miao Yin Sect." When the elder heard the name Han Li, his expression remained unchanged. But upon hearing the names of Miao Yin Sect and Zilin, he could not help but show a touch of surprise. "I have long heard the distinguished name of Zilin, the noble disciple of Miao Yin Sect. To finally see her in person today is truly a great fortune!" Though he spoke these words with courtesy, a clear sense of bewilderment lingered in his eyes. Clearly, Zilin's appearance did not quite match the grand reputation she had earned. This was more than a little unexpected. Zilin herself sensed the elder's polite tone and merely smiled gently, saying nothing. Yet the elder was no ordinary man—he quickly regained his composure and smiled warmly at Han Li. "Since we have all been transported to this place together, it seems our paths have truly converged. Why not pool our efforts and pass this trial together? After all, the realm of spectral anguish ahead is no easy feat. It is said that many cultivators who have reached the Jian Dan stage have been entirely devoured by the spirits, leaving behind nothing but their bones." As Guo Li spoke towards the end, his expression grew more serious, as though he were well-informed about the affairs of the Virtual Heaven Hall. When he mentioned the land of the ghost grievances, Han Li glanced toward the distance. He saw that, about fifteen zhang beyond their small hillock, the landscape was uniformly gray and misty, with endless gray-white vapors drifting endlessly. Faint gusts of cold wind blew through the mist, accompanied by intermittent cries and wails of ghosts, making one feel a deep chill. These ghostly vapors were held back by a faint, translucent glow near the hillock, unable to advance even an inch. Otherwise, Han Li and his companions would have been too preoccupied to discuss their strategies calmly, and several wandering spirits would have already begun to haunt them. Observing this, Han Li raised his head and looked upward. The sky above was equally hazy and indistinct, making it difficult to perceive anything—clearly not inside a hall. If it were truly in the countryside or wilderness, Han Li would have believed it more readily. At this point, after listening to the old man's words, the Zi Ling Lady also expressed her growing concern and interjected: "I've heard as well that the first trial, the Spirit of Unresolved Grievances, was originally not difficult. However, since more and more cultivators have been trapped in the ghost mist, it has become increasingly perilous. The spirits of those who have fallen into the mist carry intense resentment, and upon their deaths, they transform into powerful, formidable yì pòs—spirits of fierce wrath—deeply hostile toward us visiting cultivators. As soon as they encounter us, they are determined to eliminate us without compromise. Consequently, during recent openings of the Xutian Hall, an increasing number of cultivators have perished at this very stage. Moreover, it's said that during the last opening of the Hall, a group of cultivators encountered the Ghost King himself—fully conscious and active—within the Spirit of Unresolved Grievances. The entire group was wiped out, with only one survivor managing to escape and ascend to heaven." "The Ghost King?" Han Li stroked his chin, showing a touch of surprise. Though he wasn't entirely clear on the specific cultivation ranks among ghost beings, he knew Moreover, as these spectral beings have developed human-like intelligence, they prove exceedingly difficult to deal with. Upon seeing Han Li's thoughtful expression, Ge Li promptly added, "I fully understand that encountering the Ghost King is unlikely. Still, it would be safer if we all proceed together. Though I am now elderly, I don't wish to meet a premature end within the ghost mist and transform into one of these fierce spirits." How straightforward that elder man is! Zi Ling, the Purple Spirit, remained silent after hearing this. Her keen insight made her realize that the reason for the proposed alliance was clearly not to involve her, a Foundation Stage cultivator, but rather to secure Han Li's involvement. Thus, after her brief remark, she quietly settled beside Han Li, refraining from further interruptions. Upon hearing the elder's words, Han Li smiled. He did not immediately respond, but first glanced at the black-robed figure on the other side, before calmly saying, "Has Ge Brother asked that gentleman anything?" "Would he be willing to cooperate with us?" When Han Li mentioned the cloaked figure, Ge Li's face immediately grew serious. After a moment's hesitation, he said with some resentment. "Hmph! Don't speak of that magic sect member at all. As soon as I arrived, I kindly proposed a joint alliance. Instead, this man coldly told me to leave! If my temper weren't so good, I'd never have let it go so easily." The elder sounded deeply annoyed after finishing his words. Han Li, however, remained calm and composed, now showing a subtle interest in the cloaked figure. Turning to him, Han Li called out clearly and loudly: "Would our esteemed friend be interested in joining forces with us? Together, our several Dan-stage cultivators can certainly stand a chance even against a ghost king-type monster!" Though his voice was not loud, it was exceptionally clear and undoubtedly reached the other's ears. Yet after hearing this, the man merely glanced coldly at them before turning his back without a word, completely ignoring Han Li's suggestion. "Han, friend! Did I not make myself clear? This person seems entirely unaware. Then perhaps we should proceed as a trio," the elder coldly remarked, his voice tinged with resentment. It appeared he still harbored bitterness over the earlier insult. Han Li smiled gently, still waiting for him to speak. At the same time, the purple-robed maiden slightly frowned and softly exclaimed, "Hm." Han Li paused, following her gaze. To his surprise, the black-robed figure was now stepping steadily toward the ghost mist, clearly determined to face the challenge alone. Han Li and the others were taken aback. Then, with a look of disdain, Ge Li scoffed. "This man is truly setting himself up for failure! To attempt the ghost mist alone—he'll surely fall short of making it!" Han Li paid no attention to the elder's cold remarks, instead half-closing his eyes and intently observing every movement of the black-robed figure. He didn't think the other was setting himself up for certain death, but rather that he had some special means, confident in passing through the trial with ease. The ghost-robed figure had reached the point where ghostly mist met bright light. Lifting his loose sleeves, a green glow shot out from the sleeve and settled before him. It was a small, agile spirit beast resembling a monkey. The monkey stood only a foot tall, its entire body covered in shimmering emerald fur. Most remarkable was its unusually high, broad nose—so large it nearly occupied half of its face, giving it a truly strange and unearthly appearance. Han Li found this impressive, yet remained silent and composed. But the elder standing beside him reacted sharply, his face pale as he gasped. "Ah! This is the Ti-Hun! He truly possesses such a spirit beast! That explains his confidence!" The elder looked genuinely astonished. Even the purple spirit maiden, upon seeing the monkey, was equally stunned. Han Li furrowed his brow and asked, "Ti-Hun? What kind of rare creature is this? I've never heard of it before." "Upon hearing this, the Purple Spirit Princess finally regained her composure and hurried to explain to Han Li: 'The Ti-Hun Beast is not a naturally born immortal creature of the heavens and earth, but rather a unique being cultivated by a secret sect within the demonic path—somewhere between a spirit beast and an immortal spirit soul. Though this creature may not be particularly useful on a day-to-day basis, it possesses the innate ability to absorb souls and devour ghosts. Whenever it encounters even the most powerful ghosts or fierce spirits, merely by gently blowing on them with its nose, it draws them into its body. Within just a matter of moments or a few minutes, these spirits are completely transformed and consumed—remarkably effective indeed.' As she spoke, a look of deep admiration filled her face. 'But—' The Princess paused, then softly sighed. 'But what, exactly?' Han Li found her deliberately withholding information rather frustrating. 'But the method of cultivating this beast is exclusively known to that secret sect, and the process itself is exceptionally bloody—so difficult to achieve that it is considered a disturbing, even heavenly-contradicting, form of magic.'" It's said that whenever this beast appears, great turmoil will surely ensue in the immortal realm." Ge Li watched the black-robed figure vanish, his face filled with complex expressions. "When this beast appears, the immortal realm will be in chaos?" Hearing this, Han Li couldn't help but chuckle. "Even if this beast doesn't appear, the Turbulent Star Sea will inevitably be in chaos when its time comes. Do you really think this beast is the cause of the disaster?" Han Li said, clearly dismissive.