As if sensing Han Li's hostility and the alertness on his face, the vast, sky-enclosing clouds began to spin rapidly and swiftly contracted toward the center, swirling with thick black mist. Han Li felt a sudden surge of apprehension and was about to urge his puppets to launch an immediate attack when a cold, clear voice from the heavens reached his ears. "Younger brother, don't act rashly. He's merely making an impression—no real threat yet. Wait and see what purpose this rebellious disciple truly has in mind!" The voice startled Han Li momentarily, then suddenly clarified his thoughts. He then firmly suppressed his inner impatience, speaking with composure and dignity. "Master Jiyin, with your esteemed presence here, what guidance or instruction would you like to offer me?" His voice was calm and steady. "You remain composed even under my single strike—clearly, you possess great courage," came the reply from the clouds, a remark that sounded both complimentary and slightly dismissive to Han Li. "Should the elder truly intend to extinguish me as a Yuan婴 stage cultivator, would it matter much whether he is bold or cautious?" Han Li unconsciously furrowed his brows, but quickly composed himself and replied. Knowing that Xuan Gu had not moved far, he had concealed himself nearby and thus felt a bit more at ease. If he were to join forces with this elder demon, who knew the weaknesses of Xuan Yin, they might well stand a chance against their opponent—provided, of course, that Xuan Gu would actually intervene when Han Li and Ji Yin were engaged in combat. As for that, Han Li had absolutely no confidence. Therefore, he made no effort to offend the elder. At that moment, the black clouds above finally gathered together. After flickering several times, they burst apart with a soft "pffft," and the mist cleared, revealing a middle-aged man and a short, unattractive young man—none other than the Zi Shi of Ji Yin and Wu Chou. "You are Han Li, a mere independent cultivator from Tianxing City, correct?" the middle-aged man asked Han Li with genuine interest. "Indeed, I am Han Li." "It seems you have a clear understanding," Han Li smiled slightly, a touch of helplessness in his voice. "Don't worry—I'm not here to cause trouble. It's not because of the incident at Miao Yin Gate that I'm coming to blame you. My attack earlier was simply because I found that array somewhat obstructive, and I decided to break it." The Jiyin Master spoke calmly. "What obstruction? Isn't it just about wanting to impress yourself with your strength?" Han Li knew this in his heart, yet he still asked politely, "Then, Master, what brings you here?" Though he was fully aware that the other was waiting for this very question, he could only ask it with a somewhat reluctant, deliberate tone. However, upon hearing Han Li's question, the Jiyin Master chuckled softly, then carefully studied him from head to foot, his gaze so thorough that Han Li found himself growing uneasy. "Do you recognize this?" The Master suddenly lifted his hand, producing a small, pale piece from his palm, and then looked at him with a serious expression. Just as Han Li hadn't had time to fully examine what it was, the object was gently tossed toward him. Han Li expressed a slight expression of doubt, and when it reached his side, he flicked his sleeve, instantly drawing the object into the length of fabric, then carefully bringing it to his eyes. Though the object was small and incomplete, Han Li immediately recognized it—indeed, a small strand of pure spider silk expelled by the Blood Jade Spider. Han Li was momentarily surprised, wondering why the other party possessed this item. But after a brief thought, he recalled that during the battle at Yinsha Gate, when he had broken through the enemy lines, he had used the Blood Jade Spider to fend off the blocking spectral corpses—so the other party must have obtained this item then. What was the purpose behind the other's inquiry? Han Li's expression subtly changed, and a flurry of questions and suspicions arose in his mind. Nevertheless, the other party did not give him time to ponder further, and after a brief pause, simply answered honestly: "My junior certainly recognizes this. This is the silk web exhaled by my spiritual beast." "Did you come for this matter?" Han Li looked deeply doubtful, as though still not entirely convinced. But upon hearing this, the Jiji Yin Master smiled warmly. "Excellent! That's precisely why I came to see you—so I might meet your spiritual beast. Release it now, so I may examine it personally!" The Master spoke with a tone full of excitement, his voice remarkably gentle. Yet Han Li's heart grew increasingly alert. For within the Master's smile, he had noticed a subtle, well-concealed gleam of greed—though it vanished almost instantly. After all, the Master, a Yuan婴 stage cultivator, had shown such interest in his Blood Jade Spider, which was no ordinary sign. Though uneasy, Han Li could not help but hesitate under the Master's steady gaze, and finally managed only to nod and say, "Yes." He would just have to delay a little longer—this was the best he could do, he thought, with a sense of growing frustration. Then, with a simple gesture, he lightly tapped the spirit-beast satchel at his waist. A beam of white light shot forth from the satchel and settled before Han Li. After the light faded, a white spider the size of a grinding stone appeared before him, its fierce gaze fixed upon the surroundings. Upon seeing the Blood Jade Spider materialize, the Master of Extreme Yin immediately brightened, gazing at it with intense interest, as though viewing a rare and precious treasure, his expression growing increasingly delighted. "Excellent! Indeed, it is the Blood Jade Spider! Hah... Hah..." After a while, the Master of Extreme Yin drew his gaze back, yet suddenly burst into loud, hearty laughter. The sound was so powerful that it caused the air around to ripple and hum, making Han Li's expression shift slightly. The cultivation level of a Yuan婴 stage practitioner truly was profound! However, Han Li immediately adopted a more serious demeanor, knowing that the Master would now begin his main discourse. Yet, before the Master had even opened his mouth, a voice of concern from Xuan Gu passed through Han Li's ears. "How do you have a Blood Jade Spider?" "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?" Xuan Gu's voice carried both regret and astonishment. "Have you not yourself possessed this item, then, and yet you expect me to tell you?" Hearing this, Han Li felt immediately irritated. Yet he quickly composed himself and reflected: if even Xuan Gu was so moved, then this Blood Jade Spider must indeed harbor some profound secret. He only wondered whether this development would now prove beneficial or detrimental to his current situation. As Han Li pondered these thoughts, Xuan Gu's voice came again, more urgent than before. "The rebellious disciple, Ji Yin, will surely invite you to the inner hall. Go whenever you are ready. I will quietly follow and assist you." Perhaps sensing that his tone to Han Li had been slightly off, Xuan Gu softened his words, yet remained firm in his instructions. Hearing this, Han Li felt even more uneasy. He now sensed that he had been drawn into a great whirlpool—by this Blood Jade Spider—where a single misstep might well mean his complete downfall. Han Li was quietly puzzled when the Master of Extreme Yin finally spoke, delivering exactly what Xuan Gu expected. "Han Li," the Master said warmly, "would you like to take a look inside the inner hall? I can safely escort you in and out!" His words were filled with endless allure. "Inside the inner hall?" Han Li was startled by this. That was a place of extreme peril for any Shen Dan stage cultivator. Although the treasures within were indeed far more precious than those in any other section of Xutian Hall, Han Li had always been aware of the risks from the very beginning and had never considered entering. Now, having just obtained the "Nine-Curve Spirit Ginseng"—a vital asset for his upcoming Infant Condensation stage—he naturally had no intention of risking it. As for the claim that the Master would safely escort him in and out, and the request from Xuan Gu that he also agree to it—he simply dismissed it as utterly unfounded and would not listen. After all, he only had one life to lose! Thinking of this, Han Li merely pondered for a moment and, with a slight smile, politely declined: "The Inner Hall is truly beyond my means. I only need to take a brief look at the first two stages. I shall not go to the Inner Hall at all! I simply don't have such good fortune!" Hearing this, Master Jiyin's expression darkened, and his eyes grew sharp and stern. Beside him, Wu Chou suddenly raised his voice in anger, shouting: "Han Li, our master has never held any grudge against you for your past offense, and has even kindly invited you to visit the Inner Hall. Yet now you keep putting off and refusing—do you think we are beneath your regard?" Master Jiyin did not intervene, merely observing with a look of mild displeasure. Han Li fell silent. For, once again, he heard Xuan Gu urging him to accept. Yet Han Li was not willing to yield so easily! "Then no!" Though I don't know what Lord Wushi has in mind for me to go to the inner hall, I'm certain it won't be enough simply to show me around. With this much time at my disposal, why not make use of it to search for a few more treasures in a safer location?" Han Li said calmly.