These individuals were among the first to emerge from the Ice-Fire Path. The Black Desert and Blood-Ice Forest posed no real threat to the high-level Yuan-Stage cultivators like Jiyin, but for those in the late Jade-Condensation stage, they were formidable. As for cultivators with weaker修为, their situation was far more dire. Indeed, only these few remain to this day! Jiyin and Qingyi Monks naturally worried about Han Li's life. Should Han Li perish on the molten rock path, the Blood Jade Spiders would likewise meet their end—meaning all their hopes would have been in vain. Especially Jiyin Master, whose interests were most deeply involved; his mood was considerably worse than that of Qingyi Monks. Wانت Ming, though more composed, still carried a cold demeanor, gazing intently at his broad, long hands, silent and expressionless. Naturally, these three Yuan-Stage cultivators were aware of the unusual developments at the Ice-Fire Path, and they were certain the matter was closely tied to the yet-to-appear Star Palace Grandmaster. While they all felt deeply frustrated and resentful, they also grew increasingly wary. I wonder what the Star Palace's true intention is! Could it really be that they intend to openly clash with the Zheng and Mo factions right here, within the Void Sky Hall? Time passes slowly under this strange atmosphere. One after another—Mao Ru, Tian Wu Zi, the old farmer, Wu Chou, and Xuan Gu—have been transported into the stone hall. Each of them appears disheveled or gritting their teeth, clearly furious in their hearts at this unexpected turn of events. Only half a day remains before the Ice-Fire Pass closes. Seeing that Han Li still hasn't appeared, Ji Yin's previously somewhat eased expression grows increasingly troubled again. Wu Chou's successful passage through the Ice-Fire Pass was thanks largely to the ancient artifact he carried beforehand for protection; he has no hope that Han Li possesses an artifact of similar caliber. Surely, Qing Yi and Mao Ru must be equally disappointed. After all, both of them hold several powerful ancient artifacts of their own. If they had all lent them to Han Li, they would surely have been safe. Thinking of this, Jiyin grew increasingly frustrated, glancing at the elderly scholar and the bearded man. The scholar in the Confucian robe was intently observing the teleportation array, his expression shifting between clouded and composed, as though deep in thought. The bearded man, meanwhile, was gazing upward at the ceiling, his chin slightly moving, murmuring to himself. Clearly, he too had his own plans. Seeing this, Jiyin felt even more exasperated. Yet, after a moment of calm reflection, he had to face reality and consider his next move. With the Blood Jade Spider gone, what now? Xuan Gu was now seated at a stone table, his eyes half-closed, as though entering a state of qi cultivation. It was somewhat unexpected—yet also understandable—that he did not see Han Li. In his mind, Han Li's true strength was no more than that of a late stage Jin Dan cultivator. Whether he could successfully navigate the now-affected Ice-Fire Path remained a matter of pure chance. Without Han Li's direct assistance, however, Xuan Gu would likely find himself overwhelmed in facing Jiyin alone. Whether or not to intervene further within the Hall of Empty Heaven, Xuan Gu has himself begun to waver. Perhaps it would be better to seek a more suitable moment, prepare more thoroughly, and thus increase the chances of success. With a sense of helplessness, Xuan Gu silently scolded the two Star Palace elders once again in his heart. As for the righteous cultivators like Wan Tianming, they too harbored a deep sense of frustration. Their originally planned strategies, which relied on the strength of the Dan-Stage cultivators, had to be revised. Just as the sentiments of the gathered guests in the stone hall were mixed and full of hidden concerns, the two white-robed elders from the Star Palace suddenly appeared at the transmission array. Instantly, various displeased glances turned sharply upon them. "Ahem! I wonder which bold cultivator has inadvertently triggered some powerful seals during the passage through the ice-fire path, causing significant disturbances within the valley. We searched diligently for a way to resolve this, but found none. This time, we may indeed suffer considerable losses among our fellow cultivators." "We have failed in our duties this time. Following the events at the Virtual Sky Hall, we will certainly return to the two Holy Masters to offer our apologies and retreat into seclusion for over a hundred years, to atone for our shortcomings," said the kind-faced white-robed elder, ignoring the cold glares from the assembled crowd. With a sigh, he looked around as if truly heartbroken. Upon hearing this, the leaders of both the righteous and the demonic factions immediately felt deeply disgraced. A few light remarks, and yet they managed to completely shift the blame—making it seem as though the Star Palace had played no role at all. Nevertheless, the events that followed unfolded exactly as these two had anticipated. Though everyone in the hall was watching them with disapproval, no one stepped forward to question them directly. Even the senior figures like the bearded master and Wan Tianming, who had stared at them with intense displeasure, eventually turned away and resumed their activities. It seemed that the prestige of the Star Palace remained untouchable. After exchanging a glance, the two white-robed elders smiled at each other and settled into a quiet corner, closing their eyes to meditate. Just when the others felt somewhat dissatisfied but none were willing to step forward, a flash of white light erupted at the teleportation array, revealing two figures once more—Han Li and Yuan Yao, the distinguished beauty. However, Yuan Yao now wore her black robe again, her gender indistinct, as if harboring some apprehension toward certain individuals within the stone hall. "Han Li!" The Master of Extreme Yin instantly brightened upon seeing Han Li's arrival, exclaiming with a warm smile and gesturing for him to come immediately. The bearded elder and Qing Yi Monks also expressed delight, exchanged glances, and then promptly moved toward the Master of Extreme Yin without hesitation. Han Li sighed inwardly, turned to Yuan Yao, spoke a few words to her, and then composed himself, making his way toward the Master of Extreme Yin. Fortunately, knowing that these magical elders would not harm him before retrieving the treasures, he remained remarkably calm. At the very moment he entered the hall, he caught sight of Xuan Gu, which further steadied his composure. When the Jade Yin Master called him over, he naturally offered warm greetings, displaying the typical benevolent demeanor of a kind teacher, and briefly inquired about his experience crossing the molten path. Naturally, Han Li did not go into great detail, merely giving vague answers and thus passing the question off. He was well aware that the Master would not truly wish to pursue this matter. Indeed, the Jade Yin Master did not press further, but instead praised him. The scholarly elder in a rujian robe smiled gently at Han Li, occasionally interjecting with remarks, as though equally deeply concerned about him. The bearded elder, maintaining his dignity, merely watched silently from the side without making any initiative to ask questions. However, when Han Li returned the ice sphere to him, he generously waved his hand, indicating that he would now present the sphere as a gift to Han Li. Han Li, who had successfully passed through the Ice and Fire Path and drawn closer to the inner hall, seemed to be gaining ever greater esteem from these senior masters. Yet, the Wu Chou grew increasingly hostile toward him, occasionally casting glances at him filled with cold disdain. The Ji Yin Master, as if sensing this shift, suddenly fixed several sharp glances on Wu Chou, then transmitted a few words. Immediately, Wu Chou lowered his head, and when he looked up again, his expression had returned to normal. While managing to attend to the senior masters such as Ji Yin, Han Li found himself pondering whether he should reach out to Xuan Gu to learn about the latter's specific plans. Could it be that everything was purely being handled on the spot? As Han Li juggling two tasks, the final moments slipped away. When the time came, the transmission array at the center of the stone pavilion suddenly vanished. Now, only a dozen or so cultivators remained on the scene. Yet, precisely as the array disappeared, the stone gates on the four walls rose automatically, emitting a series of thunderous sounds, revealing deep, winding passages of dark green stone, their destinations unknown. "Among these four pathways, three lead to separate pavilions. Each pavilion contains distinct treasures left behind by ancient cultivators—such as 'ancient relics,' 'herbal medicines,' and 'cultivation techniques.' However, each item is sealed by a spell. Anyone can only retrieve one item once. Once they succeed in obtaining it, they are instantly transported to the next stage, the 'Extremely Marvelous Illusion Realm.' As for the final pathway, it directly leads to the next stage. Those who enter it will have to accept that their journey has been in vain—luck be with them. This pathway's spell is unique: the destination it leads to is not fixed. Once someone enters, they cannot return along the same route. If any of you wish to avoid entering the 'Extremely Marvelous Illusion Realm,' simply refrain from making a move to collect treasures from these pavilions. After staying within this stone pavilion for a while, you will automatically be transmitted back to the Xutian Pavilion. I hope all of you will make your own choices wisely!" The venerable white-robed elder, with kind eyes and a gentle demeanor, remained seated as he slowly expounded upon the newly opened passage. Yet this time, the others merely glanced at him coldly and paid no further attention. Unperturbed, the star-garden elder maintained his composed expression, offering a subtle smile before closing his eyes once more.