At the moment when the crimson glow and various hues interwove and flashed, a fresh wave of gray-white radiance, brimming with malevolent energy, joined the assault. Under the relentless combined blows of the dense array of incantations and artifacts, the lower array could no longer withstand the pressure. A roar erupted, and the crimson glow flashed violently before bursting apart with a sound like tearing. Yet, whether due to the lingering power of the array or a deliberate strategy by the star-palace cultivators, the splintered fragments of the soaring red light surged forth like a final resurgence, scattering wildly and momentarily causing great confusion among the celestial cultivators of the Inverse Star Alliance. Seizing this opportunity, the star-palace cultivators below, as if in unison, began to scatter and flee in all directions. Among them, several beams of particularly brilliant light surged upward from the lowlands, swiftly breaking through the harbor's perimeter—clearly the high-ranking cultivators stationed on the island. Almost simultaneously, a dozen equally formidable streaks of light shot forth from the sky, matching their pace and closely pursuing the retreating figures. Instantly, these streaks of light vanished without a trace. It seemed the senior officials of the Inverse Star Alliance intended to capture all the Star Palace cultivators on Nanming Island, none of them to be spared. At that moment, numerous cultivators from the Inverse Star Alliance began descending slowly from the sky. Their attire clearly belonged to two distinct factions: one group wore silver robes with golden sashes, while the other consisted of strange cultivators clad entirely in green robes. Clearly, both the positive and negative sects had mobilized simultaneously! Han Li was both surprised and unsurprised by how swiftly the battle had concluded. After all, the disparity in strength between the two sides was simply overwhelming—even if the Star Palace cultivators fought with all their might, they would likely find themselves short of strength. Nevertheless, Han Li found himself quietly wondering whether to seize this moment of chaos and depart from the island. At that very instant, a green-robed elder shot through the ranks of the green-robed cultivators. With a brief sweep of his awareness, Han Li immediately discerned that the elder was at the stage of Jian Dan Period cultivation. The figure flew calmly to the level of Han Li and the others, gazed steadily at the surroundings, and then spoke in a calm, resonant voice: "Ladies and gentlemen, listen closely. I am Lang Yunlong, a protector of the Nixing Alliance, speaking on behalf of Master Wang. We have just defeated the forces of the Star Palace. To avoid any misunderstanding, I kindly request that none of you rush to leave the island at this time. We will complete the pursuit of the remaining Star Palace forces within the next two hours, after which you may depart at your convenience. Please rest assured—our actions are solely directed against the Star Palace and its allies. We will not interfere with any other fellow practitioners." Though the elder's voice was not loud, it was exceptionally clear, and every observer nearby heard it distinctly. It seemed that the Inverse Star Alliance, aiming to win over hearts, would not be overly harsh toward them. Well, then—later would be later! For right now, even reaching the Sky Star City was a challenge, let alone figuring out how to get inside. As this thought passed through Han Li's mind, the green-robed elder silently returned to the port. Han Li, gazing at the figure's retreating back, did not move from his spot. The other cultivators, perhaps due to their own missions, likewise remained near the port, closely observing the actions of the Inverse Star Alliance members. At that moment, the silver-robed, golden-belted cultivator was systematically dismantling the original array and setting up their own. Meanwhile, the green-robed cultivators split into two groups—one flying outward from the port, patrolling the surroundings, and the other passing directly overhead Han Li, heading inland for searches. Observing these cultivators, silent and steadily working, Han Li was surprised. It appeared that both the righteous and the demonic factions had already begun to shift their strategies regarding the dominance of the Star Sea. Otherwise, such a well-trained disciple couldn't be cultivated in just a few decades. This southern Ming Island would now serve as a forward outpost for the assault on Tianxing City. Yet, Han Li found himself somewhat puzzled. Did the Star Palace truly passively wait for the attacks from the Zheng and Mo factions, now so weakened that it could no longer mount a counteroffensive? Or had the two celestial saints of Tianxing still not officially emerged from their meditative states? Perhaps the Star Palace intended to delay the situation, aiming to strike when the timing was right. Han Li had some lingering doubts. Yet, upon reflection, he found himself quietly chuckling. No matter what extraordinary strategies or reserves the Star Palace or the Zheng and Mo factions might hold, how did that relate to him—a mere independent cultivator? What need did he have to expend extra effort on such matters? As long as he remained cautious and avoided becoming entangled in the conflict, that would suffice. With this thought, Han Li regained his composure and calm. After quietly observing for over two hours, the green-robed elder returned, this time accompanied by three other cultivators at the Jiedan stage, just like himself. "Any companions wishing to depart the island need only present a token or technique that verifies their identity, and they may then leave in peace. Those who wish to remain may stay on the island as well. As long as they do not harbor enmity toward the Inverse Star Alliance, all existing arrangements shall remain unchanged." The elder floated in midair, speaking clearly to those below. He absolutely wouldn't be the one to step forward! After remaining silent for a long while, until the green-robed elder's face had grown increasingly gloomy, a beam of white light suddenly shot upward from below. The light moved rather slowly, and within it was a young, youthful cultivator dressed in blue robes. "At your service, Master," said the young man, respectfully drifting to the elder's side. "This is my token, the White Water Sword." He bowed formally and then, with due courtesy, produced a small, gleaming white sword from his robes and offered it. "Ah, the Open Heaven Sect! I've had the pleasure of meeting Master Liu of your sect before. Indeed, this sword is one of the essential artifacts carried by Open Heaven Sect disciples. You may now go." The elder took the sword, glanced at it briefly, and then smiled, returning it to the young man. The white-robed cultivator was instantly delighted, bowed respectfully, and then took off toward the harbor. Along the way, not a single cultivator from the Inverse Star Alliance approached to obstruct him. One by one, the other cultivators began to appear, flying toward the elder, as if nothing were amiss. The elder seemed to have an extraordinary depth of experience—no matter what token or cultivation technique any of them presented, he could instantly recognize it. This naturally astonished Han Li, who had been observing from below. However, when Han Li saw a Jin Dan cultivator also pass through without any hindrance, he grew increasingly impatient. Suddenly, the cultivator materialized and transformed into a streak of azure light, soaring upward. "May I ask, which of your esteemed friends is this?" the elder immediately recognized Han Li's Jin Dan stage, and his tone became more courteous and gentle. "I am Keheng, a senior official of the Miao Yin Sect. Here is my official token. Please take a look!" Fortunately, the senior official's token gifted by Zi Ling Lady had been carried with him since that day. Without hesitation, he produced it and presented it to the elder. "Miao Yin Sect? I've heard that your sect has two senior elders—Han and Qu—who often remain secluded in meditation, rarely making public appearances. Might I ask if you are one of them?" The green-robed elder carefully examined the waistband, then slowly gazed at Han Li, asking in a measured tone. Han Li was slightly startled inside, yet his face remained calm and composed, smiling pleasantly. "My name is Han. I didn't expect a fellow of your standing to know even such humble, obscure cultivators as ourselves. Truly impressive!" Han Li was slightly surprised, yet readily agreed. "Very good! The token is in order, Master Han—please go." The green-robed elder seemed satisfied with Han Li's response, gently handling the waist token for a moment before returning it without further hesitation. After a bow, Han Li took his leave, leaving calmly. As Han Li transformed into a streak of azure light and vanished within moments, the elder continued to gaze in the direction where he had gone, his face now expressing a faint expression of curiosity.