After reaching the mid-Jiedan stage, Han Li did not consume all the pills at once, leaving a small portion still stored in his storage pouch. This was not due to his restlessness or eagerness to emerge before fully assimilating the pills. Rather, as he approached the late Jiedan stage, he finally encountered a cultivation bottleneck—without overcoming this constraint, no matter how many spiritual pills he consumed, his cultivation would remain stagnant. The method for breaking through this bottleneck depended largely on individual fortune and the specific characteristics of one's cultivation technique, with few universal principles. In the past, cultivators at this stage had broken through in various ways: some achieved breakthroughs through meditation and qi cultivation, others during moments of inspiration while touring scenic landscapes, and still others unexpectedly during life-or-death combat encounters. Thus, Han Li naturally did not wish to waste time idly within his sealed chamber. He decided to step out and seek the famed companion spirit herb, hoping that during his journey outside, he might, by chance, break through the current bottleneck. Since he didn't know how long it would take to see tangible results, Han Li naturally couldn't afford to keep the Ji Qu Ling Shan root in his estate for long. Thus, he decided to abandon the dwelling on this misty island. With Gong Sun Xing taking over, it would be quite satisfactory—at least, for the near term, the place would remain secure. As for the need to periodically nourish the Ji Qu Ling Shan root with earth and stone essence, this indeed posed a challenge before Han Li reached the mid-Jiedan stage of cultivation. But now, having entered the mid-Jiedan stage, he no longer has to worry about it! Han Li now possesses the ability to draw the refined earth and stone essences from the island and infuse them into the root, ensuring its well-being. Currently, Han Li is flying toward the marketplace mentioned by the young woman—only in such a bustling hub of travelers can he gain timely updates on the news of the eight-tiered beasts. He will then consider other means to see if he can secure the companion beast herb. As for acquiring this rare herb directly from the marketplace, Han Li simply never imagined such good fortune would await him. Han Li moved with extraordinary speed. Although the young woman had mentioned that reaching the small island market would take about fifteen days, Han Li could accomplish the journey in just a few days with full effort. Two days later, as Han Li was fully focused on traveling across the sea surface, a streak of red light suddenly appeared from afar, trailing behind it several swirling masses of gray-white vapor. Upon seeing this, Han Li's eyebrows lifted slightly unconsciously. Then, with a mere thought, he murmured a low, barely audible incantation. Immediately, a series of crisp, rapid bursts of sound emanated from his body, and a shimmering green glow appeared on his face. A moment later, Han Li's form suddenly rose several inches, the green light dispersing to reveal a slightly yellow, unfamiliar face. This was precisely one of the secret techniques of the "Xuan Yin Jing" that Han Li had deliberately cultivated during his period of meditation—the "Form-Shifting Technique." This technique not only allowed him to freely elongate or shorten various parts of his body, but also enabled him to regulate muscle tension and instantly alter the color of his skin—undoubtedly the most advanced method of transforming one's appearance. According to Han Li's estimation, this technique is no less than the other well-known concealment arts rumored in the records—even against a cultivator whose awareness surpasses his own, it remains difficult to detect. That is why it has been included in the Xuan Yin Jing. The only drawback of this secret technique is that once activated, the cultivator's internal energy can only be mobilized at about seven-tenths of its full capacity. If more than seven-tenths of the energy is expended in combat against an opponent, the miraculous effect of the "Form-Shifting Decree" vanishes, and the person reverts to their original appearance. However, Han Li does not mind this limitation. When he decides to conceal his identity, he usually intends to keep his true strength hidden, and thus, the restriction on his cultivation level has little impact. Immediately after Han Li had changed his appearance, the red light also detected his presence and rushed toward him with the urgency of a lifeline. Observing this scene, Han Li simply halted his flight, remaining in place and taking a quiet breath. This was not due to any pressing issues arising—there was no reason for him to sigh. Instead, Han Li felt that the people fleeing for their lives—regardless of whether he, as a passerby, had the ability to save them—had come straight toward him without hesitation, clearly lacking in composure. It was evident that their character was truly rather lacking. As for the several clumps of gray-white qi behind, they were simply a few beasts of three or four stages of cultivation. This made Han Li, who had just been deeply moved by Gong Sun Xing's filial piety, suddenly realize just how complex human nature truly was. Indeed, one could not generalize about it at all. Han Li maintained his composure. As the elder had already flown close, he lazily raised his hand, five pale cyan sword streaks shooting out and instantly blocking the five beasts behind, entangling them in a fierce struggle. Seeing this, the elder breathed a great sigh of relief and simultaneously released a fiery ring artifact to attack the five beasts. Han Li glanced at the elder with a slight side glance—this man, nearing the false Dan stage, was indeed no ordinary one, which explained how he had managed to survive amidst so many three- and four-tiered beasts. Han Li then turned back, directing several sword attacks to gradually encircle the beasts, not rushing to strike decisively to reveal his own cultivation level. Nevertheless, even this steady pace greatly energized the younger elder, who now drove the fiery artifact with vigor, relentlessly attacking the retreating foes. After a while, Han Li judged that the timing was right and began to unleash streams of Qingyuan sword light, one by one dispatching the beasts. "Thank you so much, esteemed elder!" Are you planning to head to the marketplace on Nanli Island? At this moment, without even needing to check Master Han's cultivation level, the old man already knew he was a Jiandan-stage cultivator, so he bowed with great respect and smiled politely, asking, "Indeed, I intend to visit the marketplace to exchange for some goods." Han Li nodded calmly. "Then, Master, you need not go further—your journey there would be in vain," Huang Mingli blinked his small eyes several times and suddenly sighed, saying. "What's going on?" Han Li's expression shifted, showing a touch of surprise. "Just a few days ago, the marketplace on Nanli Island was unexpectedly discovered by some lower-tier beasts. Though most of the beasts were slain on the spot, the ones that fled the next day attracted a large number of high-tier beasts—fourth and fifth level. As a result, many of the cultivators at the marketplace suffered injuries and had to break off and retreat in different directions. I am one of those who managed to escape. However, I didn't expect to encounter this group of beasts unexpectedly on the way." The old man spoke carefully, speaking before Master Han, who was a Jiandan cultivator. "Then, does that mean I've come all this way for nothing?" Han Li furrowed his brow, his expression growing gloomy. "Well... if the senior truly wishes to make a purchase or sale, I can recommend another place. There, the goods are absolutely rare—only cultivators at the Foundation Stage or above can enter. However, access to this marketplace requires an introduction from a personal acquaintance, and the location itself frequently changes. Though I may not be particularly distinguished, I do have such an introduction. Should the senior be interested, I'd be honored to guide them there, as a token of gratitude for the life-saving favor you've shown me." Huang Mingli's eyes twinkled slightly, he smiled, revealing a set of yellow teeth, and spoke with a touch of mystery. "Is there such a place? Then, are you referring to a secret marketplace?" Han Li was momentarily startled, then asked thoughtfully. "The senior is mistaken. Nowadays, how could there be any distinction between ordinary marketplaces and secret ones? All of them operate with constant anxiety—once discovered by beasts, their fate is always the same." The old man quickly explained, a touch of embarrassment evident in his tone. "Indeed!" Han Li smiled faintly upon hearing this. "How far is the place you mentioned from here?" he asked next. "If we travel diligently from here, we'll reach it in about fifteen to twenty days. By then, the market will just be opening up," Huang Mingli replied, clearly familiar with the secret market, without hesitation. "Very well. I'll come along with you then," Han Li thought for a moment and finally agreed. "That's wonderful! Wait a moment, Master!" Huang Mingli, excited, did not immediately proceed. Instead, he blinked and suddenly remembered something. He apologized briefly and then suddenly dashed downward, heading straight for the several floating corpses of the beast creatures on the water surface. Han Li was first startled by this, then smiled gently, understanding the elder's intention. In a short while, the old man skillfully dismembered the several beasts and carefully stored the parts into his storage bags. Then, with great enthusiasm, it soared back to the sky. "Excuse me, senior. These beasts may not be much in your eyes, but to me, they're a substantial income!" Huang Mingli said with some embarrassment. After all, the five beasts had just been slain by Han Li moments before. "Nothing at all. I don't find these beasts particularly impressive either. Hurry up and get going," Han Li gently shook his head, his expression remaining unchanged, and urged them on.