The elder listened attentively to Han Li's words, then altered the direction of their flight, heading eastward. Han Li followed calmly, his expression composed and serene. "Your face seems somewhat unfamiliar. Might I ask your name and where you've been practicing all these years? Perhaps I've heard of you before," Huang Mingli glanced back at Han Li, then carefully inquired. "I'm Li. I've been in seclusion at my dwelling for cultivation, and only recently succeeded in achieving the Dan stage. It's quite natural that you haven't met me before," Han Li replied naturally, offering a simple and smooth response. Huang Mingli found no flaw in Han Li's words, though he still harbored a slight doubt—he could only express his congratulations with warm words. Then, showing good judgment, Huang Mingli didn't linger to hear much more about Han Li, but instead took the initiative to share with him recent developments involving the frequent clashes between cultivators and monsters. Yet observing his sighs and murmurs, it seemed clear that he was not optimistic about the future of humanity in this region. Though he did not interject much during the man's flowing speech, Han Li gained a clearer understanding of the current situation in the outer seas. Over the following半个月, there were no unexpected incidents, and Han Li and the elderly man smoothly reached a modest island that appeared unremarkable. The island was only about a hundred miles across, with thin and sparse spiritual energy—besides small patches of vegetation, it was mostly bare gray rock, a typical sight among the outer sea islands. It seemed that choosing this location offered the best concealment for the secret market. Nevertheless, even as they still had half a day's journey to go, Han Li and the old man began employing concealment techniques, gradually dimming their traces of movement. This was naturally as required by the master of the secret market. When Huang Mingli made his appeal, Han Li, though initially somewhat reserved, simply nodded and carried out the request without showing any impatience. This gave Huang Mingli a great sense of relief. After all, some Jin Dan stage cultivators could be quite demanding. Having circled the island once in the air, Huang Mingli now descended toward a pile of scattered rocks. Seeing this, Han Li, who had been trailing behind him, noticed a subtle expression of surprise. If his observation was correct, there were no obvious seals present in this area. Perhaps... As Han Li hesitated slightly, Huang Mingli had already stepped beside a massive stone and skillfully tapped it three times on the wall. A few moments later, the stone suddenly split open, revealing a hole several zhang in diameter. Huang Mingli immediately approached the opening, whispered a few words into it, then turned back and called out loudly to Han Li in the air: "Master Li, we're here. Let's go in!" Han Li nodded calmly, and then descended from the sky, walking straight toward the entrance. Inside the entrance stood a slanted stone staircase, alongside which stood an elderly gray-robed man with snowy hair and beard, evidently at the late Foundation Stage of cultivation. "Welcome, esteemed master, to our marketplace. We hope you find what you're looking for here," the elder said warmly, maintaining a dignified yet humble tone. "Hopefully," said Han Li calmly, and led the way downward. Now Han Li understood clearly—apparently, to prevent any beasts from detecting the unusual aura of灵气 in this area, no array or seal had been established, merely a temporary, lower-level setting had been created. After walking a short distance along the staircase, Han Li was struck by a sudden impression. Before him lay a vast underground world, about five to six zhang high, with the soil completely solidified by petrification and supported by rows of green stone pillars. In the center stood numerous square stone cottages, each bearing various signs and banners. There were already over a hundred cultivators trading various goods and raw materials within these stone dwellings. "Master Li, this floor is merely a regular trading area for general merchandise. If you wish to purchase rare materials, you'll need to go down to the next level," Huang Mingli pointed to a stone staircase descending from beside a pillar, while offering the explanation beside him. "Should I need information about high-tier beast dens, where exactly can I obtain that?" Han Li glanced at the stone staircase but did not move forward, instead asking in a steady tone. Huang Mingli paused noticeably upon hearing this, a moment of doubt flickering across his face before he blinked rapidly and responded with the familiar ease: "It depends on the tier of beast you're seeking. For beasts of five or six levels, simply go to the 'Listen to the Wind Pavilion' below—they specialize in selling hard-to-obtain heavenly materials and the whereabouts of high-tier beasts. Each of you may then proceed to gather what you need on your own. However, for beasts of even higher tiers, they won't have such information available." There's only the information available from other Jiandan-period elders regarding this matter. After all, the whereabouts of such high-level beasts are generally not disclosed easily. You might attend the exchange gathering specifically organized for Jiandan-period cultivators. It's possible you could gain valuable insights there. "An exchange gathering?" Han Li's expression brightened, showing clear interest. "Yes! Typically, only Jiandan-period cultivators possess the raw materials and treasures that other Jiandan-period cultivators need. Therefore, whenever the market fair is held, the local host gathers these elders together and organizes private, small-scale exchange gatherings so that each elder can obtain what they need. The host also brings along many rare and exceptional items to participate.," Huang Mingli explained carefully. "When exactly does this exchange gathering begin?" Han Li gently arched his eyebrows, calmly asking. "It's likely that Lai elder will have to wait a few more days. Generally, around the mid-stage of the fair, someone will naturally come to invite you to join." "The old man hurried to add. Upon hearing this, Han Li's eyes slightly narrowed, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face, as though he were pondering further. Yet after a moment, he glanced at Huang Mingli and said, 'Friend Huang, I'd like to take a few moments to go through things on my own now. I'll therefore part ways with you here. You needn't accompany me anymore.' Han Li didn't want anyone constantly shadowing him while he searched for Qian Ye Lu, so he spoke this matter without hesitation or ceremony. The old man didn't show any surprise at this statement; instead, he beamed with delight and readily agreed. 'Your words perfectly align with my own intentions. In fact, I've also planned to purchase some materials. Then I'll be off. Should you need any assistance later, please don't hesitate to reach out.' With a respectful bow, Huang Mingli took his leave and hurried toward a nearby store that sold raw materials. It seemed he intended to attend to the bodies of the beast creatures first. The friend's tact and responsiveness pleased Han Li. After a quick glance, he turned and walked toward a store in the opposite direction, hands behind his back. The store was piled high with various herbs and medicinal materials. ……Three days later, Han Li sat in a quiet chamber within the marketplace, eyes closed, meditating. Yet he felt rather restless and dissatisfied. On his very first day in the marketplace, he had visited every shop on the first and second floors. While the companion herbs for spirits were easy to find, there was not a single shop offering companion herbs for eight-tier spirit beasts. As for the "Heard Wind Pavilion," there was still no news of any spirit beasts of seventh tier or above. Thus, he would have to wait for the exchange event to see if any other Dan-jing stage cultivators could provide relevant information. For the remaining two days, he had stayed put, renting a quiet chamber to refine his Qi and cultivate, hoping for a breakthrough. Yet, to no avail. "Knock, knock," came two taps at the chamber's outer door. "What's up?" Although Han Li had already anticipated it, he still opened his eyes with a cold, composed tone and asked, "Master Li! I have been sent here to invite you to attend the exchange meeting. Would you be interested in joining?" A sweet, respectful female voice replied. "Understood. Of course I'll attend!" Han Li replied calmly, then stood up, pulled open the stone door, and stepped out of the quiet chamber. Outside, a woman dressed in white was bowing respectfully, waiting patiently. As soon as she saw Han Li emerge, she immediately lifted her head to reveal a charming and graceful face. Yet, upon seeing the woman's striking beauty, Han Li was momentarily startled, his gaze fixed on her face, a look of surprise flickering in his eyes. "Could it be her? How is it that she is here?" Han Li thought in astonishment. "Master, is there anything amiss?" The woman, feeling Han Li's direct and intense gaze, blushed deeply, lowered her head slightly, and asked with a touch of unease. "There's nothing, just go ahead," Han Li's face quickly regained its usual composure, and he spoke calmly. The white-clad woman still felt a lingering sense of unease, but nodded respectfully and then gently guided Han Li away from the quiet chamber. Gazing at the tall, graceful figure of the woman ahead, Han Li's brow subtly furrowed, and his expression of doubt deepened. After crossing the second-level plaza, the woman leading the way brought Han Li to a secluded stone wall.