With Han Li's current cultivation, even without relying on his cloak or wind-and-thunder wings, within just half a month, he had reached the deserted island where the marketplace of Miao Yin Sect had once stood. However, upon a brief sweep of his consciousness, he found that the world beneath the island was completely empty. Thus, he would have to seek out some people to inquire. After glancing around and casually setting a direction, Han Li transformed into a streak of azure light and vanished. Since the marketplace of Miao Yin Sect had once been established on this island, it logically followed that even if it had been relocated, it would never have moved far from the surrounding seas. Moreover, this region of islands should naturally be one of the most densely populated areas for human cultivators. With his powerful consciousness, finding even a few human cultivators should not be difficult. As expected, after flying for half a day, Han Li discovered traces of human cultivators on a medium-sized island—and not just one, but a group. From the lofty vantage point of the island, observing several male and female cultivators below, engaged in a battle against two fourth-rank beast creatures on the adjacent sea surface. When he spotted two faces that seemed familiar, Han Li was momentarily startled, then smiled lightly. Subsequently, Han Li effortlessly transformed his appearance with his "Change Form Technique," now assuming the form of a middle-aged man with a dark complexion. With calm composure, he casually launched two streaks of azure sword energy, which, upon flashing in brilliance, instantly pierced through the heads of the two fourth-rank beasts, killing them right there on the spot. This decisive action caused a wave of surprise among the cultivators below, who immediately noticed Han Li's presence high above, prompting a ripple of excitement. They now recognized the arrival of a senior cultivator at the Condensation stage or above. After a brief consultation, one well-dressed man swiftly flew toward Han Li. "Respectfully, senior master," he said, "thank you for your timely assistance. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know." The well-dressed man, though maintaining a composed and respectful demeanor, had a subtle flicker of unease in his keen eyes set on his prominent nose. He couldn't quite fathom the purpose behind this Jie Dan-period cultivator's sudden appearance on the island. Glancing at the Li-named cultivator who had been transported alongside him, Han Li narrowed his eyes slightly, remaining silent for a moment before shifting his gaze downward, settling on the scar-faced cultivator, Xu Yun. As for the Li family's other cultivators, such as the Liu夫人, none were visible. The well-dressed man and Xu Yun had remained stagnant at the Foundation Period stage for so many years—clearly, they had likely failed to reach Jie Dan. Observing Han Li's somber expression, the Li-named cultivator grew increasingly uneasy. After hesitating a moment, just as he was about to speak further, Han Li slowly began to speak. "I'm looking for the Miyou Sect's market. Do you know when the next market will be held and where it will take place?" Han Li turned his gaze back to the well-dressed man, asking calmly and composedly. Hearing Li Han's question, the Han gentleman relaxed slightly, bowed respectfully, and hurried to reply: "Master, the next market of Miao Yin Sect will not open for another month or so. The location has already been decided—on the island westward for several days' journey, on Shuang Feng Island. If Master wishes to go, I can accompany you." He was indeed quite considerate. "That won't be necessary. Just give me the sea chart." Li Han gave a calm, distant nod. He showed no intention of establishing any personal connection with him. The man was fortunate—having survived the beast tide, while others may have perished. This made Li Han quietly reflect. "Yes, I will mark the sea chart and the secret market location for Master right away," said the gentleman, his face showing a touch of disappointment. He had hoped to use this opportunity to cultivate some acquaintance with the esteemed senior. In these days, it's growing harder to make a name in the foreign seas. Knowing even one Jin Dan stage cultivator could prove immensely beneficial in the future. But after glancing once more at Han Li’s utterly cold expression, this attendant finally sighed and reached into his cloak, pulling out a jade scroll, marked the location of Miao Yin Gate’s marketplace, and then handed it to Han Li. Han Li took it, briefly scanned it with his divine awareness, nodded slightly, and without any hesitation transformed into a streak of emerald light, vanishing into the air. Only those several lower-tier cultivators remained behind, their faces filled with admiration. In the current Outer Star Sea, lower-tier cultivators rarely dared to venture far from their dwelling halls without at least Dan Stage cultivation level. …Though the marketplace wouldn’t open for another month, Han Li wouldn’t simply wait that long. By then, he might still be there when the Wind-Crack Beast arrived. Therefore, he intended to directly locate Lady Fan and Yun Tianxiao, and see if he could arrange a discreet transmission with a modest payment. Should they demand a high price, he would certainly not hesitate to proceed with a forceful transfer. A few days later, Han Li arrived at this so-called "Dual Peak Island," which was quite large and featured two towering peaks of nearly equal height. He circled one of the peaks several times before following the instructions on the map to locate the entrance to the marketplace. After a moment's hesitation, Han Li restored his appearance to the one he had worn when he last visited the secret market. Then he landed halfway up the mountain, walked a few steps, and stopped in front of a massive tree, its trunk several zhang in diameter. He stared silently at the towering tree, nearly thirty zhang high, a subtle smirk forming at the corners of his mouth. With a gentle flick of his fingers, he sent three white light orbs straight into the tree's bark, where they struck with a solid "thump-thump-thump." After a while, the bark shimmered with green light and split open. From within emerged a white-robed elder in the late Foundation stage—exactly the gatekeeper Han Li had seen during his previous visit to the marketplace. The elder immediately recognized the Jie Dan stage master Han Li had been pretending to be. After all, there were only a few cultivators at the Dan stage who had arrived here, and since the last market fair, this individual had heard a bit about the matter—namely, that one person had managed to hold off over a dozen Dan stage cultivators, which suggested he might be a high-level Yuanqi cultivator. Upon seeing clearly the face of Han Li, the elder immediately bowed down three steps, hurried forward, and deeply bowed, then asked respectfully, "Ah, it's Master Li who has arrived. I didn't know, so I beg your pardon. However, what business brings you this time? There are still over a month until the secret market opens, and at present, we have no goods for your inspection." While speaking with profound reverence, the elder's eyes flickered with a hint of confusion. "This time, I'm not here to participate in the secret market, but rather to meet with either the Master of the Fan Sect or Elder Yun," Han Li said, gazing at the elder with a slightly lifted and composed demeanor. "To meet the Master and Elder Yun?" The elder was first startled, then hesitated. "Is that so? Then, would that be possible?" Han Li's voice suddenly grew cold, and his expression darkened. "Of course not!" Seeing this, the elder instantly shivered, immediately brightening up and smiling warmly, though a few beads of cold sweat had begun to form on his forehead. "Others may certainly not be able to do so. But since you, the senior, have come personally, there must be something important at stake. I shall immediately inform the Master. Master Fan is right here, overseeing the market affairs. Please wait a moment or two!" After a moment's thought, the elder spoke honestly. He had decided to hand this difficult matter over to higher authorities. He certainly didn't want to face off with them directly! "Then let's go quickly. I don't have much patience for long waits," Han Li said, his expression slightly easing upon hearing that Fan Lady was present. "Yes, I'll send a message to Master Fan right away using the transmission scroll. It will only take a moment!" The elder felt a great relief and quickly replied. If the other party truly insisted on pressing on, he would only be able to watch helplessly—he would never dare to step forward and offer any resistance. Thus, the white-robed elder, in front of Han Li, sent a transmission scroll toward the tree hollow. "Where is your Cloud Elder? Why isn't he with the headmaster?" Han Li, seeing the scroll vanish, calmly asked. "This... I actually don't know where Cloud Elder is. Recently, all matters at the marketplace have been handled solely by the headmaster." The elder looked somewhat hesitant, and after a moment of pause, spoke softly. Noticing the elder's expression, Han Li immediately grasped the underlying meaning. He chuckled lightly and decided not to press further. This gave the elder a quiet sense of relief. A moment later, the white-robed elder received a transmission scroll, briefly examined it with his consciousness, and then respectfully informed Han Li: "Master Li, our headmaster has kindly invited you to enter and discuss matters. I shall guide you to the way." "Go ahead," Han Li said, with a matter-of-fact tone. The world beneath the tree hole was much the same as what had been seen in the previous market fair, divided into upper and lower levels, forming a fairly spacious underground realm. However, at present, aside from a dozen or so junior male and female cultivators from the Miao Yin Sect preparing something, no one else was present within. The elder led Han Li swiftly to a stone wall, where two attractive female cultivators stood outside. "We have invited Master Li to join the Master of the Sect, who is currently receiving your esteemed visit in the inner hall," the two young women said in unison, bowing gracefully and their delicate faces flushed with modest charm.