"You really want to seize power!" Han Li's expression remained unchanged. "Indeed. How can we, cultivators, be treated like ordinary villagers, merely summoned or dismissed at will by so-called elders? We should be the elders of this village. I, a full-fledged Foundation Stage cultivator, have been treated as a mere servant by ordinary villagers for so long—I can hardly bear it anymore. In the past, due to our small numbers, we dared not act boldly. But now, with two more of us joining, we shall surely achieve something significant." The other elder with a red face also flashed bright eyes as he spoke. "I'm not interested. Please, the three of you return. Just as if nothing ever happened between us." Han Li glanced at the three of them and, with a composed expression, delivered words that sent them all pale. "Is that really how you wish to remain subordinate? Once we take over the village eldership, we shall jointly govern this village, regardless of size or matters—thus, even if the conditions here are harsh, we shall be free to thrive." After a strong smile, the elder with long beard continued to offer his advice. "I believe the gentlemen have misunderstood one point. We have never said we intended to stay in this village. In fact, we will be leaving within two days. Therefore, your arguments have been quite elaborate. Neither I nor Mei will be involved in any of this." Han Li stroked his chin, speaking calmly. "As for leaving—do the two of you not find this village satisfactory, and wish to move to another village? I suppose you haven't heard? Our village is already among the top in all human settlements. Other villages are far worse off." The elder with long beard was momentarily stunned and exclaimed aloud. Upon hearing this, Han Li offered a quiet smile and gently shook his head, remaining silent. "Then, perhaps the two of you wish to climb Mount Storm?" Seeing Han Li's expression, the hunched elder suddenly had a flash of insight, his face filled with astonishment. "How is it that we, who wish to leave this place, seem so unusual?" Han Li's smile faded, and he remained silent. "This isn't exactly unusual. Rather, do the two of you truly know what the Storm Mountain is—what its dangers entail?" The elder with the red face stroked his white beard, his expression curious. "Although I'm not fully informed, I've heard some details from the senior abbot." Han Li glanced at him calmly and replied without revealing much. "Hmph! As for that man—he knows only what he's heard secondhand about the Storm Mountain's terrors. The true horrors? Those have been personally experienced by me and Yun Daojun. We didn't even lose our magical strength—we managed to pass through. Besides, beneath the Storm Mountain dwell the most powerful yin beasts of Yinming Realm. If we accidentally disturb them, there's no place to fall back to. Even if we survive the yin beasts, the relentless yin winds and illusions hovering above the mountain prove just as deadly. There's simply no chance of reaching the summit." Moreover, the idea of launching forth from here, riding the surge of wind from the peak of Fengbo Mountain—though it had been passed down as a legend—had never actually been attempted by anyone. Perhaps it was simply impossible. The hunched elder's face changed several times, finally filled with deep apprehension as he spoke. "Have either of you two ever climbed Fengbo Mountain? Would you mind sharing your experiences?" Han Li's expression brightened, his eyes fixed on the two guests, showing clear interest. "That's not much of a matter, really. Even if Master Han doesn't mention it, we would have shared our story anyway, just to dispel any sense of侥幸 you might have. When we first arrived here, we too were eager not to spend our lives in obscurity. After preparing for nearly half a year, we gathered with three other friends from neighboring villages and set off together toward Fengbo Mountain. However, before we even reached the mountain's base, one of our companions was discovered by a shadow beast in the surrounding area and perished at the foot of the mountain. When we finally managed to reach the mountain itself, the other two companions had barely climbed a quarter of the way up and were successively frozen and killed by Yet, with me and Jin, still carrying some flame stones, we managed to press on. However, the stronger the climb, the fiercer the wind grew—so strong that it made it impossible to stand. Finally, before we even reached the misty mid-slope of the mountain, we were repeatedly blown off the mountain cliffs. Though we survived, we dared not advance further and had no choice but to return. Upon our return to the village, the penetrating chill of that wind immediately struck us ill, and we fell seriously ill, lying bedridden for several months before we could finally get up and move again. From then on, neither of us ever entertained the thought of venturing out from the Mountain of Gales. The red-faced elder slowly said, his eyes filled with alarm. "It's quite terrifying!" Han Li stroked his chin, murmuring thoughtfully. "It's not merely terrifying. Once you two have given up the idea, there's no need to even attempt it. Outside may be splendid, but one must have a solid life to make it out. Better to stay and fight on with us. You're all still young, after all." Once our time comes to an end, everything in this village will surely come under the care of the two of you," the elder with long beard began, speaking with genuine sincerity. "My esteemed friends, there's no need for your persistent urging. I won't rest easy until I personally try. Of course, if it truly proves impossible to reach the summit of Fengfeng Mountain, I shall certainly consider your suggestions." Han Li did not wish to easily forge deep ties of enmity with the three of them. With a softened tone, he replied more gently. Upon hearing this, the three grew somewhat displeased and offered further encouragement. Yet Han Li seemed resolute, showing no intention of backing down. In the end, the three turned their attention to Mei Ning. But this lady merely said one calm phrase—"I will stand by my brother Han"—and left the three equally at a loss. Fortunately, Han Li did not outright reject them. Should they fail in reaching the mountain's peak, as long as they survive, they would still have a chance. Thus, after being unable to persuade them, the three had to force smiles and bid farewell. "...Will this man turn around and betray us?" the hunched elder suddenly asked, his expression darkening as they stepped some distance away from Han Li's residence. "Betray us? What benefit could the two of them gain by doing so? Haven't you noticed—the woman is still acceptable. But Han Li's young man is truly astute. He wouldn't make such a foolish move. All I hope is that before they reach the Storm Mountain, they themselves recognize the difficulty and decide to retreat. After all, when we launch our campaign, we are only at a five-to-five strength. With these two joining us, our strength will significantly improve. Moreover, it's thanks to Han Li's young man, who has unconsciously removed the greatest obstacle—'Fengtian Ji'. Otherwise, with his martial prowess, we would indeed have a serious problem." The bearded elder said with a dismissive tone. "Indeed, this person is quite thoughtful and cautious." They may not be inclined to undertake these laborious, unappreciated tasks, yet for precaution's sake, we must still send someone to keep a close watch. We mustn't make any mistakes." The elder with the red face nodded in agreement. "Cloud brother has thought this through thoroughly—let's proceed as planned. Just be careful, though, so as not to draw attention from the other side. Nevertheless…" The elder with the long beard paused at the end, his expression tinged with a hint of doubt. "What exactly, then?" the hunched elder inquired, somewhat puzzled. "It's as if I've been mistaken all along. I feel the other party is confident they can leave this place without difficulty. Though we've mentioned the formidable nature of Fengbo Mountain, they seem completely unconcerned. Is it truly possible for them to reach the summit of Fengbo Mountain?" The elder with the long beard murmured to himself. "That's impossible. Just consider the persistent gale that blows from the mountain—no one has ever managed to cross it. On this point, I can assure you, and Cloud brother, with full confidence. The countless ice corpses frozen in the valley below were all cultivators and ordinary villagers who had hoped to escape this place. "That's impossible!" the hunched elder shook his head, utterly unconvinced. "Ah, perhaps it's just a illusion of mine!" The bearded elder thought for a moment, also finding it unlikely, and chuckled self-consciously. Yet upon hearing these words, the red-faced elder named Jin suddenly felt a sudden spark of insight, a thought forming in his mind. ... After the three elders had departed, after Han Li exchanged a few words with Mei Ning, he too left the room. He first visited the residence of the middle-aged man named Feng, and indeed, the man had died from being bitten through the throat by the gold-devouring insects. Han Li merely glanced at the body from a distance and then left without a word. Thereafter, Han Li continued to inquire from the villagers about the geographical layout of the village, the locations of other villages, and the distribution of the shadow beasts. All information that could aid his escape gradually accumulated in his mind. Han Li, even based on the villagers' descriptions, took the initiative to draw out a detailed map himself. After two consecutive days of such preparations, Han Li had nearly completed all his arrangements. He then formally informed the village's senior elder of his intention to depart and begin ascending Fengbo Mountain. The plump elder, upon hearing this, naturally felt a sense of regret. He offered a few words of entreaty, but seeing that Han Li was firmly determined, he eventually agreed without further insistence. Immediately, Han Li returned to their dwelling with Mei Ning, intending to rest well that night. When the next morning came and they were preparing to leave the village, a person quietly approached their home and knocked on the door. "Yun Daojun!" Han Li was momentarily startled upon seeing the red-faced elder standing before him. "Han Daojun," the elder said, speaking concisely, "though I am not certain whether you truly possess the ability to escape this place, I do believe there is at least some hope. Therefore, I have a matter to entrust to you. Should you indeed succeed in escaping this ordeal and have the opportunity to do so, I kindly ask that you deliver this box to our Tianfu Sect." The elder with a red face solemnly addressed Han Li, then reached into his cloak and produced a rough bone box, holding it gently in both hands and presenting it to Han Li.