"This conference has the cultivators at the Qi Condensation and Foundation stages competing together, hasn't it?" Han Li furrowed his brow and suddenly asked. "Indeed. The Sword-Fighting Conference has never made a distinction between Qi Condensation and Foundation stage cultivators—everyone competes together." Wang Shifu nodded and replied. "Then isn't it somewhat unfair to the Qi Condensation stage cultivators?" Han Li was momentarily stunned, looking somewhat doubtful. "Originally, the Sword-Fighting Conference was designed to compare the cultivation levels among Foundation stage cultivators; the Qi Condensation stage participants were merely incidental. However, to maintain the enthusiasm of the lower-level cultivators, there was no official restriction preventing external or junior cultivators from joining. Nevertheless, since the conference began, while Qi Condensation stage cultivators have never won the championship, many have consistently defeated Foundation stage opponents and advanced into the top ten." Wang Shifu smiled slightly, speaking with evident intention to Han Li. "Qi Condensation stage cultivators advancing into the top ten? Does that mean their法宝 have particularly strong power?" "Upon hearing this, Han Li immediately grasped the gist. 'Hehe! Brother is indeed a sharp observer—I didn't need to explain to understand the key point. Among the senior cultivators at the three sects, who hasn't a descendant or relative? To secure a favorable ranking for close family members, they naturally offer many powerful, unique artifacts. Thus, it's no surprise that some Foundation-level cultivators without such artifacts fall behind when facing these established figures.'" Kui Huan shook his head and spoke with a measured tone. It is said that by combining the very first drop of nectar from the holy tree with other precious materials, one can prepare the legendary Qing-Ming Spirit Water. If this water is gently wiped over the eyes, while it may not enhance one’s cultivation level, it will enable the eyes to see through mist and stone, endowing them with some astonishing, unforeseen wonders. This is precisely why they are so eager to reach the top ten. Without this benefit, merely possessing some top-tier artifacts would not be particularly appealing to disciples from noble families or those well-supported by senior figures within the academy. After all, although the Ling-Ling Pill is precious, there is only one such pill available. "Wang brother slowly outlined the greatest advantage of the Sword-Testing Assembly for individual participants." "Qing-Ming Spirit Water!" Han Li raised both eyebrows, murmuring the name aloud. He had seen this name mentioned in numerous texts before, but never imagined that the three sects of Yunmeng Mountain would actually produce this elixir. It was truly surprising—and deeply compelling. "Nevertheless, even without mentioning the preciousness of the first drop of the sacred tree's essence, the other medicinal ingredients used are equally rare. It's said that several kinds of thousand-year-old herbs alone were employed. Unfortunately, this clear-sight effect is only effective for lower-level cultivators at the Qi Condensation and Foundation stages. Otherwise, they wouldn't have spared it to offer as a reward." Kui Huan added with evident admiration. Upon hearing this, Han Li now had a general understanding of the Sword-Fighting Tournament. He would personally investigate the more specific details himself. After all, since the matter involved the Lingxin Pill and Qingming Lingshui, he certainly wouldn't let it pass. Following a few more conversations about the tournament, Wang's companions finally bid farewell and departed. As Han Li watched their figures fade into the distance, turning into dark dots, his expression grew increasingly serious. He did not immediately return to his dwelling but stood outside the herb garden, quietly reflecting. "So, Han brother has decided to participate, haven't you?" I'm not sure whether it was the Dingling Pill or the Mingqing Ling Shui that caught their eye. Suddenly, a soft voice came from within his sleeve—belonging to the white fox. "Well, if I can't have both, then I'm truly disappointed," said Han Li, lifting his head with no hesitation. Then, he shook his sleeve, and the small fox leapt out, quickly regaining her original size. "Haha! Han, you're quite eager, aren't you? But that's perfectly fine. Whether it's the Dingling Pill or the Ling Shui, both are indeed very practical. If we miss this opportunity, it might be difficult to obtain them later," said the white fox, elegantly raising her slender neck. "That doesn't need to be said. I have a clear plan in mind. Let's return to my abode first. Before we even discuss the Sword-Testing Assembly, let's settle your matter first." Han Li's tone was slightly cold. Then, he turned and walked toward his dwelling. Seeing this, the white fox smiled gently, and without a word, followed closely behind. As soon as he entered the cave sanctuary within the Stone Mountain, Han Li immediately began working on awakening the spirit of the artifact. The Qingzhu Fengyun Sword was about to gain its own spirit, which would undoubtedly enhance its power significantly—this gave Han Li a subtle sense of excitement. While the success rate of awakening spirits in artifacts had traditionally been quite low, especially when the spirit of a beast fiercely resisted, that was due to the inherent resistance of the creature's essence. Now, however, this silver moon spirit, whose physical form was a massive silver wolf, was willing to willingly settle into Han Li's artifacts—making the process far more straightforward. The challenge lay in transferring the main spirit from the jade如意 (jade如意) to Han Li's own. Fortunately, the white fox seemed confident about this, claiming it could handle the matter itself. Upon hearing this, Han Li felt instantly relieved. So, he followed the white fox's instructions, drawing a peculiar magical array in a quiet chamber, placing both the jade如意 and the white fox inside, and then slowly stepped out. The still room had been sealed with an acoustical restriction, so Han Li had no knowledge of how Yin Yue managed to free herself from Yu Ruiqi, nor did he intend to eavesdrop. He presumed she was well aware of the consequences should her main spirit remain immobile. "How are you holding up?" Han Li's expression softened, and he asked gently. "Though I've been in excruciating pain, I've managed to make it through. Your preparations must be nearly complete now. Without a vessel to anchor me, I can't remain in this white fox's body for long. I must merge completely with your法宝immediately, or my spirit will dissipate entirely." The voice of Yin Yue was extremely weak, yet she still struggled to maintain her strength. He lifted his head and glanced at the sky, then ran a hand over his chin before extending his arm and releasing a flying sword. Instantly, he took to the skies, riding the sword toward Tianqu Peak. "Frater Han, the message inscribed on the sealed scroll suggests that all the Tianqu Peak disciples have been summoned. Is this perhaps related to the sword-fighting tournament?" Suddenly, Han's mind echoed with the clear voice of Yin Yue. "I'm not certain. Yet, even someone like me—nearly forgotten—has received a personal message directly from the Master of the Peak. It seems clear that this matter is of significant importance, regardless of whether it's tied to the tournament." Han spoke calmly through his divine awareness. "Frater Han, it's quite remarkable that you'd participate in such a junior-level competition. Even without displaying your cultivation level, securing victory would surely be a breeze. However, this might raise suspicions among senior cultivators. If things go wrong, it's possible that even the Yuan-Ying stage cultivators from the three sects will take notice—potentially undermining the very purpose." Yin Yue gently reminded. "I fully understand this matter." I never said I would definitely attend this so-called grand assembly. When the time comes, I'll attend—certainly not win the championship. You may rest assured. Until my true Yuan婴 has solidified, I won't let anyone pay any attention to me." Han Li replied calmly. "It seems that Yin Yue has been rather talkative. Given Brother Han's experiences through the storms and trials, such minor matters would naturally not require a young lady to mention them." Yin Yue smiled softly, though the tone carried a subtle hint of grace and charm. Han Li, upon hearing this, sighed gently. Though she claimed to be from the Silver Moon wolf clan, he found her more alluring than even the feline spirit—by far more refined in her charm. Moreover, since she had become his artifact spirit, it seemed she now knew that Han Li would never treat her harshly. If she had merely taken the form of a white fox, she would have remained quiet and diligently focused on her cultivation. But now, as her spirit dwells within the sword, she constantly speaks to him—seemingly channeling all the loneliness she once felt within the Jade如意 into these few days. This left Han Li quite troubled. He had once thought this young lady more refined and gentle than a typical noblewoman! He didn't know whether her nature would gradually revert back to its original state.