After hearing all this, the thing described was somewhat similar to his Tihun Beast—also a man-made spiritual artifact. However, judging from its ability to devour cultivators' spiritual essences and immortal embryos, it clearly proved far more formidable. At the very least, it far surpassed the capabilities of the earlier Tihun Beasts. Han Li mentally pondered, then suddenly changed the tone of his speech, saying a remark that left Liu Yu astonished. "Your six-winged frost serpents are no ordinary creatures. Where did you obtain them? According to the usual situation, with your current cultivation level, it should be impossible to possess such ancient spiritual insects. Have neither your peers nor your so-called senior teachers ever observed these beings?" "The senior also recognizes this spiritual creature! I discovered several ancient eggs of this insect within an abandoned dwelling of an ancient cultivator. Initially, I believed them to be lifeless, incapable of hatching. Yet, upon returning and testing them, they unexpectedly hatched, thanks to a fortunate coincidence." However, the senior monks of the sect explained that although these spiritual insects are ancient and unique, and possess boundless abilities after maturing, they are extremely difficult to cultivate. Even under ideal conditions, it takes over a thousand years for them to grow into maturity. Therefore, no one has ever seriously considered replacing them. I myself have always found their young abilities quite impressive, so I've never been willing to switch to other types of spiritual insects," Li Yu said, somewhat surprised. At the same time, she was puzzled—why was the other person interested in these insects? Could it be that, even with his cultivation level, he also found them appealing? Despite the fact that Yuan-Ying stage cultivators can live for over a thousand years, they simply couldn't afford to invest such a long time in nurturing these six-winged frost insects. As Li Yu was still deeply puzzled, Han Li glanced at her and said something that made her heart race. "I am particularly interested in your six-winged frost insects, and I have methods to elevate them by one or two stages within a short period. Would you be interested in making a trade with me?" "Master, please tell me what you would like me to do," Han Li said calmly. Liu Yu's eyes sparkled, and she smiled gracefully, displaying a charming blend of elegance and gentle irritation. Yet Han Li seemed entirely unaware, simply continuing: "I can assist you in ripening these six-winged frost centipedes. However, their eggs must be handed over to me—they will serve another purpose. Moreover, I've heard that the driving and pest-repelling techniques of the Yuling Sect are particularly refined. Would you be so kind as to share them with me?" "If I reveal my secret techniques to you, Master, what will you do to me?" Liu Yu said to Han Li, her voice tinged with unease. "As long as you obtain the insect eggs and the techniques you desire, you are free to leave at your own convenience. I will not stand in your way at all. As for whether you return to Yuling Sect or seek another path—how could you possibly find no place to stand in this vast world?" Han Li replied calmly, as though speaking of something trivial. Upon hearing this, Liu Yu's expression grew increasingly uncertain. After a pause, she pressed her lips together and offered a wistful, bitter smile. "You speak so easily, Master. Yet I am well aware of my own circumstances. If I become a freelance practitioner, I shall never hope to achieve a true immortal body. Moreover, I now know your true identity and background. How can you possibly treat me so casually and allow me to depart unharmed? I fear I shall not escape death." The woman seemed to have fully grasped the gravity of the matter, and spoke slowly, with a look of profound sorrow. "Then what will you do? Shall I make you take an oath, or will you use this as leverage against me?" Han Li, hearing this, remained calm and did not show any anger. "Leverage? How dare I do so? I only wish to secure my own safety." Liu Yu shook her head, speaking with composure. "What would you like to do to ensure your safety?" "If it is not too much to ask, I would like to formally join your sect as your disciple. Would that be acceptable?" Liu Yu lowered her head slightly, saying something that left Han Li momentarily stunned. "Join your sect?" Han Li was genuinely surprised. "Indeed. With your level of cultivation, you are more than capable of serving as my master. As for me, I can only fully disclose the techniques of Yuling Sect to you if I am protected under your care. Otherwise, even if you do not kill me, I will be pursued and hunted by Yuling Sect for the rest of my life." A touch of fear appeared on the pale, porcelain-like face of the woman in white. Han Li furrowed his brow, lightly tapping the arm of the nearby green stone chair a few times. A slight pause of contemplation followed. "If that's the case, you've never formally studied under any master at Yuling Sect, have you? Yet, joining my sect—how will your family face that? After all, the Celestial Dao Alliance and the Demon Dao have long been at odds. Have you thought this through carefully?" Han Li stroked his chin, speaking calmly and unhurriedly. "As for me, from the time I reached the Foundation Stage to finally achieving the Condensation Stage, I've always relied entirely on my own fortune and opportunities. I've never formally studied under anyone. My family has no connections either. The Liu family, at my generation, originally had only a few cultivators. Now, all the others have passed away. There's only me left." Liu Yu spoke steadily. "Since you've made this choice—to join my sect for security and protection—such a thing is certainly feasible. However, I must first implant a Divine-Suppression Spell upon you. After that, I won't intervene much in your cultivation journey. In short, you may be recognized as my registered disciple, and then proceed "Are you really going to proceed this way?" Han Li said, smiling slightly. "Removing the restrictions is naturally the right thing to do. After all, I was once a cultivator from Yuling Sect. As long as the senior can protect my safety, I have no complaints whatsoever. As for guidance on cultivation, I myself am someone who barely escaped death—so I certainly won't expect much." Liu Yu seemed well aware of Han Li's mindset as a dedicated practitioner, and readily agreed without hesitation. Upon hearing her enthusiastic acceptance, Han Li fell silent. After a few flashes of unusual light in his eyes, he nodded and said, "Very well. Since you've agreed to such terms, I won't let you down. Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to the other two senior elders of Luoyun Sect. From now on, you'll take on a new name and officially join Luoyun Sect." "Thank you so much, senior—your kindness is truly generous," Liu Yu felt a great relief in her heart, knowing her life was truly secured. She quickly bowed in gratitude. "You go back to your original quiet chamber and rest first." A little while later, I'll perform the Divine Spirit Seal on you and at the same time lift the magical bindings upon your body." Han Li waved his hand, signaling for the woman to step out first. Li Yu bowed once more in gratitude and respectfully exited the hall. A flash of yellow light appeared on one wall of the hall, and the silver moon materialized out of thin air. "Wait—haven't you returned to your original form yet?" Han Li glanced at the young woman before him, his expression neutral. "My修为 as a fox spirit has greatly improved since before. Naturally, the time it takes to transform has lengthened accordingly. Still, Master, are you truly determined to take this woman as your disciple? I remember you used to be reluctant to accept disciples, fearing that the accumulated karmic connections would distract you from your cultivation. How truly important is this six-winged frost serpent to you? Otherwise, merely to summon the pest-repelling technique, you could have easily used the 'Dream-Calling Technique' to extract her essence through force. The young woman's eyes flickered slightly, and she asked in a soft, puzzled tone. "You're absolutely right. This six-winged frost serpent—I am determined to "You think, given the current pace, how long would it take me to fully refine all the Qing-blue ice flames, one strand at a time?" Han Li leaned back, his face displaying a relaxed expression. "I'm not sure. At the very least, it would take..." Yin Yue was momentarily stunned by Han Li's question, hesitating before finally being unable to give a precise estimate. "To be honest, refining each strand requires a one-year buffer period before it can be fully absorbed by me. At the very least, it would take around two hundred years. That seems rather lengthy. However, the cold aura sprayed by these six-winged frost worms can significantly shorten the refining period, and it appears to also have a certain amplifying effect on the Qing-blue ice flames." Han Li said this calmly, then raised both hands and extended one finger from each. To Yin Yue's astonishment, glowing lights of white and blue shimmered at the tips of the fingers. A snowy-white frost bloom and a vibrant blue ice flame appeared successively on the tip of his fingers, gently floating there, exquisitely delicate. "Wow," silver moon exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise. Han Li, however, remained composed and simply blew softly. Instantly, a small patch of emerald mist erupted, engulfing both the frost bloom and the blue flame within. The frost bloom and the blue flame instantly transformed into scattered specks of starlight, intermingling with one another. Then, a deep, resonant crackling sound echoed, and brilliant blue-white streaks of light surged forth. Suddenly, within the mist, a small purple-flame bird materialized, its wings fluttering gently as it spiraled and danced with remarkable grace. Gazing at the bird the size of his fingertip, Han Li's face brightened with satisfaction, and a subtle spark of excitement shimmered deep within his eyes. "Silver Moon," he exhaled softly, suddenly saying, "do you still remember the Wrath Holy Fire that the old mage Xuan Gu employed back then?"