Although Han Li still did not know the exact origins of the Blood Demon Sword, once he became aware of its detrimental effect—where magical energy would backfire and harm the user—he naturally did not wish for Nan Gong Wan to use such a perilous magical artifact. As for the other items, although there were a few ancient treasures like the Jing Guang Mirror, it was clear that Nan Gong Wan had no intention of taking them away, thus preserving a certain dignity for his sister. The Jing Guang Mirror, an ancient treasure that had accompanied the cold lady for years, was well known throughout the immortal realm; should they take it away, they would surely encounter numerous complications. At this moment, Nan Gong Wan placed the sealing token between her palms, gently rubbing it. After a flash of red light, a dark, ink-like mist emerged, and then, with a simple separation of her palms, the token dissolved into nothingness. "All right," she said with a bright, contented smile, "the Confine-Heart Technique is finally lifted. However, before I depart, I'd like to leave a few words for my senior sister." Upon removing all the seals, Nan Gong Wan felt particularly pleased. Han Li naturally offered no objections. Thus, Nan Gong Wan withdrew a white jade scroll from her body, gently pressing it against her forehead. The scroll flashed with light, and Nan Gong Wan immersed her consciousness within it, using her spiritual awareness to inscribe words upon it. After a full cup of tea's worth of time, she lifted the scroll from her forehead, placed it beside the items that had fallen to the ground, and returned it to her storage bag. Then, she fastened the bag around the cold woman's waist. "Let's go," Nan Gong Wan smiled at Han Li, her voice slightly shy. "My cycle-of-rebirth light has enveloped my sister for so long—she won't regain consciousness within a day or two." Han Li gazed at the gentle expression of the young woman, his heart suddenly stirred. He reached out, grasping her delicate hand, and together, their spiritual energies merged, forming a long, radiant rainbow that shot forth from the hall. "My concubine and Lu Brother from Luocun Sect have somehow still not left Qian Tian City—probably due to the incursion of the magistrates. Both of them have some connection with me, and they came together, so I can't possibly abandon them and return alone. I'll have to make a visit or two." Han Li and Nan Gong Wan stood side by side, breathing in the close, subtle fragrance, and spoke slowly. "Then, why should I go alone? I'll go with you instead." Nan Gong Wan gave Han Li a reproachful glance, expressing her slight dissatisfaction. "Wan'er, as a Yuan-Stage cultivator from Yan Yue Sect, I'm sure many senior cultivators from the Nine Kingdom Alliance are familiar with you. Although I've taught you the 'Form-Shifting Technique,' it might still be detected when faced with someone of higher cultivation. It would be wiser for you to return to Luocun Sect first." Han Li smiled and explained. "Yet now you have offended both the Yanyue Sect and the Hua Yi Gate. Should you go to Qian Tian City, I truly feel a bit uneasy." Nan Gong Wan furrowed her delicate nose, growing increasingly concerned. "Rest assured! You've already seen my powers. Though there may be many in the Tiannan region who surpass me in cultivation, I believe only a few could hold or even eliminate me. Moreover, as a senior disciple of Luoyun Sect, I am currently at the forefront of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance's defense against the Mu Lan incursion—so they would surely hesitate to interfere. Furthermore, I suspect your senior sister will follow the escape strategy you described in your jade scroll. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to face Wei Wuyi. In that case, there's really nothing to worry about." Han Li smiled lightly as he spoke. "Since you're determined to go, I won't stand in your way. Just take good care of yourself. For added security, here, take this treasure as your personal safeguard." It seemed Nan Gong Wan had sensed Han Li's firm resolve and didn't feel the need to add further words. Instead, she reached to her waist and produced a delicate silk handkerchief, calmly offering it. "What is this?" Han Li sensed an unusual spiritual energy emanating from the handkerchief and asked curiously. "This is an ancient artifact I accidentally discovered during one of my travels abroad. It's incredibly convenient to use—it can automatically rise and protect me with just a thought. Since your journey may involve potential dangers, I'd feel more at ease if you carry it with you." Nangong Wan explained gently, as if speaking to a devoted wife. Han Li remained silent, gazing steadily into Nangong Wan's clear, luminous eyes, watching her for a long while until a gentle blush rose on her cheeks. Only then did he chuckle lightly, accepting the handkerchief and carefully placing it aside. Seeing this, Nangong Wan's face softened into a faint smile. Suddenly remembering something, she reached into her sleeve and withdrew a jade pendant glowing with a warm red light, her lips parting slightly: "This fire-protecting pendant has been a constant companion of mine. Though I don't particularly enjoy being burdened by worldly affairs—" But back then, out of the sudden enthusiasm, he had accepted several named disciples. Though they had taken him as their master, they were not officially affiliated with the Yan Yue Sect. Now, two of them have established two shops each in the city of Qian Tian. If you truly need assistance, simply present this item to them, and they will follow your instructions." After saying this, Nan Gong Wan softly mentioned the names of a few individuals. A warm feeling stirred within Han Li's heart. With a gentle expression on his face, he silently recorded the names. The genuine care he had received felt like something he hadn't experienced in a long time. After three battles and three defeats, the Nine Kingdoms Alliance had to rely on several grand sealing arrays to barely hold onto key strongholds—clearly now in a defensive disadvantage. When Han Li heard this, his brows naturally furrowed with concern. Yet no one knew the exact circumstances, nor the specific reasons behind the collapse of the cultivators. He could only keep moving forward, silently. Only after entering the Yu Kingdom did he gather more specific information from other cultivators. It seemed that Mulan, the master of the arts, had somehow summoned several wild, ancient beasts from remote, untamed regions, catching the Nine Kingdoms Alliance's cultivators completely off guard and leading to a series of consecutive defeats. This news deeply astonished Han Li, who immediately set out at night, traveling swiftly to Tiantian City. Though the sky-sealing array had been withdrawn, most of the "Shangyuan Mieguang Array" had been reactivated in Tiantian City. The city now shimmered with a faint, ethereal, and subtly pulsing energy. Clearly, this cultivator city of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance had truly entered full wartime mode. Han Li quietly observed for a moment, then moved swiftly, transforming into a streak of vibrant jade light that sped directly toward the city gate. At the city gate, several cultivators were on duty—seven or eight in total—among whom only one was a Ji Dan stage elder; the rest were all Jian Ji stage cultivators. As the brilliant jade light streak shot toward them, the Ji Dan elder had just stepped forward to inquire, but upon casually scanning the light with his consciousness, he immediately grew pale. "Welcome, esteemed master! May I know your name? It is part of my duty to register all attendees," he said, bowing respectfully as soon as the light faded and a human figure appeared above his head. "An alliance? What alliance?" Han Li's expression shifted slightly as he glanced at the elder, asking calmly. "Are you not one of the attendees? Then perhaps you are a free-standing cultivator?" the elder blinked, slightly surprised. "No. I am a cultivator from the Tian Dao Alliance," Han Li replied, speaking with quiet composure. "Since the Mulan forces have come with great momentum, our nine-nation alliance finds it difficult to stand alone, and thus we have already issued a formal request for a coalition gathering to other powers. As a cultivator from the Heaven's Way Alliance, all you need to do is simply state your name and sect, and you may enter the city." The elder explained carefully. "Luoyun Sect, Han Li." Han Li's eyes flashed briefly, yet he still uttered his name. Yet in his heart, his brows remained furrowed. It seemed this journey was far more complex than he had anticipated. Upon hearing Han Li name his sect, the elder didn't even pause to verify—instead, he promptly stepped aside, respectfully ushering Han Li into the city. Han Li nodded and descended smoothly, entering the city with calm composure. On the streets of Chentian City, cultivators were noticeably fewer compared to when the trade fair was held, and everyone appeared concerned. Clearly, the news of early setbacks had already spread. Han Li maintained his composed demeanor as he made his way toward the apartment he had once lived in. If the others had not yet left, they should still be staying there. Not long after, Han Li stood outside the attic, using his divine awareness to sense the atmosphere within. A weaker flow of spiritual energy was detected on the second floor—the exact place where Mu Peilin indeed was. After a gentle smile, Han Li silently broke through the seal and entered the attic. "Master, you've finally returned!" exclaimed Mu Peilin with surprise as soon as she opened her eyes and saw Han Li standing before her.