Hearing Lu Luo's words, Han Li instantly recalled the scene when Mu Peiling and Nan Gong Wan first met, yet naturally added a few more thanks. "As for my future plans, originally according to our agreement, after my first intervention, I would no longer need to participate in the subsequent battles. However, a few days ago, when we gathered with the senior figures from the Zhengmo factions and the Nine Kingdoms Alliance to discuss our strategies, someone mentioned me. They noted that since I was able to instantly defeat a black-robed cultivator, I must surely possess a technique that can counteract these black-robed figures. Therefore, they all hope I will still take part in the upcoming major battle. Our Tian Dao Alliance representatives also believe I am a key combat force—should I decline, it would indeed be difficult to justify. So...," Lu Luo said, hesitating slightly. "Of course, I'm willing to participate again. If Tiannan truly falls to the Mu Lan forces, then even our Luoyun Sect won't fare much better. But regarding our earlier promise—how will the Alliance handle it? Will they merely speak of it, or will they truly uphold it?" "To吕洛's surprise, Han Li didn't show any annoyance; instead, he gave a quiet laugh and calmly asked, 'Of course not. With his brother's contributions—uncovering a spy from the Yuling Sect and eliminating a black-robed assailant—the Alliance has promised that as long as he continues to fight, he may propose any conditions he wishes. They will do their best to meet those demands, as compensation.'" Lu Luo chuckled and said. "Willing to compensate? That makes it much easier. I'll personally discuss the specifics with the relevant officials." Upon hearing this, Han Li's expression brightened slightly, though he remained composed. "That's good. I'll take Brother Lu right over to meet our key officials of the Tian Dao Alliance. As long as the conditions aren't too demanding, they should be able to agree." Lu Luo smiled gently, though his words carried a subtle implication. "Don't worry, Master Lu. I won't ask for unreasonable terms that would leave you in a difficult position." Han Li smiled lightly and said, his tone calm and steady. "Brother Li is being overly modest. Without regard to my face, it's rare that these elders are so generous—what they want, they should take, there's no point in letting it go." Seeing that Han Li understood his meaning and knew how to act accordingly, Lu Luo felt a weight lift from his heart, though what he said aloud was quite different. Han Li listened with a faintly amused expression, and said nothing further. Immediately thereafter, Lu Luo led Han Li out of the Lu Yun Sect's compound and headed straight for the council hall of the Heaven's Way Alliance. "Currently, the Heaven's Way Alliance is governed by a council composed of senior disciples from twelve major sects. Every ten years, a few of these sects rotate out. Of course, the three founding sects—the Luan Ming Sect, the Gu Jian Gate, and the Ni Hang Zhai—remain unchanged. Most of the alliance's affairs are actually decided by these three. Nevertheless, the Luan Ming Sect holds a slight edge in strength compared to the Gu Jian Gate and the Ni Hang Zhai. The primary figures in Tianyi City are Long Han and Feng Bing, senior disciples of the Luan Ming Sect." As you must know, these two together can match even a pair of cultivators in the late Yuan婴 stage. The strength of our alliance in standing equal to other factions entirely rests on these two. However, now only Long Han has stepped forward; once Feng Bing, the senior monk, arrived in Tianyi City, she immediately went into seclusion, seemingly reaching a crucial point in mastering a particular secret technique. Once Han's younger brother secures agreements with the key senior monks currently in charge of Tianyi City, the council will effectively be approved. Besides Long Han, who is presiding over the council hall, senior monks from the other two great sects also regularly reside there. Lü Luo explained the affairs of the Heavens' Way Alliance while walking alongside Han. Some of these matters Han had already known before, while others were new to him—neither said much, merely nodding silently. The council hall is located at the heart of the western city. After a steady, unhurried walk, they reached their destination. Before them stood a grand stone hall, surrounded by a magnificent array of pavilions. "May I have the honor of introducing Master Lü. Master Lü, are you here to see several senior elders? And this one—?" The several Foundation-stage cultivators stationed at the entrance of the hall clearly recognized Master Lü, a senior elder of Luoyun Sect. One of them bowed respectfully and asked politely, though his expression grew slightly hesitant when his gaze fell upon Han Li, the unfamiliar cultivator. "This is Elder Han of our sect. We are indeed here to see Senior Long and the others," Master Lü replied calmly and evenly. "Ah, so it's Elder Han. Please wait a moment, Senior Elders. The senior elders are currently discussing matters in the side pavilion. I'll inform them immediately," the cultivator exclaimed, startled, and stared at Han Li with a more attentive gaze before his demeanor grew even more respectful—clearly recognizing Han Li's status. With a simple gesture, the cultivator drew out a communication scroll, whispered a few words into it, and then tossed it aside. A beam of red light shot inward, swiftly heading toward the pavilion. A moment later, three resonant chimes suddenly rang out from within the hall. Upon hearing the sound, the gatekeeper immediately inclined his body slightly and bowed, saying, "Please enter, senior. The senior elders have already been informed of your arrival." Lu Luo nodded gracefully and walked into the hall with dignified composure. Han Li followed calmly behind, maintaining a composed and unhurried demeanor. After passing through several corridors, Lu Luo led Han Li into a side pavilion on the other side. As they stepped inside, they found about five or six Yuan-Infant stage cultivators seated within. All of them turned to look upon their arrival. However, their gaze swept briefly over Lu Luo before settling firmly on Han Li, who immediately caught their interest. Though these cultivators were all highly accomplished, Han Li's bright eyes drew the attention of one middle-aged man seated in the central position. The man wore a gray robe, with a distinguished appearance, broad frame, and cultivation level even surpassing that of ordinary Yuan-En Ci stage cultivators—seemingly already at the peak of the mid-stage, only a single step away from the late stage. Han Li was struck by this, instantly recognizing him as Long Han, the senior from Luan Ming Sect. Given his profound cultivation, it was no surprise that, together with his partner in dual cultivation, he could now stand against a Yuan-En Late stage cultivator. He had initially thought the reputation somewhat exaggerated, but now it seemed that the accounts had perhaps underestimated Long Han's true standing. At that moment, while others remained silent, Long Han smiled warmly and stepped forward. "Lü brother, this is indeed the senior Han from your sect—these days, we've heard of him constantly," he said, bowing politely. "Ah, Long Han, esteemed friend. I've long admired your reputation." Han Li carefully studied the middle-aged man, returning the bow with a warm smile. "As for fame among cultivators these days, can there be anyone who enjoys such widespread recognition as Senior Han?" Master Han has truly brought honor to the Tian Dao Alliance. Sitting beside Long Han, an elderly man with a pale complexion spoke half-jokingly. "That's quite a compliment, Master. May I ask your name?" Han Li had already taken notice of this elder. As he was the only other Yuan婴中期 cultivator present besides Long Han, he naturally could not afford to be casual. "Master Han, this is Kuang from Ni Hang Zhai. His 'Qian Tu Technique' has been renowned throughout the southern lands for over three centuries." Before the pale elder could respond, Lü Luo had already stepped in to introduce him. "Ah, Master Kuang. I've long admired you as well," Han Li said, slightly surprised, with a look of amazement on his face. This was no empty praise. Master Kuang from Ni Hang Zhai was indeed a towering figure—second only to Long Han and his wife within the Tian Dao Alliance. The silvery-haired elder from Luoyun Sect had repeatedly mentioned him. Han Li had never expected to meet him here. Then, Lu Luo introduced the remaining several cultivators to Han Li one by one. The others were rather unremarkable, but when introducing the elder from the Ancient Sword Sect—a cultivator named Tian with an unattractive appearance—Han Li couldn’t help but glance at him more closely. If Han Li had been dissatisfied all along, he would have found it difficult to express it now. Yet, Han Li had never been particularly annoyed by this. He had already escaped death at the hands of Mu Lan, the divine master, and even if the battles grew fiercer, he would surely be able to protect himself. With his life secure, he naturally felt no discontent—on the contrary, he saw this as a rare opportunity. After a brief pause, Han Li spoke without hesitation: "Since Dragon Brother has emphasized this so clearly, I have no objection to continuing in the upcoming battles. Indeed, I understand the principle that 'when the nest is destroyed, no egg remains unbroken.' However, I do have certain matters that must be accomplished with the support of the alliance's strength. I shall make full use of this opportunity without reservation." As he spoke, Han Li radiated a sense of composure. He knew that before these elder masters, it was better to avoid displaying subtle diplomacy and simply be straightforward—this approach would serve him better in achieving his goals. Indeed, this open and unreserved manner left most of the present cultivators with a favorable impression of Han Li. The Cheng cultivator smiled warmly and directly remarked, "Han friend speaks with great clarity and efficiency—quite to my liking. Please go ahead and state your terms. I'm genuinely curious now!" Long Han's eyes flashed several times before he smiled gently and remained silent. The others kept their gaze fixed on Han Li, waiting to see what demands he might have. Otherwise, Han Li would not have seized this opportunity to put it forward as a condition.