"Master Han, is there anything you find unclear? This matter is no ordinary affair—perhaps we have indeed overlooked some crucial points." Zi Ling felt a touch of admiration upon hearing that, despite the news of Ling Zhu Fruit and the Transformation Dan, Master Han remained so composed. "Though I myself also visited the Muling Grassland, I wonder why you sought me out. After all, the southern Lóng Count is the one most likely to know the method of entering the Valley of the Fallen Demons. Is it possible that you also know of other means of entry?" Han Li stroked his chin, speaking in a steady tone. "We naturally know that the southern Lóng Count may possess the method of entry. However, given his temperament and the stories we've heard, we dare not reveal this secret to him. We are quite confident in Master Han. We know you are not someone who would abandon principles for mere gain. As for the method of entry, we learned it from a disciple of the Gui Ling Sect. It seems the Gui Ling Sect is currently researching a method of entry and has nearly perfected it. Yet the details remain unknown even to that disciple." But whenever the spatial rift in the Shuimo Valley stabilizes again, the Gui Ling Sect will surely take action. At that time, we'll gather all the details and should be able to join them without much difficulty. Still, the place where the Ling Zhu Fruit grows is said to be extremely harsh—without great capabilities, one simply cannot approach the fruit at all. Should Brother Han feel his cultivation level insufficient, then we can certainly set that aside. After all, even if we manage to enter the valley safely, the dangers within it are numerous and unpredictable—what lies ahead remains truly uncertain. As she spoke the last words, Zi Ling's expression grew hesitant. "The Gui Ling Sect has now found a way to enter the valley. That's the first time I've heard of it. Yet, from your tone, it seems that everything remains still vague, with no solid confirmation yet. Then, let us wait until the spatial rift stabilizes—there will still be several years before then. In the meantime, we'll thoroughly investigate everything and verify that the Ling Zhu Fruit truly exists within the valley, not merely a mere rumor. For the purpose of the Changsheng Dan, I will certainly take on this risk. As for my cultivation level, you need "If I can't manage it, then most of the other mid-stage Yuan-Ying cultivators probably won't have much hope either," Han Li said after a thoughtful pause, finally exhaling a long breath. He did not mention the matter involving the Nanzhong Marquis. Facing the notoriously perilous Fumaguan Valley—the very premier haunt of danger in the southern lands—Han Li had to carefully weigh his options, even with the enticing medicinal fruit, the Ling Zhu Guo, as an incentive. Perhaps the Ghost Spirit Sect's method of entry was safer after all. If so, then there was no need to bring up the Nanzhong Marquis's matter before these three ladies. Seeing that Han Li had not immediately agreed, Zi Ling was not only neither discouraged but actually delighted. She knew that, given Han Li's cautious nature, the very fact that he had voiced this concern counted as a commitment. Moreover, from the tone of his voice, it seemed the rumor was genuine—the current power of the three sisters was truly remarkable. Thus, the hope of securing the Ling Zhu Guo grew even stronger. At this moment, the young lady smiled gently and said, "In fact, the reason we've been eager to find Brother Han is that if we cannot secure a capable assistant, all our efforts would be in vain—there would be nothing but fruitless actions. But now, with Brother Han's promise, we feel reassured. We will naturally keep investigating the details further. After all, we sisters also intend to enter the valley, and we certainly won't risk our lives lightly." "Wait—do all three of you also plan to enter the valley?" Hearing this, Han Li was startled, his face filled with surprise. "Brother Han, do you really think we intend to enter the valley? It's actually a matter of necessity, forced upon us. Most ancient texts merely describe the miraculous properties of the Ling Zhu Fruit. However, few records mention that once the fruit is plucked, it cannot be preserved—it must be immediately transferred into the cauldron for processing within half a day. If this time limit is exceeded, the fruit's potency diminishes significantly. After three days, its effectiveness is entirely lost. Most unfortunate of all, the Dan of Transformation prepared using this fruit." The same restriction applies. If not consumed within a certain time after the elixir is prepared, it will lose its effectiveness. Thus, even though we know deep in our hearts that the Fallen Demon Valley is beyond our reach, we have no choice but to press on and take a gamble. After all, this is far better than spending a hundred or even several hundred years still stuck at the current stage. Zi Ling smiled faintly, speaking with a touch of resignation. "The Ling Zhu Fruit has such limitations. I've read countless ancient texts, yet I never came across this before," said Han Li, frowning slightly. "Master Han, this is an ancient secret manuscript passed down through our Song family. I've copied it here. Once you take a look, you'll understand." To Han Li's surprise, it was the woman with the Song surname who suddenly reached into her storage scroll and produced a jade tablet, offering it with respectful courtesy. Han Li's face briefly expressed astonishment as he glanced at her carefully before nodding and accepting the tablet, then immersing his divine awareness into it. This was a specialized ancient book detailing the production and properties of ancient spiritual elixirs and medicinal herbs. There were many elixirs and prescriptions that Han Li had either heard of before or had never heard of at all. Even specific details about the Nine-Curve Ling Sheng Root and the related prescriptions obtained from Xuan Gu Old Demon were mentioned. This deeply moved Han Li. With his current perspective, several of the elixirs listed here were particularly useful for him at the Yuan Ying stage. Although the ingredients required for each prescription were mostly rare, ancient, and hard to find, having a well-prepared reserve was always advantageous—otherwise, should any new elixirs emerge in the future, he would have no idea how to utilize them. It seemed that even some elite families or great sects in the cultivation world still held treasures yet to be discovered. With his powerful consciousness, the information contained in the jade scroll was abundant, yet he quickly located the entries on Ling Zhu Fruit. The scroll indeed outlined various limitations regarding the Ling Zhu Fruit and the Chang Sheng Dan. After reviewing it carefully, Han Li frowned, his brow deeply furrowed. A moment later, he withdrew his awareness, saying nothing immediately, but instead gently traced the smooth surface of the jade scroll with his fingers,沉吟 as he pondered. "I've heard from my sister, Zilin, that you, Master Han, have an exceptional skill in alchemy. To our Song family, this ancient text is truly a mere afterthought—though we possess many classical formulas, the primary ingredients for each are beyond our reach. If you don't mind, then, Master, I'd be honored if you took this jade scroll with you. It will serve as my gratitude for your willingness to assist me this time!" The Song woman spoke politely and gracefully. "This pill is perfectly suited to your current stage." Saying this, Han Li reached into his waistband and pulled out a small green bottle from his storage pouch, then tossed it directly to the woman with the surname Song. Without thinking, she accepted the bottle, but her expression showed hesitation, somewhat at a loss. Zilin, observing from the side, smiled gently and gracefully. "Since I've given it to you, Song sister, please take it. Han's alchemy skills are truly exceptional—this pill is likely made from high-grade immortal dragon pills. It will surely help you advance your cultivation significantly. This is a most profitable transaction!" Zilin said with a warm, charming smile. Upon hearing this, the woman with the surname Song looked visibly delighted, thanked Han Li again, and carefully took the pill bottle. Han Li smiled slightly, then retrieved his jade scroll, and said calmly, "Since neither the Ling Zhu fruit nor the Chang Hua pill can be preserved, it seems you truly have no choice but to enter the valley." If they merely head straight for this immortal fruit, without venturing too far afield, their chances of retreat remain quite substantial. However, at present, you all should first gather the auxiliary materials needed for refining the Changfa Dan. While these herbs are not as rare as the Ling Zhu Guo, several of them are still difficult to find. As for the other details, we'll only finalize them once everything has been clearly understood. After all, this matter is quite distant. Perhaps by then, we'll suffer a decisive defeat in our battle against Mulan's forces. The incident involving the Falling Demon Valley might then be entirely forgotten. Whether we, as cultivators, can even remain established in the southern heavens remains uncertain. Han Li sighed, speaking with careful deliberation. "Wait—Han Senior, you don't seem overly optimistic about our upcoming confrontation with the legal scholars?" Upon hearing Han Li's words, Zilin and the others were startled, and Mei Ning couldn't help but inquire with restrained concern. "That's hard to say. On the surface, our various southern factions have united and are fighting on home ground. We should therefore hold a slight advantage over Mulan's combined forces." It was indeed the three senior cultivators from the southern heavens and our Tian Dao Alliance's Long Han couple who could hold their own against Mu Lan's master. Yet these cloaked figures remained enigmatic, clearly indicating the involvement of an external force in our conflict with the Mu Lan people. If any developments had occurred, they must have stemmed from these individuals. "Han Li said nothing, merely observing. "Then, this great battle may well come down to a fifty-fifty chance," Pu Ling also grew serious. "That's accurate. However, the most likely scenario is..." Han Li's eyes flickered several times, and he murmured softly, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. This caused the three women to pause. "Enough about this. Before the actual battle even begins, no one can truly predict the outcome. You simply need to prepare yourselves for the matter of the Fallen Demon Valley. From there, everything will unfold according to fortune—some things, after all, cannot always be forced." Han Li shook his head, then concluded with a calm tone. Then, Han Li did not mention the incident of the fall into the Valley of the Demon again, but instead showed genuine curiosity about the experiences of the two women over the past few years. The others—Zi Ling and Mei Ning—were equally intrigued by the story of how Han Li had managed to escape from Mu Lan’s master, and naturally asked him many questions with great interest. Unable to stay any longer, after a brief greeting, Han Li transformed into a swirl of emerald mist, carrying the Song-family woman along with him, and sped back toward Tianyi City.