The city closest to Changzhou, located a myriad of miles away from the Wanling Mountain Range, still sees many cultivators unwilling to camp outdoors choosing to settle there. However, the small sect that had quietly held sway over the city had already panicked, sending all its disciples back to their mountain monasteries and going silent on everything that transpired in the city. Though a considerable number of cultivators have gathered in the city, the abundance of inns ensures that even these relatively few practitioners have ample room to stay. Among them, Hongfu Inn is an ordinary inn among the many. It hosts two groups of cultivators, each having reserved two independent pavilions with private courtyards at the back of the inn. Inside one of these pavilions, three young and beautiful female cultivators are gathered around a wooden table, discussing matters together. These three are the original companions from Tianyicheng—Zilin and Mei Ning—who parted ways with Han Li, and the third is a Song-family woman, a close friend of the two. At this moment, Zilin appeared dignified and graceful, though clearly concealing her truly breathtaking charm through a secret technique. To the outside eye, she was merely an ordinary female cultivator of modest beauty. The three women now looked serious, speaking softly to one another. Subtly, white light flickered along the walls of the room, suggesting that a seal had been cast to prevent anyone from eavesdropping on their conversation. Yet merely traveling back and forth would take over a year—something that couldn’t be rushed. And wasn’t there still several months ahead? I’ve already left a clear contact address within the sect. As soon as the senior disciple returns, we’ll be found right away. As long as the senior disciple wishes to return on time, who in the far west could possibly hold back the current Master Han? Song, with a gentle smile and composed demeanor, said this. “This isn’t something so easily settled. Even if Master Han has reached the pinnacle of cultivation, some matters simply can’t be resolved by sheer修为.” Zilin sighed, recalling her experiences in the Yinming realm. Yet, as soon as she turned her gaze, she quickly added: “Song sister, you’ve been calling Master Han ‘Senior Disciple’ ever since you opened your mouth—so respectful now, it seems, as if you’ve suddenly developed great regard for Brother Han. Back then, when you spoke of Master Han, your tone wasn’t like this at all.” As she spoke, a faint, subtle smile played upon her delicate features. The Song family woman's face flushed slightly, but her expression quickly calmed as she said, "If Sister Zilin can also eliminate a top-tier Yuan-Stage cultivator at the mid-stage, then I would treat Sister Zilin with just as much respect. Brother Han is currently one of the most prominent figures in Tiannan, second only to the three great cultivators. As a junior, it's only natural that I should be respectful." Back in the beginning, Han Li had asked her to make the choice. Unfortunately, she hesitated and missed the opportunity. Now that Han Li has gained such a distinguished reputation, it would certainly not be easy for her to casually bring up this matter. "Mei Ning sister almost made Han Sir a concubine! I've never heard of such a thing before. I always thought there might be some connection between Sir Han and Zi Ling sister. After all, with sister's extraordinary beauty, I truly believed there was no man in the world who wouldn't be moved by her." The Song-family lady was first startled, then lightly teased Zi Ling with a smile. "Hmph! At that time, I didn't know Master Han had such extensive influence. If I had known, I would have surely offered myself to him then. Being his partner in dual cultivation would have been far better than the slow progress I'm making these days." Zi Ling gently pressed her lips, speaking with a half-smile that made it hard to tell whether her words were sincere or not. This left the usually reserved Song-family lady momentarily stunned, finding herself both surprised and at a loss for words. "Yet, with Brother Han's extraordinary abilities now reaching such a height, if we truly commit to offering our assistance, the Ling Zhu Fruit is certainly within reach. Sister Song, have you truly decided not to enter the Fallen Demon Valley? After all, Mei Ning has hesitated to go, precisely because the number of cultivators entering the valley has suddenly surged. For her level of cultivation, the journey would indeed be quite perilous." Zi Ling paused, speaking slowly. "I've carefully considered this matter. I'm quite different from you two. Though I am currently only at the initial stage of Jin Dan cultivation, my foundation has already approached the peak of the early stage. With just two or thirty years of dedicated effort, I could reach this level. It would not be worth risking such a significant danger for this. As for the other treasures within the valley, those would truly require the sacrifice of one's life. I have a good sense of self-awareness in this regard." Mei Ning thoughtfully replied. "Since Sister Song has made up her mind, I shall no longer urge her. In truth, if Brother Han does not arrive in time, I would not dare to enter the valley alone. With the increasing number of high-level cultivators entering, the There must have been countless incidents of treasure theft and casualties. I, a solo cultivator at the initial stage of Jin Dan, entering alone—how could I not be like a lamb among wolves? I never expected to be so foolish. Zi Ling chuckled bitterly, speaking with evident disappointment. "Master Han!" "Brother Han!" The Song-family woman and Zilin were first startled, then immediately exclaimed Han Li's name, both of them displaying evident delight. Zilin raised her hand and cast a spell upon the door. Instantly, the wooden door flashed with a white glow and slowly swung open inward. Standing there was a young man in his twenties, dressed in a slightly worn green robe, his hands behind his back. He gazed at the three beautiful women inside, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his mouth. This man was Han Li, who had returned from the far west some two and a half years ago. Behind him, an additional bamboo tube about a foot long appeared, its contents unknown, slanted over his shoulder instead of being stored in his storage bag. Upon closer inspection, one could see that Han Li himself had changed somewhat—he now exuded a more composed and steady demeanor, his spirit and grace noticeably refined, giving the impression of being deeply profound. "Greetings, Master Han!" The woman from the Song family didn't hesitate, quickly stepping forward to bow respectfully and said in a polite tone, "Brother Han, you've finally arrived. I thought you were delayed by matters and wouldn't be able to make it in time!" A gentle blush spread across Zilin's face, and she also rose to greet him with some nervousness. How long had Brother Han been here? Had he heard every word she just said? As she recalled his words of willingness to "commit himself," even though Zilin was usually graceful and composed, she now felt a touch of bashfulness and slight embarrassment. "Since I've agreed to meet you all, I naturally will arrive on time," Han said with a slight smile, giving the woman a thoughtful glance before calmly walking into the room. Mei Ning lightly bit her red lips and came forward to pay her respects to Han. Han waved her off, then walked to the empty wooden chair beside the one already occupied, and invited everyone to sit down together. Zilin's expression soon returned to its usual composure, and she settled herself with calm assurance. Then, the Song-family woman hesitated before finally sitting upright as well. "Frater Han, when did you return to the southern lands? How was your journey to the far west?" Purple Ling did not immediately mention the incident in the Valley of the Fallen Demons, but instead smiled gently and inquired about Han Li's journey, casting upon him a somewhat unusual gaze. "I encountered a few minor difficulties in the far west. Though they were eventually resolved, it did take some time—otherwise, I would have returned six months ago." Han Li replied with a warm smile. Upon hearing this, both Purple Ling and the Song-family woman exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued. What could have caused such a minor inconvenience to Han Li, who was now so composed and confident? Yet seeing that Han Li showed no intention of elaborating, both women, being exceptionally perceptive, chose not to press further. "Just now, you mentioned that only Miss Purple Ling was willing to go to the Valley of the Fallen Demons. Both your junior disciple, Ms. Song, and Miss Mei Ning have changed their minds—this is truly so?" After glancing at them, the two younger sisters of Han Li asked calmly. "Since Master Uncle has already become aware of it, I naturally have no reason to withhold anything. After careful discussion with Mei Ning, we have concluded that the journey poses too great a risk—perhaps it is better to abandon it altogether. I do not wish to risk unnecessary hardship merely for the sake of a few decades of dedicated cultivation. Moreover, Mei Ning recently obtained a potent elixir that greatly aids in reaching the Dan stage. She too does not wish to undertake such a perilous journey. After all, the reputation of the Plum Demon Valley as the most dangerous place in the southern region is no exaggeration. The Ling Zhu Fruit is located deep within the valley, where the dangers are even greater."