"Ultimately, through cultivation, one becomes a monster resembling an ancient demon," Han Li said coldly. "Han, young master, don't you think all ancient demons look bizarre and unusual?" The Great Derivation Sovereign paused, his tone now somewhat strange. "May I ask, how so? After all, once one becomes an ancient demon, doesn't one then become a supernatural being from another realm? Wouldn't one still retain a human form?" Han Li was taken aback and asked in return. "You've misunderstood. According to the texts I've studied, cultivators who ascend from the human realm to the demonic realm—despite becoming part of the ancient demon lineage—retain their original physical forms. Of course, if they employ specific demonic techniques to transform, that's a different matter entirely. During the final clashes between ancient cultivators and ancient demons, a small number of cultivators were drawn by high-level ancient demons and transformed directly into members of the ancient demon lineage through the method of infusing demonic energy into their heads. This significantly intensified the final confrontation." It's said that after being enchanted, these beings still retain their human forms and mental faculties, yet willingly serve the higher-tier ancient demons. One wonders if there's something beneath the surface. Only later did it come to light that human cultivators, when refining ancient demon techniques to their utmost, would naturally ascend to the realm of the ancient demons. As for the ancient demons whose original forms are inherently strange, they can be divided into two categories. One category consists of the primordial demonic beings of the ancient demon realm—the highest-tier entities, sometimes referred to as the "Sage Ancestors." Though rare, these beings are all profoundly terrifying. Even today, some magicians still need to invoke their names repeatedly when practicing ancient demon techniques, in order to draw upon their demonic energy and successfully cast spells. The other category comprises certain non-human ethnic tribes from our human realm, who, after cultivating ancient demon techniques, have themselves ascended to the ancient demon realm. Since their original forms were never human, they naturally assume the grotesque appearances of ancient demons. Ethnic tribes? How is that possible? How could they possibly have... "As for how they cultivated the ancient magical techniques—well, that's something you needn't ask me. I myself am utterly puzzled. The ancient text makes no detailed mention of it, merely suggesting that the ancient妖race came into contact with the ancient magi earlier than we humans did. The specifics, however, I'm not certain about. Nevertheless, some of the high-ranking妖race I encountered in my youth no longer cultivate magical techniques, nor do they exude any magical aura. The reason behind this, perhaps, you'll come to understand when you visit the Dajin realm—since that place preserves some of the very oldest texts of our human world." The Daxian Divine Sovereign replied lazily. Han Li's expression remained somewhat uncertain, his mind recalling the piece of the Buddhist Saint's True Scripture stored in his storage pouch—believed to be a treasure passed down through the generations of the妖race. The three-armed, six-limbed cultivation technique inscribed upon it bore a striking resemblance to the dual-headed, four-limbed technique once performed by the ancient magi. Could there indeed be an unknown connection between the two? After silently pondering for a while, Han Li suddenly chuckled softly. Even if there were some hidden secrets between the eldritch race and the ancient demons, how did that concern him? He wasn't the type who always got involved in everything, striving to understand every detail. Sometimes, it was actually better if things remained a little hazy. Moreover, the fragments of the Buddhist-Sacred Scripture he held were only partial—no matter how complete the entire eldritch cultivation technique might be, he wouldn't bother to study it in depth. As for the Qingyuan Sword Technique, he had no idea when he would finally reach its peak. Furthermore, since this cultivation method was linked to the ancient demons and the eldritch race, it was unlikely to be suitable for human practitioners. Han Li shook his head, setting aside the matter of the eldritch race and the Buddhist-Sacred Scripture fragments, and turned to ask about the other issue he cared about most. "Don't worry about the puppets—I will naturally gather all the materials for you, regardless of whether I go to the Great Jin or not. As you mentioned two years ago, you've already refined the method for crafting the Qi-Yan Fan to a great extent." By now, it should be thoroughly resolved, shouldn't it? Should the method of crafting be finalized, I'd be glad to take it and personally refine it myself. My flying swords have dwindled to just two, and I can no longer arrange a sword formation. I truly need a solid, grounding treasure item at this very moment. Han Li didn't hesitate or beat around the bush—he spoke plainly and directly. Over these twenty-plus years of companionship, he and the Great Yanshi Sovereign have grown quite familiar with one another, their relationship having softened considerably, even sometimes resembling that of both teacher and friend. "Grand Master Daxian didn't hesitate either, directly revealing the details to Han Li. "It doesn't matter at all, even if its power is somewhat diminished. If the Heavenly Elixir of True Power is truly as legendary as the tales say, then this replica three-flame fan is absolutely beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators." Han Li spoke without hesitation. "I've inscribed the crafting method onto this jade scroll. Please take your time to study it thoroughly. However, even though it's a replica, several of the materials used are still difficult to find. I suspect it will take some effort to finally produce this fan." Grand Master Daxian said calmly. Then, as Han Li lifted the lid of the bamboo cylinder behind him, a beam of white light shot out. With a swift motion, Han Li grasped it with the hand that had grown eyes behind his head, and instantly caught it in his hands—exactly a white jade scroll. Han Li calmly immersed his awareness into the scroll, scanning it over, his brow subtly furrowing. "The other items are not so difficult. As long as he takes some time to gather them and refine them into spiritual materials, everything will be fine." But the long plumes of the Haoyang bird and the crimson-flame dragon's scales were rare treasures—hard to come by. Where could one find them? At the very least, we haven't heard of either of these two appearing again in the southern heavens. "These materials are already the most accessible alternatives I've thought of. Beyond these, there's hardly any hope at all. As for the long plumes of the Haoyang bird, I once encountered a young cultivator from Yueyang Palace during my travels in the Great Jin dynasty who raised such a spirit. Now, over a year has passed. Even if the original Haoyang bird has passed away, its descendants likely still exist. You might want to visit and inquire. As for the crimson-flame dragon, that depends entirely on your fortune. However, if you go to the Great Jin, the matter should not be too difficult." The Daxian Immortal said calmly. "Hmph! After all this talk, it still comes down to me making the trip to the Great Jin," said Han Li, sounding somewhat helpless. "Hehe! I've sent you to the Great Jin not only because it's convenient, but also because it's good for you." Only after having visited the Great Jin once can you truly understand what a cultivation paradise is like. The Great Jin kingdom is undoubtedly the very heart of the known immortal realm," said the Daxian Divine Sovereign, speaking with complete indifference. "I hope so. But before leaving the Dongyu Kingdom, there's one matter I must attend to—first, I need to take one more look outside the Ruimagi Valley." Han Li folded the jade scroll and spoke calmly. "Go to the Ruimagi Valley? What do you mean by that?" The Daxian Divine Sovereign was startled, visibly surprised. "Rest assured. I'm not planning to enter the valley. Do you remember that Tianjue Maghast尸 I mentioned earlier? As soon as it emerged from the fissure, I immediately sensed through my secret techniques that it had not been destroyed. Naturally, I want to check whether it's still lingering within the Ruimagi Valley and whether I can summon it again." After saying this, Han Li fell silent, his speed suddenly accelerating, transforming into a streak of azure light and rushing forward. Upon entering Changzhou, Han Li immediately returned to the Wanjing Mountain and proceeded to the entrance of the Ruimagi Valley. After lingering there for two days, Han Li finally confirmed that the celestial-magical corpse was indeed still alive within the valley. However, it seemed the corpse was trapped somewhere inside. Despite Han Li's persistent efforts using his spells to urge it to emerge, the corpse remained unable to leave the valley and meet him. After hesitating for a full half-day, Han Li could only leave with a somewhat disappointed expression. It appeared that he would have to wait until the next time the Valley of the Fallen Magi opened; if the corpse had not perished by then, he would then attempt to rescue it. The two said little, quickly ushering Han Li inside the sect first, then sending the other disciples down. "Han brother, I knew with your abilities, nothing could go wrong. Yet since everything is fine, why didn't you return to our sect sooner? It's been me and my senior brother worrying nonstop!" said Cheng, after the three of them had settled in the great hall of Luoyun Sect, speaking with a mix of joy and mild frustration. "Indeed, if you had come earlier, we would have been less anxious!" Lu Luo added, his face bright with genuine delight. "Actually, I've missed you both. I've been trapped within the spatial rift, unable to escape—only just now have I finally broken free. As soon as I stepped out, I immediately came back." Han Li pressed his lips, only able to offer a look of resignation. "Regardless, the fact that Han brother has returned safely is more than enough. By the way, I haven't yet personally thanked you for your rescue." "If it weren't for my younger brother's rescue within the valley, I would have turned to a pile of white bones long ago." The elder suddenly stood up from his chair, bowed deeply to Han Li, and said. "That's nothing at all. Since joining Luoyun Sect, Master Cheng has always shown me great care and attention. I've cherished that throughout. How could I fail to step in when I saw Master Cheng in peril?" Han Li smiled gently, speaking with sincere warmth. "Such small matters can hardly compare to a life-saving grace. I suspect you're still worried about Nangong Daojun, aren't you? Please rest assured—Nangong's young lady is still safe and sound, perfectly preserved in the ice." The elder clearly knew what Han Li cared about most, and thus shared this news with him first. Upon hearing this, Han Li naturally breathed a great sigh of relief. At that moment, Lü Luo suddenly studied Han Li carefully, her face expressing a look of genuine disbelief. "My younger brother, you've advanced to the mid Yuan-Ying stage! When did this happen? Truly astonishing! Did you experience some extraordinary fortune during your stay in the Valley of the Fallen Demon?"