Facing one of the few great cultivators in the southern heavens, even the highly self-assured Old Golden Monster, Jin, did not show the slightest displeasure. Naturally, Li Huo would never risk offending the Supreme Yang Master. Cheng Sheng and Lü Luo exchanged glances, each slightly puzzled. Yet Cheng Sheng, having witnessed Han Li's divine powers before, though impressed, was not overly concerned. Thus, they too descended toward the ground. Han Li glanced at the various cultivators who had landed on the ground, then looked up and said: "Now, Master, may I ask—your serious demeanor has indeed piqued my interest." "Hehe! Before I proceed, I'd like to thank you for holding back the ancient demon lord's soul during your stay in the Falls of the Demon Valley. Otherwise, if those two souls had merged, the entire southern realm would have faced serious troubles." The Supreme Yang Master casually cast a sound-insulating dome, then studied Han Li carefully before smiling. "Master, are you asking about the current whereabouts of that ancient demon lord's soul?" Han Li's lips curled slightly as he smiled. "My friend is truly brilliant—this indeed is one of the matters I had intended to ask about." Zhiyang the Elder paused slightly, then said with ease, "Zhiyang shall not worry. My escape through the spatial rift was merely fortunate. The ancient demon's essence was completely annihilated within the rift—nothing remained. There is absolutely no need to concern yourself on this matter." Han Li replied promptly and clearly. "Then I am reassured. Otherwise, the fleeing ancient demon would surely return to Tiannan to devour its main essence. Once the essence is gone, the separated fragment would immediately sense it. I suspect that after this significant setback, it will never return here again." Zhiyang the Elder exhaled deeply, his expression relaxing. "Zhiyang, that ancient demon fragment occupying the demon's body truly is formidable—no less than three Yuan-Ying late-stage cultivators could even extinguish it." Han Li, however, expressed genuine interest, his face showing a hint of doubt. "Shall we assess its strength based on the divine powers it displayed during its time in the Valley of Falling Demons?" Master Zhiyang did not answer directly, but posed a question instead. "Ah, I've heard that after leaving the valley, this demon devoured numerous cultivators' immortal embryos—does it truly grow so formidable once it regains its strength?" Han Li was still somewhat astonished. "Han Daojun, have you perhaps heard this? During the final battle when we faced it, the demon suddenly manifested a divine ability of three heads and six arms, causing its cultivation level to nearly double—reaching nearly the level of an early stage of the Huashen stage. Had it not been for the grand sealing array we had previously established there, and the presence of over a dozen mid-stage immortal cultivators who kept it under control, we likely would not have been able to defeat it at all. Even then, we had to exhaust our vital energy and employ several secret techniques to finally strike off two of its heads and several of its arms, allowing it to escape." Master Zhiyang spoke slowly, his tone serious. "Such a fierce opponent this demon truly is." It's no wonder Master fears that it will merge once again with the main soul! If it were even three steps stronger, truly no one in Tiannan could stand against it!" Han Li also opened his mouth, drawing in a sharp breath. "Indeed! Fortunately, this demon should have already departed for the Great Jin. Then, this matter naturally falls to the Great Jin's cultivators to handle!" Suddenly, Zhiyang Master brightened and smiled. Han Li glanced at the Daoist, sensing a hint of patronizing satisfaction in his tone. It seemed clear that the old man held the Great Jin in rather low regard. "Since Master mentioned that the demon soul's matter is merely one of several inquiries, I suspect there must be something even more significant at stake," Han Li smoothly shifted his question, asking unexpectedly. "Precisely. The matter of the demon soul is only a side inquiry. This visit is actually about something else entirely. Nevertheless, I would like to extend my congratulations to Master on your remarkable progress—finally reaching the mid-Stage of Yuan Ying!" Zhiyang Master looked at Han Li with a warm smile. "Thank you, Master, for your kind words. It's merely a matter of fortunate circumstances." Han Li naturally remained courteous. "I heard from my friend Wei that you possess the Jinlei Zhan divine artifact, capable of summoning the legendary Bixie Shenlei—may I ask if this is indeed true?" Upon uttering these words, the Zhiyang Monastic Master's expression grew serious. Han Li was momentarily startled, his eyes narrowing, and fell silent. He had no idea why the other had raised this point, but after a brief reflection, he realized that the matter of possessing the Bixie Shenlei was no longer a secret—it would be unnecessary to conceal it. Finally, he nodded and replied, "Indeed, I do have several Jinlei Zhan artifacts. Please go ahead and let me know what you need. I don't particularly enjoy circumlocution!" "Very well. That is all I needed to hear. Han, you are the one I have been seeking—capable of summoning the Bixie Shenlei. However, the reasons behind this matter are of great significance, and thus I cannot reveal them to you right here, for fear of creating any unnecessary complications." "I can only reveal that this matter is of great significance, involving the entire southern celestial cultivation realm, and is closely related to the mysterious, nameless vortex recently appearing in the Boundless Sea." Upon hearing Master Zhiyang confirm directly from Han Li that he possessed the divine immunity lightning technique, he immediately expressed great delight. "That statement is rather vague and leaves me completely confused. Nevertheless, I assume you're seeking Han Li to utilize his divine immunity lightning technique for something—perhaps not a pleasant matter?" Han Li's brow subtly twitched. Though he didn't fully grasp the specifics, he sensed it was likely not good news, and his alertness immediately heightened. "I have come to Yunmeng Mountain merely as a temporary stopover, with other urgent affairs to attend to elsewhere. Therefore, I cannot remain here for long. How about this—could you make it to Qilin Island within the near future? I, Wei Wuyi, and the Old Magistrate of Harmony will all be there. Once you arrive, we will then carefully explain the entire matter in detail to you." Master Zhiyang glanced at the group of golden elders below and suddenly offered a calm suggestion. "Qilin Island?" "Are you referring to the seven islands that have recently appeared near the vortex?" Han Li furrowed his brow. "Indeed. These seven islands encircle the vortex, and truly are a rare haven of spiritual energy. Our three of us have resided on three of these islands over the years." When Zhiyang the Elder spoke of this, he sighed deeply, his face expressing a sense of resignation. Han Li was momentarily stunned. It seemed that the three of them had not willingly chosen to live on these seven islands. A multitude of thoughts raced through his mind. It was unlikely that he would outright reject Zhiyang the Elder's invitation—how could he, given the esteemed reputations of the three senior cultivators, or the powerful forces behind them, which he certainly did not wish to antagonize? Yet, going to the Seven Spiritual Islands with no prior knowledge or preparation, he found himself equally reluctant, his expression now reflecting hesitation. "Master Han, please do not worry." This time, I have summoned my friend to the Seven Spirit Island with absolutely no malice, and I will certainly not ask my friend to undertake any perilous tasks beyond his own capabilities. I merely wish to make use of my friend's divinely protective lightning. Moreover, even if I do not invite my friend now, within six months, all Yuan-Stage mid-level cultivators in the southern heavens will receive a joint invitation from the three of us, all of whom will gather at the Seven Spirit Island. In fact, should my friend assist us now, he will not need to go again next time. It seems that the Master of Zhiyang has sensed my friend's concerns and has kindly explained with a smile. "Since Master Zhiyang has said this, it appears that this matter truly is of great importance. Then, three months from now, I will pay my visit to the Seven Spirit Island and pay my respects to the three of you." After a moment of silence, my friend finally managed to agree. "Three months may be a bit tight. Could my friend possibly make the journey sooner?" The Master of Zhiyang furrowed his brows and said thoughtfully. "I'm afraid that would not be possible." "I've just returned to the sect and have several pressing matters to attend to, so I cannot possibly leave the Luoyun Sect right away," Han Li shook his head, firmly declining. "Very well. In three months' time, I and the other two companions will be awaiting your arrival at the Qiuling Sect," the Zhiyang Monastic hesitated slightly before finally agreeing. "In fact, on your journey to Qiuling Island, you might even achieve some unexpected gains—benefits that could even prove advantageous to your sect," he added with a thoughtful tone. The person slowly descended downward. "...Is it truly necessary to engage in a trial match? You must know, your chances of victory are quite slim." At this moment, Han Li stood atop a peak within the surrounding mountains of the Baiqiao Academy, calmly and unbothered, speaking gently to the figure across the way. Meanwhile, other cultivators on the mountain below looked upward, their eyes fixed on the sky. "As the Senior Monarch of the Ancient Sword Sect, I cannot simply let go of the sect's interests without a word. After all, the rankings and the division of resources at Yunmeng Mountain are closely tied. Moreover, I am genuinely curious—how has a cultivator who has only achieved Immortal Infant stage for over thirty years managed to earn such a distinguished reputation? Should I lose this match, there will be no need for future formal ranking contests, and our Ancient Sword Sect will henceforth remain subordinate to Luoyun Sect." The bearded elder, standing not far away, now spoke with serious determination. "Very well. Since Jin Brother has made such a point, I shall respectfully comply. Han Li smiled calmly, saying nothing, and raised his hand. A blue fire ball, the size of a clenched fist, materialized spontaneously in the palm of his hand with a soft "puff." The old golden sage likewise remained silent, but as he opened his mouth, three golden beams shot forth—three identical small swords. Originally only a few inches long, shimmering with a golden hue, these swords swiftly spiraled around their master before suddenly expanding dramatically, growing to a span of a foot in length and transforming into three golden arcs, each stretching several zhang in length, swirling gracefully in the air. Upon seeing the golden swords emerge, Han Li gently shook the palm holding the blue fire ball. Instantly, a burst of sound echoed, and the blue fire ball exploded within his hand. From the surge of blue flames, a blue phoenix about half a foot tall soared upward, emitting a clear, melodious bird call.