"Your family hails from the Great Jin Dynasty?" This time, it came as a surprise to Han Li. "Indeed, though that was many years ago. Due to the long lapse of time, our Taizhen Sect has long since lost this lineage. Aside from a few particularly ancient techniques, most of our current spells and traditions now bear little relation to the Jizhen Sect. Had it not been for this current matter, I would have stumbled upon these ancient texts hidden deep within our sect's secret archives by chance—then, this story likely would have remained unknown." The Zhiyang Monastic expressed his sentiments. "Zhiyang, Brother, could you tell me what the texts say about the sealing spell array? Have you found any means to resolve this crisis within them?" Han Li asked thoughtfully. "While the texts emphasize the sealing matter with great seriousness, stating it as our lineage's permanent duty, the details remain rather vague and lack specific elaboration. Fortunately, they do provide a general outline of the structure of the sealing spell array." "We have gathered several master array engineers over the past several years and, after extensive research, have finally found a method to restore the array," said the Daoist Ning solemnly. "However, this method requires a large concentration of high-level cultivators, as well as one person who can penetrate deep into the magical mists and bury an array disc at the depth of the seabed we have designated. This is precisely the reason we have invited Friend Han to join us. Only with Friend Han's Divine-Defending Thunder, which effectively counters the infiltration of magical mists and the resulting magical transformation, can one truly delve deep enough to investigate thoroughly," said Wei Wuyi calmly. Upon hearing this, Han Li furrowed his brows slightly. "From the way the other Daoists appear, it seems this method has been under study for some time now. I myself have only recently returned to Luoyun Sect. Before that, I wonder what method the group has planned to use in order to deliver the array disc deep into the heart of the magical mists?" Han Li asked calmly, his expression now relaxed. Upon hearing this, both Wei Wuyi and Zhiyang Master were momentarily taken aback and exchanged glances. "It seems nothing can escape Master Han's notice. Indeed, we had prepared an alternative plan. Originally, we intended to summon several retired-magic treasures from among our major factions and concentrate them upon a cultivator who specializes in protective and auspicious techniques, then have that cultivator enter the midst of the magical aura to test its effects. However, the magical aura beneath proved exceptionally powerful—our method only carried about a 40% to 50% chance of success, with a high likelihood of failure. Master Han's Divine Protective Lightning, on the other hand, is specifically designed to counteract and neutralize magical energy. With your lightning, this task would be almost effortless." Master Zhiyang smiled and said this. "Ah, so that's the case! That is indeed a commendable approach." Master Han replied with a light laugh. "By rights, given the significance of this matter to the entire southern realm, I should naturally agree to undertake it. However, before I commit, may I first personally observe the nature and strength of that boundless magical aura? I would not wish to proceed without a solid sense of confidence." Master Han's eyes flashed several times as he said this. "This is entirely natural. Now that the Old Demon of Heping is monitoring the changes in the magical aura right before the great vortex, why not have you visit it right away? The sooner we reseal the magical aura, the sooner we can all rest easy." Zhiyang the Elder didn't hesitate to agree. Wei Wuyi nodded as well, showing no objections. Seeing their composed demeanor, Han Li felt a slight relief. It seemed the matter was straightforward, likely free of any hidden traps or complications. Thus, the three immediately left Zhiyang the Elder's abode and headed straight toward the immense spiritual source that Han Li had sensed. As soon as they stepped out of Linggu Island, they instantly transformed into three streaks of brilliant light, racing westward. After flying about a hundred li, they finally spotted a shimmering, translucent orb gleaming on the distant sea surface, with vast bands of five-colored halos coalescing and rotating in the sky, forming a magnificent inverted funnel. One end of the funnel appeared faintly connected to the lower orb, creating an exceptionally striking and unusual scene. Upon witnessing this sight, Han Li's face briefly revealed a look of astonishment. Under the influence of his spiritual awareness, whether the white light orbs or the five-colored mist radiance, both carried an astonishingly pure and refined spiritual energy—even the top-tier spiritual vein lands fell slightly short. "This is indeed the great vortex!" Han Li murmured to himself. "Correct—it's right here. Huahuan the Elder is meditating on those rocks over there. We'll go there and join him first." The Master of Zhiyang suddenly pointed toward a distant direction and said. As he did, he swept his spiritual awareness in that direction, and indeed, he spotted a black-robed elder meditating on a rock some fifteen miles away from the light orbs. None other than Huahuan the Elder! As Han Li's spiritual awareness reached out, Huahuan the Elder suddenly opened his tightly closed eyes, fixed his cold, piercing gaze upon Han Li, and then stood up. With a subtle shift of form, the elder materialized in the sky. At that moment, the light trails of Han Li and his companions also surged forward. "Huahuan! Han has arrived. It seems we shall soon be able to restore the spell array." "After halting his flight near the old magister of Héhuān, the Master Zhiyang smiled and greeted them. Han Li and Wei Wuyā also stepped into view one after another. 'Ah! It's good fortune that Friend Han has agreed to lend a hand,' said the old magister of Héhuān, 'with such a divine skill as the Divine Exorcising Thunder—success is certain.' Yet he did not smile, merely glanced at Han Li with a calm, almost cold expression. Han Li was initially surprised by this demeanor, but after a moment's reflection, he found it understandable and offered a subtle, quiet smile. The Divine Exorcising Thunder specifically counteracts magical techniques, posing a significant threat to magicians who rely on ancient magical arts. As the foremost master of the magical tradition, it was natural that he would not treat Han Li warmly. Indeed, when they last met, the Master Zhiyang had been exceptionally courteous—perhaps even with the intention of drawing him into an alliance against the magical school. Han Li shook his head slightly, feeling a touch of mild frustration, yet he did not let it weigh heavily on him." At his current level of cultivation, even if the Happy-Union Elder Mage harbored murderous intentions toward him, he would still be more than safe—there was no need to be overly fearful. Moreover, he believed the elder mage would certainly not act so unwise. Wei Wuyi had already mentioned to the elder mage the matter of having him examine the magical aura. Upon hearing this, the elder mage furrowed his brows slightly, but ultimately nodded in agreement. Thus, under the guidance of the three, Han Li followed them toward the luminous orb at a distance. As they drew nearer, the vast vortex became clearly visible to Han Li. On the distant sea surface, a large hole—spanning several hundred zhang in diameter—appeared. Though called a vortex, there was not a single drop of seawater at its center; instead, pure white spiritual essences constantly surged forth from within, drifting upward and forming expansive, radiant halos under the sunlight, which spread across half the sky and created an exceptionally beautiful, vibrant scene. Han Li took a deep breath of the moist sea air, sensing the refined quality of the surrounding spiritual energy, and felt a sense of awe. This massive vortex has been present for quite some time now. If such vast amounts of spiritual energy are being released every single day, the sheer volume of energy being lost is truly astonishing! Since the periphery offered no clear view of the vortex's depths, Han Li silently pondered, then his body flashed with a shimmer of green light, and suddenly he appeared in the center, high above, intending to gaze downward. However, as soon as he manifested in the air, he felt a tremendous pull that caused his form to sink, followed by a powerful force that tore and dragged him downward. Han Li was startled, but his protective spiritual light flashed rapidly, instantly forming a translucent, misty green shield that enveloped his entire body. Thanks to his profound cultivation, after descending just a few paces, he remained completely still and unbothered. Only then did he feel at ease, gazing downward with his pupils subtly glowing blue. This scene caused the observers at the periphery, especially the Zhiyang group, to visibly grow concerned. "Master Zhiyang, I remember that last time your order had a Master Ma at the Mid-Stage of Yuan Ying, who arrived here without using any divine artifacts, yet seemed to keep descending for over ten zhang before he could finally stabilize his form." Wei Wuya turned his head slightly and said to Master Zhiyang with a serious tone. "Indeed, that's exactly what happened. The suction force at the center of the vortex is quite remarkable—even if we weren't on guard, we would still feel its effect." The Taoist added, his eyes expressing surprise. "That's precisely correct. I've always thought Master Han's cultivation method was rather unique, clearly surpassing that of peers of the same stage. Now, after advancing to the Mid-Stage of Yuan Ying, his inner energy has become even more refined, far exceeding that of ordinary cultivators. I truly wonder what specific cultivation technique he specializes in, which produces such remarkable results." Wei Wuya murmured in admiration, expressing his envy. "That remains unclear. While some top-tier cultivation methods do significantly enhance a cultivator's inner energy, such methods are either extremely difficult to master or come with significant drawbacks. In some cases, they even prove to be counterproductive." Master Han doesn't know whether he has been cultivating one of the methods, said Zhiyang Elder, hesitating and unable to be certain. By the side, the Héhuā Elder remained silent, yet his expression darkened. In the midst of the space, Master Han's form flickered, and after a flash of green light, he appeared once again beside the three cultivators. "The vortex indeed possesses remarkable spiritual energy; it exerts such a strong suction even at the surface. I wonder what dangers await deeper down," said Master Han calmly. "Due to the separation of ten thousand zhang of spiritual energy, our consciousness cannot penetrate down below. To observe the magical qi, one must descend all the way to the bottom. Although the pressure below is not as insurmountable as we have deliberately conveyed, it still would be wise for you to summon several treasures when you descend. Moreover, within the vortex, there exist numerous smaller spirals of spiritual energy. Should you be caught within one of them, there could be some danger. Then, why don't I accompany Master Han on this journey?" said Zhiyang Elder, seemingly thinking something over, and spoke thus. "Master, if you'd kindly accompany Mr. Han together, that would be even better. Thank you so much, Master Zhiyang." Hearing this, Han was overjoyed; his initial concerns vanished entirely. Immediately, Han and Master Zhiyang transformed into two brilliant streaks of light, vanishing into the vortex. At that moment, only Wei Wuyafa and the Old Magician of Hehuang remained on the sea surface, silently gazing at the center of the vortex, saying nothing for a while. "Wu Xue, how do you think of Mr. Han from Luoyun Sect?" Suddenly, after an indeterminate length of time, the Old Magician of Hehuang spoke calmly, without turning around. "How do I think of him? What exactly do you mean by that?" Wei Wuyafa smiled gently and replied, his tone serene.