For Han Li, suddenly disrupting his plans and joining a sect he knew nothing about was no small matter. Yet the young woman before him had offered such excellent terms that he, as a solitary practitioner, could hardly refuse and insist on joining Bai Lu Academy—otherwise, the senior scholar here would surely begin to suspect. Thus, in the face of this unexpected interloper, Huala, Han Li could only silently roll his eyes, muttering to himself in frustration. "Not to be modest, but I know very little about Huang Qing Academy. Yet, since it is a women's sect, I wonder if its cultivation methods and practices might not be somewhat unsuitable for male practitioners?" Han Li quickly thought through his options and finally came up with a plausible, though somewhat vague, reason. "Ah, I see now that you're concerned about this matter! Rest assured—Huang Qing Academy is actually merely a branch of the Three Huang Sects. The other branches, Huang Yang and Huang Sheng Academies, are entirely male-led. Male practitioners certainly have no shortage of cultivation methods." Moreover, I observe that my esteemed friend lacks a naturally inherent aura of magnanimity. To cultivate such an aura upon joining the Bai Lu Academy will require dedicated effort—perhaps even more difficult than the cultivation methods we currently practice. Of course, once fully realized, the Confucian cultivation techniques, empowered by this magnanimous aura, would surpass ordinary Daoist practices in their capabilities. Yet for Brother Han, discussing such matters now seems premature. Might it be that Brother Han truly holds our observatory in low regard?" Master Hua Lian smiled gently, speaking calmly and with no hint of slightness toward the Confucian tradition. It seemed truly unavoidable to change the originally planned destination. Otherwise, Master Lu would have raised serious doubts. Fortunately, the Huang Qing Pavilion is also situated on the spiritual pulse of Yu Tian Mountain; with a bit more care, there should be no unexpected mishaps. With these thoughts in mind, Han Li could only sigh and accept his fate, while on the surface displaying a slightly excited expression: "Since both of you seniors have recommended this, I am certain it must be correct. Then, from this point on, I shall follow your arrangements entirely!" Hearing Han Li's courteous words, the young nun finally nodded in satisfaction, while Master Lu merely smiled and remained silent. Although the scholar from the Yan family had hoped for Han Li to join the Confucian scholarly lineage, seeing that Han Li himself showed no objection, he found it difficult to offer any further remarks. With Han Li's decision settled, Master Lu and the nun began to chat casually. Yet the topics they discussed were not the marvels and wonders of the immortal realm, but rather the merits and shortcomings of the current administration in the great Jin dynasty. This left Han Li quite puzzled. The Confucian sect was understandable—after all, their very philosophy emphasized worldly engagement, and political discourse was not unusual. But the nun from Huang Qing Guan, a monastic Daoist, equally upheld her dignity and spoke with confidence about these matters, which truly surprised Han Li. Could it be that, like the Confucian sect, Huang Qing Guan was also a worldly-oriented immortal sect? Han Li found himself pondering this. This is indeed an excellent material for crafting top-tier artifacts or treasures—perhaps not particularly valuable to him, but absolutely rare and precious to the two individuals before him. As he was pondering, the door was pushed open, and a child of about eleven or twelve years old, fair and delicate, entered carrying a large red tray. The tray was covered with a layer of silver damask, full and substantial, as though it contained a great deal of contents. With respectful grace, the child placed the tray between the table of Hua Lian the Daoist Sister and Lu Da, then immediately stepped back several paces, standing at attention. "Go down now," Lu Da said, calmly, without looking at the child. "We don't need you to stay by our side at the moment." The child promptly nodded, bowed deeply, and withdrew from the room. Then, without so much as a glance, Lu Da pushed the tray directly toward Hua Lian the Daoist Sister. "Hua Lian, this is the purple-essence copper you borrowed—please take it." Your observance in seeking materials all over the place suggests that you truly intend to craft a significant treasure—whether it will be a top-tier artifact or a divine implement remains to be seen." Lu Da Master smiled, speaking casually. "As for the matter of crafting items, I'm not particularly well-informed myself. I've only been acting on the instructions of my fourth senior brother. Should you wish to know more details, simply ask the fourth senior sister directly—she will certainly provide you with accurate information." The nun hesitated slightly before offering a somewhat apologetic tone. "No need to go to such lengths—my inquiry was merely casual." Upon hearing the name of the "fourth senior sister," Lu Da Master's expression slightly changed, and he composed himself with a light chuckle to deflect the matter. Hua Lian Lady Goddess smiled gently, extended her delicate jade finger, and gently lifted the silk cloth on the tray, revealing a pile of golden stones glowing with vibrant purple light. Gazing at the entire pile of deep-purple copper crystals before her, the nun smiled gently and thanked her words, then removed from her waist a storage satchel. A wave of霞light swept over the materials, neatly packing them inside, and she carefully secured them. After ensuring all her objectives for this visit had been fulfilled, the young nun conversed a little longer with Mr. Lu before finally rising to bid farewell. Mr. Lu did not hesitate to extend any further hospitality, immediately summoning a young attendant to guide the nun out of the academy. Naturally, Han Li also bowed respectfully and said his goodbyes to both of them, following the nun out. To defeat that demon, Ni Tiande, I must succeed in mastering the "True Essence and Unified Origin Technique." Only then do I have a seventy to eighty percent chance of eliminating him. Now all preparations are complete—will you, at the last moment, again hesitate out of concern for your own life? Master Lu finally spoke, but his voice was low and devoid of emotion. For the profound and resolute aura of righteousness that radiates from Brother Yan, I shall certainly uphold my promise and eliminate this demon. Moreover, Brother Yan believes that, besides me, who else among the cultivators could assist you in vanquishing this foe without fearing retaliation from the Heiyang Sect? "Lu Grand Master remained utterly calm, showing no sign of anger, and spoke calmly. "You are absolutely right. Though over the years I have deliberately cultivated connections with several cultivators, Lu Brother may not be the most powerful or the one with the highest attainment among them. Yet, only you have expressed the need for my assistance and have willingly pledged to avenge the entire family of my clan—by confronting the demonic cultivators of the Heiyang Sect. Others either simply cannot manage such a move, or would be willing only to risk their lives as mere laymen, facing off against the cultivators of the ten major demonic sects." As he spoke of the vengeance for his clan's extinction, the scholar of the Yan surname suddenly clenched his fists, his fingernails deeply pressing into his palms without realizing it. "Indeed, this is entirely natural. Master Niu has always been diligent in enforcing the Heiyang Sect's external affairs, Our Confucian school has always been at odds with the magical path, yet we have never had such concerns. Moreover, to demonstrate my sincerity, over the past five years I have fulfilled almost every request of Brother Yan—this alone should suffice to convey my intentions." Lu sighed deeply and added a few more words. Upon hearing this, the scholar of the Yan family's face grew as still as water, and he gazed coldly at Lu, saying nothing. "Very well. To ease Brother Yan's mind, I shall face the images of the sages and recite a binding incantation upon my heart. Should I fail to uphold this vow, the vital yang energy shall advance not an inch." After a while, seeing that the scholar of the Yan family still showed no willingness to yield, Lu smiled faintly and said with resignation. "Then that will do. I shall risk my life to assist Brother Lu in attaining divine powers. It is not that I do not believe in your words, but that among the Manchu family of Yan, only I remain alive and clinging to existence. Thus, I must be cautious." "Only then did the scholar of the Yan family exhale, his facial muscles twitching slightly before he spoke in a composed, expressionless tone. "I fully understand Yan brother's difficulties. The cultivation training will begin one month from now. During this month, Yan brother should make proper arrangements for his affairs and then come to the academy to see me." Lu the Elder waved his hand, speaking calmly. Now that this young scholar, somewhat knowledgeable in alchemical craftsmanship, has suddenly appeared and has not yet joined any academy, it is natural that he would be directly recruited as a disciple and then put to use. Lu, the senior scholar, seemed to know something about this and smiled calmly, unconcerned. Hearing this, the scholar of the Yan surname finally felt reassured. Otherwise, if there were indeed any issues, he would find it difficult to explain to his elder friends upon returning. Meanwhile, the Hua Lian immortal, using a silk handkerchief-shaped artifact, carried Han Li and flew through the air, heading directly toward a slightly shorter mountain away from the Huanyun Peak.