Half a day later, Han Li secured the Tianji Mansion. With no need to search for anything, he returned to the land after a month and a half. He did not go back to the Tianfu Gate, but instead set off directly toward the southern region. On the journey, he paused and moved intermittently, using the infant fire to refine certain materials from the San Yan Fan into spiritual supplies. However, unfortunately, he never encountered thunderstorms along the way, and thus was unable to gather the power of thunder and lightning, which left Han Li somewhat dissatisfied. Still, he was not overly anxious. The southern region was densely forested, with humid air; whenever it rained, thunder and lightning usually accompanied it. Therefore, gathering the power of thunder and lightning in the southern region was inevitable, no matter how long it took. Four months later, after traversing several prefectures and states, Han Li finally appeared in the southern region prefecture. The southern region was one of the few areas in the world not dominated by major sects, with its resources divided among about fifteen medium-sized sects. Though these sects frequently engaged in internal conflicts, they would immediately unite and present a united front whenever any external force threatened the region. Even the sects within the Ten Great Sects of the Zheng and Mo traditions have been unable to penetrate its influence, and in the Grand Jin realm, it has taken on the appearance of a sovereign state in its own right. This situation stems largely from the highly exclusive nature of the southern frontier sects, whose cultivation techniques form a distinct and unique system. These sects specialize in rare and potent methods—particularly in poisons, pest control, and curse magic—where they excel to an extraordinary degree. When facing peers of equal rank, even the most prepared practitioners often fall victim unexpectedly to these attacks, finding themselves overwhelmed and unable to defend themselves effectively. This is precisely why the major sects have been reluctant to engage them directly. Should several of the major sects unite and endure significant internal strain, they would certainly be able to forcibly seize control of the region. Chao Yun Commandery lies in the western part of the southern frontier, and the Double Scorpion Mountains are a remote mountain range within it. Over hundreds of miles, the area is perpetually shrouded in mist and dampness. Without possessing advanced cultivation skills or having taken specific pills designed to counteract the miasma, most visitors simply cannot enter the mountains. This mountain range holds a notable reputation in the southern region, thanks to its unique toxic atmosphere. Not only does it nurture several valuable toxic herbs, but it also abundantly produces two types of venomous scorpions—Iron-Tailed and Red-Line scorpions—making them ideal spiritual insects for lower-level cultivators practicing pest-repelling techniques. When Han Li arrived near the mountain, it coincided with the annual peak of the region's toxic mist outbreak. Numerous cultivators had gathered around the mountain range, as only during this period would the two scorpion species emerge from their caverns to forage—offering an ideal opportunity for capturing these venomous insects. However, most of these cultivators were at the Qi Condensation stage, with only a few at the Foundation stage. Cultivators at the Dan-Stage and above showed little interest in this mountain range, and typically no high-level cultivators visited. Han Li, a senior master now at the mid-Yuan-Ying stage, was quite an exceptional presence in such a setting. Should any of the other cultivators have noticed him, it would certainly have caused a notable stir. Thus, Han Li made no停留 at all near the mountain range and directly soared into the thick mist from above. Now, a pale blue glow envelops him, easily repelling the thick, pinkish mist that swirls around—dense and often teeming with toxic insects, nearly fatal to lower-tier cultivators. Yet to Han Li, it is as if the mist holds no weight at all. Once he has settled on his course, he heads straight toward the heart of the mountain range. Although the wealthy elder had only mentioned the name "Shu Xie Mountain" without specifying the exact location, it makes sense to first visit its main peak. As he flies through the air, he occasionally passes by a few cultivators, yet he pays them no attention, simply gliding past them. With his swift flight speed, these lower-tier practitioners are completely unaware of his presence. Yet as Han Li flies on, pondering the true purpose behind the wealthy elder's invitation, a sudden, piercing cry echoes from a distance on one side. "It's the Scorpion King! It's the mutated iron-tailed scorpion! Everyone, hurry!" A hoarse man's terrified cry drifted faintly, followed by several sharp cracks and an odd insect-like hum, as though coming from not far away. Han Li's expression shifted slightly; he turned his gaze toward that direction, his eyes flashing with blue light. Then, a series of rushing sounds, like wind tearing through the air, began to echo. One after another, figures of men and women emerged from the mist, rushing toward Han Li with the speed of a flight. Their feet lightly tapping the ground, leaping several zhang at a time—clearly demonstrating the skill of light-footed movement. "Hm!" Han Li's initially composed demeanor softened as his eyes settled on one of the women; he paused mid-advance, startled. Then, with a simple sweep of his sleeve, a vast expanse of azure light surged forth from within, sweeping clean all the mist in its path. In moments, a clear, open space of several zhang in diameter spread out around him. The five figures, witnessing this remarkable sight, naturally halted in their tracks, startled by the transformation. Before they could react, Han Li extended his hand toward the direction behind them, palm outstretched in the air. A glowing hand of jade-green hue materialized within the mist, plunged downward with force, and seized a dark, solid object, which was then spun once before shooting back and hovering before Han Li. It turned out to be a giant scorpion, about a foot long, its exoskeleton dark and lustrous, its tail nearly half a foot in length, with a scorpion's hook faintly glowing a purple hue—seeming to emit an extraordinary venom. This was precisely the mutated iron-tailed scorpion that had been chasing these four junior cultivators. Though it should have been a second-tier beast, it was now completely immobilized under the power of Han Li's hand, able only to emit weak, strange cries. The cultivators were left utterly stunned, gazing upward at Han Li, who now shimmered softly in the air, completely at a loss. "You are Han Daoyou, no—Han Senior! Master Cao has still remained in Jinjing and has not joined me here. I have come with several companions to the mountain in search of a few rare herbs." The yellow-robed woman was first startled, then her face lit up with joy—she recognized Master Wang, who had met her once at the outskirts of Jinjing. After Han Li had been driven away by Jianming's sword, she naturally knew of Han Li's status as a high-level cultivator. Thus, upon recognizing him now, her demeanor immediately became more respectful and formal, offering him the proper junior disciple's courtesy. The other cultivators, seeing that the Wang sister recognized the great master in the sky, felt relieved and soon stepped forward to pay their respects and express gratitude. However, including the Wang sister herself, everyone regarded Han Li as a Jie Dan stage cultivator. To them, a Yuan Ying stage cultivator was still far beyond reach—an entirely unreachable existence. "Given that your father holds the rank of Marshal of Zhunan, what need have you, then, to undertake such a journey merely for a few rare herbs?" Han Li nodded upon hearing Cao Mengrong had no serious matters, then glanced at the giant scorpion, furrowing his brows slightly and said, "Though my family is relatively affluent and has accumulated some spiritual stones, my own aptitude is ordinary. How could my family spend much on me?" The Wang-family woman paled, then smiled wistfully. "I see. Your aptitude is actually quite good—there's real hope for you to reach the Foundation Stage. It's also a fortunate coincidence that you've encountered me again here, which surely indicates a certain destiny between us. Then, I'll gift you this toxic creature. I have other matters to attend to and must continue on my way. You may take care of yourselves." Han Li said, lifting his hand lightly. At once, a soft "puff" sound echoed as his hand glowed with a faint green light, which then dispersed into countless shimmering points, fading completely. The giant scorpion trembled once, then stiffened and fell silently before the group of cultivators, motionless, as though lifeless. "Master, I—!" The young woman was delighted, just about to express her gratitude when Han Li suddenly flashed with a shade of green light, then vanished into the mist. Her words of thanks stalled mid-air. Meanwhile, the other cultivators standing nearby, gazing at the transformed giant scorpion on the ground, all looked on with admiration. Though the scorpion had been gifted by a senior cultivator, they dared not truly lay claim to it, even if some harbored ill intentions. They could only watch as the woman carefully affixed several talismans to the creature, only then smiling contentedly as she placed it into her spirit-animal satchel. At that very moment, a thunderclap echoed from the heavens. The sky, previously shrouded in mist, suddenly became turbulent, and a strong wind surged from somewhere, dispersing parts of the red-hued mist and revealing dark, looming clouds above—signs that a storm was imminent. "The rain and wind come at just the right time." At this moment, Han Li had already spotted a dark mountain peak. He glanced upward and murmured something before transforming into a streak of azure light, shooting straight toward the summit. Suddenly, thunderclaps roared, and a torrential downpour began to fall from the sky. The thick mist surrounding the area was swiftly compressed and drawn upward, rising several feet above the ground. Other mountain peaks in the distance gradually emerged clearly under the deluge. Han Li gently withdrew his luminous aura and landed on a large stone at the summit, remaining completely dry despite the rain. However, not far from the stone, several to eight cultivators had gathered—two at the Foundation Stage and the rest at the Qi Stage. All of them wore headwraps and headbands, dressed like local cultivators, who stared in astonishment at Han Li's sudden appearance on the peak, exchanging puzzled glances among themselves. Han Li swiftly surveyed the group, then suddenly radiated an impressive surge of spiritual energy. With a sweeping motion of his sleeve, he coldly declared, "All of you—get out of my way!" A fierce gale surged forth, carrying with it a rolling wave of pale, misty light. The several cultivators were startled—some activated protective shields, others swiftly summoned their vehicles to rise into the air. Yet, after the light flashed, all of them were inevitably engulfed by the jade-hued mist and hurled twenty to thirty paces away, rolling like startled, disheveled turtles, each one looking utterly bewildered and in shock. Now, they could hardly doubt that they had encountered a high-level cultivator of extraordinary prowess. Without a word, they all rushed down the mountain in a hurry. The two Foundation-level cultivators, after secretly assessing Han Li’s cultivation level, immediately took to their vehicles, their faces pale with fear, departing without delay. Han Li watched as these figures dwindled into mere black dots and eventually vanished from the mountain peak, then calmly drew his gaze back, lifting his head to gaze upward. Now, beneath the dense clouds, silver serpents darted about, and thunder roared incessantly.