"The Void Sky Hall!" Han Li murmured under his breath. These three palaces of white jade were nearly identical in style to the one that had appeared in the Chaos Star Sea—only differing in size. Crafted from flawless, luminous jade, they were exquisitely refined and radiated a gentle, ethereal glow. Yet, compared to the floating palaces in the void, these three were only one-third the size of the Void Sky Hall. Han Li suppressed his astonishment, gazed at them once more, and finally confirmed that he hadn't mistaken them. Clearly, these three palaces shared some deep connection with the Void Sky Hall. However, the palace gates were bare, bearing no inscriptions or plaques. Han Li's eyes flickered slightly, yet he casually turned to the Ren-family cultivator and said, "So this is the inner palace of Xiao Ji Palace? Indeed, a fine terrestrial spiritual realm. Though these three palaces seem a bit aged—why they are all the same in design, I wonder. There must be some significance behind this." "Ah, you mean the Hall of Spiritual Emanation," the cultivator replied. These three grand halls have existed since the founding of my sect. It's said that my founding master and several close companions used immense effort to build them, and there's a certain divine magic woven into their very structure. Ran, the cultivator, glanced at the three halls and replied casually. "The Xuling Hall?" Han Li murmured, his eyes flashing with a touch of surprise. "Indeed, Han brother seems interested. However, unless something momentous occurs, these three halls remain sealed at all times. Only when half of the senior elders unanimously agree can the Xuling Hall be opened. As for the reasons behind this, I must be somewhat discreet and not reveal them easily." Seeing Han Li's evident interest, Ran smiled mysteriously. Noticing this expression, Han Li chuckled and decided to leave it at that. To ask further might raise suspicions of probing into other sects' secrets—an issue that was deeply frowned upon. Moreover, even if there were indeed connections between these three halls and the Xutian Hall, it would still have little relevance to him. The most precious treasure of Xutian Pavilion, the Xutian Cauldron, was already in his hands. "Master Han, please follow me—White Ning Pavilion is over there. It seems Master Bai holds you in high regard. This pavilion is specifically designated for her closest friends, and is both elegant and serene." The named cultivator appeared well-informed about Master Bai Yi's matters. "Indeed! I am truly honored!" Master Han smiled gently. The named cultivator chuckled and then led Master Han toward a side cliff, finally landing before a pavilion. The building had three stories, each over ten zhang in height, entirely constructed from emerald-green wood, most of it embedded within the cliff face. Above the pavilion's main gate hung a pale yellow plaque inscribed with the silver characters "White Ning Pavilion." As soon as Master Han set his feet upon the ground, a white-robed woman stepped out to greet him from the pavilion's entrance. "At your service, Master Ren. This is Master Han, isn't it?" The elegant woman paused, slightly startled upon seeing the Mr. Ren and Han Li together, but quickly composed herself and said respectfully, "Indeed. Master Bai is inside." Han Li spoke calmly. "My master has just finished his meditation and is currently stabilizing his inner energy here. He has specially sent me to welcome Master Han. Please don't mind!" As she slightly inclined her body, she opened a path behind her, yet did not extend an invitation to Mr. Ren. "Master Yan, I would like to see your master. There are some matters I wish to discuss with her." Mr. Ren spoke without hesitation. "Master Ren, this is quite difficult for me. As you know, my master has already instructed that she does not wish to see you again. Last time, when Gong sister invited you in, she was severely reprimanded afterward." The woman did not seem surprised, but instead smiled with a look of genuine difficulty, her face showing clear concern. "This time, however, it's different. I came with Master Han. Surely, your master wouldn't want to see Master Han, would she?" The Daoist named Ren blushed, but after a quick glance, suddenly took up the banner of Han Li. Han Li, standing by, was momentarily stunned, then smiled slightly, finding himself at a loss to object. "Well..." the beautiful woman showed hesitation. "Yan, let your master Ren Bi enter. I'd like to meet him myself." A pleasant female voice suddenly came from the upper floor—White Yao Yi's. "Understood, Master Ren. Please come in." The woman relaxed visibly, then stepped back a few paces, no longer blocking Ren Bi. Upon hearing White Yao Yi's voice, the Daoist named Ren expressed a touch of surprise, immediately speaking softly to her, as if already engaging in conversation with her right outside the pavilion. "Master Ren Bi, if you'd like to speak, perhaps we should do so within the pavilion. Leaving Han Daoist standing outside like this would indeed seem rather unkind and ill-mannered on our part." White Yao Yi's tone remained calm and composed, showing no desire to avoid Han Li at all. Huan Li stroked his chin, smiled silently. "That's indeed my oversight. Brother Han, let us enter and speak further then." The named cultivator was taken aback, then awkwardly said to Han Li. "Far from it! Brother Ren clearly has a warm and genuine nature!" Han Li replied with a cheerful smile. Now he finally understood why, upon hearing that the visitor had come to pay a visit to Bai Yaoyi, the other had so warmly sought to establish rapport. It seemed clear that the visitor held deep affection for the young lady. This had eased Han Li's initial wariness considerably. Under the guidance of the beautiful woman, the two entered the White Ning Pavilion. The first floor was not particularly spacious, measuring only about twenty paces in length and width, forming a square room. A simple set of green bamboo tables and chairs stood in the center, while at each of the four corners, there were placed round trays of pale yellow spiritual flowers—about the size of a clenched fist—fragrant and refreshing, infusing the pavilion with a vibrant sense of spiritual energy. Han Li found himself glancing at them more than once. Bai Yaoyi did not immediately descend, but as Han Li and his companion settled themselves into the bamboo chairs, the lady's apologetic voice came from above: "Han brother, please wait a moment. My cultivation technique is rather unique; I will finish my practice shortly and then come down to meet you. In the meantime, why not take a taste of our Xiao Ji Palace's Ice Spirit Fruits?" As soon as these words were spoken, the well-prepared lady gently snapped her hands twice. Instantly, two young women in white robes stepped into the hall from outside, each holding a crimson wooden tray bearing a串 of translucent, pearl-like berries, about the size of a thumb. The berries were round and lustrous, resembling precious pearls. After placing the trays on the table beside the bamboo chairs, the two young women bowed respectfully and withdrew. "The Ice Spirit Fruits are a special product of our Xiao Ji Palace—our senior monks and nuns receive only a few strings each year. These fruits are fresh, sweet, and contain an exceptionally pure ice-cold spiritual energy. Regular consumption by cultivators practicing ice-based techniques is known to be beneficial for their cultivation progress." Ren Bi glanced at the fruit, then began to explain it to Han Li. After that, she picked up a single fruit and bit into it, chewing it slowly. Seeing Han Li do the same, he naturally didn't hesitate and plucked one of his own, placing it in his mouth. As soon as he bit into it, a surge of icy, pure cold spiritual energy began to roll around in his mouth—indeed, a refined essence of cold spiritual power. Although Han Li had not trained in a cold-based cultivation technique, he possessed two of the most potent cold-flame powers: the Zi Luo Ji Fire and the Tai Yin True Fire, so he naturally didn't find this slight coldness remarkable. The energy was swiftly absorbed as it reached his throat, leaving no trace. Immediately, he picked up another fruit with interest and tossed it into his mouth. Observing Han Li closely, Ren Bi's expression subtly changed, growing slightly concerned. After all, though the Ice Spirit Fruit was well known, its benefits were generally acknowledged to be beneficial to any cultivator. Yet, even if a cultivator who specializes in ice and fire-based techniques consumed this fruit, they would still need a period of adaptation to convert their cold energy, otherwise, swallowing it abruptly would easily damage their kidneys. But the current Han Li, whose earlier emitted spiritual energy had consistently been pure and of the wood nature, had taken the fruit without hesitation—this was truly surprising. Indeed, even when he consumed two ice spirit fruits in succession, he dared not do so, despite having trained in a fire-based cultivation technique. As the young elder of Xiao Ji Palace was silently astonished, footsteps echoed from the upper hall, and a graceful white-robed woman with a clear and refined appearance descended the stairs. Han Li narrowed his eyes, immediately standing up and smiling warmly, "White Miss, it's been over ten years since we last met—how have you been?" "Sister Bai, you've finally agreed to see me," said Ren Bi, equally delighted, rising from her seat. "I knew from the very first time we parted that Brother Han would not simply wait for an appointment. In fact, I've been quietly waiting for you at the palace for several years already." My lord arrived only today, which has somewhat surprised me. As for Master Ren, if it weren't for Brother Han's involvement, I truly didn't intend to see him again." Bai Yaoyi smiled warmly at Han Li, but as soon as she turned to face Ren Bi, her expression stiffened and her voice grew more rigid. "I've already found a solution. I'll certainly not let my sister down." Ren Bi said eagerly, yet without any clear context. "A solution? If this is all, then we can discuss it later. Brother Han has traveled so far—let us put this matter on hold for now." Bai Yaoyi shook her head. "That would be fine. I'll find another opportunity to explain this matter in greater detail to my sister. Simply being willing to meet me now is already deeply gratifying." Ren Bi paused, then suddenly understood, and smiled gently. Bai Yaoyi remained expressionless, merely nodded, and settled into the main seat of the pavilion. Han Li and his companion took their seats again accordingly. "The Master's cultivation has improved considerably since ten years ago!" After glancing at Bai Yaoyi, Han Li smiled and said. "Han brother is being too kind. In terms of divine abilities, even combined, my two consorts together would surpass your abilities." Bai Yaoyi smiled gracefully in reply. She remembered Han Li's performance at the Yin-Yang Cavern and Kunwu Mountain clearly, and thus treated his arrival with great seriousness, never showing the slightest negligence. Upon hearing Bai Yaoyi's high praise of Han Li, Ren Bi's expression changed, and she looked at Han Li again with surprise. Bai Yaoyi then continued, "As far back as ten years ago, Master had already mentioned to me the need for you to visit this palace. When you made such a statement then, it surely wasn't just a casual remark!" "Since White Lady has asked this, I shall not conceal anything. I wish to be honest. In fact, my visit to Xiao Ji Palace was motivated by a matter I wished to distance myself from—White Lady." Han Li paused slightly before smiling and responding. (First update!)