"Five flames of extreme cold are required—this truly is an extraordinary undertaking. Otherwise, even grand sects like Taimei and Tianmo would hardly gather so many practitioners specializing in the cultivation of cold flames. However, I suspect this method only works effectively for those who themselves cultivate the same attribute." Han Li exhaled gently and asked directly. "Indeed, this method is effective only for practitioners who cultivate ice-based techniques and inherently possess the flames of extreme cold. Among the other four, three also cultivate ice-based techniques. Only you and one other individual have merely incidentally acquired the cold flames." The elder Han Li furrowed her brows in response. "Then, what cost will the elder propose to secure the support of the disciples? Though I am not fully aware of the specific steps involved, I am certain it will entail a significant depletion of vital energy, and perhaps even pose a risk to the supporting practitioners." Han Li's eyes flashed with intensity, yet his expression remained unchanged. "Excellent!" Master Li greatly appreciates friends like Han, who are straightforward and direct. Having all conditions laid out plainly is the very best arrangement. As long as Han is willing to lend a hand, please feel free to state your requirements—anything Master Li can offer, he will surely deliver without saying a single "no." Hearing Han speak so confidently, Han Li smiled gently. "Since you've expressed such clear intentions, I shall not hesitate either. First, regarding this method of stimulating a breakthrough in cultivation, I require a detailed set of instructions. Should the level of risk fall within my acceptable range, I will certainly contribute my efforts. Otherwise, even if you offer the most substantial benefits, I will not take undue risks. Of course, this method itself also serves as part of my compensation." "No problem," said Han Li's master with confidence. "I can guarantee that this method poses absolutely no danger to anyone involved. The assistance provided to the various friends will be risk-free. Naturally, some depletion of vital energy is unavoidable." "Loss of vital energy won't be an issue for me. Furthermore, as you've likely heard, my purpose for this journey is to gather ice spirit flowers for refining pills. Though I've already sought assistance from Bai Xianzi, if you'd also lend a hand, the task will surely become much easier." Han Li smiled slightly and added. "Hehe, that's nothing at all. I can immediately mobilize the full strength of my palace and swiftly assist you in locating a sufficient number of ice spirit flowers." Upon hearing Han Li's request, Shi Xiang remained composed and readily agreed. "Regarding the refined cold flame secret technique you mentioned, I'll need to copy the incantation so as to enhance the potency of my purple lotus flame." "Agreed." "The final request: I've long heard that Xiao Ji Palace is an ancient sect tracing its roots back to antiquity. I'm quite interested in those classical texts. Would it be possible for me to visit the Archive Hall and take a look?" "This... well, then, I'll agree!" "As Han Li stated the final condition, Han Li the Elder hesitated slightly, but then, recalling something, finally nodded. 'Master, your agreement has been so prompt—I shall have no choice but to step in at that time,' said Han Li, beaming with satisfaction. 'Hah! Friend, wait just a moment—I'll first copy the refined Cold Flame Secret Technique for you!' With a dry chuckle, Han Li the Elder seemed eager to seize the moment, then drew out a white jade scroll from her waist satchel and began copying the spell into it. Han Li smiled slightly, saying nothing. A short while later, Han Li the Elder finished the copying, then produced another jade scroll and a jade pendant, tossing both toward Han Li. Without hesitation, Han Li raised his head and caught the three items in the air, holding them effortlessly. 'The second jade scroll contains the method I've developed to stimulate one's cultivation stage. However, friend, please remember—this method is only effective for cultivators at the late Yuan Ying stage.' The other jade pendant, Master, if you hold it, will allow you to enter our Small Extremity Palace's Library of Scriptures. However, I'd like to make it clear in advance: although our library houses countless volumes, each book is protected by special seals that prevent direct copying—only by memorizing and reading them yourself can you gain the knowledge. Moreover, you'll have only ten days; during that time, however much you manage to absorb, that's all you'll get. After ten days, the jade pendant will be returned to us. Does Master have any objections?" Master Han Li looked at Han Li seriously. Upon hearing this, Han Li was momentarily stunned, then, glancing at the jade pendant in his hands, a wry smile tugged at his lips. "Ten days it is. I've already taken these items—I can't very well return them now. If only I'd known earlier, I would have made this clear. Master truly doesn't give an inch." "It's a mutual matter," smiled Master Han Li, displaying a seasoned, shrewd demeanor. "Didn't you also set your demands rather high?" "Hehe, once I've received something, I won't easily back out. I'll head to the Scripture Pavilion first. Should there be any news about the Ice Spirit Blossom, just come to me there." Han Li chuckled, rose from his seat, and thus said his farewell. "Then I shall not see you off far. I need some time to gather others. If you have no urgent matters, you're welcome to stay with me at the palace for some time. Should you have any needs in your cultivation, simply ask White Sister, and I'll make sure she strives to meet your requests." Han Li the Elder also stood up and spoke. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness." Han Li bowed his hands gracefully, then a surge of green light radiated from his body, transforming him into a streak of green light that shot out through the entrance. As the green light vanished into the passage, the smile on Han Li the Elder's face gradually faded. At that very moment, the two crystalline pillars in the corner of the hall flashed with luminous energy, and then, with a sudden shift, two figures emerged—one man and one woman. The man was in his forties, dressed in a dark green scholar's robe, with an ordinary appearance. The woman was in her twenties, wearing a white robe, with a delicate face that bore a striking resemblance to Bai Yaoyi—yet her complexion was unusually pale, almost translucent, giving her a somewhat eerie look. After all, among the recent batches of disciples recruited and returned to the palace, several have been found to be possessed by high-level spirit beasts. Yet, as per your instructions, we have been quietly monitoring them without disturbing the beasts. "We should not alarm them prematurely. The timing is now nearly right. It has been nearly a thousand years since the last group of spirit beasts launched an attack on our valley. Now, with the Wàn Yāo Valley taking action, this is no surprise at all—there is truly nothing to be alarmed about," said Hán Lí, his expression calm and composed. "But at this very moment, when your senior brother is striving to break through his current limit, isn't it rather risky? Perhaps we should first drive off these spirit beasts before attempting the breakthrough." The middle-aged man in the green robe hesitated. "Drive them off? When would that even happen? Over the years, the Wàn Yāo Valley has led numerous coordinated attacks by the spirit beasts—each time, they've encircled our palace with their spirit arrays for over a decade. Yet my lifespan remains only a few years. How can I possibly wait any longer?" Moreover, now that we are breaking through our current bottleneck, Master Ma and Master Li will also come to the palace, together with this self-arriving Master Han. Thus, we will instantly gain three additional Yuan-Infusion stage allies. They surely won’t sit idle while the palace is besieged by all these demons, will they?” The dwarf stroked his beard, speaking calmly. “Yet our palace’s precious Cold Essence has already been stolen by that traitor. Why not simply make this matter public? What need is there to draw in so many demonic beings to attack us?” The previously silent woman in white suddenly spoke coldly, her voice as sharp and piercing as ice, like a statue carved from ice. “White sister is thinking too simply. Even if we make this matter public, our prestige will suffer greatly—our reputation as the foremost sect in the northern lands will be severely damaged. And will the demonic beings believe us when we claim that our Cold Essence is gone? It will seem utterly useless to them. You yourselves know that the millennium-long cycle is approaching; the Hall of Spiritual Emanation’s Ice Crystal Cavern is about to open. If our luck holds, we may still gather some more Cold Essence.” It was rumored outside that our palace had only one vial of Cold Essence, yet few knew that we had already begun using the spiritual elixir for cultivation. Otherwise, how could our three Cold Flares have been passed down through generations with such consistent practitioners? Fortunately, the lost vial of Cold Essence was lost before the Ice Jade Chamber was opened; otherwise, for several generations to come, no one would be able to cultivate the three Cold Flares. Cold Li sighed, turned her gaze toward the blue flame within the nearby massive cauldron, and spoke with a touch of hope. Upon hearing this, the young cultivator in the green robe could only offer a wry smile. "Well, both of your refined Black Water Cold Flares and Wind Li Cold Flares have stagnated as well. Once you obtain the Cold Essence, take a few drops with you. The stronger the Cold Flare, the greater the chance it will help me break through my current bottleneck." Cold Li suddenly shifted her tone, saying this. "Thank you so much, Brother Cold Li!" The middle-aged man in the green robe expressed his delight, speaking eagerly. The woman in the white robe still maintained her cold demeanor, yet a hint of joy appeared in her eyes. It seems this cold essence truly matters deeply to them. "White sister, when you return, have Yao Yi investigate the background of this Master Han. He also participated in the ten-year-old sealing event at Kunwu Mountain. At that time, countless Yuan-Stage cultivators perished, yet he managed to survive unscathed—his abilities must be truly extraordinary," Master Han Li instructed the young woman in white robes. "I'll have Yao Yi find out," she replied coldly. "That will be excellent. You may now both go." Master Han Li nodded with satisfaction. Immediately, the two women in white robes bowed and departed, transforming into two streaks of light and vanishing into the distance. Master Han Li stood in place, gazing thoughtfully for a moment, then turned back to the great cauldron, murmuring softly. If anyone remained in the hall, they would clearly hear the words "Xitian Ding!" emerge from Master Han Li's lips. (Second update!)