To韩立's surprise, over the following several days, the Xiao Ji Palace saw only a slight increase in vigilance, rather than the commotion he had anticipated, and Bai Yao Yi had vanished without a trace. He remained unconcerned about this development. At present, aside from facing full-force attacks from Fu Shen-period cultivators or being caught in some dire situation, no threat in this realm posed any real danger to his life. Thus, despite the fact that such a significant upheaval had once been a cause for flight in the past, he now remained remarkably composed and did not flee. This composure stemmed partly from his promise to Han Li, the Elder, to assist him in advancing to Fu Shen stage, but most importantly, because the secret technique designed to create a bottleneck for him—requiring only his personal cultivation efforts—had only he needed to perform. To fully comprehend the technique, he would have to personally participate in it. Upon realizing this, he felt somewhat frustrated. In addition, despite his careful attention, he found no progress in the matter of the Sun's refined fire, and he was determined not to leave without further developments. He made another trip to the Scripture Hall, using up the remaining two days to fully search for any clues about the Sun Spirit Fire, but found none. Han Li didn't find this surprising; if it were that easy to find such information, he would have been more astonished. For the following period, Han Li remained quietly at the Guest Hall, staying indoors and never stepping out, as if he had truly made the Xiao Ji Palace his own abode. A month passed swiftly, and the Xiao Ji Palace remained calm and serene, yet everyone could sense the growing weight of anticipation before a storm broke. On this particular day, Han Li's meditation was interrupted—finally, a guest arrived, and it was a woman whose appearance was strikingly similar to Bai Yao Yi, also at the Metamorphosis Stage of the Yuan Ying phase, though seemingly at the peak of the mid-stage, surpassing Bai Yao Yi in refinement. "Are you Bai Xianzi's cousin?" Han Li asked, his hands behind his back, expression slightly surprised. "Indeed, I am Bai Mengxin, a senior nun of the Xiaji Palace, and one of the cultivators who has mastered the Extremely Cold Flame." "Oh, I've heard from Han Li, my esteemed colleague, that besides him, your palace has two others who have cultivated the Extremely Cold Flame—so it's a pleasure to learn that you are one of them. May I ask, White Sister, what brings you to share this matter with me today?" Han Li's lips slightly curled, his gaze flickering with interest. Though this lady was exceptionally beautiful, her porcelain complexion gave him a subtle chill—clearly linked to her cultivation method. He could not afford to underestimate her at all. "Nothing special. I've heard that Brother Han possesses extraordinary abilities, comparable to a late-stage great cultivator, and that his Purple Lotus Flame is truly remarkable. I would like to put my own Wind-Departure Ice Flame to the test against your Extremely Cold Flame. Would you be so kind as to demonstrate a few techniques?" With a graceful gesture, she raised a slender jade finger, and at the tip, a flash of cold light shimmered, revealing a delicate strand of white ice flame. This ice flame seemed merely like a faint mist, drifting gently, and it was hard to perceive any remarkable power in it. Yet, Han Li, who himself had cultivated an extremely cold flame, sensed through a subtle, intuitive awareness—an uncanny perception—that this white flame was indeed formidable, his expression growing serious. "Well then! I have long heard of your palace's three great cold flames. I shall now have the pleasure of observing them firsthand. Though, would you be so kind as to engage in a bout right here?" Han Li glanced around, then suddenly smiled lightly. "Why not? I merely wish to test the strength of your extreme cold flame; I'm not truly aiming for a full-scale battle." Bai Mengxin, rarely smiling, offered a gentle smile and exhaled a breath of cold air toward the slender strand of white flame on her fingertip. Upon the breath, the white flame swelled several times in size, curled slightly, and then transformed into a small white serpent that darted straight toward Han Li, striking him. Han Li furrowed his brows, then swept his sleeve outward, and instantly several banners of varying colors shot forth, vanishing into the void. A faintly rose-colored light curtain materialized around them, sealing the surrounding spells in place. With a single breath, a small cluster of purple flames erupted, transforming into a purple bird that flew toward the opposing fire serpent. As observed by Han Li and Bai Mengxin, the white and purple flames collided, intertwining and shimmering with a deep, resonant thunderous sound. In an instant, the purple flames surged, gradually engulfing the white ice flames, and within a moment, the white serpent vanished entirely, leaving behind a more radiant purple phoenix circling and dancing in place, like a spirit of fire. Bai Mengxin's face revealed a touch of admiration at this sight. Han Li, however, remained composed, raising his hand and summoning the purple phoenix, which then transformed into a stream of purple flame and returned, vanishing into the sleeve of his robe. "Your Purple Lotus Fire truly is extraordinary," he said. "With that, I am at ease. Han brother, please follow me. The other two guests who possess the extreme cold flame have also arrived and are now awaiting you at the Grand Elder's residence." "Bai Mengxin spoke without hesitation about the true purpose of her visit. "So it is. It seems Bai Lady has not placed full confidence in me, and thus has specially come to test my abilities," Han Li smiled calmly. Bai Mengxin said nothing, merely nodded slightly. Then, clutching her hands in seals, she transformed into a white streak of light and shot directly out through the window. Han Li, witnessing this, rubbed his nose, a touch of resignation on his face. When she had first entered, she had also arrived through the window, which had startled him quite considerably. Yet now that she had already vanished, Han Li could only transform into a streak of jade-green light and follow her out through the window of the pavilion. After a meal's time, Han Li and Bai Mengxin arrived at the Wanyuan Xuanbing Hall where Han Li's senior, Han Li Shangren, was seated. The massive cauldron, still emitting its dry blue ice flames, remained unchanged, while four figures sat in meditation on nearby cushions. Han Li, the monk, sat together with an elderly man in a dark blue robe. An elderly woman with white hair and a gray-robed monk with long, flowing eyebrows sat slightly farther off across the room. As Han Li and Bai Mengxin entered the hall, the four immediately turned their attention to them. Yet Han Li clearly sensed that the elderly woman and the monk had only briefly glanced at Bai Mengxin, their focus instead centered firmly on himself. Han Li naturally did not hesitate, extending his spiritual awareness to meet theirs. The two were clearly of strong cultivation— the woman matched his own level, while the monk had reached the peak of the mid-stage. Han Li stepped forward, offered a slight bow to the four, and then settled quietly onto another cushion, positioning himself at a comfortable distance from all of them. Bai Mengxin sat on the other side of Han Li's host. "Lóng Lady and Mójiū Master, this is Han, my friend. He is the fifth person I have found who cultivates the extreme cold flame." "With a few helpers, Master Han has spent hundreds of days, diligently researching, to finally develop a method that breaks through the Shen stage. Today, it's finally time to put it to the test." Master Han first introduced Fr. Han with a warm and pleasant demeanor, then spoke with evident excitement. The elderly woman stared at Han with a composed, cold expression, saying nothing—seeming to have a rather unusual temperament. In contrast, the gray-robed monk, with a serene and benevolent air, smiled warmly at Han. "I've heard Master Han says that, like myself, Brother Han practices a technique not of cold-harsh nature, yet still possesses an extremely cold flame. Is this truly so?" the monk asked calmly. "It's all by chance," Han replied calmly. "I merely happened to obtain it through fortunate circumstances." "I've heard that your cold flame is entirely original. The emergence of a new kind of cold flame hasn't occurred in over ten thousand years. Would you be so kind as to allow me to witness it?" the elderly woman said with cold reserve, yet her voice was as clear and sweet as that of a maiden. Han Li was taken aback and glanced at the old woman. "Master Han, don't be surprised! Lady Long is the senior abbot of the Li Cui Sect, and her cultivation technique is quite unique—this is why her voice remains as youthful as ever," the Han Li Monastic explained just at the right moment. Even after hearing this, Han Li found himself still astonished. While he had seen many female cultivators with the ability to maintain youthful appearances, he had never heard of a specific technique dedicated to preserving one's voice at the age it was when they first began their cultivation. Seeing Han Li gaze at her with such a strange expression, the old woman shook her white hair and emitted a cold sigh. "Is there something you'd like to suggest about our Li Cui Sect's cultivation method?" "No, no, I'm merely curious at the moment. My cold flame has not yet been refined—how could I possibly compare with the exquisite cold flames of my esteemed colleagues?" "With the divine abilities that Han Li now possesses, he naturally wouldn't fear a Yuan-Infant stage cultivator, yet he also didn't want to unnecessarily create any grievances with potential rivals, so he merely smiled and made a casual response. Hearing Han Li's words, the old woman found herself unable to press the issue further and thus lowered her gaze, saying nothing more. At that moment, Bai Mengxin subtly transmitted a few words to Han Li's superior, Han Li. After listening to just a few sentences, Han Li's face immediately brightened with a pleased expression. He then glanced deeply at Han Li before lightly clearing his throat and began speaking. "Lady Long and Master Mojiao have both been close friends of mine for many years, and your Daoist friend has also maintained a close relationship with one of my senior disciples. That's why I could personally invite these three to lend a hand this time. According to my assessment, the success rate is only three in ten. However, my current situation has become so urgent that I can no longer delay—there's no choice but to take this risk." "Master Daoist, although your lifespan is approaching—" But on my way here, I've already noticed a growing number of high-ranking immortal beasts gathering near the Bei Ming Island. Now, attempting this secret technique seems to pose an equally great risk to your court." The monk asked with evident concern. "Master Magu, please rest assured. While successfully breaking through the current bottleneck is ideal, I am now fully confident in facing those beasts. Should that prove impossible, I have already arranged a contingency plan—should I fall, the entire sect will not be wiped out." Master Han Li spoke with unwavering confidence. "Then, with Master's assurance, I am at ease." The gray-robed monk smiled warmly. "As for me, I have no objections either—I've long been eager to witness the true essence of this secret technique." The elderly woman nodded in agreement. Seeing both of them so assured, Master Han Li was greatly satisfied. Her gaze settled on Han Li, who calmly replied, "For how long now have I been waiting, with no further reservations—this has been my long-held anticipation." "Excellent! Excellent!" Since none of the three have any objections, let the几位 friends follow me. I've already prepared everything." Master Han Li, smiling warmly, clasped his hands and stood up with delight.