Three cultivators were thrown into a state of panic under the relentless barrage of lightning spheres. Yet, observing this from the side, Han Li grew serious, then shook his sleeve toward the direction in which the monster was fleeing. A flying sword, about a foot long, shot forth from his sleeve, trembling slightly and expanding into a golden beam several dozen feet in length, sweeping forward swiftly. The infant carp beast barely had time to register the flash of golden light before it felt intense pain throughout its body, collapsing instantly unconscious. The golden beam circled the creature several times, and as it did, vast plumes of blood sprayed from the sky. The beast was severed into seven or eight pieces, its spirit unable to escape, and was completely obliterated within the swordlight. The remains fell directly to the ground. At this moment, Han Li extended his hand and reached toward the distant void. The broken remains of the beast suddenly burst apart, and a blue orb, shot through the flying blood and flesh, surged forward as a beam of blue light. With a simple clasp of his fingers, Han Li effortlessly captured the infant carp beast’s essence, its vital core, in his hands. He casually glanced at the spirit pill, showing no unusual reaction. A spirit pill of this rank was naturally nothing special to him. As the beast perished, the hundred thunder balls that had been violently assaulting the three cultivators nearby all flashed and dispersed at once. The three immediately breathed a sigh of relief, their gaze now filled with reverence toward Han Li. Though they had been too preoccupied to pay close attention, they had clearly witnessed Han Li effortlessly eliminating a six-tiered spirit beast. Their astonishment was therefore easily understandable. Han Li, who had merely passed through here alone, had been expected to be no more than a Jiedan-stage cultivator—yet he now appeared as a Yuan Yin cultivator. While such high-level cultivators were still relatively rare in this deep outer sea region, the trio had encountered others like him before, so though surprised, they remained composed. They quickly gathered their treasures and artifacts, then hurried toward this location. Before they had even reached him, the hooded man at the forefront bowed deeply and paid his respects: "My name is Chen Jing, a disciple of Qingyang Sect. I come to pay my greetings to the senior, and sincerely thank you for your timely assistance. Without your help, we would have been ensnared by this beast for a long time and would have found it difficult to break free. Might I ask your esteemed surname?" As he spoke, he subtly observed Han Li, showing both deep courtesy and a certain sense of composure and dignity. "Is your master indeed Master San Yang?" Han Li was momentarily taken aback, his face revealing a touch of surprise. "Master San Yang is indeed my teacher. Have you met him before?" The hooded man scanned Han Li's aura, recognizing only that he was an exceptionally accomplished cultivator, likely at the late Yuan Ying stage, but unable to determine Han Li's precise stage of cultivation. Thus, naturally, he regarded Han Li as a Yuan Ying initial cultivator. After all, cultivators at the mid-to-late Yuan Ying stage were well known throughout the Luan Xing Sea. "Heh, I've long heard of your master's reputation, but I have never had the pleasure Han Li chuckled. Upon hearing the names of Qingyang Sect and the Third Yang Master, he naturally recalled the incident from years ago when Yuan Yao had slain the young master of Qingyang Sect, leading to his continuous pursuit by the sect. Though the Third Yang Master was well-known in the Luoxing Sea, in Han Li's eyes he was merely a mid-stage cultivator, and now he no longer regarded him as particularly significant. Aside from this matter, Han Li had no particular grievances with Qingyang Sect and certainly wouldn't suddenly turn against these three to strike them down. He thus directly asked the questions he had in mind: "You three should be quite familiar with the surrounding sea region—do you know the exact location of Biling Island?" Although the sea chart in his hands was detailed, accurately locating a single island within such an endless ocean was no easy task. It was a rare opportunity to encounter these three cultivators, so he certainly wouldn't let it pass. Upon hearing the question about Biling Island, the Qingyang Sect cultivator's expression brightened, and he couldn't help but smile. "Ah, I see you're planning to collect high-level spiritual stones from Biling Island." If that's the case, then the senior need not even go to Biling Island—high-quality spiritual stones can be obtained from several nearby market towns as well. Of course, if the senior knows any miners from the Nixing Alliance or Tianxing Palace, the prices will naturally be more favorable." "Market towns? Are there many high-grade spiritual stones available there? I'm not looking for just a few pieces." Han Li said indifferently. "Senior, you're being too modest. High-grade spiritual stones should theoretically be worth tens of thousands of ordinary stones, but in reality, they sell for several times that price. As long as the senior's order doesn't exceed thirty or forty pieces, these market towns can still supply them." Chen Jing replied with a smile. "Then let's go to one of these market towns first. If I'm not satisfied, I'll make the trip to Biling Island myself. This immortal embryo dragon stone shall serve as my compensation for your escort." Han Li simply raised his hand, and the embryo dragon stone shot out, flying toward the other side. Chen Jing caught the stone in his hand, instantly delighted. "Senior, please rest assured. I have been residing in these waters for over a decade and am thoroughly familiar with the markets and towns here. With this matter entrusted to me, I am certain I will not disappoint you." Although the Qingyang Sect cultivator still had some doubts about Han Li's identity, a sixth-rank beast's essence—worth a substantial amount of spiritual stones—was no small feat for a Jiandan-level cultivator, especially when it came to such a modest task. Naturally, he was delighted and readily agreed. As for the elder and the young woman, whose cultivation levels were far behind his own, they naturally followed his lead, their gaze upon Han Li growing increasingly filled with awe and fear—after all, the difference between a Juzhi and a Yuanying cultivator was truly significant. Immediately, Han Li, accompanied by the three from Chenjing, transformed into several streams of light and departed from the scene. According to him, the distance to Biling Island was only about half a month's journey, and along the way, they would pass through the island where they currently resided. Flying steadily eastward with little pause, they continued for over a dozen days until, finally, a previously unknown island emerged ahead. This island appears quite large, spanning several thousand li in diameter. The mountains and hills rise and fall in a lush, verdant landscape, dotted with numerous high peaks and rolling terrains. "This is Leikong Island," said Chen Jing, smiling warmly as he explained beside Han Li. "I have a simple residence here, so I'm quite familiar with the markets and towns. This market is one of the largest among the several nearby families on the island—believe me, you won't be disappointed." "The spiritual energy veins here are quite excellent," Han Li observed, glancing at the island from a distance and nodding in agreement. "Not only are the energy veins among the best in the region, but the island also produces several rare medicinal herbs. Both the Xisheng Alliance and the Star Palace have shown interest in acquiring it, yet ultimately, due to mutual caution, they allowed other powers to unite and take control." Chen Jing spoke with a touch of pride. "By the way, does 'other powers' include your Qingyang Sect?" Han Li suddenly smiled lightly. “Hm… Our Qingyang Sect has a few people on the island, but I’d never dare have them even touch this island.” Chen Jing gave a dry smile, as though there were some underlying reasons. Han Li naturally didn’t intend to go into any depth about Qingyang Sect’s affairs—he simply gave a slight smile and then moved on. Yet at this moment, Chen Jing took the initiative to introduce Han Li to the major power factions on the island, as well as several Yuan婴 cultivators. “Master Miao He! The Miao He from Biyun Sect? He’s also here, isn’t he? I’ve heard he once suffered a serious injury.” As soon as Han Li heard a familiar name, he was momentarily startled and asked curiously. “Does the senior know about Master Miao He’s past? Though this Master once lost his physical body, he later recovered his cultivation through the care of Biyun Sect, eventually regaining his full修为 through a process of body transplantation. This time, it seems they've specifically come with the intention of securing the island for Biyun Sect—though it's not just Biyun Sect that has this ambition. As a result, several factions have now united to jointly hold the island. Chenjing's mind stirred slightly, yet he remained composed and responded plainly. "Ah, so that's the case!" Han Li spoke calmly, without showing any clear intention, leaving Chenjing unable to gauge his thoughts. In a matter of moments, the three of them had already vanished into the sky above the island and were swiftly heading toward its center. After a few more minutes of flight, a small city emerged clearly between several hills and mountains. The city appeared to be newly built, modest in size—only about ten to fifteen li across—and all its buildings were constructed from clean, pale stone, giving it a neat and fresh appearance. While there were city gates on all four sides, the people entering and exiting through them were mostly low-level cultivators at the Qi Stage. In contrast, cultivators who had mastered flight techniques simply glided in and out of the city with ease, without needing to pass through the gates. It indeed looked prosperous. "How many cultivators are there on this island, and do they all reside in this city?" Han Li, observing the scene, narrowed his eyes slightly and suddenly asked this seemingly unexpected question. "This junior hasn't counted them precisely, but if we include even the Qi Stage cultivators, there are over thirty or forty thousand. Most of them live within the city, while some are scattered across other gathering points on the island. A few more, with deeper cultivation abilities, have even established their own pavilions deep in the mountains." Chen Jing was momentarily surprised but quickly replied after a moment's thought. "Hmm," Han Li nodded thoughtfully, and did not ask any further questions. The three of them reached the upper airspace of the small city in a short while. From this height, they could now clearly see the entire city in detail. Han Li glanced around, and immediately became interested in the eight towering stone pagodas standing upright in the city center. These stone towers are circular, each standing about fifty to sixty zhang tall, with uneven surfaces inscribed with numerous intricate and mysterious runes and magical arrays, glowing with soft, multicolored spiritual light—very striking. Han Li couldn't help but glance at them several times. "These eight towers can activate the city's protective array, designed by renowned array masters from our Luan Xing Sea. Once activated, their power equals or even surpasses that of the major sects' foundational defensive arrays. A foundation-level cultivator is stationed within each tower every hour of the day, ensuring the array is always ready to activate. This array has indeed saved our city from several near-destruction events—its contributions are truly significant." "Wait—have there been any recent attacks by beasts on our island?" Han Li's expression grew serious as he asked slowly. "Ah, please don't worry, Master! What I mentioned were events from many years ago. Since the mineral veins on Bi Ling Island have been divided between our human and beast populations in recent years, the beasts have not troubled our island at all. Let's go down now." The market is right over there. I happen to know several shops specializing in high-grade spiritual stones, which I can introduce to you. Chenjing smiled and gestured toward the southern part of the small city, then waited quietly for Master Han's instructions.