Han Li did not immediately rise; instead, he lifted his head and gazed in that direction. Clearly, the two cultivators in the two streams of spatial light had spotted Han Li on the small island far off, and their streams of light instantly accelerated by a third, producing a series of sharp rushing sounds. Upon reaching the space above the island, the white light condensed, revealing two cultivators—one male and one female. The female, about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, had porcelain skin and hair like flowing clouds, dressed in a lush green court robe, exuding an air of grace and elegance. The male, a scholar of about forty, had an ordinary face, but his black brows were as sharp as swords, radiating a penetrating aura of martial energy and a complexion as cold as ice. The two floated at a height of thirty paces, jointly observing Han Li. Han Li slowly rose, his body floating gently without any wind. After a while, he reached the same height as the two cultivators. "I have long heard the names of the Heavenly Star Dual Saints," Han Li said with a warm, yet composed, smile, expressing his genuine appreciation without appearing overly enthusiastic. Seeing Han Li's composed and dignified expression, the lady in court attire named Wen Qing smiled gracefully, her entire presence blooming like a garden in full bloom, delicate and charming. "There are only a few Yuan-Stage cultivators at the Star Sea who have reached the late Yuan stage. Since Master Han has agreed to meet my husband and I, how could we possibly fail to keep our appointment? This is my husband, Ling Xiaofeng. Though we have a certain reputation, few actually know our true names." The lady said, her red lips parting slightly. Yet, among all the female cultivators in Xinghai who have advanced to the Yuan Ying stage, even the most dedicated practitioners, we at the Xing Palace could hardly have remained entirely unaware. Brother Han, aren't you from Xinghai, but rather from Da Jin? As soon as Ling Xiaofeng spoke, it caused a slight change in Han Li's expression. "Both of you have indeed visited Da Jin!" Han Li exhaled gently, mentally swiftly assessing the situation—neither confirming nor denying. Yet his tone naturally convinced the Heavenly Star Twin Saints of his judgment. The man nodded in agreement, his face reflecting a sense of confirmation. "Da Jin is renowned as the sacred land of cultivation in the human realm; how could our spouses have failed to visit? Though there exists an ancient teleportation array connecting the Chaotic Star Sea to Da Jin, its location is exceptionally mysterious. Even with our current capabilities, reaching it still carries certain risks. Therefore, aside from the successive Masters of the Xing Palace, very few Yuan Ying cultivators have ever made the journey to Da Jin." Of course, the number of cultivators who once knew this ancient teleportation array was never large. However, our Star Palace has always had a senior master stationed nearby, on duty continuously. Should your friend have arrived at the Star Sea via this array, we would surely have been aware. Beyond that, if someone truly dedicated over a decade, constantly flying and traversing through other sea regions, it might be possible to reach the Great Jin. Yet the journey would undoubtedly be perilous—perhaps even claimed by some unknown beast. Almost no one would undertake such a foolhardy endeavor. I wonder, Brother Han, how you managed to reach our Star Sea?" Wen Qing's eyes sparkled, and her question was spoken without reservation. The man spoke gently: "Have you, Elder Zhao, mentioned to you our purpose in coming to you?" "Indeed, he has. It seems the two of you intend to share some matters concerning the breakthrough to the Shen stage with me. Given that, how could I fail to be eager to come?" After a brief pause, Han Li smiled lightly. "That's true. Though we have been trapped in the late Yuan婴 stage for several hundred years, we believe we can still help you avoid some of the detours on your path to the Shen stage—offering you several secret techniques that have proven highly effective in achieving that breakthrough. Of course, whether these actually succeed will ultimately depend on your own fortune." The lady in court dress smiled warmly. "Ah, that sounds wonderful. Will you not share these techniques with me at no cost?" Han Li did not appear particularly delighted, but a sense of seriousness flickered in his eyes. "If you agree to marry Yu Ling, then we shall have no conditions at all. But should you not wish to do so, then we, as a couple, will have to make a trade with Han Dao." Wen Qing said calmly. "What kind of trade? Please, Wen Dao, enlighten me!" Han Li's eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at the other's delicate features, yet his face remained composed. "It's quite simple. I would like to exchange these secret techniques and insights for your support in helping my daughter take charge of the Star Palace, until she is firmly established as its master." Wen Qing said, her expression now serious. "Support for Yu Ling Dao?" Han Li frowned slightly, his brows furrowed, and seemed to ponder deeply. The Heavenly Star Dual Saints remained patient, allowing Han Li to reflect quietly. "Currently, Ling Dao is only at the early Yuan Ying stage, isn't he?" Han Li said in a steady tone. "Indeed so," the lady in court robes raised her eyebrows slightly, smiled gently, as though she had already guessed what Han Li was about to ask. "How long do you two believe you can support Yu Ling Dao until she advances to the late stage?" "A hundred years, two hundred years, or even longer!" Han Li said slowly. "As for our daughter, we believe we can help her reach the mid-stage within a century. As for reaching the late stage—that will be far more difficult, and entirely dependent on her own fortune." Ling Xiaofeng replied coldly. "Do either of you think that no one with late-stage Yuan-Ying cultivation can firmly hold the position of Master of the Star Palace? Surely you don't intend to have me spend several centuries on this matter, merely waiting for it to unfold?" Han Li stroked his chin, chuckling. Upon hearing this, Wen Qing's smile slightly faltered, but quickly returned to its usual expression. "Should Master Han find this condition too demanding, we are certainly willing to offer an alternative. As you well know, the minor players of the Inverse-Star Alliance have frequently challenged our palace. If you agree to join us in eliminating both Lu Dao and Wan San Gu, we will gladly offer you our full suite of methods and secret techniques." As far as I know, your lordship has apparently cultivated grievances with many Yuan-Ying cultivators within the Xisheng Alliance over the matter of the Xutian Ding. This should be a win-win situation, wouldn't you agree? The lady smiled warmly. "A gentleman does not stand beneath a precarious wall! The Sixth Path and Wan San Gu are also renowned cultivators of long standing. Even if we join forces with the two of you, I wouldn't be confident in escaping unscathed. Moreover, I have no intention of becoming involved in any disputes within the Star Sea. Once I've settled matters here, I shall immediately return to meditate and deepen my cultivation. I must regretfully say that I can offer no further assistance." Han Li shook his head steadily. Upon hearing Han Li's second refusal, the dressed-in-imperial-robe lady's smile faded, though she remained silent—clearly dissatisfied. Meanwhile, Ling Xiaofeng spoke up: "Your lordship may not be aware, but many of the secret techniques we've provided for your transcendence into the Shen stage were painstakingly developed over generations by the successive Masters of the Star Palaces, taking decades of effort. To us late-stage cultivators, these are truly priceless "Master won't expect to receive these items from us without any cost, will he?" the man, with a stern expression, spoke with growing displeasure. "How could I possibly think so? As I understand, although most of the past masters of the Star Palace have reached the late Yuan-Ying stage, only a few have advanced to the Chasming stage. While these secret techniques for achieving Chasming are indeed rare and precious, I remain somewhat doubtful whether they will truly prove effective for me. Of course, I am certain they will offer valuable insights and greatly benefit my endeavors. Yet, I would not agree to spend the remainder of my life on this matter—nor would I accept the risk of such an undertaking. I kindly request that you propose simple terms. Anything overly complex or excessively demanding, I would gladly waive." Unperturbed by the couple's displeasure, Han Li said this while casually crossing his arms behind his back. Upon hearing Han Li's words, the couple on the other side grew visibly uneasy. Yet neither of them said a word. Instead, they exchanged a glance and, in front of Han Li, whispered to each other. Han Li watched this scene, slightly moved, then calmly raised his head and looked up at the sky, showing no further reaction. After a while, Wen Qing and her husband seemed to have reached an agreement. Ling Xiaofeng spoke calmly: "We would like to exchange these items with you for three future assists to our daughter. Should you provide her with three such supports, this transaction will be fully settled." "I accept. But only when Yu Ling Daojun is in imminent danger of her life, and only within the limits of what I am capable of." Han Li thought it over briefly and immediately agreed. "Very well. Master Han need not make any formal pledge. As a high-level cultivator, you will surely uphold your word. I have three ancient cultivators' specially crafted symbols, each capable of transmitting messages over distances of ten thousand li. As long as one of the two places a message on either half of the jade symbol, even when separated by millions of li, the message will be instantly received." The cultivator holding the other half immediately saw them as well. "Please take good care of these, friend." Ling Xiaofeng flicked his sleeve, and three shimmering jade scroll seals appeared before him. Then, with a single finger, he drew a thin golden thread through the air, dividing each of the three jade scrolls in two—transforming them into six. Xiaofeng then rolled his sleeve over the scrolls, and three of them vanished instantly. The remaining three shot forth as three bright white streaks upon the man's exhalation. Han Li raised a slight arch of his brow, then reached out and caught the three half-seals in his hand, glancing at them casually. He noticed the incantations on the scrolls were quite intricate, and even though only half of each remained, the light still flowed continuously—clearly no ordinary items. Without further words, Han Li simply turned his palm and stored the scrolls into his storage pouch. (First update!) ------------ Today's second update will be delayed a bit!