"You've suffered a slight setback, haven't you? That's how you see it?" "How could it be that you and Héhuā have truly been unable to overcome the Han youth?" asked Zhiyang the Elder, startled. "You're too generous to me. Even together, we only managed to hold our ground for a brief moment before exhausting ourselves." Wei Wuyi replied calmly. "It's impossible! Though the Han youth is exceptionally talented, he's only at the late stage of his advancement—perhaps slightly superior to us three, at best. How could you two, working in unison, still fall short?" Zhiyang the Elder's expression changed, and he shook his head repeatedly, visibly unconvinced. "For me and Héhuā to be outmatched by a newly promoted junior cultivator is no small matter—it would indeed be a source of embarrassment, worthy of a modest remark to our friend. Moreover, I must confess, even now, the youth's capabilities are truly profound. Though it appears we've only suffered a minor defeat, he has not fully exerted himself. In fact, I sense that he possesses the genuine ability to eliminate even a late-stage Yuan-Infant cultivator of ours." Wei Wuyafa's eyes flashed with a hint of apprehension as he said, "Of course, if the Master of Zhiyang doesn't believe my words, he is more than welcome to go himself to Luoyun Sect and verify them. Hehe—perhaps the Daoist friend has already harbored such intentions since he journeyed from Taizhen Sect to my place." Wei Wuyafa suddenly chuckled coldly. Zhiyang's face changed, yet he remained silent, clearly convinced by Wei Wuyafa's words. "If I were you, I wouldn't want to embarrass myself. But as for me, it truly makes no difference—my time is drawing near. Even if the young Han is as accomplished as a Hua Shen stage cultivator, I simply lack the energy to concern myself further. It's you and the Hehuang Elder Demon who still have years ahead of you—perhaps it will be difficult to avoid this one." Wei Wuyafa added calmly. "What? Brother Wei's lifespan has come to an end?" Zhiyang was startled, then grew deeply astonished. "Indeed, I reached the late stage of my advancement nearly two hundred years before you—all the more reason for you to go first. It won't be much more than these few years now. As for you and Huahuan, there's still some time left, and your chances of advancing to the Divine Immortal stage haven't completely faded. There might even be a glimmer of hope." The old man in blue robe grew solemn. "Wei brother, you—." Zhiyang the Supreme wished to speak, yet found himself at a loss for words, his expression deeply complex. "As long as the Great Way remains unachieved, no matter how long we may dominate the human realm, our efforts will ultimately prove in vain. Zhiyang brother, having known each other for so many years, if you would listen to my advice, then let go of the matters concerning Tiannan and our sect. Focus solely on your cultivation. Don't end up like me—merely waiting to die. Moreover, with Fan Xiao'er's current prowess, even if I were to depart, you and Huahuan the Elder Demon would not be able to stand against him. Why not simply yield the esteemed title of Tiannan's foremost sect and offer the other party After all, the rise and fall of a sect is nothing unusual. I'm certain young Han won't press you two too hard. You may take this opportunity to focus entirely on your cultivation. Wei Wuyi said this slowly. "Thank you, Brother Wei. I will carefully consider this matter." Upon hearing Wei Wuyi's sincere words, Zhiyang the Elder was also touched. "Well, I've said as much as I can. Whether or not you listen is up to you. I shall now return to the island. This may well be our last meeting." Wei Wuyi gave a simple bow, neither waiting for the other Daoist to respond nor pausing, and swiftly vanished into a streak of light heading toward Qiling Island. Zhiyang the Elder remained in place, motionless, his face showing deep thought. After an unknown length of time, the Daoist sighed and also transformed into a streak of white light, heading precisely toward the direction of the Xixu Kingdom! Ultimately, this Yuan-Ying stage cultivator of the Taizhen Sect decided to personally meet with Han before making a final decision. If this rising great cultivator truly proved as formidable as the rumors suggested, he would immediately return to his sect to enter seclusion and prepare for the breakthrough to the Divine Spirit stage, as Fei Wuyi had advised. Yet a month later, the news broke that Zhiyang Master had personally visited Luoyun Sect, only to depart shortly afterward and return to Taizhen Sect, suddenly announcing his intention to enter a life-and-death retreat. This sudden development immediately sparked fresh speculation among the sects across the southern region. Even those who had previously remained unclear now clearly understood that the Grand Elder of Taizhen Sect had not secured any advantage from Han Li—otherwise, why would he return to his sect and immediately adopt such a display of humility? Thus, Han Li's reputation as the foremost cultivator in the southern region was firmly established, and Luoyun Sect's influence surged dramatically, expanding to cover nearly half of Xixu State within just a few months. The other cultivator sects in Xixu either willingly submitted or chose to evacuate the state and reestablish their sects elsewhere. As for Gu Jian Men and Bai Qiao Yuan, though they managed to survive thanks to their shared location within the Yun Meng Mountain Range and have expanded their influence somewhat, they have effectively become subordinate to the rapidly rising, now-gigantic Lu Yun Sect—almost serving as its satellite monasteries—experiencing a blend of both suffering and joy. At once, the feathers trembled, and with a soft "pffft," a misty glow surged forth, accompanied by thunderous crackling of silver electric arcs—its momentum truly impressive. Yet Han Li furrowed his brow, clearly unsatisfied. After a moment of silence, he suddenly opened his mouth and exhaled a small, jade-green cauldron. The cauldron spun once before settling steadily upon the ground before him. His expression was profoundly gloomy. "Impossible. How could the divine feathers of the K'un-peng be of such limited power? Let me examine the Wind-Thunder Wings you've crafted before I make any judgment." A faint glow flashed upon the lid of the cauldron, and a delicate, translucent figure materialized—none other than the ethereal projection of the Tian-Lan holy beast. Han Li said nothing, merely raising his hand and gesturing toward the wings within the magical array. "Whoosh!" The Wind-Thunder Wings surged forth as a beam of pale blue-white light, then paused, hovering motionless above the child's head. The child fixed his gaze steadily upon the wings, his expression shifting in consternation, remaining motionless for the full duration of a meal before finally closing his eyes and沉思. "I now understand. The integration of the K'un-peng feather has proven far more difficult than I anticipated. Though it has been incorporated into the current wings, the inherent celestial laws of wind energy it contains have not yet been fully awakened. Thus, this treasure currently only exhibits the power of a simulated spiritual artifact, falling far short of the true, transcendent might of a divine treasure." After the young disciple once again opened his eyes, he simply said, "Then, how can we activate the full power of the Kungpeng's wings?" Han Li asked directly. "To activate them now, either you need to switch to a wind-type cultivation technique—one that, given your current level, you could manage with some effort—or you find a first-rate wind-type spiritual stone, which is also achievable," the disciple replied. "Switching to a wind-type cultivation technique or finding a first-rate wind-type spiritual stone—neither of these options can I currently accomplish," Han Li said without hesitation. "Then this becomes quite troublesome. Although there are other methods, they cannot be realized in the human realm, so even if I explain them, it would all be in vain," the disciple sighed, spreading his hands in resignation. "Hmph. So it's not my method that's at fault—it's your initial assessment that was mistaken," Han Li said with irritation. "Indeed, that seems to be the case," the disciple finally admitted, a touch of embarrassment appearing on his face. "Well then, the ability to simultaneously awaken wind and thunder forces has already satisfied me. If it truly possessed the power you described, it wouldn't be within my current grasp." After a few flickers of his gaze, Han Li's expression softened, and he seemed no longer inclined to press the matter. The young attendant was momentarily startled, yet a hint of doubt lingered on his face. He was well aware that though the human cultivator's level of attainment was not particularly impressive in his eyes, he was far from someone who would easily yield. "What conditions do you have? Simply state them, and I'll see what I can offer—after all, to make up for my earlier oversight, I'm certainly willing to accommodate you to some extent." The attendant gazed at Han Li for a moment before decisively offering his proposal. "Since you've mentioned it, then I shall follow your lead." Han Li smiled gently and indeed agreed to proceed as the attendant suggested. The celestial child, manifesting as a heavenly dragon, simply rolled his eyes. Han Li gave a firm tap on his storage bag, and instantly a stream of azure light burst forth from the opening. As the light subsided, several unusual items appeared before him—several strange objects. One was a translucent, gel-like mass about the size of a clenched fist, consisting of three pieces: two small and one larger. Three dark, luminous crystal slabs, a round orb of black and white, and a black, thumbnail-sized orb also appeared.