As for Dong Xuan'er in her white robe, her rosy lips moved several times, but she ultimately said nothing, her expression complex—seeming both excited and touched. "Miss Han's arrival here makes me delighted beyond measure; how could there possibly be any trouble? You needn't call me 'senior' or 'elder'; simply address me as Brother Han. It seems you've already reached the peak of the Jiadian stage, and your progression into the later phase appears to be just around the corner." Han Li smiled and said this. Upon hearing Han Li's words, the yellow-robed woman blushed slightly, then nodded with evident joy. "This visit is actually to express my heartfelt gratitude to Brother Han for your two instances of sparing my life back then. Had I fallen into the hands of other cultivators, I fear I would not have survived either of those trials." Han Yunzhi spoke softly, full of appreciation. "It seems you've remembered the details of that Blood-Colored Trial, and you're also aware of the events that unfolded in the Yue State afterward—precisely what I had been striving for." Han Li was first startled, then fell silent, chuckling softly. "I saw Lady Liu not long ago, and she recounted the events of those days to me in full. Otherwise, I truly wouldn't have dared to come see Brother Han." Han Yunzhi's lips curled into a gentle smile. It was strange—though Han Li had always regarded this young lady as something like his younger sister, she seemed to feel the same way toward him. After just a few exchanges, she completely forgot his current status and began to speak and laugh with him in a warm, familiar manner. As they chatted on, Han Li and the young lady began to reminisce about past events from the Small Gathering in Taishan and the Blood-Color Trial, both of them deeply moved. Back then, when they first participated, they could never have imagined that two or three centuries later, they would find themselves in such a situation. At that time, even a Foundation-Level cultivator seemed like someone they had to look up to. "By the way, Miss Dong is someone I met at the ceremony. I heard she was once a fellow disciple of Brother Han's. She has come to see Brother Han this time with some matters to discuss." "Han Yunzhi suddenly remembered something, swiftly turned her head, smiled warmly at Dong Xuan'er, and then said to Han Li. "Indeed, Dong Lady once studied under me at Huangfeng Valley. However, since our last brief meeting, Dong's cultivation seems to have made little progress—she still appears much as she did before." Upon hearing Han Yunzhi's words, Han Li only glanced at Dong Xuan'er, speaking with a neutral, neither warm nor cold tone. "I've become like this—not because of you!" Dong Xuan'er's face flushed and turned pale several times before she suddenly bit her lower lip, becoming increasingly angry and directly addressed Han Li. Han Li stood there, utterly puzzled. Han Yunzhi blinked her beautiful eyes, equally confused. "Dong Lady, what exactly do you mean? How is it that Dong's cultivation has stagnated, and that has anything to do with Han Li?" Naturally, Han Li felt displeased upon regaining his composure, his expression darkening. "If it weren't for you becoming my heart's obstacle, how could I repeatedly fail to break through my cultivation barriers and remain stuck at the intermediate stage for so many years?" Dong Xuan'er also instantly forgot the distinction between herself and Han Li, speaking with both anger and indignation, as though her full heart of委屈 could not find words to express. "Heart-mage" Han Li murmured, his face now filled with surprise and doubt. "Back when I was at Yan Family Fort, I was captured by Tian Buque and brought back to Huhuan Sect, where I finally learned the truth about my true lineage. I am, in fact, the direct descendant of Yun Lu, the Elder Mage of Huhuan Sect. Due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, I later came to study under Huang Feng Valley. Even before I was born, Yun Lu personally implanted within me a secret technique known as the 'Yi Meng Ju'. Whenever I practiced techniques related to charm and grace, this method naturally enabled me to progress effortlessly and with remarkable efficiency. However, the most challenging—and at the same time, the most easily passed—aspect of this technique is the 'Heart-Mage' stage. In some cases, it requires no obstacles at all, passing as smoothly as drinking water or eating meals. In others, it may prove insurmountable, trapping me forever in this stage, preventing any further advancement in my "Even some of the more persistent heart demons have ended up experiencing the strange phenomenon of a regression in their cultivation level," Dong Xuan'er said with growing frustration. After a moment of silence, Han Li asked with a puzzled expression, "How could I possibly be your heart demon? I've had very little interaction with Dong Daojun." "How could I possibly know this! Since I successfully reached the Dan stage, you've repeatedly appeared as my heart demon throughout my cultivation journey. Though I've relied on various external supports and managed to勉强 break through the initial phase of the Dan stage, once I reached the mid-stage, I was completely unable to make further progress—only by overcoming the heart demon trials could my cultivation advance. I even consulted Yun Lu, the elder demon, about my ancestor, who explained that you became my heart demon primarily because, back then, you were practicing some unique cultivation technique that allowed you to remain unaffected by my seductive arts. Later, when I was struck by the reverse effects of those arts during the time you were under the care of Tian Buque, your impression on me became particularly strong, which is why you now stand as my heart demon." Dong Xuan'er looked visibly unconvinced. Han Li was completely speechless. Hanyunzhi, listening to this, also stared in astonishment. "I heard that shortly after you achieved Dan stage, you sent someone to find me. If you found me, what would you do to this heart-monster of mine?" After a pause, Han Li finally replied, his gaze steady and calm. "What methods could there be to deal with a heart-monster? Either one must rely on one's own willpower to overcome it, or one could directly eliminate the person who embodies the heart-monster, or... resolve it altogether. At that time, I had intended to use the second method." Dong Xuan'er spoke hesitantly, her cheeks suddenly flushing with a warm glow as she reached the last sentence—making her instantly radiant. Upon hearing the mention of elimination, Han Li narrowed his eyes, but after listening attentively, he looked utterly surprised, and then remembered something, his face growing slightly uneasy. "I understand now. You wish for me to use my divine awareness to transmit the Secret Technique, helping you pass through this heart-monster phase." Han Li paused briefly before speaking softly. "Yes." Back then, when the Muran forces invaded, I first saw you and immediately thought of asking for your help. Yet I didn't expect you had already advanced to the Yuan Ying stage. After a brief hesitation, I missed the opportunity entirely. "With such confidence, Daoist Dong, I am certain you will definitely assist me," Han Li asked with a light smile. "Now you are the foremost cultivator in Tiannan. I'm not sure whether you'll take the time to help me, a mere Jade Dan cultivator. But if I hope to reach the Yuan Ying stage during my lifetime, there's only one path available—so I'll have to give it a try." Dong Xuan'er said, her eyes expressing a touch of lingering resentment. "Although our relationship back then wasn't always smooth, we did share a period of shared experience as fellow disciples. Since your inner turmoil stems from me, helping you overcome it now is nothing at all. I'm willing to lend a hand once." Han Li spoke calmly. "Really!" Dong Xuan'er beamed with joy. "Helping you overcome your inner turmoil is nothing at all for me now. How could I deceive you with empty words! Once this matter is settled, I shall have no further connection with Lady Dong. From now on, please take good care of yourself, Dong friend." Han Li's eyes flashed with a subtle expression as he spoke slowly. "With your kind assistance, Lady Dong Xuan is truly deeply grateful. How could there be any further expectations on my part?" Dong Xuan's face paled instantly. After a moment of silence, she replied evenly. "Very well. Dong friend, please rest here for three days. After that, I will return to this pavilion to assist you through your heart's trial." Han Li said this with an unusually calm demeanor. Dong Xuan nodded coldly and said nothing further. Afterwards, Han Li chatted with Han Yunzhi for a while, suggesting she stay a few more days at Luoyun Sect to enjoy the scenery, before finally leaving the pavilion. Five days later, Dong Xuan and Han Yunzhi departed Luoyun Sect in succession, returning to their respective sects—Yuling and Hehuang. Only now, with the aid of Han Li, Dong Xuan'er has finally passed through the heart-mist trial, and since then, there has been no further obstacle to her advancing to the late Jiedan stage. As for Han Yunzhi, besides several precious items and a few potions gifted by Han Li, she also carries a letter from Han Li to the Grand Elder of Yuling Sect. When Han Li materialized as a streak of azure light before his own dwelling, a graceful young woman in a white robe and court attire was already smiling warmly, waiting there. As soon as she saw Han Li's light descend, she gently said, "It seems Yunzhi has already departed. In fact, you could have stayed with her a few more days." "No need. These few days of companionship and shared moments have already been sufficient to resolve the matters concerning Yunzhi." Han Li smiled and shook his head. "By the way, I've just received news about another beloved of yours—the lady named Zilin. She successfully condensed her spirit embryo several years ago and has now set off to travel throughout Dajin. In the near future, you'll likely find it difficult to see her again." "Nangong Wan said with a smile that was half-teasing. "With Zilin's talent, forming a Yuan婴 is no rare feat. As for whether she is in the southern sky or not, that matters little—by fate, we shall surely meet again. In a few days' time, once the batch of crafting materials I need arrives, I intend to begin my Closed Life and Death Seal, striving to reach the peak of Yuan婴 stage, then fully refine the Daxian Technique, and finally unify the five extreme-cold flames with the Five Sons of Synergy." After smiling warmly at his beloved wife, Han Li said calmly. "That sounds wonderful! I've been eager to also aim for the Yuan婴 peak stage, and I hope our two exits from the seal will mark the day when we both achieve our great accomplishments together." Nangong Wan smiled gracefully, her expression tender and graceful. "Haha, I hope things truly unfold as Wan says. Nevertheless, over the coming days, you might want to spend several nights with me." Suddenly, Han Li's face took on an odd hue, and his gaze lingered appreciatively on his wife's well-proportioned, curvaceous figure, lingering longer than was "Phew! When did you suddenly become so fluent in your words?" The lady in a royal gown blushed deeply, lightly exhaled at韩立, yet her expression was a blend of delight and mild irritation, her bright eyes sparkling with emotion. "Fluent in words? This is the first time anyone has ever described me as such, since I was born. I believe, for the rest of my life, I'll only be able to speak so smoothly to you!" Hàn Lì raised his head, laughed heartily, his voice resonating so powerfully that it seemed to shake the very heavens, with laughter echoing steadily through several mountain peaks.