"In fact, I've already received some details about your purpose through the transmission scrolls from Master Zhang. But since this isn't a suitable place for conversation, would you mind accompanying me to the hall for a more private discussion?" The plump elder, with a graceful gesture of his broad, well-muscled hands, spoke with exceptional courtesy. To his credit, each of his ten fingers wore a ring of a completely different design—some shimmered brilliantly, their light dazzling, while others were dull and ancient, unremarkable, truly astonishing. Han Li murmured softly, yet had no recollection of the scene in his mind. This was not unusual—high-ranking cultivators from the Four Buddhist Sects were already relatively unknown to ordinary cultivators, and since Han Li himself was not from the Great Jin dynasty, it was no surprise that he didn’t recognize a senior monk from one of the sects. However, the stout elder beside him noticed Han Li’s composed demeanor and couldn’t help but catch a subtle expression of curiosity, though he masked it skillfully. Given Han Li’s careful nature, he surely wouldn’t have missed it. On his face, there was no sign of any change, but within his mind, he was deeply pondering. Could it be that this monk was a renowned cultivator from one of the major Buddhist sects? Otherwise, why would the Master of the Heaven-Deposited Hall react so notably? Meanwhile, the young monk remained unimpressed, simply smiling calmly, exuding the serene composure of a seasoned high-ranking monk. At that moment, the middle-aged man with a pale face and the scholar named Cao finally arrived at the temple gate and hurried forward to pay their respects to the stout elder. But after giving a few instructions, Canku sent the Cao-family cultivator back, leaving only the middle-aged man with a pale face. Then, upon the group's gentle insistence, they entered the Tianji Hall and settled into seats according to host and guest in a hall clearly designated as a side pavilion. Naturally, the middle-aged man and the others who had achieved the Jiedan stage had to stand on the sides. "Have you heard that Mr. Han has come specifically to purchase the secret technique of our hall for crafting jade-plate space constructs? Is this truly the case?" Canku was quite direct, asking the matter right away. "Yes, that is precisely why I have come," Han frankly admitted, without any hesitation. "Since Mr. Han wishes to acquire this technique, he likely has discovered a spatial rift himself and intends to transform it into a jizǐ space, yet he probably does not wish for anyone else to know the exact location of the rift," the plump elder smiled lightly, showing no surprise. The Master of the Tianji Pavilion has achieved the mid-stage of Yuan Ying cultivation, and as the leading figure of a major power, he displays both respect and composure when facing Han Li, showing no signs of discomfort. "You've clearly grasped my purpose," Han Li said, his eyes slightly narrowed, in a calm tone. "Ah, ever since our Pavilion established the Zi-zi space, we've had several guests just like you—seeking the method for crafting such spaces. These guests are much like Han's intentions: they wish to transform the space rifts they've discovered into their own exclusive domains, unwilling to share this knowledge with anyone else. Among them, there have even been senior cultivators of the same level as you." Canku smiled gently and replied. "Oh, so you've agreed to share the method?" Han Li's curiosity was now truly piqued. "Not at all! Though each of these guests has pledged to keep the method strictly confidential, if our Pavilion truly reveals the method, then the Tianji House, Tianji Prefecture, and other such creations would have long since ceased to be our exclusive innovations." "The plump elder spoke directly. "You must have another method in mind to resolve this matter, otherwise your hall would surely be seen as unwise to take such a step." Han Li remained silent for a moment before responding with deep significance. "Your words are most perceptive. A modest hall like ours naturally wouldn't dare offend so many esteemed colleagues. Though we have not disclosed the method of production, we do possess an alternative that fully satisfies these esteemed guests' requirements." The plump elder replied with a relaxed expression. "An alternative?" This time, Han Li was genuinely astonished. "In fact, we have long since developed a set of array instruments capable of generating a kind of seal that temporarily creates a space resembling a grain-of-millet space. While the effect may not be exactly equivalent to a true grain-of-millet space, it still achieves around seven or eight out of ten in similarity." Cen spoke with such confidence. "Such a thing indeed exists. Yet, since it relies on the power of seals, such a grain-of-millet space might still have several shortcomings." Han Li furrowed his brow and shook his head, saying, "There are certainly some flaws. Yet for a senior friend like Brother Can, these shortcomings are hardly significant." Can, however, remained unconcerned and explained, "With that said, Han, I find myself genuinely interested. Could you elaborate further?" Han Li's expression finally showed genuine engagement. "In truth, it's not much. The predecessor master of this hall commissioned several array masters to collaborate, based on the principles of the grain-sized space, and designed a grain-sized array. This array has then been nearly perfectly replicated using specialized array tools. As long as the space isn't excessively large, these tools are fully applicable. The flaws are merely two. Since these are array tools designed to create such an expansive grain-sized space, the amount of spiritual stones consumed naturally becomes substantial. For instance, the annual maintenance cost typically amounts to tens of thousands of spiritual stones. Of course, if the space itself is endowed with a spiritual vein, the consumption can be somewhat reduced." Moreover, once such an array apparatus is set up, this temporary seal space will last at most a few thousand years—after which the apparatus will lose its effectiveness and the space will gradually collapse on its own, rendering it unusable. These two limitations are of little consequence in the case of the first point, since the lives of the friends involved are naturally not significant. As for the second, as long as the friend does not intend to use it as a hereditary site for his family or sect, the duration will certainly be more than sufficient. Indeed, even when one reaches the stage of Huashen cultivation, our lifespans amount to no more than two thousand years. "Càn, with a touch of pride, remarked. Upon hearing these words, Han Li stroked his chin, his face showing a thoughtful expression. "Then, Master, do you find our array apparatus of interest? Should you be inclined, I shall offer you a favorable price for a complete set," the elder said, smiling warmly at Han Li, yet with a subtle cunning gleam in his eyes, as though he had already anticipated that Han Li would surely agree. But at that very moment, the smile on Can's face froze. "I still intend to pursue the method for crafting the mustard seed space," Han Li said, after a long pause, shaking his head. This surprised not only the middle-aged man with a pale face standing nearby, whose expression slightly changed, but also the monk named Yanzhu, who had been quietly bowing and lowering his head, now raising his gaze to look at Han Li with a touch of surprise. "You are so firm in your resolve, clearly you have your own reasons. Yet, surely you must provide me with some justification that would satisfy me?" The stout elder's eyes flickered several times before he finally sighed, his hand resting beside him unconsciously tapping the jade armrest in a steady, rhythmic pattern. Han Li observed the elder's gesture carefully but paid it no mind, speaking calmly: "It's quite simple. The space I discovered has already begun to show signs of instability. I simply cannot believe that a mere set of array tools could prevent a collapse of the space itself." Han Li was determined to secure the method of refining the芥子 space. Staring intently at the plump elder who was displaying his knowledge, he spoke firmly, without hesitation. Upon hearing Han Li's words, Can Ku's brow furrowed, clearly surprised by his response—his own expectations had been exceeded, and for the first time, a hint of hesitation appeared on his face. "Very well, if you wish to learn the method of refining through the芥子 space, then let us first exchange techniques," came a deep, resonant voice from somewhere unseen. Instantly, silver light flashed, and a streak of light shot through the hall from outside, spiraling before materializing into a venerable old monk dressed in silver robes. At the sight of the monk, both Can Ku and Yan Zhu, who had been seated, hurried to rise and greet him. The plump elder could not conceal his delight. "Master Yuanzhi, you've arrived!" "Greetings, Master Yuanzhi!" they exclaimed, addressing him in such a manner. Han Li, however, remained seated, unmoved, instead gazing at the monk with a keen, interested expression. Although this monk was not as young as Yanzhu, he appeared to be in his thirties, with a refined and scholarly bearing. It was truly difficult to associate him with that elderly voice. However, he had indeed heard of the name Yuanzhi. This monk was one of the three senior Yuan-Ying stage elders from the Lei Yin Sect among the Four Buddhist Traditions. Unlike other great Buddhist cultivators, he was well known in the Great Jin realm and simultaneously held a rare position as a Jina Protector, a role uncommon within the Buddhist hierarchy. He seemed somewhat reserved toward the Dao and Ru traditions. As for the rest, he knew little. "Ah, Master Yuanzhi of the Lei Yin Sect—I didn't know you were also a guest senior elder at the Tianji Pavilion. I must say, I've been quite taken aback." After gazing at the silken-robed monk for a while, Han Li sat down with a half-smiling, half-solemn bow and offered a courtesy. "I'm not sure, Master, which Daoist sect you come from. I've never heard of you before." "Seeing Master Han's so carefree and straightforward, the silver-robed monk's eyes flashed with sharp insight, and he directly asked without hesitation. "It's no surprise that Master Yuanzhi doesn't recognize Han here. I've never seen a high-ranking monk from Lei Yin Sect before!" Han smiled lazily, his relaxed demeanor evident. "Master Yuanzhi, you may be meeting Han for the first time, but I'm certain you've heard of Han's reputation before," suddenly interjected a young-looking flame-bamboo monk, speaking with a gentle smile that surprised everyone present. Han's face tightened, and he immediately turned to face this person. Yuanzhi, upon hearing this, was momentarily stunned, then a thoughtful expression settled upon his face. "Ah, what exactly does Flame-Bamboo Brother mean?" the silver-robed monk also seemed somewhat surprised. (First update!