Although Feng Laogui still harbored some resentment toward Han Li, he could not afford to feign ignorance when faced with the elder demon's inquiries. After a brief hesitation, he replied in kind: "This young man not only possesses the Immortal Immortal Pearl, but if your lord truly intends to take action against him, he may indeed prove quite difficult to handle." Upon hearing this, the elder demon's expression remained unchanged, yet a profound sense of alertness stirred within him. The mere presence of the Immortal Immortal Pearl already gave him a measure of concern; should the young man possess more than one, that would pose a genuine threat. Yet this was not the most pressing matter! As such, the elder demon suddenly changed his transmission recipient, shifting to Xiang Zhilǐ: "Xiang brother, it's possible that the spatial nodes provided by this young man are not complete—do you know this?" "Does it matter whether I know or not? If it were me, I would certainly not hand over all of them. What truly matters is that he has agreed to cooperate with us. Given sufficient time, he will gradually reveal everything." As for everything else, if you are not certain to capture this person alive, then you shall not be allowed to take his life." Xiang Zhi-li didn't lift his eyelids, but softly transmitted his words with a slight movement of his lips. "Hmph! Now this young man behaves so arrogantly. If I retreat even slightly, won't people think I'm afraid of a late-stage Yuan-Enlightened cultivator?" Hu, the Elder Demon, sneered, deeply dissatisfied. "Master Xiang, I suspect you've been residing in the Demon Palace for too long and have grown a bit dull. At our level of cultivation, what's a mere reputation worth? Though this lady is indeed beautiful beyond compare, would you really sacrifice the opportunity for everlasting enlightenment just because she is a consort? Of course, if you truly can't bear this frustration, as long as you don't harm his life and ensure he doesn't turn against us, and only give him a mild reprimand—then I shall simply treat it as if I never saw it happen." Xiang Zhi-li replied calmly. "Then it seems this troublesome individual will have to be handled by me personally. Let's see what he's willing to offer in exchange for "Hū, the old demon remained silent for a moment, then concluded his transmission. Immediately, he turned back to gaze at Han Li, now speaking with cold composure: 'Counting on the goodwill of Xiang and Feng, if you now retract your earlier remarks, I shall treat this entire matter as if it had never happened. I shall overlook your lapse of speech this time.' The old demon's tone clearly conveyed his firm demands, yet he subtly left a path for Han Li to follow. Upon hearing this, the blue-robed scholar and the Elder of Kǔzhú, along with the other Yuan-Stage cultivators in the hall, all found themselves momentarily stunned. They clearly perceived that the Senior Patriarch of Tian Mo Sect seemed genuinely cautious of Han Li. Otherwise, given how furious he had been just moments before, he would surely not have spoken so diplomatically. Their eyes turned in growing astonishment toward Han Li, eager to discern what exactly enabled him to persuade the elderly man with the wooden crown to change his mind. 'Thank you so much, Master Hū! However, it happens that I have a habit of occasionally retracting what I've just said.' "My friend, perhaps you should reconsider what I said earlier," Han Li replied without hesitation. This time, the elder with the wooden crown was truly furious. His face turned ashen, and as he spoke, three consecutive "good" words burst from his lips. With a flash of lightning-like gaze sweeping over Zilin and Han Li, an overwhelming aura surged forth, instantly transforming him into a massive vortex. The ambient qi within the hall rushed toward him like a storm. Every cultivator who had sensed the profound and unyielding spiritual pressure emanating from the old demon now felt a sudden sense of awe, each one mentally noting the same thought: The old demon seems genuinely angered by Han Li—now he's clearly about to act. As this thought formed, two cultivators slightly closer to Han Li exchanged a glance and, without a word, quietly rose to their feet and stepped back several paces, hoping to avoid being caught in the action should a confrontation unfold. Although Zilin successfully condensed her Yuan婴, she could not withstand the astonishing spiritual pressure emanating directly from a Hua Shen cultivator. Her face paled, her body slightly wavered, and she stepped back twice, finally reaching the table where she had previously offered a seat to Han Li. A warm hand instantly appeared gently upon her fragrant shoulders. Then, a stream of pure, refined spiritual energy flowed into her body. Zilin felt a sudden warmth throughout her frame, and the previously cutting aura facing her instantly transformed into a gentle spring breeze. Subconsciously, she turned her head. Han Li placed a broad palm upon her shoulder and offered her a gentle smile. Though she did not understand why Han Li remained so composed, her previously anxious heart unexpectedly relaxed under the warmth of the smile. With a slight blush, she bit her lower lip and smiled softly. "Heh, since you truly wish for this young lady, very well. I shall grant you your wish. Don't think I'm denying you your chance." Since you claim that anything in the world can be exchanged, then let your two spiritual treasures in hand be exchanged for Zilin’s freedom. Seeing this, Hu the Elder Demon burst out laughing in rage, then, as he calmed his imposing aura, opened his mouth with an astonishing demand. The other cultivators exchanged glances, instantly understanding the implication. In their eyes, it was clear that the old demon truly had no intention of letting Zilin go—otherwise, why such an outrageous condition? How precious are the heavenly treasures! Each one, when it first emerges, invariably stirs bloodshed and turmoil throughout the immortal realm. Even the great cultivators of the major sects, possessing just one or two genuine imitations, would be envied by all. To now demand two authentic heavenly treasures from the others was clearly a gesture devoid of sincerity. Nevertheless, the fact that the old demon had not yet taken action was already a significant courtesy. And yet, the young Han, holding two such treasures himself—this was truly astonishing. But if not, then this person would surely be unable to stir up such a commotion within Yin Luo Sect with just their own strength. The fact that the Sect Master has fallen at their hands appears to be no mere coincidence. Other cultivators murmured in quiet concern, while Zi Ling's face grew pale as she heard this condition. She naturally understood the value of the spiritual treasures and knew that no one could possibly agree to such an impossible demand. "To exchange spiritual treasures for this condition—your request seems rather unreasonable. I must respectfully decline," Han Li sighed, and indeed, firmly rejected it. "Then, how about exchanging your own Mu Xian Pearl? That would work." Hū, the old demon, sneered and added. "The Mu Xian Pearl—I cannot accept that either. Even if I am willing to make the exchange, I fear that without this treasure as protection, the Dao Brother will find a reason to turn against me and strike hard when the time comes." Han Li furrowed his brow, still slowly shaking his head. "Heh, you do have a sense of self-awareness after all. But besides the Lingbao and the Shuixian Pearl, what other treasure could you offer that would make me take notice? For over a thousand years, I've lived, and even if there's something in the human realm that truly moves me, it would be impossible to find it on your person. "Master Hu, said with a mocking tone. "Is that so? That's not certain at all. How about I ask Master Hu, how much of his life remains?" Han Li suddenly smiled lightly. "Even if my life is not long, I can still live another three or four hundred years without any problem. What's the point of asking this?" Master Hu was startled, somewhat surprised. Upon hearing this, Han Li's face took on a touch of mystery. His lips moved slightly, yet no words came out—instead, he once again transmitted his words. The words reached Master Hu's ears. "Should I give Master Hu the opportunity to extend his life by another four to five hundred years, would he be willing to allow Zi Ling to leave the magical palace?" "Four to five hundred years? Are you referring to the returning-youth water?" The old master with the wooden crown, who had been sneering all along, suddenly straightened up, his expression instantly transforming. The wind elder, who had been merely observing from the side, could not hear the transmitted words, yet upon seeing the old demon's sudden demeanor, he blinked and turned to look over. At the same time, Xiang Zhi-li also opened his eyes, casting a questioning gaze toward Hū, the old demon. Only then did Hū realize his own awkwardness, quickly composing himself so that his outward appearance returned to normal. Yet, the voice of the old demon continued to echo in Han Li's ears: "Among the elixirs known to extend life in the human realm, there is only one legendary one—the Returning-Yang Water. Could it be that you possess this sacred medicine? If indeed you have it, I shall certainly allow this young lady to depart, and even offer you further benefits." The old demon's tone became suddenly enthusiastic, as if he had completely transformed into a different person. "Han Li does not possess the Returning-Yang Water, but he does have one portion of its primary ingredient—the Cold Marrow." Han Li didn't delay, calmly transmitting his reply. "It's merely cold marrow!" The old demon spoke with a tone of disappointment, clearly deeply anxious and uncertain at the moment. "If I truly had the life-restoring water as a medicine, why would I still exchange with you? I would simply present it directly to Xiang Sheng and Feng Dao, and they would immediately assist me in securing Zi Ling maiden—surely you wouldn't be able to stop us, would you? I'm certain you're familiar with the method of preparing life-restoring water. Though the sun's essence fire is hard to find, with cold marrow at hand, and given Tian Mo Sect's strength, we are quite hopeful of producing it. How about this—Han Li offering this material in exchange for Zi Ling Dao's departure? Isn't that fair to Brother Hu?" Han Li said with confidence. For these immortals at the stage of transforming into gods, the medicinal herbs capable of extending life and health would surely be far more appealing than a few pieces of spiritual treasures. Han Li simply didn't believe that Brother Hu would remain unmoved. Had it not been for this item he held in his own hands, he would have truly found it difficult to persuade Zi Ling to leave the magical palace. Of course, he had the courage to present this item precisely because the other party already held some reservations about him. Otherwise, he certainly didn't want to provoke a fully established Shen stage cultivator into launching a strong counterattack against himself. The transmission from the other side fell silent, and the old demon himself blinked rapidly, his expression one of thoughtful contemplation. The Wind Elder and Xiang Zhilǐ exchanged glances, each seeing a sense of surprise in the other's eyes. Neither of them knew exactly what had been discussed between Hū, the old demon, and Han Li, which had so completely calmed the once-angry old demon. The other Yuan Yin cultivators were equally curious, yet none dared to ask a single question. (First update!