Han Li's performance still left Lei Lan and the other two utterly astonished. Two formidable foes, seemingly of exceptional strength, were easily eliminated in one wave, while the other was driven back in alarm. With their minds at ease, the three did not realize that the three blood puppets Han Li had slain possessed the rank of junior Spiritual Commanders—otherwise, they would have been even more stunned. As no further妖 creatures appeared around them, and with Han Li assisting the spiritual beasts below to complete their final ascension step, Lei Lan and the others settled into meditation on the flying chariot, quietly restoring their depleted qi. After one hour, the ground flashed with white light several times, then suddenly erupted into a roar that sounded like a dragon's cry or a powerful gust of wind. Just as Han Li extended his hand into the white light, his face paled, and he staggered, retreating in a series of trailing silhouettes. At the same moment, a golden form emerged from the light, spinning steadily before expanding into a magnificent, ethereal giant creature—over ten zhang in length—shimmering with golden light, its scales covering its entire body, revealing a magnificent golden qilin. Though this qilin was merely a shimmering outline, upon lifting its head and roaring with majestic authority, a surge of overwhelming power erupted skyward, causing even Han Li, who had just steadied his stance, to slightly pale and step back. Yet this ethereal form faded swiftly, dissolving into nothingness. At the same time, the white glow beneath it receded, revealing the small creature. The leopard-qilin now appeared much the same in size as before, but subtle golden streaks now adorned its fur, and when its eyes opened, its pupils had transformed into a shimmering silver. As the outline vanished, the leopard-qilin suddenly appeared right where it had been. Almost simultaneously, Han Li felt a sudden weight in his arms, as if something soft and furry had settled there. He lowered his head and saw the young creature, now at an advanced stage, had leapt onto his chest. The creature blinked its strange, luminous eyes, extended a delicate pink tongue, and gently licked his forearm several times, displaying an unmistakably affectionate demeanor. Han Li didn't say a word—he simply swept his divine awareness through the small creature's body. A moment later, a look of delight spread across his face. The creature had indeed achieved the next stage, now possessing the cultivation level of a Perfected Immortal. With its innate divine abilities and the Qilin bloodline within it, it far surpassed other beasts of the same rank. It would surely become an invaluable ally in the future. The small creature chuckled lightly in Han Li's arms, revealing a sense of weariness. The advancement process had been quite taxing, and it now needed to recover its depleted vital energy. Seeing this, Han Li raised his hand and flipped it once, producing a crimson pill in his fingers, which he pressed into the creature's mouth. Then, he gently tapped the creature's body. A flash of green light, and the creature vanished completely, being stored within the storage bracelet, where it promptly fell asleep. The three passengers on the spiritual vehicle observed the Qilin phantom and their faces slightly changed, instinctively exchanging glances. They all saw a look of astonishment reflected in one another's eyes. Although the Feilin people only venerate true spirits of birds, how could they fail to recognize a true spirit of such renown as the Qilin, which is well-known across all the spiritual clans? It came as a surprise to the others that Han Li's spirit beast carried the bloodline of the Qilin. At that moment, Han Li shifted his form, transforming into a streak of azure light that soared into the air, circling the area within several hundred paces. Simultaneously, colorful glimmers rose from the ground and swiftly vanished, merging into the azure light. All the array flags and discs were neatly folded into the large sleeve of his robe. The ten crimson light pillars and the ground-based magical array dissolved, and everything returned to its original state. "We don't have much time—we must quickly proceed to the third level," Han Li said calmly, stepping out of the flying carriage and addressing Lei Lan and the others. Bai Bi and the others naturally agreed without hesitation, nodding in unison. Thus, with a gentle tap of his foot, the triangular spiritual chariot surged forth as a beam of bright light, gradually fading and becoming more ethereal with each flicker, until it finally vanished into the darkness at the horizon. After a while, he shook his sleeve, and the spherical pearl he had used previously once more shot forth, spinning smoothly before hovering before him. With one hand he pressed a series of gestures, and with the other gently pointed at the pearl. The pearl glowed with a deep crimson light, emitting a soft hum. A moment later, a cold female voice spoke: "Earth-blood, what business do you have with me?" The voice's owner treated the blood-robed figure with no courtesy at all. "Ah, I'd like to make a small arrangement with Master Mu Qing," replied the blood-robed figure with a light smile. "What kind of arrangement?" the woman seemed surprised. "Nothing in particular—I simply wish to borrow one of the high-rank spiritual generals of the blood-jade serpents under the仙子's command for a short time." The blood-robed figure spoke casually. "Blood-jade serpents? What would you use them for? I still need them to help me locate the blood offerings for the rituals." The woman expressed her astonishment. "I need to borrow them to eliminate several spiritual general-level flying spiritual beings." They're on the second floor. I couldn't make it in time myself, and there's no direct teleportation array here to reach them. So I'll have to rely on the Lady. "Hmph. Even a few Ling-Jiang-level warriors deserve a Blood-Jiāo. Very well, I won't interfere with your plans. If you wish to borrow the Blood-Jiāo, then you must send me a section of your Calming-Tree. Otherwise, we'll discuss this face to face!" The woman remained silent for a moment before replying calmly. "Calming-Tree! Agreed. But I have one request—these flying-spirit souls are of use to me. After I dispatch them, have the Blood-Jiāo carry them to me." The blood-robed figure spoke with composed ease. "Trivial matter. Just send me their positions and appearances via teleportation." The lady readily agreed, then slightly softened her tone. "Of course. Master Wood, please wait a moment." The blood-robed figure extended a finger, lightly touched it to the blood droplet, closed his eyes, and transmitted something through his divine awareness. A moment later, the blood-robed figure drew his fingers and reopened his eyes, saying, "The positions I've given you are where those individuals appeared not long ago. As long as the Blood Dragon arrives promptly, it should be relatively easy to locate them. I shall simply await your favorable news." "As long as they are indeed at the level of Spiritual General, the process won't take much time. But should the information differ from what you've described..." The woman chuckled with deep intention. "Should the information not match, the Wood Princess may cancel this transaction at any time," the blood-robed figure added with a gentle smile. With his divine abilities, he was certain not to misjudge the cultivation levels of several Spiritual Generals. "Then, with your confidence, this matter is settled. I will directly transport the Blood Dragon to the second level. By the third day, news should return." The woman spoke calmly, and the blood glow on the screen flashed once before the connection was severed. Seeing this, the blood-robed figure did not show any displeasure; instead, a look of satisfaction spread across his face. After drawing the orb close, he murmured to himself: "With a high-rank Spiritual Commander's Blood-Jakus intervening, it should be certain success. If that still fails, then it clearly means some of the elders from the Flying Spirit Clan have actually infiltrated the Deep Earth. In that case, we must be especially cautious—nothing should go wrong." Saying this, the blood-robed figure leaned back into his chair, and soon a soft, steady snoring sound began to rise. Within a short while, he had already fallen asleep. ^...In the third layer of the Deep Earth, within a large wooden hall constructed from countless black woods, a figure of indistinct form sat motionless in a golden floral centerpiece measuring several zhang in diameter, one hand resting on his chin. Nearby, at a distance, two rows of figures of varying heights and statures knelt in deference, totaling about fifteen or sixteen. After a while, the figure suddenly raised one hand, and a flash of emerald light shot forth, vanishing swiftly into the void. Soon afterward, a thunderous roar suddenly echoed from outside the hall. Then, a flash of crimson light appeared at the door, and a hazy blood mist surged in, sweeping into the hall. This is where they last appeared, along with their appearance. Note that these Flying Spirit beings might be a bit unusual—should anything seem amiss, come straight and inform me immediately. Hurry off and return promptly!" The woman raised her hand, throwing a black bamboo tube with calm composure. "Understood!" The dragon-headed creature extended its hand to catch the tube, promptly agreeing. Then, with a sudden shift in form, it dissolved into a swirling crimson mist and shot forward, vanishing without a trace at the entrance of the hall after a few swift movements. "All right, now please report the progress of capturing blood offerings from each level. The next ritual won't have much time to spare. Black-Zhuo, it's your turn." After gazing at the hall entrance for a moment, the woman turned her gaze, her voice growing colder. "The four major blood-eating clans—the Four-Winged Flying Serpent and the Rainbow Scorpion—have all gone empty-handed, with only the clans of the Three-Eyed Mice managing to retreat into Black Crow Mountain, temporarily out of reach..." A tall figure in shadow rose and began to recount the details slowly and steadily.