After examining the body carefully, Qing Xiao took a deep breath, bowed deeply to Han Li, and said: "Thanks to Master Han's timely intervention, otherwise we wouldn't know how many of our fellow disciples would have perished in this incident." "Indeed. Even Master Yin-Sha, the Silver Shark, is no match for this creature. Should it launch a full-scale assault in this sea region, it would surely prove to be a major disaster for us. Thank you, Master Han, for your extraordinary efforts—this monster is now vanquished!" The black-dressed lady also spoke with greater respect than before. "It's nothing at all. Though this creature has proven somewhat challenging, my cultivation technique is particularly effective against it. However, this beast doesn't seem to be a typical sea-dwelling monster. Do any of you know where it originated?" Han Li waved his hand and asked lightly. "I'm not certain, Master. This creature has never appeared in this region before. At the time, we had gathered over thirty of our fellow disciples here to discuss strategies for dealing with the sea beast. Suddenly, this creature burst forth from the mist outside the island and flew directly to the island." Many of the companions with insufficient cultivation instantly perished from the force of the beast's roar before they could react. Fortunately, thanks to Master Yinsha's timely intervention, which held the creature in check for a brief moment, half of the remaining people managed to escape. Otherwise, if the beast unleashed its full power in a sustained roar, it would not be surprising at all if all of us were wiped out here. Recalling the terrifying display of the strange moth, Qing Xiao still couldn't help but feel a flicker of fear in her expression as she spoke. Han Li frowned slightly, nodded in agreement, then turned his gaze to the group of young men and women who had just stepped out of the pavilion, and casually asked, "Are these people originally from this island? They seem to have a rather unique constitution, though not cultivators." "Ah, these are members of the Hanjing Clan. While they cannot directly communicate with the natural qi of the earth and sky, each of them is exceptionally intelligent and can exhale streams of cold air. Their youthful appearances remain unchanged throughout adulthood, only showing signs of aging at the very moment of their lifespans' end. It's a relatively rare clan." The entire Huo Hu Island group hardly numbers over ten thousand people. Since this race cannot produce cultivators, they usually rely on other powerful clans or specifically shelter a strong, senior lineage. These Han Jing clan members had previously served under Yin Shua Monks as ordinary attendants. "However, now that Yin Shua Monk has passed away, they will likely have to seek new paths forward," Qing Xiao sighed, expressing genuine sympathy for them. "Ah, this clan indeed has some unique traits!" Han Li, having never heard of such a distinct ethnic group before, was clearly intrigued and took a closer look at these young men and women. Upon hearing the two women's words, the young men and women merely bowed and paid homage repeatedly, following the lead of their senior female member. "Are you planning to join Master Han's lineage for protection? If so, Master Han might as well take them under his care." These people are truly the best choice for attendants, whether it's managing the villa's daily affairs or overseeing the medicinal herb garden—they have a distinct aptitude in both areas." The black-dressed young woman seemed to have sensed something, and smiled warmly. "Oh, they know how to cultivate medicinal herbs!" Han Li was somewhat surprised by this. "Indeed, far beyond mere knowledge. Even ordinary cultivators from the clan fall short in this regard when compared to them. And since these individuals have the privilege of serving under Master Yin-Sha, they must be among the very best of the clan. If placed outside, there would surely be many from other clans eager to claim them." Qing Xiao added with a smile. "Unfortunately, I've always preferred to travel alone and don't particularly enjoy having others accompany me. If either of you would like them, please feel free to take them." Han Li shook his head without hesitation. "Agreed. Since Master Han has said so, then I shall take them. My villa indeed lacks personnel. Qing sister, shall we divide these Han Jing clan members equally between us?" The young lady in black silk blinked her beautiful eyes, smiling warmly at Qing Xiao and said, "My island already has quite a number of attendants. If you like them, just take them all." Qing Xiao responded with remarkable grace, showing no particular concern. Upon hearing this, the young lady in black silk no longer hesitated, and immediately asked the Hanching clan members if they were willing to join her. Since these Hanching clan members had personally witnessed the fall of the original master, they naturally accepted the invitation without hesitation, promptly agreeing with respectful nods. Then, under the lady's instructions, they began tidying up the largest ice pavilion before inviting Han Li and the other three inside. The two young ladies listened, then exchanged puzzled glances. "Is it possible, then, that you believe Master Han cannot accomplish this task?" Han Li arched an eyebrow, asking calmly. "Indeed, with your elder's great skill in slaying the monstrous moth, one would expect him to have no difficulty in defeating that sea beast. However, Master Han may not be aware that, until now, our ability to track down that sea beast largely relied upon the silver-glowing shark of Master Silver Shark. Now that both the spirit beast and Master Silver Shark have perished together, finding the sea beast again will surely prove no simple matter." The young lady in black quickly explained. "Indeed, so it is. Then, how did that silver-glowing shark locate the sea beast?" Han Li was momentarily surprised, but soon asked thoughtfully. "As I heard from Master Silver Shark himself, this silver-glowing shark is born with a mysterious ability to track. Once it has encountered something, it can sense its presence from anywhere within ten thousand li and gradually proceed to find it." Previously, we would always arrive near the waters where sea beasts were commonly sighted, relying on the silver light shark to guide us to the beasts' hidden lairs. "Qing Xiao said solemnly. "Indeed, this would be quite troublesome. It seems I shall have to go alone to the sea beast's habitat and rely on luck." Han Li furrowed his brows. "Since you are determined to seek this beast, why not wait another month? The fellow practitioners who gathered at Blue Lake Island earlier should still have some remaining, and many more have not yet arrived. If we can mobilize such a large group to search together, it would surely be better than relying on a single elder." The black-dressed young woman thought for a moment and offered this suggestion. "I doubt this will make much difference. I recall Qing friend mentioned that the sea beast itself possesses considerable prowess. Should we split up and search separately, it would likely be difficult for any individual to hold it off. But if we act together, the chances of locating it would still remain very slim." Moreover, while this search may be feasible in the short term, over a longer period, some people might begin to grow dissatisfied. In that case, it would be better for me to take the initiative myself! As for the others, if they are willing, that would be ideal; if not, I shall not insist. With a broad smile, revealing his snowy white teeth, Han Li said. Upon hearing Han Li's words, the two women naturally found themselves at a loss to object. "If I happen to successfully recover the Kungyun Crystal, I would greatly appreciate it if both of you could assist me in restoring the teleportation array." "Rest assured, Master. As long as we have the Kungyun Crystal, the restoration of the teleportation array is entirely within my and Qing Xiao's capabilities." The black-dressed woman smiled gracefully. Qing Xiao made the same promise. Han Li nodded with clear satisfaction at their commitments. From there on, things became straightforward. After clearly inquiring from the two women about the general locations of the sea beasts and their means of contact, Han Li transformed into a streak of jade-green light and took off. Qing Xiao and the dark-dress young woman saw them off to the entrance of the hall, standing on the ground and watching the jade-colored aura vanish swiftly into the sky. Their expressions now differed. "I still can't believe it," said the dark-dress young woman, "that Master Han actually managed to defeat that monstrous moth. After all, his cultivation level appears no more than that of Silver Shark Master, and Silver Shark Master barely held his ground against the creature." "Didn't Master Han himself say that his divine powers specifically counteracted the moth, which is why he was able to defeat it?" Qing Xiao replied after a moment of silence, her tone somewhat unusual. "But will you truly believe that excuse, Qing sister? At the very least, I don't. Besides its strange abilities, the moth alone possesses a deep aura of demonic power—equivalent to the ninth rank of the upper clan. That's a two-tier gap, not to mention. How can a mere 'counteraction' easily be overlooked?" said the dark-dress young woman, smiling faintly. "What exactly would you like to say, sister?" Qing Xiao sighed. "Nothing at all. Isn't it true that Qing sister hasn't yet found a partner for mutual cultivation? This Mr. Han is so accomplished—doesn't he seem like an excellent match? If, in your opinion, he's not suitable, then I won't hesitate to take matters into my own hands." The black-dress lady chuckled lightly. "What are you talking about, sister? I've only just met Mr. Han twice. How could I possibly have such thoughts?" Qing Xiao's porcelain-faced cheeks instantly flushed with a deep blush, and she protested with a scolding tone. "What's so remarkable about that? As I recall, Qing sister has been stationed at the fifth stage for quite some time now. With a partner of such extraordinary ability, she should be able to easily surpass this current bottleneck through mutual cultivation. As for not yet being familiar with Mr. Han, what difference does that make? As long as he stays within this sea region, he'll have plenty of opportunities to meet her. Given her talents, I simply can't believe he wouldn't be moved by her." The black-dress lady smiled and covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Stop being so dramatic, Sister. Mr. Han will eventually return to his own continent. How could he possibly stay with us long-term? Moreover, perhaps he already has a partner for mutual cultivation." The warmth on Qing Xiao's cheeks finally faded, and she regained her composure, speaking calmly. "Oh, that's a valid point. But this sea creature is so cunning, and its range of activity spans such vast waters—how easy would it be to find and defeat it? As long as it cannot repair the transmission array, it will remain with us on the Fire Coral Islands. In that case, does it really matter whether Mr. Han previously had a partner for mutual cultivation?" The housewife shook her head vigorously. This time, upon hearing this, Qing Xiao said nothing. Instead, she gazed once more toward the horizon where Han Li had disappeared, her breath releasing a barely perceptible, soft sigh.