"Two pieces of news?" Han Li asked without committing to either agreement or disagreement. "At three months' time, Yunxiang Auction House—one of the major auction houses in Yun City—will be holding an auction for the magical core of a Saint-stage Thorn Beast. I understand this core is exceptionally rare, and even some of the Saint clans in the city have already taken notice, with intentions to purchase it." The woman spoke slowly and deliberately. "Saint clans!" Han Li furrowed his brows. Even though he prided himself on his considerable wealth, he had no confidence in being able to match the riches of a fully consolidated existence. Those ancient beings—each having lived for ten thousand years or more—had accumulated treasures and crystal stones in such vast quantities that it was truly astonishing. Of course, if he were to make no reservations and bring forth all the spiritual herbs and materials he carried, he could certainly compete with the Saint clans in the bidding. Yet, as a guest in a foreign land among non-Human clans, how could he easily reveal his true financial standing? Otherwise, before he even secured the core, he would likely already be under the watchful eyes of those with strategic intentions. He didn't want to unnecessarily create trouble. Han Li's thoughts raced swiftly, and after a moment, he shook his head: "Since the Saint Clan is participating in the auction, I'm certain I won't be able to secure this item. This plan simply won't work." "Oh, with the elder's explanation, then I'll have to listen to the second piece of news. Is the elder newly arrived in Tianyun? Has the elder heard of the 'Mogu Golden Mountain Range'?" The young woman smiled, showing no concern. "The Mogu Golden Mountain Range! I'm aware of its existence, but I'm not entirely clear about its specifics." Han Li's heart stirred at this. "It's natural that the elder isn't familiar with it! This place has only recently emerged over the past ten thousand years, and few people outside this region know of it. Allow me to elaborate in detail." The woman's eyes sparkled, and she smiled warmly. "Then thank you, elder." Han Li nodded calmly, while in his mind a map of the region near Yuncheng came to life, clearly showing the location of the Moji Mountain Range. "About ten thousand years ago, on the vast plain located roughly one month's journey from my Yun City, a spatial storm suddenly erupted. The cause remained unknown, but after the storm passed, a new range of black mountains emerged unexpectedly. These mountains were enveloped in thick magical energy, and the void above them was exceptionally unstable, riddled with numerous spatial fissures. From these fissures, vast amounts of magical energy surged out, accompanied by numerous high-tier mythical beasts—some even of saint-tier rank. Within a short span of time, an area spanning several million li centered on these mountains was completely transformed into a magical realm, and the expansion continued relentlessly outward. This event alarmed the highest-ranking saint-tier beings of our Tianyun Clan. Several saint-tier beings, ranging from sixth to seventh rank, joined forces and ventured into the region, successfully eliminating half of the saint-tier mythical beasts and advancing all the way to the heart of the mountain range, where they intended to fully resolve the matter." The crystal-clad woman spoke with serious demeanor. And at this point, upon hearing the young woman mention the spatial rift and the surge of large amounts of magical energy, Han Li was momentarily struck, instantly recalling the Yinhe Realm during his time among the Feilin clan. However, after taking a deep breath, the crystal-clad woman continued: "The holy clans must have encountered some unforeseen event at the heart of the mountain range, staying there for half a year before returning. Upon their return, they immediately ordered the entire area to be sealed off with a comprehensive array of restrictions, leaving only a single entry and exit point. They then informed all the clans that the matter had been resolved—no more surges of magical energy or holy-tier beasts would emerge from the rift, and the area's size and number of beasts would remain unchanged. Yet, from now on, no holy-clan members or higher-ranking beings are permitted to enter this region. While those of lower rank may enter to hunt the beasts and collect inner essences and rare materials, they are restricted to entering only once a year, during a fixed one-month period, and must remain there for exactly one month regardless of whether they achieve any harvest." One must leave this area immediately, as the exit will close right away once the time limit expires. After all, the magical aura here is so dense that even magi struggle to remain there for more than a short period. Otherwise, the aura would gradually assimilate them, turning them into beasts. With so many wild creatures thriving within, this place truly serves as an excellent source for rare materials to exchange for spiritual stones. In the early years, every time the area was activated, a large number of mid-to-high level beings would flock to it. However, after some time, the influx gradually dwindled. Today, few dare to enter at all. At this point, the crystal-kin woman sighed. "Why is that?" Han Li found himself growing curious. "The casualties are simply staggering. While those who successfully emerge are well-rewarded, a full tenth to twelfth of the entrants never make it out at all. Such a high rate of casualties—something that might have been tolerable if it occurred only occasionally—yet year after year, with no reduction in the number of high-tier wyverns, naturally becomes daunting. Moreover, the magical realm is home to countless high-tier wyverns, and even a few remnants of saint-tier wyverns from the past. Though these latter primarily dwell in the central regions, encountering one of them at any time means certain death. Honestly, it's hard to claim that the various races are merely defeating wyverns; rather, it's as if the wyverns are specifically consuming the cultivators of each race. Fortunately, the higher the tier of the wyvern, the deeper within the mountain range they are found, rarely reaching the outer edges. Otherwise, no one would dare venture into the mountains to meet their end. Today, anyone who dares to enter and survives can be considered a wealthy overnight success. Hence, this realm has gradually come to be known as the "Magical Golden Mountain Range"—a name that aptly captures both our deep affection and our enduring resentment toward this very place. The crystal族 woman smiled and explained each point in turn. "You've mentioned so much, could it be that you wish me to enter here and defeat the Saint-stage beast within?" Han Li stroked his chin, speaking softly after a pause. Though his expression remained calm, his mind had already made up his decision. Should the young woman truly lose her composure and make such a request, he would immediately end the conversation and depart without hesitation. Even though this celestial magic armor from beyond the heavens proved highly beneficial, it would not warrant him risking his life for it. "The central region of the Magic Mountain Range is so perilous—I certainly wouldn't have suggested that. However, what I truly intend for you to pursue is indeed the magic core of a Saint-stage beast residing within the Black Mountain Range." The crystal-people woman smiled gently and shook her head slightly. "May I ask, how so?" Han Li's gaze flickered, as if suddenly grasping the meaning. "As far as I know, over a hundred years ago, there was a previously unknown Saint-stage beast that, for no apparent reason, suddenly burst forth from the heart of the Magic Mountain Range and went on to attack several nearby towns in succession." Yet, several other Saint-family members who had rushed to the scene were struck severely and managed to escape only after a desperate flight. By chance, the younger one happened to know precisely where this beast was hidden. "Indeed, you're telling the truth?" Han Li took a deep breath, his expression growing serious. "Absolutely true! Moreover, this beast suffered a severe injury years ago and quietly retreated to a secluded spot near the edge of Black Golden Mountain Range, where it has been in deep slumber ever since. Its powers are still only about one-tenth of their peak. The only complication is that it has established a magical aura barrier at its sleeping site. Unless a high-level magical cultivator capable of manipulating such aura, anyone who comes into contact with this barrier will instantly awaken the beast. This is precisely why I have known of its presence for so long yet have been unable to act effectively. In return for helping my senior repair the magical armor, I have sacrificed all materials from the beast except for its core. "If you find it suitable, I will faithfully reveal the location where this beast is resting." After finishing her account, the crystal-people woman finally stated her condition with seriousness. "Indeed, this beast sleeps only at the edge of Black Golden Mountain Range, and its powers are only one-tenth of what they once were? How do you know this with such accuracy?" Han Li pondered for a long time before asking this question. He was naturally intrigued by her words, yet given the importance of the matter, he needed to verify everything before making a decision. "My words are absolutely true. Seeing that you still have doubts, I shall present another item to you—then everything will become clear." Upon observing Han Li's cautious demeanor, the crystal-people woman felt even more pleased. With a single hand gesture, a surge of black smoke suddenly shot forth from her sleeve, coalesced into shape, and hovered steadily above her head. It was a strange bird, about the size of a clenched fist, entirely black in body, with a fiery red beak and golden eyes. "The Demon Smoke Bird!" Han Li immediately recognized the origin of this creature, first startled, then suddenly enlightened. "Indeed! This spirit beast is one of the rare types among the wild beasts of the Spirit Realm that we can domesticate. Though it lacks any offensive power, it is exceptionally marvelous in terms of search and stealth. It can be entrusted with a subtle spiritual awareness for long periods, allowing the master to personally control it. When I learned of that Saint-level beast's defeat, I personally directed this bird several times to sneak into its sleeping place and observe it firsthand." The crystal-people woman smiled gracefully. "Since we have this magical bird, I believe your statement is well-founded. Still, Han, I would like to ask one more question: this Saint-level beast managed to survive despite the joint efforts of the Saint Clan. It must not have been a lower-tier Saint-level beast. Moreover, the magical capabilities of beasts of different kinds vary greatly even within the same rank. Can you not determine the specific type of this creature?" Han Li nodded in agreement, but asked several more careful questions. "I haven't personally witnessed the full splendor of this beast in its great battle against the other holy clans. But it's said to be roughly equivalent to the second to third stage of the holy clans. Of course, this assessment is based solely on accounts from others, so I'm not entirely certain. As for the type of this beast, however, it's harder to determine. Yet it seems somewhat similar to the legendary true spirit, the 'Mountaintop Giant Ape.' Perhaps it truly carries a portion of that lineage. By the way," the crystal-clad maiden spoke without hesitation. "Mountaintop Ape!" Hearing this, Han Li's face slightly changed. "Ah, by the way, I have a preserved image of this beast. Would you like to take a look at it first?" It seemed as though the maiden had just recalled something. Raising her jade hand, she tossed a stone tablet that had been prepared in advance. Han Li didn't hesitate, directly grasping the tablet and placing it on his forehead, immersing his consciousness into it. "Indeed, quite similar!" After a while, he lowered his arm, speaking thoughtfully. "The junior has already spoken so much. I wonder if the elder has made a decision." The crystal-kin woman looked at Han Li, her tone subtly tinged with anticipation. "May I ask, by what name shall I address you?" Han Li smiled gently and suddenly asked a question seemingly unrelated to the previous one. "Just call me 'Xianxian'!" the crystal-kin woman was momentarily taken aback, then light-heartedly replied.