However, the magical array at the square would absolutely prevent the two from passing through in a short time unless they possessed some special means. Even so, the time available was limited—enough only to search one more area. Han Li pondered this, his eyes scanning back and forth between the two side pavilions, growing increasingly indecisive. Suddenly, a flash of insight passed through his eyes as he turned toward the pavilions and terraces behind the main hall. There, the vegetation was lush and green, its verdant vitality largely enveloping the area. With a gentle breeze, a subtle aroma of medicinal herbs seemed to blend within the air. Han Li took a deep breath, silently cursing himself a "fool." For any cultivator, a medicinal garden was an essential feature of every immortal estate. Though this place had once been inhabited by immortals, it was surely home to such a garden. And no matter how valuable the other treasures might be, how could they possibly compare to the rare herbs that might only exist in the true realm of the True Immortals? As long as he could find suitable herbs, with his mysterious vial in hand, he could greatly accelerate their ripening—far surpassing any treasure by a hundredfold. From the distant flow of spiritual energy, it was clearly visible that the herb garden lay precisely within the central area among those pavilions and terraces. Once he had fully understood the situation, Han Li no longer hesitated. He immediately took the giant ape automaton and, transforming into a faint green vapor, rushed straight toward the main hall's rear. With the remarkable speed of his physical form, he had already plunged deep into the pavilions and terraces within just one cup of tea's time. Although he did not yet know the exact location of the herb garden, the areas where the wood spirit energy was most concentrated were easily identifiable. He paid no attention to the other buildings along the way, and after a few swift movements, he arrived at a flat open space between three pavilions. There, he found a garden spanning several mu in size, from which the delicate fragrance of herbs wafted out. However, the entire garden was encircled by five columns of purple and gold, and a vibrant, multicolored light curtain completely enveloped it. Upon witnessing this This spell array was no ordinary restriction, like the simple one on the earlier chamber's door—it clearly proved to be a complex, large-scale setup. Yet, for a defensive-type barrier, he felt confident in his ability to handle it. Immediately, he briefly considered his options, then pressed a hand seal and, with a single breath, expelled a sphere of silver flame. As the silver light shimmered, a clear, melodic chime resonated. The flame sphere flashed once, and instantly transformed into a silver bird—none other than the Spirit-Eating Phoenix. This bird was especially adept at consuming various spiritual flames and energies, making it exceptionally well-suited for overcoming such barriers. "Go," said Han Li, without hesitation, pointing at the five-colored light curtain before him. At once, the silver phoenix spread its wings and surged forward, radiating a brilliant silver glow. A loud "boom!" echoed as the five-colored curtain trembled slightly. Then, waves of silver flame cascaded and burst in a continuous series of explosions. The silver phoenix's flames spiraled and danced across its body, occasionally shooting out directly toward the surrounding areas. Whenever they touched the five-colored halos, those halos flickered and vanished instantly, completely absorbed without trace. The luminous screen gradually thinned out within moments. Seeing this, Han Li beamed with relief. The spell left by the immortal seemed far simpler than anticipated—much easier than he had expected. As he prepared to cast another spell to enhance the phoenix's power, the five purple-golden pillars around him suddenly emitted a low hum. Then, beams of vibrant, thick light burst forth from their surfaces, flashing briefly before flowing into the screen. The screen, which had been weakening, instantly brightened and regained its original thickness. Han Li's expression darkened at this development. Without pausing to think, he quickly manipulated his fingers, forming a series of hand seals while murmuring incantations. Suddenly, the character "zhàng" burst forcefully from his mouth. Originally no larger than a foot, the Spirit-Fire Phoenix flashed with fierce light in its eyes, spread its wings, and shot upward into the sky. After a swift spiral, its form rapidly expanded. In mere moments, a colossal silver bird of several zhang in height appeared above the five-colored light screen. It raised its head, emitted a clear cry, and powerfully扇ed its massive silver wings downward. A series of sharp rushing sounds erupted, as countless fire spheres formed from its silver feathers rained down in a torrential barrage. The thunderous roar echoed across half the sky, and the surging flames completely engulfed the entire light screen. Though five pillars continuously infused the five elemental spiritual energies, the screen began to tremble violently. Seeing this, the giant silver bird folded its wings, spun smoothly, and then, as its silver glow intensified, instantly transformed into a massive fire sphere, plummeting straight downward like a meteor. A tremendous crash resounded throughout the heavens! The five-colored light screen could no longer bear the strain, fracturing piece by piece across its surface. Han Li was pleased upon seeing this, and with a flick of his eyes, he prepared to instantly rush into the herb garden the moment the light screen completely collapsed. Yet his plan was evidently too simple. Suddenly, the five columns of purple-gold light ceased their emission, and immediately, a thunderous roar erupted, followed by flashes of lightning that gave rise to a cascade of purple electric arcs. Upon seeing these arcs, Han Li's face instantly grew pale. As he glanced once more at the light screen, visibly on the verge of collapse, he clenched his teeth, deciding not to retreat but instead to step forward. His black aura surged and rolled, the celestial demon armor reappearing on his body, while his inner spiritual energy rapidly poured into the armor. Black runes on the armor's surface shot off in all directions, swirling tightly around him, forming a dense and solid protective shield. With the thunderous roar, countless slender golden arcs leapt out, weaving into a golden mesh that encircled him. Then, with a mere gesture of his hand in the air, a stack of scrolls materialized and shot toward him. A flash of light, and several colored energy shields materialized outside the electric arcs. At that moment, a flutter of Han Li's sleeve sent the Yuanmagnet Peak soaring forth from within. Stimulated by the spell's power, the mountain instantly expanded to over ten zhang in height, forming a massive shield before him. Though the purple electric arcs were formidable, Han Li firmly believed that such lightning could not melt this mountain. Almost as soon as Han Li completed these actions, the five golden-purple pillars erupted in a series of thunderous booms. Five thick, bowl-sized purple arcs shot upward, then converged into a single, colossal lightning sphere with a diameter of half a zhang, charging straight toward Han Li with overwhelming force. Upon seeing the impressive size of the purple lightning sphere, Han Li's face turned pale. Yet he remained motionless, instead murmuring a low command and suddenly pressing his palm against the black mountain before him. At once, the silver runes on its surface flashed, and a gray, hazy light curtain rolled out from the mountain, directly facing the opposing purple lightning sphere. The two collided instantly. A thunderous roar erupted, and the gray curtain only trembled slightly before being shattered—unable to withstand the impact for long. It was no surprise! Though the Yuanmagnetic Divine Light was remarkably powerful, it was primarily effective against the Five Elements' energies. Against this secret lightning power originating from the True Immortal realm, its effect was naturally limited. As soon as the purple sphere moved, it surged straight toward the black mountain peak. Seeing this, Han Li's lips curled into a subtle smile. The current Yuanmagnetic Jijishan was no longer reliant solely on the Yuanmagnetic Divine Light. His palm pressed firmly against the mountain peak suddenly flashed with a vibrant blue glow, channeling a spell into it. Instantly, the silver runes on the black mountain surged upward, spinning smoothly before transforming into several fist-sized black holes that materialized in front of the mountain's face. After the purple lightning sphere flashed once, it struck these black holes and passed through them seamlessly, as though undisturbed. Han Li's gaze sharpened, and he clearly observed that the originally half-zhang-diameter sphere had shrunk by one-third and more as it passed through the black holes. Yet before he could ponder further, the lightning sphere struck the mountain's solid body directly, producing a thunderous roar. As the purple lightning radiated outward, a sharp "crack" sounded, and two purple electric serpents spiraled out from either side of the colossal mountain, moving with intuitive grace and darting straight toward Han Li's body. "Puff! Puff!" Several layers of the outermost light shields flickered and shattered instantly upon contact with the two purple serpents, offering no resistance at all. At the same moment, a sudden spark of activity flashed in Han Li's eyes. With a swift motion, he extended his hand forward. A surge of golden electric grids erupted like thunder, rushing straight toward the two purple electric arcs. Just then, a crisp sound of shattering rang out. Upon hearing it, Han Li barely hesitated—his body swayed and he launched out sideways in a series of flowing silhouettes, just as the five-colored light curtain finally collapsed under the relentless assault of the silver phoenix. Yet, as the purple and golden electric arcs intertwined, the two purple ones suddenly exploded. The intense purple glow swiftly engulfed the golden light entirely. The explosive force surged, lifting a fierce, scorching whirlwind laced with countless purple electric filaments, which, in a single roll, completely enveloped Han Li's moving form. Han Li's face tightened—he had to halt his motion. A tremendous roar erupted! The black runes shattered instantly, dispersing into streams of black vapor interwoven with streaks of purple electric filaments, which then burst and dissolved into nothingness. At the next moment, a golden, three-headed, six-armed phantom emerged from the black mist. With a simple wave of its arms, countless orbs of golden light erupted from its six hands, driving the gale to waver and falter. The momentum was astonishing. Suddenly, several sharp spines on the magical armor covering Han Li flashed with a deep black glow at their tips, and then surged forth, each emitting a column of black light as thick as a thumb. Under the combined assault, the gale finally let out a mournful sigh and vanished entirely. Han Li moved swiftly, once again heading toward the herb garden. Yet at that very instant, the five purple pillars emitted a resonant hum, and as countless waves of light flashed, the just-broken light curtain shimmered and instantly restored itself above the garden. Han Li tried to halt his advance, but it was too late—he plunged headlong into the vibrant hues of the five-colored light. Thunder roared once more around, and on the surfaces of the five pillars, flashes of lightning appeared, with cascades of purple electric arcs winding out. As a series of thunderclaps followed, these arcs transformed into purple electric serpents, shooting forth. Han Li's face grew slightly pale. ------------ Three chapters have been updated. Monthly votes will be requested at the beginning of the month!