Thus, Han Li could only rely on his own wisdom and mastery of array techniques. The lightning transmission array that suddenly appeared earlier was one of his most cherished lightning-based array formations. This array, powered by lightning, enabled short-range transportation over distances up to ten thousand li. When Lei Yunzi employed it, he could precisely target the destination within a range of just a hundred zhang, completing the entire transfer within mere breaths. However, due to several critical array components being incomplete, Han Li, despite his careful revisions, could only achieve transportation over distances of up to ten thousand li, and the entire process—from casting the spell to completion—took more than ten times longer than Lei Yunzi's. The transmission just now was naturally another instance of Han Li's improvement efforts, yet the results remained unchanged. This drove him to harbor immense resentment toward Lei Yunzi, prompting him to launch a sharp outburst of complaints. And now, having journeyed from the other side of the Fengyuan Continent back to this place, he had already spent nearly a century. Upon seeing the group of Confucian scholars,韩立's heart swelled with renewed joy. Though, based on some rather rough continental maps, he had long suspected he was approaching the human realm, he could not be certain of the exact distance. Moreover, these were the first members of his own race he had encountered in all these years—this confirmation that he was indeed near Tianyuan City only deepened his excitement. After so many years of drifting abroad, constantly interacting with foreign peoples and beasts,韩立 naturally harbored a strong sense of homesickness. Even more importantly, he had long been deeply concerned about his wife, Nan Gong Wan's ascension to the spiritual realm. He wondered whether she had successfully made it to the spiritual world and had now arrived in Tianyuan City. A myriad of thoughts surged through his mind, yet his expression remained calm and composed. With a simple gesture, he summoned a glowing jade flying carriage. Over seven or eight zhang in length, its surface is inscribed with numerous intricate runes, and hovering before it are two colossal puppet beasts shaped like wolves, each with wings sprouting from their backs. "From the look of your injuries, you've clearly sustained serious wounds. Since you can't make the journey over long distances, simply rest quietly aboard the vehicle and guide me along the way," Han Li said calmly. "Thank you so much, Master!" "Very well, we shall obey," the four scholars replied, their hearts filled with relief and gratitude. Though Han Li had not explicitly acknowledged himself as a Consolidated Stage cultivator, they knew without a doubt that he was no ordinary Lingxu-level being—otherwise, how could he have so easily defeated the other Lingxu-level cultivator, Shi Yuan Gui? Naturally, they dared not deviate from his instructions. Moreover, having themselves suffered severe depletion of vital energy, their own request for such a command was more than they could have hoped for. With the presence of such a powerful being accompanying them, what had once been a difficult journey now seemed secure and worry-free. Thus, the four scholars simultaneously activated their flight spells and swiftly entered the flying carriage. Han Li raised his hand, and two streams of jade-colored spells shot forth, instantly embedding themselves into the bodies of the two jade-colored puppet beasts. The puppet beasts, which had previously seemed lifeless, emitted a low roar and immediately sprang to life, flapping their wings and taking off forward. The jade-colored flying vehicle symbols rippled and then surged into a layer of jade-glowing aura, encircling the group. A moment later, the aura condensed into a radiant jade light and shot upward toward the horizon. "Which realm do you belong to?" Han Li asked the group, sitting cross-legged in the center of the flying vehicle. "How long have you been away from Tianyuan City?" "Reported to the elder," the scholar replied respectfully, "we four are disciples from a sect of the Xuanwu Realm. We have only been away from Tianyuan City for half a year!" "Half a year!" Han Li remarked, raising an eyebrow. "That means you must have a good grasp of the recent developments in Tianyuan City." "The several junior disciples of ours had stayed in Tianyuan City for several years, and thus did gain some knowledge of the city's affairs. Yet, as the elder knows, our cultivation levels are still relatively low, so we are not fully aware of certain more concealed matters." The scholar subtly guessed the meaning behind Han Li's words and replied cautiously. "Hehe, don't worry about anything. I myself am originally from Tianyuan City, having left unexpectedly for many years, merely seeking to learn more about my family and the city's current state. However, since Tianyuan City remains unscathed, it seems the foreign invasions of that time did not succeed after all." Han Li chuckled lightly. "Foreign invasions? I see you had already left Tianyuan City back then! At the time, several neighboring clans jointly launched an assault on our city, but thanks to the combined defense efforts of the human and spirit clans, both sides suffered heavy losses. It's said even several combined-level beings perished. Yet, during the most intense battle, these foreign armies suddenly withdrew without any prior warning—this unexpected move ultimately ensured the safety of Tianyuan City." The scholar was first startled, but quickly composed himself and replied earnestly. "Retreat!" Han Li ran a hand over his chin, his expression thoughtful. "That's correct. However, the specific reasons vary widely. Some claim that our human and spirit-people clans sent out elite forces to attack several of the clans' homelands, compelling them to withdraw. Others say that a new Xuan Tian treasure has recently emerged, drawing all the neighboring ethnic groups to compete for it." The red-armored man interjected with a statement. "What are the rumors about the Xuan Tian treasure?" Han Li's eyes narrowed, though he remained composed. "Indeed, the tale has been told with great wonder! Some say the treasure suddenly appeared among one of the ethnic groups. Others claim it was brought by a saint-level being from another continent who suddenly arrived on our continent. Even more extraordinary, there are accounts that a being who ascended from the lower realms is carrying the treasure and has appeared among our several clans." The scholar chuckled softly. "Hmm, a being who ascended from the lower realms!" "Heard this, Han Li actually smiled instead of being startled. 'Isn't it a bit absurd, Master? How could a mere mortal from the lower realm possibly carry such a treasure—the Heavenly Immortal Artifact? I wonder how this tale came to be spread so widely.' One of the two female cultivators also smiled gently. 'Indeed, it's hard to believe. Well, then, please tell me about the major events that have taken place in the three realms and seven lands over the past one or two centuries.' Han Li nodded indifferently and asked further. 'Over the past one or two centuries, there have been quite a few significant events in the three realms and seven lands—events that have greatly impacted both families. However, if I were to recount them, it might take some time to finish.' The scholar smiled politely. 'That's quite alright. With such a long journey, I'm sure we'll have ample time to hear a detailed account from each of you.' Han Li beamed with a warm expression. 'Should you say so, then we will gladly share the details with you,' the scholar replied respectfully." At this point, he had already taken several pills and produced a piece of spiritual stone, slowly restoring his vital energy. "As for the most significant events in the last two centuries, the foremost one is the failure of Tianmiao Lingwang, one of the Three Realms, to pass through the Great Heavenly Storm decades ago, resulting in his demise. Now, a new Lingwang is being carefully selected across the entire human race. The second major event is the mysterious disappearance of the young daughter of Nali Jiao Wang, one of the Seven Demon Kings. In response, Nali Jiao Wang has nearly uprooted his entire territory, causing widespread chaos." The scholar straightened his expression and began to elaborate in detail. The red-armored man and the other two female cultivators occasionally added clarifications or omitted points. Listening attentively, Han Li's expression shifted from initially composed to gradually becoming moved, only to later grow increasingly unsettled and somber. It seemed that during the years since his departure, both human and demon clans had indeed experienced several truly momentous events. It was no less than half a day before Han Li finally heard the accounts from the four scholars. When the voices ceased, he found himself lost in thoughtful silence. The four scholars, being courteous, remained silent and respectfully waited for his response. "Over the years, has there been a female cultivator named 'Nan Gong Wan' who appeared in Tianyuan City?" Han Li, after a moment of contemplation, suddenly asked. "Nan Gong Wan! We haven't heard of this name. While we may not be fully familiar with the other guards of Tianyuan City, the female cultivators who have achieved transcendence from the lower realms are indeed rare—our two certainly wouldn't have missed knowing about them." The scholar thought for a moment before confirming. "Oh, perhaps she has changed her name. Have there been many female cultivators who have recently achieved transcendence and settled in Tianyuan City?" Han Li's eyes flashed with renewed thought as he recalled something else. "Though female cultivators who have achieved transcendence are still relatively rare, there have been a few." The scholar hesitated slightly, then said, "Very good. Thank you all for sharing these details. The rest of you just need to rest quietly aboard the flying chariots." Han Li nodded with satisfaction and then closed his eyes, remaining silent. After expressing their gratitude, the scholars naturally followed suit and settled into meditation. Though his face appeared calm, Han Li's mind was now subtly disoriented, filled entirely with Nangong Wan's gentle voice and warm smile. Years of longing had suddenly surged to the surface upon learning that Nangong Wan might not have successfully ascended to the spiritual realm. He felt a deep, aching pain in his heart... Under Han Li's urging, the blue flying chariot moved with even greater speed than the four scholars had managed when personally guiding its flight. What should have taken over two months now reached the vicinity of Tianyuan City in just under one and a half months. When the flying chariot came to a quiet halt in the sky, Han Li stood on it, gazing at the distant, mountain-like walls of the Tianyuan City, his face filled with complex emotions. After so many years of wandering outside his clan, he had finally returned to the human and elven realms once more. "Master, we should immediately activate the teleportation array and return to the city," the scholar gently asked. As for the temporary assignments of the garrison guards of Tianyuan City, there are other more discreet transmission arrays.