"Looking at the four of you, it seems as though you've lost some of your vital energy during the time in the wilderness." Han Li merely glanced at the four of them, effortlessly assessing their current condition, and asked calmly. "Your insight is truly remarkable. Indeed, we did suffer damage to our true essence back then, and since our cultivation levels are not particularly high, we've only managed to recover about half of our strength now." The scholar spoke without hesitation, honestly responding. "Then, I have several pills here. Take them, and after allowing the medicinal energy to be absorbed and after meditating quietly for about a month, you should be fully restored." Han Li thought for a moment, then gently flipped his hand, and four pale green jade bottles appeared in his palm. He spoke softly. "Thank you so much for the pills, elder!" The four scholars were delighted, and bowed once again in gratitude. They each stepped forward a few paces, took the bottles in both hands, and opened the lids. Immediately, a unique fragrance filled the entire hall. Upon inhaling it, they felt refreshed and invigorated, their spirits greatly lifted. The scholars and others grew increasingly delighted, knowing that the medicine in the bottle was no ordinary thing, and that its potency might even surpass what Han Li had described. "Master, your visit to our humble abode this time—what task would you like us to undertake? Would you allow us to assist you?" The scholar, having reached such a level of cultivation, was certainly no dull-witted man. After securing the medicine, he gracefully inquired. "Indeed, I have a task for you. Though it is simple, it will take a considerable amount of time and requires that you remain in Tianyuan City for an extended period. Would any of you be able to commit to that? Of course, I will not let you work in vain." Han Li asked calmly. "Master, please rest assured. Our four of us have no intention of leaving Tianyuan City for at least a hundred years. Should there be any task, we shall gladly carry it out—without hesitation or delay." Upon hearing that Han Li's task posed no risk, the scholar felt at ease and readily agreed. "Then, I shall not hesitate to proceed." I previously mentioned a female cultivator named Nan Gong Wan. You will help me query her in Tianyuan City. She is a transcendental cultivator and may have changed her name. However, I will leave you a jade scroll containing her portrait, so you may use it to identify her. Should she not be found in Tianyuan City, you will continue to keep an eye out for her over the next hundred years. Should you succeed in locating her, I will most certainly offer you my sincere gratitude." Han Li smiled calmly. "No problem, our junior disciples have several friends in Tianyuan City. As long as the lady truly appears there, we will certainly assist the senior to find her." The scholar replied respectfully. "Yes, besides this matter, there is another one. I am preparing to produce a batch of pills, but due to the wide variety of materials required—many of which are not common—Tianyuan City itself will not be able to gather them all within a short time. Moreover, I am planning to travel to distant lands soon, so I shall have to entrust a few of my friends to purchase some of these materials on my behalf." Here is a piece of spiritual stone—should be enough to purchase the medicinal herbs. As for these several treasures, they are items I happened to acquire in my past years; I’d like to gift them to my fellow Daoist friends as well." Upon finishing his words, Han Li swept his long sleeve across the table beside him. Instantly, under a cascade of shimmering spiritual lights, four jade boxes of varying sizes and one black leather satchel materialized. The four scholars exchanged surprised glances, whispered among themselves, and then respectfully nodded their agreement. After briefly apologizing, one of the scholars picked up the satchel, scanned it with his spiritual awareness, and suddenly gasped, his face filled with disbelief. The three red-armored men stared at Han Li, their expressions now filled with growing curiosity. Yet Han Li remained calm, as if nothing had happened. Fortunately, noticing the scholars' reaction, he quickly stepped in to explain: "Your generosity is truly remarkable—having brought forth so many premium spiritual stones." It seems the herbs the senior master wishes to acquire are indeed no ordinary ones. Yet, since the senior master places such trust in us, we shall certainly give our utmost effort." With these words, the scholar carefully closed the leather satchel, then, after a moment's hesitation, picked up one of the four jade boxes on the table and opened it with solemnity. A shimmering, misty glow surged forth, revealing a white jade fan inside. The surface of the fan radiated a clear, luminous aura, adorned with intricate runes. The scholar lifted the fan and, with a gentle motion, caused a series of fan-blades to materialize before him, simultaneously releasing a powerful surge of spiritual pressure. "This Mountain-Heaven Fan possesses the dual powers of wind and terrain. When activated, it can strike an opponent with force equivalent to ten thousand catties at a distance of over a hundred paces—indeed, a fine piece of treasure," said Han Li, observing the scene with a light smile. The scholar immediately expressed his deep gratitude and bowed repeatedly. The other three also each selected a jade box and opened it with excitement. The result was a pair of silver rings, a colorful handkerchief, and a jade ice-blade dagger placed inside the box. To Han Li, these three items were mere afterthoughts—useless trinkets—yet to the scholars and cultivators at the stage of transforming into immortals, they were truly coveted treasures, bringing them great joy and heartfelt gratitude. Of course, once these four accepted his gifts, they had formally agreed to his request. As for the possibility that they might later regret their decision, and flee with their spiritual stones to seek a new life elsewhere, Han Li felt entirely confident. He had already learned something about their backgrounds during his time in the city. These four were known in the city, though not particularly prominent, and were not independent cultivators. Their families or their respective sects were easily traceable. Under such circumstances, as long as they possessed a bit of sense, they would surely not make such a foolish move. Otherwise, they would be bringing immense trouble upon their own relatives. Moreover, before leaving the attic, Han Li, in a casual tone, had casually informed the four scholars of his recent attainment of the Consolidated Stage, and subtly demonstrated his ability to skillfully manipulate the fundamental celestial and terrestrial qi—something only Consolidated-stage cultivators could master. The four scholars were left utterly stunned, and naturally had no room for any other thoughts. After Han Li departed the attic, he instantly transformed into a streak of light and headed straight for the vast stone tower where the former Tianyuan Guard had resided. Not long afterward, he appeared near one of the towers, gazing at the guards constantly entering and exiting the entrance, his face expressing a moment of dazed wonder. This very tower had been his residence during his time serving as a member of the Qingming Guard. Though only a few centuries had passed since then, the scene seemed as unchanged as it had been back then. After a brief moment of contemplation, Han Li gathered his emotions and, with the streak of light, swiftly flew toward the tower. At the entrance of the stone tower, several black iron guards and two Qingming guards were stationed there. Upon seeing Han Li, a cultivator clearly not from the Tianyuan Guard, approaching, they immediately cast upon him a series of skeptical glances. Han Li maintained a calm expression, but as soon as he drew near to the guards, he unconsciously emitted the aura of a Consolidated Stage cultivator. Though he only released a subtle hint of it, the vast difference in cultivation levels caused the two unprepared Qingming guards to visibly stagger, their faces pale and trembling. The black iron guards, meanwhile, were even more affected, retreating several steps in a series of hurried movements. "A Consolidated Stage cultivator!" exclaimed a tall Qingming guard, drawing a deep breath. "Huh—you're Han, aren't you?" another elder Qingming guard with short white beard, after briefly scanning Han Li's face, gasped in astonishment. He recognized him! Han Li himself was somewhat surprised, glancing at the elder with a familiar air, and indeed, there was a sense of recognition. "You're Yue, aren't you?" "Han Li paused for a moment and then truly recognized the elder. "Han—Han, elder—you—you…" The bearded elder stared at him with a look of sheer disbelief, his voice drifting off in a dreamlike murmuring. "You're not one of the senior monks from Tianyuan City, are you? May I know your name, Elder? What can I do for you? Brother Yue, do you know this elder?" Although the Qingming Han was equally stunned, he quickly bowed with due respect and quietly asked the elder named Yue. Yet at this moment, the bearded elder remained clearly dazed, opening his mouth several times but unable to utter a single word. "Is Xu Xianzi still in the Qingming Guard? Is she currently in the tower?" Han Li asked calmly. "Ah, Xu Xianzi! Xu, my friend, just led her patrol team out of the city a few days ago. She'll probably return in a few days." While the Qingming Han found the elder's unusual state puzzling, he answered respectfully. "Since she's not here, then I shall not enter." After Xu Xianzi returns, kindly have your friend deliver a message for Han to say that I am waiting for him at the Jiu Xian Pavilion in the city. Please make sure to come by. As for my identity, Yue Xianzi knows well enough—there's no need for me to elaborate." Han Li's brow slightly furrowed, but soon smoothed out as he gave the instructions. Then, he bowed slightly to the bearded elder and vanished into a streak of brilliant light, speeding off. The Han official naturally escorted a group of black-armored guards, maintaining a respectful farewell. "Yue brother, who exactly is this Han elder, and why are you so visibly affected?" Seeing the green glow disappear, the official turned back and noticed that the elder named Yue was still momentarily stunned, somewhat displeased. "Since he's coming to see Xu Xianzi, it seems truly he is the one. Don't mind me, Brother Ding. Back when this Han elder was only three hundred years ago, he was no different from us—just a Qingming Guard like the rest of us. The last time I saw this so-called 'Han elder,' he was still only at the mid-Stage of Transformation." The short-bearded elder seemed finally to regain his composure, his voice oddly strange as he replied. "Three hundred years ago, the Qingming Guard! Brother Yue—have you been jesting?" The Han man was startled, his eyes instantly widening to their fullest extent. "Ding brother joined Tianyuan City only in the last two centuries, so he's the one who knows. I and this 'Han elder' were both members of the Qingming Guard back then. Though we never had close ties, he once extended us a helping hand. Previously, this 'Han elder' was quite renowned within our Qingming Guard—capable of defeating an alien force at the Lingxu stage, even while himself at the Huashen level. Later, he apparently took on some secret assignment and entered the wild, barbarian realm, where he has since vanished. Yet, even after all these years, how could he have leapt so dramatically—from Huashen to Heshi stage—without any trace of explanation?" Brother Yue exhaled deeply, his astonishment and envy clearly evident in his words.