"...Should there be a mutual effort between our two, then..." Master Jin expressed many encouraging words, his expression growing increasingly serious. Upon hearing this, Han Li's face also grew more solemn, though after a few flickers of his gaze, he slowly shook his head. "Though I, Han, am one among the immortals who have ascended to the heavens, and am well aware of the current situation of such ascended cultivators, this matter cannot be altered by merely us two. Even if I were to join the Council of Elders, my influence would likely remain limited, and I would probably become entangled in disputes. Since I first embarked on the path of cultivation, I have steadfastly dedicated myself to the pursuit of immortality and eventual transcendence. Though I have now reached the stage of consolidation, my journey to becoming a true celestial immortal still lies far ahead—there is simply no room for me to divert my focus to other matters." "You are indeed a dedicated cultivator. I hold you in high regard! Since you have your own grand aspirations and have made your determination, I shall refrain from further advice. Now that you have come to Tianyuan City, is there any pressing matter that requires my assistance?" Master Jin saw that Han Li had made up his mind, and after a light sigh, he no longer mentioned the invitation. "Thank you so much for your kind thought," Han Li replied politely, bowing slightly. "This time I've come to the city merely to purchase some materials and to attend to a few minor matters entrusted to me by others." Master Jin nodded. "Ah, I see. However, if you ever need any assistance, please don't hesitate to come to me. In Tianyuan City, I believe I can still offer some help." Han Li naturally expressed his gratitude. From that point on, Han Li and Master Jin no longer spoke of trivial matters, but instead exchanged insights on their cultivation practices. This was nearly always what close, fully-integrated cultivators did upon meeting. After all, at their level of attainment, their cultivation had reached the very limits of what a cultivator could achieve in a lifetime. As for the legendary Great Perfection and Immortal Journey cultivators, those were truly things beyond reach. Among smaller races, it's rare that even a few individuals within an entire lineage possess such abilities. Therefore, without any guidance, a cultivator at the Consolidated Stage can only resolve certain difficulties through communication and interaction with others. Master Jin Yue, already at the mid-Consolidated Stage, is merely a step away from reaching the late stage. His cultivation insights far surpass those of Elder Qi, who is still at the early Consolidated Stage. Furthermore, Han Li possesses numerous extraordinary talents, and his unique dual-body cultivation technique, the Fàn Shèng True Demon Method—never before practiced by anyone—gives him distinct advantages in his cultivation journey. Through their exchanges, both parties found themselves greatly benefited, and the conversation naturally extended into a full day and night. Only on the second morning did Master Jin Yue leave with a sense of genuine delight. Han Li, however, remained at the top floor of the pavilion, continuing his meditation and cultivation. For several days afterward, no other Consolidated Stage cultivators visited. It seemed that everyone was busy, or through Master Jin Yue's words, they learned he wouldn't be able to join the senior council, so there was no point in further efforts. Six days passed in succession, and on the seventh day, the person he was waiting for finally arrived. Han Li didn't wait for the attendants to report, but suddenly stood up from his cushion and drifted gracefully down. Several attendants were engaged in a dull, low conversation when they saw Han Li's figure appear—they all jumped in surprise and hurried forward to greet him. Han Li waved a hand, calmly instructing, "You all go ahead. The person I'm waiting for has arrived. Please invite her in." Hearing Han Li's words, the foundation-level female cultivators were momentarily startled, but quickly bowed respectfully and proceeded toward the outer hall. Han Li then settled himself at his main seat. Indeed, shortly afterward, under the guidance of one attendant, a woman with a complexion as pure and bright as jade entered. She was tall and graceful, dressed in a blue imperial robe—exactly the "Xu Lady" from years ago. His cultivation had clearly reached the stage of Huashen. "Indeed, it is Master Han! Master has truly advanced to the Heshi stage!" Master Han's appearance was almost unchanged from the past several hundred years. The woman immediately recognized him and hurried to bow deeply. Back in the days when Han had seen her as a descendant of the Bingpo Immortal Maiden, he had treated her with special care and occasionally offered guidance on her cultivation. To her, he had always been both respectful and deeply appreciated. Thus, upon returning to the city and hearing the accounts of the Qingming Guard officer and the bearded elder—of Han's sudden reappearance in Tianyuan City, seeking her specifically—she immediately made her way to the Juuxian Pavilion. Of course, the news of Han's attainment of the Heshi stage left her equally astonished, no less shocked than the elder with the surname Yue. Yet the situation was truly remarkable; despite not having seen it with her own eyes, she remained somewhat doubtful throughout her journey. Now that he sees Han Li and senses the powerful aura emanating from him, there is no longer any doubt in his heart. He is both astonished and delighted, and immediately rushes to pay his respects to Han Li. "Master need not trouble yourself. The仙子 and I have known each other for some time—let us sit down and talk." Han Li smiled warmly at the heir of the Ice-Purity Immortal Maiden. "Then I shall be honored to do so!" Xu, the Immortal Maiden, hesitated slightly before respectfully agreeing. She settled herself into the chair beside Han Li. At that moment, a maid carried a tea table and presented two cups of fragrant, refreshing spiritual tea. "Everyone else, please step outside. Do not let anyone enter without my word," Han Li instructed the maid. "Understood!" The maid bowed and withdrew with due courtesy. Only then did Han Li gently shake his sleeve toward the main door. Instantly, a veil of white mist shimmered across the hall door, which then slowly closed by itself. At the same time, the walls around the hall glowed with a steady, shimmering blue light. To the楼主's surprise, the incantations originally embedded in the attic were suddenly activated, completely isolating the entire hall. The blue-robed woman was taken aback, her expression growing more serious. If the matter had not been particularly confidential, no one would have gone to such lengths. "Master Xu, I've come to you today with one specific question. Is your ancestor indeed the Ice-Purity Immortal?" asked Han Li, his expression now focused. "Indeed, the Ice-Purity Immortal is my ancestor. I would never dare to misrepresent the truth," replied the young lady, slightly startled but without hesitation. "Very well. Then, do you know where the Ice-Purity Immortal currently resides? I have a matter that would require me to personally meet her." Han Li exhaled gently, speaking slowly. "Oh, meeting my ancestor?" Even though she had made numerous speculations before, she now found herself momentarily stunned. "Master Han, do you not know where your ancestor has gone?" Han Li furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled. "Although I have inherited the bloodline of my ancestors, my ancestors had already vanished for over ten thousand years when I was born. However, according to the other elders in the family, at the time, my ancestors had just reached the Consolidated Stage and even received an invitation from Tianyuan City. Yet, it seemed my ancestors had other matters to attend to, so they declined the invitation from Tianyuan City, went on a journey, and then disappeared without a trace." Xu Xianzi smiled wistfully. "Ah, I see. In that case, there's no alternative. Among the descendants of the Ice-Purity Sect, besides my friend Xu, are there any other notable heirs besides the one I represent?" Han Li pondered for a moment before asking. "To be honest, after so many years, the lineage of the original Ice-Purity Sect has branched out into over a dozen different groups, some large and some small. Indeed, several have even established two small sects based on the teachings left by our ancestors. Yet, in terms of closeness to the original bloodline, our Xu family is undoubtedly the most direct and legitimate descendant of the original sect. Our family name has been passed down directly from our ancestors right up "Since she knew that Han Li seemed to have some connection with the Ice-Purity Immortal Maiden, she didn't feel any hesitation and simply stated the matter openly. 'So, currently, who is in charge of your Xu family? Is it you, my friend?' Han Li suddenly smiled and asked. 'That's quite a joke, of course not. While our family may not be the renowned True-Spirit lineage as commonly reported, we do have a certain reputation within the Tianyuan Realm. The current family patriarch is my father, and there are also several uncles among the senior members of the family.' After a brief pause, the young lady spoke up. Han Li's eyes flashed several times, then he stroked his chin gently before smiling softly. 'Then, I intend to visit your esteemed elder, my friend. Do you have any objections?' 'It is truly an honor for us Xu family members to have you visit. However...' the woman paused, slightly hesitant, 'could you kindly share the reason for your visit?' After a moment of thoughtful silence, she asked. 'Ah, don't worry about anything.'" I have merely been entrusted with delivering an item to the Ice-Purity Lady, or to her direct descendants or heirs. Since your Xu family is now the closest branch of the Ice-Purity Lady's lineage, I shall personally deliver it to the head of the Xu family." Han Li spoke openly, with no concealment. "Indeed! Could the elder kindly inform us who delivered the item, so that I might recognize them?" Clearly, Han Li's response had surprised the lady greatly, and she asked with some astonishment. "Heh, the Xu friend should certainly not be someone you know! As for whether anyone else in the Xu family is aware of this person, I cannot say." Han Li shook his head. "Then, I shall accompany the elder back to the Xu family personally. I've just completed an external patrol assignment and will be able to rest for six months. Our Xu family is located within the Tianyuan Realm, and with the city's teleportation array, we can easily make the round trip." "Heard this, the woman's face grew uncertain, and after a while, she finally made up her mind and spoke. "Heh, it's truly better if Xu Daojun is willing to accompany me personally," Han Li said with a smile, not at all surprised. "Then, I'll return to my abode to prepare and set out two days from now, shall I, Master?" Xu, equally decisive, stood up from her chair and respectfully asked Han Li. "As for me, I have nothing to prepare— I can leave at any moment. Since you've mentioned two days, then let it be two days," Han Li thought it over and nodded in agreement.