Han Li heard this, and though his earlier question had merely been a casual remark—without any real expectation that the other would truly clarify—it turned out that the latter seemed genuinely aware of something. Indeed, it appeared that the elder, self-styled as one of the most venerable Saint Ancestors of the Magic Realm, was no mere pretender. While Han Li silently watched the old man, waiting patiently, the elder occasionally raised his head to gaze upward, his eyes flashing with intensity, then lowered it again, his face shifting in expression, sometimes murmuring softly in barely audible words that were impossible to catch. Han Li, observing this, felt a subtle stir within him. "I recall now—our Saint Realm indeed possesses an ancient, inherited ritual that could achieve such a feat. However, this ritual has been lost for many years, and once practiced, it carries extraordinary risks, with long-term consequences. Even in ancient times, very few Saint Ancestors undertook its cultivation. Today, those who know of this ritual—myself included—are truly few." "How did that young man obtain the method for practicing this sealed technique?" Cuiqi Gong finally frowned and spoke. "Sealed technique? Could the elder please elaborate further?" Han Li was somewhat surprised. "This technique is called 'Dividing the Primordial Essence and Severing the Body.' It is said to be a secret art that completely splits the spirit. After the split, each resulting consciousness becomes independent, possessing its own distinct mind and capable of wielding and directing partial spiritual power. However, these individual consciousnesses tend to become extremely eccentric, posing significant potential risks. Moreover, the process of splitting itself is prone to causing spirit consumption if not handled carefully. Nevertheless, these split consciousnesses do not count as typical manifestations or avatars—each one can be considered essentially the practitioner's true self, with no inherent hierarchy or primary-secondary distinction. As for more specific details, even I am not entirely clear. However, the strength and capabilities of these manifestations largely depend on the number of split consciousnesses. Yet, since the spirit beings are transferring across realms, it's unlikely that particularly powerful manifestations would be brought over." Yet even so, it was far stronger than the typical divine manifestations of other holy ancestors. The elder pondered as he slowly spoke. "Does this sealed technique have any notable drawbacks?" asked Han Li, his expression darkening after listening. "This technique certainly has many deficiencies, though those will become apparent later. For now, during the actual conflict, it truly shows no obvious weaknesses," the elder replied, somewhat helpless. "Then, let's just settle for that. I'll handle things as the situation demands. Originally, I had only intended to simply leave these manifestations behind." Han Li nodded, clearly no longer eager to press for further details. He inclined his bow slightly to the elder, and as a ripple of black light danced across his body, he suddenly vanished into a swirling mass of black vapor. The carriage and riders gazed silently at the spot where Han Li had disappeared, their earlier expressions fading, their faces now stiff and expressionless, as they remained motionless, suspended above the grassland. "You've watched this for so long—shouldn't you have seen enough now?" "There's no point in hiding anymore!" the elder suddenly said, his voice calm and composed. "It's truly impossible to conceal yourself from Brother Che. Then, whether or not I appear now makes no difference at all." A cold laugh followed, and then a man's voice, deep and weathered, suddenly rose from the space around them. "I was able to break through the seal and reach this level—so naturally, you can too. When I first met this human cultivator, you were right behind me, weren't you?" Brother Che's expression darkened, and he asked with a touch of displeasure. "Since you're aware of it, what's the point in asking again? Do you intend to hold me accountable?" After a brief pause, the stranger replied softly. "Hmph. If I couldn't have you under my control, wouldn't you think I'd have done just that?" Brother Che said sharply. "You've always been the most ruthless among us. I'd wager that, had it not been for the bloodshed that compelled you to act, you would have taken action against us as well." "Heard this, the stranger's voice grew even colder. 'Why must you act so noble? Back then, didn't everyone have their own hidden motives? The past matters little, but this time—this young human is the very only chance I have of breaking free. If you dare to disrupt my plans, don't be surprised if I truly turn cold and unyielding.' The Che Qi Gong's eyes flashed with frost as he spoke, each word precise and deliberate. 'Agreed. As long as I receive half of the chaotic energy from that young human, I won't only preserve your plans—I'll also support you after my liberation against that blood-soaked threat.' The stranger stated his demands without hesitation. 'Then, I can see that unless I accept your terms, you'll certainly not rest easy. I can't give you half the chaotic energy—I'll settle for one-quarter. If that's not acceptable, then so be it.' The Che Qi Gong's gaze flickered several times, his tone calm and composed. 'One-quarter. Hah, that will be more than enough for my own safety and escape. Very well—I accept.'" The stranger agreed without hesitation. "Well, then. Once we leave and refine this town-magic seal, restoring our former修为, we'll be able to seek out the Bloodlight once again and avenge our past grievances. Right now, he's walking the very path we once took—his condition is at its most vulnerable." Chui Qi Gong spoke with a relaxed tone. "That does indeed seem strange. The Bloodlight has personally experienced the dangers of this technique—how could he still dare to practice it again, fearing he might repeat the same fate?" The stranger also appeared deeply puzzled. "Hmph. Who knows what plans the Bloodlight has in mind. Perhaps he's discovered a way to mitigate the risks of this technique, or has another compelling reason that compels him to practice once more. Regardless of the reason, he is now clearly weakened—this is our perfect opportunity for vengeance." Chui Qi Gong added, his eyes flashing with sharp disdain. "The first possibility seems unlikely." Other reasons will become clear once we meet the Bloodlight Saint personally. The stranger's voice grew suddenly eerie, clearly harboring equal resentment toward the Bloodlight Saint. "The look on Bloodlight's face when he sees us two will surely be impressive. But we truly want to witness that moment—only if this Han youngster clears this immediate hurdle. Should he fail to escape Bloodlight's pursuit, the Sealing Lock will once again fall into Bloodlight's hands. While we ourselves will remain safe within, our chances of escaping again will be mere illusions." Chui Qi said, his tone serious. "Didn't Brother Chui already fully reveal the methods to counter those two treasures? Once those two are lost, shouldn't this young man be able to protect himself?" The stranger replied calmly. "We have only encountered a spiritual manifestation of this young man—his actual cultivation level remains uncertain. Yet, since he managed to seize the Sealing Lock from Bloodlight, his abilities must be quite formidable." "Carryi Gong furrowed his brow and said. "Heh, I hope so." The stranger replied indifferently. Carryi Gong chuckled softly, then fell silent. "If it proves useless, then there's little choice but to discard the Town-Monster Seal or resort to other daring methods." Gently opening his golden immaterial eyes, the gaze clear as water, the being murmured softly to itself. After pondering for a while, his expression shifting constantly, he finally smiled lightly at the corner of his mouth, and then, with a sudden "pop," his form dissolved into scattered golden light. Two hours later, from afar, the great golden phoenix shaped by Han Li observed a vast, yellow-hazed plateau stretching ahead, barren and desolate. The silver giant phoenix, its eyes flashing with brilliance, raised its head and emitted a long, resonant cry. Then, suddenly, it folded all four wings simultaneously, and in the midst of a myriad of radiant hues, resumed its human form. Han Li glanced toward the distant plateau, then turned to survey the area behind him, and without further words, shook his sleeves. Instantly, seventy-two small, jade-green swords surged forth, blurred slightly, and then transformed into hundreds of shimmering green sword beams, swirling and dancing around him continuously. Han Li raised one hand, chanting a spell, and a layer of faintly green luminescence shimmered on his body. As all the sword beams flashed and then vanished, they suddenly disappeared into the nearby void. Instantly, hundreds of green light columns erupted from all around, spinning around Han Li in a continuous rotation, their intersecting sword qi forming a dense, imposing giant sword formation. This was the final sword formation of the Xin Qingyuan Sword Technique—the "Qing Pan This Sword Formation," though originally derived from Qingyuan Zi, had grown in power after Han Li incorporated his own refined "Mind-Commanding Sword Art." It had already demonstrated subtle wonders when it had previously defended against the white-robed magister. Yet, he still wasn't certain whether this formation would prove effective against the pursuing forces—so he had only released it to test its capabilities. Nevertheless, since Han Li had decided to formally engage the enemy here, he naturally could not rely solely on this one technique. As the other party finished setting up the sword formation, he immediately shook both shoulders, and two figures—one golden and one green—shot out from within his body, splitting left and right. In a flash, they transformed into a fearsome golden image with three heads and six arms, and a green-skinned figure resembling Han Li. These were the formal manifestations of the Buddhist Saint's golden body and spiritual form. Han Li, without hesitation, extended his hand and, with a gesture of the palm, a golden broken blade materialized. Then, with a simple flick of his wrist, he launched the blade toward the Buddhist Saint's golden body. The golden body, with its central head now opening its eyes, raised a great hand, and with a "whoosh," caught the blade in its palm.