"Originally, you are a master. It's been several years since I last saw you. How have you been these years?" Han Li, though eager to act immediately, had to suppress his inner anger in the presence of the monk, and instead bowed slightly, speaking with courtesy. After all, Jin Yue, the abbot, was one of the more familiar elders among the city's senior monks, and it would be unkind not to extend a bit of face. Upon seeing Jin Yue arrive, the Qinglong Monks felt a great relief. He well knew how formidable Han Li's powers were, and thus, he was certain that a real confrontation would be avoided. He had only just been pressed by Han Li's words, forced to appear resolute in front of the younger monks. Immediately, he extended his courtesy, bowing to the monk and saying: "When did your arrival, Jin Daojun? I had not come out to greet you personally. I hope you won't mind. I received word that Master Han had returned to the city. Upon hearing this, I immediately set out. Fortunately, I arrived in time, and no serious matter has arisen." However, while en route, I had already informed the two other companions nearby. By now, they should have arrived as well. Then, with the three of us together, we could mediate matters for the two of you. After all, the demonic forces are currently engaged externally, and you both are among the city’s top-tier figures. I truly don’t wish to cause any major disruptions that might affect internal stability. Gu Daojun, do you find my reasoning sound? Jin Yue Master smiled gently at both of them and, suddenly turning his head toward the main gate, asked with deep significance. "Master Jin, I must truly thank you. Otherwise, my Dōu Yuán Pavilion might have truly come to an end." After a hearty burst of laughter, a ripple of movement spread from outside, and suddenly, a gray-clad elder with a dark face appeared without any prior sign. Indeed, it was an elderly man in a gray robe—precisely the Pavilion’s master, someone who had met several times before, a cultivator at the early Consolidation stage. "Friend Han, congratulations on your safe return. You must definitely come by and sit with me for a while. Remarkable—how you managed to escape unscathed from the hands of the Magistrate Saint's avatar! When you return, you must tell me all about it." The gray-robed elder smiled warmly at Han Li. Though he had only seen Han a few times, his enthusiasm was extraordinary, as though Han were his long-time friend. "You're overstating it, Brother Gu. It's merely an avatar of the Saint. If the true Saint of the Magistrate Clan had personally descended, I wouldn't have stood a chance at all." Han Li smiled slightly and explained. "Even an avatar of the Saint is enough to be a death sentence for most of us, who are at the Consolidated Stage. The very fact that you've made it here speaks volumes about your prowess. Yet, the gray-robed elder shook his head repeatedly, speaking on." Hearing this, Han Li had no choice but to let go of further explanations. With a slight smile, he didn't address the matter directly, but instead turned to Jin Yue, the Zen master, and asked, "Jin Yue, you've informed two of your friends. Now that Gu Brother has arrived, could you tell me who the other one is?" "Please don't worry, Han Brother," smiled Jin Yue. "The other one is someone you're quite familiar with." "Someone you're familiar with...?" Han Li's eyes narrowed slightly as his mind instantly flashed to one person. Among all the people in Tianyuan City, this one was the only one he knew particularly well. Long, coughing once, had something to say, but just then, a flash of silver light suddenly appeared at the door. A streak of silver light shot through the hall, spiraling once in the air above, and then suddenly revealed a woman dressed in silver robes. "Brother Han," she said, "it's been several years since we last saw each other, and I'm truly delighted to see your cultivation has grown so much—this is indeed a fortunate occasion!" After the battle that day, I too was pursued by that magical lord, encountering several unforeseen difficulties along the way—only just now have I returned to the city." The lady, the Silver Light Immortal who had parted ways during the battle at Yitian City, immediately beamed with joy upon seeing Han Li. "So it's only recently that Master Silver Light has returned—now I understand." Han Li was momentarily startled, offering a gentle smile. "Very well. Since both of you have arrived, let us all sit down and discuss matters thoroughly," said the Golden Yue Zen Master, who chanted a verse of Buddha. "Sit down? With this Qinglong Immortal? If that's the case, then perhaps we should drop the matter. I have no interest in wasting any more time on such a confrontation," Han Li replied, his expression darkening and his tone cold. The Qinglong Master's face naturally grew even more strained, his features slightly distorting. "Well, well! You dare to treat me thus! Even if I must weaken my vital energy to the point of endangering my next reincarnation, I shall settle this matter with you properly!" he suddenly exclaimed, his voice sharp and resolute. "You've agreed to do so—precisely what I've long desired," Han Li interjected without hesitation, his body's azure glow flickering slightly as if he were about to act immediately. "Please, both of you wait a moment! Allow me to speak first. While Silver Light might not yet be fully aware of the full circumstances, I and Gu have a fair understanding. However, with the Magistrate's forces launching an unexpectedly intensified assault recently, we've been too preoccupied to address this matter in advance. Indeed, it has somewhat disadvantaged Ice Phoenix." Master Jin hurriedly stepped between the two, offering a courteous apology to Ice Phoenix. "This matter was entirely initiated by Qinglong—how could it possibly be related to the senior monks such as yourselves?" Though Ice Phoenix harbored some reservations about the monastic elders, her expression remained composed, and she respectfully replied. "That's not quite accurate! As a senior monk of Tianyuan City, I cannot simply claim no responsibility at all when things have taken this turn." Nevertheless, Qinglong has now become one of the senior monks of this city. I hope Brother Han will show a little leniency. Though Qinglong's actions in the past were not entirely satisfactory, he has not truly caused any harm to Lady Bingfeng. How about it, if Qinglong contributes a certain amount of spiritual stones as a token of goodwill to Lady Bingfeng? As for the amount, I personally guarantee that Lady Bingfeng will be absolutely satisfied. "Jin Yue Chan" shook his head and then spoke sincerely to Han and the other two. "Master, do you truly think Brother Han will lack even a small amount of spiritual stones?" Han Li, upon hearing this, furrowed his brows and replied. "Brother Han, of course, will not lack these stones—though they may be of some benefit to Lady Bingfeng. Of course, if Brother Han has any further requests, he may kindly state them." Jin Yue Chan spoke with evident intention. "Gu Brother, Silver Light Brother—what is your intention now?" Han Li paused, did not immediately respond, but instead turned to the other two and asked. "Actually, I originally intended to remain silent on such matters." But currently, within the magical realm, we truly cannot afford internal disputes. I myself hope both of you will set aside any past grievances." The elder named Gu yawned, speaking somewhat indistinctly. Inside, Han Li silently cursed him a "old fox," maintained a neutral expression, and then glanced at the silver-glowing maiden. "Though I have only just returned, I have heard some details about this matter. Lord Qinglong has indeed gone rather overboard. However, with only a few cultivators at the combined stage in the city, each one being a vital force in resisting the magical race, it would be impractical to make a major move. That said, merely compensating with some spiritual stones seems rather insufficient. Lord Qinglong, why not offer some materials or treasures that Lady Bingfeng needs? I believe that would make it more balanced!" The silver-glowing maiden thought for a moment, slightly favoring Han Li's suggestion. "Hmph! It seems now that all three of you have firmly decided that this is my fault!" Lord Qinglong's face changed several times before he could no longer suppress his cold sigh. "Could it truly be your fault, Master? I believe you yourself must be well aware of this! Do you expect Qinglong Master to treat us like ordinary mortals and demand tangible evidence from us? However, if we truly need witnesses, there seem to be several among us right here." Master Jin Ye's expression slightly darkened as he glanced at Xiao Hong and the others, then calmly replied. Upon hearing this, Xiao Hong and the others exchanged glances, at a loss, yet none dared to speak up. "What do you think, Ice Phoenix?" After pondering for a long time in place, Han Li turned seriously to ask Ice Phoenix. "Since the senior masters have already taken action, I shall not hesitate to offer any further remarks—everything shall be at your discretion, Master Han." The lady spoke with great tact. "Then, aside from the spiritual stones and treasures ahead, I have one more condition. Should he agree to it, this matter shall be settled for now." Han Li thought carefully for a while, then slowly added. "What conditions would you like to propose, Friend Han?" Master Jin naturally followed up. "Simple enough—just some spiritual stones and treasures. Though my personal wealth may not be vast, these are nothing compared to it. All I ask from Friend Qinglong is that you stand your ground and withstand my three attacks without dodging or retreating!" Han's expression briefly darkened, then softened. "Wait a moment—do you really intend to engage in combat?" Master Yinjin was slightly surprised. "Only three attacks, nothing more. This hardly constitutes a full engagement. I believe a mere exchange of skills and mutual refinement would be entirely acceptable." Master Jin then turned to quietly consult with Master Yinjin before asking Friend Qinglong. "Would it be acceptable if I receive your three attacks and you offer some of your treasures in return?" Friend Qinglong hesitated slightly, then asked cautiously. "After all, as cultivators, most of our powers and abilities rely on our treasures and artifacts. Naturally, we will need to make use of them." "How is it, Daojun, that our levels of cultivation are comparable, yet you lack even the courage to face me for three strikes?" Han Li said coldly, his tone clearly laced with scorn. "Hmph. You needn't resort to the tactic of flattery and persuasion. I have already committed to this condition." The Qinglong Elder's expression shifted between gloom and irritation before finally settling into a sharp exhalation of agreement. As Han Li had pointed out, if a peer cultivator lacked the nerve to endure even three strikes, he would surely have no standing in Tianyuan City. "Very well. Since Daojun Qinglong has no objections, let us find a suitable location right away and settle this matter. I am certain you do not wish to delay it further!" Han Li's eyes flashed with a cold, penetrating light, and he spoke with an immediately somber tone. "Since I have agreed, whether it is promptly or later makes no difference. Go ahead and choose the place!" After accepting Han Li's terms, the Qinglong Elder proved himself both straightforward and decisive, responding without hesitation.