"Master Ao Xiao has not only traveled to the Sacred Island, but will also remain there for a long time until the decisive battle against the demonic race truly begins," the elder of the Long family said in a solemn tone. "Then it seems likely that the demonic progenitor's arrival is genuine. In that case, our entire plan is now thrown into disarray," Han Li sighed. "Indeed! Originally, we intended to weather the first several waves of the demons' most intense attacks, and only after the situation stabilized would we feel confident entering the Demon Realm. But now, with the demonic progenitor personally arriving on this plane, matters have become much more complicated. The turning point of the battle will likely hinge on how Master Ao Xiao, Master Mo Jianli, and the Sacred Island handle the situation. Should our two clans fall, this region will inevitably be ceded to the demons, forcing us to evacuate immediately and completely abandoning any hope of entering the Demon Realm. On the other hand, if we prevail, all the demons will be compelled to retreat back to their own realm." At that time, countless high-ranking demon beings would surely be stationed at each channel node, making it extremely difficult for us to blend in. Should we enter the Demon Realm before the Demon Primordial's arrival, the entire realm would soon become temporarily vulnerable due to the ensuing battles—thus greatly reducing our risks. From this perspective, the Demon Primordial's departure proves highly advantageous to our operations." Long family elder smiled wistfully. "We've currently no other choice. But have you yet informed the members of the Spirit Clan about this matter, Brother Han?" Han hesitated before asking. "Communication with the Spirit Clan has been somewhat challenging, and we haven't had the chance to inform them yet. However, as long as our side remains stable, I believe the Spirit Clan will also find no issues. With the Demon Primordial's arrival, the Demon Clan surely won't limit themselves to merely targeting the human and fairy clans—the neighboring ethnic groups are likely also among their targets. In that case, their choices will likely align with ours." Long family elder spoke with great confidence. "Ah, so that's the case." "But this matter is of great significance. Allow me to consider it for two days before I reply to my esteemed friend." Han Li, after a moment's thought, spoke with greater seriousness. "Ah, of course. Then I shall visit again in two days to hear your reply, Master." The elder of the Long family did not find this surprising, and with a smile, readily agreed. "I will certainly provide my friend with a precise response within two days. However, before then, I would like to inquire about the current developments of the demonic forces on your side, and I hope you will be so kind as to share your insights." Han Li nodded, then smoothly shifted the topic. "As for other regions, I am not fully informed. However, though our several major families' strongholds have been attacked several times by the demonic forces, we have managed to hold them off. This is largely due to the fact that the main forces of the demons have been drawn toward the Sacred Emperor's city. Otherwise, our several families would have been in serious danger. It seems that the demonic commander leading the forces at the Sacred Emperor's city has a clear strategy: first to consolidate his strength and capture the city, and then to come and eliminate our various factions." And the Holy Emperor, though not the very pinnacle of our human race, managed to hold his ground against the relentless assault of the demonic forces, merely sustaining a slight disadvantage. When the demonic army first encircled the city...” Elder Long paused briefly and then began to recount the events at a measured pace. Han Li listened intently, occasionally interrupting to ask specific questions, which Elder Long answered thoroughly and clearly. After hearing the account, Han Li was greatly satisfied. Thus, the first cultivator of the Long family exchanged a few more words with Han Li before politely excusing himself. Han Li saw him all the way to the entrance of the hall, and seemingly casually, suddenly asked, “Among the messages Elder Long received, did Master Ao Xiao appear personally on the Sacred Island, and did he bring any other disciples with him?” “I’m not entirely certain about the details, but it does seem that Elder Long indeed has one of his most trusted disciples accompanying him. How did Han Li come to ask this?” Elder Long found the question somewhat unexpected and replied accordingly. "There's nothing at all—I was merely asking casually." Han Li chuckled and gave a vague reply. Upon hearing this, the elder of the Long family's eyes flashed with a touch of surprise, but since the matter did not directly concern him, he naturally did not press further. After taking a few steps to a nearby pavilion, he bowed slightly to Han Li before vanishing into a streak of brilliant light, swiftly departing the stone tower. "The spirit of the vessel humbly interjected. "You two have already achieved exceptional talent in cultivation—indeed, you're among the very best. Otherwise, you wouldn't have reached such a level so quickly. However, for a fully consolidated cultivator, such an event is extremely perilous. It's entirely normal that you couldn't intervene directly. Well, my own affairs can wait. First, could you please tell me the general situation of Tianyuan City? Have the remaining demonic forces been completely eradicated?" Han Li shook his head and suddenly grew serious, asking questions. "Reported to Master: since your retirement for cultivation, the elders have returned to the city for brief rest and then immediately set out to carry out various tasks..." The spirit of the vessel then proceeded to recount the recent developments and several significant events in Tianyuan City one by one. After finishing the most substantial event, Han Li had a fairly comprehensive understanding of what had transpired recently. Yet, after a moment's reflection, he remained silent and then suddenly inquired about the Ice Phoenix's situation. "Report to Master, after the great battle, Feng Shigū seems to have gained a breakthrough insight and has now begun her seclusion. According to her, she will emerge within a few months to a year." Hai Daxiao hurriedly replied. "Feng Shigū originally possesses the spiritual wind lineage, and her ability to grasp such an insight during the battle is due to her favorable circumstances. During this time, kindly stay within the tower and ensure no one disturbs her meditation." Upon hearing this, Han Li smiled with a touch of satisfaction. "Yes, Master." The Qi Ling Zi and Hai Daxiao naturally accepted the instructions without hesitation. "Well, I need some quiet time to be alone. You two may now go downstairs." Han Li nodded contentedly and added one more instruction. "Master, you rest well, and I shall step down now." Qi Ling Zi and Hai Daxiao bowed deeply and then withdrew toward the door. "By the way, regarding the visit of Long Dao-you today, please do not easily share this with others." Han Li suddenly remembered something else, and as the two disciples pushed the door open, he abruptly reminded them. The two spirit-spirit disciples were startled and naturally bowed, respectfully agreeing. In a moment, the hall was left with only Han Li alone. He sat quietly in his chair, one hand resting on his chin, his eyes slightly narrowed as he pondered, his expression faintly dazed and absorbed. Below, both the demonic and human cultivators were stunned, having no idea whether the visitors were allies or enemies, and thus instinctively halted their actions, quickly retreating. At that moment, however, a clear, youthful woman's laughter rang out from within the vibrant five-colored streak of light: "Since I've encountered you, I'll just lend a hand." As soon as the words were spoken, the streak paused slightly on the demonic side, then revealed a faint, slender figure. With a graceful gesture of her hands, thousands of five-colored light filaments shot forth, swiftly piercing the demonic cultivators' bodies, leaving them with countless wounds. They vanished in brilliant splendor, turning to ash. "Thank you so much, elder!" The human cultivators were overjoyed, immediately bowing deeply in gratitude. Yet the faint figure, aside from a few light laughs, said nothing further. With a simple foot-stomp, she once again dissolved into the five-colored streak, swiftly flying off. After a few swift movements, she disappeared completely from the sky, leaving no trace. Only human cultivators remained, gazing at each other in astonishment. After exchanging a few words, they too hurriedly departed. Not long after their departure, a ripple of movement surged from the heavens, and suddenly, two figures materialized silently. One was an exceptionally tall man clad in black battle armor, with a grotesque and fierce countenance. The other was a slender woman dressed in white imperial robes, yet her entire form was veiled in a thin layer of pale pink spiritual mist, making it impossible to discern her face. "Master, should we eliminate those human cultivators we just saw?" the black-armored man said, his eyes flashing with fierce intensity, his voice resonating with a low hum. "They are merely mid-level human cultivators. We need not concern ourselves with them. Our task is simply to stay close behind this woman." The white-robed woman shook her head, speaking with calm composure. "Yet, Master, we have been quietly following this woman for nearly a year now, and still have not achieved any results." "Perhaps my earlier prediction was inaccurate," the heavily clad man said, hesitating. "It's not uncommon for divination abilities to make mistakes. However, the last time I performed the ritual, it was quite successful. As soon as I saw this woman, guided by the hexagram, I was certain she was exactly the one foretold in the oracle. With her, there was a good chance of finding either the medicinal herb that would heal my injury or someone who possessed it. That was far more promising than simply wandering aimlessly throughout such a vast human territory." The lady in imperial robes glanced calmly at the man, remaining composed in her response. —— A new chapter has been updated. I'll be taking a few days off during the Spring Festival!