"Luo, there's no need to rush. Once the target has been identified, the mission will naturally be completed. However, it might be a bit inconvenient to act in the town itself. We can wait until they've left, then make our move—there's no urgency. For now, simply have the Chasing-Shadow Insects keep an eye on them." The middle-aged Taoist spoke calmly, then gently flicked his finger. "Whoosh!" A green glow shot out from his fingertip and, as it shimmered, vanished into the air around him. "Agreed, I'll follow Cold Brother's advice. I'm just wondering whether this target truly possesses the rank of the Lord of Magic. If so, it will be perfect opportunity to test the great power I've recently mastered." The large man chuckled, then settled back into his seat as instructed. "Luo, don't underestimate this target. Someone has offered such a high reward, specifically asking our Elder of the Beast Sovereign Hall to intervene—this target is clearly no ordinary one. Don't let complacency lead to a messy, disheveled performance; that would be quite disappointing." The middle-aged Taoist smiled lightly. The big Han listened, chuckled, and maintained a carefree expression, clearly not paying attention to his companion's words. Seeing this, the middle-aged Taoist could only shake his head with a sigh, and once again turned his gaze toward the black flying vessel steadily moored on the plaza. Suddenly, the vessel burst forth with a brilliant streak of black light, blurring momentarily before vanishing entirely. In its place, two figures materialized seemingly out of thin air—two young-looking men and women. The middle-aged Taoist's eyes flashed gently purple as he studied them carefully, his brow slightly furrowed with mild curiosity. "There's something to this," he remarked. "One of them is deliberately concealing their cultivation level, while the other simply cannot be discerned at all—truly worth our coming out personally!" The big Han, after clearly observing the two who stepped down from the vessel, also expressed surprise, his earlier relaxed demeanor now completely gone. "These two aren't ordinary—看来 we'll have to go with our second plan." The middle-aged Taoist paused and said. "The woman is fine, though she's used magic to conceal her cultivation level; to us, she still appears merely a regular Magistrate Lord. The man, however, is quite enigmatic. Let me first test his true cultivation before making any move!" The man with thick brows subtly shifted his gaze, still eager to take the initiative. "Agreed," the middle-aged Taoist added, nodding without hesitation—something he hadn't expected. The broad-shouldered man nodded in return, a hint of sternness flashing across his face. The couple on the plaza—those who had parted ways with the others from the edge of the Huaxiao Desert and the old patriarch of the Long family—were none other than Han Li and the young lady in the feathered robe. At that moment, Han Li seemed to sense something and glanced toward the inn, his expression thoughtful. The floors above were fine, with clearly visible groups of over a dozen magi conversing and drinking wine. However, the floor where the two middle-aged Taoist priests were located had been sealed by an exceptionally intricate spell, blocking both Han Li's spiritual senses and his inner sight from penetrating it at first. The maiden in the feathered robe thought for a moment, then followed the direction of Han Li's gaze and glanced at the inn. When she realized her consciousness was being blocked by the seal on the inn's upper level, her expression grew slightly colder. "Well, it's not certain whether they truly intend to come our way. Let's make sure we stock up on enough Qingmo crystals while we're here. Though this flying vessel is quite swift, the consumption of these crystals seems rather excessive." Han Li said calmly. "That's a good plan," she replied, frowning slightly. "It's rather surprising—this is the first time I've used this artifact. I never expected such a high consumption. That's why the magical being who sold me the crystal originally priced it so modestly. It seems this artifact isn't particularly practical!" Han Li shook his head, said nothing further. He didn't have a more suitable flying artifact in his hands than the one the maiden was holding—otherwise, he would have no need to stay in this small town at all. Then, Han Li and his companion had no further hesitation, and walked toward a street near the square, which was lined with a number of small shops. After a meal's worth of time, they purchased a sufficient quantity of Qing Mo Crystals at a larger store. As soon as they stepped out, they released their flying vessel and immediately took off into the air. "Both of you have blocked our way—what might I be able to do for you?" Han Li's eyes flashed, and he spoke first. "Actually, we simply noticed your two companions are exceptionally distinguished. Inspired by the sight, we've momentarily grown eager to exchange some techniques and insights with you. We would be honored if you'd be so kind as to demonstrate!" The middle-aged Taoist spoke with calm composure, his words so unassuming that they seemed almost comical. Seeing that the other party said nothing about the reason and seemed determined to fight regardless, the young maiden in the feathered robe grew coldly composed, unconsciously glancing at Han Li. "From the very beginning, it was you two who have been following us in town, wasn't it?" Han Li asked calmly, then suddenly moved one arm, swiftly reaching out and making a gesture in the air behind him before spreading his fingers wide in front of him. In his palm, a green spiritual creature the size of a soybean shimmered in and out, appearing semi-transparent and strangely ethereal. Upon hearing Han Li's words and seeing this sight, the middle-aged Taoist's eyes flashed with subtle light, then yawned slightly and said, "It seems this guest truly possesses remarkable abilities. As for me, I merely wanted to ensure I didn't lose sight of you two." "Hmph," the young maiden replied, "with only a series of insincere words, you expect us to fight you? Doesn't that seem rather childish?" A flash of anger crossed Han Li's face, and a glow of red light surged in his palms, instantly forming a bright crimson flame that consumed the spirit insect into ashes. "This, I believe, is beyond your control," the man with broad brows said, his eyes fixed steadily on Han Li, yet his voice carried a strange, chuckling tone. The young lady in flowing robes frowned, ready to issue a sharp rebuke, but Han Li suddenly raised a hand, silencing her. Instead, he continued coldly, "A match of combat is certainly possible. But should either of you lose, then you must reveal the true reason. Otherwise, if you truly press us to fight, it will be a battle to the very end." Upon hearing Han Li's words, both the middle-aged Taoist and the seemingly rough man exchanged a look of serious contemplation. From the aura of stern determination emanating from Han Li, they could clearly discern the sincerity of his statement. "Very well," the middle-aged Taoist said, "if either of you truly proves capable of defeating us, then I shall reveal the true reason." The middle-aged Daoist proved remarkably decisive, instantly agreeing after a brief thought. "Very well," he said, "then I shall personally witness the feats of these two esteemed colleagues. Leaf Lady, you kindly take your position to support me from the side." Upon hearing this, Han Li's expression softened, and he turned directly to the young woman in the flowing robe, saying just one sentence. "Han brother, you—!" The young woman was taken aback, surprised and eager to speak, yet at that very moment, she received a quiet inner transmission from Han Li: "Lady Leaf, your primary cultivation techniques lack any magical Daoist prowess. These two guests are exceptionally capable; should a confrontation arise, they might inadvertently reveal your true strength. I shall handle them myself." "Understood," she replied, her expression shifting several times before finally hesitating slightly and nodding, then stepping back a few paces. Han Li, after having once defeated a manifested form of a Supreme Ancestor, and having displayed an astonishing divine skill during his journey through the Huanyao Desert, naturally held great confidence in him. Han Li exhaled gently, raising the Fàn Shèng Zhēn Mó Technique, and instantly a pure stream of magical energy surged from beneath his feet, forming a black cloud that lifted his body upward. The broad-shouldered man, witnessing this, burst into laughter, his form suddenly transforming into a bright yellow glow and shooting upward with great momentum. In moments, both of them reached a lofty expanse thousands of feet above the ground, facing each other across the void. Han Li reached behind his head with one hand, and instantly a cascade of golden light spread out, then coalesced into a vivid, golden image of a three-headed, six-armed figure, towering over ten zhang in height, adorned with black magical patterns across his body, appearing fierce and imposing. "You are no match for me alone. Have your companion join you," Han Li said calmly, his eyes narrowing slightly, as he subtly activated his inner technique. In an instant, the magical aura within several miles trembled! With a sweeping motion of his six thick arms, the sharp, piercing cry erupted. As his golden light flashed, six heavy golden treasures—hammers, staffs, and jian—materialized in his hands. At the same time, black mist surged from the foreheads of his three heads, revealing a third pair of dark magical eyes, each emitting a strange, hissing black glow.