"I've obtained some geological maps through special channels, and discovered that not far from our private mine lies a mineral vein owned entirely by the city's chief administration. It's reportedly a vein with exceptional potential—so outstanding, in fact, that even the city's officials have been hesitant to develop it, leaving it untouched until now," Wu You said slowly. "What does that mean? Does that mean the rare minerals we've found are actually the city chief's? I'm quite startled by this, though I still haven't quite believed it yet." The young mage gasped, still a bit skeptical. "Exactly. After careful consideration, I believe our private mine, even at its best, only borders on mid-tier mineral veins. Even if we were exceptionally fortunate, we couldn't possibly have unearthed such a vast quantity of premium-grade minerals. It's likely that during our excavation, we strayed from the original vein's course and accidentally tapped into the city's premium vein. This kind of phenomenon—where multiple mineral veins converge—is not unprecedented." "Fortunately, we've been quietly extracting the resources for so long without being discovered by the guards of the city's administration," said Wu You in a serious, measured tone. This time, even the other magical race men and women grew pale. Undoubtedly, the city administration, backed by the Saint Ancestor of Blue Cascade Lake, was the most powerful force in the entire Blue Cascade Lake region. While other smaller factions might have some hidden alliances, none dared to openly challenge the city administration. To face off against such a force—once considered something to be looked up to—by beings who had only reached the Lingxu or Shenshen stages, was simply unimaginable. Even the graceful young female mage, who had previously shown reluctance, now looked visibly anxious and fearful. "Therefore, don't harbor any illusions of hope. Simply surviving and making it out of Blue Cascade Lake will be considered a great achievement this time. As for these mineral deposits, I've specifically chosen outsiders and sold them at such a low price—exactly for this very reason." The great sum of magical stones we're selling—this astronomical amount—might just become our last lifeline. Of course, if we manage to escape successfully, the stones will naturally be shared among all of us," Unyu seemed to have thought through every detail and delivered it clearly. Upon hearing Unyu's final words, the other magical beings gradually regained their composure and enthusiastically nodded in agreement. As for the transaction scheduled for tomorrow, they had no particular concerns. After all, the deal was private, and it wasn't taking place in the remote countryside—both parties were bound to stick to their plans. Otherwise, should any other powers become involved, they'd all be in serious trouble. Nevertheless, Unyu had prepared contingency plans and carefully outlined each one, assigning them to her subordinates to implement. The others naturally had no objections and promptly agreed, then gradually departed in several groups. …At that moment, Han Li rode on a beast-carriage, speeding directly toward the eastern city gate. After several hours, the carriage exited the gate and traveled along a gravel road for a long while, eventually arriving at a lush, dense grove near the riverbank. As soon as the carriage stopped, Han Li stepped down gracefully and glanced toward the grove. Along the edge of the forest, a winding path emerged subtly, leading deep into a quiet, serene area. Han Li's gaze shifted, landing immediately on a towering ancient tree beside the path. On the main trunk of this tree, a plain yellow wooden plaque was firmly fastened. In delicate black ink, three elegant ancient Chinese characters were inscribed: "Guangyuan Zhai." Han Li softly recited the characters aloud, then walked with a gentle smile toward the path deep within the grove. Within just thirty or forty paces, after turning several corners, the original entrance to the grove vanished entirely. And at that moment, a tall gray-robed elder suddenly appeared ahead on the path. His face flushed crimson, his eyes long and slender. He held an ancient book with a silver cover, leaning against a great tree by the roadside, shaking his head and gazing at it with deep interest. Han Li merely glanced at the elder, noting him to be no more than a Huashen cultivator, furrowed his brow slightly, and then continued on his way. As he passed by, he only released a slight trace of Lianxi-level aura, barely turning his head, and swiftly vanished. Throughout this, the elder kept his head down, absorbed in the book as if completely enchanted. However, once Han Li's silhouette disappeared around the bend of the path, the gray-robed elder lifted his head upward, and his face was now damp with cold sweat. "Such a powerful spiritual pressure. Clearly, this is no ordinary Lianxi cultivator. I must inform the others behind—no need for them to intercept. This man has the qualification to enter Guangyuan Zhai." The elder murmured to himself several times, then suddenly swiftly drew his finger across the cover of the ancient book in his hands. A few faint black characters appeared, only to vanish instantly and merge into the silver cover. After taking a deep breath, the elder blurred slightly before bursting out into a surge of green light and vanishing in a flash beside the great tree. Please follow this young attendant. My lady is already awaiting your arrival upstairs. "My lady? I didn't expect the master of Guangyuan Zhai to be such a celestial being. Then, please lead the way!" Han Li didn't hesitate, merely nodded and followed the green-robed young woman toward the stairway to the upper floor. As soon as they stepped inside, Han Li immediately felt an inexplicable chill, nearly prompting a shiver. Fortunately, his inner qi soon circulated and stabilized, restoring his comfort. However, upon scanning the surroundings with his consciousness, he noticed subtle, faint fluctuations of magical seals shimmering in the air. Clearly, a powerful seal had been established here—one that even caused him to feel a sense of danger, which spoke volumes about its strength. The first floor of the pavilion was simple: only a few basic tables and chairs, and a few ancient paintings hung on the walls, with nothing else. Han Li glanced at the oldest painting closest to him, then quickly surveyed the others, and suddenly a light smile flashed across his face as he gently nodded. The painting clearly depicted a bronze mirror, rusted and slightly worn, rendered with lifelike detail and with some visible damages. The other three paintings showed a long blue sword gleaming with cold light, a golden lance, and a black seal, respectively. "Before a hundred, heh! If outsiders truly believed these four scrolls merely formed an ordinary Four-Element Array, they would surely meet their end once ensnared by this restriction—death being inevitable, no matter how delayed. It must be your hidden array, placed deeper within, that serves as the true masterstroke. How many of your esteemed guests have actually perceived this subtlety?" Han Li chuckled, suddenly pointing out. "Your insight is truly remarkable! Guests who have discerned the deception of the false Four-Element Array are naturally few—fewer than ten, and most of them are senior masters at the level of the Magistrate Sovereign. Since you have achieved this level, according to protocol, you need not proceed through the second trial and may now proceed directly to meet my lady. She has been awaiting your arrival at the third level." The green-robed young woman was genuinely surprised, blinking in astonishment as she replied. "Excellent. I too would like to see her sooner. I've heard that the proprietor of Guangyuan Pavilion is unparalleled in the Blue Cascade Lake region." Han Li naturally agreed, nodding in assent. Thus, under the guidance of the green-robed Xi'er, Han Li easily reached the second floor of the pavilion. The arrangement here differed from the first floor—besides a few simple wooden chairs, colorful flower pots were scattered throughout, each housing various unfamiliar spiritual herbs and flowers. Before these pots stood a female mage with gray hair, yet an unusually delicate complexion. When Han Li entered, she was single-handedly holding a jade bottle of a clear, fresh hue, gently spraying a stream of pure water onto a plant that was entirely crimson in color. The woman had originally maintained a calm expression. Upon hearing the green-robed maiden's words, she merely glanced at Han Li with a faint, subtle change in her demeanor, her expression instantly sharpening as she asked. As soon as Han Li saw the woman, he immediately recognized her as a high-ranking magus of the magical race—a late-stage, fully accomplished magus sovereign. When he learned that she had discerned his concealed cultivation level, his eyes narrowed, and after a moment, he slowly replied, "I hadn't expected to meet someone of your caliber here. Rest assured, my concealment of cultivation is not for any other reason than practicality—it simply makes my work more convenient." "I believe that. At our level of cultivation, it's indeed uncommon to frequently appear in front of large groups. However, since you have personally come to our hall, allow me to show you to the lady. Xi'er, please step aside." The mage woman also quickly regained her composure and, after speaking a few words, suddenly issued a command to the green-robed young lady.