But first, he had to obtain the method for refining the Di-Sha yin qi. Additionally, he needed to secure the blood-teeth rice as soon as possible. He had already established contact with Guangyuan Zhai, so this should not prove difficult. While fully channeling his flight light to hasten his journey, Han Li carefully pondered the next steps. Several days later, he finally arrived safely back in Lanpu City. Yet, when he reached his inn, Zilin was already waiting there. "What's happened? How did you come personally?" Han Li was surprised and asked seriously. As they had previously agreed, to avoid drawing attention from those with ulterior motives and to prevent any unnecessary complications for Zilin, they should only send a simple message via one of Zilin's trusted associates in case of urgent matters. In public, they should strive to avoid meeting face to face for as long as possible. But now, Zilin has suddenly appeared personally, and seems to have been waiting for some time—this naturally surprised Han Li. "I couldn't possibly come without personally visiting. My master, Luji, has already arrived at Blue Flow Lake, and recently summoned me, along with all my subordinates, to meet him!" Zilin spoke without pausing, saying something that immediately startled Han Li. "Is Luji's visit by his true body?" Han Li asked instinctively. "No, it's only a late-stage fusion-phase avatar. Yet even so, with his divine powers and the treasures he carries, he's no less impressive than an ordinary Saint Ancestor," Zilin shook her head, expressing significant concern. "Since it's not his true form, I don't need to worry too much. But how did Luji come to this region? It doesn't seem to be specifically aimed at me! I've never done anything particularly offensive against this First Ancestor. If he truly intended to oppose me, he wouldn't have sent only an avatar." Zi Ling, do you know her specific purpose for this journey? Han Li thought for a moment, furrowed his brows, and asked. "The orders given to me are not very detailed—seemingly just asking me and my subordinates to search for someone in the surrounding areas. Beyond that, there's hardly any further information. I also believe this mission isn't specifically aimed at you. Nevertheless, for caution's sake, Han brother should pay close attention to her." Zi Ling said with deep concern. "Understood. I see. Lu Ji, as the primordial ancestor of the demonic realm, must be exceptionally vigilant. During this period, Zi Ling, please refrain from contacting me unless absolutely necessary. If you do, it might alert her to your presence and be detrimental to you. I will also soon leave Blue Breeze Lake and prepare to return to the Spiritual Realm." Upon hearing this, Han Li gazed at Zi Ling's radiant beauty, his heart warmed, yet his voice remained calm and composed. "Understood." That is to say, when we meet again next time, it might very well be centuries—or even a thousand years—hence. Even with the transcendent relics provided by your younger sister, you won't be able to freely return to the realm of the demons at will." Zi Ling's expression slightly dimmed, a subtle trace of resentment barely visible. "That's not necessarily true. I've recently obtained some favorable opportunities that allow me to reduce the amount of cultivation effort required. I should be able to surpass the threshold of the Great Perfection stage sooner than expected. As soon as I successfully advance, I will immediately return to the demon realm to rescue you from the Sixth Pole Sect. In the meantime, please bear with me and focus on securing your own safety within the demon realm. Should any unforeseen circumstances arise—such as the Sixth Pole Sect intending to assimilate you into their essence—please inform Guangyuan Pavilion. They can then use their relics to notify me promptly. I will promptly break through the boundary to see you." Han Li pledged without hesitation. Upon hearing Han Li's words, Zilin's gaze toward Han Li seemed somewhat different. After a moment of silence, she softly said, "Thank you, Brother Han, for your promise. I am truly grateful. I am certain that, with your extraordinary talent, you will surely transcend the stage of Great Perfection and become one of the most accomplished beings in the world. On this behalf, I wish you all the best. I shall not linger any longer here—let me now bid you farewell." As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly bowed gracefully to Han Li and then turned without hesitation, making her way away. Han Li watched as Zilin's magnificent silhouette disappeared beyond the main gate. He moved his lips several times, but ultimately only sighed softly, saying nothing, his expression growing a little somber. It was early morning, the sky still dimly lit, with a light mist drifting over the lake, making the air feel unusually damp. Suddenly, Han Li arched his brow and immediately said, without turning around, "Since all your esteemed guests have arrived, what's the point of hiding anything further? After all, you're a guest of honor yourself—how could you possibly fear my hidden arrangements?" "Heh, with a transaction of this magnitude, it's always better to be cautious," replied a gray-robed man who emerged from the sky with a broad-brimmed hat, smiling and speaking in a sharp, clear tone. "As for how cautious—I'll adjust according to your convenience. But regarding the blood-tooth rice you requested, have you brought it in full quantity?" Han Li finally turned to face the sky, speaking calmly. "The blood-tooth rice has certainly been brought, though the quantity you requested is truly astonishing. I've had to invest considerable effort and expense just to gather enough. Therefore, I believe the price will need to be increased by another twenty percent," the gray-robed man said, his eyes flashing with sharp intelligence beneath his hat. "Another twenty percent increase? I've never heard of businesses raising prices on the spot!" Han Li was taken aback, his expression soon darkening. "If you insist on the original price, we can certainly accommodate that. However, the amount you're asking for—we can only offer one-third of what you've requested. Surely, you wouldn't want us to suffer a loss on this transaction, would you?" The gray-robed guest replied with a carefree smile. "Hmph. Will you really suffer a loss? Very well, I have other matters to attend to and don't have the time to haggle with you here. Then, let's agree to a twenty percent increase as you've suggested. But the quality of the Blood-Teeth Rice must meet our standards, and there must be no shortfall in quantity." Han Li scoffed, his expression shifting several times before finally settling into determination. "Haha, please rest assured. This batch of Blood-Teeth Rice will be the very finest grade, and not a single grain will be missing from your shipment." The gray-robed guest was delighted, laughing heartily in response. "We'll hope for the best. Let's begin the transaction." Han Li maintained an air of indifference, shaking his sleeve and sending a black circular ring soaring forth, straight toward the gray-robed guest. "You seem quite confident in me, having already produced the magical stone beforehand." Upon seeing Han Li's action, the gray-robed guest was slightly surprised, yet his movements remained unhesitant—he simply extended his hand, catching the ring instantly and scanning it with his spiritual awareness. Han Li gave a quiet laugh, but offered no reply. A moment later, the gray-robed guest's expression beneath his hat brightened with satisfaction. "It appears you are indeed someone of considerable standing, capable of presenting so many magical stones at once. Since you are a man of your word, I shall certainly uphold mine. Fang brother, step forward—please present all the blood-pearl millet." The gray-robed guest folded the ring neatly and, with a light clap of his hands, said with evident delight. As soon as he finished speaking, a flash of green light appeared in the higher reaches of the void, and a faint, ethereal figure in green materialized. This figure seemed to move one of its arms slightly. A rushing sound erupted! A jade-green storage ring shot out from its body, spiraling before it, and then steadily flew toward Han Li. Upon seeing this, Han Li's expression slightly changed, but with a swift roll of his sleeve, he caught the ring just as it reached his eyes, then placed it on his forehead, beginning to examine its contents. Clearly, Han Li was far more thorough in his inspection than the gray-robed man. After a full meal's worth of time, he finally straightened up, retracted his arm, and calmly said to the gray-robed man: "Although the price is a bit higher, the items are indeed excellent." "That's quite natural," the gray-robed man chuckled. "I must confess, arranging this batch of upper-grade Blood-Tooth Rice has indeed delayed our transactions with several other merchants. Therefore, I've had to temporarily raise the price." "Since both goods and payment have been settled, I won't stay any longer. I'll be off now." Han Li folded the emerald circular ring and bowed with both hands. Then, a surge of green light radiated from his body, and he materialized as a streak of jade-green brilliance, swiftly vanishing from sight within just a few flashes, now gone into the horizon. "He moved so effortlessly even under the restriction of the sky-sealing pressure. It seems his powers may be even greater than we originally anticipated!" The gray-robed figure gazed upward for a long while, then suddenly remarked. His voice, which had initially been sharp, now became unusually deep and resonant. "Since he is no longer someone we can act upon, this naturally becomes a matter of transaction. As for the buyers of Blood-Tooth Rice in the city these days—they appear to be of notably strong cultivation levels. Our actual interventions have been rather infrequent." The green figure in the sky spoke coldly. "Facing those powerful figures, the Holy Ancestor never wished to easily offend them. Our only viable targets, then, are the smaller factions or anonymous lone travelers. This person, not only possesses strong cultivation, but has openly and extensively purchased Unusual Demon Gold as soon as entering the city—clearly someone from a significant faction. We naturally cannot afford to offend them outright. Even securing some additional magic stones counts as a solid return, no empty hands." The gray-robed figure, however, seemed remarkably composed, offering a light smile. "Besides, this person's background is quite mysterious, and with such a short tenure, we won't be able to uncover their true identity within a short time. Moreover, we have already received the Holy Ancestor's summons and must depart the city immediately. It would indeed be ideal if we could avoid any further complications." The green-clad figure replied matter-of-factly, her form shimmering briefly before vanishing into the void once more. "Far from merely acceptable!" I have a feeling that if we actually have to fight that man, perhaps we'll both regret it." After gazing at the spot where the green figure had vanished, the gray-robed man suddenly narrowed his eyes and murmured softly, almost inaudibly.