Cai Dao Ren followed Han Li steadily, not too close nor too distant. Most of the other human cultivators also looked weary, speaking little and simply trudging forward. Suddenly, from far behind, a deep, resonant rumble grew faintly audible. At the same time, a wave of astonishing power surged forward, rolling out in waves and causing the very ground to tremble slightly. The human cultivators instantly stirred, each turning to gaze back in surprise. Clearly, such a dramatic event could only have been caused by the wooden realm's great array exploding—specifically by the Wood Clan. Despite the considerable distance, the power of this surge was still clearly felt, and the fate of the magian cultivators still within the array must be dire. Likely, save for the few remaining immortal ancestors of the magians, all of them would now be absorbed by the array. It was no surprise, then, that the Wood Clan had taken such decisive action. After all, the current state of the Wood Clan had been entirely brought about by the magians' invasion. Naturally, the Wood Clan harbored deep resentment toward their invaders. Therefore, the Wood Clan elders were unwilling to sacrifice the entire great array and insisted on delivering a severe blow to the Magic Clan, wiping out their elite forces entirely. However, without their Holy Master and the high-level cultivators, the Wood Clan could no longer maintain independence like the Human Clan and other groups. They would either have to align themselves with one of the other clans or migrate to remote, less fertile regions. As for the Human Clan and others, they certainly wouldn't be willing to uphold their original alliance just to support a clan that no longer held equal standing with them, continuing to fight desperately against the Magic Clan. A loud rushing sound erupted, and all the floating lights emitted a hissing sound before shooting off toward the horizon. ……Two months later, on a mountain near the city of Mucan, Han Li, the Elder Ao Xiao, and Mo Jianli were calmly conversing. Behind Han Li stood the Crab Daoist and the young girl Zhu Guo, while behind Elder Ao Xiao, Yin Yue stood motionless. However, at this moment, Yin Yue's expression was cold and composed, listening silently to the conversation among the three. "We came to assist the Mucan clan, yet the final outcome has turned out to be rather disappointing. The Mucan clan has decided to divide its people into several groups: one group will join us and become vassal clans under our several families, while the other group will journey into the wild frontier, seeking a secluded location where they will settle and remain hidden from the world." Mo Jianli sighed as he spoke. "This course of action is indeed a wise one!" Should the Wood Clan still produce one grand cultivator within the next ten thousand years, it would certainly be possible to summon its people once more, reestablish its presence in the Spiritual Realm. However, if fortune proves unfavorable and no grand cultivator emerges, the Wood Clan may truly vanish from the Spiritual Realm within no more than a few ten-thousand years. "Master Ao Xiao said calmly. "It seems that the decline of the Wood Clan is now unavoidable in the near term. With the loss of one clan's strength, our joint strategy of countering the demonic forces will inevitably face significant challenges. I understand that you two elders have already devised effective measures." Han Li asked slowly. "Although the loss of the Wood Clan diminishes our alliance's strength considerably, the Destructive Clan's current situation is also not particularly favorable. The separation of the two realms is approaching soon. As long as we persevere, we can achieve victory without direct combat. Even if the Destructive Clan manages to hold its ground in the Spiritual Realm with the aid of the Wood Clan's territory, without sustained support, how could it possibly become a serious threat to our combined forces?" What we need to do now is return to our clan first, to check whether indeed any of the Three Primordial Deities of the Demon Clan have descended to the Spirit Realm. Only after we have stabilized the current crisis can we then turn our attention to other matters," Ao Xiao replied. "Since both of you seniors have confidence in this, I feel reassured. However, upon my return to the clan, I shall likely enter a period of seclusion and cultivation, and thus won't be able to offer much assistance to the clan for some time," Han Li nodded, then added with a touch of regret. "Ha ha! Once your Dao advances to the Great Perfection stage, that will already be the greatest support we can hope for from you. Moreover, considering your age, you might well remain our most vital asset for the next several tens of thousands of years. For now, this little difficulty will naturally fall upon us two old fellows," Mo Jianli laughed heartily in reply. Having learned that Han Li had single-handedly defeated over a dozen Demon Clan Primordial Deities in their Saint-Emperor forms within the Wood Realm's array, Mo Jianli was even more confident in Han Li's future progression. "This time, Master, you truly intend to return to Tianyuan City, or are you planning to seek out a secluded location for your cultivation instead?" Old Master Ao Xiao suddenly asked, as though remembering something. "Tianyuan City has successfully repelled the Magistrate's attacks, yet it still lacks absolute stability. During my period of seclusion, I've been particularly concerned about external disturbances. Therefore, I've decided to find a quieter, more remote place. Unless my cultivation makes significant progress, I won't be likely to emerge soon." Han Li smiled and replied. Han Li's confidence naturally stemmed from the large quantity of 'Heterogeneous Magmatic Gold' he currently holds. The amount of this rare substance is sufficient to elevate his cultivation to the late stage of the Consolidated Period, reaching a near-perfect state. "That sounds excellent. Currently, the Magistrate's forces have embedded numerous spies within our human realm. The more people who remain unaware of your seclusion, the better. We won't inquire about your destination, only hoping that Master Han will find success in his cultivation." Mo Jianli agreed wholeheartedly. "Linglong! Come here." As previously agreed, I'm also entrusting her to you. I hope you'll soon master the secret technique so that you can alleviate the suffering caused by the counteraction of the cultivation techniques within her body." Ao Xiao, the senior master, gestured and brought Yin Yue forward, then smiled warmly to Han Li. "Please rest assured, Master. This time, during my meditation, I will first fully perfect the secret technique, ensuring that Linglong won't be hindered in her cultivation." Han Li replied without hesitation. "With that assurance, I'm at ease. Linglong, from now on, you shall follow Han Daojun's instructions. Unless I personally give my orders, you must not leave him unattended. Otherwise, you may never call me your grandfather again." Ao Xiao turned to Yin Yue and gave her a gentle instruction. "Yes, Grandmaster!" Yin Yue glanced at Han Li and responded with a clear, composed tone. "It's already late. Han Daojun, please begin your journey now. In a few days, once we've settled the matters concerning the Wood Clan, we will also promptly set off back to our respective clans." "Mo Jianli said with a composed expression. "The time has indeed nearly arrived. I shall return to my clan now." Han Li raised his head to check the time, nodded in agreement, and then bowed slightly to the two cultivators at the Great Multiplication stage as a farewell. The two elders, Ao Xiao and his companion, naturally smiled and returned the gesture. With a simple motion of his sleeve, Han Li instantly released a shimmering jade flying vessel, which floated gently in the air below. As he stepped forward, he settled himself onto the vessel. Crab Dao, Zhu Guo'er, and Yin Yue followed suit and climbed aboard. A spell was cast! The jade vessel trembled slightly and emitted a low hum, then shot forward through the air, swiftly vanishing into the horizon after a few swift movements. … Five months later, in a continuous range of mountains at the border region between the human and spirit-creature clans, a jade flying vessel hovered above an unremarkable mountain peak. Han Li stood upright on the vessel, his eyes closed, his vast spiritual awareness slowly and fully sweeping outwards in all directions. Yin Yue and the other two stood behind them, silent and motionless. "Indeed, there is no one else within several thousand miles. We shall establish our dwelling here." Han Li opened his eyes, a satisfied smile playing on his face. As soon as he finished speaking, he waved his sleeve, and a dozen shimmering lights shot out, transforming into a dozen giant puppet apes. Under his command, they swiftly rushed toward the mountain below. With their fingers glowing steadily, the apes treated the rocks and stones as if they were nothing. Within just a meal's time, they carved out a vast underground dwelling, complete with gardens, halls for pills, and all the necessary structures. As the green light flickered, the apes returned one by one, gliding back into the mountain's core. Han Li then called out, and with a gentle turn of his palm, several array flags and array plates flew out, vanishing into the surrounding void as shimmering patches of light. Han Li casually set several powerful seals, fully enclosing the entire estate within them. Upon reaching the hall of the estate deep within the mountain, he briefly gave the others some general instructions before entering the deepest chamber, where he closed the stone door and began his meditation. Sitting quietly in the center of the chamber, Han Li first silently recited the inner meditation formula passed down by Old Master Ao Xiao, then carefully pondered it for a while before beginning to practice it with a single hand gesture. This time, he intended to fully master this secret technique in one go, ensuring that Yin Yue would have no worries, before turning to study other cultivation methods. Shortly thereafter, Han Li's eyes remained closed, and a series of five-colored crystalline glimmers began to ripple and flow rapidly over his body. Yet he remained motionless, appearing as if carved from stone. ...One and a half years later, the vibrant, five-colored light aura, which had grown radiant like flames, suddenly contracted. Han Li opened his eyes, yet a thoughtful expression briefly flickered across his face. "This secret technique not only slightly enhances one's spiritual awareness but also proves remarkably effective in cultivating calmness and breath control. Old Master Ao Xiao truly stands out as the sole Master of the Great Stage among the immortal beings of the feline race over ten thousand years—his innate talent is indeed far beyond that of ordinary individuals, and he has managed to create such an exceptional internal energy technique." Han Li murmured to himself, then suddenly extended his spiritual awareness, sweeping it across the entire abode. A moment later, he discovered Yin Yue seated in meditation within another nearby chamber, not far from where he had been practicing. Her expression remained serene, completely unaware of Han Li's spiritual sweep. Han Li observed her quietly for a while, then gently nodded before withdrawing his awareness. After a moment's further reflection, he lifted his hand and, with a swift motion, produced a peculiar stone, alternating between black and white.