"The Huayuan Pill can replenish half of your vital energy, but to fully recover and return to your usual state, you'll still need to take good care of yourself for some time. However, the blood-worm parasite is exceptionally rare on our Huayuan Continent—why did you suffer such a surprise attack?" Han Li smiled first, then asked with genuine interest. "Since you're familiar with the blood-worm, I assume your village must also know that this creature isn't native to our Huayuan Continent. I was attacked on the Xutian Continent, where I contracted the blood-worm. Thanks to my unique constitution and a special technique that I used to suppress the worm, I was able to make it back to my family's estate in time. Otherwise, I would have turned into a pool of blood long before I arrived." Xuehun sighed and replied. "You indeed traveled to the Xutian Continent. But as I heard from Xu Jiao, you originally planned to visit the Leiming Continent—how did you end up going to Xutian instead?" Han Li nodded and asked. "I did indeed first visit the Leiming Continent, but upon recovering part of my memories, I found myself once again compelled to journey to Xue Tian Continent—something I never anticipated at the time." Xuehun replied with a faint smile of regret. "Ah, I see. As far as I know, the Blood Guscule is one of the finest spiritual insects on the Xue Tian Continent, something not easily mastered by ordinary cultivators. It seems your troubles there have been quite substantial." Han Li paused, his expression thoughtful. "Far from merely troublesome—my journey there has been a near-death experience, and I've truly forged several powerful adversaries on Xue Tian Continent. Should I ever return alone to this land again, I fear I may not escape unscathed." The white-clad woman said softly. "Oh? Then you intend to return to Xue Tian Continent again?" Han Li's smile faded slightly, and his brows furrowed in inquiry. "Indeed. The Xue Tian Continent must be revisited. In my newly regained memories, it is there that the Ice Essence finally vanished." I had already gathered some clues last time, but if we truly hope to recover the original essence, a trip back to Xue Tian Continent is absolutely necessary," Xue Hun said after a moment's thoughtful pause, with a touch of resignation. "Ice Po's Daoist friend vanished on Xue Tian—this explains why Xu Family had no trace of him at first. Nevertheless, Daoist friend, you presented the Xue Tian Cauldron as a gift this time. What is the reason behind this? As long as we haven't successfully recovered Ice Po, the Cauldron should still be of great use, shouldn't it?" Han Li didn't seem overly astonished, merely smiled and asked further. "Master Han, perhaps these companions also...?" The white-robed woman glanced swiftly at Li Rong and the others, her expression slightly hesitant. "It seems Master Xuehun's upcoming remarks truly matter. Li Yue, you all should step aside as well." Han Li paused, then calmly issued his instruction. Li Yue and the others nodded without hesitation and moved toward the door. Although the Crab Master remained silent, he followed the others with a composed expression. In a moment, the entire hall was left with only Han Li and the white-robed woman. "Now, Master, if you have any private matter to share, please do so without further delay," Han Li said, his gaze steady and his tone both gentle and slightly amused. "I'm truly sorry to have caused you embarrassment. Indeed, this conversation would be more effective without others present. Master, would you like to know the true purpose for which this Xutian Cauldron was originally crafted? I intend to use this secret to enter into a private transaction with you." The white-robed woman straightened her posture. "The true purpose! A transaction!" Huan Li listened intently, his expression showing a touch of interest. "Indeed, I can assure you that once the elder learns of this secret, he will derive endless benefits from it," said Xue Hun, his voice grave. "Ah, if this secret truly proves as valuable as you claim, then certainly a transaction with you would be worthwhile. However, first and foremost, Xue Hun, you must convince me." Huan Li replied calmly. "Well, I knew you would be interested. The true origin of the Xutian Ding actually dates back to an opportunity I encountered during my time on the human realm. It was, in fact, a piece of treasure I painstakingly replicated based on a single scroll from the Golden Threshold Jade Pavilion—its true purpose, however, is not merely for combat or rivalry, but rather, a key..." Xue Hun's eyes sparkled as he began to recount. Huan Li initially listened with a gentle smile, but gradually his expression grew more serious, and by the end, a hint of astonishment flickered in his gaze! … Half a day later, Han Li finally departed from Xu Family, escorted by the family's members, and boarded a white grand vessel that sped toward the heart of the Human Race. "Brother Han, what did Blood-Soul Daoist discuss with you that took so long?" Yin Yue asked with a slightly unusual tone. "It wasn't much—just a simple agreement," Han Li said, smiling as he glanced at Yin Yue. "An agreement?" Yin Yue blinked her beautiful eyes, expressing thoughtful curiosity. "It could almost be considered a transaction," Han Li added lightly. Yin Yue smiled gracefully and didn't press further. Li Rong, though equally intrigued, knew she couldn't match Yin Yue's depth and wisely chose not to ask any more questions. As for Zhu Guo'er, who didn't hesitate, asked: "Master Han, having visited Xu Family, where shall we go next?" "Next? Naturally, the Sacred Island. Li Daoist, you'll have to guide us the way." "Han Li said calmly to Li Rong. "Senior, please rest assured—my duty is to bring you to the Sacred Island as soon as possible." Upon hearing this, Li Rong was overjoyed and quickly affirmed her commitment. "Very well," Han Li replied with a composed tone. "I too would like to reach the Sacred Island as soon as possible." As soon as he finished speaking, the jade boat slightly trembled, then instantly surged in speed, transforming into a streak of light and racing swiftly into the distance, vanishing from sight in a moment. On each massive stone, spanning several acres, grand pavilions and elevated platforms have been constructed, with solemn soldiers standing upright and motionless upon them. Occasionally, flying vessels and carriages take off and land from the island, patrolling the more distant regions. In the surrounding void, visible layers of luminous barrier spells cascade one upon another, nearly covering the entire sky. The island's defenses are clearly robust—yet this very place is the sacred sanctuary, the holy island, cherished by countless humans and immortals alike. At the same time, within a hall at the heart of the island, several senior elders in various garments are seated on either side of the hall, yet their expressions betray clear anxiety and unease. "Shouldn't Li's young lady and her companions be arriving soon?" asked a young man with a pale complexion, finally unable to contain his impatience and turning to an elder. "Xun, there's no need to be so anxious," replied the elder. "Since蓉's young lady sent an advance message stating they would arrive today, it's certain they will not be delayed." "The elder slowly replied. "I naturally understand this principle, yet now it's past noon, and Xun has grown concerned that Li Xianzi and the others might encounter some unforeseen mishap along the way." The neat young man sighed. "Heh, with the senior Han elder accompanying us, how could anything go wrong?" A woman dressed in a white fur cloak chuckled and said. "Indeed, considering the feats Han displayed at the festival, it's hard to imagine that even the esteemed Mo and Ao Xiao elders could match his prowess. If that weren't the case, we wouldn't all have remained here patiently waiting for half a day." The white-haired elder smiled wistfully. "Still, it's only a report—something we've never personally witnessed. Han's true power seems so extraordinary that merely a slight display was enough to decisively defeat the hidden Great Vehicle Black Hawk King of the Yecha clan. That still feels rather hard to believe." The neat young man still harbored a touch of hesitation. "Even if the reports are slightly inaccurate, Master Han's extraordinary abilities are certainly no ordinary newcomer to the Great Perfection stage—this is beyond doubt. Moreover, with both Mo Senior and Senior Ao Xiao currently trapped in the Demon Realm, we have no choice but to rely entirely on Master Han's intervention to rescue them. From every perspective, we must now make every effort to support Master Han." The elder spoke with unwavering conviction. "Since two new Great Perfection-level figures have emerged among the two clans, our Sacred Island naturally needs to provide strong support. However, due to matters concerning their disciples, we have already greatly offended them. Will Master Han hold any significant resentment toward our Sacred Island?" The clean-shaven man smiled gently, expressing a touch of regret. Upon hearing this, several of the silent elders from the Sacred Island slightly frowned. "Rest assured. Master Han, having attained the Great Perfection stage, undoubtedly possesses a broad and generous heart. Furthermore, our earlier actions were originally intended for the long-term benefit of both our clans. Master Han will certainly not hold this against us." "The elder shook his head, unconvinced. Upon hearing this, the faces of the other fully-merged elders relaxed slightly. As the elder smiled and prepared to say more, a pleasant, clear laugh suddenly echoed from outside the hall: 'All of you are indeed here. Then, I need not bother to introduce myself one by one.' As soon as the words were spoken, figures moved in the doorway, and three women stepped in—Li Rong, Yin Yue, and Zhu Guo. The one who had just spoken was none other than Li Rong, her face bright with a warm smile. Yet, neither Han Li nor the Crab Daoist was in sight. 'Ah, it's Li Lady and Linglong Daoist. Has Master Han arrived yet?' the guests in the hall were startled, and the elder immediately rose to ask. 'Master Han has indeed reached the Sacred Isle, but he did not come with us—he went to other parts of the island first. Please rest assured, he will soon arrive here and meet all of you,' Li Rong said with a gentle smile." ------------ Volume Eleven: The True Immortal Descends Chapter 2,008: The Hall of Heavenly Scriptures "The Xuan Tian Shanzheng Sword"—Han Li murmured it softly, almost inaudibly, and without realizing it, raised his hand to gently stroke the other arm. Where his fingers touched, a pattern hidden beneath the sleeve of his robe suddenly grew intensely warm, even tinged with a faint stinging sensation. Han Li exhaled deeply, then, without turning, asked, "The Xuan Tian Shanzheng Sword—is that indeed the latest Xuan Tian treasure that recently made headlines? I hear it caused a frenzy across all the ethnic groups on the Fengyuan Continent when it first appeared." "Reporting to the elder, when this Xuan Tian treasure was first listed, its reach extended far beyond the Fengyuan Continent—several major dynasties on other continents also dispatched search parties. Yet for some unknown reason, they failed to secure it, and no further news has reached us. Nevertheless, I believe these great houses are still quietly pursuing it." The two elderly figures in green robes exchanged glances, and one stepped forward to reply carefully. "Perhaps that's so. Xie brother, having reviewed the list, shall we go?" Han Li chuckled softly, saying nothing more, and merely called out to Xie Daoren before turning to leave. "Respectfully, both of you!" The two elderly figures in green robes hurriedly bowed to see them off. "Xie brother, do you know anything about this Hall of Chaotic Immortals?" After stepping a little distance away from the Hall of Chaotic Immortals, Han Li suddenly asked Xie Daoren. "In my memory, I have no records of this object. My master has never mentioned it before. However, I sensed a faint trace of immortal qi on that crystalline wall just now." "Immortal qi!" Han Li, who had not been particularly confident about this casual inquiry, was instantly struck by the remark. "Yes, though rare, it is exceptionally pure—more refined than the immortal qi provided by your friend earlier." Xie Daoren replied calmly. "That's promising. It seems that despite our long separation, the connection between our spiritual realm and the true immortal realm has not been completely severed. After a moment's pause, Han Li chuckled and said to himself. Crab Dao-ren maintained his composure and said nothing further. The holy island was not particularly large; with Li Rong's map in hand, Han Li, after a series of unexpected left turns and right turns, unexpectedly arrived at a small teleportation array. He and Crab Dao-ren stepped onto the platform together, then raised one hand and chanted a spell. The magical array hummed and emitted a bright milky light, blurring their forms as they vanished completely into the array. Instantly, before a pavilion several hundred zhang tall, a flash of white light rippled, and Han Li and Crab Dao-ren reappeared within another array. "The Hall of Heavenly Books," Han Li glanced at the grand plaque hanging above the pavilion's main gate, his face briefly expressing surprise. Then he turned to Crab Dao-ren and said, "Brother Crab, please wait here for me a moment—I'll be right back." "Master Han, please do as you wish," Crab Dao-ren replied without hesitation. Han Li nodded and walked toward the main door of the pavilion. After a short while, he stood before an elderly woman with an unusually pale complexion, speaking calmly: "听说天书阁收集有无数秘术，我打算进去查看一二，道友能否为我打开禁制呢?" "Your face is quite unfamiliar. May I assume you are a new guest who has just arrived on the island? Since you've come to our Heavenly Book Pavilion, I'm sure you're already aware of our regulations." The woman sat cross-legged at the center of the spacious first floor hall, gazing at Han Li with some curiosity before frowning slightly. The person before her exuded an aura so profound that it was impossible to gauge their cultivation level—this indeed surprised her internally. "To learn a secret technique, one must either pay a certain amount of spiritual stones or exchange it for a technique not currently held by the pavilion, correct?" Han Li smiled gently and said. "Indeed. Then, would you like to pay in spiritual stones?" Though the amount of spiritual stones required to learn a secret technique is indeed a substantial sum, it is far easier than actually exchanging a technique for one. Our hall has collected no fewer than thousands of such techniques—finding another one not yet in our collection is surely no easy task," the old woman said, emitting a few hoarse, low chuckles. "Ah, I see. I actually have quite a few secret techniques gathered from the various foreign peoples. You may check which of these have not yet been collected by our hall," said Han Li, after a moment's thoughtful pause, then suddenly smiled. Before the old woman could even register her surprise, Han Li swiftly shook his sleeve, and at once a cascade of colorful jade scrolls fluttered out, each one gliding into a hovering position before the old woman, still suspended in mid-air. There were no fewer than a hundred of them. "These jade scrolls—all gathered by you from the foreign peoples?" the old woman stared at the scene in astonishment, her eyes wide, and only after a while did she swallow hard and speak. "Very well, dear friend, please take your time to examine it carefully." Han Li spoke with a smile that was half-earnest, half-quietly skeptical. "Then, dear friend, please wait a moment—lady, I will verify this immediately." The old woman finally regained her composure and spoke in a steady tone. She quickly grasped one of the jade scrolls in her hands and scanned it with her divine awareness. "The Technique of Eliminating and Dispensing Light" "Isn't this the renowned secret technique of the Feiyu Clan? I've heard that only the most pure-blooded core Feiyu Clan members can master it. Indeed, the Heavenly Book Pavilion does not have any records of this technique—thus, it can be exchanged." The old woman's face lit up with surprise after just a brief glance. "Ah, it seems that you are quite familiar with the techniques of the various clans. I myself once occasionally learned this technique during my time in the Feiyu Clan, though it didn't quite suit my constitution, so I never pursued it further." Upon hearing this, Han Li expressed a touch of surprise. "Hehe, back in my day, I was renowned as the one among the two clans who mastered the most secret arts—otherwise, I wouldn't have been sent here to guard this Heavenly Book Pavilion by those elders." Upon hearing Han Li's words, the old woman's face, etched with wrinkles, brightened with a touch of pride. Then, she took up the jade scroll in her hand and grasped another one firmly, using her divine awareness to examine it carefully. "The 'Nine-Flame Demon Art'—that seems to be a secret technique from the Demon Clan; we haven't preserved any records of it here. The 'Heavenly Luminescence and Green Wood Technique'—that's a secret art passed down by the Wood Clan; we actually have a copy of it." As she went through each scroll one by one, she could name the origins of most of them. It seemed her claim of being the most knowledgeable about secret arts among the two clans was indeed genuine. Yet, even after reviewing only a dozen or so scrolls, the old woman grew increasingly astonished. The secrets recorded on these jade scrolls have diverse origins, and no less than two-thirds of them have never been housed in the Tianshu Pavilion—this has left the elderly woman no longer able to suppress her astonishment. After all, even when someone exchanges secrets from outside the Pavilion for those held within, they typically offer only one or two at a time. To present nearly a hundred such secrets all at once, as Master Han has done, is something the Pavilion has never witnessed since its founding. Only after a full cup of tea's worth of time did the old woman finish reviewing all the scrolls, then took a deep breath and said solemnly to Han, "Master, out of the sixty-one jade scrolls you've presented, the Pavilion has never held any of them. Are you truly willing to use all of them to exchange for other secrets we possess?" "Sixty-one scrolls—while that's a substantial number—I shall use them to secure exactly sixty-one of our own secrets here." Han stroked his chin and smiled in reply. "Very well. Then, since you've made your decision. "Madam, I shall now open the seal on the attic, allowing you to select other secret techniques. First, I would like to remind you: once you have chosen all sixty-one techniques, you must immediately exit and return. Furthermore, these techniques shall be exclusively yours to study and practice—no private transmission to others or disciples is permitted. Should the Holy Island become aware, its enforcers will naturally intervene and impose sanctions." The old woman spoke solemnly. The golden seal trembled instantly, spewing a cascade of silvery light that surged straight toward the staircase entrance. With a soft "pffft," a deep resonant sound echoed, as though several invisible barriers had been shattered in one blow. Han Li remained composed, and with a simple movement, vanished completely into the staircase. In the grand hall of the pavilion, only the old woman remained, seated silently, her expression thoughtful. Han Li did not stay long in the pavilion. After a meal, he emerged from it as if nothing had happened, his demeanor unchanged. After a slight bow to the old woman, he stepped out of the hall without looking back. "Who exactly is this person? Clearly not a typical new arrival among the cultivators who have just arrived on the island. His aura is so subtle that even I cannot discern its depth. Moreover, he has demonstrated so many unique techniques from distant lands in a single instance—could it be that he is…?" The old woman stared at the hall entrance for a while before suddenly murmuring these words to herself, her eyes suddenly brightening. At the same time, Han Li, who had just stepped out of the attic, suddenly heard a sharp crack above his head, and three beams of golden light shot straight toward him.