Han Li realized that Zilin's earlier words were truly heartfelt. Though he felt a subtle, unspoken sense of disappointment, he didn't urge her further, merely adding a few more reminders. As she herself had said, her constitution was indeed more suited to practicing the magical race's techniques. And upon returning to the human realm, he simply couldn't guarantee that she would truly attain transcendence to the immortal realm. Therefore, it might be better for her to remain in the magical realm—perhaps even there she could truly find her own opportunities. Thus, Han Li stayed at Guangyuan Zhai for a full month. During this time, he imparted all his accumulated insights on the cultivation of magical techniques to Zilin, aiming to deepen her understanding of the art. Meanwhile, Lan Ying listened attentively beside her, and each time after Han Li finished speaking, the thoughtful expression on her face clearly indicated that she had also gained significant benefits. A sincere guidance from a Mahayana being was indeed a rare and precious opportunity for beings of their rank. Guang and Yuan Zhai, truly a colossal force spanning multiple realms, had, within just a month, not only identified a location that matched exactly with the one depicted on the Qilingshi Secret Map, but also swiftly conveyed it to Lan Ying. Lan Ying immediately relayed this news to Han Li without hesitation. Upon hearing it, Han Li was naturally overjoyed. In the days that followed, Han Li ceased sharing his insights with Zilin and instead spent time together exploring various scenic spots within the Blue Falls Lake region. As they wandered through the landscapes vastly different from those of the Spirit Realm, they recalled past memories from their days on the human world, occasionally exchanging warm, thoughtful smiles. Yet, neither of them naturally mentioned their brief romantic encounter during that time, nor did they display any particularly intimate gestures—seeming instead to be nothing short of close, silent, and deeply trusted friends. Time flew by swiftly. One morning, Han Li finally departed alone from Lanpu City, his presence drifting gracefully. Meanwhile, Zi Ling stood at the window of the fourth-floor pavilion in Guangyuan Zhai, gazing steadily into the distant sky, her jade-faced expression complex—mingled with both sweetness and determination. "Zi Sister, truly, you're willing to part with Han Brother, separated across two realms, and not stay by his side anymore? I remember just recently, you were so eager for this very moment," Blue Ying asked from a little distance behind, her brows slightly furrowed. "If I go with him, I can certainly ease my longing and have the chance to stay near him for a while. But what about ten thousand or even more than ten thousand years from now? It's certain that he will eventually enter the Immortal Realm. If I truly wish to accompany him forever, the only path left is to join him there. Is it a choice for fleeting joy, or one for a chance at lasting companionship? How would you, Blue Sister, choose?" Zi Ling didn’t turn around, but emitted a soft, gentle sigh. The maidservant in her flowing robe listened intently, her expression brightening, and found herself deeply immersed in thought. Half a month later, in a valley near the Blue Cascade region, Han Li’s white flying vessel drifted gracefully down from the sky. Below, beneath a towering tree, a stunning silver-haired woman stood smiling calmly, waiting there. She was Yin Yue. Upon seeing Han Li arrive alone, a subtle surprise flickered in her eyes. "Han brother, have you met Zi Ling?" the woman asked gently. "Yes, I have. But she plans to stay in the magical realm to continue her cultivation. After thinking it over, I believe this is a sound decision. If she continues refining her magical arts there, she might truly have a chance to reach the final stage." Han Li replied calmly. "Then, Han brother’s judgment is surely sound—Zi Ling’s choice is likely to be excellent. So, shall we now return to the spiritual realm?" "Our ancestors and Master Mo, along with several other great cultivators from the spiritual realm, have already returned to the spiritual realm in advance," said Yin Yue, her face showing a slight expression of surprise, yet she nodded in agreement. "However, returning now might still be a bit premature. I still have a secret map of the demonic clan in my hands, which should contain many valuable treasures," explained Han Li after a moment's thought. "A secret map?" Yin Yue's face brightened with a touch of astonishment, as if hearing this for the first time. "Ah, all you need to do is follow me. With a smooth journey, it won't take more than a few months," smiled Han Li. "Then, with you saying so, I have no reason to doubt. Let's set off then," said Yin Yue with a warm smile, her jade feet gliding upward and transforming into a shimmering silver glow as she ascended onto the flying vessel. Han Li nodded, lightly tapping his foot against the spiritual boat beneath him. Instantly, a resonant hum echoed, and he himself transformed into a streak of pure white light, swiftly vanishing into the sky. Several months later, the flying vessel piloted by Han Li and his companion entered the wasteland—ground even the high-ranking magical beings were reluctant to tread upon. Before the vessel, two giant ape puppets, each standing over a zhang tall, remained motionless, their feet emitting a steady glow of faint spiritual light, clearly guiding the vessel forward. In a secluded chamber within the vessel's cabin, Yin Yue sat cross-legged upon a jade-green mat, her hands forming seals and her eyes closed, deeply engaged in the practice of some internal cultivation technique. Five hues of spiritual light rippled continuously over her body, while a vivid, lifelike silver wolf spirit shimmered subtly behind her. In another nearby chamber, protected by a network of defensive spells, Han Li also sat cross-legged on the floor, yet his expression revealed hesitation and indecision. In his hands, he was handling an object. Upon closer inspection, the object was translucent and jet-black—precisely the black crystalline fragment that remained after the mother of the silkworm was struck down by the thunderbolt of punishment. Han Li had possessed this item for quite some time now. Through countless divine consciousness probes and repeated consultations of ancient texts, he had finally unraveled its origin. It was precisely the residue left behind when powerful demonic insects—such as the mother of the mire-creatures—channelled their entire essence into their demonic cores just before their final demise. Should the opportunity arise, these insects would also conceal a fragment of their residual soul within the core, to ensure survival through the current catastrophe. However, the original spirit and essence of the mother of the mire-creatures had completely dissolved into ice. Even though this crystal core possessed a certain inherent resilience against attacks, it could not withstand the celestial thunder of the penal judgment—such as the heavenly lightning of the immortal realm. The immense power of the penal judgment lightning had already swept away everything within the core, even dissolving a significant portion of the crystal itself. Now, Han Li is presenting this item with a hesitating expression, as though he is grappling with a particularly difficult decision. A soft, low hum resonates forth! Though nearly inaudible, it sounded like a thunderclap to Han Li's ears. "These people have been causing trouble again. Clearly, they're desperate for this item. Unfortunately, this thing is also of great value to me. If I can absorb its essence, perhaps I might elevate my Fàn Shèng Zhēn Mó功 to a higher level." Han Li murmured with a faint苦笑, lowering his gaze to the crystal core in his hands, deep in thought. The humming sound, however, gradually grew louder. Han Li raised an eyebrow, then suddenly flung out one of his sleeves, and three golden glimmers shot forth. After a graceful spiral, the light settled— Three large golden insectoids materialized before Han Li, their bodies subtly adorned with faint purple patterns. Precisely the three quasi-Phagocytic Golden King Insects! As soon as they appeared, the insects' eyes fixed on Han Li's black crystal core, their attention sharpening and locking onto it. "Whoosh," "whoosh," "whoosh." With a single flick of their wings, the three golden insects surged forward simultaneously, transforming into three streaks of golden light aimed directly at the crystal core. The essence contained within the mother locust should be more suitable for being consumed by insects. As for whether it would pose any unforeseen consequences if it were fully refined by himself—these three creatures, originally nearly at the pinnacle of their evolution, would surely face even greater strain if they further absorbed the essence of the mother locust... Han Li's face alternated between gloom and concern. Originally shielding himself with one hand, he withdrew it, and at the same time, the black crystalline nucleus shot upward into the air. The three golden beetles did not obstruct its path. Upon seeing the nucleus leave his grasp, they instantly changed direction and simultaneously surged upward as three beams of golden light. In the next instant, the three devouring beetles collided at the center of the black crystalline nucleus. They engaged in fierce combat, each biting deeply into the nucleus while being forcefully propelled backward, devouring large amounts of it. Finally, with a concerted effort, they managed to split the relatively small nucleus into three unequal portions and swallowed each part whole without hesitation. As the crystalline core entered the golden insect's body, the purple patterns on their surfaces flashed wildly, their bodies swelled and contracted irregularly, and their breaths grew increasingly disordered. At once, the three insects emitted sharp hissing sounds, their fierce forms revealed as they surged together, tearing at one another. Han Li observed this scene, his expression slightly moved, yet remained seated quietly, showing no intention to intervene. The struggle between the three insects was exceptionally fierce. In no time, their bodies were riddled with wounds, and two of them even lost one of their front limbs each. After a few more moments of relentless biting, they suddenly dispersed in a flash of golden light. They then exchanged threatening hisses, shook their wings, and surged forward once more. Though wounded severely, the three insects remained fiercely active, showing no signs of retreat or yielding toward one another. Han Li gazed for a moment, as though remembering something, and suddenly his sleeve flicked outwards toward the void. Instantly, a cascade of golden light surged forth, and the three writhing gold-devouring insects blurred momentarily, then vanished completely, leaving no trace in the air.