Though these eight combined-bodied immortal clans each had rare treasures safeguarding them, under the direct pressure of such close, late-stage cultivation aura, they could not help but stagger back several paces, their faces showing clear signs of apprehension. "Senior, please don't be angry! We absolutely had no intention of doing this!" The white-haired elder broke into a sweat and hurried to shout. Yet Mo Jianli remained expressionless, as if he had not heard a word, his aura shifting and strengthening even further than before. This time, the eight combined-bodied immortal clans could no longer rely solely on their own cultivation to resist the overwhelming spiritual pressure. Without a word, their respective treasures shimmered, and the vivid images of eight distinct rare artifacts emerged simultaneously from each of them, just barely holding firm against this terrifying spiritual force. Han Li focused his gaze, clearly examining each of the eight treasures. They were three scrolls, two seals, one small white cauldron, and one silver如意. Mo Jianli saw this, hummed in annoyance, and her protective aura flickered slightly as she stepped forward, ready to unleash her full spiritual pressure and deliver a decisive lesson to the young spiritual descendants before her. Yet at that very moment, a strange, clear breeze suddenly blew from the summit of Fuling Mountain, sweeping past her before her. Mo Jianli felt a warm, sun-like aura lingering before her, and to her surprise, the formidable spiritual pressure she had just released instantly dissolved into nothingness. Then, a gentle voice, calm and resonant, drifted out from the breeze. "Brother Mo, there's no need for you to be so incensed. Their words were unintentional—allow me to apologize on their behalf. It is truly a pleasure to have you two visit here. I would hardly hesitate to welcome you. I shall meet you at the summit. Ling Mi, I just used my divine awareness to check—Xue Ran and his companion have already arrived at the foot of the mountain. Of the four of you, please go down and welcome them first. The other four shall accompany Brother Mo to the Ziqi Hall." "Understood!" "The orders are received!" Eight combined-stage immortal clansmen bowed solemnly to the mountain, then withdrew the spectral images of their talismans before their bodies. The four bald men shot downward toward the mountain base with great momentum. The remaining four immortal clansmen—white-antlered elders—bowed again to Han Li and the others, then adopted a respectful, welcoming posture. "Since Master Ling Wang has personally instructed this, I naturally cannot fail to show some courtesy," said Mo Jianli, whose expression changed several times before he finally chose not to intervene. With a sweeping motion of his sleeve, he gracefully ascended toward the mountain peak. Han Li smiled faintly, drifting after him with the same serene, effortless grace. The remaining four combined-stage immortal clansmen also began to follow. Yet the white-antlered elder paused, glancing at Han Li's back with a somewhat unusual gaze. Though Han Li had spoken little during the encounter, as a powerful Saint Immortal of the clan, he surely knew of the newcomer's status as a rising human-stage Great Perfection cultivator. Although all these messages came from outside the race, were outdated or overly vague, the fact that a human cultivator had once severely wounded a senior night-flying cultivator of the Night-Fly race clearly could not be false. This naturally made the elder of the Spirit race feel a bit more wary of Han Li, and also sparked a touch of curiosity. After all, in the vast Spirit Realm, few cultivators could defeat other senior, multiphase elders right upon entering the multiphase stage. Han Li was naturally unaware of the elder's shifting thoughts and showed no interest in them. Instead, he floated steadily several feet off the ground, gliding slowly while occasionally glancing at the sides of the mountain path. The number of magical arrays and restrictions set up on the upper half of Fuling Mountain far exceeded those on the lower half, yet most of these self-triggered restrictions had been deliberately deactivated by human hands. Otherwise, even as senior cultivators, Han Li and Mo Jianli would have found it impossible to progress so smoothly throughout the journey. What seemed merely a few thousand feet in distance took the group an entire meal's worth of time to traverse. It seemed that the upper part of the mountain peak rose to a height of no less than tens of thousands of zhang. Mo Jianli's expression grew somewhat strange. On the surface, Han Li remained calm, yet he could not help marveling internally. It appeared that beyond the surface-level seals, there must be something even more profound within the mountain, otherwise the mountain's divine awareness itself could not have been deceived. The elderly white-bearded elder and the others maintained their usual composure, clearly accustomed to such occurrences. Despite the long journey along the winding upper path, the group reached the summit within a short while, emerging through a thin veil of white mist. Han Li looked up and saw that on the vast open space at the summit of Fuling Mountain, aside from a towering three-story pavilion, there were no other buildings. On the scroll above the pavilion's main gate, three elegant, lightly golden characters were inscribed in flowing calligraphy: "Ziqi Hall." Outside the pavilion, the area was equally empty, with no trace of human presence. "Respected elders, Master Ling has been waiting inside, and we would be unable to enter." After a light cough, the elder Bai Ang respectfully bowed to Han Li and the other two, saying, "We would be honored to wait outside." In front of one of the flower trees, an elderly man dressed in white stood with his hands behind his back, leaving only his back to the main entrance. "Then, sir, you must be the Daoist Lord of Spirit!" Mo Jianli's gaze sharpened, his tone carrying a touch of seriousness. "Since you both have come so far, perhaps it would be better if you took seats before we begin," the white-robed elder said without immediately responding, turning only slightly. "Then, if you say so, I shall follow your lead," Mo Jianli stared at the elder's back for a few moments, paused thoughtfully, and then settled himself gracefully into one of the nearby chairs. Han Li raised an eyebrow, blurred slightly, and then materialized on another chair, observing the white-robed elder's back with a mixture of amusement and mild scrutiny. "Allow me to apologize," the elder said as soon as Han Li and Mo Jianli had settled, "I am accustomed to living alone, and can only offer my guests a cup of clear tea." As soon as the words were finished, a side door suddenly swung open, and several white-haired young monkeys leapt out, hopping and bouncing. Each about half a foot tall, they were entirely white with bright red eyes. Some carried tea trays, others tea pots or cups, and with coordinated movements of their hands and feet, they instantly poured fresh, exceptionally fragrant spiritual tea into cups for Han Li and the other person. Han Li glanced at the tea and immediately grasped the cup, drinking it down in one go. Mo Jianli, however, paid no attention to the tea before him at all, and simply asked the elder gently: "I believe you must have some idea of our purpose for coming this time." "Though I have long admired you, Mo Daojun, this is the first time we've met face to face. How could I possibly know the reason for your visit?" The white-robed elder chuckled and finally turned to reply. With snow-white hair, bright eyes like lightning, and a purple-red maple leaf embroidered on the corner of his sleeve, his expression remained calm and serene. Mo Jianli and Han Li were both startled, taking another good look at the Ling Wang. "Master doesn't know the purpose of our visit, but I wonder—what exactly is the matter this time that brings Blood Ran and his companions here?" Mo Jianli sneered, asking back. "Oh, the summons of Blood Ran and his companions is nothing particularly private—merely a matter of business, a transaction. Isn't that right? Then, Brother Mo, are you also interested?" The robed elder's eyes narrowed slightly, yet he remained composed and replied calmly. "Hehe. Then that's perfect. We've come here precisely to make a transaction with the Ling Wang." This time, it was Mo Jianli who fixed his gaze, speaking without hesitation. "Hehe. Then I must disappoint you—ever since I've only dealt with people I know well, and never with strangers. Brother Mo, I'd kindly ask you to return." The robed elder yawned, and with no hesitation, firmly declined. On hearing this, Mo Jianli narrowed his eyes and suddenly raised his hand, sending a streak of silver light shooting across to the opposite side. The white-robed elder remained motionless, yet as the silver light approached within a zhang's distance of his body, it suddenly halted, hovering in mid-air. It turned out to be a luminous jade tablet, bearing patterns identical to those on the elder's sleeve—vivid purple and crimson maple leaves. The elder's face grew slightly troubled. Suddenly, he raised his hand, and the silver tablet instantly landed in his palm. After a brief inspection, he spoke slowly: "It seems Master Shi Xin has passed away. And you—the one who acted—did you fall to the hands of the mother of that great locust pest?" "Though not directly slain by the mother of the locust pest, it's quite similar," replied Mo Jianli calmly. "Very well. Regardless of how you obtained this token, this transaction now counts as involving both of you. Yet whether you ultimately succeed will depend entirely on your own capabilities." The silver light flashed in the elder's hands, and the jade scroll vanished silently, as he calmly added, "Of course. We've come here merely seeking an opportunity." Mo Jianli's eyes finally brightened, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. "Heh, not at all undervaluing you, Mo brother. With your abilities alone, achieving this transaction would be nearly impossible. But the one standing beside you—there's still a chance, perhaps a little more than a third. That gentleman is the newly risen star, Han Li, renowned across several clans—indeed, no ordinary great master." A faint, subtle scorn curled at the elder's lips, yet upon glancing at Han Li, his expression instantly shifted to one of serious regard. "Ling Wang has also heard of my name, and I am truly honored. Yet, I must say, you seem to be rather dismissive of both of us." Han Li suddenly smiled gently, speaking with quiet ease.