"As for me, I have no choice at all. If I am unable to refine the Jixuan crystals with either Golden or Wood properties within the next year, I shall have no further chance. At present, only Brother Han holds the most promising hope of assisting me successfully." Yue Long's face was filled with a deep sense of苦笑. "No further chance? How so?" Han was somewhat surprised. "Brother Han may not be aware, but drawing the celestial energies of the land is no simple matter. It requires not only the discovery of special spiritual sites, but also precise timing—accurate calculations of the celestial forces' shifts in the heavens and earth—before success can be achieved. My earlier success in refining the initial Jixuan crystals came at a great cost: I had to sacrifice many years of life, inviting a diviner from my clan to accurately predict the celestial changes and thus draw the required elemental energies. According to his prediction, the celestial shifts that bring forth both Golden and Wood elemental energies are inherently rare and difficult to occur." If the extremely refined crystal of Jiyuan is not prepared within the predicted timeframe, the next occurrence will likely be decades from now. Yue, with no time to wait idly, must successfully produce the Jiyuan crystal within the remaining year. Had it not been for today's unexpected encounter with my esteemed friend, I had originally intended to risk approaching an older, less renowned monster for assistance. Now, with the support of Brother Han, this choice is undoubtedly superior. At least, Brother Han has demonstrated his commitment by venturing into the realm of demons to slay the mother of the pest insects and rescue so many of our spiritual realm companions—his integrity appears more trustworthy in this regard." Yue spoke a series of remarks in one continuous flow. After listening attentively, Han remained composed on the surface, yet his mind was rapidly processing thoughts and forming judgments. After a while, he exhaled gently and said, "Although I know little about you personally, your responses have been satisfactory. I do not perceive any need for you to fabricate or deceive me." Alright, if helping you won't take too much time, I'll gladly accept. However, besides these three materials, I'd also like to claim one crystal each of the two newly refined elemental primordial crystals—of the other two attributes as well. And these three materials shall serve as a deposit, to be paid immediately upon delivery." "Absolutely, brother! The spiritually fertile land that draws upon the powers of heaven and earth is just a short distance away. We can begin the refining process right away. As for these three primordial crystals, they're now yours." Yue Long expressed his great delight, showing no intention of haggling. "Brother has made that clear, and I won't delay either. If you truly feel it's necessary, we can set off right now for that sacred land." Han Li smiled contentedly, then waved his sleeve, and a shimmering glow swept across the other two silver plates, vanishing in a flash—there, the three primordial crystals were neatly stored. "Excellent! I didn't expect you to be quite so generous." However, to awaken the celestial powers of Jin and Mu, I still need to make a few preparations. How about this: Brother Han stays with me for one night, and we set out together to the Spirit Realm tomorrow? Upon hearing this, Yue Long was delighted, yet after a brief pause, he still said it thus. "Then let it be tomorrow. I shall thus stay with you for one night." After a moment's thought, Han agreed immediately. Upon hearing this, Yue Long was exceedingly pleased and promptly issued a command. A series of flying-spirit clan maids entered the hall, bringing forth more spiritual fruits and wines. For the rest of the time, the great stage master of the Flying Spirit Clan engaged in relaxed conversation with Han, clinking cups and glasses. "By the way, I'd like to ask Yue Brother about a person—I wonder if you might know of him or her." Suddenly remembering something, Han asked Yue Long. "Ah, as long as I know someone, I will certainly inform you truthfully," Yue Long replied, slightly surprised but without hesitation. "This person is also a fellow from the Feilin clan, though he hails from the Wuguang clan—his five-color divine light abilities are truly impressive. As a fellow Feilin cultivator at the Great Perfection stage, you should certainly be familiar with him." Han Li stared at the other person, speaking slowly. "Wuguang clan! What is his surname, and where did you first meet him?" Yue Long was startled, his expression instantly changing as he hurriedly asked. "Wasn't it just a moment ago that I asked you about him?" Han Li sighed, speaking with a half-smiling, slightly amused tone. "Ah, Yue, I apologize for my abruptness. Your question truly came as a surprise. While our Feilin clan may not be considered a major house on Fengyuan Continent, we have consistently had at least three cultivators at the Great Perfection stage. However, the Wuguang clan has only produced one such cultivator in the past million years." Yet, when this person first entered the stage of Great Perfection, he immediately departed from the clan, traveling far away, and thereafter, no word came from him. We naturally assumed he had already passed away. Now, hearing news from our friend, it is indeed somewhat improper of us. Could our friend inform us of any specific matters concerning this clan's Daoist friend? We would be most grateful. Yue Long exhaled a long, steady breath and his face broke into a genuine smile. However, Han Li could subtly detect a stiffness in the elder's smile, suggesting that his relationship with this senior cultivator of the Wuguang Clan was far from ordinary. Han Li instantly understood this, smiled faintly, and casually shifted the conversation to the topic of cultivation. He revealed not a single word about the true fate of the Yi-family elder. As for Yue Long, he had no idea what to say and, instead, after a brief moment of concentration, began exchanging insights on cultivation with Han Li. But as their conversation grew more animated, a figure appeared at the hall door—a serving maid from the Feilin Clan—entering and bowing respectfully to Yue Long. She said, "Reporting to the Elder: the Golden Senior from the Tianpeng Clan has come to see you. Should I summon them?" "No, I don't wish to see anyone! Not a single glance—haven't I just been hosting a distinguished guest?" The face of Yue Long darkened, and he immediately reprimanded the young lady without hesitation. "Forgive me, Elder," the young attendant of the Feilings clan blushed deeply, quickly bowed in apology, and was about to retreat from the hall. "Wait a moment," said Han Li, his eyes flashing as he stopped her. "Do you know Elder Jin Yue?" Yue Long was surprised. "Indeed, I've met her several times before—she's someone I've known for some time. Let her come in and meet you." Han Li said this with a simple, matter-of-fact tone. "Since Elder Jin is a long-time acquaintance of Brother Han, it must be quite different. Go, have Elder Jin enter." A slight expression of surprise flickered on Yue Long's face, yet he issued the command without hesitation. "Yes, Elder," the attendant said, promptly retreating upon seeing that Yue Long had personally ordered it. A few moments later, a Feilings clan woman, with golden feathered wings on her back and dressed in a white robe, entered the hall with the attendant. This woman appeared youthful, with an ordinary face, yet exuded a dignified grace—she was Jin Yue, the senior elder of the Tian Peng Clan who had once made a significant arrangement with Han Li. "Respectfully, I greet Elder Yue!" As soon as Jin Yue entered the hall, her gaze immediately settled on Yue Long. Advancing a few steps, she bowed low, showing no hesitation to glance around. Yet, in that instant, her peripheral vision briefly swept over Han Li. While she felt a faint sense of familiarity, a sudden sense of awe stirred within her. "Someone who can sit face-to-face with Yue Long must be another senior cultivator of the Great Transcendence stage. Perhaps they've met before." This thought arose naturally in her mind. After all, Han Li's cultivation level had changed dramatically since then—both in his aura and demeanor—making her momentarily surprised that the once-celebrated "divine heir" of the clan had come to her now. "Please rise, Jin Yue. You've been away from the Tian Peng Clan, overseeing its affairs. What brings you here?" You should remember that, without my personal audience, no envoy from any of the Fei Ling clans could have seen me more than once in the past hundred years." After waving his hand to have Jin Yue rise, Yue Long asked gently. "Reporting to the Elder, I have truly come to the end of my options and thus had no choice but to seek your assistance. Six months ago, the Chi Rong clan suddenly took decisive action, disregarding our clan's regulations, seizing over a dozen spiritual veins, several cities, and, ignoring my warnings, removing all the Tian Peng clan members from the region. I personally went to the Chi Rong clan and was struck down by several of their senior elders, who jointly injured me. I had to return to my own clan to recover for six months before I could finally come here to present this matter." Jin Yue lifted her chin, her face expressing clear indignation. "Ah, yet again, it's your matter with the Chi Rong clan. Do you know, I've already been aware of the situation for some time now?" Yue Long sighed, revealing a touch of weariness. "What? Are you saying—?" Jin Yue was startled, suddenly recalling something. "Indeed, three months ago, the senior elder of the Chirong clan came personally to my abode, weeping over their grievances. However, they claimed that it was your Tianpeng clan that occupied their ancestral territory a year ago, which has now prompted this retaliatory action." Yue Long spoke slowly. "My esteemed elder, this is absolutely a false accusation by the Chirong clan. The matter a year ago had other circumstances—indeed, it was the Chirong clan that..." Jin Yue paled, immediately eager to explain. "Hmph. At present, I am fully focused on preparing for the next great calamity. As for these trivial matters, how could I possibly attend to every detail and dispute? Unless it involves the very survival of your entire clan, you need not come to me again. Now, please go." Yue Long's voice grew cold, and he cut in with an expressionless face.