In a secluded, highly guarded grand hall beneath the earth, a massive magical array radiating five hues of light is centered at the heart of the hall. Inside the array, several black-armored guards are swiftly placing one exquisite spiritual stone after another into the seemingly dense array of recessed slots. Outside the array, within the grand hall, over fifty individuals of varying energies stand in place. Among them, five notably possess the strength of a Great Transcendence stage, though this number is relatively small. The rest are mostly at the Consolidation stage, with only a few at lower levels. Naturally, this includes Xue Po and Zhu Guo'er. Han Li stands with the two women and the elderly Flower Shi Grandmaster at one corner of the hall, quietly observing the black-armored guards' busy activities. As for the group of young women, they will not be transported all at once to Xue Tian; instead, they are entrusted to the merchants' representatives, who will see that these foreign beauties are delivered to the human race. Several other Mahayana cultivators in the hall clearly also held themselves with pride, either accompanied by disciples or standing alone, each occupying their own space, showing no intention of conversing with one another. The other foreign cultivators remained quietly in their places, barely glancing toward the Mahayana cultivators such as Han Li. Suddenly, a movement of footsteps outside the hall caused Ming Zun to enter, accompanied by Feiyun Immortal. The several foreign Mahayana cultivators who had been silent all at once felt a sense of alertness and glanced over toward them. After gently touching the green circular ring that had appeared on his wrist, Han Li calmly dismissed the moment. This ring, which appeared to be a storage bracelet, had been transformed by Tian Fei'er. "Ladies and gentlemen, this transmission array is typically usable only once every hundred years. Therefore, I have come personally this time to ensure the transmission proceeds without error," Ming Zun said warmly to the several Mahayana cultivators, his gaze pausing briefly on Han Li before shifting away. "Hehe, with Master Ming personally stepping in to support us, I'm certain this transmission won't have any issues at all." A tall, slender foreign cultivator of the Grand Stage smiled and said this. The others also smiled and offered their thanks. Facing the renowned Grand Councilor of the Merchant Alliance, they could not afford to be careless. After greeting each of them individually, Ming respectfully bowed to Han Li and asked, "Brother Han, I've long admired your reputation. Had it not been for some disruptions during the auction event, I originally planned to personally visit you after the auction concluded. Now that I finally get the chance to meet you, I hope you will forgive my delay." "Master Ming is being most generous," Han Li smiled and returned the bow. The other foreign cultivators of the Grand Stage, upon observing Ming's warm treatment of Han Li, found themselves somewhat surprised. After all, Master Ming himself is one of the most renowned immortals on the Fengyuan Continent. It's no ordinary Great Immortal who could earn such equal treatment from him. "Master Ming, this Dao-friend is..." the tall, unusual foreign guest couldn't help but ask. "My name is Han Li, of the Human race. I'd like to introduce myself to all of you." Before Master Ming had a chance to make an introduction, Han Li had already stepped forward to do so himself. "Indeed! The Human Great Immortal who boldly ventured into the Demon Realm and slew the Mother of the Mingsheng!" Upon hearing this, the tall foreign guest's face immediately turned pale. The other Great Immortals nearby were also startled, their expressions toward Han Li now somewhat different. They couldn't help but realize at this point that Master Ming had likely come specifically for Han Li—otherwise, with their own status, they would never have been asked to make such a special journey. "Indeed, I did participate in the expedition to the Demon Realm." "But as for slaying the mother of the stem-blighted insects, it wasn't solely my effort—some of the accounts may have exaggerated that." Han Li replied indifferently. In a matter of moments, dozens of people had fully entered the massive spell array. After the array's light surged brightly, the forms of Han Li and the others became blurred and vanished. "Finally, they're gone," breathed the Flying Cloud Princess, turning to Ming the Sovereign and asking, "Master Ming, was the dragon clan truly among them?" "Whether it's true or not, we'll find out," replied Ming the Sovereign calmly, then extended his hand and gently grasped the void before the massive spell array. Instantly, a circular array disc flew out and landed smoothly in his hand. The disc was crystal clear, with a series of delicate, scale-like spiritual patterns engraved along its edge, and most of the half-circle glowed with a soft, gentle light. "Fifty-seven—indeed, one more than the originally planned number. One person's transmission energy was consumed beyond the expected. I wonder how she managed to blend in among these people, given that the palace's sealing mechanisms failed to detect her presence," the Flying Cloud Princess observed the disc closely and said with a pleased expression. "The True Dragon lineage possesses profound and incalculable powers—some techniques or treasures being able to deceive our senses is by no means surprising. Should he wish to return to the Dragon Clan in the near future, this transmission is indeed his only opportunity. Nevertheless, once the matter of the Nightmare Dragon's blood—the major headache—is settled, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief." Ming Zun finally broke into a smile and replied. "This is all thanks to Ming's esteemed connection with the Dragon Clan, who promptly informed us that the item in question was not the 'Primordial Dragon's Blood,' but rather the 'Nightmare Dragon's Blood.' It was only because of this timely communication that the Dragon Clan representatives were able to seize the item during the auction. Otherwise, whether we managed to sell it off or had to resort to strong measures that injured members of the Dragon Clan, our alliance would have been in serious trouble." Fei Yun, the Immortal Lady, sighed with a wry smile. "Given how unusual and troublesome the Nightmare Dragon's blood is—how it taints and corrupts the true energy of those who undergo its cultivation—selling it off at auction would undoubtedly bring long-term complications. Originally, simply handing it directly over to a But this move seemed rather weak, significantly undermining the prestige of our alliance and making it difficult to explain to the lower ranks. It would be better simply to let the Dragon Clan take them away. Although the auction's reputation would also suffer, between the two, we had to choose the less severe option. Ming Zun spoke calmly. "That's true. However, even if we tried to negotiate, we would likely not have enough time—so this compromise would have to suffice." Flying Cloud Princess replied respectfully. "Then that concludes the matter. For the reward announcement, we just need to remain firm externally while being flexible internally. I believe within a few years, people will largely forget this incident. Return now. Though I've learned about the auction, there are still several matters within the alliance that require my attention." Ming Zun nodded, then waved his sleeve and turned to leave on his own. Flying Cloud Princess smiled gently and followed him out of the hall. …Han Li naturally had no idea that the so-called "dragon's blood" had been seized—quite deliberately left untouched by the He Lian Merchant Alliance. Even if he truly understood this, he would likely only remain silent for a moment before setting it aside as unimportant. As soon as he felt the white light fade and quickly regained his senses from a gentle dizziness, he immediately became aware of his surroundings. Beneath him lay another massive magical array, though the area around it was unusually spacious, paved with smooth, open stone. Aside from a man and a woman standing side by side, there was no trace of any other figures. "Welcome, esteemed elders and friends, to the Blood Sky Continent. This is Li He Lian, the representative of the He Lian Merchant Alliance stationed here. Should any of you have questions, please feel free to ask me directly. Whatever I know, I will do my best to answer." The man had a round, pleasant face, appearing only in his thirties. Yet, as he bowed and spoke, he radiated a warm, cheerful demeanor, clearly approachable and courteous. Yet the young woman standing beside her bore an unusually cool and refined demeanor, merely observing the figures within the array without uttering a word. "Ah, it's Master Fang. Do you have a map of the surrounding area, with key factions clearly marked?" The two also possessed the Qi-Integration stage of cultivation. Having been transported here, most of the attendees treated them with due respect, promptly returning a bow, while one immediately asked the question. "Of course—we have several copies ready," the round-faced man replied without hesitation. With a swift movement of his sleeve, dozens of jade scrolls of varying colors flashed into view before them. The figures within the array were delighted and quickly approached to claim their copies. Some more eager ones, after briefly scanning the scrolls with their spiritual awareness, immediately brightened and then took off in their respective directions, leaving swiftly. The rest, after inquiring about a few additional matters, also departed. Among them were four Masters at the Great-Ascension stage, along with their disciples. In a matter of moments, only Han Li, a Dao-Stage cultivator, remained near the array, along with about five or six other ethnic figures who seemed to be allied. These ethnic figures were gathering in quiet conversation, apparently discussing something. "Let's go as well," Han Li said calmly after scanning the jade scroll in his hands. The scroll was not obtained by Han Li himself, but rather brought by Loushi the Elder, who had personally traveled to collect one copy for each of them. Upon hearing Han Li's words, Xuepo and the others naturally agreed without hesitation, and immediately prepared to take flight together. "Excuse me, Master Han—please wait a moment. I have been specifically dispatched to welcome you here, and I would like to invite you to accompany me to a certain place," the cold-featured woman suddenly stepped forward, her voice unexpectedly sweet and pleasant. "Dispatched to welcome me! Then, under whose authority have you been sent? Are you also from the HeLian Commerce Alliance?" Han Li paused, surprised, and turned to ask. —— Volume Eleven: The True Immortal Descends Chapter Two Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Seven: The Eight Ghosts Devouring the Buddha's Image "Hehe, Master Bi invited you to come and summon me—did he not mention anything else? Did he truly expect me to definitely agree to meet with him?" Han Li chuckled upon hearing this. "Before you arrived, Master Bi entrusted me with a single item, asking that I personally deliver it to you." The cold, elegant woman's face briefly showed a subtle expression of surprise before she said this. "One item? Then please, show it to me." Han Li narrowed his eyes. "Yes, please take a look," the woman said without hesitation, fluffing her sleeve and instantly producing a scroll vividly red, as if stained with blood, which she then held out with both hands. Han Li extended one hand, and the crimson scroll flashed into his grasp. With a swift sweep of his spirit sense, he furrowed his brows slightly, but without hesitation, he unfolded it. The scroll revealed a striking, ink-black painting of the Eight Ghosts Devouring the Buddha. Eight grim, ferocious ghostly beings with green, bearded faces—some spreading their jaws and arms wildly, others wielding bone forks and bone spears—surrounded a monk whose face was blurred and indistinct, as if they were about to tear him apart and devour him whole, rendering the scene astonishingly lifelike. Han Li held the scroll tightly at both ends, gazing intently at the image of the ghosts, his face calm, though a subtle sense of curiosity stirred within him, wondering what exactly the jade-silhouette figure intended by having him view this scene. At that moment, a sudden burst of bloodlight erupted from the scroll's surface, streaking straight toward Han Li. Han Li was momentarily startled, instantly sensed the bloodlight with his spirit awareness, and after a brief pause, did not flinch or dodge—instead, allowing the light to sweep past him, and as it did, he was smoothly drawn into the image. The others standing nearby, including Xue Po, Zhu Guo'er, and the others, were all taken aback. The old master, Hua Shi, however, frowned, then shook his shoulder, and instantly several streams of black qi burst forth from his back, coalescing into a A posture of immediately launching a massive python attack at the slightest movement from the other party. "Dear friends, please don't be alarmed. Master Han is perfectly well. This is merely Lady Bìyǐng summoning him with a strand of her focused awareness to keep the matter concealed. He will appear shortly." The cold and elegant woman gestured to Flower-Shi Elder with calm assurance. "Indeed? Should Master Han encounter any mishap within, don't hold me responsible if I turn cold on you." Flower-Shi Elder expressed her cautious skepticism with a firm tone. "If Master Han fails to appear shortly thereafter, dear friends, please feel free to come to me." The elegant woman smiled. "Flower Brother, the other party seems sincere. Let us wait a while. With Master Han's divine abilities, even if something unforeseen occurs, he will surely be safe." After a few flashes of her gaze, Flower-Shi Elder also spoke calmly. Master Huashisheng found the argument convincing and thus retracted the colossal serpent that had manifested from his head, standing silently by with a gloomy expression. Meanwhile, Zhu Guo'er glanced anxiously toward the floating image of the malevolent ghost. Now, this eerie painting had been completely enveloped in blood-red light; whenever anyone's spiritual awareness touched it, it was immediately repelled, unable to penetrate even slightly. Indeed, waves of blood-tinged air continuously drifted out from the image. Upon seeing this, the remaining several members of the foreign tribes grew suddenly alert, exchanged hurried words, and then swiftly took flight, clearly fearing they might be drawn into the turmoil. Only the round-faced man who had introduced himself as Fang Jin remained smiling calmly, watching the scene with steady interest. At the same time, within the mysterious space contained within the ghostly painting, Han Li frowned slightly, observing a gray-robed elder monk seated in meditation. This monk, as one might judge from his attire, was precisely the figure seen earlier in the painting of the eight demons, the one surrounded by the eight spirits. Yet now, the monk remained motionless, as if carved from wood. Where then was the demon? Han Li shifted his thoughts and cast his gaze around. He noticed that within ten or twenty paces, the air was thick with a viscous, blood-red mist. As the blood surged, faint traces of cold, malevolent energy seeped through—upon mere contact with his spirit sense, it felt as though he had touched something profoundly cold and heavy. Han Li's face briefly showed a look of surprise. At that moment, a thunderous roar erupted within the mist, and the fog parted, revealing eight monstrous demons, each towering over fifteen or twenty paces high. These demons were half-veiled, wrapped in animal hides, adorned with strange, eerie patterns on their bodies, and crowned with odd horns. As soon as they stepped out of the mist, they immediately encircled Han Li completely. "Biyin, what is the meaning of this?" Han Li's face darkened, and suddenly turned to the monk ahead, saying coldly, "Oh, Daojun, how do you know that Bi is here?" The monk's body slightly trembled, and indeed opened his eyes—his gaze was hazy, as though still half-asleep. "Daojun are jesting," Han Li said calmly. "Though I have only recently attained the stage of Great Perfection, I must have seen this technique of mental projection countless times. I originally thought that Daojun would reveal your artifact to discuss some secret matter, which is why you allowed me to be drawn in. But now, seeing the condition of these spectral beings, it seems things have changed." "Daojun, please do not misunderstand," the monk said. "I summoned you indeed to share some important news. However, this matter is of great significance, and I must first verify whether you truly possess the qualification to know of it." These eight Huangqu Ghost Kings, though not particularly powerful, command genuine, original Huangqu冥 winds. Ordinary cultivators who come into contact with even a single strand of this wind are instantly reduced to mere flesh and bone, dissolving completely into nothing. Even experienced Great Perfection cultivators would typically have to retreat, hesitating to confront it directly. Should your companion be able to move freely within the Huangqu阴 wind and endure for one full minute without relying on any法宝 or instruments, then they shall have passed our test. Afterwards, I shall personally serve tea, offer apologies, and provide a full account of what transpired. Should they fail to meet this standard, I shall simply escort them out, as though nothing had ever happened. The monk spoke with a composed, expressionless demeanor. Almost simultaneously, the eight evil spirits roared once, then opened their mouths, and a dark, ink-black wind surged forth, forming a massive wind wall that sealed off the surrounding space tightly, rushing straight toward Han Li with powerful force. "Huangqu冥 wind—remain within it without any法宝 or instruments for one full minute!" "Quite impressive! To think this is all—doesn't seem quite enough to warrant such a modest showing." Han Li gazed at the surging gusts of阴风, a flicker of astonishment passing through his eyes before he composed himself and said calmly. "Boom!" No incantation or spell was needed. As the swirling black winds reached his body, a shimmering golden glow suddenly emerged on his surface. At a distance of several zhang, the black winds halted abruptly, frozen in place by the golden radiance, unable to advance an inch. "Indeed, a remarkable ability," the monk remarked, his pupils slightly constricted, yet his expression remained composed. "Yet, don't grow too complacent, Master. This Yellow Springs阴风 is known to grow stronger when encountering resistance and weaken when facing the less resilient—its power extends far beyond what you've just witnessed." Han Li, looking at the dark winds at a distance, replied softly, "Indeed. If this Yellow Springs阴风 proves so enigmatic, then I shall be delighted to learn more." At the very instant his words had finished, a sudden and powerful gust of wind surged forth, radiating an astonishing force that seemed almost overwhelming. As the golden light emanating from Han Li came into contact with this immense force, it immediately began to compress and retreat, emitting a series of strange, crisp cracking sounds. Though it only retreated by a few inches before being once again held steady by the brilliance of the light, the movement caused Han Li's eyes to flash with interest. "These Yellow Springs winds truly possess some merit," Han Li remarked. "I shall take a few for my own study. Would you mind?" "Ah, if you truly possess such extraordinary abilities, then by all means, take them," the monk replied, slightly surprised but quickly smiling. "Then, I shall not hesitate," Han Li smiled gently, and with a single hand, formed a seal. A soft "puff" sound, and a golden glow shimmered behind Han Li, instantly solidifying into a golden, three-headed, six-armed form. This celestial image stood over fifteen zhang tall, adorned with countless golden characters that radiated an astonishing brilliance, making it impossible to look directly at. As soon as it materialized, the six arms lifted simultaneously, and Han Li began chanting in a steady rhythm. Several black wind pillars surged and were gradually absorbed into the golden vortex, vanishing without a trace, as if a thousand rivers converged and flowed into one. The vast black wind wall, once imposing, was swiftly drawn apart, reduced to fragments. Even the eight evil spirits, desperately spewing black winds, could not maintain their footing under the pull of the vortex, steadily drifting toward it, as though utterly unable to break free.