"Since we can be certain that the other party is a celestial immortal, we still don't know the purpose of their arrival in our realm. After all, our realm has long lost contact with the Celestial Realm. The other party has not only materialized here in the form of a celestial immortal, but must also endure the suppression of our realm's fundamental laws—bearing an unknown cost to achieve such a feat. To say they merely fell accidentally into our realm, I find rather hard to believe." The elder took a deep breath and spoke. "Actually, I'm not entirely clear on this matter either. I haven't received any similar reports from the He Lan Trading Alliance. Aside from the already-fallen cultivators and the various ethnic beings sacrificed in blood rites, no one seems to have had any direct contact with this immortal, let alone investigated the purpose of their descent." Han Li shook his head. "If I were in charge of the He Lan Trading Alliance, I would surely make every effort to uncover the truth of this matter." Mo Jianli stroked his beard and chuckled. "Your words are most convincing." Well, I'll immediately convey this suggestion to Master Ming, and see if there's any possibility of making it happen. However, I believe the chances aren't particularly strong." Han Li nodded, remaining neutral. "Even if the chances are small, we should still make an effort. As long as we understand the purpose of the other party upon their arrival in this realm, we'll likely be able to identify their weaknesses—whether it's in battle or in negotiations, we'll be able to leverage those effectively." Mo Jianli said seriously. "Besides this matter, has Master Mo thought of any other useful suggestions?" Han Li asked the elder. "Just now, upon hearing what Master Han mentioned, I learned that you have two acquaintances who have fallen out with this immortal and have been pursued relentlessly all the way to the Leiming Continent, where their whereabouts are now unknown. This seems genuine." Mo Jianli paused and then asked. "This was personally reported by Master Ming, so it's likely accurate. These two acquaintances of mine are neither human—my one close friend, and the other one, whose relationship with me remains uncertain." Han Li chuckled lightly and replied. "Then, Brother Han, you'd better make efforts to establish contact with the two of them. Though I don't yet know how they've come to harbor a grudge against this True Immortal, if we can secure their movements and whereabouts, our clan will gain a certain degree of initiative." Mo Jianli spoke slowly. "My meaning is, if necessary, we might have to use them as bait?" Han Li furrowed his brows. "If that True Immortal truly pursues them all the way to Fengyuan Continent, where else could they possibly hide? Whether it's to preserve their lives or to lure this Immortal to a specific location, they'll likely have to serve as bait. I suspect Master Ming of the He Lan Merchant Alliance probably shares this very thought, which is why he's specifically informed you of this matter." Mo Jianli sneered lightly. "Ah, yes. As bait, they've already served in Blood Sky once—whether this strategy still holds is still uncertain. We'll discuss the details when the time comes." However, should they actually come under our human race's protection, whether out of sentiment or reason, the two of them would surely willingly cooperate with our efforts. But currently, establishing contact with them is no easy task. Once I return, I will personally assign my disciples to handle this matter." After a thoughtful pause, Han Li nodded and said. "Should these two esteemed guests agree to cooperate, that would naturally be the best outcome. As for whether the true immortal will fall for the scheme, Han Li need not worry. The very fact that the other party has dared to perform a blood sacrifice involving hundreds of millions of living beings speaks volumes about their boldness and disregard for protocol. Indeed, one might say they simply do not regard us lower-level cultivators at all—even if they knew it was a trap, they would still willingly step into it. I hope this true immortal does not need to set foot on Fengyuan Continent. Otherwise, even if you all unite and prevail, the continent will undoubtedly face a great deal of bloodshed and turmoil, with various clans bearing heavy costs. After all, this is a genuine immortal!" Mo Jianli smiled wistfully and said. "Given this true immortal's profound capabilities, strategy truly seems to hold little weight. I hope we don't have to reach that point." After a moment of silence, Han Li nodded in agreement with a sigh. "Yes, joining forces with your brother-in-arms has been a sound decision. Otherwise, no single clan on Fengyuan Continent could have stood a chance against this true immortal. Regrettably, my power stands only average at the stage of Great Transcendence, so I won't be able to contribute much. Yet rest assured—upon your return, focus solely on deepening your cultivation and steadily enhancing your strength. During this time, I will handle all matters within the clan. I will swiftly arrange for the evacuation of the major cities with dense populations, relocating the majority of people to more remote areas for temporary shelter. This way, even if the true immortal's influence does reach our human race, the damage will be minimized as much as possible. Additionally, I will reestablish powerful seals in these cities to serve as a precaution against any unforeseen contingencies." Mo Jianli first showed a touch of embarrassment, then straightened his expression and said, "Brother Mo's words are truly mature and well-considered. Then, let us proceed exactly as you have suggested. I shall not linger any longer—I will return to Qingyuan Palace tomorrow." After a moment's thoughtful pause, Han Li also readily agreed. The two continued chatting in the hall for nearly half an hour before Mo Jianli finally stood up and made his departure. Han Li and Nan Gong Wan escorted the human cultivator all the way to the deck, watching as he once again vanished into a streak of white light, soaring off into the distance. "My lord, will you truly go back and enter another period of meditation after you return?" Nan Gong Wan finally turned to Han Li, asking once the white light had completely disappeared at the horizon. "Indeed, I intend to. This journey has brought me several profound secret techniques. Though it may not be possible to fully master them all within a short time, even gaining a little deeper understanding might prove very useful when the time comes." Han Li stroked his chin, thoughtfully. "Hmm, your idea is quite sound. Yet I never expected that, just upon our return to the clan, the entire human race would face such a great crisis so swiftly. Truly, for us cultivators striving to advance, the journey ahead is far from easy." Nan Gong Wan's eyes sparkled, and a touch of wistfulness settled upon her composed features. …Two months later, at the YuYa Sea, Yuanhe Island, before Qingyuan Palace, the black giant ship descended slowly and gracefully. On the vast plaza below, cheers erupted in thunderous waves! Tens of thousands of human and elven cultivators bowed respectfully on the polished stone ground, welcoming the return of Master Han Li, the revered patriarch. As figures shifted on the ship, Han Li and Nan Gong Wan stepped down side by side, followed by a group of elders, including the old master Zhu Guo'er. "Welcome back, Elder!" The voices of over ten thousand people resonated continuously throughout the plaza, each face reflecting deep reverence. Han Li nodded briefly, said nothing, and strode steadily toward the main gates of Qingyuan Palace. Nan Gong Wan showed no visible surprise on her face, yet within her, a profound sense of astonishment surged. Though Han Li had previously mentioned that he had established a thriving foundation among the human race, she had never imagined the scale of it nor the vast number of disciples and followers. After all, she felt her husband had only recently achieved the great vehicle of enlightenment, and even with strong support from her family, things should still be just beginning. Before the Qingyuan Palace, the personally trained disciple, Hai Dashi, stood respectfully, hands folded. As soon as Han Li approached, he stepped forward and bowed formally, saying, "Disciple bows to Master, celebrating Master's return to the Palace." "Ah, this is your wife, Nan Gong Wan—she should also come and pay her respects." Han Li nodded expressionlessly first, then pointed with a finger at the young woman in white beside her. "Yue Tian bows to Mistress Master. It's finally wonderful to have Mistress Master returned." Hai Dashi was initially surprised, but quickly delighted and paid a formal bow to Nan Gong Wan. "Rise, please. You are Gu Yue Tian, I've heard much about you from your Master—indeed, you look quite distinguished." Nan Gong Wan glanced at Gu Yue Tian with a light smile. "Thank you, Mistress, for your kind words!" Hearing this, Hai Dashi was overjoyed. "Hmph. He's merely good-looking—had he put in even three parts of the effort of a true cultivator during his daily practice, his cultivation level wouldn't be so low," Han Li said, maintaining a stern expression. "The disciple has already given his best in daily cultivation, but how could he possibly compare to his senior brother, who is a true master of practice?" Hearing this, Hai Dashi quickly suppressed his smile, still muttering softly in a barely audible tone. Nan Gong Wan couldn't help but smile gently at this scene. Though Han Li had heard it all, he paid it no mind, merely glared at his disciple before leading the others into the main gate. At that moment, the disciples on the plaza rose up under the guidance of a few people and exited in a perfectly orderly fashion. Yet, they naturally began to discuss the fact that Qingyuan Palace now had a new female head of household. After Han Li took his seat at the head of the dais in the main hall of Qingyuan Palace, he had the young Ling Tian cultivators brought down to be arranged, and then gently inquired of Hai Dashi, "Where is your silver moon senior sister? I haven't seen her appear yet." "Sea Master nodded slightly, maintaining a serious expression as he replied, though the two bright, rapidly shifting eyes subtly revealed several of his inner thoughts. Seeing this, Han Li felt both exasperated and amused, rolled his eyes, and simply waved him off to retire."