"I didn't do anything at all. It was entirely thanks to the formations Brother Han set up beforehand that the surges in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth could be suppressed. Otherwise, with my mere Deity Transformation cultivation, how could I possibly possess such power?" Ice Phoenix chuckled softly, her glistening eyes rippling with light.
"Master, you've really become a mid-stage cultivator now? That's wonderful! In that case, Master won't even have to fear late-stage cultivators!" Hai Dashao broke into a wide grin, his face brimming with excitement.
"What nonsense are you spouting? Late-stage perfected cultivators possess unfathomable power — how could I possibly compare with them? Still, you've returned at just the right time. I was planning to enter the Barbarian Spirit World again shortly after coming out of seclusion. Even if everything goes smoothly, the round trip will take one to two hundred years. Before I leave, I want to meet with the three of you — my disciples — to offer individual guidance and make arrangements for your future cultivation. The three of you must strive to advance several more levels before the Demon Calamity erupts. As for Qi Lingzi, I've already heard from your Aunt Ice that he has successfully condensed his Nascent Soul. Guo'er here has reached late-stage Core Formation — she's no more than a hundred years away from condensing her own. But you, Hai Dashao, are still at mid-stage Core Formation, which is rather too slow." Han Li's expression turned serious.
"Master, I'm cultivating both my body and my magical power — it's only natural that I'd be a bit slower. I haven't been slacking off at all!" Hearing the gravity in Han Li's tone, Hai Dashao was startled and couldn't help but mutter defensively.
"Of course I know how difficult dual cultivation of body and magic is. But once the Demon Calamity erupts, those ancient demons won't care whether your cultivation has been difficult or not. Only by becoming truly powerful can you hope to preserve your wretched little life during the tribulation." Han Li rolled his eyes slightly, his tone somewhat exasperated.
"Yes, Master! Your disciple will definitely put even more effort into cultivation from now on." This time, Hai Dashao didn't dare offer any further argument.
"Good. I'll use a Myriad-Mile Talisman to contact Qi Lingzi and Guo'er and have them return as soon as possible. As for you, there's no need to go to Sky Profound City for now — I'll provide you with personal guidance first. You may go for now; I have some matters to discuss privately with your Aunt Ice." Han Li nodded, then immediately issued his instructions.
"As you command, Master!" Hai Dashao promptly acknowledged, then withdrew from the hall.
"Fairy Phoenix, congratulations — not only has your Magical Power been fully restored, but your cultivation has advanced yet another level!" Only after Hai Dashao's figure had disappeared through the doorway did Han Li turn his head to address Ice Phoenix with a warm smile.
"This is all thanks to Brother Han's generous assistance. Without such a plentiful supply of pills, how could I possibly have recovered my Magical Power so quickly? But for Brother Han to advance to mid-stage Body Integration in just two to three hundred years — now that is truly something to marvel at. It seems you truly intend to attempt the late-stage bottleneck before the Demon Calamity arrives." Ice Phoenix returned with a radiant smile.
"Heh heh, Fairy Phoenix has a keen eye. I do indeed have such plans. But when the time comes to attempt the bottleneck, I'm afraid I'll truly need to draw upon Fairy's Heavenly Phoenix Yin energy." Han Li said slowly.
"Rest assured, Brother Han. By then, I should have reached late-stage perfected Deity Transformation. The efficacy of my Yin energy will be even more beneficial to you. However, though my cultivation is still shallow, I've studied the texts in your cave dwelling and know that breaking through to late-stage Body Integration is far more difficult than any previous bottleneck you've faced. How confident are you, Brother Han?" A hint of curiosity appeared on Ice Phoenix's face.
"Heh heh. Among us human Body Integration cultivators, there are over a hundred in total, yet those who have actually reached the late stage can be counted on fewer than ten fingers. And every one of those who reached Body Integration was a once-in-a-million talent among human cultivators. How could I dare claim any degree of certainty? I can only give it my all." Han Li stroked his chin, his response noncommittal.
"Heh heh. If anyone else said that, I might truly believe them. But since Brother Han already has such plans, your chances of advancing to the late stage must be at least thirty to forty percent!" A glimmer of cunning played in Ice Phoenix's eyes.
"Ha ha ha! If Fairy Phoenix insists on thinking so, then by all means, think as you wish." Han Li was momentarily taken aback, but the next instant he broke into hearty laughter.
"However, Brother Han's intention to attempt the late-stage bottleneck makes his prolonged absence from the human race rather ill-timed. The Demon Calamity is about to erupt, and even though we've signed alliances with several neighboring races, the Barbarian Spirit World bordering those races will only grow more chaotic." Ice Phoenix's tone shifted, and a note of concern entered her voice.
"Naturally, I'm aware of that. But this particular journey is of utmost importance — it cannot be avoided." Han Li's smile faded, and a measure of gravity entered his expression.
"If Brother Han says so, you must have your reasons. I won't press the matter. But you've only just advanced to the mid stage — it would be best to consolidate your realm a while longer before setting out." Ice Phoenix gave a bitter smile.
"Thank you for the reminder, Fairy Phoenix. I had no intention of departing immediately. I'll wait at least another two or three years before I leave. During that time, I'm afraid I'll need to impose upon Fairy Phoenix to look after and guide my three disciples." Han Li smiled faintly, his manner one of complete confidence.
"Heh heh. These three In-Name Disciples of yours have always been most respectful toward me. Even without your asking, I would gladly offer them what guidance I can. You may rest easy on that account." Ice Phoenix readily agreed with a pleasant smile.
"Then I thank you, Fairy Phoenix. Oh, and after I depart, should you encounter any trouble you cannot resolve, you may present my token of identification to the Gu family or to Zen Master Jin Yue of Sky Profound City..."
Han Li was delighted and continued to entrust Ice Phoenix with various matters, his clear voice echoing through the hall!
Two months later, upon receiving the news, Qi Lingzi hurried back from Sky Profound City to Han Li's cave dwelling.
Half a year after that, Bai Guo'er likewise returned.
The two of them then joined Hai Dashao in receiving Han Li's personal instruction, which cleared away many of the previously murky and confusing aspects of their cultivation — each point dissolving at a single word of explanation.
As for the news of Han Li's advancement to mid-stage Body Integration, under his strict orders it was kept entirely confidential, and the outside world remained completely unaware.
And so, three years passed in the blink of an eye.
On this day, the gates of the cave dwelling slowly swung open, and Han Li emerged clad in a green robe.
Behind him followed Ice Phoenix and his three In-Name Disciples.
"There's no need to see me off any further, Fairy Phoenix. And the three of you — do not neglect your cultivation. When you encounter things you don't understand, feel free to consult Fairy Phoenix." Han Li turned to Ice Phoenix and gave a slight bow, then addressed Bai Guo'er and the others in a calm voice.
"Yes, Master! We will not fail in our cultivation."