The next morning, Patriarch Hua Shi appeared in the hall on the first floor of the pavilion, then relayed a message he had received during his meeting with the Ice Phoenix.

"So Fellow Daoist Ice Phoenix was abducted by the Six-winged Frost Centipede, and he's harboring a lot of animosity toward me, is that correct?" Han Li confirmed as he stroked his own chin in a contemplative manner.

"That's what Fellow Daoist Ice Phoenix told me. On top of that, the Six-winged Frost Centipede only agreed to act as lure after Senior Ming Zun promised him that he would convince you to leave the Six-winged Frost Centipede alone for the next 1,000 years," Patriarch Hua Shi replied.

"I see. By the way, did you pass on those protective treasures I gave you to Fellow Daoist Ice Phoenix?" Han Li asked.

"I did."

"Good. You can go now. Before the battle begins, get as far away from here as possible," Han Li instructed.

Patriarch Hua Shi gave an affirmative response before taking his leave in a respectful manner.

In the coming days, Han Li remained in his pavilion,...