The Crocodile Demon left with admiration on its face, and its bubble was quickly replenished.


    Though it had lost to Han, it still had to continue fighting to fully display its strength.


    The next opponent was another water creature from the Day Travel clan. The result was no different from the previous battle—the creature was swiftly defeated by Han with little effort.


    Watching the creature retreat, Han fell into deep thought, and then it clicked—he finally understood the issue.


    It didn’t matter that he couldn’t use powerful magical arts.


    These lower-tier water creatures couldn’t possibly have any formidable magical arts either. For them, even having a Day Travel technique was considered “top-tier.”


    And that Day Travel technique might not even be an offensive one.


    "I thought I was the only one unable to use magic, but it turns out you true water creatures are the same."


    Everyone is the same...


    With the powerful bloodline of the Sea-Covering Jiao Dragon, Han naturally had a certain advantage over these other water creatures.


    Additionally, his deep soul power meant that even his regular attacks were likely more powerful than some low-level magic.


    Compared to human cultivators, these water creatures were essentially like the lowest-tier rogue cultivators.


    Once he thought about it this way, it made sense why they couldn’t use various magical techniques—Han immediately understood.


    This was it, this was the key!


    Representatives from the various water regions had been watching Han’s progress closely. After witnessing his two battles, they all nodded in approval.


    “This Xu Xian has solid foundations. Although he hasn’t trained in appropriate magical techniques, the strength he can display is already quite impressive.”


    “You can see faint golden light emanating from his body. That should be his innate divine ability, likely a defensive technique. It seems like a strong one.”


    “Not bad, not bad. He’s outstanding. With some training and a systematic approach to guiding him, his future is bright.”


    "..."


    The powerful beings from the various water regions all praised Han’s performance. They were not at all surprised by his lack of powerful magical techniques.


    They had seen this kind of situation many times, and it was perfectly normal. It was also the reason their recruitment offers had enough appeal.


    Rogue water creatures who possessed a variety of powerful techniques would be highly suspicious.


    As the battles continued, Han grew more and more confident, becoming increasingly relaxed in his movements.


    With his golden light shield protecting his body and his energy barrier in place, along with a few magic tools, he was virtually unstoppable—no one could stand in his way.


    It was easier than facing the Day Traveler from the Huang family or the Corpse Sect’s Dai Lin.


    It wasn’t just because these water creatures lacked advanced magical techniques; they also had relatively low cultivation levels.


    Most of them were at the early stages of the Day Travel technique, the same as Han.


    But their "early stage" was truly in its infancy, while Han’s "early stage" was already on par with later stages.


    In a fight at the same cultivation level, facing a group of rogue cultivators, how could Han not win easily? He could even fight with his eyes closed.


    Moreover, while techniques like the Energy Barrier were already outdated in Han''s arsenal, that didn’t mean they were inherently weak.


    They were just less effective against stronger opponents. However, against rogue cultivators, the Energy Barrier was still quite powerful and would serve him well for a long time.


    There was no denying it: rogue cultivators simply had no rights.


    And so, Han fought his way through battle after battle, until he finally encountered a truly formidable opponent.


    The Ice Jiao Dragon from the other two Jiao Dragons.


    This Ice Jiao Dragon had reached the late stages of Day Travel.


    During his previous fights, Han had taken the time to observe the other opponents, and the Ice Jiao stood out.


    Not only was the Ice Jiao’s cultivation level high, but it also wielded several powerful ice-type techniques, each with significant power.


    Moreover, the Ice Jiao likely had a unique innate ability, though it had never used it so far.


    Jiao Dragons were beasts with exceptional bloodlines, and they typically possessed innate abilities—Han was the rare exception.


    To be able to transform into a Jiao Dragon, one had to have encountered some extraordinary opportunities.


    The two Jiao Dragons at this law meeting were not to be underestimated—they were both talented individuals who had received fortuitous encounters.


    If they fought with their full strength, Han wouldn’t take the Ice Jiao lightly. However, since he was still in a self-imposed restriction of having bound his own arms, he knew he had to show some respect for his opponent.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "Your bloodline is quite noble," the Ice Jiao said, revealing its true form. Its ice-blue dragon eyes fixed on Han.


    "But your cultivation is too weak, and you lack powerful magical techniques. You won''t be able to defeat me."


    "That defensive technique might be able to block those weaklings, but it won’t stop me!"


    "We’ll see about that."


    Han replied with a confident smile.


    "Whoosh!"


    A blizzard of icy winds suddenly whipped up, and the temperature plummeted, sending a bone-chilling cold through the air.


    The icy storm grew stronger and stronger. Han’s golden silk armor appeared, shielding his body and countering the magic.


    "Boom!"


    The sound of an explosion rang out as the ice energy surged through the air. The bubbles around them expanded.


    The purpose of this bubble was to isolate the inner and outer worlds, preventing them from interfering with each other.


    When the ice storm dissipated, Han’s dragon-like form emerged, still majestic and unharmed.


    "You seem no different from those other water creatures," Han said calmly.


    The Ice Jiao’s pupils constricted. He hadn’t expected Han to be so skilled in defense that even his late-stage ice magic couldn''t break through.


    After all, he was an Ice Jiao—using ice magic should have enhanced his strength.


    "You''re only relying on the power of your magic tools!" the Ice Jiao snorted, then opened its mouth and spat out a blue magic sword that soared into the air.


    "Let’s see how you block this!"


    A sea of ice spikes filled the air, sharp and deadly. A frozen Jiao Dragon formed within the ice, charging through the barrage, its majestic power palpable.


    The sky was filled with snow as the ice storm intensified, drawing everyone’s attention.


    The Ice Jiao was full of confidence, believing that it would easily break through Han’s defenses and teach him a lesson.


    Bloodlines were important, but cultivation was key!


    "This time, you''ll be defeated by me!"


    But...


    As the ice mist cleared, Han still stood proudly in the air, casually shaking his dragon head.


    "Is that all you''ve got, little Jiao?"


    He had expected to face a real challenge by binding his own arms, but it seemed he was still "invincible"!


    Life sure is lonely, like snow.


    "..."


    The Ice Jiao remained silent, feeling humiliated.


    Its entire body began to glow with an ice-blue light, stirring up the snowstorm as its overwhelming presence expanded.


    Han''s gaze sharpened. This was no ordinary fluctuation; it must be the innate ability of the Ice Jiao.


    "Frost and Snow!" the Ice Jiao roared.


    The temperature inside the bubble dropped further, and vast amounts of snow and ice appeared from thin air. Each flake contained hidden power.


    Han felt his dragon form stiffen, as if it were about to be frozen.


    This innate ability was powerful, capable of freezing one’s soul and exerting considerable control.


    The snowstorm thickened, engulfing the entire bubble. The snow piled higher and higher, and the thickness continued to increase.


    The extreme cold filled the entire bubble, freezing everything within it!


    The Ice Jiao smiled confidently, thinking he had already won.


    The strength of the Ice Dragon''s innate power was so overwhelming that even he felt a sense of fear.


    Those watching from the stands shared the same sentiment.


    Although Xu Xian’s bloodline was strong, his lack of offensive techniques and cultivation that fell two realms short of the Ice Dragon’s made it unsurprising that he was defeated by the Ice Dragon’s innate abilities.


    It’s said, a skilled woman cannot cook without rice.


    “Whoosh!”


    Suddenly, amidst the endless snowstorm surrounding Han’s position, the sound of flowing water rang out, and various colored lights flickered in the distance.


    In the blink of an eye, the snowstorm erupted, and five different flames shot out, burning the ice and melting the snow, raising the already frigid temperature.


    These flames, resembling fire dragons, surged toward the Ice Dragon, enveloping him and relentlessly roasting him alive.


    Roast Dragon!


    The snow melted, and Han’s figure emerged, his gaze looking down at the Ice Dragon.


    Before Han’s brow, a pearl floated, continuously releasing flames that scorched the Ice Dragon.


    The Ice Dragon writhed desperately within the flames, struggling violently.


    “Do you have any other tricks?”


    Han asked calmly.


    Just then, the flames around the Ice Dragon suddenly extinguished, and he emerged from the bubble.


    It was the Sea Dragon King who intervened, signaling that Han had won.


    Han shook his head, observing the scene.


    “You, little dragon, just standing there to take the blows… You had the chance, but you couldn’t seize it.”


    Compared to the other aquatic creatures, this Ice Dragon was undoubtedly an elite among them.


    But I specialize in taking on elites!


    Without powerful offensive techniques, I still have my magic weapons.


    The Five Flames Pearl, containing five types of flames—Wood, Yin, Yang, Thunder, and Law—is a formidable combat artifact.


    If one wanted to use it for alchemy or weapon forging, that would work too.


    But for dealing with an Ice Dragon, it was perfect. With Han’s cultivation, activating the Five Flames Pearl was more than enough to handle him.


    Normally, Han preferred using superior techniques, but this time, using the magic weapon proved to be quite effective.


    Of course, the Five Flames Pearl couldn''t be used to refine the Earth Fire Seal.


    The Earth Fire Seal required a complete flame, its essence being the core of the flame itself.


    The essence must merge with other essences for the Yin Earth Fire to evolve.


    The Five Flames Pearl, being just a magic weapon, didn’t contain the flame essences. Instead, it was inscribed with special runes that, when activated, transformed Han''s power into five types of flames to release.


    These were flames without an origin, mutable flames, and thus couldn’t be used for the Earth Fire Seal.


    Han had already attempted it during his training with the Yin Earth Fire Seal.


    After defeating the Ice Dragon, no other opponent stepped into Han’s bubble.


    Confused, Han asked, “Lord Dragon King, is it over?”


    The Sea Dragon King’s voice echoed, “You have defeated all the Day-Running aquatic creatures in this conference. You are now the strongest in the Soul Path.”


    Han suddenly realized that he had indeed beaten every opponent, leaving no one else to challenge him.


    This was the third rule of the conference: Cultivators would not fight martial artists.


    The highest-level cultivators were only Day-Running, and in a closed environment like the bubble, there was no way they could defeat martial artists in bone-forging stages. The outcome was always destined for failure.


    If cultivators were forced to fight martial artists, it would only be to let the martial artists rack up victories.


    With the bubble now silent and the Sea Dragon King no longer speaking, Han quietly waited.


    Next, everything would be processed after all the events in the bubbles were completed—whether rewards were given or new territories were joined.


    Han looked at the other aquatic creatures. The various unique abilities on display were indeed eye-opening.


    Some of these creatures could expel large amounts of filthy liquid when in danger to obscure their vision and escape...


    A defense mechanism, no doubt.


    These abilities were strange and diverse, but most of them were practically useless.


    Once all the events in the bubbles were finished, each aquatic creature landed back on the Shell Plaza.


    The elder-like Sea Dragon King spoke:


    “I’ve given each of you ample time to display your abilities, and some of your performances have pleased me.”


    “So, I have decided to reward you with treasures.”


    Hearing this, everyone’s excitement grew.


    Look at me, look at me!


    The Sea Dragon King then looked at Han first, asking:


    “Xu Xian, do you wish to have the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame?”


    “Yes.”


    “Very well. I shall grant you this flame, and may it be of help to you.”


    A flame, irregular in shape, burned without emitting any warmth, but instead, it was incredibly cold. It appeared in the Dragon King’s hand.


    It was a rare, Yin-Ice hybrid, a mystical flame!


    The Dragon King then took out a jade pot and placed the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame inside. Han recognized it as a Fire-Preserving Pot.


    His Pure Yang Flame was still stored in the same pot.


    “This pot is also for you, to store any mystical flames,” the Dragon King added, and the Fire-Preserving Pot flew toward Han.


    The Ice Dragon, watching all this, clenched his teeth in frustration.


    His goal had been that very mystical flame!


    But, having been defeated by Han, he could never receive such a reward before Han.


    “Thank you, Lord Dragon King!” Han accepted the pot, feeling elated.


    The second Yin fire was finally in his grasp!


    It was worth the long, bloody battles, draining every ounce of his strength and every drop of his blood.


    What a hard journey it has been!