Chapter 481-485: Past Events of the Divine Brush Sect (6.5k+ words)
A somewhat worn-out ancient painting hung on the wall.
The painting depicted the canyon world where He Ke and Li Fan had previously captured the Rift-Breaking Realm Whale.
In this room, there were at least thirty scrolls on the walls.
What surprised Li Fan was that some of the scrolls seemed to be shrouded in a mysterious energy, preventing outsiders from probing. Even his "Destiny Xuan Bird" couldn't see the contents.
The Bluebird flew out of the painting, gently placing He Ke on the ground. Then, it turned into a wisp of blue light and disappeared into his embrace.
"He Ke is back!" A young cultivator who had been napping in the room suddenly showed a happy expression and shouted outside.
Soon, the not-so-spacious room was instantly filled with cultivators.
"It's good that he's back. He should have successfully found that Rift-Breaking Realm Whale, right?"
"The hard days are finally over!"
"Yeah, once He Ke leaves, that guy Lu Ya should follow him back, right?"
"Relying on having a monstrous beast, he bullies people everywhere! It's despicable!"
"Senior Brother Liu, last time when you sparred with Lu Ya, he didn't even summon the 'Tian Wu.' You still ended up begging for mercy on the spot, didn't you?"
"I made a mistake that time! If we were to go at it again..."
"Hush! Lu Ya is here!"
"Uh..."
The originally boisterous crowd instantly quieted down.
They even voluntarily made way, allowing Lu Ya to enter smoothly.
With yellow hair and an expressionless face, Lu Ya walked directly to the sleeping He Ke.
His gaze lingered on Li Fan for a moment before gently falling on He Ke's face.
With a light wave, he lifted He Ke, with Li Fan in tow.
He walked out of the room, and a beast with the body of a tiger and the face of a human suddenly appeared.
"Tian Wu..." The breath emanating from the other party made Li Fan feel slightly uncomfortable. Subconsciously, he retreated a bit into He Ke's hair.
The beast-faced person roared, and Lu Ya leaped onto its back.
The monstrous beast, Tian Wu, looked around arrogantly before flying into the sky.
"Thanks for the three years of hospitality from the Divine Brush Sect. Lu Ya is deeply grateful! There will be heavy gratitude in the future. I bid farewell today; no need to send me off!"
Lu Ya loudly proclaimed towards the ground.
Without waiting for the Divine Brush Sect's response, he commanded Tian Wu and quickly disappeared into the sky.
"So arrogant! Just relying on the strength of the Beast Taming Sect!"
"Hehe, Lu Ya himself is already in the late Yuan Ying stage. Plus, with that Tian Wu beast, I don't think even Senior Brother can necessarily match him."
"Yeah, it's our own fault for not being competitive. We can't let the seniors intervene, right?"
"Let it be, let it be. With the Sect Master's appearance, it's not as good as Senior Brother."
...
Before leaving, Li Fan faintly heard some discussions from below.
Lu Ya, however, paid no attention, flying away with He Ke and the others.
The scenery below kept changing as they crossed plains and mountains.
After about twenty days, the surrounding scenery finally became somewhat familiar.
They had returned to the territory of the Beast Taming Sect.
"Without the existence of the White Mist Barrier, traveling around in ancient times was much more convenient."
Thinking like this, Li Fan vaguely felt that this journey in the Meteor Immortal Realm was coming to an end.
As He Ke had slept all the way, he was finally awakened by Lu Ya at this moment.
"Huh? Senior Brother Lu Ya?"
He Ke, still a bit groggy, rubbed his eyes and looked ahead at Lu Ya, who stood straight with his clothes fluttering in the wind, feeling a bit confused.
"Where is this?" Thinking he was still dreaming, He Ke looked around.
Li Fan gave him a sharp claw, instantly waking him up.
"Wow! Beast Taming Sect! I'm back!" Recognizing the surroundings, He Ke excitedly jumped up.
A slight smile appeared on Lu Ya's face.
He patted He Ke's head and inquired about his three-year experience in searching for the Rift-Breaking Realm Whale.
He Ke naturally poured out his grievances.
After comforting and praising him, Lu Ya's expression became serious, and he started explaining the important matters.
"Next, there is something even more important for you to handle."
Hearing that he had just returned and was about to go out again, He Ke's expression immediately drooped.
However, seeing Lu Ya's solemn expression, He Ke still nodded in agreement.
"Senior Brother Lu Ya, what is it?"
"I need you to go to Nangong and deliver something for me," Lu Ya said in a deep voice.
"Nangong? Seems like I've heard of it somewhere..." He Ke scratched his head, pondered for a moment, and suddenly realized, "Oh! It's that place with many mythical beasts..."
Li Fan, who was about to listen closely, suddenly noticed that the surroundings and voices became blurry.
"This..."
Even if there was much helplessness in his heart, he couldn't change the rules of the Meteor Immortal Realm.
In the next moment, after a whirlwind, Li Fan returned to the Tianxuan Mirror.
"Divine Brush Sect, Nangong..."
Li Fan recalled the sights and experiences of this journey in the Meteor Immortal Realm, contemplated for a moment, and began searching in the Tianxuan Mirror.
The Divine Brush Sect, a medium-sized sect in ancient times.
They used the brush to follow the Dao, claiming that characters and paintings could communicate with the divine.
Disciples in the sect were exceptionally skilled in calligraphy and painting, and there were even legends of creatures being brought to life through drawings.
Unfortunately, after several calamities, almost none of their works survived.
Even when Li Fan visited the Museum of Divine Treasures, he couldn't find any enduring pieces.
In today's cultivation world, there isn't much recorded about the Divine Brush Sect's cultivators. Most of them were mediocre and unknown.
Only one former sect master of the Divine Brush Sect, Chu Youhong, left a faint trace in history.
This person, at the Yuan Ying stage, took over as the sect master when the previous sect master passed away, managing the Divine Brush Sect.
Due to his low cultivation and weak strength, he was often looked down upon by the sect's cultivators. However, to avoid sullying the sect master's reputation, they didn't make it too embarrassing on the surface.
Chu Youhong didn't mind, treating the sect's cultivators with kindness and lacking the majesty of a sect master.
Although this was the case, Chu Youhong didn't neglect his duties as sect master.
He personally took care of all internal and external affairs, big and small, in the sect.
Externally, he also managed the relationships with various nearby sects.
With his diligent efforts, the Divine Brush Sect gradually recovered from the embarrassing situation of the previous sect master's sudden death and the lack of disciples.
Thanks to these achievements, the disciples of the Divine Brush Sect slowly recognized Chu Youhong as the sect master.
And when the mortal disciple he took in made rapid progress, surpassing him in cultivation, Chu Youhong was relieved as a master should be.
Seeing that everything was going smoothly and the future of the Divine Brush Sect was promising, an anomaly occurred one day.
The outstanding disciple, the senior brother of the Divine Brush Sect, turned out to be a spy sent by another sect, the Dianhua Sect. His target was the Divine Brush Sect's treasure, the Painting Heaven Brush.
One night, with his inside information and external support, the Dianhua Sect launched a surprise attack on the Divine Brush Sect.
The Divine Brush Sect suffered countless casualties, nearly facing extinction.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 482: Suddenly One Year Passes
Just when the cultivators of the Divine Brush Sect were in despair, something even more infuriating happened.
The Sect Master, Chu Youhong, disregarded the lives of the disciples and, with the treasured Painting Heaven Brush and many other items from the sect's treasure vault, directly left through the void.
Although this to some extent also attracted a lot of attention from the Dianhua Sect, as the sect's leader, he showed a complete lack of responsibility.
This made the surviving cultivators of the Divine Brush Sect, who were still desperately fighting, feel extremely resentful.
If it weren't for the fact that the other party was ruthless and left no survivors, they probably would have surrendered on the spot and joined the Dianhua Sect.
In this battle, except for Chu Youhong and a few lucky survivors, almost all members of the Divine Brush Sect were annihilated.
Although the Dianhua Sect failed to seize the Painting Heaven Brush, they swallowed up a large amount of the Divine Brush Sect's land and resources, greatly enhancing their strength. They quickly became one of the top sects in the surrounding areas, gaining a renowned reputation.
Chu Youhong, along with the Painting Heaven Brush, seemed to have completely disappeared from the world.
Twenty years later, surviving cultivators from the Divine Brush Sect encountered Chu Youhong and angrily questioned him about why he had abandoned the disciples and escaped alone.
Chu Youhong showed no remorse and spoke words that have been passed down in the history of the Xuanhuang Realm.
"You all could die, and it wouldn't matter."
"As long as I'm alive, the Divine Brush Sect still exists."
"My master entrusted the Divine Brush Sect to me before he died, and I must not let it perish in my hands."
Chu Youhong appeared entirely justified.
The cultivators were dumbfounded, unable to refute. Originally determined to seek revenge, they forgot about it and let Chu Youhong leave in a daze.
Because this statement was too arrogant, it quickly spread in the cultivation world.
Some mocked it, while others suddenly realized and considered it profound wisdom.
There were even those who couldn't stand Chu Youhong's attitude and wanted to personally teach him a lesson.
However, after this incident, he seemed to vanish from the world, and no one ever saw him again.
It wasn't until later, when the calamity struck, and the Dianhua Sect inexplicably fell overnight, that some suspected he might be involved.
...
"Prioritizing personal interests over public matters, it is indeed a behavior that ordinary people find hard to understand."
After carefully savoring it, Li Fan couldn't help but sigh.
"Perhaps the spy from the Dianhua Sect had already reached the position of Senior Brother, but still chose betrayal and violent seizure of power due to this reason."
"Recognizing the true face of my Master, I feel that wanting to inherit the Painting Heaven Brush through conventional means would certainly be a distant prospect. It was only under such circumstances that he resorted to this strategy."
"Encountering such a bizarre situation, there really isn't a better solution."
Li Fan shook his head slightly and resumed searching for the term "Nangong."
He did find some fragmentary information about the "Nangong Monster Mountain."
However, when he wanted to delve further, he realized his access level was insufficient.
"Monster Mountain..."
"It seems to be related to the surviving monsters in the world."
Li Fan's eyes flickered, and he made a note of it for now.
As time passed, it quickly reached the anchor point of 10 years.
During this year, except for occasional minor frictions between the border states and the Five Elders, the other states remained peaceful.
The Congyun Sea was also calm.
As a special envoy of the Martial Arts Hall, Li Fan did not need to perform specific tasks.
He only needed to occasionally visit the Martial Arts Hall for tea and report his presence.
If he had no time, he could spend some contribution points to delegate tasks to other cultivators.
So, life was quite leisurely.
After transferring the accumulated 15 million contribution points, including the principal and interest, to He Zhenghao, He Zhenghao stared at the astronomical figures on the contribution points, dumbfounded.
For a long time, it took him a while to recover with eyes reddened.
In that brief moment, He Zhenghao couldn't help but entertain the idea of taking the money and running.
But thinking about the owner of these contribution points, he shuddered and immediately regained his senses.
Unless he directly defected to the Five Elders, there was no escaping from either being robbed or spending without restraint.
Regaining his composure, He Zhenghao began contacting the various people who had participated in the investment, returning the contribution points one by one.
The cultivators who had gained benefits were overjoyed.
However, He Zhenghao's subsequent announcement left them somewhat frustrated and disappointed.
"Due to uncontrollable factors, Master Li's fundraising plan will be temporarily suspended."
He Zhenghao sighed softly, "Everyone, please leave! When the wind subsides, and Master Li decides to resume the fundraising, I will inform you all."
This statement was deliberately vague.
But the more ambiguous the words, the easier it was to trigger people's unfounded speculations.
Uncontrollable factors? When the wind subsides?
Master Li, who could even bury a Yuanying cultivator with money, now had to reluctantly suspend the fundraising.
"It must have touched someone's interests. Hiss..."
The cultivators present all showed expressions of sudden realization. After exchanging glances, they all remained silent.
While feeling angry for not hitching a ride to wealth, they also felt indignant on behalf of Li Fan.
"When everything returns to normal, be sure to notify me first."
They privately said this to He Zhenghao.
Having received many gifts and a small fortune, He Zhenghao naturally agreed with a full mouth.
Li Fan's temporary suspension of contribution points collection was due to the rapid expansion of the total contribution points, showing signs of getting out of control. He wanted to pause it for a while.
But he did receive a reminder from within the Wanxian Alliance.
"Well, let's keep them guessing for a while. We'll restart the plan before the Crimson Flame Sea event."
Li Fan didn't pay much attention to this matter.
As the cultivators who benefited from the fourth investment began spending contribution points to enhance their strength, a surge of feedback in their cultivation poured into Li Fan's dantian continuously.
Even without cultivation, his cultivation base steadily increased every day.
Not to mention that Li Fan's almost continuous enlightenment and Dao comprehension pill were still in effect.
In just one year, it equaled several decades of hard cultivation for ordinary cultivators.
Li Fan felt that his Golden Core was almost complete and feared that it wouldn't be long before he could prepare to form a Nascent Soul.
During this year, every three months, he visited the Transformed Island to extract some Kunpeng essence blood from Ye Feipeng for research.
His understanding of the power of the Kunpeng bloodline deepened.
In the meantime, Li Fan entered the Falling Immortal Realm once again.
At the request of Lu Ya, Xu Ke was entrusted with delivering an important wooden box to Nangong.
This wooden box was crucial, with various powers sealed on it.
Li Fan even sensed the aura from the Beast Emperor San Mao.
So, Li Fan and Xu Ke traveled together on the Qinglun Bird for the entire journey.
The land of Nangong seemed extremely distant from the Beast Control Sect.
Until the time ran out, they had not reached their destination.
This trip to the Falling Immortal Realm had to be hastily abandoned.
And so, the time came to the anchor point of the 11th year.
This year, the long-sealed Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace would reappear in the world.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 483: The Plague God Comes in Person
In the Cloudy Sea, on a deserted island.
Sikong Yi and Baili Chen cautiously surveyed the surroundings. Once they confirmed that no one was following them, they entered the hidden cave that Sikong Yi had constructed.
The interior was not large and quite rudimentary, but Sikong Yi felt unusually at ease within.
Baili Chen, the clone, stood guard at the entrance, remaining vigilant. Sikong Yi, on the other hand, lay relaxed on the bed, contemplating future plans.
"If my speculation is correct, the anomaly in the center of the Cloudy Sea should be a precursor to the manifestation of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace."
"The 'Cloud Water Map Scroll' should be in this ruin."
"One hundred thousand contribution points."
A hint of desire flashed in Sikong Yi's eyes. However, soon after, a trace of hesitation emerged.
"There should still be descendants of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace in the world. If I go there pretending to be a disciple and happen to be discovered..."
Thinking about this, Sikong Yi felt a bit frustrated.
Some time ago, the clone practicing the "Endless Sea Divine Sword" unexpectedly sensed someone else practicing the same technique at a location in the Cloudy Sea. It was obtained from the remnants of a Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace disciple. In the current world, besides him, no one should know about it. But unexpectedly, this happened.
His initial reaction was that there were still disciples of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace in the world.
Originally, he wanted to follow the sense and investigate. However, the closer he got to the target location, the stronger the unease in his heart became.
Going there would be a dead end!
Reaching this conclusion, Sikong Yi was scared and immediately retreated.
After all, with thousands of years of heritage, how could a mere Qi-refining cultivator like him compete?
After narrowly escaping, Sikong Yi couldn't sleep or eat well, fearing that the other party might follow the sense of the shared cultivation technique and come knocking on his door.
"Although the Golden Core technique is precious, compared to my life, it's nothing."
After much consideration, he decided to temporarily dispel the "Endless Sea Divine Sword" technique, leaving only pure cultivation in his Dantian.
Under this influence, the clone's combat power significantly decreased.
During this period, he became more cautious in his actions, avoiding unnecessary outings and staying in the Heaven Mirror and this hidden cave as much as possible.
Now, with the opening day of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace approaching, his thoughts began to stir.
"One hundred thousand contribution points, one hundred thousand contribution points..."
He muttered under his breath, and slowly, a resolute expression flashed in his eyes.
"If Taiyi the old turtle's mind is unclear, I'll quickly get to him. Then, I'll rebuild the 'Endless Sea Divine Sword' technique, disguise myself as a disciple of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace, and deceive the 'Cloud Water Map Scroll.'"
"After leaving the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace, I'll quickly dispel my cultivation and head to the Heaven Mirror to claim the reward. This way, even if that descendant realizes something is wrong and tries to find me, it should be too late."
"The only thing I need to do is to be faster than him."
"Wealth and risk coexist!"
With a determined mind, Sikong Yi breathed a sigh of relief. He was about to take a good nap, preparing to store up energy before the adventure.
Suddenly, he sensed some movement at the entrance of the cave.
Sikong Yi's expression changed abruptly. He quickly got up and went to the entrance with the clone, both on high alert.
"Is Senior Bai Li here?"
A sentence made Sikong Yi's heart rise to his throat.
"Who is it? How does he know my identity and even the location of this cave?"
For an instant, various figures appeared in Sikong Yi's mind, but he rejected them one by one.
Narrowing his eyes, Sikong Yi and Baili Chen remained silent. Instead, they took out magical tools from their storage rings, secretly gathering their strength.
Seeing that there was no response for a long time, the voice outside spoke again, "Hehe, Senior Bai Li, don't worry; I mean no harm."
"I've come this time just for the 'Cloud Water Map Scroll' and the one hundred thousand contribution points."
Hearing this, Sikong Yi's heart shook, and the magical tools in his hand almost slipped away.
His expression changed continuously. After contemplating for a long time, he finally spoke.
Controlling the clone and deliberately using a hoarse voice, he asked, "What do you mean?"
The other party smiled, "Senior Bai Li, don't pretend to be confused. Do you really think, besides you, there is no one else in this world who knows about the 'Endless Sea Divine Sword' technique?"
Finally confirming that the other party was not being mysterious, Sikong Yi remained silent for a long time before asking in a deep voice, "What do you want to do?"
"What do I want to do? You say it as if I'm up to no good." The other party smiled, "Naturally, I want to get a share. One hundred thousand contribution points, who wouldn't be envious."
Upon learning the other's intentions, Sikong Yi actually breathed a sigh of relief.
After much consideration, he finally lifted the prohibition at the entrance. The main body and the clone walked out back to back.
Waiting outside the cave was a middle-aged cultivator with an unremarkable appearance. A goat-like beard grew on his chin, and his face was thin.
"Don't be so nervous; I mean no harm. I am Han Wuyou!" The middle-aged cultivator bowed, smiling slightly.
"Speak directly!" Sikong Yi, seeing that the other party was only in the Qi-refining stage, was no longer as tense.
After a discussion among the three, Sikong Yi learned the whole story.
It turned out that the "Endless Sea Divine Sword" performed by his clone in a previous confrontation had been secretly observed by this person.
Although Han Wuyou's cultivation level was not high, he had broad knowledge and had read many classics. He had even recognized that this technique originated from the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace.
Recently, he noticed the abnormal scene in the center of the Cloudy Sea. After observing it on-site for a while, he speculated that it was a sign of the imminent manifestation of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace.
Connecting it with the task that offered one hundred thousand contribution points, he believed that Baili Chen, with the inheritance of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace, must have the confidence to obtain the "Cloud Water Map Scroll" from the ruins.
So, he secretly followed and visited them.
"Being able to obtain the 'Cloud Water Map Scroll' is my own ability. Why should I share a piece of the pie with you!" Sikong Yi said indignantly.
"Hehe, friend is joking. You don't want everyone to know about obtaining the inheritance of an ancient sect, right?" Han Wuyou touched his beard, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.
A killing intent gradually rose in Sikong Yi's heart. Just at this moment, he heard the other party say, "However, I won't take advantage of you for nothing."
"You have your path to wealth, and I have my path to ascend."
"If you are willing to share a portion of the one hundred thousand contribution points with me, then I also have a clear path to share with you."
"Our collaboration is just the starting point of one hundred thousand contribution points!"
Sikong Yi's mind stirred, "Be clear!"
Han Wuyou smiled slightly, saying, "Our strength is humble. Even if we get one hundred thousand contribution points, it will be quickly depleted. Isn't that right?"
After thinking for a while, Sikong Yi nodded, "It's true that earning contribution points in the Foundation Building stage is very slow. But when I breakthrough to the Foundation Building stage..."
Han Wuyou waved his hand, "What about the Foundation Building stage? Are there not many Foundation Building cultivators in the Cloudy Sea? Aren't they struggling every day for those pitiful contribution points? One hundred thousand contribution points, even if a Foundation Building cultivator doesn't eat or drink, it would take more than a dozen or twenty years to accumulate."
"What solution do you have, then?" Sikong Yi was somewhat unwilling.
Han Wuyou lifted his head slightly, proudly saying, "Have you heard of Master Li Fan?"
Sikong Yi was slightly stunned, then his body shook violently, "You mean that ancient Tianji Sect cultivator who is extremely skilled in deduction and is as wealthy as a country?"
Han Wuyou nodded, saying with pride, "Exactly! I am friends with Master Li..."
Pausing for a moment, Han Wuyou continued, "Fan, with seniors He Zhenghao and He, I have some acquaintance!"
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 484: Carefree Solves Worries
Sikong Yi looked at Han Wuyou suspiciously, his face full of disbelief. "I have heard of He Zhenghao. He is now a popular figure in the Cloudy Sea. You're just a Qi-refining cultivator; how can you establish a relationship with him?"
Han Wuyou touched his goat-like beard, quite pleased with himself, and said, "My methods far exceed what you imagine. The specifics are not convenient to explain. However, you don't need to doubt its authenticity."
Seeing that Baili Chen and Sikong Yi still seemed skeptical, Han Wuyou sneered, "Well, I knew you wouldn't believe easily."
With that, he threw a communication talisman over. "This item is Senior He Zhenghao's communication talisman. Try it out for yourselves, and you'll know if I'm bluffing."
Sikong Yi solemnly held the talisman and sensed it slightly.
Sure enough, He Zhenghao's appearance was displayed.
Trying to send a greeting message, unfortunately, He Zhenghao seemed busy at the moment, only responding with a symbolic automatic reply.
Even so, it indeed proved that Han Wuyou, in front of them, was not lying.
Han Wuyou took back the communication talisman and continued to entice, "With one hundred thousand contribution points in your hands, you'll only be able to enjoy the benefits. How much will be left after one year? Two years, three years?"
"But if it's handed over to Master Li Fan through Senior He Zhenghao, it's different. Maybe you don't know, but the contribution points invested by Master Li Fan have at least a fifteen percent annual return."
At these words, Sikong Yi's expression became serious.
The clone, Baili Chen, even exclaimed, "A fifty percent annual return? How is that possible!"
He quickly calculated in his mind, "Doing nothing every year, there is at least a fifty thousand point profit."
"If I continue to invest the profit with Master Li Fan, it will only take six years for one hundred thousand contribution points to become one million contribution points..."
"Hiss..."
One million contribution points.
Thinking of this huge number, Sikong Yi felt a bit dizzy.
Once the desire in his heart sprouted, it became difficult to suppress.
Although reason told him that such an explosive profit curve was extremely unreasonable, Li Fan's reputation in the cultivation world and various deeds were not false.
That was a level Sikong Yi currently found difficult to reach, and perhaps there was such an unbelievable ability?
Sikong Yi's heart trembled.
Han Wuyou looked at Sikong Yi's expression and knew that the matter was settled.
"Han Daoist, come inside and explain in detail." Sikong Yi invited Han Wuyou into his own cave, questioning various details about the investment.
In Han Wuyou's narration, Sikong Yi listened with excitement, regretting not meeting Han Daoist earlier and missing many opportunities to get rich.
"Although I'm eager to hand over the one hundred thousand contribution points to Master Li Fan for investment, the situation hasn't been settled yet."
After some contemplation, Baili Chen sighed slightly, "The Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace ruins have been sealed for thousands of years, and they must be extremely dangerous inside. I also don't have full confidence in successfully obtaining the Cloud Water Map Scroll."
"Moreover..."
After hesitating for a while, Baili Chen decided to tell the truth, "In this world, there may be another descendant of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace!"
Han Wuyou's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.
So, Baili Chen recounted the things he had sensed when practicing the "Endless Sea Divine Sword" before.
After hearing Baili Chen's words, Han Wuyou contemplated for a moment and slowly said, "In my opinion, the other party may not necessarily be a descendant of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace. It's very likely that they accidentally obtained this technique from some ruins."
Baili Chen smiled bitterly, "Even if that's the case, we can't confirm it. I won't hide it from Han Daoist; I don't dare to get close to that island."
Han Wuyou paced back and forth, as if thinking about something.
After a long time, he said, "If Daoist trusts me, you can indicate the location of that island. I will help Daoist settle this matter!"
"But, if it succeeds, I want forty percent of the one hundred thousand contribution points!"
Sikong Yi and Baili Chen both raised their heads, staring intently at Han Wuyou.
After a while, Baili Chen said in a deep voice, "If you can really resolve the issue with the cultivator practicing the Endless Sea Divine Sword, then giving you forty percent is not a problem!"
"Good!"
Next, Sikong Yi brought Han Wuyou near the island of his transformation.
"How is it?"
"There is indeed a dangerous aura hidden on the island," Han Wuyou observed from a distance, frowning.
"However..." Han Wuyou's tone changed, "it's not a big problem!"
Sikong Yi was somewhat surprised.
But Han Wuyou coldly said, "In today's cultivation world, a cultivator's life may not be as precious as one might think."
"Daoist, please return to your cave and await my good news!" With that, Han Wuyou arched his hand and floated away.
Sikong Yi watched his departing figure, revealing an inexplicable expression.
Instead of returning to his cave, Sikong Yi lurked near the island.
Three days later, a shadow approached the island at an extremely fast speed.
At the same time, a cultivator flew out from the island.
After a brief confrontation, the two began to fight fiercely, the momentum shocking Sikong Yi who was secretly observing.
"Han Wuyou indeed has some skills. Judging from this power and movement, he is at least in the Yuanying stage!" Sikong Yi was excited.
After watching for a while, Sikong Yi was afraid of being noticed or affected by the battle.
He silently left and returned to his own cave.
Two days later, Han Wuyou visited again.
"Baili Daoist, you can try to practice the Endless Sea Divine Sword again!" Han Wuyou proudly said.
"I've invested heavily this time. Don't disappoint me on the trip to the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace!" Han Wuyou's tone was inexplicable.
Baili Chen, hearing this, immediately tried to practice again.
The cultivation transformed by the "Supreme Primal Scripture" was still preserved in the elixir field. However, after half a day of effort, he successfully restored his cultivation to the state before the dispersal.
Upon careful sensing, the cultivator who had practiced the same technique before was nowhere to be found!
"Han Daoist, you really have great means!" Sikong Yi was overjoyed, instantly gaining more confidence in Han Wuyou.
Han Wuyou stroked his beard triumphantly, saying, "In today's cultivation world, relying solely on bravery and ruthlessness is useless. You need a background and connections!"
Sikong Yi nodded in agreement.
The three of them discussed the details of their actions carefully. After all preparations were in order, the day for the opening of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace was getting closer.
So they set out together, heading for the central part of the Cloudy Sea.
At this time, outside the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace, many cultivators had gathered to watch.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 485: Li Fan's Calculations and Heavenly Healing
"With Baili Daoist here, these cultivators are destined to make a futile trip." Han Wuyou scanned the surroundings, smiling as he transmitted his voice.
"It's not so certain. Besides the Cloud Water Chart, there must be other opportunities inside the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace." Sikong Yi remained calm, staring straight at the increasingly spectacular anomalies in the sky.
"Even with significant opportunities, I'm afraid they can't compare to the Cloud Water Chart." Han Wuyou shook his head.
Sikong Yi was somewhat surprised. "What do you mean by that?"
"Hehe, people are only concerned about the ten thousand contribution points, blinded by their eyes. They overlook the true opportunities," Han Wuyou smiled faintly.
"What is most important in cultivation? Background! Connections!" he repeated.
"In my opinion, the true value of this Cloud Water Chart is that through this matter, you can form a relationship with the senior who issued the mission."
"If you can casually reward ten thousand contribution points, this person is at least in the Nascent Soul stage. If you can establish a connection with him, even if it's just a few words, it's a completely different story for ordinary cultivators," Han Wuyou explained softly.
"If you can obtain a stable contact, it will completely change your destiny."
Sikong Yi seemed to be deep in thought after hearing this.
After a while, he nodded slowly.
While the three chatted, a blue light swept across the Cloudy Sea, officially opening the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace.
Sikong Yi, Baili Chen, and Han Wuyou, along with many other cultivators, flew in.
After some twists and turns, they passed Qin Tang's test safely.
However, for some reason, as they delved deeper, the three attracted the attention of another group of cultivators.
They ended up fighting inexplicably.
The other side had more people and a higher overall cultivation level.
In the end, Han Wuyou fell in the siege, dying without closing his eyes.
Sikong Yi, relying on the powerful life-saving ability of the "Daylight Robbery Art," managed to survive.
In a sorry state, he continued to advance towards the location of the Taiyi Hall in his memory, feeling an icy chill in his heart.
"How unpredictable life is. A figure like Han Daoist should have an unlimited future. Yet, he died here without rhyme or reason."
Thinking of his confident demeanor just a short while ago, Sikong Yi felt somewhat lost.
Although they had only known each other for a short time, Sikong Yi had already regarded him as a confidant.
Unfortunately, talent attracts envy!
Sikong Yi subconsciously touched a storage ring in his hand.
It was precisely the one he took from Han Wuyou after seeing his dismembered body.
Han Wuyou was indeed wealthy, filled with various arrays and magical treasures.
There were about ten thousand contribution points worth of spirit stones, and most importantly, dozens of communication symbols.
"Connections, background..."
Sikong Yi kept repeating these words in his mind, and the sadness in his eyes gradually disappeared.
"Han Daoist, rest assured. I will live on well for you!"
Using Han Wuyou's life as a sacrifice, the subsequent actions indeed went much more smoothly.
After passing the test of the Insect Taoist, Sikong Yi, enduring the intense pain of being pierced by a myriad of swords, arrived at the square in front of the Taiyi Hall.
At this time, there was silence all around, with only him present.
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Sikong Yi controlled his clone and activated the "Endless Sea Divine Sword."
"The 165th generation direct disciple of the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace, Bai Li Chen, seeks an audience with Patriarch Taiyi!"
He shouted loudly.
The ground trembled, and in the end, he successfully obtained the Cloud Water Chart from the confused giant snake monster.
After requesting teleportation to leave the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace, Sikong Yi, pretending to be calm, headed straight for Wan Xian Island.
With twists and turns, he successfully returned to the Tianxuan Mirror.
The clone Bai Li Chen chose to submit the completed task.
"Unable to identify the authenticity of the Cloud Water Chart, please wait."
The response from the Tianxuan Mirror made Sikong Yi's heart jump.
"Even the Tianxuan Mirror can't identify it? Besides the miniature landscape, what else does this Cloud Water Chart have?"
Before Sikong Yi could contemplate, the subsequent prompt from the Tianxuan Mirror shook him even more.
"The mission issuer... requests to visit your space, do you accept?"
"He's here! He's here!" Sikong Yi was momentarily stunned, then his heart pounded violently.
His whole body surged with blood, and Han Wuyou's words before his death surfaced in his mind once again.
"True opportunities, connections!"
At that moment, numerous thoughts flashed in his mind.
Taking a deep breath and calming himself, Sikong Yi said in a deep voice, "Accept."
A moment later, an old man with white hair and a seemingly kind face appeared in front of him.
Sikong Yi respectfully bowed, then nervously handed over the colorful model.
The old man took the Cloud Water Chart, carefully examined it, and sighed emotionally.
His cloudy eyes kept turning, seemingly recalling something.
"In the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace, what is the current situation?" he asked.
Sikong Yi swallowed, stuttering as he answered.
The old man didn't seem to mind Sikong Yi's nervousness, just listening to his description and nodding occasionally.
After Sikong Yi finished narrating, the Tianxuan Mirror space fell into a long silence again.
Watching the motionless figure of the kind-looking old man seemingly immersed in the past, Han Wuyou's words echoed in Sikong Yi's mind.
"In today's cultivation world, relying solely on being fierce and ruthless is not enough. You need background and connections!"
His heart rate increased, and in the end, he couldn't hold back.
Summoning courage, he asked, "Senior, I wonder if there is anything I can do for you?"
The heavenly healer looked up, glancing at Sikong Yi.
Sikong Yi felt as if his heart had been gripped, stopping its beats.
His entire body seemed to freeze, and his brain ceased thinking.
After a long time, he heard the other person chuckle, "Well, I happen to have something for you to do."
"Run another errand for me in the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace, and leave this item there."
Saying this, the old man took out a small white jade statue and handed it to Sikong Yi.
Upon hearing this, Sikong Yi's heart surged with joy.
However, he dared not show the slightest expression on his face and carefully accepted the statue.
Upon closer inspection, the white jade statue seemed to have nothing special, just resembling the old man in front of him.
"I will not fail the trust of the senior!" Sikong Yi put away the statue and said in a deep voice.
"As for the reward..." The old man stared at Sikong Yi for a while before slowly saying, "Let it be another hundred thousand contribution points!"
With that, Sikong Yi received a prompt from the Tianxuan Mirror that two hundred thousand contribution points had been credited to his account.
Sikong Yi's brain went blank.
It wasn't until the figure of the old man disappeared from the Tianxuan Mirror for a long time that he regained his ability to think.
"A simple errand, and another hundred thousand contribution points!"
"This senior, I'm afraid he's far more than just in the Nascent Soul stage!"
"Opportunity, true opportunity!"
"If I rely solely on myself, who knows how long it would take to accumulate a hundred thousand contribution points! Now, with just a few words from a big shot, I can easily obtain them."
"Han Daoist was not deceiving me!"
Excited, Sikong Yi seemed to see a bright future for himself and couldn't help but let out a long roar.
After calming down, not daring to neglect the old man's instructions, he headed straight for the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace once again.
The statue in the storage ring emitted a white light, flying straight into the sky, dissolving and disappearing.
Sikong Yi, who had completed the task, breathed a sigh of relief, saw no one around, and quietly left.
Not long after, outside the Cloud, Water, and Sky Palace, a hidden figure quietly appeared.
It was Li Fan.
"The heavenly healer..."
"Hmph!"
He watched Sikong Yi's retreating figure and sneered coldly.
(End of this chapter)