Chapter 846-850: Wholeheartedly Infiltrating the Immortal Alliance (6k words)

The exotic beasts in the Beastkind Realm gradually sensed that something was amiss. Although the two attackers only revealed Nascent Divinity cultivation, they stood firm like a rock, resisting the endless onslaught of the beast tide. Their strength even increased as the battle continued!

Roars of wild beasts echoed across the Beastkind Realm.

In the sky, the weather changed. Above the central Black Tower, a massive vortex formed.

Within the vortex, the faint silhouette of a black mysterious bird could be seen.

Tianyang and Lin Ling's expressions turned serious for the first time.

But that was all.

Similar to the outcome where the Medicine King Sect's Lao Liu swept through this realm in the previous life, even with the use of the remaining shadow of Xiao Hei and summoning the will of the Beastkind Realm, it was quickly suppressed by the combined efforts of the two Dao Unity cultivators.

Following Li Fan's instructions, after killing the most powerful exotic beasts and extracting their beast cores, they cleared an area and concentrated the remaining beasts.

Then the two began their next move.

They moved the entrance of the Beastkind Realm to the Spiritwood Realm, similar to the previous transfer of the entrance to the Five Elements Grand Celestial Realm. This time, they completed the task quickly due to their previous experience.

When designing the headquarters of the "Universal Alliance," Ou Daozi specifically marked out an area.

It was used to place entrances to various realms.

At this point, it was not yet fully established, but as more small worlds were connected, it would truly live up to the name of the "Universal Alliance."

Of course, safety was also a crucial consideration.

The more gateways, the larger the potential vulnerabilities. Ou Daozi considered a solution involving nested spaces, planning to cut this region with entrances to various realms into relatively independent and disposable nested spaces.

If a contingency arose, they could abandon it for self-preservation.

However, this was still in the conceptual stage.

Even though Tianyang had swallowed Mo Shi, mastering the skill of casually cutting space required some time.

There was urgency.

After connecting the Beastkind Realm and the Spiritwood Realm, Tianyang, according to Li Fan's designated location, went to Li Jie.

At this point, the beast cores left by Li Fan in the "Immortal Spirit Tower" had been almost exhausted.

With no spiritual energy output, the cultivation of Li Jie and the others gradually fell into a predicament.

The exploration of the Fire World was still in its early stages.

Helpless, Su Yuqing sought help from Li Fan through communication talismans.

Tianyang did not conceal his aura.

After revealing himself, the pressure of the Dao Unity cultivators made the entire Li Jie seem as if it was shrouded in thick dark clouds.

People who didn't understand the situation showed expressions of fear.

Only Su Yuqing showed great surprise.

Facing the respectful Su Yuqing, Tianyang did not say much.

He silently helped the Immortal Spirit Tower resume operation and then connected Li Jie to the Spiritwood Realm.

"When the aura of the Immortal Spirit dries up again in the future, you can go to the Beastkind Realm to hunt for the necessary beast cores."

"The Beastkind Realm is different from Li Jie. You should try to improve your cultivation. You can apply for the required treasures and techniques from the headquarters of the alliance."

Tianyang succinctly stated.

Su Yuqing nodded repeatedly.

In fact, initially, Li Fan considered directly infusing the spiritual energy from the Spiritwood Realm into Li Jie.

However, after careful consideration, he vetoed the idea.

After all, small worlds without spiritual energy were the majority.

Can the Spiritwood Realm nourish one realm, let alone ten or a hundred?

It's better for each realm to be gradually transformed through the Immortal Spirit Tower.

Of course, this requires an astronomical number of beast cores.

After breaking through, Li Fan planned to take Tianyang to the Empire.

The Universal Alliance flourished and developed steadily.

On Haixuan Island, it was consistent with Jishao Li's prediction.

As the latest announcement from the Immortal Alliance was released, an unprecedented employment examination was about to take place.

Compared to previous years, the number of positions offered this time was more than double.

Even the overall treatment of the Immortal Alliance's internal cultivators had increased significantly.

Countless cultivators enthusiastically registered, hoping for a miraculous change in their fate.

However, He Zhenghao, who had already made ample preparations and was full of confidence, seemed a bit uneasy.

"Friend He, do you have something on your mind?" Jishao Li asked.

He Zhenghao seemed to be lost in thought, completely ignoring the question.

He acted as if he didn't hear.

"Friend He!" Jishao Li frowned and called out again.

Only then did He Zhenghao come back to his senses.

"Huh?"

"It seems, Friend He, that you're hiding something from us," Jishao Li chuckled.

He Zhenghao's unusual behavior had started two days ago when he returned to Wanxian Island.

Because they shared a common secret, the cultivators in the meeting now realized something.

All eyes were fixed on He Zhenghao, showing an unfriendly expression.

"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding!" He Zhenghao forced a smile and hurriedly explained.

"It's not what everyone thinks. The reason I've been absent-minded recently..."

He hesitated for a moment, then, with a helpless expression, took out an art book.

"Guilty as charged, this is the culprit."

Everyone looked at each other.

Jishao Li remained calm on the surface but felt a sinking feeling inside.

After flipping through a few pages of the art book, he abruptly put it away.

"Where did you get this item?" Jishao Li asked in a deep voice.

The art book contains the fascinating stories of the "One-Hearted Heavenly Venerate."

While not as realistic as the illusions Li Fan once experienced, it possesses a unique allure that can captivate the minds of cultivators.

No wonder He Zhenghao has been so absent-minded in recent days.

"I obtained it from a fellow Daoist who is friendly with me. He was quite secretive about it, claiming it's something extraordinary. It cost me five hundred contribution points."

"Although the art book is indeed impressive."

He Zhenghao muttered quietly.

"What exactly is it?"

With He Zhenghao's words, the curiosity of everyone present grew.

Jishao Li only showed the front part of the art book to the crowd.

Some cultivators initially mocked, "Friend He, you're a Foundation Establishment cultivator; how could you be swayed by such a thing?"

However, when He Zhenghao countered and revealed the true identity of the owner of the art book, all the cultivators were dumbfounded. Their gazes towards Jishao Li, holding the art book, instantly changed.

Jishao Li snorted, pulling them out of their wild fantasies with a few words.

"Ten thousand minds... one heart?"

"If one becomes immersed in it, is there a possibility of assimilation?"

Everyone's faces turned pale.

He Zhenghao was even more stupefied on the spot, his body trembling slightly.

"Fortunately, you didn't fall too deep."

"Friend He, immediately go into seclusion and eliminate all distractions from your mind," Jishao Li ordered in a deep voice.

In a panicked state, He Zhenghao subconsciously followed Jishao Li's command after being confined to a secluded place.

After reassuring the others, Jishao Li began to inquire about the circulation of Senior Sister Zhao's art book within Wanxian Alliance.

(This chapter is complete)

Chapter 847: Senior Sister Zhao's Alluring Figure

The situation is worse than expected.

Not only in Congyun Sea, but also across various regions of Wanxian Alliance, Senior Sister Zhao's art book is secretly circulating.

Cultivators have their pride and naturally won't spread the word about sneaking a peek at the art book. However, the content is so captivating that after viewing it, most cultivators, unless exceptionally resolute, find their minds wandering in various directions.

Even if they seek relief from other cultivators, their desires remain unfulfilled. They just want to see more about Senior Sister Zhao.

At this time, even more explicit and realistic corresponding art books emerge secretly, luring cultivators step by step into the abyss.

The crucial point is the well-timed selection of this moment. Wanxian Alliance's attention is entirely focused on the grand entrance exam, completely oblivious to the quiet circulation of something extremely dangerous within the alliance.

"Is it impatiently starting to test the waters?"

"Have they noticed that the transmission method has left the Xuanhuang Realm?"

Jishao Li looked mysterious.

The methods of the Eternal Heavenly Venerate, even for the weak in the Eternal Realm, are a dimensional strike difficult to defend against, even for ordinary cultivators. Even those in the Harmonious Path realm fall within the scope of the "ordinary."

So, Li Fan wasn't surprised that He Zhenghao fell for it. Even though he constantly thought about his wife and daughter, after watching Senior Sister Zhao's alluring scenes, his soul was directly hooked.

It's worth noting that even now, He Zhenghao no longer caught Li Fan's attention, but in reality, among cultivators, he was already outstanding. With no power or influence, he managed to hold a post in the island while making significant contributions to array formations. How many cultivators under the heavens could surpass him?

Yet, when faced with Senior Sister Zhao's art book, He Zhenghao reacted like this. The performance of other cultivators can be imagined.

"This is something a hundred times more dangerous than the Heart Ascension Pill."

"Wanxian Alliance actually let it spread without any awareness."

"Should I remind them..."

Jishao Li hesitated.

Even if he wanted to witness the miserable defeat of Wanxian Alliance and reveal the final trump card, he still had some fear in the depths of his heart when facing the methods of the One-Hearted Heavenly Venerate.

"Wanxian Alliance should have its own way of dealing with it. No need for me to worry."

After a moment of contemplation, Jishao Li ultimately gave up the idea of meddling.

He chose to watch from the sidelines.

He just cautioned the cultivators in the mutual aid association not to indulge their curiosity by viewing any art books and to closely observe the subtle changes.

However, soon Jishao Li realized that he had underestimated the abilities of the One-Hearted Heavenly Venerate.

Chapter 847: Thousands of Faces of Senior Sister

As the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat.

Knowing the danger doesn't mean one can completely sever their thoughts. Moreover, since they were aware of the true identity of the art book's owner, a top-tier powerhouse from the Xuanhuang Realm and the ruling Heavenly Venerate of the Five Elders Association...

They became even more curious about the content of the art book. At the same time, there was a bit of luck and confidence in themselves. Just taking a glance shouldn't be a big deal...

Once such thoughts arise, they are hard to dispel and only grow over time, making one's mind increasingly distracted.

When desires are not satisfied, they expand without limit.

When Jishao Li noticed that something was wrong, three members of the mutual aid association couldn't endure it and secretly obtained the art book to observe it.

While Jishao Li was astonished, he had no choice but to lock them all in the small dark room.

He supervised them to cleanse their minds.

"It's really hard to guard against."

Listening to the voices of resentment and curses in the darkness, along with their mad behavior, Jishao Li's expression changed.

"This is only the beginning, and I immediately cut off their influence."

"And those cultivators who are deeply immersed..."

Chills ran down Jishao Li's spine.

"Although Senior Sister Zhao may be a bit weaker in actual combat, her influence on cultivators is truly unparalleled among Heavenly Venerates."

To prevent more members of the mutual aid association from falling into temptation, Jishao Li simply recalled them all.

He sealed off Haixuan Island once again.

"Since there's still some time until the grand entrance exam, I don't believe Wanxian Alliance is unaware of this."

"Let's see how they handle it."

As Jishao Li expected, as more and more cultivators were affected by Senior Sister Zhao's art book, Wanxian Alliance finally sensed some clues.

However, Wanxian Alliance's measures taught Jishao Li a lesson. They didn't openly ban the circulation of the art book, and the official channels didn't even mention the existence of the art book.

Suddenly, within a day, thousands of different secret books began to circulate in Wanxian Alliance, all of which had been previously banned and prohibited from circulation and trade.

This included the one Li Fan had seen before, "Heavenly Venerate forcefully taking the Supreme Primordial Scripture Map."

And "Devouring Father, Devouring Mother, Demon Infant, Forget Worries Transmission," "Scholar Spouting Nonsense, Diverting River, Cutting Off Flow Map"...

There are written books as well as illustrated records.

The content is mysterious and diverse, with even contradictions among them.

But they all share a common point.

They are all about the five Heavenly Venerates of the Five Elders Association.

Previously, the cultivators of Wanxian Alliance only knew that there were five Heavenly Venerates in the Five Elders Association.

Now, suddenly so many secrets have emerged.

Naturally, it attracted their attention.

Soon, the content of these secret books became the hottest topic in Wanxian Alliance.

Cultivators discussing everywhere could be seen everywhere.

Even those who were generally indifferent to worldly matters started paying attention under the current atmosphere of worldwide discussion.

Jishao Li also noticed that it was in this situation that the allure of Senior Sister Zhao's art book seemed to unconsciously weaken.

Among the secret books released by Wanxian Alliance, there were naturally many about the "One-Hearted Heavenly Venerate."

Without deliberately downplaying the erotic parts, they described the deeds of the powerful ones starting from the insignificant, revitalizing the sect, while also interspersing many thrilling contents.

However, beautiful as it was, compared to the art book spread by the Five Elders Association, it lacked that fatal seductive power.

After reading it, one wouldn't lose sleep or appetite.

Just a moment of excitement, then it naturally fades away.

Jishao Li pondered, "When the mysterious veil is no longer there, the attractiveness also decreases in hierarchy."

"After reading it once, it becomes tasteless upon revisiting. Although they don't know, the art book about Senior Sister Zhao spread by Wanxian Alliance and the Five Elders Association are two completely different things."

"Of course, this atmosphere of public discussion is also a hindrance."

Chapter 848: Savior of the Chosen Immortal

"Human energy is limited. When attention is focused on one thing, it will inevitably decrease for other matters."

"Moreover, the high-quality art books with Senior Sister Zhao's power are already drowned in countless Wanxian Alliance poorly crafted imitations. Therefore, the influence of the One-Hearted Venerate is maximally restricted."

"This move is clever! Well done." Jishao Li, who observed all of Wanxian Alliance's actions, couldn't help but sigh.

However, after a while, he frowned slightly. "But doing this can only alleviate the harm. It cannot completely eliminate Senior Sister Zhao's influence."

"Wanxian Alliance must have a back-up plan."

Consistent with Jishao Li's predictions.

While the majority of the alliance's cultivators were immersed in the deliberately created discussion turmoil, there was still a small group who, unsatisfied with those imitations, tirelessly pursued more exciting art books.

However, they were unaware that everything circulating in the market had been secretly monitored by Wanxian Alliance. It was just that the net hadn't been fully cast yet.

When they, after much effort, finally found a seller ready to deal, at the moment of the transaction, they were all captured in one fell swoop.

Charged with attempting to subvert the alliance, they were arrested.

All of this, in the midst of the lively discussion, seemed so quiet. If Jishao Li hadn't paid attention to these cultivators before, he probably wouldn't have noticed that they had vanished.

Confusing the senses while enforcing the law.

With both methods, over three months passed, and Wanxian Alliance finally resolved the preliminary impact caused by Senior Sister Zhao's tentative exploration.

"Although Wanxian Alliance seems to have won this confrontation, it's actually a loss."

Jishao Li shook his head inwardly. "For the Five Elders Association, for this riot, what did they sacrifice? Just some mass-produced books. But Wanxian Alliance needs to spend a lot of time and effort to quell this matter."

"This time, it was suppressed. But the Five Elders Association can come back at any time without much cost. Wanxian Alliance needs to be vigilant all the time. This is the crushing power of the Heavenly Venerates."

"Wanxian Alliance's decline is evident."

"Still, I hope, in the future, it can bring me some surprises."

...

There's no eternal hot topic in the world.

As time passed, cultivators' interest in those released secret books gradually decreased.

Instead, they turned their attention to the upcoming Wanxian Alliance's entry examination, which was about to begin.

The high interest in this exam was not only due to its unprecedented scale but also because of a explosive announcement made by Wanxian Alliance not long ago.

To cope with the looming Five Elders Association, the alliance would select thirty-three "Immortal Chosen."

These "Immortal Chosen" would be the hope against the Five Elders Association. Once becoming an "Immortal Chosen," they would receive Wanxian Alliance's training at any cost.

Everything needed for promotion—elixirs, techniques, Immortal Caves, changes at birth, and even the essence of heaven and earth—Wanxian Alliance would provide for free!

Regardless of their original cultivation level, they would certainly achieve the Unity Realm within ten years!

This time, selecting "Immortal Chosen," family background, and even innate talent were not the focus of evaluation.

The only thing valued was the cultivator's personal ability. Could they play a unique role in the upcoming confrontation with the Five Elders Association?

When the news came out, Wanxian Alliance's cultivators were suddenly plunged into madness.

Cultivators generally consider themselves extraordinary.

Even if their cultivation level is temporarily stuck, they won't blame themselves.

They attribute the reasons to external factors such as techniques, resources, and more.

"If I were in the Unity Realm, wouldn't I be much stronger than those who ascended with the support of their family? I wouldn't have to retreat step by step under the Five Elders Association's attack..."

Who knows how many cultivators had such thoughts when they heard this announcement.

Their heads got hot, and they rushed to the examination registration without thinking.

Even Jishao Li, for a moment, felt a bit tempted.

However, it was only a momentary impulse.

Everything comes with a price. The cost of prematurely achieving Unity Realm and becoming a Chosen Immortal might be something he couldn't bear.

The involvement of a clone in the secrets of the main body would certainly be too risky.

But then again, even if he wanted to, there was no guarantee he would be chosen.

Under the rule of Wanxian Alliance, with so many cultivators, only thirty-three would be selected...

Even if some might not fit the traditional definition of a genius, he believed each of them had their unique advantages.

Those with bad luck might not be weaker than others. They just lacked an opportunity.

Once they rose, they could laugh proudly at the heavens!

Jishao Li had no doubt that among these thirty-three, there would definitely be some who were previously unknown but would shine brightly in this selection, shocking the Xuanhuang Realm.

However, he still had some doubts in his mind.

Placing the hope against the Five Elders Association on these "Chosen Immortals" indicated that the current rulers weren't capable of taking on such a responsibility, right?

Why would Wanxian Alliance do something that seemed like a slap in the face?

Leaving aside those mysterious law transmitters, even the geniuses chosen from the era currently had no fate.

Wanxian Alliance should not be so incapable.

"Unless, these thirty-three Unity Realm cultivators, the so-called stars of hope..."

"Are just a decoy."

"They serve a different purpose."

Jishao Li's eyes flashed.

Under the watchful eyes of the public, this Wanxian Alliance examination officially began.

It had a much higher standard than before.

Lasting for a whole month, all participating cultivators would go to the examination venue through the Heavenly Mirror of various states.

The examination venue would be completely sealed off from the outside world until the examination concluded.

Because the number of cultivators participating in this examination was too high, the entire Wanxian Alliance, even the various states, became somewhat deserted.

During this month, the internal of Wanxian Alliance felt empty.

To prevent a surprise attack from the Five Elders Association, the alliance not only stationed heavy troops at the borders but also launched a counterattack quietly.

In the Lingmu Realm.

Li Fan, who temporarily halted the process of devouring the Five Elements Grand Immortal Caves, looked at the dazzling diamond-like sphere that Lin Ling handed over, with a somewhat solemn expression.

This thing was sent by the Five Elders Association.

As a "cooperative partner" who had successfully traded several times, Li Fan was somewhat surprised that the Five Elders Association took the initiative to seek help this time.

It was said that this shiny sphere had caused quite a bit of trouble for the Five Elders Association.

And they hadn't found a solution yet.

So, out of helplessness, with the idea of giving it a try, they approached the "United Realms Federation" to see if there was any information about this object.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 849: The Destiny of Everyone

Li Fan held the dazzling sphere, and a strand of divine consciousness entered it.

In the next moment, his perspective changed dramatically.

The connection with his main body was severed.

The separated divine consciousness entered a body.

Simultaneously, countless pieces of information surged like a tide.

The possessed body was that of a commoner.

It took several days to absorb all the information, amidst the headache.

Li Fan's face showed a strange expression.

Within the dazzling sphere was a fabricated space-time.

It was in the declining years of a dynasty, with corrupt officials and people suffering.

Disasters were rampant, and famine was widespread.

The commoners only hoped for a full meal, but even that was a luxury.

In despair, they rose up in rebellion.

Now, smoke rose everywhere, and Li Fan, in the body he possessed, was part of one of the rebel forces, an inconspicuous figure.

Due to the absorption of knowledge, his expression was absent-minded, making him appear to have a strange illness.

He was sent to the military doctor for treatment.

The military doctor was somewhat skilled and, with just a glance, prescribed a calming prescription.

When Li Fan regained his senses and was about to leave, a prompt suddenly appeared: "Discovered talents for assisting a king, White Silence. Current favorability: 1."

Li Fan couldn't help but feel strange.

"What is Wanxian Alliance up to?"

Without much contact with the military doctor, White Silence, for now, Li Fan took a stroll in the rebel camp.

In just three or four days, he discovered a "Peerless General" and "Ancient Divine Weapon."

There were countless other talented individuals.

Some had only rough favorability prompts, while others even had strategy reminders.

Their hobbies, temperaments, weaknesses—everything was crystal clear.

Li Fan became interested.

Following the prompts, he interacted with them one by one, catering to their preferences.

Soon, from being unknown in the rebel army, he gained some fame.

Over ten days later, he even received a reminder about a night attack by the imperial army.

However, he didn't speak out but secretly prepared, rallying a group of trusted followers.

Under the night attack, the rebel army instantly collapsed.

Li Fan, along with a group of people, managed to escape by a stroke of luck.

As the leader who led everyone to survive, Li Fan gradually gained prestige.

Later, based on the prompts that appeared again, Li Fan, relying on just a hundred people, undertook a long-distance raid and occupied a small city that the army had left due to bandit suppression.

With a place to stay, he gradually absorbed and assimilated the surrounding forces.

In just five years, he cleared the entire realm, overthrew the decayed rule of the dynasty, and became a founding king.

The scenery before him shattered layer by layer.

Everything returned to nothingness.

As Li Fan pondered the purpose of this illusory scene, the scene before him changed once again.

Another illusory space-time unfolded, this time in a fictional immortal cultivation world.

The possessed body was that of a mortal youth rejected by the Tai Chu Sect for lacking spiritual roots.

The youth, begging desperately, only obtained the identity of a miscellaneous disciple.

Originally thinking that he could only struggle through life, he unexpectedly found a stone bead on the back mountain by chance.

This stone bead had an incredible effect, devouring nearby substances, nourishing the spirit fluid, and reversing aptitude.

Relying on this treasure, Li Fan transformed from a mortal into a cultivator, step by step advancing from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, and eventually Nascent Soul.

In this process, he not only gained three extraordinary Dao companions and an ancient divine beast as a mount but also encountered numerous adventures, discovering immortal tombs and obtaining unique immortal treasures.

After wandering the cultivation world for a hundred years, he ultimately became the strongest of his time.

Departing with beauty, breaking through the void.

The image shattered once again.

Returning from this illusion, Li Fan faintly felt that his mentality had undergone some changes.

But before he could analyze it, he fell into the cycle of illusions again.

In the following experiences, Li Fan went through ninety-seven cycles.

The encounters were mostly similar.

Generally starting from humble beginnings, then unexpectedly gaining opportunities. Following that, it was a story of constant counterattacks, achieving the strongest status in the world.

After all the cycles ended, the dazzling sphere in Li Fan's hand completely dimmed and disappeared.

The experiences of the ninety-nine cycles, despite being illusions, felt too real.

They were extremely similar to what he experienced with Zhao Shijie, almost like a lifelike fantasy.

After so many cycles, even with Li Fan's current willpower, he couldn't help being influenced to some extent.

He slowly recited the Profound Yellow Immortal Heart Mantra to gradually fade away these experiences.

"Wanxian Alliance has quite an interesting move," Li Fan said with an inexplicable expression.

The dazzling sphere, not long ago, suddenly descended like a torrential rain on some territories of the Five Elders' faction.

Countless cultivators and mortals within were curious and drawn to the sphere, falling into the cycle of ninety-nine lives.

When they gradually awoke, although their bodies were unaffected, their mentalities underwent a drastic change.

That is...

Influenced by the illusion, those who were originally mediocre, upon awakening, inexplicably considered themselves "chosen by heaven."

If it were just a one-sided belief, it wouldn't be a big deal.

But they all realized that they lived in a world forcibly transformed by the five Eternal Heavenly Sovereigns' extraordinary principles.

So, they fervently made grand vows to overthrow the Five Elders' rule and rescue cultivators from their miserable lives.

After the purification of ninety-nine cycles, these people indeed became somewhat different.

Instead of confronting directly, they chose to infiltrate.

First, cultivate, then cause havoc.

Though not explicitly stated, judging from the tone of the Five Elders, the impact caused by this dazzling white sphere was quite troublesome.

Li Fan pondered, "Apart from awakening cultivators subtly, there seems to be some kind of spiritual imprint."

"The sons of destiny cannot be subordinate to others!"

"To implant thoughts of overthrowing the Five Elders' rule under the influence of the five Eternal Heavenly Sovereigns is incredible!"

"Good stuff!"

Li Fan, naturally, was not affected by this dazzling sphere.

Even if he were influenced...

It wouldn't be a problem.

After all, he was different from others.

With the "True" in his hand, he could be considered a true son of destiny!

Li Fan looked at the storage ring from the Five Elders, filled with densely packed, probably over a thousand dazzling spheres...

He rubbed his chin.

"The cost of this item doesn't seem to be high, or else it wouldn't have been scattered on such a large scale."

He took out another one and studied it.

In his sea of consciousness, he emitted a faint light to decipher it.

"There are traces of illusion formations."

"But more importantly..."

Li Fan frowned slightly, sensing a familiar taste.

"The Monkey Mind and Horse Thoughts?"

After a moment, he found similar aspects from his past experiences.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 850: Extraneous Force from the Origin

The Monkey Mind and Horse Thoughts are existences distinctly different from the rules of the Xuanhuang Realm.

They seem to be the residual power of the heavenly dao left behind when the Xuanhuang Realm devoured and merged other small worlds.

"No wonder it can still exert its own influence within the coverage of the Eternal Heavenly Sovereign's inverted principles."

"A peculiar force..."

Li Fan remembered that during the battle against the Xuan Network in the 114th era, the Futen Club had created a powerful weapon called the [Fentian Arrow].

The specifics of its manufacture were unknown, but the materials used were from the increasingly frequent occurrences of various oddities at that time.

Since the Fentian Arrow could harm the Xuan Network, it meant it could also cause damage to the heavenly dao of the Xuanhuang Realm!

"Now it seems that, although the force is different from the rules of the Xuanhuang Realm, it is ultimately a power that can be mastered and utilized. It's not an illogical and unreasonable existence."

Li Fan carefully examined the dazzling sphere in his hand. "However, I didn't expect that the research on oddities by the Immortal Alliance has reached this level. If they weren't pushed, who knows how many tricks they've hidden."

"But this is reasonable." Suddenly, Li Fan remembered that when he met Gongsun Qixuan at the Tianjitang in the Cloud Sea, he saw a giant map.

The map marked the locations where strange events occurred within the Cloud Sea.

"The Immortal Alliance has always kept a close watch on oddities. It's normal for them to be able to use it preliminarily."

The Monkey Mind and Horse Thoughts are both terrifying oddities related to mental power that can directly transform cultivators into anomalies.

After being transformed into Monkey Minds, their spiritual awareness can be enhanced.

And transforming into Horse Thoughts can directly nourish the divine soul!

"When I took the [Horse Thoughts] before, I experienced the power of that extremely realistic illusion. If you feel like you died in the illusion, you will truly fall in reality! Consciousness can change matter..."

"Seeing this dazzling sphere being massively distributed so cheaply, the Immortal Alliance should have completely mastered the application of this extraneous rule."

After much contemplation, Li Fan couldn't find a solution.

He was already not very proficient in the laws of the Xuanhuang Realm, let alone this extraneous force.

Li Fan could understand the current headache of the Five Elders.

There was a saying from a sage, "Therefore, the rule of a sage, empties their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their ambitions, strengthens their bones, always keeps the people unknowledgeable and desireless."

Now, the cultivators affected by the dazzling sphere all proclaimed themselves "sons of destiny."

Their potential for destructive actions was simply incomparable to ordinary cultivators.

Before crossing over, Li Fan had read many online novels.

The protagonists in those novels were mostly transmigrators.

Why?

Apart from increasing reader immersion, it was also to give readers expectations.

The fate of transmigrators was generally different from the so-called natives.

Because they had seen another world and recognized their "extraordinary" selves, they couldn't possibly be as clueless as the natives.

They would inevitably make a name for themselves.

Regardless of the final result, there would undoubtedly be an attempt in the process.

The dazzling spheres released by the Immortal Alliance had a similar effect.

They made the contaminated cultivators consider themselves extraordinary, aiming high.

Moreover, the tempering of ninety-nine cycles was undoubtedly a great opportunity for cultivators. It was enough to transform a part of them, allowing them to undergo a metamorphosis!

"It's like thousands of weakened transmigrators appearing in the territories of the Five Elders."

"Brainwashed and permanently hostile."

"Tsk tsk..."

"The Immortal Alliance is likely to have also put techniques that can be useful in the Xuanhuang Realm into the cycle illusions caused by the dazzling sphere. Helping these 'sons of destiny' to quickly progress."

Li Fan showed a smug expression.

"Let's see how they handle it."

"Lin Ling, if the Five Elders send another message inquiring, just ignore it for now," Li Fan ordered.

Lin Ling nodded in a seemingly understanding manner.

"Counterattack fiercely, causing internal chaos in the Five Elders, temporarily leaving them no time to care about the Immortal Alliance."

"It seems that the Immortal Alliance really attaches great importance to this grand examination," Li Fan stroked his chin.

...

Amidst great anticipation, the one-month grand examination finally came to an end.

Cultivators returned from the Tianxuan Mirror one after another, each with their own joys and sorrows.

On Haixuan Island.

"Judging by Daoist He's expression, he must be very confident this time?" Six cultivators from the Congyunhai Mutual Aid Society, who had signed up for the grand examination, gathered together.

Originally, only four cultivators, including He Zhenghao, participated in the examination. However, after the Immortal Alliance released the announcement selecting thirty-three Immortal Candidates, two more cultivators were inspired to take the chance.

They decided to take a risk.

Although they had far less time to prepare than He Zhenghao and the others, judging by their expressions, the results seemed quite satisfactory.

"The last-minute cramming really worked." One of them, named Wei Qizheng, said excitedly.

"The question bank provided by Daoist Ji was too extensive. I didn't have time to go through it all. I just casually glanced through and memorized some. But I was really lucky; most of the questions this time were ones I had memorized!"

"Those not in the question bank, I feel like I did well on those too." Wei Qizheng shared his joy with the others.

He Zhenghao stroked his beard, showing a smile. "Then, I must congratulate Brother Wei in advance?"

The others also joined in the cheering.

They all seemed confident.

At this moment, Ji Shaoli interrupted their lively atmosphere with a light cough.

However, seemingly due to the recent outbreak of the Immortal Qi Poison, the cultivators present still had a shadow over the sound of coughing.

Before Ji Shaoli could speak, their expressions changed, and they all looked over.

Seeing their inquiring eyes, Ji Shaoli felt somewhat speechless.

"I'm fine."

Waving his hand, he brought up the main topic. "When the results of the grand examination are out, you will inevitably face the scrutiny of the Immortal Alliance. If the matter of knowing the examination questions in advance is discovered, it won't be good."

Hearing this, everyone's expressions changed.

"However..." Ji Shaoli smiled slightly.

"Our mutual aid society has a secret technique called [Only One Hand Conceals the Sky]. Later, I will impart it to you."

"With this secret technique's assistance, you need not worry!"

He Zhenghao and the others were all delighted.

Ji Shaoli lightly pointed towards the center of their foreheads, and after a moment, everyone closed their eyes to comprehend and cultivate.

Taking advantage of this, Ji Shaoli secretly observed.

The first to wake up was Wei Qizheng.

In the past few eras, while making friends with He Zhenghao, Ji Shaoli had occasionally heard about this outstanding young brother from him.

However, later, as Li Fan's horizons expanded, encountering numerous outstanding talents, he paid less attention to this person.

(End of this chapter)