Chapter 781-785: World's Resilience (6k+ words)

The original babbling brook turned into a rushing river in an instant.

Along with it, the rapid expansion of the cave's land occurred once again.

With abundant river water, the vegetation inside the cave became even more prosperous. Trees soared, lush and green.

"The River of Life created by Tian Yu..."

Li Fan watched as the Holy Embryo Xu Bai nodded approvingly.

Then, leaving the cave, he once again started to travel through the Xuanhuang Realm.

Like an ordinary wanderer, he measured this land with his own two feet.

Every time he encountered a suitable transformation of the Essence of the Heavens, he absorbed it into his own cave, just like picking herbs.

After the initial shock, having seen it so many times, Li Fan became somewhat numb and accustomed to it.

Li Fan had read many insights from Nascent Soul cultivators about the process of divine transformation.

They all said that the transformation of the Essence of the Heavens within the world was as hard to find as the meridians in a mortal's body without special means.

And once it was extracted, it would cause a tremendous disturbance, attracting great attention.

However, all these experiences were ineffective when it came to the Holy Embryo Xu Bai.

Merely squinting for a moment was enough to determine the presence of the Essence of the Heavens transformation.

Then, with a slow wave, it was as if a breeze summoned from the heavens. Silently, it was incorporated into his own possession.

As more and more transformative and innovative forces were integrated into the cave, the Holy Embryo Xu Bai's personal cave underwent daily renewal.

Mountains, valleys, plains, rivers, jungles...

The cave world teemed with life, presenting a constantly growing appearance of a small world.

However, the Holy Embryo Xu Bai frowned uncommonly.

"It seems like something is still missing."

"This vitality is just an illusion and cannot sustain its perfect cycle."

"If there is no external infusion, this cave, which has grown rapidly, will soon return to desolation."

Li Fan sensed what the other was thinking.

The Holy Embryo Xu Bai, on the other hand, flew in the air, looking around in all directions, gazing into the distance.

In this way, a day passed.

Then, a smile appeared on his face.

Calmly taking a step, he headed towards his destination.

In Li Fan's view, the speed of the Holy Embryo Xu Bai was not fast at all.

He didn't even use his spiritual power, relying solely on his physical body to advance.

But in the eyes of others, it was as if he covered a thousand miles in a single step, disappearing in an instant.

"It's not that he is moving himself, but the heavens and earth are actively cooperating to shorten the distance."

"Shrinking space to an inch, making it convenient for traveling."

Li Fan carefully pondered the changes in the surrounding heavens and earth as he walked, gaining a sudden enlightenment.

"Although this time, Mr. Bai used my body for rebirth, it is indeed a great fortune."

"Every unexplored Essence of the Heavens transformation signifies the supreme wealth that can create divine transformation experts."

"Moreover, every move of the Holy Embryo Xu Bai, harmonizing with the heavens and earth, can be considered divine abilities."

"For example, the greenery that births the cave, or casually picking the Essence of the Heavens. And now, shrinking space to an inch."

"With my level of comprehension, being able to comprehend one thing in a lifetime of reincarnation is already fortunate. But now, insights come one after another."

"More precious is that all these divine abilities are executed using my body and perception. It's no different from me doing it myself. With a little further contemplation, it may not be impossible to perfectly replicate."

"The premise is, if there is a next life."

Countless thoughts swirled in Li Fan's mind as the Holy Embryo Xu Bai finally came to a stop at the end of his journey.

"Is this... the Sea of Clouds?"

Li Fan, who had come back to his senses, was surprised.

It had been almost ten years since the annihilation of the world by Ink Kill.

Although this place remained an apocalyptic scene, the once raging lava had stopped erupting. Instead, it gradually cooled down, forming a solid black hard stone.

The spatial voids that seemed like worms had chewed through them had unknowingly healed.

At first glance, the site of the Sea of Clouds seemed to be full of silence.

However, upon careful sensing, it seemed that a different kind of power was incubating.

Of course, Li Fan could only perceive this due to the unparalleled talent of the Holy Embryo Xu Bai.

If other cultivators were to come, they would likely sense a fatal crisis, fearing it and trying to avoid it.

Staring at the ruins for a long time, before entering the Sea of Clouds, Holy Embryo Xu Bai glanced in the direction of the Source Dao Province.

A sense of resentment, aversion, and fear instantly surged into his heart.

For the first time, a negative emotion appeared on Holy Embryo Xu Bai's face.

With a cold snort, he turned around and stepped into the Sea of Clouds.

Unlike the emotions generated when glimpsing Source Dao Province, as Holy Embryo Xu Bai walked within the ruins here, a surprisingly complex set of emotions emerged in his heart.

It was a sensation formed by the convergence and fusion of various emotions.

For a moment, Li Fan couldn't discern what kind of feeling it actually was.

However, soon, Li Fan's attention focused on the actions in Holy Embryo Xu Bai's hands.

Clearly, his purpose in this journey was to perfect the transformative power of "Essence of the Heavens" for his own cave's vitality.

Instead of casually grabbing, as he did before, he appeared unusually solemn.

Using his hand as a pen, his figure soared through the air, drawing a line between reality and illusion in the heavens and earth.

The line continued endlessly, stretching from Source Dao to the coastal border of Stone Linger Province in the west, and to the edge of the boundless ocean in the east.

However, in half a day's time, he had enclosed the approximate area of the original Sea of Clouds.

The outline was peculiar, and compared to the original location of the Sea of Clouds, it was much smaller.

After the virtual and real lines were closed, they suddenly flashed and disappeared between heaven and earth.

Then, Holy Embryo Xu Bai took a deep breath.

Reaching out, he grabbed the invisible loop and slowly exerted force.

As the loop continued to be collected into his hand, something seemed to be slowly pulled out of the heavens and earth in this area of the Sea of Clouds.

Li Fan concentrated intensely, not wanting to miss any details.

The crystalline stone in his mind emitted a brilliant blue light, recording every perception originating from Holy Embryo Xu Bai, no matter how minute.

Initially, collecting the loop seemed relatively easy for Holy Embryo Xu Bai. However, as he progressed, the counterforce from the void seemed to become stronger.

Every time he gathered the loop, it required almost his entire body's strength. The fine threads accumulated in his palm transitioned from virtual to real, feeling like a warm spring breeze and ice silk.

Holy Embryo Xu Bai's eyes were resolute, and he decisively collected the loop.

As more and more loops were drawn out, the once calm ruins of the Sea of Clouds suddenly changed!

Boom!

The previously quiescent black and red molten lava violently erupted once again.

One after another, black, wriggling voids appeared densely, like countless insects.

The terrifying aura of the apocalypse suddenly descended.

"This is..." Li Fan's pupils contracted.

"The reviving Sea of Clouds is turning back into a lifeless land!"

"What's being drawn out is the force that drives the world's recovery!"

The once-restored inferno around him returned, and Holy Embryo Xu Bai's actions showed no hesitation.

Expressionless.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 782: Tai Yan Transmutation Dao Stone

Three days later.

The Sea of Clouds reverted to its appearance just after being annihilated by Ink three days ago.

Molten lava raged, and holes were everywhere.

The loop in Holy Embryo Xu Bai's hand emitted a sparkling white light, disappearing into the mysterious yellow world.

Appearing in his own cave.

Transformed into drops of spring rain, falling to the ground.

Li Fan observed signs of animal life appearing in the mountains, lakes, and forests within the cave.

Without any forewarning, fish, birds, and beasts suddenly appeared from various places.

With the addition of various creatures, true vitality began to manifest in the cave world.

In ordinary transmutations, without hundreds of thousands or millions of years, such events wouldn't occur.

However, with the support of the force of world revival, it happened in the blink of an eye.

"This technique is truly extraordinary."

Li Fan couldn't help but sigh.

In the previous life, the Five Elements Grand Cave, which had gestated for countless years, mostly contained plants. It was far from becoming a "world" and still had a long way to go.

However, the cave inside Holy Embryo Xu Bai achieved this in a short time after coming out of the Sea of Clouds.

Despite this, he didn't stop collecting the transformative power of Essence of the Heavens.

Afterward, it was more like repairing and refining work, with no earth-shattering changes occurring inside the cave.

Only in those unnoticed corners did various changes quietly take place.

"I can't learn it, can't learn it." Li Fan constantly reminisced about Holy Embryo Xu Bai's actions of extracting the power of revival.

Even though he personally experienced the entire process, he remained perplexed about how the other party accomplished it.

This clearly surpassed the level Li Fan could comprehend at the moment.

"Ordinary Yuanying cultivators use the cave as the foundation of their cultivation. I have never heard of anyone directly devouring a small world."

"When he truly ascends to the realm of Divine Transformation, I wonder how powerful he will become."

"And what kind of celestial and terrestrial spirit will he merge with?"

Li Fan's heart was somewhat anticipatory.

During Holy Embryo Xu Bai's journey through the Xuanhuang Realm, there was another thing Li Fan paid attention to.

According to reason, with Xu Bai's appearance and temperament, no matter where he went, he should attract the attention of other cultivators.

Coupled with his continuous actions of seizing the transformative power of Essence of the Heavens, it should have attracted significant attention.

However, all the cultivators encountered along the way chose to ignore him.

As if they couldn't see Holy Embryo Xu Bai at all.

Concealed in broad daylight!

"Such divine abilities are extremely suitable for me."

"It seems to integrate into all things in heaven and earth..."

After a long time, Li Fan thought deeply.

---

Holy Embryo Xu Bai is about to ascend to the Divine Transformation, while Li Fan is also about to refine the Emperor Beast.

In the Sealed Life Box, all the frozen exotic beasts have been completely invested.

Li Fan even added the flesh and blood of the Scarlet Nine-Headed Beast and the essence blood of the Kunpeng.

Boom!

Boom!

Above the Myriad Manifestations Crucible, all the exotic beast patterns burst out with dazzling brilliance.

The metal crucible shook violently, and creaking sounds came from all around.

It seemed like it could burst open at any moment.

"Another move is ready."

Li Fan pointed with both hands, setting up an array around the Myriad Manifestations Crucible, temporarily sealing it.

Afterward, he still stored it in a single storage ring.

Then, Li Fan took out some materials and, following the methods from Tianyang's memory, began refining mechanical puppets.

"The Chaotic Character Technique is my only means of disturbing Longevity Heavenly Sovereign's line of sight."

"Moreover, it seems that the Longevity Realm experts in this world are very interested in the Chaotic Character Technique. So, when the time comes, not only do I have to personally cast it, but it should also erupt simultaneously in different places."

"The so-called rumors are everywhere, and everything is a potential threat!"

A flash of brilliance appeared in Li Fan's eyes. In just a few days, a somewhat crude black puppet was crafted.

It lacked any spiritual intelligence and had a very simple function.

That is, at crucial moments, unaffected by any external factors, or even Li Fan himself, it would execute predetermined commands!

"The Chaotic Character Technique, even if I cast it personally, is quite challenging."

"Let alone these puppets."

"Only by separating the character[乱]into individual strokes. Then, the puppets will combine them into a complete divine ability."

"If it's the full power of [乱], I think dividing it would be difficult. However, if it's not about power but imitating the chaotic character aura, it's worth a try."

Li Fan divided his attention, supervising and recording Holy Embryo Xu Bai's activities while continuously crafting puppets and contemplating the method to break down the Chaotic Character Technique.

Luckily, there was the secret technique of [Dao Transmutation One], so there was much less confusion.

...

Changsheng Valley.

Jiang Yushan wielded a black aura, striking the newly refined Medicine King True Cauldron. However, it was easily blocked by the black gloom radiating from it.

Jiang Yushan frowned lightly, while Fang Zaiji appeared complacent.

"Master, what do you think of my skills? This new cauldron is truly robust. I'm afraid the three of us working together couldn't cause any damage to it."

"This is just relying on its inherent robust material. If it truly activates its formations and provides full defense, it might even block the attacks of Longevity Heavenly Sovereign!"

"It's all thanks to Master's generosity, sparing no expense on various heavenly and earthly treasures. I've never been so extravagant in refining tools in my entire life," Fang Zaiji sighed.

Holy Embryo Xu Bai, who had tested the hardness of the Medicine King True Cauldron, was very satisfied. "Thank you, Elder Fang."

"I heard that recently, the small world where Tai Yan Sect is located has officially merged into the Immortal Alliance. To showcase its effects, they even allow Immortal Alliance cultivators to visit for free. Since Elder Fang has worked hard in refining tools, why not go with me to see how it goes."

While speaking, he ignored the gaze from Liu San, directly putting away the slightly darkened Medicine King True Cauldron.

"Tai Yan Sect...," Fang Zaiji hesitated.

"They are not easy to provoke. I was hunted by them continuously in the past and had no peace. It was a disciple of Tai Yan Sect who used divination to figure out my hiding place."

Holy Embryo Xu Bai sneered, "That's all in the past. Now they have joined the Immortal Alliance and have no grievances with Elder Fang. Why bother chasing after you?"

After Xu Bai's words, Fang Zaiji became somewhat restless. "I heard that Tai Yan Sect has a treasure called the 'Dao Transmutation Stone Mother.'"

"Its illusions are incredibly lifelike, seemingly creating another real world through deduction alone. I've heard about it for a long time, but never had the chance to see it."

Xu Bai's eyes flashed, "Hehe, I've heard about it too. This item is a treasure of Tai Yan Sect, and it's probably not easy to see."

"Whether you can feast your eyes on it this time will depend on your luck."

Chapter 783: Dao Simulation Path

Xu Bai looked at Liu San, who was silent beside him, and suddenly asked, "Old Liu, are you going too? You have vast experience and can help me keep an eye out. Let's see if the matter of Tai Yan Sect surrendering to the Immortal Alliance is reliable. Does Tai Yan Sect, together with the Immortal Alliance, have the possibility of deceiving us."

Xu Bai was sincere, but Liu San remained silent for a moment and shook his head in refusal. "Young Master, you should go with Elder Fang. In terms of vision, he is no less than me. During this busy season in Changsheng Valley, many disciples still need someone to take care of them. Although the entrance has the End Plate concealing it, we cannot rule out the possibility of cultivators accidentally entering."

"Lao Liu, you finally said something truthful." Fang Zaiji seemed somewhat pleased with Liu San's affirmation.

However, he soon became suspicious, scrutinizing Liu San. "Could it be that you want to take advantage of this rare opportunity to be alone with Yushan?"

"Stop talking nonsense!" Liu San retorted angrily.

After some banter, Xu Bai and Fang Zaiji left Changsheng Valley, heading straight to Tai Yan Sect.

The entrance to the small world was located in Tai Hua Prefecture, and along the way, they encountered many cultivators who were similarly attracted by the news.

Remarkably, there were guides along the way, indicating that the cultivators were within the Immortal Alliance system.

Apparently, they intended to use Tai Yan Sect's submission as a typical case and promote it well.

Tai Hua Prefecture, located in the eastern region of the Immortal Alliance, was not far from the Cloud Ocean. A mountain range traversed the entire area, with a thousand towering peaks. Among them, nine peaks were the most towering, known as the Tai Hua Nine Veins.

Initially, it was the Tai Hua Ten Veins, but one of them, Tai Xu Mountain, suddenly collapsed, disappearing from people's memory. Since then, it became the Nine Veins.

In a certain lifetime, He Zhenghao had thought about studying in Tai Hua Prefecture, but later, under Li Fan's intervention, he went to Tian Yun Prefecture instead.

Following the guidance, the two arrived at Tai Xuan Mountain.

"The entrance is quite hidden, actually in the middle of the mountain? Naturally formed! If it weren't for the Immortal Alliance opening this passage, entering would still require some effort," Fang Zaiji exclaimed.

They followed the tunnel inside the mountain, winding to the end.

The spatial passage had already been solidified and opened.

Several Tai Yan Sect cultivators stood at the entrance, seemingly welcoming with a queue. However, their eyes kept sweeping over the visiting cultivators, as if they were looking for something.

"I wonder if those little guys from back then are still alive?" Fang Zaiji muttered to himself with some hesitation.

Seeing his sudden hesitation, Xu Bai knew what he was worried about.

With a light cough as a reminder, Xu Bai took the lead to walk forward.

Seeing this, Fang Zaiji had no choice but to follow.

When the Tai Yan Sect cultivators saw Xu Bai approaching, their eyes lit up, and they surrounded him.

"Friend, please stop!"

"Do you have any interest in joining our Tai Yan Sect?"

"After joining the sect, not only will you have no worries about your cultivation techniques, but you can even get a high-grade Dao Transmutation Stone for free."

Enthusiastic voices surrounded them.

This immediately attracted the attention of other cultivators.

"Friend from Tai Yan Sect, what about me? I want to join Tai Yan Sect!"

"I want to join Tai Yan Sect too!"

"Why are you only surrounding him? Just because he looks good?"

Some cultivators were dissatisfied, but the Tai Yan Sect cultivators paid no attention to them and only stared at Xu Bai.

Xu Bai neither agreed nor refused. Instead, he inquired about the current relationship between the Immortal Alliance and Tai Yan Sect.

The Tai Yan Sect cultivators answered, "We just bear the name of the Immortal Alliance and send an Elder to the Immortal Alliance headquarters to preside over it every year. Overall, it's no different from before."

"Within Tai Xuan Realm, our Tai Yan Sect still has the final say. The Immortal Alliance won't interfere."

"Think about it, the Immortal Alliance governs countless caves and small worlds. Whether there's one more or one less doesn't really matter."

Chapter 783: Dao Simulation Path

"In contrast, with the Immortal Alliance's Tianxuan Treasure Book and Tianxuan Mirror, our daily cultivation has become much more convenient."

Seeing that Xu Bai seemed to be somewhat interested, they tried even harder to persuade him.

They even took the initiative to lead the way, showing him the scenery within this "Tai Xuan" small world.

Thousands of miles of fertile land housed countless mortals.

In the distance, there was a floating city suspended in the clouds.

Vaguely, you could see many cultivators shuttling around inside the city.

"The concentration of spiritual energy in this small world is no less than that in the ordinary regions of the Xuanhuang Realm."

"Back then, you actually managed to find such a good place to take refuge…" Fang Zaiji said with a tinge of envy.

The Tai Yan Sect cultivators collectively paused.

Then they realized that when Fang Zaiji mentioned "back then," he was referring to when the catastrophe of the Great Tribulation occurred.

"That's natural. We excel in the art of divination and naturally can find a trace of vitality in the midst of the crisis of annihilation."

In fact, judging from the age of these young disciples, they might not be clear about the events of that year. They exaggerated to convince Xu Bai to join.

"According to reason, your Tai Yan Sect's conditions for accepting disciples are so favorable that you shouldn't be short of people. Why, as soon as you see me, you…"

Xu Bai deliberately asked, "Could it be that it's really because I look good?"

The Tai Yan Sect cultivators glanced at each other, and finally, a slightly older cultivator answered Xu Bai's question.

"Our Tai Yan Sect doesn't accept just anyone. The main thing is to meet the various facial features provided by the Dao Stone Mother."

After briefly explaining the Dao Stone Mother, he continued, "For cultivators with matching facial features, in the Stone Mother's divination, they are either the backbone of the sect's future, or the pillars who can revive Tai Yan Sect, or the unparalleled leader who can lead Tai Yan Sect out of crisis..."

"In short, it's all beneficial and has no harm. We never make mistakes!"

They emphatically declared, evidently trusting the results of the Dao Stone Mother's divination.

"Oh? This Stone Mother is so magical? I wonder if I can see it with my own eyes?" Xu Bai asked following their words.

"As long as you join our Tai Yan Sect, you can personally meet the Stone Mother. Moreover, there's a good chance you'll get a chance for a simulation!" the middle-aged cultivator assured, patting his chest.

"Simulation?" Xu Bai narrowed his eyes.

Even Fang Zaiji was momentarily attracted.

"As I mentioned before, within the Dao Stone Mother, there's another simulated world that is almost real. If you obtain its permission, you can use its power to create a virtual world tailored for you."

"In this virtual world, you will experience everything you are about to experience."

"Although we can't guarantee 100% accuracy, having foresight is enough to allow the person who undergoes the simulation to avoid many detours."

The middle-aged cultivator's tone was full of envy.

"It's a pity that I didn't pass the test last time and missed the opportunity of a hundred years."

"Are you saying that this Dao Stone Mother has actually developed its own intelligence?" Fang Zaiji asked in surprise.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 784: No One in Tai Yan (8000 Monthly Votes + Update)

"Look at what you're saying..." A Tai Yan Sect cultivator glanced at Fang Zaiji.

"So many years have passed. Even if it's just a monkey, it should have become enlightened. Not to mention our Dao Stone Mother."

They scoffed at Fang Zaiji's question.

However, Fang Zaiji signaled to Xu Bai and conveyed through voice transmission, "Master, something is strange. I remember that back then, Tai Yan Sect was very secretive about the Dao Stone Mother developing self-awareness."

"After all, the lifespan of cultivators is limited, while the Dao Stone Mother has limitless lifespan. If it truly gains sentience..."

"It's hard to say who has the final say in Tai Yan Sect. We should be cautious." Fang Zaiji reminded.

Xu Bai nodded slightly, but his expression remained unchanged.

He then pretended to be very curious and asked, "To be honest, since we came from afar, we actually have some understanding of your Tai Yan Sect."

"Although Tai Yan Divine Calculation can predict the future through endless calculations, it still needs initial data support. You have been secluded in Tai Xuan Realm for thousands of years, isolated from the world. The Xuanhuang Realm has undergone earth-shaking changes. How can you ensure the accuracy of the predictive results?"

When the middle-aged Tai Yan Sect cultivator heard Xu Bai's words, he was quite surprised. Then, he showed even more joy on his face. "So, you do have some understanding of divination? It seems you truly are a destined person for our Tai Yan Sect!"

"As for your concerns..."

He said with some pride, "Who said that our Tai Yan Sect has been isolated from the world for thousands of years? In fact, every once in a while, the sect sends special personnel to gather various information about the Xuanhuang Realm. This is to revise the results of the Mother's divination."

"Otherwise, it hasn't been long since the Immortal Alliance's conquest of the Myriad Realms. If we hadn't anticipated it early, how could we have reacted so quickly?"

"Revision, I see." Xu Bai nodded thoughtfully.

"Alright, I've told you so much. Do you want to join our Tai Yan Sect or not!"

At this point, the crowd was about to fly to the outside of the floating city in the sky. Among the Tai Yan Sect disciples, a short, hunchbacked cultivator finally became a little impatient.

"I'm actually quite interested," Xu Bai rubbed his chin.

On the side, Fang Zaiji immediately rolled his eyes at him.

The Tai Yan Sect disciples, upon hearing this, couldn't help showing joy.

"But I still have some concerns. In fact, before coming here, I had already joined other sects. And because of certain special reasons, I cannot leave. I wonder if you mind?" Xu Bai sincerely said.

"Huh?!" The Tai Yan Sect disciples were collectively stunned, and for a moment, even their flying bodies came to a sudden stop. They turned back to look at Xu Bai.

"Are you here to make trouble?!" the short cultivator said angrily.

Just as he was about to take action, he was stopped by the middle-aged cultivator.

"When Senior Brother assigned the task, he didn't say it was not allowed." After pondering for a moment, he carefully scrutinized Xu Bai.

Then he gritted his teeth and directly said, "I can't make the decision on this matter. How about you come back to the sect with me first? Whether it works or not, let Senior Brother decide."

Xu Bai didn't expect the Tai Yan Sect's intention to accept disciples to be so strong. They could endure even this.

However, he wasn't afraid, and without any hesitation, he nodded.

Outside the floating city in the sky, Xu Bai realized that the entire periphery of the city was enveloped in a protective layer of transparent crystal.

When it reflected the face of the middle-aged cultivator, a very familiar blue light appeared on the transparent crystal wall.

Then, the middle-aged cultivator instantly turned into a blue light and flew into the city. The other disciples did the same.

"You can come in directly." Not far away, the middle-aged cultivator said through the crystal wall.

Seeing this, Fang Zaiji rushed in before Xu Bai and entered the city.

When he was about to touch the transparent crystal wall, it seemed as if the thing didn't exist at all, passing through without any obstruction.

Fang Zaiji looked around and found nothing unusual.

He then signaled to Xu Bai that he could enter.

The moment Xu Bai leaped through the crystal wall, it felt like passing through a space composed of countless mirrors.

He saw countless versions of himself, seemingly experiencing various different events.

In an instant, he returned to reality.

"Let's go. I'll take you to meet Senior Brother." The middle-aged cultivator looked at Xu Bai and smiled.

Walking in the floating city, you could see many Tai Yan Sect cultivators around.

Cultivation levels varied from Qi Refining to Nascent Soul.

There were even one or two white-bearded cultivators that made Fang Zaiji show a solemn expression. Obviously, they were Core Formation cultivators.

They all seemed very leisurely, some whispering to each other, some engrossed in finger calculations.

There were also those holding an item in their hands, resembling a cube. From the changing images on top, it seemed somewhat similar to the "Heaven Lock Box" that Li Fan had found in Yi Xing's tomb.

Watching Xu Bai and his group pass by, they only casually glanced and then withdrew their gazes.

They didn't pay much attention to Xu Bai's unparalleled beauty.

What's even stranger is that when they greeted the people leading the way in front of them, their addresses to each other were all like "Senior Brother, Junior Brother," and so on.

Even the white-haired Dao elders were addressed in this way.

Xu Bai couldn't help but furrow his brow.

"Master, have you noticed anything unusual?" Fang Zaiji secretly transmitted his voice.

"It is a bit strange. The strength of Tai Yan Sect is surprisingly well-preserved. Just from what we've seen along the way, there are no less than a dozen Core Formation cultivators, right? Tai Yan Sect's foundation is unexpectedly so profound?"

"And, the Core Formation powerhouses are actually addressing each other as senior and junior with Qi Refining cultivators..."

A hint of interest appeared on Xu Bai's face.

"No, Master!" Fang Zaiji's voice sounded somewhat urgent.

"I didn't realize it when I first came in. But after carefully observing for a while, I found..."

"This place is weird!"

Xu Bai's steps paused slightly. "Weird place? Elder Fang, what do you mean?"

"Master, take a closer look at these people. In fact, none of them truly exist!" Fang Zaiji's voice sounded somewhat shaky.

"Even the city we are standing in is probably fake!"

Hearing Fang Zaiji's reminder, Xu Bai couldn't help but focus his gaze.

As they continued walking slowly, Xu Bai observed more carefully.

Xu Bai's talent was truly among the top in the world.

Upon careful observation, he indeed sensed some abnormalities.

The cultivators in this floating city, from Core Formation to Qi Refining, emitted a faint aura that was exactly the same!

It was as if they were all the same person, just with different faces.

At this moment, the middle-aged cultivator leading the way seemed to sense Xu Bai's reaction.

He suddenly turned around, revealing a sinister smile. "What's wrong, fellow Daoist? Do you have any doubts?"

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 785: Amidst the Variables

However, it might just be Xu Bai's illusion.

That fleeting sense of danger disappeared in an instant, and when Xu Bai looked again, the person's face showed the same enthusiasm as before.

"It's okay, it's okay. Just didn't expect Tai Yan Sect to have so many Core Formation cultivators. Just got a bit startled," Xu Bai pretended to look extremely shocked.

"Indeed, the ancient sect with a famous reputation. The profoundness of your foundation is truly unimaginable," Xu Bai praised with a clucking sound.

Flattering words are always well-received.

This statement not only pleased the cultivators leading the way in front but also caught the attention of bystanders along the road, all casting satisfied glances.

However, this further confirmed the abnormality of Tai Yan Sect for Xu Bai and Fang Zaiji.

Because they showed the "satisfaction" expression at the same instant!

"Fang, do you have confidence in escaping from here?" Xu Bai casually chatted with the Tai Yan Sect cultivators while quietly asking Fang Zaiji.

"Master, rest assured, I'm figuring it out. This strange place has a very solid space. Breaking through the void and escaping will take some effort," Fang Zaiji replied with a serious tone.

Facing a life-and-death situation, Fang Zaiji, who usually had a carefree attitude, finally became serious.

"Don't be in a hurry. Let's see what's going on with Tai Yan Sect first," Xu Bai reassured.

As the two exchanged their thoughts, they, led by the Tai Yan Sect disciples, arrived at the center of the city, inside a uniquely-shaped building.

The entire structure was made of blue transparent crystals.

From the outside, it could be clearly seen that it was divided into rectangular spaces.

In each space, there was a cultivator busy with something.

"This..." Xu Bai and Fang Zaiji exchanged glances.

"Let's go. Senior Brother is waiting inside," the middle-aged cultivator casually said.

Entering this blue crystal building was similar to entering the Formation Hall of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance. Xu Bai felt like the space under his feet was moving, and the transparency of the surrounding walls gradually decreased, making it impossible to see the appearance of other places.

At the same time, the decorations and furnishings inside the space were constantly changing.

Only Xu Bai and others stood quietly, without any changes.

When the crystal walls completely turned into the appearance of ordinary walls, a illusory blue figure suddenly appeared in front of everyone.

"Greetings, Senior Brother!"

The leading Tai Yan Sect cultivators saluted one after another.

The blue light gradually condensed, revealing a somewhat handsome man.

"Chen Tianhai?!" After seeing the man's appearance clearly, Fang Zaiji couldn't help but exclaim.

Everyone present was momentarily stunned.

Chen Tianhai looked at Fang Zaiji, seemingly not surprised by his appearance.

"This mission, you've done well. You can go down first. I have something to talk about with this old friend," he instructed the others.

For some reason, the group of Tai Yan Sect cultivators leading the way all smiled happily.

Soon, they left this space.

Fang Zaiji, who had calmed down a bit by now, couldn't help but be shocked. His eyes continued to scrutinize Chen Tianhai in front of him.

"It is indeed him in person. I didn't expect him to be alive..."

While muttering to himself, Fang Zaiji transmitted to Xu Bai to explain: "Chen Tianhai was the first heir of Tai Yan Sect in ancient times, the successor to the next Sect Master. However, for some reason, he was stripped of all his status later. His whereabouts are unknown, and he was wanted by Tai Yan Sect."

"Because some Tai Yan Sect disciples participated in chasing me down at that time, I couldn't get rid of them. It was this kid who took action to rescue me, allowing me to safely hide in Medicine King Sect."

"Hearing about his situation at that time, I felt a bit regretful. I didn't expect..."

"Seeing me, is it a bit unexpected?" At this moment, Chen Tianhai smiled and spoke.

Chapter 785: Beyond the Changes

"It's been many years, and you still look the same. Well, for us, it's been thousands of years. For your Medicine King Sect, it's just a fleeting moment."

Chen Tianhai spoke, revealing the fact that Medicine King Sect had experienced the Immortal Ruins and traversed thousands of years.

"So, you also know that Medicine King Sect's attempt to control the cauldron and escape was just a dead end?" Fang Zaiji squinted his eyes.

"I only learned about it afterward. Otherwise, with my temperament at that time, I would have joined you," Chen Tianhai's answer made Fang Zaiji slightly stunned.

"Join us?" he couldn't help but be puzzled.

"At that time, it was the Immortal Ruins. What's inside the Immortal Ruins? Aren't you curious, Brother Fang?" Chen Tianhai asked in return.

"How many people in the entire Xuanhuang Realm can witness this wonder and return safely? Brother Fang can be considered one of the very few lucky ones."

Fang Zaiji shrugged, "That might disappoint you. Shortly after entering the cauldron, I directly entered the Great Dream Spring and Autumn Array and fell asleep."

Chen Tianhai nodded slightly, "That's something you would do. Brother Fang, you are indeed carefree."

At this moment, Xu Bai interjected, "Are you very interested in the Immortal Ruins? In fact, we recorded the experiences from that year."

Only now did Chen Tianhai look at Xu Bai with some seriousness.

"Beyond the changes..."

He muttered lowly, but his eyes showed a hint of excitement.

"As expected, this change comes from Medicine King Sect!"

"Old Chen, what are you muttering?" Fang Zaiji was puzzled by Chen Tianhai's words.

"Brother Fang, who is this?" Chen Tianhai asked.

"Ah! This is..." Fang Zaiji glanced at Xu Bai.

After receiving a signal from Xu Bai, he truthfully said, "This is our current Sect Master of Medicine King Sect, Xu Bai!"

"Hmm?" Chen Tianhai's eyes flashed with surprise.

Then, he looked at Xu Bai with a bit more attention.

"Master of Medicine King Sect, thinking of joining our Tai Yan Sect. You really don't have good intentions," Chen Tianhai shook his head slightly.

"Now that the Immortal Alliance is about to sweep through the Xuanhuang realms, whether it's Medicine King Sect or Tai Yan Sect, they will all eventually be incorporated into the Immortal Alliance. There won't be any distinction between sects. If you offer enough benefits, I might consider joining your Tai Yan Sect. It's not impossible," Xu Bai said calmly.

Chen Tianhai was suddenly speechless.

"You're right. The era of sects has already passed," he said somewhat melancholy.

"But joining our Tai Yan Sect..."

Chen Tianhai's movements stopped for a moment.

Next, he shook his head slightly.

"Let's forget about it. Our sect can't accommodate someone like you."

"Moreover, the cost of joining us..."

"Perhaps you wouldn't be willing to accept it."

Chen Tianhai's tone was inexplicable.

(End of this chapter)