Chapter 436-440: Seven-Day Probation Exam (6k+ words)

The scene on the broken stone suddenly fell silent.

Li Fan didn't rush and patiently waited.

After a while, Face had a reply, "Found it! There's something that's perfect for you!"

"Oh? What is it?" Li Fan showed some excitement.

"The 'Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique!'" Face said triumphantly.

"Devouring Heaven and Earth?" Li Fan squinted his eyes, thought for a while, but couldn't find any relevant information in his memory.

Fortunately, Face didn't intend to quiz Li Fan. He explained directly, "It's a technique left behind by a notorious ancient cultivator."

"This person took a unique path, not absorbing spiritual energy from heaven and earth but directly devouring spiritual veins and earth veins for cultivation."

"Although his progress was extremely fast, he lacked restraint and acted recklessly, causing several states' spiritual energy to dry up and the landscape to change in a short time."

"In the end, he was discovered, leading to a fate of being skinned and drawn, his soul scattered."

"But his secret technique was preserved after being interrogated."

Li Fan thought for a moment and said thoughtfully, "So, you mean, let me secretly absorb the spiritual veins and earth veins of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance using the 'Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique'?"

Face nodded, looking like a knowledgeable elder, "Most of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance's defended strongholds are built on top of earth veins."

"As the guardian of Tai'an Island, as long as you're careful and absorb a small amount each time, you won't be discovered."

"And for you, as a Foundation Building cultivator, even a small amount of earth veins is a great supplement. This way, you should be able to quickly advance to the Golden Core realm."

Li Fan was overjoyed, "Boss, you're truly wise and martial!"

However, Face didn't buy Li Fan's flattery. He coldly snorted, "Go and get the first day's exam questions from He Zhenghao. After the results are out and confirmed, we'll trade on the same night."

"At that time, I'll send someone specially. You just need to handle the handover."

"I'll also have him bring the 'Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique' to you." Li Fan wasn't surprised by Face's decision. After all, five million contribution points were not a small amount. It couldn't be entrusted to him, a Foundation Building cultivator, to lead openly.

Li Fan nodded repeatedly in agreement.

"You can go now," Face instructed.

"We've been meeting quite frequently recently. Be careful on the way. Don't reveal anything crucial at a critical moment."

"Boss, you can rest assured," Li Fan assured, patting his chest.

After agreeing on the next contact location, the broken stone gradually lost its luster and turned into dust.

"Absorbing the power of earth veins for cultivation..." Li Fan suddenly remembered something.

"If I can make use of it, then the speed of my cultivation in this life might be even faster than expected."

With the appearance of Zhou Qing'ang, Li Fan quietly flew back to Tai'an Island.

The clone was deeply hidden in the protective array of Tai'an Island, so there was no need to worry about others discovering it.

However, to be on the safe side, Li Fan still set up another layer of formations in the closed secret room.

He then used the secret technique 'Only One Hand Conceals the Sky' for concealment.

After doing all this, he took out a blank jade slip from his storage ring.

The blue light of the Dao Stone circulated in Li Fan's mind, and the questions from the previous life were all recorded into the jade slip.

The entrance exam for the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance is divided into many subjects such as Politics, Law, Economics, Martial Arts, Tools, Formations, Elixirs, and Talismans.

Hosted by various Political Affairs Courts and assisted by the Martial Arts Courts, all applicants must participate in exams for all subjects.

After comprehensive evaluation, a batch of outstanding individuals will be selected and transferred to the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance headquarters or other important confidential areas.

Then comes the allocation of positions based on the overall scores of the cultivators and their personal preferences.

The exam format is not limited to simple Q&A sessions, such as the Spiritual Consciousness Sphere; instead, it involves realistic illusions similar to the 'Era' in the Political Affairs exam.

It tests their awareness and loyalty through various changes in the illusion.

For skills like Tools, Formations, Elixirs, Talismans, besides theoretical tests, candidates must also perform practical operations on the spot.

Every time there are a large number of cultivators participating in the entrance exam, although the majority are just accompanying runners.

Chapter 436: Seven Days into the Job Exam

Though this process was time-consuming and laborious, cultivators were enthusiastic, and the number of applicants for each exam increased every time.

Overall, for those who paid attention, the once-in-a-decade entrance exam was a grand event.

After recording the questions from the first day and the remaining days in two jade slips, Li Fan breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Fan himself had no intention of taking the exam. For him, there were much more convenient ways to enter the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance system.

Moreover, the main task in this life was to advance the Five Element Immortal Cave to the Nascent Soul realm. Joining the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance would only add another layer of constraints, hindering his actions.

"There's still a month and a half; waiting patiently will do."

Li Fan practiced while carefully pondering the potential variables that might arise in the future.

Time passed slowly.

During this period, to avoid any loopholes, Li Fan invited He Zhenghao to Tai'an Island several times.

They closed off the formations and talked through the night.

Knowing He Zhenghao's temperament, Li Fan naturally got along well with him.

After a few meetings, "Zhou Qing'ang" was increasingly treated as a confidant.

In their conversations, He Zhenghao repeatedly mentioned with pride that he had received guidance from an "ancient Tianji Sect cultivator."

With a wave of investment, he completely turned his life around, changing his destiny.

After cultivating the Nascent Soul technique, he was now on the verge of reaching the Golden Core realm.

Li Fan pretended to be extremely envious on the surface, praising He Zhenghao repeatedly, begging him to remember him when he had the chance to get rich again.

Unable to resist Li Fan's persuasion, He Zhenghao agreed.

Li Fan then revealed a satisfied smile.

Apart from this, the Cangyun Sea remained calm, and nothing unusual happened.

Soon, there were only three days left until the official start of the entrance exam.

After another meeting with He Zhenghao for a long conversation, Li Fan suddenly stood up, "It's time."

Quietly flying towards the agreed location with the Face of the Stone Man, Li Fan found the meeting point as before.

After verification, Face appeared suddenly.

"How's it going? Did you get the exam questions?" In Face's voice, there was an unusual trace of nervousness and anticipation.

Li Fan, unable to hide his excitement, nodded, took out the jade slip with the questions from the first day, and placed it on the broken stone.

A yellow light enveloped the jade slip, and Face's image became blurry.

After a moment.

"Very good! Just wait here. Three days from now, there will be a result."

Without waiting for Li Fan's response, Face eagerly disappeared.

The yellow light dimmed, but this time the broken stone did not shatter.

Li Fan looked at the broken stone with a meaningful gaze.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 437: Transaction at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion

Three days later.

At sunset.

Li Fan sat cross-legged on the seabed, eyes closed in cultivation.

Suddenly sensing the yellow light on the broken stone, Li Fan opened his eyes abruptly.

Standing up, he asked, "Face? How is it? Are the exam questions real?"

"Haha, kid, you've achieved a great feat this time!" Face's voice couldn't conceal the excitement.

"The questions are real! Not a bit off!"

"I've heard that the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance looks glamorous on the surface but is corrupt inside. I didn't expect it to be even more exaggerated than the rumors!"

"This is just the Heng Family in Tianyu Prefecture!"

"How will those more powerful ones act? It's unimaginable!"

Face seemed greatly shocked, repeatedly expressing disbelief.

Li Fan then said, "Isn't this better for us? The sooner the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance falls, the sooner our Five Elders Alliance can unify the Xuanhuang Realm."

Face nodded, "Right! Victory will eventually belong to our Five Elders Alliance!"

After a pause, his excited mood gradually calmed.

With a solemn expression, he instructed, "There's no time to lose. Contact He Zhenghao immediately and get the remaining questions as soon as possible."

"The meeting point is set at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion."

"I'll send someone there, and you're responsible for the rendezvous."

"Also, to prevent any issues with the remaining questions, make sure to wait until the exam is over, and we receive the notification before letting him go."

...

After Face carefully instructed Li Fan on various matters and explained the meeting arrangements, he disappeared.

As usual, Li Fan destroyed the traces at the scene and returned to Tai'an Island.

In the depths of the protective array, Li Fan and his clone sat face to face.

"Myriad Treasures Pavilion..."

Li Fan had been to this place before.

It was where the twelfth generation, before He Zhenghao's death, stored the inheritance of the "Explanation of the Hundred Meridians Formation."

Located on the secluded Orchid Island in the Cangyun Sea.

In his previous life, Zhou Qing'ang obtained the supply of spiritual stones from Face through this place.

"It seems that this place might be a hidden stronghold for the Five Elders Alliance."

Li Fan pondered for a moment, then immediately used the "Concealing the Heavens with One Hand" technique, wore the "Concealment Talisman," concealed his clone's cultivation, and waited for the arrival of the Five Elders Alliance.

As for the main body, he randomly changed his appearance and, through the teleportation array, went to Orchid Island ahead of time.

After half a day had passed, when the main body had quietly lurked in the sea outside Orchid Island.

In the teleportation array of Tai'an Island, a cultivator suddenly appeared.

This person's appearance was unclear. After arriving on the island, he hovered in the air for a while before shaking his head with a sigh.

Standing still in the sky for a while, he then flew away slowly.

Seeing this, Li Fan's clone quietly followed.

The person's flying speed wasn't fast, seemingly deliberately waiting.

After flying a certain distance from Tai'an Island, they reached an open, uninhabited sea area.

He suddenly stopped and transmitted his voice, "Fellow Daoist, why are you secretly following me?"

Following Face's instructions, Li Fan's clone didn't answer.

Instead, he directly unleashed a palm containing the power of yellow earth attributes.

The person seemed unprepared for Li Fan's sudden attack, without any resistance, he froze in place.

When Li Fan's palm was about to hit him, the earth attribute suddenly turned into wood attribute.

The person, without dodging or resisting, directly took Li Fan's palm without moving.

"Let's go, to Orchid Island."

After verifying Li Fan's identity, without saying anything, he directly spoke in a strange voice.

"Use the teleportation array or fly?" Li Fan asked.

"Fly."

After saying that, he grabbed Li Fan and walked forward.

The scenery around them changed rapidly, though slightly slower than the Dust Crossing Boat Li Fan had ridden in his previous life.

"This speed, is it Nascent Divinity realm?"

"Or perhaps a Core Formation cultivator specializing in speed..."

Li Fan remained calm, not bothering to assess the cultivator beside him.

Silence prevailed during the journey.

Before long, the person brought Li Fan to Youlan Island.

Surveying the surroundings, he didn't spot He Zhenghao.

"Have you informed He Zhenghao?" he asked to confirm.

Li Fan nodded, "Should I ask him where he is again?"

The person stopped Li Fan, "Wait. It's better not to use communication symbols."

Seemingly with a purpose, Li Fan nodded in agreement.

At the same time, the main body, without concealing anything, flew towards the location of the two.

Soon, the escorting cultivator from the Five Elders' faction sensed the approach of the main body.

His brows furrowed, and he heightened his vigilance.

Li Fan approached them casually, "You're Zhou Qing'ang, right?"

"He Zhenghao sent me."

As soon as these words were spoken, both the Five Elders' cultivator and Li Fan's clone changed their expressions.

He first glanced at "Zhou Qing'ang" and then his face darkened. He asked coldly, "What do you mean, fellow Daoist?"

Li Fan, on the other hand, appeared indifferent, saying, "What do you mean? Of course, I'm here to trade."

"Why didn't He Zhenghao come himself?" The cultivator from the Five Elders hesitated for a moment before asking.

Li Fan chuckled, "In such a dangerous situation, how could he personally take action? If something goes wrong, won't he be implicated?"

"It seems you guys still don't understand him."

The Five Elders' cultivator glanced at "Zhou Qing'ang" again.

Continuing to ask, "If you get caught, won't he be implicated? Does he really trust you so much with 5 million contribution points?"

Li Fan became thoroughly impatient, "You don't need to worry about that. Are you going to trade or not?"

"If not, I'll leave. Being so cautious after stepping into the world!"

Li Fan looked displeased at the two.

"Besides, who you trade with doesn't matter. As long as the test questions are real, isn't that enough?"

His voice was like a resounding bell, without the slightest concealment.

The Five Elders' cultivator's expression slightly changed, subconsciously observing the surroundings.

After some thought, he found the other's words somewhat reasonable.

Glaring at "Zhou Qing'ang," he said in a low voice, "Alright, keep it down."

"Follow me."

Then, leading the two, he entered the Wan Cang Ge.

The personnel in Wan Cang Ge seemed as if they hadn't seen Li Fan's group.

Continuing until the deepest part of the secret room, they faced no obstacles.

Sealing the secret room, the Five Elders' cultivator said in a deep voice, "Where are the test questions?"

Li Fan countered, "And the five million?"

"One hand pays the money..."

"One hand delivers the goods..."

Both spoke simultaneously, exchanging glances for a moment.

After a standoff, they finally swapped storage rings.

"Now, you can't leave," said the Five Elders' cultivator in a cold tone.

"I know, I know! You're afraid the test questions aren't genuine, right?" Li Fan said, appearing fearless.

"Look at you, like you've never seen the world."

He showed a hint of disdain, casually sitting down with his legs crossed.

"It's fine, I'll just wait here until the end of the major examination."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 438: Secrets in the Sealed Room

Li Fan glanced at the storage ring.

Five thousand standardized high-grade spirit stones were neatly piled inside, crystal clear and captivating.

Five million contribution points were the largest amount Li Fan had seen since his continuous reincarnations. Even a complete waste, under the influence of the new law, could use this substantial contribution to reverse their fate, achieving at least the Nascent Divinity realm.

However, Li Fan just cast a casual glance, showing no excitement.

Taking out a spirit stone and playing with it in his hand, Li Fan casually remarked, "The quality is not bad!"

Having a huge fortune in hand and remaining so calm, was it genuine indifference or a habitual attitude?

Who was this guy, anyway?

The Five Elders' cultivator, standing opposite Li Fan and carefully observing, felt puzzled seeing Li Fan's demeanor and actions.

Nevertheless, he decided to probe further.

He coldly said, "Kid, you're still so arrogant here? Aren't you afraid we'll kill you?"

Li Fan looked indifferent, "Afraid? Extremely afraid! Who isn't afraid of death?"

He provocatively glanced at the other party, showing no signs of fear.

"But, as a errand runner with a crappy life, what's the use of killing me?"

"Moreover, I understand; you guys definitely won't harm me."

Li Fan put away the spirit stones, sat up straight, and put on a serious face.

"Oh? Why is that?" the Five Elders' cultivator asked with interest.

"Isn't it obvious! Anyone who can spend five million contribution points to buy test questions definitely isn't short of money."

"There's no need to ruin their reputation for a meager amount of contribution points."

"If you kill me, you can get the major exam questions for free this time. But what about next time, or the time after that?"

"Can you guarantee finding another reliable trading partner like us?"

Hearing Li Fan's words, the Five Elders' cultivator gradually put away his mocking expression and became serious.

"Moreover, besides the entrance exam questions, don't you want other, even more confidential things?" Li Fan squinted and asked.

"More confidential things?" The Five Elders' cultivator was instantly surprised and delighted.

He hurriedly asked, "Like what?"

Li Fan snorted, didn't answer directly, but said ambiguously, "There are plenty of good things! As long as the price is right, we can get you anything you can think of or can't think of!"

His words made the other side itch with curiosity.

But Li Fan suddenly stopped talking and said, "However, you also know the dangers of trading these things."

"So, depending on the specific situation of cooperation, we'll slowly open up."

"Don't think too much for now; let's complete this transaction first!"

Li Fan glanced at "Zhou Qing'ang" and the blurry Five Elders' cultivator, then became lazy again.

The Five Elders' cultivator nodded slowly at Li Fan's words and didn't inquire further.

Feeling the ten jade slips in the storage ring, Li Fan transmitted to "Zhou Qing'ang," "You stay here and watch him. I'll be right back!"

His tone was unfriendly, obviously dissatisfied with Zhou Qing'ang's mistake in intelligence work.

Li Fan's clone nodded slightly, then, with a murderous look in his eyes, stared at the main body.

As the Five Elders' cultivator was about to leave, Li Fan suddenly seemed to remember something and added, "There are ten jade slips in the ring, each containing questions from the major examination."

"And it also comes with a [Contract Scroll]. It's agreed that only one person can view a jade slip."

"Moreover, the content inside cannot be leaked. Only after signing the contract can one read the content of the jade slip."

"I'm sure you also understand the effectiveness of the [Contract Scroll], so I won't say much."

The cultivator from the Five Elders' Association had long sensed the familiar force. Since "Zhou Qing'ang" had mentioned before that the questions were limited to only ten people, he wasn't surprised. He casually said, "Understood," and left the sealed room.

Li Fan's main body and his clone remained in a standoff. Although they seemed unaware of surveillance, Li Fan remained vigilant, playing along with the act.

The clone, playing the role of "Zhou Qing'ang," kept a constant gaze on the main body, while the main body occasionally displayed displeasure, exchanging glares.

Time passed quietly as Li Fan practiced his acting.

Suddenly, six days passed.

On the last afternoon of the entrance exam, the cultivator from the Five Elders' Association walked in once again. He still concealed his appearance, but Li Fan could sense the excitement emanating from him.

"Friend, your methods are indeed extraordinary. The questions for the past seven days are flawless. Admirable, truly admirable!" he sincerely praised.

"In business, one must uphold trust! Since you've set such a high price, you naturally have to deliver," Li Fan stood up, patting his body.

"Now, can I leave?" Li Fan asked.

"Wait!" The cultivator from the Five Elders' Association hurriedly stopped him.

"Hmm?" Li Fan's expression changed abruptly, ready to react, but the cultivator explained.

"You've stayed here for quite some time. Please accept this small token of appreciation," he said, handing over a small bottle.

Li Fan took it and, using his divine sense, discovered it contained nineteen Enlightenment Pills.

Wearing a pensive expression, he glanced at "Zhou Qing'ang" and the Five Elders' cultivator. Without saying much, he burst into laughter.

"Interesting! It seems we'll meet often in the future. I'll take these!"

Li Fan stored the Enlightenment Pills, stepped out of the sealed room, and left Youlan Island.

"Zhou Qing'ang" pretended to be puzzled and asked, "What did he mean just now?"

The cultivator from the Five Elders' Association coldly snorted, turning to glare at Li Fan's clone, "Your intelligence gathering work this time had a significant problem."

"Most likely, you've been deceived by He Zhenghao all along. This person is far from as simple as he seems on the surface."

Li Fan's face changed dramatically, looking bewildered, "Why would he say that?"

"In this entrance exam, there were more than just us trying to obtain the questions from the Wan Xian Alliance. However, this time, the alliance was extremely secretive. Previous channels became ineffective, but only we succeeded."

"Moreover, the accuracy of the questions was terrifying."

The cultivator from the Five Elders' Association spoke with a deep tone.

"He Zhenghao's background is probably more than just the Tianyu Hengjia family."

"Is that so?" Li Fan was shocked to hear this.

The cultivator from the Five Elders' Association gave him a stern look, appearing disappointed.

"From the behavior of that person just now, it's evident they've done this kind of thing before."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 439: The Thousand-Year Change in the World

"Being able to easily obtain the entrance exam questions, and even more confidential information..."

The cultivator from the Five Elders' Association gradually spoke with a deep tone, clearly lost in thought and speculation.

After a while, he snapped out of it and looked at "Zhou Qing'ang."

"Although there are some minor flaws, overall, you've achieved great merit by establishing a connection with the organization behind He Zhenghao."

He tossed over a storage ring.

"Inside is the 'Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique' you wanted, along with some Enlightenment Pills."

"Besides that, there are fifty thousand contribution points worth of spirit stones. Consider it a reward for your accomplishments this time."

Li Fan took the storage ring, checked its contents, and showed a pleased expression.

"Fifty thousand contribution points? Quite generous!" Li Fan remarked.

The cultivator from the Five Elders' Association snorted, "Since there is merit, there will be rewards. Moving forward, while you continue to infiltrate, make sure to maintain a good relationship with He Zhenghao."

"If possible, try to extract some information about the mysterious organization behind him from his mouth."

"Of course, if it's not feasible, don't force it. Establishing a connection with them and exchanging secrets for spirit stones is sufficient."

Li Fan nodded repeatedly.

"Alright, you can go back now."

"Recently, your contacts have been a bit frequent. For the next period, it's best not to show your face too often to avoid exposing any flaws."

"If there's a special situation, we should be contacting you again."

After giving careful instructions, the other party left Youlan Island.

Li Fan's clone then returned leisurely.

On Taian Island, Li Fan's main body had been waiting for a long time.

"Five hundred and five thousand contribution points, three bottles of Enlightenment Pills, Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique..."

"This harvest isn't bad."

Li Fan nodded slightly as he totaled the items in both his main body and clone's storage rings.

"With such a substantial contribution points, planning anything in the future should be much easier."

With just a glance, Li Fan no longer paid much attention to this pile of spirit stones.

Once reaching a certain magnitude, more would only be a string of numbers.

Moreover, for someone like Li Fan, who could repeatedly "truly return," the more times he reincarnated, the more information he grasped, making it easier to accumulate contribution points.

Li Fan began reading the Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique.

As a precaution, it was Zhou Qing'ang, the clone, who examined the jade slips.

The style of language was vastly different from the cultivation techniques exchangeable in the Wan Xian Alliance's Tianxuan Mirror.

It wasn't as concise and straightforward, instead incorporating many mysterious and abstract statements, making it somewhat obscure.

"Distinctive ancient style..."

Fortunately, Li Fan had practiced several ancient cultivation techniques. After spending most of the day, he finished comprehending it.

The Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique wasn't a primary cultivation technique for advancing realms.

Nor was it a secret technique merely changing how cultivators absorbed spiritual energy.

It was more like a divine ability.

It could forcibly absorb the spiritual veins and earth meridians, converting them into spiritual energy for cultivation.

Additionally, it accelerated and facilitated the cultivation of the primary technique.

Normally, cultivators had a limit to the amount of spiritual energy they could absorb.

If they exceeded their capacity, forcefully absorbing more could even risk self-destruction.

However, after practicing the Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique, such concerns were eliminated.

The excess power absorbed would serve as an accelerator for the primary technique's cultivation.

The more absorbed, the faster the primary technique operated.

Until a breakthrough in realms, allowing for the absorption of even more.

This cycle continued until one could devour heaven and earth.

Of course, the prerequisite was not to be discovered, then beaten to death.

Without a doubt, this method of cultivation, akin to a parasite, was more malevolent than the new laws of the heavens.

In a short time, it could cause irreversible damage to the world, making it an enemy of all other cultivators.

However, as long as it could elevate cultivation, Li Fan didn't care about being the enemy of the world.

After careful consideration, Zhou Qing'ang's clone attempted to activate the Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique.

In an instant, his eyes turned bloodshot.

The entire world in his field of vision became different.

There was no distinction between people, scenery, or objects.

Only the difference between delicious and not delicious remained.

After staring at his main body for a while, the clone then looked down below Taian Island.

The earthy-yellow veins extended from beneath the island to the depths of the sea.

Connected in all directions with the earth.

It looked quite delicious.

The clone gently covered the ground with both hands, and a suction force burst forth from his palms.

"Hmm?"

What surprised Li Fan was that, according to the technique's description, the Earth Vein's power should have been easily drawn into the body without resistance. However, it remained unmoved.

"What's going on?" Li Fan carefully checked again, confirmed there was no mistake in cultivation, and attempted once more. This time, he released the restrictions and increased the suction force.

The Earth Vein's power trembled slightly, but it seemed as if the interconnected whole could not be shaken.

Delicious delicacies were within reach, yet they couldn't be enjoyed.

The clone's eyes became even redder.

Growing anxious, he stubbornly increased the force of the Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique.

The Earth Vein continued to resist.

Under the clash of these two forces, the entire Taian Island slightly trembled.

If this continued, such disturbances would undoubtedly raise suspicions.

However, the clone disregarded this, showing no intention of stopping.

It wasn't until the main body, who had been observing, intervened with a slap that "Zhou Qing'ang" was knocked unconscious.

The shaking of Taian Island finally ceased.

"This Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique is somewhat bizarre..." Li Fan frowned slightly.

The consciousness of the main body and the clone should be unified, and such a loss of control shouldn't occur.

But just now, influenced by the desire to "feed," Li Fan's consciousness seemed to have split in half.

Even the clone, upon seeing the main body, had a hint of devouring intent.

At that time, it could still be controlled.

However, when the feeding was obstructed, and the desire couldn't be satisfied, the clone was completely enchanted.

Clearly aware of the consequences of forcibly absorbing Taian Island's Earth Vein, he was unable to stop his actions.

"No wonder its creator couldn't restrain it. It's not that he didn't want to; he simply couldn't."

Li Fan couldn't help feeling a bit regretful.

Not regretful for the fate of the creator but regretful that he couldn't use this secret technique for himself.

"Don't be too concerned. I have the Sitting Mountain Technique; Devouring Heaven and Earth is just an added bonus."

"Moreover, I can let others cultivate this method, and I'll profit from their efforts."

After pondering for a moment, Li Fan temporarily put it aside.

His gaze penetrated various barriers, looking down at the Earth Veins of Taian Island.

"The former Mountain and River Great Formation already connected all the Earth Veins under heaven. Although the formation has been replaced by the Heavenly Origin Life Formation, its effect remains."

"Even if one wants to devour heaven and earth, it won't be as easy as in ancient times."

"The peerless technique from thousands of years ago, now becomes so mediocre with the passage of time."

"No wonder the Five Elders casually handed it over to a Foundation Establishment spy."

Li Fan shook his head, expressing his lament.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 440: Rain from Heaven, Rain from Myself

"Speaking of it, this Devouring Heaven and Earth Grand Technique is quite similar to that Return to Origin Toad."

"Both can devour Earth Veins, and similarly, there's a lack of control."

"It seems that in ancient times, many techniques were created by imitating exotic beasts."

Li Fan recalled his experiences in the "Ten Thousand Laws Battle" area of the Divine Museum, appearing contemplative.

"Unfortunately, while derived techniques inherit the characteristics of exotic beasts, they also bring along their drawbacks."

"However..."

"If this technique can be improved and optimized by using the Derived Law Bead to eliminate the flaw of losing consciousness, it could become a powerful divine skill."

Thinking about this, Li Fan shook his head.

"I'm afraid there's no chance in this world. I'm about to break through to the Yuan Infant realm, and the 'Sitting Mountain Technique' has reached its limit. Deriving it to a higher realm is the top priority."

The face of a young and unrestrained cultivator flashed in Li Fan's mind.

He was Han Yi, who successfully obtained the qualification to derive techniques using the Derived Law Bead by relying on the "Heavenly Transformation Feathers Pill," which could extend life by eight hundred years.

"In one step, deriving the 'Sitting Mountain Technique' to the Dao Fusion level requires stealing this person's opportunity."

"However, something seems off about him. However I look at it, he doesn't seem like someone with a strong Heaven's Fortune."

"Last time, when my clone and he went to explore the Heavenly Capital Ruins, we gained nothing. Along the way, we faced constant danger, almost losing our lives."

"It can be said that my nearly luckless clone was stronger than him."

"But he obtained treasures like the Fixed-Fish Head Color and the Heavenly Transformation Feathers Pill."

Li Fan frowned slightly.

"I remember he was deceived by a Foundation Establishment master before becoming rich overnight."

"I should pay extra attention to him when the time comes."

"See how he went from destitution to prosperity."

After pondering for a while, the clone finally woke up.

Li Fan collected all the spirit stones and enlightenment pills, leaving the clone to continue overseeing Taian Island.

He, on the other hand, changed his appearance again and headed towards the northeastern corner of the Cloud Cluster Sea through a teleportation array.

The destination was naturally Yin Yin Island, where Senior Yin Yin resided.

In the entire Cloud Cluster Sea, Li Fan didn't care about many people.

Senior Yin Yin was definitely one of them.

Not only did he comprehend the "Building Foundation with Myself" technique, which had been verified by Su Changyu in the previous life and proved effective, but there were still some flaws that needed refinement.

What Li Fan was most concerned about was Senior Yin Yin's research on the Immortal-Mortal Plague over the past ten years and his eventual decision to choose self-destruction.

Even ants seek survival.

Someone like Senior Yin Yin, theoretically speaking, would not easily give up his own life.

But he did, which could only mean one thing.

He truly understood the mystery of the Immortal-Mortal Plague, and the result was difficult for him to accept.

Under utter despair, losing the motivation to continue living.

Only then did he choose self-immolation.

Li Fan was equally interested in this mystery.

Spending three days, Li Fan quietly arrived outside Yin Yin Island.

From afar, there were continuous wails of mortals.

Li Fan had no intention of alarming Senior Yin Yin. Instead, he planned to release the Inconspicuous Killing Intent for surveillance.

However, the result shocked him.

When the Inconspicuous Killing Intent locked onto Senior Yin Yin, the perspective suddenly split into hundreds.

Except for the one concentrating on the experiment on the ground.

The rest, which appeared identical to Senior Yin Yin and were lying in the underground basement, were actually completely broken and battered corpses.

From the perspective of the heavens and earth, Li Fan found that these seemingly lifeless corpses were still alive!

While lying quietly in the basement, they occasionally made imperceptible movements, even subtly shifting their bodies and rolling their eyeballs.

Looking into their eyes, Li Fan even had the thought that these corpses seemed to be "thinking."

This eerie scene made Li Fan's heart feel a bit uneasy.

"The split perspective of the Inconspicuous Killing Intent means that, in the eyes of the heavens and earth, these living corpses and Senior Yin Yin are the same person."

Thinking like this, Li Fan became more serious.

He remembered that Senior Yin Yin had mentioned dissecting hundreds of corpses in this basement before comprehending the "Building Foundation with Myself" technique.

In the current situation, he might have dissected each of these "selves" one by one while still retaining consciousness.

"A true madman..."

"No wonder he could comprehend the extraordinary method like 'Building Foundation with Myself.'"

"If he had focused on cultivation, he might have easily reached the Dao Fusion realm."

"Unfortunately, he became immersed in the research of the Immortal-Mortal Plague."

Li Fan stared at the only remaining Senior Yin Yin who could still move normally, sighing with amazement.

In all his reincarnations, Li Fan had seen many so-called geniuses.

Even Senior Brother Zhang, who suppressed the ages with his Grand Vow Law Body, and Mr. Bai, who transformed from mortal to divine in an instant, were figures who could leave a lasting legacy.

But in Li Fan's perception, none of them seemed as sinister as this Foundation Establishment cultivator, Senior Yin Yin.

Li Fan spied on the outside of Yin Yin Island for several days.

Senior Yin Yin seemed like an tireless machine, conducting experiments, recording, contemplating, and then repeating the process.

There was no trace of weariness on his face, only deep obsession.

Li Fan also noticed that whenever Senior Yin Yin entered a contemplative state, the hundreds of corpses in the basement showed even more apparent "thoughtful" expressions on their faces.

"It's like hundreds of myself simultaneously contemplating an issue..."

Li Fan had a revelation.

"Perhaps, this is the reason he could unravel the mystery of the Immortal-Mortal Plague."

Li Fan also recalled Senior Yin Yin's delirious mutterings to Su Changyu in the previous life.

"Yeah, where did these bodies come from?"

"Ah! I remember!"

"It was a heavy rain! Countless corpses fell like raindrops from the sky, and I took the opportunity to collect some..."

Li Fan squinted slightly. "Several hundred bodies picked up from a heavy rain, all of them myself?"

"It's truly bizarre."

After contemplating for a long time, he couldn't find relevant information in the secret records of the Profound Yellow Realm that he had read before.

Li Fan had to temporarily set it aside.

After spying for a few more days, until the human materials on Yin Yin Island were insufficient.

Senior Yin Yin needed to go out to find more test subjects.

Only then did Li Fan quietly leave.

"Let's keep monitoring him. With the 'Transformation Dao, Divine Unity' technique, it won't affect normal cultivation."

Li Fan deeply glanced at the departing figure of Senior Yin Yin, transformed back into the appearance of a "Heavenly Sect cultivator," and returned to Wanxian Island.

After swallowing another enlightenment pill, he entered the "Awakening" state.

Li Fan began secluded cultivation.

Under the double enhancement, even though Li Fan cultivated the Sitting Mountain Technique, a difficult technique, his progress was swift.

More than two months later, with a pure surge of feedback, a sudden breakthrough occurred in his dantian.

Li Fan finally woke up from his closed-door cultivation.

(End of this chapter)