Chapter 841-845: Signs of Death for Wood If Examined (6k+ words)

Time seemed to freeze.

In the presence of cultivators, a fierce battle between heaven and man unfolded.

After a long time, He Zhenghao was the first to make a decision.

He said in a deep voice, "I'm willing to give it a try!"

"After all, I'm just a small island guardian. It's not a big deal to give it up!"

A long-lost brilliance appeared in He Zhenghao's eyes. "Now, with the assistance of the Mutual Aid Society, I obtained the Yuan Ying technique in advance."

"The Golden Core realm is just around the corner, and obtaining the Yuan Ying is also a matter of course."

"If I can enter the central region of the Immortal Alliance with the Golden Core realm..."

"In the future, my prospects will be completely different from staying in the Congyun Sea!"

Seemingly trying to convince himself and persuade others present, He Zhenghao's tone was firm and filled with a sense of incitement.

With a leader taking the lead, three more cultivators made the same choice.

But it stopped there.

The majority of people did not give up their comfortable positions to challenge their courage and confidence again.

After all, even with leaked exam questions...

The content Jiang Shaoli provided in the jade slips was just too much.

Whether they could remember it all or not was still uncertain.

There was a big difference between rote memorization and truly mastering the material.

Now, with the examination approaching, the remaining time was too tight.

It was not enough for them to fully prepare.

In simple terms, the probability of success was not high.

However, out of the eleven, four were willing to take the risk.

This ratio was already somewhat beyond Jiang Shaoli's expectations.

He laughed and looked at He Zhenghao and the others, applauding, "Rest assured, you will not regret today's choice."

"Prepare on the island before the grand examination. I will provide you with some necessary assistance."

The four couldn't help but rejoice.

As for the others, seeing Jiang Shaoli's confident appearance, some regret arose in their hearts.

Jiang Shaoli, on the other hand, comforted everyone, "After all, the Congyun Sea still needs everyone's care. It's not wrong to decide to stay and develop here."

Everyone felt reassured after hearing this.

...

In the Tianling Province.

Li Fan and his two companions had returned to the vicinity of the entrance to the Five Elements Great Immortal Cave.

The seismic activity in the Qiling Province had attracted the attention of the Immortal Alliance.

They hadn't disturbed anyone on the way.

The process of relocating the entrance to the Five Elements Great Immortal Cave was carried out silently.

After all, being a Dao Fusion cultivator was already the pinnacle of cultivation for ordinary cultivators.

With Lin Ling and Tianyang working together, plus Li Fan's proficiency in formations, deceiving the perception of cultivators in the Tianling Province was a breeze.

"Just relocating the entrance and moving it into the Spiritwood Realm, without actually changing the orientation of the Immortal Cave."

"Strictly speaking, it's still a bit dangerous."

"If it's discovered, the Spiritwood Realm might be exposed."

"However, once I truly devour the Five Elements Great Immortal Cave, this hidden danger will naturally disappear."

The spatial recording data on the Tianling Province side had been completed.

Next, only one person needed to return to the Spiritwood Realm.

In the Spiritwood Realm, connecting the passages would be enough.

Having Lin Ling run a quick errand wouldn't take much time.

However...

Li Fan casually glanced at Lin Ling.

Since entering the Tianling Province, she seemed a bit restless and absent-minded.

"Lin Ling, what happened? Why do I feel that your heart is in turmoil?"

Li Fan inquired through voice transmission.

"Master..."

Lin Ling's tone was somewhat panicked. After hesitating for a moment, she explained straightforwardly, "There seems to be a bad aura here."

"It's somewhat similar to the Mother Tree that Senior Earth Meridian Tree mentioned we should avoid..."

"Something alike."

Hearing this, Li Fan's pupils suddenly contracted.

"Wood Omen?"

In an instant, this name appeared in his mind.

In his 115th life, he had coincidentally encountered the incarnation of Wood Omen in the Tianling Province.

Daoist Xuemu.

Now, Lin Ling sensing the aura of Wood Omen again here was reasonable.

However, what surprised Li Fan was...

Since Lin Ling could sense Wood Omen, could Wood Omen also sense Lin Ling's presence?

A creepy chill suddenly rose from his heart.

Li Fan immediately ordered Tianyang to accompany Lin Ling and quickly leave the Tianling Province.

After safely sending Lin Ling back, he would return.

Tianyang immediately complied with the order.

As the two left, the fear in Li Fan's heart gradually subsided.

"The sense of crisis that just emerged was not an illusion."

"Ling Ling seems to have truly fallen into Wood Omen's sight."

"However, it's unclear whether Lin Ling was lucky or for some other reason, Wood Omen chose not to take action."

By the time Tianyang reported safely, the two had returned to the Spiritwood Realm.

Li Fan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

In his eyes, Wood Omen's danger surpassed even that of the Celestial Physician.

After all, Wood Omen and Mr. Bai were the only two beings he encountered so far that could render him unable to use his true abilities.

"I survived before by sheer luck."

"If it happens again, the outcome might not be so fortunate."

"These ancient creatures should be avoided as much as possible." Li Fan pondered while waiting for Tianyang's return.

Without Lin Ling's Earth Meridian Tree power, Tianyang flying solo was considerably slower.

They also had to be cautious not to be detected by other cultivators along the way, further slowing down their flight speed.

As Li Fan patiently waited, a thought flashed in his mind.

"Wood Omen harbors deep hatred for cultivators."

"Occasionally, it deceives and captures cultivators to use them as tools for producing Golden Cores."

"However, its incarnation, Daoist Xuemu, does not frequently appear in the mortal realm. At least in my 115th life, when Ximen Yu sought him with my guidance, he couldn't find any trace of Wood Omen."

"Previously, Wood Omen manifested itself because of the outbreak of the Tianling Province war, resulting in countless cultivator casualties."

"Could its reappearance this time be related to a significant number of cultivator deaths again?"

Li Fan's gaze flickered.

Considering Wood Omen's cultivation, if it truly wanted to deceive cultivators, it wouldn't need to personally take action and waste words.

In Li Fan's view, Wood Omen seemed to be enjoying the process.

Watching cultivators gradually lose themselves in its words, willingly hanging on its branches, becoming tools for nurturing Golden Cores.

Wood Omen's heart filled with hatred must feel immensely pleased.

"Perhaps, it's like how we humans celebrate with a drink when something good happens."

Li Fan speculated inwardly.

"Now that Wood Omen has reappeared, it might indeed indicate another large-scale death of cultivators."

"Even though it hasn't happened yet, it seems Wood Omen has sensed some clues."

While Li Fan was lost in his thoughts.

Tianyang finally arrived.

After some effort, he successfully changed the entrance of the Five Elements Great Immortal Cave.

Li Fan only left when the residual spatial fluctuations here dissipated.

Before departing, he didn't forget to use his secret technique to seal off any anomalies in the area.

Tomorrow, it's time to settle the debt.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 842: The Arrival of Immortal-Mortal Pestilence

Undeniably, Wood Omen deserved to be the source of the oldest trees and ancient life fruits in the world.

Its premonitions were astonishingly accurate.

While Li Fan and Tianyang were still leisurely returning to the Spiritwood Realm, a calamity destined to cause boundless suffering quietly erupted.

Moreover, the peculiar nature of this calamity far exceeded the imagination of cultivators worldwide.

Qilingzhou.

After confirming through investigation that the impact of the seismic activity had completely disappeared and would not reoccur, the rescue and investigation team dispatched by the Immortal Alliance headquarters accomplished their mission after some reassurance.

Leaving Qilingzhou, they returned to the Immortal Alliance headquarters.

This group, including the leader of the Core Formation stage, remained completely unaware of the subtle changes happening within their bodies.

After returning to the Immortal Alliance headquarters and providing detailed reports, they returned to their respective regions.

Until seven days later...

"Cough, strange, cough... why do I feel a bit short of breath?" In the investigation team, a Nascent Soul cultivator named Li Xinhai was cultivating in seclusion using the Tianxuan Mirror.

Suddenly feeling uneasy, his cultivation was forcibly interrupted.

He dared not be negligent, quickly scanning with his divine sense and thoroughly inspecting his own body.

Unable to perceive the source of the anomaly.

"Cough..."

The worry in his heart did not dissipate.

Trying to suppress the cough, the more he tried, the more uncontrollable it became.

As if he wanted to cough up his lungs, Li Xinhai looked at the fresh blood in his hand, his face filled with horror.

Suddenly, a nearly forgotten name flashed in his mind.

Li Xinhai trembled all over, an indescribable fear descending upon him.

"Immortal... Mortal... Pestilence..."

He shuddered and hastily contacted the teammates who had previously investigated Qilingzhou.

As expected, without exception, all of them were experiencing some discomfort.

Some were mild, some severe.

Even the leading Core Formation cultivator, Immortal Green Willow, found it difficult to calm his mind.

"This is bad."

Various terrifying legends about the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence instantly appeared in Li Xinhai's mind.

His thoughts were initially blank.

In the end, Li Xinhai, who had regained his senses, shared his speculation with his companions.

Because he had the most severe symptoms among them, some cultivators still remained skeptical.

Especially Immortal Green Willow, who couldn't help but scold, "How absurd! The Immortal-Mortal Pestilence has been purified for thousands of years. Besides, it's no longer present in the mortal realm. How could we inexplicably..."

"Cough..." Immortal Green Willow's words were inexplicably interrupted by a cough.

The people present fell into a deathly silence.

"Stay where you are, don't wander around. I'll personally go to the headquarters. Cough..." Immortal Green Willow no longer doubted, his tone becoming incredibly solemn.

Thousands of years had passed, and various legends about the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence had become ancient tales. Information on how to detect it, symptoms after infection, and purification methods had long been sealed in history, inaccessible to ordinary people. Even Immortal Green Willow, with a relatively high position, was ignorant of these details.

However, aware of the severity of the situation, he initiated contact and hurried to the Immortal Alliance headquarters.

After the teleportation light vanished, dozens of black-robed cultivators, like mechanical puppets, were already waiting in formation. After a detailed examination, Li Xinhai's speculations were finally confirmed. Everyone in the group that had gone to Qilingzhou was indeed infected with the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence!

Shock, confusion, horror...

Facing a crisis of life and death, the Immortal Alliance's response was swift. An emergency team was immediately formed, gathering and isolating the members of the Qilingzhou investigation team. Puppet cultivators were dispatched once again to thoroughly investigate the source of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence in the underground of Qilingzhou. Simultaneously, a state of wartime emergency was declared, temporarily shutting down teleportation arrays in all regions and sealing the borders, prohibiting the movement of cultivators.

Various measures were implemented simultaneously.

It had to be said that in this aspect, the Immortal Alliance truly lived up to its status as one of the two overlords of the Xuanhuang Realm. Unfortunately, even though the Immortal Alliance's response was already swift, it was still too late. Seven days had passed since the investigation team returned to when the symptoms erupted. Now, the Immortal Alliance's teleportation arrays covered every corner of its territory. Despite many cultivators trying to avoid cross-state teleportation due to the influence of the Devouring Elemental Mist, there were still numerous cultivators frequently moving between regions.

Seven days were enough for this inexplicable outbreak of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence to spread throughout every domain of the Immortal Alliance.

The sudden wartime state of the Immortal Alliance already made cultivators uneasy, thinking that a full-scale war had erupted, catching the Immortal Alliance off guard, and leading to this desperate measure.

For a moment, everyone felt in danger.

However, soon, cultivators discovered that things were even worse than they had imagined.

It wasn't a war; it was the shadow of an ancient calamity, resurfacing after thousands of years, enveloping the entire Xuanhuang land!

The preliminary investigation results of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence in Qilingzhou have been revealed.

In the past, the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence existed in every corner of the world. Eventually, through the continuous efforts of cultivators, the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence gas was completely eradicated—or so the cultivators believed.

However, in a cavity underground in Qilingzhou, the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence gas still lingered after thousands of years. Moreover, over time, it seemed to undergo some form of mutation, becoming more secretive and powerful.

Various methods recorded in history, while not entirely ineffective, had significantly reduced practical effectiveness. New disposal methods needed to be researched. However, before this could happen, the mutated Immortal-Mortal Pestilence had already revealed its ferocious and terrifying fangs.

Currently, the majority of cultivators in the cultivation world were concentrated in the suspended celestial cities within the domains. The population density of cultivators even surpassed that of the cultivation sects in the past!

The spread of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence was astonishingly efficient! When the announcement from the Immortal Alliance about this matter was released, the incessant coughing sounds had already spread everywhere.

Initially, under the consolation of the Immortal Alliance's techniques, the cultivators' emotions were somewhat optimistic. However, as some cultivators fell due to the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, panic became inevitable.

The Immortal-Mortal Pestilence showed no discrimination. Whether it was the Nascent Soul stage, the Divine Transformation stage, or even the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core stages, once infected, the symptoms and the likelihood of falling were no lighter.

Desperate cultivators tried various methods to delay the inevitable, but to no avail. They could only, one after another, succumb to withering and painful deaths, as described in the successive announcements from the Immortal Alliance.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 843: The Cries of the Immortal Alliance

The wails of the Immortal Alliance echoed everywhere. The same was true for Congyunhai.

Fortunately, on Haixuandao, due to the few remaining members who were in seclusion for examinations, there were no outsiders coming and going during this time. Thus, they managed to avoid this calamity.

However, now that things had come to this, they were no longer in the mood for cultivation. Jishao Li closed the teleportation array, activated the protective formation on the island, and cut off all contact with the outside world.

They could only monitor the situation outside through the Tianxuan Mirror.

"It's fortunate that I chose to go into seclusion here. Zhang Mu and Sun Ying couldn't hold on and have fallen," sighed He Zhenghao.

Zhang Mu and Sun Ying were both members of the Congyun Mutual Aid Association. Among the thirteen cultivators from the association, two had already perished.

This illustrated the terrifying lethality of the mutated Immortal-Mortal Pestilence and the current tragic situation of the Immortal Alliance.

"The other cultivators are also in some danger, and their words are becoming unclear."

"Although they are brothers from the mutual aid association, it's distressing to see them like this. However, we absolutely cannot allow them in," Jishao Li solemnly said.

"The Immortal-Mortal Pestilence is elusive and dangerous, and we currently haven't found a suitable way to deal with it. We are powerless."

Jishao Li paused, looked outside Haixuandao with an inexplicable expression, and continued, "It's said that the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence can spread through spiritual energy. I have completely sealed the connection between the island and the external spiritual energy. Fortunately, we have some spirit stones on the island, so there shouldn't be any major problems in the short term."

"But if you want to cultivate, it's impossible. We can only barely survive," Jishao Li turned back to look at everyone, his expression serious.

"Being able to find a place to stay is already fortunate. We just need to hold on until the Immortal Alliance comes up with specific countermeasures," sighed all the cultivators.

"What exactly is this Immortal-Mortal Pestilence? It's said to exist in the bodies of mortals, invisible and intangible. Yet, it managed to spread worldwide in such a short time?" After a moment of silence, He Zhenghao asked with confusion.

Deep within his eyes flashed a hint of worry.

Everyone present, including Jishao Li, had no answer.

Silent and speechless.

What exactly was the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence?

At this moment, Li Fan also wanted to know the answer to this question.

"Cough... Are you two okay?" squinting his eyes, Li Fan looked at Tianyang and Lin Ling, both of whom were full of energy, with a somewhat unwilling expression.

"Senior brother, it's better to say less. Rest well," Tianyang advised with some concern.

"I'm fine... Cough..." Before he could finish speaking, Li Fan erupted into a violent fit of coughing.

It seemed as if his internal organs were about to shatter, all spewing out at once.

Despite appearing severely ill, Li Fan had no worries in his heart. Instead, he remained calm, carefully sensing the changes happening in his body.

This made Tianyang, who was on the side, couldn't help but feel deeply impressed.

"The symptoms of that brat Shang Tianci seem to be lighter than mine. But it's still uncomfortable."

His spiritual consciousness searched everywhere in his body but found no trace of the culprit, the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence.

Li Fan decisively gave up and began pondering.

"No tangible form. Yet, it exists in mortals, cultivators, and spiritual energy—all serve as its carriers."

"After lingering for thousands of years, it unexpectedly underwent mutation."

"Is this Immortal-Mortal Pestilence truly a product defying the laws of heaven and earth?" A hint of doubt flashed in Li Fan's mind.

Chapter 843: Yin's Words on Life and Death

After pondering for a moment, he took out the communication talisman left by Yin Shangren and contacted him.

After a short while, Yin Shangren's voice sounded.

"Friend Li Fan, are you looking for me because of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence?"

"Cough... Yin Friend, you're actually fine?" Li Fan, looking at Yin Shangren's energetic appearance, couldn't help but feel surprised.

"Hehe, unlike you all. Perhaps it's because I've been in contact with the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence all year round. I just felt uncomfortable for a day or two, and I immediately became lively again!" Yin Shangren laughed.

Li Fan, hearing this, looked thoughtful. "Friend Yin is indeed fortunate. I, on the other hand, am getting weaker. I'm afraid I won't escape this calamity..."

"Friend, don't scare yourself. Rest well, and you'll recover," Yin Shangren said dismissively.

"You've been infected for such a long time. Since you can still talk normally, the problem isn't significant. The real danger is that within three to five days, your life will be hanging by a thread," Yin Shangren explained with his professional knowledge.

"Then I'll borrow Friend Yin's optimistic words." Li Fan nodded.

After another fit of coughing, Li Fan, who had eased up, asked again, "Friend Yin, if we talk about the study of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, probably few people in the world can surpass you. What exactly is this Immortal-Mortal Pestilence? How can it persist for thousands of years and still be so terrifying?"

Yin Shangren remained silent for a moment before whispering, "The Immortal-Mortal Pestilence is probably the product of cultivators defying the laws of heaven and earth."

"Although it affects mortals, it can also kill immortals."

"Ignoring strength and weakness."

Li Fan was still puzzled, "If that's the case, what about this mutated Immortal-Mortal Pestilence? After defying the laws, can it change again?"

Yin Shangren shook his head, "Only the external form changes. The underlying principle that was defied hasn't changed."

"Perhaps it's because the proportion of cultivators to mortals today, even surpassing that of ancient times. So, the destructive effects of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence are far greater now."

Li Fan contemplated the meaning behind Yin Shangren's words.

Suddenly, a thought flashed in his mind.

"Friend Yin, according to what you're saying, the birth of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence is to protect mortals and suppress cultivators."

"Since the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence is reappearing and mutating now, does that mean that the Eternal Heaven Venerable, who defied this principle, is still alive?"

"Why have we never heard of the name of this Venerable?"

After a brief silence, Yin Shangren hesitated before answering, "I have some thoughts on this, but they are yet to be verified."

"But I'm sure that if we can know the identity of this Venerable, we will be close to completely uncovering the secrets of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence."

Yin Shangren's voice sounded elusive.

Li Fan squinted his eyes slightly.

But he didn't press further.

After a moment, he turned to Yin Shangren and asked about his views on the specific trends of the widespread Immortal-Mortal Pestilence.

"Friend, there's no need to worry. The Immortal Alliance has some experience in dealing with the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence."

"Currently, it's just that we haven't found a way to control the mutated Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, so it appears a bit passive."

"But it should be soon."

"As long as the method is correct, the fate of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence will undoubtedly follow the pattern of thousands of years ago and disappear once again."

"It will only exist within the bodies of mortals as a kind of deterrence." Yin Shangren's tone was ethereal.

There seemed to be some special emotions hidden in his words.

Li Fan pondered as well.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 844: A Year as if a World Apart

"In fact, I have a kind of premonition."

"Even if we cultivators do nothing, the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence will never exterminate cultivators."

"At most, it will only reduce the overall number of cultivators to a certain level, a combination of hostility and mercy."

After a long silence, Yin Shangren, with these words, concluded this communication.

"Cough."

Li Fan, after contemplation, inquired about the situation of ordinary people under the outbreak of this mutated Immortal-Mortal Pestilence.

Perhaps because ordinary people in the world still carry the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence within them, this disaster, which can be considered a terrifying calamity for cultivators, has limited impact on ordinary people. The damage is even less severe than a common flu.

"It's fortunate that these ordinary people now fall under the jurisdiction of the Immortal Alliance. Otherwise, there might be a repeat of the ancient times when cultivators, in the face of imminent despair, would ruthlessly slaughter ordinary people."

"I wonder how the Immortal Alliance will handle this aftermath. Will this mutated Immortal-Mortal Pestilence be absorbed by ordinary people again, impossible to expel? And then, will there be another mass migration?"

Li Fan's thoughts surged.

Although his body was in distress, it didn't affect the agility of his thinking.

"It seems that for ordinary people, the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence is actually a kind of protective charm. It's just that if they insist on seeking immortality and embark on the path, they walk into the opposition of ordinary people and must abandon this protective charm."

"Immortals and mortals cannot coexist, right?"

In today's Xuan Huang Realm, the conventional methods to eliminate internal miasma still consist of the two:

1. The [Pure Body Spirit Pool] invented by the East Polar Venerable.

2. The Xuan Huang Cleansing Heart Mantra.

These two methods only apply to dispelling the innate miasma in ordinary people. They are ineffective for postnatal infections in cultivators.

"Although both are called the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, their manifested forms are different."

Li Fan couldn't help but furrow his brows slightly.

After a moment, he gave up thinking.

"Alright, leave the professional matters to the professionals."

"In this world, the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence is spreading widely again. I believe it will be helpful for Yin Shangren's research. He should be able to uncover the secrets of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence earlier than the established time."

"No need to rush, just wait."

With the regions sealed, cultivators in fear, everything fell into a stagnant state.

Taking advantage of this time, Li Fan focused on cultivating.

Devouring the Five Elements Grand Celestial Realm, he re-entered the Nascent Infant stage.

Even without relying on the feedback from the "Seated Immortal Technique," Li Fan's own cultivation progress was stable and even faster than when he started from scratch years ago, thanks to his previous cultivation experience.

With abundant resources, Li Fan's progress in cultivation, although not advancing rapidly day by day, was steadily improving every day.

He was not far from achieving the perfection of the Golden Core stage.

This scene of Li Fan persistently cultivating despite his illness deeply moved Lin Ling, Tian Yang, and Shang Tianci within the Spiritwood Realm.

Subsequently, they felt a deep sense of shame.

Reducing the leisure time each day, Li Fan learned to be diligent.

As time passed, six months after the outbreak of the mutated Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, things finally took a turn.

The Immortal Alliance invented a special pill that, when consumed by cultivators, could significantly alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

Even those cultivators who had not been infected could take it in advance. Although it didn't provide complete immunity to the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, it greatly reduced the probability of cultivators falling due to illness.

It could be described as an authentic divine medicine.

Moreover, the Immortal Alliance, contrary to its usual practice, was exceptionally generous this time.

Not only could all the Immortal Alliance cultivators receive it for free, but even wandering cultivators who were not part of the alliance were also entitled to this treatment.

For a while, cultivators were grateful and felt indebted to the Immortal Alliance for its generosity.

Many cultivators who previously held prejudices against the Immortal Alliance, after being cured, immediately chose to join the Immortal Alliance.

With the special pills, after the cultivators gradually recovered, the Immortal Alliance sent out cultivators to purify the heavens and earth, dispersing the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence that had spread throughout the world.

At this moment, Li Fan, who had already recovered, squinted his eyes at the so-called "special pills" in his hand.

He had taken one earlier.

Apart from the slight symptoms reappearing in his body due to being infected by the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence again, there was also a comfortable feeling as if his soul was soaking in hot springs.

"This is... the Ascension Pill of Heart Intent?"

Li Fan's expression was somewhat strange.

He had taken this pill when he was in the 115th generation. It was a pill that the Immortal Alliance had banned.

Although it had been weakened significantly, the sensation of taking this special medicine was not much different from the Ascension Pill of Heart Intent.

After all, he was considered the head of the Medicine King Sect.

Although Li Fan was not proficient in pharmacology, he could still see how the special pill worked.

It accelerated the outbreak of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence in the cultivator's body while simultaneously providing a powerful stimulating effect to suppress the pain caused by the infection.

"No wonder the Immortal Alliance has regulations that each cultivator can only take one pill at most."

"If you take too many, it's hard to predict what might happen."

Li Fan carefully examined his thoughts while looking at the pill in his hand.

Ensuring that there was not a strong desire to take it again.

"Just one pill won't hurt."

Li Fan nodded slightly.

"It seems that the number of cultivator deaths may be quite high."

"The Immortal Alliance is clearly using emergency measures, pulling out all the stops when it's unavoidable."

"However, being able to stabilize the situation first can be considered a good prescription."

Crushing the special pill in his hand, Li Fan closed his eyes, and his spiritual awareness enveloped the Five Elements Great Dao beneath him.

After half a year of rigorous cultivation, he was on the verge of reaching the perfection of the Golden Elixir stage.

With just one more step, he could embark on the path of devouring the Dao Realm.

Moreover, he had a premonition.

This time, the Calamity of the Heavens would not occur again!

Just wait patiently.

"The Five Elements Great Dao is vast, requiring at least two or three years."

"As for the matters of the Universal Alliance, Tianyang and Lin Ling are taking care of them. It won't fall into a stagnant state."

Contemplating this, Li Fan scanned every scene of the Five Elements Dao Realm with his spiritual awareness, perfectly reflecting them in his mind.

One year after the outbreak of the mutated Immortal-Mortal Pestilence.

Cultivators had already become accustomed to its existence.

After all, almost all cultivators had experienced an infection.

Those who couldn't withstand it had already met their end.

The remaining cultivators had developed sufficient immunity.

Although there were occasional cases of cultivators getting infected again, it was still a minority.

It didn't affect the overall situation!

Moreover, the Immortal Alliance successfully developed the second batch of special pills, gradually distributing them to various cultivators.

The haze of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence had gradually dissipated.

In the Cloudmist Sea, on the Haixuan Island.

"It feels like a different world!"

The island, closed for a year, opened again.

After taking two rounds of special pills, the impact of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence had dissipated in just half a day.

He Zhenghao and others breathed in the fresh spiritual energy, expressing their heartfelt emotions.

Chapter 845: Embracing Opportunities for the Living

"Originally, we only had half a year to prepare. Now, due to the impact of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, the entrance examination for official positions has been postponed, and we don't know when it will take place. But I'm eager to try."

"Cough, cough." He Zhenghao lightly coughed, his face exuding confidence.

"Turning misfortune into blessing! Turning misfortune into blessing!" The others sighed repeatedly.

"Although you have taken two rounds of special pills, you can't be careless about the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence," at this moment, Ji Shaoli solemnly reminded.

"Recently, there was a sensational incident in our Cloudmist Sea. A cultivator named Wen Yue, relying on having been infected with the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence and supposedly having immunity, wanted to test whether the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence in the bodies of ordinary people still affected him. In front of many cultivators, he poured the blood of ordinary people into his body."

"He died on the spot, turning into dry bones. The scene was truly horrifying!" Ji Shaoli sighed.

He Zhenghao and others were stunned, "Is there such a foolish person in the world? Joking with his own life?"

Then they were shocked, "So, our immunity to the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence is just an illusion?"

Ji Shaoli nodded slightly, "Regarding this matter, the Immortal Alliance has already issued a notice and provided an explanation. The existence of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence is a principle of the heavens and earth. We can only adapt to its presence, but it won't disappear."

"So, in the end, nothing has really changed. It's just that many cultivators died in vain?" He Zhenghao couldn't help feeling confused.

Pei Tuo hated it even more, "Damn it! If I achieve the Dao Unity in the future, I will definitely defy this principle!"

"Brother Pei has lofty ambitions!"

Everyone sighed.

After a while, Ji Shaoli waved his hand to interrupt them.

"Venting complaints is fine. What we can do is endure and survive."

"In fact, the outbreak of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence mutation may not be a bad thing for us survivors." Ji Shaoli said in a low voice.

"Oh? How so?" Everyone couldn't help but focus their eyes on Ji Shaoli.

"Do you know how many internal system cultivators have been reduced in the Cloudmist Sea alone during this calamity?" Ji Shaoli asked mysteriously.

Seeing the sudden brightening of everyone's eyes, Ji Shaoli transmitted a number.

"Over five hundred?"

Everyone couldn't help exclaiming.

"Yes. In the Cloudmist Sea alone, what about the situation across the world? It's even more imaginable."

"These positions vacated due to the fall of cultivators are opportunities for us survivors." Ji Shaoli said with a deep meaning.

"Friend Ji, does this mean we should still participate in the entrance examination?"

"Yes, although we are fully prepared, the competition in this examination will definitely be more intense..."

The expressions of everyone varied, and Ji Shaoli said in a deep voice, "If nothing unexpected happens, the scale of this entrance examination may far exceed expectations. It's not just about recruiting a large number of cultivators, but also about the quality of the positions!"

"Previously, positions that required decades of training to ascend may be directly taken by those with outstanding achievements this time!"

"So, in my opinion, we should still take a chance in the entrance examination!"

"Maybe we can leap over the dragon gate and change our fate against the heavens!"

Among the people present, especially He Zhenghao, their eyes lit up instantly.

"Also, besides positions within the system, scarce resources such as techniques and Dao realms may also be greatly opened up. In short, the Immortal Alliance's current top priority is to restore to the level before the calamity at all costs." Ji Shaoli added.

"Friend Ji, are you suggesting that the Immortal Alliance is afraid that the Five Elders will take advantage of the current weak recovery period to make a move?"

"But it's strange. When the Immortal Alliance was most severely damaged before, the Five Elders surprisingly didn't take advantage of the situation to attack."

"What's there to be puzzled about? While we were experiencing the outbreak of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, how could they remain unscathed? In my opinion, the Five Elders must have suffered heavy losses as well. Now it's about who can recover faster and gain an advantage in the overall situation."

"Anyway, this is indeed a rare opportunity for us ordinary cultivators."

In fact, he had previously sent Lin Ling to make contact with the Five Elders.

While making a fortune using the Immortal Alliance's entrance examination question bank, he also secretly investigated the situation of the Five Elders during the outbreak of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence.

Compared to the outbreak in the Immortal Alliance, their losses were considerably smaller. Due to the delayed spread of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, when it entered the territory of the Five Elders, they had already received news of the outbreak in the Immortal Alliance.

They took precautions in advance. Moreover, being ruled by five venerables, the issuance of orders effectively slowed down the spread of the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence, as cultivators obediently stayed home.

The key was how to deal with the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence. In fact, the Five Elders had more detailed records than the Immortal Alliance, as in the ancient cultivation world, it was the various sects that confronted the Immortal-Mortal Pestilence head-on.

Specific measures were not disclosed, but the Five Elders did not suffer heavy losses in this calamity. The only thing that puzzled them was that the Heavenly Sovereign personally issued an edict, vetoing the plan to attack the Immortal Alliance during the chaos.

The command of the Heavenly Sovereign was inviolable. They could only accumulate strength and attempt to launch a fatal strike against the Immortal Alliance.

...

In the Beastkind Realm, Lin Ling and Tianyang did not unleash their true strength. They only suppressed their cultivation at the Nascent Divinity realm and fought against the surging tide of beastkind.

This was naturally Li Fan's command. Besides collecting beast cores as raw materials for transforming spiritual energy into the Immortal Spirit Tower, the more crucial aspect was to let Lin Ling and Tianyang refine their practical combat skills in battle.

Tianyang was fine. In the previous battle with Mosstone, Lin Ling, as a newly born tree spirit, had almost blank combat awareness, relying entirely on instinctive moves. This didn't do justice to her Dao Unity cultivation.

So, Li Fan had Tianyang take her to train in the Beastkind Realm during this rare period of calm. Countless beastkind were slaughtered, and under the baptism of endless fresh blood, Lin Ling's once tender and innocent face now bore a hint of ominous aura.

Her techniques became more proficient, and even in her mind, images would naturally and spontaneously appear, guiding her on how to fight more effectively.

Her actual combat strength rapidly increased.

They looked towards the distant tower. As long as they ascended that place, Li Fan's command would be considered complete.

(End of this chapter)