Chapter 343: Saved but Uninformed
"For example, the remains of the first Dao-merging cultivator to fall in the wars between the Immortal Alliance and the Five Elders Association, the Qianlian Immortal Lord."
"Hehe, over the years, the Five Elders Association has put in quite a bit of effort to reclaim the remains of the Qianlian Immortal Lord."
"Another example is the Ancient Heavenly Sword Sect's 'War Cessation Stone Stele.' It is said that there were two giant stones in front of the Heavenly Sword Sect's gate. One was inscribed with 'Travelers Cease,' and the other with 'Those Who Come Halt Hostilities.' Just relying on these two giant stones was equivalent to an endless array of protective mountains. Truly, it was imposing."
"Unfortunately, the Museum of Divine Collections only collected this 'War Cessation Stone Stele,' and the 'Travelers Cease' stone stele is nowhere to be found."
Li Fan, upon hearing this, couldn't help but think of his own 'Cease Step Remnant Stone.' I wonder if it's the same as the 'Cease Step Stone' from the Heavenly Sword Sect?
Just as Li Fan was lost in thought, the black-clothed cultivator's words forcefully brought his attention back.
"By the way, speaking of the Museum of Divine Collections, I have to mention the remains of the first cultivator infected with the Immortal-Mortal Plague. You might not be aware, but these seemingly ordinary remains have been fiercely contested by many cultivators. The value is extraordinary. His skull, stored in the Museum of Divine Collections, is actually placed in the central position."
"When I first saw it, I thought it was the remains of some ancient powerhouse. Tsk, didn't expect him to be just an unlucky guy."
"I really don't understand those guys; why collect something like this."
The black-clothed cultivator, talking about the Museum of Divine Collections, seemed to become somewhat excited, introducing various items inside to Li Fan and the others. Han Yi and Ximen Yue were quite interested, listening attentively.
Li Fan's mind, however, was set in motion.
"The remains of the first cultivator infected with the Immortal-Mortal Plague..."
"In my storage ring, I still have one of his ribs. When Yin's avatar self-immolated, this rib managed to survive."
Li Fan couldn't help but become interested in the skull placed in the Museum of Divine Collections.
When the black-clothed cultivator paused in his speech, Li Fan asked, "May I ask, Senior, how does one visit the Museum of Divine Collections, like those people just now? Is there a way?"
The black-clothed cultivator smiled, "The Museum of Divine Collections is generally not open to outsiders. No matter how many contribution points you have, it's not allowed. If you want to apply for a visit, broaden your horizons, and don't have any background, the simplest way is to become like me, a full-time guide through an assessment."
Li Fan was slightly stunned, and Han Yi and Ximen Yue looked at each other in surprise.
"Why does the Museum of Divine Collections need a dedicated guide?" Ximen Yue asked with confusion.
The black-clothed cultivator chuckled, "Why not? Do you think putting a sign in front of each exhibit is enough?"
"Firstly, the spiritual energy inside the Museum of Divine Collections, like the large path you just walked in front of the Guardian Hall, is all in a dormant state. Even divine consciousness can't leave the body. All exhibit information is only briefly marked. To know the stories behind them, a dedicated guide is needed."
"Moreover, do you have any misconceptions about the size of the Museum of Divine Collections?" The black-clothed cultivator lightly laughed.
"What's stored inside is the entire collection of the Immortal Alliance for thousands of years. When I left, the number of exhibits was three hundred eighty-four million, seven hundred fifty-six thousand, six hundred and eighty-four. If ordinary people enter for a visit, it's like finding a needle in the sea. They won't be able to find what they want to see. And to have a complete, beautiful experience within the limited time, it's simply wishful thinking."
"Besides, as you just saw, the visitors to the Museum are no ordinary people. Without guides, what can they understand?"
The black-clothed cultivator sneered and stopped talking about it.
Li Fan and the others all wore expressions of enlightenment.
After a moment of silence, the black-clothed cultivator continued, "Of course, if you join the Immortal Alliance system, and your merit level reaches thirty or above, you'll have a free opportunity to visit every ten years."
"But well, reaching thirty merits is too difficult. Even I haven't achieved it yet."
Then, he looked at Han Yi, seemingly smiling, "Of course. If young Han here practices diligently and breaks through to the Dao-merging realm, it won't be so troublesome. Just need to report and you can enter."
Han Yi felt a bit embarrassed at his words. "Senior is joking. Dao-merging realm, even with a technique, is not so easy."
The black-clothed cultivator chuckled lowly, not saying anything more.
The rest of the journey was silent.
The black-clothed cultivator led Li Fan and the others back to the platform where they started.
"Alright, the task entrusted by the Immortal Venerable is considered complete. We'll meet again if fate allows."
The black-clothed cultivator spoke in a cold voice.
Li Fan felt a mysterious force enveloping him. It seemed like he was being rejected by the surrounding space, about to be expelled from the Immortal Alliance headquarters.
"I wonder, how should I address Senior?" As they were about to leave, Li Fan looked at the black-clothed cultivator and asked.
"I'm just an insignificant nobody, no need for a name. When I'm a guide, I'm Guide Ding Yin. When I'm a guide, I'm Guide Hei. That's it," the black-clothed cultivator shook his head without giving a direct answer.
As the figure of Guide Hei gradually disappeared, Li Fan and the others found themselves back in the Four Seasons Garden of the Sky Pole Academy.
The location was exactly the same as before they entered the Immortal Alliance headquarters.
"Han Daoist, after visiting the Immortal Alliance headquarters, do you know where it is located?" Li Fan asked Han Yi with a smile.
Han Yi pondered for a moment and replied, "If I'm not mistaken, the Immortal Alliance headquarters is likely located within the Tianxuan Mirror."
Ximen Yue, however, disagreed, "I think the Tianxuan Mirror merely serves as a means of transportation. If the headquarters is in the Tianxuan Mirror..."
"How many Tianxuan Mirrors are there in the world? Wouldn't that mean that anywhere with a Tianxuan Mirror is the location of the Immortal Alliance headquarters?"
Han Yi fell silent, seemingly unsure how to refute this argument.
Li Fan considered both points and decided to play peacemaker.
After a short discussion, the three didn't delve too deeply into the matter.
After expressing their gratitude and bidding farewell to the Supreme Immortal, the three returned to the Heavenly Rights Province's Dao Discussion Tower. With Han Yi funding the meal, they enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
Later, they went their separate ways.
Ximen Yue stayed in the Heavenly Rights Province.
Li Fan and Han Yi, on the other hand, joined forces and headed for the Source Dao Province.
Half a year later...
In the Tianxuan Mirror, Li Fan finally achieved an entry-level mastery of the "Mysterious Transformation of True Spirits."
"It's a perfect time; I haven't summoned a clone yet. Now that my cultivation is complete, let's see how effective it is."
Suppressing his excitement, Li Fan disguised himself and headed outside the Tianyu City.
After digging a secret chamber, gathering various materials, Li Fan began the process of summoning his clone.
After a while...
A mass of flesh and blood exploded.
"Hmm? Why did it fail?"
Li Fan was puzzled.
He attempted again.
Still a failure.
"What's going on?"
Li Fan furrowed his brows deeply.
"Wait a minute, could it be..."
"Is there already a clone of mine existing in the world?"
Li Fan was suddenly shocked.
(End of this chapter)