Chapter 981-985: Dark Golden Liuli Lotus (6k+ words)

Listening to Lin Ling's solemn vows, Li Fan's thoughts instantly locked onto Daoist Liuli, who was in the Spirit Wood Realm.

At this moment, she widened her eyes, standing in front of a Heavenly Furnace, eyes filled with curiosity.

"Similar to the Seven-Colored Jade Void Radiance, both are golden rays of the world level. This little thing is truly extraordinary."

"Looks harmless, even I almost ignored it."

Li Fan could naturally discern if Lin Ling was lying.

With a thought, as if invisible hands emerged in the Spirit Wood Realm, Daoist Liuli was instantly captured and brought in front of Li Fan.

Liuli felt her surroundings blur, and the scenery changed suddenly.

When she saw Li Fan's face, a hint of panic flashed in her eyes. She wanted to say something, but her lips moved up and down without making any sound.

"Before, according to Zhong Shentong, when you were just pulled out of the Fishing Pool, you were just a transparent fruit like Liuli."

"Being able to manifest a golden light, your fruit must be a great supplement."

Li Fan didn't ask any questions. Instead, he continuously formed seals with both hands, setting up a formation around Liuli like a alchemical furnace.

Feeling the surrounding heat, Daoist Liuli's face turned pale. Waving her pinkish-white arms, she desperately tried to explain something.

However, Li Fan completely ignored it, as if he was going to refine and eat Liuli on the spot.

The immense pressure around quickly rendered Liuli motionless, like being tightly bound by invisible ropes, suspended in the air.

Watching the seemingly defenseless Daoist Liuli, Li Fan squinted his eyes, intensifying the output of the formation.

In the alchemical furnace formation, nine crimson fire dragons appeared. Roaring angrily, they simultaneously spewed dazzling flames toward the restrained Liuli.

Behind Li Fan, Lin Ling, witnessing this scene, felt a chill in her heart, her body trembling uncontrollably.

She hadn't expected her master to be so ruthless. Without even questioning or interrogating, he was going to roast Liuli alive!

In such a decisive manner, if he really wanted to kill her, there would be no hesitation whatsoever.

At this point, Lin Ling dared not harbor any rebellious thoughts.

However, within the formation alchemical furnace, Daoist Liuli did not dissipate into the flames, as Lin Ling had imagined.

Suddenly, a burst of dark golden light erupted from her body, blocking the flames.

Regardless of how Li Fan activated the formation, he could not break through the protection of the dark golden light.

Li Fan snorted and continued to draw spiritual energy from the surroundings, continuously generating molten fire, roasting Liuli.

He wasn't really intending to kill Liuli; instead, he was using this gradual approach to force Liuli's true form out.

Within the formation alchemical furnace, the two forces continued to resist and deadlock.

The dark golden light protecting Liuli seemed to cause her a higher burden. Her eyes slowly closed, and her body curled up like a baby, hugging her knees. It seemed as if she had fallen into a deep sleep.

However, the dark golden light around her became more stable.

Beside Daoist Liuli, a six-petal lotus flower appeared!

The Liuli lotus flower formed, and the flames spewed by the nine fire dragons could no longer threaten it. Easily blocked outside the Liuli lotus flower, regardless of how the flames raged, the Liuli lotus flower remained unmoved.

"This is..."

Within the Xuanhuang Realm, there seemed to be no similar thing. Even the Heavenly Doctor's Immortal Manual had no records of such an item.

It should come from other cultivation realms.

"The six petals should only be its juvenile state." Observing the Liuli lotus flower in the flames carefully, Li Fan suddenly had a feeling.

The goal had been achieved, so Li Fan retracted his divine power.

The nine fire dragons disappeared instantly, but Daoist Liuli remained bound.

Li Fan's eyes narrowed slightly, thunderous voice echoed in the space, "Do you think with this broken lotus flower protection, I can't hurt you?"

"That's underestimating us Xuanhuang Realm cultivators a bit too much!"

Saying this, Li Fan released a rainbow-colored divine light.

Within that divine light was a small gray mold.

Initially, there were two pieces of the gray mold bred through division. The larger one was used against the Law Transmitter Jiang Yong before.

Although the remaining piece was smaller, the corrosive ability of the gray mold to the natural world was undiminished. The moment it appeared, even though it was surrounded by a rainbow divine light, it brought an extreme crisis to the Liuli Lotus Flower!

Liuli's body couldn't help trembling, and the six-petal lotus protecting her was constantly shimmering with dark golden light.

In the blink of an eye, it seemed that a new petal was about to appear.

The rainbow divine light was about to collide with the Liuli Lotus Flower, and the gray mold was about to be released.

Just then, a clear and cold female voice suddenly sounded in Li Fan's mind, "Hold on!"

The rainbow divine light instantly stopped.

"I didn't expect that this world would also be affected by the 'Mo' Character Technique..."

"'Mo' Character Technique..." Li Fan's heart moved, his expression unchanged, "Please come out and meet, fellow Daoist!"

The cold female voice no longer concealed itself. The Liuli Lotus Flower slowly unfolded, and an illusory dark golden figure appeared in front of Li Fan.

Even though the appearance was blurry and couldn't be clearly seen in the golden light, the aura emanating from her, like that of an emperor, somewhat revealed her identity.

"Greetings to the fellow cultivator from Xuanhuang Realm!"

"Fellow Daoist infiltrated our Xuanhuang Realm with suspicious intentions," Li Fan examined the golden figure up and down, for a moment, he couldn't grasp the other party's true strength.

Having lost a human body, existing in the form of energy, logically speaking, she should have been severely injured and forced into this. However, Li Fan didn't sense any weakness from this golden figure. Instead, there was an infinite vitality.

The golden light apologized, "It's not that I deliberately concealed it, but it was beyond my control."

Before Li Fan could inquire, she continued to explain, "Any immortal realm that survives in the Sunken Star Sea holds extreme hostility towards outsiders. In my current state, if I directly reveal my identity, I'm afraid I won't live for long."

"Sunken Star Sea?" Li Fan tilted his head slightly, probing, "Is it influenced by the 'Void' Character Technique?"

"It's a collective term for all star domains influenced by the 'Immortal Sanctuary,'" the golden light quickly added, "Each immortal realm has a different name for it."

"I see. We Xuanhuang Realm cultivators call it the 'Dark Abyss Star Sea.'" Li Fan timely continued.

"'Dark Abyss...'" The golden light fell silent for a moment, sighed faintly, "Yes, the name is quite appropriate."

"Fellow Daoist, may I know your name, origin, and why you appeared in the Fishing Pool? Most importantly, did you cause the disappearance of the Fishing Pool?" Li Fan threw one question after another, and his tone and expression gradually turned cold.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 982: The Secret of True Immortals in the World

"I caused the anomaly in the Fishing Pool? Fellow Daoist, you seem to be overestimating me a bit."

The golden figure first mocked herself, then began to introduce herself, "My real name is Baihua Daoist, the Sect Master of the Tianlian Sect in the Wansheng Realm..."

"But that was already thousands of years ago."

Baihua Daoist's tone was somewhat melancholic, "Back then, the 'Mo' Character Technique suddenly erupted, sweeping across the realms. Despite Wansheng Realm's efforts to resist, it couldn't stop its spread. Helpless, we had to abandon the realm and flee. We originally hoped to find a safe haven, but unexpectedly..."

"Everywhere we went, it was an apocalyptic scene."

Baihua Daoist's golden figure shimmered slightly, like being touched by a gentle breeze, revealing her inner turmoil. Even after so much time had passed, recalling the scenes from that year still stirred waves in her heart.

"Each realm faced different calamities. In the star domains surrounding our Wansheng Realm, the gray mold surged like a vast sea, swallowing everything in the world. In some worlds, twisted creations appeared, completely destroyed in continuous internal strife, like a blood-red purgatory."

"If it were just these, we might have found a glimmer of hope by running far enough. However..."

"Inside the Immortal Sanctuary, there are 'True Immortals.'" Li Fan said at this moment with a deep tone.

Baihua Daoist glanced at Li Fan and nodded slightly.

"Beyond the Sunken Star Sea, there is an invisible barrier blocking our departure. Inside the Sunken Star Sea, there are True Immortals who comprehend the 'Hunger' Character Technique, disregarding the life and death of mortals..."

"Hmm? Wait a moment. Did you just say there are True Immortals who comprehend the 'Hunger' Character Technique? What does that mean?" Li Fan's gaze flashed, and he asked.

"True Immortals aren't suppressed by the 'Hunger' Character Technique, right?" Li Fan raised his question.

Baihua Daoist was first stunned, then realized, "It seems that the fellow Daoist from Xuanhuang Realm knows little about True Immortals, leading to some misunderstanding."

"Based on the research of surviving cultivators from various realms back then, the characters causing the disaster in our star domain, such as the 'Hunger,' 'Chaos,' 'Mo,' and other characters, are likely from the hands of the same True Immortal."

"This True Immortal has the supreme power to embody the laws of the world into characters. With just a few strokes, they can easily destroy a domain and countless immortal realms."

"So, all the calamities we suffered were caused by this True Immortal?" Li Fan's gaze flickered, asking in a deep voice.

Unexpectedly, Baihua Daoist shook her head slightly and denied, "Didn't I just say that? If it were that True Immortal taking action, our star domain would have been instantly destroyed. The characters, the 'Hunger' and 'Chaos' Character Techniques that erupted in the calamities, while bringing endless catastrophic disasters, are not on par with the methods of a True Immortal."

"That is..." Li Fan was slightly stunned, then instantly thought of something.

"A pen imitation?"

"Yes, exactly. After comprehensive research on the records left by various realms about True Immortals, surviving cultivators from each realm reached this conclusion. The characters causing the calamities in the mortal world all come from the same person, or rather, True Immortal's hands." Baihua Daoist said slowly, with a tone not filled with hatred but rather helplessness.

Hearing this, Li Fan couldn't help but feel puzzled, "In our Xuanhuang Realm, after experiencing various calamities, we know little about True Immortals. However, without any reason, why would that Immortal create such endless slaughter?"

"Immortals won't do meaningless things. Just like the Immortal in the Immortal Sanctuary, sitting motionless for countless years, comprehending the 'Hunger' Character Technique to the extreme. It is to further advance and achieve the realm of the 'Nameless True Immortal.'" Baihua Daoist sighed with infinite regret.

"Nameless True Immortal? I have heard a bit about this. Unable to know their name and all records disappeared..."

"Could it be that Immortals also have levels? Not all Immortals are like this?" Li Fan asked humbly.

"That's right. While the path to Immortality hasn't been cut off, we cultivators can ascend to become Immortals. After receiving the baptism of Immortal Qi, discarding the mortal body, one can officially become an Immortal. The strength soars to a hundred times or more."

"But compared to the 'Nameless True Immortal,' it's still worlds apart. Every Immortal is an ultimate seeker of the Dao. Once they can completely master a certain path of the world, they become existences transcending everything. All past records are wiped out, and people can only match them with the Dao they have mastered."

"That True Immortal who embodied the Dao into characters, we respectfully call them the 'Inscribed Dao Immortal.'"

...

Listening to Baihua Daoist's description of the realm above Immortality, Li Fan couldn't help but be fascinated.

The information about Immortals in the Xuanhuang Realm has long disappeared into the river of history, and even the transmission practitioners know very little about it.

Perhaps only the Five Elders of the Ten Sects of the Immortal Dao might still have some information.

Today, encountering a survivor of the ancient Immortal Tribulation through a fortunate coincidence, and gaining knowledge about the secrets of True Immortals, is undoubtedly a significant opportunity.

Of course, Li Fan did not fully trust Baihua Daoist.

But for now, he chose to listen.

...

Baihua Daoist continued, "The Inscribed Dao Immortal has already transcended, but may have left behind a few inscriptions."

"Back then, for some unknown reason, the Immortal Dao collapsed, and Immortals scattered and fled. Perhaps one of these Immortals obtained these inscriptions."

"He copied and wrote down characters like 'Hunger,' 'Chaos,' and 'Mo,' causing chaos in the world. This must be related to the path he cultivated."

"Chaos and 'Mo' destroyed countless immortal realms, while the character 'Hunger' was obtained by another Immortal. Perhaps the character 'Hunger' aligns with the path of this Immortal, and he comprehended it right there, sitting at the former Immortal Dao passage."

"Keep in mind that thousands of years may be extremely long for us, but for Immortals, it's just a period of closed-door cultivation."

"As for the consequences of his comprehension of the 'Hunger' character..."

"For us, lower realm cultivators, we are ants in his eyes. Why would he care?"

Baihua Daoist spoke with a hint of resentment only at this point.

Li Fan absorbed all of the information from the other party and contemplated slowly.

"Are these just your speculations? Do you have any substantial evidence?" Li Fan asked.

Baihua Daoist shook her head, but remained confident, "Back then, our group of survivors who managed to survive the calamities were the most peak cultivators from various realms. With the help of surviving records from various realms, these are speculations..."

"Even if it's not the absolute truth, it's not far from it."

"Especially the copying of the Immortal characters and the comprehension of the 'Hunger' character, they were only at the Immortal realm. Although their strength absolutely overwhelmed us cultivators, it didn't reach the unpredictable level of the Nameless True Immortal." Baihua Daoist's tone carried a sense of pride.

Li Fan, however, recalled the 115th era when the Immortal within the Immortal Sanctuary, upon sensing his gaze, suddenly opened his eyes. Through the connection with his clone, the 'Hunger' character was transmitted to the Xuanhuang Realm, leading to the destruction.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 983: Walking the Endless Path of Eternal Life

"At that time, I did see that Immortal open his eyes; it seems he is indeed alive."

"To extinguish the Xuanhuang with the character 'Hunger' at a glance, I'm afraid it's not something an ordinary Immortal can do. Sitting for tens of thousands of years, gaining enlightenment, he's probably not far from breaking through to the realm of the Nameless True Immortal."

A palpable pressure suddenly surged in Li Fan's heart.

If what Baihua Daoist said is true, then one day, this Immortal will awaken from his enlightenment.

If, at that time, he hasn't managed to escape from this pitch-black star sea...

Then he will have to face it.

In other words, the time he can spend in the Xuanhuang Realm is limited.

However, for now, there seems to be no need to worry too much about this issue.

At least, from the several cycles he has experienced until now, even after anchoring for over seven hundred years, there is no sign of the Immortal awakening.

"But in that era, the obelisk built by the Celestial Covenant erupted more and more frequently. Perhaps it sensed the danger of the Immortal awakening and had no choice but to do so." Li Fan pondered silently.

"Compared to the awakening of the True Immortal, what I should be more concerned about is, if forcefully breaking through the attraction of the Immortal Sanctuary, leaving the Xuanhuang, or even crossing the high wall, will it awaken this Immortal in enlightenment?"

Thinking of this, Li Fan couldn't help but ask, "Let's not talk about the origin of the calamity in the cultivation world. How do you view the invisible barrier surrounding the pitch-black star sea?"

Baihua Daoist remained silent for a moment and gave an unexpected answer.

"This invisible barrier actually has two possibilities."

"The first is that it was established by something beyond the pitch-black star sea to prevent the spread of calamities caused by True Immortal characters."

Li Fan nodded slightly, in agreement with the speculation made by King Xuantian.

"As for the second possibility..."

Baihua Daoist's tone suddenly became heavy, "It's very likely arranged by that Immortal from the Immortal Sanctuary."

"As mentioned earlier, the True Immortal paths pursued by each Immortal are unique. The Immortal who wanted to comprehend the 'Hunger' character, to prevent other Immortals from discovering the existence of the 'Hunger' character, which would affect his own enlightenment process, set up measures before gaining enlightenment, sealing off this star domain, isolating it from the inside and outside."

The high wall was arranged by the Immortal Sanctuary's Immortal?

Li Fan was initially surprised, but after thinking for a moment, he found it indeed possible.

He inexplicably recalled King Xuantian's judgment from back then.

Only by breaking through to the realm of the True Immortal can one carry the Xuanhuang Realm across the high wall.

"The so-called True Immortal mentioned by King Xuantian, judging from his statement that he could reach it soon back then, should be the realm of an ordinary Immortal. Not the realm of the Nameless True Immortal."

"Only with strength close to or surpassing the power when the Immortal Sanctuary Immortal arranged the high wall, can it be crossed. This is also very reasonable."

"When the Immortal Realm collapsed, survivors scattered and fled. The Immortal Sanctuary Immortal, however, directly sat down at the entrance of the Immortal Realm channel, gained the 'Hunger' character, and dared to comprehend it right there..."

"I think it was not common in the Immortal Realm."

"Then he casually set up a blockade, sealing off the entire pitch-black star sea, and it might not be an impossible task."

In Li Fan's contemplation, he even felt that the second speculation might be closer to the true truth.

If that's the case...

"I'm afraid that trying to escape from the pitch-black star sea will inevitably disturb that Immortal in the Immortal Sanctuary."

This is undoubtedly more dangerous and unattainable than confronting the transmission practitioners.

But to seek eternal freedom, who would have expected that just as he set out, he found formidable enemies in succession ahead—the Transmission Master and the Immortal Sanctuary Immortal...

How despairing!

Most of the cultivators in the pitch-black star sea would probably have their Dao hearts collapse and find it difficult to make progress the moment they learned the truth!

But Li Fan just squinted his eyes, and in his heart, there was no trace of discouragement.

Whether it's the transmission practitioners, or the Immortal, or even the elusive Nameless True Immortal...

As long as they block his path to eternal life, Li Fan will definitely crush them!

"I walk alone on the path of eternal life, the world obstructs, but my will remains undaunted."

"With one sword, I split the starry sea, and heaven mourns while the earth wails, astonishing even the divine."

Li Fan slowly chanted in his heart, his eyes firm with a cold radiance.

The nearby Baihua Daoist didn't know what was happening but felt a mysterious change in the aura emanating from Li Fan. She inexplicably felt a chill in her heart, as if a great calamity was approaching. However, this feeling flashed by, and upon closer inspection, it disappeared without a trace.

As if it were just her imagination.

But Baihua Daoist understood that, in her current state of Lustrous Glass Body, illusions or hallucinations were impossible to occur on her.

So...

Baihua Daoist stared at Li Fan, seemingly harmless and upright, with an added sense of vigilance in her heart.

The Immortal Sanctuary is still far away from the current situation. After contemplating for a moment, Li Fan temporarily suppressed various thoughts.

He looked at Baihua Daoist, concealed within the golden light, and asked again, "The realm of the Immortal is something we cannot fathom at the moment. Compared to that, I'm more curious about Daoist's experiences."

"You were a survivor of the calamity back then. Why did you appear in the Fishing Pool?"

"And what is your relationship with Daoist Liuli?"

Li Fan's gaze was piercing, and the surrounding array seals quietly strengthened.

Baihua Daoist, with imperceptible eyes, glanced around and sighed, "Friend's vigilance is truly extraordinary."

"In fact, the reason I am in the Fishing Pool is just a coincidence."

"As I mentioned earlier, I am not in control of my own fate."

Baihua Daoist slowly explained, "That day, we survivors from various realms were gathered together to discuss methods to escape from the sinking Star Sea."

"Unexpectedly, a strange fluctuation came from the void, locking onto me."

"In an instant, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I found myself in the Fishing Pool."

Li Fan smiled, "So you were unlucky enough to be caught by the Fishing Pool?"

Baihua Daoist's voice sounded somewhat helpless, "Yes, and no. The Fishing Pool automatically gathers treasures scattered in the starry sky. The rarer the ownerless item, the more likely it is to be targeted by the Fishing Pool."

"My cultivation technique is perfected, and my body is like a hidden light Lustrous Glass Lotus, more like a magic weapon than a person."

"It can only be said that it was destined, an unavoidable calamity."

"In the Fishing Pool, I don't know how many years have passed. Later, by chance, I attached myself to a Lustrous Crystal Intelligence Fruit with a nature similar to mine."

"After absorbing part of the fruit's energy, I barely managed to maintain consciousness in the Fishing Pool."

"And then..."

"I sensed a force pulling the Lustrous Crystal Intelligence Fruit, knowing that this might be the only chance to escape. So, I joined Liuli, and together, we were fished out of the Fishing Pool."

"Hehe, but I concealed it quite well, and you didn't notice it all along."

Baihua Daoist said indifferently.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 984: Must Annihilate Seekers of the Dao

"The Xuanhuang Realm..."

"It is indeed full of dangers. Back then, we survivors from various realms had conflicts with the Xuanhuang Realm. Now that I've returned alone, I need to be more cautious," explained Baihua Daoist.

"Oh? There were conflicts back then? How does that happen? When calamity strikes, shouldn't cultivators unite and face it together?" Li Fan pondered for a moment, realizing the possible reasons for the conflicts.

A group of homeless individuals encountering the prosperous cultivation world of Xuanhuang would undoubtedly lead to various desires. At that time, especially with the presence of King Xuantian, he must have prevented these individuals with hidden intentions from entering.

However, Li Fan asked knowingly.

Baihua Daoist's answer was mostly in line with Li Fan's speculation: "That half-immortal was indeed very domineering. He directly rejected our proposal to unite and face the calamity together. On the spot, he wanted to expel us."

"Hehe, it naturally provoked dissatisfaction among some of us. So, we had a little sparring among ourselves..."

Baihua Daoist's figure flickered with golden light, indicating that the sparring she mentioned wasn't just a friendly competition.

"It's impressive that the half-immortal, even if not fully promoted, had the strength to crush ordinary cultivators. Knowing we were no match, we had to retreat. That half-immortal also showed some semblance of an immortal's demeanor, overlooking past grievances. Before we left, he even gave us a considerable amount of resources..." Baihua Daoist sighed.

"It seems that King Xuantian, despite caring for the Xuanhuang beings, is not a foolishly benevolent person. Towards outsiders, especially those coming from calamity-ridden backgrounds, he still has a strong guard. However, he was a bit too kind. If it were me, I would have slaughtered all of them and looted all the resources. In the end times, every additional resource means an additional hope of survival. Letting the tigers return to the mountain might bring about more disasters in the future..." Many thoughts flashed through Li Fan's mind in an instant.

He hid his faint killing intent well, but it still didn't escape Baihua Daoist's sensing with her Lustrous Glass Body.

Baihua Daoist paused slightly in her speech, not knowing where this unexplained killing intent came from.

"Could it be that this person in front of me has some connection with that half-immortal from back then?" Baihua Daoist suddenly felt a shock in her heart.

After some contemplation, Baihua Daoist took the initiative to change the topic, shifting from the old events to the disappearance in the Fishing Pool: "After I arrived in the Xuanhuang Realm, I still attached myself to Little Liuli. One reason is that I sensed that the Xuanhuang Realm seemed much more dangerous than before, and the other is that Liuli's Intelligence Fruit is beneficial to my cultivation..."

"My life was relatively peaceful until the arrival of you and that stone tablet cultivator."

"If it was just fishing for treasures from the Fishing Pool, that would be fine. However, he insisted on comprehending the Dao of Fishing..."

Speaking to this point, Baihua Daoist glanced at Li Fan.

Originally, the stone tablet's decision was somewhat related to Li Fan's instigation.

"This treasure, the Fishing Pool, is obviously the work of a self-established [Unnamed True Immortal] on their Dao path. How can one's Dao path be allowed to be contaminated by others? The stone tablet wanted to comprehend the Dao of Fishing and would undoubtedly face counterattacks. As for the stone tablet and where this Fishing Pool went, I'm afraid it's beyond our knowledge," Baihua Daoist shook her head, sighing slightly.

Li Fan fell silent.

Baihua Daoist's explanation had no loopholes. Searching his own heart, if someone wanted to comprehend the Dao of True Immortality through real fishing, Li Fan would also fight them to the death.

But soon, Li Fan thought of something else and frowned slightly, "Since the Dao path of True Immortality is not to be touched by others, why did the [Inscription Dao Immortal] leave behind several copies of True Immortal inscriptions? After thousands of years of Dao comprehension by the Immortal Sanctuary Immortal, why hasn't it attracted the attention of the Inscription Dao Immortal?"

Baihua Daoist pondered for a moment, as if organizing her words, "Friend, you may have misunderstood. The Dao path that the Immortal Sanctuary Immortal comprehends may have nothing to do with the Dao path of the [Inscription Dao Immortal]."

"The Dao path of the Inscription Dao Immortal is focused on inscriptions. The Immortal Sanctuary Immortal, borrowing the character 'hunger,' comprehends their Dao..."

"The Dao they pursue might be related to 'hunger' itself or something associated with 'hunger.' But it definitely won't be [Inscription Dao]..."

Li Fan pondered for a moment, nodding slightly.

It wasn't that he was so foolish that he couldn't figure out something as simple as this. Instead, a sudden thought emerged in his mind, prompting him to confirm it with Baihua Daoist.

"I once saw that the Immortal Sanctuary Immortal was bound by chains. I originally thought it was imposed suppression by outsiders."

"Now it seems more likely that the Immortal bound himself. The purpose might be to prevent himself from losing control due to comprehending the character 'hunger.' No, the Immortal disregards mortal lives; it's unlikely he's purely concerned about harming innocents. It's more likely he fears that losing control would affect his own Dao..."

"I see, his cultivated path might be related to 'opposing the instinct of hunger.'"

Applying the principle of empathy, Li Fan developed many thoughts in an instant.

Seeing Li Fan immersed in contemplation, Baihua Daoist also maintained silence.

After a long time, Li Fan spoke again, "Although Friend has explained a lot, there's still no concrete evidence. It's necessary to confirm with Friend for the sake of the Xuanhuang beings. I'm afraid we have to trouble you..."

Li Fan's reaction seemed to be within Baihua Daoist's expectations. She didn't show any excitement but spoke solemnly, "What if I am also a cultivator from the Xuanhuang Realm now?"

Li Fan was suddenly stunned, "What does Friend mean?"

"I borrowed the Liuli body and reshaped the Liuli physique. Liuli itself, using the power of heaven and earth, took form within the Xuanhuang Realm..."

"In a sense, I am now also nurtured by the heaven and earth of the Xuanhuang Realm," Baihua Daoist smiled slightly.

"If Friend doesn't believe, we can return to the Xuanhuang Realm together, and you can feel the meaning of heaven and earth. With my current strength, if I were an outsider, heaven and earth would certainly show an innate aversion. Cultivators in the mortal realm can easily see through it, and it's impossible to conceal."

To verify the other's words, Li Fan brought Baihua Daoist to the Xuanhuang Realm.

In an instant, the perspective shifted to that of heaven and earth.

Sure enough, Li Fan could see that there was no malice towards Baihua Daoist in the hearts of heaven and earth. There even seemed to be some affection and invitation.

Li Fan couldn't help but feel strange.

"If Friend is now at what cultivation level?" he asked.

"Uh, if in the Wansheng Realm, after my cultivation reaches completion and I transform into the Liuli form, I can accept the heavenly tribulation and ascend to immortality."

"Although the path to immortality is cut off, preventing me from ascending to immortality and my realm from stagnating. However, my strength has been continuously increasing over the years, especially after absorbing the Liuli Intelligence Fruit..."

"If classified by the realms of the Xuanhuang Realm, I should be considered in the Longevity Realm."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 985: Different Paths to Longevity

Baihua Daoist's tone carried a hint of uncertainty.

Li Fan, upon hearing this, furrowed his brows intensely, "You? Longevity Realm?"

His tone was full of suspicion.

Although the opponent's strength indeed made him somewhat uncertain, compared to the Longevity powerhouses in the Xuanhuang Realm, there was undoubtedly a considerable gap.

At the very least, Li Fan didn't feel a significant threat from the other party.

"Friend, don't tell me you think that throwing around the title of Longevity Realm will intimidate me." Li Fan's expression turned unfriendly.

Baihua Daoist smiled bitterly, "I've already fallen into this state, how could I do something so meaningless?"

"In fact, if still in Wansheng or other cultivation realms, I would indeed be considered in the Longevity Realm."

"However, in the Xuanhuang Realm..."

Baihua Daoist looked up at the sky, a trace of awe flashing in her eyes, "Thousands of years have passed, and the world has changed so drastically. This vastness of the heavens and earth is truly astonishing."

"Truth be told, my homeland Wansheng was only the size of the Xuanhuang Realm's current five provinces."

"While in the realm of Wansheng, we ranked in the middle among various cultivation realms."

"Although we share the same Longevity Realm, there are naturally differences." Baihua Daoist sighed with some helplessness.

Li Fan suddenly understood.

In those years, the Xuanhuang Realm was indeed a giant among many cultivation realms.

After thousands of years of constant plunder and consumption, the Xuanhuang Realm had expanded significantly.

As possibly the only surviving cultivation realm in the darkest Star Sea, it couldn't be speculated using common sense.

And within such a vast world, the Longevity Supreme, who coexisted against the heavens, would undoubtedly possess terrifying strength.

It couldn't be judged by common reasoning.

"Being born in Xuanhuang is truly fortunate and unfortunate." Li Fan felt something in his heart.

Looking at Baihua Daoist again, estimating her strength to be at a level slightly higher than the strong figures in the Xuanhuang Realm, he bluntly said, "No wonder I thought Friend seemed a bit weak."

"I once fought against the Longevity Supreme. Friend probably wouldn't last a few rounds against them."

Unable to discern Baihua Daoist's expression, but from the gentle fluctuations of her golden body, it was evident her mood wasn't great.

"Well, since what Friend said has been verified, let's return to the Spiritwood Realm first. The Xuanhuang's main realm is always under the surveillance of the Supreme. Although Friend's strength is slightly weaker, the realm is still in the Longevity. If you stay for too long, there may be a risk of exposure." Saying so, Li Fan brought Baihua Daoist back to the Spiritwood Realm.

Baihua Daoist did not act recklessly.

Ignoring the fact that both sides were evenly matched in strength, engaging in a battle might attract even stronger foes. More importantly, Little Liuli was still in Li Fan's hands. Being alone now, she would need the support of the Liuli Intelligence Fruit for future cultivation.

"Friend Baihua, among those survivors from various realms back then, do you have a way to contact them now?" In the Spiritwood Realm, Li Fan changed his appearance, speaking with a gentle smile.

"I know what Friend is worried about. But there's no need to worry. So many years have passed; those people probably perished in the Immortal Sanctuary long ago." Baihua Daoist's tone was cold.

"Oh? Are you so sure?" Li Fan asked with interest.

"The Xuanhuang Realm, of such scale, is about to fall into the Immortal Sanctuary. Relying solely on a small piece of land pieced together temporarily, how long can those people last?" Baihua Daoist said confidently.

"So, besides the Xuanhuang Realm, I also have nowhere to go now. We're on the same boat, and Friend need not be so guarded against me." Baihua Daoist earnestly persuaded.

Feeling sighs about the unfaithfulness of the cultivation world in his heart, at their time, although there were inevitably intrigues, it was never as cautious and vigilant as it was now, as if everyone harbored deadly enmity at all times.

"Hehe, human hearts are treacherous, one must be cautious," Li Fan seemed accustomed to such matters.

"Words alone are not enough proof. Whether it's letting a friend go or cooperating, I'm not at ease..." 

"Hmm?" Baihua Daoist, upon hearing this, thought Li Fan was about to take decisive action, and her golden body suddenly became somewhat agitated.

Li Fan quickly changed the direction of the conversation, "Friend, follow me. Just bow to the stone statue, and we'll be fellow practitioners. From now on, we can work together without suspicion."

Baihua Daoist was puzzled, "Stone statue?"

Her confusion turned to horror the moment she saw the faceless stone statue.

The golden light kept flickering, like a fledgling beast encountering a natural enemy, shivering in fear.

Taking a step back, she exclaimed, "True immortal statue? How can such a thing be here?"

"Have you been lying to me all along?"

Baihua Daoist stared at Li Fan with a mix of fear and resentment.

Meanwhile, Li Fan keenly sensed that an obscure attraction emanated from the faceless immortal stone statue.

It seemed to want to absorb Baihua Daoist's golden light divine body.

"Why the panic, Friend? This is the compassionate true immortal of the mortal realm, different from other immortals you know."

"Just follow me and pledge allegiance; I promise your safety!" Li Fan said solemnly.

Simultaneously, his consciousness connected with the stone statue. In an instant, scenes of countless compassionate immortal worshippers in the Xuanhuang Realm appeared in Li Fan's mind.

He himself seemed to be blessed with some kind of power.

Baihua Daoist screamed in horror, retreating hastily, staring at Li Fan with a frightened expression.

Li Fan felt a subtle, golden thread, as if stripped from Baihua Daoist, floating in the air, drawn toward the faceless true immortal stone statue.

"Golden Vow Power?"

After absorbing it, Li Fan perceived that this energy was similar to the Golden Vow Power but appeared more pure.

Li Fan then looked at Baihua Daoist.

Under Li Fan's coercion, Baihua Daoist had no choice but to recite the oath with him.

After finishing, Li Fan's consciousness instantly sensed Baihua Daoist's presence.

But now, instead of a human-shaped golden light, it was a lotus-shaped lantern.

"Is this your current form?" Li Fan frowned.

"Yes, it is." Baihua Daoist's tone changed from before, becoming very restrained.

"You're at least in the Longevity Realm. Why are you so weak?" Li Fan was genuinely puzzled this time.

As soon as this was said, Li Fan felt a strong sense of grievance from Baihua Daoist.

Baihua Daoist glanced at the silently standing faceless stone statue, hesitated, and then said, "But it doesn't matter."

"But it doesn't matter." Li Fan assured.

"Red Dust Compassionate Immortal, even if it's not the realm of the Nameless True Immortal, it's not far off. I'm just a down-and-out Longevity, how can I resist?" Baihua Daoist weakly said.

"Even so, it's just a stone statue. Is there a need to be so afraid?" Li Fan asked.

Baihua Daoist thought Li Fan was testing her and hurriedly expressed her loyalty, "Friend, don't tease me. In the realm of True Immortals, what's the difference between the power of a statue and my true self?"

(End of this chapter)