Chapter 1308: High Wall Transaction

Angry Squid

"Share insights..." Li Fan mused, taking a long time to respond.

Seeing this, Zhong Daogong let out a long breath. Black and white energy coalesced into brushstrokes, forming characters in the void.

"Fellow Daoist, please observe," Zhong Daogong said with utmost solemnity. Even in the desolate star sea, he still erected a barrier around them to prevent the characters from being seen by outsiders.

The characters flickered, seemingly alive with a spiritual essence, swirling and flowing.

Li Fan glanced at it, remarking casually, "Ah, it's the character for 'Hate'..."

"However, Fellow Daoist, your character for 'Hate' appears to contain some inaccuracies."

Zhong Daogong's expression shifted slightly at this. Just as he was about to speak, Li Fan stated proudly, "Then observe my character for 'Hate'."

His brush moved with fluid grace, and in an instant, another character, seemingly identical, materialized.

The two 'Hate' characters stood side by side.

Zhong Daogong gazed at the True Immortal Seal Script Li Fan had inscribed, initially stunned. Then, his body began to tremble uncontrollably.

As the Grand Elder of the Broken Immortal Tower and the most dedicated scholar of True Immortal Seal Script within the Mystic Immortal Ark, Zhong Daogong could naturally discern the subtle differences between the two characters before him.

Judging by the subtle fluctuations emanating from both characters, the completeness of the one Li Fan had inscribed was clearly superior to his own!

The gap in mastery was even greater than what he'd seen with the 'Li' character earlier!

"This... this..." Zhong Daogong, continuously astonished, found it difficult to process. Yet, his years of scholarly instinct compelled him to set aside all other thoughts and immediately begin deciphering the 'Hate' character Li Fan had written.

Every subtle modification brought it closer to its original, true meaning. If he were to discover these insights on his own, it would likely take him a decade or two to catch up.

But now, a single glance was worth countless days and nights of arduous study.

Zhong Daogong, of course, had no idea that this very 'Hate' character originated from his own future self, decades from now. At this moment, only one thought occupied his mind.

He absolutely had to "invite" this cultivator back to the Mystic Immortal Ark. He would spare no means, even if it required resorting to certain tactics!

True Immortal Seal Script was simply too vital to the Mystic Immortal Ark. Each additional character understood would undoubtedly significantly boost the Ark's combat capabilities.

Furthermore, a conceptualized and critically important plan also mandated collecting as many different types of True Immortal Seal Script as possible.

With this thought, and having deeply committed the new 'Hate' character to memory, Zhong Daogong turned to Li Fan and declared with admiration, "Fellow Daoist, your mastery is profound; I am far inferior!"

"However... in my homeland, there are over a dozen other scholars who research True Immortal Seal Script, much like myself. They have dedicated themselves to this field for many years, and when it comes to their understanding of the script, none are inferior to me..."

Li Fan heard this and shook his head, a flicker of disdain in his eyes, cutting Zhong Daogong short. "To be frank, Fellow Daoist, in our Great Qi..."

Li Fan paused. "Everyone works together, united in our common goal of survival in the Ruined Star Sea. All research into True Immortal Seal Script is fully shared. In contrast, on your side..."

Zhong Daogong's heart leaped with even greater joy upon hearing this. He earnestly explained, "In fact, we also have a similar sharing system. However, since these are the research findings of others, it would be inappropriate for me to present them without proper review. But if Fellow Daoist is willing to share and exchange, I can assure you that you will certainly gain new insights."

"Fellow Daoist must surely know the difficulty of researching True Immortal Seal Script. If we could complement each other's knowledge..."

Zhong Daogong's continued persuasion gradually swayed Li Fan.

Finally, Zhong Daogong offered a powerful incentive: "In my homeland, we also possess an authentic True Immortal Seal Script artifact. If our exchange proves fruitful, it might be possible for you to see it with your own eyes."

Zhong Daogong well understood the immense allure an authentic True Immortal Seal Script artifact held for individuals like Li Fan. Thus, after speaking, he watched Li Fan intently.

As expected, Li Fan's eyes lit up, and his hesitation vanished. "Is this truly so?"

Upon receiving Zhong Daogong's affirmative reply, Li Fan finally nodded in assent.

"However, for our initial exchange, let us conduct it here in the void," Li Fan suddenly added.

With a casual gesture towards a nearby spot, silver-white lines began to intertwine, and a grand formation slowly unfurled.

Within the formation, pavilions and towers rose from the ground, interspersed with small bridges spanning flowing water. Beneath the bridges, clear springs rippled and shimmered, revealing fish frolicking within.

Light and shadow danced, creating a scene both illusory and real.

Witnessing the sight before him, Zhong Daogong's pupils contracted sharply.

Li Fan flew into the formation first, settling into a waterside pavilion. He looked back and said, "This spot will suffice."

"As the saying goes, caution is never misplaced," Li Fan said, his expression one of obvious common sense. "Arriving at the edge of the star sea alone, I naturally need to be careful."

Zhong Daogong pondered for a moment before also flying into the grand formation.

The chirping of birds reached his ears, and as he walked on the bridge, he felt the water flowing beneath his feet. Zhong Daogong could even perceive the warm, humid air.

It was difficult to imagine that the scene of pavilions and flowing water before him had been conjured into existence by the formation in mere moments!

"I hadn't realized that besides True Immortal Seal Script, Fellow Daoist also excels in formation arrays?" Zhong Daogong surveyed his surroundings, vaguely discerning that this seemed to be a formation merely for constructing pavilions in the star sea. However, its ability to generate such a vivid illusion, one he found difficult to differentiate from reality, unequivocally demonstrated its extraordinary nature.

"Mere trifles," Li Fan said dismissively. "Researching True Immortal Seal Script has already consumed all my efforts. How could I possibly have any energy left to delve into formation arrays...?"

Zhong Daogong deeply concurred, nodding in agreement.

After observing the formation thoroughly and finding nothing suspicious, Zhong Daogong cupped his hands and stated, "Then it is settled. Fellow Daoist, please await here. Before this incense stick burns out, I will surely arrive with my companions."

As Zhong Daogong spoke, he flicked his wide sleeve, and an earthy yellow incense stick flew forth, hovering upright in the air.

The incense was already lit, its smoke wafting faintly. Zhong Daogong bowed in farewell, then swiftly departed, his form vanishing into the dark expanse of the star sea.

Li Fan watched intently for a long time. After a moment, he returned to Reverend Yin and the others.

"Holy Master..."

Li Fan's sudden departure and prolonged absence had made Reverend Yin and his companions realize he must have encountered trouble. The moment Li Fan reappeared, they questioned him with deep concern.

"I hadn't anticipated that a civilization still survives at the edge of this star sea. It must have been when I established the formation to connect with the Xuanhuang Realm that I disturbed them," Li Fan stated with a grave expression.

His words struck them like thunder, and everyone felt a shiver of dread. "Here? This place is utterly devoid of life. Where could they possibly reside?"

"I'm still unclear; we've only just made initial contact. But to have survived in the Ruined Star Sea until now, these people are certainly not to be underestimated. For now, do not reveal yourselves. We will discuss it further once I've gathered more information," Li Fan instructed.

Everyone nodded in assent.

The unknown entities within the star sea could be either allies or adversaries. One could never be too careful.

Utilizing the interim before the Ark's occupants arrived, Li Fan continued his lesson for Reverend Yin and the others.

"Relics contain remnant True Immortal power, and world fragments even more so. If world fragments infused with remnant True Immortal power were absorbed by the Xuanhuang Realm..."

"It would likely trigger widespread global turmoil and devastate all living beings."

"However, so many years have passed since the Great Calamity of the Star Sea. There are always some remnant worlds where the True Immortal power has largely dissipated. Only these can serve as a suitable 'catalyst'," Li Fan explained articulately.

"With so many of us, moving separately, it shouldn't be too difficult to find suitable catalysts, right?" Qiaogong remarked, gazing at the distant, continuous 'Great Wall of Remnant Worlds'.

Li Fan shook his head slightly.

He pointed a finger forward, and a spectral wooden sword instantly materialized at the edge of the Great Wall of Remnant Worlds.

"You might as well venture out and try," Li Fan suggested.

Qiaogong was the first to step beyond the protective aura of the spectral wooden sword.

The instant he stepped outside, Qiaogong's face drastically changed. He felt an immense, sudden pull, uncontrollably soaring towards the Great Wall of Remnant Worlds!

"Halt!"

A layer of golden armor materialized on his body. Qiaogong, flustered, exerted considerable effort to barely stabilize himself in the void.

Yet, he still couldn't halt the relentless pull towards the Great Wall of Remnant Worlds. The light emanating from his armor flickered erratically, seemingly on the verge of collapsing.

Li Fan maneuvered the spectral wooden sword, re-enveloping Qiaogong within its protective field.

Freed from the terrifying gravitational pull, Qiaogong gazed in sheer terror at the Great Wall of Remnant Worlds ahead.

"There's an Immortal Ruin here too?!" The others exclaimed, utterly dumbfounded.

"Not an Immortal Ruin. It is a high wall," Li Fan said slowly, his voice sounding distant and uncertain.

"The gravitational pull from the Immortal Ruin is blocked by the high wall at the edge of the star sea. Then, in a manner we currently cannot comprehend, it accumulates at the base of this wall. Over time, this has formed what appears to be an anomalous Immortal Ruin."

"The continuous stretch of world fragments is also a result of their resistance to this resonating cosmic energy..."

The phenomenon Li Fan described profoundly shocked everyone present.

Even though they couldn't see the invisible high wall, its ability to firmly contain the destructive gravitational pull of an Immortal Ruin that had shattered the entire star sea was proof of its immense power and mystery.

"Operating within the Great Wall of Remnant Worlds will subject you to a gravitational pull not much less severe than that at the edge of the Xuanhuang Realm. Even a slight misstep could lead to loss of control and collision with a remnant world. And if there's still remnant True Immortal power within..."

"Furthermore, influenced by the resonating cosmic energy, the range our divine sense can explore is significantly reduced. This is precisely where the difficulty lies in finding both catalysts and suitable remnant worlds to fill," Li Fan stated with a somber tone.

Li Fan extended his hand, and a silken, iridescent crystal materialized within his palm.

"This is a Void Clarity Flow Crystal. Combined with the Art of Splitting Light and Transforming Rainbow, it can, to a certain extent, resist this pervasive gravitational pull."

"Remember, do not overexert yourselves. You may leave early when the rainbow light's power is reduced to one-third of its full capacity."

Li Fan imparted the knowledge of the Void Clarity Flow Crystal and the Art of Splitting Light and Transforming Rainbow, which originated from Dharma Transmission, to the others.

"Of course, if you can reach a state of no sword, no self, as I have, you might then be able to disregard this resonating cosmic energy to a certain extent." The spectral wooden sword flickered, bringing everyone back to a safe zone.

"The Great Wall of Remnant Worlds contains countless world fragments. For me to find suitable catalysts alone would be incredibly challenging. Therefore, I require your assistance," Li Fan stated earnestly.

At this point, Baihua couldn't help but ask, "Holy Master, what exactly are you striving for with all these elaborate efforts? Is it solely to aid the Xuanhuang Realm's ascension and benefit from it?"

Li Fan chuckled dismissively. "The Xuanhuang Realm's ascension will avert the world-ending crisis. We, in turn, will receive the nourishment of heaven and earth, perhaps even gaining the opportunity to transcend mortal limits. Are these multiple benefits not sufficient?"

The others wished to inquire further, but Li Fan's gaze sharpened. "More people are approaching over there. I'll go and return shortly."

"Meanwhile, you all should remain here and familiarize yourselves with the Art of Splitting Light and Transforming Rainbow."

Before his words had even faded, Li Fan's figure vanished.

On the spectral wooden sword, everyone remained silent for a long time.

Eventually, Xu Ke broke the silence. "Actually, with the Holy Master's power alone, he could likely facilitate the Xuanhuang Realm's ascension. It would simply take a little more time."

"Yet, he still brought us along, despite us being a hindrance... It reminds me of Mr. Bai from long ago."

Xu Ke spoke with a sigh, his eyes filled with endless nostalgia.

Hearing this, the others fell silent.

Indeed, from their perspective, there was nothing about them that the Holy Master would genuinely seek to gain.

Outside the grand formation of pavilions and towers.

The elders of the Ark gathered, observing from a distance without entering.

Their divine senses constantly exchanged queries: "What's it like? Is it a trap?"

"It seems we overthought it. There are indeed no offensive capabilities; it appears to be merely an illusion array."

"But it's merely a simple formation. How powerful could it be? With so many of us, why would we fear him alone?"

"Precisely. Under the might of True Immortal Seal Script, any formation will crumble into dust."

"Don't forget, the other party also understands True Immortal Seal Script. And perhaps even more profoundly than we do..."

The elders' exchange immediately halted.

Just then, Li Fan, whom they had been anticipating, slowly emerged from the grand formation.

In his hand, he idly held the incense stick Zhong Daogong had left, seemingly suspended in mid-air.

With one-third of the incense still remaining, Li Fan surveyed the group and nodded, remarking, "He is indeed a man of his word."

Zhong Daogong began introducing the group to Li Fan: "This is Gan Jingda. And this is Nangong Lie..."

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Fan invited everyone into the formation for a more detailed discussion.

The Ark members exchanged glances, reached a consensus, and all followed him into the formation.

Upon arriving and settling into one of the pavilions, everyone present got straight to the point.

"Fellow Daoist, how many True Immortal Seal Scripts have been fully analyzed in your homeland to date?" Zhong Daogong asked directly.

This was a crucial question, and all the Ark members looked at Li Fan, awaiting his response.

"Thirteen," Li Fan stated calmly.

Upon hearing this, the Ark elders exchanged bewildered glances, most of them wearing expressions of doubt.

"Of course, that may seem few. However, only those with an analysis completeness of ninety percent or more are counted," Li Fan added.

At this, the Ark elders could no longer restrain themselves and eagerly asked, "Fellow Daoist, is what you say truly accurate?"

Li Fan chuckled softly, his face alight with pride.

Zhong Daogong waved his hand, and the Ark elders slowly composed themselves.

"It's not that we doubt your word. It's just that thirteen True Immortal Seal Scripts, especially with ninety percent completeness... it's frankly quite unbelievable," Zhong Daogong said, looking at Li Fan.

Li Fan smiled and stated directly, "One character for one character."

The Ark elders exchanged thoughts once more, reaching a synchronized agreement.

"I have already demonstrated the 'Li' and 'Hate' characters. This time, you may go first," Li Fan announced clearly, looking at the Ark's occupants.

Despite being surrounded by the group, his face showed no trace of fear.