Chapter 1416: Dao Yuan Spreading Across All Phenomena

Angry Squid:Just like people within the Xuanhuang Realm, only a very small number know about the existence of the Immortal Ruins and the High Wall.

The memories extracted from Qin Zhuang's mind were not necessarily the full truth about the world beyond the High Wall. They might just be a series of lies woven by the supreme powerhouses of the civilization outside the High Wall to ensure its continued survival.

In Li Fan's view, there were at least two very obvious flaws in the various claims made by the civilization beyond the High Wall to the public.

The Dao Extinction Tribulation and the True Immortals.

To Li Fan, nothing was more trustworthy than 'Huan Zhen'. The doomsday countdown of 7.36 million years was ample proof that the Dao Extinction Tribulation was still ongoing and certainly not something a civilization beyond the High Wall, with its limited capabilities, could resist. Yet, whether intentionally or not, they had significantly downplayed the terrifying nature of the Dao Extinction Tribulation.

Regarding True Immortals, Qin Zhuang's memories revealed that the civilization beyond the wall uniformly described and perceived 'Immortals' as entities that posed an extreme threat to their continued existence. However, they also believed these beings could be hunted down through combined efforts, much like 'fierce beasts or monsters'.

“I have indeed witnessed Cat Treasure capturing an Immortal. Hungry Immortal, after comprehending the Dao for ten thousand years, seemed not far from the Nameless Realm, judging by the restoration of her 'Hunger Chant' on the Southern Immortal Heavenly Pillar. Yet, under Cat Treasure's hunt, she was almost powerless to resist and was forcibly dragged away.”

“However, my past reincarnation experiences, where beings like the Faceless Immortal and Fishing Immortal still exist, already suggest certain issues. While they appear extremely cautious and have never manifested their true forms, their power can still traverse the High Wall and influence the Xuanhuang Realm…”

Li Fan now understood: “Against these formidable beings who survived the great cataclysm that destroyed the former Immortal Realm, the forces beyond the wall might not truly hold the absolute advantage. However, they undoubtedly possess the means to 'hunt' them.”

“To achieve such a leap from the Mortal Realm. Truly remarkable!”

It was precisely because he had already stepped halfway into the Immortal Realm that Li Fan truly and intimately understood the vast chasm between Immortals and Mortals. Therefore, he became increasingly curious about the methods used by the civilization beyond the wall to bridge this enormous gap.

“Beyond the wall, a specialized monastic organization is responsible for hunting True Immortals, known across all factions as the 'Immortal Hunters'. Members of the Immortal Hunters undergo rigorous training, learning various Divine Abilities and techniques far beyond ordinary comprehension. Qin Zhuang was an Immortal Hunter, though before arriving in the Xuanhuang Realm, he was merely a newly initiated substitute and had never formally participated in a True Immortal hunt.”

Based on Qin Zhuang's memories, Li Fan attempted to recreate several Divine Abilities from his mind.

“It bears some resemblance to the power forms of True Immortal Inscriptions. Both involve invoking the profound principles of the Grand Dao within the mortal realm, but the difference is…”

Li Fan's eyes narrowed slightly as he visualized ninety-nine peculiar symbols in his mind.

These symbols were called 'Dao Yuan' by the civilization beyond the wall. The ninety-nine Dao Yuan, through different permutations and combinations, could trigger the resonance of the Grand Dao, thereby invoking the corresponding power of the Grand Dao.

“The True Immortal Inscriptions personally comprehended and copied by Inscription Immortal are, by comparison, the closest to the fundamental essence of the Dao, the most primal.”

“And these Dao Yuan, after further systematic simplification, have become easier to learn and master. And through some method I don't yet know, they have achieved the miracle of different Dao powers integrating and flowing through each other…”

In his Sea of Consciousness, the ninety-nine characters flickered rapidly and erratically. Thirty-six of them extinguished, while the remaining sixty-three flew out, forming a completely new symbol.

“The first Divine Ability Qin Zhuang learned from the Immortal Hunters organization was 'Summon Sword'.”

“Theoretically, it can summon all past sword techniques that have ever existed in the path of the sword. If lucky, it can even manifest completely new sword-Dao Divine Abilities. The variations in what is summoned seem related to the flickering frequency when Dao Yuan are combined, that is, related to the way different Grand Daos resonate with each other…” Li Fan's first attempt was laborious.

Even understanding it proved quite difficult.

The most crucial point was that Qin Zhuang himself was a novice when it came to the Dao Yuan method. His knowledge was superficial at best. How could it be easy for Li Fan to effortlessly reproduce the achievements of a civilization that had labored for countless years, starting from such an unstable foundation?

Despite persistent efforts and hundreds of attempts, not a single one succeeded.

Li Fan couldn't help but frown and stop.

“My method is not wrong.”

“It's the environment I'm in that's wrong!”

After carefully discerning the resonance frequencies among the ninety-nine Dao Yuan symbols, Li Fan finally understood.

“The Land of Annihilation…”

Li Fan gazed beyond the High Wall: “According to the descriptions from beyond the High Wall, within the Sea of Utter Darkness, the Grand Dao is in decline. In the surviving areas after the Dao Extinction Tribulation, the Grand Dao itself is in an extremely inactive state.”

Li Fan had never ventured beyond the High Wall, so he couldn't fully grasp what this so-called 'inactive state' truly entailed.

However, he could draw parallels and imagine.

“Perhaps this situation can be viewed as the richness of environment and resources.”

“In places where the Grand Dao has withered, comprehending it is incredibly difficult. But if someone can still achieve success in cultivation under such arduous conditions, once they leave and go to the so-called high-activity regions…”

“While within such an environment, one might not notice. But when the external environment drastically changes, one would instantly feel the impact of this change on oneself.”

“Perhaps even cultivators of ordinary talent would be considered geniuses among geniuses!”

As this thought flashed through his mind, Li Fan felt a stir of excitement within him.

But he quickly suppressed it.

“The biggest problem is that the cultivation methods outside the wall are different from those inside. Moreover, numerous factions exist, and while there are no major wars, minor disputes are constant. They are very wary of outsiders. Someone with an unknown identity, let alone trying to blend in, would likely be captured and interrogated upon exposure…”

“Perhaps Qin Zhuang and Jiao Xiuyuan are suitable identities for infiltration.” A glint flashed in Li Fan's eyes.

“Qin Zhuang was taught the ninety-nine Dao Yuan, which is only the most basic technique of the Immortal Hunters. It is said that above this level, there are unparalleled powerhouses who can skillfully use nine hundred and ninety-nine, nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine, or even an unlimited number of Dao Yuan.”

“This is also the capital that allows the civilization beyond the wall to hunt True Immortals.”

Within Li Fan's Sea of Consciousness, two images appeared side by side.

On the left were numerous True Immortal Inscriptions. On the right were the ninety-nine Dao Yuan symbols.

Li Fan attempted to match the True Immortal Inscriptions, which depicted known Dao paths, with these ninety-nine Dao Yuan symbols. However, it was clear that these Dao Yuan symbols were specially encrypted and did not possess the characteristics of their original Dao paths.

Without systematic study, Li Fan, even with his extraordinary talent, could not decipher them.

Shaking his head slightly, he temporarily dismissed the image from his mind.

“True Immortals and Immortal Hunters. Although their realms and expressions of power differ greatly, at their core, it all comes down to their level of comprehension of the Grand Dao.”

“It's just that beyond the High Wall, through these so-called Dao Yuan symbols, the Grand Dao has undergone a layer of translation. This allows the power of the Grand Dao to be mastered and utilized by mortals, while also preventing anyone from merging with the Dao and stealing its essence.”

The more he pondered, the more Li Fan marveled: “The one who created these Dao Yuan symbols must possess a comprehension of the Grand Dao that is likely no less than that of Inscription Immortal back then!”

No longer completely ignorant about the world beyond the High Wall, and with the possibility of advancing further without entering the Immortal Realm, Li Fan began to re-evaluate and plan his exploration in his mind.

“However, thorough preparations must be made.”

“Besides guarding against the various factions beyond the High Wall, I also need to worry about existences from other possibilities.”

The concept of 'leaping possibilities' was clearly beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. Qin Zhuang's memories naturally contained no record of it. Li Fan even suspected that very few individuals within the entire civilization beyond the High Wall knew about this matter.

But one must proceed step by step.

Compared to Heitianyi and Xie Subai, Li Fan's current strength was indeed still too weak.

“For now, I can't find any Immortal Spiritual Qi that I can use, and my path forward is blocked. Moreover, from the current situation, being a Half-Immortal merely signifies an increase in status. If I were to truly ascend to True Immortalhood, I might struggle greatly beyond the High Wall. That might not be a good thing.”

“First, I'll enhance my strength using the Dao Yuan method from beyond the High Wall.” Li Fan made up his mind.

“Additionally, provided it's safe, I still need to personally visit the area beyond the High Wall to see what the so-called 'active Dao regions' are like.”

Learning the Dao Yuan translation method for the Grand Dao certainly did not mean Li Fan had to start everything from scratch.

On the contrary, Li Fan possessed an immense advantage over most people in the civilization beyond the High Wall, an advantage they could not achieve. This was because Li Fan knew a vast number of True Immortal Inscriptions, and even possessed the leg bone of an unknown True Immortal, which could manifest the original inscription state, nearly identical to the Grand Dao itself.

Dao Yuan were merely translated symbols. Regardless of how they were combined, transformed, or resonated, their ultimate goal was to access and utilize the power of the Grand Dao.

If one did not understand the Grand Dao itself and only relied on studying Dao Yuan, it would be like walking blindfolded, able only to grope forward.

However, if one already had a deep understanding of the Grand Dao that was the target of translation, having a distant endpoint as a reference would undoubtedly make learning far more efficient and rapid.

“Indeed, if I understand enough Dao Yuan symbols, I might even be able to directly decipher them.” Li Fan had a faint premonition.

“Of course, the powerhouse who originally created the Dao Yuan symbols couldn't have failed to anticipate this. There must be some limitations that I'm not yet aware of.”

Before officially exploring beyond the High Wall, Li Fan had several other important tasks to complete.

The Council of Five Elders and the Land of Carefree Bliss.

The Dao Transformation Stone Mother.

The Dharma Transmitter Jiang.

The secrets of the Xuanhuang Realm, including the Ancient Immortal Formation for World Protection.

And the Azure Nether Pearl, still present in the fissures and depressions of the Sea of Utter Darkness.

Considering the level of difficulty, Li Fan first went to meet Dharma Transmitter Jiang.

Previously, this individual's enigmatic characteristic of 'All Things Are Like Me' had nearly caused Li Fan to stumble.

Now, Li Fan was very curious whether this enigmatic power could still affect him after he achieved True Immortalhood.

Dharma Transmitter Jiang constantly cultivated in seclusion within the Gui Xu Realm, never emerging in his true form.

Li Fan instantly appeared in this small world and looked around with interest.

Meanwhile, Dharma Transmitter Jiang, who was cultivating with closed eyes within, remained completely unaware.

“The Gui Xu Realm has the ability to constantly 'Return to Origin'. This means that no matter what happens, it can be reset to its initial state…”

“In some ways, this is similar to my 'Huan Zhen'. Of course, its status is far inferior. It can only maintain this small world. It can't even reset time; only the state of matter.”

Even so, Li Fan was curious about the principles behind the 'Return to Origin'.

Thousands of dark golden lines, like his eyes and tentacles, surged out in all directions like mercury spilling onto the ground, analyzing this small world for Li Fan.

“Hmm… I see. It's not an unrestricted 'Return to Origin'. The original essence of this small world is deeply inscribed, like marks carved into stone with a file.”

“All the evolutions occurring within the small world can be eliminated by simply erasing a layer. The inscription remains, and when revealed, it appears as if it has returned to its origin.”

After a while, Li Fan understood. He couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

But he also considered that Dharma Transmitter Jiang was, after all, only at the Star Sea Supreme Realm. Without 'Huan Zhen' in hand, it was simply impossible to achieve a true transformation of reality.

To devise such a method was already quite ingenious.

“Though somewhat shallow and crude, it can still inspire me.”

With a flicker in his eyes, Li Fan took a single step and appeared before Dharma Transmitter Jiang, who was quietly seated in the air.

He leaned closer and lowered his gaze.

Carefully observing the other person.

“All Things Are Like Me,” Li Fan mused, savoring the peculiar sensation that rose within him.

It had to be said that Dharma Transmitter Jiang truly lived up to his reputation as the only one whom Dharma Transmitting Heavenly Venerable held in high regard.

Even though Li Fan was already a Half-Immortal, he still couldn't prevent this feeling from arising within him.

The longer he stared at Dharma Transmitter Jiang, the stronger the sense of familiarity and closeness became.

However, compared to his mortal days, Li Fan could now clearly distinguish the difference between Dharma Transmitter Jiang and himself.

“Like.”

“But ultimately, not the same.”

“Without 'Huan Zhen', the false cannot become true.”

Li Fan extended his right hand, bent a finger, and flicked Dharma Transmitter Jiang's forehead.

Dharma Transmitter Jiang, who had been cultivating in seclusion, suddenly opened his eyes.

Upon seeing a completely unfamiliar face, his expression filled with horror.

He asked coldly, “Who are you?!”

Li Fan smiled: “Me? I am you!”

A magical, hazy light emanated from his eyes; it was Li Fan subtly setting up an Immortal Formation. He used the Dissolution Disk to deduce the formation, simulating this miraculous characteristic.

He then inverted it, applying it to Dharma Transmitter Jiang.

After all, he was the original possessor of this characteristic, so at first, Dharma Transmitter Jiang's mind was not easily bewildered.

He stared at Li Fan with full vigilance.

But slowly, in his eyes, Li Fan's appearance and image unintentionally began to change.

Becoming more and more like himself.

“I have a premonition that my current strength is far from my limit.”

“If 'All Things Are Like Me' reaches its highest realm, wouldn't all the Grand Daos ultimately converge within me?”

Dharma Transmitter Jiang's mind reeled as he heard his counterpart say this.

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