Chapter 1434: Immortal Skin Covers New Life

A single instance of extreme survival could be attributed to sheer luck.But for it to happen a second time...

In that moment, Scholar Zhu's mind raced with countless thoughts. He even entertained the idea of feeding the third Fruit of Collective Will to Ma Tiande.

However, Scholar Zhu ultimately did not act on it. He merely recalled the two Dao Yuan commands that had appeared in Ma Tiande's sea of consciousness.

It was clear that among the multitude of floating Dao Yuan symbols, only a small fraction were effective, making it impossible for observers to accurately reproduce them.

Scholar Zhu had no interest in the two Dao Yuan commands themselves. Even though he had transformed from an immortal to a mortal, the abilities he could unleash were far beyond what these two commands could offer.

What truly concerned Scholar Zhu was the "potential" represented by Ma Tiande's performance.

These were "hidden commands" that operated outside the existing Dao Net control system yet could still harness its power.

The gloom on his face gradually dissipated. In the blink of an eye, he transformed from a hunched old man into a spirited Grand Scholar.

Scholar Zhu displayed a benevolent expression, waiting for the four individuals to awaken from consuming the will fruits.

With Scholar Zhu's special care, the three from Sword Domain, though tormented, ultimately emerged unharmed. The youthful innocence on their faces had long faded after absorbing countless memories of sentient beings and personally experiencing boundless slaughter.

They first expressed their gratitude to Scholar Zhu, then all looked towards Ma Tiande, who was seated on the other side. Their previous contempt was gone.

No one understood the horror of the Collective Will storm better than those who had personally experienced it.

Regardless of one's origin or method used, anyone who could consume a fruit and remain unharmed was not to be underestimated.

If someone could consume two in a row and still maintain their sanity...

"This is too good to miss!"

The three from Sword Domain had already reached a consensus during their previous glances. If they could bring such a talent back to Sword Domain, the merit would be even greater than completing their current trial.

Now, the question remained whether "Ma Tiande" could truly stay sane and not descend into madness.

Under the gaze of everyone present, Li Fan's contorted, twitching expression slowly smoothed out. After keeping his eyes closed for a long time, he suddenly opened them, meeting the gazes of those in the room.

His eyes, bright as stars, conveyed his current state.

Scholar Zhu clapped lightly, seemingly delighted, "It seems you've gained quite a lot this time!"

"I must also thank Scholar Zhu for his graciousness," Li Fan replied, neither arrogant nor humble.

After consuming two will fruits, his words and actions no longer needed to conform to the past Ma Tiande. All changes could be attributed to the countless collective wills contained within the fruits.

"Senior Brother Ma, are you perhaps interested in coming to our Sword Domain? I, Situ Tiantian, can guarantee you the highest tier of cultivation resources. If you just nod, you won't even need to apply to the Governing Council; you can simply return to Sword Domain with us first. We'll handle the paperwork once we arrive..." Situ Tiantian secretly glanced at Scholar Zhu, showing only a brief moment of hesitation. But she quickly made up her mind and extended an invitation to Li Fan directly in front of Scholar Zhu.

Ji Xingdao and Zhao Xing also jokingly reiterated Situ Tiantian's invitation, promising various attractive conditions.

"Though I've long heard of Sword Domain's renown, my ambition does not lie in the path of the sword."

Before Scholar Zhu could even show a change in expression, Li Fan had already directly declined.

"Don't be so quick to refuse; reconsider..." Scholar Zhu smiled slightly.

"My lifelong ambition is to be an Immortal Hunter! Previously, I was too weak for it to be even a possibility, so I kept it hidden deep in my heart and never mentioned it to anyone. But today, thanks to Scholar Zhu's generosity, with two fruits ingested, my destiny has been transformed, and now anything is possible!" Li Fan spoke with utmost solemnity and eloquence, his voice like thunder.

The smile on Scholar Zhu's face froze upon hearing this.

The three from Sword Domain were also full of surprise.

"Immortal Hunter..."

This term carried immense weight in the current Shuo Star Sea.

Immortal Hunters were directly subordinate to the Shuo Star Sea Governing Council, with members selected from various factions across the Star Sea. Once a cultivator joined the Immortal Hunters, they had to relinquish their former identity and status within their previous faction.

Everything revolved around the Immortal Hunters.

The price paid, however, granted supreme authority.

In the name of the Immortal Hunters, one could not only freely enter and exit the major factions of the Shuo Star Sea but also, in special circumstances, directly carry out punitive killings. More importantly, becoming an Immortal Hunter allowed one to draw closer to the Dao Net.

Constant proximity to the Dao Net ensured rapid progress.

As soon as Li Fan uttered these words, the hall fell into an eerie silence.

Scholar Zhu watched Li Fan with a grim expression, lost in thought.

Situ Tiantian, however, managed a strained smile, breaking the awkward silence. "Immortal Hunter members are all chosen through rigorous selection. While Senior Brother Ma is extraordinary, joining isn't easy."

Li Fan, unfazed, said with full confidence, "My entry into the Immortal Hunters is absolutely assured! If I recall correctly, the next recruitment will be in five years. I'll then ask Scholar Zhu to recommend me."

"I certainly won't disappoint you, Scholar Zhu!"

Seeing that Li Fan's intention was set, the three from Sword Domain stopped trying to persuade him.

After some more pleasantries and a few bowls of red soup, they bade farewell and departed. Before leaving, they maintained Sword Domain's decorum, stating that Sword Domain would reciprocate their kindness soon.

Only Li Fan and Scholar Zhu remained in the City Lord's mansion.

Outside the mansion, the sounds of revelry once again echoed from the City of Ultimate Bliss. The two said nothing, quietly observing the bustling night.

"Crunch, crunch..."

A chilling chewing sound came from Scholar Zhu. He had, as if gulping down dates whole, directly put the remaining five Fruits of Collective Will into his mouth in one go.

Unlike when Li Fan and the others consumed them, where the fruits melted upon touching the mouth,

The five fruits in Scholar Zhu's mouth emitted the desperate screams of countless beings on the verge of death.

Sounds from purgatory surged skyward, for a moment even overpowering the sounds of revelry in the City of Ultimate Bliss.

Scholar Zhu chewed incredibly slowly, like an old man nearing his end. He listened to the continuous, fluctuating wails with an expression of enjoyment.

Li Fan didn't even frown, his expression utterly calm as he silently watched.

After a while, Scholar Zhu seemed to find it dull. He swallowed the fruits quickly, in a couple of gulps.

The desperate cries vanished abruptly.

"Do you know why I built the City of Ultimate Bliss here in Shuo Star Sea?"

"Is it merely for torture?"

"These Fruits of Collective Will, for you, might have the effect of defying heaven and changing destiny. But for me, they are like chewing on wax."

"I have experienced despair and cruelty a thousandfold, far exceeding anything in this City of Ultimate Bliss."

Scholar Zhu cackled, having seemingly, without realizing it, reverted from a Grand Scholar to a hunched old man again.

"The Grand Dao Net encompasses heaven and earth. All things in the world are within it. Although mortal beings are weak, the condensed will of countless living beings might resonate with a certain hidden Grand Dao," Li Fan pondered for a moment before replying.

"Hehehe..." Scholar Zhu let out another sinister laugh.

"You are mistaken."

"My primary purpose in building the City of Ultimate Bliss was simply to torment these ants when I was bored."

Li Fan was slightly taken aback by his words.

"Of course, if some unexpected pleasant surprise emerged during the process, that would be even better."

"But if not, there's no need to force it."

Scholar Zhu's skull-like head slowly emerged from his wide robe, gazing distantly at the City of Ultimate Bliss outside the mansion. His expression was dazed, as if lost in memories.

"Once, the Immortal Realm was even more blissful than this city. It was a scene of prosperity, with infinite possibilities for the future. But unexpectedly, the grand edifice collapsed overnight..." Scholar Zhu mumbled these words, seemingly lost.

Li Fan remained silent, and the other person turned to ask, "You said you want me to recommend you to join the Immortal Hunters?"

"I ask for your graciousness, Scholar Zhu," Li Fan nodded.

"Alright. However, I have a condition," Scholar Zhu agreed readily.

"No problem," Li Fan replied even more readily, without even hearing what the so-called condition was.

Scholar Zhu burst into laughter, and his external form changed once again.

The hunched old man inside dissolved into a puddle of blood, merging into the robe he wore.

The robe wriggled for a moment, transforming into the shape of human skin!

It floated unsteadily before Li Fan, stating sternly, "One day, no matter what method you use, bring my true body back!"

There were no facial features on the human skin.

Only five chilling empty holes stared silently at Li Fan.

Li Fan was silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

"Alright."

The human skin, as if a wish had been fulfilled, lost its floating support and fell directly to the ground.

Then it wriggled again, crawling on the ground like a human, finally returning to the main seat.

It transformed back into a robe.

Scholar Zhu's ancient voice came from within.

"To help me gain release, as far as I know, there are a few methods."

"First, successfully capture an unnamed True Immortal and exchange bodies."

"Second..."

Li Fan felt Scholar Zhu's gaze continuously sweep across his face.

"Completely tear apart the Dao Net. Then I will naturally regain my freedom."

"Third. Project into the unknown regions of the Grand Dao and redeem yourself through merit."

Scholar Zhu paused, then asked, "Which method do you plan to use?"

Li Fan carefully considered the other's words, then after a moment, slowly whispered, "Perhaps all three could be pursued simultaneously."

Scholar Zhu remained silent.

After a long silence, he finally said, "Tell me what you need."

"You have five years. Before the Immortal Hunter assessment, I will test your worth."

"If you disappoint me..."

"Hehehe..."

Scholar Zhu's calm tone revealed an endless killing intent.

Li Fan, however, remained unfazed. "Scholar Zhu, just wait and see."

After the ceremony concluded, Li Fan returned to Ma Tiande's home.

He also carried a gift from Scholar Zhu.

"This is..."

Li Fan examined the item in his hand with great interest.

It was a piece of skin strikingly similar to Scholar Zhu's "human skin" form.

It looked as though it had just been peeled from a body, and Li Fan could still smell a strong scent of blood on it. Familiar with human anatomy, Li Fan spread the skin out and felt it over.

He confirmed that it was indeed human skin.

However, unlike Scholar Zhu, it did not possess its own consciousness.

After some examination, Li Fan tried various methods but couldn't activate any special properties of the skin. It seemed to be just ordinary human skin.

Yet, when Scholar Zhu had given Li Fan this piece of human skin, Li Fan had clearly seen a hint of complex emotions in his eyes.

There was nostalgia, reluctance, and even a touch of hatred.

He turned the skin over and over, examining it thoroughly. Li Fan then recalled the scene where Scholar Zhu had revealed his true form earlier.

After a slight pause, he made a decision.

Sitting upright, he took a deep breath. Then, he put the human skin on himself like a piece of clothing.

Its original size and shape didn't match Ma Tiande.

But as Li Fan put it on, the human skin automatically shrank, fitting him perfectly, as if it had been peeled directly from Ma Tiande's body!

Feeling the gradually constricting power around him and the changes happening to his body shape and facial features,

Li Fan suddenly had a premonition.

He seemed to be transforming into another person.

An unstoppable fear of the unknown welled up in his heart. However, sensing the miniature Dao Net reflected in his divine consciousness, Li Fan's fear vanished completely.

His mind became as calm as a still mirror; he simply focused on experiencing the changes brought about by wearing this skin.

Once the outer skin perfectly conformed to his body,

Li Fan truly seemed to have become someone else.

A flood of images and memories spontaneously surged into his mind.

And even...

Li Fan looked at his own hands.

"This realm..."

"Is this the True Immortal realm?"

It was not just an illusion.

Li Fan's fingertip pointed forward.

A brilliant light, as if from the birth of a star sea, bloomed from his fingertip.

The light seemed to contain the infinite vastness of the world.

"Immortal Spirit Qi."

"Is this Immortal Spirit Qi?"

Li Fan had previously felt the presence of Immortal Spirit Qi within the Immortal Roster Disintegration Disc.

Now, this strange and magnificent power emerged within his own body. He immediately recognized its essence.

Li Fan's gaze was fixed intently on that point at his fingertip, not daring to move it an inch.

In a trance, he seemed to pass through that point and enter an endless, boundless ocean.

In this vast sea, countless phenomena, all life and spirits, appeared simultaneously.

It was strangeness beyond imagination.

With Li Fan's current understanding, he was captivated and almost lost himself within it for a moment.

Fortunately, the infinite ocean hidden within the light vanished as the glow from his fingertip faded.

Li Fan instantly withdrew from the illusion, returning to reality.

What should have been limitless Immortal Spirit power was now like a burnt-out candle.

It had been completely exhausted.

It could no longer support Li Fan's glimpse into that infinite ocean.

"Hmm?"

Li Fan frowned slightly.

He hadn't felt the Immortal Spirit power disappear from his body.

With a thought, a faint light once again glowed at his fingertip.

This time, Li Fan did not immerse his mind in the infinite ocean.

He simply quietly observed the light at his fingertip.