Chapter 1569: Merging the Mysterious and Yellow Dao into Immortality

Li Fan’s unrestrained laughter was only perceptible to himself throughout the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm.

The attention of all living beings in heaven and earth was now entirely focused on the radiant figure isolated in the Outer Heavens.

The Four Heavenly Gates shone brightly, and his sleeves fluttered, making him seem like a true immortal.

He stood proudly, above the myriad stars and even the Investiture of the Gods List.

“To transform the soul of heaven and earth, and integrate with the Dao through one's body; to solidify the principles of heaven and earth, and attain eternal life…” These two lines still echoed ceaselessly between heaven and earth. As all beings gazed up at the first Dao-Integration cultivator in the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm, some finally recalled the identity of this figure.

“Dharma Transmission Immortal Venerable!”

Some wept bitterly, some found it hard to believe, and some nodded with excitement.

“Even with the drastic changes in heaven and earth, Dharma Transmission remains Dharma Transmission!”

Upon achieving enlightenment, he not only became the first to achieve Dao-Integration and ascend to immortality, but also illuminated a path to immortality for all beings in Xuanghuang.

The method of Dharma Transmission was, in essence, simple. It could be summarized in six words: If you can't beat them, join them.

The Xuanghuang Realm had undergone drastic changes, with its overall level elevating significantly.

The gap between heaven and earth and the cultivators had been infinitely widened. The previous cultivation methods, which involved delusions of devouring heaven and earth and ascending in a single step, were naturally no longer applicable.

So Dharma Transmission changed his approach: since he couldn't contend with them, he might as well surrender.

He transformed himself into a part of the heavenly and earthly order, leveraging the immense power of heaven and earth to aid his own cultivation!

The old cultivation methods emphasized enlightenment through the unity of man and nature, where cultivators and heaven and earth were equals.

Dharma Transmission had once innovated a method that adopted a strategy of 'skinning and bone extraction,' where cultivators and heaven and earth were adversaries.

Now, however, if this new method was adopted, heaven and earth and cultivators would become a superior-subordinate relationship. And the first to surrender was also the former leader of the opposing cultivators.

How could this not bring inexplicable joy to the Heavenly Dao of Xuanghuang!

Dharma Transmission's ability to instantly transform into the soul of heaven and earth and achieve Dao-Integration overnight was also inextricably linked to his unique status as the first to surrender.

Under Li Fan's deliberate guidance, Dharma Transmission's two maxims echoed into the hearts of every living spirit in heaven and earth. Although a very small number of cultivators felt an instinctive repulsion towards this method of rapidly cultivating by becoming subservient to heaven and earth,

most people, however, quickly accepted it without hindrance. They then drew inferences, comprehending the cultivation methods for various realms within Dao-Integration.

The essence of it all was to submit oneself to heaven and earth.

It was foreseeable that in a very short time, cultivators in the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm would experience explosive growth in realm breakthroughs. Within the cultivator community, two naturally antagonistic factions would emerge: those who surrendered to heaven and earth, and ordinary cultivators.

The situation between the two sides could be described as a battle to the death, until one side completely vanished.

And with Li Fan behind the scenes, it was already self-evident who the ultimate victor would be.

Above the firmament, the radiance from the Four Heavenly Gates gradually dimmed. However, the Heavenly Gates did not immediately close, revealing the endless, continuous landscapes of mountains and seas within, thus exposed to the eyes of all Xuanghuang beings.

All beings were mesmerized, and then longing arose in their hearts.

The Infinite Sea, the Upper Mountain. Although at this moment, the world did not yet know their names, they instinctively felt their own insignificance.

The glimpses of mountain and and sea landscapes revealed through the gate would become their lifelong pursuit.

The grand event finally came to an end.

The Four Heavenly Gates slowly reverted to their original state and disappeared from everyone's sight.

Just as all Xuanghuang beings thought Dharma Transmission's Dao-Integration and immortal ascension were complete,

a majestic figure, incredibly familiar to all, reappeared above the firmament.

Even after witnessing the mountains and seas moments ago, no one had knelt in supplication. But now, with the emergence of this figure, all living beings in Xuanghuang prostrated themselves.

For this figure was none other than the Primordial Xuanghuang World-Guarding Numinous Cloud Saint Venerable!

They did not worship the mountains and seas, only the Saint Venerable!

This belief had long been subtly rooted in the minds of all Xuanghuang beings.

The great deity had descended once again; in comparison, Dharma Transmission, who had just ascended, seemed like a mere ant before him.

The Xuanghuang Saint Venerable extended a finger and gently pressed it towards Dharma Transmission's head.

Gazing at the gigantic, mountain-like finger descending towards him, Dharma Transmission seemed to understand something. There was no fear in his heart; instead, he accepted it calmly.

Under the watchful eyes of all, the Saint Venerable's finger rested upon Dharma Transmission's head.

In an instant, endless light burst forth from the Saint Venerable's fingertip.

Aside from Dharma Transmission, all other living beings in the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm subconsciously closed their eyes.

They knew in their hearts that this was a bestowal from the Saint Venerable upon Dharma Transmission, and others were not qualified to witness it!

When the light dispersed, the majestic figure of the Saint Venerable had also vanished.

The barrier between the land and the Outer Heavens had not yet completely faded. People could vaguely see that within the Four Heavenly Gates, in the vast sky, there seemed to be an additional magnificent palace.

It bore the four large characters "Immortal Expansion Dao Field." It was precisely the great Xuanghuang Saint Venerable who had bestowed it, named after Dharma Transmission!

As envy arose in everyone's hearts, a clear voice of a Daoist child faintly drifted from the Immortal Expansion Dao Field.

“Great Lord has ascended to the Nine Heavens, proving himself the first immortal of Xuanghuang. With the Saint Venerable's blessing, he may bring ninety-nine additional individuals to the Cloud Palace, where they shall be on par with Heaven and Dao!”

Upon hearing this, everyone was slightly stunned at first. Then their hearts, as if suddenly seized, began to pound uncontrollably.

The meaning of this voice was clearly that Dharma Transmission could bring ninety-nine people with him to ascend to the immortal realm!

It was precisely the saying, 'When one achieves Dao-Integration, even their close associates ascend to immortality!'

Although it was clear that those brought along would have a considerable gap compared to true Dao-Integration ascenders, they were still individuals who had ascended to the Nine Heavens!

Compared to being on the ground, their status was immeasurably higher.

With hardly any hesitation, someone immediately knelt and shouted, “Dharma Transmission above! I am your former subordinate! Back in Congyun Marsh, I personally listened to your teachings!”

“Immortal Venerable, it is your subordinate! I am now facing a life-and-death crisis; without a solution, I fear I will perish tomorrow. I beg Immortal Venerable for mercy, please save your subordinate!”

“Immortal Venerable, it is truly wonderful to see you again. After many years, I thought you had already departed to the immortal realm…” His voice was slightly choked, but he did not mention the matter of being elevated to heaven.

Heavy dark clouds obscured the Outer Heavens from the sight of all beings. The barrier between sky and earth reappeared.

All beings wrung their hands in frustration, while Dharma Transmission, seated within the Immortal Expansion Dao Field, couldn't help but feel a headache as he watched the constantly appearing scenes before him.

In the Xuanghuang heaven and earth, all who inwardly prayed and mentioned him, Dharma Transmission, would be perceived by him. Enticed by those ninety-nine ascension positions, the inner voices Dharma Transmission faced here numbered in the tens of millions.

Among them, quite a few were indeed related to him, having formerly belonged to the Myriad Immortals Alliance.

Even Dharma Transmission, when faced with the choice for these ninety-nine positions, found himself in a dilemma.

He didn't think much of the vast majority. And most of those he favored were unwilling to reside within the Dao Field. Dharma Transmission also didn't want to force them.

“Heh, even the first immortal of Xuanghuang can't escape troubles,” Dharma Transmission chuckled softly, mocking himself.

As he spoke, his gaze flickered towards a Daoist child standing beside him, serving him.

“Great Lord, how many people in this world would wish for such troubles, and yearn for them in vain,” the Daoist child immediately responded.

Dharma Transmission did not reply.

This Daoist child was indeed bestowed by the Xuanghuang Saint Venerable.

That single touch, besides this Daoist child, had also infused Dharma Transmission's mind with extensive knowledge and insights regarding possibilities, the Upper Mountain, and the Infinite Sea.

At the same time, Dharma Transmission also saw a scene.

It was precisely the scene of his 'Ancestor' being expelled from the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm by the Xuanghuang Saint Venerable.

“It seems the Saint Venerable is warning me, preventing any thoughts of seeking a patron,” Dharma Transmission shook his head slightly.

Since he had chosen the path of surrendered cultivation and become the soul of heaven and earth in the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm, he could not possibly 'betray'.

“Great Lord, rest assured. What you have in mind, the message from Mysterious Heaven King of old, may not be impossible to achieve. You just need to take one more step,” the Daoist child beside him, who seemed capable of peering into one's thoughts, said, instantly revealing Dharma Transmission's inner musings.

At first, Dharma Transmission was still somewhat surprised, but then recalling that this Daoist child was bestowed by the Saint Venerable, he no longer found it strange.

In fact, besides possessing the ability to read minds, the Daoist child also knew many matters beyond the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm, and even beyond the original possibilities.

If Dharma Transmission had any uncertainties and asked questions, the Daoist child would mostly answer.

However, regarding anything about the mysterious and unfathomable Xuanghuang Saint Venerable, the Daoist child remained silent.

After some conversation, Dharma Transmission had grown accustomed to it.

“To take another step, that would be to solidify the principles of heaven and earth, and attain eternal life…” Dharma Transmission nodded, speaking softly.

“With Great Lord’s current strength, by connecting with the mountains and seas, you can indeed leave the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm on your own. Your power and might are no different from true immortals of the past immortal realm. However, attempting to traverse to other possibilities would be beyond your current capabilities.”

“Unless you become a part of the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm and its heavenly and earthly principles. If your body becomes one with the immortal realm, and you use your body as a boat, you can naturally traverse the mountains and seas…” The Daoist child seemed to know everything about the Xuanghuang heaven and earth, explaining it articulately.

Dharma Transmission nodded slightly upon hearing this. Although he was the first immortal of Xuanghuang, his understanding of this realm was inferior to that of the Daoist child before him. Therefore, he listened patiently to the explanation.

“Although I understand the principle, taking this step is difficult, difficult, difficult!”

Even though he had already pointed out the ultimate path to all beings, standing at the very forefront of the existing path, Dharma Transmission found an endless abyss blocking the way ahead.

No matter what, he couldn't take the next step.

“The Grand Dao of the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm is seamlessly natural and flawless. To solidify it, one must either find its weak points or a way to surpass it. This…”

He pondered for three days and three nights, yet Dharma Transmission still had no clue.

“Having just broken through, I shouldn't rush.”

“Seeking answers within the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm is too difficult. Perhaps I should look beyond Xuanghuang…” Dharma Transmission gazed into the distance, muttering to himself.

With his current strength, standing at the peak of the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm, his gaze was sufficient to cross the high wall and look upon the starry sky beyond the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm.

Ripples spread, and light flickered, seemingly indicating a fierce turbulence.

Just as Dharma Transmission began to contemplate investigating, outside the Immortal Expansion Dao Field, the Four Heavenly Gates, which had only recently calmed down, once again shone with brilliant white light!

It was clearly another Dao-Integration ascender!

Dharma Transmission hadn't expected this second immortal of Xuanghuang to arrive so quickly. He couldn't help but look on with curiosity.

“Ah, it’s Su Bai, the first on the Investiture of the Gods List,” Dharma Transmission instantly understood with a glance.

He had long been aware of this person's exceptional talent.

He was already not far from Dao-Integration. Now that his path had been illuminated, it was only natural for him to achieve a sudden enlightenment and elevate overnight.

“It's just a pity that, if not for the Saint Venerable above, his limits would not have been confined to this.”

After a moment of silence, Dharma Transmission thought to himself, “The same goes for me.”

Before Dharma Transmission could ponder further, Su Bai had already completed his ascension.

Another Dao Field appeared out of thin air in the Outer Heavens.

Its name was Benevolent Passage Dao Field.

Dharma Transmission was wondering whether to greet this newly ascended colleague. But Su Bai had already rushed over, uninvited.

Dharma Transmission was astonished, but then heard Su Bai say in a deep voice, “Fellow Daoist must know of the Xuanghuang Reincarnation World-Ending Tribulation? Is there a way to prevent all beings from suffering this tribulation?”

“Xuanghuang Reincarnation World-Ending Tribulation?” Dharma Transmission was slightly startled.

After a moment, he reacted, “This was set by the Saint Venerable. Though it destroys sentient beings, it benefits Xuanghuang. How can it be avoided?”

Dharma Transmission shook his head.

He wasn't particularly concerned about the life and death of sentient beings in heaven and earth.

“For a realm as vast as Xuanghuang, it still needs to destroy sentient beings to benefit itself. Is this not a flaw? If there were a method that could benefit Xuanghuang without destroying sentient beings…”

“Would that be the method to solidify the principles of heaven and earth?” Su Bai asked, enunciating each word, his gaze fixed on Dharma Transmission.

Dharma Transmission narrowed his eyes, and after careful deliberation, he still felt somewhat uncertain.

He subtly glanced at the Daoist child beside him, and seeing his expression, he finally understood.

“Fellow Daoist is indeed supremely intelligent.”

“This is indeed a method to solidify the principles of heaven and earth!”

“If this can be achieved, proving the Dao for eternal life and achieving unrestricted freedom will be within reach!” Dharma Transmission couldn't help but praise.

Su Bai, however, shook his head. “I do not care for eternal life and unrestricted freedom. I only wish to save all beings from the suffering of reincarnation.”

Dharma Transmission was instantly speechless.

Although the other party's philosophy differed from his own, there was no need to contradict him verbally.

After a moment of contemplation, he asked, “Though you and I have proven ourselves true immortals, compared to the Xuanghuang Immortal Realm, we are but a drop in the ocean. To seek a method that benefits heaven and earth, I fear our power is insufficient; we may need to look beyond the high wall.”

“I came precisely to invite fellow Daoist to join me,” Su Bai bowed.

Dharma Transmission smiled. “Indeed, that is my wish.”

Just as Su Bai and Dharma Transmission formed an alliance, planning to journey together beyond the high wall in search of opportunities,

the Xuanghuang Saint Venerable, Li Fan, was confronting a figure.

The figure exuded monstrous wickedness, with fierce light in his eyes.

It was none other than Evil Su Bai, whom Li Fan had once encountered in Su Bai's Eternal Remnant Thought!

The moment Su Bai achieved Dao-Integration and ascended, connecting with the mountains and seas, this entity sensed his existence and arrived instantly, intending to capture and refine this version of himself from this possibility.

Fortunately, Li Fan was prepared and blocked him in time.

“Hand him over, and I will spare your life,” Evil Su Bai said coldly.

Seeing that the other party did not immediately attack but first resorted to verbal threats, Li Fan knew his 'deterrence' was effective.

“Senior, what do you think of my Xuanghuang Immortal Realm?”

Li Fan did not directly respond, but instead changed the topic and asked.

Evil Su Bai was indeed drawn in, his gaze turning to the realm before him.

A hint of solemnity gradually appeared in his eyes.