Chapter 1661: Three Sages Established on the Same Day

"Defy fate and achieve sainthood?"

Li Fan's arrogant words instantly stunned the cultivator, who then sneered.

"There are countless heroes and prodigies in the Mountains and Seas, but only a handful can achieve the realm of a Saint. Even Saints dare not claim they can help others achieve sainthood. You?"

The cultivator's tone was full of disbelief.

"Though I am not a Saint, what Saints cannot do, I can."

Without further ado, Li Fan subtly beckoned towards the Eternal Silence Void not far away. A mass of accumulated true spirit immediately responded to his call. The cultivator's perception of this intangible true spirit was even keener than that of the Daoist Immortal, Moral. Without Li Fan needing to explain, he instantly trembled, his eyes fixed on the accumulated true spirit in Li Fan's hand.

"How is this possible!" he exclaimed, equally stunned into silence.

What followed was simple. Utilizing the Limitless Life method, Li Fan infused the true spirit into the cultivator's body. During the infusion process, Li Fan also understood the path the cultivator walked.

"Tribulation and fate revolve, ashes are reborn. All things arise together, and I observe their return."

This was the Path of Ash Return. Although this path allowed one to grow stronger through continuous destruction and rebirth, the immense chasm between transcendence and sainthood was something he could not cross, even if he sought death ten million times. Therefore, Li Fan's assistance was of great significance to Ash Return.

Feeling the significant increase in his aptitude, as if he were a new person, Ash Return's gratitude was clear. "Fellow Daoist, you have bestowed upon me a great favor; I truly don't know how I can repay you!"

"It's simple! Just suppress your breakthrough speed. Wait until I notify you, then you can break through. Don't worry, you won't have to wait too long. Before achieving sainthood, meditating on the laws before this void and accumulating more will be of immense benefit for your future crossing."

Ash Return now had an inherent trust in Li Fan's words. Although Li Fan's request was unusual, it wasn't a difficult task. He immediately agreed. Li Fan simply left a phantom mark for communication, then gracefully departed.

"This person's identity is truly mysterious," Ash Return mused. "But it doesn't matter. As long as he can help me become a Saint... even if he intends to overturn the Other Shore, it's irrelevant."

Ash Return took a deep breath, looked at the dark, desolate, and cold void ahead, and proudly stepped forward. What was originally his absolute limit, reached with all his might, was now easily broken due to the increase in his true spirit. He even had strength to spare, taking seven steps forward consecutively before finally stopping. He was truly just one step away from fully entering the Eternal Silence Void.

Ash Return sat cross-legged, meticulously pondering the terrifying aura of the void. At the same time, he silently awaited Li Fan's signal. The urgent desire to become a Saint burned fiercely within him, like a blazing fire, tormenting his mind. Yet, Ash Return rather enjoyed this feeling, tempering his willpower amidst the suppression. Ash Return was not a gentleman who kept his word, but he would seize every opportunity to cultivate and strengthen himself.

"To forcibly restrain the steps towards sainthood and not take them. What a delightful torment this is!" Ash Return recalled Li Fan's inexplicable expression when he departed, and suddenly thought that perhaps the other party had discerned his nature, which was why he had so generously passed on the secret art. "After I become a Saint, I can certainly meet this person again." A sharp glint flashed in Ash Return's eyes, but it quickly faded. He once again immersed himself in enlightenment.

However, Ash Return could never have imagined that he was merely Li Fan's backup plan. If Ash Return became a Saint as agreed, at the same time as the other, that would naturally be for the best. If he didn't comply and became a Saint prematurely, it wouldn't have any substantial impact on Li Fan. Having the Daoist Immortal, Moral, capable of conjuring wind and rain, was already sufficient. Moreover, with the protection of the True Return, even if Ash Return achieved sainthood first, Li Fan could hide in the Mountains and Seas without fearing the other party's search. Encountering Ash Return, this pawn for sainthood, again might have quickly depleted Li Fan's acquired auspicious fortune.

Afterwards, Li Fan never encountered another suitable candidate to assist. Until this day, he noticed that the Ideal Moral body he had created was gently trembling, on the verge of complete dissipation. He then knew that the day of Moral's sainthood had finally arrived. He gazed into the distance, simultaneously preparing to usher in the Great Dao of Xuanpin.

The tranquil Mountains and Seas suddenly trembled slightly. From infinite possibilities, streams of black and white energy emerged. They surged towards a certain location in the Mountains and Seas, gradually forming a magnificent Tai Chi diagram. It covered the sky and obscured the sun, extending over mountains and seas. The moment it appeared, it instantly attracted the gaze of countless powerful beings. Even the Dao Annihilation tide, which was engulfing the Mountains and Seas, was momentarily forced back by the Tai Chi diagram.

Within the Tai Chi diagram, a figure could clearly be seen seated, or perhaps two. The mystical pattern circulated, with black and white energies intertwined, seemingly elucidating the ultimate truths of heaven and earth.

"Such fluctuations... this is a sign of sainthood!"

"Are our Mountains and Seas about to give birth to another Saint? How long has it been since someone last achieved sainthood!"

Not only were the cultivators astounded, even the nine Saintly phantoms on the Other Shore turned their attention.

"This alone isn't enough," Li Fan murmured to himself.

As if sensing Li Fan's thoughts, another anomaly occurred. After reaching its maximum rotational speed, the Tai Chi diagram abruptly halted. The black and white colors completely merged. The two figures within also finally became one. The Daoist Immortal, Moral, sat cross-legged within, suddenly opening his eyes.

"Virtue shines bright, the Dao is profound. Virtue illuminates human relations, the Dao pervades the universe. The Earth nurtures all things, Heaven manifests patterns. Supreme good is like water, ultimate virtue is like spring."

The voice of the Daoist Immortal, Moral, came faintly, echoing throughout the Mountains and Seas. At this moment, all living beings in the Mountains and Seas, whether sentient or not, could hear the Daoist Immortal, Moral, imparting his wisdom. Looking up, though they could not see Moral's form, they instinctively listened and absorbed his teachings. A Saint imparting laws—this was unprecedented, the first time since the creation of heaven and earth. Although most beings in the Mountains and Seas did not understand the meaning of the four characters "Mountain Sea Saint," it did not prevent them from hungrily engraving every word Moral spoke into their hearts.

The divine melody continued to reverberate throughout the Mountains and Seas. Every word was a gem, and even the other Saints couldn't help but listen intently.

"Heaven acts with vigor, Earth endures with depth. Virtue aligns with the mean, the Dao follows nature. A small spiritual platform encompasses the universe. Wisdom is sown in emptiness, a lone duckweed floats in the sea of tribulation."

At this moment, the Mountains and Seas were silent. Only the sound of Moral imparting his teachings endlessly echoed.

"The timing is about right," Li Fan thought upon seeing this, and then sent a signal to Ash Return.

Meanwhile, at the border of the Mountains and Seas, outside the void, Ash Return, who had witnessed Moral's power in achieving sainthood, could no longer restrain himself. "What a grand display! How could I be inferior to you!" Perhaps to fulfill his agreement with Li Fan, or perhaps a desire to compete had arisen within him. Ash Return let out a hearty laugh as his body disintegrated inch by inch.

Then, from all corners of the Mountains and Seas, ashes, filling the sky, inexplicably swept forth. Like a great snowfall, it shrouded the sky of all possibilities. Even the sound of Moral imparting his teachings was faintly suppressed. The accumulating ashes, however, did not bring a sense of despair or destruction to the crowd. Instead, a certain power of revival was nurtured within the ashes.

"This is..."

"Another Saint has been born?"

"What day is it today? Am I dreaming?"

"Two Saints born in one day. The Mountains and Seas might yet be saved!"

Upon understanding what had truly occurred, all the transcendent powerhouses fell silent. In their extreme shock, they temporarily fell into confusion, unsure whether to listen to Moral's teachings or observe the ashes that were returning to life. Although Ash Return did not directly impart laws like Moral, he fully displayed the Great Dao he had comprehended throughout his life in this continuous ash-snowfall. The simultaneous radiance of the two Saints made all other phenomena in the Mountains and Seas pale in comparison. The attention of all living beings was entirely focused on Moral and Ash Return.

Just as the two Saints were about to fully manifest, Li Fan also chuckled lightly and gracefully emerged. "Next, it's my turn to discuss the Dao."

Compared to the earth-shattering displays of Moral and Ash Return, Li Fan's actions were extremely understated. Using the method of Ideal Creation, he swiftly mimicked the Great Dao of Xuanpin. He already had a deep understanding of the Great Dao of Xuanpin, and through the True Return's inheritance option, Xuanpin had even become imbued with his own aura. Li Fan's Ideal Creation mimicry was exceptionally smooth. It was as if he were inherently a Xuanpin Saint; the Great Dao of the Mountains and Seas descended in mere moments.

The nurturing of Xuanpin was like a gentle spring rain, subtly nourishing all things. The beings immersed in the sight of the two Saints appearing simultaneously had become somewhat weakened from striving to comprehend the Dao. But a surging vitality blossomed, silently replenishing all their deficiencies.

It didn't stop there. This section of the Mountains and Seas had countless possibilities swallowed by Dao Annihilation. But after Xuanpin descended this time, new possibilities were actually nurtured within the Mountains and Seas, splitting open the Dao Annihilation and reappearing! Like an old tree sprouting new buds, or withered wood greeting spring again!

"The Great Dao of Xuanpin after a double superposition... It's truly extraordinary. It can instantly reverse the confrontational situation between the Mountains and Seas and Dao Annihilation?" Li Fan stared at the four characters "First Xuanpin" on the True Return panel, whose colors were even more vibrant, filled with awe. Even as the originator, he hadn't anticipated the changes in the Great Dao of Xuanpin.

"With the end of the previous era, the Mountains and Seas and the void all returned to the stars. All Great Daos ceased to exist. My inheritance of Xuanpin was merely True Return's creation through the transformation of truth and falsehood. So, my actions were effectively using True Return to strengthen the Great Dao of Xuanpin, helping it even break through its own limitations..." In his mind, numerous insights once again surged.

Li Fan, with utmost familiarity, donned the outer garment of Xuanpin. Compared to his previous life, this new Xuanpin garment felt as if it had been tailor-made for him, fitting perfectly. There was no longer the trouble of it being forcibly worn and potentially revealed by external forces at any time.

"Even if all Saints collectively pry, they will not easily see through my true nature." The certain death situation when facing Saints was now resolved. Li Fan could finally face the Saints of the Mountains and Seas without worry. He couldn't help but feel great. Casually, he then imparted another strand of Xuanpin vitality to the Mountains and Seas. The rain of vitality increased slightly, finally attracting the attention of others.

"This is..."

"The third Saint?"

Within the halo of the Other Shore, the nine Saintly phantoms were clearer than ever before. And the Sacred Emperor Taiwei finally revealed his form. Beneath his crown, a hint of surprise was faintly discernible. Gradually, other beings in the Mountains and Seas finally understood what was happening. For a moment, they were stunned. The birth of a Saint might be the result of long accumulation. Two Saints descending at the same time might be a blessing for the Mountains and Seas. But what about three Saints appearing simultaneously? All beings, due to their incomprehension, suddenly fell into inexplicable fear.

"Such a grand spectacle, just to become a Saint yourself?" Ash Return and Moral simultaneously looked towards Li Fan, a flicker of confusion in their hearts. They had thought Li Fan, this Xuanpin Saint, would have some other move next. However, he simply raised it high and set it down gently, then went into seclusion.

The newly ascended three Saints exchanged glances, tacitly communicating in silence. They then quietly converged in one spot. And a Saint from the Other Shore also emerged from the dazzling halo. The Sacred Emperor Taiwei even casually bestowed three grand elixirs. Although they weren't the top-tier kind that could facilitate the birth of a Saint, they were exceptionally valuable and could stabilize one's ascension to the Saint realm.

With the gathering of all Saints, the anomalies in the Mountains and Seas disappeared. The living beings could no longer witness them.

"Congratulations, three fellow Daoists. It is truly our good fortune to have three Saints ascend on the same day." The Saintly phantom representing the Other Shore was none other than Saint Karma Judge! However, it was merely a phantom left by the Saints, not their true selves. Karma Judge spoke mechanically while meticulously observing the three newly ascended Saints of the Mountains and Seas. Apart from Li Fan, the true origins of Moral and Ash Return all stemmed from this section of the Mountains and Seas. Li Fan, on the other hand, was cloaked in the outer garment of Xuanpin, and secondly, was blessed and protected by True Return. Naturally, Karma Judge could not discern any anomalies.

Under normal circumstances, if a new Saint were born in the Mountains and Seas, the Other Shore would undoubtedly spare no effort to contend for and recruit them. But this time, three Saints had consecutively appeared at once, which seemed strange no matter how one looked at it. The phantom of Karma Judge found itself somewhat at a loss for a moment. And the Sacred Emperor Taiwei's immediate bestowal of three grand elixirs made Karma Judge even more hesitant.

It was Li Fan who smoothed things over, astonishing all the Saints with his words: "I know you all have doubts. In fact, both Saints, Moral and Ash Return, came into being because of me."

Upon hearing this, both Karma Judge and Sacred Emperor Taiwei were stunned. And seeing that Saints Moral and Ash Return did not deny it, merely showing a hint of surprise, their expressions became utterly serious.

"Fellow Daoist, please do not hesitate to enlighten us!" This matter was indeed of great importance, and the phantom of Grave Keeper also flew out from the Other Shore's halo, appearing before the Saints.

Li Fan nodded slightly towards Grave Keeper. Then he slowly began to explain: "You are all Saints, so you naturally know that within the Eternal Silence Void, there are endless accumulated true spirits from the destruction of the Mountains and Seas. We can only gather one or two for our own use when crossing. However, as for the true spirits filling the sky, I can summon them at will and dismiss them with a wave!" Li Fan spoke with conviction.

As proof, Li Fan waved his hand towards the void outside the Mountains and Seas. As expected, under the watchful eyes of the Saints, a mass of accumulated true spirit was summoned into Li Fan's palm. Karma Judge, Grave Keeper, and the Sacred Emperor Taiwei, witnessing this incredible phenomenon, grew even more solemn. They pondered Li Fan's origins.

Li Fan then continued: "The Last Saint of the Mountains and Seas also created the Limitless Life method. Combined with my unique ability, it can infuse beings and create Saints!"