Chapter 1681: Mountain and Sea Potential Theory

It was as if the refining process of the Xuanji Ring was being replayed, or as if imitating the Three Sages, the Xuanji Ring was being reforged. Amidst the floating phantom of Mountains and Seas, time flowed and changed. And the shattered Xuanji Ring was being mended inch by inch!

After a long while, the Lianshan Staff, Guihai Shovel, and Zhongsheng Rod retracted their light and shadows, as if their spiritual essence was completely lost, nearly falling from their floating positions. Li Fan promptly collected the three treasures, then looked at the Xuanji Ring, which appeared to have been restored to its original state.

Shouqiu, however, was a step ahead and saw through the mystery: "It hasn't been truly restored, but the method for reforging it has been etched into it. Like a mold, we only need to infuse materials and power into it."

"Although it can't compare to the true Xuanji Ring, it possesses about one-third of its power. It's more than enough to bluff Guiming and the others for a short period," Duke Shouqiu said with pleasant surprise.

"Perhaps when the Three Sages entrusted me with the treasure, they already considered the possibility of the Xuanji Ring shattering and my need to rebuild it," Li Fan said thoughtfully.

Shouqiu nodded in agreement.

Li Fan again carefully examined the Xuanji Ring before him. Or rather, the Xuanji Ring mold would be a more accurate description.

The intertwining of reality and illusion revealed the profound truths of Mountains and Seas. Its ends connected, forming a self-contained cycle. While reflecting and encompassing Mountains and Seas, it also used the power of "Xuanji" to bind everything within this small ring. This led to unity of purpose and adherence to rules.

"This method is profoundly ingenious yet appears simple, embodying a regal dominance. Compared to forcefully twisting thoughts, it is hundreds of times more sophisticated!" Li Fan exclaimed in admiration after studying it.

When the Sages took their seats within the Xuanji Ring, their personalities and temperaments did not actually change. The Sages remained Sages. However, under the influence of Xuanji's power, their thoughts and considerations would first prioritize the greater good of Mountains and Seas. At the same time, they would regard the other Sages sharing the Xuanji Ring as peers. Coupled with the suppression by the Three Sages, they appeared so peaceful and benevolent.

But once the Xuanji Ring shattered, this community would instantly be broken. Towards outsiders, the Sages would naturally employ their respective methods without any mercy.

Li Fan carefully savored the Xuanji Ring's wonders, while Duke Shouqiu's expression gradually grew serious. "The Xuanji Ring was forged by the combined efforts of the Three Sages. Although it appears to be a unified whole, it actually contains three coexisting powers. Therefore, to restore it using this mold, it would ideally require three people. Otherwise, its effectiveness would be greatly diminished."

Having said this, Li Fan and Duke Shouqiu exchanged glances. "If Taiwei had not yet perished, perhaps we could have sought his cooperation. But now..."

"With Mountains and Seas on the verge of decay, where can we find a third Sage?" Shouqiu couldn't help but feel troubled.

Li Fan also furrowed his brow slightly: "Although I possess the supreme method of True Spirit Infusion, I still need a suitable candidate. I wonder if such a person still exists within this segment of Mountains and Seas?"

After a discussion, they decided to partially complete the Xuanji Ring mold while simultaneously searching for a suitable candidate for enlightenment within Mountains and Seas. At the same time, to deter the Four Sages of Guiming, Li Fan would occasionally manipulate the accumulated True Spirits in the void realm, creating massive commotions. The Four Sages became suspicious, believing Li Fan was plotting something in the void realm. Their attention was temporarily diverted.

"As the saying goes, it is in troubled waters that true heroes emerge. In times of crisis and apocalypse, there will naturally be those who can turn the tide. Just as you were, Shouqiu, in the past, so too are there such individuals in Mountains and Seas today."

The two searched diligently and finally found a suitable candidate within a surviving possibility.

Li Fan, pointing at that figure, couldn't help but exclaim. Shouqiu also showed an admiring gaze: "A hundred years ago, when Mountains and Seas shattered, this person was merely an unknown True Immortal. With the advent of the apocalypse and Mountains and Seas nearing disintegration, the constraints between possibilities also weakened. He finally broke through his long-standing shackles and attained the Transcendent Realm."

"It's just a pity that after transcending the realm of possibilities, what he saw was a fragmented and precarious state of Mountains and Seas. He even encountered the Dao Annihilation waves several times and nearly perished. Had you not stopped me, I would have almost intervened to save him."

Li Fan said calmly: "I observe this person's fortune is not exhausted. In life-and-death situations, great opportunities are often hidden. If we were to save him, it might cause him to miss out on these opportunities."

Shouqiu nodded: "The path of 'opportunity theft' is indeed profound. He has indeed escaped death multiple times, and even... found a holy medicine scattered when Taiwei perished, amidst the turbulent currents of Mountains and Seas."

"With the aid of this great sacred fortune medicine, he has completely stabilized his Transcendent Realm. If Mountains and Seas were still stable, he might have had the chance to look towards the Sage realm on his own. But now..."

Li Fan chuckled softly: "Don't we still have us?"

"Having observed him in secret for so long, this person indeed meets our requirements in all aspects."

"Indeed. After his strength improved, moved by the chaotic apocalyptic state of Mountains and Seas, he returned to his homeland alone. He led a group of immortals to resist Dao Annihilation, even freely imparting all his insights. In this single possibility, thirteen Transcendent Realm powerhouses were born in a short time. Although this almost exhausted the potential of this possibility, it also formed a strong defensive force. Now that the Dao Annihilation storm is rising, they can still be considered safe. Even if Mountains and Seas collapses, their location will be among the last to survive," Duke Shouqiu praised unreservedly.

"Speaking of the potential of possibilities, my recent observations suggest that this place, despite being exhausted, seems to have grown somewhat. I wonder if it's just my illusion."

"It's not an illusion; it's genuinely the case."

Shouqiu began to explain to Li Fan. "The potential of possibilities originates from Mountains and Seas. Under normal circumstances, it is fixed and unchanging from the moment of its birth. How many unknowns, how many Transcendent beings, or even whether Sages will emerge from it, are all predestined. Only in extremely special circumstances can fate be altered..." Shouqiu paused slightly, as if recalling something.

Then, pointing to the possibility they were observing, he continued: "Now, with Mountains and Seas shattered and order lost, it is an opportunity to alter fate. To put it simply, the potential of possibilities is like nutrients in the soil; while not an absolutely fixed quantity, its replenishment rate is extremely slow. From our perspective as beings, it would naturally seem 'limited.' Moreover, Mountains and Seas is already in a state where it can barely protect itself, let alone spare power to nourish the beings within it."

"The current increase in the potential of this possibility is due to the shattering of Mountains and Seas and the self-dispersion of potential."

Li Fan immediately understood: "This additional potential comes from other possibilities that have already been annihilated."

Originally, it was difficult for Li Fan to discern how much potential was hidden within a possibility. However, in the process of searching for suitable candidates for enlightenment, he noticed that Shouqiu could often determine at a glance whether their target existed within a possibility, and his accuracy was often very high. Therefore, Li Fan inquired. As fellow saviors, Duke Shouqiu naturally did not hesitate to share this small method for discerning the potential of possibilities. He taught it to Li Fan in detail.

This method, called 'Observing Mountains and Seas,' allowed one to perceive the veins of possibilities originating from Mountains and Seas. Then, by combining various forms, one could judge its potential. Over the years of searching for suitable assistance, Li Fan had already cultivated it to a minor accomplishment.

"Logically speaking, if the methods are appropriate, one could extract the potential from several possibilities and supply it to one," Li Fan suddenly had an insight while observing and comprehending, and spoke this sentence.

Duke Shouqiu was slightly startled, then nodded and said: "It can indeed be done. However..."

"There isn't much significance."

"For us, although we originate from different possibilities, we are all born within Mountains and Seas. There is no difference."

"Furthermore, the potential of possibilities involves the fundamental power of Mountains and Seas. If forcibly utilized, it might provoke a backlash from Mountains and Seas. Although we Sages do not fear it, we must worry about the already fragile Mountains and Seas suffering further heavy damage."

The topic ceased there, returning to the Transcendent cultivator they had set their sights on. This person cultivated the Path of Unending and followed the method of unifying all selves. The apocalypse of Mountains and Seas was both fraught with crises and abundant with opportunities. With many possibilities annihilated, the number of Unending beings needing unification throughout Mountains and Seas was exceedingly few.

The Unending one took merely a hundred years to complete a path that ordinary Transcendent beings could hardly achieve in a lifetime. "Like morality, special circumstances have created a unique existence within Mountains and Seas in a certain sense."

"Although the lack of self-nourishment from other possibilities would inevitably lead to a weak True Spirit."

"But with my intervention, there will be no worries!"

"The time has come, Shouqiu, make your move. The situation in Mountains and Seas is becoming increasingly critical; we can wait no longer," Li Fan declared loudly.

Shouqiu nodded slightly, and then, with great tacit understanding, the two split up. Li Fan's figure flickered, appearing next to the Unending one within that possibility. Looking down from above, he revealed an inscrutable smile: "Young friend, today a great fortune is bestowed upon you!"

With that, he extended a single hand downwards and gently stroked. At this sudden turn of events, the Unending one's face showed alarm. Instinctively, he wanted to resist, but under Li Fan's restraint, he couldn't move at all. He could only passively allow Li Fan to infuse him. Gradually, the fear on the Unending one's face vanished, replaced by immense joy. He closed his eyes in contemplation, awaiting the final step he was about to take.

Meanwhile, outside Mountains and Seas, to draw the attention of the Four Sages of Guiming, Shouqiu had already flown out. Wielding the Lianshan Staff, Guihai Shovel, and Zhongsheng Rod, he began to contend with the Four Sages. The three treasures, having recuperated for many years, had recovered some of their combat power. However, they had not returned to their peak state. It was inevitable that Shouqiu would gradually lose ground. As long as he could hold back the Four Sages for a period, until the new Unending Sage was born.

Li Fan's sage-making was already a well-practiced skill. And the Unending one was also an absolute prodigy who emerged from the end of Mountains and Seas. Without any mishaps, before long, a peculiar fluctuation descended upon Mountains and Seas. A new Sage was born.

"Oh no!"

As if realizing something, the Four Sages of Guiming immediately disregarded Shouqiu and rushed to slay the newly born Sage.

In an instant, Li Fan had already completed his information exchange with the Unending one. The Unending one was filled with gratitude towards the senior who had enlightened him to become a Sage. In contrast, the Four Sages of Guiming were ruthless individuals who sought his life without a word. There was no need to ponder which side to stand on.

"Shouqiu, return!" Li Fan's voice resonated clearly, spreading throughout the shattered Mountains and Seas, reaching directly into the void realm. The Lianshan Staff and the other two treasures instantly shone brightly, protecting Shouqiu's return.

"Bring forth the Xuanji Ring!" Li Fan and Shouqiu spoke in solemn, deep voices simultaneously.

Then, under the gaze of the Four Sages, a familiar white ring suddenly appeared. The Four Sages, who had been rapidly fleeing towards Mountains and Seas, instantly halted. They were horrified, seeing the Xuanji Ring shattered yet reappeared. Having been suppressed within the ring for countless ages, how could they not know the Xuanji Ring's power? Thus, they instinctively feared it.

Li Fan, Shouqiu, and the newly promoted Unending Sage took their seats within the Xuanji Ring one after another. In an instant, they were of one mind and purpose, their thoughts seemingly unified.

"So, the first three Sages to take their seats had such profound mysteries."

Under the white light of the Xuanji Ring, Li Fan revealed an obscure and unfathomable expression. Shouqiu and the Unending one, who were beside him, should have been focused on repairing the Xuanji Ring and resisting the approaching Four Sages. But at this moment, they completely disregarded these matters. They only looked at Li Fan.

"Refine all four Sages of Guiming. The Great Dao will return to true, gaining a few more insights. Perhaps it will provide inexplicable assistance to the 'Return to True' state." These words were not spoken by Li Fan. It was Duke Shouqiu!

The Unending one also nodded in agreement, saying: "It seems Mountains and Seas should not be returned to. By absorbing the other Sages, the changes in your aura are subtly detectable even by Shouqiu, let alone the Three Sages. The ancient Mountains and Seas' situation is unclear. It's best not to venture there alone. Instead, it would be better to return to your true state, then lie dormant among the Sages. Use their combined strength to discern the truth."

"The Lianshan Staff, Guihai Shovel, and Zhongsheng Rod are also considered unique treasures of Mountains and Seas. After refining the Four Sages of Guiming, we will help you collectively comprehend them. If you can subdue them and store them within your 'Return to True' state, they might serve as a miraculous weapon in the next life."

"And this Xuanji Ring. After all this is done, don't rush back to your true state. Let us combine our efforts to fully comprehend it. If, in the next life, you can reproduce it yourself without the aid of the Lianshan Staff and the other two treasures... then many troubles can be avoided."

After a moment of contemplation, Shouqiu uttered something astonishing.

Although the secret of carrying the 'Return to True' state had inadvertently been exposed, Li Fan showed no trace of panic at this moment. Instead, he was inexplicably delighted.

"Xuanji, Xuanji, it lives up to its name."

"I finally understand why the previous Three Sages of Lianshan always held unified opinions, as if they were one person."

"Excellent, excellent!"

"Indeed excellent," Duke Shouqiu and the Unending one both nodded in agreement.

The moment the three took their seats within the Xuanji Ring, countless unforeseen events unfolded for Li Fan. Li Fan had still vastly underestimated the Xuanji Ring and the power of shared purpose. Especially this time, with the three of them jointly forging and being the first to take their seats within it.

The so-called shared purpose meant that all their memories and emotions merged, as if they had become a single entity. All their subsequent decisions and thoughts were made from the perspective of this unified entity's interests.

If Li Fan did not possess the 'Return to True' state, and was merely an evil individual concealing his true nature, then his views would inevitably clash fiercely with those of the virtuous Shouqiu. They would have needed an internal struggle before discussing shared purpose.

But... Li Fan, however, possessed the mighty power of 'Return to True!'

Shouqiu's ambition was to save Mountains and Seas. From the broader perspective, the stronger Li Fan became, the more beneficial it would be for saving Mountains and Seas. As for all the various aspects of this Mountains and Seas—Sages, or even Mountains and Seas itself—all were merely resources to be utilized!