Chapter 379: Ancient Practitioners

Oriyang felt a slight tension in his heart. "This person is Li Fan, and he is..." He concisely introduced Li Fan's life story to Lu Xichan.

Although Huangfu Song hadn't proactively mentioned Li Fan, Oriyang had noticed his peculiar gaze toward Li Fan that day. Knowing full well the character of his comrade, Oriyang immediately conducted a discreet inquiry. The rumors of Li Fan's extraordinary actions, as well as the astonishing speed at which his deeds spread, all led Oriyang to believe that this individual was far from ordinary. He even suspected that Huangfu Song's unannounced arrival was likely due to Li Fan. Now that Chief Lu had unexpectedly posed the question, it only confirmed his suspicions.

However, even if he had his suspicions, Oriyang knew exactly what could and could not be said. He was perfectly clear on this. As a subordinate, his role was simply to cooperate with his superiors. Being too clever and ruining someone's plans higher up could lead to more than just a ruined career; he might even meet an untimely end. Considering this, Oriyang wasted no time and meticulously recounted all the superficial information he had gathered.

Lu Xichan noticed that her two subordinates seemed to be harboring some private thoughts. However, she had no intention of delving deeper. There were few things in the world that warranted her attention, and these two Soul Transformation Array Masters certainly weren't among them. It was her daughter's lifesaver who somewhat surprised her.

She had heard Li Fan's name before. His willingness to disregard his own life to rescue others in peril was indeed a rare quality in this day and age. More importantly, his continued dedication to array construction, even as his lifespan neared its end, was an act worthy of extensive praise and promotion as an exemplary figure. Perhaps he was a true born saint, morally upright, or perhaps his cultivation method was unique, and this act was purely for profit. To the Myriad Immortals Alliance, neither truly mattered. What mattered was that he genuinely performed those actions. What mattered was that the vast majority of cultivators believed it.

For the name of a Golden Core cultivator to reach her ears, it naturally implied the involvement of certain familiar figures. Lu Xichan was not surprised by this in the slightest. If her conjectures were correct, should Li Fan's life be at risk before the array was fully constructed, the Alliance would intervene to preserve it. This would then be followed by another round of extensive promotion, akin to buying a prize horse. Ensuring everything was fully utilized was a consistent tactic of those individuals.

As the figures of several "Dharma Transmitters" flashed through her mind, a shadow of gloom instantly settled over Lu Xichan. As some of the first individuals to zealously follow the Dharma Transmission Heavenly Venerate, actively spread the Dharma, and establish the original Myriad Immortals Alliance, the Dharma Transmitters had maintained supreme authority over the Myriad Immortals Alliance since the Heavenly Venerate's disappearance. Their cultivation levels alone were not beneath hers. Moreover, their ability to survive countless calamities over thousands of years meant no one dared to underestimate them. Not to mention, they also subtly controlled methods to restrain the Heavenly Profound Mirror...

"The Heavenly Profound Spirit Lock is merely the first step," she mused. Lu Xichan gave a cold snort internally, suppressing these thoughts. Her gaze then returned to the visibly aging cultivator below. "They believe everything is under control. I wonder how they would react if I were to intervene halfway?"

Previously, despite him being her daughter's lifesaver, Lu Xichan had not harbored any specific intention of repaying him. After all, he had departed in haste after saving her daughter, without making any requests. In Lu Xichan's eyes, this meant Li Fan had forfeited the opportunity himself. Now, however, this person had reappeared before her as a pawn of that faction. This prompted Lu Xichan to reconsider.

After a moment of contemplation, she checked Li Fan's ranking on the Grand Competition's Golden Scroll. "Forty-fifth place." "Perhaps I could give him a helping hand..." With this thought, she looked at Oriyang and Huangfu Song and asked, "What do you two think of this person?"

Huangfu Song and Oriyang exchanged glances, a silent grumble rising in their minds. Since you've asked us specifically, how could we possibly speak ill of him? It's certainly good to have connections. With a hint of envy, they took turns extolling Li Fan's virtues. They praised him as if he were unparalleled. If Li Fan had been present to hear such accolades, he might have blushed.

When they had finished, Lu Xichan nodded. "He has made so many sacrifices for the widespread adoption of the Heavenly Profound Spirit Lock Array, yet the Alliance has not issued any corresponding rewards. This is truly inappropriate." She continued, "If this continues, won't it dishearten cultivators across the realm?"

Both Huangfu and Oriyang were shrewd individuals. Hearing Chief Lu's suggestive words, they were startled internally but dared not interject. They heard her continue, "If I had remained ignorant, it would be one thing. But now that I have personally witnessed it, I certainly cannot ignore it. However, it would be overstepping my bounds. Causing misunderstandings and rumors among certain individuals would be undesirable. At this critical juncture, our Myriad Immortals Alliance should prioritize unity. Do either of you have a good solution?"

The two instantly recalled some rumors they had occasionally heard and, after a brief moment of thought, understood the true meaning behind Chief Lu's words. However, such high-level power struggles were beyond the involvement of mere subordinates like themselves. They both inwardly groaned. Feeling Lu Xichan's gaze repeatedly sweeping over them, they both felt an inexpressible pressure. When a superior posed a question, silence was not an option.

Cold sweat beaded on their foreheads. At this crucial moment, Huangfu Song suddenly recalled his previous conversation with Li Fan. A sudden inspiration struck him, and he gritted his teeth. "Chief, if I may inform you, your humble subordinate had several in-depth conversations with Li Fan previously. Although his lifespan is nearing its end, he is still willing to dedicate himself until his final breath. Our Myriad Immortals Alliance never unfairly treats those who have rendered meritorious service. However, despite his immense efforts, this person's ranking is still only in the forties. Granting him special preferential treatment might cause dissent among cultivators ranked higher than him. If his ranking were slightly higher, it would appear more natural."

Huangfu Song paused, then continued, "This person once confided in me that he would have no regrets even in death. His only regret was not being able to explore the many wondrous secret realms of our Myriad Immortals Alliance..." He suddenly uttered this seemingly irrelevant remark. However, Lu Xichan and Oriyang, being familiar with the Grand Competition's point system, naturally grasped the underlying meaning of his words.

"That is a good method," Lu Xichan nodded slightly, implicitly approving Huangfu Song's suggestion. Huangfu Song couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Before he could fully relax, Chief Lu asked another question. "Do you have any recommended destinations?" Huangfu Song's heart instantly tensed up once more. Recalling Li Fan's earlier words in that fleeting moment, Huangfu Song could only brace himself and reply, "Your humble subordinate believes that the Five Elements Grand Grotto-Heaven, the Boundless Sea, and other such secret realms would be excellent choices."