Chapter 615: Tianyang Desires to Unite with the Dao

Angry Squid:

This was clearly a cessation of open warfare, replaced by a new form of competition. Li Fan was certainly no stranger to such tactics. This was a perfect opportunity to gauge the true strength of the prodigies from both sides. Li Fan found this prospect extremely interesting.

To ensure all cultivators could easily watch, the Myriad Immortals Alliance specifically crafted a special mirror artifact. It was affordably priced at just one hundred contribution points. Cultivators could use it to view the exchange meeting's events anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, it allowed for repeated playback of the matches. Crucially, the mirror screen would display real-time commentary from the Heavenly Profound Mirror, preventing lower-level cultivators from becoming confused.

Upon its release, the "Heavenly Spirit Scrying Mirror" sparked a buying frenzy among cultivators. Beyond its affordable price and the desire not to miss such a rare grand event, some cultivators also wished to collect it. According to older cultivators, the Myriad Immortals Alliance had released a similar scrying mirror during the first friendly exchange meeting. Back then, it didn't gain much attention because information about the exchange was readily available through the Heavenly Profound Mirror. Consequently, only more affluent cultivators chose to purchase one.

However, no one anticipated that once the matches concluded, these scrying mirrors would become rare, discontinued items. While their intrinsic value was secondary, the truly significant aspect was the recorded scenes of the competitions. The representatives from both sides in the first exchange meeting later rose to become influential figures within their respective organizations. Almost all of them reached the Dao Integration realm. Whether it was their profound discussions of the Dao or their intense magical duels, repeated observation and contemplation proved immensely beneficial for lower-level cultivators. Some exceptionally astute individuals even presented scrying mirrors, which recorded the victories of specific prodigies, as gifts to those very individuals, seeking to curry favor.

Furthermore, over the years, the number of surviving scrying mirrors has steadily dwindled due to cultivators' demises. By now, they are incredibly difficult to acquire. Given this precedent, it was no wonder the "Heavenly Spirit Scrying Mirror" became so incredibly popular this time.

For just a hundred contribution points, Li Fan naturally purchased one. Upon receiving it, Li Fan noted that the scrying mirror's craftsmanship was quite rough. It couldn't even be compared to the Heavenly Profound Minor Mirror; it was significantly inferior even to a common mortal bronze mirror. It appeared to be nothing more than a polished stone.

"Could this have been outsourced again?" Li Fan wondered. "Sold for a hundred contribution points, who knows the actual cost? Although the per-unit price isn't high, consider the sheer number of cultivators in the Myriad Immortals Alliance... Someone's certainly making a fortune."

Li Fan muttered these thoughts to himself before putting the mirror away. While the island's cultivators were engrossed in discussing the exchange meeting, he quietly returned to Shenhua Island.

In the preceding days, Liu San and his team had worked ceaselessly, exhausting all their prepared raw materials. They had successfully refined a total of twenty-eight Longevity Pills, most of which extended life by approximately two hundred years.

Handing over the pills, Liu San's face showed shame. "I've disappointed Young Master. Perhaps due to the effects of 'laws cannot be cultivated together,' the purity of my Longevity Green Power is significantly lower than anticipated. This holds true even after purification using ninety-nine Small Medicine King Cauldrons."

"To think, only pills of this quality were produced..." he lamented. "If the Old Sect Master were still alive, he would surely mock me," Liu San added, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Li Fan, however, offered comfort. "Elder Liu, there's no need to blame yourself. One cannot truly contend with the changes of heaven and earth without achieving longevity. Furthermore, I've already assessed the market. These Longevity Pills are sufficient for current needs. Releasing excessively high-quality pills all at once might actually be counterproductive."

As he spoke, Li Fan handed over a storage ring. "I've also found some leads regarding the whereabouts of Longevity Valley. It might be in one of the locations marked on this map."

"Although all these locations are within the white mist barrier, the ring contains an artifact called the Puxian True Boat. Elder Liu, piloting this boat should protect you from the soul-devouring effects of the white mist."

Liu San's expression brightened at this news. "The environment within Longevity Valley is uniquely blessed and differs slightly from the outside world. If I can refine pills there, their quality might improve significantly."

Li Fan nodded. "In that case, I'll leave this matter to you, Elder Liu. With the outside world preoccupied by this 'friendly exchange meeting' drawing global attention, it's the perfect time for you to make this trip."

"Remember, your safety is paramount. The revival of our Medicine King Sect truly depends on you!"

Liu San was deeply touched by Li Fan's sincere words. "I will not fail your trust, Young Master."

With that, and having familiarized himself with the Puxian True Boat, he transformed into a streak of light and departed towards the marked locations on the map.

"I hope his journey is smooth and that he finds Longevity Valley," Li Fan mused. "I won't be able to stay in the Cloud Sea much longer."

Li Fan ascended above Shenhua Island, gazing up at the sky. His eyes narrowed as he sensed a faint murderous intent slowly manifesting in the world. This killing intent, woven into all things, was almost imperceptible. It had little to do with one's cultivation realm, but more with individual comprehension. Possessing the Formless Killing Intent, which allowed him to temporarily assume the mandate of heaven, Li Fan was naturally highly sensitive to it.

"The killing intent this era carries is truly formidable. It seems far stronger than in previous lives." He frowned inwardly. "Is this due to the collective appearance of the Heavenly Physicians and others?" A plan for withdrawal already forming in his mind.

He returned to the island and led Tian Yang into a private chamber. "Junior Brother, an opportunity to advance to the Dao Integration realm has arisen. Are you willing to take it?"

Tian Yang initially tilted his head, appearing not to fully grasp Li Fan's meaning. Only after Li Fan repeated himself did Tian Yang straighten his form. A hint of solemnity even appeared on the puppet's face.

"You know that in this world, crisis and opportunity always go hand in hand," Li Fan continued. "The chances of success are not high, and it's extremely dangerous. You could face complete annihilation."

"Even so, are you willing to proceed?" Li Fan asked patiently, a gentle expression on his face.

Without much hesitation, intermittent mechanical sounds emanated from Tian Yang. "Tian Yang's life," he declared, "Will not be weaker than others!"

Although he already knew Tian Yang's answer, hearing it articulated by him now brought a sense of emotion to Li Fan.

"Good! In that case, I, your Senior Brother, will fully assist you!" Li Fan declared in a deep voice. The Heaven and Earth Qiankun Dice suddenly appeared in his hand. After a flurry of spins, Li Fan felt a subtle premonition.

"Approximately a year from now, perhaps..." he murmured. "That will be enough."

He then took Tian Yang to the deep reaches beneath the Cloud Sea. One by one, Li Fan retrieved various heavenly materials and earthly treasures from his personal grotto-heaven. He intended to reinforce Tian Yang's physique once more. He would spare no expense. Among these were even numerous pieces of Everlasting Golden Essence, materials that could persist even through a "Five Elements Unification."

"I want to see if Ink Kill can truly obliterate everything!"