Chapter 686: The Era of Great Exploration

Huangfu Song steadily caught the teacup and drank its contents.

"Having drunk Brother Li's tea, we are now brothers," Dongfang Yao said, nodding with satisfaction.

"Brother Dongfang, you haven't introduced me yet. Who is this?" Huangfu Song asked, looking tentatively at Li Fan, who was sitting upright beside them.

"His name is Li Fan. I happened to meet him while I was gaining enlightenment in the Great Vortex of Ningxu Province. We hit it off immediately. When you mentioned a great opportunity for meritorious service, I discussed it with him, and we came together," Dongfang Yao said, head held high.

A glint of light flashed in Huangfu Song's eyes, and he subtly glanced at Li Fan again.

Li Fan's expression remained unchanged as he cupped his hands and said, "I have long heard of Brother Huangfu's great reputation. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Huangfu Song, however, did not show particular enthusiasm, merely nodding slightly in acknowledgement.

The three exchanged pleasantries for a while longer before the straightforward Dongfang Yao cut to the chase.

"Huangfu, stop beating around the bush. What exactly is this once-in-a-century opportunity for meritorious service you mentioned? Tell me quickly!"

After a moment of contemplation, Huangfu Song slowly said, "Although this matter is still confidential, it will be officially announced soon. Since both of you are trusted allies, I won't keep it a secret."

"The Immortal Alliance is about to issue a decree encouraging all cultivators to explore deep into the White Mist. Not only will the Puxian True Boats, necessary for deep exploration, be provided free of charge, but all gains acquired by cultivators during their expeditions will belong entirely to them, with no interference from the Immortal Alliance."

"Furthermore, simply reporting the conditions of the White Mist that have been explored will earn rewards such as contribution points, merits, and even top-secret cultivation techniques."

Huangfu Song spoke voluminously about the new policies the Myriad Immortal Alliance was about to implement.

When he finished speaking, Dongfang Yao still looked completely bewildered.

"Did I hear that correctly? Deep within the White Mist? Is there something else inside the White Mist barrier besides the mist itself?"

Huangfu Song cast a somewhat helpless glance at Dongfang Yao and explained, "Within the White Mist, there are 'Illusory Domains.' Each of these domains is incredibly vast, even larger than many Grotto-Heavens or minor realms."

"This is just what has been discovered about the White Mist's superficial appearance so far. According to the latest investigations, there are also many hidden rift passages within the White Mist, extremely mysterious and leading to unknown destinations."

"The Immortal Alliance's top echelon is very determined about this exploration of the White Mist, and the rewards are unprecedentedly generous. Therefore, many cultivators who learned of the news have already entered the White Mist ahead of time. Once the policy is officially finalized, they will report their discoveries and immediately receive merit rewards."

"Although I received the news a bit late, if we act quickly, we can still get a significant share. If I hadn't been waiting for you, Brother Dongfang, I would have already gone seven days ago."

After speaking, Huangfu Song took a sip of tea and looked at Dongfang Yao with a helpless expression.

"Good brother, that's very considerate of you!" Dongfang Yao exclaimed, giving Huangfu Song a hearty slap on the shoulder, making his plump belly jiggle.

"Then what are we waiting for? Shouldn't we set off quickly? I'm practically broke. Those dreadful things needed to strengthen the physical body are ridiculously expensive!" he urged repeatedly.

Huangfu Song rolled his eyes at Dongfang Yao. "The White Mist is fraught with danger. Since we're already late, a little more time won't matter. We must make thorough preparations. As we're traveling together, even if we don't excel, at the very least, we shouldn't hold the team back."

As he spoke, his gaze subtly, yet deliberately, swept over Li Fan.

Li Fan smiled faintly. "Since Brother Huangfu has put it that way, I won't conceal anything. Although my actual combat strength is slightly weaker, I am quite wealthy. I can take charge of preparing the Puxian True Boat needed for this journey, as well as the magic treasures capable of temporarily resisting the Soul-Devouring White Mist."

"If, during the exploration, I find that my Nascent Soul realm cultivation is indeed struggling, I will voluntarily withdraw. I won't cause any trouble for either of you brothers!"

Seeing Li Fan's frankness, Huangfu Song was somewhat surprised. Dongfang Yao, however, seemed a bit dismissive. "What are you talking about, Li Fan? What's wrong with Nascent Soul cultivation? Am I not also at the Nascent Soul realm? When brothers are of one mind, their strength can cut through metal. How could a mere Soul-Devouring White Mist possibly stump us?"

Li Fan frowned and countered, "I know, Brother Dongfang, that you are physically robust, and even the rifts in the Great Vortex couldn't harm you. However, the depths of the White Mist are truly no small matter. I once heard Brother Shuo say that there is an Illusory Domain within the White Mist called the Roaring Abyss. Even he has to approach it cautiously, or there will certainly be a danger of perishing. Brother Shuo possesses Spirit Transformation realm combat power and has a protective magic treasure given by his mother. If even he says so, the dangers within the White Mist are evident."

Huangfu Song and Dongfang Yao were stunned upon hearing this.

"Brother Shuo? Which Brother Shuo?"

Huangfu Song's expression, however, subtly changed. "Could it be...?"

Li Fan nodded slightly. "To be frank, brothers, I am close friends with Shuo Feng and have been invited by him to serve as a guest elder for the Xuan family."

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Yao showed no immediate reaction.

Huangfu Song, however, suddenly stood up, staring at Li Fan with a face full of shock.

"Brother Li, is this true?"

Li Fan smiled. "I don't think there's any Nascent Soul cultivator in the Myriad Immortal Alliance who would dare impersonate a guest elder of the Xuan family, would there?"

Upon receiving the direct confirmation, Huangfu Song immediately changed his demeanor.

"Oh, is that so! Brother Li, why didn't you say something sooner! With your help, this trip into the White Mist will surely be fruitful."

His words were filled with flattery, and at the same time, he subtly inquired about matters related to Shuo Feng from Li Fan.

After Li Fan revealed some details, Huangfu Song finally confirmed the truth and became even more enthusiastic.

"With the significant assistance of Brother Li Fan, our chances for this expedition have increased further. There's no time to lose; we must depart as soon as possible," Huangfu Song stated decisively.

"One day is enough to prepare the supplies," Li Fan stated.

Dongfang Yao shrugged, indicating he was ready at any time.

The three then agreed to meet at the same time and place the next day.

After temporarily bidding farewell to the two, Li Fan entered the Heavenly Mystery Mirror, took out a communication talisman, and inquired with Shuo Feng about the Immortal Alliance's decision to widely explore the White Mist.

Shortly after, Shuo Feng's reply arrived.

"Oh, there seems to be such a thing. What, are you interested? But there are too many strange things in there; it's not worth taking the risk. If you need contribution points or anything, I can talk to my family and have your stipend increased. Don't join in the excitement; dying in there would be too worthless," Shuo Feng's tone remained light and nonchalant.

After declining his kind offer, Li Fan inquired further about the original species of the Heavenly Spirit Flower before ending the communication.

"Illusory Domains..."

Indeed, the dense White Mist was extremely treacherous and fraught with danger.

Based solely on Li Fan's experiences in his previous life, there were places like the Roaring Abyss and the Chaotic Illusory Domain.

Even the Eternal Immortal Fortress guarding the Roaring Abyss was constructed from the palm of a fallen ancient Celestial Venerable.

This severed palm of the Celestial Venerable had drifted out from within the White Mist.

This alone was enough to illustrate the peril and mystery of the White Mist.