Chapter 815: Spiritual Wood World's Heavenly Dao

Li Fan instinctively moved back slightly. Only after ensuring he still held power over the Spirit Tree's life and death through the Heart of Spirit Wood did he relax a little.

The Spirit Tree's oppressive aura continued to rise. From Nascent Soul to Soul Transformation... It only slowly ceased its ascent when it reached a level comparable to Dao Integration.

"The living great tree is equivalent to the Heavenly Dao of the Spirit Wood Realm. If the Heavenly Dao truly has a spirit, a Grotto-Heaven would be comparable to the Nascent Soul realm. A Small World, depending on its scale, could range from Soul Transformation to Dao Integration."

"Given the Spirit Wood Realm's original foundation, it would have been almost impossible for a tree spirit with Dao Integration strength to be born. However, with Shang Tianci continuously transporting in Profound Yellow Wonders, it has, to some extent, achieved a certain level of ascension. It's similar to how Mr. Bai previously created a miniature Profound Yellow Realm with his bare hands. But Shang Tianci achieved it through pure replication."

As Li Fan pondered, the green light points converging from all directions ceased gathering. A figure almost indistinguishable from a human appeared before him. Her figure was exquisite, and like the Treant Clan Chief, her external features were female.

Li Fan glanced at her, and with a thought, used the Heart of Spirit Wood to dress her in clothing. The tree spirit did not resist. Instead, she curiously examined the clothing that had suddenly appeared on her body. Although her eyes appeared somewhat innocent, she was by no means ignorant. As a spirit born of nature, inheriting all the Spirit Tree's memories, what she lacked compared to ordinary cultivators was merely experience in human interaction.

"Although her strength already surpasses mine, she remains under my control because I refined the Heart of Spirit Wood early on." As Li Fan thought this, the tree spirit before him gracefully knelt down at his mere thought. For a Dao Integration cultivator to kneel before a Golden Core cultivator would be extremely humiliating anywhere. However, the tree spirit showed no trace of anger.

"Master," she naturally said to Li Fan instead. Beings created by heaven and earth are inherently simple. They are not cunning like humans. Especially in their nascent state, they would not hide their emotions. Li Fan confirmed that the tree spirit's submission was her true intention before secretly nodding.

"Since you have taken human form, you should have your own name."

"From now on, you shall be called Lin Ling."

As he spoke, Li Fan pointed in the air, touching Lin Ling's brow. Moments later, a red mark appeared between her eyebrows.

"Thank you, Master." Lin Ling, delighted to have a name, bowed again to Li Fan, continuously repeating the words.

"She doesn't yet have a concept of power hierarchy, so even calling me, a weaker one, 'Master' won't cause her any dissatisfaction or rebellious feelings. However, it will be hard to say how she'll be as she grows and experiences more of the world. Still, breaking free from the Heart of Spirit Wood's restriction won't be easy." Li Fan carefully sensed the subtle connection between himself and Lin Ling, speaking thoughtfully.

For a period, Lin Ling demonstrated her power as a manifestation of the Heavenly Dao within the Spirit Wood Realm to Li Fan. She could freely mobilize all the power of the small world, always in the most efficient manner. With her help, Shang Tianci's "transportation" process became several times easier. Lin Ling, far from finding it a chore, was quite happy playing. Her innocent and carefree expression immediately captivated the young man, Shang Tianci.

As a manifestation of the Heavenly Dao, Lin Ling's beauty was naturally beyond words. Her face was perfect, without a single flaw. Every frown and smile exuded a unique charm. Shang Tianci stared fixedly, unable to tear his eyes away.

"Sen... Senior," Shang Tianci stammered, his face flushed, approaching Li Fan after Lin Ling finished her work and Li Fan sent her to play elsewhere.

"Hehe, keep up the good work." Li Fan patted Shang Tianci's shoulder firmly, revealing a meaningful smile. He gave no promises, yet Shang Tianci instantly felt a surge of adrenaline.

"Senior, I've almost finished replicating the Profound Yellow Wonders contained in my Skyview Gourd. So, I'd like to go back to the Profound Yellow Realm and record some others. Coincidentally, I could try to persuade some others from the Mountain River Pavilion to come over," he volunteered.

Seeing his initiative, Li Fan had no reason to refuse. However, to be safe, he still gave him a jade pendant to use as a medium for deploying the Formless Killing Intent. Only then did he let him leave.

Calculating the time, he decided it was long enough to have kept the Council of Five Elders waiting. Li Fan then unhurriedly exited the Spirit Wood Realm as well. To his surprise, Lin Ling wanted to accompany him when she saw him leave.

"You can leave this place?" Li Fan couldn't help but be surprised.

"Don't worry, Master, it's no problem." Lin Ling nodded vigorously. "However, it might not be as free outside as it is at home," she added.

A free Dao Integration level helper? Li Fan naturally agreed without hesitation. When they arrived in the Profound Yellow Realm, Li Fan immediately observed her changes.

"Ultimately, she was still affected; her actual combat strength is somewhat weaker than a true Dao Integration cultivator. But she's still significantly stronger than an ordinary Soul Transformation cultivator." Li Fan nodded inwardly. He took Lin Ling and flew towards Jiushan Province.

Not long after they started flying, Lin Ling suddenly asked, "Master, why don't we travel underground? Flying in the sky is so slow."

Li Fan was slightly taken aback. "Underground? What do you mean?"

Lin Ling widened her eyes and looked at Li Fan. She opened her mouth, wanting to explain, but for a long time couldn't find a suitable adjective. After a moment, she slapped her forehead and transmitted a scene into Li Fan's mind. Almost instantly, Li Fan understood what Lin Ling meant.

"Geomantic energy?"

"You can travel using geomantic energy?" he couldn't help but ask.

"Master, you can't?" Lin Ling was a little surprised. Seeing Li Fan fall silent, Lin Ling pondered for a moment, then reassured him, "It's alright, Master. I think I can take you with me."

Sensing it, Lin Ling seemed to be telling the truth. Li Fan hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded and said, "Let's try it then."

"Alright, Master! Hold on tight!" Seeing Li Fan agree, Lin Ling became very excited. A layer of green light enveloped her body, and she grabbed Li Fan. Then, she abruptly plunged from the sky into the earth.

Li Fan's vision first went black. Then, it was as if he had plunged into a rushing river, surrounded by turbulent, earthy yellow energy. The immense pressure even made Li Fan feel suffocated. Lin Ling, however, was like a fish in water, not only moving freely. She even seemed able to draw power from the endless geomantic energy to strengthen herself. She moved along the geomantic currents, excitedly exclaiming all the way. In less than half an hour, the two had already arrived at Jiushan Province.