Chapter 1502: The Entire Immortal Realm is My Sect
"Cheng Dao," Li Fan mused, savoring the name.
He then clasped his hands in a gesture of solemn respect. "To lead by example, to willingly enter the net... Brother Dao, your actions are admirable. I am truly impressed. However..."
Li Fan let out a dry, cold laugh. "You may be a gentleman, but I am just a minor figure who stumbled upon some good fortune. All I want is to stay alive."
Pointing at the surrounding celestial pillars, Li Fan spoke with a candid expression, "If not for the protection of my Master's phantom and these nameless pillars, I fear this starry sky would have collapsed long ago. To be perfectly honest with you, Brother Dao, I'm just not a man with a strong sense of security. I live in constant fear that the Dao Annihilation Calamity might suddenly arrive and my Master's phantom won't be enough to protect me. It's only natural to want to build a few extra fortifications, wouldn't you say?"
Li Fan's tone was light and breezy.
No one hearing him would ever connect the "few extra fortifications" he mentioned with the Nameless True Immortals imprisoned within.
"Although I wish to emulate my Master and bear the Dao with a phantom, my comprehension and aptitude are sadly lacking. I'm utterly incapable of such a feat, so I can only resort to clever tricks."
"Brother Dao, to be able to weave such a magnificent Dao Net, your cultivation must be extraordinary. Would you be willing to teach me?"
Li Fan smiled faintly and waved his hand.
Countless streams of light and shadow swirled and shifted around Shou Qiu's form, representing Li Fan's own insights into the "Shou Qiu Prose."
Upon seeing the image of his master, the Nameless Cheng Dao's expression instantly turned solemn.
He first bowed respectfully before examining the display in detail.
Seeing this, Li Fan understood. The majority of his worries dissipated.
The Nameless Cheng Dao was not being perfunctory.
He carefully studied the insights Li Fan presented and then began to expound upon them on the spot.
He was truly worthy of being a nameless powerhouse who had attained the state of "Cheng Dao." The experience was almost identical to the feeling of receiving the inheritance directly from Shou Qiu Gong's phantom.
It felt like having a sage at his side, teaching him personally. Li Fan was so engrossed that he nearly forgot the perilous situation he was in. He frequently posed counter-questions, bringing forth all the doubts he had accumulated over the past century of cultivating the Dao.
The Nameless Cheng Dao held nothing back, answering every question with exhaustive detail.
All of Li Fan's confusion was dispelled, and he was filled with joy.
The lecture seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.
Once the image of Shou Qiu Gong gradually faded, the Nameless Cheng Dao fixed his gaze on Li Fan once more.
"Your confusion may be resolved, but your crimes cannot be erased."
"You have exploited our Master's legacy to act recklessly. You deserve to be punished."
"The death penalty may be spared, but you cannot escape punishment!"
"Your sentence is to join me, to reside in the depths of the Dao Net and reflect on your misdeeds in seclusion!"
As the Nameless Cheng Dao's voice boomed, an azure brilliance erupted, enveloping Li Fan's entire body.
Li Fan saw clearly that this was no ordinary blue light.
It was a terrifying superposition of countless, densely packed Dao threads!
Each one seemed to carry the weight of a celestial pillar.
With this move, it was as if the Nameless Cheng Dao had cast the entire Dao Net down upon Li Fan's head.
"This old fellow is strong!"
Li Fan was inwardly alarmed.
But he felt no fear; instead, his interest was piqued.
Since his life wasn't in danger, he might as well play along and have a good spar.
It had been a long time since Li Fan ascended to immortality, and he hadn't had a proper match with an opponent of comparable strength.
"Fantasy Becomes Truth!"
Li Fan silently invoked the power in his mind.
The rapidly approaching Dao Net instantly grasped at empty air.
Li Fan was clearly standing right there, yet just as a mortal fishing net can never scoop up water, the rules now protecting Li Fan transcended the Great Dao itself. Naturally, the Dao Net could not capture him.
"Brother Dao, now watch my methods."
Facing the Nameless Cheng Dao's bewildered expression, Li Fan chuckled.
With a flick of his finger, thousands of threads of his own entwined themselves with the blue Dao Net.
The net formed by the Ink Death immortal soul began to synchronously corrode the Nameless Cheng Dao's comprehension of the Great Dao.
In reality, this manifested as the blue light of the Dao Net flickering unsteadily.
Dark shadows began to fester and spread throughout its structure.
Ink Death's innate suppression of the Great Dao was so potent that, for a moment, the Dao Net was left with no power to resist. It could only allow Li Fan to devour it piece by piece.
A flood of insights into the Great Dao poured into Li Fan's mind.
The efficiency was even greater than when he had devoured the Tiandu Grandmaster.
Li Fan keenly sensed that this wasn't just the comprehension of the Nameless Cheng Dao alone. It also contained the remnants of the True Immortals who had once been sealed within the Dao Net.
"Heretical arts!"
Just as Li Fan was gleefully stealing these insights, the Nameless Cheng Dao roared.
The blue Dao Net, which had been wavering under the assault of the shadows, suddenly stabilized.
It was as if it was no longer a solitary net but now had immense support behind it.
Li Fan looked at the blue halo before him and couldn't help but feel the illusion of facing the Mountain and Sea.
"As profound as the sea, as steady as a mountain."
"The Great Dao is formless, its roots lie beyond."
Li Fan had a sudden moment of enlightenment.
Although his Myriad Phenomena Dao Net had been developed for a century and had devoured many Daos, and was by no means weak in scale or power, he had always felt its foundation was not quite stable.
Against those weaker than him, it was fine.
But if he encountered an opponent whose strength was superior or even equal to his own, a simple push might be enough to shove aside or break free from his so-called Myriad Phenomena Dao Net.
The net had woven a myriad of forms, but it couldn't tightly bind his enemies.
However, the Dao Net woven by the Nameless Cheng Dao was completely free of this weakness.
The Mountain and Sea was like a palm, gently pressing down, anchoring the wavering Dao Net.
Previously, when Li Buren had relied on the power of the Infinite Heavenly Pillars to wreak havoc within the Dao Net, even dismantling three of them, the true foundation of the Shuo Xinghai Dao Net had not been destroyed.
"The pillars are just pillars. The anchor points for them still remain."
"As long as he captures a few more True Immortals, the Dao Net can be quickly restored. No wonder he wasn't worried at all while watching the net being destroyed." Li Fan understood.
The formless hands he had envisioned pressing down on all the Daos of the heavens when he first saw the Shuo Xinghai Dao Net were, in fact, created by borrowing the power of the Mountain and Sea.
The Nameless Cheng Dao was truly a worthy disciple of Shou Qiu. He could actually, like Shou Qiu Gong, borrow the power of the Mountain and Sea, which was formless, shapeless, and did not exist in the mortal world.
In comparison, Li Fan, this supposed disciple, was one in name only.
With its foundation restored, the blue Dao Net was naturally no longer something Li Fan's methods could erode. It remained unshakable, no matter how many thousands of gentle breezes blew against it.
It was like a delicious piece of meat that had suddenly turned into an incredibly tough bone.
Li Fan had no choice but to give up for the time being, withdrawing his Myriad Phenomena Dao Net.
"Brother Dao, what a magnificent technique!"
"Watch out!"
Praise and a sneak attack came at the same time.
"Since you borrow the power of the Mountain and Sea, I'll just sever the connection between you and it!"
A cold glint flashed in Li Fan's eyes.
Although it was nominally a spar, if he could actually take down this Nameless Cheng Dao, Li Fan wouldn't hesitate for a second.
The Mountain and Sea transcended the mortal world.
Only a handful of people in existence could behold its true form.
Li Fan was certain that the Nameless Cheng Dao before him had never seen the Mountain and Sea with his own eyes.
The reason he could borrow its power was likely through the descriptions in Shou Qiu Gong's inheritance.
But unfortunately for him, Li Fan happened to be one of those few people in the world.
In a trance, it was as if he had returned to the boundless Infinite Sea. In the distance stood the peakless Upper Mountain.
Where mountain and sea met, an endless resonance echoed.
Leveraging the mystical power of [Fantasy Becomes Truth], Li Fan, though not physically back within the Mountain and Sea, seemed to be there in person once more. This allowed him to perceive the thread of connection the Nameless Cheng Dao had established with the Mountain and Sea.
Although he didn't understand how this connection was formed, it didn't stop him from pulling a switcheroo.
He would replace the Mountain and Sea!
The Nameless Cheng Dao would surely be unable to distinguish between Li Fan, empowered by [Fantasy Becomes Truth], and the real Mountain and Sea.
And compared to the lofty and unreachable Infinite Sea and Upper Mountain, Li Fan, the impostor, would proactively draw closer.
With one pulling away and the other approaching, it was only natural that the Nameless Cheng Dao would mistake Li Fan for the Mountain and Sea.
And so, the connection between the Nameless Cheng Dao's blue Dao Net and the Mountain and Sea gradually fell into disarray, eventually snapping.
Having borrowed the name of the Mountain and Sea to briefly connect with the blue Dao Net, Li Fan seized the fleeting opportunity to see the reason for the connection's existence.
"Just as I thought."
Between the mountain and the sea, a faint figure stood with his hands behind his back.
Although Shou Qiu Gong was in the mortal world, he had left his own mark between the Mountain and Sea.
The Nameless Cheng Dao was Shou Qiu's disciple.
And it wasn't an ordinary inheritance.
Thus, he could sense this mark belonging to Shou Qiu Gong in the Mountain and Sea.
Hence, he could borrow the power of the Mountain and Sea to press down on the Dao Net!
In a flash, Li Fan located and locked onto the position of the mark Shou Qiu Gong had left between the Mountain and Sea.
However, he didn't dare to touch it rashly.
If he could control this mark, he could borrow the power of the Mountain and Sea just like the Nameless Cheng Dao, no matter where he was, no longer confined within the high walls.
But the problem was...
Shou Qiu Gong himself still existed in the mortal world.
The Nameless Cheng Dao was Shou Qiu's bona fide disciple.
He succeeded the Dao with his body, and inherited the Dao with his will.
For such a disciple to borrow a bit of his Master's name and power, Shou Qiu Gong would surely not hold it against him.
He might even traverse space and time to save his disciple if he sensed danger.
But what about him, Li Fan?
He had used Shou Qiu's phantom through his clone, Li Buren. Moreover, he had used the phantom meant to bear the Dao Annihilation as a weapon to seal Nameless True Immortals. He was a fraud through and through.
It was one thing while he was far away inside the high walls.
But if he recklessly and foolishly presented himself before Shou Qiu Gong...
Li Fan was quite certain that even if Shou Qiu Gong himself was magnanimous and grand in spirit, and might not care too much, a casual backhand slap from him would be far more than the current Li Fan could withstand.
It might even expose the existence of the [Truth].
"At a life-or-death moment, perhaps I could actively trigger the connection. Shou Qiu Gong's name should be intimidating enough. I could create chaos for cover, then calmly return to the truth."
Li Fan had used such tactics several times back when he was a mortal; he was already an expert at it.
"It's a pity, though. It seems I can't easily make a move against this Nameless Cheng Dao."
"Indeed, the star students are always the teacher's favorite," Li Fan thought with a sense of regret.
Never attempting the impossible, Li Fan quickly changed his strategy after recognizing the reality of the situation.
Just as the duration of his [Fantasy Becomes Truth] disguise as the Mountain and Sea ended, Li Fan proactively called a halt to their fight.
"Brother Dao, your cultivation is indeed far superior to mine. I've learned a great deal today," he said, his face changing to one of seemingly sincere admiration.
Faced with Li Fan's flattery, Cheng Dao merely grunted and didn't respond.
The technique Li Fan had just used to sever his connection with the Mountain and Sea's mark was truly beyond his expectations.
With such an ability at his disposal, he had to treat him with caution.
Li Fan didn't mind Cheng Dao's cold expression and continued to speak with a sincere smile, "Actually, when you think about it, there are no irreconcilable conflicts between us, Brother Dao."
"I'm simply seeking a safe place to live."
"It's not impossible for me to release the True Immortals in these pillars..."
"Oh?" Cheng Dao was somewhat surprised, looking at Li Fan with a face that screamed disbelief.
"The reason you care about those sealed in the pillars, Brother Dao, is it because they are of the same kind as me?" Li Fan asked in return.
Cheng Dao pondered for a moment, then nodded frankly. "All immortals in the Immortal Realm have received our Master's grace and his teachings. In a sense, all immortals are disciples of Shou Qiu. How can we, as fellow disciples, turn on each other?"
"'How can we, as fellow disciples, turn on each other!' Senior Brother, your words today have been a true revelation!" Upon hearing this, Li Fan was stunned for a moment before clapping his hands in praise.
He very naturally switched from addressing him as "Brother Dao" to "Senior Brother."
Pausing for a moment and seeing that Cheng Dao did not object, Li Fan continued with a smile, "After receiving my Senior Brother's guidance today, I finally realize the errors of my past. As I said before, I am willing to release the True Immortals imprisoned in the pillars unconditionally. Furthermore, I can also assist you, Senior Brother, in rebuilding the Dao Net..."
"And your condition?" Cheng Dao asked, his skepticism clear. He had evidently gotten a measure of this cheap junior brother's character.
"My desire to build a safe haven has never changed. Surely, Senior Brother, you don't wish to see the phantom left by our Master turn to dust in the tide of the Great Dao Annihilation, do you?"
Li Fan continued, "Senior Brother must know, I now have a plan that satisfies both our needs. It can fulfill my requirements without harming any of our fellow disciples in the Immortal Realm."
"Aliens, beings formed from the primordial Great Dao. Has Senior Brother ever heard of them?" Li Fan asked with a smile.
Cheng Dao's expression shifted slightly. "Nameless aliens? When did such a monstrous entity appear in this world?"
"No, no. Not in this world. But from beyond the heavens!" Li Fan stretched out his hand and pointed to the distant horizon.
Beyond the high walls, beyond this possibility.
This time, Cheng Dao's face completely changed.
"How many?" he asked, his expression grave, utterly different from when he spoke of the immortals of the Immortal Realm.
"Thirteen of them," Li Fan said calmly.
"Hmm?" Even Cheng Dao was startled by this number.
"Are you certain?" his voice rose a few degrees.
Li Fan's expression was serious. "How could I dare deceive you, Senior Brother? This is the fundamental reason why I have gone to such lengths to increase my strength. Thirteen primordial Dao forms are pressing down on us. I can neither eat nor sleep in peace!"
Li Fan let out a long sigh.
The Nameless Cheng Dao pondered for a moment before making a decisive declaration, "Junior Brother, rest assured. With me here, even if all thirteen of those nameless aliens arrive together, they won't harm a single hair on your head!"
"You're right. If we could use those thirteen primordial Dao forms as supplements, the lure of Shuo Xinghai... could be completely resolved!"
(End of Chapter)
Comments