Chapter 1581: The Xuanhuang Dao Integration Immortal
Li Fan’s unrestrained laughter echoed through the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm, yet only he himself could perceive it.
The attention of every living being between heaven and earth was now riveted on the solitary, resplendent figure standing high above the heavens.
The Four Heavenly Gates bathed him in their collective radiance. His sleeves billowed in an ethereal wind, the very image of a true immortal.
He stood proudly alone, higher than the myriad stars and even the legendary Investiture of the Gods.
“To become the soul of heaven and earth, uniting the self with the Dao; to solidify the principles of heaven and earth, thereby attaining Longevity...” These two lines still reverberated throughout the world. As the masses gazed up at the first Dao Integration cultivator of the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm, someone finally remembered the identity of this figure.
“Immortal Sage Dharma Spreader!”
Some wept with joy, others stared in disbelief, and many nodded in fervent excitement.
“Even though the world has undergone such a drastic transformation, Dharma Spreader is still the same Dharma Spreader!”
With a single moment of enlightenment, he had not only become the first to achieve Dao Integration and ascend but had also illuminated a new path to immortality for all beings in the Xuanhuang Realm.
The Xuanhuang Realm had experienced a monumental change, its entire plane of existence leaping to a much higher level.
The gap between the world and its cultivators had widened infinitely. The old cultivation methods, which dreamed of devouring heaven and earth to achieve immortality in a single bound, were naturally no longer applicable.
And so, Dharma Spreader had changed his approach. Since he could no longer stand as an enemy to the world, he chose to surrender to it.
He would become a part of the world’s natural order, borrowing its magnificent power to aid his own cultivation!
The old cultivation methods spoke of achieving enlightenment through the unity of heaven and man, a state where cultivator and world were equals.
Dharma Spreader had once created a new law, one that adopted a strategy of skinning and deboning the world. There, the cultivator and the world were adversaries.
But now, with this new method, the relationship between the world and the cultivator became one of superior and subordinate. And the first to surrender was none other than the former leader of the opposition.
How could this not bring a sense of pleasant surprise to the Xuanhuang Realm’s Heavenly Dao?
That Dharma Spreader was able to become the soul of heaven and earth and achieve Dao Integration in a single day was inextricably linked to the fact that he, with his unique status, was the first to pledge allegiance.
Under Li Fan’s deliberate direction, Dharma Spreader’s two maxims echoed in the heart of every living soul. Although a small minority of cultivators felt a visceral repulsion to this method of rapid advancement—which they saw as becoming a lapdog of heaven and earth—most accepted it without issue.
Moreover, they quickly grasped its implications, extrapolating from it the cultivation methods for the various stages within Dao Integration.
The essence of it all was to commit oneself to the world.
It was foreseeable that in a very short time, the cultivators of the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm would experience an explosive surge in breakthroughs. Within the cultivator community, two naturally hostile factions would form: those who surrendered to the world and the traditional practitioners.
Their conflict would be one to the death, lasting until one side was completely annihilated.
And with Li Fan behind the scenes, it was already self-evident who the final victor would be.
High in the celestial expanse, the radiance from the Four Heavenly Gates gradually began to dim. The gates did not close immediately, however, and the boundless, rolling landscapes of the Mountain and Sea within were exposed to the eyes of all in the Xuanhuang Realm.
The masses stared, lost in a trance, before a deep yearning filled their hearts.
The Infinite Sea, the Upper Mountain. Though at this moment the world did not know their names, all beings instinctively felt their own insignificance.
The glimpses of the Mountain and Sea revealed through the gates would become the lifelong pursuit of all who witnessed them.
The grand and momentous occasion was finally drawing to a close.
The Four Heavenly Gates slowly returned to their original state, vanishing from sight.
Just as the beings of the Xuanhuang Realm thought Dharma Spreader’s ascension was complete, a majestic figure, incomparably familiar to the world, reappeared in the sky.
Even when faced with the majesty of the Mountain and Sea, the people had not kneeled. But now, with the appearance of this figure, every living being in the Xuanhuang Realm prostrated themselves in worship.
For this figure was none other than the Primordial Lord of the Xuanhuang Empyrean!
Worship not the Mountain and Sea, only the Sacred Venerable!
This conviction had long ago been subtly rooted deep within the souls of the Xuanhuang people.
The great deity had descended once more. In comparison, the newly ascended Dharma Spreader was no more than an ant before him.
The Sacred Venerable of Xuanhuang extended a finger and gently pressed down toward Dharma Spreader's head.
Watching the colossal, mountain-like finger descend, Dharma Spreader seemed to understand something. There was no fear in his heart, only calm acceptance.
Under the watchful eyes of all, the Sacred Venerable’s finger came to rest upon Dharma Spreader’s forehead.
In that instant, an infinite light burst forth from the fingertip.
With the exception of Dharma Spreader, every other living being in the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm instinctively shut their eyes.
They understood in their hearts that this was a boon from the Sacred Venerable to Dharma Spreader, a spectacle that others were not worthy to witness.
When the light dissipated, the magnificent figure of the Sacred Venerable had also vanished.
The barrier between the earth and the heavens beyond had not yet fully reformed. The people could still vaguely discern, high in the vast sky among the Four Heavenly Gates, what appeared to be a new, majestic hall.
Inscribed upon it were four large characters:[Immortal Expansion Dojo]. It was a gift from the great Sacred Venerable of Xuanhuang, bestowed in accordance with Dharma Spreader's new path!
As envy filled the hearts of the onlookers, the clear voice of a young acolyte drifted down from the Immortal Expansion Dojo.
“The Great Master has ascended to the Nine Heavens, becoming the First Immortal of Xuanhuang. By the Sacred Venerable's grace, he may bring ninety-nine others to join him in the celestial palace, their Dao equal to the heavens!”
Hearing this, the crowd was momentarily stunned. Then, as if seized by an invisible hand, their hearts began to pound erratically.
The meaning of the voice was clear: Dharma Spreader could bring ninety-nine people with him to the immortal realm!
Truly, when one attains the Dao, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven!
Although it was obvious that these companions would be vastly different from a true Dao Integration cultivator, they would still be beings who had ascended to the Nine Heavens!
Their status would be immeasurably higher than those left on the ground.
Without a moment's hesitation, someone immediately fell to their knees and cried out, “Venerable Dharma Spreader, I was your old subordinate! I personally listened to your teachings back in the Cong Yun Sea!”
“Immortal Sage, it is I, your humble servant! I face a mortal crisis, and without a way to break through, I fear I will perish by tomorrow. I implore the Immortal Sage to show mercy and save me!”
“Immortal Sage, it is so good to see you again. After so many years, I had thought... I had thought you had passed into immortality...” The voice choked with emotion, making no mention of the ascension.
...
Heavy clouds once more veiled the heavens from the sight of mortals, and the barrier between the sky and the earth reformed.
The masses sighed in disappointment. Meanwhile, seated in the Immortal Expansion Dojo, Dharma Spreader watched the endless stream of images appearing before him and felt a headache coming on.
He could perceive every prayer directed at him from across the Xuanhuang Realm. Lured by the ninety-nine positions for ascension, the voices in his mind numbered in the tens of millions.
Among them were a considerable number who indeed had some connection to him, having been part of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance in the past.
Even for Dharma Spreader, the choice of these ninety-nine seats was a difficult one.
He looked down on the vast majority of them. As for those he favored, most were unwilling to be confined within his dojo, and he had no desire to force them.
“Heh, the First Immortal of Xuanhuang, yet still no shortage of troubles,” Dharma Spreader chuckled self-deprecatingly.
As he spoke, he glanced at the young acolyte standing attendance by his side.
“Great Master, this is a trouble that countless people under heaven would kill for, yet could never have,” the acolyte immediately replied.
Dharma Spreader did not answer.
This acolyte was a gift from the Sacred Venerable of Xuanhuang.
That single touch of a finger, in addition to this acolyte, had infused his mind with a vast amount of knowledge about possibilities, the Upper Mountain, and the Infinite Sea.
At the same time, Dharma Spreader had also seen a vision.
It was the scene of his own "progenitor" being expelled from the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm by the Sacred Venerable.
“It seems this is a warning from the Sacred Venerable, to dissuade me from seeking other backers,” Dharma Spreader mused, shaking his head slightly.
Since he had chosen the path of surrender and become the soul of the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm, there was no possibility of so-called betrayal.
“Rest easy, Great Master. What you are thinking of, the matter of the Xuantian King’s message from long ago, may not be impossible to achieve. You need only take one more step,” the acolyte beside him said, seemingly able to perceive his thoughts, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
Dharma Spreader was startled at first, but then he remembered that this acolyte was a gift from the Sacred Venerable, and his surprise faded.
In fact, besides the ability to read minds, the acolyte also possessed knowledge of many matters outside the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm, even beyond the Primal Possibility itself.
Whenever Dharma Spreader had a question, the acolyte would usually answer.
However, regarding anything related to the enigmatic Sacred Venerable of Xuanhuang, the acolyte remained completely silent.
After a few exchanges, Dharma Spreader had grown accustomed to it.
“One more step... that would be to solidify the principles of heaven and earth and attain Longevity...” Dharma Spreader nodded and murmured softly.
“With the Great Master’s current strength, you are connected to the Mountain and Sea and can leave the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm at will. Your power is no different from that of a True Immortal from the ancient Immortal World. However, if you wish to cross over to other possibilities, your strength is insufficient.”
“Unless you become a part of the very principles of the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm. With your body as one with the immortal world, you can use yourself as a vessel to traverse the Mountain and Sea...” the acolyte explained, seemingly omniscient about all matters of heaven and earth.
Dharma Spreader nodded upon hearing this. Although he was the First Immortal of Xuanhuang, his understanding of this world was inferior to that of the young acolyte before him, so he listened patiently.
“I understand the principle, but to take that step... it is difficult, difficult, difficult!”
Even though he had already illuminated the ultimate path for all beings, standing at the forefront of this path himself, Dharma Spreader found what looked like an endless abyss blocking his way.
No matter what, he could not take the next step.
“The Great Dao of the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm is perfectly formed, without a single flaw. To solidify it, I must either find a point of weakness or possess something that can surpass it. But this...”
He pondered for three days and three nights, but still had no clue.
“I have only just broken through; I cannot be too hasty.”
“To find the answer within the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm is too difficult. Perhaps I should look beyond it...” Dharma Spreader gazed into the distance, thinking to himself.
With his current power, standing at the pinnacle of the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm, his vision was sufficient to see past the High Wall and into the starry sky beyond.
Ripples of light and shadow flickered, suggesting it was in a state of intense turmoil.
Just as Dharma Spreader was considering an investigation, outside the Immortal Expansion Dojo, the Four Heavenly Gates, which had been quiet for only a short time, once again began to shine with a brilliant white light!
Astoundingly, another had achieved Dao Integration and ascended!
Dharma Spreader hadn't expected the second immortal of Xuanhuang to arrive so quickly. He couldn't help but look on with curiosity.
“So, it is Su Bai, the first on the Investiture of the Gods.” With a single glance, Dharma Spreader understood.
He had long been aware of this person's immense talent.
Su Bai was already on the verge of Dao Integration. Now that the path had been illuminated by Dharma Spreader himself, it was only natural for him to achieve a breakthrough in a single day.
“It’s just a pity. Without the Sacred Venerable presiding over all, his potential would have been even greater.”
After a moment of silence, a thought crossed Dharma Spreader’s mind. “The same goes for me.”
Before he could dwell on it further, Su Bai had already completed his ascension.
Another dojo materialized out of thin air in the heavens beyond.
Its name was the[Benevolence Crossing Dojo].
Dharma Spreader was just thinking about whether he should greet his new colleague when Su Bai came rushing over, arriving uninvited.
Dharma Spreader was taken aback, but he heard Su Bai’s solemn voice, “Friend, you must know of the Xuanhuang’s world-ending calamity of samsara? Is there a way to save all living beings from this disaster?”
“The Xuanhuang Samsara World-Ending Calamity?” Dharma Spreader paused for a moment.
A moment later, he understood. “This was established by the Sacred Venerable. Though it annihilates all life, it benefits the Xuanhuang Realm. How can it be avoided?”
Dharma Spreader shook his head.
He was not particularly concerned with the life or death of the world’s inhabitants.
“For a realm as vast as Xuanhuang to require the destruction of its inhabitants to grow—is this not a flaw? What if there were a method to benefit Xuanhuang *without* destroying its people...”
“Would that not be a way to solidify the principles of heaven and earth?” Su Bai asked, his gaze burning as he stared at Dharma Spreader.
Dharma Spreader’s eyes narrowed. He mulled it over, still somewhat uncertain.
He discreetly glanced at the acolyte by his side and, seeing his expression, finally understood.
“Friend, your intellect is truly unparalleled.”
“This is indeed a method to solidify the principles of heaven and earth!”
“If this can be done, attaining Longevity and transcending all constraints will be within reach!” Dharma Spreader couldn't help but praise him.
But Su Bai shook his head. “I care not for longevity or transcendence. I only wish to save the common people from the suffering of samsara.”
Dharma Spreader was momentarily speechless.
Their ideals were different, but there was no need to argue.
After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Though we are now True Immortals, we are but a drop in the ocean compared to the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm. To find a way to benefit the world, our power is likely insufficient. We must seek it beyond the High Wall.”
“I came here precisely to ask you to journey with me, brother,” Su Bai said with a deep bow.
Dharma Spreader smiled. “It is my wish as well.”
Just as Su Bai and Dharma Spreader formed an alliance, planning to venture beyond the High Wall in search of opportunities, Li Fan, the Sacred Venerable of Xuanhuang, was in a standoff with another figure.
A being of overwhelming evil, with a murderous glint in his eyes.
It was none other than the Evil Su Bai whom Li Fan had encountered in Su Bai’s eternal memory!
The moment Su Bai achieved Dao Integration and connected to the Mountain and Sea, this entity had sensed his presence and arrived in an instant, intending to capture and refine this version of himself.
Fortunately, Li Fan had been prepared and intercepted him in time.
“Hand him over, and I’ll spare your life,” Evil Su Bai said coldly.
Seeing that he was threatening rather than attacking directly, Li Fan knew his “deterrence” had taken effect.
“Senior, what do you think of my Xuanhuang Immortal Realm?”
Li Fan did not respond directly, instead changing the subject.
Evil Su Bai was actually drawn in, his gaze turning to the world before him.
Gradually, a hint of gravity appeared in his eyes.
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