Chapter 903: Guidance to Visit Xuantian
A clone was always one realm weaker than its creator.
Since Li Fan was now in the early Nascent Soul realm, his clone, Li Qing, was only at the peak of Golden Core.
Worse, he was an empty shell, possessing the cultivation level but lacking a Foundation Establishment Wonder or a Law Golden Core.
But for Li Fan, this was hardly an insurmountable problem.
"This is a perfect opportunity," Li Fan mused, "to see how a clone created from the blood essence of a small world's Heavenly Dao incarnation compares to the one Mr. Bai made."
With his new clone in tow, he slipped back into the Sword Tomb of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
He stood before the same unremarkable black sword.
This time, he wasn't vying for a spot next to the Wood Sword Heaven's Wonder, so he didn't have to face the oppressive might of the ten thousand swords in the tomb.
Under the protection of his original body, the clone could just barely survive within the Sword Tomb.
Li Fan scoffed inwardly, completely ignoring the other sword's displeasure.
He cast several rays of seven-colored divine light to shield his clone, Li Qing.
Li Qing then approached the black sword and sat down cross-legged.
He began to nurture it with the sword intent condensed from his own mind.
That's right—Li Fan intended to use his own understanding of the Sword Dao to hasten the black sword's maturation.
Since Li Fan's comprehension of the Sword Dao was derived almost entirely from the Wood Sword Heaven's Wonder, it shared the same origin as the force that was gestating the black sword.
As a result, he encountered no significant resistance.
Just like that, the clone Li Qing began to slowly, thread by thread, imprint his own mark upon the black sword.
Perhaps it was the clone's unique talent, inherited from the Heavenly Dao incarnation, but after some time, the killing intent from the Wood Sword Heaven's Wonder gradually receded.
It seemed to have accepted this outcome.
Li Fan observed for a while longer, making sure nothing would go wrong before quietly departing.
Of course, before leaving, he also armed Li Qing with sufficient means to defend himself.
He ensured that even if the unexpected happened, the clone could forcibly draw the black sword and retreat safely.
"With the clone simultaneously catalyzing its growth, the time needed for the black sword to transform into a wonder has been drastically reduced. It will likely emerge within a year. Although its power might be slightly diminished compared to one that gestated naturally, it makes no difference to me."
As for the clone's future path, Li Fan hadn't planned too far ahead, as he had yet to experience Foundation Establishment with a Heaven's Wonder himself.
"It is said that Foundation Establishment with a Heaven's Wonder is unlike any other. It doesn't require searching for other grotto-heavens, world-birthing changes, or earth souls; the Heaven's Wonder alone can substitute for them all."
"We shall see what happens."
"If that's truly the case, it would be an immense advantage in the new cultivation system. Without the constraints of these essential resources, my clone's cultivation speed might even surpass my own, even with the benefits I reap from the [Sitting Immortal Technique]."
"In that case..."
Li Fan suddenly froze.
In principle, a clone's cultivation could never exceed that of its original body.
But what if...
Just what if, through some special method, that limitation could be removed?
What if a clone's cultivation level could actually surpass the original's?
Although Li Fan couldn't achieve such a feat now, the Xuanhuang Realm had a long and storied history, filled with countless strange and powerful beings.
It wouldn't be surprising if something like that had happened before.
"The original body, the clone..."
Li Fan's brow furrowed. An idea that had flashed through his mind earlier, only to be dismissed, now resurfaced with newfound urgency.
Lost in thought, Li Fan didn't return directly to the Spirit Wood Realm.
Instead, he found himself by the Fishing Pool.
He had previously received a message from Lin Ling, who said that the venerable stone slab, which had been deep in enlightenment, had suddenly awakened some time ago.
Uncharacteristically, it had left its fishing spot and was now pacing silently and alone in the backyard.
Li Fan recalled the image Lin Ling had sent him of the venerable slab's shifting form as it paced, and a tremor of shock went through him.
Because that figure was none other than Mr. Bai!
"The venerable slab, it seemed, knew exactly what had happened to Mr. Bai."
The pacing didn't last long before the venerable slab reverted to its infant form.
Li Fan didn't approach, merely bowing from a distance.
Then, he spoke softly, "Senior, if I may ask, what do you know of the Xuantian Sect?"
Li Fan knew that for an entity like the venerable slab, being in a state of enlightenment didn't prevent it from communicating with others.
"I saw what happened to you."
"That Law King is named Mo Rubin. He's a decent sort, so you probably don't need to worry about your life."
The venerable slab answered bluntly.
"As for other matters concerning the Xuantian Sect..."
Li Fan could have sworn that the infant, eyes closed in a sweet, deep sleep, seemed to offer him a smile.
"I know nothing."
Li Fan was stunned.
"The Xuantian Sect's goal is to take from Heaven and replace it. If even the Xuanhuang Heavenly Dao met such a fate, what hope does a little old slab like me have?"
"Speaking of which, I really do miss those days. Even though I just closed my eyes and played blind, it was so wonderfully quiet."
"If I hadn't been forced into it, I really wouldn't have wanted to get involved in all that excitement."
"A pity..."
The slab's tone suddenly shifted. "However, if you're thinking of rejoining the Xuantian Sect now, perhaps I can give you a hand."
"I ask for nothing in return. I only hope for a moment of peace."
As it spoke, a map appeared on the ground before Li Fan.
The landscape was unique, and with his intimate knowledge of the Xuanhuang Realm's geography, Li Fan recognized the location instantly.
"Go take a stroll around here. You might find something."
With those words, Li Fan's vision blurred.
The next moment, he found himself outside the small, dilapidated temple.
This was clearly the territory of his Federation of All Worlds, yet the venerable slab had turned the tables on him and ejected him from the premises.
But Li Fan wasn't angry.
He sped off toward the address on the map.
With the current situation having eased, he didn't encounter any trouble along the way.
However, the number of Sky Patrolling Arrows in the sky seemed to be increasing.
Previously, there had been only a handful across the entire Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance.
But now, at least three Sky Patrolling Arrows patrolled the skies above every prefecture, day and night.
It was a clear sign of the terrifying extent of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance's military buildup during this period.
Fortunately, the Sky Patrolling Arrows didn't attack indiscriminately. They seemed to possess a unique method of identifying cultivators, targeting only those from the Five Elders Council.
And since Li Fan was protected by his secret arts, his journey was, for the most part, uneventful.
Soon, he arrived at his destination.
It was an annular mountain. Inside its crater, instead of searing lava, was a field of blooming flowers.
But this was merely an illusion from a distance.
In truth, these flowers were formed from the dissipation of a special kind of spiritual energy.
This energy couldn't be absorbed by cultivators, and as it spread through the air, it took on the appearance of various blossoms.
This place was located in Dongyong Prefecture, not a particularly remote area.
Its unique and beautiful scenery always attracted many visitors.
When Li Fan arrived, he could even see several groups of cultivators who had come together to admire the view.
"He really is fond of riddles. Why did he want me to come here?"
Li Fan muttered to himself as he activated the [Punish Xuan] secret technique.
(End of Chapter)
Comments