Chapter 257: Chapter 491-495: Human Dao Refining the Heavenly Realm (6k+ words)
"Suppress your breath, release a strand of divine consciousness into my hands!"
The wails from the outside grew louder. Jiao Xiuyuan, who had received the contributions, said to Li Fan with a deep voice.
As he spoke, a new shoot unexpectedly extended from his palm.
A single green leaf stood alone, proudly erect on the branch.
Li Fan, hearing this, immediately split a thread of consciousness that flew towards the branch in Jiao Xiuyuan's hand.
As it approached, he sensed an inexplicable attraction from the green leaf on the branch.
Soon, he couldn't control it and plunged right in.
The vision gradually cleared, and in an instant, Li Fan felt that, in addition to his main self and the clone, there was another body.
Fortunately, he possessed the secret technique of Dao Transformation, accustomed to multitasking all year round. Otherwise, it might have been difficult to adapt for a while.
Controlling the puppet's body was not much different from the art of creating clones in terms of sensory experience.
However, he could clearly perceive the separation between consciousness and the physical body, unlike the seamless unity of a clone.
It felt more like "driving" rather than inhabiting a living body.
"Transaction completed. I'll leave this body to you, Friend."
"As long as you don't intentionally do disgusting things, even if you destroy it, it doesn't matter."
"By the way, when the puppet body is damaged, to prevent the attached consciousness from being captured, a forced destruction measure will be activated. Friend, you might experience some soul shock then..."
Jiao Xiuyuan's voice echoed in Li Fan's mind.
Before Li Fan could respond, the voice grew weaker and finally became almost inaudible.
As the split consciousness familiarized itself with the puppet's body, Li Fan's main self rushed towards the remembered location of Clear Breeze Hall.
At this moment, the entire Wanxian Island had been pulled into the sky in front of the purple gate by the "Move Heaven and Exchange Earth Formation."
It was continuously being swallowed by the teleportation array, entering the territory of the Five Elders.
The cultivators who had just tried to break through the blockade with their numbers were now all annihilated.
Taught a lesson in blood, the remaining surviving cultivators sat dejectedly on the ground, awaiting the unknown fate.
Li Fan strode into the seemingly inconspicuous shop of Clear Breeze Hall.
By now, the inside was already empty, with no trace of the sloppy old man.
Shouting a few times yielded no response.
After a moment of contemplation, Li Fan took out a pile of top-grade spirit stones from his storage ring and placed them on the floor of Clear Breeze Hall.
"These, consider them as payment for a way out. I wonder if it's enough."
Li Fan called out loudly.
After a long silence, there was still no response.
Li Fan took out another pile of top-grade spirit stones and added them.
The total value of both piles was close to a million contribution points.
This time, the seemingly deserted Clear Breeze Hall finally reacted.
A green ripple echoed in the air, forming a familiar green gate.
Li Fan's heart moved, and he stepped into it.
In the next moment, he appeared in the space he had visited before.
The ancient tree mentioned by Jiao Xiuyuan was right in front of Li Fan.
However, at this time, the face on the tree had disappeared, appearing like an ordinary tree.
"Friend, you're really generous."
Just as Li Fan was about to speak, a crisp female voice suddenly sounded.
"Ah Liu, since you've received favors from the other party, help him leave."
"Yes, Miss." On the ancient tree, a face suddenly appeared, glanced at Li Fan, and spoke in a muffled voice.
"This guest, please come in." The ancient tree opened its huge mouth, revealing a passage.
"Thank you, miss!" Without hesitation, Li Fan bowed in the direction of the voice, then walked into the opening in the ancient tree.
Li Fan's figure disappeared, and the ancient tree closed its mouth, revealing its appearance again.
"Miss..."
"Hehe, the way ancient cultivators speak is quite interesting."
In the air, a silver-bell-like laughter echoed. The branches and leaves of the ancient tree trembled slightly in response.
...
Feeling similar to riding a long-distance teleportation array, the surrounding scenery transitioned from darkness to a colorful display and then to a bright light.
After adapting to the discomfort in his body, Li Fan surveyed his surroundings.
To his surprise, he found himself still within Clear Breeze Hall. However, there were only one or two cultivators present, and the distant sounds of a bustling market were devoid of panic.
All signs indicated that Li Fan had successfully escaped the danger and was no longer within the Sea of Clouds.
Casually probing the situation, Li Fan learned his current location. He had arrived in the heartland of Wanxian Alliance, the Xuanwei Province adjacent to Tianyun State.
It seemed that news of Wanxian Island's fall hadn't reached this place yet. Temporarily setting aside this information, Li Fan redirected his focus to the puppet body on Wanxian Island.
Amidst the despairing cries of Wanxian Alliance cultivators, the island was finally completely swallowed by the purple teleportation array.
After a prolonged period of darkness, when the sky brightened again, a peculiar scene unfolded before everyone's eyes.
Despite being daytime moments ago, upon passing through the purple gate and entering the Five Elders' territory, it had become night.
There was no visible moon in the sky, but countless dazzling stars twinkled, competing for brilliance.
Streams of star rivers flowed, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
For most people, it was the first time witnessing such a magnificent starry sky. Nine out of ten were captivated by the scene, losing their focus.
The incessant cries from Wanxian Island were abruptly silenced.
"Welcome, Wanxian Alliance cultivators, to the Human Dao Heavenly Realm."
A middle-aged cultivator in a white Daoist robe flew above the crowd, speaking loudly.
"I understand that you may have deep misunderstandings about our Five Elders. However, it doesn't matter. In a short time, you will completely dispel these misunderstandings."
"At that time, I believe you will make the right choice, renounce darkness, join our Five Elders, and embrace our arms."
The white-robed cultivator said with a smile.
Seeing that the Five Elders did not seem as ferocious as rumored, the cultivators breathed a sigh of relief. However, they completely disbelieved the "misunderstanding" mentioned by the white-robed cultivator.
"First of all, please leave this island."
Following the words of the white-robed cultivator, a group of burly cultivators flew out.
They wielded sharp blades and wore heavy armor, more like soldiers than cultivators.
Sensing their cultivation, each of them had Yuan Ying-level strength.
All the Wanxian Alliance cultivators present changed their expressions, unable to resist, they were escorted away, leaving Wanxian Island.
"It seems they're not here for me but simply for Wanxian Island."
"Weird, what's so special about Wanxian Island?"
Li Fan, blending into the crowd, watched the white-robed cultivator in the distance with a solemn expression, flying into Wanxian Island.
Soon, dozens of powerful cultivators appeared one after another, entering the island.
Explosive thunderous roars echoed, and buildings on the island collapsed one after another.
They seemed to be searching for something.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 492: Origin of the Five Elders
"Hurry up! Stop looking around!"
Wanxian Island was almost leveled, and the group of Five Elders' cultivators began digging underground.
Li Fan wanted to observe more, but he was scolded by an armored cultivator and forcibly moved away.
Several groups of armored cultivators formed an array, herding the Wanxian Alliance members like sheep to a small cave at the bottom of the gorge.
At the cave entrance, a sinister wind blew, exuding a creepy atmosphere.
"Get in! Stop dawdling!"
The lead armored cultivator slammed his weapon on the ground, thundering like enraged thunder.
Some among the crowd looked displeased, exchanging glances, seemingly discussing resistance covertly. However, the situation prevailed, and after some hesitation, they ultimately yielded.
They entered the dark mountain cave one by one.
As Li Fan was just borrowing a puppet body, he naturally had little fear. However, to avoid standing out and gain more time, he pretended to be very frightened, following behind the others.
As they stepped into the cave, the light vanished before their eyes.
The next moment, a completely unexpected scene unfolded before them.
Instead of a winding and dark mountain tunnel, they found themselves in a lush green valley.
In the distance, a wooden pavilion was visible. Dozens of people sat on the ground in front of the pavilion, listening to a scholar-like cultivator.
Seeing that it didn't seem like they were going to face torture, the initially restless Wanxian Alliance cultivators regained composure.
Deciding to assess the situation first, they approached the pavilion under the escort of armored cultivators.
However, Li Fan, hidden among the crowd, keenly sensed some changes happening to their bodies during this process, causing a subtle change in his expression.
When continuously approaching the scholar at the pavilion, their bodies seemed to be getting smaller.
This change was limited to Wanxian Alliance members detained, and the armored cultivators, the scholar, and even the surroundings of the valley remained unchanged.
Although their speed forward did not decrease, it felt like they were getting farther from their goal.
This abnormal scene caused a stir among the Wanxian Alliance group, but it was quickly suppressed.
"Hurry up!"
In their eyes, the armored cultivators had grown to the size of small mountains.
Without any mercy, they continued to urge them on.
Viewing people from a true ant's perspective for the first time, the Wanxian Alliance members found it challenging to remain calm.
Their faces gradually paled, involuntarily obeying the manipulation of the armored cultivators.
The shrinking of their sizes did not stop as they continued forward.
After nearly ten days, they finally arrived at the foot of the pavilion.
In their eyes, the scholar had become like a towering mountain, supporting the sky and earth.
"Take a seat." The scholar spoke gently.
But to the ears of the onlookers, it sounded like a resounding bell, filling the heavens and earth.
It continued to resonate in their minds, seeming to penetrate deep into their souls. Even if they tried to block their perception, they still heard the scholar's words in their minds.
One by one, they lost control of their bodies and sat obediently on the ground.
"What kind of magical technique is this?"
The crowd was horrified.
The armored cultivators saluted the scholar one after another. Seeing that the Wanxian Alliance members had all sat down, they quietly left.
Glancing at the people, the scholar sighed softly, "Another group of lost lambs."
"However, since you have come here by fate, I won't let you go astray again."
The individuals who considered themselves Wanxian Alliance cultivators were naturally full of resentment upon hearing this.
"In your eyes, what kind of beings are we, the Five Elders?" At this moment, the scholar asked softly.
"Manipulating cultivators with soul contracts, extremely evil!"
"Hanging by a thread, within a thousand years, you will be eradicated by Wanxian Alliance."
"Ignorant, backward!"
"Although not benevolent, being able to contend with our Wanxian Alliance for so long must have its merits."
...
Upon the scholar's inquiry, everyone spoke, revealing their answers.
However, the horrified expressions on their faces clearly indicated that their responses were not voluntary.
But in the face of the scholar's questioning, not all cultivators lost control and answered involuntarily.
At least the puppet Li Fan inhabited was unaffected.
Some cultivators with Yuan Ying cultivation resisted the scholar's manipulation with furrowed brows.
"Isn't this a group version of the Heavenly Physician's [Inquiry] technique?" Li Fan was also shocked.
"Even though its power seems less than when used by the Heavenly Physician personally, it's cast on so many people."
Li Fan remained highly vigilant, ready to abandon the puppet body at any moment.
Fortunately, the scholar didn't pay too much attention to Li Fan.
One by one, people answered the scholar's questions.
The scholar smiled, listening intently.
After a long time, as the people finished speaking, the area outside the pavilion gradually quieted down.
The scholar shook his head and said, "Great misconception!"
"Do you know where the Five Elders originated from?"
The people shook their heads.
"After the Supreme Law Heavenly Venerable established the New Law, relying on the astonishing cultivation speed, the loose cultivators of the world launched an attack on the Daoist sects."
"Internally, the sects split into two factions, engaging in endless internal conflicts and battles."
"However, before we could completely determine the victor..."
Instead of directly answering, the scholar began recounting history.
"The calamity of heaven and earth arrived, and different laws could not coexist."
"The Daoist sects suffered a devastating blow, with only a few surviving."
"Despite the destruction, having ruled the Xuanhuang Realm for thousands of years, the sects had deep roots."
"Some surviving sects hid from the world, waiting for the storm of bloodshed to pass."
"When the slaughter ended, and darkness disappeared, they united once again on the ruins."
"This is the embryonic form of the current Five Elders."
Ignoring the stunned reactions, the scholar continued slowly.
"The conflict between Wanxian Alliance and the Five Elders is, in fact, a struggle between the new and old forces in cultivation."
"All conflicts in the world mostly stem from the oppression of pioneers against later arrivals."
"Hence, spanning thousands of years, the conflicts continue unabated."
"Without a clear resolution, they will never cease."
"You, within Wanxian Alliance, being deceived is normal, and I can't blame you."
The scholar displayed a sorrowful and compassionate expression.
Seated on the ground, the Wanxian Alliance cultivators, listening to the scholar's lecture, were all shocked.
Although they were accustomed to the existence of the Five Elders, this was the first time they had heard about the origin of the Five Elders.
Li Fan, however, didn't seem as surprised as the other cultivators.
Zhao Shijie, one of the Five Elders, was the former sect master of one of the ten Daoist sects, Daodao Sect.
Therefore, Li Fan had already speculated about the composition of the Five Elders from surviving sect cultivators.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 493: Everyone Is a Heavenly Venerable
"It's just a dispute over interests. What distinction is there between good and evil?"
"If we were truly extremely evil, how could we withstand Wanxian Alliance's attacks over a thousand years of struggle?"
The scholar asked again, shaking the heavens with his words.
Among the Wanxian Alliance cultivators, many showed thoughtful expressions at his words, while others appeared confused, as if their values had been profoundly challenged.
"Very well, let me introduce to you the current situation of the Five Elders."
The towering figure of the scholar stood between heaven and earth, dominating everyone's field of vision as he eloquently spoke.
"The current territory of the Five Elders is divided into five."
"Five Heavenly Venerables each govern their own regions."
"As for the territories of the other Heavenly Venerables, I won't comment arbitrarily. If you have the chance in the future, you can explore them yourselves."
"Let's focus on the [Human Dao Realm] where you currently are."
The scholar's words attracted the attention of all present cultivators, including Li Fan.
"The five Heavenly Venerables each rebel against the laws of heaven and earth, creating unique domains."
"In our [Human Dao Realm], the most important principle is the Heavenly Venerable's enlightenment of the Dao."
"It is also the norm of heaven and earth, a rule everyone must follow, and no one can violate."
The scholar paused, explaining the origin of the [Human Dao Realm].
"Compared to heaven and earth, humans are but insignificant beings."
"Bodies and names perish, yet rivers continue to flow for eternity."
"Even if a cultivator can overturn rivers and seas, seemingly changing the shape of heaven and earth, rivers will flow again, and after a cultivator's death, everything becomes empty. Past events become illusions, no longer existing."
"Only the Heavenly Venerable of Longevity, rebelling against the laws of heaven and earth, can truly change the world!"
"Why can only the Heavenly Venerable of Longevity perform such a grand feat?"
"In our [Human Dao Realm], changing the world is achievable by everyone!"
The scholar declared with conviction.
After these words, although everyone felt a sense of grandeur, many were puzzled.
Many cultivators, summoning courage, asked, "Sir, may I ask how everyone can change the world?"
The scholar smiled faintly, "When you came, did you see the sparkling starlight?"
People nodded in agreement.
In fact, those were not genuine stars but former cultivators, the scholar revealed like thunder.
With a sweep of his hand, the once bright sky instantly dimmed.
The darkness lasted only a moment before countless stars illuminated the sky again.
"In the [Human Dao Realm], regardless of cultivation level, as long as you have enough conviction and courage, you can transform into a myriad of stars and ascend to the firmament."
"While perpetually illuminating the world, you can also change the original shape of heaven and earth."
"A long time ago, in the [Human Dao Realm], there was a young man born between two mountains."
"The mountains blocked the way, making travel extremely inconvenient. The villagers in the mountains were very poor. Seeing this situation, the young man made a great vow from a young age to completely remove these two mountains, seeking a way out for his family."
"In the remote mountains with few visitors, the young man didn't know of immortals but attempted to dig them with human strength."
"Despite facing incomprehension and mockery, he remained unwavering and regretless."
"With sincerity, even stones yield. After a hundred years, when the young man had become an elderly person on the brink of death, he still did not waver in his determination."
"After death, he transformed into a star and ascended to the firmament. Under the starlight, the two mountains disappeared forever."
"This is an example of a completely ordinary person changing the world."
"If mortals can achieve this, what about cultivators? In the [Human Dao Realm], there are countless examples of mortals changing the world!"
...
While Li Fan's puppet body was immersed in the scholar's narration, his true self had already arrived in the Stone Forest Province through a teleportation array.
Wanxian Island has been abducted, and all teleportation nodes leading to the Congyun Sea have become invalid.
He could only take a step back and, using teleportation arrays, first arrived in the neighboring Stone Forest Province to the Congyun Sea.
When attempting to fly into the Congyun Sea, Li Fan suddenly discovered that an invisible shield enveloped the entire Congyun Sea, blocking outsiders from entering.
Realizing that they had finally reacted and imposed martial law, Li Fan squinted his eyes but refrained from forcefully breaking through. Instead, his main body returned to the nearby Immortal City, shifting his focus to his clone Zhou Qing'ang.
Ignoring the continuous notifications from communication talismans, the clone flew directly towards the original location of Wanxian Island.
Along the way, many bewildered cultivators, unaware of what had happened, were also rushing towards Wanxian Island.
Losing the teleportation array made them realize the value of instantaneous travel.
It took the clone more than ten days to reach the destination.
A large group of cultivators had already gathered there, pointing and discussing in low voices.
In the center of the crowd was a giant black hole.
The surrounding seawater seemed to be obstructed by some force, preventing it from flowing into the black hole.
In the azure sea, the existence of this black hole appeared eerie and discordant.
Li Fan couldn't help but furrow his brow.
"This appearance is so similar to when I first saw the Burning Sea of Scarlet Flames."
"Could it be..."
A speculation involuntarily surfaced in his mind, leaving Li Fan slightly stunned.
Back when Wanxian Island disappeared without a trace, and he witnessed the persistent scorching energy around the void.
Later, seeing the Burning Sea's Scarlet Flames roasting the Congyun Sea while standing high in the sky, Li Fan subconsciously thought that Scarlet Flames had taken action, completely destroying Wanxian Island.
It looked very similar indeed.
However, since he didn't witness the destruction of Wanxian Island with his own eyes, there was a second possibility.
Wanxian Island might have been completely evacuated similarly to this world.
Even later, when Scarlet Flames was killed, leading to the appearance of the current world of Mo Sha, he still did not witness the destruction of Wanxian Island.
Because before Wanxian Island completely disappeared, he was already devoured by those black particles.
Associating it with the Five Elders forcibly taking Wanxian Island this time, Li Fan couldn't help but be a little dazed.
"Could it be that Wanxian Island really hides some secret?"
Recalling various hidden truths he had browsed before, none had records in this regard.
Li Fan began to doubt his judgment.
"But this doesn't make sense. If Wanxian Island really hides something, Wanxian Alliance cannot be unaware. They should strictly guard it. How could it be so easily taken by the Five Elders?"
While Li Fan was pondering in confusion, he heard a cultivator among the onlookers sigh, "The world is truly unpredictable. I never expected that the original preaching location of the Transcendent Dharma Venerable would also disappear one day."
Li Fan was slightly stunned.
He quickly stepped forward, greeted the cultivator, and then asked, "Friend, what do you mean by the 'original preaching location of the Transcendent Dharma Venerable' that you just mentioned?"
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 494: The First Propagator
Initially, the person's attitude was relatively friendly, but upon hearing Li Fan's question, his expression changed slightly.
"Hehe, friend, perhaps you've misunderstood. I have no knowledge of any 'original preaching location.' I'm afraid you've got the wrong person!" He quickly waved his hand, looking as if Li Fan had made a mistake.
Without waiting for Li Fan's response, he directly flew away into the distance.
His speed was unexpectedly faster than an ordinary Yuanying-stage cultivator.
Li Fan, who had finally encountered someone with information, wouldn't let the lead slip away so easily.
He promptly followed but kept a moderate distance, continuing to transmit his voice, "Friend, don't misunderstand. I mean no harm. I'm just very interested in what you mentioned earlier."
The person ahead not only did not respond but accelerated, attempting to shake off Li Fan.
Li Fan persisted, constantly urging and persuading.
After a long time, seeing that the person couldn't shake him off, he gradually came to a stop.
Surveying the surroundings and finding no one, he had an uncertain expression on his face.
After hesitating for a while, he finally spoke in a low voice, "This is not the place to talk. Friend, follow me!"
Li Fan smiled faintly, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you, friend!"
Following this person, they flew westward for hundreds of miles before diving into the sea.
They arrived at a crystalline palace-like structure under the sea.
Inviting Li Fan to a room deep in the cave, the person sighed lightly, "It's not that I was unwilling to disclose earlier; I was just afraid of inviting trouble."
"What should I call you?" Li Fan nodded, not rushing to investigate, but first asked for the person's name.
"I am Sima Changkong!" The person waved his hand, and a servant appeared, the upper body human, the lower body fish. After pouring tea for the two, the servant respectfully withdrew.
Li Fan couldn't help but glance at the servant.
"Just a beastkin. It's a personal preference; forgive me if it seems odd." Sima Changkong took a sip, unperturbed.
"Beastkin..." Li Fan's eyes flickered.
Chapter 494: The First Propagator
He had once heard Senior Zhang refer to those half-beast, half-human skeletons he found in Mr. Bai's underground chamber as "beastkin."
Thinking they had disappeared, he didn't expect to encounter them again.
However, Li Fan had no intention of making a fuss about it. He just nodded slightly and steered the conversation back on track.
"Friend Zhou, right..." Sima Changkong astutely exposed Li Fan's identity as Zhou.
"Now, in my private mansion, feel free to speak openly."
"Do you know why Wanxian Island is called Wanxian Island?" Sima Changkong asked.
Li Fan had also been puzzled about this because cities in various states were named after the state itself, like Daoyuan City, Shilin City, Tianyun City, etc. But the residence in Congyun Sea wasn't named Congyun City or Island; instead, it was called Wanxian Island.
He had searched through ancient records, but there were no specific mentions. Thus, he had regarded it as a conventional name.
Now, it seemed there might be a hidden meaning.
"I would like to hear the details," Li Fan said solemnly, eager to listen.
"A long time ago, when Congyun Sea was still a plain, there was a large lake here."
"On the islands in the lake, the Transcendent Dharma Venerable transmitted teachings to the masses for the first time."
"At that time, thousands of cultivators and ordinary people gathered here to listen to the teachings of the Immortal Venerable."
"In the end, they all comprehended the laws of the Immortal Venerable, establishing the initial foundation of Wanxian Alliance."
Sima Changkong explained eloquently.
Chapter 494: The Original Propagator
"Perhaps it is blessed by the Heavenly Venerables, and despite the changes in mountains and rivers, the island has remained unchanged in shape."
"Until thousands of years later, when the present-day Wanxian Alliance was established, and they were selecting the location for the state capital. To express their respect for the Transcendent Dharma Venerable, they chose this island."
"To some extent, this island can be considered the birthplace of the Wanxian Alliance. That's why people call it Wanxian Island."
Sima Changkong succinctly explained the ins and outs to Li Fan, took a deep sip of tea, and secretly assessed Li Fan.
Li Fan carefully considered the implications of Sima Changkong's words, his brows slightly furrowed. "If it's the origin of the Wanxian Alliance and the initial preaching place of the Venerable, why is it so little-known today?"
"Even relevant information is hard to find."
"Not only that, it lacks proper protection and was directly abducted?"
Li Fan shook his head, seeming unconvinced by Sima Changkong's words.
Sima Changkong sighed, "That's why I was hesitant to speak earlier."
He paused, remaining silent for a moment.
Then he spoke in a low voice, "Tens of thousands of predecessors, sacrificing their lives, spread the new laws of the Venerable. That's how the foundation of the Wanxian Alliance came to be."
"This was originally a heroic endeavor worthy of being remembered by all cultivators today."
"But now, it has been coldly treated, even sealed."
"The reason is that the Heavenly Venerable has not appeared for many years. The ones currently controlling the power of the Wanxian Alliance are no longer the initial tens of thousands of propagators."
Sima Changkong finished the remaining tea and said, "The struggle between old and new laws is even more brutal than we imagine. In the face of this existence that could shake their own rule, the former sect naturally wouldn't spare their slaughter tools."
"The truly pure propagators almost all sacrificed in the struggle against the sect."
"Now, those who survive are just the small fries who seized control of the Venerable's power."
Sima Changkong's tone revealed a trace of disdain.
Li Fan narrowed his eyes.
This reason was reluctantly acceptable.
In the mortal dynasties, the change of power led to the forgetting and even distortion of the image of previous meritorious subjects, which was nothing new.
The same principle applied to the cultivation world.
"To endure the changes over the years without altering its form. Perhaps Wanxian Island does hide some secrets."
"Before, Wanxian Alliance must have thoroughly investigated but found nothing, leading to their disregard for it."
"But on the side of the Five Elders, they recently obtained some information. That's why they risked the danger of an all-out war to forcibly abduct Wanxian Island."
Thoughts raced through Li Fan's mind.
Shortly after, he looked at Sima Changkong, who was still secretly indignant, and asked, "Friend Sima, it seems that you know a lot about the secrets of the Wanxian Alliance."
"But according to your words, the symbolic significance of Wanxian Island seems to be greater than its actual value."
"It doesn't seem worth the risk of the Five Elders forcibly taking it away. What is your opinion on this matter?"
Sima Changkong's face became solemn.
He pondered for a moment and then said slowly, "I do have an idea."
"The original propagators, due to their extremely fast cultivation speed, had views, habits, and even lifestyles quite similar to mortals."
"After death, mortals have a saying: 'fallen leaves return to their roots.'"
"So back then, when propagators died in battles against the immortal sects, the remaining bones would often be sent back to Wanxian Island for burial by their companions."
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 495: Bloodline Records History
"I think the Five Elders might be targeting these corpses," Sima Changkong said in a deep voice.
"Corpses? What do they want with these corpses?" Li Fan was surprised to learn that beneath Wanxian Island, where he usually resided, there might be numerous corpses of ancient cultivators. Sima Changkong's answer left him somewhat puzzled.
"I can't know for sure, perhaps the Five Elders can bring the dead back to life? If those initial propagators wake up and see the current situation of the Wanxian Alliance, they might charge straight into the Wanxian Alliance headquarters and never give up," Sima Changkong sneered.
"Hehe, be cautious with your words, my friend," Li Fan didn't continue the conversation but changed the topic.
"The changes in the Congyun Mountains and Seas, the initial propagators, the origin of Wanxian Island..."
"These are all extremely secretive matters. Based on my understanding of today's cultivators, those Nascent Divinity Immortal Monarchs probably can't appreciate various secrets like you do."
"Friend, what exactly is your background?" Li Fan couldn't help but ask with curiosity.
"What background could I have? I'm just an ordinary cultivator," Sima Changkong dismissed it.
Seeing Li Fan's disbelief, Sima Changkong said disdainfully, "Let me tell you, in this world, as long as an event occurs, it leaves a trace."
"Erasing the memories of cultivators doesn't mean you can completely bury the truth of history."
Sima Changkong suddenly stood up, "Everything can be told to others. I won't hide it from you. I, Sima Changkong, am a historian!"
After saying that, it seemed like all the blood in his body was intensely circulating.
Li Fan, familiar with the cultivation of the Life-Origin Stove Technique, was astonished to find that the blood energy within Sima Changkong's body was extremely diverse.
Some were extremely vigorous, like a newborn baby.
But some were quite ancient, as if they had existed for thousands or even tens of thousands of years.
The blood energy gushed out of Sima Changkong's body, forming a spectacular blood-colored river above his head.
Li Fan carefully looked, and within each red blood drop, countless images and sounds flashed.
The higher up, the older the recorded scenes.
The blood-colored river was magnificent and vast, recording so much information that even Li Fan, with his current soul strength, felt a bit dizzy after observing for a while.
Inadvertently shocked, he withdrew his gaze.
Seeing Li Fan's reaction, Sima Changkong slowly retracted the external phenomenon.
He said slowly, "This is the Bloodline Records History, compiled by my Sima family through generations of cultivation."
"Since our ancestor Sima Pei created this Bloodline Technique, our Sima family has taken it as our responsibility to record the history of the Profound Yellow Realm in detail."
"Even if we die, we have no regrets. It has been passed down for fifty-six generations."
"Fifty-six generations?" Li Fan was slightly stunned and was about to inquire.
But Sima Changkong nodded, "Yes, although practicing the Bloodline Technique will compress our lifespan to be no different from mortals, our Sima family has never retreated."
"What is there to fear in death? As long as there are descendants of our Sima family in the world, the Bloodline Records History will automatically seek a suitable inheritor to awaken and continue the magnificent history."
Sima Changkong spoke with a righteous expression.
Li Fan, upon hearing this, couldn't help but feel a sense of respect.
He generally admired historians.
When he was still the Grand Xuan Grand Tutor, acting recklessly, everyone in the court and the military bowed under his tyranny, and no one dared to oppose him.
Only the Grand Xuan historians were not afraid of his butcher's knife.
Even when their entire family's lives were threatened, they recorded Li Fan's turmoil in the palace and oppression of the empress dowager truthfully.
When Li Fan killed a few of them and found that later historians continued to do the same, he just let them be.
Unexpectedly, in the Profound Yellow Realm, there were still historians.
While feeling respectful, Li Fan's heart also stirred.
Many histories of the Profound Yellow Realm were hidden in mist.
Some were intentionally concealed. Trying to understand what happened in history solely through checking ancient texts was like a fool's dream.
With Sima Changkong, the living history book, things took a significant turn.
Li Fan realized the importance of this cultivator before him and engaged in another chat with him.
Sima Changkong was straightforward, and as Li Fan became more acquainted with him, he became more forthcoming with information.
Li Fan gradually learned that although the Sima family recorded history with the Bloodline Records, the Profound Yellow Realm was vast, and one person couldn't possibly know everything.
Thus, the Sima family also possessed the divine ability of "Bloodline Avatars," allowing them to separate a part of their blood and create avatars.
Numerous avatars traveled far and wide to record history as comprehensively and truthfully as possible.
Because of this, the lifespan of the Sima family members was generally not very long.
The River of Bloodline recorded countless past events in the Profound Yellow Realm.
To prevent accidents from causing the efforts of dozens of generations to go to waste, the Sima ancestors created the secret technique "One is All."
As mentioned earlier, as long as the Sima family's bloodline continued to exist in the world, the Bloodline Records would never be severed.
Li Fan inquired about the definition of "Sima family bloodline," and Sima Changkong smiled proudly.
As long as there was a trace of Sima family bloodline in one's ancestry, no matter how diluted, the Bloodline Records could be manifested again.
Over thousands of years, the common descendants of the Sima family were scattered throughout the Profound Yellow Realm.
It could be said that unless all the mortals in the entire Profound Yellow Realm were slaughtered, it would be impossible to completely eliminate the Bloodline Records.
"Sima family is truly extraordinary! Remarkable techniques and divine abilities!" Li Fan praised.
Li Fan asked Sima Changkong for a communication talisman, storing it carefully in his storage ring.
"Sima friend, we must keep in touch in the future." Li Fan passionately chatted with the historian of the cultivation world for a long time, reluctantly leaving in the end.
When the avatar returned to the old site of Wanxian Island, Li Fan in Stone Linzhou discovered that the communication talisman issued by the Wanxian Alliance was continuously flashing.
Li Fan felt somewhat strange because normally, this talisman would only be used by cultivators within the Wanxian Alliance system to contact each other.
Now that Wanxian Island was abducted by the Five Elders, the entire administrative system in the Congyun Sea had been wiped out.
At this time, who would use this method to contact him?
With this doubt, Li Fan took out the communication talisman and sensed it.
After a while, his expression became somewhat odd.
"It commands me to act as the proxy island lord for Wanxian Island and oversee the reconstruction of the Congyun Sea Immortal City."
"The location is directly above the old Wanxian Island."
"Execute immediately, without error."
Li Fan read it several times in a row, confirming it wasn't a joke.
(End of this chapter)
Weekly Power Status
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