A faint light swept through, and the over forty thousand sheets of paper floated in the air in an instant.
Inside the Tianxuan Mirror, Li Fan felt that these papers before him seemed to move slightly.
After a moment, a thick "book" appeared in front of Li Fan.
"Decryption complete, required contribution points deducted: 28,000 points."
"So fast!" Li Fan couldn't help but marvel.
Just now, the scene of the pages flying was definitely not an illusion.
It moved at a speed beyond Li Fan's perception limit, making it impossible to see the trajectory of the papers' movement.
"Times have changed! Yi Xing!"
"In the past, without knowing the key, would be impossible for ordinary cultivators to open the Heaven Locked Treasure Box you left behind."
"But now, everyone can use the Tianxuan Mirror. This encrypted treasure box is defenseless in front of the Tianxuan Mirror!"
"The Tianxuan Mirror is indeed a treasure!"
Li Fan sighed inwardly and opened the Heaven Locked Treasure Box that was no longer restricted.
Inside were only two things.
A jade slip and a crystal stone emitting a deep blue light.
The blue light, like breathing, flickered gently.
Looking closely, countless scenes seemed to unfold inside the stone.
"This is the Dao Transformation Stone!"
Although it took some twists and turns, Li Fan joyfully took the Dao Transformation Stone into his hands.
"I wonder what quality the Dao Transformation Stone left by Yi Xing is."
Once again, he had the Tianxuan Mirror act as the appraiser.
"Dao Transformation Stone (Low Grade), can be converted to 150,000 contribution points."
The Tianxuan Mirror, ever reliable, quickly displayed the result.
Li Fan decisively chose to reject the sale and pondered in his heart.
"Although it's low-grade, it should be enough for me at the moment. This small piece of stone is actually more valuable than a Nascent Soul cultivation technique."
"No, Jiao Xiuyuan said that this Dao Transformation Stone is basically priceless. 150,000 is just the theoretical purchase price of the Tianxuan Mirror."
"Trying to buy it at the same price is simply wishful thinking."
Li Fan searched within the Tianxuan Mirror.
As expected, many cultivators posted messages seeking to buy Dao Transformation Stones.
The proposed trade conditions were not just contribution points, but also various rare treasures of equal value.
"This can be considered the most valuable thing I own at the moment."
Li Fan happily stored the Dao Transformation Stone and began to read the jade slip left by Yi Xing.
The jade slip didn't contain any profound techniques.
It was mostly Yi Xing's musings and reflections before his death.
From his words, Li Fan also learned a lot about Yi Xing's life as a disciple of the Tai Yan Sect during the Great Migration era many years ago.
At that time, under the influence of the rule that cultivation techniques couldn't be practiced together, there were extremely brutal incidents of fratricide in many sects within the cultivation world.
Some thousand-year-old immortal sects even perished overnight because of this.
The Tai Yan Sect was no exception.
However, most Tai Yan Sect disciples preferred the arts of divination and calculation and were not keen on fighting and killing.
Internal conflicts were quickly suppressed by the Tai Yan Sect's sect master, Zuo Qiushang.
Although this kind of peace was destined not to last, it still maintained for a while.
Just as this short-lived peace was about to disappear, the Immortal-Mortal Miasma erupted.
The restriction of not practicing different cultivation techniques only meant that cultivation realms stagnated.
But being infected by the Immortal-Mortal Miasma meant certain death.
Everyone in the cultivation world knew which was more serious.
So, they no longer cared about internal conflicts.
Instead, they turned their heads to deal with the Immortal-Mortal Miasma.
The history during this period was consistent with what Li Fan knew before.
First, there was a rampant slaughter of mortals, and then, after noticing that something was wrong, the urgent slaughter of mortals was promptly stopped.
Following that was the notorious "Great Migration Plan."
All people below the Qi Condensation stage had to be forcibly moved to nearby subworlds and pocket dimensions.
At that time, Yi Xing was already in the later stage of Qi Condensation.
However, he volunteered to be in charge of the migration of mortals for the Tai Yan Sect and the surrounding areas.
In his musings, Yi Xing admitted that although the outbreak of the Immortal-Mortal Miasma forcibly halted the process of cultivators killing each other, it was foreseeable that a true era of slaughter and darkness would come soon.
At that time, as a mere Qi Condensation cultivator, he would definitely be one of the first to be slaughtered.
So, he might as well take advantage of this opportunity to escape with mortals to nearby small worlds.
With the prestige of an immortal, he could command the masses and create a foundation in this small world.
Then, he could discard his cultivation technique to ensure peace.
Perhaps, he could live longer than staying forcibly in the cultivation world.
So, in this desolate little world, Yi Xing established a mortal dynasty.
Knowing that his chances of immortality were slim, Yi Xing, upon becoming emperor, mobilized the people to build a tomb for himself.
Moreover, while his cultivation was still intact, he set up an illusion array inside the tomb, concealing his true burial site.
As time passed, the spiritual energy within his body completely disappeared, turning him into an ordinary mortal.
He began to reminisce about his days in the Tai Yan Sect.
When Yi Xing was about to die of old age, he came alone to his tomb, sealing the burial chamber.
Then he stored the Dao Transformation Stone, hoping that in the future, a disciple of the Tai Yan Sect might accidentally come to this realm and take the Dao Transformation Stone back to the sect.
...
"I didn't expect Yi Xing to have such a past."
"This person is quite wise, making the right choice. He withdrew in time and successfully escaped the dark age."
"However, there were probably quite a few cultivators who chose to escape back then."
"The capable, like Medicine King Sect's Liu Ruchen, directly tore through the void and escaped the Xuanhuang Realm."
"Those like Yi Xing settled for second best and fled to nearby small worlds."
Li Fan also recalled the farce of the small worlds counterattacking the cultivation world that He Zhenghao mentioned, which happened five hundred years ago.
"Perhaps, there are some influences left by the escaping cultivators from that time..."
After indulging in his thoughts for a moment, Li Fan put away the jade slip and slowly retracted his scattered thoughts.
"The Dao Transformation Stone is in hand, but how should I use it? Yi Xing didn't leave behind the secrets of 'Divine Transformation Dao.'"
Out of cautiousness, Li Fan didn't ask Jiao Xiuyuan and instead continued searching in the Tianxuan Mirror.
As expected, although it was an ancient technique, the key to this technique was the Dao Transformation Stone, not the technique itself.
Without the Dao Transformation Stone, the 'Divine Transformation Dao' was completely useless.
Furthermore, the methods of using the Dao Transformation Stone had developed over the years in the cultivation world, and were not limited to just the 'Divine Transformation Dao.'
Moreover, with no restrictions on multiple practitioners of these techniques, the price naturally wasn't that high.
Li Fan spent only 30,000 contribution points, equivalent to the price of a Golden Core technique.
After signing a confidentiality contract, he learned the technique.
"Witness the divine, merge with calculation."
"Unite with objects, and embody the 'Divine Transformation Dao.'"
Li Fan placed the deep blue Dao Transformation Stone on his forehead.
Activating the technique, he slowly began cultivating.
The fusion of spiritual consciousness and the Dao Transformation Stone was a slow process.
Time passed quietly as Li Fan practiced the technique.
In the blink of an eye, it was the 11th year, the time for the opening of the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace.
Although Li Fan was now wealthy, he didn't want to waste the 100,000 contribution points of the "Cloud Water Map" task.
So, Li Fan used his clone to visit the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace.
First, he faced Qin Tang's test.
However, the main body's will was inevitably distracted by cultivation, making it not as perfect as when Li Fan dealt with it wholeheartedly.
But relying on a pot of good wine, he managed to turn the tide.
Again, among the test-takers, he ranked first.
This time, Qin Tang didn't teach the 'Cloud Water Illusory Dream Art.' Instead, he imparted a Golden Core-level cultivation technique called 'Canghai Wave Treading.'
Although Li Fan was a bit regretful, there was nothing he could do.
This clone only had Qi Condensation cultivation, so obtaining a Golden Core technique was already quite generous of Qin Tang.
After chatting with Qin Tang for a while, he freed himself from the illusion.
Avoiding other cultivators, Li Fan went straight to the Taiyi Hall.
The clone didn't have the Azure Flame Illusionary Spirit, so it took quite some effort to pass through the sword forest in front of the Taiyi Hall.
"Disciple Fan Lin of the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace's Law Transmission Hall seeks an audience with Patriarch Taiyi!"
While practicing the recently learned 'Canghai Wave Treading,' the clone shouted.
The bizarre monster woke up from its slumber.
It was still a bit confused, but the aura of Qin Tang's personally transmitted technique couldn't be faked.
After Taiyi observed for a while, he handed over the colorfully lit Cloud Water Map to Li Fan.
After obtaining the "Cloud Water Map," to avoid unnecessary trouble, the clone hastily returned to the Tianxuan Mirror and chose to complete the task.
The Tianxuan Mirror's response was identical to that of the 12th life.
"Unable to verify the authenticity of the 'Cloud Water Map,' please wait."
After a prolonged silence, the voice of the Tianxuan Mirror echoed again.
"The task issuer... requests to visit your space, do you accept?"
Li Fan naturally chose to agree.
After a moment, the white-haired old man, the Heavenly Doctor, appeared in front of Li Fan with a benevolent face.
After a respectful greeting, Li Fan handed over the colorful model.
The Heavenly Doctor took the Cloud Water Map, carefully observed it, and sighed with emotion.
After a long time, he asked, "How is the situation inside the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace now?"
Li Fan truthfully answered each question.
Upon hearing this, a strange expression appeared in the Heavenly Doctor's cloudy eyes.
He fell into another long silence.
According to the experience of the 12th life, the Heavenly Doctor would likely assign another errand.
He would ask Li Fan to place a white jade statue in the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace.
This white jade statue would, in five years, attract the Master with the blue ox-drawn carriage.
After a fierce battle, the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace would be sealed again.
The Heavenly Doctor remained silent for a long time, seemingly lost in memories.
Li Fan had no choice but to wait patiently.
However, at this moment, the development took an entirely unexpected turn, far beyond Li Fan's anticipation.
Suddenly, after a long silence, the Heavenly Doctor lifted his head and stared at Li Fan.
With a strange expression, he asked, "Young friend, what are you expecting?"
Li Fan's mind trembled because he shockingly discovered that his body seemed completely uncontrollable.
His mouth opened and closed, revealing all the secrets hidden in his heart without reservation!
"I'm waiting for you to assign me another task, and let me go to the Cloud Water..."
The voice stuttered and sounded peculiar as if controlled like a puppet.
It was somewhat ridiculous and somewhat eerie.
In the Tianxuan Mirror, Li Fan's main body woke up from cultivation.
Taking decisive action, he directly activated the "Sun Stealing Technique," sacrificing the clone's life.
"...Heavenly Palace, place the jade statue inside..."
The clone's words were interrupted midway, and its life force visibly declined.
The words were abruptly cut off, and it seemed on the verge of death.
The white-haired old man revealed a faintly mocking smile.
He lightly pointed a finger into the air.
Although the clone's body was almost dead, it was forcibly saved in an instant.
"... As a reward, you will give me a copy of the 'Heavenly Doctor's Immortal Sutra'..."
The clone managed to finish speaking amidst life and death.
Then it completely turned into ashes.
Seeing the answer, the Heavenly Doctor showed a momentary surprise, then smiled with understanding.
"Good!"
At the moment when the clone died completely, the feeling of danger in Li Fan's heart had not disappeared.
Without hesitation, he immediately recited in his mind.
"Tr..."
In the space of the Tianxuan Mirror where he was located, it seemed as if a rift had been forcibly torn open.
In the crack, the figure of the Heavenly Doctor was vaguely visible.
"uth..."
The command for [Truth] had already been shouted, but the surrounding scene did not instantly turn into nothingness as before.
It seemed as if he had fallen into a quagmire, or as if the connection had been severed.
The Heavenly Doctor's gaze had already penetrated through the crack and landed on Li Fan.
At this moment, after two years since entering the cultivation world.
The accumulated charging progress of [Truth] plummeted instantly.
The inexplicable hindrance disappeared.
The surrounding scenes became illusory again, and Li Fan's consciousness plunged into darkness.
A faint light swept through, and the over forty thousand sheets of paper floated in the air in an instant.
Inside the Tianxuan Mirror, Li Fan felt that these papers before him seemed to move slightly.
After a moment, a thick "book" appeared in front of Li Fan.
"Decryption complete, required contribution points deducted: 28,000 points."
"So fast!" Li Fan couldn't help but marvel.
Just now, the scene of the pages flying was definitely not an illusion.
It moved at a speed beyond Li Fan's perception limit, making it impossible to see the trajectory of the papers' movement.
"Times have changed! Yi Xing!"
"In the past, without knowing the key, would be impossible for ordinary cultivators to open the Heaven Locked Treasure Box you left behind."
"But now, everyone can use the Tianxuan Mirror. This encrypted treasure box is defenseless in front of the Tianxuan Mirror!"
"The Tianxuan Mirror is indeed a treasure!"
Li Fan sighed inwardly and opened the Heaven Locked Treasure Box that was no longer restricted.
Inside were only two things.
A jade slip and a crystal stone emitting a deep blue light.
The blue light, like breathing, flickered gently.
Looking closely, countless scenes seemed to unfold inside the stone.
"This is the Dao Transformation Stone!"
Although it took some twists and turns, Li Fan joyfully took the Dao Transformation Stone into his hands.
"I wonder what quality the Dao Transformation Stone left by Yi Xing is."
Once again, he had the Tianxuan Mirror act as the appraiser.
"Dao Transformation Stone (Low Grade), can be converted to 150,000 contribution points."
The Tianxuan Mirror, ever reliable, quickly displayed the result.
Li Fan decisively chose to reject the sale and pondered in his heart.
"Although it's low-grade, it should be enough for me at the moment. This small piece of stone is actually more valuable than a Nascent Soul cultivation technique."
"No, Jiao Xiuyuan said that this Dao Transformation Stone is basically priceless. 150,000 is just the theoretical purchase price of the Tianxuan Mirror."
"Trying to buy it at the same price is simply wishful thinking."
Li Fan searched within the Tianxuan Mirror.
As expected, many cultivators posted messages seeking to buy Dao Transformation Stones.
The proposed trade conditions were not just contribution points, but also various rare treasures of equal value.
"This can be considered the most valuable thing I own at the moment."
Li Fan happily stored the Dao Transformation Stone and began to read the jade slip left by Yi Xing.
The jade slip didn't contain any profound techniques.
It was mostly Yi Xing's musings and reflections before his death.
From his words, Li Fan also learned a lot about Yi Xing's life as a disciple of the Tai Yan Sect during the Great Migration era many years ago.
At that time, under the influence of the rule that cultivation techniques couldn't be practiced together, there were extremely brutal incidents of fratricide in many sects within the cultivation world.
Some thousand-year-old immortal sects even perished overnight because of this.
The Tai Yan Sect was no exception.
However, most Tai Yan Sect disciples preferred the arts of divination and calculation and were not keen on fighting and killing.
Internal conflicts were quickly suppressed by the Tai Yan Sect's sect master, Zuo Qiushang.
Although this kind of peace was destined not to last, it still maintained for a while.
Just as this short-lived peace was about to disappear, the Immortal-Mortal Miasma erupted.
The restriction of not practicing different cultivation techniques only meant that cultivation realms stagnated.
But being infected by the Immortal-Mortal Miasma meant certain death.
Everyone in the cultivation world knew which was more serious.
So, they no longer cared about internal conflicts.
Instead, they turned their heads to deal with the Immortal-Mortal Miasma.
The history during this period was consistent with what Li Fan knew before.
First, there was a rampant slaughter of mortals, and then, after noticing that something was wrong, the urgent slaughter of mortals was promptly stopped.
Following that was the notorious "Great Migration Plan."
All people below the Qi Condensation stage had to be forcibly moved to nearby subworlds and pocket dimensions.
At that time, Yi Xing was already in the later stage of Qi Condensation.
However, he volunteered to be in charge of the migration of mortals for the Tai Yan Sect and the surrounding areas.
In his musings, Yi Xing admitted that although the outbreak of the Immortal-Mortal Miasma forcibly halted the process of cultivators killing each other, it was foreseeable that a true era of slaughter and darkness would come soon.
At that time, as a mere Qi Condensation cultivator, he would definitely be one of the first to be slaughtered.
So, he might as well take advantage of this opportunity to escape with mortals to nearby small worlds.
With the prestige of an immortal, he could command the masses and create a foundation in this small world.
Then, he could discard his cultivation technique to ensure peace.
Perhaps, he could live longer than staying forcibly in the cultivation world.
So, in this desolate little world, Yi Xing established a mortal dynasty.
Knowing that his chances of immortality were slim, Yi Xing, upon becoming emperor, mobilized the people to build a tomb for himself.
Moreover, while his cultivation was still intact, he set up an illusion array inside the tomb, concealing his true burial site.
As time passed, the spiritual energy within his body completely disappeared, turning him into an ordinary mortal.
He began to reminisce about his days in the Tai Yan Sect.
When Yi Xing was about to die of old age, he came alone to his tomb, sealing the burial chamber.
Then he stored the Dao Transformation Stone, hoping that in the future, a disciple of the Tai Yan Sect might accidentally come to this realm and take the Dao Transformation Stone back to the sect.
...
"I didn't expect Yi Xing to have such a past."
"This person is quite wise, making the right choice. He withdrew in time and successfully escaped the dark age."
"However, there were probably quite a few cultivators who chose to escape back then."
"The capable, like Medicine King Sect's Liu Ruchen, directly tore through the void and escaped the Xuanhuang Realm."
"Those like Yi Xing settled for second best and fled to nearby small worlds."
Li Fan also recalled the farce of the small worlds counterattacking the cultivation world that He Zhenghao mentioned, which happened five hundred years ago.
"Perhaps, there are some influences left by the escaping cultivators from that time..."
After indulging in his thoughts for a moment, Li Fan put away the jade slip and slowly retracted his scattered thoughts.
"The Dao Transformation Stone is in hand, but how should I use it? Yi Xing didn't leave behind the secrets of 'Divine Transformation Dao.'"
Out of cautiousness, Li Fan didn't ask Jiao Xiuyuan and instead continued searching in the Tianxuan Mirror.
As expected, although it was an ancient technique, the key to this technique was the Dao Transformation Stone, not the technique itself.
Without the Dao Transformation Stone, the 'Divine Transformation Dao' was completely useless.
Furthermore, the methods of using the Dao Transformation Stone had developed over the years in the cultivation world, and were not limited to just the 'Divine Transformation Dao.'
Moreover, with no restrictions on multiple practitioners of these techniques, the price naturally wasn't that high.
Li Fan spent only 30,000 contribution points, equivalent to the price of a Golden Core technique.
After signing a confidentiality contract, he learned the technique.
"Witness the divine, merge with calculation."
"Unite with objects, and embody the 'Divine Transformation Dao.'"
Li Fan placed the deep blue Dao Transformation Stone on his forehead.
Activating the technique, he slowly began cultivating.
The fusion of spiritual consciousness and the Dao Transformation Stone was a slow process.
Time passed quietly as Li Fan practiced the technique.
In the blink of an eye, it was the 11th year, the time for the opening of the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace.
Although Li Fan was now wealthy, he didn't want to waste the 100,000 contribution points of the "Cloud Water Map" task.
So, Li Fan used his clone to visit the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace.
First, he faced Qin Tang's test.
However, the main body's will was inevitably distracted by cultivation, making it not as perfect as when Li Fan dealt with it wholeheartedly.
But relying on a pot of good wine, he managed to turn the tide.
Again, among the test-takers, he ranked first.
This time, Qin Tang didn't teach the 'Cloud Water Illusory Dream Art.' Instead, he imparted a Golden Core-level cultivation technique called 'Canghai Wave Treading.'
Although Li Fan was a bit regretful, there was nothing he could do.
This clone only had Qi Condensation cultivation, so obtaining a Golden Core technique was already quite generous of Qin Tang.
After chatting with Qin Tang for a while, he freed himself from the illusion.
Avoiding other cultivators, Li Fan went straight to the Taiyi Hall.
The clone didn't have the Azure Flame Illusionary Spirit, so it took quite some effort to pass through the sword forest in front of the Taiyi Hall.
"Disciple Fan Lin of the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace's Law Transmission Hall seeks an audience with Patriarch Taiyi!"
While practicing the recently learned 'Canghai Wave Treading,' the clone shouted.
The bizarre monster woke up from its slumber.
It was still a bit confused, but the aura of Qin Tang's personally transmitted technique couldn't be faked.
After Taiyi observed for a while, he handed over the colorfully lit Cloud Water Map to Li Fan.
After obtaining the "Cloud Water Map," to avoid unnecessary trouble, the clone hastily returned to the Tianxuan Mirror and chose to complete the task.
The Tianxuan Mirror's response was identical to that of the 12th life.
"Unable to verify the authenticity of the 'Cloud Water Map,' please wait."
After a prolonged silence, the voice of the Tianxuan Mirror echoed again.
"The task issuer... requests to visit your space, do you accept?"
Li Fan naturally chose to agree.
After a moment, the white-haired old man, the Heavenly Doctor, appeared in front of Li Fan with a benevolent face.
After a respectful greeting, Li Fan handed over the colorful model.
The Heavenly Doctor took the Cloud Water Map, carefully observed it, and sighed with emotion.
After a long time, he asked, "How is the situation inside the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace now?"
Li Fan truthfully answered each question.
Upon hearing this, a strange expression appeared in the Heavenly Doctor's cloudy eyes.
He fell into another long silence.
According to the experience of the 12th life, the Heavenly Doctor would likely assign another errand.
He would ask Li Fan to place a white jade statue in the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace.
This white jade statue would, in five years, attract the Master with the blue ox-drawn carriage.
After a fierce battle, the Cloud Water Heavenly Palace would be sealed again.
The Heavenly Doctor remained silent for a long time, seemingly lost in memories.
Li Fan had no choice but to wait patiently.
However, at this moment, the development took an entirely unexpected turn, far beyond Li Fan's anticipation.
Suddenly, after a long silence, the Heavenly Doctor lifted his head and stared at Li Fan.
With a strange expression, he asked, "Young friend, what are you expecting?"
Li Fan's mind trembled because he shockingly discovered that his body seemed completely uncontrollable.
His mouth opened and closed, revealing all the secrets hidden in his heart without reservation!
"I'm waiting for you to assign me another task, and let me go to the Cloud Water..."
The voice stuttered and sounded peculiar as if controlled like a puppet.
It was somewhat ridiculous and somewhat eerie.
In the Tianxuan Mirror, Li Fan's main body woke up from cultivation.
Taking decisive action, he directly activated the "Sun Stealing Technique," sacrificing the clone's life.
"...Heavenly Palace, place the jade statue inside..."
The clone's words were interrupted midway, and its life force visibly declined.
The words were abruptly cut off, and it seemed on the verge of death.
The white-haired old man revealed a faintly mocking smile.
He lightly pointed a finger into the air.
Although the clone's body was almost dead, it was forcibly saved in an instant.
"... As a reward, you will give me a copy of the 'Heavenly Doctor's Immortal Sutra'..."
The clone managed to finish speaking amidst life and death.
Then it completely turned into ashes.
Seeing the answer, the Heavenly Doctor showed a momentary surprise, then smiled with understanding.
"Good!"
At the moment when the clone died completely, the feeling of danger in Li Fan's heart had not disappeared.
Without hesitation, he immediately recited in his mind.
"Tr..."
In the space of the Tianxuan Mirror where he was located, it seemed as if a rift had been forcibly torn open.
In the crack, the figure of the Heavenly Doctor was vaguely visible.
"uth..."
The command for [Truth] had already been shouted, but the surrounding scene did not instantly turn into nothingness as before.
It seemed as if he had fallen into a quagmire, or as if the connection had been severed.
The Heavenly Doctor's gaze had already penetrated through the crack and landed on Li Fan.
At this moment, after two years since entering the cultivation world.
The accumulated charging progress of [Truth] plummeted instantly.
The inexplicable hindrance disappeared.
The surrounding scenes became illusory again, and Li Fan's consciousness plunged into darkness.
