The vortex in the sky was about to close. The Sacred Emperor reached out, grasping the last beam of starlight shooting out from within.
The nebula swirled, dazzlingly bright, as it was tempered in the Sacred Emperor's palm. Then, like gentle flowing water, it streamed down, transforming into a throne of starlight.
The Sacred Emperor sat upon his throne, his voice booming like thunder as he spoke, "In the boundless primordial chaos, the formless existed before the heavens. Yin and Yang divided, the Five Elements flowed. All things were born from the Grand Unity..."
His words were profound and abstruse, difficult to comprehend.
However, within this world, every being fortunate enough to hear the Sacred Emperor's pronouncements felt a stirring within their souls, a glimmer of understanding.
The fleeting enlightenment they had experienced moments ago, as the starlight bathed them from above, returned with renewed clarity, spurred on by the Sacred Emperor's every word.
"The Dao governs Heaven and Earth, mastered by the immortals. Free and unfettered, they traverse the celestial realms, commanding creation itself. Immortal through countless tribulations, their essence permeates the eight desolate corners of existence…"
Even those with meager talent and low cultivation felt a glimmer of insight. Spiritual energy from the surrounding environment flowed into their bodies, as if they were on the verge of instantaneous enlightenment.
Those with exceptional talent, like Sun Erlang and Ou Shangtian, felt their eyes brighten. Swirling purple energy gathered around them, drawn to their newfound understanding.
Immortal Master Yin scratched his head. He felt as if the foundation of his Dao, his very essence, was struggling to break free.
"Is this what they mean by 'one person attains enlightenment, and their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven?' No, this is something else entirely. He's sharing his own comprehension, offering it freely, regardless of their relationship to him… Incredible."
The Sacred Emperor's sermon continued for three days and three nights.
The enlightened masses listened, completely engrossed.
Even after the Sacred Emperor's image dissipated, they remained immersed in their newfound understanding, oblivious to the world around them.
For most, it would take a lifetime to fully digest the teachings imparted by the Sacred Emperor.
Meanwhile, the Sacred Emperor himself had returned to his throne.
His six disciples stood before him, lined up in order of seniority.
"Congratulations, Master, on attaining enlightenment!" Sun Erlang bowed deeply.
The other disciples echoed his sentiment.
"This is my fortune, and it is also yours," the Sacred Emperor said, his voice resonating with power.
"Three years."
"I give you three years to comprehend these teachings. Three years from this day…" His gaze swept over his six disciples. "The Great Qi Sacred Dynasty will wage war against the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, and we will reclaim the Xuanhuang World!"
His disciples trembled, a mix of excitement and apprehension flooding their hearts.
They had always known this battle was inevitable, but none had anticipated it would come so soon.
Still, none dared question the Sacred Emperor's decision.
They bowed their heads in unison, their voices echoing, "As you command, Master."
"During these three years of preparation," the Sacred Emperor's voice reverberated in their minds, "there are certain measures we can take. Measures to weaken our enemy."
…
In the Xuanhuang World, within the Tianquan Region, Sun Luyuan was holding court at a gathering, regaling the assembled cultivators with tales of his exploits. But then, as if sensing something, he abruptly cut his story short.
Excusing himself, he slipped away from the gathering, his heart pounding.
"The Dark Needle Plan... is it finally time?" A feverish excitement lit up his eyes. He suppressed the urge to shout in triumph, fighting back the wave of fear that threatened to engulf him. Masking his aura, he hurried towards the designated meeting point.
The Dark Needle Plan was a daring scheme aimed at disrupting the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance's communication network, their Heavenly Profound Mirrors and teleportation formations.
The Alliance's control over vast swathes of the Xuanhuang World relied heavily on these interconnected systems. Any disturbances, any uprisings, could be swiftly quelled by reinforcements from neighboring regions, or even from the Alliance's headquarters.
To challenge the Alliance, disrupting this communication network was paramount.
"That Ou Shangtian brat claimed to have a way to disrupt, even destroy, the Heavenly Profound Mirrors. I wonder what method he's come up with." Sun Luyuan hurried through the streets, his mind racing. "But our agents are ready. In every region, they are waiting."
He knew there was no turning back. Once the plan was set in motion, he would be branded a traitor, an enemy of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance. If discovered, there would be no mercy.
But Sun Luyuan's resolve was unwavering.
Beyond the reasons that had initially driven him to betray the Alliance, a new, more potent motivator had emerged.
The death of his brother, Sun Luchang.
When he had been chosen, along with others, to venture beyond the Xuanhuang World, a small part of Sun Luyuan had clung to the hope that his brother would survive.
That hope had been brutally extinguished when the drop of Sun Luchang's essence blood stored within the underground blood pool had withered and died.
Since then, Sun Luyuan had watched with mounting fury as the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance continued to broadcast their fabricated messages, their "Rainbow Lights from Beyond the Realm." They even dared to include his dead brother's image in their lies.
He had waited for an explanation, for some sign of acknowledgment, even a paltry, insincere apology.
But it had become clear that he was expecting too much. To the Alliance, those who ventured beyond were expendable pawns, easily discarded.
"The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance…" Sun Luyuan spat the words, all hope and loyalty extinguished.
His allegiance now lay with the Great Qi Sacred Dynasty.
"Setting aside everything else," he thought as he hurried towards the meeting point, "the benefits I've reaped from the Sacred Dynasty in recent years far outweigh anything the Alliance ever offered."
He finally reached the rendezvous point - a desolate area near the Tianquan Region's towering White Mist Barrier.
Years ago, during the Great Upheaval that had shaken their world, this barrier had shattered, crashing to the ground. The unfettered Essence Devouring White Mist had spread, consuming all life in its path, leaving behind a desolate wasteland.
Though the barrier had eventually been restored, this blighted land remained lifeless.
A testament to the terrifying power of the Essence Devouring White Mist.
"Who would have thought the Sacred Dynasty had found a way to almost completely negate the effects of this mist?" Sun Luyuan mused as he glanced around. "This is the perfect meeting place. Completely safe."
He scanned the area, ensuring he hadn't been followed, then carefully retrieved his Universal Worthy Vessel.
He stepped inside, guiding the vessel into the thick white mist.
Following a predetermined path, changing direction at specific intervals, he navigated through the mist. After a time, another Universal Worthy Vessel materialized before him, hovering silently within the swirling white mist.
A beam of black light shot out from the vessel, slicing through the mist, stopping before Sun Luyuan.
He caught it, his fingers closing around a black jade storage ring. When he looked up, the other vessel had vanished.
"So cautious," Sun Luyuan murmured. "Not even willing to show their face."
He examined the contents of the storage ring. Neatly arranged within were nearly a thousand square jade pieces, each one etched with complex symbols.
He picked one up, turning it over in his hands as he read the instructions that had been transmitted alongside the ring.
"Simply bring these to the Heavenly Profound Mirrors and teleportation formations, and activate them?"
"That's it?" Sun Luyuan was surprised by the simplicity of the plan.
He was tempted to test one, just to see how it worked, but after closer examination, he shook his head.
"They've been pre-programmed to activate at a specific time." He sighed. "Three years from now. Until then, the core formations within them remain dormant. They're just ordinary pieces of jade…"
"No wonder I couldn't sense any fluctuations of spiritual energy from them."
Sun Luyuan returned the jade piece to the storage ring, his expression grim. "Let those who are considered mere ants by the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance be the first to toll their death knell."
As the wheels of the Sacred Dynasty's plan were set in motion, Li Fan had successfully used the Primordial Spirit Formation to obliterate four smaller worlds.
He had gathered a sufficient amount of the substance he called "Essence of All Creation" – a pure, concentrated form of energy that shimmered with an almost iridescent, rainbow-hued sheen. It reminded him of the golden Source Power Essence, but somehow… denser. More potent.
"Have you mastered the formation yet?" Li Fan asked the Myriad Manifestation Mirror, his gaze distant.
The simulated personality of Sun Luyao, having been recreated countless times, hesitated for a moment before replying, "I believe I have, Senior."
Li Fan nodded in satisfaction, then with a flick of his finger, sent a beam of light shooting towards Sun Luyao's illusory form. "Good. Then your next task is to set up the formation at these locations."
"Set it up, but do not activate it."
With that, he flicked his wrist, sending all the Source Power Essence he had plundered from the Sun Clan towards the Myriad Manifestation Mirror.
Sun Luyao eagerly snatched the golden light, showering Li Fan with grateful words. Then, with a burst of light, he set off towards his designated targets.
Had it been the real Sun Luyao, sent out alone to carry out Li Fan's orders, there might have been a chance of disobedience, of rebellion. But this was merely a simulated personality, a puppet dancing to the strings of his will. Even the joy he had expressed upon receiving the Source Power Essence was a carefully crafted fabrication. He would follow Li Fan's orders to the letter.
"The Myriad Manifestation Mirror Spirit is less efficient at setting up the formation than I am," Li Fan mused. "But it's more than capable of destroying a world. Especially the ones I've chosen - weak worlds, devoid of cultivators. Unimportant."
"I don't intend to reveal myself in this world again," he continued, a calculating glint in his eyes, "but it's always wise to have a few contingencies in place."
The connection between him and the Sacred Emperor had been severed, but he could still sense the momentous transformation happening within his other self, like ripples in a pond.
"More enlightenment in the Star Sea?" Li Fan's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "His original talent was nothing special. Yet, with all the opportunities and fortunes that have fallen into his lap, he's starting to resemble a true 'Chosen One,' a child of destiny. How ironic."
"But it's all for naught. His efforts are doomed to fail."
A thread of Li Fan's consciousness split off, soaring towards the Guangyang Region.
He needed to deliver the Essence of All Creation, his safeguard, to his true body.
It wasn't long before he located his target - the unassuming figure of Qianxun Daoist, living a simple life in the mortal world, his true identity concealed.
Li Fan's consciousness slipped into the body of a nearby Golden Core cultivator, causing the man to stumble for a moment before regaining his composure.
He approached Qianxun Daoist, a casual smile on his face.
"Old man, fancy a game of chess?"
The scruffy Daoist, who had been nonchalantly picking at his toes, looked up, a flicker of interest in his eyes.
…
Having successfully obtained the Summoning Jade Token from Qianxun Daoist, Li Fan made his way to the Dao Discussion Tower in Guangyang City. There, he spent all his remaining possessions to rent a small courtyard.
Then, using the Dao Pill technique, he completely took over the body of the Golden Core cultivator he had been possessing.
He examined his new form, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Compared to the environment within the Celestial Barge, exposed to the harsh realities of the Star Sea, this body snatching technique seems…less effective here in the Xuanhuang World," he mused.
He stretched, testing his new limbs, a sense of dissonance unsettling him.
"Taking over Zhao Xian's body allowed me to evade the Severing Immortal Tower's scrutiny," he thought, "but this body… this Fu Yuansheng… he might not pass muster with the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance. More refinement is needed."
Li Fan, now inhabiting Fu Yuansheng's body, set up a complex formation around himself.
Then he stepped into its center.
"The body as a vessel, tempered by the power of the formation." He chanted the words softly, drawing upon the formation's power to smooth out the rough edges, to eliminate the dissonance within his new form.
Memories flooded his mind – the experiences of this lifetime's Sacred Emperor, the insights gleaned by the Sacred Embryo within the Celestial Barge, and the profound understanding achieved by his true body during its long seclusion.
He assimilated it all, weaving it into the fabric of his being.
His fingers danced, making subtle adjustments to the formation surrounding him, refining its power, honing its focus.
Gradually, the sense of dissonance faded, his soul settling comfortably within its new vessel.
"From this day forward," Li Fan's consciousness whispered, a smile touching his lips, "I am Fu Yuansheng."
As a test, he entered the Guangyang Region's Heavenly Profound Mirror, his heart pounding with anticipation.
He passed the scrutiny of the mirror's guardians, successfully accessing his Heavenly Profound Mirror space as Fu Yuansheng.
"A paltry two thousand contribution points…" he mused, shaking his head. "How utterly pathetic."
He made no changes, however. He rested for a while, as he always did, then exited the mirror space.
Stepping out onto the bustling streets of Guangyang Celestial City, he activated the Summoning Jade Token.
A blinding flash of light erupted from the token, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
"What was that?"
"That jade token…could it be…?"
Whispers of astonishment and disbelief rippled through the crowd as people recognized the object in his hand.
Curiosity quickly turned into a mob as onlookers swarmed around him. Li Fan played his part, his face pale, his body trembling as if struggling to remain standing.
The arrival of the Summoning Cultivator, however, brought a semblance of order to the chaotic scene.
"Silence!" The cultivator's voice boomed, his powerful aura - the unmistakable mark of a Soul Formation expert - silencing the crowd instantly. He examined the jade token, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. Then, instead of escorting Li Fan directly to the Alliance headquarters, he sent a private message, his voice laced with an oily, ingratiating tone.
"That Summoning Jade Token is of exceptional quality. You could use it to petition the Law Derivation Jade to deduce a Dao Integration level cultivation technique… but you're only at the Golden Core stage. It seems like a waste."
"Wouldn't you be interested in transferring the token to me?" He continued, "Of course, I wouldn't let you go unrewarded. I would still grant you a Dao Integration technique, and I would personally ensure you have all the resources needed to advance from Nascent Soul to Soul Formation."
"Thank you for your kind offer, Senior," Li Fan replied politely, his voice steady, "but I'm not interested in transferring the token."
The Summoning Cultivator, who had fully expected Li Fan to accept, was taken aback by his refusal. "Think carefully, boy! Possessing a Dao Integration technique doesn't guarantee you'll reach the Dao Integration stage. I've investigated your background. You have no clan support. Without resources, you'll be lucky to reach Nascent Soul!"
"This is for your own good!" His gaze was intense, his words laced with a veiled threat.
Li Fan feigned surprise. "Did you not hear me clearly, Senior? Then allow me to repeat myself."
"I have no intention of transferring the Summoning Jade Token." This time, he spoke loudly, ensuring his words were heard by everyone present.
The surrounding cultivators stared at the Summoning Cultivator, their expressions a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Though none dared speak, their gazes spoke volumes.
The Summoning Cultivator, however, was a master of composure. His expression remained impassive. "Very well," he said, his voice still smooth, his tone controlled. "I was merely trying to offer you some friendly advice. A Golden Core cultivator, wielding a Dao Integration technique… well, let's just say there are many who would be willing to take risks for such a prize."
He raised his voice, making sure his next words reached every ear within the city. "Isn't that right, Fu Yuansheng?"
His words, amplified by his cultivation, boomed across Guangyang Celestial City, throwing the city into an uproar.
All eyes turned towards Li Fan, their gazes filled with a mixture of emotions – envy, greed, and avarice.
Li Fan's face paled dramatically. He lowered his head, his eyes flickering with a carefully crafted blend of resentment and fear. "Thank you for your concern, Senior," he murmured.
The Summoning Cultivator snorted, his displeasure evident. Then, with a wave of his hand, he opened a portal leading to the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance.
The moment the two figures disappeared into the portal, the hushed silence that had gripped Guangyang Celestial City shattered.
A Golden Core cultivator, in possession of a Dao Integration technique.
It was a tantalizing prospect, a story too juicy to resist.
Gossip spread like wildfire, fueled by greed and envy.
Information about Fu Yuansheng's background was quickly unearthed, spread through whispers and rumors.
The more ambitious and opportunistic individuals had already begun scheming, pressuring the Fu Clan, seeking ways to exploit this unexpected turn of events.
After all, what good was a treasure if you lacked the power to protect it?
Within the Dao Discussion Tower in Guangyang Celestial City, a cultivator dressed in white watched the unfolding drama with a sigh. "That Summoning Cultivator, he's practically pushing that poor fellow to his death."
A young man, elegant and refined, seated across from him nodded in agreement. "Unless Fu Yuansheng chooses to remain hidden within the Heavenly Profound Mirror, abandoning his loved ones to their fate, he won't be able to hold onto that technique for long."
He paused, his tone hardening. "A single Dao Integration technique, and this is the result? Such blatant extortion, in broad daylight, in the very heart of the city… We stumble upon one such incident simply by stepping out for a cup of tea. Imagine how many more go unnoticed."
"The rot within the Alliance runs deep."
The cultivator in white remained silent for a while, then shook his head, a look of resignation on his face.
"This is why I say," the young man continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "joining the Sacred Dynasty, overthrowing the corrupt rule of the Alliance…that is the path to a brighter future. You've visited our Sacred Dynasty, Tianming. You've seen it for yourself. This kind of blatant abuse of power simply doesn't happen there."
Tianming, the cultivator in white, nodded in agreement. "You speak the truth, Tianci. All those treasures fished out from the so-called fishing pond… each one belonged to the citizens of Great Qi. They had no fear of theft or extortion. That alone…well, it speaks volumes about the difference between the Sacred Dynasty and the Alliance."
Shang Tianci, the young man, smiled. "I believe you've made up your mind, Brother Tianming."
The cultivator in white smiled back, a silent confirmation.
"Another one persuaded," Shang Tianci thought, a thrill of excitement coursing through him. "This name truly is fitting. Tianci, Heaven's Gift." His mind raced on, already moving towards his next target.
"I wonder how the others are progressing."
Unbeknownst to the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, such changes in allegiance were happening all across the Xuanhuang World.
Once the hearts of the people were lost, persuasion was a mere formality.
At the headquarters of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, Li Fan, inhabiting Fu Yuansheng's body, once again stepped into the familiar hall.
As he had anticipated, he was once again pulled into an illusion.
The architect of this illusion was, as before, the Legacy Transmission Celestial Venerable.
This time, however, the scene was different.
At the foot of a majestic mountain range, shrouded in swirling mist, a middle-aged man, his hair streaked with gray, was being roughly shoved back.
"This is a sacred ground, not a place for a lowly peasant like you to trespass!"
"Strange. Didn't we set up an illusion formation around the perimeter? How did this mortal get through?"
One of the cultivators guarding the mountain path, a young man in a blue Daoist robe, muttered these words, then kicked the older man to the ground.
The man rolled in the dirt, then got up, seemingly unhurt. He approached the cultivators again, a hopeful smile on his face. "Immortal Master, please, just give me a chance. I feel it… I can cultivate. I know I can."
The young cultivator scoffed. "A man your age, with one foot in the grave, talking about cultivation? Cultivation requires talent, resources! You…" He looked at the older man with undisguised contempt.
"Even if you could cultivate, our Tianyuan Sect wouldn't accept you!"
Undeterred, the older man held out his arm. "Immortal Master, look! See for yourself! I have the talent!"
A flicker of murderous intent flashed in the young cultivator's eyes. Spiritual energy surged within him, preparing to strike down this annoying peasant.
But then a voice, calm and even, called out from above. "What is your name?"
"Xuanyuan Goudan… no, Xuanyuan Tuo. My name is Xuanyuan Tuo." The older man, visibly nervous, bowed low.
"Uncle Xu!" The young cultivator's demeanor changed instantly. He hastily extinguished his murderous intent and bowed respectfully. "Uncle."
Another middle-aged man, though this Uncle Xu seemed far more vibrant and energetic than Xuanyuan Tuo, landed before them. He studied the older man for a moment, then reached out, sending a stream of spiritual energy into his body.
After a moment, he shook his head, a hint of regret in his eyes. "You possess the heart of a cultivator, but…you're simply too old. The chances of achieving anything significant are… slim."
"Even reaching Foundation Establishment will be a monumental challenge."
Xuanyuan Tuo, however, refused to give up hope. "Immortal Master," he pleaded, "my aspirations are modest. I only wish to cultivate. I've toiled in the fields my entire life, but… there's a restlessness within me. I can't shake the feeling that my life…it shouldn't be spent in the dirt."
Uncle Xu was surprised. He hadn't expected such words from a simple farmer.
He hesitated, unsure how to respond. Just then, the sound of a bell, clear and resonant, echoed from the mountain peak above.
The young cultivator in the blue robe cleared his throat. "Uncle, the Sect Master has called a meeting."
Uncle Xu glanced up at the mountain peak, then back at the hopeful farmer. He seemed to make a decision. Retrieving a book from within his robes, he handed it to Xuanyuan Tuo.
"Take this," he said. "Study it. If you can cultivate spiritual energy within a year, return to this place and seek me out." Then, with a burst of light, he vanished.
Xuanyuan Tuo stared after him, his eyes wide with awe.
"Xiao Qin," Uncle Xu's voice echoed as he flew towards the mountain peak, "treat him with respect. Do not make things difficult for him."
The blue-robed cultivator nodded, then glared at Xuanyuan Tuo. "You're a lucky fool," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "Now go! And don't come back until you've actually managed to cultivate some spiritual energy!"
Xuanyuan Tuo, his heart filled with hope, reluctantly turned and left.
As he walked, a realization struck him, his face paling in horror. He turned back, but the majestic mountain range had vanished.
He slapped his forehead in despair. "I can't even read!"
…
The illusion shattered, and Li Fan found himself back in the hall, blinking against the sudden shift from fantastical scenery to stark reality. He frowned, replaying the scene in his mind, a strange feeling settling over him.
"What did you see?" the Summoning Cultivator asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
Li Fan adopted an awestruck expression, his voice hushed with reverence. "I saw the Celestial Venerable, his form encompassing Heaven and Earth, preaching the Dao to the mortal realm."
"Hmph." The Summoning Cultivator snorted. "A trace of the Celestial Venerable's aura lingers within this hall. All who enter for the first time are subjected to these illusions." He offered this explanation without a trace of warmth.
They continued their journey, making their way towards the headquarters of the Guardians' Hall.
Li Fan, however, was lost in thought.
"What was the purpose of that illusion?" he wondered. "That…Legacy Transmission Celestial Venerable. What a strange habit he had, leaving his past on display like this, allowing his disciples and descendants to witness… that."
"To think, even the illustrious Legacy Transmission Celestial Venerable had such humble beginnings." He chuckled softly to himself.
He found it difficult to reconcile the image of that sun-weathered farmer with the white-haired, sorrowful figure of the Celestial Venerable he had seen within the painting.
"If that Tianyuan Sect had accepted him all those years ago… would the course of history have changed?" He pondered this for a moment, then shook his head. "Perhaps not."
"Once Legacy Transmission Celestial Venerable awakened to his true power, a small sect like that wouldn't have made much of a difference. And as I recall, that Tianyuan Sect didn't last long after the Great Tribulation. Torn apart from within."
"But that Uncle Xu… he looked remarkably similar to Xu Yuanxian, the current Chief Guardian. Perhaps an ancestor?"
He continued his journey, his mind buzzing with unanswered questions.
By the time they reached the path leading to the Guardians' Hall, paved with smooth, blue-tinged stone, he had pushed those thoughts aside.
The process was exactly the same as it had been in his previous life. He joined the queue of hopeful cultivators, waiting for his turn, days bleeding into weeks. Finally, he was ushered into the chamber that housed the Law Derivation Jade.
He gazed upon the jade, a magnificent artifact, pulsating with dormant power. He forced himself to appear awestruck, his eyes wide with wonder, his body trembling with barely suppressed excitement.
"Not another one," a voice grumbled, thick with annoyance. The Law Derivation Jade wasn't pretending to be irritated.
Ordinary requests for technique deductions could be handled by simulated personalities. But for these personalized deductions, triggered by the Summoning Jade Tokens, she had to do the work herself.
"State your request!" The Law Derivation Jade tossed a scroll towards him, her tone clipped and impatient.
Before the scroll reached Li Fan, however, one of the Guardians stationed within the chamber, Sun Ang, intercepted it.
"Wait."
His actions drew the attention of the other two Guardians.
"Brother Sun, is something amiss?" Huayue Ye asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
Sun Ang shook his head slowly. "Just a feeling. Something doesn't feel right. Best to be cautious and conduct a thorough check."
His concern was for the safety of the Law Derivation Jade, so the other two Guardians, after a brief exchange of glances, didn't object.
Fu Yuansheng seemed nervous, his gaze darting between the three Guardians.
"Greetings, Seniors…"
Sun Ang ignored him, placing his hand on Fu Yuansheng's head.
Li Fan, inhabiting Fu Yuansheng's body, froze.
After a moment, Sun Ang withdrew his hand, his frown deepening.
"Would the two of you mind checking as well?" he asked the other Guardians.
Huayue Ye and Zhang Xu nodded, each taking their turn to scrutinize Li Fan, their senses probing, seeking any hint of danger or deception.
They found nothing.
"Perhaps you were mistaken, Brother Sun?" Huayue Ye suggested gently.
Sun Ang seemed unconvinced, but he couldn't keep stalling without a concrete reason.
He allowed the process to continue, but his gaze remained fixed on Fu Yuansheng, his senses on high alert.
Once the Law Derivation Jade had completed its task, Fu Yuansheng, his face ashen, practically fled the chamber.
"Have you been spending too much time in here, Brother Sun?" Huayue Ye asked, concern in her voice, once they were alone.
Sun Ang, Li Fan's true body, smiled wryly, his attention focused on the Essence of All Creation he had just received.
"It's nothing," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "Just… a feeling. A sense of unease."
"Perhaps something has happened to one of my blood relatives."
(End of Chapter)