One near-death experience could be attributed to luck.
But two in a row…
Countless thoughts raced through Scholar Zhu's mind. He even considered feeding "Ma Tiande" a third Fruit of Myriad Consciousness.
But he held back, replaying the two Dao Origin commands that appeared within Ma Tiande's sea of consciousness. Clearly, only a small fraction of the swirling symbols were active, making it impossible for observers to replicate them accurately.
Scholar Zhu wasn't interested in the commands themselves. Even as a mortalized immortal, his abilities far surpassed them.
What truly intrigued him was the "possibility" behind Ma Tiande's survival.
The existence of "hidden commands" outside the established Dao Net control system, capable of utilizing its power.
The grim expression on his face softened. The hunched old man transformed into a vibrant scholar, a benevolent smile gracing his lips as he waited for the four to recover from the fruits' effects.
Under Scholar Zhu's care, the three Sword Domain disciples, though shaken, emerged unscathed. The childish innocence in their eyes had vanished, replaced by a hardened look born from absorbing countless memories and witnessing boundless slaughter.
They thanked Scholar Zhu, then turned to Ma Tiande, their previous disdain gone.
No one understood the horrors of the storm of myriad consciousness better than those who had endured it.
Regardless of their origins or methods, anyone who could consume a fruit and remain sane was formidable. And to consume two, remaining conscious…
"Such talent mustn't be overlooked!"
The Sword Domain disciples exchanged glances, reaching a silent agreement. Recruiting such an individual would be a greater achievement than completing this trial!
Now, they only needed to see if this "Ma Tiande" remained sane.
Under everyone's scrutiny, the contortions on Li Fan's face gradually subsided. He closed his eyes, then opened them after a long moment, his gaze meeting theirs.
His eyes, bright as stars, spoke volumes.
Scholar Zhu clapped softly. "It seems you've gained quite a bit."
"Thanks to Master Scholar's generosity," Li Fan replied, neither subservient nor arrogant.
Having consumed two fruits, he no longer needed to mimic Ma Tiande's behavior. Any change could be attributed to the myriad consciousnesses within the fruits.
"Brother Ma, would you be interested in joining our Sword Domain? I, Situ Tiantian, guarantee you'll receive the highest level of cultivation resources. Just say the word, and you can return with us immediately, without even needing approval from the Governing Council. We'll handle the formalities later…" Situ Tiantian glanced at Scholar Zhu, hesitating briefly before continuing her invitation.
Ji Xingdao and Zhao Xing echoed her offer, promising various benefits.
"Though I've long admired the Sword Domain, my ambitions lie elsewhere," Li Fan declined before Scholar Zhu could react.
"Don't be so hasty. Consider it carefully…" Scholar Zhu smiled faintly.
"My lifelong dream is to become an [Immortal Hunter]! Previously, I lacked the strength to even consider it. But thanks to Master Scholar's generosity, having consumed two fruits, defying fate, anything is now possible!" Li Fan declared, his voice ringing with conviction.
The smile froze on Scholar Zhu's face.
The Sword Domain disciples were stunned.
"Immortal Hunter…"
These words carried immense weight within the Shuo Star Sea.
Immortal Hunters served directly under the Governing Council, recruited from all factions. Upon joining, they abandoned their past affiliations and identities.
Their sole focus became the hunt.
This sacrifice granted them unparalleled authority. They could freely travel between factions and, under special circumstances, even execute judgment. More importantly, they gained access to the Dao Net, their cultivation advancing rapidly through constant proximity.
A heavy silence fell upon the room.
Scholar Zhu stared at Li Fan, his expression unreadable.
Situ Tiantian forced a smile, breaking the awkward silence. "Immortal Hunters are chosen through rigorous selection. Though Brother Ma is exceptional, joining isn't easy."
Li Fan, undeterred, replied confidently, "I'm certain I'll be chosen! If I recall correctly, the next recruitment is in five years. I'll need Master Scholar's recommendation."
"I won't disappoint you!"
Seeing his resolve, the Sword Domain disciples stopped persuading him.
After exchanging pleasantries and consuming a few more bowls of red soup, they departed, promising to repay Scholar Zhu's hospitality.
Only Li Fan and Scholar Zhu remained.
The sounds of revelry from Supreme Bliss City drifted in. They remained silent, observing the night's festivities.
Sickening crunching sounds came from Scholar Zhu as he devoured the remaining five Fruits of Myriad Consciousness.
Unlike when Li Fan and the others consumed them, these fruits didn't melt instantly.
Instead, they emitted the desperate screams of countless dying beings.
The cries of the damned echoed through the air, momentarily drowning out the city's revelry.
Scholar Zhu chewed slowly, like a dying man, savoring the mournful wails.
Li Fan watched impassively.
After a while, seemingly bored, Scholar Zhu swallowed the fruits.
The screams ceased abruptly.
"Do you know why I built Supreme Bliss City?" he asked.
"Merely for torment?"
"These Fruits of Myriad Consciousness might be life-altering for you, but to me, they are tasteless."
"The despair and cruelty I've experienced far surpasses anything within this city."
Scholar Zhu cackled, transforming from a scholar back into a hunched old man.
"The Dao Net covers heaven and earth. All things exist within it. Though mortals are weak, their combined consciousness can resonate with certain Daos," Li Fan replied after some thought.
Scholar Zhu chuckled darkly.
"You're wrong."
"My primary purpose in creating Supreme Bliss City is to torment these ants when I'm bored."
Li Fan was taken aback.
"Of course, any unexpected benefits are welcome."
"But I don't force the issue."
Scholar Zhu's skeletal head emerged from his robes, gazing towards the city outside, a distant look in his eyes.
"The Immortal Realm of the past was far more blissful than this city. Flourishing and filled with limitless potential. But then, the heavens collapsed…" he muttered.
Li Fan remained silent.
"You want me to recommend you for the Immortal Hunters?" Scholar Zhu asked.
"I would be grateful, Master Scholar," Li Fan replied.
"Very well. But I have a condition." Scholar Zhu readily agreed.
"No problem," Li Fan answered instantly, without even hearing the condition.
Scholar Zhu burst into laughter, his form shifting once more.
The hunched old man within dissolved into a pool of blood, merging with his robes.
The robes writhed, transforming into a human skin!
It floated towards Li Fan. "One day, no matter the method, you will retrieve my body!" it shrieked.
The skin had no features, only five empty sockets staring at Li Fan.
After a moment of silence, he nodded.
"Alright."
As if its purpose was fulfilled, the skin lost its buoyancy, falling to the ground.
It writhed, crawling like a human, then returned to the main seat, transforming back into robes.
Scholar Zhu's aged voice echoed from within.
"There are several ways to free me, as far as I know."
"One, capture a Nameless True Immortal and exchange bodies."
"Two…"
Li Fan felt Scholar Zhu's gaze upon him.
"Tear apart the Dao Net. I'll naturally be freed."
"Three. Map the uncharted regions of the Great Dao and earn your redemption."
"…"
Scholar Zhu paused, then asked, "Which method do you intend to use?"
Li Fan considered, then replied softly, "Perhaps all three."
Scholar Zhu didn't respond.
After a long silence, he said, "Tell me what you need."
"Five years. Before the Immortal Hunter trials, I'll test your capabilities."
"If you disappoint me…"
"Hehe…" A chilling undercurrent ran through his words.
Li Fan remained impassive. "Master Scholar, you'll see."
…
After the ceremony, Li Fan returned to Ma Tiande's residence, carrying a gift from Scholar Zhu.
"This is…"
Li Fan examined the object with interest.
A piece of skin, remarkably similar to Scholar Zhu's "human skin" form. It still smelled of blood, as if freshly flayed. Familiar with human anatomy, Li Fan unfolded it, examining it closely.
It was indeed human skin.
But unlike Scholar Zhu's, it lacked consciousness.
After some experimentation, Li Fan couldn't activate any special properties. It seemed like ordinary skin.
But when Scholar Zhu gave it to him, Li Fan had seen a complex mix of emotions in his eyes: nostalgia, reluctance, and hatred.
Examining the skin again, he recalled Scholar Zhu revealing his true form.
After a moment's thought, he made a decision.
Taking a deep breath, he draped the skin over himself like a garment.
Though its size didn't match "Ma Tiande," it shrunk and molded itself perfectly to his body, as if it had been flayed from him.
Feeling the constricting force and the changes in his body and features, a premonition arose.
He was transforming into someone else.
A wave of fear washed over him, but sensing the miniature Dao Net within his divine sense, it quickly subsided.
His mind calm, he focused on the changes.
As the skin fully integrated with his body, Li Fan felt like a different person.
Images and memories flooded his mind.
Even…
Li Fan looked at his hands.
"This realm…"
"The True Immortal Realm?"
It wasn't just a feeling.
He extended a finger, a brilliant light, like the birth of a Star Sea, erupting from its tip.
Within the light, he saw the boundless potential of the world.
"Immortal spiritual energy."
"So this is what it feels like."
Having sensed it within the immortal artifact Dissociation Disc, he immediately recognized this unique, magnificent power now surging within him.
Li Fan stared at the point of light, his gaze fixated.
He felt himself drawn through it, into a boundless ocean containing all things, all beings, all life.
It was beyond comprehension, its strangeness almost overwhelming.
Even Li Fan, with his vast knowledge, was momentarily lost.
Fortunately, as the light at his fingertip faded, the infinite ocean vanished.
He returned to reality.
The boundless immortal spiritual energy was gone, like a burnt-out candle, no longer sustaining his vision.
"Hmm?"
Li Fan frowned.
He hadn't felt the energy dissipate from his body.
With a thought, the light reappeared at his fingertip.
This time, he didn't lose himself in the infinite ocean, simply observing the light.
(End of Chapter)