Li Fan narrowed his eyes, recalling Scholar Zhu's techniques within the illusionary realm.
The miniature Dao Net within his divine sense flickered, searching for the corresponding Dao law. Since Scholar Zhu had merged with the Dao Net, his Dao comprehension was now part of its foundation.
Li Fan's replica naturally contained a reflection of it.
The moment it resonated, a string within the miniature Dao Net glowed with a profound light.
Li Fan's mind brushed against it. "This is… the character [Grind]!"
The image of a square millstone, relentlessly pounding and crushing its target, flashed through his mind. Fueled by the energy flowing from the resonating string within his miniature Dao Net, his understanding of this Dao surged.
But after a few moments, he stopped.
"Though Scholar Zhu is embedded within the Dao Net, he's still alive. This Dao of Grinding still has a master."
"Further study would alert him."
Though countless Daos existed, Li Fan only needed to focus on the Transformations of Truth and Falsehood, using other Dao principles as mere tools for his ascent.
His deliberate display of the Transformations of Truth and Falsehood before Scholar Zhu wasn't a mere demonstration of power but a calculated test.
"It seems the Transformations of Truth and Falsehood are truly profound and mysterious. Though coveted in the past, not everyone in the Immortal Realm knew of their existence. Even Scholar Zhu, a former Nameless True Immortal, couldn't recognize them, only marveling at their power."
While this test carried some risk, Scholar Zhu was a prisoner of the Dao Net, and Li Fan's true body, hidden within the Dark Star Sea and shielded by Blissful Ignorance's dream world, could easily use True Return if necessary.
In fact, even with Black Healer's intrusion, Li Fan had successfully activated True Return. Within this [Primordial Possibility], few could truly threaten him.
Seven days passed quickly.
Scholar Zhu, true to his word, recommended "Ma Tiande" to the Governing Council.
Since Ma Tiande was originally sent to Supreme Bliss City by the Council to control and monitor the Dao Net, they simply assumed Scholar Zhu wanted him reassigned due to their strained relationship.
After verifying Ma Tiande's identity through the Dao Net and confirming his willingness to transfer, the Governing Council approved the recommendation.
The Immortal Hunter selection process lasted only half a day.
As it began, the ethereal Dao Net materialized, a shimmering net enveloping the entire Shuo Star Sea, encompassing every faction.
This magnificent spectacle inspired awe and reverence in all who witnessed it.
Mortals prostrated themselves, while even cultivators bowed their heads in submission.
As the Dao Net manifested, Li Fan remained inconspicuous, observing silently.
Due to the miniature Dao Net within his divine sense, his perspective differed from the others.
Four figures, radiating a sacred, imposing aura, stood like pillars behind the Dao Net. Other shadowy figures also flickered within its depths.
But the invisible hand that held the Dao Net was nowhere to be seen.
Each glimpse of these Nameless True Immortal pillars sent shivers down Li Fan's spine. But the projection within his divine sense, benefiting from the close observation, grew clearer.
He continued his scrutiny.
A beam of light traversed the Dao Net, illuminating all participants in the Immortal Hunter selection.
Their bodies lifted involuntarily.
Li Fan was among them.
Observing the nearly thousand cultivators rising alongside him, he remained calm, studying the Dao Net's operation in reality.
"To simultaneously target and lift a thousand individuals across the entire Shuo Star Sea… in terms of both range and precision, this is comparable to a True Immortal."
Li Fan sensed that these cultivators weren't simply being lifted but transported to a space parallel to the Shuo Star Sea.
The beings below could see them in the sky, while they gradually lost sight of the world below, entering an isolated realm.
"This must be a public demonstration of the selection process, ensuring fairness and transparency."
The surroundings darkened, as if they were within a vast void. The thousand cultivators floated, awaiting the trials.
A booming voice echoed through the space.
"The first trial: Dao."
The Dao Net descended upon them, pressing down relentlessly.
This once distant entity was now within reach.
Before the majestic Dao Net, the thousand cultivators were like ants trapped in a web.
A third of them trembled uncontrollably under the Dao's oppressive weight, instantly eliminated and transported out of the trial space.
The remaining cultivators focused their minds, bracing themselves.
As the Dao Net pressed closer, threatening to crush them, not everyone could maintain their composure. Even the most meticulous preparations couldn't fully replicate the real thing. Those who faltered, even slightly, were eliminated.
The Dao Net enveloped them, grinding against their bodies and souls, absorbing them.
When Li Fan could see again, he was within a maze-like structure.
The Dao Net's true form was hidden.
A strange humming sound came from nearby.
He turned to see the silver walls of the maze dissolving, the disintegration rapidly approaching.
"Dao Obliteration Calamity?"
The words instinctively surfaced in his mind.
Of course, it wasn't the true calamity but a simulated trial based on its essence.
"So, I need to escape this Dao Net maze."
He tried to move, but his feet were inexplicably stuck to the ground.
Looking down, he saw that they were fused to the maze's floor.
The path ahead, though seemingly smooth, was uneven and treacherous.
After a moment's observation, Li Fan understood the trial's purpose.
Extending his senses like tendrils through his feet, he identified the gaps in the Dao Net ahead.
"I need to use Dao Net commands to fill these gaps."
Instead of acting directly, he used the same method as in Scholar Zhu's trial, utilizing his miniature Dao Net projection.
A faint light emanated from his body, flowing through his feet into the ground, filling the gaps.
The path ahead smoothed, and he took a step forward.
"An interesting test."
His miniature Dao Net resonated with the gaps in the path, allowing him to advance smoothly.
Li Fan walked at a steady pace, his mind unburdened, observing his surroundings. He maintained a position slightly behind the leading group, neither too fast nor too slow, inconspicuous yet still among the first.
The dissolving Dao Net continued to encroach from behind.
Around four hundred more were eliminated in this stage.
When only three hundred remained, the first trial ended.
The Dao Net maze vanished. The booming voice returned.
"The second trial: Martial Prowess."
As the words echoed, a powerful aura descended.
Li Fan's eyes narrowed.
"A True Immortal?"
Facing the three hundred cultivators stood a tall figure in golden armor, bound by chains, the armor itself damaged and scarred.
Their long, unkempt hair obscured their face.
But Li Fan saw the cruel smile that briefly appeared.
"Rain!" a raspy voice, filled with killing intent, commanded.
Raindrops began to fall, first a light drizzle, then a torrential downpour.
Each drop was as heavy as a mountain.
Many cultivators screamed as the rain pounded them, their bodies mangled.
Those nearing death were transported out of the trial space.
A few unlucky ones died before they could be rescued.
"They're not holding back."
Li Fan watched impassively as a nearby cultivator perished. He wasn't worried. He had numerous ways to withstand this immortal rain.
"But this is an Immortal Hunter trial. I should utilize the Dao Net's power."
The moment the True Immortal appeared, Li Fan sensed he was closer to the Dao Net, as if it were facilitating their access to its power.
"Rain…"
"Umbrella!"
With a thought, an umbrella appeared in his hand, shielding him from the downpour.
But the trial wasn't that simple.
Li Fan looked around, seeing numerous Shuo Star Sea cultivators adapting quickly.
Some, like him, used umbrellas or shields. Others diverted the rain or even absorbed it.
Once they stabilized themselves, they turned on the chained True Immortal in golden armor, unleashing a barrage of techniques and spells.
Most impressive were a gust of wind and three swords.
The wind howled, pushing the rain back towards the True Immortal, turning his own attack against him.
The three swords belonged to a single cultivator, a woman in purple robes, her eyes closed as if she were blind. Yet, despite the blinding rain, she locked onto the True Immortal, the three swords behind her wielded by a severed arm, a skull, and a swirling vortex.
Sword light flashed, slicing through the wind and rain, relentlessly attacking the True Immortal.
…
Energy surged like a tidal wave within the storm.
Li Fan remained hidden, observing silently, recording the fluctuations of the various techniques and spells with his miniature Dao Net.
This was undoubtedly a real Immortal, though restrained by the Governing Council, unable to unleash their full power.
The cultivators' attacks bombarded the golden armor, causing only minor tremors, not even scratching its surface.
The True Immortal in golden armor laughed at the ants' futile attempts.
"Rain! Rain! Rain!"
The downpour intensified.
The chains binding the True Immortal rattled, straining against his power.
The rain's true power manifested, not only crushing with its weight, but also eroding their souls and even the surrounding Dao.
As the cultivators faltered under the True Immortal's counterattack, Li Fan finally acted.
"Remove his armor!"
Hidden behind the others, he pointed a finger at the arrogant True Immortal.
Though soft, his voice pierced through the storm, reaching everyone's ears.
The rain momentarily paused.
A mysterious power descended. The golden armor on the True Immortal trembled.
"No!"
The True Immortal's arrogant sneer vanished, replaced by terror. He screamed, trying to prevent his armor from falling.
But the Dao Net's power was relentless, stripping him bare.
Within moments, the once proud Immortal stood naked before them, his shame barely concealed by his tangled hair.
The cultivators, realizing what had happened, renewed their attack.
The True Immortal roared, his body battered by their assaults, his bloodshot eyes fixated on Li Fan!
(End of chapter)