Li Fan was momentarily stunned, then overjoyed.
"If anyone else said that, I'd assume they were delusional from being locked up too long. But coming from you, Brother Nangong…"
"I'm completely reassured!"
Though he didn't say anything, the faint smile that appeared on Nangong Hongzhao's face betrayed his pleasure at the compliment.
Using this conversation as a starting point, their relationship deepened.
Li Fan discreetly gathered information about the Nangong Clan. Though not top secret, it wasn't something ordinary individuals would know.
For example, Nangong Fusheng's title, "Restoring Sage," referred to a true "Sage" within the Nangong Clan, Nangong Fusheng's predecessor, Nangong Fusheng. This individual was one of the architects of the Dao Net, credited with protecting countless lives. However, he had long since retreated from public life, leaving Nangong Fusheng to act on his behalf.
Another piece of information concerned a treasure within the Nangong Clan, said to be obtained during an Immortal Hunt – the clothing of a Nameless True Immortal. Beyond the value of its material, the clothing possessed a unique property. It was a manifestation of the Dao the Nameless True Immortal had merged with, forcibly removed after their capture. A cultivator who could wear this garment and survive would be immersed in the essence of the Dao, their comprehension surpassing even that within the Dao Net. The only drawback was that this enhanced comprehension was limited to the specific Dao the Nameless True Immortal embodied.
…
Nangong Hongzhao gradually realized that "Ma Tiande," a former Dao Net operator, possessed an even deeper understanding of the Dao Net than himself, often offering insightful advice.
Among the new Immortal Hunters, most came from prestigious backgrounds, each arrogant and unwilling to concede to others. Someone like Ma Tiande, ranked highly yet humble, was rare.
"He's worth befriending," Nangong Hongzhao thought.
Time passed as they exchanged knowledge.
As Nangong Hongzhao predicted, after ninety days in the black prison, they were released.
"Your every word and action within the black prison has been recorded."
"This is the final stage of your evaluation."
"The previous rankings have been adjusted."
"The official Immortal Hunter appointments will be based on the new list."
"Rest for now. Await further instructions."
The new Immortal Hunters received these instructions upon their release.
Some were overjoyed, relieved by their restraint during their confinement. Others were filled with regret.
Of course, true geniuses like Nangong Hongzhao, Dao Yuan, and Jin Changyue weren't fooled.
Jin Changyue snorted, her three swords humming ominously. She suppressed the surge of killing intent with some effort.
Nangong Hongzhao and Li Fan exchanged glances, then quietly departed together.
They arrived at Nangong Hongzhao's residence, a courtyard within the Immortal Hunter organization's space, which existed within the Dao Net, not the real world. This courtyard, also manifested by the Dao Net's power, expanded based on the owner's authority and could be freely reshaped according to their will.
Residing within allowed for constant comprehension of the Dao Net, far exceeding the efficiency of cultivation in the outside Star Sea.
Under Nangong Hongzhao's control, the courtyard transformed into a winding cave. They reached a large cavern, a lake of molten lava bubbling below.
"Congratulations, Brother. You've advanced to the top three. I'm sure you'll be given an important assignment," Nangong Hongzhao said jokingly, then jumped into the lava.
Submerged in the scorching molten rock, he groaned with pleasure.
"I didn't know you had such… unique tastes, Brother Nangong," Li Fan said, observing from above, not joining him.
Unlike the illusions within the Heavenly Profound Mirror's space, everything within these Dao Net residences was real, manifestations of the Dao, just like everything else.
Shuo Star Sea cultivators prioritized Dao Net comprehension, neglecting their physical cultivation. "Ma Tiande" clearly lacked the ability to survive in such intense heat.
"Heh, you don't understand. This is Great Sun Molten Lava. Theoretically, it takes ninety-nine extinguished suns from different cultivation worlds, refined with Grand Yin energy, to create a single drop."
"But now, with the Dao Net's power, we can bypass all those tedious steps and create it from nothing! A treasure once exclusive to True Immortals, now available to us mortals!"
Nangong Hongzhao scooped up a drop of the lava.
Li Fan saw the viscous, crimson liquid slowly seeping into his body through his pores.
His skin flushed red, as if burning.
But Nangong Hongzhao seemed unaffected, even taking a sip.
Li Fan narrowed his eyes. Even from afar, he could sense the lava's destructive power. This "bathwater" could likely incinerate the entire Xuanhuang World.
"Even my true body, without spiritual energy protection, would be instantly destroyed. But Nangong Hongzhao's physical body can withstand it…"
He recalled Nangong Fusheng's furious slap that sent Nangong Hongzhao flying.
When Nangong Fusheng arrived, the surrounding starry sky had become a raging sea. That slap, clearly not held back, would have severely injured even a True Immortal.
But Nangong Hongzhao remained unharmed, even managing to quickly return.
"Body refinement techniques," Li Fan mused.
Nangong Hongzhao's next words confirmed his suspicions. "Within the Shuo Star Sea, the Dao Net reigns supreme."
"This magnificent creation allows us mortals to wield the Great Dao, just like the immortals of the past. However, compared to them, we are still weak. Like children wielding sharp blades, we are more likely to injure ourselves than our enemies. And immortal cultivation methods are forbidden by the Governing Council. Therefore…"
He took a deep breath, the pores all over his body opening like gaping maws, absorbing the molten lava.
"Exhilarating!"
His face, now completely red, he groaned, exhaling a wave of heat. Without any spiritual energy fluctuations, he neutralized the lava's power through rapid vibrations alone.
His color slowly returned to normal. He jumped out of the lava, landing beside Li Fan. "Dao Yuan, Jin Changyue, and the others all possess unique body refinement techniques. Don't be fooled by their seemingly frail appearances!"
"This is the key difference between those from prestigious backgrounds and those like you, Brother Ma, born ordinary."
He clapped Li Fan on the shoulder, his words laced with meaning.
"Acting as an anchor, connecting to the Dao Net, strengthens the body, allowing it to withstand more of the Dao Net's power. Dao Yuan and the others, trained from childhood, have been tempered countless times. But you, Brother Ma…"
"Though you can utilize the Dao Net's power, finding the right materials and methods for body refinement, without injuring yourself, is a difficult journey. How can self-study compare to generations of inherited knowledge?"
Nangong Hongzhao's meaning was clear.
Li Fan bowed deeply. "Brother Nangong, please teach me. Whether I succeed or not, I will repay your kindness. I'm at your service!"
Nangong Hongzhao helped him up. "We are kindred spirits, Brother. There's no need for such formalities. However, I'm not being coy. These body refinement techniques, perfected through countless generations and tested with countless lives, are incredibly valuable."
Li Fan nodded. "I understand."
"We've spoken at length in the black prison, and I've come to understand you. You've passed the ideal age for body refinement. Even with increased effort, the results of ordinary methods would be limited. However, your advantage lies in your unparalleled understanding of the Dao Net. Therefore…"
Nangong Hongzhao studied him closely, then said softly, "The [Great Dao Embodiment Technique] is perfect for you!"
Before he could continue, Li Fan interrupted him, his expression serious. "I just realized, Brother Nangong, these body refinement techniques are so valuable. Wouldn't Senior Fusheng punish you for teaching me?"
"If so, I can't accept it."
Seeing Li Fan's sincerity, Nangong Hongzhao was momentarily speechless.
Then, he waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine. Though valuable, the technique's secrecy level isn't high. As long as I only teach you, Third Granduncle won't punish me."
"Listen carefully…"
The Dao Net residence's cavern sealed itself. Within, Nangong Hongzhao imparted the Great Dao Embodiment Technique.
With Li Fan's experience, he quickly grasped the technique's principles.
It clearly drew inspiration from immortal cultivation methods, visualizing the Great Dao as a net, pressing down on the body, using its immense weight for refinement.
This not only increased physical strength but also deepened one's understanding of the Dao.
As Nangong Hongzhao said, it was a profound and valuable technique.
However, it had a significant drawback: its difficulty.
Visualizing the Dao required an incredibly deep understanding, surpassing even most Immortals.
With such comprehension, one could directly merge with the Dao and ascend to the Nameless Realm.
Why bother refining the physical body? It seemed counterintuitive.
"Only a distorted place like the Shuo Star Sea, under the Dao Net's influence, could produce such a technique."
"First, using the tangible Dao Net in place of the formless Great Dao significantly lowered the entry barrier."
"Second, the Shuo Star Sea is a haven for survivors from the Immortal Realm and the lower Star Sea, a gathering place for True Immortals and even Nameless True Immortals. Only they could create such a technique…"
Countless thoughts swirled within Li Fan's mind, but he immediately began practicing.
Already within the Dao Net, he could bypass the visualization process.
Suddenly, an immense weight pressed down on him.
He collapsed to the ground, blood spurting from his pores.
It nearly splattered Nangong Hongzhao, who barely managed to avoid it, his face twitching.
Li Fan struggled to his feet, wiping away the blood, and said weakly, "Forgive my embarrassing display, Brother Nangong. I didn't expect it to be so difficult."
"Remember, Brother Ma, be patient and don't rush. Some suffering is inevitable."
"The hardships I endured as a child were a hundred times greater than this!"
"Though I've taught you the Great Dao Embodiment Technique, I can't share my personal insights or experiences."
"You must discover those yourself."
Li Fan bowed. "This technique is already a great gift. I wouldn't dare ask for more!"
"I won't disturb you further, Brother Nangong. I'll return and practice."
After exchanging farewells, Li Fan returned to his own courtyard.
Though his official position was higher than Nangong Hongzhao's, his courtyard was smaller.
Unconcerned, he reshaped it into the peak of Mount Jieli.
Sitting down, he began practicing the Great Dao Embodiment Technique.
His previous struggle before Nangong Hongzhao was an act, a convenient excuse to leave.
With his refined perception of the Dao, his cultivation speed would far surpass Nangong Hongzhao's expectations.
And he wasn't simply following the established method. He could now modify techniques based on his own unique circumstances.
"Great Dao Embodiment."
"And I already have a projection of the Great Dao within my mind."
"Therefore…"
"I don't need the true Great Dao. I can simply manifest the Dao Net strings within my mind, using their pressure for body refinement."
Li Fan narrowed his eyes, a faint glow emanating from the miniature Dao Net within his divine sense.
(End of Chapter)