"In fact, mere mortals can't harm me on their own. They merely borrow power."
"But to borrow the power of Great Saint Jingfen is a significant achievement." As he spoke the name [Great Saint Jingfen], Dao Bearer's expression turned solemn, just as when he mentioned Keeper Qiu.
Li Fan's heart pounded, and a sense of unease washed over him.
He instinctively activated [Illusion Becomes Reality].
Almost immediately, he felt a gaze sweep over him from Dao Bearer. It lingered for a moment before vanishing.
Dao Bearer seemed unperturbed and continued speaking, completely unaware of the turmoil in Li Fan's seemingly calm heart.
"Great Saint… Saint Monarch."
"The Fourth Saint Monarch of the Immortal Realm, who can sense any mention of his name?"
"That old man almost got me killed!"
The Saint Monarchs stood at the apex of the Immortal Realm, possessing the power to influence even the Mountain and Sea. Even with the True Return's protection, Li Fan wasn't entirely confident in escaping unscathed from such a powerful being.
How could he not be terrified?
Fortunately, years of simulated reincarnations had honed his intuition. He had instinctively activated [Illusion Becomes Reality], narrowly avoiding disaster.
This time, he hadn't transformed into something specific but had instead masked his unique aura, becoming an ordinary Immortal. If not for his recent practice during Dao comprehension, his reaction wouldn't have been so swift.
"Although [Illusion Becomes Reality] can't be permanently active, maintaining the disguise of an ordinary True Immortal consumes minimal energy, allowing it to last almost indefinitely. However, changing its form requires another twenty-four hours."
"I'll have to be constantly vigilant when interacting with this old man," Li Fan thought, calming himself and pushing aside thoughts of Great Saint Jingfen.
He listened as Dao Bearer continued, "After leaving that Testing Grounds space, I naturally intended to follow Master's Dao and use projections to bear the brunt of the Dao Obliteration Calamity. However, the surrounding star regions were desolate. I didn't know where to find True Immortals. It was then that the Lord of Sacred Merchant approached me with a solution…"
"The Lord of Sacred Merchant?" Li Fan's interest was piqued.
"That mortal did possess some skill. He could track the subtle connection between True Immortals and the Mountain and Sea, pinpointing their locations within the vast, desolate star regions. I could also do this, but it would take considerably longer. Having someone else handle it was preferable."
"I was fortunate. The first Unnamed One I encountered, [Grind], was reasonable and willing to follow Master's will, leaving behind a projection for Dao Bearer."
"But as I mentioned, the Dao Obliteration Calamity arrived faster than anticipated. We simply ran out of time," Dao Bearer said with a hint of regret.
"If we had waited for Grind to master Master's technique and create a projection, this star region would have been consumed by the Dao Obliteration Calamity. My first endeavor after leaving the mountain couldn't end in failure. Given the urgency, I had to become the substitute myself." Now more familiar with Li Fan, Dao Bearer's account had slightly changed.
However, it largely aligned with Li Fan's assessment of him.
Dao Bearer, originally a spirit stone, was inherently indifferent. But having been enlightened by Keeper Qiu, he was bound by certain rules.
"It was relatively effective. I managed to withstand the approaching Dao Obliteration Calamity. Grind did complain, but seeing me imprisoned within the Dao Net himself, he couldn't say much. As compensation, I created Supreme Bliss City for him. Having an avatar to enjoy the world and vent frustrations was a unique privilege among the Immortals trapped in the Dao Net," Dao Bearer said dismissively.
He considered it a great honor to embody the Dao and uphold Keeper Qiu's ideals against the Dao Obliteration Calamity.
"But not all True Immortals are as reasonable as Grind. Most were uncooperative. Out of respect for our shared lineage, I couldn't act directly against them. So, I had to rely on the mortals of these star regions."
"I had saved them from the Dao Obliteration Calamity, so they were grateful and obedient. Thus, the Governing Council and the Immortal Hunters were formed. There were also some survivors from within the Great Wall…" Dao Bearer spoke dismissively.
Li Fan understood his perspective. To him, these mortals were insignificant. Even after Li Fan nearly destroyed the Dao Net and killed countless Immortal Hunters, a few pleasantries and respectful addresses of "Senior Brother" were enough for Dao Bearer to forgive him.
Simply put, fellow disciples who shared Keeper Qiu's lineage held far greater importance to Dao Bearer than insignificant mortals.
"Even with mortals doing the work, with you at the helm, Senior Brother, capturing True Immortals should have been easy. Why did I hear that the Immortal Hunters repeatedly suffered setbacks, even being pushed back at times?"
Dao Bearer narrowed his eyes.
Li Fan sensed a cold killing intent and a subtle hint of greed.
After a long pause, Dao Bearer admitted, "If they were all like Chaos and Transformation, there wouldn't have been any problems. The real issue was [Inversion]…"
"Inversion?"
Li Fan recalled the Unnamed True Immortal from the opposing faction, rumored to have created the Upstream Ark. He asked in astonishment, "Does a method to reverse time truly exist?"
Dao Bearer's voice was grave. "While there's no definitive proof, it seems likely. To consistently turn the tide of battle, transforming defeat into victory... such coincidences are improbable."
"I tried everything, but I couldn't counter it. Later, Inversion vanished, and those True Immortals finally became more manageable."
…
Li Fan fell into deep thought.
The Upstream Ark, two of the three world-escaping methods.
If the power of time reversal clashes with the [True Return], what would happen?
Thinking this, he asked, "Inversion vanished… could he have used the Upstream Ark to travel to the past?"
"Perhaps. It's a pity I couldn't capture him. If I could return to when I was still a spirit stone by Master's side and suddenly awaken, Master would be so pleased." Such words, coming from a gaunt old man, sounded rather odd.
But it highlighted Keeper Qiu's profound influence on Dao Bearer.
Li Fan was speechless, and they fell into silence.
Having confirmed the existence of a method to reverse time, Li Fan couldn't shake the thought. He attempted to extract more information from Dao Bearer.
"I believe such a heaven-defying technique is unlikely. Master is an extraordinary being. Even he seemed unable to reverse time. It's hard to believe Inversion would be more powerful than Master," Li Fan said after a while.
"I also had doubts and asked Master about it," Dao Bearer suddenly said.
"Oh? What did Master say?" Li Fan's heart skipped a beat, not only because of the time reversal aspect but also because he realized Dao Bearer could communicate with Keeper Qiu.
"Irrelevant to the endgame."
"I still haven't fully grasped the meaning of those words," Dao Bearer sighed regretfully.
Irrelevant to the endgame.
Li Fan repeated the words silently.
Clearly, the "endgame" Keeper Qiu referred to was the inevitable destruction of the mortal world by the Dao Obliteration Calamity.
"Does that mean even the power of time reversal can't prevent this disaster?"
Li Fan was skeptical and puzzled.
But Keeper Qiu's thoughts were beyond his current comprehension.
The perspective from beyond the mortal world, from between the Mountain and the Sea, was likely vastly different.
Since Keeper Qiu said so, there must be a reason.
Li Fan tried to convince himself of this.
"Master's words are truly profound. Don't worry, Senior Brother. I don't understand them either."
Hearing this, Dao Bearer seemed pleased.
Li Fan continued to inquire, "So, Senior Brother, you can frequently communicate with Master? Next time you have the opportunity, please don't forget to include me!"
"Although I possess Master's [Keeper Qiu's Musings], I've never had the chance to hear his words or meet him in person…" Li Fan said enviously.
Dao Bearer seemed both proud and regretful. "It's not as easy as you think. Master has transcended; his movements are unpredictable. And since the mark exists between the Mountain and the Sea, it's not uncommon for a message to go unanswered for centuries. Although I've long awakened, I've only spoken to Master a few times."
"That's truly a pity!" Li Fan sighed, inwardly relieved.
"But rest assured, Junior Brother. If I receive news from Master next time, I'll definitely let you know!" Dao Bearer promised generously.
"Thank you, Senior Brother!" Li Fan beamed.
…
The two "senior brothers" got along splendidly.
Although Dao Bearer possessed immense power, having been enlightened by Keeper Qiu, he adhered to certain rules.
By playing to his sensibilities, Li Fan could easily manipulate him.
Gradually, Dao Bearer came to view Li Fan as the most trustworthy person besides Keeper Qiu.
Li Fan benefited immensely from their interactions.
His most significant gain was access to the complete Dao projections within Dao Bearer's memory.
Although they weren't the true Daos themselves and didn't directly enhance Li Fan's Myriad Manifestations Dao Net, they were like unlocking a comprehensive guide to all Dao Paths, allowing him to precisely target his future pursuits.
Thanks to their amicable relationship, Dao Bearer freely shared these Dao projections with Li Fan.
However, the complete Dao projections of the [Primordial] possibilities were far more complex than the Daos Li Fan had glimpsed before and couldn't be understood overnight.
Therefore, Li Fan remained by Dao Bearer's side almost constantly.
Meanwhile, his avatar, Li Buren, was busy repairing the Dao Net.
With the assistance of Chaos, Transformation, the other True Immortals, and the numerous beings from the Primordial Immortal Realm, the Dao Net was quickly restored.
With the leaders of the two most powerful factions in the Shuo Star Sea region engaging in daily discussions, the star region enjoyed a rare period of peace and tranquility.
Until thirty-three years later, when Transformation suddenly appeared before Li Fan.
"A message from the Guang Wu Star Sea?" Li Fan was surprised.
He hadn't expected the Guang Wu Star Sea to contact him after witnessing him effortlessly subdue the Dao Sword and Dao Knife.
"What did they say?" Li Fan asked, intrigued.
Transformation's expression was complex. He glanced at Dao Bearer, who was meditating beside Li Fan.
"Senior Brother and I are closer than real brothers. We have no secrets. Speak freely," Li Fan reassured him.
Transformation honestly recounted, "Kuixing first inquired about my well-being. I didn't reveal anything, simply claiming to have barely escaped."
"Then, to my surprise, he proposed we continue our cooperation."
"I refused, but he was insistent, seemingly…"
Transformation glanced at Li Fan and lowered his voice. "Seemingly determined to capture Senior."
Before Li Fan could react, Dao Bearer sneered.
"Agree for now and lure him here."
"I'd like to see what this Kuixing is capable of."
Li Fan pondered, sensing something amiss.
There was always a motive.
Having effortlessly neutralized and subdued the Dao Sword and Dao Knife, Li Fan had displayed power far surpassing ordinary Unnamed True Immortals.
Yet, the Guang Wu Star Sea, represented by Kuixing, still insisted on capturing him. There was no significant conflict between them.
"So, he suspects something about how I subdued the Dao Sword and Dao Knife?"
Anything involving the [True Return] demanded his full attention.
Judging by Kuixing's casual deployment of treasures like the Dao Sword and Dao Knife, the Guang Wu Star Sea was a formidable force, possibly harboring Transcendent experts capable of traversing possibilities.
After all, the Dao Sword and Dao Knife originated from another possibility.
"Interesting."
Although Li Fan could ignore Kuixing, he didn't enjoy being a target.
Moreover, he had a powerful "Senior Brother" to act as his shield.
"Let Dao Bearer test the Guang Wu Star Sea's mettle," Li Fan thought, a cold glint in his eyes.
"Do as my Senior Brother says," he instructed.
Dao Bearer was pleased with Li Fan's decisive response.
"Don't worry, Junior Brother. I'll say it again."
"As long as I'm here, no one will harm you," Dao Bearer assured him.
Li Fan expressed his gratitude while instructing his avatar, Li Buren, to prepare.
Within the Primordial Immortal Realm, the influx from the Infinite Sea had reached equilibrium.
The continent within the Great Wall was now virtually identical to the Immortal Realm in Li Fan's memories.
(End of Chapter)