Logically, given the power displayed by the green fragment, the aged Hill Watcher shouldn't have been able to approach it. His survival in the Infinite Sea was itself questionable.
Yet, perhaps chosen by the fragment itself, guided by some unknown destiny, the Hill Watcher reached it unharmed. The fragment radiated brilliant light, momentarily stilling the turbulent vortexes of the Infinite Sea. This allowed the Hill Watcher to traverse the obstacles and touch the fragment.
Though the vortexes resumed their swirling, even fiercer than before, they no longer threatened the Hill Watcher, now imbued with a vibrant life force. The passage of time, the birth and death of worlds, had no effect on him, now holding the key to longevity.
This was true, genuine longevity! With this, one could traverse existence, free from all tribulation.
His white hair turned black, his aged body renewed. Rejuvenated, the Hill Watcher walked effortlessly from the depths of the Infinite Sea. In his wake, a path of solid green light formed, traversing existence itself. Even the most violent storms couldn't disturb this path of longevity.
When the Hill Watcher returned to the shore, the endless green light of the path dispersed, scattering across the heavens. Much of it was swallowed by the waves, entering the infinite possibilities nurtured within the Infinite Sea. The Hill Watcher paid no mind.
Back on the familiar shore he had guarded for most of his life, he sat cross-legged as always, watching the sea from his hill.
…
As Li Fan immersed himself in these images of the past, the Dao Bearer's voice reached his ears.
"Master is the true owner of Longevity, but he didn't hoard it, sharing it with me because of its infinite nature."
"Just like the boundlessness of existence, those who attain longevity gain an endless lifespan. Even if shared with all beings in the world, each would still receive infinity."
"The method of ascension connects to existence, while this profound technique of longevity connects to longevity itself!"
"It says: Existence bears all things, solitary stars are born. Heaven and earth provide the beginning, longevity flourishes. Worlds like chess pieces, myriad spirits divine. Once awakened, the Dao is attained. What is wished for, becomes real…"
Li Fan held his breath, focusing with unprecedented intensity, memorizing every word the Dao Bearer spoke, savoring their meaning. On the surface, it wasn't a typical description of a divine ability, but a poem, sung by the Hill Watcher as he watched the sea.
The ancient, weathered voice echoed across existence, piercing through time, reaching Li Fan's ears. Through the Hill Watcher's eyes, he saw the eons unfold within the boundless expanse. The passage of time in the vision felt real, its erosive power almost tangible. But the Hill Watcher's song of longevity protected him, shielding him from the ravages of time.
Motion and stillness, destruction and creation, annihilation and eternity… These contrasts gave Li Fan a glimpse into the nature of longevity.
"The boundlessness of the sea. The power of the mountains."
"And True Return, longevity."
"It seems each of these existences-level fortunes represents a unique supreme power. The Upper Mountain creates True Immortals, while the Infinite Sea empowers them with infinity."
"My True Return…"
"In an instant, it can overturn existence, returning to the past. When the real is made fake, the fake becomes real. Everything can be an illusion, or a thought made real."
Li Fan recalled his experiences with True Return. Each time he grasped the interplay of truth and illusion, it was like the Two Sages of Mountain and Sea creating the Immortal Realm.
"The principle is the same: creating something from nothing, forging a path. It's just that cultivation, longevity, and True Return… these three paths lead to different destinations."
Combining his experiences, Li Fan pondered the Hill Watcher's poem of longevity. He was delighted to discover that, as he suspected, the principles behind the three paths shared many similarities. He had already traveled far on two of these paths. Now, stepping onto the third, he found himself on familiar ground.
Then, under the Dao Bearer's astonished gaze, a pillar of green light erupted from Li Fan, radiating a life force billions of times stronger than the century of accumulated life within the Wall. In mere moments, it reversed life and death, illuminating the lifeless Dark Star Sea, previously only touched by the life force of the Xuanhuang World and the Primordial Immortal Realm.
Any being touched by this green light saw their lifespan increase tenfold. Those fortunate enough to absorb the scattered fragments of the green pillar became what mortals called "long-lived races," their lifespans matching heaven and earth, enduring through all tribulations.
As for Li Fan…
Outwardly calm, he stared at the True Return panel, his mind in turmoil. The countdown of his lifespan was gone, replaced by a strange green symbol.
It resembled a fragment of something larger, yet possessed a completeness of its own. Though seemingly simple, Li Fan couldn't fully comprehend it. The mere thought of trying to decipher it made him dizzy, as if he had been drinking for days, his mind and soul in disarray.
He forced himself to abandon the attempt.
However, this discomfort wasn't the most surprising thing. What truly captivated him was the symbol's instability, its constant shifting. The green symbol of longevity wasn't permanently displayed on the True Return panel. It flickered, alternating with his original lifespan number.
Both were real.
Yet neither was truly real.
"Could it be because the true owner of Longevity isn't me, but the Hill Watcher? I only touched the threshold of longevity by following the path he left behind. If he chooses to close this path, I will lose my longevity."
"Just like the Primordial Bone, which temporarily returned to the anchor point with me. Though it experienced the interplay of truth and illusion, it was based on my control. In the next life, it was refined into a Heavenly Pillar, never truly obtaining the power of True Return…"
"The Hill Watcher can freely share Longevity, while I cannot impart the power of True Return to anyone. This suggests he has fully mastered the Dao of Longevity, while I haven't truly mastered True Return."
…
Countless thoughts flooded Li Fan's mind, completely consuming him, leaving no time to savor the true essence of longevity.
Then, a sense of danger washed over him. The feeling of being watched, like when he was observed by the Scripture Tomb Great Sage, returned. Weaker this time, but the instinctive sense of danger was even more profound.
He knew that by touching the Dao of Longevity through the Hill Watcher's technique, he had alerted the Dao's true owner, even the protection of "Illusion Becomes Real" couldn't mask it.
But perhaps because the Hill Watcher wasn't within existence, though he sensed the intrusion, he didn't immediately intervene. However, Li Fan had a premonition. Once the Hill Watcher returned, the first thing he would do was seek out Li Fan, to investigate this newcomer who had suddenly attained longevity.
"It seems I can't stay in this life much longer," Li Fan sighed. He had anticipated this when he began comprehending the poem of longevity. His actions would inevitably alert the Hill Watcher. But he had done it anyway. Longevity was within reach. How many could resist such temptation? Moreover, with True Return as his safety net, he could experience it and then escape.
Knowing the Hill Watcher could return at any moment, Li Fan felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. Yet, he didn't leave immediately. Instead, he seized the remaining time, continuing to savor the Dao of Longevity within him.
"Actually, it's nothing special."
"It's just 'longevity.' But in its simplicity lies its profoundness. Just as True Return, in its interplay of truth and illusion, transcends all limitations of the mortal realm, these two simple words, 'longevity,' can also transcend all tribulations."
"Though I don't possess the complete power of longevity, I am confident I can endure the Dao Obliteration Calamity. And even more so the owner of Longevity, the Hill Watcher."
In a sense, having attained longevity, Li Fan now met the requirements to become a Transcendent. But it was a gift, not something earned through his own cultivation. If the Hill Watcher withdrew his gift, or closed the path, preventing others from sharing it, Li Fan would instantly revert.
Even knowing this was temporary, he was reluctant to let go. Just as the elderly fear death most, only those who truly possess something fear losing it. He held onto this precious gift, unwilling to relinquish it.
Li Fan eagerly seized every moment, comprehending the Dao of Longevity. While he appeared calm, the Dao Bearer, who had imparted the technique, was not. As if drained of his spirit, he stared at Li Fan, seemingly on the verge of speaking, then falling silent, utterly distraught. Even the nourishment of longevity couldn't dispel the sudden aging that emanated from within him.
Finally, he couldn't contain himself any longer. "Junior Brother… did you… comprehend it?"
Li Fan nodded slightly. "Thanks to your guidance, Senior Brother, I have indeed gained some understanding."
The Dao Bearer's last shred of hope shattered. Even with his unwavering faith, he was stunned, unable to comprehend, filled with self-reproach. "I have walked this path for countless years, yet only glimpsed the shadow of true longevity."
"Seeing your recent restlessness, I assumed it was because you couldn't see the hope of transcendence and were troubled by the limitations of your lifespan. That's why I imparted this technique."
"But I never imagined…" He let out a series of bitter laughs. "You, a newcomer to this path, not only surpassed me in an instant, but have already reached the end?" He looked towards the heavens with a bewildered expression. "Master, is this your favoritism, or my own incompetence?"
Though they were playing the roles of brothers in this life, the Dao Bearer's actions had left a positive impression on Li Fan. Seeing his distress, while still comprehending the Dao of Longevity, Li Fan offered words of comfort.
"Don't be discouraged, Senior Brother. In my opinion, traversing this path too quickly isn't necessarily a good thing."
"For some reason, I am exceptionally compatible with this path. It wasn't a step-by-step journey, but a direct leap from beginning to end. Fast, but it left no mark of my own. If Master were to sever the path, I would instantly fall from grace, losing all traces of this longevity."
"But you are different, Senior Brother."
"Firstly, you cultivate the Dao of 'Bearing the Dao,' following in Master's footsteps, which aligns perfectly with this path. Secondly, you have walked this path yourself, slowly, over countless years, leaving your footprints. Even if Master severs the path one day, your footprints will allow you to retain some of its power. Perhaps not eternal like existence, but comparable to Transcendence wouldn't be difficult."
…
Li Fan's gentle words of counsel made it seem as if their roles were reversed. He was the experienced senior brother, while the Dao Bearer was the newcomer.
The Dao Bearer pondered for a long time before realizing the truth in Li Fan's words. He felt much better, though his dejection lingered. He couldn't help but say self-deprecatingly, "It seems you are the true disciple of the Hill Watcher, Junior Brother, while I am merely a fortunate stone by the sea."
Li Fan smiled wryly, offering no reply. Despite his envy, the Dao Bearer felt no jealousy.
After a few days, having regained his composure, their interactions returned to normal. Only now, it was often Li Fan offering guidance, and the Dao Bearer listening. The Dao Bearer felt no shame or displeasure. With Li Fan, someone who had already reached the end, as his mentor, his comprehension of longevity also progressed rapidly. And his foundation was far deeper than Li Fan's.
Li Fan wasn't fooled by his sudden enlightenment. He knew his rapid progress was undoubtedly related to True Return.
"Either it's giving True Return face," he mused, "or it sensed my connection to True Return and deliberately allowed this, leaving a mark."
"Whatever the reason, my current situation is extremely dangerous."
Li Fan also looked towards the heavens.
(End of Chapter)