Li Fan squinted slightly, gazing into the distance with a look of infinite nostalgia.
"Back then, although our ancestor joined the Taiyan Sect, he was not fond of cultivation. Instead, he was obsessed with the arts of deduction and calculation. Originally, this was not an issue, but who would have thought that the world would undergo a great change, forcing all mortals to migrate.
With the ancestor's early stage of qi refining cultivation, no one would have forced him if he was unwilling. However, he was still tied to the mortal world and, seeing the panic and fear in his family, volunteered to take charge of the mortal migration. After that, he stayed here with the family."
Li Fan spoke eloquently, filled with emotion. Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi listened, nodding slowly as they sensed the hidden truths in his words, aligning with various ancient legends they had heard before.
Kou Hong was particularly curious, "The Taiyan Sect still existed during the Great Migration Era? I had heard that all ancient sects were destroyed in the previous great calamity."
Li Fan was momentarily taken aback, then shook his head, "It's just rumors. Although the great calamity made it impossible to cultivate immortal arts together, the Taiyan Sect's techniques were as vast as a sea of stars. How could it be difficult for one person to obtain a single technique? The sect did suffer losses back then, but it was never on the brink of destruction."
Li Fan's words were bold, especially the phrase "techniques as vast as a sea of stars, one person obtaining a single technique," which left Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi dazzled.
Then, Li Fan suddenly asked, "From your words, it seems the Taiyan Sect hasn't appeared in the world for a long time?"
Dao Xuanzi shook his head, "Not just the Taiyan Sect, but also the Supreme Sect, Great Dao Sect, and Heavenly Sword Sect—all these ancient sects have vanished without a trace."
Hearing this, Li Fan muttered to himself, "The path of immortality is difficult. It seems, as the ancestor said, the sect chose to hide from disaster..."
Dao Xuanzi and Kou Hong exchanged a glance, privately communicating, "I had always doubted the destruction of ancient sects. Now that I think about it, it does seem suspicious. How could sects with such deep foundations disappear overnight?"
"It's no wonder they chose to hide. If news of their existence got out, no matter how strong they are, people would come knocking every now and then."
...
In an instant, the two exchanged several sentences. Then Dao Xuanzi cupped his hands, "May I ask why you stopped us?"
Li Fan sighed, "For hundreds of years, no immortal cultivator has set foot here. Seeing you today, I knew you were the ones foretold by my ancestor on his deathbed, the key to freeing my clan. Seeing you about to fight to the death over a golden core technique, I hurried to intervene."
Dao Xuanzi replied frankly, "Forgive us for the spectacle. But you may not know, techniques are rare in the outside world. It's normal to turn against each other for a single scroll."
Li Fan shook his head repeatedly, "Is it really necessary?"
Dao Xuanzi probed, "From your tone, it seems..."
"Indeed, my ancestor left behind a technique on his deathbed, directly pointing to the Golden Core stage," Li Fan said proudly.
Dao Xuanzi took a deep breath, "What do you seek in return?"
Kou Hong was overjoyed, "That's great. If Dao Xuanzi can obtain this technique, we brothers need not fight anymore."
"My ancestor's lifelong wish was to return to the Taiyan Sect in the Immortal Cultivation World. Before he died, besides this technique, he also left behind an artifact called the Taiyan Boat. Although it's damaged, the ancestor used the Taiyan Art to calculate that, years later, two immortal cultivators would come here—one skilled in swordsmanship, the other fond of refining artifacts. They could help descendants repair the Taiyan Boat and escape this desolate place." Li Fan took a sip of wine and spoke slowly.
Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi both changed their expressions.
"My brother Kou Hong is passionate about artifact refining, and my strength lies in swordsmanship. This Taiyan Art is truly incredible?" Dao Xuanzi was utterly shocked, taking a long time to recover.
"To have such unfathomable power at the qi refining stage is unimaginable..." Kou Hong was also stunned.
Li Fan smiled and, after a moment, said, "Words alone are not enough. Please follow me to see this technique."
Dao Xuanzi was delighted and got up to follow. Seeing Kou Hong also wanting to come along, he immediately became wary, "What, brother, you've already obtained a golden core technique and are still not satisfied?"
Kou Hong replied sheepishly, "Alright, I won't go."
Dao Xuanzi snorted coldly and caught up with Li Fan.
Seeing Kou Hong not following as expected, Li Fan finally breathed a sigh of relief, knowing his plan was halfway to success.
He led Dao Xuanzi to open a mechanism, arriving at the underground chamber of the Grand Tutor's residence.
Just as Dao Xuanzi was about to enter the chamber, he suddenly felt a chill and stopped.
Carefully scanning the surroundings with his divine sense, he exclaimed in shock, "Immortal miasma!"
It turned out that the mechanisms all around the chamber were filled with immortal miasma. The dense aura made Dao Xuanzi's heart tremble.
Li Fan smiled, "One must be cautious. We mortals, to protect the family's treasure, have no choice but to act this way."
Dao Xuanzi forced a smile, but he refused to take another step forward, instead retreating slightly.
Li Fan said nothing, entering the chamber and taking out a jade slip from a box.
He didn't leave the chamber, just held it for Dao Xuanzi to see.
This jade slip was the Thousand Mysteries Jade Golden Seal obtained from Kou Hong in a previous life!
Indeed, Li Fan was gambling.
According to Kou Hong's description from the previous life, he had snatched the technique and fled, so Dao Xuanzi had never seen the true appearance of this technique.
It was the perfect bait to get Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi to help him repair the Taiyan Boat!
And if Li Fan's guess was wrong...
The death warriors in the Grand Tutor's residence were already in position. If they were truly outmatched...
He could always try a different approach in the next life!
Li Fan was completely unperturbed because he noticed that Dao Xuanzi's mind was entirely captivated by the golden jade slip in his hand.
"Thousand Mysteries Jade Golden Seal, a nascent soul technique, it's actually a nascent soul technique..." Dao Xuanzi's breathing became heavy, and a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes.
However, seeing Li Fan's faint smile and sensing the subtle threat from the immortal miasma in the chamber, Dao Xuanzi quickly regained his composure.
"So, is what I said true?" Li Fan asked with a smile. "Earlier, in front of your brother Kou Hong, I only mentioned the ancestor left a golden core technique to prevent him from harboring ill intentions."
"Your thoughts are meticulous, I am impressed," Dao Xuanzi replied, appearing deeply convinced.
He then said with some excitement, "Rest assured, my brother Kou Hong is skilled in artifact refining. I will persuade him to fully assist you in repairing the Taiyan Boat."
Li Fan laughed heartily, "Then I leave it to you. Once it's done, I will present this technique to you with both hands."
With the hope of immortality, Dao Xuanzi couldn't wait to drag Kou Hong to start working immediately.
Reluctantly watching Li Fan put away the technique and close the chamber, Dao Xuanzi eagerly sought out Kou Hong.
(End of Chapter)