Chapter 251: He Xinxin
The mysterious disappearance of the fatty, Ye Feipeng, caused the residents of the deserted island, who were becoming a bit complacent due to their significant progress in cultivation, to become more reserved.
Strictly following the instructions of Senior Skull, they practiced in silence and developed discreetly.
On the other hand, things seemed a bit unusual on Zhang Zhiliang's side.
There was no news of his breakthrough to Soul Transformation.
It was as if nothing had happened, and he was still the same Formation Master as before.
However, Li Fan knew that there must be some conspiracy brewing in the background.
Zhang Zhiliang's survival in the fierce battle in Tianling Province not only led to his breakthrough but also to changes in his entire mentality.
Zhang Zhiliang himself did not hide this fact too much.
Thus, Li Fan, who had previous contact with Zhang Zhiliang and was adept at observing words and expressions, was keenly aware of this.
In the Tianxuan Mirror, the cost of materials for making Formation Crowns had recently experienced a slight increase.
This seemed to indirectly confirm that Zhang Zhiliang was quietly preparing for something.
"I remember this year, the two Soul Transformation True Monarchs Lancang and Haoxuan will coincidentally break into battle in the Cong Yun Sea."
"Whether True Monarch Ziyun intervenes at that time will determine if Zhang Zhiliang has leaked the news of the Crimson Flame."
"All things are interconnected, and the smallest details can reveal the bigger picture."
"Although I sit in the Tianxuan Mirror all day, I can still watch the world through the Formless Killing Intent. By comparing and verifying the details that ordinary people may not notice, I can know the affairs of the world without leaving home."
Thinking like this, Li Fan couldn't help but feel a sense of rare joy.
But just as he resumed his cultivation not long after, Li Fan's face suddenly changed, and he interrupted his cultivation.
He found that the Formless Killing Intent monitoring He Zhenghao had unexpectedly failed.
Although the lock was still in place, not only could he not see the situation there, but he also couldn't determine He Zhenghao's specific location.
The Formless Killing Intent was a technique that imitated the vision of the heavens, and it used a false heavenly mandate to spy and attack.
In all of his reincarnations, its failure was very rare.
For example, it failed in the Master's cottage when the ox was pulling the cart previously.
But that was an ancient and mysterious existence capable of having a showdown with the Heavenly Doctor, with strength at least above Dao Integration.
He Zhenghao had not yet broken through to Golden Core. How could he possibly shield Li Fan's Formless Killing Intent?
What happened?
Li Fan still valued He Zhenghao greatly.
As the only subordinate he had taken in this world, Li Fan planned to find an excuse to take him out of the Cong Yun Sea before the Crimson Flame arrived.
But the premise was that He Zhenghao couldn't escape from Li Fan's control.
After contemplating for a moment, Li Fan took out a communication talisman and sent a message to He Zhenghao.
"Fellow Daoist He, how are you doing?"
After a long time, there was no response.
Li Fan furrowed his brow.
"Fellow Daoist He, where are you now?"
After waiting for a while, there was still no response.
Rubbing his chin, Li Fan stood up and left the Tianxuan Mirror, heading straight to the Transmission Square.
As he was about to reach the teleportation array for Liuli Island, He Zhenghao finally replied leisurely, "Huh? Why is Fellow Daoist Li Fan looking for me?"
"Where else can I be? Of course, I'm on Liuli Island."
Li Fan's steps paused. "Hehe, that's perfect. Long time no see. I'll find you for a chat."
He Zhenghao immediately replied to the message, sounding a bit panicked, "How about another day? I have guests visiting, and it's not very convenient..."
Li Fan smiled faintly, not paying attention to He Zhenghao's suggestion, and directly activated the teleportation array.
He wanted to see what means He Zhenghao had used to block the Formless Killing Intent.
After a moment, Li Fan saw He Zhenghao with a somewhat embarrassed and regretful expression on his face. However, his attention was now focused on another person present—a young girl who appeared to be only sixteen or seventeen years old.
She had a tall figure and a beautiful face. At this moment, she was assessing Li Fan, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"This is?"
"This is?"
Li Fan and the young girl asked simultaneously.
He Zhenghao cleared his throat, calmly standing in front of the girl, blocking Li Fan's line of sight.
"Haha, fellow Daoist is really a thunderous person who comes when he says!"
"Let me introduce you guys, this is my daughter, He Xinxin."
"Xinxin, this fellow Daoist is Li Fan, your father's closest friend."
He Zhenghao concealed the embarrassment on his face and introduced the two to each other.
Li Fan's gaze swept over He Xinxin, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. This young girl, though not very old, seemed to possess remarkable talent, having already reached late stage Foundation Establishment at such a young age.
According to the normal course of history's development, without Li Fan helping He Zhenghao purchase the "Mountain and River Hidden Dragon Technique," her cultivation level would probably surpass He Zhenghao!
She has higher talent than her father but they're not living together...
In an instant, Li Fan understood.
Fellow Daoist He, it seems you are quite good at living off of others. I wonder why you came to the Cong Yun Sea all alone.
Could it be that you've grown old and become useless?
Li Fan speculated maliciously.
On the other side, seeing Li Fan staring so intently at his daughter, He Zhenghao couldn't help but feel a bit anxious.
He quickly spoke up to divert Li Fan's attention, "Haha, fellow Daoist, please have a seat."
In a hurry, he invited Li Fan to sit in the pavilion on the mountaintop.
"Fellow Daoist He, you really treat me like an outsider. How come I've never heard you mention having a daughter before?" Li Fan took a sip of tea and asked slowly and deliberately.
Sure enough, when Li Fan said this, He Xinxin immediately became somewhat displeased. She didn't say anything, but just stared at He Zhenghao with her beautiful eyes, puffing up her cheeks.
He Zhenghao secretly sighed, quickly explaining, "Fellow Daoist really is forgetful. Last time, I did mention that I wanted to introduce my daughter..."
Speaking halfway, He Zhenghao suddenly felt that something was wrong and quickly stopped.
Feeling He Xinxin's suspicious gaze, He Zhenghao's mind went blank. He opened his mouth but couldn't figure out how to explain.
Fortunately, Li Fan resolved the situation for him, "Hehe, now that you mention it, I do remember."
"At that time, you were even clamoring for me to prepare a gift for her."
"It's our first meeting, but your father didn't notify me, so I didn't prepare any gifts in advance."
"Let me give you a little trinket."
Saying that, Li Fan took out a flag about half a person's height from his storage ring and handed it over.
He Xinxin took the flag and saw that it was black and yellow, with the words "Ten Thousand Immortals" written on it.
It was the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation Flags that Li Fan had used before—a backup purchased in this life.
It was worth ten thousand contribution points.
"Girls need to be careful when they go out. This set of formation flags is for your self-defense."
Understanding the principle of needing to invest before receiving profit, Li Fan, disregarding He Zhenghao's worried eyes, smiled and spoke to He Xinxin.