Chapter 348: The Undying Longevity Beast
The conversation between the two in the room entered Xu Ke's ears, seemingly causing a great shock to his young mind.
Eyes widened, mouth slightly agape, struggling to speak.
While Li Fan wasn't as shocked by the ruthless judgment Emperor Sanmao had for the inner disciples of the Imperial Beast Sect, what frustrated him considerably was the faint aura emanating from the white-bearded elder, which instilled a sense of dread from the depths of the soul into the possessed Divine Bird.
Under the pressure of the innate superiority of the higher-ups, the Divine Bird's thoughts seemed momentarily frozen, with only its body trembling instinctively, unable to make any other movements.
From the inherited memories of the Divine Bird's bloodline, Li Fan immediately understood the esteemed status of this intelligent beast among the other beasts.
In the ancient era when the beast clan was not yet thriving, Emperor Sanmao had already served as the prophet of the clan, leading the clan forward with his unparalleled wisdom.
He walked his own path, often transforming into human form despite being a beast.
Unlike many other beasts who shunned contact with humans, he reportedly traveled in the human world for centuries, making many human friends.
He urged the beasts to unite and contribute like humans.
After researching many human techniques, he separately improved the cultivation methods of various races at that time, greatly enhancing the cultivation speed of the beasts.
From being secluded to spreading across the world, Emperor Sanmao undoubtedly played an indispensable role in the rise of the beast clan.
However, that was many years ago.
Yet the face before them now was exactly the same as what the ancestors of the Divine Bird had seen.
Generation after generation, the Divine Bird flourished, but Emperor Sanmao remained the same Emperor Sanmao.
An intelligent beast, also a beast of longevity.
Because of living long enough and experiencing enough, it possessed wisdom beyond the reach of ordinary beings.
It's just that a long time ago, Emperor Sanmao seemed to have rarely appeared.
Disappeared without a trace, whereabouts unknown.
Never did they expect that he had quietly arrived at this Imperial Beast Sect, which was most hated by the other beasts.
It seems that Emperor Sanmao's status in the Imperial Beast Sect is not low, considering himself as a leader.
The white-bearded elder exchanged a few words with Lu Ya, then turned to look at the Divine Bird possessed by Li Fan.
Nodding slightly, Emperor Sanmao said with satisfaction, "Being able to follow this child is also a blessing for your Phoenix clan. Perhaps, it will last longer than the other branches."
Emperor Sanmao lightly stroked his long beard, plucking a strand.
Then, a gleaming white light emanated from the white beard, flicked by him into Li Fan's body.
The white light roamed around, wherever it passed, vibrant vitality surged.
The sensation of constant strengthening was several times stronger than when Xu Ke's exposed fortune was swallowed before, almost making Li Fan want to let out a comfortable roar.
After circling inside the body, the white light still didn't dissipate, just dimmed slightly.
So, the next cycle began.
Immersed in this warm and comforting vitality, Li Fan felt incredibly relaxed in mind and spirit, a sense of weariness flooding over him.
Before falling into slumber, he only heard Lu Ya's somewhat astonished voice: "Senior, you...?"
Emperor Sanmao's bestowal was undoubtedly a great tonic for the Divine Bird.
Because Li Fan's journey in the Fallen Immortal Realm, which should have lasted for over three months, ended abruptly and inexplicably.
When he regained consciousness, he was already back in the Tianxuan Mirror in the real world.
Although this journey was extremely short and yielded nothing.
But at least Li Fan knew that when he entered again next time, it should continue from the time point after he fell asleep.
With such a long setup, the eventual harvest shouldn't be too meager.
Moreover, Li Fan was very curious about what the task Mr. Bai had assigned actually was.
And what would be the final outcome for Lu Ya, Xu Ke, and that Emperor Sanmao.
After reviewing the experiences in the Fallen Immortal Realm in his mind once again, Li Fan pondered for a while, seeing no summoning message from Ji Hongdao, so he immersed himself in cultivation once more.
Two months later, when "Mysterious Spiritual Transformation" broke through to the Foundation Establishment Stage, Ji Hongdao finally sent a message.
Concise and to the point, not a word wasted.
"Within seven days, come to the Realm Boundary Academy to see me."
Li Fan didn't immediately set off, but first inquired about Xue Mu.
"Friend Xue, where are you now? Have you received Master Ji's summons?"
After about a cup of tea's time, Xue Mu replied, "Friend Li Fan, I am currently in the Tianchen Province. Recently, it is said that Old Fisherman has been staying here, and he seems to be more interested in things than before. Three lucky individuals have already obtained benefits from him successively. So, I also wanted to try my luck."
"Unfortunately, luck was not on my side this time. By the time I arrived, he had already disappeared without a trace. I wanted to explore a bit more, but then I received Master Ji's message."
Li Fan replied, "Opportunities and such cannot be forced. The task of building the Tianxuan Locking Spirit Array is related to our future. We cannot delay. Friend, you should return quickly. I'll wait for you in the city, and we'll go together."
Xue Mu's surprised voice came immediately, "Okay, what you said is right, I'll come back right away."
In the territory of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, there were teleportation arrays everywhere, so the journey was swift.
Just half a day later, Xue Mu returned to Tianyu City.
"Let's go." Li Fan glanced at Xue Mu, who looked a bit dusty but much more spirited than before, and nodded.
"Friend, I've kept you waiting." Xue Mu looked guilty.
"Not at all." Li Fan waved his hand, unconcerned.
"Friend, you just broke through to the Golden Core stage a year ago, but from observing your aura, it seems like you're not far from another breakthrough?" Li Fan observed Xue Mu for a moment, somewhat surprised, and asked.
Xue Mu nodded, "Friend has sharp eyes. It's strange, though. I haven't put much effort into cultivation recently. Most of the time, I've been touring the wonders of the world in the nearby provinces. I haven't deliberately pursued cultivation advancement, but under the magnificent rhythm of the heavens and earth, my cultivation has grown significantly."
"But strangely, the effect of my own cultivation hasn't been as good as I imagined."
He rubbed his head in embarrassment, "I don't know what's going on."
Suddenly, he paused, saying uncertainly, "Perhaps, it's because the influence of that 'Mortal Transcendence Wall' hasn't disappeared yet?"
"So miraculous? What did you see on that wall?" Surprised by this answer, Li Fan couldn't help but ask.
As they spoke, they had already arrived outside the Realm Boundary Academy.
Entering successively, there were no consecutive arrays greeting them this time. Instead, they arrived directly at a picturesque courtyard.
No one was in the courtyard. Li Fan and Xue Mu found a place to sit down and continued their previous conversation.