Chapter 693: The Great Exploration Era

Huangfu Song caught the teacup with steady hands and drained it in one gulp.

"Drinking Brother Li's tea makes us brothers." Dongfang Yao nodded, satisfied.

"Brother Dongfang, you haven't introduced us yet?" Huangfu Song's tone was probing as his gaze drifted to Li Fan, who sat rigidly upright.

"His name is Li Fan. I met him while comprehending the Dao at the great whirlpool in Ningxu Province. We hit it off instantly. When you told me about this golden opportunity to earn merit, I discussed it with him, and we decided to come together." Dongfang Yao spoke with his chin held high.

A shrewd light flickered through Huangfu Song's eyes. He glanced discreetly at Li Fan.

Li Fan's expression stayed unchanged. He cupped his hands. "I have long heard of your reputation, Brother Huangfu. An honor to meet you!"

Huangfu Song did not match his warmth, offering only a slight nod.

The three traded a few more pleasantries before Dongfang Yao, ever the straightforward one, steered the conversation to the real topic.

"Huangfu, stop being so mysterious. What's this once-in-a-century chance to earn merit you mentioned? Spit it out!"

Huangfu Song paused to think before speaking slowly. "This matter is still under a seal of secrecy, though an official announcement will come soon. Since the two of you are trusted comrades, I won't keep it from you.

"The Myriad Immortals Alliance is about to implement a policy encouraging all cultivators to venture into the depths of the White Mist. Not only will they provide Samantabhadra True Boats free of charge, but anything a cultivator discovers during their expedition will belong to them alone. The Alliance won't take the slightest cut.

"What's more, simply mapping and reporting the topography one explores within the White Mist earns contribution points, merit, even rewards like top-secret techniques..."

Huangfu Song spoke without pause, laying out the new policies the Myriad Immortals Alliance was about to enact.

When he finished, confusion still clouded Dongfang Yao's face.

"Did I hear that right?" he said. "The depths of the White Mist? Is there anything in there besides mist?"

Huangfu Song shot him a helpless look. "Within the White Mist lie Lost Domains. Each one is vast, far larger than most grotto-heavens or minor worlds.

"And that's only what we've confirmed so far. According to the latest investigations, the White Mist conceals countless hidden rifts and passageways, leading who knows where.

"The Alliance's upper echelons are resolute about pushing for this exploration. The rewards are unprecedented. Word has already spread, and many cultivators have rushed ahead into the mist, waiting only for the policy's final ratification so they can report their discoveries and claim their rewards immediately.

"I learned of this a bit late, but if we move fast, we can still claim a generous share. Had I not been waiting for you, Brother Dongfang, I would have set off seven days ago."

Huangfu Song finished and sipped his tea, casting an exasperated look at Dongfang Yao.

"Solid, brother. You're a real one!" Dongfang Yao slapped Huangfu's shoulder hard enough to make his round belly wobble.

"So what are we waiting for? Why aren't we moving? My pot's empty. The things I need to toughen my physical body cost a fortune!" He kept urging him on.

Huangfu Song rolled his eyes. "Danger lurks everywhere in the White Mist. We're already late, so a moment or two more won't matter. We need to make thorough preparations.

"Since we're traveling together, even if any of us doesn’t have outstanding strengths, we should at least not hold the group back."

As he said this, his gaze swept meaningfully over Li Fan.

Li Fan offered a faint smile. "Since you put it that way, Brother Huangfu, I won't hide anything. My combat strength is somewhat lacking, but I'm quite wealthy. I can take charge of preparing the Samantabhadra True Boat for this journey, along with artifacts capable of temporarily withstanding the Lifespan-Devouring White Mist.

"And if my Nascent Soul cultivation proves insufficient during our exploration, I'll withdraw on my own. I won't cause trouble for either of you."

Li Fan's frankness caught Huangfu Song somewhat off guard. Dongfang Yao, though, looked unconvinced. "What are you saying, Li Fan? What's wrong with the Nascent Soul realm? Aren't I at the Nascent Soul realm too? Brothers united in heart can break even metal. How could some Lifespan-Devouring White Mist defeat us?"

Li Fan frowned and offered a warning in return. "I know your physique is formidable, Brother Dongfang. Even the fissures in the great whirlpool can't touch you. But the depths of that mist are no small matter. I once heard Brother Shuo speak of a Lost Domain within the mist called the Roaring Abyss. Even he has to tread carefully there, or risk certain death. Brother Shuo wields Spirit Transformation-level combat power and carries artifacts gifted by his mother. If even he speaks of it that way, you can imagine the dangers inside."

Huangfu Song and Dongfang Yao stood frozen.

"Brother Shuo? Which Brother Shuo?"

Huangfu Song's expression shifted. "Could it be...?"

Li Fan nodded slightly. "I won't hide it from you two. I'm a close friend of Shuo Feng, and I've accepted his invitation to serve as a guest elder of the Xuan family."

Dongfang Yao showed no particular reaction to this.

But Huangfu Song shot to his feet, staring at Li Fan, his face full of shock.

"Brother Li, is this true?"

Li Fan smiled. "I doubt any Nascent Soul cultivator in the Myriad Immortals Alliance would have the nerve to impersonate a guest elder of the Xuan family."

With that confirmation, Huangfu Song's attitude changed at once.

"Ah! So that's how it is! Brother Li, why didn't you say so sooner? With your help, we are sure to reap a bountiful harvest on this journey into the White Mist!"

His words dripped with flattery, and as he spoke, he probed Li Fan for details about Shuo Feng.

After revealing a few details, Huangfu Song was finally convinced, and his enthusiasm grew.

"With Brother Li Fan backing us, the odds of this expedition have improved considerably. There's no time to waste. We should set out at once," Huangfu Song declared.

"One day will be enough to prepare supplies," Li Fan said.

Dongfang Yao shrugged, ready whenever.

The three agreed to meet at the same spot the next day.

After parting ways with them, Li Fan entered the Tianxuan Mirror, took out a communication spirit talisman, and asked Shuo Feng about the Myriad Immortals Alliance's plan for a large-scale exploration of the White Mist.

Not long after, Shuo Feng replied.

"Oh, I think I heard something about that. What, are you interested? There's too much weird, bizarre stuff in there. No need to take that risk. If you're short on contribution points, I can talk to my family and get your stipend raised. Don't go chasing the commotion. Dying in there wouldn't be worth it." Shuo Feng's tone was as casual and unconcerned as ever.

Li Fan declined the offer, then pressed further for news of the primordial Tianling Flower specimen before ending the communication.

The Lost Domain...

The depths of the White Mist were indeed treacherous and full of peril.

In his past lives alone, Li Fan had already visited the Roaring Abyss and the "Chaos" Lost Domain.

Even the Eternal Immortal Fortress, which stood guard over the Roaring Abyss, had been built from the severed hand of a fallen ancient Heavenly Venerable.

That severed hand had drifted out of the White Mist itself.

That alone was enough to show how deadly and how deeply mysterious the White Mist truly was.

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