Chapter 1269: Chapter 1269: The White Ape Reminisces About Its Former Master

At this moment, Ning Fan was unaware of what major event was unfolding over the Northern Boundary River. His heart and mind were still lingering in the inner world of the Demon-Encountering Stele.

The Bronze Ancient Ship sailed across the Nether Dust Sea, with overwhelming Evil Qi surging from it. The source of this Evil Qi was the Nine Tribulations Immortal Emperor Canghai Jun and numerous ghost servants that Ning Fan had just slaughtered.

But this Evil Qi was merely a simulation here, quickly dissipating.

Even the magical treasure storage pouch, left behind by Canghai Jun after his death, transformed into light and disappeared.

As if from the very beginning, it had never existed.

Ning Fan realized. What he saw at the moment was all illusory.

Whether it was the clouds in the sky or the sea beneath him... everything seemed hard to give him a sense of reality.

"Yet there are some things that gave me a real feeling. The Enlightenment Tea from the Demon-Encountering Maiden felt so authentic. Devouring Canghai Jun and the ghost servants to enhance my cultivation is also real..."

"So, why does devouring these illusory figures allow me to enhance my cultivation..."

"The Demon-Encountering Stele has long existed in the Ziwei Beiji Palace, and throughout history, I may not be the only one whose mind has reached here. I’m curious whether I’m the only one enhancing my cultivation here, or everyone does..."

Can’t figure it out.

In that case, I’d better ask.

"Can anyone solve my doubts?"

Ning Fan raised his eyes to the sky, speaking to the empty sky.

It seemed as if he was asking the Demon-Encountering Stele itself, or perhaps, he was asking this illusory sky.

The sky seemed to respond to Ning Fan with something.

Unfortunately, the sound was too distant, as if separated by endless reincarnations, making it hard to hear clearly.

Shi Gandang: "???"

Shi Gandang: "Could the Senior have gone mad? Why speak to the sky? No, that’s not right! Could it be that this place is still hiding other old monsters? It wasn’t just Canghai Jun who came to attack! Yes! The Senior must be speaking to that hidden person!"

Shi Gandang grew more nervous with every thought, adopting a posture as if facing a great enemy, without realizing it was all his imagination.

"The sky’s answer is unclear..." Ning Fan paused for a moment, then asked the Nether Dust Sea.

The Nether Dust Sea seemed to respond to Ning Fan with something.

But the sound was equally distant and hard to discern.

Shi Gandang: "???"

Shi Gandang: "Could the enemy not be hiding in the sky, but in the Nether Dust Sea! What should be done! The Nether Dust Sea’s water, a drop as heavy as a mountain, only Cang and the aquatic people of the Dragon Palace dare to hide in the sea, other than them, only Saints dare... Could the visitor be a Saint! Hiss!"

Shi Gandang gasped with admiration. At this moment, his paranoia has risen to an unprecedented level, with cold sweat continuously breaking out.

Finally, he could no longer endure the fear in his heart and asked in a low voice.

"May I ask... may I ask Senior, are any other major enemies hiding nearby? Are we truly doomed today..."

"???" Ning Fan was a bit puzzled by Shi Gandang’s question.

But he still explained a few sentences.

"You’re overthinking. Now that Canghai Jun is dead, besides you and me, there are no outsiders here."

Due to Shi Gandang’s insistence on addressing Ning Fan as Daoist, Ning Fan didn’t bother with courtesy this time.

"Since that’s the case, may I boldly ask, Senior... who were you speaking to?" Shi Gandang asked.

"To the sky, to the sea. Unfortunately, their answers were too distant to hear clearly..." Ning Fan said regretfully.

"???" Shi Gandang expressed confusion at Ning Fan’s words.

Ning Fan was too lazy to explain further.

He casually found a spot on the ship to sit down, then took out piece after piece of Duowen fragments and began studying how to repair this pile of fragments.

This was the Heart Spirit World of the Demon-Encountering Stele, and without the Stele’s permission, Ning Fan would struggle to bring external objects inside.

Fortunately, the Stele allowed all this.

"It seems that Senior has taken something out of his storage pouch... or is it just my illusion..." Shi Gandang muttered.

He couldn’t see the Duowen Wushuang fragments, just as he couldn’t see Ning Fan’s true face.

In Shi Gandang’s perspective, "Zhang Dao" was sitting at a bronze table, with empty hands, playing with a pile of invisible things.

"My master wasn’t lying; this Senior’s actions are really strange..."

"Though I’m curious about what Senior is doing... I shouldn’t interrupt him."

On the Bronze Ancient Ship.

Shi Gandang focused wholeheartedly on steering the ship.

Ning Fan divided his mind in researching the Duowen fragments.

Why divide his mind?

Because Ning Fan must pay attention to the situation in the real world.

Last time, he concentrated all his spirit in the Demon-Encountering Stele, causing his physical body outside to make some rude actions—falling on Xinyi Nv, tasting Jiu Xiaojiu...

This time, Ning Fan was prepared.

Part of his spirit focused on his physical condition.

"Hmm, fortunately this time, I’m prepared in advance, so my physical body hasn’t acted recklessly within the Star Era Palace, instead, it’s sitting quietly in meditation before the Demon-Encountering Stele..."

"According to Star Era Palace’s demons, those entering the Demon-Encountering Stele with their spirit find it hard to focus on their physical body, so even if the physical body’s actions are rash, there’s no need to blame oneself..."

"Something difficult for others to achieve, I managed on only the second entry into the Demon-Encountering Stele..."

"No wonder it’s me..."

Ning Fan seemed to be talking to himself.

It also seemed as if he was communicating with the Duowen Fragment in his hand.

"So, I’m already so powerful, yet why do you still refuse to acknowledge me as your master? I’m very curious why you reject me so much." Indeed, he was conversing with the fragment.

"I cannot communicate with this sky, this sea, due to the distance being too great; I cannot converse with you, however, because of your refusal."

"Even though you’re just a broken magical treasure, you wield a self-will far surpassing other magical treasures. Your ability astounds me. I even tried to use the Technique of Acknowledging the Master to forcefully restrain you, but still, I could not suppress your self-will."

"Is it that my ability with the technique is insufficient, or is your self-will too powerful?"

[...]The Duowen Fragment did not respond.

But Ning Fan could feel that it was listening.

"Very well, I’ve already followed your request to come to the heart of the Demon-Encountering Stele. You should almost tell me the purpose of coming here by now."

[...]Still no response.

"This copper ship seems to be taking me to a certain Dao Fruit assembly. Is that place your true destination?"

[...]Though there was no response, Ning Fan could feel that the other’s heart seemed to be touched.

There were ripples.

"Do you really want to take me to that Dao Fruit assembly?" Ning Fan asked, three parts curiosity, seven parts certainty, already forming a vague judgment.

[...]The reaction from the Duowen Fragment deepened.

"Is there something you need there?"

[...]There was no change within the other’s heart.

So Ning Fan was wrong.

"Is there something or someone you wish to see?"

The waves within deepened slightly, but only slightly.

"Something?"

The waves eased slightly.

"So it’s a person!"

The waves intensified!

"Interesting." Ning Fan chuckled lightly, feeling as though he had grasped some leverage over Duowen Wushuang.

Next, however, his smile suddenly disappeared, and his expression turned cold.

"The Demon-Encountering Stele doesn’t wish to acknowledge me, yet it still prepared hot tea, not lacking in manners, nor causing difficulties in its inner world. So, I presume it has a reason for not acknowledging or seeing me, and I do not take it to heart, merely feeling regret."

"But you are different. Even if you don’t speak, I can feel your disapproval of me."

"Could it be you’re concerned about my identity as a Purple Astral Immortal Cultivator? After all, you also have a connection to the Ziwei Four Sacred Artifacts. If that’s why you don’t want to submit to me, I can understand. But if you won’t submit, why guide me to the inner world of the Demon-Encountering Stele?"

"I came here as you instructed, yet if you continue your silence, it seems unjustified. I intend to repair you, but you’re not indispensable to me. To me, you’re just an external magical treasure. If I can’t repair you, I can sell you to the Tongtian Sect and earn a good amount of Heavenly Dao Gold—the fragment of a Heaven-Opening Artifact should fetch a high price... Or I could directly trade you for lots of Enlightenment Tea, and then invite the Demon-Encountering Stele owner to enjoy tea and discuss the Dao, wouldn’t that be better?"

The more Ning Fan spoke, the more tempted he felt.

Perhaps, selling the Duowen Fragment to get something useful might truly be a good idea.

[Humph! I am the foremost of the Ziwei Four Sacred Artifacts, and you actually want to sell me for tea leaves!]The Duowen Fragment finally spoke.

No longer was its tone intermittent, feigning brokenness.

Its tone and emotions were indistinguishable from a living person!

Finally, it was angered into speaking by Ning Fan!

"So, you’re finally willing to speak? In that case, let’s sit down and have a good chat..." Ning Fan had just suggested ’sit down and chat’.

The next moment, a sudden change occurred.

Strands of purple starlight abruptly emerged from the fragments, gathering together and transforming into a seemingly illusory old white ape, landing on the ship.

That white ape was surprisingly the transformed appearance of Duowen Wushuang!

What’s more miraculous, the old ape had three ears on each side of its head.

It was indeed the legendary appearance of the Six-Eared Macaque!

"To think you can transform into the demonic form of an ancient abnormal species..." Ning Fan was slightly astonished.

"Wrong! This appearance wasn’t transformed, but rather it is my inherent form!" The white ape indignantly corrected, sitting boldly on the other side of the table.

"Inherent form?" Ning Fan was intrigued by the white ape’s choice of words.

However, the white ape gave no further explanation, merely snorting coldly.

"Hmph! You forced me to reveal myself only to understand why I refuse to acknowledge you as my master. In that case, I might as well tell you directly. I have an old master, and I will not accept a new one. Whether you’re a Purple Astral Immortal Cultivator or a Ziwei Peixiu, it’s nothing to do with me! Whether you’re a person or a ghost, I will not recognize you as master!"

"You should change that attitude; if you’re not more respectful, I don’t mind really selling you..." Ning Fan shook his head, unprovoked, his eyes suddenly sharpened.

An overwhelming pressure instantly erupted, akin to ancient divine spirits, or an ancient Demon Lord.

The same-ship Shi Gandang was already scared witless by this monstrous pressure—even though Ning Fan intentionally controlled it so that all the pressure was diverted away from Shi Gandang—even so, Shi Gandang was still frightened out of his wits.

However, the white ape at the center of the pressure remained completely composed, sarcastically watching Ning Fan, letting Ning Fan’s oppressive force pass through its illusory body, without affecting it in the slightest.

"There truly is something peculiar about you, no wonder even the Technique of Acknowledging the Master cannot deal with you..." Ning Fan subsided his pressure, his expression returning to normal; the earlier pressure was merely intended to test.

"You don’t need to probe, nor subtly inquire about my abilities. My skills—you cannot learn!" The white ape declared proudly.

...

The scene slightly shifts to Shi Gandang’s perspective.

Only to see: Ning Fan sometimes talking and laughing with the air; sometimes his expression turning cold, sternly reproaching the air; sometimes using threatening tones, claiming to sell the empty copper table for tea; and ultimately, suddenly becoming furious, releasing supreme pressure, startling Shi Gandang to the point of losing his balance, nearly falling over.

"What a terrifying pressure! It’s more dreadful than anyone I’ve encountered in my life!"

"What a temper! To erupt in such fury at mere air!"

"I really can’t comprehend the actions of the senior..."

"Even though I don’t understand, it feels incredibly powerful!"

...

Cuts back to the scene.

"Indeed, Daoist friend possesses some kind of divine abilities, rendering oneself fearless of external threats, which is why my methods repeatedly fail against you. But why do I feel that your technique is similar to the invincible feeling that Lie Yukou gives me?" Ning Fan asked with a half-smile.

His calm expression was as if he hadn’t been the one who released the pressure just moments ago.

"Oh? You’ve met Lie Yukou?" The white ape skillfully changed the topic.

Internally, somewhat surprised, "This young man has such sharp eyes to see that I’m using the National Defender Unbeatable Divine Art!"

Ning Fan didn’t take the bait.

Followed by asking, "Tell me, why did you summon me here?"

This was a move to seize the initiative in the conversation.

The white ape squinted, saw through Ning Fan’s mind, and planned to continue stirring the topic, snatch the initiative back, and strike at Ning Fan’s momentum.

But then Ning Fan said, "If you don’t answer, I shall immediately detach my spirit and never board a boat to any Dao Fruit assembly again."

"Ah, this..." The white ape was instantly speechless, with three hundred and sixty retorts conjured in its mind unable to be uttered even a bit.

"Well, that’s it then, farewell." Seeing the white ape still unresponsive, Ning Fan stood up and started to leave, his figure transforming into countless light spots as if his spirit would return to the body in the next moment.

"Oh, Daoist friend, please stay. Let’s talk reasonably! It’s my fault, no, no, it’s the little monkey’s fault. Let me apologize to the great immortal, please stay!"

The light spots around Ning Fan condensed, he smiled slightly, and sat down again.

Thinking to himself, he indeed caught the old demon’s weakness.

"This time, do you promise to speak frankly with me?" Ning Fan smiled.

"I promise, I promise, just please board this ship, accompany the little monkey to a place, and then you may stay or go as you please," the white ape said with an ingratiating smile.

Having just forced a smile, suddenly there was a sense of intuitive misfortune.

It felt as if he had similarly yielded to this person before... Where exactly was it...

Surely just an illusion.

Wait, this feeling...

In memory, a supreme existence with an unclear face: [People call me Hongjun, but this is not my true name. Well, today I’ll use the name Hongjun to preach for everyone. But the teaching doesn’t pass on to Six Ears...]

A white ape as Six-Eared Macaque: [Senior, please have mercy! Let me stay and listen to the teachings, don’t drive me away, senior.]

The supreme existence: [I said the teaching doesn’t pass to Six Ears, it’s just a metaphor, not referring to you. Come to think of it, White Ape Daoist, there remains unfinished karma between us. Do you truly not remember...]

A certain white ape: [It’s over for me, I owe Ancestor Hongjun karma, I’m done for! Is today the day I die...]

The supreme existence sighed: [Seems you truly don’t recall...]

Thought of it!

"I indeed experienced something similar! But, where did it happen...Memory is muddled and unclear, surely due to the fragmentation of the magical treasure body, alas, can’t think deeply, the more I think, the more my head hurts..."

The white ape shook its head, gathered all its wild thoughts, and looking at Ning Fan again, only felt ridiculous.

"Did I almost mistake this young man for the supreme existence in my memory just now..."

"This kid has barely any cultivation, how could he be such a supreme existence? Can’t believe that after the magical treasure body broke, even my intelligence decreased..."

The white ape inwardly complained endlessly, but outwardly maintained a smiling face. This is the consequence of having a weakness grasped by Ning Fan, he accepted his fate.

White Ape: "Immortal Emperor foresees things with divine insight, the little monkey is impressed, impressed! As Immortal Emperor predicted, the little monkey pointed Immortal Emperor to come here indeed for some personal reasons, hoping to achieve before the spirit disperses..."

Ning Fan: "Spirit disperses? So you never intended for me to repair you? You had already accepted the fate of your spirit dispersing and the magical treasure becoming scrap?"

White Ape: "Ah, no, misunderstanding Immortal Emperor! Wronged by Immortal Emperor! Allow me to defend, oh no, explain a bit..."

Ning Fan: "No need to explain. Whether you want me to repair you or not is your freedom. But if you didn’t want it, you could have stated it from the beginning. Why interfere with your own will, causing near a hundred repair failures and wasting countless Immortal Materials? That is indeed your fault."

White Ape: "It’s unjust! The first forty-two failures were due to your unfamiliar technique! Then thirty-three times, your skills gradually improved but still failed to grasp the benchmark of Ziwei Astrology, making it difficult to link the cause and effect sequence among fragments, still repeatedly failing... Finally, for the last nineteen times, Immortal Emperor gradually comprehended the mystery within, and the little monkey had no choice but to start meddling..."

Ning Fan: "So you did interfere."

White Ape: "Only a mere nineteen times, surely Immortal Emperor wouldn’t hold a grudge against the little monkey..."

Ning Fan: "You are mistaken, Daoist friend. My master once said, every penny must be accounted for. If Daoist friend had honestly expressed from the start an unwillingness for me to repair, I would have immediately given up, and accordingly, not a single failure would have occurred. Ultimately, all failures are your responsibility."

White Ape: "Wronged, Immortal Emperor..."

Ning Fan: "Daoist friend, just tell me how you plan to repay the material costs for the hundred repairs?"

White Ape: "It’s not a hundred times! Even if Immortal Emperor is correct, and all responsibility lies with me, it was only ninety-four times..."

Ning Fan: "Daoist friend is unaware, my master’s calculation method is to estimate when facing mathematical problems difficult to calculate."

White Ape: "Immortal Emperor jokes, such simple three numbers are easy to calculate, no need for estimation..."

Ning Fan: "If Daoist friend thinks my estimate is incorrect, I can estimate again... 42 plus 33, plus 19... Does it equal two hundred?"

White Ape: "Understood, understood, no need for Immortal Emperor to further estimate, one hundred it is. The little monkey will make restitution to Immortal Emperor! Is Immortal Emperor satisfied?"

Ning Fan: "How will you compensate?"

White Ape: "As long as Immortal Emperor follows my guidance, I can help you achieve substantial enhancement to your cultivation here. Just like when you previously absorbed Vast Sea Lord and others, gaining cultivation out of thin air!"

Ning Fan: "Then, how much cultivation can Daoist friend help me gain?"

White Ape: "At least five hundred tribulations! No, at least a thousand tribulations of mana!"

Ning Fan shook his head, not answering.

The white ape assumed Ning Fan was dissatisfied with the offer of a thousand tribulations of mana and hesitated about increasing the stakes.

However, Ning Fan changed the subject: "Daoist, first tell me why I can enhance my mana in this realm. Is this a personal exception, or does everyone who enters this realm receive such fortune?"

White Ape: "Of course, everyone has this kind of..."

Ning Fan: "Let’s put the ugly truth upfront. If you include even half a lie, I’ll turn away and never come back."

The words the white ape hadn’t finished were stuck in his throat, and he recalled that Ning Fan seemed to have a mysterious power to communicate with all things, coupled with a deep mind. If he lied, it would be very easy to be exposed...

After some silence, he finally said helplessly, "All this is your exception."

"Since it’s my exception, you can’t guarantee how much I can enhance my cultivation here, because you have no experience in this matter." Ning Fan.

"This..." The white ape couldn’t refute it, as he had just claimed to help Ning Fan enhance one thousand tribulations of cultivation without any real basis.

He had seen Ning Fan inexplicably gain a hundred tribulations of cultivation and speculated that further benefits might add up to help Ning Fan enhance about a thousand tribulations of cultivation.

But this was all speculation and held no persuasive power.

Therefore, his claim of being able to guarantee Ning Fan’s enhancement of a thousand tribulations was nothing but deceit, when indeed he couldn’t guarantee anything.

"Your lie should have been spoken before my reminder; I wouldn’t consider you deceitful. But from now on, in our conversation, I don’t want to hear any lies. Just tell me why only I can enhance my cultivation in this realm?" Ning Fan was somewhat surprised.

Initially, he genuinely thought everyone received such fortune, able to enhance their cultivation within the Demon-Encountering Stele.

The white ape laughed awkwardly: "Hehe, it’s because only an Immortal Emperor like you dares to devour the Path of the Immortal Sovereign in this realm... others can’t achieve this, so naturally, they won’t receive such benefits."

Ning Fan: "You mean..."

The white ape: "Correct, all things in this realm are formed from the Path of the Immortal Sovereign..."

Before the white ape could finish, Ning Fan stood up, walked to the copper ship’s railing, reached out to break off a large chunk of copper, and chewed it and swallowed. In this heart spirit world, some things, when Ning Fan touched, would dissipate; some things he couldn’t easily touch in the real and virtual, but with some means, he could break through the real and virtual to touch them.

Shi Gandang was dumbfounded: "He’s eating the ship! He’s eating the ship!"

The white ape was also dumbfounded: "The Immortal Emperor’s teeth are excellent... although this ship is an illusion, if you could break through its real and virtual, its hardness is comparable to a Post-heaven Twelve Nirvana Magical Treasure..."

Ning Fan: "Everything in this realm is formed from the Path of the Immortal Sovereign, and by eating this piece of copper, I have supposedly consumed the Path of the Immortal Sovereign too. Yet, my cultivation hasn’t enhanced a bit. Can I assume you are deceiving me?"

The white ape was speechless: "Which little monkey dares deceive an Immortal Emperor like you! You’re being too impatient! Just listen to me finish!"

"Actually, it’s like this."

"Everything in this realm is formed from the Path of the Immortal Sovereign, but the internal structure of each thing differs. This point, Daoist, do you understand?"

Ning Fan: "I understand."

The white ape: "The same material with different structures can lead to vastly different properties. The Dao Principle of Wood can condense into graphite yet also condense into diamond. From a compositional standpoint, graphite and diamond are identical, but their properties are vastly different..."

The white ape planned to use what Ning Fan understood to illustrate the reason to him.

Ning Fan: "Can the Dao Principle of Wood condense into diamond?"

As he spoke, Ning Fan opened his palm and operated the Dao Principle of Wood, instantly condensing a piece of wood in his hand.

"Why don’t you show me how to change it?" Ning Fan handed the wood to the white ape.

Shi Gandang was shocked: "He can create wood! I’ve never seen wood with Dao Principles so pure!"

The white ape was speechless: "This wood of yours can’t become diamond... it’s too impure."

Ning Fan: "But you just said it could change. So, are you deceiving me again?"

The white ape cried: "I didn’t! I didn’t deceive! Don’t say that!"

Ning Fan: "Then give me one."

The white ape cried harder: "I can’t, Immortal Emperor, really can’t! I can’t use the Dao Principle of Wood! I’m Duowen Wushuang, renowned for knowledge, unparalleled in the world, understanding is one thing, using it is another! If I could do everything, mastering every art, would I just be a treasure? Why wouldn’t I be an Immortal Sovereign?"

Ning Fan: "You say you understand, yet you say you can’t use it; I cannot determine the truth of your words."

The white ape was stunned at first, then sighed, understanding.

With a condensed spirit sense, he formed an illusory jade scroll and handed it to Ning Fan.

The white ape spoke with reluctance: "Here is the method to purify the Dao Principle of Wood into diamond; whether your mastery of wood is true or false, you’ll know at a glance... I can only say, the Dao Principle of Wood can indeed condense into diamond, but the conditions are extremely rigorous, the primary key being the separation and purification of the Dao Principle of Wood... next time you want something, just ask, but don’t accuse me of deceiving you..."

"If I ask for other things, will you give them to me?" Ning Fan’s eyes lit up.

"Of course, it can serve as compensation for a hundred times restoration materials." The white ape nodded.

"I see..." Ning Fan nodded, yet didn’t dwell further on the matter of compensation.

His spirit sense penetrated the jade scroll, finding its contents profound and complex; simply separating and purifying the Dao Principle of Wood was far beyond what he could currently achieve.

However.

Despite the difficulty of its contents, it wasn’t a fraud.

The true or false, Ning Fan, as a deity of wood, could discern.

"Immortal Emperor, you see, the method for creating wood fossils is so exquisite, it should be worth ten times the crafting materials, right?" The white ape apologized with a smile.

"This jade scroll wasn’t born out of compensation but from my casual inquiry, so it doesn’t count as compensation." Ning Fan explained earnestly.

"But... forget it." The white ape submitted.

The white ape was very reasonable: "Let’s continue about the realm composition."

Ning Fan nodded in satisfaction.

Indeed, to deal with rascals and scoundrels, one must be more of a rascal, more of a scoundrel.

The white ape: "Everything in this realm is formed from the Path of the Immortal Sovereign, differing in minute ways, just like in the making of people; the components of people are mostly the same, but people differ from one another, uh..."

The white ape dared not go further.

He was scared!

He’s afraid Ning Fan would make him create a person on the spot!

How could he create a ghost!

Ning Fan: "Did you just say, create a person?"

The white ape cried: "I really don’t know how to do this... I’m not lying."

Ning Fan’s perception was extremely sharp, he could tell the truth from the white ape’s expression and heartbeat.

Since he knew the other was not lying, he didn’t keep pressing the matter.

He waved his hand and said, "No need to lecture me anymore. Although I’m interested in the knowledge you’ve shared, it’s not a priority right now. Just tell me, which things in this realm can enhance cultivation if consumed, and which cannot? Are there any hidden dangers in using this method to increase cultivation? Does this realm offer any other benefits? You said that increasing cultivation in this realm is a special case for me, and others wouldn’t have such benefits. So, why do others come here? The Demon-Encountering Stele is set at the hub of the Star Era Palace, showing its extraordinary nature. For the former Ziwei Immortal Cultivators, it must have had great use. What was that use? And..."

A barrage of questions made the white ape feel overwhelmed.

He didn’t want to reveal too many secrets of the Demon-Encountering Stele to Ning Fan.

But now, with Ning Fan’s continuous questioning, it was almost as if the secrets of the stele were being completely pried open.

If he dared not to answer, Ning Fan would surely notice something amiss.

If he told the truth, it would almost be like laying the stele’s secrets bare.

How to choose?

What choice could he make?

Ah.

In the end, the white ape divulged everything about the Demon-Encountering Stele to Ning Fan.

Only then did Ning Fan realize that this stele’s inner world could connect different time-spaces and different reincarnations!

Back when the Ziwei Immortal Domain still existed, only figures of the Ziwei Saint Child level had the qualification to enter this stele and accept the trial set by the Ziwei Immortal Emperor.

The content of the trial would be randomly selected from millions of ancient memory scenes and used as the theme.

The Saint participating in the trial would take on different roles, go through different experiences, and eventually receive an evaluation.

If they could pass the trial, they would receive benefits of varying degrees based on their level of success.

Even if they died in this realm, they would only damage a shred of their spirit and would not jeopardize their life, so safety wasn’t much of a concern.

The benefits were quite unique, as the rewards available to the Saints were all transmissions of the Purple Star Taoist Method.

However... the Ziwei Dao method was also divided into different ranks.

It is said that the body of the Ziwei Immortal Emperor was a Ziwei flower.

A bloom of Ziwei flowers opens the Purple Micro Star.

The flower blooms with six petals.

Each petal is a type of Dao method.

"So, if I can pass the trial in this realm, I can obtain six kinds of Immortal Emperor Dao methods?" Ning Fan’s eyes lit up.

He was very interested in the Immortal Emperor Dao techniques here.

"Not six, it’s just one of the six, and of course, it’s possible that the result of the Immortal Emperor’s trial is not good, and you end up with no Dao method as a reward," explained the white ape nervously.

Explaining was essential!

If Ning Fan ended up getting only one Dao method and questioned, "Why not six, you lied to me," wouldn’t he be doomed!

The white ape continued, "Speaking of which, guiding the Immortal Emperor here is not really deceitful. Getting any single Dao method here is of great benefit to repairing Duowen Wushuang, as the broken fragments require the Ziwei Dao method to re-link. If you use the half-mastered Ziwei Astrological System Daoist you comprehend to repair it, even if successful, it would only restore half of the magical treasure’s power, or even less."

Ning Fan: "But you never intended for me to actually repair you from the start."

The white ape: "Ah, this..."

Ning Fan: "I’m curious, why do you have a death wish, and why are you insistent on coming here to see someone?"

The white ape froze, then gave a bitter smile, but as he smiled, he couldn’t hold it together, and ultimately sadness welled up within him, turning into tears streaming down his face.

"My story... it’s a long one..." The white ape closed his eyes, speaking sorrowfully.

"Oh, then don’t tell it. I don’t like poking into other people’s sad stories." Ning Fan decisively cut off the white ape’s words.

The words stuck in the white ape’s throat: "???"

Thinking, how come this young lad doesn’t play by the rules!

Initially, he didn’t want to deal with Ning Fan.

But now that he had dealt with him, having lost all face, what was there to be pretentious about?

As long as Ning Fan asked, he was more than willing to share his past with him!

Who knew how many years he’d held this story inside! Even the little demons he knew in the North Pole Palace, he hadn’t told any of them!

Confiding requires the right trash can, um, the right tree hole.

You can’t confide in people you know.

You can’t confide in someone who doesn’t understand you.

You can’t...

In short, Ning Fan seemed quite suitable.

As long as Ning Fan asked, he would definitely tell!

But Ning Fan... was not asking!

He couldn’t just shamelessly bring it up himself, could he?

Forget it, forget it...

I have stories, but you don’t have wine, so I won’t tell, I won’t tell. In the future, even if you beg me to tell, I won’t!

"Speaking of which, the challenges here draw randomly from millions of ancient memories. How would you know whose memories I would draw? If the one I draw isn’t Lu Bei, but someone from another time and space, how could you be sure I can take you to meet the person you wish to see?" Ning Fan continued to ask.

The white ape’s wild thoughts suddenly calmed down.

"Immortal Emperor, you may not know, though there are millions of ancient memories here, they mostly relate to experiences from before the Ziwei Immortal Emperor achieved the Dao, all events that occurred in the Nether Dust Realm. During that period, no matter which ancient memory the Immortal Emperor draws, the person I want to meet is in her hometown..."

Mid-sentence, the white ape was touched by sadness, sighed, and subtly changed the topic.

Though he wanted to pour out his story to a trash can, he didn’t want to tell this part of the story.

"Speaking of which, Immortal Emperor’s random consumption of illusions in this realm might cause some troubles in the outside world."

"Oh? What kind of troubles?" Ning Fan was startled, but did not dwell too much on the previous topic.

Thinking about how his physical body was obediently sitting cross-legged in front of the Demon-Encountering Stele, he imagined it wouldn’t trigger any trouble.

Thus, he wasn’t too worried.

"It’s only possible, not certain! If there’s no trouble in the outside world, Immortal Emperor can’t arbitrarily accuse me of lying. I’ve already told the Immortal Emperor before, this realm is constructed from the Purple Star Dao Technique and can connect different times and reincarnations. I heard that the Three Celestial Lords of Boundary River once followed the orders of River Earl the Ancestor and used the connecting feature of the Demon-Encountering Stele to link many sealing formations together to suppress a pernicious land. The details of this are lengthy..."

"Then let’s skip this part." True to form, Ning Fan was not interested in the hidden secrets of heaven and earth.

At least not interested at the moment.

He only wanted to focus on passing the tests within the Demonic Stele, acquire six types of Purple Star Dao Techniques, conveniently bring the Duo Wen Old Demon to meet the person he wishes to see, gain some favor from the other party, then persuade through reasoning and emotion (find a way to coerce), finally obtain the opponent’s approval, and successfully repair the Duo Wen Sacred Artifact.

Don’t be misled by Ning Fan’s words claiming disinterest in Duo Wen Wushuang, magical treasures are external objects, having one more or one less makes no difference.

But that depends on the level of the magical treasure.

The combination of the Ziwei Four Sacred Artifacts is comparable to the Heaven-Opening Artifact. How powerful is the Heaven-Opening Artifact? In the past, Ning Fan only possessed the sixth fragment but was already able to defeat the Yin Mo Ancestor with it—although relying on the power of the Eyeball Monster—yet the strength of the Heaven-Opening Artifact cannot be denied.

It’s not like the Fragment of God-Extinguishing Shield.

What Ning Fan obtained was one-sixth of the Fragment of Divine Annihilation Shield; it’s just a fragment. However, if this Duo Wen Wushuang were repaired, it would be complete, one-fourth, and from what he says, still the top of the Four Sacred Artifacts!

Not to mention that Duo Wen Wushuang is experienced (cunning), casually pulls out profound methods of Wood fossilization; just saying that this treasure happens to include the near-invincible divine skill of Lie Yukou is enough to make Ning Fan tempted.

That Lie Yukou seems to rely on one of the Ziwei Four Sacred Artifacts to possess nearly invincible power.

But Duo Wen Wushuang took it well, the abilities of the other sacred artifacts directly fell into his hands! Perhaps when the sacred artifacts were first created, Duo Wen Wushuang only had one kind of sacred artifact divine skill, but now Duo Wen Wushuang at least possesses the powers of two Ziwei sacred artifacts!

Two of the four, adding them together gets you half!

In other words, this Duo Wen Wushuang can at least match half a Heaven-Opening artifact!

The reason ’at least’ is stated is because Ning Fan feels that this Duo Wen Old Demon is extremely good at concealing strength. Without tough pressure and force, this fellow absolutely won’t expose its bottom card.

If not for repairing the sacred artifact earlier, forcibly used the Technique of Acknowledging the Master, Ning Fan absolutely couldn’t fathom this pile of Duo Wen fragments possessing the ability to resist the ancient gods’ divine arts!

Had Ning Fan not repeatedly coerced, this fellow even intended to speak less to Ning Fan.

If not for Ning Fan’s words of inducement, this fellow would certainly not be willing to pull out the secret technique of the Wood fossilization.

This Old Demon likes to conceal its strength.

I heard that Duo Wen Old Demon abandoned his life to defeat the Sealing Demon Peak Group Demons, detonating the Origin Thunder Sea of the Transforming Thunder Pool at the North Pole Palace...

Heh heh, this fellow already possesses near-invincible power like Lie Yukou, even if unable to defeat the Sealing Demon Peak Group Demons, how could one be forced to abandon life—even if the Origin Thunder Sea exploded, logically, this fellow should remain invincible and not be blown to death.

Further judging from his unwillingness to repair, single-minded suicide, it’s fair to assume when he self-detonated into fragments, perhaps he was simply tired of living and wished to commit suicide.

The question arises as to why he chose not to commit suicide earlier or later but waited until the Sealing Demon Peak Group Demons invaded...

Perhaps dying in this way looks cooler?

No, it should not be for such an absurd reason, perhaps this demon has deeper considerations, which cannot be known...

"With the talent of this demon, it’s not impossible, other three sacred artifacts’ abilities, he may all possess."

"If truly so, I only need to subdue Duo Wen Wushuang, equivalent to directly assembling the Ziwei Four Sacred Artifacts, comparable to Heaven-Opening..."

"So."

"How to persuade a suicidal magical treasure to be obediently repaired by me?"

"This demon does not fear death, such a person inherently has very few weaknesses; when he self-detonated the Transforming Thunder Pool, it definitely not only repelled the Sealing Demon Peak Group Demons, it certainly also killed many North Pole Palace minor demons. He had other means to repel the invaders, also other ways to die, yet chose to detonate the Transforming Thunder Pool which affects far and wide, clearly showing he doesn’t care about the life and death of other minor demons—North Pole Palace minor demons say Duo Wen Old Demon sacrificed for others, but this rumor, basically akin to the rumor ’Zhao Jian is a ten-life benevolent’ is unfounded."

"Rumors are unreliable. If I threaten this demon with the lives of North Pole Palace minor demons, he certainly won’t submit."

"So far, I know only one of his weaknesses. His soft spot lies at the end of the Bronze Ancient Ship—the Mountain Tai Dao Fruit Summit."

"If I arrive there, perhaps I can think of a way to subdue this demon..."

Thoughts racing in Ning Fan’s mind, within an instant, he conceived in his mind no fewer than ten possible methods to coerce Duo Wen into submission.

The white ape, seeing the sly smile in Ning Fan’s eyes, even without any evidence, faintly felt Ning Fan was plotting something unsavory.

"This Demon-Encountering Stele holds significant meaning for the Myriad Clans of Boundary River; Immortal Emperor devours Purple Star Dao Techniques here, highly likely to trigger some changes. Immortal Emperor, don’t ask whether changes will occur, what changes will occur, I do not know. After all, this matter has no precedent; since ancient times, no Ziwei Saint Child dared to devour Dao Techniques at this site..."

"Understood. I will keep an eye on the outside world, if any changes are triggered, I will immediately detach my heart and spirit from this realm, to prevent deeper disasters." Ning Fan promised.

"No, no, no, Immortal Emperor misunderstood! Little Monkey didn’t mean that. What I intended to say is... regardless of any changes in the outside world, Immortal Emperor should not mind it, no need to detach heart and spirit from this realm for minor matters. You must know, the challenge of the Ziwei Saint Child happens once in a lifetime. From the moment Immortal Emperor picked up the Immortal Emperor’s letter, this test has begun. Once detached, the Purple Star Dao Technique reward cannot be obtained..."

"And the test cannot be restarted, won’t let you see the person you wish, right?" Ning Fan directly pointed out the white ape’s intentions.

"Precisely! Precisely! Ending the test has no benefits for you or me, so how should we proceed... heh heh, Immortal Emperor understands." The white ape laughed apologetically.

"Understood... I will duly consider your suggestion, won’t easily detach my heart and spirit, leave this realm. But if you deceive me..."

"No, no! Immortal Emperor can put a billion minds at ease! This matter, I can swear a Restrictive Spell..." the white ape vowed fervently, inwardly musing, I’m merely a broken magical treasure, don’t even have a heart, not afraid of death but wish for it. Afraid of what Heart Demon, much less the Restrictive Spell.

"Then swear it."

"Ah this... I was only being polite. Never mind, I will swear the most poisonous oath."

The white ape doesn’t believe in the Restrictive Spell.

Ning Fan similarly does not believe.

The white ape’s only weakness, oh, what use is the Heart Demon much less Restrictive Spell.

The oath was made, and Ning Fan and the white ape gradually got along well.

Of course, in Shi Gandang’s eyes, Ning Fan was having a pleasant chat with the air.

"I don’t understand... but it’s really amazing!" Shi Gandang occasionally exclaimed in admiration.

...

Did the outside world really not change because of Ning Fan?

The chaos among the myriad races had already explained everything.

Even the heavily injured River Earl Ancestor was awakened by the current fuss.

Under the River Earl Ancestor’s orders, the Three Celestial Lords temporarily set aside the great task of mending the sky to investigate and prevent further deterioration of the situation.

This matter can only be verified and cannot be deduced from the Rebellion of Heaven’s prediction!

Ning Fan’s Heaven’s prediction cannot be deduced; how can one deduce chaos!

There’s no choice, Lie Yukou, Qu Ping, and the Great Kun of the Northern Sea had to rush to the initial scene of the incident, with a solemn expression.

To be accurate, only Qu Ping had a solemn expression.

Lie Yukou was perpetually stone-faced, unchanging even if Mountain Tai collapsed in front of him. Although there was great chaos at the Boundary River, such chaos was still within his control, so he wouldn’t show any unnecessary emotions.

As for the Great Kun of the Northern Sea.

She didn’t care about the chaos at Boundary River at all, just felt displeased—knowing that she’s been busy mending the sky lately and hadn’t had a proper meal, today was her important day for a meal once every ten days, she finally finished her work and planned to eat...

And then a task arrived!

It seems she would miss her important mealtime today!

How could she not be angry!

Who wouldn’t be angry!

The initial scene of the incident was at the Water Ghost Clan of the Myriad Clans of Boundary River.

The Great Kun of the Northern Sea was extremely displeased!

She was even more displeased than the last time she encountered Ning Fan!

"No need to investigate, I already know the truth! Besides Ning Fan, who else would hide and create trouble at Boundary River! There’s only one truth... the culprit is Ning Fan! Disperse, disperse! Go home and eat!" Within the Water Ghost Clan, the Great Kun of the Northern Sea didn’t listen to the Masters of the Water Ghost Clan recount the incident, immediately identifying Ning Fan as the culprit.

She turned to return to her cave for a meal.

Seeing the Great Kun of the Northern Sea so certain, Lie Yukou’s gaze shifted, he waved his hand, calming the gossiping Water Ghost Clan cultivators, then calmly asked, "Is there evidence?"

He wouldn’t make any judgment without evidence.

He only believed in facts.

Ancestor Qu Ping sighed deeply.

Based on his understanding of the Great Kun of the Northern Sea, this woman always acted on instinct, probably identifying Ning Fan without even thinking, most likely having no evidence.

But he felt that the Great Kun of the Northern Sea’s intuition was correct. He also thought this upheaval at the Boundary River was inseparable from Ning Fan.

Trying to destroy the Purple Star suppressing Nightmare Qi, would at least require Quasi-Saint cultivation, and also a strong existence among Quasi-Saints.

Counting them in the North, there were only a few Quasi-Saints, and by elimination, one could guess who it was. Among them, the biggest suspect was Ning Fan.

Of course, there were a few other suspects, but Qu Ping ruled them out.

Firstly, it wouldn’t be the Eye Devil Ancestor (Eyeball Monster) stationed at the Boundary River battlefield.

There were dark agents at the Boundary River constantly monitoring that person, so they had no time to commit the crime. Moreover, that person’s actions were always flamboyant; if they truly intended to destroy the Purple Star, they would have attacked grandiosely while shouting, fearing the world wouldn’t know, not secretly destroying it.

It wouldn’t be the doing of the All-Knowing Elder either.

The All-Knowing Elder was a thousand times more flamboyant than the Eye Devil Ancestor, too disdainful to hide.

And if the All-Knowing Elder acted, it’s impossible they would only damage the Purple Star at the sealed area. Their move would be a big gesture, with a casual Crane Claw strike wiping out the entire Water Ghost Clan along with several nearby Shui Clan.

How could there be something like first or second crime scenes?

It was similarly impossible for the Sealing Demon Peak Group Demons to be involved.

On the matter of suppressing Nightmare Qi, those demons and the myriad races of Boundary River had the same stance and wouldn’t destroy the Purple Star at such a critical time — even if those demons truly coveted the Purple Star Dao Techniques.

After a round of elimination, only Ning Fan had the strength, motive, and opportunity to commit the crime.

Now they just needed to gather evidence to arrest Ning Fan... Haha, arrest a ghost! Qu Ping didn’t believe the Myriad Clans of Boundary River dared arrest Ning Fan at present.

Weren’t they afraid that Reverse Crane would overturn the Boundary River again...

Therefore, this matter, after so many investigations, probably wouldn’t have any concrete results, and in the end would likely be hastily resolved.

Alas, truly a troublesome time.

"Is there evidence?" Seeing the Great Kun of the Northern Sea not answering for a long time, Lie Yukou asked again.

If the Great Kun of the Northern Sea never answered, according to his character, he would repeatedly ask the same question at regular intervals.

"Stop asking, it’s annoying, I have no evidence, is that okay? But my intuition tells me, the culprit is Ning Fan! If you trust me, go arrest him immediately! He should still be hiding in the Ziwei Beiji Palace right now! Go quickly, go quickly, don’t interfere with me going home to eat!" Having said that, the Great Kun of the Northern Sea turned into a flash of light, flying back to her cave.

Not giving Lie Yukou a chance to stop her.

"Intuition, can’t be trusted." Watching the escape light of the Great Kun of the Northern Sea disappear, Lie Yukou shook his head.

He dismissed the judgment of the Great Kun of the Northern Sea.

Nor did he care if the Great Kun of the Northern Sea left early.

This matter can be handled by him and Qu Ping alone, that’s enough.

Afterwards, he ordered all witnesses from the Water Ghost Clan to be brought forward.

He began questioning them.

"Have you seen who destroyed the Purple Micro Star here?"

"In response to your query, my lord, we did see it! The Purple Micro Star sealed here was shattered by a sudden phantom!"

"A phantom? What kind of phantom?" Lie Yukou inquired further.

"There is a recording restriction set around our clan’s sealing ground. Everything that happened here has been recorded on a jade scroll for you to review!"

The Water Ghost Clan masters presented the recording jade scroll.

Lie Yukou scanned it with his spirit sense and after a long time, his face finally showed a hint of change.

Seeing this, Qu Ping was greatly shocked, knowing that something had exceeded Lie Yukou’s control, hence the expression.

"Who is the perpetrator! Is it not Younger Brother Ning?" Qu Ping asked.

It was unclear whether his emotions at the moment were of relief or heightened tension.

If Ning Fan were the perpetrator, Lie Yukou couldn’t possibly feel it was beyond control.

Realizing Ning Fan wasn’t the perpetrator, Qu Ping breathed a sigh of relief. From his heart, he didn’t want to confront Ning Fan too much. He cherished the brief friendship they shared in discussing Dao.

But if Ning Fan wasn’t the perpetrator, who else could it be!

"Once you see this jade scroll, you’ll understand..."

Lie Yukou passed the jade scroll.

Qu Ping scanned it with his spirit sense, and after a long time, his expression drastically changed.

The jade scroll recorded the following scene.

At the time of the incident, a phantom appeared out of nowhere in the Water Ghost Clan’s sealing ground.

That phantom was distinctly condensed from the Purple Tinge Taoist method!

The phantom’s cultivation was indiscernible. However, every motion was surrounded by supreme Purple Tinge Taoist methods, deep and unfathomable!

Who could be so daring to stealthily learn Purple Tinge Taoist methods and cultivate them to such a level!

This person left their breath uncovered, and it was captured once again and sealed in the recording jade scroll.

That aura didn’t match Ning Fan’s.

Nor did it match any of the inhabitants of the Dreamland Realm’s Netherworld!

This person had the unique breath of a True Realm cultivator’s yang world!

The sealing ground of the Water Ghost Clan was jointly arranged by the Three Celestial Lords, yet it couldn’t withstand too long under the phantom’s assault—it was swiftly broken.

Subsequently... the dozen Purple Micro Stars in the sealing ground were devoured one by one by the phantom!

Not destroyed, but swallowed!

The Purple Micro Star contains boundless Taoist methods. Who would dare swallow such a star whole!

How audacious!

There was something peculiar.

While this phantom was destroying the seal and devouring the Purple Micro Star, it was speaking words that no one could understand.

"How dare mere evil spirits impede my actions!"

"Knowing I’m the Mixed Kun disciple Lu Bei, you should be aware of my abilities!"

"Step back! Otherwise, when I wield the Reverse Sea Sword, you’s are doomed!"

"As such, I shall show no mercy."

"I possess a sword that can overturn seas and slice through mountains! Prepare to die!"

"The perpetrator is the Mixed Kun disciple... Lu Bei!"

"Wait, who is Lu Bei...?"

Qu Ping was momentarily bewildered.

He looked at Lie Yukou, trying to discern any emotion from his face.

However, he only found confusion in Lie Yukou’s eyes.

Lie Yukou seemed unfamiliar with any Mixed Kun disciple named Lu Bei.

Damn it! Abominable!

Who exactly is Lu Bei!

Why would he target the Northern Boundary River and destroy the seal suppressing Nightmare Qi!

"According to Lord Hebo’s full calculations, the perpetrator is within the Northern Heavens... Precise location unknown." Lie Yukou seemed to state it as a fact.

"Is there any other method to trace this person’s whereabouts?" Qu Ping said solemnly.

Before Lie Yukou could respond, an urgent report arrived.

"This is dire news! The sealing ground of the Canglang Clan has been attacked by an unidentified phantom! The Purple Micro Star in the sealing ground is on the brink of danger! Request immediate support from the Three Celestial Lords!"

Upon hearing this, Elder Qu Ping’s gaze instantly turned cold.

In Lie Yukou’s eyes, there was a hint of surprise.

"This Lu Bei truly dares to make a public appearance, utterly disregarding everyone!" Qu Ping said coldly.

"To the Canglang Clan," said Lie Yukou indifferently.

With a single step, he vanished without a trace from the Water Ghost Clan.

Similarly, Elder Qu Ping flickered and followed, evidently planning to team up with Lie Yukou to capture this Lu Bei.

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