Chapter 14

"I sat here in withered stillness every day, and the spiritual light burrowed into my head all on its own. It didn't take much effort at all." As Lin Fan spoke, he suddenly sighed. "Those profound mysteries of the formations kept chasing after me, demanding I comprehend them. Tell me, isn't that annoying?"

The corner of Tongtian's eye twitched sharply.

He had mastered innate divine formations without so much as blowing off dust? Those words truly set one's teeth on edge.

Even though Tongtian had always devoted himself to studying the Dao of formations, at this moment, he still felt his Dao heart suffer a blow. But he had to admit, this Lin Fan truly had something extraordinary about him; from head to toe, he gave off mysteries that even Saints could not see through.

Nuwa's prophecy had indeed been accurate to the slightest degree.

"Little friend, these are the treasures this venerable one promised you."

Daoist Tongtian lightly waved his sleeve, and three pills flowing with golden patterns, three lustrous yellow plums, and twenty-four deep-blue spiritual pearls all fell into Lin Fan's palm.

The Youth lowered his eyes to look at his palm wreathed in treasure light, and laugh lines rippled at the corners of his eyes. "Thank you, Holy Venerable."

"It is the working of karma; there is no need for thanks." The Daoist's broad sleeves faced the wind, purple qi lingering between his brows. "This opportunity for me to become a Saint was bestowed by you. If you ever have need in the future, the gates of Biyou Palace will always be open."

Lin Fan toyed with the Sea Calming Pearl and chuckled. "Then I won't stand on ceremony."

"The one who should give thanks is this venerable one." Daoist Tongtian Gazed at the Youth's unruffled expression in the face of favor or disgrace, and inwardly Sighed at the flourishing fortune of Nuwa. If such a piece of uncut jade had entered the Jie Sect earlier...

"The matter is done. I should return to Kunlun." The Daoist suppressed his regret and issued an invitation. "All of the Jie Sect shall honor little friend as an esteemed guest."

"I will certainly impose on you then." Lin Fan cupped his hands to see him off. Then he saw Dao marks split open in the void, and the holy trace was already gone.

The tremors in the Primordial World had yet to settle. In Kunlun's Jade Void Palace:

Venerable Tai Shang Dao De suddenly opened both eyes, his horsetail whisk falling in shock. "Third Brother actually attained Primordial Unity?"

"Establishing a sect and becoming a Saint..." Venerable Yuanshi snapped the armrest of his seven-treasure agarwood seat as he stroked it, and the fine wine in the glazed cup spilled out.

The news that Tongtian had been the first to prove the Dao and become a Saint sent shockwaves through every realm of the Primordial World.

Atop Kunlun Mountain, Laozi stroked his beard and smiled. "Third Brother has comprehended his opportunity. This is truly a fortunate matter. When he returns, we should discuss the Saintly Dao together." Venerable Yuanshi nodded in agreement, anticipation showing between his brows.

On Mount Sumeru, the Two Sages of the West wore gloomy expressions. Jieyin turned a bodhi bead between his fingers and Sighed. "The East's fortune is flourishing. We must focus even more on comprehending the Hongmeng Purple Qi." Zhunti Looked towards the East, his gaze flickering, and the two immediately closed their eyes and entered meditation.

Above the ninefold heavenly palace, Donghuang Taiyi tightened his grip on the Chaos Bell. "Tongtian actually took this step first." Di Jun Gazed in the direction of Buzhou Mountain. "Only by annihilating the Witch race and gathering the fortune of the Primordial World can we attain Primordial Unity."

Inside Pangu Hall, Dijiang's whole body had Killing Intent Surges. "Saintly might overshadows the world. I only hope it does not disturb the tribulation." Zhu Jiuyin stood beside the long river of time, and the Twelve Ancestral Witches all fell silent.

Nuwa ** Wa Huang Palace, the River and Mountain Spell Painting reflected all the myriad phenomena of the Primordial World.

** Nuwa, who was cultivating, slowly opened her eyes.

Sensing the strange movement between heaven and earth, a trace of astonishment flashed through In her eyes.

Tongtian had actually already become a Saint?

After a moment's thought, Nuwa immediately understood that Sect Master Tongtian must have gone to Shouyang Mountain.

Thinking of Lin Fan, a smile unconsciously appeared on her breathtakingly beautiful face.

That little fellow truly was remarkable.

Such deep fortune and insight were truly astonishing.

He could even see through Tongtian's opportunity to become a Saint.

On Shouyang Mountain.

After Lin Fan finished eating the last Thunder Spirit Fruit, he returned to the hall.

He took out three Six-Turn Immortal Pills. The pill bodies were covered in profound patterns, and a rich medicinal fragrance rushed over him.

After carefully examining them, Lin Fan had already made his judgment—

The effects of these immortal pills were roughly equivalent to mid-grade Innate Spirit Fruit.

Although the spiritual power they contained was not particularly vast to him, their preciousness lay in their unique effects—

they could temper the physical body, cleanse the marrow and open the meridians, and strengthen the sinews and bones.

He did not rush to consume them, but first comprehended the source of the Dao of pills.

Layer upon layer of profound pill-Dao charm rose within his Spiritual Platform.

Ding! Congratulations, host, for analyzing the source of the Six-Turn Golden Elixir. Your attainments in the Dao of pills have advanced to the minor accomplishment realm. You have comprehended the Great Alchemy Technique.

Obtained one mid-grade Acquired Spiritual Root, Water Lotus.

The corners of Lin Fan's mouth lifted slightly.

The complete alchemy formula surfaced in his sea of consciousness, every step clear and distinct.

From now on, as long as he gathered enough Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, he could also refine Six-Turn Golden Elixirs.

Then he swallowed all three golden elixirs.

Surging medicinal power spread through his body like a tide, washing over every meridian, bone, and sinew.

The Sacred Emperor Golden Body Technique began circulating on its own.

His bones shone with flowing golden radiance, swiftly transforming under the medicinal power's repeated tempering.

After a long while, his physical cultivation successfully broke through to the middle stage of Primordial Unity Golden Immortal.

Whether in strength or toughness, it was more than ten million times mightier than before.

Next, he took out three Yellow Middle Plums and ate them.

Their sweet, exquisite taste was intoxicating.

The fruit transformed into energy like a vast sea of stars, flowing through his limbs and every bone in his body.

Lin Fan circulated two supreme ** at the same time to absorb spiritual energy, and used his divine sense to analyze the fruit's source.

Time flowed slowly.

Ding! The player has successfully fused with the Yellow Middle Plum fruit, analyzed the Source Law, mastered three Grand Unity Realm divine abilities, and synthesized an all-new Primordial-level divine ability—Chaos Annihilation Divine Thunder.

Obtained rare spiritual plant: Ice Crystal Immortal Grass.

Lin Fan slowly opened his eyes, and in his palm appeared a small world of unopened chaos.

With a slight movement of his will, purple radiance filled the sky and flowed, transforming into an endless sea of thunder.

Countless thunder dragons leaped and roared, breathing out an aura of destruction.

Looking around, Lin Fan forcefully suppressed the Sha Qi churning within his **.

Objectively speaking, this divine ability's power was terrifying, and the area it covered was extremely vast.

Once unleashed, jade and stone would burn together.

Use with caution unless absolutely necessary.

Kunlun Immortal Realm.

Sect Master Tongtian had only just returned to his cave abode and had not yet had time to sit down.

The two saints, Taiqing and Yuqing, arrived together.

"Third Brother has actually stepped into the Saint Realm before us.

Congratulations, Daoist Friend, on attaining Primordial Chaos."

Laozi stroked his beard with a smile and paced forward.

Seeing his elder brothers visiting, Sect Master Tongtian smiled broadly and went to welcome them.

"This time, it was all thanks to little friend Lin Fan's guidance. Otherwise, I would have found it hard to discover the opportunity to become a saint."

Upon hearing that name, Laozi's smile abruptly vanished, his face as heavy as water.

Ever since the fate energy of the Human Teachings had been seized, this matter had become a knot in his heart.

He had handed away an opportunity for sainthood on a silver platter; this hatred was hard to dispel.

"Third Brother, is what you said true?"

Venerable Yuanshi's eyes revealed astonishment, and for a moment he nearly thought he had misheard.

"What does a child know of the mysteries of Heaven's secrets? How could he guide someone on the Saintly Dao?"

"How could I joke about such an important matter?"

Sect Master Tongtian said solemnly:

"Junior Sister Nuwa's words were not false.

Little friend Lin Fan is a heaven-sent prodigy with deep fortune, and he can also sense the hidden workings of the Heavenly Dao."

At this point, he sighed deeply once more.

Hundred-Character Chapter

Sect Master Tongtian's expression was solemn as he sighed and said, "If Lin Fan can be taken in as one of our disciples, the flourishing of the Jie Sect will be just around the corner."

Seeing him praise Lin Fan so highly, Venerable Yuanshi was first stunned, then deeply shaken—could it be that this boy truly had the ability to reach the heavens? Third Brother's opportunity this time was truly rare.

Laozi, however, scoffed. "A mere brat, vile in character. Even if he occasionally says something right, it is only luck. Third Brother, why exaggerate so much?"

Tongtian shook his head and argued, "Though Lin Fan is mischievous, he is not vicious—he merely has a youth's temperament. His talent is outstanding; his flaws do not obscure his jade."

Laozi said in a deep voice, "Do not let that brother and sister pull wool over your eyes."

Yuanshi remained silent for a long time. When he had seen Lin Fan at Wa Huang Palace in the past, he had already perceived that Lin Fan was extraordinary; today, Tongtian's sanctification further confirmed that thought. Secluding himself to comprehend the Dao was not a sound plan in the end. Perhaps he ought to enter the world and seek his destined chance.

He suddenly cut off their argument. "I wish to travel through the Primordial World. We can discuss the Dao again after I return." With that, he tore through the air and left.

Tongtian was astonished. His second brother, who had always supported their eldest brother, had actually gone against his usual ways today. Seeing this, Laozi also flicked his sleeve and departed.

Yuanshi arrived at Shouyang Mountain and saw the sacred land of the human race wreathed in spiritual energy, with flowers blooming across the wilds. It was as different from its withered state in the past as heaven from earth. He sighed inwardly, "This must be Lin Fan's doing."

Venerable Yuanshi's thoughts stirred faintly, and a few more traces of expectation were added to this journey.

In the blink of an eye, he had reached the depths of Shouyang Mountain.

He saw Lin Fan lying leisurely on the emerald-green grass, comfortably tasting a spiritual fruit and enjoying the bathing sunlight.

"Young friend Lin Fan."

Suddenly seeing Yuanshi descend, Lin Fan looked slightly surprised.

Tongtian had only just left, and now Yuanshi had arrived.

Could it be they agreed on this?

"So it is Immortal Elder Yuanshi. Forgive my discourtesy."

Lin Fan rose to welcome him.

A faint smile appeared on Venerable Yuanshi's face.

At this moment, he instead felt that Laozi's view of Lin Fan was inevitably somewhat biased.

"Young friend, to be able to guide and educate the human race to this point in such a short time—your aptitude is truly extraordinary."

For Yuanshi, who had always set his sights above the crown of his head, to offer such rare praise showed his recognition of Lin Fan.

Hearing this, Lin Fan broke into a smile.

Who said Yuanshi wasn't good with words? Isn't he quite good at talking?

After exchanging pleasantries, Yuanshi went straight to the point.

"I wonder what insights young friend has regarding the Dao this venerable one cultivates?"

With Yuanshi's proud nature, he would never lower himself to seek instruction from a junior.

Thus, his words were rather tactful.

As soon as he finished speaking, a treasure banner and a spiritual root appeared in the void.

"If young friend speaks reasonably, these two treasures shall be gifted to you."

That treasure banner was none other than the illustrious Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner, one of the Five Directional Banners, unmatched in protecting the body and warding off enemies.

As for the spiritual root, it was the Immortal Apricot.

It bore two fruits only once every hundred thousand years.

Each fruit could not only increase one's magical power, but also allow one to obtain a divine ability.

Lin Fan's gaze instantly burned bright.

As expected of Venerable Yuanshi, he was indeed generous when he made a move.

Compared with Sect Master Tongtian, he suited Lin Fan's tastes even more.

Lin Fan said with a smile:

"Immortal Elder Yuanshi values foundations and fortune most, reveres Heaven's mandate, and believes Heaven's Will cannot be defied."

"Then why not transmit the Dharma to all living beings and expound the true meaning of the Heavenly Dao for them?"

The instant these words came out, Venerable Yuanshi's mind and spirit trembled.

The Profound Mystery of the Heavenly Dao

Yuanshi's blessing reached his soul, and those four true words split open the chaotic fog.

His Dao heart became clear as glass, and the Hongmeng qi in his Purple Mansion surged without end.

"Wondrous! What a fine interpretation of Heaven's Will!"

Then Yuanshi trampled through the ninefold clouds, his voice shaking the eight wildernesses: "Today, I establish the Chan Sect to unravel Heaven's mysteries for the common people. Those possessing great fortune may all enter my disciples."

In an instant, golden clouds pierced the sun, and Merit Golden Lotuses bloomed all across the void. Merit of World Creation erupted, and the Hunyuan Dao Fruit was finally achieved.

In the space of a breath, two sages descended into the world, startling all beings of the Primordial World into turning their heads.

Atop Kunlun's peak, Laozi's gaze burned bright. "It is actually the direction of the human race..."

Tongtian clapped his hands and laughed loudly. "Joyous and worthy of celebration!"

As the Pangu Banner suppressed the sect's fortune, Yuanshi suddenly sensed something unusual. Within the territory of the human race, there was actually an Innate Grand Formation protecting it. Upon careful inspection, he could not help but marvel—

"This child Lin Fan truly steals the craftsmanship of heaven and earth."

At this moment, his sage heart stirred faintly, and he actually gave rise to the same thought as Tongtian.

Lin Fan's natural talent was extraordinary, his comprehension transcendent, and his fortune profound; he could even sense the will of the Heavenly Dao.

If he became a disciple of the Chan Sect, he would surely make its great name spread far and wide.

Unfortunately, Nuwa had beaten him to it.

"Little friend Lin Fan, these spiritual items are yours."

Yuanshi lightly brushed his sleeve, and several precious artifacts hovered before Lin Fan's eyes.

When he accepted the Immortal Apricot and the Apricot Yellow Flag, the youth's brows and eyes were full of delight—just in time, he had one final chance left to enlighten something.

After a few pleasantries, Yuanshi tore open the void and headed straight for Kunlun.

Inside Wa Huang Palace.

Nuwa suddenly opened her eyes, sensing the tremors of the Primordial World in astonishment. "Yuanshi has actually attained sagehood too?"

Could it be because of that child's guidance again?

Lately, strange events had been happening one after another in the Primordial World. A little brother this heaven-defying truly left one helpless.

At the thought, Nuwa transformed into a streak of light and arrived directly at the summit of Shouyang Mountain.

"Little Lin Fan!" Before the clear voice had even faded, the youth lying flat sprang up like a coil.

Just as he was about to flee, he was caught by the back of his collar and crashed solidly into a fragrant embrace.

"Si... Sister?" Lin Fan blinked, instantly switching to a look of surprise and delight. "I was just finding spiritual fruits tasteless without you."

Nuwa pinched his tender cheek, unable to hold back her laughter. "Does lying there counting clouds taste that bad?"

Lin Fan put on a bitter face and sighed deeply, making Nuwa smile like a blooming flower—she knew perfectly well he was spouting nonsense, yet she still loved listening to this little slippery-head lie.

Hmph, what freedom? What you see is nothing but the surface.