The Nine Halls, Three Passes

"Ah! The Crimson Fiend Formation! Run! Run! Run!"

A whirlwind of fiery snakes and dragons swept in, and the bald men immediately abandoned the sedan chair and fled.

Li Fan used hand seals to control the fire, gathering the Crimson Fiend Spirit Flame into a ball. He then tossed a talisman flag from the sedan chair, enveloping the ball of Crimson Fiend Flame and directly breaking the spell.

"Ah! An earthquake strikes! Hide, hide, hide!"

The underground rocks cracked and sprang, the earth's energy erupted, and cone-shaped stones shot out in all directions. The bald men immediately scrambled to the top of the sedan chair to take cover.

Li Fan used hand seals to control the earth, blocking the boulders and explosions outside his body. As the earthquake erupted layer by layer like lotus flowers, he threw out a talisman flag, which pierced through the rock strata and stuck to the magic flag on the ground, instantly breaking the formation.

"Ah! Kun Annihilation Formation! Flash, flash, flash!"

The earth's energy seemed like a hail of bullets, shooting in from all directions, forcing the bald men carrying the sedan chair to dodge left and right.

Li Fan flicked his sleeve, unleashing a dragon that wrapped around the sedan chair, simultaneously drawing in the Qi of Heaven and Earth and retracting it into his sleeve. At the same time, he launched a talisman flag to seal the talisman array.

"Ah! A landslide formation! Take cover! Take cover!"

Countless mountains collapsed from the void as if the sky were falling and the earth was splitting. Heavy rocks crashed down, and the bald men all hid under the sedan chair for refuge.

Li Fan flipped his hand and unleashed a palm strike that shattered the mountain rocks in mid-air. The talisman flag also weaved through the chaotic rain of broken rocks and stones, directly finding the core of the formation and sticking to it, breaking the formation in one move.

Wow! Senior Brother's magical power is boundless! No one can stop him!

"Breaking formations with ease! Splitting mountains and cleaving rocks! Such skill is breathtaking!"

"Our senior brother's martial arts are unparalleled! Unmatched before or since!"

"Senior Brother is awesome! Senior Brother is awesome!"

"Stop talking nonsense! What kind of path have you taken?! You're running into danger everywhere you go! Don't you even remember the traps you set?! Are you kidding me?!"

The monks all said they dared not, and Fajing also forced a smile and explained, "Senior brother, you are wise! The feng shui, magnetic field, and secret passage formation in Ghost Valley change every three hours. To reach the main hall of the Dao Palace, even if you take a shortcut, you still have to pass through nine halls and three gates. This path is indeed the simplest and easiest shortcut to pass."

All we encountered along the way were mystical formations, which meant that Guyeshan must have broken our traps and set up these formations to block our way. It's clear they just entered as well, and might only have reached the main hall yet, not even having obtained the Daoist scriptures!

Li Fan rolled his eyes inside the sedan chair. The official explanation matched his speculation, but these junior brothers were really annoying, always throwing him out to take the fall. Luckily, although Li Fan wasn't proficient in formations, this test happened to be on the only one he had memorized: the <Disha Shiliu Zhentu Jie>, which allowed him to easily escape danger.

Moreover, this wasn't purely a matter of chance. Because Guigu Valley is sealed underground, hidden from the sun, yet it's a relic of immortals with abundant spiritual veins. This environment is naturally suitable for setting up the Sixteen Earthly Fiends Formation. Therefore, Li Fan had prepared talisman flags beforehand, since having a formation to coordinate with is always better than fighting head-on, right?

It can only be said that Guyeshan is, after all, a branch of the Xuanmen sect, and everyone thought of the same thing. However, they were in a hurry, and Li Fan was able to find the location of the array's core immediately with his Gu Guan Method, which allowed him to break the array so easily.

"Hmph! With a formidable enemy at hand, I'll spare you for now! Move out!"

"Yes, yes, yes!" "Thank you for your magnanimity, Senior Brother!"

It has to be said that the senior brother's prestige was earned through fighting. Li Fan easily broke four rounds in a row, and these four bald men realized his strength. They knew that the safest place for them was to stay around the sedan chair, with no way they could escape.

But once they passed the mountain collapse formation and went to the next barrier, it was no longer a Xuanmen formation.

The cave in front of them was filled with demonic energy, and there was a giant demon that was four zhang long, with blue skin and green scales, curved teeth and long claws, blood in its eyes and fire in its mouth!

Li Fan frowned. "What is this thing?"

Using his Divine Sense to probe, Li Fan immediately discovered that these ghosts and spirits were quite different from those he had encountered before. They were neither the pure, chaotic aggregates of flesh Non-Thing of the Tai Su Dao, nor the illusions of the Tai Chi Dao's material spirits and primordial spirits. They were neither one nor the other, existing between two realms, neither alive nor dead, and existing between two worlds. If analyzed in essence, they were... somewhat like the Blood God Child...

But the bald men breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing this ghost was like seeing a guard dog, a feeling of warmth like home. "It's here, it's here. The rest is up to us."

Fa Ding also explained with relief, "Reporting to Senior Brother, this is a Jiang Xiao, a great demon captured by Jiaoshan, which we have refined into a guardian. Perhaps Guyeshan has gone astray, or perhaps the formation has changed?"

In short, please sit still and watch what your junior brothers have to say. Fa Deng! You go first!

"It's my senior brother."

Then a monk came out, chanting scriptures and offering up a candlestick to greet the menacing demon Jiangxiao.

So this guy is the traitor Fa Deng from Guyeshan, secretly colluding with him?

Ignoring the stench and rage emanating from the great demon before him, the Fa Deng continued its march forward, holding a candlestick in its left hand and chanting incantations with its right. A spark of flame flickered on its index finger, igniting the candle in its hand. In Li Fan's Divine Sense, the Dao Breath emanating from the Fa Deng was also intense and powerful, like the lit flame itself, merging with the candlestick in its hand to become one with the lamp.

Then a divine wind blew, and the lanterns flickered. The lanterns went from one to two to four to eight, and suddenly they filled the ground, their red flames reflecting everywhere. In the blink of an eye, it seemed as if there were billions of red lanterns outside the sedan chair, illuminating the valley and shining like golden dragons!

The great Jiangxiao demon's initial howls and wailing transformed into a series of tragic screams, instantly ignited by the lamplight! In the blink of an eye, its fur, claws, and face were burned away by the flames! The wailing screams transformed into howling winds in an instant! The enormous demon was scorched to death by the lamplight in a flash, vanishing without a trace!

Then the trillions of red lanterns and golden flames in his Divine Sense suddenly went out, and all light vanished. Only the Fa Deng Fadeng remained in the arena. The candlesticks had also disappeared. He simply clasped his hands in a bow, then reached out and summoned a scroll of Jiang Xiao Guihua from the ashes on the ground, presenting it to the monk, saying, "Please, Senior Brother, pass the test."

Hmm... this Tai Xuan Dao... it seems to have some merit...

While observing the Fa Deng's supernatural powers, Li Fan discovered that what he had previously thought was a worthless magic weapon was not. It wasn't a magic weapon crafted by the Xuanmen system; rather, it seemed more like a natal Divine Transformation weapon manifested from the Fa Deng's own divine essence. When the candle was lit, the Fa Deng became the Fa Deng itself, the two merging into one. At that moment, the feeling the lamp gave Li Fan was similar to that of the blood shadow manifested by the Blood God Child.

Interesting. So the Tai Xuan Dao is far more than just body refinement. Can the true disciples of the Inner Sect possess the supernatural power of becoming one with the gods, like the Ten Absolutes Sect?

Li Fan unfolded the <Jiang Xiao Guihua> again and took a look. With his Gu Guan Method, he could clearly tell that this ghost painting had the same fluctuations of spiritual consciousness as the ghost and god from before. So it was actually two sides of the same coin. Neither of them was Jiangxiao's true body, but rather different projections of the true body in this world through different 'filters'.

It's like the items the system gives you all have special skins to disguise them, but they're essentially something else...

Could it be that the Tai Xuan Dao is also a cultivation tradition from a completely different world or other plane? This could explain why the Tai Xuan Dao and the Xuanmen are different in terms of their systems.

However, judging from the timeline, it's possible that the Tai Xuan Dao introduced cultivation methods from another world first, inspiring the local cultivators of the Taiji Realm and influencing the cultivation systems of the Three Great Sects in various ways. Isn't this just like the saying, "Red flowers, white lotus roots, green lotus leaves—the three religions were originally one family"...?

Wait a minute! If that's the case, perhaps we can make an extreme assumption: because the orthodox methods of the Tai Xuan Dao are difficult to cultivate, not only have the Death Gate Dao made choices, but even the Three Great Sects have made corresponding choices regarding the ancient inheritance, focusing on developing one aspect of the Tai Xuan system!

To ensure the advantage of its direct bloodline, the Immortal Palace simplified the Tai Xuan Dao, which had high aptitude requirements, by taking the body-refining method and moving towards dual cultivation, thus creating the <Ling Shu>. Furthermore, it used the External Alchemy to simulate the internal alchemy method, making up for any lack of aptitude with resources.

The Xuanmen sect retained its natural talent but focused on mathematical skills. Through years of accumulation and deduction, they developed a cultivation method more suitable for this world: the Taiji Xian Dao!

The Divine Cult, on the other hand, focuses on the study of the Primordial Spirit Method. Although it is unknown whether the Divine Lord was inspired by the Tai Xuan Dao, refining the Primordial Spirit ultimately leads to the same goal. Otherwise, why would they bother searching for the outdated <Tai Xuan Scripture>?

Following this line of reasoning, the reason why Li Fan's self-created <Li Version of Ling Shu> failed to work might be because the deduction had touched upon the body-refining part of Tai Xuan Dao, but lacked the cultivation path of the primordial spirit in <<Tai Xuan Scripture>>!

He could try to continue the deduction now, guided by the general principles of the * <Tai Xuan Scripture> * and his current understanding of the Tai Su Dao, to try and integrate the true teachings of various schools, such as the *Li Version of Qingyang Qingtian Great Transformation Divine Skill Beichen Zhu Mo Sword Intent *! He might even gain something from it!

He doesn't need to completely deduce the methods of Tai Xuan Dao. It would be enough if he could refer to the evolution of various Cultivation Method and create a cultivation method that is most suitable for the current time and the best for Li Fan himself!

Anyway, Li Fan didn't need to take any more action after that. There was nothing else to do while lying in the sedan chair. He could watch his junior brothers use the various supernatural powers of the Tai Xuan Dao and study the physical object of the <Jiang Xiao Guihua> directly. This gave Li Fan a lot of inspiration and allowed Daoist Qiongqi in the Divine Court to make great progress in his cultivation of the <<Tai Xuan Scripture>>.

The monks of Tai Xuan Dao carrying the sedan chair outside were also startled, clearly sensing a terrifying Daoist connection and opportunity emanating from inside!

Damn it! What time of day is this?! What kind of occasion is this?! You've actually gone into seclusion to cultivate enlightenment?! This is outrageous! Senior Brother!!!

However, Fazhi and his three junior brothers were not easily fooled and dared not disturb their senior brother's cultivation opportunity at this time. Besides, the mechanisms and demons behind them were all set up by themselves and were not difficult. So, of the nine halls and three passes, except for the first four formations which Li Fan broke, the remaining eight passes were taken by Fazhi and his three junior brothers in turn. They each displayed their superb abilities and eradicated the ghosts and demons. They then handed over all the scrolls they had obtained to Li Fan in the sedan chair for inspection and dared not ask any questions.

Easily navigating the numerous protective barriers and formations, the four carried the sedan chair to the entrance of the mountain path. It was the same Daoist palace, in the same style as the Li Fan had once visited with his primordial spirit, where the true disciples of the Tai Xuan Dao resided. Of course, this place was a disguise used to conceal the secrets of heaven, and the plaque at the entrance of the mountain also read "Death Gate Dao."

"Senior Brother, we've arrived at the mountain gate."

Legal tried asking a question, but Li Fan inside the sedan chair didn't respond at all, as if he was still comprehending the <Tai Xuan Scripture> Cultivation Method. He didn't dare to disturb him, so he gave him a look, and the four of them carried the sedan chair together and flew up the mountain to the Lingguan Hall.

Here, the Wu Zhui is leading eight Daoist priests in black, waiting for their arrival.

"Master Fazhi is so fast! Did you take a shortcut? You seem very familiar with the layout of the Death Gate Dao Ruins."

Fajing laughed, "Wu Zhui is quite fast too. Why are you all coming out of the temple to greet me? Weren't we going to the main hall to talk?"

The Wu Zhui chuckled, stroking his beard, and pointed to the Lingguan Hall. "We didn't see this protector inside when we came last time, but I know the masters of Tianlong Mountain are most skilled at exterminating these kinds of demons, so we're waiting for you to make your move."

Fa Ding was taken aback. He glanced at the armored general holding a large sword standing on the altar in the Lingguan Hall, narrowed his eyes, and smiled, "It seems that the remnants of the Death Gate Dao have set up a new Demon Lord. Fa Ding's abilities are limited, and I'm afraid he is not up to the task."

The Wu Zhui chuckled, glancing sideways at the sedan chair. "Then let's ask the one inside to make a move. Didn't you write to say that today's gathering of the Three Mountains was all at the request of this person inside? Now that we've gathered everyone according to his wishes, we should at least ask him to show his face, right?"

Fa Guang paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Actually, it's the same whether we talk inside or outside. Speaking of the Three Mountains Gathering, since our two families have met first, Wu Zhui, what do you think of the proposal in my letter?"

Wuzhui stroked his beard and laughed, "You mean the matter of joining forces to raze Kongsang Mountain? I'm afraid I, the Daoist, have no choice but to refuse."

Surprisingly, Fa Guang remained calm and laughed, "Could it be that because there are many of them this time, you are afraid of Kong Sang's divine sword? Daoist should know that Heng Hai Army defeat means that the matter at the Gate of Life and Death can no longer be accomplished."

"The two elders, Yuanmu and Yuanying, of Kongsang are already in dire straits. If our two families join forces to eliminate the group of core disciples who have entered Ghost Valley, Kongsang Mountain will be yours for the taking. My Tianlong Mountain will certainly follow your lead. Isn't this exactly what your sect has been dreaming of?"

Wu Zhui nodded repeatedly, "Exterminating the Kongsang lineage is indeed my long-cherished wish. If I can eliminate this millennia-old enemy for my sect, then Guyeshan can finally possess the spiritual veins of two mountains, and with the support of Tianlong Mountain and Yellow Heaven Dao as its foundation, combining the strength of the three mountains, Guyeshan will also have the opportunity to join the ranks of the Nine Great Xuan Sects, and wield power over the world. Even if I, Wu Zhui, betray my sect and abandon my disciples, take some great risks, do some evil deeds, and my soul is scattered, what regret is there?"

It's a pity, Master Fa, some things are ultimately beyond human control. Since the Gate of Life and Death has failed, and we've made a wrong move, there's nothing I can do about it."

The smile on Fa Dong's face gradually faded. He glanced at the black-clad Daoist priest beside the other party and asked, "Why has the Daoist suddenly changed his mind? And these senior brothers look unfamiliar; they don't seem to be from around here."

The Wu Zhui smiled at him, raised his hand to introduce them, "These are my good friends. They heard about the trouble and came to help me slay the demon."

Then a Daoist priest stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Liu Daoming of Hengshan, the Xuan Ancestor Yuanjun Great Heavenly Venerable."

Fa Zhang was shocked and could no longer pretend. "Hengshan! Your Guyeshan actually surrendered to Hengshan!"

Liu Daoming shook his head, "Master, you've gone too far. Guyeshan and Hengshan Mountain belong to the same sect, both being orthodox branches of the Shangqing lineage. They are of the same blood and lineage, so why distinguish between them?"

With an incredulous expression, he said, "But they're from out of town!"

Liu Daoming was speechless for a moment.

Wuzhui smiled bitterly, "Although Wangwu Mountain has a large population and many True Cultivators, it has been a disorganized mess for many years and has never amounted to anything. It's just a pity that there are also many conservative and law-abiding people in my Guyeshan. With all sorts of concerns and hesitations, we have missed many good opportunities to unify Gen Province. It's no use regretting it now. Born in a chaotic world, we can only seize the opportunity and bet on the side of the most promising Winner."

As everyone knows, there are only four sects that can currently control Yuntai Peak, command the services of all cultivators in the Xuanmen sect, and possess the ability to unify the world: Emei, Hengshan, Songshan, and Penglai.

However, Emei is too concerned with destiny and karma, and is obsessed with mathematics. Although it has been the leader for so many years, everyone can see that Qin Baichuan is only focused on ascending to heaven and has no intention of unifying the world! On the other hand, Songshan is in cahoots with the Three Palaces and has too close a relationship with the Grand Tutor Manor. They are no longer on the same path as us. As for betting on sides, we can only waver between Hengshan and Penglai.

Now that Penglai is located in Xun and Zhen, both countries have suffered consecutive defeats, and it is said that there is also great turmoil within the sect, shaking its foundation. The Shangqing lineage of Hengshan is an ancient Daoist sect with a long history. It is not unreasonable for our Guyeshan to rely on it for refuge...

"Hmph! You're spineless! After all these years of fighting, you're still the same! When you can't beat them, you call for help! Now you've even brought out your ancestors! Each generation is more useless than the last!"

Before the official could speak, a cold snort came from the foot of the mountain. The voice grew louder and louder in an instant, and fourteen Sword Light landed in the arena. It turned out to be a group of female immortals from Kongsang Mountain. Although they did not know the shortcut and had broken through the Nine Palaces and Three Gates, they had arrived in no time!

The person at the forefront was only at the Nascent Soul Realm, with no outstanding cultivation. However, she wielded a four-foot-long slender sword, the same type of rapier used in the previous sneak attack. The sword shone with dazzling golden light, and its dense sword energy was almost like a raging torrent of flames. The soaring sword energy shot out into the sky, and the scorching sword wind swirled back, feeling as sharp as a blade cutting into one's face! It was clearly the pressure of a top-tier divine artifact at the Divine Transformation stage!

The female immortal wielding the sword seemed to have her entire body's Dao Breath ignited by the golden flames on the sword, burning fiercely and exuding an overwhelming aura! The cultivator's face and hands were covered in bulging veins, his complexion as red as if he had applied heavy eyeshadow, and his skin was a bluish-purple as if the blood vessels under his skin had all burst! He was completely sacrificing his cultivation to wield this supreme treasure! Moreover, it seemed that his Dao body had been sacrificed, allowing the weapon spirit to relinquish it and unleash its full combat power!

Upon their entry, both Wuzhui Fading and Hengshan Liu Daoming turned their heads away, avoiding the overwhelming Sword Light, and bowed to the Lord Zhu Ming, saying, "Greetings Zhu Ming Jianjun."