Non-Fate

So that's how it is, now Li Fan understands.

So, in that case, his 'friend' really is the ruler of the Twelve Countries of Destiny, with a royal mandate of sixty years. Jing Yao claims that her abilities are not enough to foresee the royal mandate, but if the abbot of Louguan Temple, who has a family Lou Guan of astrology and fortune-telling, can calculate it, then the founder of the Qingtang Sect, who has a family tradition of matchmaking, can naturally deduce it as well.

So after all that, Gu Panpan is a debt of love left behind by 'Li Yi', the throne of the Li Country belongs to him, the three lifetimes belong to him, and the empress and two concubines also belong to him. Only the system and Kun belong to Li Fan...

However, this is quite simple. After all, according to the system's verification, 'Li Yi' has died cleanly and neatly. Therefore, his causes and effects, past events, and messy karmic entanglements will naturally vanish and have nothing to do with Li Fan.

In other words, since Li Fan has decisively given up the position of ruler of the Li Country, there are naturally no more restrictions on the number of people around him. As the saying goes, "He gave up one tree to kill two birds, but gained the whole forest in return."

As a disciple of the Green Tea Sect, Jing Yao was naturally a woman of deep thought and shrewdness. Seeing Li Fan deep in thought, she guessed that it was because she had rejected his offer and was worried that she had displeased this 'envoy from the Immortal Palace '. So she got up again, refilled Li Fan's teacup, sat down beside him, and whispered an explanation in a close voice.

"So you are a retainer from that side, Master. Please don't take offense. My Qingtang Sect is only good at making connections, but we are far from being capable of strategic planning. Besides, I am also in seclusion, comprehending the will of Heaven and preparing to break through to the Divine Realm. I really have no mind to get involved in worldly affairs. I can only apologize with a cup of tea instead of wine. I'm sorry to have troubled you to make this trip for nothing."

Seeing that the other person had already imagined everything, Li Fan didn't need to explain further and had achieved his goal. He felt a sense of relief and, following Jing Yao's lead, took the teacup and smiled.

"You're overthinking it, Fairy. I wouldn't take offense. As you know, some of my friends can't easily go out, and I don't know much about these things, so I'm just taking this opportunity to ask on their behalf. You don't need to worry about it."

"Oh, right, you just mentioned you're preparing to break through to the Divine Transformation Realm? That's perfect! Everyone knows the profound and subtle methods of the Xuanmen sect. May I ask you about the crucial point in breaking through from the Nascent Soul Nascent Soul Stage to the Divine Transformation Realm?"

Jing Yao smiled and nodded, handing over a teacup. She then took his hand and agreed, "Brother Dao, you are protected by Five-Colored Divine Light, your aura is profound, and your Dao cultivation is truly awe-inspiring. Your wondrous methods are no less than those of my Xuanmen. There's no need to discuss seeking your guidance; let's cultivate together and explore the Great Dao."

So the two of them began to cultivate and discuss the Dao together, exploring the wondrous uses of the Heavenly Garment True Qi. They benefited from each other's efforts and both gained something.

The Buddha said, "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form."

After several days of practicing together, Li Fan was finally released by Jing Yao.

Because the nun and the master were discussing the Dao at a crucial point, she suddenly had an epiphany and was preparing to Divine Transformation.

Well... actually, Li Fan wasn't sure what he had done either. He probably just did some in-depth research on the Heavenly Garment True Qi, right? But since the other person was going into seclusion to break through, and he was being polite and polite, Li Fan couldn't just keep pestering them.

However, after some in-depth yet easy-to-understand research and discussion, Li Fan is now also able to conjure up Heavenly Garment True Qi to protect his body.

At this moment, he had changed into a clean black and white monk's robe made of the two energies of heaven and earth. After some cultivation, the Five-Colored Divine Light behind his head had also transformed into two dragons of heaven and earth circling his body. In fact, there was no special enhancement, but at least it looked a bit better than the neon head.

Li Fan actually had another idea: to directly use the evil energy to imitate the Heavenly Garment True Qi and refine a protective evil energy!

This is not impossible. From what he has come into contact with so far, the evil energy can take many forms, such as the black ice of the demonic wolf, the evil fire, the charcoal skin of the Thousand-Faced Immortal, and the evil mercury used by the Beast's Child. If he could cultivate the evil energy into an evil armor to protect his body, wouldn't that make him completely immune to the Daoist arts and magical treasures of the Taiji Realm?

However, with the upgrade of his Tai Su Dao Body, Li Fan's baleful energy was insufficient, so he couldn't study it in detail yet. Now that his dual cultivation had stabilized his realm, Li Fan felt he could prepare to Moon Worship and devour the remaining demonic wolf.

Before that, since dual cultivation improved my mood, and I'm now at 17k/24.5k, I can go check out the Moon again and learn about the Ink Mountain Primordial Spirit Technique. Also, I've been studying the Celestial Robe for several days, but I still have a bunch of math problems to solve...

Sigh, so busy! Why is it that others can break through realms through dual cultivation, but he gets so engrossed in dual cultivation that he neglects his studies?!

How about this, first let me use my primordial spirit to leave my body at the Qingtang Sect and learn some of the Moshan Cultivation Method, and then go to the deep mountains and forests to set up an array to Moon Worship.

After Li Fan left the Forget-Worry Nunnery and returned to the guest quarters, he found yet another letter left behind.

The letter was naturally written by Gu Panpan. It said that a large number of Hu Barbarians troops had indeed been discovered entering Wangwu Mountain, and that the opposing demonic cultivators were powerful, having killed elite disciples of the Xuanmen sect, causing a stir in Wangwu Mountain.

With the core experts of various sects having gone to the northern frontier, the sects were short-handed, and the leaders were worried that the Hu Barbarians would break the seals in various places. Therefore, this time, manpower was mobilized, and the founder, senior uncles, and senior masters who remained in the Qingtang Sect also went out to provide support. As a highly anticipated new generation of genius cultivation beauty and the Dao Child of the Qingtang Sect, Gu Panpan was naturally taken by the founder to broaden her horizons and gain experience.

She had originally intended to invite her godfather along, but upon hearing that he was discussing Dao with his grandmaster, she decided not to disturb him and left a letter explaining the situation.

Holy crap! No wonder she was so uninhibited! It turns out that Jing Yao is actually Gu Panpan's grand-aunt! How dare she call herself a little nun?!

Sigh, why does he always seem to be attracted to middle-aged women who are hundreds of years older than him...?

However, judging from this, Li Fan figured that his and Gu Panpan's chance encounters with the Qingtang Sect had probably come to an end, so there was no need to linger here any longer. He should just get ready and go to the banquet.

That very night, Li Fan left his body to study the centipede on the moon. This time, the moon was still deserted, and he did not see any of his fellow disciples from the Mo Shan sect.

This is unbelievable! Where did they go...? Surely they're not all dead already...?

Li Fan couldn't figure it out either, so he could only focus all his energy on cultivation. This was a major chapter, which consumed a full 12k of his mental energy to learn this new Primordial Spirit Technique.

It's quite a coincidence that he had just been at the Qingtang Sect, listening to a lot about marriage, destiny, and fate. And this time, the Moshan Dharma Academy was studying precisely the subject of <Against Fate>.

What <Against Fate>?

The so-called 'entering the well is not truly entering the well; stopping at entering the well is stopping at entering the well. Going out the door is not truly going out; stopping at going out the door is stopping at going out the door. If this is so, dying young is not truly dying young; having a long life and dying young is having a long life and dying young. Having a destiny <Against Fate>; not clinging to the idea of destiny <Against Fate>.'

What this means is that, logically speaking, falling into a well or going out is not an actual occurrence, but a possibility. If someone is pulled out of the well or stopped from going out, this outcome can be prevented. Therefore, whether a person dies young or lives a long life has nothing to do with so-called fate; it's entirely due to insufficient human intervention, leading to situations where life-threatening actions cannot be prevented in advance.

The saying goes, "The order of the world is due to the efforts of Tang and Wu; the chaos of the world is due to the crimes of Jie and Zhou. If we view it this way, then the safety, danger, order, and chaos depend on the governance of the ruler. How can it be said that fate has intervened?"

Therefore, Confucianism advocates determinism, believing that there is a so-called destiny that determines a person's fate. However, Mohism believes that human power can overcome destiny and that one's power can change one's fate.

The peaceful reigns of Tang and Wu were the result of human effort, while the chaotic reigns of Jie and Zhou were also man-made sins.

Throughout history, periods of peace and chaos have all been caused by human effort, and have nothing to do with destiny. If we want a peaceful world, it is useless to seek divine guidance and divination. Only by taking action, exerting human initiative, and actively transforming the objective world can we achieve true harmony and a prosperous and peaceful world.

Therefore, the disciples of Moshan value strength over <Against Fate>.

'Li Fan cultivated <Against Fate>'

'The Cultivation Method is being evaluated'

' <Against Fate>, Primordial Spirit Technique: Cultivating the Primordial Spirit Technique can refine the strength of the Primordial Spirit, greatly increasing resistance to special spell effects such as curses and blessings.'

When under the pressure of special environments such as calamities, destiny, barriers, or formations, the passive skill 'Supreme Strength' is triggered, greatly increasing combat power.

Wow! After resisting illusions, it's now resisting spell effects?! And within the Killing Formation, a passive ability that directly increases combat power is amazing! And it really does just boost combat power! That's incredible!

The Way of Moshan really aligns well with Li Fan's personal values, and even the bonuses are so simple and straightforward, without any fluff—it's incredibly practical!

Although it might also resist the effects of buff spells, it's not too bad. The base attributes of the Tai Su Dao transformation are already high, so this slight loss is perfectly acceptable.

Originally, Li Fan wanted to use Purple Micro Astrology to make calculations and study it further, but after learning about <Against Fate> this time, Li Fan also gained enlightenment.

Calculate, calculate, calculate my ass! Just do it! Just go for it! Hahaha! Hahahaha!

'You just don't want to do the problems, right?'

Nonsense! Who wants to use their brain when a problem can be solved with fists?

In short, having learned the technique of "<Against Fate>," Li Fan felt he could easily storm into the Xiongnu's tent.

Of course, just to be on the safe side, it's best to practice on the dire wolf.

So Li Fan left a letter thanking the Qingtang Sect for their hospitality, saying that he would meet again if fate allowed. He bid farewell to Gu Panpan, flew north on his sword, and planned to fly out of Wangwu Mountain's territory first, find a secluded place to Moon Worship, completely devour the demon wolf, and also test his skills.

After flying to a desolate mountain range, Li Fan saw that there was no one around and then landed to set up the Revered Heavenly Demon Array.

This time, he didn't use his own image coordinates. He had to specially recreate a two-headed demon wolf statue of the Celestial Devil Statue to reach the designated Tai Su World. Sculpting it from clay wasn't too difficult. As soon as the False Moon appeared, Li Fan closed his eyes and opened them again, returning to the black ice field.

Li Fan took to the air and, relying on his Si Nan and Divine Sense, searched around and found the target's trail.

To Li Fan's surprise, the wolf actually grew its severed head back up!

Using the Ice River Escape to get closer, the enormous black iceberg-like body was indeed the same demon god from last time. Despite being severely injured, there was plenty of black ice material around, and in just a few days, it had actually rebuilt its demon wolf body!

However, there is a minor issue.

The newly grown wolf head was missing three of its Dark Underworld Crystal eyes, making it a completely black, ice-carved wolf head. Moreover, the surface of the newly grown area was uneven, covered with numerous round spots that looked like rashes. Only upon closer inspection could one see that they were actually the round faces of blood infants! It was as if they were vengeful spirits parasitizing the demon wolf's body!

It seems this demon god's primordial spirit technique isn't very effective. Although it forcibly sacrificed one head and expelled the blood infant, it was still affected. Now, the demon wolf is resting on the ice, while its remaining head is gritting its teeth as if having a nightmare, completely unaware of Li Fan's arrival.

Hmm, it seems that although it hastily recovered its physical body, its primordial spirit has not yet recovered from the severe damage. Good! Strike while the iron is hot!

Li Fan immediately pounced forward, mustered all his strength, and smashed down with a punch, shattering the wolf head that had just materialized into dust once again!

The demon wolf awoke with a scream, and upon seeing that the god of death had returned, it turned and fled without hesitation.

Li Fan did not pursue, firstly because the Blood Infant had already infiltrated the Demon Wolf's body, and with one more night, the creature would not escape his grasp. Secondly, he discovered that the Tai Su Dao Body was no longer obedient.

That's right, we're talking about Gonggong Dao Body!

This guy, relying on the presence of both malevolent energy and Dark Underworld in this realm, is probably plotting a rebellion! He didn't exert any effort at all just now! Luckily, Li Fan sensed it when he threw the punch and switched to hitting the wolf's head instead, otherwise he probably wouldn't have even been able to break through the demon wolf's ice armor!

At this moment, Li Fan could see in the Divine Court that Gonggong was acting arrogantly, like the Heavenly King himself, resisting the iron chains around his neck and struggling against Gui Xu Nascent Soul. The other mountain gods, as well as Qiongqi and Guiche, were all watching from the sidelines, wanting to see who would gain the upper hand when Guixu and Gonggong clashed.

Li Fan also realized something. Perhaps the main reason why the seniors of Moshan suffered such heavy casualties was that their Tai Su Dao Body had become too strong, causing it to resist their Dao Heart and devour their hearts.

Now, Gonggong, taking advantage of Xueying's fight against the demon wolves and the enhanced combat power of the Tai Su Realm, has jumped out to rebel!

Heh, you bastard, you're asking for it.

If that demonic wolf hadn't been so frightened that it fled, things might have gone awry!

Li Fan's eyes turned cold as he landed directly on the ice. His Divine Sense sank into his divine court, and he controlled his Gui Xu Nascent Soul to loosen the chains, accepting Gonggong's challenge.

The Gui Xu Nascent Soul descended from the black iceberg within the Divine Court. It was a deep purple humanoid figure with no facial features. Apart from the two epiphyllum flowers growing on its silver horns, it resembled an indistinguishable human silhouette.

Gonggong Dao Body also twisted his neck, stretched his muscles and bones, and coiled up into a snake body. His entire body was covered in black ice armor, and the fish spear in his hand was also steaming with baleful energy. His golden snake eyes were as fierce as a demon god, and his red hair was wildly scattered without wind. His entire human face was also distorted and ferocious, making him look like a ghost god!

Seeing the ferocious killing intent and raging demonic energy in the other person's eyes, Li Fan understood.

If he loses this battle, his physical body will probably be seized by Gonggong and transformed into a new demon god, right?

I didn't quite understand before why Ink Bamboo Mountain could be so cruel to his fellow disciples without trying to restore them to their original state. Now I see it: by the time the demon god manifests and they lose their human form, it will already be too late.

Those who were once fellow disciples have probably all perished and can never return.

This is the primordial spirit tribulation of the Tai Su Dao!

"Then I won't hold back anymore, ahhhh!"

"Hiss! Aaaaaah!"

Gui Xu Li Fan and Gong Gong made their move simultaneously!

Li Fan had already understood that in the primordial spirit state, the contest was more about the Dao heart and determination of both sides. The fish spear in the opponent's hand was not a real magic weapon, but an illusion created by the primordial spirit. So he also flicked his wrist, conjuring a pair of Black Sword with both hands, and used the Profound Heaven Sword Method to kill Gonggong Demon God!

Two swords against a long spear, it was like a martial arts demonstration that had been contemplated in the Divine Court in the past, but this time it was a life-or-death struggle filled with murderous intent!

While Li Fan certainly mastered the superior Profound Heaven Sword Method, Gonggong being trapped in the same body was also a manifestation of the profound mystery of the Xuantian Five Forms Sword Technique!

In the Aurora Movie, Li Fan fought Gonggong for over a hundred rounds!

Firstly, Gonggong is familiar with the sword moves. Although he now has a human body and a snake tail and uses the Jiuli Dance to wield the spear, he still knows all the key moves that are sure to kill. Therefore, sure-kill moves such as the lightning strike are almost useless against him.

Secondly, Gonggong was proficient in the Profound Nether Escape Technique, which not only allowed him to condense ice armor but also to use ice escape techniques! If he couldn't withstand the attack, he could dodge; if he couldn't dodge, he could still withstand the attack!

Thirdly, Li Fan didn't actually kill him; he was mainly testing the waters.

After all, this was the first Tai Su Heart Demon to jump out and rebel. To prepare for the future, Li Fan also needed to confirm the opponent's level, whether it was a real demon god or another 'Li Fan'.

After trying a hundred different methods, he finally came to a conclusion.

Rubbish.

This isn't self-deprecation, okay? Gonggong Dao Body and Li Fan himself are indeed one, and he is indeed fully familiar with the Profound Heaven Sword Method Technique. As for the Profound Nether Escape Technique, it's even more powerful. His understanding of black ice is deeper than Li Fan's, and his strength is astonishing. The sense of oppression is completely at the level of a demon god.

However, because it was using Gonggong's Dao body, it was different from humans. It could only use evil energy and the Profound Nether Escape Technique. After testing it for so long, it was clear that it was a 'demon' that shared memories with Li Fan, but not a 'human'. Moreover, it did not seem to have Li Fan's comprehension. Li Fan deliberately exposed a flaw and repeated the sword moves several times, trying to trick the opponent into making a move, but Gonggong did not see through it.

Li Fan hesitated for a moment, thinking his opponent had seen through his ruse and wasn't falling for it. After a hundred moves, even his spear technique showed no improvement. To be honest, Li Fan hadn't practiced the Jiuli Dance much before, and spear fighting wasn't his forte. But if he were really in that situation, with last-minute practice, his skills should have improved somewhat, right?

However, no, the changes in the first move and the hundredth move are the same.

Li Fan then understood.

This Tai Su Heart Demon is utter trash...

That's enough for now, let's wrap this up and hurry up and go eat the wolf.

So Li Fan sheathed his two swords, too lazy to linger and give Gonggong another chance, and suddenly lunged forward, heading straight for him.

Gonggong thrust his spear toward Gui Xu Nascent Soul's forehead, but this time Li Fan neither dodged nor evaded. He grabbed and twisted the spear with his bare hand, breaking it in two. Then he threw a punch at Gonggong!

The demon god also became ferocious, howling as it swung its claw, but both its claw and head were smashed to pieces by Li Fan's punch!

Gonggong's Gonggong Dao Body blown off, collapsed to the ground. A moment later, like fruiting seeds, Li Fan's head quickly grew back on its neck. Then it got up again, but dared not be arrogant anymore. Its body shrank, and it knelt down at the feet of Gui Xu Nascent Soul, its huge body curled up into a ball.

Excellent! <Against Fate> and relied on strength!

The rebellion of the Tai Su Dao Body can certainly be considered a mental tribulation!

You don't even know the Dao of Ink Mountain! How can you possibly compete with him for the Dao Body!

The Gui Xu Nascent Soul suddenly turned his head and swept his gaze around. The surrounding Tai Su Dao Body vied to bow down in submission, none daring to raise their heads.

Now they understand the rules.