Please Offer Guidance

"Sect Leader, your teleportation technique allows you to traverse the Twelve Countries in an instant. What use are these means of transportation if you steal them?"

"Of course, it's to achieve the goal of collecting all the mounts. Cough cough, I meant it was a little gift for my disciple. Come, come, Moon Soul, sit on it. It's so soft."

Unable to resist, Yuepo transformed into human form, jumped onto Qingyun, and sat beside Li Fan, flying with him for a while, then scoffed.

"Hmph, so slow."

The clouds Gao Xing, and they sped up.

"Wow! This push-back feeling! Come on! Somersault Cloud! Falling Leaves! Cobra Maneuver!"

Li Fan was only playing on a whim, and it took him a while to settle down. He then flicked his sleeves and put Yuepo and Qingyun away.

You know what, it seems that refining more treasures for the disciples' protection is quite reasonable. Look, they can throw them out to block a fatal attack in a crisis! Those from Magu Mountain really struck gold! Sigh, I wonder if he has any other good stuff; letting him get away would be a huge loss.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, why don't I chase after him and kill him? This guy is rolling in money; he might have other treasures too!"

Yuepo is really bored. She said she brought her to the Central Plains to learn swordsmanship, but she ended up giving everyone she met a huge gift package and letting go of anyone she encountered in the wilderness. It's really annoying.

"Moon Soul, don't be so bloodthirsty. Killing is easy, but educating is difficult. They've worked hard for thousands of years, enduring countless hardships to reach the Divine Transformation. It's pitiful to kill them with a single sword. I still need to use them to spread Tai Su Dao education to all the people."

Yuepo pouted, "Sect Leader, I'm already a sword spirit. Although the Sword Ancestor helped me imprint the Tai Su Dao sword seal, it's still mostly for exploration. In case it gets worn out and I need to ask the sect for repairs, I'm penniless. I need to hurry up and earn merit to accumulate contribution points and prepare materials for forging the sword. You still have to parade through the streets of the Jingji these days, and after that, you have to meet the Emperor. It's so boring."

Li Fan was speechless for a moment, then thought about it and realized it made sense.

There are limits to what can be made. While those "Sword Lords" and "Treasure Lords" are incredibly powerful, only a very few are created in response to their needs. Epic divine weapons with their own storylines are forged into Divine Transformation level treasures right from the start.

Most magical Ling Bao and spiritual artifacts were created by the Xuanmen from the Nascent Soul Realm. They were first reforged and upgraded to the ninth rank of the Divine Transformation, and then, through their own cultivation and tempering, they could be upgraded from the ninth rank to the first rank. But after that, there was no way to upgrade further. They could only hope that the sect's master would invest in them, or that they would encounter some chosen ones who needed to go through certain storylines, so that they could ride on the immortal opportunities of the Dao Ancestor and ascend to heaven with their entire family, breaking through to the point of enlightenment.

After all, the higher the level of resources, the more precious they are, and everyone has to compete for them. The rules of the Xuanmen sect are the same. After the spirit of a magical artifact 'materializes' into a human form, it must also assume the responsibilities of a member of the sect, help with sect work, guide and protect younger disciples, guard the sect to complete various force missions, and earn sect resources to shape its own body. After all, Xuanmen disciples forge and create countless magical artifacts; even a pot of swords would take hundreds of years to cook. There is a queue, isn't there?

The Moon Soul is already quite lucky. As soon as it took human form, Xuan Tian immediately reshaped it to the Transformation Stage. Moreover, even if it's just for the purpose of deduce the Tai Sha Sword Dao, Li Fan and Xuan Tian will help it break through and upgrade. Unlike the Four Great Sword Sovereigns, who were stuck at the first-grade realm for years because their sword power was too strong and the rare and Heavenly Treasure they needed were too scarce.

Even with the protection of the elders of the Sword Sect, Yuepo knew that there were still many seniors queuing up in the Sword Sect's treasury, so she was now starting to consider earning materials for body shaping and sword nurturing, as well as resources for breaking through from the Divine Transformation stage to the Enlightenment Stage.

To add one more point, Xuantian has also undergone a similar 'materialization' and needs to reshape its true form. However, it has now begun researching the techniques from the 'gate' side, completely disregarding the Taiji Realm methods of the Taiji Realm, and is heading straight for the path of becoming a Dao-enlightening Sword Lord. Its vision is truly exceptionally high...

"So even the magical treasures of the Xuanmen are so coveted? Actually, Moon Soul, you don't need to worry. Ink Bamboo Mountain is weak in weapon crafting, and you're the only one who can suppress the sect's destiny. But since you're so enthusiastic, how about this: I'll give you a sword attendant, and you can go to the Central Plains for a few days."

Yuepo was overjoyed, "Thank you, Senior Brother! However, the Sword Boy is too slow, and there might be losses in a fight. How about lending me this cloud as well?"

Li Fan: "You're quite thoughtful... Sigh, alright then..."

This Sword Child technique was originally a closely guarded secret of the Ancient Sword Sect. Using a child to nurture the sword was considered too cruel and bloody, and was abolished by Xuan Tian. However, Li Fan can now use it at will, directly using the Tai Su Qiankun Qian Kun technique to create a Sword Child for Yue Po to use. This is equivalent to creating another clone puppet, specifically to serve as a scabbard for Yue Po to nurture the sword, and using the Ruyi Sword Scripture to provide enhancements. Now, with a cloud hiding within, it's incredibly safe; Yue Po can hide in the cloud and unleash its power, slaughtering all in its path.

Since Yuepo was in a hurry to go to the Central Plains to kill and plunder, Li Fan couldn't stay in the Tai Su Realm for too long. So he returned to the Taiji Realm, created a chubby sword attendant to sit on a cloud, and set Yuepo on autopilot. He took the An Yang Hou clone, whose memories had been reshaped by a head pat, and delivered it to Madam Zhang to complete the mission.

"Mother!" "Ping'er!"

The two of them sobbed and cried in each other's arms for a while. Li Fan watched from the side and thought, "Wow, this clone is pretty amazing. He's very emotional and expressive. When he cries, he's just like a real person, as if he really is the Grand Tutor's son and has been kidnapped by a demon god."

"Ahem, Madam, since An Yang Hou's physical body was destroyed and his soul was shattered, I took it upon myself to use the Dao body of Demon Race had cultivated into a human to help him dissolve his body..."

Madam Zhang was extremely grateful. "Guan Nei Hou, what are you saying! It's already a great fortune that you saved my son's life, and you even helped him rebuild his Dao body. I cannot forget your great kindness. However, Real Immortal like you probably wouldn't care for such mundane things as gold and silver."

Li Fan, "... No, it's not..."

Then Madam Zhang took out an ebony box. As soon as the box was revealed, Li Fan knew what was inside. It was wrapped tightly, layer upon layer, clearly a celestial book.

"Boundless, inactive, and limitless in form, the vast world is but emptiness. The Vacuum Home is nowhere to be found; where can all living beings go?"

This "<Sighing at the World's Inaction>" is a classic text of the Demonic Sect that circulated in Gen Province. It records the observations and experiences of the Demonic Sect disciples following Ancestor Luo as they explored the void of inaction and sought the path to the Vacuum Home. Although it contains no cultivation methods, it might be useful to you."

Wow! The Heavenly Book of Ancestor Luo? It's so simple??

The five volumes of Ancestor Luo's Heavenly Book, in six books, along with the two volumes of the "Key Scroll," "Immovable Mount Tai," "Diligent Practice for Enlightenment," and "Lamenting the World's Inaction," have all fallen into his hands. Wouldn't finding just one more book complete the set? He should definitely get an achievement for that, right?

Li Fan subconsciously took the wooden box before realizing what was happening, and a flurry of thoughts immediately arose within him.

Oh no, we've been tricked.

Can you believe that such a random side quest could yield such a reward? Isn't this connection a bit too much? Besides, thinking about it carefully, the son has really been neglecting his son for so long, waiting specifically for Li Fan to come and rescue him before giving him the Heavenly Book. This clearly shows that the Grand Tutor had planned this all along, using this Heavenly Book to pull him and Ink Bamboo Mountain into choosing sides!

But it's definitely more than enough.

After all, establishing the Tai Su Dao was precisely what Li Fan's Dao heart desired. They had even delivered the Heavenly Book of the Luo Sect into his hands; this was a great predestined connection. At least this time, even if Ink Bamboo Mountain didn't intervene, Li Fan would still have to step in to ensure the safety of the Grand Tutor's direct descendants during this calamity.

"Thank you. I, Qingyue, will accept this book."

Of course, Li Fan wouldn't let go of the heavenly book that was handed to him, and he took it without hesitation. So, without disturbing the mother and son's reunion, he went straight to a seat in the main hall, where the banquet was still going on, and became one with his shadow.

The Marquis of Wansui, sitting beside him, was of course oblivious to the intricacies of the matter, continuing to recount the refined and elegant affairs of the Three Palaces' nobles and their palace secrets. He was indeed cultured, quoting classical texts and allusions, but the content was far too meager, consisting of trivial matters such as this person's exceptional painting skills, that person's published landscape album, a certain duke brewing a fine tea, and a certain marquis's daughter having an affair with a guard.

Li Fan was getting annoyed and wished he could just pull out a math problem and start working on it. He finally found an opportunity to ask...

"By the way, I heard that the traitorous general Hou Gu, who caused chaos throughout the land, has been captured?"

The Marquis of Wansui laughed and said, "That is indeed the case, but these are merely local rebels. With my heavenly troops arriving, they will naturally be captured with ease. There's nothing to mention about them."

Li Fan glanced at him, "But I've heard that this man has wreaked havoc in Zhen, and no one can control him. Moreover, there are even experts from the Divine Cult who want to storm the execution ground. As the Central Guard the Central Army, in charge of the Jingji, aren't you worried that these rebels will disrupt the harmony in the Imperial City?"

The Marquis smiled. Of course he knew that Li Fan wanted to find out about the situation in the Jingji, but as the Grand Tutor's confidant, he naturally wouldn't tell Li Fan those important arrangements.

"Guan Nei Hou need not worry. The Three Walls are impregnable; those petty scoundrels dare not cause trouble."

Well, you said it yourself, so I'm not going to bother with you anymore.

Seeing that this person was very tight-lipped, spending the whole night eating and drinking without revealing anything important, Li Fan also felt bored. Since he had the Heavenly Book in hand, he made an excuse to leave.

The next day, during the procession, the tribute carriages and ceremonial guard were stopped.

Two Old Taoist, one lame and one blind, stood side by side in the middle of the road, blocking the way.

Those Jinwu Guards are all useless cowards, bullying the weak and fearing the strong. They can tell from their attire that this person is a master of the Xuanmen sect, and they can't afford to offend him, so they all play ostriches. Li Fan could only roll his eyes and step forward to bow, "Qingyue of Ink Bamboo Mountain is here. May I ask what brings you two here?"

"I am Wang Hu."

My Zhang Bao.

"I've heard you're proficient in the Dao of Tai Su."

"We would like to ask you for your guidance."

That's pretty direct...

"Okay, how should we compete?"

As soon as Li Fan finished speaking, the lame Wang Hu jumped up on one leg and slammed his bare hands down on Li Fan's face.

Li Fan laughed heartily, lunging forward to meet the palm strike. His "Pifeng Biyue Palm" swept out, instantly neutralizing the force of the incoming attack. Then, using the grappling technique of the Ghost Hand," he ripped through Wang Hu's protective inner energy, grabbed his wrist, and seized his pulse point in one move. He yanked Wang Hu up like a rag doll, pulling him straight up into the clouds.

"Let's find another place, lest we damage the gift I'm presenting to the Emperor."

"Impressive skill! Take this!"

After Wang Hu finished speaking loudly, he opened his mouth and spat out a beam of white light, which first shot into the sky, then folded back down and disappeared into the sunlight, like the Tianhe hanging upside down, falling straight down to Li Fan's head.

"What a fine sword! Take a look at mine!"

Li Fan politely gave a thumbs up, and two beams of black light shot out from his eyes! The sword energy was extremely sharp and unmatched! With just one clash, the white Sword Light was instantly shattered into three pieces! What fell to the ground were three pieces of ice! They were actually ice swords forged from millennia-old ice!

Wang Hu was shocked, "Ah! The Crimson Vein Child Sword!"

Li Fan laughed loudly, turned his head, and his eyes returned to normal. "Good insight! It is indeed the Tai Sha Tong Zi Sword!"

Wang Hu's expression hardened. "You've certainly impressed me. Well then, let's see what I'm capable of! Tianshuang Jueling Han Chi Binglong Fengmo Gong!"

Li Fan's heart skipped a beat, and he let go and fled in a flash. In that instant, the world turned into black and white, and Wang Hu's whole body was covered with a thick layer of white frost. He held a huge piece of black ice as tall as a person in his hands.

"Impressive skill..."

This guy instantly sealed all the surrounding baleful energy in his palm. If Li Fan hadn't retreated quickly, this Tai Su body would probably have been destroyed.

Wang Hu's face was covered in white frost, making him look hundreds of years older in an instant. He tossed the black ice formed from his murderous aura to Li Fan, saying...

"What was that technique you just used, fellow Daoist? I didn't understand it."

Li Fan held the black ice in his hands, thought for a moment, then exerted his strength to shake it into fragments. He then clenched his fists and formed the evil energy ice crystals into a Black Sword, which he then flew back to Wang Hu.

"Thank you for your guidance, fellow Daoist."

Wang Hu glanced at the murderous ice sword that Li Fan had returned, remained silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Thank you for your guidance, fellow Daoist."

Then he landed back on the street, looked at Zhao Bao, whose eyes were filled with dark brown blood and whose body was covered in it, the two bowed to Li Fan, and then helped each other and turned to leave.

Li Fan also wiped away a cold sweat.

These two old men were probably experts from some remote mountain forest. Wang Hu's skill was frighteningly high; Li Fan had to use all his strength to finally subdue him. When he used that Demon-Sealing Technique, if Li Fan hadn't dodged quickly enough, he might have actually been sealed.

As for Zhao Bao, he was quite remarkable. He must have gouged out his own eyes and sealed them with medicine to prevent them from regrowing. Using a technique similar to Gu Guan Method, he used his Divine Sense to lock onto and observe the Dao body throughout the process, secretly learning Li Fan's Qi control and breathing techniques.

Of course, he also used some Divine Sense techniques and illusion attacks, but after Li Fan upgraded his system, he completely ignored these minor attacks.

As a result, Li Fan had barely sat down in the oxcart when he was stopped again.

"The Diancang Seven Sons have come to seek your guidance!"

What? You only glanced at it on the first day, and you're already making a move on the second?

Li Fan peeked out and saw, good heavens, this time it was four people bringing three ghosts to challenge them.

The leader was dressed in a yellow robe, wore a square scarf on his head, and carried a sword case on his back.

The three behind them were dressed similarly, but instead of sword cases, they carried on their backs corpses bound with yellow silk, red incantations, iron chains, and black threads, exuding a murderous aura.

Okay, this family studies corpses.

Li Fan was also a little scratching his head, "Fellow Daoists, it's broad daylight, and it would be bad to damage your foundations. Is there any need for that?"

The Diancang Seven Sons said in unison, "We, the Diancang Seven Sons, will live and die together, and fight side by side. Your Majesty need not take offense!"

Hmm, those guys on my back, covered in cloth, are howling and screaming, full of fighting spirit!

Li Fan could only shrug and estimate the malevolent energy contained within these few immortal zombies.

"Very well then! Twenty-Eightfold Ink Mountain Fist! Please enlighten me!"

The Diancang Seven Sons let out a sharp cry and pounced forward. At first, Li Fan thought that the opponent would use the Immortal Zombies as front-line protectors, while the others would launch sword attacks from a distance. However, to Li Fan's great surprise, these three Immortal Zombies were actually used as flying swords!

Yes, it's not a guardian melee fighter, nor a demonic corpse, but the Flying Corpse Sword!

The three-headed immortal corpse raised its hands high, its ten fingers and claws sharp and long, lunging forward as if diving into water. It not only possessed the powerful attributes of an immortal zombie, but also received the enhancement of the Sword Control Technique! Its corpse energy and baleful aura were even refined into a kind of sword energy! It threw out a giant immortal zombie sword right in front of him! And it even had its own navigation!

Li Fan was caught off guard and his baleful armor was shattered by the Immortal Zombie, almost pierced through!

"Sharp!!"

When Li Fan saw these things flying around like cannonballs, he knew he couldn't take them head-on. After all, this kind of kinetic energy would require at least a trump card like non-Newtonian fluid deflection armor, which wasn't worth doing in public. He decided to hold back a bit.

It wouldn't be good to kill them with sword energy, since the seven disciples claimed they would advance and retreat together, but the eldest disciple, who was leading them, just stood by with his arms crossed, showing no intention of making a move. Moreover, the immortal zombies hadn't broken their seals or revealed their faces. Clearly, these immortal zombie flying swords might still have other killing moves up their sleeves, and their purpose this time was the same—purely for a friendly exchange of Daoist techniques.

So Li Fan stopped there and that was it.

"Great Luo Heaven-Shaking Finger!"

With a flick of his finger, he struck acupoints from a distance, sealing the vital points on the immortal zombie's body. Although Li Fan didn't know the secret technique of refining immortal zombies in Diancang Mountain, as the saying goes, once you understand one method, you understand all methods. There was a female corpse demon in Ink Bamboo Mountain, and with the system's assistance, he had already studied the meridian diagrams that Tai Su humans could use to circulate evil energy.

Thus, the flying swords of the immortal zombies, which were whistling through the air, were quickly sealed with their evil energy, their speed and power greatly reduced, and they were easily subdued by Li Fan, who could grab one and tap it with his fingers.

The Diancang Seven Sons were not surprised. Instead, they stepped forward and circled the acupoints Li Fan had pressed with vermilion ink, clasped their hands in greeting, and said, "Thank you for your guidance!"

"Polite..."

Seriously, you guys don't know how to subdue these immortal zombies yourselves, so you came here specifically to steal their skills, right...?

At least we've gotten rid of them...

"The Four Friends of Mei Mountain have come to seek your guidance!"

Holy crap, when will this ever end...?