Chapter 521-525: Emperor San's Ingenious Plan (6k+ words)
Since the conclusion of the high-level meeting of the Great Dao Sect that day, this unknown strange disease has spread through the mountain gate at an extremely alarming speed.
Even though orders were issued in advance, instructing disciples to be vigilant, to isolate themselves as much as possible, and to avoid contact with others.
Various elixirs were distributed to the disciples as needed.
However...
All measures were completely useless!
The infectious speed and lethality of the strange disease to low-level cultivators far exceeded the imagination of the Great Dao Sect's leadership.
In less than a month, almost all of the Great Dao Sect disciples were infected with this strange disease. Moreover, not all disciples had the fortune to enjoy divine medicines like the Creation Purple Gold Pill.
Ordinary elixirs were almost like placebos in the face of this strange disease.
It all depended on the luck of the cultivators.
Those lightly infected gradually recovered after a period of suffering. Although their cultivation fell, they at least preserved their lives.
More suffered severe symptoms. Despite using various life-saving methods and secret techniques, they failed to survive.
What's even more tragic is that now, everyone within the Great Dao Sect is in jeopardy.
Even if these people died, no one dared to collect their corpses. They would just perform a simple funeral by protecting themselves from a distance, using spells to completely obliterate the corpses.
Within the Great Dao Sect, a gloomy atmosphere filled with wailing and sorrow prevailed.
It was truly unimaginable that this was one of the most powerful sects in the current cultivation world.
If the Great Dao Sect was in such a state, the dire situation in other places could be inferred.
On this day, Sect Master Ji Changxi once again summoned Senior Sister Zhao and Li Fan to discuss the matter of this mysterious and strange disease in the sect's main hall.
"Cough, cough..."
Upon entering the main hall, they heard intermittent coughs coming from all directions.
The elders and Sect Master Ji Changxi no longer appeared as energetic as before.
Those who were sickly were forcing themselves to look spirited.
There were also quite a few elders lying down, with a few puppets gently massaging them. Occasionally, moans could be heard.
Although they were in the same main hall, Li Fan noticed that they had isolated themselves from each other using prohibitions and formations.
"How have you two been recently?"
Sect Master Ji Changxi asked.
"Thank you for your concern, Sect Master. In this month, we have each taken three Creation Purple Gold Pills. Senior Sister Zhao and I are now in good condition, and many symptoms have disappeared. We should recover soon," Senior Sister Zhao replied with a slight bow.
"Cough, although it is a good thing, you must not be careless in the future. Personal protection is still necessary. According to the current situation, contracting this strange disease, even if cured, may lead to a second, or even multiple infections..." Ji Changxi said with a solemn expression.
Senior Sister Zhao couldn't help but change her expression slightly.
But before she could react, Ji Changxi spoke again, "I called you here today because there is a task for you."
"After a period of investigation, we now have a preliminary conclusion about the origin of this strange disease."
Li Fan immediately focused and listened intently.
"Previously, we speculated that this disease was caused by a Longevity Celestial Sovereign reversing some kind of principle of heaven and earth. Only recently have we finally determined what kind of principle of heaven and earth it is."
Chapter 521: Emperor San's Ingenious Plan
"In the eyes of cultivators, mortals are like ants. But with this disease, even mortals can slaughter immortals!" A hint of uncontrollable anger flashed in Ji Changxi's eyes.
"The origin of this strange disease is, in fact, a plague that spread among mortals in the past few years."
"Originally, it couldn't harm us cultivators at all. However, after the actions of this Longevity Celestial Sovereign, there has been a qualitative change. It can now threaten our lives."
"Hehe, we might as well call it the 'Immortal Plague.'"
"I don't know what the thought process of this Longevity Realm expert is, and what their purpose is, to force us onto a dead end. But the current situation is a bit out of control."
"Out of control?" Senior Sister Zhao was stunned. "Does this Immortal Plague already reached such a level?"
Ji Changxi shook his head: "You two have been staying in the sect all this time, unaware of what has happened outside in the past month."
"The source of the Immortal Plague is mortals, and it's not a secret. This matter has already spread among the cultivator community."
"Those cultivators on the brink of death due to the Immortal Plague, in order to vent their anger, began to indiscriminately slaughter mortals. Now, the mountain below is like a scene from hell."
"Not going to trouble that Longevity Celestial Sovereign, but venting their anger on mortals. Bullies and cowards, truly a group of useless people, they deserve to die!" Senior Sister Zhao's eyes flashed with a cold light upon hearing this.
At this moment, Ji Changxi said, "It's normal for those who are about to die to lose their sanity. It's just that the rampant slaughter of mortals is a bit too much. This Immortal Plague is hidden deep within mortals. Even if mortals die, the Immortal Plague won't dissipate; instead, it will spread everywhere."
"Moreover, if they really kill all the mortals, how will we maintain..."
Ji Changxi paused slightly.
"So, this kind of crazy behavior must be stopped."
"Elders, while searching and researching ways to counter the Immortal Plague, are unable to spare their attention. Considering the vastness of the Xuanhuang Realm, relying solely on you two won't be enough. Not only our Great Dao Sect, but other sects will also send disciples to save mortal lives."
Senior Sister Zhao first said she would comply, then raised her own doubts: "In the past, those cultivators might still fear the reputation of our Ten Dao Sects and stop killing mortals. But now, most of them are desperate due to illness..."
Ji Changxi also understood her meaning, waved his hand, interrupted her, and continued, "For those who have completely lost their sanity, there's no need to waste words. Just kill them. As for others, you can tell them that the Ten Dao Sects have come up with a way to deal with the Immortal Plague. Let them wait patiently and not commit more innocent killings."
Upon hearing this, Senior Sister Zhao's expression became somewhat strange. "Is there really a method to deal with the Immortal Plague?"
Contrary to her expectations, Ji Changxi actually nodded slightly. "It was suggested by the Longevity Beast of the Beast-Taming Sect. Since the Immortal Plague originates from mortals and mortals cannot be completely exterminated, the solution is to exile them to the various caves, small worlds, affiliated with the Xuanhuang Realm."
"Without mortals, the concentration of the Immortal Plague in the Xuanhuang Realm will significantly decrease. After that, completely eliminating its influence should not be a difficult task. At least, it can allow us cultivators to live normal lives."
"Although the practical feasibility of the plan is still under discussion and evaluation, it should not be a big problem."
"The Great Migration Plan..."
"Just tell those cultivators like that! There is a glimmer of hope, and they should not be so crazy."
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 522: A Century Passes Suddenly
So, Li Fan and Senior Sister Zhao received the order and descended the mountain.
Due to the large number of deaths among mortals, the concentration of the Immortal Plague in the environment soared.
To cope, before they left, Sect Master Ji generously rewarded them with various abundant supplies, including the Lifecreation Purple Gold Pills.
However, this was not enough to completely alleviate the heavy hearts of the two.
After confirming the news that the Immortal Plague can be contracted multiple times, they knew that even with thorough preparations and precautions, constant contact would inevitably lead to another infection of this strange disease.
The various pains they experienced during the previous month of infection were still vivid in their minds.
As cultivators, they hadn't felt such a sense of despair in a long time.
If this cycle of infection repeated over and over...
The taste would probably be worse than just dying.
Of course, these were just impulsive words for the moment.
Both Senior Sister Zhao and Li Fan were determined cultivators seeking longevity; how could they easily give up their lives?
However, despite their reluctance, they had to obey the order.
"This matter is a bit strange. I inquired about it. Although disciples from the other Nine Sects are also sent out to travel the world, most of them are at the True Transmission level. I haven't heard of any other sect, like our Great Dao Sect, sending disciples of the Dao Child level!" Li Fan shook his head slightly, his eyes full of confusion.
"Sister, you are the next candidate for the position of Sect Master, so noble. In this troublesome autumn, what you should do most is stay in seclusion at the sect gate and strive to improve your cultivation. Instead, you're given this inexplicable task. If by any chance..."
Li Fan glanced at her, then continued, "I mean, if by any chance, Sister, something unfortunate happens to you, and you fall, then the cost for the sect to cultivate a new Dao Child is considerable."
"All the investments made before in you would be in vain."
"Sect Master Ji's decision this time is really hard to understand. Moreover, none of the elders seem to have any objections..."
Senior Sister Zhao glanced at Li Fan and said lightly, "Junior Brother, you're overthinking. Our Great Dao Sect is the leader of the world's immortal sects. Sending a Dao Child out shows that we attach great importance to this matter."
"Besides..."
Her voice suddenly became slightly solemn, "Junior Brother, your speculation might have been correct in the past. But now..."
"The times have changed."
Li Fan was suddenly shocked.
Yeah. He was still immersed in the prosperous era of cultivation from the past, and his mindset had not changed.
Nowadays, the cultivation world was like a giant chessboard, with each sect having its own role.
Whatever Dao Child, the faster their cultivation increased, the more it became a threat in the eyes of the senior members of the sect.
In the past, you could still cultivate shared techniques, and if you didn't want to become the Sect Master, you could become a Supreme Elder and relinquish the position of Sect Master early.
But now, if you didn't want to be Sect Master? Alright, then the "Zhutian Grand Dao Scripture," you certainly can't just keep it, right? Please change the sect's cultivation technique!
No one could endure this.
Having figured out the intricacies, Li Fan no longer spoke.
The two followed the bloody scenes in the sky and arrived at a ruin.
They remembered that a few years ago, this was an extremely prosperous mortal city with a population of at least five hundred thousand.
Unexpectedly, now it completely lacked any signs of life.
As their divine senses swept over, there were mortal corpses everywhere in the ruins.
Men, women, old, and young were not spared. It was a terrifying scene, something they had never seen even in the most horrific nightmares.
"This is truly insane..."
The killing intent surged in Senior Sister Zhao's eyes. While carefully protecting against the constant transmission of the Immortal Plague below, she cast spells and investigated the traces of the culprit.
"Let's go!"
After a while, Senior Sister Zhao, who found the target to track, turned into a streak of light and swiftly flew away.
Li Fan hurriedly followed.
After a short while, when Li Fan caught up, he found that Senior Sister Zhao was somewhat at a loss standing in place.
It turned out that the cultivator who had slaughtered the city before was already deeply infected with the Immortal Plague and had died without treatment.
The mastermind behind the crime was already dead, leaving Senior Sister Zhao full of unfulfilled anger.
"Do they have any fault? If it were us, without so many life-saving pills, in the face of life and death, we might also do the same, right?" For a moment, Senior Sister Zhao couldn't help but ask in confusion.
Li Fan was about to reply when he suddenly noticed a strange phenomenon in the sky above.
"Cultivator Qu Xin Feng, cultivating the Deep Mountain Stone Sword for fifty-six years, achieving the foundation of Dao..."
"Now dead, Dao vanished, returning to the heavens!"
While witnessing the scene in the sky, a message suddenly appeared in Li Fan's mind.
"This is?" Li Fan was momentarily stunned.
"Hmm?" Senior Sister Zhao also noticed the strange scene in the sky and looked up.
After a moment, her expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
She swung a sword qi, attempting to disperse the anomaly in the sky.
However, it seemed as if this scene was engraved in the heavens. Senior Sister Zhao's attack was futile.
"What is this? Is it the mockery of the heavens?" Li Fan remained silent.
Different laws cannot be cultivated together, and now there is the Immortal Plague.
Now, this strange "death announcement" appeared. No one knew how things would be in the future.
He sighed lightly.
"Let's go, Senior Sister. Don't delay here; complete the task early and return to the sect soon." Li Fan advised.
After a long time, Senior Sister Zhao didn't respond.
She just dispersed the body of Qu Xinfeng, who had caused endless slaughter but had now perished.
Then, she turned into a streak of light and flew away.
Over the next two years, the two of them traveled throughout the entire Xuanhuang Realm, preventing countless tragedies.
While killing many irrational cultivators, they also saved the lives of many mortals.
After learning about the Great Migration Plan, the remaining cultivators gradually calmed down, no longer wantonly slaughtering mortals.
Of course, occasional incidents still occurred in some places, which were unavoidable.
The two were also limited in their capabilities and couldn't reach every place.
After completing the Sect Master's instructions, when they were about to return to the sect according to the original plan, an unexpected command caught them off guard.
It turned out that Sect Master Ji said the Great Migration Plan had officially begun.
They were not to return for now.
They were to stay in the Xuanhuang Realm, help coordinate the various sects, and carry out this crucial plan for all cultivators.
Li Fan looked at Senior Sister Zhao's almost dripping with water gloomy face and dared not speak.
He didn't know how to comfort her, so he silently stood by her side.
After a long time, Senior Sister Zhao's complexion returned to normal.
She smiled gently, "Let's go, Junior Brother."
"Sometimes, one must obey the orders of the sect."
For some reason, seeing Senior Sister Zhao's expression, Li Fan felt an indescribable fear creeping into his heart.
"Hehe, okay, Senior Sister." He responded cautiously.
In the blink of an eye, a hundred years passed.
With the concerted efforts of various cultivators, the Great Migration Plan was completed.
All mortals were expelled to various caves and small worlds, clearing the Xuanhuang Realm.
After more than a hundred years without returning to the sect, Senior Sister Zhao and Li Fan were finally able to return to the mountain gate.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 523: Changeable Hearts of Old Acquaintances
"Senior Sister..." Li Fan looked at Senior Sister Zhao, who was about to be summoned alone by Sect Master Ji, with an inexplicable expression, hesitating to speak.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Junior Brother?" She glanced at Li Fan and spoke gently, "We've lived and died together for over a hundred years. Is there anything we can't openly discuss with each other?"
"Nothing." Li Fan smiled casually. "Senior Sister, go ahead. Remember, whatever you do, I'll support you."
Senior Sister Zhao smiled back and entered the sect's main hall.
"Boom!"
The heavy doors closed with a bang. Li Fan watched Senior Sister Zhao's disappearing figure, a hint of complexity passing through his eyes, imperceptible to others.
Instead of waiting obediently outside the main hall, Li Fan returned to Penglai Peak where he and Senior Sister Zhao resided, looting valuable items from the cave.
Then, pretending to patrol, he approached the vicinity of the sect's protective array exit.
Seemingly no different from the ordinary disciples' behavior, Li Fan was actually prepared to run away at any time.
Not because Li Fan wanted to betray the Dao Sect, but because...
During the hundred years at the foot of the mountain, Li Fan accidentally discovered that Senior Sister Zhao was secretly collecting blood samples from cultivators infected with the Immortal Plague, even from mortals.
Although she only took a drop each time, the actions were extremely discreet.
But how could Li Fan, the person who had been with her for a hundred years, not notice?
Initially, after each blood sample was taken, Senior Sister Zhao would fall seriously ill.
Relying on Li Fan's meticulous care and an ample supply of elixirs, she managed to overcome it.
When Li Fan asked her about the reason, Senior Sister jokingly said that she also wanted to try reversing the Immortal Plague, directly achieving immortality.
Li Fan naturally didn't believe it.
But knowing Senior Sister Zhao's character, once she decided on something, even her companion for a hundred years like him couldn't dissuade her.
Instead of trying to dissuade her, he just told her, "Health comes first."
Later, it seemed that she really took Li Fan's advice to heart and gradually stopped collecting blood samples.
The intervals of her illnesses became shorter, and the symptoms of infection became milder.
But Li Fan knew that it was all an illusion.
Senior Sister Zhao had not given up on her insane behavior.
And the reason she appeared to have no abnormalities was probably because she had mastered a method to isolate the influence of the Immortal Plague...
Over these years, although they stayed in the same place, Senior Sister Zhao's cultivation became increasingly profound, reaching a level that Li Fan could not fathom.
Various auras inadvertently emanating from her at times made Li Fan feel secretly shocked.
Even though he was certain that Senior Sister Zhao had no intention of harming him, an inexplicable sense of crisis still emerged in Li Fan's heart.
Although Senior Sister Zhao didn't say it, Li Fan could guess. Collecting so much blood containing the power of the Immortal Plague was probably to deal with the Dao Sect's Sect Master Ji Changye.
After a hundred years of deliberate suppression, Senior Sister Zhao's dissatisfaction with this Sect Master had reached its limit.
The so-called "blocking my path, I won't stop until death."
Li Fan believed that the crazy Senior Sister Zhao was not incapable of committing such a heinous act.
Not long ago, when she entered the sect's main hall, the hint of killing intent in her eyes was definitely not Li Fan's imagination.
"Although Ji Changye has been cultivating for over six hundred years, with profound skills and mysterious methods, he is still not in the realm of longevity."
"Considering Senior Sister Zhao's talent and actual strength, coupled with the assistance of the Immortal Plague, she might have a chance of winning."
"But even if she narrowly wins, what then? Killing Ji Changye would still leave a dozen or more Dao Sect elders. There are even two hidden Longevity Ancestors in the background."
"Can she kill them all?"
Li Fan was bewildered, unable to understand why Senior Sister Zhao would make such a decision.
Regardless of success or failure, the entire Dao Sect would know about it. At that time, not only would she face the entire sect's siege, but Li Fan, her Dao companion, would probably not escape unharmed.
So, Li Fan, being proactive, prepared himself to flee early.
As for why he hadn't left yet, it was purely in the hope of witnessing a miracle.
Time passed bit by bit. Due to Sect Master Ji Changye's previous order, he and Dao Zi had important matters to discuss, and no one was allowed to disturb them.
As a result, the sect's main hall remained closed.
Li Fan looked anxiously at the mountaintop from a distance, feeling increasingly uneasy.
Seven days later, the great hall doors slowly opened, causing Li Fan's breath to hitch.
However, something unexpected happened.
Ji Changye led the way, with Senior Sister Zhao following.
They walked out together.
"No life-and-death struggle between the two? Did I overthink?" Surprised, Li Fan couldn't help squinting his eyes. Not only did the anticipated life-or-death battle between Senior Sister Zhao and Ji Changye not occur, but their relationship also seemed more harmonious than before.
Even in the end, when she left, Ji Changye patted her shoulder encouragingly.
And Senior Sister Zhao accepted it calmly, without any change in her expression.
Seeing this scene, Li Fan's heart trembled, filled with many incomprehensions.
In the past, besides himself, Senior Sister Zhao was very repulsive of physical contact with others.
And now...
Feeling uneasy, various thoughts flashed through Li Fan's mind. But he didn't have time to dwell on them.
Li Fan first realized that there was something he hadn't done.
Hurriedly returning to Penglai Peak, before Senior Sister Zhao returned, he restored everything to its original state.
When Senior Sister Zhao returned, she didn't notice anything abnormal in her cave. After all, this "home" had been deserted by both of them for a hundred years.
"Senior Sister, we've been busy with trivial matters for a hundred years outside. It seems like it's been a long time since we've been intimate. How about..." Li Fan tentatively suggested, extending an invitation for dual cultivation.
Senior Sister Zhao's eyes also flashed with a hint of nostalgia. With a charming expression, she readily agreed.
After a passionate interlude, Li Fan's suspicions gradually dissipated.
"Regarding the matter the Sect Master summoned you for, what is it?" Li Fan, with Senior Sister's flawless body in his embrace, casually asked.
"He said that soon, he would pass on the position of Dao Sect Master to me and asked me to prepare in advance," Senior Sister Zhao said in a flat tone, without any fluctuations.
As if inheriting the position of the leader of the Ten Daoist Sects was nothing more than playing house.
But just this casually spoken sentence, which she seemed to completely disregard, fell into Li Fan's ears like thunder, making his brain roar and temporarily lose the ability to think.
"What about the 'Annihilation of Heaven Dao Scripture'?" Li Fan, with his mind blank, couldn't help but ask.
"Hehe, the Sect Master's exclusive technique, of course, has to be handed back to me for cultivation." As if reclaiming a beloved toy, Senior Sister Zhao leaned against Li Fan's chest, her fingers circling around his heart, and laughed lightly.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 524: Dreams Will Eventually Fade
"Before I told you, only the Sect Master and I knew about this matter, so Junior Brother, you must keep this secret for me," Senior Sister Zhao said with a mysterious tone.
A deadly crisis suddenly surged in Li Fan's heart. In an instant, his mind flashed with many thoughts. His body stiffened for a moment, but soon, he returned to normal.
He caressed Senior Sister's smooth and fair back, casually saying, "Naturally. Just now, when I heard this news, I was shocked and found it somewhat unbelievable. Not to mention those elders, if they knew about this, they would definitely collectively intervene."
"Even with the Sect Master's assistance, compared to those old guys, our strength is too weak. We still need to accumulate strength, keep a low profile, and strive for a decisive victory," Li Fan, putting himself in Senior Sister Zhao's shoes, offered advice.
However, Senior Sister Zhao remained silent, lying quietly in Li Fan's arms without responding.
As if she were asleep.
"By the way, Senior Sister, why would Sect Master Ji suddenly decide to pass on the position of Sect Master to you?" After a long silence, Li Fan couldn't help but ask.
"Who knows? The thoughts of these old relics are always unpredictable. Maybe he sees a chance for longevity and doesn't want to bother with this mess of Dao Sect anymore?" Senior Sister Zhao changed her lying posture, her tone lazy.
"After all, the world is getting more chaotic. These Ten Great Immortal Sects are, in the eyes of strong cultivators in the longevity realm, more of a hindrance than actual value..."
Senior Sister Zhao's voice became smaller and smaller, eventually becoming almost inaudible.
Seeing that the other party had no intention of saying more, Li Fan dared not press further.
Just continue with the dual cultivation.
A moment of indulgence.
---
Li Fan knew that since that day when Senior Sister Zhao walked out of the sect's main hall, she had changed somewhat.
It was just a vague intuition, without any concrete evidence.
In the daily life of getting along with each other, there was no apparent anomaly in his senior sister, who had been his companion for a hundred years.
But...
Li Fan was still very sure that changes were gradually occurring in her.
However, where did this lingering sense of crisis in his heart come from?
Even if Senior Sister Zhao was hiding something from him, at the moment, her feelings for him didn't seem fake.
She became the Sect Master, and he was the Sect Master's Dao companion.
One must know that this was not an ordinary small sect; it was the prestigious Dao Sect, famous throughout the cultivation world.
At that time, he would truly be superior to thousands of people.
Even though he had fantasized about such ambitions before, he never dared to hope for such a position.
Now, with Senior Sister Zhao's help, wealth and glory were within reach!
Where did things go wrong?
Li Fan instinctively felt that he seemed to have forgotten something important.
But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't remember.
He could only live a normal life while secretly investigating.
Time passed quickly.
Three more years elapsed.
During these three years, through the joint efforts of many outstanding cultivators from the Ten Immortal Sects, a method to eliminate the pervasive "Immortal Plague" in the world was finally found.
As a result, large-scale "eradication" operations began.
For the sake of the future living environment, every surviving sect had to send cultivators to various places in the Xuanhuang Realm to carry out the task of eliminating the Immortal Plague.
Li Fan and Senior Sister Zhao, who had always been doing the laborious work, were not sent down the mountain again since Senior Sister Zhao was already confirmed as the next Sect Master. Instead, another group of five true disciples was dispatched.
Li Fan also benefited, staying in the sect to enjoy a comfortable life.
As time passed day by day, even though he was inside the mountain gate, Li Fan could sense that the environment in the Xuanhuang Realm seemed to be gradually improving.
"After the great calamity, there will be great order. I hope the calamities of heaven and earth will pass soon, and we cultivators can usher in a prosperous era of cultivation!"
In the sect, Li Fan could often hear disciples making such wishes.
The Immortal Plague gradually dissipated, and Senior Sister Zhao became gradually busy.
It seems that to officially take over the position of the Grand Sect Master, she has been constantly participating in various meetings.
The attendees are all respected elders within the Grand Sect, and convincing them is undoubtedly a difficult task.
Li Fan often saw some elders leaving the meeting with angry expressions, leaving with a sweep of their sleeves.
However, Senior Sister Zhao told Li Fan not to worry. More and more elders have been persuaded, agreeing for her to take over the position of Grand Sect Master.
"Soon, I will become the true Grand Sect Master," Senior Sister Zhao said with a smile.
Contrary to what Li Fan should be concerned about, the fear in his heart has become stronger.
It's not just on Senior Sister Zhao.
Within the entire Grand Sect, it seems like an eerie and indescribable change is taking place.
Although Li Fan can sense possible anomalies, he cannot figure out the exact details.
Helpless, Li Fan becomes more anxious and enraged.
Senior Sister Zhao, who sleeps beside him, naturally notices the emotional turmoil in him.
Fortunately, Li Fan attributed it to the increasingly frequent celestial anomalies.
Originally, it was thought that after the Immortal Plague was cleared, cultivators could enjoy a peaceful period.
Who would have thought that not long after, there would be more changes occurring in the world.
Previously, the "Death Declaration" that Li Fan and Senior Sister Zhao had seen would only randomly occur in the sky when a cultivator fell.
But now, this "randomness" is turning into some kind of "inevitability."
The range and influence of these anomalies are gradually increasing.
When a Daoist cultivator falls, the resulting scene can almost cover the sky for tens of thousands of miles.
What's more terrifying is that all the cultivators who witness the "Death Declaration" in the sky feel constant agitation and unease.
Those cultivators who had long given up on cultivation, just wanting to live a carefree life and end their days, now have different emotions growing in their hearts.
Grief, resentment, confusion, anger...
As day after day goes by, and they keep seeing the scenes produced when cultivators die above them, different emotions begin to breed within them.
When Daoist cultivators within the Grand Sect also fall due to the end of their lifespan, a strange atmosphere begins to slowly spread within the sect.
In this situation, Senior Sister Zhao officially takes over and becomes the Grand Sect Master.
Seventeen elders unanimously agree with the decision of the former Grand Sect Master, Ji Changye.
This astonishes many disciples within the sect who were expecting to see a spectacle.
At the same time, Li Fan's anxiety reaches its peak.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 525: Nowhere to Escape
Li Fan walked within the Grand Sect, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
Everywhere within the mountain gate, there were festive decorations, finally dispelling the gloom brought by numerous calamities.
Occasionally, disciples encountered Li Fan, stopping in their tracks to bow and show respect.
Li Fan nodded in response to each one.
As the Dao Companion of the Grand Sect Master, Li Fan gained access to almost endless cultivation resources and the obligatory respect, even if it might not be sincere, that most cultivators dream of throughout their lives.
However, at this moment, Li Fan had already made up his mind. He decided to find an opportunity to escape from the Grand Sect as soon as possible.
"Senior Sister Zhao has just been promoted to the position of Grand Sect Master, busy handling various internal matters. Representatives from other sects also come to congratulate her from time to time, and she has to make time for them."
"At this moment, she is at her busiest, neglecting me."
"If I miss this opportunity and wait until she recovers..."
Thinking about this, Li Fan made a firm decision.
Two days later, taking advantage of an unnoticed moment, he quietly arrived at the sect's exit alone.
Looking back at the scenery within the Grand Sect, Li Fan suddenly thought of the figure of Senior Sister Zhao, whom he had been with day and night for over a hundred years, and hesitated for a moment.
But in the end, he gritted his teeth and flew out.
He sped eastward until he left the boundaries of the Grand Sect.
The inexplicable sense of crisis in Li Fan's heart finally slowly dissipated.
"My intuition was indeed correct!" he thought to himself, secretly celebrating his escape.
Just at this moment, Li Fan suddenly noticed two streams of brilliance behind him, arriving before him.
In the blink of an eye, they fell in front of Li Fan, blocking his way.
"Nephew, where do you intend to go?" a long-eyebrowed old man scrutinized Li Fan, asking with a smiling expression.
"Elder Dong, Elder Jiang..." Li Fan's face instantly turned a bit ugly.
These two were members of the seventeen Elders of the Grand Sect.
It seemed that his plan to escape had been discovered.
Although that was the case, Li Fan had no intention of sitting idly by.
"Hehe, just so the two seniors know, after Senior Sister's promotion to Grand Sect Master, while I am honored, I am also somewhat troubled."
"With Senior Sister's current prestigious status and growing strength, I, as her Dao companion, only have Nascent Soul cultivation. It's inevitable that people will gossip. The pressure in my heart is also quite significant."
Li Fan pretended to look very distressed, slowly approaching the two men. "With many tasks within the sect waiting to be accomplished, disciples are fulfilling their roles. But I, on the other hand, have nothing to do all day long, and it's really..."
Without warning, a chaotic gray light shot out from Li Fan's eyes, hitting the faces of the two Elders directly.
It was the vicious divine ability from Li Fan's cultivation, the Soul-Severing and Deity-Extinguishing Radiance.
Directly harming a cultivator's divine soul, even if the opponent was a Dao-Integration cultivator, Li Fan was confident that they would suffer a great loss when caught off guard!
Without waiting for their reaction, Li Fan immediately activated the Radiant Spirit Concealment Art to swiftly escape the scene.
However, at this moment, Li Fan was shocked to find that the surrounding space had been completely sealed off at some point.
The escape technique, although fast, was rendered useless.
And Dong and Jiang, it seemed, had long anticipated that Li Fan would launch a surprise attack. Each held a precious mirror in their hands, blocking the Soul-Severing and Deity-Extinguishing Radiance.
At the same time, they looked at Li Fan with mockery in their eyes.
"Nephew, how the Grand Sect Master treats her Dao companion is clear to everyone in the sect. Yet, you intend to betray the sect..."
"If the Grand Sect Master were to know, I really don't know how she would feel."
Li Fan wanted to struggle but found himself already captured by the two working together, unable to move.
"I'm in deep trouble!" Li Fan sighed inwardly.
When he was brought back to the sect, he did not see Senior Sister Zhao.
Instead, his cultivation was sealed, and he was thrown into a secret room.
Though called a secret room, it was essentially no different from a prison cell.
Initially, Li Fan thought he would soon meet Senior Sister Zhao, listing and organizing numerous words in his mind, intending to use his eloquence to preserve his life.
To his surprise, Senior Sister Zhao, and even the entire Grand Sect, seemed to have completely forgotten about him.
No one came to visit anymore.
In the secluded space, apart from Li Fan himself, there was nothing else.
He couldn't cultivate either. Whenever he tried to concentrate on cultivation or contemplate divine techniques, the surrounding walls would echo with continuous mockery and ridicule.
This made him restless, unable to focus his thoughts.
Presumably, this was to prevent him from breaking the seal.
At first, Li Fan could endure it, but as time passed, even with his temperament, he began to feel bored.
Later, he became somewhat impatient and angry.
Eventually, he went mad.
Repeatedly, he used his flesh and blood to strike the solid walls of the secret room.
Of course, aside from making himself a bloody mess, it served no purpose.
In the end, Li Fan's eyes gradually became dull.
Sitting blankly on the ground, he resembled a soulless sculpture.
After who knows how long, one day, the long-sealed door of the secret room burst open.
For a long time, no one entered.
Li Fan seemed as if he hadn't seen it, showing no reaction.
He simply let the door swing open, paying no attention.
After more than ten days, a hint of vitality returned to Li Fan's eyes.
He struggled to prop himself up, trembling as he took steps toward the exit.
However, due to not walking for a long time, his body was unaccustomed, and he fell to the ground.
Li Fan struggled and stood up again, trying to move forward.
Just after taking a step, he fell again.
In this way, he stumbled and crawled all the way until, after a long time, he finally reached the outside.
The Grand Sect in front of him seemed no different from the one in his memory.
Disciples roamed between the peaks, practicing.
It even seemed livelier than before.
But...
It was incredibly silent.
The entire sect, devoid of any speech or arguments,
As if all the cultivators living there were mute.
Or perhaps...
They all shared the same mindset, rendering "speaking," a primitive means of communication, unnecessary.
Even without eye contact or spiritual awareness, they could understand each other's thoughts.
Li Fan walked unsteadily through the sect.
Trapped for who knows how many years, he was already disheveled.
But it seemed as if everyone couldn't see him.
They carried on with their own original actions, oblivious to his presence.
This pervasive sense of rejection corroded Li Fan's spirit.
Finally, after traversing the entire sect without finding the target,
Li Fan couldn't hold back.
"Sister!"
"Sister, where are you?!"
After contemplating for a long time, he remembered how to speak.
Then, he shouted with a hoarse voice.
His voice grew louder,
Echoing throughout the entire Grand Sect.
Consequently, all the cultivators in the sect turned their eyes toward him.
(End of this chapter)