Although, according to Xiao Hei’s memories and the dying words of Red Nine-Headed, the demonic beast race should have successfully retreated.
However, since this information has been relayed through multiple people, there is inevitably some distortion.
It’s better to see it with one’s own eyes.
If the demon race, under the leadership of Emperor Yi, can truly pass through the Nanming Sacred Beast Mountain and break through the world’s boundary into the void—
Then it would prove that the Heavenly Sword Sect had also accomplished the same in the past.
Perhaps, the next step in the Fallen Immortal Realm should focus on researching how to obtain the forging methods of world-rifting divine weapons.
Not only would this provide a means of retreat for oneself,
but such a secret technique would surely be of great interest to both the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance and the Five Elders Association.
Leyang Prefecture is located in the southwest of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, not too far from the four central prefectures.
The prefecture derives its name from the lake.
According to legend, at sunrise every day, a magnificent scene unfolds—
a crimson sun leaps from the depths of the lake.
In that moment, the Solar Qi is far denser than in other regions.
Absorbing and comprehending it for just a short while is equivalent to days of arduous cultivation.
Thus, many cultivators have gathered along the shores of Yueyang Lake.
Moreover, the lake is rich in resources—
the fish in its waters, nourished daily by the dense Solar Qi, have become extraordinary.
Their flesh is exceptionally delicious, and consuming them is akin to swallowing fire-attribute spiritual stones, filling one’s body with warmth.
Thanks to this great lake, even cultivators of mediocre talent can advance rapidly.
Of course, such a fortunate place naturally draws envy from the world.
To prevent outsiders from seizing their resources, the cultivators of Yueyang Prefecture formed an alliance, claiming the vast majority of Yueyang Lake for themselves.
Foreign cultivators who come seeking its riches can only compete for the lower-quality areas left for them.
After more than ten days of travel, Li Fan finally entered Leyang Prefecture.
Instantly, he sensed several gazes falling upon him.
However, upon seeing that Li Fan was not heading toward Yueyang Lake, they gradually withdrew their surveillance.
Ignoring these people, Li Fan flew toward Qihong Isle.
Qihong Isle lies along a tributary that feeds into Yueyang Lake—Jinsha River.
Whenever the sun rises over Yueyang Lake and Solar Qi erupts,
Jinsha River shimmers with golden waves.
It is considered the afterglow of pure Solar Qi, yet for some unknown reason, it carries traces of baleful Qi, making it impossible for cultivators to absorb.
As a result, very few cultivators visit this place, making it one of the quieter regions in Yueyang Prefecture.
Ximen Yu’s name is fairly well known in this area.
It didn’t take Li Fan much effort to find his cave dwelling.
From a distance, he could already hear Ximen Yu’s loud complaints:
“How many times do I have to tell you?! If you want a complete copy of Study of Ancient and Modern Mountains and Rivers, come find me at Qihong Isle!
If you try to transmit it through the Tianxuan Mirror, it will be blocked!”
“What? You don’t believe the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance would do such a thing?
You think I’m lying to you?
You’re even threatening to report me as a fraud?”
“You damn—”
After Ximen Yu’s furious outburst ended, Li Fan finally spoke loudly:
“Is Daoist Ximen Yu present?”
“I am Han Wuyou. I have long heard of your esteemed reputation and have come to pay a visit!”
A lazy voice replied:
“Come in.”
The door swung open, and Li Fan entered the cave dwelling.
It wasn’t very large and had no decorations.
The floor was littered with jade slips, paper books, and wooden tablets.
Sweeping his gaze over them, Li Fan realized that many were written in unfamiliar scripts.
“You’re here for the Study of Ancient and Modern Mountains and Rivers, aren’t you?”
Ximen Yu didn’t even lift his head, his eyes fixated on a withered tree branch growing out of the cave floor.
“That’s right.”
Li Fan replied directly.
Ximen Yu casually pointed his finger, causing a paper book to fly from the cluttered floor.
“Ten thousand contribution points. Confidential. No reselling.”
At the same time, a golden light, along with the book, flew toward Li Fan.
Li Fan smiled and signed the contract while tossing over ten top-grade spirit stones.
For now, he put away Study of Ancient and Modern Mountains and Rivers without reading it in detail.
Li Fan was in no hurry to leave. Instead, he asked with interest, “Fellow Daoist Ximen, why do you use paper books instead of recording on jade slips?”
Ximen Yu paused his study of the withered branch, glanced at Li Fan, and replied indifferently, “The contents recorded on jade slips can generally only last for ten thousand years. If the spiritual energy dissipates, the time is even shorter.”
“But if written with Baleful Ink on paper made from Evergreen Wood, it can last thirty to fifty thousand years without fading.”
“If inscribed directly onto Evergreen Wood, even after a hundred thousand years, it will still be clearly visible.”
Upon hearing this, Li Fan chuckled. “Fellow Daoist, your thinking is truly different from ordinary people—measuring time in tens of thousands of years…”
“In ten thousand years, who knows whether the Xuanhuang Realm will even still exist?” Li Fan sighed.
Ximen Yu suddenly turned his head, his gaze solemn.
“What do you mean by that, Daoist friend?”
Li Fan was slightly taken aback. “It was just a casual remark. What’s wrong?”
“Hmph. In that case, you may leave now.” Ximen Yu gave Li Fan another glance, then turned away without speaking further.
“Until we meet again!” Li Fan cupped his hands in farewell and was about to leave.
“Boom!”
Just as he reached the entrance of the cave mansion, he suddenly felt the ground tremble slightly.
A familiar yet unfamiliar energy appeared within Li Fan’s perception.
He couldn’t help but turn back, only to see a surge of earth-yellow energy erupting from the withered branch that Ximen Yu had been observing.
Ximen Yu seemed to have been waiting for this moment. He took out a small white jade bottle and absorbed all the yellow energy into it.
The eruption lasted for nearly half a cup of tea’s time before gradually subsiding.
Seeing his harvest, Ximen Yu revealed a satisfied smile.
“This is Earth Vein Energy?” Li Fan stepped forward and asked curiously.
Ximen Yu’s expression changed slightly. He put away the jade bottle and blocked Li Fan’s gaze from the withered branch.
“You do have some knowledge, Daoist friend. That’s right, I have completed my research on Study of Ancient and Modern Mountains and Rivers, and now I am studying Earth Veins.”
“This is a private matter, so it’s best if you don’t inquire further.” Ximen Yu’s tone was unfriendly.
Li Fan showed a hint of apology. “It was not my intention. It’s just that I feel this withered branch looks somewhat familiar.”
“Oh?” Ximen Yu was slightly stunned, and then his expression changed subtly. “Daoist friend, don’t joke with me!”
“I never speak falsehoods,” Li Fan said seriously.
“Once, in Tianling Prefecture, I encountered a similar withered branch in the wild. When I touched it, I found myself momentarily transported to an unknown space.”
“There, I saw a colossal, decaying tree standing tall, filling one’s heart with a sense of desolation. I didn’t stay long before waking from the vision.”
“The withered branch in my hand had disappeared, as if it had all been a dream.”
Li Fan sighed slightly. “This withered branch of yours resembles what I saw that day, though there are some subtle differences…”
The more Ximen Yu listened, the more surprised he looked.
By the time Li Fan finished speaking, Ximen Yu waved his hand, shutting the cave mansion’s door. Then, in a deep voice, he asked, “Fellow Daoist, where in Tianling Prefecture did you see that withered branch?”