Longevity Endures Across Millennia

Li Fan pondered for a moment and decided to give up for now. "You may choose to spend 100,000 contribution points to save the progress of this advanced deduction." "Next time, you can resume deducting from this save point." "You currently possess three divine ability deduction save points in total, and may spend contribution points to unlock additional slots." ... Li Fan fell silent. In the end, however, he had no choice but to save his progress. Then, he underwent divine ability infusion for the Sky-Breaking Heart Sword. A brilliant seven-colored radiance abruptly erupted from Li Fan's miniature avatar. The figure then shifted from solid to illusory, gradually coalescing until it turned into a seven-colored prism that floated slowly before Li Fan. Li Fan grasped it. An instant later, the prism seemed to dissolve, shrinking smaller and smaller. At the same time, countless scenes and insights flooded into Li Fan's mind. It was a brand-new divine ability that perfectly combined the Congyun Sword and the Heaven-Overturning Palm. The effect of a divine ability infusion was even better than an epiphany of one's own. Once the prism completely vanished from his hand, Li Fan had thoroughly mastered the Sky-Breaking Heart Sword. "Congratulations, you have successfully learned a new divine ability." "Would you like to apply the new divine ability to your character template?" Naturally, Li Fan confirmed. A moment later, a brand-new miniature Li Fan appeared before him. His expression was calm and steady, and the faint aura emanating from him was far more formidable than before. Using this new avatar, Li Fan issued challenges to other cultivators. Between the upheaval of heaven and earth and the flashing sword light, the opponent was already defeated. "You have accumulated one unit of combat experience. Would you like to extract and infuse it?" The prompt from the Heavenly Profound Mirror instantly chimed again. "Not for now. Enable the auto-challenge function," Li Fan said in a low voice. "Proxy mode has been initiated. In this mode, the designated character template will automatically seek suitable targets and engage in battles. Each proxy battle costs 10,000 contribution points," the mechanical voice of the Heavenly Profound Mirror echoed continuously. *This fee is considerably more reasonable,* Li Fan thought to himself. Watching the miniature figure begin sparring with a new cultivator on its own, Li Fan exhaled a long breath and exited Sit and Debate the Dao for the time being. Though not much actual time had passed, he felt as if an entire lifetime had gone by. Clearing his head, Li Fan conversed with other cultivators regarding the Heavenly Profound Mirror's divine ability deduction. Only then did he realize that what he had just done was truly a bit too extravagant. Generally speaking, ordinary cultivators wishing to deduce divine abilities had to rely primarily on their own comprehension. Only when they were one final step away, yet continually unable to break through, would they call upon the Heavenly Profound Mirror. For no other reason than that the contribution points required by the Heavenly Profound Mirror to deduce divine abilities were simply excessive—far beyond what ordinary cultivators could afford. *Looking at it from another angle, however, these contribution points are merely a currency used by the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals to sustain its operations; they possess no true intrinsic value.* *If someone could seize authority over the Heavenly Profound Mirror, wouldn't they be able to deduce whatever divine ability they wished?* *In the two millennia since the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals was rebuilt, just how terrifyingly strong have those high-ranking cultivators become?* Li Fan felt a secret chill. However, he suddenly recalled a hypothesis he had formed long ago. The Heavenly Profound Mirror was the true master of the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals. Now it seemed that even if reality diverged somewhat from that guess, cultivators certainly did not hold absolute control over the mirror. Rather than one side being entirely dominated, it resembled mutual cooperation and checks and balances. One could catch a glimpse of this from the fact that for the Alliance to manipulate the Profound Heaven Spirit-Sealing Formation, they still had to unearth and search for the Dharma Kings of the Profound Heaven Sect. ----- Having mastered a new divine ability, Li Fan, who had not fought anyone in a long time, could not help itching for a battle. Looking around, however, he could not find a suitable opponent for the moment. Fortunately, luck was on his side, and a perfect sparring partner soon presented himself. Liu San sent a message indicating that he had returned to Shenhua Island. Li Fan's heart stirred. Quietly leaving Congyun City, he likewise returned to the island. Looking at Liu San before him, the man seemed to have aged a few years compared to before his departure. *It seems the Puxian True Boat still cannot completely eliminate the effects of the Essence-Devouring White Mist,* Li Fan understood instantly. Yet he showed no sign of having already anticipated this. Instead, he stared at Liu San, feigning surprise. His expression then changed slightly. "Elder Liu, what happened to you? Has your lifespan decreased?" Liu San nodded. Li Fan feigned great fury. "Bastard! When I bought that Puxian True Boat, that fellow swore up and down that it could completely block the white mist from devouring lifespan! "How dare he swindle me! Just watch me settle scores with him!" Li Fan seemed beside himself with anger, turning around as if to march off. Seeing Li Fan's deep concern and fiery indignation on his behalf, a trace of touched emotion flashed through Liu San's eyes. He quickly held Li Fan back and urged, "Young Master, let it be. We have only just arrived, and it is better to avoid unnecessary trouble. "It is merely a few years of lifespan. An old servant's worthless life sacrificed for the revival of the Medicine King Sect—what does that matter? "Besides, he was only a merchant. He likely exaggerated a bit just to sell the boat, not necessarily harboring malicious deceit." ... After Liu San's persuasion, Li Fan's expression fluctuated. Ultimately, he let out a cold snort and abandoned his intention to seek immediate revenge. "Did you make any discoveries on this trip, Elder Liu?" After putting on a full show, Li Fan slowly asked. "Fortunately, I did not fail in my mission!" A smile appeared on Liu San's face. "Heaven does not wish the destruction of our Medicine King Sect! I searched almost every location marked by the Young Master and found nothing. "Just as I was about to give up, at the very last location, I discovered traces of the Valley of Longevity!" Hearing this, Li Fan's eyes flashed. Liu San's face beamed with excitement as he continued, "I went into the valley to investigate. Perhaps because the Valley of Longevity is situated within the White Mist Barrier, it seems as though no cultivator has entered the secret realm for thousands of years. "Compared to when we last departed, both the density of spiritual energy and the abundance of spiritual flora and herbs inside are far superior! "Moreover, the formations set up back then are still operating. Over all these years, they have automatically harvested and stored a vast quantity of mature herbs." ... Liu San spoke without pause, finally concluding, "By reclaiming the Valley of Longevity, the revival of our Medicine King Sect is within reach!" Hearing this, Li Fan also appeared invigorated. "Excellent! Elder Liu, you have truly rendered a great service this time! "In a few days, once affairs here in the Congyun Sea are settled, we shall head to the Valley of Longevity." Liu San nodded in agreement. Soon after, however, as if recalling something, his brows furrowed slightly. This subtle shift did not escape Li Fan's eyes. Li Fan asked, "What is it, Elder Liu? Do you have any concerns?"