The Great Age of Exploration

Huangfu Song caught the teacup steadily, tilted his head back, and drained it. "Having drunk Brother Li's tea, you're brothers from now on," Dongfang Yao nodded in satisfaction. "Brother Dongfang, you haven't introduced us yet. Who is this?" Huangfu Song looked toward Li Fan, who was sitting upright beside them, and asked tentatively. "His name is Li Fan. We met by chance while I was comprehending the Dao at the Great Maelstrom in Ningxu Province. We hit it off right away. When you mentioned there was a golden opportunity to earn merit, I discussed it with him and brought him along," Dongfang Yao said, holding his head high. A sharp glint flickered in Huangfu Song's eyes as he glanced subtly at Li Fan once more. Li Fan kept an impassive expression and cupped his hands. "I have long heard of Brother Huangfu's renown. A pleasure to meet you!" Huangfu Song did not appear particularly enthusiastic, merely nodding slightly in acknowledgment. After another round of pleasantries, the straightforward Dongfang Yao cut to the chase. "Huangfu, stop keeping us in suspense! What is this once-in-a-century opportunity to earn merit that you spoke of? Out with it!" Huangfu Song pondered for a moment before speaking slowly: "Although this matter is still under wraps, an official announcement will be made soon. Since both of you are our own people..." "I won't keep it from you." "The Alliance is about to issue a decree encouraging all cultivators to explore deep into the white mist. Not only will they provide the Puxian True Boats required to penetrate the mist free of charge, but everything cultivators obtain during their expeditions will belong entirely to them. The Alliance will not interfere in the slightest." "Moreover, simply reporting mapped conditions within the white mist will earn rewards such as contribution points, merits, and even top-secret cultivation methods." ... Huangfu Song spoke at length, detailing the new policy the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals was about to implement. When he finished, Dongfang Yao was still full of bewilderment. "Did I hear that right? Deep into the white mist? Is there actually anything inside the White Mist Barrier besides white mist?" Huangfu Song shot Dongfang Yao a somewhat exasperated look and explained, "Within the white mist lie Lost Domains. Every Lost Domain is exceptionally vast—larger even than many grotto-heavens and pocket worlds." "And that is only the surface of what has been explored so far. According to the latest surveys, there are many hidden rift pathways within the mist, utterly enigmatic and leading to unknown realms." "The Alliance leadership is utterly resolute about exploring the white mist this time, offering unprecedentedly generous rewards. Consequently, many cultivators in the know have already jumped the gun and ventured into the mist. Once the policy is officially finalized, they can immediately report their discoveries and claim their merit rewards." "Although I got wind of the news a bit late, if we move fast, we can still get a good share of the spoils. If I hadn't been waiting for you, Brother Dongfang, I would have set off seven days ago." After finishing, Huangfu Song took a sip of tea and looked resignedly at Dongfang Yao. "Good brother, that's what I call a true friend!" Dongfang Yao clapped Huangfu hard on the shoulder, setting the man's round, plump belly trembling. "Then what are we waiting for? Why haven't we left yet? I'm so poor I can barely keep the pot boiling! The damned things needed to temper the physical body are ridiculously expensive!" he urged repeatedly. Huangfu Song rolled his eyes at Dongfang Yao. "The white mist is fraught with peril. Since we're already late, a little more time won't make a difference. Naturally, we must make full preparations. Traveling as companions, we don't necessarily need extraordinary talents, but at the very least, no one should drag the team down." As he spoke, his gaze drifted intentionally or unintentionally toward Li Fan. Li Fan gave a faint smile. "Since Brother Huangfu has put it that way, I won't hide anything either. While my actual combat strength may be on the weaker side, I have plenty of wealth. The Puxian True Boat needed for this journey, as well as Dharma treasures capable of temporarily resisting the Essence-Devouring White Mist, can all be left to me to procure." "If during the exploration it becomes clear that the Nascent Soul realm is truly too strained, I will take the initiative to withdraw. I won't put both of you in an awkward position!" ... Seeing Li Fan speak so candidly, Huangfu Song was somewhat surprised. Dongfang Yao, however, scoffed, "Li Fan, what kind of talk is that? What's wrong with having a Nascent Soul cultivation? Am I not at the Nascent Soul stage as well? When brothers unite in heart, their strength can cut through metal. How could a mere Essence-Devouring White Mist stump us?" Li Fan furrowed his brow and cautioned him instead: "I know Brother Dongfang has a formidable physique—even the rifts in the Great Maelstrom couldn't harm you. But the depths of the white mist are truly no trivial matter. I once heard Brother Shuo mention that within the mist lies a Lost Domain called the Chizha Abyss. Even he had to tread carefully; otherwise, there would be danger of perishing. Brother Shuo possesses Soul Formation combat strength, backed by protective Dharma treasures bestowed by his mother. If even he said so, one can see how perilous the mist truly is." Hearing this, Huangfu Song and Dongfang Yao were both stunned on the spot. "Brother Shuo? Which Brother Shuo?" Huangfu Song's expression shifted slightly. "Could it be..." Li Fan gave a slight nod. "To be frank with you both, Shuo Feng and I are close friends. At his invitation, I serve as a Guest Elder of the Xuan Clan." Hearing those words, Dongfang Yao showed little reaction. Huangfu Song, however, shot to his feet, staring at Li Fan in utter shock. "Brother Li, is this true?" Li Fan smiled. "I imagine no Nascent Soul cultivator in the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals would have the audacity to impersonate a Guest Elder of the Xuan Clan, would they?" Having received verbal confirmation, Huangfu Song immediately changed his tune. "Aiya, to think such was the case! Why didn't you mention it sooner, Brother Li! With your help, this expedition into the white mist will surely yield a bountiful harvest!" His words were full of flattery, while he subtly fished for information about Shuo Feng. After Li Fan disclosed a few details, Huangfu Song was finally convinced, and became all the more enthusiastic. "With Brother Li Fan as our great ally, the certainty of success for this expedition is raised several notches higher. Without further ado, we should set off as soon as possible," Huangfu Song declared resolutely. "Preparing supplies will take one day at most," Li Fan stated. Dongfang Yao shrugged, indicating he was ready at any time. Thus, the three agreed to rendezvous here at the same time tomorrow. After parting with the two for now, Li Fan entered the Heavenly Profound Mirror, retrieved his communication talisman, and inquired of Shuo Feng regarding the Alliance's decision to conduct large-scale explorations of the white mist. Before long, Shuo Feng sent a reply. "Oh, there does seem to be such a thing. Why, are you interested? But there are too many bizarre freaks and monstrosities in there; there's no need to take that risk. If you're short on contribution points or whatever, I can speak with my family and raise your retainer stipend. Don't go joining the frenzy—it really wouldn't be worth dying in there." Shuo Feng's tone remained as breezy and indifferent as ever. After politely declining his kind offer, Li Fan pressed for further information regarding the Original Strain of the Tianling Flower before ending the transmission. "Lost Domains..." Within the dense layers of white mist, it was indeed extraordinarily treacherous and fraught with perils. From Li Fan's experiences in his previous life alone, there were the Chizha Abyss and the Chaos Lost Domain. Even the Eternal Immortal Bastion garrisoning the Chizha Abyss had been constructed from the severed palm of a fallen Ancient Heavenly Venerable. And that severed palm had drifted out from the white mist itself. That alone spoke volumes of the white mist's perils and mysteries.