Chapter 819

Chapter 819: Benefits

After paying the Protection Fee, Ming Kong felt unusually at ease.

While steering the Ten Thousand Star Ship, he chatted casually with Xu Fan.

"This trip with the Grand Elder has been my easiest journey to the Ancient Cang Realm, and also the most rewarding."

"Back when I used to pilot the Ten Thousand Star Ship alone, every trip was a struggle to survive, filled with countless hardships just to make it back," Ming Kong reflected.

"The star region is pretty dangerous; it’s impressive that you managed to travel between the two realms solo before," Xu Fan complimented.

Xu Fan tried to imagine himself in Ming Kong’s position and realized just how perilous it must have been.

"I once asked the Upper Zun why he was so confident in letting me go to the Ancient Cang Realm alone."

"The Upper Zun said I have good luck, that I can turn danger into opportunity, and that near-death experiences are just part of the routine."

"Even in the most hopeless situations, there’s always a sliver of hope to turn things around."

"I didn’t understand why the Upper Zun said that back then, but now, after getting to know the Grand Elder, I think I’m starting to get it," Ming Kong said, looking at Xu Fan with a friendly gaze.

"Honestly, you might actually have that kind of luck," Xu Fan chuckled.

If he hadn’t been there this time, they would’ve been finished the moment they encountered the fleet led by that true immortal.

In the distance, they could already faintly see the glow of the Sun Star’s projection within the Feiyu Realm.

"Less than four years for the round trip; we’re moving pretty fast this time."

"Grand Elder, will you come with us next time?" Ming Kong asked.

"I’ll pass this time. I’ll have my disciple, Song Ming, lead the Universe Ship and team up with you. That way, you’ll have some backup along the way," Xu Fan said after a moment of thought.

Once back home, aside from handling matters in the South Mountain Realm, he could focus on upgrading Hidden Spirit Island.

"That works too. With those two Quasi-Immortals under the Grand Elder’s control, the route will be much safer than before," Ming Kong replied with a smile.

Not far off, two streaks of light approached and soon arrived in front of the Ten Thousand Star Ship.

The two true immortals from another race, controlled by Xu Fan, sent a transmitted message to greet him before maneuvering their Universe Ships to follow behind the Ten Thousand Star Ship.

The disciples from the Tian Region’s Elder Council also began packing their belongings, preparing to return to the Hidden Spirit Sect.

"Each of you, send out a Great Ascension stage avatar to control the Universe Ships and follow me back to the Hidden Spirit Sect on standby," Xu Fan instructed the two true immortals.

"Understood, Master."

As the Ten Thousand Star Ship broke through the boundary membrane and returned to the Feiyu Realm, everyone on board felt as if they had stepped into a warm spring.

The slight fatigue from the long journey vanished in an instant.

Xu Fan felt the same way, and he faintly sensed the Heavenly Way’s Will in the Feiyu Realm reaching out to him.

It even asked if he’d be willing to sell the glazed bead hanging from his waist.

"Not a chance, I’m not selling it," Xu Fan silently replied.

Just because it was the Heavenly Way’s Will didn’t mean it could strong-arm him into a deal.

"Every time I return, it feels like this."

"It’s as comforting as coming home after a long journey," Xu Fan said with a smile.

The Ten Thousand Star Ship made several jumps and returned to the Elder Council headquarters.

Xu Fan led the elder disciples back to the Hidden Spirit Sect on one of the Universe Ships.

The Hidden Spirit Sect remained as calm and peaceful as ever. The great waterfall, infused with celestial energy and cascading like the Nine Heavens Galaxy, brought tears to the eyes of the disciples who hadn’t returned for several years.

Traveling domestically was quite different from going abroad.

Xu Gang, Xu Yuexian, Wang Xiangchi, and Li Xuandao awaited Xu Fan’s return outside the gate of the Hidden Spirit Sect.

The remaining disciples in the sect lined up orderly.

Xu Gang, Wang Xiangchi, and Li Xuandao all radiated the aura of Great Ascension Masters.

"Welcome back, Grand Elder (Master)!"

Their voices were in perfect unison, with a hint of enthusiasm in their tone.

"Please stand up; I only went out for a bit with an avatar; there’s no need for such a grand welcome," Xu Fan said with a smile.

"This time, I have made great gains from my journey to the Feiyu Realm, and I will have Grape distribute some benefits to you all later." Xu Fan looked at his long-cultivated disciples with a smile.

"Thank you, Grand Elder, for the rewards!" All the disciples became excited, knowing that the Grand Elder’s generosity was always extraordinary.

"Go back now and do your own things."

In the courtyard, all the disciples had gathered.

"I have made significant gains in the Ancient Cang Realm, and these are gifts for you."

Xu Fan handed a defensive celestial tool to one of his disciples.

"Big Brother, Third Brother, Fourth Brother, and Xuandao, you have all advanced to the Great Ascension stage."

"Although you have reached the peak of this realm, I expect you not to neglect your cultivation."

"My minimum requirement for you is to have an invincible spirit; only with such a foundation can you reach the Immortal Realm, and in the future, you might achieve the supreme state," Xu Fan admonished.

"We understand, Master," the disciples replied respectfully.

"I have understood many wide roads in the star region that do not exist in this realm, so your techniques need to be recalibrated," Xu Fan said with a smile, considering it his second major gain from the star region.

At that moment, Xu Fan noticed that Xu Yuexian looked somewhat dejected.

"Yuexian, you should re-cultivate, and I will find a suitable path and technique for you," Xu Fan said.

"Really, Master?!" Xu Yuexian exclaimed with excitement.

"Have I ever lied to you? It will take at most a year to complete the technique’s derivation."

"Disciple is unfilial for causing Master concern," Xu Yuexian replied.

Xu Fan nodded, not saying much more.

In the underground space, avatar number one and avatar number two gathered around a glazed bead, looking fascinated.

"If we use this Fragment of the Little Immortal Realm to refine a space celestial tool, its artifact-level must reach the upper tier," avatar number one said.

"However, for the maximum value, we still need to let Grape absorb it," avatar number two said while looking at the grape entity.

Grape silently gave a thumbs up.

"After absorbing this Fragment of the Little Immortal Realm, Grape’s Source Realm should take shape," Xu Fan said, stroking his chin.

"What happens after it takes shape?" avatar number two asked curiously.

"Then we can add some other aspects to the Five Elements Technique," Xu Fan replied with a smile.

After returning to the Hidden Spirit Sect, Xu Fan had been thinking about reworking the Five Elements Technique.

"Can’t you derive some unique techniques instead of just tweaking the Five Elements Technique?"

"The current Five Elements Technique isn’t even reminiscent of its original form; aside from the three characters ‘Five Elements Technique,’ you’ve changed almost everything," avatar number one remarked.

"I don’t like to make our sect’s main techniques flashy; I prefer one technique that reaches the heavens and a few auxiliary techniques for support."

"That way, it remains clean and neat."

As Xu Fan spoke, he placed the glazed bead on top of the grape entity.

"Be sure to absorb it well," Xu Fan patted the grape entity.

"Yes, Master!" Grape exclaimed excitedly.

After Xu Fan returned, the only change he brought to the Hidden Spirit Sect was that the treasures of the disciples who remained had all been updated.