Chapter 769

Chapter 769: The Choice

Xu Fan continued his conversation with several high-ranking members of the Qingxuan Sect.

Gradually, their true intentions became clear.

They were interested in trade and forming alliances.

As Xu Fan learned more about the South Mountain Realm, his amazement grew.

If his own cultivation world was still in a developmental phase, the South Mountain Realm had already surpassed its middle thousand world status and engaged in world-class trade.

"Master Xuan Ji of Artifact Refining is truly remarkable," Xu Fan said, impressed by the history of the South Mountain Realm.

The development of the human race in the South Mountain Realm could be divided into two distinct phases.

Before Master Xuan Ji, the human race was oppressed.

Everything changed when Master Xuan Ji, by a stroke of luck, discovered the method to craft Universe Ships.

With the collective effort of the entire human race, he built ten ships and, in their darkest hour, discovered a great thousand worlds.

From that moment, the South Mountain Realm, home to the human race, became a dominant force.

"Even now, Master Xuan Ji occasionally sends his clones to mentor the younger generation of master craftsmen," Xuan Jun said with a smile.

"He is indeed a great man," Xu Fan acknowledged.

"With your cultivation realm, Friend of the Myriad Paths, you must be a leading figure in your middle thousand world," Xuan Jun remarked with a grin.

Xu Fan nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words.

"It was quite a coincidence; just as the human race’s situation stabilized, I came across that Cross-Boundary Teleportation Compass," Xu Fan explained with a smile.

"Speaking of which, I’m curious about how you obtained that compass."

"Although your location is marked as the Feiyu Realm, the teleportation tray indicates it’s from the Luohong Realm."

"The distance between these two realms is immense; it’s hard to imagine any connection," Xuan Jun expressed his confusion.

"This compass was actually caught by my good brother while he was fishing; the specifics are a mystery to me," Xu Fan replied.

The nature of such a cheat is, of course, beyond ordinary explanation.

"Alright then."

Xuan Jun then presented a Spatial Tool.

"This contains samples of all the spirit ores and records of spiritual herbs and spirit pills available for trade."

Xu Fan took the Spatial Tool and nodded, "Upon my return, I will prepare similar samples for you to facilitate our future trades."

Three days later, Xu Fan returned to the Hidden Spirit Sect via the Qingxuan Sect’s Cross-Boundary Teleportation Formation.

"Organize and store these samples, then identify what could be beneficial for us," Xu Fan instructed as he handed the Spatial Tool to Grape.

"Yes, Master."

"Also, summon Pang Fu; it’s best to leave professional tasks to the professionals," Xu Fan added.

"Understood."

In the courtyard, Xu Fan lounged on a chair, his eyes fixed on the starry sky above.

"The South Mountain Realm boasts three supreme respected elders, each powerful enough to rival the Upper Zun and the Golden Winged Roc. Truly formidable," Xu Fan mused, stroking his chin.

Two beams of light streaked across the sky, and Xu Gang and Li Xingci appeared in Xu Fan’s courtyard.

"We heard you just returned, Master, so we came to pay our respects," Xu Gang and Li Xing Chi said, bowing respectfully.

"What’s this? You haven’t even finished your training in the cultivation world, and you’re already itching to explore other realms?" Xu Fan chuckled.

"Master, I just want to broaden my horizons," Xu Gang said with a grin.

"To see how other worlds compare to our own," he added.

"Wait a while longer. You can go with Pang Fu later. Activating a Cross-Boundary Teleportation Formation consumes a significant amount of Immortal Jade," Xu Fan explained after a moment’s thought.

He did the math—converting celestial energy into Immortal Jade, it would take about 200 Immortal Jade to activate the formation, which is roughly half the value of a celestial tool.

"Thank you, Master, for your generosity," Xu Gang and Li Xingci said, smiling.

"The South Mountain Realm is full of hidden talents. Be cautious when you go. With the distance between our realms, I won’t be able to rescue you quickly if something goes wrong," Xu Fan warned.

"Like right now."

Xu Fan’s expression shifted, and a Void Teleportation Portal materialized.

In the demon race’s territory, amidst a volcanic lava field,

Wang Xiangchi was locked in combat with a beast king.

The beast king was clad in lava battle armor, wielding a lava longsword, with a vast pool of lava serving as its backup.

Wang Xiangchi had a deep gash on his chest, the bone visible, but the surrounding flesh had been seared by the lava longsword, preventing any blood from flowing.

Wang Xiangchi dodged the beast king’s sword strikes, occasionally countering with his life-or-death divine technique.

"You, a mere Core Formation insect, dare disturb my rest and steal my Fire Spirit Pearl?"

"Today, I’ll drown you in this sea of lava!" the beast king bellowed furiously.

Meanwhile, Xu Fan, Xu Gang, and Li Xingci observed the battle.

"Challenging an opponent far beyond your capabilities, trying to push your limits," Xu Fan commented.

"If it were someone else, I might praise their bravery."

"But as my disciple, it’s a poor reflection of my years of teaching," Xu Fan said, his tone tinged with disappointment.

"This beast king is stronger than the Spirit Cut we faced before. If it wanted, it could end Xiangchi’s life at any moment," Xu Fan noted, his eyes gleaming with insight.

"Doesn’t junior brother have many protective treasures?" Xu Gang asked.

"Useless, unless he uses the swordsman puppet his father gave him. Otherwise, he has no chance of escape," Xu Fan replied.

Just then, the tide of battle shifted.

Wang Xiangchi’s arm was severed by the lava beast king’s sword.

The arm fell into the lava, sizzling and cooking, the smell of roasted meat filling the air.

The lava beast king laughed maniacally, picking up the partially cooked arm, chewing it, and swallowing.

"Human, which sect’s prodigy are you? It’s impressive you’ve lasted this long."

"I don’t involve myself in the conflicts between humans and demons, but if you provoke me, don’t blame me for what happens."

The lava beast king raised its sword, preparing to strike again.

"Master, should we intervene now?" Xu Gang asked anxiously, worried for his junior brother’s life.

Wang Xiangchi’s eyes were locked on the lava beast king, his Spiritual Sword in hand, his mind focused on the swordsman puppet in his space ring.

"To use it or not."

Wang Xiangchi felt he had reached his limit, the bottleneck that had hindered him beginning to loosen.

He believed that if he could endure and slay the lava beast king, he would break through that bottleneck.

"It’s a critical moment. We’ll intervene after your junior brother makes his decision," Xu Fan said.

He saw that Wang Xiangchi was at a pivotal point, and overcoming this challenge would open a new chapter in his swordsmanship.

Determined, Wang Xiangchi took out his space ring and Daoist artifact palace, tossing them into the lava.

With no retreat, he faced the terror of life and death head-on.