“ jiāng jǐn sān bǎi duō nián guò qù ， xiǎng bì xuán huáng jiè lí xiān xū yòu jǐn le yī xiē 。 rán ér què yī jiù méi yǒu bēng kuì ……” qiǎo gōng jū shì de yì si bù míng ér yù 。
“将尽三百多年过去，想必玄黄界离仙墟又尽了一些。然而却依旧没有崩溃……”巧工居士的意思不明而喻。
Over three hundred years had passed, and it was likely that the Xuanhuang Realm had further retreated from the Immortal Void. However, it hadn't collapsed yet... The meaning behind the Crafty Artisan's words was unclear.
lǐ fán diǎn diǎn tóu ， zàn tóng dào ：“ zhū jiè yān miè ， wéi yǒu xuán huáng xìng cún 。 xiàng nǐ wǒ zhè bān ， cóng qí tā xiū xiān jiè táo nàn lái cǐ de xiū shì dìng rán bù zài shǎo shù 。 rán ér quán dōu xiǎo xīn yì yì zhé fú ， zhè huò xǔ jiù shì bèi zhè gǔ bì yòu xuán huáng jiè de lì liàng suǒ zhèn shè 。”
李凡点点头，赞同道：“诸界湮灭，唯有玄黄幸存。像你我这般，从其他修仙界逃难来此的修士定然不在少数。然而全都小心翼翼蛰伏，这或许就是被这股庇佑玄黄界的力量所震慑。”
Li Fan nodded in agreement. "With all the realms vanishing, only the Xuanhuang Realm remains. There must be many cultivators like us who fled to this realm from other cultivation realms. But they remain hidden and cautious, perhaps intimidated by the protective force that sustains the Xuanhuang Realm."
“ bù mán dào yǒu ， wǒ lüè dǒng zhèn fǎ ， dāng nián chū zhì xuán huáng 、 jiù guān cè dào yí gè yǐn yuē lǒng zhào zhěng gè shì jiè de páng dà zhèn fǎ 。 qí néng jí zhī gāo ， huò xǔ néng gēn chuán shuō zhōng de xiān jí zhèn fǎ xiàng tí bìng lùn 。 xīn gǎn hài rán zhī xià ， yì zhí bǎo chí dī diào xíng shì 。”
“不瞒道友，我略懂阵法，当年初至玄黄、就观测到一个隐约笼罩整个世界的庞大阵法。其能级之高，或许能跟传说中的仙级阵法相提并论。心感骇然之下，一直保持低调行事。”
"Let me be honest with you; I have a basic understanding of array formations. When I first arrived in the Xuanhuang Realm, I observed a massive array formation that seemed to envelop the entire world. Its power was so high that it might rival legendary immortal-level array formations. Fearing its strength, I've always acted cautiously."
“ kě bù gǎn xiàng dào yǒu zhè bān ， jiāng líng yuán jiào gǎo de shēng shì rú cǐ hào dà ！”
“可不敢像道友这般，将灵元教搞的声势如此浩大！”
"You dare make such a grand display with the Spirit Origin Sect! It's quite shocking!"
qiǎo gōng jū shì wén yán kǔ xiào ：“ kàn lái dào yǒu zǎo jiù dīng shàng wǒ le ！”
巧工居士闻言苦笑：“看来道友早就盯上我了！”
The Crafty Artisan smiled wryly. "It seems you've been keeping an eye on me for some time now!"
bàn shǎng zhī hòu ， qiǎo gōng jū shì jiě shì dào ：“ líng yuán jiào kàn shàng qù pǒ jù guī mó ， shí zé zhǐ bù guò shì yī qún wū hé zhī zhòng 。 gēn běn bù bèi wàn xiān méng fàng zài yǎn lǐ 。 bù guò shì jiǔ shān zhōu dì lǐ huán jìng tè shū ， yòu yǔ wǔ lǎo huì jiē rǎng ， lóng shé hùn zá 。 yǔ qí jīng xīn zhì lǐ ， hái bù rú fàng rèn líng yuán jiào yě mán shēng zhǎng 。”
半晌之后，巧工居士解释道：“灵元教看上去颇具规模，实则只不过是一群乌合之众。根本不被万仙盟放在眼里。不过是九山州地理环境特殊，又与五老会接壤，龙蛇混杂。与其精心治理，还不如放任灵元教野蛮生长。”
After a moment, the Crafty Artisan explained, "The Spirit Origin Sect appears to be substantial, but it’s merely a group of scattered individuals who aren’t taken seriously by the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance. It's only because Nine Mountain State has unique geographical features and borders the Five Elders Association that we let the Spirit Origin Sect grow unchecked."
“ zuì qǐ mǎ ， wǒ měi cì shōu huò de dà liàng yuán lì ， kě dōu shì yào shàng jiāo yī bù fèn de 。”
“最起码，我每次收获的大量源力，可都是要上交一部分的。”
"At least, I have to hand over some of my source energy gains each time."
“ jiù shì bù zhī dào ， zhè sān bǎi nián jiān jiū jìng fā shēng le shén me shì ……” qiǎo gōng jū shì de yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī sī yīn mái 。
“就是不知道，这三百年间究竟发生了什么事……”巧工居士的眼中闪过一丝阴霾。
"Who knows what happened in these three hundred years..." A shadow passed through the Crafty Artisan’s eyes.
lǐ fán dùn shí xiào le ：“ dào yǒu shí shǔ shì zì jǐ xià zì jǐ le 。 qí shí zhè xiē nián ， líng yuán jiào de fā zhǎn yì zhí kě wèi shì xīn xīn xiàng róng 。 bù guò zhǐ shì qián bù jiǔ zāo shòu liǎo wú wàng zhī zāi ， bèi tū rán chū xiàn de tiān zūn fǎ xiàng yī yǎn fù miè jiǔ shān zhōu gěi qiān lián le ér yǐ 。”
李凡顿时笑了：“道友实属是自己吓自己了。其实这些年，灵元教的发展一直可谓是欣欣向荣。不过只是前不久遭受了无妄之灾，被突然出现的天尊法相一眼覆灭九山州给牵连了而已。”
Li Fan chuckled. "Friend, you’re scaring yourself. In reality, the Spirit Origin Sect has thrived over the past few years. It was just recently affected by an unexpected disaster and was swept away by the appearance of a Primordial Deity's manifestation in Nine Mountain State."
shuō zhe ， lǐ fán zài qián fāng jiāng dāng shí chuán fǎ tiān zūn fǎ xiàng chū cì xiǎn wēi de jǐng xiàng tóu shè chū lái 。
说着，李凡在前方将当时传法天尊法相初次显威的景象投射出来。
He then projected the scene where the Primordial Deity’s manifestation first displayed its power.
qiǎo gōng jū shì kàn le yǎn ， liǎn chōu le chōu ， shī shēng dào ：“ fàn le shén me shì ， jìng rán yǐn dé chuán fǎ tiān zūn chū shǒu ？”
巧工居士看了眼，脸抽了抽，失声道：“犯了什么事，竟然引得传法天尊出手？”
The Crafty Artisan’s face twitched as he gasped, "What did you do to provoke such a reaction from the Teaching Primordial Deity?"
“ zì rán shì zài liǎng gè páng rán dà wù de zhàn zhēng zhōng ， xuǎn zé le tóu kào wǔ lǎo huì yī fāng 。” lǐ fán jiě shì dào 。
“自然是在两个庞然大物的战争中，选择了投靠五老会一方。”李凡解释道。
"Simply choosing to support one side during the war between two colossal entities," Li Fan explained.
qiǎo gōng jū shì dùn shí mǎn liǎn de bù kě zhì xìn ， ér hòu hèn shēng dào ：“ zhēn shì hú tú a ！”
巧工居士顿时满脸的不可置信，而后恨声道：“真是糊涂啊！”
The Crafty Artisan's expression turned incredulous. "How foolish!"
fěi yí suǒ sī yī zhèn hòu ， qiǎo gōng jū shì sì hū shì xiǎng dào le shén me ， yòu yǒu xiē jīng yí bù dìng dào ：“ bú duì a ， wǒ míng gǎn jué dào rú jīn shì shàng yī rán yǒu jìn hū bǎi wàn rén réng zài xiū liàn cāng shēng líng yuán gōng ……”
匪夷所思一阵后，巧工居士似乎是想到了什么，又有些惊疑不定道：“不对啊，我明感觉到如今世上依然有近乎百万人仍在修炼苍生灵元功……”
After some contemplation, the Crafty Artisan seemed to remember something and asked hesitantly, "Wait, I clearly feel that nearly a million people are still practicing the Origin of All Life Technique in this world..."
“ ó ， zhè ge a 。” lǐ fán shí fēn dàn dìng de huí dá dào ，“ shì wǒ bù rěn dào yǒu jī yè ， jiù cǐ huǐ yú yí dàn 。 yú shì biàn jiē shǒu le 。”
“哦，这个啊。”李凡十分淡定的回答道，“是我不忍道友基业，就此毁于一旦。于是便接手了。”
"Oh, you mean that," Li Fan replied calmly, "I couldn’t let your foundation be destroyed. So, I took it over."
qiǎo gōng jū shì wén yán chè dǐ lèng zhù ：“ nǐ ……”
巧工居士闻言彻底愣住：“你……”
The Crafty Artisan was stunned. "You...?"
chà nà zhī hòu sī niàn jí zhuǎn ， biàn xiǎng míng bái le yī qiè ：“ nán guài nǐ huì zài wǒ fù huó hòu bù jiǔ ， jiù fā xiàn le wǒ de wèi zhì ……”
刹那之后思念急转，便想明白了一切：“难怪你会在我复活后不久，就发现了我的位置……”
His thoughts raced as he understood everything. "That’s why you found my resurrection method not long after I revived!"
“ bú duì ， nǐ yīng gāi shì zǎo jiù zhǎo dào le wǒ de fù huó shǒu duàn suǒ zài le ba ？”
“不对，你应该是早就找到了我的复活手段所在了吧？”
"But shouldn't you have already discovered the means to resurrect me?" The Crafty Artisan's expression kept changing.
qiǎo gōng jū shì liǎn sè bù duàn biàn huàn 。
巧工居士脸色不断变幻。
Li Fan nodded slightly. "Rest assured, I have no ill intentions and told you everything honestly."
lǐ fán zé shì wēi wēi diǎn tóu ：“ dào yǒu fàng xīn ， wǒ kě méi yǒu è yì 。 fǒu zé yě bú huì jìn shù rú shí xiàng gào le 。”
李凡则是微微点头：“道友放心，我可没有恶意。否则也不会尽数如实相告了。”
"Really? Then what is your intention..." The Crafty Artisan’s face was a mix of emotions.
“ ó ？ nà dào yǒu jiū jìng shì ……” qiǎo gōng jū shì miàn sè yīn qíng bù dìng 。
“哦？那道友究竟是……”巧工居士面色阴晴不定。
"I simply admire your extraordinary skills, akin to the craftsmanship of heaven. Therefore, I wish to invite you to join us in our great endeavors!" Li Fan said solemnly.
“ zì rán shì jiàn dào yǒu jì yì fēi fán ， yǒu duó tiān gōng zhī zào huà 。 gù ér xiǎng yāo qǐng dào yǒu jiā rù wǒ men ， gòng móu dà yè ！” lǐ fán yī liǎn sù rán dào 。
“自然是见道友技艺非凡，有夺天工之造化。故而想邀请道友加入我们，共谋大业！”李凡一脸肃然道。
Next, he detailed the idea of the united realms and restoring the True Immortal Daoist Lineage of Compassion.
zhī hòu ， lǐ fán yòu jiāng wàn jiè lián hé 、 guāng fù hóng chén cí bēi zhēn xiān dào tǒng de shuō cí ， xiáng xì jiǎng le yī biàn 。
之后，李凡又将万界联合、光复红尘慈悲真仙道统的说辞，详细讲了一遍。
"True Immortal Daoist Lineage?" The Crafty Artisan’s eyes narrowed, showing a mix of doubt and curiosity.
“ jū rán yǒu zhēn xiān dào tǒng ？” qiǎo gōng jū shì yǎn jīng mī qǐ ， jiāng xìn jiāng yí 。
“居然有真仙道统？”巧工居士眼睛眯起，将信将疑。
When Li Fan passed a golden essence of myriad spirits, the Crafty Artisan was once again stunned.
zhí dào lǐ fán dù guò yī sī jīn sè de wàn líng qióng jiāng ， qiǎo gōng jū shì zhè cái zài dù mò míng zhèn jīng 。
直到李凡渡过一丝金色的万灵琼浆，巧工居士这才再度莫名震惊。
"Source energy essence?!" He blurted out a different term than what the Hundred Flowers Daoist described.
“ yuán lì jīng cuì ？！” què shì tuō kǒu ér chū yí gè gēn bǎi huā dào rén suǒ miáo shù de bù tóng de cí huì 。
“源力精粹？！”却是脱口而出一个跟百花道人所描述的不同的词汇。
"Oh? What is this source energy essence?" In our realm of prosperity, we call it the Essence of Myriad Spirits. "Li Fan asked curiously.
“ ó ？ zhè yuán lì jīng cuì yòu zuò hé jiě ？ zài wǒ men wàn shèng jiè ， jiāng cǐ wù chēng zhī wèi wàn líng qióng jiāng 。” lǐ fán ráo yǒu xìng qù de wèn dào 。
“哦？这源力精粹又作何解？在我们万盛界，将此物称之为万灵琼浆。”李凡饶有兴趣的问道。
The Crafty Artisan stared intently at the source energy in Li Fan’s hand, as if he had seen a priceless treasure: "Source energy is the fundamental power that drives cultivators to advance. Source energy essence is the foundational force that causes source energy to exist."
qiǎo gōng jū shì yǎn shén zhí gōu gōu de dīng zhe lǐ fán shǒu zhōng zhī wù ， wǎn rú kàn dào le shén me jué shì de bǎo wù yì bān ：“ yuán lì ， shì tuī dòng xiū shì jìng jiè tí shēng de běn yuán zhī lì 。 ér yuán lì jīng cuì ， zé shì zhì shǐ yuán lì dàn shēng de gēn běn xìng lì liàng 。”
巧工居士眼神直勾勾的盯着李凡手中之物，宛如看到了什么绝世的宝物一般：“源力，是推动修士境界提升的本源之力。而源力精粹，则是致使源力诞生的根本性力量。”
"Or, according to some popular theories in certain cultivation realms, the realm is the nucleus and cultivation is the fruit. The source energy essence is the [Flower of Dao], while everything's origin and root is the driving force behind all things—[Dao]."
“ yòu huò zhě àn zhào céng jīng mǒu xiē xiū xiān jiè liú xíng guò de shuō fǎ ， jìng jiè wèi hé 、 xiū wèi nǎi guǒ 。 yuán lì jīng cuì wèi 【 dào huā 】 běn tǐ ， ér zhì yú yī qiè de yuán tóu 、 gēn yuán ， jiù shì qū dòng wàn shì wàn wù fā zhǎn de 【 dào 】。”
“又或者按照曾经某些修仙界流行过的说法，境界为核、修为乃果。源力精粹为【道花】本体，而至于一切的源头、根源，就是驱动万事万物发展的【道】。”
Li Fan recalled the Hundred Flowers Daoist’s description of the Essence of Myriad Spirits.
lǐ fán nǎo hǎi zhōng yòu huí xiǎng qǐ bǎi huā dào rén ， guān yú wàn líng qióng jiāng de miáo shù 。
李凡脑海中又回想起百花道人，关于万灵琼浆的描述。
That was part of a true immortal who absorbed remnants of the Dao, discarding some of it.
nà shì wú míng zhēn xiān zài xī shōu 【 dào 】 de hén jì zhōng ， bèi qí shě qì de bù fèn 。
那是无名真仙在吸收【道】的痕迹中，被其舍弃的部分。
"The analogy you made is indeed quite novel," Li Fan pondered as he continued to understand these words.
“ dào yǒu de bǐ yù ， dào yě duān de shí fēn xīn qí 。” lǐ fán bù duàn tǐ wù zhe zhè fān huà ， ruò yǒu suǒ sī 。
“道友的比喻，倒也端的十分新奇。”李凡不断体悟着这番话，若有所思。
The Crafty Artisan kept his eyes fixed on the source energy essence in Li Fan’s hand, unwilling to look away. "Is the Flower of Dao poisonous?" Li Fan suddenly asked.
ér qiǎo gōng jū shì zé shì shǐ zhōng dīng zhe tā shǒu zhōng de yuán lì jīng cuì ， bù kěn yí kāi mù guāng 。
而巧工居士则是始终盯着他手中的源力精粹，不肯移开目光。
The Crafty Artisan was taken aback but understood Li Fan's meaning. After some thought, he explained, "It is harmless to those who believe. But for those who do not, they will suffer retribution!"
“ dào huā yǒu dú fǒu ？” lǐ fán hū de wèn le jù 。
“道花有毒否？”李凡忽的问了句。
"Remember, the root and flower of Dao are forces beyond our grasp as cultivators who have yet to ascend."
qiǎo gōng jū shì lèng le lèng ， ér hòu míng bái le lǐ fán de yì si 。 chén yín piàn kè ， jiě shì dào ：“ duì xìn zhě wú hài 。 bù xìn zhě ， bì jiāng zāo dào fǎn shì ！”
巧工居士愣了愣，而后明白了李凡的意思。沉吟片刻，解释道：“对信者无害。不信者，必将遭到反噬！”
"If we want to utilize them, we must rely on [Immortals]."
“ xū zhī ， dào zhī gēn 、 yǐ jí dào zhī huā ， bìng bú shì wǒ děng shàng wèi dēng xiān de xiū shì suǒ néng zhǎng wò de lì liàng 。”
“需知，道之根、以及道之花，并不是我等尚未登仙的修士所能掌握的力量。”
"But Immortals are beings that surpass our comprehension. As they chase after the root of Dao, they inevitably leave traces behind. Thus, the flowers and fruits of Dao, along with their cores, all bear unique signatures from themselves."
“ wǒ men rú guǒ xiǎng yào lì yòng ， jiù bì xū jiè zhù 【 xiān 】。”
“我们如果想要利用，就必须借助【仙】。”
"Ordinary flowers grow roots, branches, bloom, and bear fruit in a process. But for us cultivators seeking Dao, it’s like tracing back from the result to its cause—seeking everything's origin—the root of Dao..."
“ dàn 【 xiān 】， yǐ jīng shì chāo chū wǒ men lǐ jiě fàn wéi de cún zài 。 tā men zhuī zhú dào zhī gēn de tóng shí ， bì jiāng liú xià zì shēn de hén jì 。 yīn ér shēng chéng de dào zhī huā 、 dào zhī guǒ 、 dào zhī hé ， quán dōu zhān rǎn le tā zì shēn de dú tè qì xī 。”
“但【仙】，已经是超出我们理解范围的存在。祂们追逐道之根的同时，必将留下自身的痕迹。因而生成的道之花、道之果、道之核，全都沾染了祂自身的独特气息。”
"Such an ethereal matter; without personally understanding it, rushing to trace back to the root of Dao before fully comprehending the true essence of cultivation would only rely on others' achievements."
“ shì jiān fán huā ， nǎi shì shēng gēn 、 jié zhī 、 kāi huā 、 jié guǒ ， zhè ge guò chéng 。 dàn shì wǒ bèi xiū shì zhú dào ， què shì yóu guǒ xún yīn 。 xún zhǎo yī qiè yuán tóu ， dào zhī gēn ……”
“世间凡花，乃是生根、结枝、开花、结果，这个过程。但是我辈修士逐道，却是由果寻因。寻找一切源头，道之根……”
"Do you understand what I mean?"
“ rú cǐ xū wú piāo miǎo zhī shì ， rú guǒ bú shì qīn zì suǒ wù 、 xiǎng yào zǒu jié jìng ， shàng wèi wán quán lǐng wù dào zhī guǒ de lì liàng zhēn dì ， jiù jí zhe fǎn sù dào zhī gēn 。 jiù zhǐ néng yī kào bié rén de chéng guǒ 。”
“如此虚无缥缈之事，如果不是亲自所悟、想要走捷径，尚未完全领悟道之果的力量真谛，就急着反溯道之根。就只能依靠别人的成果。”
The Crafty Artisan was so excited after seeing the real Flower of Dao that he blurted out much more. "Based on your explanation, using the power of the Flower of Dao seems to have few downsides?" Li Fan asked.
“ bù zhī wǒ zhè me shuō ， dào yǒu shì fǒu míng bái ？”
“不知我这么说，道友是否明白？”
"Of course, as long as we don’t seek other roots in the future," the Crafty Artisan replied.
huò xǔ shì qīn yǎn jiàn dào le zhēn zhèng de dào zhī huā ， qiǎo gōng jū shì xīn qíng jī dòng xià ， jìng rán yī kǒu yǔ qì shuō le xǔ duō 。
或许是亲眼见到了真正的道之花，巧工居士心情激动下，竟然一口语气说了许多。
Li Fan thought for a moment and understood. "One root produces one fruit?"
“ àn zhào dào yǒu zhè fān shuō cí ， sì hū jiè zhù dào zhī huā de lì liàng ， bìng wú duō shǎo huài chù ？” lǐ fán wèn dào 。
“按照道友这番说辞，似乎借助道之花的力量，并无多少坏处？”李凡问道。
"Exactly. Once tainted by the Flower of Dao, it's almost impossible to escape its influence forever. In the future, if there’s an opportunity to advance further, we must follow the path already set and seek the bound roots in the shadows. However, someone has already taken a step ahead..."
“ nà shì zì rán ， zhǐ yào rì hòu bù qù zhuī xún qí tā dào zhī gēn de huà 。” qiǎo gōng jū shì dá dào 。
“那是自然，只要日后不去追寻其他道之根的话。”巧工居士答道。
The Crafty Artisan smiled. "So, either become a follower or vassal of the other party, or kill them and become the strongest on the Daoist path."
lǐ fán xiǎng le xiǎng ， shùn jiān míng bái guò lái ：“ yī gēn jié yī guǒ ？”
李凡想了想，瞬间明白过来：“一根结一果？”
"Oh right, I forgot to mention one thing. Fruits come from roots; if the root withers, so will the fruit. Therefore, once the immortal at the source dies, those downstream who rely on his power to touch the Flower of Dao will also perish."
“ bù cuò ， zhān rǎn le dào zhī huā de lì liàng ， yī bèi zi jī hū dōu wú fǎ táo tuō 。 jīn hòu rú guǒ yǒu jī huì gèng jìn yí bù de huà ， zhǐ néng zūn xún yǐ jīng dìng xià de lù tú ， qù zhuī xún nà míng míng zhōng yǐ jīng bǎng dìng de dào zhī gēn 。 dàn shì ， qián lù shàng yǐ jīng yǒu wèi zhēn xiān xiān xíng yī bù le ……”
“不错，沾染了道之花的力量，一辈子几乎都无法逃脱。今后如果有机会更进一步的话，只能遵循已经定下的路途，去追寻那冥冥中已经绑定的道之根。但是，前路上已经有位真仙先行一步了……”
"But immortals are far less likely to fall than ordinary cultivators."
Over three hundred years had passed, and it was likely that the Xuanhuang Realm had further retreated from the Immortal Void. However, it hadn't collapsed yet... The meaning behind the Crafty Artisan's words was unclear.
Li Fan nodded in agreement. "With all the realms vanishing, only the Xuanhuang Realm remains. There must be many cultivators like us who fled to this realm from other cultivation realms. But they remain hidden and cautious, perhaps intimidated by the protective force that sustains the Xuanhuang Realm."
"Let me be honest with you; I have a basic understanding of array formations. When I first arrived in the Xuanhuang Realm, I observed a massive array formation that seemed to envelop the entire world. Its power was so high that it might rival legendary immortal-level array formations. Fearing its strength, I've always acted cautiously."
"You dare make such a grand display with the Spirit Origin Sect! It's quite shocking!"
The Crafty Artisan smiled wryly. "It seems you've been keeping an eye on me for some time now!"
After a moment, the Crafty Artisan explained, "The Spirit Origin Sect appears to be substantial, but it’s merely a group of scattered individuals who aren’t taken seriously by the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance. It's only because Nine Mountain State has unique geographical features and borders the Five Elders Association that we let the Spirit Origin Sect grow unchecked."
"At least, I have to hand over some of my source energy gains each time."
"Who knows what happened in these three hundred years..." A shadow passed through the Crafty Artisan’s eyes.
Li Fan chuckled. "Friend, you’re scaring yourself. In reality, the Spirit Origin Sect has thrived over the past few years. It was just recently affected by an unexpected disaster and was swept away by the appearance of a Primordial Deity's manifestation in Nine Mountain State."
He then projected the scene where the Primordial Deity’s manifestation first displayed its power.
The Crafty Artisan’s face twitched as he gasped, "What did you do to provoke such a reaction from the Teaching Primordial Deity?"
"Simply choosing to support one side during the war between two colossal entities," Li Fan explained.
The Crafty Artisan's expression turned incredulous. "How foolish!"
After some contemplation, the Crafty Artisan seemed to remember something and asked hesitantly, "Wait, I clearly feel that nearly a million people are still practicing the Origin of All Life Technique in this world..."
"Oh, you mean that," Li Fan replied calmly, "I couldn’t let your foundation be destroyed. So, I took it over."
The Crafty Artisan was stunned. "You...?"
His thoughts raced as he understood everything. "That’s why you found my resurrection method not long after I revived!"
"But shouldn't you have already discovered the means to resurrect me?" The Crafty Artisan's expression kept changing.
Li Fan nodded slightly. "Rest assured, I have no ill intentions and told you everything honestly."
"Really? Then what is your intention..." The Crafty Artisan’s face was a mix of emotions.
"I simply admire your extraordinary skills, akin to the craftsmanship of heaven. Therefore, I wish to invite you to join us in our great endeavors!" Li Fan said solemnly.
Next, he detailed the idea of the united realms and restoring the True Immortal Daoist Lineage of Compassion.
"True Immortal Daoist Lineage?" The Crafty Artisan’s eyes narrowed, showing a mix of doubt and curiosity.
When Li Fan passed a golden essence of myriad spirits, the Crafty Artisan was once again stunned.
"Source energy essence?!" He blurted out a different term than what the Hundred Flowers Daoist described.
"Oh? What is this source energy essence?" In our realm of prosperity, we call it the Essence of Myriad Spirits. "Li Fan asked curiously.
The Crafty Artisan stared intently at the source energy in Li Fan’s hand, as if he had seen a priceless treasure: "Source energy is the fundamental power that drives cultivators to advance. Source energy essence is the foundational force that causes source energy to exist."
"Or, according to some popular theories in certain cultivation realms, the realm is the nucleus and cultivation is the fruit. The source energy essence is the [Flower of Dao], while everything's origin and root is the driving force behind all things—[Dao]."
Li Fan recalled the Hundred Flowers Daoist’s description of the Essence of Myriad Spirits.
That was part of a true immortal who absorbed remnants of the Dao, discarding some of it.
"The analogy you made is indeed quite novel," Li Fan pondered as he continued to understand these words.
The Crafty Artisan kept his eyes fixed on the source energy essence in Li Fan’s hand, unwilling to look away. "Is the Flower of Dao poisonous?" Li Fan suddenly asked.
The Crafty Artisan was taken aback but understood Li Fan's meaning. After some thought, he explained, "It is harmless to those who believe. But for those who do not, they will suffer retribution!"
"Remember, the root and flower of Dao are forces beyond our grasp as cultivators who have yet to ascend."
"If we want to utilize them, we must rely on [Immortals]."
"But Immortals are beings that surpass our comprehension. As they chase after the root of Dao, they inevitably leave traces behind. Thus, the flowers and fruits of Dao, along with their cores, all bear unique signatures from themselves."
"Ordinary flowers grow roots, branches, bloom, and bear fruit in a process. But for us cultivators seeking Dao, it’s like tracing back from the result to its cause—seeking everything's origin—the root of Dao..."
"Such an ethereal matter; without personally understanding it, rushing to trace back to the root of Dao before fully comprehending the true essence of cultivation would only rely on others' achievements."
"Do you understand what I mean?"
The Crafty Artisan was so excited after seeing the real Flower of Dao that he blurted out much more. "Based on your explanation, using the power of the Flower of Dao seems to have few downsides?" Li Fan asked.
"Of course, as long as we don’t seek other roots in the future," the Crafty Artisan replied.
Li Fan thought for a moment and understood. "One root produces one fruit?"
"Exactly. Once tainted by the Flower of Dao, it's almost impossible to escape its influence forever. In the future, if there’s an opportunity to advance further, we must follow the path already set and seek the bound roots in the shadows. However, someone has already taken a step ahead..."
The Crafty Artisan smiled. "So, either become a follower or vassal of the other party, or kill them and become the strongest on the Daoist path."
"Oh right, I forgot to mention one thing. Fruits come from roots; if the root withers, so will the fruit. Therefore, once the immortal at the source dies, those downstream who rely on his power to touch the Flower of Dao will also perish."
"But immortals are far less likely to fall than ordinary cultivators."