“ wǒ dāng chū chéng shèng zhī shí ， xuǎn zé 【 lián shān 】 ér fēi 【 zuò shān 】， shì wèi le kāi hòu shì zhī xiān hé 。”
“我当初成圣之时，选择【连山】而非【坐山】，是为了开后世之先河。”
"When I ascended to the Sage realm, choosing 'Lianshan' over 'Zuoshan,' it was to open a new chapter for future generations."
“ dàn ruò huàn zuò wǒ xiàn zài fāng cái zhèng dào ……”
“但若换做我现在方才证道……”
"But if I were to ascend now..."
“ huò xǔ huì xuǎn zé 【 zuò shān 】 yī dào 。”
“或许会选择【坐山】一道。”
"Perhaps I would choose 'Zuoshan.'"
duǎn zàn de jì jìng zhī hòu ， lián shān shèng jūn xū yǐng fù yòu shuō dào 。
短暂的寂静之后，连山圣君虚影复又说道。
After a brief silence, the Lianshan Sage King's ethereal form continued.
“ zhè biàn shì ， cǐ yī shí 、 bǐ yī shí le 。 bìng wú duì cuò ， ér shì chǔ jìng bù tóng ， zì shēn jué zé yě huì dà xiāng jìng tíng 。”
“这便是，此一时、彼一时了。并无对错，而是处境不同，自身抉择也会大相径庭。”
"This is the difference between then and now. There is no right or wrong; it depends on one's circumstances and personal choices."
zhū shèng jiē sī suǒ zhe lián shān shèng jūn huà zhōng shēn yì 。
诸圣皆思索着连山圣君话中深意。
The other Sages pondered over these words.
huò shì lái le xìng qù ， lián shān shèng jūn jì xù shēn rù guān yú 【 zuò shān 】 huà tí 。
或是来了兴趣，连山圣君继续深入关于【坐山】话题。
Or perhaps out of interest, the Lianshan Sage King delved deeper into the topic of 'Zuoshan.'
“ cǐ jiān shēng líng 、 dào fǎ ， jiē yuán yú shān hǎi 。 gù néng yǐn dòng shān hǎi zhě ， yīng wèi zhū dào fǎ zuì shàng chéng 。”
“此间生灵、道法，皆源于山海。故能引动山海者，应为诸道法最上乘。”
"The life force and Dao techniques here all originate from the mountains and seas. Therefore, those who can influence the mountains and seas should be among the most refined Dao techniques."
“ lián shān rú cǐ ， zuò shān yì rú cǐ 。”
“连山如此，坐山亦如此。”
"Lianshan is like that, Zuoshan is like that."
“ rán shān hǎi zì dàn shēng zhī chū ， biàn zhù dìng guī yú xīng ， zǒu de shì yóu shèng zhì shuāi zhī lù 。 ruò zài shān hǎi zhī chū ， xíng zuò shān zhī dào ， fēi dàn bú huì yīn cǐ shòu yì 、 fǎn ér huì bàn suí shān hǎi zhī shuāi luò ， xiū wèi rì sǔn 。 zuò shān zhī shí réng zài ， qiān lián shān hǎi wú biān zhòng shēng ， duān de shì sǔn rén ér bù lì jǐ 。”
“然山海自诞生之初，便注定归于星，走的是由盛至衰之路。若在山海之初，行坐山之道，非但不会因此受益、反而会伴随山海之衰落，修为日损。坐山之实仍在，牵连山海无边众生，端的是损人而不利己。”
"However, since the mountains and seas were born, they are destined to return to the stars, following a path of decline from prosperity. If one were to practice 'Zuoshan' at its peak, this Sage would inevitably follow the mountains and seas into decay. The essence of Zuoshan remains, but it involves countless beings tied to the mountains and seas, causing harm without benefiting oneself."
“ shí shì biàn yì 。 shān hǎi yān yú dào yān zhī zhōng ， zhè 【 zuò shān 】 yī dào ， míng míng zhōng zì rán yě jiù qǐ le biàn huà 。 zuò shān ， xū jiè zhù shān hǎi péng bó shēng téng zhī lì 。 ruò shì shān hǎi zài dàn shēng zhī chū ， biàn yǐ jīng chāng shèng zhì jí diǎn ， xiǎng yào gèng jìn yí bù 、 yòu tán hé róng yì ？”
“时事变易。山海淹于道湮之中，这【坐山】一道，冥冥中自然也就起了变化。坐山，需借助山海蓬勃升腾之力。若是山海在诞生之初，便已经昌盛至极点，想要更进一步、又谈何容易？”
"Times change. As the mountains and seas are submerged by Daoianmian (a term for a state of spiritual decay), 'Zuoshan' naturally undergoes changes. Zuoshan requires the power of the flourishing and ascending mountains and seas. If the mountains and seas were already at their peak from birth, how could one hope to progress further?"
“ bù guò zài zhè shān hǎi bèi fēn gē de mò shì ， zuò shān yī dào ， huò néng fā huī qí xiào 。”
“不过在这山海被分割的末世，坐山一道，或能发挥奇效。”
"However, in this era where the mountains and seas are divided, 'Zuoshan' might prove effective."
“ zhèng shì jiè zhù ， shān hǎi fù lián de nà yī shùn jiān ， liǎng duàn shān hǎi róng hé suǒ bèng fā wěi lì ……”
“正是借助，山海复联的那一瞬间，两段山海融合所迸发伟力……”
"It is precisely by leveraging the moment when the two segments of the mountains and seas merge, harnessing the immense power generated during that fusion..."
lián shān shèng jūn méi yǒu cáng sī ， jiāng zì shēn suǒ wù wěi wěi dào lái 。
连山圣君没有藏私，将自身所悟娓娓道来。
The Lianshan Sage King revealed his insights without reservation.
lǐ fán zhuān zhù líng tīng ， màn màn suàn shì míng bái guò lái 。
李凡专注聆听，慢慢算是明白过来。
Li Fan listened intently, slowly understanding.
shān hǎi zì shén ér qǐ ， huí guī yú xīng 。
山海自神而起，回归于星。
The mountains and seas originated from the divine and returned to the stars.
zǒu de shì yóu shèng ér shuāi zhī lù 。
走的是由盛而衰之路。
They followed a path from prosperity to decline.
ruò shì zài qí zuì diān fēng shí hòu ， yǐ 【 zuò shān 】 chéng shèng 。 nà me zhè wèi zuò shān shèng zhě ， zhù dìng huì gēn suí shān hǎi yī tóng shuāi luò 。
若是在其最巅峰时候，以【坐山】成圣。那么这位坐山圣者，注定会跟随山海一同衰落。
If one were to ascend as a Zuoshan Sage at its peak, this Zuoshan Sage would inevitably follow the mountains and seas into decay.
wéi yǒu zài shān hǎi bèi dào yān fēn gē de mò shì ， yǐ qí zhōng yī duàn shān hǎi wèi jī ， xíng 【 zuò shān 】 zhī jǔ 。
唯有在山海被道湮分割的末世，以其中一段山海为基，行【坐山】之举。
Only in the era when the mountains and seas are divided by Daoianmian could one practice 'Zuoshan' on one segment of the mountains and seas. Only then could Zuoshan benefit from their reunification.
dài dào shān hǎi fù lián ， zuò shān fāng néng cóng zhōng huò yì 。
待到山海复联，坐山方能从中获益。
"It seems Lianshan Sage King's choice of Lianshan was not entirely due to moral reasons. Lianshan is inherently the best choice. No wonder he said he would not regret it."
“ kàn lái lián shān shèng jūn dāng chū zhī suǒ yǐ xuǎn zé lián shān ， yě bìng fēi wán quán shì yīn wèi suǒ wèi dào dé 。 lián shān ， běn jiù shì zuì jiā de jué zé 。 nán guài tā shuō ， bú huì hòu huǐ 。”
“看来连山圣君当初之所以选择连山，也并非完全是因为所谓道德。连山，本就是最佳的抉择。难怪他说，不会后悔。”
"The effects of 'Zuoshan' seem almost supernatural, but its conditions are too stringent. It requires starting at a time when the mountains and seas have been destroyed, making it weaker than ancient Sages. Moreover, one's strength peaks upon ascending to the Sage realm and declines as the mountains and seas are consumed by Daoianmian."
“【 zuò shān 】 xiào guǒ kàn shì nì tiān ， dàn shí xiàn tiáo jiàn ， tài guò kē kè 。 xū qǐ yú shān hǎi pò miè zhī shí ， xiān tiān jiù ruò yuǎn gǔ zhū shèng yī chóu 。 zài zhě ， chéng shèng zhī kè 、 jī hū jiù shì zuì qiáng zhī shí 。 wǎng hòu bàn suí zhe shān hǎi bèi dào yān qīn tūn ， zì shēn shí lì bù duàn xià jiàng 。”
“【坐山】效果看似逆天，但实现条件，太过苛刻。需起于山海破灭之时，先天就弱远古诸圣一筹。再者，成圣之刻、几乎就是最强之时。往后伴随着山海被道湮侵吞，自身实力不断下降。”
"One can hardly continue cultivation on their own; they need to rely on the reunification of the mountains and seas."
“ jī hū wú fǎ zì jǐ jì xù xiū xíng ， quán xū jiè zhù shān hǎi fù lián zhī lì 。”
“几乎无法自己继续修行，全需借助山海复联之力。”
...
……
……
The Lianshan Sage provided a clear understanding of the drawbacks of this path.
lián shān shèng zhě ， gāo wū jiàn líng 、 zhí jiē wèi lǐ fán tiǎo míng le zhè tiáo dào tú zhǒng zhǒng bì duān 。
连山圣者，高屋建瓴、直接为李凡挑明了这条道途种种弊端。
Combined with the discussions among other Sages' ethereal forms, Li Fan's thoughts began to take shape.
jiā shàng qí yú shèng zhě xū yǐng zì fā tǎo lùn ， shǐ de lǐ fán xīn zhōng yǐn yǐn dàn shēng le gè xiǎng fǎ 。
加上其余圣者虚影自发讨论，使得李凡心中隐隐诞生了个想法。
"I saw the mountains and seas return to the stars at the end of time."
“ wǒ céng yú shí guāng zhī mò ， jiàn shān hǎi guī yú xīng 。”
“我曾于时光之末，见山海归于星。”
"Then, Truly Real's power forced back the stars, reversing everything. The mountains and seas reappeared amidst Daoianmian."
“ ér hòu hái zhēn wěi lì ， jiāng xīng bī tuì 、 nì zhuǎn yī qiè ， shān hǎi yú dào yān zhōng fù xiàn 。”
“而后还真伟力，将星逼退、逆转一切，山海于道湮中复现。”
"Could these two segments of the mountains and seas be from the same origin?"
“ cǐ qián hòu shān hǎi ， kě shì tóng yī zuò shān hǎi ？”
“此前后山海，可是同一座山海？”
"If so..."
“ rú guǒ shì de huà ……”
“如果是的话……”
"In a state of nothingness, the mountains and seas would instantly expand to their peak. If 'Zuoshan' could be applied..."
“ shān hǎi yú xū wú zhuàng tài ， shùn jiān péng zhàng zhì diān fēng 。 ruò néng shī qí yǐ 【 zuò shān 】 zhī dào ……”
“山海于虚无状态，瞬间膨胀至巅峰。若能施其以【坐山】之道……”
Was there any connection between the Lianshan and Truly Real segments?
hái zhēn qián hòu shān hǎi ， jiū jìng tóng bù tóng yuán 。
还真前后山海，究竟同不同源。
This might be revealed by Li Fan's mastery of Xuanpin.
zhè yì diǎn cóng lǐ fán suǒ zhǎng 【 xuán pìn 】 dà dào ， huò xǔ néng kuī tàn yī èr 。
这一点从李凡所掌【玄牝】大道，或许能窥探一二。
After the old segment of the mountains and seas returned to its true form, controlling Xuanpin, the new segment also fell under his control.
zài jiù shān hǎi dà dào guī zhēn ， jiāng xuán pìn zhǎng kòng zhī hòu 。
在旧山海大道归真，将玄牝掌控之后。
"Even if it is not entirely equal, there must be some correlation. The probability of 'Zuoshan' taking effect is high."
xīn shān hǎi de xuán pìn ， yě yīn zhī luò yú gòu zhōng 。
新山海的玄牝，也因之落于彀中。
"But the reappearance of the mountains and seas was not due to my efforts; it was Truly Real's doing."
“ zòng shǐ bìng fēi wán quán xiāng děng ， yě dìng rán cún zài xiāng yìng guān lián 。 zuò shān shēng xiào de gài lǜ hěn dà 。”
“纵使并非完全相等，也定然存在相应关联。坐山生效的概率很大。”
"How much it will affect remains uncertain."
“ bù guò shān hǎi fù xiàn ， bìng fēi yīn wǒ zhī gōng ， ér shì hái zhēn suǒ wèi 。”
“不过山海复现，并非因我之功，而是还真所为。”
Li Fan's thoughts were in turmoil, eager to abandon Xuanpin for Zuoshan.
“ jiū jìng néng qǐ dào duō shǎo xiào guǒ ， yě bù hǎo shuō 。”
“究竟能起到多少效果，也不好说。”
Unfortunately, he had yet to comprehend even the basic 'Zuoshan' path below Sage level.
lǐ fán sī cháo qǐ fú ， hèn bù dé dāng chǎng jiù yào qì xuán pìn ér zhǎng zuò shān 。
李凡思潮起伏，恨不得当场就要弃玄牝而掌坐山。
The true practice of Zuoshan was still a distant dream.
zhǐ kě xī ， jiù lián shèng zhě zhī xià de 【 zuò shān 】 dà dào tā dōu shàng wèi lǐng wù 。
只可惜，就连圣者之下的【坐山】大道他都尚未领悟。
Inside the璇玑 ring (Xuanji Ring), after resting, the Sages returned to the Void Realm.
xíng zhēn zhèng de 【 zuò shān 】 zhī jǔ ， jiù gèng shì tiān fāng yè tán le 。
行真正的【坐山】之举，就更是天方夜谭了。
Their ethereal forms observed and communicated with each other as they entered the realm once more.
xuán jī huán zhōng ， zhū shèng xiū qì yī zhèn hòu ， biàn yòu zài dù qián wǎng xū jiè 。
璇玑环中，诸圣休憩一阵后，便又再度前往虚界。
The Eternal Silence Void Realm was filled with danger.
suǒ liú xū yǐng ， yī biān guān chá gǎn yìng zhe xū jiè zhōng qíng xíng ， yī biān réng hù xiāng jiāo liú 。
所留虚影，一边观察感应着虚界中情形，一边仍互相交流。
Despite repeated entries, the pressure remained constant, akin to their first visit. No sense of habit or familiarity developed.
yǒng jì xū jiè ， wēi jī sì fú 。
永寂虚界，危机四伏。
The only thing new Sages could hone was how long they could endure the void's currents.
jí biàn jǐ dù qù ér fù fǎn ， dàn měi yī cì chóng xīn jìn rù ， tā suǒ dài lái de yā pò yě yǒng yuǎn bù biàn 。 dōu fǎng fú chū cì tà zú yì bān 。
即便几度去而复返，但每一次重新进入，它所带来的压迫也永远不变。都仿佛初次踏足一般。
Fortunately, with the Nine Sages leading and the ethereal forms of Xuanji Ring anchoring them, the journey through the Void Realm was safe despite its dangers.
bú huì chǎn shēng “ xí guàn ”、“ shú xī ” de gǎn jué 。
不会产生“习惯”、“熟悉”的感觉。
After countless attempts over many years, the new Sages finally reached a consensus.
xīn jìn zhū shèng wéi yī néng gòu chuí liàn de ， jiù shì zì shēn miàn duì xū jiè àn liú shí 、 néng gòu jiān chí de shí jiān cháng duǎn 。
新晋诸圣唯一能够锤炼的，就是自身面对虚界暗流时、能够坚持的时间长短。
They successfully connected the chain of Sages from the distant mountains and seas to their current segment.
hǎo zài qián yǒu jiǔ shèng zhǎng duò ， hòu yǒu xuán jī huán xū yǐng máo dìng 。
好在前有九圣掌舵，后有璇玑环虚影锚定。
However, Li Fan did not play a significant role in this chain.
xū jiè zhī xíng 。 suī jīng ， què wú xiǎn 。
虚界之行。虽惊，却无险。
Even Fāncun (a Sage) was superfluous.
bù zhī dào jīng guò duō shǎo cì de cháng shì ， lì jīng le duō shǎo suì yuè 。
不知道经过多少次的尝试，历经了多少岁月。
With thirteen Sages linked together, the chain was complete.
zhōng yú ， xīn jìn zhū shèng zhōng yú dá chéng mò qì 。
终于，新晋诸圣终于达成默契。
The chain of Sages resembled a long dragon breaking through the Eternal Silence Void Realm.
néng gòu jiāng zhū shèng zhǎng liàn ， cóng qián fāng shān hǎi 、 lián jiē zhì dāng qián duàn le 。
能够将诸圣长链，从前方山海、连接至当前段了。
Through the connection between the Sages, Li Fan could already sense the aura from the distant segment of the mountains and seas.
ér běn yīng wèi zhǎng liàn de zuì hòu yī jié ， lǐ fán què méi yǒu fā huī shén me yòng chǔ 。
而本应为长链的最后一节，李凡却没有发挥什么用处。
"Xuanpin should remain in its place; do not act rashly."
shèn zhì jiù lián fāng cùn yě shì 。
甚至就连方寸也是。
"Fāncun will roam within the Void Realm to prevent any unforeseen events."
shí sān wèi shèng zhě xiāng lián ， jiù yǐ jīng wán chéng le zhǎng liàn de dā jiàn 。
十三位圣者相连，就已经完成了长链的搭建。
The voice of the Lianshan Sage King echoed from afar.
shèng zhě zhī liàn ， wǎn ruò yī tiáo cháng lóng ， pò kāi yǒng jì xū jiè 。
圣者之链，宛若一条长龙，破开永寂虚界。
This time, it was his true form.
jiè zhù zhū shèng zhě bǐ cǐ jiān de lián xì ， lǐ fán shèn zhì yǐ jīng néng gǎn yìng dào le ， nà lái zì qián duàn shān hǎi de qì xī 。
借助诸圣者彼此间的联系，李凡甚至已经能感应到了，那来自前段山海的气息。
Li Fan naturally obeyed.
“ xuán pìn zuò zhèn bǐ àn ， bù yí wàng dòng 。”
“玄牝坐镇彼岸，不宜妄动。”
Fāncun's role as a backup force was perfect.
“ fāng cùn zé yóu zǒu yú xū jiè nèi ， yǐ fáng bù cè 。”
“方寸则游走于虚界内，以防不测。”
With the chain of Sages established, the image of mountains and seas in the Void Realm slowly emerged.
lián shān shèng zhě de shēng yīn ， yáo yáo zì tiān biān chuán lái 。
连山圣者的声音，遥遥自天边传来。
It appeared like faint lights in darkness.
zhè cì bìng fēi shì xū yǐng ， ér shì lián shān shèng zhě běn zūn le 。
这次并非是虚影，而是连山圣者本尊了。
Though still dim, they were different from before.
lǐ fán zì rán lǐng mìng 。
李凡自然领命。
Using this mountain and sea imagery, Fāncun could swiftly move through the Void Realm.
ér fāng cùn zuò wéi hòu bèi lì liàng yóu zǒu ， yě shì zài hǎo bù guò 。
而方寸作为后备力量游走，也是再好不过。
Should any issues arise, he could immediately provide support.
rú jīn shèng zhě zhī liàn yǐ chéng ， xū jiè zhōng ， shān hǎi xū wú jǐng xiàng yě huǎn huǎn fú xiàn 。
如今圣者之链已成，虚界中，山海虚无景象也缓缓浮现。
"We need to remain in the Void Realm until the mountains and seas stabilize."
wǎn ruò hēi àn zhōng ， piāo qǐ le wàn qiān wēi ruò guāng huá 。
宛若黑暗中，飘起了万千微弱光华。
"Then we must project our minds into critical points to facilitate their transformation."
suī yī jiù àn dàn ， què gēn guò wǎng jiǒng yì 。
虽依旧黯淡，却跟过往迥异。
"Do not move your bodies!"
jiè zhù zhè shān hǎi xū yǐng ， fāng cùn dé yǐ jí sù chuān suō zài xū jiè zhī zhōng 。
借助这山海虚影，方寸得以急速穿梭在虚界之中。
Otherwise, the entire chain would be destroyed, and all efforts would be in vain!
jí biàn nǎ yī wèi chū le zhuàng kuàng ， tā yě néng suí shí gǎn dào zhī yuán 。
即便哪一位出了状况，他也能随时赶到支援。
After long trials, the Sages had prepared various contingency plans.
“ wú děng xū yú xū jiè zhōng ， zhí dào shān hǎi xū xiāng chè dǐ wěn dìng xià lái 。”
“吾等需于虚界中，直到山海虚相彻底稳定下来。”
This time, everything proceeded as planned without any unexpected incidents.
“ jiè shí ， wú děng xū jiāng zì jǐ yì niàn ， tóu rù zhì qí zhōng guān jiàn jié diǎn 。 jǐn kuài cù chéng qí xū shí zhuǎn huà 。”
“届时，吾等需将自己意念，投入至其中关键节点。尽快促成其虚实转化。”
The stabilization of the mountain and sea imagery took longer than Li Fan anticipated.
“ qiè jì ， shēn qū bù dòng ！”
“切记，身躯不动！”
During this period, he used the method of true spirit infusion to create another Sage.
“ fǒu zé ， zhǎng liàn jǐn huǐ ， yī qiè gōng kuī yú kuì ！”
“否则，长链尽毁，一切功亏于溃！”
With more support, the reunification of the mountains and seas seemed even more secure.
cháng jiǔ de cháng shì zhōng ， zhū shèng zǎo yǐ jīng zuò hǎo le gè zhǒng yù àn 。
长久的尝试中，诸圣早已经做好了各种预案。
One day, sensing that the submerged segment of the mountains and seas was about to reach a critical point, Taiwei Sage Emperor also manifested in the Void Realm.
rú jīn àn bù jiù bān ， jìng yě méi yǒu chū xiàn shén me yì wài 。
如今按部就班，竟也没有出现什么意外。
Unlike before, the Void Realm was not entirely dark.
shān hǎi xū yǐng de wěn dìng ， suǒ xū shí jiān bǐ lǐ fán xiǎng xiàng zhōng de hái yào màn cháng 。
山海虚影的稳定，所需时间比李凡想象中的还要漫长。
The mountain and sea imagery shone like lamps, driving away the darkness.
zhè qī jiān tā yě méi yǒu xián zhe ， yòng zhēn líng guàn zhù zhī fǎ ， zài zào le yī wèi shèng zhě 。
这期间他也没有闲着，用真灵灌注之法，再造了一位圣者。
However, it remained just an image; they were still far from becoming true mountains and seas.
gèng tiān zhù lì ， fù lián shān hǎi de xíng dòng ， sì hū yù fā wěn tuǒ le 。
更添助力，复联山海的行动，似乎愈发稳妥了。
"According to our previous plan, project your minds into these critical points."
zhè yī rì ， gǎn yìng dào bèi yān mò shān hǎi xū yǐng ， zài zhū shèng tuō jǔ xià jí jiāng dá dào zhì biàn 。
这一日，感应到被淹没山海虚影，在诸圣托举下即将达到质变。
"The formation of the mountains and seas will complete the connection."
tài wēi shèng dì yě xiǎn huà chū shēn xíng ， lái dào xū jiè zhī zhōng 。
太微圣帝也显化出身形，来到虚界之中。
This time, Li Fan did not remain aloof but also projected his mind into the mountain and sea imagery.
"When I ascended to the Sage realm, choosing 'Lianshan' over 'Zuoshan,' it was to open a new chapter for future generations."
"But if I were to ascend now..."
"Perhaps I would choose 'Zuoshan.'"
After a brief silence, the Lianshan Sage King's ethereal form continued.
"This is the difference between then and now. There is no right or wrong; it depends on one's circumstances and personal choices."
The other Sages pondered over these words.
Or perhaps out of interest, the Lianshan Sage King delved deeper into the topic of 'Zuoshan.'
"The life force and Dao techniques here all originate from the mountains and seas. Therefore, those who can influence the mountains and seas should be among the most refined Dao techniques."
"Lianshan is like that, Zuoshan is like that."
"However, since the mountains and seas were born, they are destined to return to the stars, following a path of decline from prosperity. If one were to practice 'Zuoshan' at its peak, this Sage would inevitably follow the mountains and seas into decay. The essence of Zuoshan remains, but it involves countless beings tied to the mountains and seas, causing harm without benefiting oneself."
"Times change. As the mountains and seas are submerged by Daoianmian (a term for a state of spiritual decay), 'Zuoshan' naturally undergoes changes. Zuoshan requires the power of the flourishing and ascending mountains and seas. If the mountains and seas were already at their peak from birth, how could one hope to progress further?"
"However, in this era where the mountains and seas are divided, 'Zuoshan' might prove effective."
"It is precisely by leveraging the moment when the two segments of the mountains and seas merge, harnessing the immense power generated during that fusion..."
The Lianshan Sage King revealed his insights without reservation.
Li Fan listened intently, slowly understanding.
The mountains and seas originated from the divine and returned to the stars.
They followed a path from prosperity to decline.
If one were to ascend as a Zuoshan Sage at its peak, this Zuoshan Sage would inevitably follow the mountains and seas into decay.
Only in the era when the mountains and seas are divided by Daoianmian could one practice 'Zuoshan' on one segment of the mountains and seas. Only then could Zuoshan benefit from their reunification.
"It seems Lianshan Sage King's choice of Lianshan was not entirely due to moral reasons. Lianshan is inherently the best choice. No wonder he said he would not regret it."
"The effects of 'Zuoshan' seem almost supernatural, but its conditions are too stringent. It requires starting at a time when the mountains and seas have been destroyed, making it weaker than ancient Sages. Moreover, one's strength peaks upon ascending to the Sage realm and declines as the mountains and seas are consumed by Daoianmian."
"One can hardly continue cultivation on their own; they need to rely on the reunification of the mountains and seas."
...
The Lianshan Sage provided a clear understanding of the drawbacks of this path.
Combined with the discussions among other Sages' ethereal forms, Li Fan's thoughts began to take shape.
"I saw the mountains and seas return to the stars at the end of time."
"Then, Truly Real's power forced back the stars, reversing everything. The mountains and seas reappeared amidst Daoianmian."
"Could these two segments of the mountains and seas be from the same origin?"
"If so..."
"In a state of nothingness, the mountains and seas would instantly expand to their peak. If 'Zuoshan' could be applied..."
Was there any connection between the Lianshan and Truly Real segments?
This might be revealed by Li Fan's mastery of Xuanpin.
After the old segment of the mountains and seas returned to its true form, controlling Xuanpin, the new segment also fell under his control.
"Even if it is not entirely equal, there must be some correlation. The probability of 'Zuoshan' taking effect is high."
"But the reappearance of the mountains and seas was not due to my efforts; it was Truly Real's doing."
"How much it will affect remains uncertain."
Li Fan's thoughts were in turmoil, eager to abandon Xuanpin for Zuoshan.
Unfortunately, he had yet to comprehend even the basic 'Zuoshan' path below Sage level.
The true practice of Zuoshan was still a distant dream.
Inside the璇玑 ring (Xuanji Ring), after resting, the Sages returned to the Void Realm.
Their ethereal forms observed and communicated with each other as they entered the realm once more.
The Eternal Silence Void Realm was filled with danger.
Despite repeated entries, the pressure remained constant, akin to their first visit. No sense of habit or familiarity developed.
The only thing new Sages could hone was how long they could endure the void's currents.
Fortunately, with the Nine Sages leading and the ethereal forms of Xuanji Ring anchoring them, the journey through the Void Realm was safe despite its dangers.
After countless attempts over many years, the new Sages finally reached a consensus.
They successfully connected the chain of Sages from the distant mountains and seas to their current segment.
However, Li Fan did not play a significant role in this chain.
Even Fāncun (a Sage) was superfluous.
With thirteen Sages linked together, the chain was complete.
The chain of Sages resembled a long dragon breaking through the Eternal Silence Void Realm.
Through the connection between the Sages, Li Fan could already sense the aura from the distant segment of the mountains and seas.
"Xuanpin should remain in its place; do not act rashly."
"Fāncun will roam within the Void Realm to prevent any unforeseen events."
The voice of the Lianshan Sage King echoed from afar.
This time, it was his true form.
Li Fan naturally obeyed.
Fāncun's role as a backup force was perfect.
With the chain of Sages established, the image of mountains and seas in the Void Realm slowly emerged.
It appeared like faint lights in darkness.
Though still dim, they were different from before.
Using this mountain and sea imagery, Fāncun could swiftly move through the Void Realm.
Should any issues arise, he could immediately provide support.
"We need to remain in the Void Realm until the mountains and seas stabilize."
"Then we must project our minds into critical points to facilitate their transformation."
"Do not move your bodies!"
Otherwise, the entire chain would be destroyed, and all efforts would be in vain!
After long trials, the Sages had prepared various contingency plans.
This time, everything proceeded as planned without any unexpected incidents.
The stabilization of the mountain and sea imagery took longer than Li Fan anticipated.
During this period, he used the method of true spirit infusion to create another Sage.
With more support, the reunification of the mountains and seas seemed even more secure.
One day, sensing that the submerged segment of the mountains and seas was about to reach a critical point, Taiwei Sage Emperor also manifested in the Void Realm.
Unlike before, the Void Realm was not entirely dark.
The mountain and sea imagery shone like lamps, driving away the darkness.
However, it remained just an image; they were still far from becoming true mountains and seas.
"According to our previous plan, project your minds into these critical points."
"The formation of the mountains and seas will complete the connection."
This time, Li Fan did not remain aloof but also projected his mind into the mountain and sea imagery.