“ dí què rú cǐ ！”
“的确如此！”
"Indeed so!"
lǐ fán xiǎng liàng de shēng yīn huí dàng zài zhè piàn kōng jiān nèi 。
李凡响亮的声音回荡在这片空间内。
Li Fan's clear voice echoed in the space.
bái yù wèn xīn tái jìng qiāo qiāo de ， méi yǒu sī háo fǎn yìng 。
白玉问心台静悄悄的，没有丝毫反应。
The White Jade Questioning Platform was silent, showing no reaction.
lǎo zhě yòu zǐ xì dǎ liàng le lǐ fán yī yǎn ， jì xù wèn dào ：“ bù zhī dào yǒu zhī qián chén mián suǒ zài hé chù ？ dà gài shén me shí hòu sū xǐng de ？”
老者又仔细打量了李凡一眼，继续问道：“不知道友之前沉眠所在何处？大概什么时候苏醒的？”
The elder scrutinized Li Fan once more before asking, "May I ask where you were previously asleep? And approximately when did you awaken?"
lǐ fán miàn lù bú yuè zhī sè ， bù guò hái shì chén shēng dào ：“ cóng yún hǎi biān chuí ， yī chù dì xià róng dòng zhōng 。 shí jiān ma ， dà yuē yīng gāi shì èr shí liù tiān qián ba 。”
李凡面露不悦之色，不过还是沉声道：“丛云海边陲，一处地下溶洞中。时间嘛，大约应该是二十六天前吧。”
Li Fan wore an expression of displeasure but still spoke in a deep tone, "On the outskirts of Cunyun Sea, within a subterranean cave. As for the time, it should have been about 26 days ago."
“ hái qǐng dào yǒu shāo děng piàn kè 。” lǎo zhě wēi xiào zhe shuō le jù ， suí hòu bì shàng le shuāng yǎn 。
“还请道友稍等片刻。”老者微笑着说了句，随后闭上了双眼。
"Please wait a moment," the elder said with a smile before closing his eyes.
lǐ fán yú shì zài wèn xīn tái shàng nài xīn děng hòu 。
李凡于是在问心台上耐心等候。
Li Fan patiently waited on the platform.
zú zú yī tiān shí jiān guò qù ， lǐ fán kāi shǐ biǎo xiàn chū bù nài fán de shén qíng 。
足足一天时间过去，李凡开始表现出不耐烦的神情。
After an entire day passed, Li Fan began to show signs of impatience.
“ hái méi hǎo ma ， lǎo tóu ？！”
“还没好嘛，老头？！”
"Still not done, old man?!"
“ zhēn shì yī dài bù rú yī dài le ， xiǎng dāng nián wǒ men tiān jī zōng tiāo xuǎn dì zǐ de shí hòu dōu méi zhè me má fán ……”
“真是一代不如一代了，想当年我们天机宗挑选弟子的时候都没这么麻烦……”
"Just like how times change. Back in our time, when we selected disciples for the Heaven Mechanism Sect, it wasn't this troublesome..."
tā zuǐ lǐ xiǎo shēng dí gū zhe 。
他嘴里小声嘀咕着。
He muttered under his breath.
mò guò yī huì ， lǎo zhě zhēng kāi le yǎn jīng 。
没过一会，老者睁开了眼睛。
A moment later, the elder opened his eyes.
“ jīng què rèn ， qián xiē rì zi dí què yǒu xiū shì cóng bǎi shí dòng tiān zhōng fēi chū 。”
“经确认，前些日子的确有修士从百石洞天中飞出。”
"After confirmation, a cultivator did indeed emerge from the Hundred Stones Heavenly Realm recently."
“ bù guò ， dào yǒu bié jí ， hái yǒu zuì hòu yī dào chéng xù xū yào zǒu 。”
“不过，道友别急，还有最后一道程序需要走。”
"However, friend, please be patient; there is one final procedure to complete."
lǎo zhě lù chū qiàn yì de xiào róng ， suí zhe tā de huà ， yī méi gǔ piáo de tóng jìng zài lǐ fán tóu dǐng fú xiàn 。
老者露出歉意的笑容，随着他的话，一枚古朴的铜镜在李凡头顶浮现。
The elder offered an apologetic smile as he spoke. A weathered copper mirror appeared above Li Fan's head and emitted a faint green light that enveloped him.
shè chū yī dào yōu yōu de lǜ guāng ， jiāng lǐ fán lǒng zhào 。
射出一道幽幽的绿光，将李凡笼罩。
"Here it comes..."
“ lái le ……”
“来了……”
Li Fan felt the presence but remained calm.
lǐ fán xīn zhōng wēi dòng ， què shì yí rán bù jù 。
李凡心中微动，却是怡然不惧。
In his future, the Refining Heart Spell combined with the One Hand遮天 Technique was enough to deceive the upgraded Heaven Mechanism Mirror, Xuanwang.
céng jīng de wèi lái ， róng lú wàn xiàng gōng zài jiā shàng 【 zhǐ shǒu zhē tiān 】 mì shù ， jiù zú yǐ méng bì tiān xuán jìng de shēng jí bǎn běn 【 xuán wǎng 】。
曾经的未来，熔炉万象功再加上【只手遮天】秘术，就足以蒙蔽天玄镜的升级版本【玄网】。
Now, with the Seven-Spindle Perforated Heart adding support, this verification would only involve a Heaven Mechanism Mirror's avatar.
rú jīn lǐ fán gèng yǒu qī qiào líng lóng xīn jiā chí ， qián lái yàn zhèng de yě zhǐ shì tiān xuán jìng fēn shēn 。
如今李凡更有七窍玲珑心加持，前来验证的也只是天玄镜分身。
The likelihood of exposure was minimal.
bào lù de kě néng xìng wēi hū qí wēi 。
暴露的可能性微乎其微。
Sure enough, after a short while, the green light from the Heaven Mechanism Mirror withdrew and disappeared.
guǒ bù qí rán ， piàn kè zhī hòu ， tiān xuán jìng shōu huí lǜ guāng 、 xiāo shī bú jiàn 。
果不其然，片刻之后，天玄镜收回绿光、消失不见。
The elder's expression became even more amiable. "Welcome to our Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, friend!"
lǎo zhě de shén sè biàn dé yù fā hé shàn qǐ lái ：“ huān yíng dào yǒu ， jiā rù wǒ wàn xiān méng ！”
老者的神色变得愈发和善起来：“欢迎道友，加入我万仙盟！”
"Time passes, and everything changes. Over these years you were asleep, many significant events have transpired in the world."
“ suì yuè liú shì ， wàn wù biàn qiān 。 dào yǒu chén shuì de zhè xiē nián lái ， shì jiān fā shēng le zhū duō dà shì 。”
“岁月流逝，万物变迁。道友沉睡的这些年来，世间发生了诸多大事。”
"If there are any needs of yours, we can dispatch specialists from the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance to assist you in adapting to your current life..."
“ ruò shì dào yǒu yǒu xū qiú ， wǒ men wàn xiān méng kě yǐ pài chū zhuān yuán ， xié zhù nǐ jǐn kuài shì yìng rú jīn de shēng huó ……”
“若是道友有需求，我们万仙盟可以派出专员，协助你尽快适应如今的生活……”
Li Fan waved his hand dismissively. "Thank you for the offer! But before coming here, I had dealings with Mr. He Zhenghao on Lustrous Isle. I already have a good understanding of your affairs."
lǐ fán bǎi bǎi shǒu ：“ hǎo yì wǒ xīn lǐng le ！ bù guò lái zhī qián ， wǒ gēn liú lí dǎo de hé zhèng hào yǒu guò jiāo jí ， duì yú guì méng de zhū duō shì wù ， yǐ jīng liǎo jiě de chà bu duō le 。”
李凡摆摆手：“好意我心领了！不过来之前，我跟琉璃岛的何正浩有过交集，对于贵盟的诸多事务，已经了解的差不多了。”
The elder nodded. "That's better. Your identity information has been recorded, and now you can act freely."
lǎo zhě diǎn tóu dào ：“ rú cǐ gèng hǎo 。 dào yǒu de shēn fèn xìn xī yǐ jīng lù rù ， xiàn zài jiù kě yǐ zì yóu xíng dòng le 。”
老者点头道：“如此更好。道友的身份信息已经录入，现在就可以自由行动了。”
Hearing this, Li Fan stepped away.
lǐ fán wén yán ， tà bù lí kāi 。
李凡闻言，踏步离开。
"By the way, remember to change how you address us. It’s no longer 'your alliance,' but 'our Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance.'"
“ duì le ， dào yǒu xū jì de ， jīn hòu kě yào gǎi kǒu le 。 bù zài shì shén me ‘ guì méng ’， ér shì ‘ wǒ men wàn xiān méng ’ le 。” lǎo zhě miàn dài xiào róng 、 ruò yǒu shēn yì dì shuō dào 。
“对了，道友需记得，今后可要改口了。不再是什么‘贵盟’，而是‘我们万仙盟’了。”老者面带笑容、若有深意地说道。
With a smile, the elder said something with deeper meaning.
lǐ fán jiǎo bù wēi dùn ， yě bù dá huà ， jìng zhí lí kāi 。
李凡脚步微顿，也不答话，径直离开。
Li Fan paused for a moment but did not respond, walking away directly.
lí kāi wàn xiān dǎo zhōng yāng qū yù ， lái dào tiān xuán jìng qián 。
离开万仙岛中央区域，来到天玄镜前。
Leaving the central area of the Ten Thousand Immortals Island, he arrived at the Heaven Mechanism Mirror.
kàn zhuó yǎn qián zhè kàn shì píng píng wú qí 、 rén chù wú hài de jìng miàn ， lǐ fán nǎo hǎi zhōng bù jīn huí xiǎng qǐ wèi lái nà zhāng lǒng zhào zhěng gè xuán huáng jiè de lǜ sè jù wǎng 。
看着眼前这看似平平无奇、人畜无害的镜面，李凡脑海中不禁回想起未来那张笼罩整个玄黄界的绿色巨网。
Looking at this seemingly ordinary and harmless mirror, Li Fan couldn't help but recall the green net that had once enveloped all of Xuanhuang World in his future.
níng shì xǔ jiǔ ， lǐ fán shēn xī yì kǒu qì ， zǒu rù jìng zhōng 。
凝视许久，李凡深吸一口气，走入镜中。
After a long gaze, Li Fan took a deep breath and stepped into the mirror.
“ gǔ xiū shì lǐ fán ， huān yíng lái dào wèi lái ！”
“古修士李凡，欢迎来到未来！”
"Ancient cultivator Li Fan, welcome to the future!"
tiān xuán jìng nà shú xī de jī xiè yīn xiǎng qǐ 。
天玄镜那熟悉的机械音响起。
The familiar mechanical voice of the Heaven Mechanism Mirror rang out.
ér hòu ， jiù shì yī xì liè tiān xuán jìng de jiè shào shuō míng 。
而后，就是一系列天玄镜的介绍说明。
Then came an explanation of its functions.
lǐ fán zhuāng zuò rèn zhēn tīng de yàng zi ， měi gè gōng néng quán dōu cháng shì le yī biàn 。
李凡装作认真听的样子，每个功能全都尝试了一遍。
Li Fan pretended to listen intently, trying each function one by one.
xǔ jiǔ zhī hòu ， tiān xuán jìng de shēng yīn xiāo shī 。
许久之后，天玄镜的声音消失。
After a long while, the voice from the Heaven Mechanism Mirror faded away.
lǐ fán kàn zhe zì jǐ de gòng xiàn dù yú é 。
李凡看着自己的贡献度余额。
Looking at his contribution points balance, Li Fan saw:
“10000 diǎn 。”
“10000点。”
"10,000 points."
“ zhēn shì chū hū yì liào de dà fāng ， wǒ jì de zhù jī hòu qī de shí hòu ， yě zhǐ bù guò sòng le 1000 diǎn ér yǐ 。”
“真是出乎意料的大方，我记得筑基后期的时候，也只不过送了1000点而已。”
"Really generous! I remember only receiving 1,000 points when I was in late Foundation Establishment."
“ hái shì shuō ， gǔ xiū shì de tóu chéng ， yǒu é wài yōu dài ？”
“还是说，古修士的投诚，有额外优待？”
"Perhaps ancient cultivators receive special treatment?"
àn zì yáo tóu ， jiāng zhè wú guān jǐn yào de shì qíng pāo zhī nǎo hòu 。
暗自摇头，将这无关紧要的事情抛之脑后。
Shaking his head, he dismissed the matter.
zài tiān xuán jìng zhōng sōu suǒ le yī fān gōng fǎ liè biǎo hòu ， lǐ fán cóng chǔ wù jiè zhōng qǔ chū yī duī yù jiǎn ， yāo qiú fàn mài 。
在天玄镜中搜索了一番功法列表后，李凡从储物戒中取出一堆玉简，要求贩卖。
After searching through the list of techniques on the Heaven Mechanism Mirror, Li Fan took out a stack of jade slips from his storage ring and requested to sell them.
zhèng shì tā zì bǎi shí dòng tiān zhōng shōu huò de zhū duō gōng fǎ 。
正是他自百石洞天中收获的诸多功法。
These were the various techniques he had acquired in the Hundred Stones Heavenly Realm.
bǐ jiào xìng yùn de shì ， zhè xiē gōng fǎ dōu shì gū běn 。
比较幸运的是，这些功法都是孤本。
Fortunately, all of these were unique copies.
yuán běn yī gòng yǒu èr shí mén jīn dān gōng fǎ ， shí mén yuán yīng gōng fǎ 。
原本一共有二十门金丹功法，十门元婴功法。
Originally, there were twenty Golden Core Techniques and ten Foundation Establishment Techniques.
lǐ fán gè liú le sān mén ， yǐ bèi rì hòu bù shí zhī xū 。
李凡各留了三门，以备日后不时之需。
Li Fan kept three for each type, reserving them for future use. The rest were sold off.
qí yú tōng tōng quán dōu shuǎi mài 。
其余通通全都甩卖。
The Heaven Mechanism Mirror offered an average price of 13,000 points per Golden Core Technique and 85,000 points per Foundation Establishment Technique.
tiān xuán jìng gěi chū le jīn dān gōng fǎ píng jūn yī wàn sān yī mén 、 yuán yīng gōng fǎ píng jūn bā wàn wǔ yī mén de shōu gòu jià gé 。
天玄镜给出了金丹功法平均一万三一门、元婴功法平均八万五一门的收购价格。
Li Fan didn't haggle; he simply sold them all.
lǐ fán yě bù jì jiào ， zhí jiē chū shǒu 。
李凡也不计较，直接出手。
In a flash, his account balance became 826,000 contribution points.
yú shì hū ， zhuǎn shùn zhī jiān ， lǐ fán de zhàng hù yú é jiù biàn chéng le bā shí èr wàn liù qiān diǎn gòng xiàn dù 。
于是乎，转瞬之间，李凡的账户余额就变成了八十二万六千点贡献度。
"Trading techniques for profit is still the fastest way to earn. It's so easy, almost like what I gained from teaching at Bright Moon Palace over many years."
“ hái shì dǎo mǎi dǎo mài gōng fǎ zhēng dé kuài a ， qīng qīng sōng sōng ， dōu kuài bǐ dé shàng wǒ dāng chū míng yuè gōng chuán fǎ duō nián suǒ de le 。”
“还是倒买倒卖功法挣得快啊，轻轻松松，都快比得上我当初明月宫传法多年所得了。”
"Truly indispensable."
“ zhēn bù kuì shì gāng xū 。”
“真不愧是刚需。”
Li Fan couldn't help but remark.
lǐ fán bù jīn gǎn tàn dào 。
李凡不禁感叹道。
"Over 800,000 contribution points can sustain me for a while, but it’s not enough..."
“ bā shí duō wàn gòng xiàn dù ， zú yǐ chēng yī duàn shí jiān le 。 dàn shì hái bù gòu ……”
“八十多万贡献度，足以撑一段时间了。但是还不够……”
At present, Li Fan was still in the middle stage of Foundation Establishment cultivation.
lǐ fán rú jīn hái shì jīn dān zhōng qī xiū wèi 。
李凡如今还是金丹中期修为。
Eight years later, by the year 16, the Five Elements Great Heavenly Realm would be discovered and relocated back to the heartland of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance.
ér bā nián hòu ， yě jiù shì máo dìng 16 nián ， wǔ xíng dà dòng tiān jiù huì bèi fā xiàn suí hòu qiān xǐ huí wàn xiān méng fù dì 。
而八年后，也就是锚定16年，五行大洞天就会被发现随后迁徙回万仙盟腹地。
By the year 36, the Sky Spirit State would see the re-emergence of the Five Elements Heavenly Realms, drawing the attention of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance once more.
máo dìng 36 nián ， tiān líng zhōu xū kōng chóng xiàn wǔ xíng dòng tiān ， chóng xīn xī yǐn wàn xiān méng de zhù yì lì 。
锚定36年，天灵州虚空重现五行洞天，重新吸引万仙盟的注意力。
This meant Li Fan had only twenty years left.
yě jiù shì shuō ， liú gěi lǐ fán de shí jiān ， zhǐ yǒu 20 nián 。
也就是说，留给李凡的时间，只有20年。
Time was pressing. He needed to advance from Foundation Establishment middle stage to full completion within eight years before he could plan for the Sky Spirit State's void region.
shí jiān jǐn pò ， lǐ fán bì xū yào zài bā nián jiān ， jìn shēng dào jīn dān yuán mǎn 。
时间紧迫，李凡必须要在八年间，晋升到金丹圆满。
Eight years, from Foundation Establishment middle stage to full completion.
rán hòu cái yǒu zī gé qù móu huà tiān líng zhōu xū kōng zhī dì 。
然后才有资格去谋划天灵州虚空之地。
Given his cultivation aptitude, it would be challenging.
bā nián shí jiān ， cóng jīn dān zhōng qī dào jīn dān yuán mǎn 。
八年时间，从金丹中期到金丹圆满。
So naturally, some means were necessary.
yǐ lǐ fán de xiū xíng zī zhì ， yǒu xiē kùn nán 。
以李凡的修行资质，有些困难。
Li Fan looked at his reflection in the mirror. Not the youthful appearance of twenty years old but that of a middle-aged man around forty or fifty.
suǒ yǐ zì rán yào yòng xiē shǒu duàn le 。
所以自然要用些手段了。
This was achieved through The Wondrous Xuan Technique's ability to transform appearances.
lǐ fán kàn xiàng jìng zhōng de zì jǐ 。
李凡看向镜中的自己。
"Putting on a new skin and not revealing one’s true face, this unique sense of security is invaluable in the perilous Xuanhuang World."
bú shì yuán běn èr shí suì de nián qīng yàng mào 。
不是原本二十岁的年轻样貌。
"If things go wrong, it would just be changing identities."
ér shì sì wǔ shí suì zhōng nián rén de mú yàng 。
而是四五十岁中年人的模样。
Li Fan smiled slightly as he purchased the materials needed for creating an avatar within the Heaven Mechanism Mirror.
zhèng shì tōng guò 《 qí xuán zhēn líng biàn 》 biàn huàn ér chéng 。
正是通过《奇玄真灵变》变幻而成。
Using the Unformulated Killing Will to guard Taining Island, Li Fan targeted Zhou Qingang, a fellow spy from the Five Elders' Association.
“ pī shàng yī céng pí ， bù yǐ zhēn miàn mù shì rén ， zài zhè wēi jī chóng chóng de xuán huáng jiè ， yǒu zhe dú tè de ān quán gǎn 。”
“披上一层皮，不以真面目视人，在这危机重重的玄黄界，有着独特的安全感。”
He pretended to leave but remained hidden underwater nearby, waiting patiently for over a month until he finally caught an opportunity when Zhou Qingang was alone at sea.
“ ruò shì qíng bài lù ， yě zhǐ shì huàn gè shēn fèn de shì qíng 。”
“若事情败露，也只是换个身份的事情。”
Following him into uncharted waters, Li Fan's Binding Insect Technique suddenly activated, capturing him.
lǐ fán wēi wēi yī xiào ， zài tiān xuán jìng zhōng gòu mǎi le liàn zhì fēn shēn suǒ xū de cái liào 。
李凡微微一笑，在天玄镜中购买了炼制分身所需的材料。
Li Fan brought him to the seafloor and dug a secret chamber before proceeding without further ado. He flicked his index finger, and the Cloud Water Illusory Dream Technique was activated.
zhī hòu tōng guò chuán sòng zhèn ， lái dào le tài ān dǎo 。
之后通过传送阵，来到了泰安岛。
Zhou Qingang fell into a deep sleep almost immediately.
yòng wú xiāng shā jī bǎ tài ān dǎo zhèn shǒu ， tóng yàng shì wǔ lǎo huì jiàn dié de zhōu qīng áng suǒ dìng hòu 。
用无相杀机把泰安岛镇守，同样是五老会间谍的周青昂锁定后。
With experience from the past life, Li Fan knew that Zhou Qingang's soul contained special restrictions set by the Five Elders' Association.
jiǎ zhuāng lí kāi tài ān dǎo ， shí zé méi zǒu duō yuǎn ， zài hǎi dǐ qián fú qǐ lái 。
假装离开泰安岛，实则没走多远，在海底潜伏起来。
Forcing a search would trigger these restrictions, causing his soul to scatter.
zú zú děng le yí gè duō yuè de shí jiān ， cái zhōng yú děng dào zhōu qīng áng dān dú chū hǎi de jī huì 。
足足等了一个多月的时间，才终于等到周青昂单独出海的机会。
Thus, in this life, Li Fan used a different method—constructing a false dream world to delve into his deepest secrets.
yī lù wěi suí ， gēn zhe tā dào le sì xià wú rén hǎi yù 。
一路尾随，跟着他到了四下无人海域。
Slowly, a smile appeared on Zhou Qingang's lips.
fù chóng shén tōng zhòu rán fā dòng ， jiāng qí zhuō ná 。
缚虫神通骤然发动，将其捉拿。
In the dream, he had been diligently spying for the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance for centuries, rising from the ranks and eventually becoming the Lord of Taining Island.
dài zhe tā lái dào le hǎi dǐ ， zhào lì wā le yī chù mì shì hòu 。
带着他来到了海底，照例挖了一处密室后。
With internal and external support, the Five Elders' Association launched a massive assault, swiftly conquering the entire Cunyun Sea in just a few days.
lǐ fán yě bù fèi huà ， shí zhǐ qīng diǎn ， yún shuǐ huàn mèng gōng fā dòng 。
李凡也不废话，食指轻点，云水幻梦功发动。
Zhou Qingang finally returned to his hometown with a sense of fulfillment.
zhōu qīng áng dùn shí hūn shuì le guò qù 。
周青昂顿时昏睡了过去。
...
yǒu le shàng yī shì de jīng yàn ， lǐ fán zhī dào zhè zhōu qīng áng shén hún nèi cún zài zhe wǔ lǎo huì de tè shū jìn zhì 。
有了上一世的经验，李凡知道这周青昂神魂内存在着五老会的特殊禁制。
"Land of Virtuous People?"
ruò shì qiáng zhì sōu hún ， zé huì yǐn dòng jìn zhì ， ràng qí hún fēi pò sàn 。
若是强制搜魂，则会引动禁制，让其魂飞魄散。
Li Fan looked at Zhou Qingang, who was lost in his dream. "Thoughts on that."
yú shì lǐ fán cǐ shì huàn le zhǒng fāng fǎ ， tōng guò gòu zào xū jiǎ de mèng jìng shì jiè ， cóng ér kuī tàn tā nèi xīn shēn chù de mì mì 。
于是李凡此世换了种方法，通过构造虚假的梦境世界，从而窥探他内心深处的秘密。
The work for this chapter isn't finished yet; I need more time.
zhǐ jiàn màn màn de ， zhōu qīng áng de zuǐ jiǎo zhú jiàn lù chū yī sī xiào yì 。
只见慢慢的，周青昂的嘴角逐渐露出一丝笑意。
(End of Chapter)
"Indeed so!"
Li Fan's clear voice echoed in the space.
The White Jade Questioning Platform was silent, showing no reaction.
The elder scrutinized Li Fan once more before asking, "May I ask where you were previously asleep? And approximately when did you awaken?"
Li Fan wore an expression of displeasure but still spoke in a deep tone, "On the outskirts of Cunyun Sea, within a subterranean cave. As for the time, it should have been about 26 days ago."
"Please wait a moment," the elder said with a smile before closing his eyes.
Li Fan patiently waited on the platform.
After an entire day passed, Li Fan began to show signs of impatience.
"Still not done, old man?!"
"Just like how times change. Back in our time, when we selected disciples for the Heaven Mechanism Sect, it wasn't this troublesome..."
He muttered under his breath.
A moment later, the elder opened his eyes.
"After confirmation, a cultivator did indeed emerge from the Hundred Stones Heavenly Realm recently."
"However, friend, please be patient; there is one final procedure to complete."
The elder offered an apologetic smile as he spoke. A weathered copper mirror appeared above Li Fan's head and emitted a faint green light that enveloped him.
"Here it comes..."
Li Fan felt the presence but remained calm.
In his future, the Refining Heart Spell combined with the One Hand遮天 Technique was enough to deceive the upgraded Heaven Mechanism Mirror, Xuanwang.
Now, with the Seven-Spindle Perforated Heart adding support, this verification would only involve a Heaven Mechanism Mirror's avatar.
The likelihood of exposure was minimal.
Sure enough, after a short while, the green light from the Heaven Mechanism Mirror withdrew and disappeared.
The elder's expression became even more amiable. "Welcome to our Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, friend!"
"Time passes, and everything changes. Over these years you were asleep, many significant events have transpired in the world."
"If there are any needs of yours, we can dispatch specialists from the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance to assist you in adapting to your current life..."
Li Fan waved his hand dismissively. "Thank you for the offer! But before coming here, I had dealings with Mr. He Zhenghao on Lustrous Isle. I already have a good understanding of your affairs."
The elder nodded. "That's better. Your identity information has been recorded, and now you can act freely."
Hearing this, Li Fan stepped away.
"By the way, remember to change how you address us. It’s no longer 'your alliance,' but 'our Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance.'"
With a smile, the elder said something with deeper meaning.
Li Fan paused for a moment but did not respond, walking away directly.
Leaving the central area of the Ten Thousand Immortals Island, he arrived at the Heaven Mechanism Mirror.
Looking at this seemingly ordinary and harmless mirror, Li Fan couldn't help but recall the green net that had once enveloped all of Xuanhuang World in his future.
After a long gaze, Li Fan took a deep breath and stepped into the mirror.
"Ancient cultivator Li Fan, welcome to the future!"
The familiar mechanical voice of the Heaven Mechanism Mirror rang out.
Then came an explanation of its functions.
Li Fan pretended to listen intently, trying each function one by one.
After a long while, the voice from the Heaven Mechanism Mirror faded away.
Looking at his contribution points balance, Li Fan saw:
"10,000 points."
"Really generous! I remember only receiving 1,000 points when I was in late Foundation Establishment."
"Perhaps ancient cultivators receive special treatment?"
Shaking his head, he dismissed the matter.
After searching through the list of techniques on the Heaven Mechanism Mirror, Li Fan took out a stack of jade slips from his storage ring and requested to sell them.
These were the various techniques he had acquired in the Hundred Stones Heavenly Realm.
Fortunately, all of these were unique copies.
Originally, there were twenty Golden Core Techniques and ten Foundation Establishment Techniques.
Li Fan kept three for each type, reserving them for future use. The rest were sold off.
The Heaven Mechanism Mirror offered an average price of 13,000 points per Golden Core Technique and 85,000 points per Foundation Establishment Technique.
Li Fan didn't haggle; he simply sold them all.
In a flash, his account balance became 826,000 contribution points.
"Trading techniques for profit is still the fastest way to earn. It's so easy, almost like what I gained from teaching at Bright Moon Palace over many years."
"Truly indispensable."
Li Fan couldn't help but remark.
"Over 800,000 contribution points can sustain me for a while, but it’s not enough..."
At present, Li Fan was still in the middle stage of Foundation Establishment cultivation.
Eight years later, by the year 16, the Five Elements Great Heavenly Realm would be discovered and relocated back to the heartland of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance.
By the year 36, the Sky Spirit State would see the re-emergence of the Five Elements Heavenly Realms, drawing the attention of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance once more.
This meant Li Fan had only twenty years left.
Time was pressing. He needed to advance from Foundation Establishment middle stage to full completion within eight years before he could plan for the Sky Spirit State's void region.
Eight years, from Foundation Establishment middle stage to full completion.
Given his cultivation aptitude, it would be challenging.
So naturally, some means were necessary.
Li Fan looked at his reflection in the mirror. Not the youthful appearance of twenty years old but that of a middle-aged man around forty or fifty.
This was achieved through The Wondrous Xuan Technique's ability to transform appearances.
"Putting on a new skin and not revealing one’s true face, this unique sense of security is invaluable in the perilous Xuanhuang World."
"If things go wrong, it would just be changing identities."
Li Fan smiled slightly as he purchased the materials needed for creating an avatar within the Heaven Mechanism Mirror.
Using the Unformulated Killing Will to guard Taining Island, Li Fan targeted Zhou Qingang, a fellow spy from the Five Elders' Association.
He pretended to leave but remained hidden underwater nearby, waiting patiently for over a month until he finally caught an opportunity when Zhou Qingang was alone at sea.
Following him into uncharted waters, Li Fan's Binding Insect Technique suddenly activated, capturing him.
Li Fan brought him to the seafloor and dug a secret chamber before proceeding without further ado. He flicked his index finger, and the Cloud Water Illusory Dream Technique was activated.
Zhou Qingang fell into a deep sleep almost immediately.
With experience from the past life, Li Fan knew that Zhou Qingang's soul contained special restrictions set by the Five Elders' Association.
Forcing a search would trigger these restrictions, causing his soul to scatter.
Thus, in this life, Li Fan used a different method—constructing a false dream world to delve into his deepest secrets.
Slowly, a smile appeared on Zhou Qingang's lips.
In the dream, he had been diligently spying for the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance for centuries, rising from the ranks and eventually becoming the Lord of Taining Island.
With internal and external support, the Five Elders' Association launched a massive assault, swiftly conquering the entire Cunyun Sea in just a few days.
Zhou Qingang finally returned to his hometown with a sense of fulfillment.
...
"Land of Virtuous People?"
Li Fan looked at Zhou Qingang, who was lost in his dream. "Thoughts on that."
The work for this chapter isn't finished yet; I need more time.
(End of Chapter)