suī shuō gēn jù xiǎo hēi jì yì zhōng 、 chì jiǔ tóu lín sǐ de duì huà dé zhī ， yāo zú yīng gāi yǐ jīng chéng gōng chè lí le 。
虽说根据小黑记忆中、赤九头临死的对话得知，妖族应该已经成功撤离了。
According to Xiaohei's memory, the demon race should have successfully evacuated after the conversation between Chi Jiuhou and him before his death. However, since it was relayed by several people, there might be some distortion.
bù guò bì jìng shì jīng guò jǐ rén de zhuǎn shù ， nán miǎn huì yǒu xiē shī zhēn 。
不过毕竟是经过几人的转述，难免会有些失真。
Seeing is believing. If the demon race could truly pass through South Numinous Beast Mountain under Emperor Yi’s leadership and break through the dimensional barrier to escape into the Gaseous Wind Layer, it would indicate that the Heavenly Sword Sect had also achieved this in the past.
bù rú yǎn jiàn wèi shí 。
不如眼见为实。
Perhaps they could focus on researching how to obtain the forging techniques of dimensional weapons when they enter the Realm of Fallen Meteors. Not only would this provide a backup for them, but such secret techniques would be highly sought after by both the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance and the Five Elders Association.
rú guǒ yāo zú zài dì yī de dài lǐng xià ， zhēn néng tōng guò nán míng shèng shòu shān ， liè jiè pò kōng ér qù 。
如果妖族在帝一的带领下，真能通过南冥圣兽山，裂界破空而去。
Leiyang State is located in the southwest of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, not too far from the Central Four States. There is a large lake within its borders, known as Yueyang Lake. The state gets its name from this lake.
nà me shuō míng ， dāng chū de tiān jiàn zōng ， yě céng jīng zuò dào le zhè yì diǎn 。
那么说明，当初的天剑宗，也曾经做到了这一点。
According to legend, every day at sunrise, a stunning sight can be seen: a red sun rising from the depths of the lake. At that moment, the concentration of solar energy far exceeds other regions. Absorbing and contemplating it for just a short while is equivalent to several days of hard cultivation.
huò xǔ jiē xià lái zài yǔn xiān jìng zhōng ， kě yǐ zhuó zhòng yán jiū ， rú hé huò dé liè jiè shén bīng de duàn zào zhī fǎ 。
或许接下来在陨仙境中，可以着重研究，如何获得裂界神兵的锻造之法。
Thus, many cultivators gather around Yueyang Lake. The lake's resources are abundant; the fish within are influenced by the dense solar energy daily, making their meat exceptionally delicious. Eating them feels like swallowing fire attribute spirit stones, filling one with warm sunlight.
néng wèi zì jǐ liú yī tiáo hòu lù bù shuō 。
能为自己留一条后路不说。
With this large lake, even average cultivators can make rapid progress.
zhè děng mì shù ， wú lùn shì wàn xiān méng hái shì wǔ lǎo huì ， xiǎng bì dōu shì shí fēn gǎn xìng qù de 。
这等秘术，无论是万仙盟还是五老会，想必都是十分感兴趣的。
Of course, such good fortune naturally attracted envy from people across the land. To prevent outsiders from抢夺resources, local cultivators in Yueyang State formed an alliance and claimed most of the lake's area as their own.
lè yáng zhōu wèi yú wàn xiān méng xī nán ， jù lí zhōng yāng sì zhōu bù suàn tài yuǎn 。
乐阳州位于万仙盟西南，距离中央四州不算太远。
Those who came to the lake for resources had to compete for the lower-quality regions that were allocated to them.
jìng nèi yǒu yī dà hú ， míng yuē yuè yáng hú 。
境内有一大湖，名曰岳阳湖。
After about ten days, Li Fan entered Leiyang State.
zhōu yǐ hú dé míng 。
州以湖得名。
Instantly, several pairs of eyes landed on him. However, seeing that he was not heading towards Yueyang Lake, they gradually withdrew their pursuit.
jù chuán měi tiān rì chū zhī shí ， dōu néng kàn jiàn yī lún hóng rì zì hú dǐ yuè chū de guī lì jǐng xiàng 。 zài nà shùn jiān ， tài yáng zhī qì nóng hòu chéng dù ， yuǎn yuǎn chāo guò qí tā dì yù 。 xī shōu 、 gǎn wù piàn kè ， biàn dǐ de shàng píng cháng shù rì kǔ xiū 。
据传每天日出之时，都能看见一轮红日自湖底跃出的瑰丽景象。在那瞬间，太阳之气浓厚程度，远远超过其他地域。吸收、感悟片刻，便抵得上平常数日苦修。
Without dwelling on it, Li Fan flew towards Qihong Island.
yīn zhī ， yuè yáng hú pàn ， pǒ shì jù jí le yī qún xiū shì 。 bìng qiě hú nèi wù chǎn jí fēng ， hú zhōng zhī yú měi rì shòu dào nóng yù de tài yáng zhī qì yǐng xiǎng ， yě biàn dé yì yú cháng lèi 。 ròu zhì xiān měi ， shí zhī ruò tūn fú huǒ shǔ xìng líng shí bān ， hún shēn nuǎn yáng 。
因之，岳阳湖畔，颇是聚集了一群修士。并且湖内物产极丰，湖中之鱼每日受到浓郁的太阳之气影响，也变得异于常类。肉质鲜美，食之若吞服火属性灵石般，浑身暖阳。
Qihong Island is located by the banks of Jinsha River, a tributary that flows into Yueyang Lake. Whenever the sun rises over Yueyang Lake and solar energy surges, Jinsha River sparkles with golden light.
kào zhe zhè yī dà hú ， duō shǎo zī zhì píng píng de xiū shì ， yě néng jìn jìng jí kuài 。
靠着这一大湖，多少资质平平的修士，也能进境极快。
It’s considered a remnant of pure solar energy, but for unknown reasons, it carries traces of煞气, making it impossible for cultivators to absorb.
dāng rán ， zhè děng hǎo shì ， zì rán yǐn dé tiān xià rén yǎn hóng 。 wèi le fáng zhǐ wài dì rén guò lái qiǎng duó zī yuán ， yuè yáng zhōu xiū shì zì fā zǔ chéng lián méng 。 jiāng yuè yáng hú jué dà yī piàn qū yù ， zhàn wèi jǐ yǒu 。
当然，这等好事，自然引得天下人眼红。为了防止外地人过来抢夺资源，岳阳州修士自发组成联盟。将岳阳湖绝大一片区域，占为己有。
Thus, few cultivators come here, making it one of the more peaceful regions in Yueyang State.
wài dì xiū shì wén míng ér lái de xiū shì ， xiǎng yào qǔ dé hú zhōng zī yuán ， zhǐ néng qù bǐ cǐ zhēng qiǎng nà xiē bèi fēn chū lái 、 pǐn zhì xià shèng de qū yù 。
外地修士闻名而来的修士，想要取得湖中资源，只能去彼此争抢那些被分出来、品质下乘的区域。
Westmenyu's name was still well-known here. Without much effort, Li Fan found his cave dwelling.
yòng le shí duō tiān de gōng fu ， lǐ fán jìn rù dào le lè yáng zhōu nèi 。
用了十多天的功夫，李凡进入到了乐阳州内。
From afar, he heard Westmenyu’s loud and shrill voice: "I've told you this many times! If you want to get the Complete Ancient-Modern Geography Examination, come to Qihong Island. Anything transmitted through the Heavenly Xuan Mirror will be blocked."
shùn jiān ， tā jiù gǎn dào yǒu shù dào mù guāng luò zài zì jǐ shēn shàng 。
瞬间，他就感到有数道目光落在自己身上。
"What? You don't believe that such a thing could happen in the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance? Are you trying to trick me and expose this liar?"
bù guò kàn dào lǐ fán méi yǒu cháo zhe yuè yáng hú de fāng xiàng fēi qù ， yě jiù màn màn shōu huí le zhuī zōng de shì xiàn 。
不过看到李凡没有朝着岳阳湖的方向飞去，也就慢慢收回了追踪的视线。
"Shut up..."
méi gēn zhè xiē rén jì jiào ， lǐ fán cháo zhe qí hóng yǔ de fāng xiàng fēi dùn 。
没跟这些人计较，李凡朝着奇宏屿的方向飞遁。
After Westmenyu's angry rant ended, Li Fan said clearly: "Is this Friend Westmenyu speaking face-to-face?"
qí hóng yǔ wèi yú huì rù yuè yáng hú de yī tiáo zhī liú ， jīn shā hé zhī biān 。
奇宏屿位于汇入岳阳湖的一条支流，金煞河之边。
"I am Han Wuyou. I have come here to visit after hearing of your reputation!"
měi dāng yuè yáng hú shàng ， xù rì dōng shēng 、 tài yáng zhī qì pēng rán bó fā zhī shí ， jīn shā hé yě huì bō guāng lín lín 、 jīn máng zhà xiàn 。
每当岳阳湖上，旭日东升、太阳之气怦然勃发之时，金煞河也会波光粼粼、金芒乍现。
"Come in," came the lazy voice.
suàn shì chún zhèng tài yáng zhī qì de yú huī ， dàn shì què bù zhī wèi hé zhān rǎn le sī sī shā qì ， wú fǎ bèi xiū shì men xī shōu 。
算是纯正太阳之气的余晖，但是却不知为何沾染了丝丝煞气，无法被修士们吸收。
The door was wide open as Li Fan entered the cave dwelling. The place wasn't large and lacked any decoration, but there were many jade slips scattered on the ground, along with some paper books and wooden slips.
suǒ yǐ hěn shǎo yǒu xiū shì huì lái zhè lǐ ， suàn shì yuè yáng zhōu bǐ jiào ān jìng de dì qū zhī yī liǎo 。
所以很少有修士会来这里，算是岳阳州比较安静的地区之一了。
Li Fan glanced over them and found that they contained unfamiliar characters.
xī mén yǔ de míng chēng ， zài cǐ dì hái suàn xiǎng liàng 。 méi fèi shén me gōng fu ， lǐ fán jiù zhǎo dào le tā de dòng fǔ 。
西门羽的名称，在此地还算响亮。没费什么功夫，李凡就找到了他的洞府。
"Are you here for the Ancient-Modern Geography Examination?" Westmenyu didn’t look up as he stared at a dead branch extending from the floor of the cave.
zài wài biān ， yuǎn yuǎn de jiù tīng dào le tā de dà hū xiǎo jiào shēng ：“ gēn nǐ shuō le duō shǎo biàn le ， xiǎng yào wán zhěng de gǔ jīn dì xíng kǎo ， jiù lái qí hóng yǔ zhǎo wǒ 。 tōng guò tiān xuán jìng chuán shū ， huì bèi píng bì 。”
在外边，远远的就听到了他的大呼小叫声：“跟你说了多少遍了，想要完整的古今地形考，就来奇宏屿找我。通过天玄镜传输，会被屏蔽。”
"Yes," Li Fan replied straightforwardly.
“ shén me ？ nǐ bù xìn wàn xiān méng huì yǒu zhè yàng de shì qíng fā shēng ， wǒ shì piàn nǐ de ？ hái yào qù xiàng bié rén jiē fā wǒ zhè ge piàn zi ？”
“什么？你不信万仙盟会有这样的事情发生，我是骗你的？还要去向别人揭发我这个骗子？”
Westmenyu pointed to one of the scattered books on the ground with a casual gesture. "One ten-thousand contribution points. It requires confidentiality and cannot be resold."
“ nǐ tā me ……”
“你他么……”
Simultaneously, a golden light flew out along with the book, landing in front of Li Fan.
děng xī mén yǔ qì jí bài huài màn mà shēng jié shù ， lǐ fán cái lǎng shēng shuō dào ：“ kě shì xī mén yǔ dào yǒu dāng miàn ？”
等西门羽气急败坏谩骂声结束，李凡才朗声说道：“可是西门羽道友当面？”
Li Fan smiled, signed the contract, and tossed over ten top-grade spirit stones.
“ zài xià hán wú yōu ， tè wén dào yǒu xián míng ， lái cǐ bài fǎng ！”
“在下韩无忧，特闻道友贤名，来此拜访！”
For now, he put away The Complete Ancient-Modern Geography Examination without reading it thoroughly.
“ jìn lái ba 。” xī mén yǔ lǎn yáng yáng de shēng yīn chuán lái 。
“进来吧。”西门羽懒洋洋的声音传来。
Instead of leaving immediately, Li Fan asked curiously: "Why doesn't Friend Westmenyu use jade slips to record? Why do you use paper books instead?"
dà mén dòng kāi ， lǐ fán jìn rù dòng fǔ zhī nèi 。
大门洞开，李凡进入洞府之内。
Westmenyu paused as he was examining the dead branch. He glanced at Li Fan and said calmly, "Content carved on jade slips can only be preserved for ten thousand years. If the spirit energy dissipates, this duration is even shorter."
dì fāng bù dà ， yě méi yǒu shén me zhuāng shì 。
地方不大，也没有什么装饰。
"But using ink from a demon to write on paper made from Longqing Trees can remain unchanged for three to five ten-thousand years," Westmenyu continued.
zhǐ shì yù jiǎn diū de mǎn dì dōu shì 。 shèn zhì hái yǒu bù shǎo zhǐ zhì dì shū jí yǐ jí mù jiǎn 。
只是玉简丢的满地都是。甚至还有不少纸质的书籍以及木简。
"Directly carving it onto Longqing Wood would still be clear after ten thousand years have passed."
lǐ fán wēi wēi sǎo guò ， fā xiàn zhè shàng miàn jū rán dōu shì xiē bù rèn shí de wén zì 。
李凡微微扫过，发现这上面居然都是些不认识的文字。
Li Fan smiled. "Friend, your thoughts truly differ from the norm. Counting in thousands of years..."
“ nǐ shì wèi le gǔ jīn shān hé kǎo ér lái de ma ？” xī mén yǔ tóu dōu méi tái ， zǐ xì dīng zhe dòng fǔ dì miàn shàng shēn cháng chū de yī jié kū sǐ shù zhī ， zuǐ lǐ wèn dào 。
“你是为了古今山河考而来的吗？”西门羽头都没抬，仔细盯着洞府地面上伸长出的一截枯死树枝，嘴里问道。
"Whether or not the Xuanhuang Realm exists a million years later is uncertain," Li Fan sighed.
“ bù cuò 。” lǐ fán yě shì zhí jié liǎo dàng 。
“不错。”李凡也是直截了当。
Westmenyu turned sharply and his eyes became solemn.
xī mén yǔ suí shǒu yī zhǐ ， cóng zá luàn de dì miàn shàng fēi chū yī běn zhǐ zhì shū jí 。
西门羽随手一指，从杂乱的地面上飞出一本纸质书籍。
"What do you mean by that?"
“ yī wàn gòng xiàn dù 。 xū yào bǎo mì ， bù kě zhuǎn mài 。”
“一万贡献度。需要保密，不可转卖。”
Li Fan was taken aback: "Just some casual thoughts. What's wrong?"
tóng shí ， yī dào jīn guāng hé shū běn yì qǐ ， fēi dào lǐ fán miàn qián 。
同时，一道金光和书本一起，飞到李凡面前。
"Hmph. You can leave now." After another round of scrutiny, Westmenyu looked away and said nothing more.
lǐ fán xiào le xiào ， qiān le qì yuē de tóng shí ， jiāng shí méi jí pǐn líng shí rēng le guò qù 。
李凡笑了笑，签了契约的同时，将十枚极品灵石扔了过去。
"See you later!" Li Fan bowed as he prepared to leave.
zàn shí xiān jiāng 《 gǔ jīn shān hé kǎo 》 shōu qǐ ， méi yǒu xì dú 。
暂时先将《古今山河考》收起，没有细读。
Suddenly, the ground began to shake just as he reached the entrance of the cave dwelling. A familiar yet unfamiliar energy appeared in his perception.
lǐ fán méi yǒu zháo jí lí kāi ， fǎn ér ráo yǒu xìng qù de wèn dào ：“ xī mén dào yǒu wèi hé bù yòng yù jiǎn jì lù ？ fǎn dào shì yòng zhè zhǐ zhì shū jí jì zǎi ？”
李凡没有着急离开，反而饶有兴趣的问道：“西门道友为何不用玉简记录？反倒是用这纸质书籍记载？”
Li Fan turned around to see a yellowish-brown energy erupting from the dead branch that Westmenyu was examining.
xī mén yǔ yán jiū kū zhī de dòng zuò dùn le dùn ， tā piē le yǎn lǐ fán ， dàn dàn dì shuō dào ：“ kè zài yù jiǎn zhōng de nèi róng ， yì bān zhǐ néng bǎo cún yī wàn nián 。 ruò shì líng qì liú shī ， zhè ge shí jiān hái yào gèng duǎn 。”
西门羽研究枯枝的动作顿了顿，他撇了眼李凡，澹澹地说道：“刻在玉简中的内容，一般只能保存一万年。若是灵气流失，这个时间还要更短。”
Westmenyu seemed to have been waiting for this moment; he took out a small white jade bottle and absorbed all the yellow spray. The eruption lasted half a tea cup before gradually subsiding.
“ dàn shì yòng shā zhī mò ， xiě zài yòng cháng qīng shù zhì zào de zhǐ zhāng shàng ， zé néng sān dào wǔ wàn nián ér bù tuì shǎi 。”
“但是用煞之墨，写在用长青树制造的纸张上，则能三到五万年而不褪色。”
Seeing his harvest, Westmenyu smiled contentedly.
“ ruò shì zhí jiē kè zài cháng qīng mù shàng ， nǎ pà shí wàn nián guò qù ， yě néng qīng xī kě jiàn 。”
“若是直接刻在长青木上，哪怕十万年过去，也能清晰可见。”
"Is this earth energy?" Li Fan approached curiously.
lǐ fán wén yán ， xiào le xiào ：“ dào yǒu sī lǜ ， dàng zhēn shì yì yú cháng rén 。 dòng zhé yǐ wàn nián jì ……”
李凡闻言，笑了笑：“道友思虑，当真是异于常人。动辄以万年计……”
Westmenyu’s expression changed as he put away the jade bottle, blocking Li Fan's gaze from the dead branch.
“ wàn nián yǐ hòu ， xuán huáng jiè zài yǔ bù zài ， dōu yóu wèi kě zhī 。” lǐ fán gǎn tàn dào dào 。
“万年以后，玄黄界在与不在，都犹未可知。”李凡感叹道道。
"You have some insight. Yes, I've completed my research on the Ancient-Modern Geography Examination and am now studying related matters to the earth veins."
xī mén yǔ huò rán zhuǎn tóu ， yǎn shén níng zhòng 。
西门羽豁然转头，眼神凝重。
"Since it concerns personal privacy, you'd better not pry," Westmenyu said with an unfriendly tone.
“ dào yǒu nǐ zhè shì shén me yì si ？”
“道友你这是什么意思？”
Li Fan showed a hint of apology: "It wasn't intentional. But this dead branch seems familiar to me."
lǐ fán yǒu xiē è rán ：“ bù guò suí yì gǎn kǎi bà le 。 zěn me le ？”
李凡有些愕然：“不过随意感慨罢了。怎么了？”
"Hmm?" Westmenyu was momentarily stunned before his expression changed. "Don’t joke around with me!"
“ hēng 。 nà me ， nǐ kě yǐ zǒu le 。” yòu dǎ liàng le lǐ fán yī quān ， xī mén yǔ bié guò tóu qù ， bù zài yán yǔ 。
“哼。那么，你可以走了。”又打量了李凡一圈，西门羽别过头去，不再言语。
"I always speak the truth," Li Fan stated seriously.
“ hòu huì yǒu qī ！” lǐ fán gǒng le gǒng shǒu ， zhèng yù lí kāi 。
“后会有期！”李凡拱了拱手，正欲离开。
"In Tianling State, I once encountered such a dead branch in the wild. After touching it, I found myself in an unknown space."
“ hōng ！”
“轰！”
"A dilapidated tree stood tall, evoking a sense of sorrow. Not long after, I woke up from this vision."
gāng zǒu dào dòng fǔ mén qián ， què hū de gǎn dào dà dì wēi wēi huàng dòng qǐ lái 。
刚走到洞府门前，却忽的感到大地微微晃动起来。
"The dead branch was gone, as if just a dream."
yī gǔ shú xī yòu mò shēng de néng liàng ， chū xiàn zài lǐ fán de gǎn yìng zhī zhōng 。
一股熟悉又陌生的能量，出现在李凡的感应之中。
Li Fan sighed: "Friend's dead branch is somewhat similar to what I saw, but there seems to be a difference..."
lǐ fán bù jīn huí tóu wàng qù ， zhǐ jiàn yī gǔ tǔ huáng sè de néng liàng ， zì xī mén yǔ guān chá zhōng de kū zhī zhōng bào fā ér chū 。
李凡不禁回头望去，只见一股土黄色的能量，自西门羽观察中的枯枝中爆发而出。
Westmenyu’s expression grew increasingly surprised.
xī mén yǔ sì hū shì děng hòu duō shí le ， qǔ chū yī bái yù xiǎo píng ， jiāng huáng sè pēn liú jìn shù xī rù 。
西门羽似乎是等候多时了，取出一白玉小瓶，将黄色喷流尽数吸入。
After hearing the end, he closed the cave dwelling door and asked solemnly, "Where in Tianling State did you see that dead branch?"
According to Xiaohei's memory, the demon race should have successfully evacuated after the conversation between Chi Jiuhou and him before his death. However, since it was relayed by several people, there might be some distortion.
Seeing is believing. If the demon race could truly pass through South Numinous Beast Mountain under Emperor Yi’s leadership and break through the dimensional barrier to escape into the Gaseous Wind Layer, it would indicate that the Heavenly Sword Sect had also achieved this in the past.
Perhaps they could focus on researching how to obtain the forging techniques of dimensional weapons when they enter the Realm of Fallen Meteors. Not only would this provide a backup for them, but such secret techniques would be highly sought after by both the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance and the Five Elders Association.
Leiyang State is located in the southwest of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, not too far from the Central Four States. There is a large lake within its borders, known as Yueyang Lake. The state gets its name from this lake.
According to legend, every day at sunrise, a stunning sight can be seen: a red sun rising from the depths of the lake. At that moment, the concentration of solar energy far exceeds other regions. Absorbing and contemplating it for just a short while is equivalent to several days of hard cultivation.
Thus, many cultivators gather around Yueyang Lake. The lake's resources are abundant; the fish within are influenced by the dense solar energy daily, making their meat exceptionally delicious. Eating them feels like swallowing fire attribute spirit stones, filling one with warm sunlight.
With this large lake, even average cultivators can make rapid progress.
Of course, such good fortune naturally attracted envy from people across the land. To prevent outsiders from抢夺resources, local cultivators in Yueyang State formed an alliance and claimed most of the lake's area as their own.
Those who came to the lake for resources had to compete for the lower-quality regions that were allocated to them.
After about ten days, Li Fan entered Leiyang State.
Instantly, several pairs of eyes landed on him. However, seeing that he was not heading towards Yueyang Lake, they gradually withdrew their pursuit.
Without dwelling on it, Li Fan flew towards Qihong Island.
Qihong Island is located by the banks of Jinsha River, a tributary that flows into Yueyang Lake. Whenever the sun rises over Yueyang Lake and solar energy surges, Jinsha River sparkles with golden light.
It’s considered a remnant of pure solar energy, but for unknown reasons, it carries traces of煞气, making it impossible for cultivators to absorb.
Thus, few cultivators come here, making it one of the more peaceful regions in Yueyang State.
Westmenyu's name was still well-known here. Without much effort, Li Fan found his cave dwelling.
From afar, he heard Westmenyu’s loud and shrill voice: "I've told you this many times! If you want to get the Complete Ancient-Modern Geography Examination, come to Qihong Island. Anything transmitted through the Heavenly Xuan Mirror will be blocked."
"What? You don't believe that such a thing could happen in the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance? Are you trying to trick me and expose this liar?"
"Shut up..."
After Westmenyu's angry rant ended, Li Fan said clearly: "Is this Friend Westmenyu speaking face-to-face?"
"I am Han Wuyou. I have come here to visit after hearing of your reputation!"
"Come in," came the lazy voice.
The door was wide open as Li Fan entered the cave dwelling. The place wasn't large and lacked any decoration, but there were many jade slips scattered on the ground, along with some paper books and wooden slips.
Li Fan glanced over them and found that they contained unfamiliar characters.
"Are you here for the Ancient-Modern Geography Examination?" Westmenyu didn’t look up as he stared at a dead branch extending from the floor of the cave.
"Yes," Li Fan replied straightforwardly.
Westmenyu pointed to one of the scattered books on the ground with a casual gesture. "One ten-thousand contribution points. It requires confidentiality and cannot be resold."
Simultaneously, a golden light flew out along with the book, landing in front of Li Fan.
Li Fan smiled, signed the contract, and tossed over ten top-grade spirit stones.
For now, he put away The Complete Ancient-Modern Geography Examination without reading it thoroughly.
Instead of leaving immediately, Li Fan asked curiously: "Why doesn't Friend Westmenyu use jade slips to record? Why do you use paper books instead?"
Westmenyu paused as he was examining the dead branch. He glanced at Li Fan and said calmly, "Content carved on jade slips can only be preserved for ten thousand years. If the spirit energy dissipates, this duration is even shorter."
"But using ink from a demon to write on paper made from Longqing Trees can remain unchanged for three to five ten-thousand years," Westmenyu continued.
"Directly carving it onto Longqing Wood would still be clear after ten thousand years have passed."
Li Fan smiled. "Friend, your thoughts truly differ from the norm. Counting in thousands of years..."
"Whether or not the Xuanhuang Realm exists a million years later is uncertain," Li Fan sighed.
Westmenyu turned sharply and his eyes became solemn.
"What do you mean by that?"
Li Fan was taken aback: "Just some casual thoughts. What's wrong?"
"Hmph. You can leave now." After another round of scrutiny, Westmenyu looked away and said nothing more.
"See you later!" Li Fan bowed as he prepared to leave.
Suddenly, the ground began to shake just as he reached the entrance of the cave dwelling. A familiar yet unfamiliar energy appeared in his perception.
Li Fan turned around to see a yellowish-brown energy erupting from the dead branch that Westmenyu was examining.
Westmenyu seemed to have been waiting for this moment; he took out a small white jade bottle and absorbed all the yellow spray. The eruption lasted half a tea cup before gradually subsiding.
Seeing his harvest, Westmenyu smiled contentedly.
"Is this earth energy?" Li Fan approached curiously.
Westmenyu’s expression changed as he put away the jade bottle, blocking Li Fan's gaze from the dead branch.
"You have some insight. Yes, I've completed my research on the Ancient-Modern Geography Examination and am now studying related matters to the earth veins."
"Since it concerns personal privacy, you'd better not pry," Westmenyu said with an unfriendly tone.
Li Fan showed a hint of apology: "It wasn't intentional. But this dead branch seems familiar to me."
"Hmm?" Westmenyu was momentarily stunned before his expression changed. "Don’t joke around with me!"
"I always speak the truth," Li Fan stated seriously.
"In Tianling State, I once encountered such a dead branch in the wild. After touching it, I found myself in an unknown space."
"A dilapidated tree stood tall, evoking a sense of sorrow. Not long after, I woke up from this vision."
"The dead branch was gone, as if just a dream."
Li Fan sighed: "Friend's dead branch is somewhat similar to what I saw, but there seems to be a difference..."
Westmenyu’s expression grew increasingly surprised.
After hearing the end, he closed the cave dwelling door and asked solemnly, "Where in Tianling State did you see that dead branch?"