In the main hall of the Six Kings' Mansion, only Nan Zun and Zhang Fan remained.
Zhang Fan sat on the upper seat, looking at Nan Zun standing below, a faint smile in his eyes. "The number one expert in the Wushan Star Domain is indeed as renowned as they say."
Hearing Zhang Fan's words, Nan Zun gave a difficult, wry smile. "With Senior Zhang Fan present, this title of the Wushan Star Domain's number one expert feels rather undeserved."
Even without Zhang Fan having fully integrated his rules and divine soul, he could remain undefeated below the Nascent Soul stage with his Domain of the Great Dao. Furthermore, Nan Zun could clearly sense that the Domain of the Great Dao cultivated by Zhang Fan fused both the Dao of the Sword and the Dao of Thunder. Even with his extensive knowledge, he had never heard of anyone achieving such a feat.
Zhang Fan chuckled, not dwelling on the topic. He rested his hands on the armrests of his seat and said, "Speak, why did you wish to see me?"
Nan Zun's expression turned solemn. He bowed and said, "Junior indeed has a matter to request of Senior, hoping Senior can enlighten me."
"What matter could not even Zi Wu resolve, requiring me to enlighten you?" Zhang Fan asked, a half-smile playing on his lips as he fixed his gaze on Nan Zun.
Hearing Zhang Fan's question, Nan Zun's eyes widened. A tempest raged within his heart. After a long pause, he took a deep breath. "I did indeed seek advice from Immortal King Zi Wu on this matter, but he also had no solution. However, several years ago, Immortal King Zi Wu returned to the Wushan Star Domain and met with me."
"He brought a woman named Qin Luoshui. I heard she is Senior's Dao companion," Nan Zun said, pausing here and looking up at Zhang Fan.
"Luoshui..." Even though Zhang Fan already knew about this, hearing the name again caused ripples within his heart.
"Continue."
"Immortal King Zi Wu mentioned that if I had the opportunity to meet Senior, I could seek Senior's guidance." Nan Zun said respectfully.
"Seek my guidance?" Zhang Fan's interest was piqued. "Tell me, what sort of problem does Zi Wu believe I can solve?"
"Junior cultivates the Dao of Water. At the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, I cultivated the Dao of Water rules to nearly nine hundred thousand strands. However, for some reason, I began integrating my divine soul and rules without reaching nine hundred thousand strands."
"Now, my divine soul and rules are fully integrated, and I have even cultivated a Primordial Spirit. However, the nine hundred thousand strands of rules have become an indelible inner demon in my heart. If I cannot break through to the Soul Transformation stage with ninety percent Dao rules, I fear it will pose a great hidden danger to my future cultivation."
"Therefore, I have remained here for over a thousand years, seeking various methods. Immortal Kings have also provided me with assistance, but with my Primordial Spirit formed and rules set, no matter what method is used, the number of Dao rules cannot be increased."
"So I wish to ask Senior, am I still salvageable?"
"Zi Wu sent you to ask me?" A smile spread across Zhang Fan's lips. "It seems Zi Wu has some conjecture and sent Nan Zun here, likely to verify his own suspicions."
Zhang Fan knew that through Qin Luoshui, Zi Wu Immortal King could clearly understand his growth trajectory and make judgments about his identity. He likely believed Zhang Fan was a reincarnated great cultivator, hence this question.
However, the actual situation was far more complex than Zi Wu guessed. Zhang Fan wondered what expression Zi Wu would have when he eventually learned the truth.
Zhang Fan looked forward to it.
Nan Zun stood below, receiving no response for a long time. He looked up at Zhang Fan and saw the smile on his lips, a flicker of hope igniting within him.
"Does Senior have a solution?" Nan Zun asked expectantly, his eyes fixed on Zhang Fan.
"Yes!"
"Really?" Nan Zun's voice rose at this moment, his eyes filled with disbelief. Even Immortal King Zi Wu couldn't solve the problem, and Zhang Fan could?
"Haha, with my status, would I lie to you?"
Zhang Fan chuckled. "I do have a method, but it depends on whether you can bear it, or rather, whether you have the resolve."
"Senior, please speak. No matter the price, no matter what pain I must endure, I can accept it." Nan Zun's words were filled with determination. He had waited a thousand years for this matter, which proved his resolve.
"Now that your Primordial Spirit is formed and your rules are set, by conventional means, even if you cultivate new Dao rules, they cannot be integrated into your Primordial Spirit."
"However, I have a secret technique that can strip a wisp of divine soul from your Primordial Spirit."
"Stripping a wisp of divine soul, can it still be re-integrated with the rules?" Nan Zun asked, confused.
"Naturally," Zhang Fan said, looking at Nan Zun, and speaking word by word, "As the saying goes, 'break and then stand.' To re-integrate the divine soul and rules, you must shatter your Primordial Spirit, leaving behind a wisp of divine soul for re-integration."
"However, you should also know that there are great risks involved. Shattering the Primordial Spirit is akin to crippling your own cultivation."
Nan Zun's expression grew serious. He nodded. For cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage, the Nascent Soul and divine soul were fundamental. Even if the physical body was destroyed, the Nascent Soul could possess another body and cultivate anew. But if the Nascent Soul was destroyed or the divine soul extinguished, it was truly the end.
"I know this is difficult. You can think about it carefully and come to see me once you've made up your mind," Zhang Fan said, standing up, ready to leave.
"I have thought it through. Please teach me, Senior." Nan Zun did not hesitate. He bowed solemnly and said with conviction.
Nan Zun's resolute attitude surprised Zhang Fan. He nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. 'Break and then stand' requires an unwavering resolve. If you had come to see me after lingering in doubt, I would not have taught you."
Nan Zun's heart suddenly jolted. If he had hesitated for a moment longer, he might truly have missed this opportunity.
Zhang Fan reseated himself, looking at Nan Zun below, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "The Dao is not lightly transmitted. I wish to take you as my disciple. Are you willing?"
"This disciple is willing. Cang Lan Nan Zhou pays respects to Master!" Nan Zun, without any hesitation, knelt and bowed.
The world knew Nan Zun, but few knew his given name.
"Since that is the case, you shall be my third disciple."
"Entering my sect, there is only one requirement: you must not defy the sect. Otherwise, I will personally carry out the cleansing of the sect." Zhang Fan's eyes were fixed on Nan Zun, and a powerful Dao might enveloped him. Even though Nan Zun had cultivated a Primordial Spirit, he still felt his mind and spirit tremble.
"Nan Zhou respectfully obeys Master's teachings." Nan Zun replied respectfully.
"Above you, there is a senior disciple brother and a second senior disciple sister."
"I have met Senior Disciple Brother Zi Wu. Who is the Second Senior Disciple Sister?" Nan Zun inquired.
"If you succeed, you may have the chance to meet him in the future," Zhang Fan said. "Since you have made your decision, do not leave yourself any fallback options. I will give you three days to settle your personal affairs. Come to the Golden Light Immortal Mansion to see me in three days."