Wan Shan Sect was located amidst numerous mountains. The sect was built atop a colossal peak that pierced the clouds. From its mountainside upwards, palaces spiraled, enveloped by ethereal mists that made them appear as floating pavilions in the sky.
The arrival of Zhang Fan and his entourage caused quite a stir within Wan Shan Sect. After all, few dared to oppose the Giant Spirit Hall in the entire Shattered Star Domain, and even their sect had suffered repeated setbacks at its hands.
However, Zhang Fan's group, upon their initial arrival in the Shattered Star Domain, clashed with the Giant Spirit Hall, even forcing Qin Yun to flee in disarray. This brought immense relief to the long-suffering cultivators of Wan Shan Sect, who looked upon Zhang Fan with a mixture of awe and reverence.
In a magnificent palace atop the highest peak, True Immortal Dong Ji hosted a grand banquet for Zhang Fan and his companions. The occasion was exceptionally solemn; even those at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage were not qualified to be seated. The accompanying cultivators were at least at the Half-step Soul Transformation level, a testament to the immense importance True Immortal Dong Ji placed on Zhang Fan.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang Fan, I, Dong Ji, have lived for over ten thousand years and rarely have I encountered someone I truly admire. However, your innate talent truly convinces me. I raise my cup to you." True Immortal Dong Ji raised his cup and drank. Zhang Fan smiled faintly and reciprocated.
"Although Fellow Daoist Nan Zun resides in the Wu Shan Star Domain, his renowned name has long reached my ears. After today's battle, your fame will likely spread throughout the Shattered Star Domain. I raise my cup to you." True Immortal Dong Ji again raised his cup and drained it.
As the immortal brew wafted its fragrance and the potent wine warmed their bellies, the conversations gradually broadened, and the atmosphere in the great hall began to liven up.
"Speaking of which, that young man Ban Yue was once the pride of our Wan Shan Sect. Had he not perished, his achievements today would likely rival Qin Yun's. A pity." A cold glint flashed in True Immortal Dong Ji's eyes as he spoke of this.
Such incidents had occurred frequently in their Wan Shan Sect over the past century, leading to the current generation of cultivators being significantly weaker than those of the Giant Spirit Hall, resulting in the present predicament.
Zhang Fan nodded in agreement and remarked, "Immortal Ban Yue had condensed an eight-pattern Golden Core at the Golden Core stage. His talent was so high that breaking through to the Soul Transformation realm was certainly not difficult. It is indeed a pity that he was stifled in his cradle before he could even mature."
"After today's battle, you, Fellow Daoist, have thoroughly placed yourself in opposition to the Giant Spirit Hall. From my understanding of Qin Yun, he will certainly not let this matter rest and will likely seek reinforcements from the Boundless Dynasty immediately upon his return. Do you have any plans to counter this?" True Immortal Dong Ji asked cautiously.
Zhang Fan shook his head and said, "The mere Giant Spirit Hall, I have never taken it seriously. Immortal Ban Yue had shown me kindness, and I bear a significant grudge against the Giant Spirit Hall. Before I leave the Shattered Star Domain, I will flatten the Giant Spirit Hall, settle this grievance, and avenge Immortal Ban Yue."
When Zhang Fan initially accepted the favor from True Immortal Ban Yue, he had proposed this idea: to seek revenge for him once he possessed sufficient strength. However, True Immortal Ban Yue had not dared to hope for it then, knowing how formidable his enemy was and not wanting to burden Zhang Fan with such a heavy responsibility.
Yet, for the current Zhang Fan, flattening the Giant Spirit Hall was not a particularly difficult task. Since the opportunity presented itself, it was merely a matter of convenience.
True Immortal Dong Ji was slightly taken aback. Seeing Zhang Fan's nonchalant demeanor, he found himself believing him to a certain extent. Although logic dictated it was difficult, the fact that even the astonishing Nan Zun had pledged allegiance to Zhang Fan suggested he might indeed possess some unique methods.
After all, he was an extraordinary individual who had cultivated the rules of the Great Dao to perfection even at the Nascent Soul stage. He could not be judged by ordinary standards. Even if Zhang Fan could not achieve it now, he surely would once he entered the Soul Transformation realm.
"That would indeed be excellent. The Giant Spirit Hall, relying on Qin Yun's influence, has encroached upon much of our Wan Shan Sect's resources in recent years. If they can be eradicated, it would remove a great source of anxiety for our sect." True Immortal Dong Ji's old face broke into a smile, and his heart felt a great relief.
He had feared that Zhang Fan might simply leave after causing such a commotion, leaving his Wan Shan Sect to face all the consequences alone, which would have been a far greater trouble.
"However, with my current strength, it is still a bit strenuous to flatten the Giant Spirit Hall. Therefore, I need to trouble you with some matters, Fellow Daoist Dong Ji," Zhang Fan said with a smile.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang Fan, whatever you need, please do not hesitate to ask. Our Wan Shan Sect may not have much else, but we have plenty of mines," True Immortal Dong Ji replied without hesitation, speaking with great magnanimity.
If Zhang Fan had not spoken, he would have proactively inquired. After all, incurring the favor of such a person was an extremely worthwhile endeavor.
Zhang Fan did not stand on ceremony with True Immortal Dong Ji and casually handed over a list, detailing numerous spiritual and immortal herbs.
"I hope you can gather as much of the listed items as possible, Fellow Daoist. I will pay with spirit crystals," Zhang Fan stated. When he had previously destroyed the Flying Immortal Mansion and the Black Sand Cave Heaven in the Wu Shan Star Domain, and also emptied the coffers of the Sun Shadow Cave Heaven, he had still retained three-tenths of the immense wealth, accumulated by these top forces over hundreds of thousands of years.
"Spirit crystals are not necessary." True Immortal Dong Ji waved his hands repeatedly. "Fellow Daoist, you have brought back the lingering thoughts of Ban Yue. For this kindness, I will certainly gather all of them."
After the banquet dispersed, True Immortal Dong Ji personally escorted Zhang Fan to a place rich in spiritual energy to rest. He then departed with a cheerful heart.
Within the Golden Light Immortal Abode, Zhang Fan brought Nan Zun alone to the third level of the abode.
"You have cultivated the Scarlet Gold Refining Emperor Body to perfection. What are your plans for further cultivation in body refinement?" Zhang Fan inquired.
Nan Zun's heart trembled slightly. He looked up at his master, filled with admiration. His Qi cultivation had now broken through to the Primordial Spirit realm, and his combat power was no weaker than his body refinement path. The strength gained from body refinement had become increasingly limited.
For most cultivators, reaching the perfected realm of a body refinement technique was the limit. To advance further and step into the transcendent realm was akin to a fantasy. Nan Zun himself had made countless attempts but could find no direction for progress.
Following conventional body refinement methods, he had reached an impasse.
"Disciple is also troubled. I feel I have cultivated the Scarlet Gold Refining Emperor Body to my current limit. No matter how I practice, my physical strength cannot advance further. Does Master have a solution?" Nan Zun asked with great anticipation.
"The transcendent realm of the physical body cannot be taught; I have no solution either," Zhang Fan shook his head and said. "If you continue to cultivate the Scarlet Gold Refining Emperor Body, perhaps only when you enter the Soul Transformation realm and reach the stage of Dao-infused flesh will you have a chance to comprehend the transcendent realm."
Nan Zun gave a bitter smile. If he had already reached the Soul Transformation realm, the transcendent realm of the Emperor Body technique would be of little consequence to him, its utility greatly diminished.
"Let's switch to another body refinement technique. You cultivate the path of Water element, and this Scarlet Gold Refining Emperor Body was never a suitable fit for you," Zhang Fan said softly.
Nan Zun was slightly stunned. He had naturally considered this issue, but body refinement techniques were incredibly rare. Even a True Immortal-level force like the Giant Spirit Hall did not possess a complete Emperor Body technique. The Emperor Body technique he practiced was taught by the Zi Wu Immortal King.
But since his master said so, could it be?
Nan Zun harbored a flicker of anticipation.
...