Wan Shan Sect is located amidst the mountains, its buildings perched upon a colossal peak that pierces the clouds. From the mountainside upwards, palaces spiral, enveloped in ethereal mist that drifts through the air, causing the structures to fade in and out of view like castles 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 own sect had suffered setbacks at its hands repeatedly.
However, Zhang Fan and his companions, 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 satisfaction to the long-suffering cultivators of Wan Shan Sect, who now looked upon Zhang Fan with a degree of reverence.
In a magnificent palace atop the highest peak, Dong Ji Zhen Xian hosted a grand banquet for Zhang Fan and his party. The occasion was exceptionally solemn; even cultivators at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage were not deemed qualified to be seated. Those who accompanied them were at least at the Half-Step Soul Transformation level, a testament to the high regard Dong Ji Zhen Xian held for Zhang Fan.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang Fan, I, Dong Ji, have lived for tens of thousands of years and rarely encountered someone I admire. However, your talent truly astonishes this old man. I offer you this cup." Dong Ji Zhen Xian raised his goblet and drank. Zhang Fan smiled faintly, nodded, and drank with him.
"Although Fellow Daoist Nan Zun resides in the Wu Shan Star Domain, I have long heard of your formidable reputation. After today's battle, your fame will likely spread throughout the Shattered Star Domain. I toast you again." Dong Ji Zhen Xian raised his goblet once more and finished it in one gulp.
As the immortal brew flowed, and the strong spirits warmed their bellies, the conversation gradually broadened, and the atmosphere in the great hall became lively.
"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. It is truly a pity." As he spoke, a cold glint flashed in Dong Ji Zhen Xian's eyes.
Such incidents had occurred frequently within Wan Shan Sect over the past century, leading to the current generation of cultivators being far inferior in strength to the Giant Spirit Hall, a situation that had led to their current predicament.
Zhang Fan nodded in agreement and stated, "Immortal Ban Yue had already condensed an Eight-Pattern Golden Core during the Golden Core stage. His talent was so exceptional that breaking through to the Soul Transformation realm was hardly a difficulty. It is indeed a tragedy that he was nipped in the bud before he could fully mature."
"With today's battle, you have also become a complete adversary to the Giant Spirit Hall. From my understanding of Qin Yun, he will certainly not let this matter rest. He will likely head directly to the Boundless Dynasty to seek reinforcements after returning. Do you have any plans to counter this?" Dong Ji Zhen Xian asked cautiously.
Zhang Fan shook his head and replied, "I have never taken the mere Giant Spirit Hall to heart. 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 and settle this grievance, avenging Immortal Ban Yue."
When Zhang Fan first accepted the favor from Immortal Ban Yue, he had voiced this intention, to avenge him once he gained sufficient strength. However, 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.
But for Zhang Fan now, flattening the Giant Spirit Hall was not an insurmountable task. Since the opportunity had arisen, it was merely a matter of course.
Dong Ji Zhen Xian was slightly stunned upon hearing this. Seeing Zhang Fan speak so nonchalantly, he couldn't help but believe him somewhat. Though logic told him it was difficult, the fact that even the astonishing Nan Zun had become Zhang Fan's disciple suggested that he might indeed possess some hidden means.
After all, he was a peerless figure who could cultivate 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 certainly would once he reached the Soul Transformation realm.
"That would indeed be excellent. That Giant Spirit Hall, relying on Qin Yun's influence, has encroached upon much of our Wan Shan Sect's resources in recent years. If it can be leveled, it would also remove a great source of worry for our sect." Dong Ji Zhen Xian's aged face broke into a smile, and his heart felt an immediate sense of relief.
He had feared that after all this commotion, Zhang Fan might suddenly depart, leaving the Wan Shan Sect to face the repercussions alone, which would truly be a troublesome situation.
"However, with my current strength, it is still somewhat difficult to flatten the Giant Spirit Hall. Therefore, there are some matters that require Fellow Daoist Dong Ji's assistance," Zhang Fan said with a smile.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang Fan, please do not hesitate to state your needs. Our Wan Shan Sect may not have much else, but we have plenty of mineral veins," Dong Ji Zhen Xian replied without hesitation, with considerable magnanimity.
Had Zhang Fan not spoken, he would have proactively inquired, as incurring the favor of such a person was an extremely worthwhile endeavor.
Zhang Fan did not stand on ceremony with Dong Ji Zhen Xian. He casually handed over a list, on which were densely recorded the names of numerous spiritual and immortal herbs.
"I hope you can help me gather as many of the items on this list as possible. I will exchange them for spirit crystals later." Zhang Fan had previously destroyed the Immortal Ascension Prefecture and the Black Sand Cave Heaven in the Wu Shan Star Domain, and had also emptied the coffers of the Sun Shadow Cave Heaven. Although he had distributed seventy percent of the spoils, the remaining thirty percent was still immeasurably valuable, representing the accumulation of top powers over hundreds of thousands of years.
"There is no need for spirit crystals," Dong Ji Zhen Xian waved his hands repeatedly. "You have brought back the lingering thoughts of Ban Yue. For that kindness, I will certainly ensure everything is gathered."
After the banquet concluded, Dong Ji Zhen Xian personally found a place with abundant spiritual energy for Zhang Fan as a resting spot, then departed with a joyful heart.
Within the Golden Light Immortal Abode, Zhang Fan brought Nan Zun alone to the third level of the abode.
"You have cultivated the Crimson Gold Refining Emperor Body to perfection. What are your plans for refining your body further?" Zhang Fan inquired.
Nan Zun's heart trembled slightly. He couldn't help but look up at his master, filled with admiration. He had now broken through to the Primordial Spirit realm in his cultivation of Qi, and his combat power was no weaker than his physical refinement. The strength gained from physical refinement had become extremely limited.
For most cultivators, reaching the perfection of a body-refining technique was the limit. To advance further and enter the transcendent realm was akin to wishful thinking. Nan Zun himself had made countless attempts but found no direction for progress.
Following conventional body-refining methods, he had reached an impasse.
"Your disciple is also troubled. I feel I have cultivated the Crimson Gold Refining Emperor Body to my limit. No matter how I train, my physical strength cannot advance any further. Does Master have any solutions?" Nan Zun asked with great anticipation.
"The transcendent realm of the physical body cannot be taught, and I have no solution," Zhang Fan shook his head. "If you continue to cultivate the Crimson Gold Refining Emperor Body, perhaps only when you enter the Soul Transformation realm and reach the stage of Dao transforming into flesh will you have a chance to comprehend the transcendent realm."
Nan Zun couldn't help but let out a wry smile. If he had already reached the Soul Transformation realm, then the transcendent realm of the Emperor Body technique would be largely redundant and of little use to him.
"Let's switch to a different body-refining technique. You cultivate the Dao of Water, and this Crimson Gold Refining Emperor Body is not particularly suited for you," Zhang Fan said softly.
Nan Zun was slightly taken aback. He had naturally considered this issue, but body-refining 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 cultivated was taught by King Zi Wu Xian.
However, since his master said so, could it be that...?
Nan Zun felt a faint glimmer of hope.