In the Hall of Ancient Records, Elder Xun leisurely rocked back and forth in his chair, occasionally glancing at the Desolate Academy disciples who were absorbed in reading ancient texts. Unfortunately, these disciples had no idea that their Academy Master had been quietly present in the hall all along.

When Fang Chen arrived, Elder Xun merely smiled casually and said, "You're here? That Three Heads and Six Arms technique is indeed quite impressive."

Fang Chen went straight to the point. "Elder Xun, does the Desolate Academy have any high-grade spirit stones?"

The smile on Elder Xun's face instantly faded, replaced by a cautious expression as he looked at Fang Chen. "Why are you asking about that? With your cultivation, mid-grade spirit stones should be more than sufficient. You're already seeking high-grade spirit stones?"

Fang Chen nodded. "To be honest, I need high-grade spirit stones to advance to the Nascent Soul Realm. If the Desolate Academy has any, I would like to borrow one. I will repay it once I find high-grade spirit stones in the future."

Elder Xun furrowed his brows. "High-grade spirit stones are extremely rare. Ever since the Immortal Realm was closed off, high-grade spirit stones have become even scarcer. Only when one is ascending during their tribulation would they be in demand."

He paused. "You already asked for your allowance in advance, and now you also want to borrow high-grade spirit stones. What will happen if you can't return them?"

After a moment of thought, Elder Xun said, "Alright, I'll lend you a high-grade spirit stone, but since the Desolate Academy is taking a risk, there must be adequate compensation. You can borrow 1, but when you return it, you'll need to repay me with 3."

"3?"

Fang Chen didn't hesitate much and immediately agreed. "Thank you, Elder Xun."

Elder Xun raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Fang Chen's quick agreement. "You're not going to haggle? You're agreeing so easily I can't help but think you're thinking of not paying them back at all."

Fang Chen smiled. "High-grade spirit stones are so rare. Since you are already willing to lend me one, Elder Xun, how could I haggle? Taking 1 and returning 3 is only right."

He hadn't expected Elder Xun to agree to it this quickly. High-grade spirit stones were notoriously rare. Even the immortal courts would likely struggle to provide them. Fang Chen had already made plans; if the Desolate Academy hadn't been able to provide him with one, he would have went out to find the Profound Mother Yin Beast and figure out a way to obtain the high-grade spirit stones later.

Elder Xun nodded lightly. "Fine, I'll trust you this time."

He then took out a transparent crystal about the size of a thumb and handed it to Fang Chen.

As soon as the crystal appeared, a ripple of spiritual energy spread through the surroundings. When looking closely, it would appear to the observer that the crystal had dense spiritual energy swirling around it. Additionally, within the transparent crystal, countless dots of light flickered, resembling stars in the sky.

Elder Xun warned, "Don't take it out casually. With your current cultivation, you can't yet seal its aura. If someone notices, even an Immortal King might be interested."

Fang Chen received it with great respect and immediately placed it into his storage ring.

Elder Xun waved his sleeve, and a stream of spiritual energy flowed into Fang Chen.

"This energy will allow your Ancient Talisman to freely enter and exit the Desolate Academy more than ten times. In times of danger, it can serve as a life-saving measure. But it's not invincible. If someone sets up a trap in advance and uses formations against you, you may not be able to return to the Academy."

"You owe the Desolate Academy 3 high-grade spirit stones. Don't die too easily, understand?" Elder Xun warned, his tone stern.

Wearing a solemn expression, Fang Chen cupped his hands in salute. "Thanks, Elder Xun. I will definitely stay alive until I repay the three high-grade spirit stones."

He couldn't help but feel deeply grateful; if he successfully advanced to the Nascent Soul Realm this time, Elder Xun's help would have been invaluable.

Elder Xun waved his hand, dismissing him. "Go."

After Fang Chen left, an elderly man slowly entered the Hall of Ancient Records and stood silently beside Elder Xun, gazing at where Fang Chen had just left.

"How are your injuries?" Elder Xun asked faintly.

The old man smiled lightly. "I will definitely pass away in ten years."

"Ten years... that's almost a blink of an eye," Elder Xun frowned slightly. "I remember you had two swords. One for Concealing the Edge, the other for Guarding Simplicity. When I was the Sovereign Emperor, you were my most outstanding subordinate. But since then, I've never seen you use your second sword. Even that day when you faced Li Changsheng, if you had used both swords, you may not have suffered such severe injuries."

The old man shook his head with a smile. "The time isn't right. If I use the second sword, I will have no chance of stepping onto the Immortal Path in this life."

"Better than dying, Li Jingnian." Elder Xun snorted coldly. "If you pass away within ten years, the Void Immortal Sword Sect will be leaderless. Besides Wang Zhenlong, the other two can't bear the responsibility. But Wang Zhenlong is still far from ascension. He can't become an Immortal King. How can he defend the Void Immortal Sword Sect and protect the Central Continent Empire's Sword Dao?"

"That's why I came today to thank you, Emperor Xun," Li Jingnian said with a smile. "Emperor Xun, remembering our past bond as sovereign and subject, accepted Fang Chen. It's also paving a path for my eventual transformation into a recluse."

Li Jingnian smiled faintly. "As long as you are around, Emperor Xun, I know the Void Immortal Sword Sect won't fall into ruin. If this kid can advance to the Nascent Soul Realm within ten years and walk the Sword Path, it could delay the sect's downfall for quite some time. By then, Wang Zhenlong should be able to solidify his position as an Immortal King."

Elder Xun suddenly fixed his gaze on him. "Something's off about you, Li Jingnian."

Like everyone else, he couldn't discern Li Jingnian's true appearance. It seemed that as long as Li Jingnian kept the Guarding Simplicity sword in place, his true form would remain hidden.

"Tell me honestly, what kind of inheritance did that man named Fang give you back then?" Elder Xun asked in a low tone.

Li Jingnian smiled slightly. "It wasn't anything powerful, just a rebirth and re-cultivation. Once I take this step, I'll become one of the anomalies. Even if I achieve great cultivation in the future, I will be entangled in great karma. I may not be able to visit you for a chat as often."

After saying this, Li Jingnian cupped his hands and slowly walked away.

Elder Xun remained silent, quietly watching his retreating figure. He murmured to himself, "Rebirth and re-cultivation... An anomaly... I didn't expect that Li Jingnian would be so valued by that man. Guarding Simplicity... It's intentional, using Li Changsheng's hand to sever this life's lifespan…"

A strange smile suddenly curled up at the corner of his mouth. "When Li Changsheng finds out that the old man who was supposed to have passed away is walking the world as an anomaly, his expression would definitely be very interesting to see."

***

At the Three Thousand Dao Sect.

Dozens of figures slowly arrived in front of the gates. Leading them was a tall woman, her entire presence exuding a mature, sensual aura.

"Senior Sister Fang, we've finally arrived," someone said, looking excitedly at the plaque of the Three Thousand Dao Sect.

"Senior Sister Fang, is that older brother of yours really a disciple of the Three Thousand Dao Sect? Along the way, we've heard that the Three Thousand Dao Sect now are nothing like before. Do you think we'll be turned away if we just show up?" someone quietly asked, looking nervous.

"What's there to be afraid of? We've traveled such a long way and faced countless dangers along the way. Now that we've arrived, are you all suddenly afraid?" The woman smiled lightly. "Before our master was gravely injured and passed away, he told me repeatedly to ensure you all live well no matter what. I, your senior sister, won't harm you."

With that, she slowly stepped forward. The others exchanged looks before quickly following her.

As they drew closer to the gates of the Three Thousand Dao Sect, Fang Zhixue's face, which had been calm moments before, now bore a faint trace of anxiety. Her heart raced with each step.

A regular disciple of the sect emerged, gazing at the group with a puzzled expression. "May I ask who you are?"

Fang Zhixue took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "My name is Fang Zhixue, and Fang Chen is my elder brother."

She wasn't certain if the Fang Chen here was her brother, who was supposed to have passed away many years ago. However, as long as there was even a small chance, she was willing to believe in his survival.

The disciple paused, clearly taken aback. "Fang Chen is…."

He suddenly trembled.

Wait, her family name is Fang?!

Shocked, the disciple quickly said, "Please wait a moment. I'll go inform someone."

He hurried off without further explanation.

Fang Zhixue, watching him leave, remained calm. Her junior brothers and sisters, however, grew more anxious, subconsciously starting to observe their surroundings. Upon seeing figures like Zhou Bufan and others, their eyes widened with awe.

These must be the senior members of the Three Thousand Dao Sect, each exuding an exceptional aura.

Before long, a figure emerged from the gate. Upon seeing Fang Zhixue, the figure rubbed his eyes in disbelief, then exclaimed in joy, "Well, look who it is! What brings you here?!"

Seeing Li Daoye, Fang Zhixue's eyes reddened. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Big Brother Li, my brother... Is he..."