Chapter 17: All Preparations Complete

“So this Li Fan wasn’t lying; he truly inherited a core formation method?” Within the Grand Preceptor’s estate, Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi communicated through transmission.

“Correct. I saw it with my own eyes,” Dao Xuanzi nodded.

“Can we just take it by force? He’s just a mortal...” A trace of malice arose in Kou Hong’s voice.

Dao Xuanzi swiftly dissuaded him: “Though Li Fan is only a mortal, he is still a descendant of the Taiyan Sect. You witnessed that terrifying prophecy technique earlier; you should know how fearsome it is. If we resort to force, who knows what other methods he might unleash?

“All he asks is for us to repair the Taiyan Boat. It’s hardly difficult, so why provoke unnecessary trouble?” Of course, Dao Xuanzi’s main fear was that if they forced the issue, Li Fan might reveal that the so-called core formation method was, in truth, a Nascent Soul technique.

After much persuasion from Dao Xuanzi, Kou Hong finally abandoned the idea of seizing it by force.

The two then engaged in a silent negotiation over the division of benefits before finally agreeing to assist in repairing the Taiyan Boat.

The next day, they laid eyes upon the Taiyan Boat Li Fan had spoken of.

Kou Hong, thrilled at the sight of such a treasure, eagerly took it in hand to examine it closely.

“This is truly a relic of the Taiyan Sect! The techniques used to forge this are ingenious, and the arrays are deeply profound, far surpassing anything I’ve ever studied!” The more Kou Hong inspected it, the more delighted he became. “If I can restore this, my artifact-forging skills will surely advance!”

“In that case, I shall leave it to you two. Feel free to make any requests you need, and I will ensure they are met,” Li Fan said solemnly.

“Go on now, don’t disturb me,” Kou Hong waved him off, already engrossed in studying the Taiyan Boat.

***

Time lost all meaning in cultivation.

What appeared to be a simple wooden boat took Kou Hong and his companion nearly a full year to restore to its original condition.

The day the Taiyan Boat was finally repaired, Li Fan hurried to meet them.

Taking the boat from Kou Hong’s hands, he was overcome with joy.

Kou Hong spoke with some pride: “The Taiyan Boat’s core propulsion array, transformation and scaling array, dust-purification array, and other arrays have been fully restored. The defensive and offensive arrays could only receive basic repairs due to limited materials. Passing through the Immortal-Slaying Grand Array won’t be an issue, but blocking attacks from other cultivators... that may prove difficult.”

Li Fan didn’t seem concerned. “No matter. Once we exit the Immortal-Slaying Grand Array and return to the cultivation world, my ancestor’s token will guide us back to the Taiyan Sect.”

Kou Hong’s eyes flickered briefly before enthusiastically explaining the Taiyan Boat’s operations to Li Fan.

“This Taiyan Boat runs on spiritual qi and must be controlled with divine sense. Depending on the controller’s needs, it can shift between three size configurations.

“At its smallest, it is just ten meters long and two or three meters wide, capable of carrying about ten people. Its intermediate size stretches a hundred meters and can hold several hundred. At maximum expansion, it reaches a full kilometer in length, able to accommodate tens of thousands! Our own spirit stone reserves are limited, but I’ve provided enough fuel for you to depart in the second configuration.

“However, piloting the Taiyan Boat requires at least Qi Refinement-level divine sense. If you’d like us to handle the controls for you—”

Before Kou Hong could finish speaking, he watched the Taiyan Boat expand slowly under Li Fan’s command, transforming from a tiny toy into a proper small boat.

Li Fan eagerly stepped aboard.

The ten-meter configuration of the Taiyan Boat was simple in structure: a single deck, with a nearly two-meter-long foredeck at the front. After that came the control cabin and living quarters in sequence.

Li Fan stood within the control cabin, his mind linking with the Taiyan Boat. A sensation of effortless control surged through him, as though the vessel were an extension of his own body. Under his command, the Taiyan Boat rose steadily, hovering mid-air.

Then, Li Fan piloted the boat in swift maneuvers—up, down, left, and right—before finally reining in his excitement and descending back to the ground.

“Fellow Daoist, your skill is truly extraordinary! Though you’re still a mortal, you can command the Taiyan Boat with such mastery!” Kou Hong praised.

“It’s just a small trick, hardly worth mentioning.” Li Fan smiled faintly. “Still, I must thank both of you! We’ve been trapped here for a thousand years, but thanks to your efforts, hope of escape is now within reach!”

His words were sincere.

Though Kou Hong was deeply curious about how Li Fan could control the Taiyan Boat without divine sense, he had no choice but to let it go after seeing Li Fan avoid the topic.

Dao Xuanzi, however, was already growing impatient. “Now that the Taiyan Boat is repaired, I wonder...”

Li Fan laughed heartily. “It has been prepared long ago. Fellow Daoist, please follow me to retrieve it.”

Hearing this, Dao Xuanzi perked up and hurried after him.

The two had already come to an agreement beforehand, so Kou Hong did not follow, simply waiting where he was.

A short while later, Dao Xuanzi returned with a beaming expression. Clearly, the technique was now in his possession.

Li Fan, Dao Xuanzi, and Kou Hong were all satisfied with the exchange.

To express his gratitude, Li Fan hosted a grand banquet in their honor.

For three days straight, wine and delicacies flowed without end, accompanied by unceasing song and dance.

On the third day, Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi bid farewell to Li Fan.

“Fellow Daoist, our remaining spirit stones are nearly depleted. If we linger in the Immortal Forsaken Lands any longer, our cultivation risks decline. So today, we shall take our leave,” Dao Xuanzi said to Li Fan.

Li Fan sighed regretfully. “There are still matters my clan must attend to here. I cannot accompany you on your journey.”

Kou Hong spoke warmly. “No matter. Once you leave this place, you can look for me in Lingtian City, within the Congyun Mountain Range.”

As he spoke, Kou Hong handed Li Fan a map.

“As you requested, this is the map of the area near the exit of the Immortal-Slaying Grand Array, drawn from my memory. With no blank jade slips available, I had to use paper and ink.”

Li Fan accepted the map solemnly, offering repeated thanks.

After further pleasantries, Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi finally transformed into two streaks of light and departed.

Dismissing his attendants, Li Fan retreated alone to an underground chamber.

Placing the map beside the Taiyan Boat, a flood of emotions surged within him.

After six lifetimes and over three hundred years of meticulous planning, this moment had arrived at last.

These two items were his key to escaping this Immortal Forsaken Land and grasping the path to eternal life!

***

Above the Abyssal Chasm in the east, Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi hovered in midair, gazing back toward Xuanjing.

“When we first entered the Immortal Forsaken Lands, I thought we’d emerge grievously wounded, or even end up dead. Who could have imagined that we’d get such an opportunity in a twist of fate?” Dao Xuanzi murmured, feeling the weight of the Nascent Soul technique within his storage ring.

Kou Hong nodded in agreement, then sighed regretfully. “That Li Fan has a remarkable will. A rare individual indeed. It’s a pity his lifespan is nearing its end. Even if he returns to the cultivation world, he has only a few years left.”

“Without eternal life, all is illusory. Didn’t we turn against each other precisely for the hope of eternity?” Dao Xuanzi said coolly.

“Speaking of which, what technique did Li Fan give you?” Kou Hong suddenly asked, curiosity stirring.

Dao Xuanzi did not answer directly. Instead, he smiled. “Surely it won’t be the same as the one in your hands? Don’t worry. Once I return, go into seclusion, and break through to the Golden Core realm, I won’t forget the three favors I promised you.”

Kou Hong didn’t press further, his excitement rising. “Once I break through as well, can anyone in the Congyun Mountain Range stand against us?”

“The fog defense array hasn’t dissipated yet. Brother, do you dare to charge through?” Dao Xuanzi glanced at the thick fog above the Abyssal Chasm, then suddenly shot forward, plunging into it ahead of Kou Hong.

Clearly, he couldn’t wait to return to the cultivation world and study the technique.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Kou Hong’s laughter echoed as he dived in after him.