Chapter 1733: Goodwill Turns

The countless God-Slaying Variants carried a version of "Huanzhen" that, unlike the original, could not instantly reset the mountains and seas. Instead, its initial reset capability was limited to a single possibility. Furthermore, it had a usage limit of one hundred times. Even with such stringent restrictions, it was normally sufficient for a God-Slaying Variant to successfully cultivate to the Transcendence realm.

After transcending their current possibility, the "Huanzhen" they carried would "upgrade." The reset would no longer be limited to a single possibility but would cover a certain area around them. Moreover, if they encountered a Mountain Sea Saint whose power vastly exceeded their own, "Huanzhen's" effective range would be further reduced.

Additionally, if two God-Slaying Variants were too close to each other, both their "Huanzhen" abilities would cease to function. Simultaneously, they would sense each other's presence. The only way to restore "Huanzhen's" functionality was to kill the other Variant and seize their fortune. The victor would survive, "Huanzhen's" abilities would be restored, and by consuming the opponent's "Huanzhen," they would even gain further insight into the Grand Dao of Truth and Falsehood. The defeated would perish. However, they would not be completely annihilated. Instead, under the protection of the Grand Dao of Truth and Falsehood, they would return to the God-Slaying Variant world where Li Fan's main body resided. Their memories and experiences would then feed back to the main body. Afterwards, guided by Huanzhen and stripped of all memories, they would re-enter the cycle of reincarnation within the mountains and seas! This cycle would continue until the destruction of the mountains and seas.

The creation of the God Variants was not an overnight endeavor. Even Li Fan himself did not know, prior to taking action, precisely how much accumulation would be required to successfully slay a god. However, he understood that this was the only method for achieving it. Therefore, he acted without hesitation. As time passed, ripples gradually began to stir within the tranquil mountains and seas.

The countless variants, created using the original Li Fan as a template, all possessed ordinary cultivation aptitudes. However, compared to the main body, their initial circumstances were significantly better in most cases. Even if their cultivation in the first life was unfavorable, after numerous reincarnations, they could generally embark on the path of cultivation smoothly, leveraging their foresight. Reaching the True Immortal realm, the variants typically wouldn't require more than thirty lifetimes. However, the path from True Immortal to Transcendence proved to be an insurmountable chasm for almost all variants. Nearly ninety percent of the variants, even after ninety reincarnations, failed to discover a method for transcendence.

This situation was precisely the opposite of Li Fan's main body's cultivation journey. While the Xuanhuang World and the primal possibility were fraught with pitfalls and dangers at every turn, for Li Fan, who possessed the ability to continuously rewind, they offered countless opportunities. Seizing just one of these could lead to comprehending the path of transcendence. However, this was not the case for the vast majority of possibilities within the mountains and seas. Even exhausting all talent, resources, and attempts within an entire possibility often made it exceedingly difficult to successfully forge a path to transcendence. Otherwise, with the endless possibilities and infinite beings of the mountains and seas as a foundation, the number of transcendent cultivators produced would not be so scarce.

Huanzhen, which monitored the functioning of the God Variant project, naturally became aware of this quickly. If they did not reach the Saint realm, no matter their numbers, they could not truly be considered "variables." Before most variants' "Huanzhen" uses were depleted, it intervened. It did not directly bestow aid, but rather placed opportunities in precisely the right locations. As long as a variant, even in their very last lifetime, at their final moment, had not abandoned the pursuit of transcendence, then at the brink of despair, circumstances would take a turn for the better.

After achieving transcendence, "Huanzhen" would upgrade once more, doubling the available reset opportunities. This ensured that the path to becoming a Saint was not without hope. As for the variants who, facing despair, voluntarily gave up, their experiences and memories would still feed back to the main body, as they were ultimately a part of Li Fan. However, they would not be re-inserted into the cycle of reincarnation within the mountains and seas. Instead, Huanzhen would destroy them. With the Grand Dao of Truth and Falsehood in existence, capable of endlessly generating countless variants at any time and place, there was no concern about their depletion.

In contrast to these "failures" who only achieved transcendence with Huanzhen's clandestine assistance, the variants who successfully forged their own path to transcendence were far more remarkable. The phantom of Huanzhen observed a specific location within the mountains and seas.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Zhang, for taking this step and freeing yourself from all constraints!"

Hearing the voice in his ear, Zhang Fan, a God-Slaying Variant, finally composed himself after the euphoria of successfully attaining the Dao. His expression grew serious, and he bowed, saying, "I must also express my profound gratitude to Fellow Daoist Xuanyuan for your assistance; otherwise, with my aptitude, I would certainly not have been able to take this step on my own."

The cultivator beside Zhang Fan smiled, "Rather than thanking me, you should thank Senior Fishing Old Man."

If Li Fan's main body had been present, he would have immediately recognized this cultivator. It was none other than King Xuantian, Xuanyuan Hong! Countless experimental God Variants were scattered throughout the mountains and seas. By an astonishing coincidence, one of them had formed an exceptionally close bond with King Xuantian. Truly, the intricacies of fate are profound and unpredictable.

Zhang Fan, however, was naturally unaware of the entanglement between the main body and King Xuantian. He simply nodded in agreement, "Had it not been for the assistance of Senior Fishing Old Man's supreme treasure, I might not even have been able to reach the True Immortal realm." As he spoke, he bowed once more towards a figure seated motionless in the distance. His mind, however, involuntarily drifted back to his own cultivation journey.

He wasn't sure if it was fortunate or not, but when he was still a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, his secret of possessing "Huanzhen" was discovered by Xuanyuan Hong and Senior Fishing Old Man. Even now, Zhang Fan vividly recalled the shiver of fear he felt when he suddenly realized that neither of them had been reset along with the rest of the world. At that moment, he almost believed that his exposure of such a rare treasure would inevitably lead to his demise. Yet, to his surprise, neither Xuanyuan Hong nor Fishing Old Man harbored any desire to plunder his treasure. In fact, they frequently provided assistance on his cultivation journey thereafter. It was only through their aid that he became the Zhang Fan of today.

Throughout their journey, the three had become exceptionally close, to the point where they could speak about anything freely. Of course, Zhang Fan was acutely aware that an insurmountable power gap remained between himself and the two of them. Because of this, he always harbored a slight reserve in his heart.

It was only today, having successfully attained transcendence, that Zhang Fan felt he finally possessed the qualification and strength to genuinely interact with Xuanyuan Hong and Fishing Old Man as equals. At last, he voiced the question that had lingered in his heart. "The Grand Dao of Truth and Falsehood possesses the power to overturn mountains and seas. Why, Brother Xuanyuan, were you not tempted by it?"

Xuanyuan Hong, who seemed to have anticipated Zhang Fan's question, smiled and replied, "Firstly, out of empathy. I understand very well what it feels like to be coveted, so I would not inflict that upon another. Secondly, while the Grand Dao of Truth and Falsehood is indeed mysterious and unfathomable, the moment I perceived it, I understood that it was beyond my reach. Rather than yearning in vain, it was better to simply pretend not to see it, lest it only cause more trouble."

Xuanyuan Hong seemed to hint at something, smiling meaningfully. Zhang Fan, however, couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind King Xuantian's words, and simply nodded thoughtfully.

"As for Senior Fishing Old Man..." Xuanyuan Hong glanced at the Mountain Sea Fishing Old Man, who remained seated, fishing, as motionless as an ancient stone Buddha. "In his eyes, there is only the act of fishing. The Grand Dao of Truth and Falsehood holds even less appeal to him than a fragile fish in the water."

As Xuanyuan Hong finished speaking, the Fishing Old Man abruptly reeled in his rod. A terrified figure appeared, falling directly into the Fishing Old Man's hand. The Fishing Old Man laughed heartily, seemingly in high spirits. "A mere stone slab dares to pry into this old man's fortune."

"Hmm?" Observing the Fishing Old Man's initial gesture, it appeared he intended to release the caught figure. Yet, for some unknown reason, moments later, he changed his mind. "However... what harm would there be in teaching you a few tricks?" With that, the Fishing Old Man tossed the figure aside and lightly gestured into the void. "Watch closely, and learn well."

It was unclear what the terrified figure had previously looked like or its origins, but it had now transformed into a young boy, dressed in a straw cloak and conical hat, holding a fishing rod. He attended to the Fishing Old Man's side. After a brief period of lingering shock, he too began to mimic the Fishing Old Man, casting his rod to fish. There was no pond water in front of the Fishing Old Man. Yet, each time he cast his rod and bait, a mountain and sea fishing ground would invariably materialize. Immersed in his fishing, he paid no attention to Zhang Fan's compliments. Initially, Zhang Fan had been somewhat concerned by this. But by now, he had grown accustomed to it.

"At the Transcendence realm, one can traverse the Dao Annihilation and explore the Great Thousand Mountains and Seas. It is said that beyond the countless possibilities, at the very heart of the mountains and seas, lies an 'Other Shore' jointly forged by the Saints."

"It is also said that within the mountains and seas exists a magnificent dynasty, stretching across innumerable possibilities, whose ruler is known as the Grand Micro Saint Emperor..." Xuanyuan Hong began to describe the general situation of the mountains and seas to Zhang Fan.

During the first half of his cultivation life, despite experiencing numerous reincarnations, he had always been confined to his current single possibility. Now, hearing Xuanyuan Hong describe the magnificent vistas of the mountains and seas, Zhang Fan couldn't help but be captivated, his heart yearning for these sights. He was convinced that with the Grand Dao of Truth and Falsehood within him, no matter the difficulties or dangers ahead, he could carve out his own path and even attain the revered position of a Mountain Sea Saint.

Noticing the subtle shifts in Zhang Fan's expression, Xuanyuan Hong paused, then continued, "However, whether it be the Saints of the Other Shore or the Grand Micro Saint Emperor, their circumstances might not be as... favorable as you might imagine," King Xuantian carefully chose his words.

"What do you mean by that, Brother Xuanyuan?" Zhang Fan asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Brother Zhang, while you were in this realm, you were always under our protection and unaware of the perils of Dao Annihilation. Previously, I was concerned that knowing the truth about Dao Annihilation would affect your cultivation resolve. But now that you have transcended... very well, it is time for you to recognize the true mountains and seas." Xuanyuan Hong glanced towards the Mountain Sea Fishing Old Man. The Fishing Old Man slightly raised his head.

Immediately, the heavens and earth dramatically shifted. It was as if a long-standing protective layer of disguise had suddenly peeled away. In an instant, Zhang Fan found himself plunged into the true mountains and seas. He realized that Dao Annihilation was not merely the gurgling stream he had always envisioned occasionally flowing through the mountains. Instead, it was a colossal, rampaging mountain torrent, completely engulfing the entire peak! Winds howled, waters surged, and terrifying waves crashed. At any moment, this tiny hilltop they depended on could be swallowed whole!

At Zhang Fan's nascent Transcendence realm, navigating a mountain stream would have been feasible. To survive within these furious rapids... It was utterly impossible! He feared that the moment he even touched the water, he would be instantly engulfed. Witnessing this scene, Zhang Fan was instantly drenched in cold sweat, his body trembling slightly from extreme fear.

Just then, Xuanyuan Hong's faint voice echoed once more. "Brother Zhang, why don't you look up at the sky again?" There seemed to be a peculiar magic in Xuanyuan Hong's voice, and Zhang Fan, complying, gazed up at the sky. His body instantly froze rigid. The boundless, vast sky was a dark, profound abyss. It was filled entirely with the aura of Dao Annihilation! The world he inhabited was, in comparison, no more than a speck in the vast ocean!

"This is the Void Realm."

"The surviving mountains and seas are merely isolated islands in the vast ocean of the Void Realm," Xuanyuan Hong's voice echoed again, perfectly timed. The words struck Zhang Fan's heart like a bolt of lightning. Zhang Fan's body went limp, and he nearly collapsed. Utterly terrified, he averted his gaze. All manner of doubts surged within him. He had never imagined Dao Annihilation to be so terrifying. The ocean was boundless, immeasurable. How could one possibly traverse it? His former grand ambitions were shattered in an instant. Zhang Fan tried to speak several times but faltered, unable to utter a word.

"Enough, stop scaring him," the Fishing Old Man finally spoke.

The profound, dark vista immediately vanished. The heavens and earth regained their clarity. The oppressive presence from the Dao Annihilation Void Realm dissipated, as if a drowning person had been pulled to shore. Zhang Fan gasped for air, greedily absorbing the hard-won sense of security. Having just been encompassed by the Void Realm, he had nearly succumbed to despair.

After a significant pause, once Zhang Fan's emotions had fully stabilized, Xuanyuan Hong spoke again. With an apologetic expression, he said, "Brother Zhang, you must understand that I had no intention of deliberately frightening you. The mountains and seas have long been critically ill. Indeed, the current situation was predetermined countless years ago. The mountains and seas are destined for ultimate destruction."

Building on his recent terrifying experience, Zhang Fan was surprisingly not overly shocked to hear of the mountains and seas' fated end. He merely frowned and questioned, "Ultimately? Destined?" Faced with Xuanyuan Hong's resolute statement, he instinctively felt a sense of disbelief.

Xuanyuan Hong offered no explanation, but continued, "The return of the mountains and seas to the void is an unchangeable outcome. Any means of struggle will prove futile. It is akin to the cycle of life and death in the mortal realm. If there were no death, what meaning would life hold? The return of the mountains and seas to the void does not signify the end of all things. On the contrary, it might well be a new beginning. The so-called struggle to save the world only adds to vexation," King Xuantian sighed softly.

"So, Brother Xuanyuan, you mean..." Zhang Fan stared blankly at King Xuantian.

Addressing Zhang Fan's query, Xuanyuan Hong spoke gravely, "Rather than venturing out and struggling in vain, it would be better to remain here and fully enjoy your freedom, awaiting the restart of the cycle. There is no harm in telling you now: besides Senior Fishing Old Man, several other seniors are in seclusion here. They are sufficient to sustain us, free from worry, until the very last moment of the mountains and seas."

What Xuanyuan Hong said certainly sounded reasonable to some extent. However, Zhang Fan had embarked on his cultivation path precisely for longevity and freedom. Moreover, he had not personally experienced the depths of despair inherent in the mountains and seas' cycle of reincarnation. Naturally, he would not extinguish the stirring thoughts within his heart. He offered no reply, only silence.

Xuanyuan Hong discerned Zhang Fan's inner thoughts and added, "Of course, if your will is truly resilient, and after realizing the truth of the Dao Annihilation within the mountains and seas, you can still muster the courage to venture forth... then we will certainly not stop you." As Xuanyuan Hong spoke, a peculiar expression flickered across his face.