Chapter 1450: The Great Sun Flame Body Refinement

Li Fan was stunned at first when he heard this, but then he was overjoyed.

“If someone else had told me this, I would have assumed they had been locked up in the Black Prison for too long and had become fond of spouting crazy nonsense. But since Brother Nangong is the one saying it…”

“Then I have nothing to fear!”

Faced with Li Fan’s flattery, Nangong Hongzhao did not say anything on the surface. However, the faint smile that inadvertently appeared on his face had already betrayed his inner thoughts.

Taking this conversation as an opportunity, Li Fan and Nangong Hongzhao gradually grew closer.

Li Fan quietly learned some information about the Nangong family. It could not be considered absolutely secret, but it was something that cultivators in the Shuo Star Sea would never have the qualifications to know unless they reached a certain level.

For example, the reason Nangong Fusheng was given the name 'Fusheng - (Restorer)' was because, before Nangong Fusheng, the Nangong family had indeed produced an existence who could be called a 'Sage.' This person was named Nangong 'Fusheng - (Blessed).' One of his achievements had been the initial establishment of the Dao Net and its protection of all living beings. However, Fusheng had not appeared in the mortal world for a long time, leaving only the Fusheng (Restorer) to act in his stead.

Another example was that the Nangong family possessed an supreme treasure. It was said to have been obtained when they once surrounded and hunted the Nameless True Immortal. It was the clothing worn by the Nameless True Immortal.

Setting aside how precious the material of these clothes was, their miraculous effect alone was astonishing. In truth, they had been transformed from the Great Dao that the Nameless True Immortal had fused with. After the Nameless True Immortal was captured, the clothes were forcibly stripped from his body.

If a cultivator was fortunate enough to wear these clothes and could withstand them without dying, it would be as though they had fallen into a sea of the Great Dao, with the very bodies of the Great Dao surrounding them. Their efficiency in comprehending the Great Dao would be even greater than when cultivating within the Dao Net.

The only drawback was that such extraordinary efficiency only manifested along the Dao corresponding to the Nameless True Immortal.

...

Nangong Hongzhao gradually discovered that Ma Tiande, this former Dao Net operator, possessed an understanding and perception of the Dao Net that was even faintly superior to his own. With only a few words, Li Fan would often leave Nangong Hongzhao benefiting immensely.

It had to be known that among these newly appointed Immortal Hunters, most had studied under famous masters. None of them was willing to submit to another. Someone like Ma Tiande, who ranked near the top in the examination yet remained exceptionally humble, was extremely rare.

“This person is worth befriending.”

Nangong Hongzhao thought this to himself.

Time passed day by day amid the two of them exchanging ideas.

As if confirming Nangong Hongzhao’s words, after being imprisoned in the Black Prison for a full ninety days, they were finally released.

“Every word and action of yours in the Black Prison has been recorded.”

“This is the final stage of your induction assessment.”

“The previous rankings will be adjusted slightly.”

“The official appointments of the Immortal Hunters will be based on the new list.”

“Go rest for now. Wait for further notice.”

Upon being released, the newly appointed Immortal Hunters heard these words.

Some were overjoyed and congratulated themselves for having remained restrained throughout. Others had expressions that changed repeatedly, regretting their earlier actions.

Of course, true prodigies such as Nangong Hongzhao, Dao Yuan, and Jin Changyue clearly would not be deceived by such rhetoric.

Jin Changyue let out a cold snort. The three long swords behind her simultaneously released shrill sword cries. It took considerable effort before she managed to suppress the killing intent that had leaked out.

Nangong Hongzhao exchanged a glance with Li Fan, then silently left with him.

The Nangong family's resting place was a separate courtyard opened within the Immortal Hunter organization. The Immortal Hunters organization itself was located within the Dao Net and did not exist in the real world.

This separate courtyard was also transformed from the power of the Dao Net. As the owner's level of authority increased, its area would continuously expand. It could also freely change its appearance according to the owner's thoughts.

Because it was formed from the power of the Dao Net, residing within it allowed one to constantly comprehend the power of the Dao Net. Compared to cultivating in the external Star Sea, the efficiency was countless times greater.

Under Nangong Hongzhao's control, the scenery of the courtyard instantly transformed into a winding karst cave. Following Nangong Hongzhao, Li Fan gradually arrived deep within the cave.

Beneath the enormous cavern was blazing lava.

“Congratulations, Brother. Your ranking has improved once again, putting you in the top three. It seems you should be entrusted with an important position.”

Nangong Hongzhao said this teasingly with a smile.

As he spoke, he suddenly leaped down and plunged into the lava.

Immersed in the extremely high temperature lava, Nangong Hongzhao actually let out a series of groans.

“I never expected Brother Nangong to have such a peculiar hobby.”

Li Fan stared down below without following him.

Unlike the various illusions manifested within the Tianxuan Mirror's dwelling space, everything within this Dao Net courtyard was real. Just like all things in heaven and earth, they were manifestations of the Great Dao.

Cultivators of the Shuo Star Sea focused solely on comprehending the Dao Net, while neglecting their own cultivation.

'Ma Tiande' clearly did not possess the ability to survive in such scorching lava.

“Hehe, you wouldn't understand. This is Great Sun Flame Essence. In theory, only after the great suns of ninety-nine cultivation worlds are collectively destroyed, followed by refining them with Yin power, can a single drop like this be formed.”

“And now, through the unfathomable power of the Dao Net, countless complicated steps in between can actually be omitted, creating something from nothing! Such treasures, which in the past could only be enjoyed by True Immortals, can now be enjoyed to our hearts' content by ordinary mortals like us!”

As Nangong Hongzhao spoke, he raised a drop of Great Sun Flame Essence in his hand.

Li Fan saw that the viscous scarlet liquid was continuously and slowly seeping into Nangong Hongzhao's body through the pores all over his body.

His body gradually turned red, as if it had been ignited.

Yet Nangong Hongzhao acted as though nothing had happened. He even happily took a sip.

Li Fan's eyes immediately narrowed.

Even from a distance, he could tell how terrifying the destructive power of this so-called Great Sun Flame Essence was. The bathwater beneath Nangong Hongzhao alone was probably enough to turn the entire Xuanhuang Realm into scorched earth.

“Even if this were my true body, without using spiritual power to protect myself, plunging into this Flame Essence would probably cause me to turn to ash in an instant. Yet Nangong Hongzhao can actually achieve this relying solely on his physical body…”

Li Fan suddenly recalled the scene when Nangong Hongzhao had been sent flying with a single slap by the enraged Nangong Fusheng.

When Nangong Fusheng descended, the surrounding starry sky seemed to instantly plunge into a violent tsunami, with waves surging wildly.

And that slap had clearly contained no restraint. With such tremendous force, even a True Immortal would probably have suffered severe injuries after taking it.

Yet Nangong Hongzhao had been completely unharmed and had even been able to follow him and return at extreme speed.

“Body Refinement Technique.”

Li Fan's heart was filled with understanding.

Nangong Hongzhao's following words also confirmed Li Fan's guess.

“In the Shuo Star Sea, the power of the Dao Net is supreme.”

“This is such a magnificent and extraordinary creation. It allows mortals to manipulate the laws of the Great Dao just like the immortals of old. However, compared to immortals, we mortals are still far too insignificant. It is like a child holding a sharp blade. They may fail to injure their enemy and instead wound themselves.”

“And the methods of the Immortals have been explicitly prohibited by the Council. Therefore…”

Nangong Hongzhao took a deep breath.

All the pores throughout his body opened simultaneously, like enormous bloody mouths, swallowing the entire pool of Great Sun Flame Essence into his body.

“Refreshing!”

At this moment, Nangong Hongzhao's face had been completely dyed red.

He grunted and slowly exhaled a long breath of scorching air.

There was not the slightest fluctuation of spiritual energy from his body. He merely relied on trembling at an extreme speed to digest the Great Sun Flame Essence.

Nangong Hongzhao’s expression slowly returned to normal. He leaped up and came to Li Fan’s side before continuing, “Dao Yuan, Jin Changyue, and the others, every one of them has a unique Body Refinement method just like I do. Do not be fooled by their seemingly frail appearances!”

“This is also the greatest difference between the famous families of the Shuo Star Sea and people like you, brother, who were born naturally.”

Nangong Hongzhao patted Li Fan on the shoulder and spoke meaningfully.

“Use the body as a nail and incorporate it into the Dao Net. The stronger the body is tempered, the more Dao Net strings it can withstand. Dao Yuan and the others received special cultivation from childhood and have long since been tempered through countless trials. But someone like Brother Ma...”

“Even though you can now draw upon the power of the Dao Net to a certain extent, figuring out by yourself what materials to use and what methods to employ for Body Refinement, while ensuring that you do not injure yourself in the process, how could that possibly compare with our inheritance passed down through countless generations?”

Having spoken this far, how could Li Fan not understand what Nangong Hongzhao meant?

Li Fan bowed deeply, his expression solemn. “I ask Brother Nangong to teach me. Whether I succeed in mastering it or not, I will certainly repay this great favor in the future. Should you ever have need of me, I will not hesitate even if it means certain death!”

Nangong Hongzhao helped Li Fan up. “You and I are exceptionally compatible, brother. There is no need to speak like this. However, I am not merely putting on an act. You should know that every Body Refinement cultivation method nowadays has already been deduced to its limits and tested through the lives of countless people. They are indeed extremely precious.”

Li Fan nodded. “I naturally understand this principle.”

“You spent a long time talking with us in the Black Prison, and I have also come to understand you quite well. You have already passed the best age for Body Refinement. With ordinary Body Refinement methods, even if you put in several times the effort, the results would still be greatly diminished. However, your advantage lies in your understanding of the Dao Net, which far surpasses that of ordinary people. Therefore...”

Nangong Hongzhao once again looked Li Fan up and down before saying softly, “This [Great Dao Embodiment Body Art] could not be more suitable for you!”

Before Nangong Hongzhao could finish speaking, Li Fan raised his hand and stopped him.

Li Fan’s expression became somewhat solemn as he quietly asked, “I suddenly thought of something. This Body Refinement method is so precious. If Brother Nangong privately passes it on to me...”

“Senior Fusheng will not punish you, will he?”

“If so, then I absolutely cannot accept it.”

Seeing how sincere Li Fan looked, completely unlike someone making a polite refusal, Nangong Hongzhao froze on the spot.

But he quickly recovered and waved his hand. “It is fine. Although the cultivation method is precious, its confidentiality level is not particularly high. I am only passing it on to you. Third Granduncle will certainly not punish me.”

“Listen carefully...”

The cavern formed within the Dao Net Courtyard quietly sealed itself off. Inside, Nangong Hongzhao transmitted the complete [Great Dao Embodiment Body Art] to Li Fan.

With Li Fan’s experience, he quickly understood the origins of this cultivation method.

Without a doubt, this technique bore traces of immortal cultivation arts.

It involved visualizing the Great Dao of the world as a net to suppress oneself, using the weight of the Heavenly Dao and Earthly Dao to temper the body.

During the Body Refinement process, besides increasing physical strength, it could also deepen one’s affinity with and comprehension of the Great Dao.

Just as Nangong Hongzhao had said, it was an extraordinarily profound and exceptionally precious Body Refinement art.

However, it also had its shortcomings.

Its difficulty of cultivation was simply too high.

To reach the point of visualizing the Great Dao descending upon the body, one’s comprehension of the Heavenly Dao and Earthly Dao had clearly already reached an extremely high level, perhaps even surpassing that of countless immortals.

With such profound familiarity with the Great Dao, one could simply merge with the Great Dao and ascend into Nameless.

Why would there be any need to slowly temper the physical body? Would that not be taking the long way around?

“Perhaps only the Shuo Star Sea, under the coverage of the Dao Net, could give birth to such a deformed and peculiar cultivation art.”

“First, it uses the tangible Dao Net to replace the intangible Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, lowering the threshold for cultivation by a considerable amount.”

“Second, the Shuo Star Sea is a surviving gathering place of the Immortal Realm and the lower realm Star Seas beneath the Dao Annihilation Calamity. True Immortals, and even Nameless True Immortals, have gathered here. Only under such circumstances could this Great Dao Embodiment Body Art have been deduced...”

Li Fan’s mind surged with countless thoughts, but this did not delay him from beginning to cultivate the Body Refinement art.

Since he was already within the Dao Net, he naturally did not need to go through the complicated process of visualizing the Dao strings descending upon his body.

Suddenly, it was as if layer upon layer of mountains had crashed down upon his body.

Li Fan immediately fell to the ground in a sorry state. In an instant, large amounts of blood sprayed from the pores all over his body.

It nearly splashed all over Nangong Hongzhao, who was watching from the side, but fortunately, he stopped it in time.

The corner of Nangong Hongzhao’s mouth twitched.

Li Fan struggled to get up from the ground and tidied his disheveled appearance. Somewhat weakly, he cupped his hands toward Nangong Hongzhao and said, “I have made a fool of myself before Brother Nangong. I did not expect this Body Refinement method to be so difficult to cultivate.”

Nangong Hongzhao comforted him, “Brother Ma, remember to advance gradually and do not become greedy. It is normal to suffer some hardship.”

“The suffering I endured when I was young was a hundred times worse than what you are experiencing now!”

“Brother Ma, although I have already passed the Great Dao Embodiment Body Art to you, I cannot tell you how to cultivate it in detail, nor can I share the related insights, experiences, or cultivation experience.”

“You must figure everything out on your own.”

Li Fan cupped his fists. “Obtaining such a divine art is already an immense favor. How could I dare hope for anything more?”

“I will not disturb Brother Nangong any further today. I shall return and cultivate.”

After some polite exchanges, Li Fan bid farewell to Nangong Hongzhao and returned to his own residence.

His official position was nominally even higher than Nangong Hongzhao’s. Yet the area of his residence was actually somewhat smaller than his counterpart’s.

Li Fan did not mind. He transformed the residence into a replica of the summit of Jieli Mountain.

Sitting cross-legged on the ground, he officially began cultivating the [Great Dao Embodiment Body Art].

His pathetic display before Nangong Hongzhao had naturally been intentional. He had merely been looking for an excuse to leave.

Given the delicacy of Li Fan’s perception of the Great Dao, the speed at which he cultivated this art would likely far exceed anything Nangong Hongzhao could imagine.

Moreover, Li Fan was not simply following the cultivation method mechanically.

Li Fan now possessed the ability to modify cultivation methods according to his own unique circumstances.

“Great Dao Embodiment Body.”

“And within my heart, a projection of the Great Dao has already begun to emerge.”

“Therefore...”

“There is no need for the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth to descend. I only need to contemplate it within my mind, allowing the Dao strings to transform from the illusory into the tangible.”

“Then I can borrow the might of the Great Dao to temper my physical body.”

Li Fan narrowed his eyes slightly. The miniature Dao Net within his divine sense subsequently began to radiate waves of faint light.