Chapter 497

Chapter 497: The Possibility of Buying the Way of Heaven

Soon after, Spirit Cut began a time for happiness in the depths of the Extreme Void Domain, akin to using a double resources cheat in a game.

Although the depths of the Extreme Void Domain weren’t exactly brimming with artifact-level spirit ore as Spirit Cut had imagined, it was no longer as challenging to find an artifact-level spirit ore star as searching for a needle in a haystack.

Three months later, Spirit Cut was still in high spirits.

"Grand Elder, this place truly lives up to its reputation as the inner area of the Extreme Void Domain. The haul this time surpasses what I collected in my last five trips with the previous Star Ship," Spirit Cut said, deftly navigating the Serpent Spirit Ship around a lightning zone disaster.

"The greater the risk, the greater the reward," Xu Fan replied with a smile, clearly impressed by the bounty.

"Indeed, Grand Elder, your enhancements to the Star Ship are remarkable. Without them, exploring this inner area of the Extreme Void Domain would require nine lives," Spirit Cut joked.

Just then, the detection map highlighted a large spirit ore star ahead.

"Up ahead, another premium artifact-level spirit ore star. It looks promising," Spirit Cut pointed out on the illusionary map.

"According to the scan, this spirit ore star is at least two thousand feet in diameter. Let’s capture it and see what treasures it holds," Xu Fan said, reviewing Grape’s analysis data.

"It’ll take over an hour to reach it," Spirit Cut noted, adjusting the course and pushing the Serpent Spirit Ship to its first-limit speed towards the spirit ore star.

As they traveled, the mood lightened, and Spirit Cut struck up a conversation with the Grand Elder.

He always enjoyed these chats with the Grand Elder, as they invariably expanded his knowledge and perspective.

"Grand Elder, are you here in your true form or a clone this time?" Spirit Cut inquired curiously.

It was common knowledge in the Hidden Spirit Sect that the Grand Elder seldom ventured out, and when he did, it was usually through controlled puppets or clones.

"Guess if I’m in my true form," Xu Fan teased with a playful smile.

He only ventured out in his true form because he had a backup at home; he never took unnecessary risks.

"I’ve heard of a fundamental divine technique in the Thousand Worlds called ‘One Qi Transforms into Three Clear,’ and I suspect the Grand Elder has mastered it," Spirit Cut joked.

Most Great Ascension Masters have some grasp of basic clone techniques, such as thought clones, soul clones, and flesh clones, but there’s a vast difference in their capabilities.

The most basic is a mere thought clone shadow, while the most advanced can replace the true form in death or even become a true divine being.

"You’re selling yourself short, Spirit Cut Elder. ‘One Qi Transforms into Three Clear’ is just the beginning. The pinnacle is transforming one’s consciousness into the void, coexisting with heaven and earth; as long as they exist, so do you."

"Would you like to learn, Spirit Cut Elder?" Xu Fan asked with a mischievous grin.

"Grand Elder, don’t jest; there’s no such divine technique as transforming consciousness into the void. The way of heaven in this realm wouldn’t permit it," Spirit Cut retorted, his expression skeptical.

"Spirit Cut Elder, you’re missing the point! Just like your Blood Sea technique, at its peak, it’s a matter of ‘as long as the Blood Sea remains, you remain,’ and even a single drop can regenerate flesh and bone."

"Besides, you don’t have to transform into the void in this realm. You could find another small thousand worlds and offer sufficient benefits to the way of heaven here. Wouldn’t that work?" Xu Fan chuckled.

Curious about my secrets? Let’s see if I can lead you astray first.

Hearing Xu Fan’s words, Spirit Cut began to contemplate the feasibility of the divine technique mentioned.

"It seems there’s some merit to what the Grand Elder says."

After a long pause, as they neared the spirit ore star, Spirit Cut finally spoke.

"Grand Elder, what kind of benefits would we need to offer the way of heaven to achieve what you’ve described?" Spirit Cut asked earnestly.

His expression made it clear to Xu Fan that he was genuinely intrigued.

Hearing Spirit Cut’s words, Xu Fan replied seriously, "The way of heaven can actually be quite easy to bribe."

"First, Spirit Cut Elder needs to find a middle thousand world that’s on par with this realm," Xu Fan said, pausing deliberately to gauge Spirit Cut’s attentive expression.

"Then, Grand Elder, don’t leave me hanging," Spirit Cut said, itching for more.

"Has Spirit Cut Elder ever heard of a technique called ‘Great Annihilation Technique’? It can obliterate an entire realm, plunging it into chaos."

Xu Fan spoke slowly, but Spirit Cut’s face changed quickly; he realized he was being toyed with.

"Then, Spirit Cut Elder would likely need ten Universe Ships to haul the annihilated realm and merge it with this realm’s way of heaven. That should grant your request," Xu Fan said with a sly smile. When discussing such matters, it’s crucial to hide the key details to avoid unwanted attention.

"Grand Elder, don’t take me for a fool. I’ve sweated, bled, and risked my life for the sect. You can’t treat me like this," Spirit Cut said, his tone somber.

"Grand Elder might think I’m joking, but I’m dead serious," Xu Fan replied earnestly.

"With that kind of power, I could directly threaten…"

Spirit Cut almost mentioned the way of heaven, but Xu Fan quickly intervened.

"Let me be clear, I wasn’t trying to provoke Spirit Cut Elder into saying that," Xu Fan said with a smile.

"And I appreciate the Grand Elder’s timely reminder," Spirit Cut replied, a bead of sweat forming on his brow.

Though it’s known in the cultivation world that the way of heaven lacks self-awareness, openly threatening it would surely draw its attention, potentially prompting defensive measures.

"Haha, I was just teasing Spirit Cut Elder. But I do have some advanced clone techniques, which I can pass on to you once you’re ready to rebuild," Xu Fan said, ensuring the joke came with a perk.

"Really?" Spirit Cut asked, as advanced clone techniques are among the most prized inheritances of any sect or family.

"Would I ever treat Spirit Cut Elder as an outsider?" Xu Fan replied with a smile.

"Then, thank you for your generosity, Grand Elder."

After speaking, Spirit Cut adeptly maneuvered the Serpent Spirit Ship to deploy a flying claw, capturing the large Spirit Ore Star.

"This star contains soul crystals!" Xu Fan exclaimed, pleasantly surprised.

"Soul crystals should be beneficial for Grape," Spirit Cut pondered and said.

"They can boost Grape’s computing power and increase the number of Grape’s clones. Most importantly, they’re essential for Grape’s transformation into a spiritual cultivator," Xu Fan explained with a smile.

Some spirit ores, though not high-grade, can be as useful as artifact-level materials.

"Spiritual cultivator, is the Grand Elder truly willing to let Grape transform?" Spirit Cut inquired.

"Why hesitate? Even as a spiritual cultivator, Grape won’t leave my side," Xu Fan said with a grin.

"I will always be Grape, the owner’s loyal servant, forever dedicated to serving the owner and the Hidden Spirit Sect."

Grape spoke with unwavering determination, his tone powerful, tinged with fervor and a deep admiration for Xu Fan.