Chapter 513

Chapter 513: Spirit Transformation Formation

Xu Fan looked at the empty and abandoned teleportation formation and sighed.

“Peaceful life always gets interrupted.”

“I invested in the original stocks; my foresight was good.”

“It’s fine if you envy my profits, but targeting me is your mistake,” Xu Fan muttered.

“I hope this little trick of mine teaches you a lesson.”

He had planted a special seed in the twelve puppets he sent back—a seed that would awaken the true spirit’s nature.

In the seclusion chamber, Xu Fan murmured, “This time, I hope nothing disturbs my meditation.”

Xu Fan slowly closed his eyes, entering the No Self cultivation state.

Time flowed like water, and in the timeless realm of cultivation, Xu Fan meditated for a full sixty years.

When he finally opened his eyes, great scriptures appeared in the sky, covering the walls of the Hidden Spirit Sect’s grand formation.

“This formation must mean your Master Ancestor has come out of seclusion,” said Spirit Cut, who was teaching his grandson.

“Grandpa, what do these scriptures mean? Why can’t I understand any of them?” Li Chufan asked, staring at the scriptures on the formation walls.

“It’s normal not to understand; even I can’t decipher some of them.”

“So in situations like this, just act impressed by the great scriptures.”

“It makes you look deep and cultured,” Spirit Cut said, wearing an expression of awe.

“Grandpa, the Master Ancestor said we should be honest unless it’s unnecessary,” Li Chufan replied with a smile.

“What I meant is, you don’t need to be honest out there; here, it’s not necessary,” Spirit Cut said, his expression turning serious.

At that moment, everyone in the sect, except those in seclusion, saw the great scriptures on the formation walls.

The door to Xu Fan’s seclusion chamber opened softly, and he stepped out.

“Having reached the peak of the Transformation Stage, I’ve finally accomplished something meaningful,” Xu Fan said with a smile.

He glanced at the sky and waved his hand, drawing all the great scriptures into his palm.

In a flash of light, Xu Gang, Wang Xiangchi, Li Xingci, and Zhou Kailing appeared in Xu Fan’s courtyard.

“Welcome back, Master,” they said respectfully.

“I’ve been in seclusion for sixty years; you’ve all done well during this time,” Xu Fan said with satisfaction.

“It’s our duty to serve the sect,” Xu Gang replied.

During Xu Fan’s seclusion, whenever Xu Gang had time, he would lead the puppets to eliminate nearby beast races.

If you ever see a large, flat piece of land within Lin Sen Fairy City, you can be sure Xu Gang has been there.

“Where’s Yuexian?” Xu Fan asked, looking around.

“She was out capturing beast races and beasts; she’s probably on her way back now,” Li Xingci replied.

Xu Fan nodded.

“During my 60 years of seclusion, I’ve gained deep insights into the Dao. In a few days, I’ll share them with you,” Xu Fan said with a smile.

Over these six decades, Xu Fan had not only reached the peak of the Transformation Stage but also meticulously revised the Five Elements Technique. He wanted to update his disciples on their techniques.

“Thank you, Master,” Xu Gang and the others said, bowing respectfully.

“Alright, carry on with your tasks. I still have some matters to attend to,” Xu Fan said, his figure vanishing before their eyes.

At the second branch of the Hidden Spirit Sect, where the original two realms passage once stood, Xu Fan appeared before the grape entity.

“Master, the special law has been fully deduced. We can now allow those talented but aging Tian Puppet Masters to enter,” the grape said.

“Finally, it’s done. Bring them over, especially Following Shadows. Let the Jade Light Beast King accompany him on this journey.”

“He’s had a hard time these years,” Xu Fan said.

During his seclusion, he occasionally took time to keep track of such important news.

While in seclusion, Following Shadows had married a female cultivator named Xiao Su. The couple had a child the following year. However, three years later, tragedy struck when a highly concealed Core Formation stage beast race ambushed the team Xiao Su was part of during a mission.

The entire team of cultivators was wiped out, and that same year, Following Shadows advanced to the seventh rank of Tian Puppet Master.

In the decades that followed, Following Shadows spent his time either battling beast races or traveling to eliminate them.

Though his body was sustained by spiritual herbs, his soul continued to wither. Even the Precious Artifact Rabbit Clan’s secret techniques could only slow the process.

Now, Following Shadows was barely clinging to life, his soul like a fragile flame in the wind, at risk of being extinguished at any moment.

“Understood, Master,” the grape replied.

Soon after, a spiritual boat appeared.

A dignified woman with a pair of pristine white rabbit ears helped a hunched old man step off the boat.

Though the old man looked like a flickering candle in the wind, the sword intent in his eyes burned brighter than ever.

“Please escort Following Shadows into the glowing portal,” the grape’s voice announced.

A glowing portal appeared before them.

“What awaits him beyond this portal? What can save him?” the woman with rabbit ears asked.

“You’ll see once you enter,” the grape replied.

Hearing this, the woman guided the old man into the glowing portal.

As soon as they stepped through, they were transported to the center of the grand formation.

“Greetings, Grand Elder,” the Jade Light Beast King said, bowing respectfully.

The old man could only manage a slight nod toward Xu Fan, his strength too depleted to speak.

Xu Fan nodded in return, then turned to the Jade Light Beast King. “Has your clan adjusted to life in the Human Realm?”

“Over the years, we’ve grown accustomed to life here. Thank you for your protection, Grand Elder,” the Jade Light Beast King replied respectfully.

Life in the Human Realm had proven far easier for the Precious Artifact Rabbit Clan than they had anticipated, even bringing them more joy than their time in the demon race.

“That’s good to hear. The Hidden Spirit Sect will remain in a permanent alliance with your clan,” Xu Fan promised.

The unspoken message was clear: as long as he was around, the Precious Artifact Rabbit Clan would be under his protection.

“Thank you for your kindness toward our clan, Grand Elder,” the Jade Light Beast King said, bowing once more.

“Helping each other is only natural,” Xu Fan replied with a smile.

“Now, I’ll begin the process of transforming Following Shadows’ spirit root body. This will take some time, so you’re free to leave if you have no other matters,” Xu Fan said, politely dismissing her.

“Grand Elder, may I stay and watch?”

“I’d like to see him restored to his youthful self,” the Jade Light Beast King said.

Since her clan had moved to the Human Realm, she had taken on the role of Following Shadows’ personal caregiver.

Years of constant companionship had given her a deep admiration for this man, whose life revolved around his sword and his family.

Xu Fan nodded, noting the appreciation in her gaze.

As long as it wasn’t a twisted fate.

The Jade Light Beast King stood quietly behind Xu Fan, watching as he activated the grand formation.

A sharply defined black-and-white Bagua formation rose, followed by intertwining green and red spiritual lights in the sky.

Following Shadows, now an old man, began to rise slowly from the ground.