171: Mo Fan: After all, it was a wrong payment

After his cultivation breakthrough, Mo Fan quickly washed up, grabbed a quick breakfast, and headed to the Trial Tower.

He wanted to continue comprehending the formation source patterns and domain origins.

He knew the importance of these things.

He was able to earn over 30,000 spirit stones this time, thanks to the formation source patterns he comprehended in the Trial Tower.

Without these formation source patterns, Mo Fan would have never been able to decipher the Blood Formation in two months.

Forget two months, it would probably have been difficult in two years.

Besides that, Mo Fan planned to find a way to return to the secret realm.

Whether it was to explore the military camp or the inheritance grounds of other peaks.

Mo Fan felt that formations and domains were crucial skills.

If he could comprehend all the formation source patterns and domain origins, he would surely be in his element and gain a lot when he re-entered the secret realm.

Therefore, during the half-month he spent comprehending 'momentum' and preparing for his advancement to Heavenly Mandate.

Mo Fan would also take time to occasionally go to the Trial Tower to comprehend formation source patterns and domain origins.

However, he had hit a bottleneck.

After half a month, he had only comprehended 100 new formation source patterns.

There was nothing he could do; his spiritual power hadn't kept up.

The further he progressed, the harder it became to trigger resonance with the formation source patterns.

But now, there seemed to be a turning point.

"Now that my cultivation has broken through to Heavenly Mandate, both the quality and quantity of my spiritual power have doubled. Comprehending formation source patterns should be easier now, right?"

Thinking this, Mo Fan quickly arrived at the Trial Tower.

Four hours and a few minutes later.

Mo Fan was transported out of the Trial Tower with a joyful expression.

"The improvement in spiritual power really makes a difference. This time, I directly comprehended a hundred patterns. It's too powerful!"

Mo Fan exclaimed that the number of formation source patterns he comprehended this time was equivalent to what he had achieved in the previous half-month.

"I wonder how long this speed can last. It would be great if I could comprehend all the remaining formation source patterns in one go."

Thinking this, Mo Fan pushed open the bronze door again and continued to challenge the tower.

Given his current spiritual power intensity.

He could challenge the tower four times consecutively before feeling mentally exhausted.

"It's just a bit time-consuming. If spiritual power consumption is too high, it's also difficult to maintain the speed of sword nurturing in the Qi Sea—

"Forget it, challenging the tower three times a day is more suitable.

"The remaining time can be used to cultivate the Golden Body Art."

While thinking, Mo Fan stepped into the metal ring on the first floor of the Trial Tower.

"The Golden Body Art has broken through to the third layer, and the amplification effect is even better, raising the ceiling again.

"I am far from reaching saturation now, so I need to spend more time cultivating the Golden Body Art to continue improving my physique."

Mo Fan was quite fascinated by the descriptions in the Golden Body Art.

Shattering a planet with a single palm—wouldn't that scare you?

"Time never seems to be enough. When can I finally relax?" Mo Fan frowned.

Just then, the metal ring lit up.

Mo Fan skillfully recited, "Begin challenge."

...In the evening, when the sky was covered in a rosy glow, Mo Fan left the Trial Tower.

From six in the morning until now.

Mo Fan had challenged the tower three times consecutively.

Each time lasting a little over four hours.

"In the blink of an eye, it's almost dark. Challenging the tower is too time-consuming."

Mo Fan shook his head; only three challenges had consumed an entire day.

"Fortunately, the gains were good. Today, I comprehended a total of 260 new formation source patterns.

"Adding the ones I comprehended before, I have now comprehended a total of 2360 formation source patterns.

"I've also almost fully comprehended the domain origins—

"When I've comprehended all of them, that's when I'll finally relax."

While thinking, Mo Fan flew through the air and arrived at Hidden Sword Peak in a flash.

By then, most of the rosy glow had dissipated.

The sun was about to sink into the valley.

The sky suddenly darkened.

Chu Qian was putting away the spirit swords that had been drying in the square.

Mo Fan descended from the sky and went to help her carry the sword chests.

"Oh, Junior Brother Mo Fan is here~" Chu Qian looked at Mo Fan with a smile, revealing two sweet dimples.

Ever since cultivating the complete versions of the Sword Nurturing Art and the Primordial Sword Canon, Chu Qian's complexion had improved significantly.

Her originally pale face was now much rosier, looking gentle and captivating, with a unique charm.

The former Chu Qian, though easygoing, had a somewhat cold demeanor due to her sword cultivation.

But now, she had completely transformed into a sweet girl.

"Good evening, Senior Sister." Mo Fan greeted her.

"Hehe, is Junior Brother here to see Junior Sister Jingjing again?" Chu Qian blinked and asked.

"Yes, and to discuss swordsmanship with the Elder." Mo Fan replied truthfully.

"Excellent, as expected of you, Mo 'Roll King'!" Chu Qian gave him a thumbs up.

He even had to discuss swordsmanship with the Elder while seeing his sweetheart!

One could only say, it was truly him!

Chu Qian knew how diligent Mo Fan was.

When he was breaking the formation before, he worked day and night.

He arrived at dawn.

And left when the moon was about to set.

It was said that after leaving Hidden Sword Peak, he would still go to the Trial Tower!

Too diligent!

Fortunately, he was a high-level martial artist.

If it were a normal person, working like this, they would probably die suddenly in a few days!

"Junior Brother, let me do this. Go quickly and find Junior Sister Jingjing~"

Seeing Mo Fan help put away the swords, Chu Qian quickly stopped him.

"It's fine, it'll only take a moment. After we're done with the swords, I have something to tell you." Mo Fan said with a smile.

Chu Qian was stunned, then finally nodded, feeling warmth in her heart.

As cultivators, even if a sword chest weighed several kilograms, it was effortless for both of them to carry. In just over ten minutes, all the spirit swords in the square were moved back.

After moving the swords, Mo Fan looked at Chu Qian and said directly, "Senior Sister, try circulating the Sword Nurturing Art while using the Primordial Sword Canon to assist in nurturing your sword."

"Okay." Chu Qian nodded, sat down cross-legged, immediately circulated the Sword Nurturing Art breathing technique, and began cultivating the Primordial Sword Canon.

Mo Fan focused his spiritual power to envelop Chu Qian, carefully perceiving her.

Chu Qian's talent was already quite good.

But compared to Liu Xiyan and Xu Jing, it was still quite lacking.

Now, she had only recently achieved an introductory level in the Primordial Sword Canon, having temporarily opened only three small spaces.

After observing for two cycles following Chu Qian's rhythm, Mo Fan had her stop.

He carefully explained some of the issues.

After offering reasonable suggestions, Mo Fan bid farewell to Chu Qian and walked into the Sword Pavilion, heading towards the backyard.

With his guidance.

Plus Chu Qian's original comprehension.

In time, opening over thirty small spaces would not be too difficult.

By then, not to mention Heavenly Mandate Primordial.

Transcendent would certainly be no problem.

Of course, with more effort and research, Heavenly Mandate might not be out of reach either.

Sword cultivators entering Heavenly Mandate were not as complex as martial cultivators, who needed to comprehend 'momentum' and cultivate their minds.

Sword cultivators only needed to continuously nurture their swords, constantly refine their sword qi into sword intent, and condense that sword intent...

Sword Pavilion backyard.

By now, it was completely dark.

Five giant stone tablets glowed, illuminating the entire backyard.

"It's quite energy-efficient and environmentally friendly."

Mo Fan smiled, looking at Xu Jing, who was cultivating not far away.

Mo Fan saw Xu Jing.

The current Xu Jing wore a plain dress, her face was delicate and beautiful, and her demeanor was elegant, giving off a gentle feeling.

Mo Fan still remembered that when he first met Xu Jing, the girl was wearing a red dress, her face was cold, and she appeared very aloof.

Later, as they interacted more, Mo Fan discovered that she was actually socially anxious, the kind who would stammer when talking to people.

Therefore, she rarely spoke.

If she did, it would only be one or two words.

She was only dedicated to doing her own things.

She was completely unskilled in other areas.

Now, her dedication was to nurture her sword, to become a sword immortal as soon as possible.

So she nurtured her sword day and night.

No matter when Mo Fan came to the Sword Pavilion, he would see her nurturing her sword.

Of course, besides nurturing her sword, she would also diligently complete her duties at the Sword Pavilion.

Drying swords, wiping dust off spirit swords, organizing sword chests, she completed all these tasks meticulously.

In addition, if someone came to borrow a sword, she would also handle the registration and fees.

These tasks were completed jointly with Chu Qian.

Chu Qian worked Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Xu Jing worked Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

And they had one day off.

"You, you're here."

Hearing the familiar footsteps, Xu Jing quickly stopped cultivating and turned to look at Mo Fan.

"Yes, I'm here." Mo Fan smiled, subconsciously reaching into his system space to pull out some snacks to feed her, but found it empty.

Mo Fan awkwardly scratched his head: "Sorry, I forgot to bring food today."

Xu Jing quickly shook her head: "No, no need to bring..."

"Okay, I understand." Mo Fan nodded.

He had been too busy recently.

He kept forgetting to resupply.

His system space was already empty.

He decided to take some time tomorrow to return to Jiang City.

Besides resupplying, he would also visit Grandfather Sun and check if there were any clues about his unreliable father.

After chatting casually with Xu Jing for a while and giving her some pointers on her cultivation, Mo Fan stepped into the air and headed towards the back mountain.

In fact, Xu Jing no longer needed Mo Fan's guidance in cultivation.

Now, she only needed to steadily cultivate her sword for two years, and she would undoubtedly become a Sword Immortal.

There was no other way; cultivating the sword within her Qi Sea was simply too outrageous, like using a cheat code... Mo Fan arrived at the back mountain.

He saw Liu Xiyan, who was still cultivating by the cliff.

Mo Fan walked straight over and sat down beside her.

"You're here," Liu Xiyan looked at him and smiled.

"Mhm, I'm here," Mo Fan nodded.

"What do you need me for this time?" Liu Xiyan asked.

"Can't I come visit the Elder if I don't need anything?" Mo Fan said with a pained expression.

Am I that kind of person?

"If you have no business, don't disturb my cultivation," Liu Xiyan replied.

Hearing this, Mo Fan opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, he could only sigh silently.

"What's wrong?" Liu Xiyan asked, puzzled.

Mo Fan looked at the bright full moon that had just risen, and with a melancholic expression, said, "In the end, it was all for naught."

Liu Xiyan was stunned for a moment, then her face darkened as she glared at him and said, "You're quite bold, daring to tease an Elder?"

Mo Fan scratched his head, looking sincere and honest, "Didn't the Elder say you wanted to be my senior sister?"

Liu Xiyan rolled her eyes at him, "But you didn't agree, did you?"

"Didn't we have to wait for my master to return to discuss it?" Mo Fan chuckled awkwardly.

"Hehe, your master probably won't be back for a year or two; you're just making excuses," Liu Xiyan felt like hitting him.

"No, not at all. I really do have to wait for her to come back. After all, I'm her disciple now. It would be too rude to just run off to another peak without a word," Mo Fan shook his head.

This was true.

Liu Xiyan rolled her eyes at him, a half-smile on her face, "I think you're reluctant to leave the beautiful senior sisters on Crimson Cloud Peak, aren't you?"

As if she had thought of something, Liu Xiyan continued, "I heard from the Sect Master that you're quite familiar with that Miss Mo? Is there something going on? Is that why you're unwilling to leave Crimson Cloud Peak?"

Hearing this, Mo Fan was startled and quickly said seriously,

"You can't say such things! Spreading rumors will bring down lightning."

"Huh?" Liu Xiyan was taken aback.

Just gossiping a bit would lead to being struck by lightning?

That was too terrifying, wasn't it?

However, she also realized that there seemed to be nothing going on between Mo Fan and that incredibly talented Miss Mo.

Given Mo Fan's personality, if there really was something, he wouldn't be so secretive about it.

Besides, she always felt that Mo Fan and Jingjing were the ones meant to be together.

Shaking her head, Liu Xiyan said, "Alright, tell me, what do you need me for?"

Upon hearing this, Mo Fan stopped beating around the bush and said seriously, "Well, I want to go to the Secret Realm again. Does the Elder have a way?"

Hearing this, Liu Xiyan was stunned for a moment, and after a while, she said, "To be honest, I also want to go to the Secret Realm."

"Huh? The Elder also wants to go to the Secret Realm?" Mo Fan was a bit bewildered.

Given Liu Xiyan's current situation,

she only needed to cultivate her sword well.

After a few years, she would directly become a Sword Immortal.

There was no real need to risk going into the Secret Realm.

As if seeing through Mo Fan's thoughts, Liu Xiyan explained,

"For some reasons, I want to improve my strength as quickly as possible. According to my current sword cultivation progress, it will take five years to become a Sword Immortal, which is still a bit slow for me."

Pausing, Liu Xiyan continued, "Now that the Secret Realm has revived a bit again, entering it at this time, although risky, also presents an opportunity to obtain corresponding fortuitous encounters.

"So, I want to go to the Hidden Sword Villa to take a look.

"If I can find a way to resolve my Sword Dao physique and directly unseal my primordial spirit, I believe I will soon be able to complete my sword cultivation again."

At this point, Liu Xiyan looked up at the hazy night sky.

The full moon was now obscured by dark clouds, and the world was pitch black, with visibility reduced to naught.

Hearing this, Mo Fan nodded thoughtfully.

Becoming a Sword Immortal in five years might be a dream for other sword cultivators, something they wouldn't even dare to dream of.

But for Liu Xiyan, who had already completed her sword cultivation once, it was a bit slow.

After all, before this, she had already cultivated her sword for a hundred years.

Plus, she seemed to have her own matters to attend to, requiring her to improve her strength as quickly as possible.

At this point, her desire to venture into the Secret Realm was understandable.

Of course, Mo Fan's focus wasn't on that right now.

His focus was that since Liu Xiyan also wanted to go to the Secret Realm, then this matter would naturally fall into place, and the process shouldn't be complicated.

Of course, he could also directly apply to Gu Qingshan to enter the Secret Realm.

But Gu Qingshan was currently busy assisting the Demon Suppression Division in eradicating the Demonic Cult, and was often nowhere to be seen.

It was precisely for this reason that Mo Fan came to Liu Xiyan.

Having Liu Xiyan contact Gu Qingshan would undoubtedly be much more convenient.

"Then when is the Elder planning to enter the Secret Realm?" Mo Fan asked.

"It should be soon. After the matter of the bloody formation was resolved, Martial Uncle Baihe and Martial Uncle Wu are already researching the Secret Realm's teleportation array."

Liu Xiyan pondered for a moment, then continued,

"Previously, Martial Uncle Yu sent news that he was trapped as soon as he entered the Secret Realm and could only come out when the teleportation array opened. It is speculated that the Secret Realm has begun to restrict the cultivation of entering beings."

At this point, Liu Xiyan seemed to have thought of something and explained, "Martial Uncle Yu is the protector arranged for you by the Sect Master, who entered the Secret Realm with you at that time."

Smiling, Liu Xiyan continued, "It's a pity he was trapped as soon as he entered the Secret Realm and couldn't look after you at all."

Hearing this, Mo Fan broke out in a cold sweat.

He had actually thought about this problem long ago and, combining it with his previous experiences, had guessed some things.

But now that it was confirmed, he still felt a bit bewildered.

"So much for protecting me—"

Mo Fan sighed, fortunate that he hadn't relied on someone secretly protecting him to court death back then.

As for killing Yang Yi and the other two?

Mo Fan felt that even if the protector had seen it, it wouldn't have mattered.

After all, the other party had made the first move to kill.

Being killed in return could only be attributed to their lack of strength.

Speaking of which, in the current general environment, humanity was actually very united.

He had been at Jade Void Academy for so long and had only encountered such a thing once.

Even Liu Jian and Li Xinghe, who colluded with the Demonic Cult, were at least outwardly kind, sincere and friendly to their disciples, generous, and responsible in teaching and doing things.

After all, everyone had multiple facets, and even bad people might have redeeming qualities.

People like Yang Yi, who would kill at the slightest disagreement, were actually very rare.

Just as Mo Fan was pondering, Liu Xiyan continued,

"So, let's wait a bit longer. Once there's a result, I'll see if I can go in, and I should be able to bring you along then."

"Thank you, Elder!" Mo Fan quickly expressed his gratitude.

Liu Xiyan was reliable after all!

Liu Xiyan shook her head and smiled, then continued, "However, from the current situation, it seems the Secret Realm should be restricting beings above the Return to Origin realm from entering.

"That's good, my cultivation has just recovered to the Heavenly Mandate realm, so I can go in."

Hearing this, Mo Fan nodded in agreement.

It was too coincidental; his cultivation had also just broken through to the Heavenly Mandate realm, perfectly suitable for entering.

"Then I'll await the Elder's good news!"

"Alright, I'll contact you when I have news," Liu Xiyan nodded.

"Then this disciple will take his leave first!" Mo Fan scratched his head.

"As expected—" Liu Xiyan looked at Mo Fan with a hint of resentment.

"Huh?" Mo Fan was puzzled.

"No business, no visit to the Three Treasures Hall," Liu Xiyan said.

"Then next time I come, I'll bring you two boxes of matcha cupcakes?" Mo Fan offered.

Liu Xiyan frowned, displeased, "Didn't you still owe me five boxes last time? Have you forgotten?"

Mo Fan suddenly remembered and quickly said, "Then next time I'll bring you eight boxes?"

He really needed to go into the city to restock supplies!

"That's more like it, but you have to tell me when 'next time' is?" Liu Xiyan said.

She couldn't just keep waiting for 'next time'!

It had to be decided this time!

She hadn't had matcha cupcakes in a long time... "How about tomorrow?"

"Alright, tomorrow it is," Liu Xiyan nodded in satisfaction.

"This disciple bids farewell!" Mo Fan cupped his hands, preparing to leave.

"Go on," Liu Xiyan waved her hand.

With a whoosh, Mo Fan transformed into a streak of light, his figure disappearing into the sky.

Watching Mo Fan's disappearing back, Liu Xiyan was stunned for a moment.

"Riding the wind to fly? He has already entered the Heavenly Mandate realm?"

She hadn't expected Mo Fan to reach the Heavenly Mandate realm so quickly.

"This cultivation speed is somewhat frightening—"

Perceiving this, Liu Xiyan once again felt that cultivating the Sword Dao would delay Mo Fan's martial cultivation.

"Should I just give up? Not fight Senior Sister Xu for him anymore?" Liu Xiyan rubbed her temples.

"I just wanted to take in a disciple, why is it so complicated?"