Chapter 356: Reversing the Xuanhuang Heart Refinement Mantra

Chapter 356: Reversing the Xuanhuang Heart Refinement Mantra

But then, as Li Fan sought answers regarding heart refinement, a flash of insight crossed his mind.

A clarity emerged, observing like a passerby, analyzing with reason.

“Is this my instinct?”

“Facing such a crisis, some might choose to risk entering the white mist, seeking a slim chance of survival within the dire situation.”

“Some might opt to kill their allies to strengthen themselves, using scheming methods to eliminate others first.”

“While some would rather die than harm their companions.”

“And I, subconsciously, choose to hide and wait, silently reaping the benefits after others finish their strife.”

“...”

“This is the optimal strategy based on the current situation, also influenced by my past experiences.”

“Each person’s choice is different. In my view, there’s no superiority or inferiority in character.”

“This is the essence of human nature.”

“Heart refinement, heart refinement...”

Li Fan pondered, murmuring to himself.

Forgetful of the imminent crisis outside the stronghold of Anchorage, forgetting the impending peril within the stronghold.

As if ensnared in a trance, completely immersed in thoughts, not even the minor assaults of the demonic sounds could affect him.

Time passed swiftly in Li Fan’s contemplation.

Thus, it was the fiftieth day after the outbreak of the upheaval.

Leng Yingyi still hadn’t returned, striving to prolong her endurance as much as possible.

After discussion, the group decided to abandon most of the area within Anchorage.

Only retaining some basic structures.

This way, the consumption rate of the Annihilation Black Light could be reduced by nearly half.

Although the area for activity decreased significantly.

Compared to having more time alive, squeezing a bit was insignificant.

But the once familiar group now seemed slightly more guarded towards each other.

They maintained a courteous facade outwardly, but what they were truly thinking remained known only to themselves.

Undercurrents surged, hidden intentions lurked.

When Li Fan noticed the gradually unsettling atmosphere, he finally began to awaken from his daze under the instinctual alertness of his body.

With a slight sweep of his senses, Li Fan understood the current situation.

From ancient times to the present, such a scenario of being trapped in a dilemma, mutually killing for survival, was not uncommon.

Even Li Fan himself, upon understanding his current predicament, felt the emergence of killing intent.

This killing intent was his own will.

Not belonging to distractions, even the Xuanhuang Heart Refinement Mantra couldn’t eliminate it.

Li Fan carefully pondered the incessant thoughts surging in his mind.

“Survival is a human instinct. Killing for survival is following one’s will.”

“Following one’s will, following one’s will...”

Suddenly, Li Fan’s mind froze, repeatedly chanting this phrase inwardly.

After a long while, a strange light flashed in his eyes.

“Heart refinement, heart refinement. Always smooth sailing, how can it truly refine the heart?”

“To refine the Dao heart, perhaps one needs to endure adversity.”

“Adversity, opposition...”

As if lightning piercing through the mist, in an instant, Li Fan understood something.

“To attain longevity, one must defy the laws of heaven and earth.”

“And to refine the Dao heart...”

“One must defy one’s true intentions.”

“Perhaps I’ve been cultivating wrongly all this time.”

Li Fan’s eyes gradually brightened.

“To act as one pleases, to shatter all distractions, at best, it only reaches the level of the Clear Heart Mantra.”

“To truly cultivate the Xuanhuang Heart Refinement Mantra, one must refine the heart itself.”

“To resist one’s instinctual choices?”

At this thought, Li Fan felt a sudden clarity, sweeping away the knots in his heart.

What you, Li Fan, are saying so resolutely, isn’t it an attempt to incite us to our deaths?

Could it be that you would risk your life and personally take action?

All the cultivators present thought so.

However, it hadn’t reached the point of open confrontation yet. They glanced at each other, and Kong Yu cleared his throat, intending to persuade again.

However, what Li Fan said next made them all stand up in astonishment.

“Captain Leng, in order to protect us all, has probably already perished within the Annihilation Black Light.”

“I have long been hesitant.”

“I also know seeking help is extremely perilous. If any of you were to fall because of me, I would be even more ashamed to face everyone.”

“Alone, I will go to the Eternal Immortal Stronghold to seek help.”

“If I don’t die, I will surely find a way for you all!”

Li Fan’s words were decisive, his expression determined.

Kong Yu, He Chen, and others never expected this young formation master to make such a decision.

They looked at each other, doubting if they had misheard.

But seeing Li Fan’s firm gaze and expression, they had no more doubts and were instead shocked.

As the master who built the Tianxuan Locking Spirit Formation, Li Fan, although only in the Foundation Establishment Stage, held the highest position within Anchorage Base.

Because all the cultivators present, whether from the Qingxuan Sect or other departments like the Martial Hall, came here to assist Li Fan in building the formation.

If he were to insist on sending out more cultivators for help, citing “the construction of the Tianxuan Locking Spirit Formation cannot be delayed, and if I were to fall, it would inevitably delay the progress of the formation,” then in the end, most of them would have to comply.

But now, he didn’t do that.

Instead, he voluntarily took on this almost suicidal mission to seek a way out for everyone.

Putting personal life and death aside, selflessly...

Is there really such a person in the world?

Isn’t this what the sages of ancient times were like?

After spending so much time with him before, they couldn’t believe they hadn’t noticed?!

It seems that only in times of life and death can one see a person’s true nature.

And as they recalled their own despicable thoughts, they couldn’t help but feel ashamed.

Under this self-reproach, they earnestly tried to persuade him.

“Master Li, why go this far! Although the situation is dire, it’s not to the point where you need to risk everything.”

“Yes, Master, please think twice. Dealing with both the Annihilation Black Light and the white mist is too dangerous! The odds are against you!”

...

Facing everyone’s dissuasion, Li Fan resolutely said, “My mind is made up, you needn’t say more.”

“You’ve been in the Abyss of Roaring Depths for years, so you have rich experience in surviving amidst the Annihilation Black Light and the white mist. If you really care, why not tell me all the precautions I need to take on the road, so I have a better chance of coming back alive?”

Li Fan said nonchalantly.

The others pretended to be reserved and tried to persuade him again, but seeing that they couldn’t change Li Fan’s determination, they could only sigh.

While feeling relieved, they also eagerly shared their survival experiences in the Abyss of Roaring Depths.

Li Fan listened attentively and remembered them all.

Then, carrying the supplies needed to survive twenty days alone in the white mist, under the reluctant gazes of everyone, he set foot on the lonely road to the Eternal Immortal Stronghold.

It is worth mentioning that perhaps moved by Li Fan’s righteousness, He Chen, a guardian soldier from the Qingxuan Sect, decided to accompany him.

However, after praising the other’s noble intentions, Li Fan still refused his kindness.

In the other’s eyes full of admiration and touched emotions, Li Fan put on the Annihilation Black Light symbol, identified the position of the Broken Palm Immortal City in the vast white mist, and turned into a stream of light, disappearing into it.

The other cultivators in Anchorage Base watched Li Fan’s disappearing figure, their faces showing various expressions.

“I never expected that in today’s cultivation world, there would still be such a person of high integrity. It’s truly embarrassing for us.”

“I’ve lived for three hundred and forty-eight years. It’s only today that I’ve seen such a person, which is a great regret.”

“If Master Li doesn’t die, from now on, I will surely look up to him.”

...

After a moment of silence, everyone couldn’t help but express their heartfelt admiration.

“Hmph!”

Only He Chen looked disdainful, gave everyone a disdainful look, and left in a huff.

The faces of the others were more or less embarrassed.

Like birds and beasts dispersing.