Virtual Fate, Ascension City

After his Ascension to Immortality, Xiao Fan encountered the Heavenly Dao and ruthlessly used it to stabilize his Cultivation.

He seized the Heavenly Dao's Origin for Dual Cultivation, absorbing its primordial Yin.

“Hee hee hee, Heavenly Dao, I need you to help me cultivate!”

“Anti-Villain Reward Issued! Congratulations on obtaining the reward: Virtual Fate.”

“The Immortal Realm is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, unlike the Human Realm where the Host can do as he pleases. The Virtual Fate, combined with the dark mask, can make the Host’s fate appear in a form beneficial to the Host.”

“Whether they try to deduce you directly or from behind the scenes, the conclusion they reach will be that you pose no threat to your enemies.”

“When the opponent knows the Host’s identity: Virtual Fate + dark mask = harmless.”

“When the opponent does not know the Host’s identity: Virtual Fate + dark mask = double backlash.”

The System's voice echoed in Xiao Fan’s mind.

Virtual Fate? And it can even work with the previous dark mask? Using them as a set is quite good!

“You, can you let me out now?” Chen Miaoli, who had washed up and changed into a brand new Daoist robe, spoke, showing no trace of her previous weakness or exhaustion.

“Naturally.”

Xiao Fan did not make things difficult for her, but he also wasn't completely at ease with her.

Relying on a secret about her Physique alone wasn't enough to bind someone; it wasn't secure enough.

He summoned ten female Demon Gods from Hell and enlightened them into Primordial Angel.

Thanks to Chen Miaoli assisting his Cultivation, his strength had stabilized, and his Breakthrough in Realm had greatly increased his power. Now, Xiao Fan could summon Hell Demon Gods of the Taiyi True Immortal Rank.

“This is the aid I’m giving you.” He pointed to the three Taiyi True Immortal Primordial Angel before him.

“And this too.”

Xiao Fan then took out a harmless little female cat, pure white all over. With a whoosh, it leaped onto Chen Miaoli’s shoulder.

Then, with a swoosh, it plunged into her heart, disappearing without a trace.

“It’s just a personal bodyguard for you, and a few personal guards. Don’t overthink it.” Xiao Fan said, pinching her face.

These Primordial Angel were Demon Gods personally enlightened and summoned by Xiao Fan. They had no ulterior motives and were absolutely loyal servants, making them perfect for surveillance.

Chen Miaoli was dumbfounded. The moment the Hells Gate appeared behind Xiao Fan, the powerful Demon Gods within merely revealed a hint of their aura, and she felt as if she would suffocate.

Yet, this man was casually picking and choosing among them, enlightening them, evolving them. Their Devilish Qi completely vanished, leaving behind only sacred, flawless radiance.

Such methods were unheard of by her.

Looking at the majestic and solemn female Angel before her, she didn't say no. She simply smiled and nodded, saying, “Everything will be as you say.”

Of course, she had to listen to Xiao Fan.

She understood that she was being monitored.

And that little white cat had directly entered her body, making escape impossible.

She understood that Xiao Fan didn't trust her, and she couldn't defeat him in strength, so she could only agree.

“Don’t worry, they are very strong and won’t let you fall into danger.” Xiao Fan gently brushed the stray strands of hair from her mouth behind her ear, smiling.

Chen Miaoli only found it peculiar. Humiliating? Not really. At least this man was treating her as a chess piece, not a toy.

Wu Lingyun watched the two, silent. Xiao Fan also ignored her, only finding Wu Lingyun useful when he needed someone to vent on.

…………

Chen Miaoli left the Five Elements Exquisite Pagoda, and Xiao Fan also entered the passage to the Immortal Realm, arriving there.

The passage from the Lower Realm to the Upper Realm ultimately led to Ascension City.

In short, it was the city where Cultivators from the Human Realm landed after Ascension.

Ascension City spanned a million miles in circumference. It wasn't a city meant for habitation, so there weren't many bustling streets or buildings; only an immense number of formation platforms.

Ascension City resembled a honeycomb, with each formation platform being a perfect hexagon, not very large, with each side only a hundred zhang long.

One formation platform received one Human Realm, meaning that Cultivators from each Human Realm had a fixed landing spot.

This was just one Ascension City, responsible for Cultivators from one Star Domain. There were countless Human Realm Star Domain, and the Immortal Realm's Ascension Cities were likewise spread throughout the entire world.

If viewed from above, Ascension City looked like a giant honeycomb with countless openings, many of which emitted light every day.

Those were signs of someone Ascending.

In front of one Ascension Platform, Xin Xi stood outside the formation, quietly waiting.

Above the Ascension Platform, a dazzling white light shone. A humanoid phantom began to condense, and as the light gradually dispersed, a handsome young man in white appeared in the center of the Ascension Platform.

Xin Xi's gaze sharpened, and she recognized Xiao Fan at a glance. She flew straight down, standing near the light spot, awaiting Xiao Fan’s appearance.

Dragon Ningbing, seeing Xin Xi make a move, also guessed that Xiao Fan had arrived. She, too, greeted him with a radiant smile, standing beside Xin Xi.

Dragon Aotian stood still, watching quietly, sensing that things were not simple.

“Strange, my sister’s heart rate just sped up. Is there something wrong with her heart?”

“No, after we go home, I’ll have to take her to the Immortal Medicine Valley to find someone to check on her.”

Young, not understanding a maiden’s spring affections.

The white light on Xiao Fan’s body dissipated, and he stepped onto the Ascension Platform. The real feeling of touching the ground made him feel that he had left the passage and landed.

“Is this the Immortal Realm?” Xiao Fan closed his eyes, his Divine Sense sweeping out, carefully sensing the Immortal Realm, wanting to see how it differed from the Human Realm.

“More solid spatial Laws, stronger Dao rhyme restraints, more stable Law order, higher-level energy—is this Immortal Qi?”

Xiao Fan took a deep breath, took a step, and gained a general understanding of the Immortal Realm’s outline.

“Young Master, over here.” Xin Xi waved with a smile.

Upon reaching the new location, Xin Xi also adopted a new title. Previously, she called him Saint, but now she changed it to Young Master.

Xiao Fan also noticed Xin Xi’s figure and walked towards her.

Others were also waiting at other Ascension Platforms, much like Xin Xi, knowing that someone from their Lower Realm Dao lineage was Ascending to the Immortal Realm and were here to meet them.

Of course, such treatment was only available to major powers with Lower Realm Dao lineages or large Families. People from smaller powers or Loose Cultivators, after Ascension, could only leave on their own.

“Young Master, let’s go.”

“Okay.” Xiao Fan prepared to leave with Xin Xi. As for their destination, it was naturally Yu Yue’s Yaochi Immortal Palace.

After all, going to Tai Xuan Holy Land would only make him a Disciple, but going to Yaochi Immortal Palace would allow him to become a Grand Emperor directly.

“Young Master, you seem to have Ascended quite early. Why did it take so long for you to come out?” Dragon Ningbing asked curiously.

“Oh, I was communicating and learning with the Heavenly Dao, discussing the Dao of Cultivation.” Xiao Fan replied.

Dragon Ningbing nodded, somewhat surprised: “Young Master Xiao, you are truly diligent; you don’t let go of any opportunity to learn.”

“Why do you have a floral scent on you? It’s very peculiar.” Dragon Ningbing twitched her delicate nose and continued, “It seems like two different scents.”

“No, I don’t.” Xiao Fan said.

“Hmm, perhaps I was mistaken.” Dragon Ningbing said.

Xin Xi said nothing. The Saint’s Cultivation, while sometimes serious, was more often not so serious.

The group of four quickly reached the exit of Ascension City.

Ascension City was built by the Human Race. In the Taigu Era, there was no such thing as Ascension City. Many Cultivators would Ascend randomly and then randomly land in the Immortal Realm.

Sometimes, if their Luck was bad, they would land in a Jedi or in the territory of the Yao Race or Demon Race, resulting in the Ascended Cultivators dying upon arrival.

To avoid this situation, among the Human Race, some powers proposed building Ascension Platforms and cooperating with the person in charge of the Heavenly Dao to guide Lower Realm Cultivators into the Immortal Realm.

Cultivation was not easy, and dying upon arrival was truly a waste of talent.

After all, those who could stand out from the billions of beings in the Human Realm were all individuals with great perseverance, great talent, and great Luck. It would be too regrettable for them to die for no reason.

Cultivators in the Immortal Realm merely had a high starting point and a good environment. Their Heart-Nature, Comprehension Ability, and Luck were not necessarily stronger than those of Human Realm Cultivators.

Of course, this was merely the official statement of the Alliance of powers that built the Ascension Platforms: “We built Ascension City for your benefit, concerned about the safety of you Ascended Cultivators; we put in a lot of effort.”

“Is it too much to charge a small fee?”

The Immortal Realm was not an lawless land; one could not simply Ascend to Immortality at will.

Xin Xi had explained to him: “This Ascension City publicly claims that the Ascension Platforms require maintenance to operate, and these maintenance fees are to be borne by the users, which naturally means the Ascended Cultivators from the Lower Realm.”

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t have Immortal Stone; you definitely have Magic Treasure that can be used as collateral. Hand over two of your Magic Treasure or Cultivation Technique.”

Although the Immortals from these powers might not necessarily value them, even major powers had Human Realm Disciples.

If they couldn't use them themselves, they could send them to their Lower Realm Dao lineage, and perhaps even find a great treasure by chance.

The first exploitation of Ascended Cultivators!

Xin Xi had a Yaochi Immortal Palace token. Showing it was enough; she could pass unimpeded and even enjoy VIP treatment without paying.

“Fellow Daoist, I see you have extraordinary bones. Are you interested in joining my Taiyi Sect?”

“Don’t joke around, what kind of thing is the Taiyi Sect? Fellow Daoist, listen to me, the Taiyi Sect is just a weakling. Our Qingyun Sect is the true great Sect.”

“Move aside, you two weak factions, not even worth a hair of my Yuhua Immortal Sect. Fellow Daoist, Cultivators who Ascend from the Lower Realm and join our Yuhua Immortal Sect can directly enjoy the treatment of an Inner Sect Disciple, much better than theirs.”

Xiao Fan had not yet left the gates of Ascension City when he heard many Human Immortal and Earth Immortal shouting outside the gate, much like a bustling market.

He ignored them and continued walking.

Others also did not continue to recruit him, as he had several people standing beside him, most likely individuals of status.

“Fellow Daoist, you don’t need to pay attention to them. They are all relatively weak powers. After all, local Cultivators know they aren’t strong and can only trick Ascended Cultivators, since Ascended Cultivators are unfamiliar with the situation.”

Not long after Xiao Fan walked out of the city gate, a middle-aged man appeared before Xiao Fan and introduced himself.

“I forgot to introduce myself. I am someone who specializes in introducing Disciples to major powers. You can call me Hua Fei.”

Xiao Fan took a look. This person’s Realm was not high, only Earth Immortal Late Stage.

Moreover, as soon as Hua Fei came over, several others who were originally preparing to approach stopped in their tracks, continuing to wait for others.

It was as if it was a first-come, first-served allocation.

“Introducing people into major powers?” Xiao Fan said with a half-smile; he had also noticed.

Hua Fei smiled and said, “Yes, those are small powers. Joining them has no future. I know how to join major powers.”

His hand unconsciously stretched out, displaying both hands in front of his chest, somewhat empty.

An Earth Immortal Late Stage Cultivator, alone, without revealing his identity or coming with fellow Disciples, dared to say he had a way to enter a major power?

Xiao Fan understood. Wasn’t this just a fraudulent black intermediary?

And introducing people into major powers? He probably would be scammed after paying money.

“No need, go scam someone else.”

Hua Fei was clearly stunned. He didn’t expect this person to directly expose him.

“Fellow Daoist, what are you saying? I don’t understand?” Hua Fei said, feigning confusion.

Xiao Fan ignored him and walked directly around him.

Hua Fei, however, suddenly said, “Don’t be so clever. Outside Ascension City is very dangerous, with many bandits. It wouldn’t be good if something happened.”

As soon as his voice fell, several people surrounded them, standing with Hua Fei, and a few others blocked his path.

Xiao Fan heard his threat and saw the people who appeared before him, and his steps paused.

“Are you threatening me?”

“I’m just giving Fellow Daoist a little reminder, to be careful.”

“Good!” Xiao Fan, as if showing weakness, opened the Spirit Beast Bag at his waist.

“I have a rare treasure here. Can you see if it can help me get into a Sect?”

“Naturally, I, Hua Fei, still have the ability.” He said with a beaming smile. Young people were so easy to trick.

The next moment, a small black dog jumped out. Hua Fei couldn’t understand, what was this?

“Is this the rare treasure you mentioned?”

“Yes, eat your fill, eat him.” Xiao Fan said.

Wang Cai’s eyes lit up. As soon as it came out, there was an Earth Immortal Cultivator to eat. Was its master too good?

Hua Fei knew he had been tricked, and his face darkened. He wanted to say something, but a gaping maw appeared before him.

Without any sound, Hua Fei disappeared.

Only a small black dog stood in Hua Fei’s original spot.

The remaining few people swallowed hard, their faces pale, and immediately wanted to flee.

Wang Cai directly transformed into a black lightning bolt, directly stuffing all of them into its mouth, crunching and munching, not even allowing them to scream.

Dragon Ningbing frowned slightly. Wang Cai was so dangerous. How could it eat people indiscriminately?

As for Wang Cai, after eating its fill, it obediently burrowed back into Xiao Fan’s Spirit Beast Bag.

What happened here was seen by those who wanted to approach but had retreated because they were late. They felt immensely fortunate.

“Thank goodness I didn’t go up just now, or I would be the one dead.”

And this move also showed people Xiao Fan’s strength. This person was not to be trifled with!

Just then, a thunderous roar erupted from Ascension City, and shattered rocks and dust flew everywhere.

A rolling gale howled incessantly, and even divine lightning bolts shot out from within.

At the end of where the divine lightning pointed, there was actually a figure.

That person’s Cultivation was not very strong, only Human Immortal Middle Stage, but his appearing location was very strange.

Ascension City, the people who came out were all Human Immortal Early Stage. You are directly Human Immortal Middle Stage, strange, too strange!

That figure countered the divine lightning, and he also unleashed a bolt of divine lightning. As the two collided, they emitted a dazzling divine light that illuminated half the sky, as if it could contend with the great sun in the heavens.

“Could it be that this person is the one Old Ancestor spoke of, who caused the unusual phenomena in heaven and earth?”

Dozens of powerful gazes were fixed intently on the figure in the sky, fearing they would miss something.

Many major powers had already rushed here because when Xiao Fan became an Immortal, the elephant roar caused the stars in the sky to tremble.

These major powers believed that someone with great Luck was about to Ascend in this Ascension City, and they had been waiting for a long time, planning to recruit the person with great Luck into their Sect.

They had already waited for several days, and only this person had caused the biggest commotion. He must be the person the Old Ancestor spoke of.

They swarmed forward, fearing that they would be too slow and let others get ahead.

What they didn't expect, however, was that Xiao Fan's Ascension had only caused a greater phenomenon, and he hadn't made himself a spectacle in front of everyone.

“Oh? Interesting.”

Xiao Fan looked at the golden book above that figure’s head, and combined with this explosive entrance, he knew without a doubt what that person’s fate was.