Jiao Xiuyuan's words flowed more smoothly now.
"In ancient times, nearly every Taiyan Sect disciple possessed a Dao Transformation Stone. They were all split off from the largest one, the Mother Dao Transformation Stone.
"The higher the quality of the Dao Transformation Stone, the stronger its deduction capability.
"The reason I could easily control all those puppets previously was precisely because of the Dao Transformation Stone and the Unity of Dao Transformation and Mind.
"And the reason I’m experiencing some minor troubles now is also related to the Dao Transformation Stone.
“During the last price collapse of Spirit Mist Grass, the losses I suffered were far too great. Countless puppets simultaneously experienced a violent mental shock. The Dao Transformation Stone I was unified with wasn’t of particularly high quality, and it couldn’t withstand the strain. It cracked and lost its deduction function.”
Jiao Xiuyuan sighed heavily as he recalled this painful memory.
“To regain smooth control over these countless puppets, I need to find a new Dao Transformation Stone. But it’s a priceless treasure, nearly impossible to acquire.
“When the Great Reformation struck, the Taiyan Sect was destroyed, and the Mother Dao Transformation Stone vanished without a trace. After so many years, finding another Dao Transformation Stone is as difficult as ascending to the heavens.
“However, I’ve recently uncovered some clues. If all goes well, I should be back in operation soon.”
Jiao Xiuyuan’s tone grew animated again.
Dao Transformation Stone, Unity of Dao Transformation and Mind.
Li Fan pondered for a moment before tentatively asking, “The Taiyan Sect was destroyed thousands of years ago. How are you so intimately familiar with its secrets, Fellow Daoist? Could it be that you are a descendant of the Taiyan Sect?”
“Don’t joke, Fellow Daoist. I am certainly not a descendant of the Taiyan Sect. The reason I know these secrets is simply because I happened to dig up the grave of a Taiyan Sect disciple...”
Upon hearing this, Li Fan fell silent.
For a moment, an awkward silence settled between the two.
“Haha, Fellow Daoist, don’t misunderstand. Grave-digging is something I only do occasionally. The goods at my Thousand Li Hall are mostly legitimate. Only a small fraction comes from tombs.”
“Heh, Fellow Daoist, rest assured. I’m not particularly bothered by such matters. My belief is that regardless of origin, if it works, that’s all that matters,” Li Fan said.
“Tsk, tsk, Fellow Daoist, your words align perfectly with my own beliefs!” Jiao Xiuyuan grew excited once more.
Recalling his original purpose for contacting Jiao Xiuyuan, Li Fan smoothly continued, “Speaking of which, there’s something I’d like to ask for your help with.”
Jiao Xiuyuan immediately replied, “Fellow Daoist, speak freely. If it’s within my power, I will certainly assist.”
“You must be familiar with the ancient Medicine King Sect, right? While studying some texts today, I discovered that disciples of the Medicine King Sect used a type of small cauldron to plant and cultivate various spirit plants and herbs.
“These small cauldrons were self-contained spatial dimensions that could automatically generate wood-attribute spiritual qi to accelerate the growth of herbs.
“I happen to need such a cauldron to cultivate a rare herb. However, the ruins of the Medicine King Sect seem rather perilous. So I’d like to trouble you to make a trip and retrieve a few of these cauldrons for me, Fellow Daoist.
“Of course, the compensation will not be lacking. Though we share similar ideals and get along well, business is business—no ambiguity there.” Li Fan spoke slowly, a faint smile on his face.
“Well said, Fellow Daoist! Business is business. Just for that, I’ll take on this task! Small cauldrons, you say? Since every disciple was issued one, and they aren’t particularly rare treasures, they shouldn’t be too hard to find.
"Wait for my good news, Fellow Daoist." Jiao Xiuyuan readily agreed.
"In that case, I'll be troubling you with this matter, Fellow Daoist Jiao!" Li Fan expressed his gratitude in advance.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries without mentioning the Dao Transformation Stone or Unity of Dao Transformation and Mind, Li Fan ended the communication.
The tomb of a Taiyan Sect disciple... the Dao Transformation Stone...
Within the Tianxuan Mirror, memories surfaced in Li Fan's mind. They were scenes from when he was still a mortal Grand Preceptor, leading the expedition to Yi Xing's tomb.
Back then, being just a mortal, I didn't pay it much attention.
But thinking back now, Yi Xing's tomb seemed to hold deeper secrets.
The Immortal Forsaken Lands are completely devoid of spiritual qi. Yet within that tomb, mountains stood tall, and a sea of clouds remained unbroken for millennia.
This is clearly no mortal mechanism; it must have been some kind of array or restriction.
Li Fan rose abruptly.
Since that's the case, I shall return to Great Xuan!
1. The first sentence is a direct reference and modification of a famous line from the ancient philosopher Xunzi's "Encouraging Learning" (《荀子·劝学》):
Original: "君子生非异也，善假于物也。"
Translation: "A gentleman is not different by nature, but is adept at utilizing external things."
The author has replaced "君子" (jūnzǐ - gentleman/noble person) with "修士" (xiūshì - cultivator) to fit the xianxia genre.
The meaning of the line is that a cultivator's greatness doesn't come from being born special. It comes from their wisdom in using tools, artifacts, formations, pills, and other external aids to overcome their limitations and amplify their power. ☜