Chapter 84: Nangong Li Before Falling Asleep Once More

His divine sense extended once more, enveloping the entire sky within a radius of twenty miles. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth from all directions surged toward him, and Qiu Han’s cultivation rose yet again.

This continued for nearly half an hour. His cultivation, having reached the peak of the early Foundation Establishment stage, soared upward, breaking through the barrier and advancing directly to the mid Foundation Establishment stage. It did not stop there, but climbed further until it finally settled at the peak of the mid stage, beginning to consolidate his new level.

His divine sense grew at a rapid pace as well, surpassing the mid Foundation Establishment stage and surging to the peak of the late stage. The spiritual energy in the surroundings vanished once more, leaving the twenty-mile radius nearly devoid of any vitality.

“Phew!” Qiu Han rose to his feet, exhaling deeply. He felt the explosive increase in his cultivation. First, he used his divine sense to examine his body. Finding nothing amiss, he flexed his arms, then lowered his head, lost in thought.

“Peak mid Foundation Establishment cultivation, peak late Foundation Establishment divine sense… I wonder, with my current strength, how I compare to cultivators at the late Foundation Establishment stage. Yet, throughout my advancement, I still followed my master’s method to compress and refine my spiritual energy. Though my cultivation is at the peak mid stage, the depth of my spiritual power should rival someone who has just entered the late stage.”

Qiu Han raised his head, sending his divine sense into the Immortal Extreme Compass space within his sea of consciousness.

“Previously, when Nangong cast that technique, he slaughtered nearly a hundred demon beasts drawn here by the changes in spiritual energy as I advanced, including a third-tier beast. Although the power was immense, I know his condition well—using that technique in his current state inflicts tremendous harm upon himself.”

Qiu Han sighed softly, his eyes closing once more.

“It must have been my comprehension of the Devouring Spirit, Concentrating Mind, and Absolute Heaven technique that convinced him, making him truly acknowledge me. His hope that I might one day reach the Nascent Soul stage and help him escape the Immortal Extreme Compass and restore his cultivation has grown. Thus, he risked himself to protect me at such a critical moment. Though much of it was for his own sake, he has never meant me harm and has saved me more than once from peril. This immense favor, Qiu Han can never forget in this lifetime!”

Within the Immortal Extreme Compass space, Nangong Li’s remnant soul floated quietly. His eyes were somewhat vacant, appearing extremely weak. When he sensed Qiu Han’s divine sense entering, he waited silently for his arrival before speaking slowly.

“You’ve come.”

“Nangong Senior, you…” Qiu Han’s expression was filled with worry, and his tone grew gentle.

“No need to fret,” Nangong Li said. “This time, I have expended too much of my soul’s remnants and will soon fall into slumber again. The duration will be longer than last time. Before I sleep, there are things I must tell you. Do not interrupt—just listen.”

He stopped Qiu Han as he was about to speak, then continued, “I have cultivated for nearly ten thousand years. I reached Nascent Soul in a hundred years, and overcame Nirvana in a thousand. After three thousand years of cultivation, I attained the fifth Nirvana of Space Shattering. I dare not claim to be unrivaled, but I was considered exceptionally gifted. Yet, disaster befell my sect, and I ended up like this—an outcome I cannot accept.”

“When I was young, I nearly died, but was rescued and brought back to the sect by my master, who treated me as his own child. In the end, he even sacrificed himself to save me, falling victim to our enemies. My master’s kindness to me was immense, yet I was unable to avenge him, unable to slay his killers. Even in death, I would have no face to meet him…”

At this point, Nangong Li’s face was filled with sorrow, his voice choked with emotion.

“Qiu Han, in these nearly ten thousand years of my slumber, you are the first to see me, the first to awaken me. As for this Immortal Extreme Compass, though I know not its origin, I suspect it is an extraordinary artifact, perhaps even tied to ancient secrets. Its uses so far are few, but I am certain it is far more than it seems.”

“You must have noticed by now that only divine sense or souls can enter its space. As for your previous experience, you must have triggered something related to the compass, causing it to draw your body inside. I suspect this was due to your body being rejected by the compass’s space; if your body were formed within this space, it would not happen. Another method I considered is that if you truly become its master, it will no longer reject your body.”

“Qiu Han, when I first awakened, I did not fully trust you. Our relationship was one of mutual benefit, seeking what we needed from each other. I knew you would not wholeheartedly follow my guidance, but I could not leave this space. I helped you only to secure my own future escape. Had you revealed this matter, I would have killed you without hesitation.”

Qiu Han listened calmly, not interrupting, knowing Nangong Li had more to say.

“Qiu Han, you must understand: cultivators contend with heaven itself. Deception, intrigue, and betrayal are commonplace; there is no true morality. Those who are too compassionate do not survive long. Since you have walked this path, you must learn to be ruthless, to act with resolve. Show no mercy to those who threaten you—mercy will only bring your death. But to those who have truly aided you, do not repay kindness with ingratitude. Let your actions be guided by your heart.”

“Qiu Han, throughout our journey, your conduct has shown you are a person of deep loyalty and emotion. This, I admire greatly. Yet at times, you are too indecisive—something that does not suit my temperament. Still, over these days, though I have not admitted it aloud, in my heart I have begun to regard you as my disciple. All my hopes now rest upon you. Your recent performance did not disappoint me. When I saw you grasp the realm of spiritual energy’s transformation into illusion, then I truly acknowledged you!”

“But remember this: the transformation of spiritual energy into illusion is an insight only attainable by cultivators in the late Nascent Soul stage. Though you have touched upon it now, do not attempt to use the Devouring Spirit, Concentrating Mind, and Absolute Heaven technique to force your cultivation to rise precipitously. The path must be walked step by step; cultivation offers no shortcuts—no one can ascend in a single leap. Forcing growth brings only harm! This technique must never be used to assimilate your already consolidated spiritual energy—only to devour and convert excess spiritual power or divine sense gained through external means. Do not let greed tempt you. Remember this well!”

As he spoke, Nangong Li’s tone grew more intense. After he finished, he looked at Qiu Han, who nodded thoughtfully, then continued.