It was as though some barrier in his mind had suddenly given way. Lu Fan was beside himself, muttering under his breath, "So that's it! That's how it works!"

But the elation faded just as quickly, his expression dimming. "Golden Core defeating Nascent Soul," he murmured. "I can't do that."

His gaze stilled. He stared at his own outstretched hands. "No. I must meet the Heavenly Venerable. I have to find a way..."

Watching him sink deeper into this odd fixation, Li Fan couldn't help but speak up. "Fellow Daoist Lu..."

Before he could finish, Lu Fan abruptly rose to his feet. Without a glance at Li Fan beside him, he flew straight out of the tavern and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Lu Fan of the Myriad Immortals Alliance Congyun Sea...