Top-tier Unruly Master

The crowd watched Ding Fan refine the "Nightshade Flower," their faces filled with shock. Clearly, they had not expected Ding Fan to refine a Medicine Pill. Although Ding Fan was merely refining the liquid of the "Nightshade Flower," his techniques were evidently those required by an Alchemist for pill refinement.

Ding Fan paid little attention to the shock of those around him, clearly focusing on refining the liquid of the "Nightshade Flower." He was worried whether the liquid could penetrate the extremely hard protective layer of the "Gathering Spirit Herb."

In no time, Ding Fan had completed the refinement of the "Nightshade Flower" liquid. As he prepared to pour the liquid onto the "Gathering Spirit Herb," the crowd couldn't help but feel tense, as no one was sure if Ding Fan's method would work. Ding Fan, undeterred, proceeded without hesitation; after all, this was the only conceivable solution.

Ding Fan then poured the "Nightshade Grass" liquid into the soil of the "Gathering Spirit Herb." The crowd watched as the thick black liquid seeped into the earth. Moments later, the soil suddenly emitted a white mist. A strong corrosive smell filled the air, and the soil unexpectedly collapsed.

This scene made everyone extremely excited. It became evident that the seemingly indestructible layer had been dissolved completely.

The crowd, thrilled by this outcome, marveled at Ding Fan's unexpected success. Who would have thought his plan could truly work?!

How did Ding Fan come up with this idea?

Looking at Ding Fan, He Qianyao's face was full of smiles, yet she was curious, unable to comprehend how Ding Fan devised such a brilliant method.

He Qianyao pondered briefly and guessed Ding Fan's thoughts. She realized that his solution required a wealth of knowledge—not just from the Cultivation World, but including insights from the Divine Realm and pill refinement. Each aspect left her in awe of Ding Fan. She understood that few cultivators in the Cultivation World could achieve what Ding Fan had. In his age group, Ding Fan stood unmatched, an unbeatable prodigy.

Not only He Qianyao, but even the two divine warrior girls were filled with admiration as they watched this scene. Their amazement echoed that of the others, deeply respecting Ding Fan.

The group soon began excavating the earth. Before long, they carefully lifted a "Gathering Spirit Herb" brimming with spiritual energy. Witnessing this legendary plant for the first time filled everyone's hearts with excitement. It was truly beautiful!

"So beautiful!"

"Beautiful..."

...

The crowd's continual praises filled the air as they glanced at the divine warrior girl holding the "Gathering Spirit Herb." Clearly, it was stunning, surrounded by a mysterious aura. Though grown underground, the plant was untouched by soil, immaculate in its purity.

The two divine warrior girls were the most ecstatic, feeling relieved that their mission was complete. It was the best possible outcome.

Ding Fan, observing the "Gathering Spirit Herb," was similarly awed. After all, it was his first time seeing such a high-rank spiritual material, a rarity inaccessible to ordinary cultivators.

However, as the group stood enchanted, admiring the "Gathering Spirit Herb," Ding Fan suddenly noticed something beneath where the plant had been.

He moved cautiously toward the area, peering down to spot a dazzling crystal ball.

"What is this?"

Ding Fan exclaimed in amazement.

The people around him, alerted by Ding Fan's words, gathered to look, sharing his reaction. There lay a brilliant crystal ball, astounding yet mystifying everyone—what could it possibly be?

"Be careful!"

At the sight of the crystal ball, Ding Fan shouted a warning to the crowd.

The moment the words left his mouth, the crystal ball suddenly rose, startling everyone. No one anticipated that it could move, let alone fly—except for Ding Fan.

Immediately, Ding Fan retreated to stand by Ye Ningbing, shielding her from the surprise, allowing her to remain unfazed by the scene.

At this moment, the crystal ball hovered in the air, spinning continuously and glowing brightly. Even though it was daytime, its brilliance was undeniably powerful.

Everyone who witnessed this scene couldn't help but be shocked. Evidently, they didn't know what the crystal ball was or its purpose as it floated in the air.

Ding Fan's gaze shifted to the two young divine warrior girls. He hoped to glean something useful from their expressions, knowing that the 'Gathering Spirit Herb' was common in the Divine Realm and beneficial for cultivators of spiritual cultivation. Thus, he thought the two divine warrior girls might know something about the crystal ball.

However, to Ding Fan's disappointment, the two girls appeared equally awestruck, clearly unaware of what the crystal ball was.

In the next instant, Ding Fan quickly gathered his True Qi, closely guarding Ye Ningbing, determined to protect her if any danger arose.

Swish!

Suddenly, the crystal ball in the air emitted a powerful light beam directly aimed at Ding Fan.

Seeing this, Ding Fan was stunned, not expecting such a development. He hurriedly tried to gather more True Qi to fend off the beam, but he miscalculated. The beam was overwhelmingly powerful, and his True Qi had no effect. The white beam pierced directly into his body.

Afterward, a bright light connected Ding Fan to the crystal ball.

The crowd watched in horror, overwhelmed with concern for Ding Fan. At this critical moment, He Qianyao shouted to the two divine warrior girls:

"Quick, throw away the 'Gathering Spirit Herb'!"

The two girls suddenly realized that He Qianyao might be right. Perhaps the presence of the 'Gathering Spirit Herb' triggered the crystal ball, which might be the herb's guardian spirit.

But when one of the divine warrior girls threw away the 'Gathering Spirit Herb,' the crystal ball remained unchanged.

Seeing this, He Qianyao was at a loss, and Ye Ningbing was equally anxious. She drew her longsword and swung it at the crystal ball, but it seemed immune, unmoved by the attack, maintaining its connection with Ding Fan.

As everyone stood helpless, a sudden change occurred!

The crystal ball abruptly charged into Ding Fan's body, causing him to expand monstrously.

The first sensation Ding Fan felt was paralysis as the powerful light entered his body. Even his thoughts became sluggish, and his Divine Sense was rendered inactive. He couldn't circulate qi within his dantian, gradually losing all sensation except the beating of his heart.

When the crystal ball entered his body, he felt something else invade him, undergoing some transformation that eluded him. Intense pain engulfed him, threatening to break him instantly.

Ding Fan knew he couldn't die here. He hadn't yet found Zhou Ruoran or Gusu Qingwen, and their fate was unknown. If he perished, Ye Ningbing would be in grave danger, especially in the Thunder Abyss. He had to survive!

Despite only feeling his heartbeat, an overwhelming will to survive filled Ding Fan. Realizing he couldn't remain idle, Ding Fan focused his mind on locating his space ring. The Frost Toad had grown and bonded with him enough to help, yet his plan failed against the mighty light.

Damn it! There's no way I'll die here!

An excruciating pain spread throughout Ding Fan's body. Apart from his heart, every part of him was in agony, enduring inhuman torment.

Reassured that his heart was still fine, Ding Fan resolved that he must live on.

But in the next moment, distress gripped him as the heart—the only part unaffected—suddenly succumbed to intense pain, shocking Ding Fan.

Am I destined to die in the Thunder Abyss today?

Agonizing pain overwhelmed him, driving him into unconsciousness...