Chapter 008: The Cost

The crystal-clear spring water enveloped his body tightly, yet Du Fan felt no sense of suffocation at all. In this water, he could even breathe freely.
In just an instant, the wounds on his skin and the discomfort in other parts of his body returned to normal. The indescribable sense of comfort made Du Fan unable to suppress a groan—such was its pleasure.
Like a fetus returning to the womb, Du Fan was completely relaxed, thinking of nothing and doing nothing, allowing the life-giving spring water to cleanse his entire body.
As the spring water purified him, the strength he had expended earlier was restored. At that moment, his body involuntarily began to use the “ myriad techniques” taught by Chenchen.
The Myriad Techniques—a strange set of skills, neither magic nor martial arts, but a miraculous method that combined both. It could be said that this technique was the source of all of Du Fan’s strength.
Unconsciously, Du Fan was using these techniques without realizing it. His state was like deep sleep; he had no idea what he was doing.
Under the effect of the Myriad Techniques, the life-giving spring water became even more active. Centered around Du Fan, it began to spin, with waves of powerful energy flowing into his body, transforming and intensifying his strength.
It was unclear how much time passed before Du Fan slowly opened his eyes. His consciousness was clearer than ever, and he could see everything within the life-giving spring in vivid detail.
When he clenched his fist, a surge of power rippled through, even causing the spring water to move. Delighted, Du Fan realized his strength had increased again.
Having already grasped the concept of the “Invalid Domain,” he had entered the realm of the Sacred Stage. Now, as his strength grew, he had reached the pinnacle of the Sacred Stage—just one step away from that legendary realm…
That legendary realm… it was akin to a true god among mortals. Even the Pope of the Holy Church had only reached that level.
The life-giving spring truly lived up to being a sacred artifact of the elves. Just through such short-term purification, his strength had risen significantly once more.
Life expectancy—oh, and life expectancy too! It was said that by drinking from the life-giving spring, one could achieve an lifespan as long as that of an elf—ten thousand years… or even longer!
At this thought, Du Fan opened his mouth and began to drink the spring water greedily…
…
Why is this happening? Why? Great Goddess of Freedom, have I done something wrong?
Naixiu’s face turned ashen as death. With a sorrowful expression, she gazed at the life-giving spring, which seemed so close yet as distant as the heavens. Tears streamed down her face.

She tried, struggled, and made efforts, but in the end, she still failed. Just one step away, and she lost her eligibility to use the baptismal water—a result she couldn’t accept. Under the pressure of the Fountain of Life, the lost strength wouldn’t recover over time; it would remain suppressed until the Fountain of Life stopped flowing, at which point its pressure would vanish entirely. But by then, the Fountain of Life itself would also disappear, and even if the strength did return, it would be in vain. Naixiu was unwilling to give up. Just one step—if it had been further, perhaps she wouldn’t have been so upset, but it was only one step away… Damn it, and that human—why can he do it? Why can’t I? Goddess of Nature, you’re biased! As Naixiu continued to question the Goddess of Nature, her originally snow-white skin began to change, alternating between black and white in a bizarre manner. Was Naixiu… turning dark? What was she going to do? The only one who could see Naixiu’s actions was Moses, who was closest to her. Like angels, elves could also fall—when an elf began to doubt her faith, she would fall from a natural elf to a dark elf despised by all. Dark elves… were also elves abandoned by the Goddess of Nature; cunning and evil were their hallmarks, and filth and wickedness their nature. Moses wanted to shout, but he didn’t even have the strength to move, let alone speak. All he could do now was watch helplessly as Naixiu turned dark. Unless… at this moment, the Fountain of Life’s effect would vanish. Unfortunately, based on past experience, the Fountain of Life wouldn’t recede in such a short time—at least ten elf days would pass before it withdrew. No, Naixiu! Once you fall, there’s no turning back. Although… although falling could grant temporary but powerful strength, that power wouldn’t last long, and by then it would be too late for you to regret it. Moses cried out in his heart, wishing desperately for someone to appear and stop Naixiu… Splash! The water parted, and Du Fan stepped out of the fountain. He didn’t even glance at Naixiu but looked around. Seeing Moses, the corners of his mouth curled slightly as he strode toward him.

The most pure essence of the Spring of Life had already been taken by him, leaving the spring’s power at less than half. Since he couldn’t absorb it himself, it was better to let someone he liked enjoy it. Of course, there was a price—there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Du Fan gave Moses a sip of the spring water to boost his resistance, then dragged him back to the Spring of Life and threw him in with a wave of his hand. “Do you need my help? Of course, but at a cost.” Du Fan crouched in front of Naixiu and said with a smile. Naixiu’s lips moved slightly as she glared at him fiercely. Disturbed by Du Fan, her body’s darkening process was interrupted, and the transition between black and white became less distinct. “Get lost…” It took her a long time to force out a single word. For her, begging the humans she hated the most was worse than dying. Even if it meant falling into darkness, she would never beg humans! “What a wonderful power, Chief Naixiu. Just being baptized by the spring water made me feel my strength increase—truly increase. The power at the peak of the Sacred Rank is truly amazing.” Hearing Du Fan’s words, Naixiu’s brows twitched several times. Though she said nothing, her body’s darkening stopped. She was hesitating—after all, the fact that she had come this far proved her unwavering devotion to the Goddess of Nature. One more step… Maybe… This is a test from the Goddess of Nature for me. Yes, that must be it… At that moment, Naixiu felt like a drowning person who had grabbed a straw. With that thought, she saw a path forward. Du Fan ignored her, as he had no time for her now. A paranoid elf who couldn’t be used for his own purposes—why bother with her? Du Fan took some spring water and rushed toward the five elves closest to the Spring of Life. Accept or reject? Submit or resist? Do you need my help? Du Fan didn’t hide his thoughts; he spoke openly about what he felt, treating Naixiu the same way he treated the other elves. A choice! Du Fan didn’t give those five elves much time, as his time was always precious. “As long as it doesn’t go against the teachings of the Goddess of Nature, as long as it’s not the traitorous elf race…” These five elves weren’t stubborn; each set their own conditions, clearly marking their bottom lines.

“Don’t worry. Apart from offering something, I won’t take anything else from you. You’re still elves, still followers of the goddess.” Du Fan laughed heartily, took a sip of the spring water, dragged all five elves to the Fountain of Life, and threw them in. The journey to the Divine Ruins was so dangerous that the strength of the team members was crucial. This wasn’t the time for selfishness; for the long term, Du Fan had no choice but to do this. Du Fan crouched in front of Naixiu again: “So? Chief Naixiu, I’m giving you one more chance—will you obey or refuse?” “…Get lost…” Du Fan took a sip of the spring water, didn’t even glance at Naixiu, and ran further away. There was still Lan Ling in the distance. Du Fan had always had a good impression of her—not because she was a rare bosomy elf, but because of her kind attitude toward him. When he reached Lan Ling, before she could speak, Du Fan lifted her up and poured the spring water into her mouth mouth-to-mouth. Many elves were watching around, but Du Fan moved very skillfully to protect Lan Ling’s reputation—only she and he could see what was happening. After running for a while, once the spring water was gone, Du Fan had already carried Lan Ling to the Fountain of Life. “Lord Du Fan, please put me down, please put me down…” Lan Ling was extremely embarrassed; her full breasts pressed tightly against Du Fan’s shoulders, rubbing against him with each step. Du Fan didn’t mind, but she couldn’t bear it. As the purest of the elf sage, how could she tolerate such a thing? “Thud!” Du Fan simply threw Lan Ling into the spring water. Who knew when the effect of the water would wear off? If she didn’t undergo the baptism, it would be a tragedy. “Chief Naixiu, haven’t you thought it through yet?” With nothing to do, Du Fan walked over to Naixiu again, resting his chin on his hand and staring at her. “I heard from Sage Lan Ling about your past… Well, I never expected, Chief Naixiu, that you grew up in human society.” Hearing Du Fan’s words, Naixiu’s eyes seemed to sprout fire. For her, the time she spent in human society was the greatest shame she never wanted to mention. Now, the most detested humans were bringing it up right in front of her—how could she not be angry? “I admit the human nobles you saw are scumbags, but I’m saying not all humans are like that. Some humans are also kind.”

Du Fan’s lips slowly curled into a smile; it was the expression he wore when in the Holy See, facing the followers of the God of Light.