Perfect World: I Am Eternal

Chapter 296 sets the tone
"What?! The flesh of a god?!"

The villagers of Stone Village exclaimed in astonishment, utterly shocked. They were actually fortunate enough to be able to eat a creature of this caliber today.

It should be noted that such beings are virtually unheard of in the Great Wilderness, existing only in ancient books and legends.

"Brother Lin, you're too kind. You always bring such precious food; we feel unworthy of it..."

The group felt a little embarrassed, as they had nothing to offer as a treat in their small village.

“The spirit of Shicun is my adoptive mother, so I’m practically half a Shicun resident. As the saying goes, we’re family, so what is this compared to the bond between us?” Lin Fan said with a smile.

"Haha, Brother Xiao Fan is right, we are all family..." Da Zhuang walked forward happily and put a hand on Lin Fan's body.

He was very strong with a bronze complexion, but in the past he was like a mischievous monkey. Now that he's married, he's become the most stable one.

A group of middle-aged women also arrived. Upon hearing the news, they all came out, becoming even more enthusiastic, pulling on each other's arms and scrutinizing each other.

"Not bad, Brother Lin has grown up. He's taller than all of us, but he's still so delicate and like a child."

Even the thick-skinned Lin Fan blushed slightly at this moment because of the aunties' enthusiasm.

"Quickly invite Brother Lin inside. Don't just stand there. Today is a happy day."

The old clan chief, Shi Yunfeng, also arrived. He walked steadily, with a ruddy complexion, looking increasingly young, though a hint of longing lingered in his eyes.

Clearly, he was worried about Shi Hao, who had traveled far from the village, and had been hoping for his safe return for several years.

However, according to Lin Fan's calculations, his younger brother will be here soon, barring any unforeseen circumstances, within the next month.

"Great! The little one will also be able to return to the village safely then. It's truly a double celebration..."

"Brother Lin, you'll have to stay a few more days this time. Little one will be very happy to see you when he comes back."

This news undoubtedly delighted Shi Yunfeng, the worry between his brows disappeared, and he personally pulled Lin Fan towards the village.

For a time, the whole village was filled with joy and laughter, just like a festival.

Next, they used the knife Lin Fan gave them to butcher the red-feathered crane, dismembering this ferocious bird as big as a mountain. The aunt even used her best skills.

Soon after, the village was filled with the aroma of meat and the smell of essence, which was quite astonishing.

"You brats, eat less! This is pure-blooded divine flesh. If you eat too much, you'll be unable to sleep for days and nights and will be running wild all over the village!"

In fact, even the adults in Shicun Village dared not eat too much of it, as it was easy to overdo the nourishment, since it was the flesh of a deity.

Some people who ate it even broke through several realms on the spot, but fortunately Lin Fan was there to help them suppress it, so that no problems occurred.

"I never thought I'd be able to eat this kind of meat one day, it's so delicious!" At the banquet, a remnant firebird showed a look of enjoyment.

This is the Great Red Bird, and next to it are several other divine birds, as well as a featherless bird, all frantically eating.

"Big brother, do you need your little brother? How about me? I'll be your mount..."

The big red bird came over eagerly, fawning over Lin Fan and even betraying Shi Hao, indicating its intention to switch allegiance.

However, it was looked down upon by the five-colored phoenix, who said that the master would never look at a bird with no morals like it.

"Hmph, Om, this is a wise bird choosing a good tree to perch on!"

"Heh, with your cultivation level, even adults would find you unworthy of being food." The five-colored phoenix mercilessly retorted.

“It’s right, you need to know your place,” the bald man chimed in, agreeing.

"Hey, you bald guy, whose side are you on? I'm your older brother!" Big Red Bird slapped it on the head.

"I am simply telling the truth."

Lin Fan watched this scene with great interest. It is said that a phoenix that has fallen into the grass is no better than a chicken, and that is indeed true.

...Finally, after Shicun calmed down a bit, Lin Fan returned to the village entrance, sat cross-legged under the big willow tree, and recounted his experiences over the past few years.

At this moment, he was like a child returning home and finding his mother, recounting all that he had seen and heard in the outside world.

As for Liu Shen, she listened quietly and didn't say much.

“Aunt Liu, what if one day I am not myself and become someone else?” Lin Fan suddenly asked.

"You are you, so why should I say 'another person'?" The Willow God was very calm, and his eighty-one branches were emerald green and crystal clear, making this place extremely peaceful.

"is it?"

"Don't overthink it. Everything you've experienced is yours, and no one can take it away from you."

Lin Fan seemed to be deep in thought, then nodded. However, the other self he saw in the dark cage still couldn't find peace.

"Now that you are a true god cultivator, have you thought about how to proceed on your true path? Have you made a decision?" Willow God asked.

When a cultivator reaches the True God realm, also known as the True One realm, they will have a clear goal and focus on one path and one way.

In fact, setting the tone and striving for one's grand goals in the future can be seen as clarifying one's aspirations and examining one's conscience.

"My path has always been clear: to follow my heart, to witness everything in the world, and to not be bound by rules!" Lin Fan stated clearly.

"Nothing in this world is ever entirely as one wishes. We live in this world, and there are always rules governing everything," said Willow God.

"Yes, that's why I want to become very strong, strong enough to transcend heaven and earth, and one day, all the myriad paths will be beneath my feet, unable to bind me!" Lin Fan spoke with a powerful and resolute voice.

"It's too big!" Liu Shen exclaimed. His goal was nothing short of wishful thinking and impossible to achieve at present.

"I know, it's just about clarifying my intentions and examining my conscience!"

Lin Fan knew very well that the True One Realm didn't involve doing those things, but...

Everything is based on the present; the flowers will bloom in the future.

"What do you want to do?" Liu Shen asked.

"To further comprehend life and death!" Lin Fan said. This was what he needed to do now, what he had been doing all along, and what he would pursue in the future.

"It seems you had this planned all along!" Liu Shen said no more.

Lin Fan nodded. He had mastered many techniques, and if he focused on one, it wouldn't be difficult for him to smoothly pass through the True God Realm.

However, what resonates most with his Dao is his innate divine art.

By refining this process and incorporating the strengths of various schools of thought, it may be able to undergo further transformation.

"Aunt Liu, I have another good thing to ask for your help with..."

The next day, Lin Fan found the old clan chief Shi Yunfeng and wanted to borrow the ancient black cauldron in the village.

"Don't mention lending, Brother Lin, just use it!" The elder clan leader generously stated that he could use it for as long as he wanted.

At the village entrance, Lin Fan moved the cauldron to this spot and took out a white bone, feeling extremely excited.

"This is..." Liu Shen was moved, and immediately noticed the difference between the two. The cauldron was made of the same material as the white bone block.

Or rather, the two were originally the same thing, but were later separated for some reason.

Furthermore, the black cauldron is not actually black; its interior is actually a pure white bone cauldron, and its exterior is simply covered by a layer of metal.

Most importantly, it is exactly the same bone material as the one in Shicun that records the original true explanation of the divine guide.

"The commotion later will be quite big, you'll need to cover it up!" Lin Fan said.

(End of this chapter)