Omniscient Mode

Little did Yuan Lao and the others realize that Yang Fan's determination to continue the treatment stemmed from a desire to seize the moment and ascend to the intermediate stage of Qi Refining. Such an opportunity was not one to be trifled with.

Though it was merely a small step up, Yang Fan's journey from the initial stage of Qi Refining had only begun half a month ago! In less than a month, he had transformed from a cripple into a cultivator at the intermediate stage of Qi Refining, making a remarkable leap across two minor stages. How astonishing was that?

Moreover, the depth and refinement gained in power from moving from the initial to the intermediate stage were considerable, significantly enhancing Yang Fan's strength. This increase in capability would, in turn, improve his endurance when healing others in the future.

In the realm of Qi Refining, there are four stages, each with its own notable differences. A cultivator at the perfected state of Qi Refining could effortlessly dispatch those at the initial or intermediate stages under normal circumstances. Such is the gap between stages!

"Yang the Pharmacist, you may continue the treatment, but should you feel overwhelmed, please do not force yourself," Yuan Lao advised kindly. Li Yue Shuang and the others echoed his sentiment, touched by the scene.

Huang Yu, feeling a profound sense of guilt, even knelt behind Yang Fan.

With unwavering determination, Yang Fan slowly extended his hand to Yuan Lao's forehead, preparing to use the "Return to Spirit Technique" once more. This time, however, he focused on restraining his aura, channeling his Drywood Technique to its limit to avoid revealing his advancement.

Given that his soul realm was at the late stage of the Concentration level, Yang Fan felt confident that he could keep his ascension under wraps, especially considering that Yuan Lao was merely at the early stage of the Concentration level, the highest realm aboard the Sky Vessel.

With a gentle breath, Yang Fan withdrew his hand after a moment. His face appeared slightly pale, yet a glimmer of joy flickered in his eyes. Internally, he was elated.

The process of ascending had gone even smoother than he had anticipated—seamless and almost imperceptible. The life mist within him swelled and solidified, nurturing every part of his body, akin to the gentle spring rain that nourishes all life, transforming his physique further.

"Yuan Lao, how do you feel?" Yang Fan inquired with a smile.

Yuan Lao appeared momentarily stunned, all eyes on his face, awaiting his response.

"It's done! I'm healed!" he exclaimed, disbelief etched on his features, a wave of excitement washing over him as his admiration for Yang Fan deepened.

Yang Fan returned his smile, seemingly a cultivator at the initial stage of Qi Refining, yet unbeknownst to others, he had quietly advanced to the intermediate stage. The thrill of this transformation was a secret delight, one that eclipsed the praise and gratitude from those around him.

"Now that you are healed, Huang Daoist, you may rise," Yang Fan said, turning to help Huang Yu up.

"Yang the Pharmacist, I feel an overwhelming sense of shame. I judged you with the narrow-mindedness of a petty person and insulted you terribly. I hope you can forgive me," Huang Yu stated earnestly.

Yang Fan responded with a serious expression, "How could you say that? I owe my gratitude to you, for it was you who gave me the chance to treat a cultivator at the Concentration stage. Such opportunities are rare for someone like me."

Huang Yu, hearing this, mistook Yang Fan's words as sarcasm, his anxiety spiking. "If you say that, it seems you won't forgive me. If so, I shall remain kneeling."

He began to lower himself again.

Yang Fan hurriedly helped him up, chuckling wryly. "I mean every word. I genuinely thank you for granting me the opportunity to 'save lives and heal wounds.' If I speak even a word of insincerity, may lightning strike me."

Huang Yu and the onlookers were left dumbfounded. Yang Fan, having faced ridicule and adversity, was now thanking his tormentor. How utterly confounding!

Yet, who could fathom the intricate web of fate at play? Had it not been for Huang Yu's deliberate provocation, Yang Fan would never have pushed himself to cultivate the "Return to Spirit Technique" beyond his means and thus treat Yuan Lao, ultimately leading to his breakthrough.

In truth, Yang Fan felt an inexplicable joy within, even harboring a peculiar thought: if only he could encounter more people like Huang Yu, the world would indeed be a more beautiful place, and his cultivation would flourish.

After conversing with the others aboard the Sky Vessel, Yang Fan returned to his chamber, feeling refreshed.

Seated cross-legged, he clearly sensed the elevation of his cultivation. The life mist within him spread throughout his body, radiating outward, merging with the surrounding environment. In an instant, everything within a two-hundred-foot radius became vividly clear in his mind; not a rustle of leaves nor a whisper of conversation could escape his keen perception.

While this state wasn't quite as potent as his earlier "Celestial Mode," it imparted a sense of omniscience and control. At this moment, every action aboard the Sky Vessel was under his scrutiny, a feeling akin to surveying the world from a lofty vantage point.

More astonishingly, he found he could effortlessly pierce through certain restricted rooms, capturing the scenes within with ease. For him, the barriers set by cultivators at the Qi Refining level were essentially non-existent.

An exhilarating sensation enveloped Yang Fan as he realized that every person aboard the Sky Vessel, with their every action, was within his watchful gaze.

"Let me see what these cultivators are up to," Yang Fan mused with curiosity, starting his observations.

Most cultivators were either meditating or training, while a few were engaged in idle chatter or perusing the jade slips during their leisure.

However, some individuals stood out.

As Yang Fan's consciousness settled on an opulent room, he was momentarily taken aback. There, a graceful female cultivator was bathing, having shed her garments. Her fair skin, voluptuous curves, and slender, snow-white legs—all these intimate details registered in Yang Fan's senses.

"Goodness…" Yang Fan's heart raced, and he quickly withdrew from this delicate state.

He hadn't anticipated encountering a female cultivator bathing aboard the Sky Vessel. After all, such luxuries were indeed rare in this realm.

"Hm, this state is far easier to maintain than the 'Celestial Mode,'" he pondered, a contemplative expression crossing his face. With a thought, he re-entered this heightened state.

This time, he did not allow his gaze to wander back to the bathing female cultivator but instead directed his awareness elsewhere.

Thus, he cycled in and out of this state, gaining mastery over it.

After some time, he finally concluded that he could now apply this state freely, even in battle.

"Let me think of a fitting name for this state…" Yang Fan reflected for a moment before four words sprang to mind:

Omniscient Mode!

The term "omniscient" aptly described Yang Fan's heightened awareness and mastery of his surroundings once he entered this state.

Although the range of the "Omniscient Mode" was not extensive—currently limited to a two-hundred-foot radius—it was still superior to the one-mile range of his divine sense at the late stage of the Concentration level.

The effectiveness of the Omniscient Mode was intricately tied to Yang Fan's mana, suggesting that as his cultivation advanced to the late stage of Concentration, its range would expand significantly.

In comparison to the earlier ability to harmonize with the forces of nature in "Celestial Mode," the "Omniscient Mode," though modest in scale, conferred immense advantages, allowing Yang Fan to know both himself and his adversaries, granting him an edge in foresight.

"One day, I shall reclaim that mysterious, ethereal 'Celestial Mode,'" Yang Fan vowed, his gaze unwavering. He understood that if he could truly master that state, he might rise to a level comparable to the enigmatic demon king hidden deep within the Clear River...

As the Sky Vessel glided through the tumultuous currents of the Clear River, night melted into dawn unnoticed. Yang Fan dedicated the night to refining his skills, delving into new spells and the art of healing.