Chapter 1: 1282-1283
Chapter 1282: Changes in the Star Sea
"Take a gamble..." Yin Shangren fell silent upon receiving the answer.
"There's no need to worry; I have already made my plans. Whether we win or lose, the true lineage of Xuanhuang will be re-established. You and Xu Ke, just do what you wish to do," Emperor Li Ping calmly stated.
"But..." Yin Shangren hesitated after hearing this.
"When the time comes to reveal the law, it will also be the moment for the Holy Dynasty's army to launch a full-scale attack on the headquarters of the Wanxian Alliance. You should take advantage of the chaos to sneak into the [Museum of Divine Artifacts] and bring out Mr. Bai's skull. At this point, victory or defeat is a matter of overall trend. Although both of you are strong, you cannot affect the overall situation. Moreover, the person in charge of the Divine Artifact Museum belongs to the illusionary lineage of the Wanxian Alliance, managing to restrain them would also be considered a great achievement."
A shadow of gloom flashed through Yin Shangren's eyes: "It's just the lingering spirit of a strange beast from the Xuanhuang realm of the past. If [Di Yi] was still around, I might have been wary. But with only a Di San Hao..."
"There's nothing to fear!" Yin Shangren snorted coldly.
"The illusionary sage controls the heavy artifact [Era]. Even the most mediocre being, after millions of simulations and derivations, can produce miracles. Do not underestimate the enemy!" Li Ping solemnly said.
The words of the Emperor still carried some weight in Yin Shangren's heart.
He stopped retorting and instead began to contemplate with narrowed eyes.
As he thought, Yin Shangren's scalp began to make a rustling sound, as if silkworms were crawling on it. His scalp fluctuated as if something might burst out from the cracks at any moment.
Yin Shangren suddenly became somewhat irritable, but Li Ping flashed to his side.
With a gentle touch and a sprinkle of starlight, the anomaly gradually subsided.
"This is the backlash of the true self. Forcing suppression is not a wise strategy," the Emperor quickly identified the issue and suggested.
Yin Shangren showed a look of helplessness: "Starting halfway and not from the beginning of cultivation, various sequelae are bound to remain. Initially, I thought that by consuming my imperfect Dao foundation and rebuilding it with [My Foundation], all would be well. But after listening to your teachings from the starry sea, I realized that what I recognized as the complete me, wasn't really complete. The foundation is shaky, indeed requiring further adjustment."
"Don't worry, I'll handle it before the decisive battle," Yin Shangren assured.
"As long as you're aware."
The Emperor's voice lingered, but his figure had already disappeared.
Yin Shangren looked around and was startled to find that the incomplete [New Law], which had previously been taken by the Emperor from a virtual to a physical form, had reappeared on the table where the Emperor had been sitting.
Knowing that this was intentionally left for him by the Emperor, Yin Shangren didn't hesitate to pick it up and start studying it.
"Wonderful..."
Even though it was compiled to confuse the world, this half-version of the New Law still seemed profoundly mystical in Yin Shangren's eyes, almost indistinguishable from true divine techniques.
He quickly became deeply engrossed.
In the Holy Dynasty, within the Great Five Elements Cave of the fire attribute.
An endless sea of fire raged like towering waves, occasionally bursting forth, shooting straight into the sky.
The blazing flames, like wild horses, devoured everything within the cave.
Yet, in the deepest part of this hellish scene, a golden glazed flower bloomed resplendently. No matter how wildly the surrounding flames raged, the flower remained as clear as ever, unaffected in the slightest.
In the center of the glazed flower, the image of a world appeared, flickering in and out of visibility.
Golden light occasionally drifted out from the glazed world within the flower. When the surrounding flames came into contact with this golden light, they instantly ignited even more fiercely.
From a high vantage point, one could see Baihua Daoist, using the golden glazed light as a guide, continually organizing the fire cave.
Compared to when it was first captured, not only the fire cave but the scale of the entire Great Five Elements Cave had almost expanded by a circle. Baihua Daoist could be said to have made a significant contribution.
Emperor Li Ping appeared beside the golden glazed light.
The raging flames instantly died down. They didn't even dare to get close, swaying from afar as if flattering.
"Well done. The Five Elements Cave has been managed very well."
"The other caves too," Li Ping said indifferently.
His gaze pierced through the sky of the Great Five Elements Cave, reaching into the void beyond.
The Great Five Elements Cave, like a robust navigator, led the Holy Dynasty's Great Start on a rapid journey through the void.
And around it, numerous small worlds were simultaneously enveloped, forming a formation with the Great Start of the Holy Dynasty at its core. It resembled a gigantic warship, awe-inspiring to behold.
"It's all part of the job. Without the Holy Emperor's gift of the Spirit Elixir, I couldn't have achieved this," Baihua came before Li Ping, bowing her head.
Baihua also looked in the direction Li Ping was gazing.
After a moment of silence, she couldn't help but exclaim: "I can't believe that such magnificent scenery is my doing."
"Most of them are not smaller than my hometown."
"Next, I'll have to trouble you to return this Five Elements Cave to the Xuanhuang realm," Li Ping's voice came at just the right time.
Baihua was slightly startled.
But the Emperor explained with a smile: "The time for evasion has passed. Now, it's time for a direct confrontation. Let this first battle be led by it!"
As the Emperor spoke, the surrounding flames seemed to be inspired, suddenly surging violently.
Baihua Daoist also noticed that within the fiery Five Elements Cave, besides the flames themselves, there flowed a deep shadow.
It was a terrifying existence that could threaten her.
The Emperor extended his palm, and the shadow flowed swiftly into his hand, transforming into a cute little bug with a tiger's head.
It appeared chubby and harmless, but Baihua was very aware of its terror.
The fire cave they were currently in, and even the entire Five Elements Cave, were nothing more than incarnations of this black bug.
Baihua had been taking care of the cave over the years, but it was more accurate to say she was raising this bug named [Dao Yi].
"With [Dao Yi]'s help, dragging the cave back won't be as strenuous as it was on the way here."
"Just return the Five Elements Cave to its place, and everything else will be handled by Dao Yi," the Emperor instructed.
As Li Ping spoke, his palm emitted strands of starlight.
Dao Yi seemed somewhat proud, affectionately rubbing against Li Ping's palm before greedily swallowing the starlight.
Its black body seemed to become even more solid.
"Go ahead."
Li Ping gently patted it, and although Dao Yi seemed reluctant, it obediently dissipated its shadow, returning to the surrounding cave.
The surrounding flames instantly became even more vigorous.
And Baihua felt as if the entire cave had suddenly come to life. Being inside felt like being in the belly of a giant beast.
A rising sense of crisis made Baihua restless.
Li Ping noticed Baihua's abnormal condition and took her outside the Five Elements Cave into the void.
With a light tap from the Emperor, the Five Elements Cave separated from the Holy Dynasty's Great Start and the void formation.
"Don't worry. Dao Yi will only faithfully execute my commands."
With the Emperor's assurance, Baihua could only nod. Suppressing her inner fear, she transformed into golden light and flew towards the Five Elements Cave.
The Five Elements Cave was instantly adorned with a layer of gold.
Boom!
After the initial booming sound, the movement of the cave was absolutely silent.
Under the cover of the Emperor's formation, even those passing by the moving behemoth might not notice its movement.
Watching the returning Five Elements Cave, Li Ping pondered internally: "With [Dao Yi]'s current state, it's enough to silently alter the spiritual energy of the Xuanhuang realm."
"Not only against the Wanxian Alliance but also as an opportunity to stimulate the Xuanhuang realm, further awakening its revival phase."
Since the last enlightenment in the starry sea, the Xuanhuang realm had briefly burst with revival power. However, being rootless, the signs of revival had gradually stalled over time.
Like new buds on a branch, turning yellow again.
With Dao Yi's transformation, the bug-transformed Five Elements Cave was like a potent medicine.
The spiritual energy of the world is an extremely important component of the Xuanhuang realm. If eroded, it would inevitably provoke a fierce response from the realm itself.
"The mission of Dao Yi, besides creating a battlefield environment suitable for the Great Start's soldiers, is to devour and transform as much as possible, the foreign cultivation worlds stitched together over thousands of years."
"After the war, Dao Yi will die. The spiritual energy will return to its normal course, and the body of Dao Yi, those foreign worlds, can then become nourishment for the Xuanhuang realm."
"Through this calamity, the Xuanhuang realm itself will grow much stronger. Coupled with the [Xuanhuang True Lineage] measures I laid out earlier, regardless of the outcome between me and the Law Transmission, the Xuanhuang realm will hold an absolute advantage in the future integration of worlds."
The Emperor's mind continuously simulated the upcoming battle scenarios.
Gazing far away, through layers of space and time, he saw Baihua Daoist successfully dragging the bug-transformed Five Elements Cave back into place.
Amidst the silent thundering of the heavens and earth, the Five Elements Cave returning to Tianling State began to emit an extraordinary surge of spiritual energy.
The concentration of spiritual energy in the Xuanhuang realm would slightly increase in a short period of time.
Monks would struggle to notice the abnormality of this newly born spiritual energy, only realizing too late when the "Bugification" was activated, losing their "call rights" to the spiritual energy of the world.
Seeing the plan being smoothly implemented, Emperor Li Ping then retracted his gaze.
With a step, he returned within the Holy Dynasty's Great Start.
In the deepest part of the Holy Emperor's seat.
Where the core of the myriad spirits formation was located.
In addition to this, there were many other formations layered on top. Even the Xuanhuang heavenly consciousness, closely linked to the Holy Emperor, would be cut off here.
Ensuring that all external prying could be severed.
The disciple of the Holy Emperor, Lin Ling, once the embodiment of the spirit wood realm, now revealed its true form.
What appeared somewhat eerie was that the tree was upside down, with its crown at the bottom.
Dense roots spread at the top.
The buildings scattered across the Holy Dynasty's Great Start, like the Hall of Heroic Spirits, the Sacred Medical Institute, the Sacred Academy, the Sacred Heart Temple, and the Sacred Supervision Court, were all connected to the inverted spirit wood's roots.
At the heart of the tree, all the scenes occurring within the Holy Dynasty's Great Start were synchronously displayed.
After each scene was played, it turned into green light, absorbed by the inverted spirit wood.
Emperor Li Ping, looking at the inverted spirit wood in front of him, rarely showed a hint of hesitation in his eyes.
"The so-called preparation for defeat before seeking victory. Such a move can only be made with great wisdom!"
Beside Li Ping, a yellow paper figure with a worried expression, unabashedly praised.
It was Du Er Daoist from the Du E Sect.
He sat on the Book of Du E, eyes fixated on the inverted spirit wood in front of him.
"Moreover, your planning is for the Xuanhuang realm. It's not a fallback for yourself, so it can't be said to weaken your resolve or determination." Du Er Daoist continued.
The Emperor remained silent.
Only occasionally casting spells, causing the roots of the inverted spirit wood to shake.
And at the heart of the tree, the speed at which the Great Start's light and shadow were absorbed seemed to increase slightly.
After a long while, the Emperor stopped his actions.
He suddenly spoke: "In this battle against the Wanxian Alliance, there's no need for the Du E Sect to take action."
"Just do as I said before, hide in the dark and watch..."
"To see if there are other prying eyes." The Emperor's tone was somewhat cryptic.
"The battle between the Holy Dynasty and the Immortal Alliance is a major upheaval in the Xuanhuang realm that hasn't been seen in ten thousand years. If that force that has been secretly monitoring the Xuanhuang realm is still operating, it will definitely supervise this event and then transmit the information. I don't ask you to find out where the information ultimately goes. Just confirm whether the event happens," the Emperor instructed word by word.
Du Er Daoist from the Du E Sect finally relaxed his furrowed brows.
He clapped his hands in praise: "Your action aligns perfectly with the Dao of our Du E Sect. If the Holy Emperor wishes, I can even relinquish the position of sect leader of the Du E Sect..."
Before Du Er Daoist could finish, he was interrupted by the Emperor: "Regardless of who wins or loses between me and the Law Transmission, you must report the outcome to the victor. As for what happens after completing the task... that's up to you."
Du Er Daoist didn't show the joy of soon being freed but appeared somewhat astonished, his vaguely shaped small hand pointing at the inverted spirit wood: "I'm not going with you?"
The Emperor chuckled: "In this [Transcendent Wood], the only living being is Lin Ling, which serves as the main body. I won't leave any way out on it, so why would you, the Du E Sect, want to follow?"
Du Er Daoist's face immediately turned bitter: "Holy Emperor, please reconsider. Relying on that tree spirit that hasn't been around for long, what can it achieve? The vast starry sea is unpredictable; it might encounter some disaster and perish halfway. Wouldn't the Holy Emperor's method of escape be in vain..."
Li Ping simply waved his hand, interrupting him.
Focusing on the inverted spirit wood, he corrected: "It's not a method of escape, but a preservation of information."
Du Er Daoist sighed: "What's the difference?"
Li Ping squinted his eyes, silent.
This [Transcendent Wood] not only contained all the events that had occurred since the opening of the Holy Dynasty.
But also, the true spirits and memories of those who had fallen during this period, once residing in the Hall of Heroic Spirits, would be transferred here upon activation.
This was inspired by the Taoyan Sect's theory of indestructible information, a backup plan left for the entire Holy Dynasty.
Or rather, "proof" would be a more appropriate term.
If Li Ping wins, there's no need to mention it. The Transcendent Wood wouldn't be activated at all.
But if Li Ping loses, then the Transcendent Wood will, at the moment of the Great Start's destruction, carry the true spirits of the Holy Dynasty's citizens, flying into the deep void.
If it were a physical entity, it would certainly not escape the Law Transmission's interception.
But if it's just information, the Law Transmission might not care.
Moreover, the Du E Sect would make some interference at that time.
It's not that the Holy Emperor doubted the outcome of the battle. After all, the Transcendent Wood didn't leave a spot for any living being.
It's that the Holy Emperor wanted to leave a final proof of existence for the countless followers and believers.
Li Ping knew that during the thousands of years when the Wanxian Alliance ruled half of the Xuanhuang realm.
The Holy Dynasty's Great Start was not the first to rise up.
Five hundred years ago, there was an instance of the worlds uniting in resistance.
But after their failure, all information about them was erased and sealed by the Wanxian Alliance.
As if these losers had never existed.
Li Ping's action was to prevent this from happening again.
"Even if we lose, our existence will not be erased!"
"If, in the years to come, the Transcendent Wood returns to Xuanhuang and sparks interest in later generations, that would be even better."
Many thoughts flashed through Li Ping's mind.
Emotions surged, but were quickly calmed.
"Law Transmission Tianzun." Li Ping silently repeated this name in his heart.
In fact, with his current strength, he already had a thirty percent chance of facing the Law Transmission unbeaten. Perhaps even winning.
After all, after enlightenment in the starry sea, he had understood the current limits of this dark starry sea.
Even though the Law Transmission had pressured Xuanhuang for nearly ten thousand years, it definitely hadn't broken the current limits of the starry sea.
But what made Li Ping uneasy was the shadow behind the Law Transmission.
Tianyi.
Although Li Ping didn't know much about this person, a vague premonition told him not to underestimate him.
Being able to conspire with the Law Transmission, his strength shouldn't be weak.
"I can handle the Law Transmission, but if Tianyi is added..."
Although not optimistic, the Holy Emperor's plan to launch a total attack in three years wasn't a momentary impulse.
Three years later is a very special time point.
Not special for the Xuanhuang realm, but for the entire dark starry sea.
According to the sensation from the vast starry sea's original intent, three years later, the starry sea will once again erupt with original revival power.
At that time, the revival power from the starry sea will clash with the remaining forces of calamity scattered throughout the starry sea on a large scale.
Under the collision of these two massive forces, cultivators within the starry sea, unless they have reached a level where they can contend with both, will inevitably be affected.
Whether it's cultivators who have comprehended the starry sea or followers of the calamity force, the same applies.
And this influence, manifested in specific cultivators, is that their strength's upper limit will be greatly weakened.
The larger the body, the more waves it encounters in the ocean.
The stronger the cultivation, the deeper the influence from the starry sea's original intent and calamity force.
Law Transmission, Tianyi, these two existences standing at the peak of the starry sea, will temporarily be forcefully pulled down.
Although the Holy Emperor's strength will also be reduced, on one hand, a large part of his combat power comes from the Holy Dynasty's fortune. As long as the Holy Dynasty stands, the strength he can display will always remain at a relatively stable level.
On the other hand, he has a vague connection with the starry sea's original intent. Protected by it, compared to other existences in the starry sea, he only needs to face the influence of the calamity force.
"Through a brief communication with the starry sea's original intent, I'm sure that no cultivator has contacted it before me. Although I don't know why, over these ten thousand years, the Law Transmission and others haven't discovered the revival of the starry sea's original intent. But undoubtedly, this is a fortunate thing for me."
"Not only to some extent has it reduced the gap between us. I can even borrow the power of this vast starry sea to a certain extent."
"It's just that compared to the Xuanhuang realm's lack of choice, this starry sea is currently thriving, and my power is too insignificant. I only have one chance..."
Standing in front of the Transcendent Wood, the Holy Emperor simulated various scenarios that might occur in the war three years later.
Regardless of how Du E Daoist tried to persuade him, he remained unmoved.
"If I could borrow the power of calamity, perhaps my chances of winning could increase a bit."
The Holy Emperor couldn't help thinking this.
But he never expected that at the far end of the starry sea, a group trying to master the power of the starry sea's calamity also foresaw the anomaly that would occur in three years.
Xuanxian Boat, Duanxian Tower.
Zhao Xian, also known as the Holy Embryo Li Fan, was hastily summoned.
During the core member meeting of Duanxian Tower, Ai Tianjue announced a major event that could significantly impact the immortal boat.
"The forces of residual calamity throughout the starry sea are strengthening, expected to peak within three years?"
"Affected by this, the true immortal power attached to the Sea of Relics will also resonate. The usual fluctuations will significantly intensify, providing us with a great opportunity to search for effective world-ending relics. Such an opportunity comes once in a millennium!"
"If successful, we might gather enough relics for the next hundred years in one go!"
Upon hearing Ai Tianjue's report, everyone was excited.
Due to the scarcity of world-ending relics, Duanxian Tower's research on true immortal talismans has been extremely slow.
Often, several cultivators share the same relic.
Only the real powerholders and their disciples have the opportunity to study a relic exclusively.
Nearly every cultivator in Duanxian Tower believes their talent is not inferior to others. If each person has sufficient relics to study, the difficulty of research will undoubtedly decrease significantly.
"Why is this phenomenon happening?" Chi Gongdao's voice came.
He did not attend the meeting, speaking through a pen made of flesh and blood.
The flesh-and-blood pen danced in the void, gesturing: "The immortal boat has always had detailed records of the fluctuations of calamity power. Such an abnormal phenomenon has never occurred before."
"And abnormality means either an opportunity or..."
"Disaster!"
The flesh-and-blood pen wrote a large character in the air.
A strange vibration emanated from the character, causing all present cultivators to involuntarily feel a chilling dread, as if standing beside a bottomless abyss.
"Gongdao, don't make trouble," a blue-haired elder said sternly.
With a glance, he absorbed the character into his eyes.
Speaking was Duanxian Tower's second elder, the moderator of this meeting, Gan Jingda.
After stopping Chi Gongdao's mischief, Gan Jingda said solemnly: "However, what you said is not without reason. In fact, we have already analyzed this privately."
"This anomaly is different from previous resonances of star power. The root of the anomaly might still be the starry sea itself."
With these words, the room fell silent.
All cultivators pondered the deep implications of this statement.
They are all smart people, fully aware that their source of power comes from the residual true immortal power in the starry sea.
But for the entire starry sea, this true immortal power is foreign and needs to be eradicated.
From the current trend, there seems to be no possibility of mutual integration between the two.
What could the impending anomaly result in?
Uncontrollable calamity power? For the Xuanxian Boat, already living on thin ice, it might not be good news. Even if more true immortal power becomes available in the future, the corresponding risks will also increase.
This is the price of mortals seeking true immortal power.
And if the starry sea prevails, the future for the Xuanxian Boat is even less optimistic.
Having lost the weapon they once wielded, their strength will significantly weaken.
Unless they are willing to switch sides and return to the path of enlightenment cultivation.
But...
A subtle atmosphere circulated among the attendees.
Having experienced the power to control true immortal forces with a mere gesture, who could willingly return to slow, methodical cultivation?
Ai Tianjue coughed lightly, breaking the silence: "All of this is still speculation, without any substantial evidence."
"The Xuanxian Boat has survived countless calamities since ancient times. I believe we can safely navigate through this anomaly as well."
The cultivators responded with applause.
"However, this anomaly is of great importance. We have decided, from today, the immortal boat will enter a state of emergency preparation."
"Be ready to enter a wartime state at any moment," Gan Jingda announced the purpose of the meeting.
Although no one voiced opposition, the solemn expressions on their faces were unmistakable.
At this moment, Li Fan suddenly spoke, attracting everyone's attention.
"Will the anomaly affect the suction force in the starry sea?"
"I once heard of the existence of the Xuanhuang realm beyond the starry sea. Compared to our immortal boat, that intact cultivation world is far richer in resources. Previously, we considered the journey too long and the influence of the starry sea's suction too great, making the trip not worth the cost. Now..."
With Li Fan's words, everyone's eyes lit up.
Gan Jingda and Ai Tianjue exchanged glances, seemingly discussing something.
Then, amid the hopeful gazes of the attendees, they said: "Regarding the feasibility of this matter, the council of elders will conduct a detailed assessment."
"If feasible..."
"Our immortal boat might find a place to settle and thrive beyond the starry sea."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 1,283 Immortal Weapons Alliance 2 Realm
The atmosphere of the meeting reached its climax with Gan Jingda's announcement.
A cultivation world still intact and rich in resources, which had existed only in the imaginations of those on the immortal boat, now seemed within reach. How could this not exhilarate everyone?
Before the meeting, most cultivators on the Xuanxian Boat had a limited understanding of the Xuanhuang realm, based only on a captured vessel from there. After the meeting, they began to feverishly study up on the Xuanhuang realm.
The Xuanxian Boat had a long lineage, having survived a tragic split, yet it had never been severed.
Ten days after the council concluded, a detailed report on the Xuanhuang realm was produced through the joint efforts of Duanxian Tower, Xianshu Institute, Zhengdao Academy, and the major families on the immortal boat.
The majority of the report was provided by Duanxian Tower, based on the testimony of a captured cultivator, Lan Yu.
The content from the Xianshu Institute and other organizations came from records of the Xuan Shang immortal boat's visits to the Xuanhuang realm before the starry sea calamity.
A small-scale council among the Xuanxian Boat's upper echelons distributed this Xuanhuang report.
Li Fan, although not of high rank, attended as a disciple of Ai Tianjue.
"We can't yet determine how the starry sea anomaly will develop in three years. Therefore, whether we can embark on a campaign to Xuanhuang still requires further observation. But that doesn't prevent us from preparing in advance."
"Please, look…"
Lu Yuzhi, a composed man and one of the six Dao-entering cultivators of Duanxian Tower, summarized for the audience.
"Our Xuan Shang immortal boat visited the Xuanhuang realm three times in ancient times. One was an official visit, warmly received by the Xuanhuang realm. The other two were for gathering materials, visiting covertly. At that time, the Xuanhuang realm had two specialties, valuable even in the entire starry sea. One is the [Ruo Wood Fruit], and the other is [Gifts from the Immortal Realm]."
"This Ruo Wood Fruit contains the most primal laws of life from the Xuanhuang realm. Consuming it can greatly extend one's lifespan."
"And as for these Gifts from the Immortal Realm…"
Lu Yuzhi paused, and Li Fan could hear a slight fluctuation in his voice.
"The Xuanhuang realm is recorded as one of the few cultivation worlds with the most frequent contacts with the immortal realm in ancient times. Thus, it has a considerable number of immortal artifacts. Some of these, over time, became ownerless. There are specialists among the cultivators in the starry sea who go to the Xuanhuang realm to secretly collect information about these lost immortal artifacts, hoping to make a fortune."
"Although the probability of success is slim, there have indeed been a few successes. Our two covert visits to the Xuanxian Boat were actually to meet those successful."
Lu Yuzhi's words caused a stir among the attendees.
Even among the high ranks of the immortal boat, some were unaware of such secrets.
"The two immortal artifacts we collected from the Xuanhuang realm, one was sold before the starry sea calamity descended. The other fell into the hands of the [Shang Xian Boat] during the split of our immortal boat," Lu Yuzhi said regretfully.
Everyone held their breath, faces showing frustration and anger.
Gan Jingda, the second elder of Duanxian Tower, coughed lightly to suppress the murmurs in the room, signaling Lu Yuzhi to continue.
"Although the immortal artifacts from the Xuanhuang realm are no longer in our possession, we still have the [Ruo Wood Fruit] within our immortal boat."
After getting permission, a representative from the Xianshu Institute cast several spells.
Under a burst of light, a crystal-clear, jade-like spherical fruit appeared before everyone.
Even under layers of seals, the cultivators could still feel the vibrant life force emanating from the Ruo Wood Fruit.
For the resource-strapped cultivators of the immortal boat, this was undoubtedly a great temptation. Even those high-ranking members present had never enjoyed such a treasure.
Most eyes were fixed on the Ruo Wood Fruit, swallowing saliva.
Li Fan also observed carefully.
"Familiar aura."
"Indeed from the Ruo Wood. However, the vibrant life force enveloping the fruit is not something the current Ruo Wood can produce. It seems the injuries it suffered back then were really severe."
"And moreover…"
Li Fan's thoughts stirred. He noticed that wisps of life force were emanating from the fruit, disappearing into thin air, or rather, flowing into the void.
Lu Yuzhi spoke gravely, "Everyone should understand that the life force of
this Ruo Wood Fruit has been dissipating for thousands of years. Despite our immortal boat's use of many secret techniques to greatly slow down the escape of life force, we ultimately can't stop this process."
Someone exclaimed in wonder, "After thousands of years of life force dissipating, the life force it nurtures is still so powerful. It's hard to imagine what the original Ruo Wood Fruit looked like."
"No wonder it's said to be valuable throughout the entire starry sea."
"Hmm, strange. How could those old folks in the Xianshu Institute restrain themselves and not directly consume such a treasure?"
In the midst of various discussions, some caught the key point in Lu Yuzhi's introduction of the Ruo Wood Fruit.
"Does Brother Lu mean that the life force dissipated by this Ruo Wood Fruit is returning to the Xuanhuang realm?"
The audience quieted down at once, looking at the Ruo Wood Fruit with not only greed but also a different kind of meaning.
Lu Yuzhi nodded: "Correct!"
"The starry sea is vast and boundless. Even the captured Xuanhuang's Lan Yu couldn't remember the way back. But through this Ruo Wood Fruit, we can precisely lock onto the Xuanhuang realm's location in the vast starry sea!"
After a moment of silence, intense discussions erupted again.
"Does the Xuanhuang realm still have Ruo Wood Fruits? If each of us had one, I can hardly imagine the taste…"
"No wonder those folks in the Xianshu Institute didn't consume it. Although the treasure is good, it's entangled with the primal forces of another cultivation world. For other cultivators, maybe, but as the rulers of the immortal boat, absolutely not. Unless they're willing to give up their positions."
"Wait, can there really be such a coincidence in the world? Moreover, the method of this fruit's life force drifting towards its original world seems too deliberate. Could it be that the fruit is actually bait, attracting existences in the starry sea for hunting?"
...
The attendees argued endlessly, but Lu Yuzhi, the host, did not stop them.
Instead, he meditated with his eyes closed.
Only when the room became quiet again did Lu Yuzhi continue to summarize: "From Lan Yu's memory, we ruled out the possibility of it being a trap. Even if the conspiracy of the Ruo Wood Fruit really existed in ancient times, the current Xuanhuang realm no longer needs to worry. Although the Xuanhuang realm survived the starry sea calamity, it also underwent unimaginable changes."
"The current Xuanhuang realm is under the joint rule of the Wanxian Alliance and the Five Elders Council..."
Lu Yuzhi detailed the relevant information about the Xuanhuang realm to the attendees.
"Isn't that wrong? Why is the Xuanhuang realm much larger than recorded in our Xuanxian Boat?"
"Preliminary judgment, it should be the survivors of the starry sea joining forces to counter the suction of the immortal ruins. The so-called Xuanhuang realm, in my opinion, should be more appropriately called [Land of World Survivors]."
"Then, there must still be hidden masters in the Xuanhuang realm. Definitely not just the publicly known Law Transmission, the five immortals of long life, etc."
"Defying the laws of heaven and earth to achieve longevity... indeed interesting. Being bound to the world indeed provides a lifespan beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators. Even their strength can be enhanced in sync with the world's prosperity. It's just a pity that once outside the world, their strength will be greatly weakened. Moreover, if the world is destroyed, they can only follow it to extinction."
The attendees seriously reviewed the information about the Xuanhuang realm.
"Let's not forget, there are many immortal artifacts in the Xuanhuang realm. The Heavenly Mystery Mirror of the Wanxian Alliance is clearly one of them. Are there other immortal artifacts in the Wanxian Alliance? If we go on an expedition, we must consider this factor. I believe everyone understands how powerful the true immortal's force is. Can we really win that easily?"
"In my opinion, there's no need for fighting and killing. From Lan Yu's memory, we can tell that the Xuanhuang realm's resources are still quite abundant. Our immortal boat, at best, is equivalent to less than half a state of the Wanxian Alliance. We can opt for a trade, to exchange for what we need."
"Right, even if we can't occupy the Xuanhuang realm. Exploring the so-called immortal ruins is greatly beneficial for us. Such surging true immortal power... perhaps there will be complete [True Immortal Talismans] inside!"
"Ah, I advise everyone to be more cautious. We covet the various resources of the Xuanhuang realm,
but how could the Xuanhuang realm not be eager to break free from the shackles of the immortal ruins? To them, our Xuanxian Boat is also a piece of fat meat."
...
Whether to embark on a journey to the Xuanhuang realm is indeed a matter that could completely change the fate of the immortal boat. It's difficult to make a decision in a short time. Due to historical reasons, everyone present unanimously did not propose to send a portion of the forces for exploration.
The Xuanxian Boat, no matter what, must advance or retreat together. It can no longer afford a second split.
The council decided to discuss again in thirty days and make a final decision.
After everyone dispersed, only nine cultivators remained.
Four from Duanxian Tower, three from the Xianshu Institute, one from the Zhengdao Academy, and one from the immortal boat's Forging Star Workshop.
Li Fan, as a direct disciple, was not qualified to stay and waited outside.
Gan Jingda lightly pointed, and a scene appeared before everyone.
A sword light pierced the sky.
Sixteen characters shone brightly above the canopy.
Beyond the starry sea, beneath the high walls, the Xuan Shang immortal boat, navigating through calamity.
Gan Jingda slowly asked, "What do you think?"
"This method of transmission... [Boundless]?" Nangong Lie of Zhengdao Academy said gravely.
"Did the immortal boat produce a traitor?"
"Not necessarily, it could also be those who fled back then. Trying to divert disaster elsewhere, then reap the benefits?"
"Regardless, in the face of absolute power, any conspiracy is but a folly. The only thing to consider is whether it's worth it."
...
Several people discussed the future of the Xuanxian Boat.
Outside the council space, Li Fan did not leave early, waiting for his teacher.
He looked down at the buildings scattered around the immortal boat's divine tree, but his thoughts were focused on the Ruo Wood Fruit that appeared in the council.
"The life force of the Ruo Wood Fruit indeed dissipates towards the Xuanhuang realm. But it's not through ordinary means, but involves the level of the starry sea itself."
"Relying on its life force to lock onto the Xuanhuang realm's location... is simply impossible."
"They are lying. It must be another method."
Li Fan's mind raced with several possibilities, but at the moment, he had not reached the true core of the immortal boat's high ranks.
He couldn't pinpoint the correct answer.
As he pondered, a message interrupted his thoughts.
"Brother Zhao, come quickly!"
It was from Wang Hai, also a disciple of Ai Tianjue.
Normally, Wang Hai hardly ever actively sought out Li Fan. This urgency suggested something important.
Li Fan no longer waited for Ai Tianjue and directly returned to Wang Hai's residence.
"Brother Zhao, look at this."
"The immortal boat's report has such a big oversight."
Wang Hai did not attend the meeting, but he had already obtained the Xuanhuang report jointly issued by several powers of the immortal boat.
Li Fan squinted at the ancient aura emanating jade slip Wang Hai was holding.
The content recorded in the jade slip surprised Li Fan.
"...Thus, the Xuanxian Boat has reached the most critical juncture of life and death. To solve the survival issue of the immortal boat's cultivators, the last remaining immortal artifact on the boat was finally used."
"[Seed of Rebirth]."
"With a black seed that looked ordinary being planted, a divine tree also took root and sprouted on the broken body of the immortal boat."
"It was the reinforcement of the divine tree that gradually stabilized the broken immortal boat."
"As they say, every drink and peck is predestined. Who would have thought that this artifact from the Xuanhuang realm, deemed worthless for trade, would become the immortal boat's lifesaver..."
After reading the content of the jade slip, it was a historical record and reflective essay on the split of the immortal boat.
"Where did this come from?" Li Fan was slightly stunned.
"Where from? Of course, it's a family heirloom," Wang Hai replied somewhat confusedly, answering with righteous indignation.
"I've read all the classic jade slips in my family since I was a child. Hence, I had an impression of this segment. Clearly, the divine tree of the immortal boat comes from the Xuanhuang realm. Yet, this report claims that there are no immortal artifacts left on the boat..."
Seeing Li Fan's somewhat strange expression, Wang Hai quickly explained, "I know there must be something fishy, so I haven't spread the word yet. Isn't that why I called you here?"
"I just wanted to try and see if pointing out this mistake counts as a [Correction] merit. If not, then pretend I never mentioned it."
The so-called [
Correction] merit is one of the few most significant merits that cultivators on the Xuanxian Boat can accumulate. If one discovers and points out errors in the boat's traditional texts during cultivation and study, or proposes improvements, they can receive incredibly generous rewards.
For countless years, the immortal boat has not been insular. Instead, it has survived in the starry sea to this day thanks to the wisdom of generations of cultivators.
Li Fan returned the jade slip and directly replied, "In my view, this is not an error but an intentional concealment of the connection between the divine tree of the immortal boat and the Xuanhuang realm."
"Why would they do that? There's no need at all..." Wang Hai was astonished.
Li Fan showed him the sixteen characters from Lan Yu's memory.
"Ah, I remember now."
"The reason the Wanxian Alliance sent a flying boat to the far end of the starry sea." Wang Hai pondered.
Li Fan whispered, "This is the Boundless method of transmission, a secret of the immortal boat."
Wang Hai was shocked and was about to say something but was stopped by Li Fan.
"The divine tree of the immortal boat comes from the Xuanhuang, but could the cultivators of the Xuanhuang still possess its controlling methods?"
"The divine tree saved the immortal boat, yet we intend to invade the cultivation world that once sent the divine tree. Isn't that ingratitude?"
"If the truth is made public, it will inevitably cause many concerns within the immortal boat. It's better to conceal this matter. After all, many years have passed, and few know about the events of that time," Li Fan explained.
"Moreover, there might still be spies from the Xuanhuang realm within the boat. If this secret is known to them, it would be greatly detrimental to our immortal boat," Wang Hai also regained his senses and whispered back.
Li Fan nodded in agreement.
"Alas, what a pity. I thought I had finally found an error," Wang Hai said somewhat dejectedly.
"You needn't be anxious. The anomaly of the starry sea is coming. As the residual true immortal power in the starry sea gradually becomes active, our understanding of the true immortal talismans will also become easier," Li Fan consoled, his expression mysterious.
...
"[Seed of Rebirth]?"
In the Xuanhuang realm, attached to Sun Tianci's body, Li Fan's clone tried to search his mind for clues related to these four words.
"The name doesn't match. But the appearance is very similar to the treasure left behind after the Shenmu Sect was destroyed, according to the records."
Li Fan pondered.
The Shenmu Sect, one of the ancient immortal sects of the Xuanhuang realm.
Existing in the same era as the Huangshen Sect and the Reincarnation Sect, before the immortal path was severed.
Li Fan's familiar [Mountain Sitting Art] also originated from this sect.
The Shenmu Sect had an extraterrestrial divine tree that threatened the existence of the Ruo Wood due to its continuous growth.
Conflict ensued.
Eventually, the Shenmu Sect was destroyed, disappearing from the annals of history.
The defeat of the Shenmu Sect, besides the Ruo Wood being at the peak of its life and extremely powerful, other cultivators assisted, among other factors.
The more crucial reason was similar to the Huangshen Sect. The connection between the Shenmu Sect and the immortal realm mysteriously severed, rendering many methods unusable.
After the Shenmu Sect's defeat, the extraterrestrial divine tree was thoroughly destroyed.
Leaving behind a few treasures, divided among the cultivators of the time.
One of the treasures, resembling a tree seed, was almost identical to the [Seed of Rebirth] recorded in the Xuanxian Boat.
"No wonder there have been no records about it in the Xuanhuang realm since then."
"It was sold to the Xuan Shang immortal boat early on."
"According to the cultivators' deductions at the time, planting this seed would give birth to another extraterrestrial divine tree. But at that time, the Ruo Wood was victorious. Even if planted, it would inevitably face the Ruo Wood's eradication. Meaningless. Moreover, the Xuanhuang realm could no longer accommodate a second divine tree."
"It was gradually ignored by the cultivators due to its perceived lack of value."
"If my guess is correct, the divine tree of the immortal boat that grew from the [Seed of Rebirth] must have a mysterious connection to the extraterrestrial divine tree of the Shenmu Sect. The extraterrestrial divine tree was defeated in battle, its body destroyed, and its essence absorbed by the Ruo Wood..."
"The Xuanxian Boat must be using this method to lock onto the Xuanhuang realm's location from afar in the void."
"..."
"Although the starry sea is vast, there are subtle connections
between events."
"Looking at it this way, the Xuanxian Boat will almost certainly come to the Xuanhuang realm. By then, it might intervene in the battle between the Holy Emperor and the Immortal Alliance. Interesting!"
With a trace of a smile emerging in his heart, "In that case, I might as well add fuel to the fire!"
In an endless dark space.
Hundreds of terrifying phantom ghosts floated and howled incessantly.
Below these ghostly figures, a disheveled woman sat with closed eyes.
Although her face was calm, one could vaguely sense the extreme resentment deep within her.
It was Wu Ninglu, whose body was occupied by Li Fan's original self, Sun Ang's wife.
During the fusion process, she was used as a sacrifice by the Sun family to achieve Sun Tianci's unparalleled talent for being born merged.
As her soul lingered, only a sliver of resentment was saved by Li Fan.
He bestowed upon her the Three Calamities Hundred Tribulations Bright God Method.
"Cultivation is too slow!"
"So much time has passed, and the Three Calamities Hundred Tribulations Bright God Method has only managed to produce 364 gods..."
"What a waste!"
"Look at what state your precious son has reached now!"
As Li Fan mocked, he waved his hand, displaying Sun Tianci's image.
In the picture, Sun Tianci appeared only five or six years old.
However, in front of him, three adult merged cultivators stood ready.
"Please instruct!"
Without any nonsense, these three merged cultivators jointly attacked Sun Tianci.
Their strength was not weak, and one of them, who devoured the soul of heaven and earth, possessed an unpredictable and hard-to-guard black fog.
However, their methods were quietly blocked near Sun Tianci's body and dissipated into nothingness.
Li Fan explained with derision, "Do you know what this means?"
"Your precious son's comprehension of the laws of heaven and earth has reached an astonishing level. Attacks using the soul of heaven and earth by merged cultivators were easily transformed by him into the most primal forces of law, returning to between heaven and earth of Xuanhuang! If they continue to fight like this, these three merged cultivators risk falling from their realm..."
Corresponding to Li Fan's words, not long after, the picture showed the three merged cultivators looking extremely uncomfortable and ceasing their attack. They conceded defeat to Sun Tianci with a bow.
Sun Tianci also politely reciprocated.
The picture abruptly ended.
Wu Ninglu, who had been calm, suddenly went mad.
"It's all mine! All of this should have been mine!"
"Hate! I hate so much! The Sun family, they all deserve to die!"
She rambled on with curses.
Li Fan coldly said, "Even if you curse yourself to soul dispersion, it won't have the slightest effect on them."
"It seems I really made a mistake in cultivating such a waste!"
Wu Ninglu gradually recovered from her madness.
Although she couldn't see the hidden clone of Li Fan, it didn't stop her from kowtowing and begging.
"Senior, help me! I'm willing to pay anything! Just to make the Sun family and that bastard child pay the price..." Wu Ninglu said through gritted teeth.
"Pay? With what?" Li Fan disdainfully said.
Faced with Li Fan's naked mockery, Wu Ninglu's condensed hundred demonic gods trembled slightly, as if they were about to go berserk.
However, she forcibly suppressed them.
Wu Ninglu continued to beg tearfully.
Li Fan looked at those demonic gods still glaring fiercely at him despite being suppressed, and smiled slightly: "Still somewhat spirited."
"Besides, I myself like to watch a good show. Helping you is not out of the question!"
Wu Ninglu's face lit up with joy.
"However, you need to change that hideous appearance of yours first."
Li Fan's clone suddenly revealed a vague figure from the shadows, placing a hand on Wu Ninglu's head.
Wu Ninglu's originally shadow-composed body immediately emitted countless wisps of smoke.
She immediately screamed in agony, collapsing to the ground.
Switching from begging to cursing Li Fan with all sorts of venomous words.
"Hehehe..."
Li Fan ignored her, never letting go of his hand.
Wu Ninglu's condensed demonic gods attempted to attack.
But as they approached Li Fan's clone, they were suddenly sucked into his body and disappeared without a trace.
Without exception.
Wu Ninglu's painstakingly cultivated demonic gods were wiped out in an instant for attacking Li Fan, leaving only a few trembling ones behind.
Her efforts destroyed and tormented, Wu Ninglu wailed but still didn't give up struggling.
"Truly just remnants of hatred..."
Li Fan internally praised but accelerated the pace of transformation under his hands.
Time passed, and Wu Ninglu's screams gradually faded.
Her originally
ghastly body also appeared normal to the naked eye.
"Your ghostly appearance wouldn't have gotten close to your son before being purified."
"If you want to deal with him, you need to find his Achilles' heel."
"Even the most unparalleled genius is ultimately a pitiful creature who grew up without parents."
"He's been longing for the affection he's always lacked. You just learn how to be a qualified mother."
Li Fan sneered, injecting countless scenes into Wu Ninglu's mind.
Gradually, Wu Ninglu's face softened.
Truly resembling a kind mother.
But only Li Fan could see the intense, unquenchable hatred deep in her eyes. Find books at wｗｗ．zhａoshuyuan.com
Outside this dark space.
In a place Wu Ninglu couldn't sense.
"Master, how did I perform just now?" Sun Tianci asked Li Fan, who was deep within his sea of consciousness.
"Originally, you could have done even better. Did you hesitate?" Li Fan lightly reprimanded.
Sun Tianci admitted openly, "It was just a spar. If it were a fight to the death, those three would have lost three layers of cultivation."
"Did you feel the emotions of heaven and earth?" Li Fan asked again.
Sun Tianci's face flashed with guilt, "Not yet."
"It's alright. The hostility of heaven and earth towards cultivators of new methods can't be reversed in an instant. Continue to spar under the guise of friendly matches with merged cultivators from various places. With your talent, you'll soon reverse heaven and earth's attitude towards you," Li Fan said lightly.
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