My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1012: Discussion on Dao Root Results
Previously on My Longevity Simulation...
“More than three centuries have slipped by, meaning the Xuanhuang Realm has likely drained even more of the Immortal Ruins. Despite this, it has yet to disintegrate...” The implication behind Artisan Master Qiaogong’s words was crystal clear.
Li Fan gave a slow nod of concurrence: “Countless worlds have been obliterated, leaving only the Xuanhuang standing. There are surely many Cultivators like us who escaped collapsing realms to find sanctuary here. Yet, we all choose to remain in the shadows, hiding our presence. This caution likely stems from the terrifying power that guards the Xuanhuang Realm.”
“To be completely honest, Fellow Daoist, I possess some expertise regarding formations. Upon my arrival in the Xuanhuang, I sensed a colossal formation faintly shielding the entire world. Its grade is so immense that it could rival the legendary immortal-grade formations. Deeply unsettled by this discovery, I have always maintained a low profile.”
“I would never dare to create such a massive disturbance as you did with your Lingyuan Sect!”
A bitter grin touched the lips of Artisan Master Qiaogong as he listened: “It appears you have been tracking me for quite some time!”
After a heavy silence, Artisan Master Qiaogong began to explain: “The Lingyuan Sect might look impressive on the surface, but it is actually just a disorganized rabble. The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance doesn't even consider it a threat. Nine Mountains Prefecture is a chaotic borderland near the Five Elders Association, filled with both dragons and snakes. Instead of trying to control it strictly, it was deemed better to let the Lingyuan Sect grow unchecked.”
“At the very least, I ensure a portion of the massive source power I collect is handed over every time.”
“I simply cannot fathom what transpired during these last three hundred years...” A shadow of anxiety flickered across Artisan Master Qiaogong’s eyes.
Li Fan laughed softly: “Fellow Daoist, you are merely overthinking things. In truth, the Lingyuan Sect has flourished over the years. Its recent destruction was nothing more than an unfortunate disaster, caused when the Immortal Ancestor’s dharma manifestation suddenly materialized and annihilated Nine Mountains Prefecture with a single look.”
As he spoke, Li Fan projected an image showing the overwhelming display of power from the Immortal Ancestor’s dharma manifestation.
Artisan Master Qiaogong’s face contorted as he watched the scene, and he cried out in horror: “What heinous crime did they commit to provoke the personal intervention of the Immortal Ancestor?”
“Quite simply, they chose to side with the Five Elders Association during the conflict between those two giants,” Li Fan remarked.
Disbelief washed over Artisan Master Qiaogong’s face before he spat out with hatred: “What absolute fools!”
After a moment of shock, Artisan Master Qiaogong seemed to recall something and asked with a mix of suspicion and surprise: “Something isn't right. I can distinctly feel that even now, nearly a million souls in this world are still practicing the Vital Essence of All Living Beings Technique...”
“Oh, that,” Li Fan answered with total composure. “I couldn't stand to see your hard work go to waste, so I took control of it myself.”
Artisan Master Qiaogong was left speechless: “You...”
In a flash, his mind connected the dots, and the truth became clear: “It’s no wonder you tracked me down so quickly after my rebirth...”
“Wait, you must have discovered my revival method a long time ago, didn't you?”
The expressions on Artisan Master Qiaogong’s face shifted rapidly.
Li Fan gave a small nod: “Do not worry, Fellow Daoist. I have no malicious intentions. If I did, I wouldn't be speaking to you so openly.”
“Oh? Then what is it you actually want...” Artisan Master Qiaogong’s complexion wavered between dark and pale.
“It is simply because I recognize your extraordinary talents, which possess the power to seize the craftsmanship of heaven itself. Therefore, I wish to invite you to join us and conspire toward a grand future!” Li Fan stated with a grave expression.
Following this, Li Fan explained his narrative regarding the Federation of All Worlds and the restoration of the True Immortal Lineage of Salvation and Mortal Compassionate.
“A True Immortal lineage actually exists?” Artisan Master Qiaogong narrowed his eyes, caught between skepticism and belief.
It was only when Li Fan produced a strand of golden Myriad Spirits Nectar that Artisan Master Qiaogong was once again struck with profound shock.
“Source Power Essence?!” He shouted a name different from the one used by Daoist Hundred Flowers.
“Interesting. So that is what you call Source Power Essence? In our Wansheng Realm, we refer to it as Myriad Spirits Nectar,” Li Fan inquired with genuine curiosity.
Artisan Master Qiaogong stared intensely at the object in Li Fan's palm, as if gazing upon an unparalleled treasure: “Source Power is the fundamental energy that fuel's a Cultivator's advancement through realms. And Source Power Essence is the primordial force that generates Source Power itself.”
“To use a metaphor popular in ancient cultivation realms: the realm is the heart, and cultivation is the fruit. Source Essence represents the true form of the [Dao Flower], while the ultimate root of everything is the [Dao] that drives the evolution of all existence.”
Li Fan recalled how Daoist Hundred Flowers had described the Myriad Spirits Nectar.
It was supposedly the discarded remnants left by a Nameless True Immortal while refining the traces of the [Dao].
“Your analogy is quite unique, Fellow Daoist,” Li Fan said, his face reflecting deep thought as he weighed the explanation.
Artisan Master Qiaogong, however, could not pull his eyes away from the Source Essence in Li Fan's hand.
“Does the Dao Flower carry poison?” Li Fan asked abruptly.
Artisan Master Qiaogong was momentarily dazed before catching Li Fan's meaning. After thinking for a bit, he clarified: “It is harmless to those who believe. For those who do not, it will surely trigger a backlash!”
“You must remember, the root of the Dao and the flower of the Dao are powers that we Cultivators—who have not yet reached immortality—cannot truly control.”
“To use them, we must borrow from the [Immortals].”
“But [Immortals] are beings far beyond our understanding. In their pursuit of the Dao's root, they naturally leave behind their own marks. Consequently, the Dao Flowers, Fruits, and Cores created this way all bear their distinct signature.”
“Ordinary flowers in the world grow from root to branch, then bloom and bear fruit. But we Cultivators seeking the Dao try to find the cause by looking at the fruit. We hunt for the ultimate origin, the root of the Dao...”
“Such profound and mysterious matters are difficult to grasp. If one tries to take a shortcut without understanding the true nature of the Dao Fruit's power, and recklessly tries to trace back to the root, they can only depend on the successes of others.”
“Do you grasp my meaning, Fellow Daoist?”
Perhaps because he was seeing a genuine Dao Flower, Master Qiaogong spoke a great deal in his excitement.
“Based on your explanation, it seems borrowing the Dao Flower's power has very few downsides?” Li Fan questioned.
“That is true, provided one does not try to seek out other roots of the Dao in the future,” Master Qiaogong answered.
Li Fan pondered this and quickly understood: “One root produces only one fruit?”
“Precisely. Once you are marked by the power of a Dao Flower, you can rarely escape its influence for the rest of your life. If you have the opportunity to progress further, you must follow the established path, seeking that specific root of the Dao within the void. However, that path already has a True Immortal who walked it first...”
Master Qiaogong smirked: “So, you either become their servant or vassal, or you must kill them to become the supreme authority of that specific Dao path.”
“Oh, I forgot to mention one more thing. The fruit comes from the root; if the root dies, the fruit will inevitably rot. Therefore, if the Immortal at the source falls, everyone downstream who used his power to touch the Dao Flower will also suffer a violent death.”
“But they are Immortals, after all; the chance of them falling is far lower than that of us mere Cultivators.”