My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1013: The Immortal Ancestor's True Dao Method

"It isn't something one needs to fret over..."

As Master Qiaogong spoke, he seemed to recall the great catastrophe that struck the immortal realm ages ago, causing him to fall into an abrupt silence.

"It is difficult to say for certain. After all, seeking the root of the Dao is a journey filled with perils beyond imagination. Even for common immortals—those who are not Nameless True Immortals in harmony with the Dao—the threat of perishing still looms large." Master Qiaogong let out a heavy sigh.

Once those words were uttered, a profound silence once again settled between the two men.

Li Fan appeared to be processing this revelation, his forehead creased in a deep frown as he pondered something unknown.

After a long interval, he finally regained his focus and asked, "What you just mentioned, Fellow Daoist—that those who lack faith will suffer a backlash—is that the result of attempting to seek a different root of the Dao?"

"Precisely." Master Qiaogong gave a nod. "Not only will such an act alert the source immortal, but it could even cause the root of the Dao itself to tremble."

"Based on the materials we possess, every root of the Dao is remarkably pure, distinct, and exclusive. Of course, it is possible that beyond the realm of Nameless True Immortals, there exists a state more inconceivable where various Daos merge. However, that is nothing more than baseless conjecture, lacking even a hint of proof."

"Furthermore, the Dao Root Outcome Theory I spoke of is a conclusion reached by our Heavenly Mechanism Realm through the study and analysis of the [Ancestor]'s remains. Back then, this was the shared consensus of everyone, and it should not be incorrect." A flash of grief flickered through Master Qiaogong's eyes.

"I have noticed that the Vital Essence Technique of All Living Beings created by Fellow Daoist seems to bear the shadow of this [Dao Root Outcome]." Li Fan interjected at the perfect moment.

"Heh, you have seen through it, Fellow Daoist. It is not just the Lingyuan Technique; even the cultivation methods of this Xuanhuang Realm—those that defy the laws of heaven and earth to reach longevity immortality—actually align with the true essence of the Dao root in a subtle manner." Master Qiaogong lowered his voice to a somber tone.

"The Immortal Ancestor, this individual... even though he hasn't reached the Immortal realm yet, he has gained mastery over downstream cultivators through this technique. It is truly frightening and inspires great awe."

"Despite not being an immortal, he wields a portion of an immortal's authority. As I stated previously, one must either become his follower and practice his method, or eliminate him entirely." Master Qiaogong clearly felt immense reverence for the Immortal Ancestor, whispering this explanation with care.

Li Fan's brow furrowed upon hearing this. "Then, by your logic, if the Immortal Ancestor were to perish suddenly for some reason, would it affect every cultivator within the Xuanhuang Realm?"

Master Qiaogong shrugged his shoulders. "That is a possibility that cannot be dismissed. This is why I claim he is exceptionally dangerous. I suspect he might even be an Immortal's reincarnation. Otherwise, utilizing the Dao Root Theory with such flawless precision would be impossible."

Li Fan’s frown deepened significantly.

This was a perspective he had never considered. Dealing with the Immortal Ancestor appeared to be a far more daunting task than he had previously anticipated.

"By the way, I saw that your two Fortune Golden Figures are identical in appearance to the Immortal Ancestor. Is there a deep secret behind this? Does the Puppet [Ancestor] of your Heavenly Mechanism Realm also share this look?" After a brief pause, Li Fan finally asked the question that had been weighing on his mind.

Master Qiaogong shook his head quickly. "Fellow Daoist, you are mistaken. The [Ancestor]'s form is broken and unrecognizable. The reason I modeled the Fortune Golden Figures after the Immortal Ancestor is likely just to better harmonize with the Dao of the Xuanhuang Heaven."

Concerned that Li Fan might not grasp the concept, Master Qiaogong took it upon himself to elaborate. "Observe my Heavenly Mechanical Puppets; though forged from source power, they contain many different parts. In contrast, the Fortune Golden Figures consist entirely of pure source power."

"Even though it is source power collected through the Vital Essence Technique of All Living Beings, it is inevitably shaped by the Immortal Ancestor within the Xuanhuang Realm. Therefore, to ensure their structural integrity, they were forged in his image."

With those few explanations, Master Qiaogong's words cleared the shock and suspicion from Li Fan's heart.

If the Immortal Ancestor was indeed a reincarnated immortal, then Li Fan would need to maintain an even lower profile within the Xuanhuang Realm moving forward.

Regardless, judging by the current circumstances, even if he wasn't a True Immortal, he was incredibly close to that level.

"That being said, what is your stance on joining our Federation, Fellow Daoist?" Li Fan asked again after a lengthy silence.

Master Qiaogong did not waver for a second. "Naturally, that is acceptable. Now that the path to immortality is broken, ascending and seeking the root of the Dao have become nothing more than distant dreams. However, having the chance to nearly apprentice under this..."

"True Immortal of Salvation and Mortal Compassion..." Master Qiaogong spoke the title with absolute veneration.

"To be his disciple is a tremendous privilege. You must realize that with disasters now frequent across the star regions, a living True Immortal is the ultimate patron that every cultivator dreams of." Longing and ambition filled Master Qiaogong's eyes.

"If we can utilize the power of the True Immortal, then the various projects that were halted in the past due to a lack of resources should be able to move forward without issue." These final words from Master Qiaogong finally revealed his true motivation for joining the Federation.

To prevent Li Fan from becoming suspicious, Master Qiaogong quickly added an explanation: "During our research on the Ancestor's puppets, we discovered far more than expected. The Heavenly Mechanism Puppet was only the most rudimentary design in our vision."

"You can see for yourself, Fellow Daoist, that it is powered by source power, which is the Fruit of the Dao. If we could instead use the power of the Flower of the Dao to build puppets..."

Master Qiaogong's eyes glowed with aspiration. "We would certainly be able to create True Immortal puppets with power that would overwhelm ordinary cultivators."

"While they might not equal a True Immortal, they should have no trouble standing against Longevity Immortal cultivators."

Master Qiaogong spoke with total confidence.

As he talked, he glanced once more at the golden vow power that continuously circled Li Fan's finger.

That was the power known as the Flower of the Dao.

Li Fan nodded slowly as he listened.

He pulled the golden vow power back into his Calamity Body for safekeeping.

"In that case, follow me to pay your respects to the likeness of the True Immortal of Salvation and Mortal Compassion!"

Master Qiaogong's vision blurred for a moment, and he suddenly found himself standing in a massive circular hall.

Before him stood a towering stone statue with features that were impossible to distinguish.

The aura radiating from the statue felt remarkably similar to the lingering traces of power found on the Ancestor from years ago!

That was the unmistakable power of an immortal!

Master Qiaogong no longer harbored any doubts.

He followed Li Fan's lead, sincerely reciting the oath of initiation.

The moment the oath was finished, Li Fan felt a connection to a power more devout than any of the other new members.

It was even significantly stronger than that of Dao Xuanzi, who had been previously labeled a "Sincere Seeker of the Dao."

"Perhaps because he has witnessed an immortal's power firsthand, his faith has deepened to the point where he cannot even think of resisting," Li Fan mused silently.

However, to spend a life as a mere lapdog following an existing True Immortal in the mortal world...

That was certainly not a path Li Fan intended to take.

Of course, borrowing that power occasionally over a lifetime or two...

That was not out of the question.