My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1117: If There's a Grudge, It Must Be Avenged

"We've set up a hidden branch along the Blood-Colored Long River that remains undetected so far."

"Should we manage to flee with our lives intact, that's where we'll regroup."

"The unique properties of the blood-colored long river's power ought to block the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance's pursuit effectively." Li Fan had prepared escape plans in advance. He shared this information with key figures from the Federation of All Worlds, including Liu Ruchen and Daoist Hundred Flowers.

Regarding the way the Spiritwood Realm's precise position got revealed, Li Fan harbored a vague suspicion deep inside.

However, the moment for settling scores hadn't arrived yet.

Li Fan refrained from issuing harsh commands that demanded they battle until the end instead of yielding.

Bound by the Faceless True Immortal's influence, surrender might not even be an option for them if they tried.

As the inhabitants of the Spiritwood Realm geared up for a frantic escape attempt, the Holy Embryo Li Fan stealthily approached the statue honoring the Faceless True Immortal.

The statue served only as a conduit.

"Yet without question, compared to regular followers, He likely values His personal statue a bit more."

"In reality, I could opt to fling the statue outward and force the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance to confront the True Immortal's strength directly. But..."

"Such a tactic works just once and can't be reused. Later on, I still plan to use Him against the Immortal of the Immortal Ruins."

Beneath the watchful stare of the Holy Embryo Li Fan's gaze, the Faceless Statue surprisingly started to fade into transparency.

Soon after, it disappeared entirely.

The Nether Prison.

Li Fan observed the statue emerging gradually from nothingness with a blank expression.

Anywhere the True Immortal's web reached, the True Immortal's energy could flow without hindrance.

The cultivation techniques and insights he had earlier granted to Federation of All Worlds members were also passed along this way.

This marked his initial effort to shift a tangible item.

"Should I decide to pledge complete loyalty to the Faceless True Immortal, surrendering everything and serving as His genuine envoy, then tapping into His immense power, I might shift the whole Spiritwood Realm with mere willpower." Li Fan contemplated while eyeing the statue.

The statue's appearance brought no alterations to the Nether Prison.

Once he secured the statue away, Li Fan, concealed inside, refocused on the Spiritwood Realm.

Federation of All Worlds members rushed to ready themselves for departure.

The Holy Embryo Li Fan, on the other hand, calmly arranged the arrays.

Feeling the presence materializing at his back, Li Fan's actions halted briefly.

"Lord Emissary... does it have to reach this point?"

The arrival was Lin Ling, the spirit of the massive tree within the Spiritwood Realm.

"When this array triggers, the entire Spiritwood Realm will probably turn to dust." Lin Ling gazed at the subtle silver patterns spreading over the terrain and spoke, her complexion ashen.

Li Fan grinned: "This counts as a tactical retreat. Why would we allow the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance to claim the rich territory of the Spiritwood Realm without cost? Destruction is essential, of course. And as for you..."

"I've been occupied lately and overlooked things, but your skill with arrays has advanced notably. You can even perceive the purpose of my array arrangement?" Li Fan's eyes lingered on Lin Ling.

Lin Ling pressed her lips together: "I don't possess that skill. It's only because I'm linked to the Spiritwood's core. In the face of mortal peril, I just sensed a vague warning."

"We'll reclaim this place someday, right? Even if we hand it over to the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance for the time being, so what? I trust that with Lord Emissary's guidance, that moment won't be distant."

No one would have foreseen the formerly clueless tree spirit now offering such soothing words of counsel.

The Holy Embryo Li Fan's array setup slowed for an instant.

After a brief quiet, Li Fan inquired: "The Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance located our Spiritwood Realm so swiftly. A betrayer must lurk among us. Any suspicions?"

Lin Ling's form shuddered at once, and she cried out in panic: "It's not me!"

Li Fan shot her a look: "If it was you, would you still be standing here unharmed, conversing with me?"

A surge of ease flooded Lin Ling right away, and she let out a deep sigh, as if drained of all strength.

Through these years of seeing the Spiritwood Realm build from scratch and observing Li Fan's myriad tactics, she held zero intentions of disloyalty.

Next to Li Fan, the folks in the outer Xuanhuang Realm appeared far more innocent.

Crossing the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance didn't always spell doom.

But crossing Li Fan...

Lin Ling dabbed at the nonexistent perspiration on her brow, pondered briefly, and responded swiftly: "In truth, it might not involve a traitor within our Federation of All Worlds. The Spiritwood Realm's gateway is concealed, but it can't deceive every being."

"For instance, I know of someone who understands it perfectly. And furthermore..."

Lin Ling stole a cautious peek at Li Fan, then murmured: "It appears to bear some resentment toward you."

Li Fan's eyes narrowed sharply: "Are you referring to the Earth Vein Ancient Tree?"

Lin Ling affirmed with a nod.

"Back when we were on friendly terms, he witnessed my repeated comings and goings from the Spiritwood Realm. Though ties broke later, our location stayed fixed. Plus, everywhere the earth veins extend falls under his watch..."

"Most importantly, I vaguely detected his observing gaze on us earlier. Yet since the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance's assault began, that spying look hasn't returned. It's like a culprit evading detection. If he didn't spill the secret, considering our feud, he'd be reveling in our downfall now." Lin Ling reasoned step by step.

Upon hearing this, Li Fan gave a small nod.

"Well done. The Spiritwood Realm can remain for the moment." The Holy Embryo Li Fan ceased the array's development.

"A student away for three days deserves fresh respect. It would've been ideal if you'd pointed this out earlier."

Gazing at Lin Ling, Li Fan offered praise.

Lin Ling's cheeks burned with thrilled color.

He sent Lin Ling off to aid in the escape preparations. Li Fan then peered toward the horizon beyond the Spiritwood Realm.

"Heh, true to his forebears, holding grudges so fiercely."

"Conveniently, I share that trait."

Li Fan still valued Lin Ling's reasoning.

After all, the Spiritwood Realm's entry was highly covert; only a handful knew it. Ruling them out one by one narrowed the culprit fast.

As for the chance that Lin Ling was the actual insider and her whole analysis a ploy to deflect blame...

Li Fan relied on his instincts.

He also believed in his ability to judge character.

"Earth Vein Ancient Tree..."

"Daring to act so brazenly by merging with the earth veins. Hmph."

In a flash, Li Fan devised a plan against him.

"The Ruomu tree craves the surface remnants of its ancient kin. Offering it a substantial tribute could mend our ties."

Still, handling the Earth Vein Ancient Tree must wait for the coming lifetime.

Li Fan recorded this grievance temporarily and held off until the Spiritwood Realm's residents were largely set.

He called Liu Ruchen and the rest once more.

"Once we burst free, trail after Tianyang."

"Assemble this array."

Li Fan gravely passed the array details to the Spiritwood Realm's people.