My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1133: The Power of Dark Faith
Previously on My Longevity Simulation...
Reaching the ultimate level of the "Heavenly Emperor Qi Classic" to emerge as an unrivaled emperor on par with a Longevity Immortal Realm expert required, in Li Fan's view, forging a massive empire that dominated the whole Xuanhuang World.
"Hmph, possessing that level of might, why would I even bother with the Heavenly Emperor Qi Classic?"
Still, viewing this as nothing more than a provisional anchor for his stability, Li Fan entertained no extravagant dreams regarding it.
Truth be told, he had already accomplished his objective.
With the Great Xuan Dynasty thriving vigorously, the eerie effect of his form blinking on and off had nearly vanished entirely.
The countenance he had previously forfeited was beginning to manifest once more.
"The Faceless True Immortal's might appears rooted in cutting off every tie to the world," Li Fan pondered.
"Serving as the Holy Emperor of the Great Xuan Dynasty, bound to countless billions of lives, I've somehow disrupted the True Immortal's intricate web to a degree."
Delving deeply into the clash of these dual powers inside him, a flash of insight hit Li Fan abruptly.
"The proper method for deploying the Heaven and Earth All Spirits Great Formation isn't just to repel foes outright. Rather..."
"It's akin to dumping a vat of filthy dog blood, compelling the residual wills of billions to latch onto the Faceless True Immortal."
"Put plainly, convince those wronged spirits that the Faceless True Immortal caused their downfall."
Thoughts surging wildly, Li Fan employed the Final Dissociation Disc for a swift calculation, then fine-tuned the Ten Thousand Spirits Formation with precise alterations.
Next, he called Lin Ling over to join him.
"Master," Lin Ling saluted, materializing in front of Li Fan dressed in combat gear, radiating a fierce and gallant presence.
Differing from her past life's trials, in this existence, Lin Ling had shouldered the immense duty of commanding the Great Xuan Imperial Army to subdue countless realms since gaining awareness.
Always in motion and adhering to Li Fan’s direct commands, she avoided any bond with the Earth Vein Ancient Tree.
Her bearing had grown audacious and free-spirited, much like a battle-hardened warrior.
Once Li Fan outlined the nuanced changes to the Ten Thousand Spirits Formation, Lin Ling prepared to depart and execute the orders, but a memory suddenly surfaced for her.
"Hmm?" Li Fan regarded her inquiringly.
"Master, as I journeyed across the Xuanhuang World, some awareness spotted me and persistently sought contact," Lin Ling reported.
"The Earth Vein Ancient Tree?" Li Fan's brow furrowed faintly.
"No, yet it carried a familiar vibe..." Lin Ling replied forthrightly.
Catching Li Fan’s subtle reaction, she hastened to explain, "I followed your guidance to the letter and paid it no mind."
"That awareness acted unhinged, refusing to disclose who it was. It merely pressed me to come see it..."
Listening to this, Li Fan grasped the situation instantly.
Yet he puzzled over why Ruomu had picked up on Lin Ling’s aura.
After probing for the precise spot of the incident, Li Fan crafted a protective array for Lin Ling to conceal her from outside senses.
Then he dispatched her forth.
Mulling it over, he resolved that the core mission this lifetime remained escaping the Faceless True Immortal's grip.
Li Fan simply recorded the timing and site of Ruomu's manifestation, harboring no plans to pursue it.
"Someday, I'll deliver a shock to the Earth Vein Ancient Tree."
Li Fan let out a chilly huff.
In a blur, he teleported to the hidden vault below the Holy Emperor's seat.
The chamber lay in total darkness, confining more than a dozen You Clan individuals.
Once Great Xuan built up its starting battle prowess, Li Fan directed Sun Erlang and Wang Xuamba to strike at the You Clan.
Despite support from the Sky-Patrolling Arrows, the outcome proved uneven.
The Great Xuan Imperial Guard endured over a hundred losses yet succeeded in seizing several You Clan captives alive.
Under pressure, they faced facts and consented to create a gateway to the Dark Realm for Li Fan.
Nevertheless, with the passage's charging still incomplete, Li Fan felt no rush to proceed inside.
Spotting Li Fan's arrival, the You Clan captives dropped to their knees in haste.
Li Fan paused motionless, detecting a statue of his likeness nearby amid the gloom.
Upon ascending as the Holy Emperor under Great Xuan's Heavenly Mandate, Li Fan sought to mimic a force resembling source power essence.
As it echoed the essence of faith, he mandated statues of himself raised throughout the territory, anticipating the enormous populace would forge the source power essence.
Evidently, his hopes had been too ambitious.
Although source power essence was cast aside by True Immortals, it subtly outshone typical spiritual energy.
Lacking unique techniques, the plain devotions of ordinary folk clearly fell short of amassing and purifying it.
But circumstances shifted following the seizure of these You Clan members.
Likely stemming from their inborn, zealous devotion to the Dark Realm, the instant they yielded, Li Fan vaguely perceived an odd energy stirring within.
It glowed crimson, reminiscent of the Great Xuan Dynasty's fortune, and it seemed...
Astonishingly close to the golden source power essence from the True Immortal of Salvation and Mortal Compassion in his prior life!
Subsequently, Li Fan relocated one of his statues to this prison, commanding the dozen You Clan members to offer ceaseless prayers around the clock.
The outcome proved astounding.
The source power essence generated by these You Clan members exceeded the combined output from Great Xuan's billions of subjects!
Li Fan examined their ritual of prayer and instructed the Great Xuan Imperial Guard to study and replicate it.
Without fail, every attempt collapsed.
After extensive reflection, Li Fan pinned it on the singular makeup of the You Clan.
"Evidently, it ties to the darkness power from the Dark Realm. King Xuantian..."
The Dark Realm, able to meddle somewhat with the True Immortal’s network, undoubtedly concealed numerous enigmas.
Yet these remained puzzles beyond his reach in this incarnation.
"Regrettably, the You Clan's breeding capacity is quite feeble."
"Elsewise, bypassing the Faceless True Immortal Statue, I could craft my very own faith network."
The capacity to bestow, revoke, or relay power from afar was utterly formidable and practical.
Having savored its advantages, Li Fan balked at letting it go.
Therefore, despite the end drawing near, he pressed on with investigations into this force.
Plainly, Li Fan possessed no innate gift for it.
"I'll need to bide until absolute security arrives and hand it to those fellows to probe."
Li Fan breathed a quiet sigh.
"Great Holy Emperor..." Just then, a quivering You Clan member among the kneelers spoke up, as if holding words inside.
"Hm?" Li Fan's curiosity stirred.
This marked their initial voluntary outreach to him.
With Li Fan's nod, the You Clan member pressed on unsteadily, "In my devotions, I found that the lord I formerly obeyed..."
He shot a wary look at Li Fan, "Meaning, the Dark Realm, shows no real fury over our defection."
He gulped nervously, "Our clan's ancient lore always warned that turning from the Darkness invites certain heavenly wrath."
"Yet now that I've put it to the test, that's plainly a lie."