My Longevity Simulation Chapter 998: Three Strike Whips on Soul

Xuan Sushang inhaled deeply, meeting Li Fan’s eyes directly as she spoke with deliberation: "I am prepared to assist Senior in resolving this predicament, however..."

Interrupting her with a sharp wave of his hand, Li Fan stated: "It matters not. Simply provide the details regarding the second clone, and I shall deal with the matter personally."

"Hmph, the conflicts between us are not matters that you human juniors have any right to mediate."

Despite her status as a prestigious Dao Integration Immortal Sage, Li Fan spoke to her as if she were a subordinate junior. Xuan Sushang, however, felt no indignation. She was indeed many generations younger than the ancient Tianxuan Mirror; thus, such a form of address was perfectly suitable. On the contrary, she felt a sense of relief that Li Fan only required intelligence from her rather than demanding her direct participation in combat.

After a brief moment of reflection, she utilized her divine sense to transmit the necessary information to Li Fan immediately.

A short while later.

"Father, please forgive me," Xuan Sushang whispered internally after completing the task.

Having acquired the coordinates of the Tianxuan Mirror's human clone, Li Fan did not rush to depart. Instead, his expression grew dark as he shifted his focus toward Lu Xichan, who had been standing nearby in silence with her head bowed.

Sensing his scrutiny, Lu Xichan felt her anxiety intensify.

"Master..." Noticing his prolonged silence, she eventually gathered her resolve to speak tentatively.

"Xichan, you have truly let me down," Li Fan’s voice reached her, causing her frame to shudder slightly.

"It has been two hundred and eighty-six years since I formally appointed you as the Chief of the Strategy Formation Hall. Yet, after all this time, your proficiency in formations remains stagnant..."

"Master, I..." A wave of bitterness washed over Lu Xichan upon hearing his words.

When she first assumed the mantle of Chief, she had the backing of only a few Elders. Most others watched with skepticism, and many actively plotted to usurp her position. It was an era defined by caution and constant danger. It was only through years of careful political maneuvering and maintaining a delicate balance that she finally solidified her authority.

The responsibilities of the Chief of the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance's Strategy Formation Hall were immense. Her schedule was consumed by reviewing reports from various provinces and attending monthly summits to coordinate Alliance strategy with other departments.

In the last two centuries, with the exception of the previous breach of the grand defensive formation, the Strategy Formation Hall had functioned flawlessly and achieved numerous successes.

These results were the direct consequence of her tireless labor.

She had poured her entire being into her duties; how could she have found the time to further her mastery of the Dao of formations?

Furthermore, her skills had not truly declined; she simply hadn't achieved any significant breakthroughs.

...

Her heart was a storm of conflicting emotions, and she prepared to offer an explanation for her perceived lack of progress.

However, Li Fan cut her off harshly: "I am aware of your thoughts, but excuses are the refuge of the weak."

"A true expert never ceases their pursuit of the Dao, even when walking the line between life and death!"

Li Fan questioned her sternly: "Look within yourself: have you truly given your absolute best?!"

"I..." Lu Xichan found herself unable to answer.

Li Fan’s tone grew even sharper: "Not only have you failed to progress, but you have also allowed yourself to be distracted by carnal desires..."

As he spoke, Li Fan cast a glance at Xuan Sushang, who stood nearby.

Xuan Sushang’s face turned a deep shade of crimson, and she lowered her head even further.

Returning his gaze to Lu Xichan, Li Fan declared: "You must be disciplined!"

A long whip, manifested from pure soul power, suddenly materialized in his grip. Li Fan barked: "Kneel!"

Lu Xichan was now a powerful Dao Integration cultivator and the influential Chief of the Strategy Formation Hall. Her pride flared, and she lifted her head, intending to protest.

But she was met with Li Fan’s freezing, pitiless stare.

In that heartbeat, a flood of childhood memories overwhelmed her mind.

She felt as though she were a young girl again, living in perpetual terror of her master’s reprimands. Her legs gave way, and driven by deep-seated instinct, she sank to her knees.

As she knelt on the cold ground, the initial fear vanished, replaced by a sudden spark of defiance.

However...

Before that spark could ignite, a golden whip shadow tore through the air toward her.

"Do not move!"

Li Fan’s low, commanding shout suppressed her instinctive urge to defend herself.

Lu Xichan could only watch in terror as the golden soul whip lashed against her spirit.

The strike landed precisely where her soul's defenses had been previously weakened by erosion. An agonizing sensation immediately surged through her entire being.

It felt as if a thousand jagged needles were being driven into her mind and body simultaneously. Her entire consciousness was consumed by pure torment.

Her frame locked up momentarily before she collapsed, her body racking with uncontrollable spasms.

She was unable to scream; only broken whimpers escaped her throat.

Her body curled into a tight ball as she writhed. It took the time of half an incense stick for the soul-deep agony to begin to fade.

As her senses slowly returned, Lu Xichan prepared to beg for clemency.

But Li Fan showed no compassion, striking her soul with the whip a second time!

Having just barely escaped the abyss, Lu Xichan was plunged right back into the depths of hell.

Her reaction this time was even more violent. Tears and bile stained her face, her dignified aura completely shattered by the pain.

Hearing the broken cries of Lu Xichan, Xuan Sushang—who had remained silent and still—stole a quick look at the scene.

A peculiar glint appeared in her eyes.

She knew Lu Xichan possessed great mental fortitude, yet the woman had never reacted this way before.

Xuan Sushang’s reaction did not escape Li Fan’s notice, though he ignored her for the moment. As soon as Lu Xichan’s tremors slowed, a third golden lash descended.

This time, Lu Xichan lacked the strength to scream.

Only involuntary sobs and desperate pleas remained.

"Master, Chan'er understands her mistakes..."

"Master, please... have mercy..."

Her cries filled the small wooden structure.

Li Fan’s expression remained as cold as ice, while Xuan Sushang’s face flushed a deep red, her eyes becoming somewhat unfocused.

He did not strike a fourth time.

With the punishment concluded, Li Fan moved the whip to his right hand and held it behind his back.

He stood waiting for Lu Xichan to recover her clarity.

The brutality of the discipline left Xuan Sushang trembling with fear; she remained rooted to the spot, not daring to move an inch.

After a long interval, Lu Xichan finally emerged from the void of pain.

From her position on the floor, she looked up at Li Fan’s imposing silhouette, an instinctive shudder passing through her heart.

She struggled to her feet, frantically smoothing her appearance before bowing her head with great effort. "I thank Master for the correction," she said, her voice trembling.

"Stand up," Li Fan replied with total indifference.

Lu Xichan attempted to rise but stumbled, nearly falling again.

Seeing her struggle, Xuan Sushang moved forward quickly to steady her.

"The Great Dao is infinite; one must pursue it without pause until their final breath. These three lashes serve as a warning for your complacency!"

"Cultivating formations is like swimming against a powerful current; to stop is to be swept away. From this moment on, you will remain within this bamboo sea to focus entirely on your studies. You are not to leave without my express permission!"