My Simulated Road to Immortality Chapter 2269 - 1706: Li Fan Battles the Three Saints
Previously on My Simulated Road to Immortality...
"Should a catastrophe capable of toppling the Three Saints strike, the resulting shockwaves might very well shatter the Mountain Sea itself."
"Other matters are secondary. I am prepared to defend the Mountain Sea even at the cost of my own life. However, if during the most desperate moment..."
"What occurs if the Xuanji Ring is destroyed?"
Li Fan’s gaze swept across every Saint in attendance: "How many among you can truly promise that you will not turn traitor the moment it happens?"
This freezing interrogation left the room in a heavy silence; no one offered a response.
In truth, Li Fan had already felt a brief hesitation the moment he stepped onto the Other Shore.
The profound sense of harmony produced by the Xuanji Ring was not unexpected.
What was surprising was that he chose to highlight this issue at such a pivotal juncture. Even while bound by the Ring’s unity, the Saints could not help but feel a wave of discomfort wash over them.
"We have sat within the Xuanji Ring for countless eons, becoming as close as brothers. I am confident that even without its restraint, very little would change," Suo declared with great conviction.
"That is correct. When faced with the survival or extinction of the Mountain Sea, we still prioritize what is essential. If the Mountain Sea falls, what refuge would remain for me?"
Gui Ming, Duan Chen, and the others nodded their heads in solemn agreement.
They made their vows with absolute sincerity.
It was evident they lacked a true understanding of their own inherent natures.
Recalling how Suo and the others behaved in his previous life once their shackles were removed, Li Fan merely offered a silent, knowing smile.
The Three Saints drifted into a quiet contemplation, their thoughts unreadable.
After a long pause, they finally spoke: "Mr. Fan’s worries are indeed grounded in logic. If we manage to dodge this tribulation but allow the Mountain Sea to perish in the process..."
"It would be a case of neglecting the root for the branches."
"Therefore..."
As they spoke, the Three Saints produced the Lianshan Staff, the Sea Returning Shovel, and the All Living Beings Stick, placing the artifacts before Li Fan.
"Mr. Fan, please take custody of these three treasures. Their first purpose is to safeguard the Mountain Sea and keep the Saints in check. Secondly..."
"Should the Xuanji Ring truly reach its breaking point, you can utilize these three items to forge a new Xuanji."
"At that time, Guardian Hill and Morality can take their seats simultaneously. This should resolve our concerns," Saint Lianshan explained.
Guardian Hill’s expression remained stoic, as if he had foreseen this development.
In contrast, the newly appointed Morality Saint looked visibly startled, repeatedly protesting that he was unworthy of such a task.
"If we fail to survive this trial and perish within the Void Realm, the heavy burden of reuniting the Mountain Sea will rest entirely upon your shoulders, Mr. Fan," Saint Taiyi said, his gaze toward Li Fan softening.
Li Fan stared at the three treasures laid out before him, withholding his agreement for the moment.
Instead, he shut his eyes, sinking into deep thought.
After a short while, he spoke abruptly: "I have a proposal."
Under the watchful eyes of the gathered Saints, Li Fan began to explain: "The incarnations of the Void Realm are born from the Mountain Sea being consumed by the Void. It has been over five centuries since I began my Cultivation. The Mountain Sea I hail from remains whole; thus, I face no risk of being replaced by a Void Realm incarnation."
"In terms of raw power, I am admittedly unqualified to join a battle between Six Saints. However..."
Li Fan gestured toward the three treasures and then toward the Xuanji Ring that enveloped the Other Shore: "Why not permit myself, Morality, and Guardian Hill to enter the Void Realm? We can assist the Three Saints in overcoming their tribulation!"
His words struck the room like a sudden crack of thunder.
Even the Three Saints of Lianshan were caught off guard by Li Fan’s suggestion, standing momentarily stunned.
The other Saints on the Other Shore stared at Li Fan with utter bewilderment.
It was common knowledge that the Three Saints were in mortal danger and lacked confidence in their own survival. Ordinary Saints were even less equipped to interfere. The shockwaves of such a battle would be nearly impossible to endure. There was a massive risk that the rescue attempt would fail, leading only to their own graves within the Void Realm.
To the eyes of the Saints, Li Fan’s proposal was essentially a suicide mission!
While the expressions within the Xuanji Ring shifted with various emotions, Li Fan calmly elaborated: "As the Three Saints mentioned, without the completion of the Mountain Sea’s reunion, even if they crossed the Void Realm to help, their power would not see a massive boost. It would remain a contest of three Saints against three."
"At best, the battle shifts from a disadvantage to a stalemate. The final victor would still be a matter of chance."
"But if the three of us go to provide support, the dynamic changes entirely."
Li Fan went on: "While my combat strength is modest, I can function far more effectively in the Void Realm by utilizing the divine technique of True Spirit Infusion. Not only can I distract and suppress the Void Realm incarnations, but I can also facilitate the recovery of the Three Saints' wounds. The battle would then truly become six Saints against three."
"This might actually be more beneficial than the Three Saints going themselves."
"Furthermore, with the Three Saints remaining to guard the Mountain Sea, I am certain any chaos stirred by the Void Realm can be easily suppressed..."
As Li Fan spoke, the Saints began to see the logic in his words.
"I have achieved Sainthood through the Mountain Sea. Though I may be weaker than the Three Saints of Lianshan, I am not necessarily inferior to the rest of you here. Therefore, who else but me should undertake this journey?" Li Fan spoke with a proud air, casting aside all modesty.
The Saints watched Li Fan’s bold display with complicated feelings.
However, Saint Lianshan was the first to object.
"We appreciate Mr. Fan’s noble intentions. However, the [True Spirit Infusion] technique is a unique treasure of the Mountain Sea. Its role in reuniting the Mountain Sea is far too vital. We cannot allow your safety to be jeopardized! We can risk our lives, but you must remain unharmed."
"The worst-case scenario is merely losing some portions of the Mountain Sea for the sake of creation. But if you remain to lead the reunion of the Mountain Sea, that is an outcome we can accept," Saint Gui Hai added, disagreeing with Li Fan’s plan to put himself in peril.
Li Fan simply smiled: "The Three Saints underestimate me slightly. Furthermore, the Void Realm incarnations are hunting the Three Saints, not me. Even if my assistance fails, escaping will not be difficult. I am well aware of my own importance; if the situation becomes truly hopeless, I will not be reckless. I will retreat early."