Chapter 1580: Solidifying the Laws of Heaven and Earth
Chapter 1580: Solidifying the Laws of Heaven and Earth
The Xuanhuang Immortal Realm may not have naturally birthed the Dao principles related to "Seizing Life from the Dao," but Li Fan, through the Dao-Refining Medicine King Scripture, had imbued it with this very ability by using Pi Pa as a medicinal ingredient.
This transformation at the level of the Great Dao was almost akin to an innate creation. It might have been somewhat clumsy at first, but as time passed, it would naturally become an integral part of the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm's celestial cycle.
"Using the Dao as medicine, and medicine to refine the Dao. This method of the Tai Wei Saint bears some resemblance to Sun Piao Miao's Dao-Refining Medicine King Scripture. But Sun Piao Miao considered it the foundation of his cultivation, whereas in the eyes of the Tai Wei Saint Emperor, the countless medicinal herbs in his garden were nothing more than tools. The true foundation of the Saint Emperor's path was his supreme sacred dynasty that spanned the Mountain and Sea..."
Compared to the magnificent Tai Wei Sacred Dynasty, the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm Li Fan had forged was practically insignificant.
Yet, Li Fan felt no sense of inferiority.
"The Xuanhuang may be small, but it holds infinite possibilities. The Sacred Dynasty is vast, yet its path is already set."
"To stand on equal footing with the Mountain and Sea, it will inevitably have to battle the numerous powerhouses of the Other Shore. Whether it can take that final step remains unknown. But my Xuanhuang Immortal Realm..."
Li Fan extended his palm, studying the tiny black dot that had quietly appeared in its center.
Ink Death had already succeeded in refining Pi Pa, so to avoid detection, the Dao One Worm's secret corrosion had temporarily ceased.
Although it had only been silently absorbing for just over thirty days, the Dao One Worm had undergone a heaven-and-earth-shattering transformation internally.
The greatest change, one that could be called a qualitative leap, was in the Dao One Worm's method of devouring external matter. Before learning from Ink Death, its method of corrosion still resembled the feeding habits of a biological creature—like a worm chewing, or a cultivator absorbing and refining. But after emulating Ink Death, the Dao One Worm's means of consumption had vaulted to a level bordering on "annihilation."
Its feeding efficiency and devouring capability had multiplied by dozens of times, if not more.
Furthermore, due to the Dao One Worm's inherent trait of continuous evolution, its corrosive power was still advancing by leaps and bounds. This stood in contrast to Ink Death, whose abilities were largely fixed and required external stimuli for further advancement.
"The current swarm of Dao One Worms could almost be considered a close relative of Ink Death."
"The power of Tai Yi and Eternity enhances Ink Death. It should therefore be effective on the Dao One Worms as well." With this thought, Li Fan took the [Mountain and Sea Primordial Genesis Chapter] and a cloak condensed from eternal power, and tossed them both toward the swarm of Dao One Worms.
Countless black dots swarmed forward, slowly engulfing the two items.
Unlike Ink Death, which was enhanced in an instant, the transformation of the Dao One Worm swarm was slow and steady.
Although called a "swarm of worms," they had no real connection to "worms" in the true sense. The monstrous beings of the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm did not possess life; they were manifestations of the world's power. It was merely a name Li Fan had grown accustomed to using.
The essence of the Dao One Worm swarm was now another form of power, incredibly similar in nature to Ink Death, cultivated using the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm as an incubator. Having been born within the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm, it was under the control of Li Fan, its "parent."
"The Dao One Worms have not yet fully absorbed the inner workings of Ink Death."
"I need to find something for Ink Death to do, to distract it as much as possible."
Within the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm, and even within the Primal Possibility, the newborn Ink Death was nearly invincible, with few worthy opponents. To find a suitable adversary, one had to look beyond the Primal Possibility.
But at its current level, the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm was not strong enough to support Li Fan in safely traversing the Mountain and Sea. Thus, the first thing that came to his mind was the Fishing Pool.
Or rather, the Mountain and Sea Fishing Ground.
However, after careful consideration, Li Fan ultimately decided to leave the Fishing Pool alone for the time being.
"After all, it connects to the Mountain and Sea, and the Angler Immortal behind the Fishing Pool is undoubtedly a formidable power. Just as the Tai Wei Saint Emperor could see me when I spied on the Tai Wei Sacred Dynasty through Pi Pa, the moment I look at or use the Fishing Pool, I am destined to be perceived by that Angler Immortal."
"For a short time, I might be able to conceal myself with Fantasy Becomes Truth. But over the long term, the risk of exposure will multiply. What I need is a stable method for capturing things from beyond the Primal..."
Li Fan then recalled the salvaging method he had witnessed in the Guangwu Xinghai in a previous life.
By arranging celestial pillars of varying resilience to deliberately create weak points, they would lure the Dao Annihilation. This formed an annihilation basin, with the hope that drifting objects within the Dao Annihilation would be drawn to it.
Li Fan had successfully replicated this method within the Unending Samsara of [Truth].
"The problem is, the salvage is too unstable. With bad luck, a century could pass with nothing to show for it, while needlessly increasing the risk of being swallowed by the Dao Annihilation."
"Fortunately, the Guangwu Xinghai has already taken the first step for me. Besides Dao Chronicle Projections and Transcendent Relics, there should be plenty of other items from beyond the Primal there..."
"The day the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm gives birth to its first Dao Integration cultivator, a True Immortal will be inscribed on the Investiture of the Gods. Then, the Xuanhuang Expedition can officially begin."
As Li Fan considered this, his thoughts instantly focused on Xuanyuan Tuo.
This Dharma Spreading Heavenly Venerate, nearly forgotten by everyone in the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm, had always held Li Fan's attention.
One must remember that the Dharma Spreader had already reached the Dao Integration realm before the great upheaval of the Xuanhuang world. As the world sublimated into an Immortal Realm, the Earth's Soul within him, Golden Grasp, had grown tens of millions of times stronger than before.
And yet, the Dharma Spreader's strength remained at its previous level.
Theoretically, the moment Li Fan lifted the seals, the Dharma Spreader should have been torn apart by the expanding power within him.
But now, not only had the Dharma Spreader avoided death, but with the finesse of deflecting a thousand pounds with a few ounces, he still maintained control over the Golden Grasp, which had transformed along with the Xuanhuang Realm.
Although, in Li Fan's view, it was a precarious balance. It was as if countless fine threads were holding it in check; the slightest movement from the Golden Grasp threatened to snap his control.
But the fact remained that this control, however tenuous, truly existed.
In a sense, the Dharma Spreader was now the first Dao Integration cultivator of the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm.
"But only in his current state of tranquility."
"The moment this enlightened equilibrium is broken, he will instantly turn to ash. This is why he has remained in seclusion, completely still."
Facing the possibility of annihilation at any moment, the Dharma Spreader showed no panic. Instead, he used this unique "Dao Integration" state as a stepping stone to seek the true method of achieving Dao Integration.
"This is truly a case of 'succeed or die trying.' To treat such immense pressure so lightly..." Li Fan marveled inwardly.
Truly worthy of the title of the Dharma Spreading Heavenly Venerate who would dominate the Xuanhuang world for ten thousand years in the future.
"To achieve Dao Integration, but not Longevity."
This was the most profound thought Li Fan could perceive lingering in the Dharma Spreader's mind.
And it was this belief that guided him, allowing him to maintain his grip on the Golden Grasp through the faint connection they once shared.
Li Fan had a feeling that the Dharma Spreader was currently caught in some kind of dilemma.
After probing deeper, Li Fan came to understand the source of the Dharma Spreader's hesitation.
"So, he already has a safe method to achieve Dao Integration. But if he uses it, he will be forever limited to the Dao Integration of the Xuanhuang, never able to transcend its heavens. The old New Method, which reversed the principles of heaven and earth to control them, would become impossible for him..." Understanding the Dharma Spreader's thoughts, Li Fan couldn't help but chuckle.
"He was clearly aware of this long ago, yet he still hesitates on the brink of taking the final step."
"It seems the Dharma Spreader, like Tianyang, is unwilling to be inferior to others."
But the Dharma Spreader's ideal method was destined to be in absolute conflict with Li Fan, the "parent" of the Xuanhuang. How could Li Fan possibly hand over the Xuanhuang Immortal Realm?
"If you truly choose that path, then don't blame me for being ruthless."
"Of course, if you relinquish your obsession and are willing to become my faithful servant..."
"Then I won't be stingy about giving you another helping hand," Li Fan said with a faint smile.
As if sensing Li Fan's thoughts, Xuanyuan Tuo, who had been seated for a long time, finally made a decision in his heart.
Releasing his inner obsession, he let out a long breath, and his entire demeanor relaxed.
He opened his eyes and slowly rose to his feet.
Because of his movement, the immense and unparalleled power of the Earth's Soul, Golden Grasp, far beyond what he could bear, instantly showed signs of losing control and erupting violently.
Yet, all the turmoil was inexplicably halted by two lines the Dharma Spreader slowly chanted.
"Transform the Earth's Soul, and merge the body with the Dao;"
"Solidify the principles of Heaven and Earth, and attain Longevity!"
Just two simple lines, yet they boomed like rolling thunder, echoing through the heavens. The sound grew louder and louder, reverberating endlessly throughout the Xuanhuang world.
The Earth's Soul, Golden Grasp, no longer showed any sign of losing control and erupting.
Because the Dharma Spreader—or rather, Xuanyuan Tuo—had at that moment become It!
A brilliant golden cloak enveloped him, and the once-faceless Earth's Soul, Golden Grasp, slowly began to take on the Dharma Spreader's appearance.
A moment later, the Dharma Spreader took a step toward the Golden Grasp before him.
The two then merged into one!
Before taking that final step, a flicker of imperceptible loneliness crossed Xuanyuan Tuo's eyes. But it lasted only for a fleeting instant before he completely suppressed it.
Since the decision was made, there would be no regrets!
A pillar of golden light shot into the sky.
Reaching high above the nine heavens.
It pierced through the Investiture of the Gods in the firmament, reaching the four celestial gates.
From each of the four celestial gates, a ray of brilliance shot out, converging upon Xuanyuan Tuo.
The barrier between the heavens beyond and the mortal ground was shattered by this infinitely dazzling light. The mortals on the surface could now clearly see everything that was happening at the four celestial gates.
Hummm...
The roar of the Mountain and Sea howled from beyond the celestial gates.
The gates swung wide open, and boundless immortal energy, like a divine gift, poured down.
"So this is..."
"An immortal?"
Xuanyuan Tuo stared, lost in a daze, at the endless vista of the Mountain and Sea that appeared before him.
For some reason, despite having taken the step countless people could only dream of, he felt little excitement.
But not far away, hidden behind the scenes, Li Fan let out a hearty laugh, the likes of which hadn't been heard in a long time.
"This is what it truly means to have a Great Dao ahead that you can never tread..."
"The Xuanhuang Sacred Venerable is above you!"
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