Chapter 757: Strength is Proof
In an age where Longevity masters remained in seclusion, Dao Integration cultivators reigned supreme as the most powerful beings in the known world.
This was true in the Xuanhuang Realm, and it was an even more absolute truth in a minor realm like the Empire Small World.
Qing and Hong fared better than their companion. In their long lives, they recalled seeing cultivators of such stature many years ago, back when they were still part of the Imperial Beast Sect.
But the Di Nv had no such context for this overwhelming power.
Even with the inherited memories of every imperial sovereign before her, her understanding of a Dao Integration cultivator's might was a vague, distant legend.
At her core, she was still a mortal.
Faced with the pressure that rolled off Liu San in unintentional waves—an aura as vast and crushing as mountains and seas—the Di Nv’s face grew pale, and she could barely draw a breath.
The three bowed deeply, but Liu San offered no reply, his silence a heavy, deliberate response.
A seed of unease began to sprout in the hearts of Qing and Hong.
After all, their only point of contact had been a single individual, whose cultivation was hardly profound—a mere Nascent Soul cultivator, a common sight in the Xuanhuang Realm.
But today, in the instant they laid eyes upon a Dao Integration master, every trace of suspicion vanished from their minds.
Because strength is the best proof.
It was inconceivable that a great Dao Integration master would stoop to deception. A being of his power could annihilate their empire with a wave of his hand. There was simply no reason for such a charade.
These thoughts flashed through their minds in an instant, and the trio's demeanor became even more reverent.
Sensing the atmosphere was ripe, Liu San finally let out a soft grunt and gave a slight nod. "Let's go. Take me to see the items you reported."
Xu Bai chimed in at the perfect moment. "The Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance's offensive is growing more ferocious by the day. Elder Liu has little time to spare."
The Di Nv nodded hastily and led them to a subterranean chamber deep beneath the towering palace.
The secret room was vast and empty, save for the Void Latitude and Longitude Positioning Instrument, over a thousand Spirit Crystal Marrows of different varieties, and an enormous, pulsating furnace that had been prepared in advance.
Liu San’s gaze first fell upon the positioning instrument. "If I know a world's coordinates relative to the Xuanhuang Realm," he asked abruptly, "can this device pinpoint its location in the void?"
Qing was momentarily stunned before a look of utter shock crossed her face.
She realized instantly that the "world" this Elder Liu spoke of was not one of the small worlds subordinate to the Xuanhuang Realm.
He was referring to another cultivation world, one on equal footing with the Xuanhuang Realm itself.
Her estimation of the Federation of All Worlds soared to a new height. After a moment of careful thought, she shook her head and answered truthfully, "Due to the influence of the Immortal Ruins, the spacetime around the Xuanhuang Realm is distorted. With coordinate data alone, even if one could escape the pull of the Ruins, it would be easy to lose one's bearings along the way."
"However," Qing added quickly, "if a destination's coordinates are set beforehand, it's possible to perform continuous spatiotemporal corrections during the journey. In theory, arriving safely at the designated location is entirely possible."
"For a world with no spiritual energy, to have developed such technology is no small feat," Liu San remarked, nodding in praise.
A flicker of joy appeared in the eyes of Qing and the others upon hearing his words.
Liu San then shifted his attention to the thousands of Spirit Crystal Marrows.
A single glance was all it took for him to look away, utterly unimpressed.
To a Dao Integration cultivator, the abilities of these beasts were nothing more than child's play.
Finally, Liu San's eyes settled on the massive, throbbing furnace, which hummed with a low, thunderous rhythm.
The faint wisps of dangerous energy seeping from it caused even him to narrow his eyes slightly.
"You are playing with fire," Liu San declared after a long silence.
"The unity of ten thousand beasts... it is indeed a possibility. But if you were to truly succeed in creating such a terrifying creature, I fear it would be far beyond the control of your so-called 'Unified Heart Technique.'"
"Perhaps if the Imperial Beast Sect's supreme treasure, the Ten Thousand Reincarnation Beast Wheel, were here, there might be a sliver of hope."
Qing and Hong exchanged a shocked glance, their hearts pounding.
But before they could respond, Liu San turned to leave, tossing one final sentence over his shoulder.
"I have a general understanding of this world's situation now. Wait patiently for the results."
“Honored cultivator Xu...” Qing began, her voice laced with anxiety.
Xu Bai put on a helpless expression. "As I said before, the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance's offensive is intensifying, and many small worlds have already fallen. The organization has decided to implement a survival plan, contracting our sphere of influence to protect only the most valuable worlds as core members."
"The final decision isn't up to Elder Liu alone. The high command must conduct a comprehensive evaluation before making a judgment."
As if to prove his point, Xu Bai produced a memory stone and projected images he had recently collected from the Tianxuan Mirror, showing various small worlds being overrun and conquered under the relentless assault of the Alliance's cultivators.
Faced with these brutal, bloody, and all-too-real scenes of slaughter, the faces of the imperial trio turned ashen.
Tossing the memory stone to them, Xu Bai offered a word of comfort. "Don't worry. For the sake of our common ancestors, even if the organization decides against protecting you, I will come back secretly to save your lives."
"Of course, I can't take too many. Five is the absolute limit."
Xu Bai's expression was grave as he delivered the line.
Seeing the color drain completely from their faces, he added, "Naturally, it would be best if the organization decides to grant you protection."
"But at that time, as part of the price, all of the Empire's resources and technology must be integrated into our Federation of All Worlds."
"Regardless of the outcome, you must begin preparations immediately."
"I've heard that your Empire still has some sort of noble class..."
Xu Bai sneered, his gaze locking onto the Di Nv. "Remember this: the Empire only needs an emperor. It has no need for nobles."
"From this day forward, let the Empire speak with a single voice."
With that, Xu Bai cupped his hands in a farewell gesture. "I too am burdened with many duties and cannot linger. I hope to bring good news on my next visit."
Before Qing and the others could say their goodbyes, Xu Bai gracefully soared into the sky and departed from the Empire.
As she watched him disappear into the distance, the Di Nv's gaze drifted beyond the palace walls.
A flicker of killing intent flashed in her eyes before slowly hardening into unwavering resolve.
......
Back in the Xuanhuang Realm, at the entrance to the Empire.
Liu San, who had left earlier, was waiting for Xu Bai.
"Young Master, how was my performance?"
He couldn't help but ask with a hint of smug satisfaction as Xu Bai appeared.
"Heh, I never thought the ever-righteous Elder Liu could be such a natural actor. Your deception was so seamless, I couldn't find a single flaw. I'll have to warn Elder Jiang to be careful in the future," Xu Bai replied with a chuckle.
Liu San's face immediately fell.
He quickly changed the subject. "All jokes aside, this place they call the Empire Small World really has some interesting things. Never mind the rest, that 'Myriad Phenomena Furnace' alone would have been quite remarkable even in the ancient era of cultivation."
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