Chapter 951: The Myriad Worlds Take Rudimentary Form
After Qing concluded her introduction, Li Fan took a moment to meticulously observe the complete operational cycle of the hourglass-like device.
A genuine sense of wonder stirred within him.
Under the immense pressure of potential extinction, the people of the Empire had indeed unleashed an unimaginable potential.
Even Li Fan hadn't anticipated that they could create such a nearly flawless apparatus.
Even with his now critical eye, he found it difficult to identify any significant drawbacks in the device.
“This strange beast, and the hourglass device... neither have a name yet.”
“We would be honored if Senior would bestow one upon them.”
After Qing finished speaking, she gave a subtle nod. The Di Nv bowed deeply before speaking in a soft voice.
Even though he saw through their subtle flattery, he found the gesture immensely satisfying.
After a moment of contemplation, an answer formed in his mind.
“It is said that when heaven and earth first opened, they were divided into yin and yang.”
“When yin and yang unite, the myriad things are born.”
“It is also said, the Dao gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, and three gives birth to all things...”
“This strange beast shall be named the[Dao-One Worm].”
“And this device...”
Li Fan paused for a beat before declaring in a clear voice, “It shall be named the[Heaven and Earth Furnace]!”
The three women of the Empire exchanged glances, their eyes shining with delight.
“Thank you, Senior, for granting them names!” they chimed in unison.
Following that, Li Fan delved deeper into the details of the Heaven and Earth Furnace.
The construction of the furnace itself was not particularly difficult.
With sufficient resources, producing over ten thousand units a day was entirely feasible.
One only needed to introduce a portion of the Dao-One Worms into a new, empty furnace, provide nutrients, and wait ten days.
After that, the Heaven and Earth Furnace would begin to generate a ceaseless supply of spiritual energy.
“The only potential weakness is that the Dao-One Worms may mutate during their self-replication process.”
“The probability of mutation is exceedingly low, and the direction is uncertain. However, any mutation will inevitably cause the Heaven and Earth Furnace to malfunction.”
“Furthermore, because the Dao-One Worm has been selectively bred to a point of extreme structural simplicity, it cannot compete with any of its variant forms. As a result, the original strain will always be supplanted by these new mutations.”
“To ensure the Dao-One Worms are always maintained at their peak spiritual energy output, any mutated individuals discovered within a furnace must be thoroughly exterminated.”
“It is also advisable to cultivate multiple backups of the original Dao-One Worm strain, to prevent a large-scale mutation or extinction event.”
......
It had to be said that nothing in the world was ever truly perfect.
Even after hundreds of generations of refinement, this flaw in the Dao-One Worm could never be completely eliminated.
But then again, when compared to the benefits they brought, these shortcomings were almost negligible.
It merely meant that the Heaven and Earth Furnaces had to be replaced periodically.
“In fact, it can’t even be considered a flaw.”
“If the furnaces are sealed with a secret technique, preventing outsiders from opening them, they will naturally cease to function after a certain period. To use them again, one would need to acquire a new furnace...”
“Isn’t that the perfect method of control?”
“Even if this is rolled out to all the minor worlds, the risk of losing control would be greatly diminished.”
In a flash, Li Fan deduced a multitude of possible outcomes, the delight in his heart growing stronger.
But on the surface, he showed nothing.
Putting away several of the Heaven and Earth Furnaces, Li Fan looked at the three women.
After a heavy silence, he spoke.
“Excellent!”
“I am very pleased with your performance this time!”
“Our Federation of All Worlds has always been clear in its rewards and punishments. How could we not reward such a great contribution?”
“From this day forward, your Empire is officially a member of the Federation of All Worlds.”
As he spoke, the phantom of a faceless stone statue materialized before the three women.
After guiding them through an oath before the statue, Li Fan imparted to them the art of Divine Manifestation.
“With the protection of these guardian deities, you will be well-equipped to handle the various crises that may arise in your Empire.”
The three women were exceptionally talented. Under Li Fan’s watch, it took them only a few moments to each summon their own personal God-Demon.
Feeling the immense power radiating from the beings, they couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
“This is merely the most basic of rewards. When I return and report this discovery, the Federation will issue many more.”
“Including, but not limited to, the elevation of your cultivation realms, material support for the Empire, and so on.”
“If the opportunity arises, you may even have the honor of visiting the Federation’s headquarters.”
Li Fan casually painted a grand picture of future rewards.
“Also, as the world that developed the Heaven and Earth Furnace, the Federation will permit you to be the first to implement it across your own world. Furthermore, when the furnaces are installed in other worlds, you will receive a share of the rewards.”
“The corresponding material rewards will be calculated and delivered to you once every decade.”
“While the percentage won’t be enormous, it will be more than enough to develop and upgrade this world of yours.”
This was an entirely unexpected boon, and the three women from the Empire were visibly overjoyed.
“Remember, our Federation never mistreats its own people.”
“All who contribute to the Federation will be repaid a thousand times over.”
As if to prove his words, Li Fan handed them a storage ring.
When Qing saw the resources contained within, her pupils contracted in shock.
She immediately bowed low to express her gratitude to Li Fan.
Li Fan waved his hand dismissively.
“Your performance this time was even better than I had anticipated.”
“Now, I have another task for you.”
From his storage ring, Li Fan produced the Sky Patrolling Arrow, its surface arrays now wiped clean, leaving only the dormant living creature at its core.
“See if you can study the characteristics of this creature and achieve its mass reproduction.”
“If you can accomplish this, the Federation will reward you handsomely!” Li Fan declared in a solemn voice.
His expression and tone both conveyed the immense importance he placed on this matter.
Qing accepted the Sky Patrolling Arrow with gravity. She examined it for a moment, a look of surprise on her face.
Nevertheless, she quickly affirmed, “We will not fail to live up to Senior’s trust!”
After settling a few more related matters, Li Fan left behind a jade talisman for communication.
Then, he quietly departed from the Empire’s small world.
Inside the imperial palace.
Hong frowned slightly as she looked at Qing. “Qing, this thing... it seems a bit familiar, doesn’t it?”
Qing shook her head. “It does resemble that thing from the sect all those years ago. But I can’t be certain yet. It requires further study.”
After a moment of silence, Hong asked again, “That Federation of All Worlds... What are your thoughts?”
“We are the fish on the chopping block. What can we do? We can only take it one step at a time.”
“Besides, based on their actions so far, they don’t seem to be malevolent or wicked.”
The palace fell silent once more for a short while.
As if remembering something, Qing suddenly spoke up. “Right, about the Demon Gods that Senior gifted us...”
“Do not use them unless it is an absolute last resort.”
“I have a strange feeling about them.”
Hong and the Di Nv both nodded silently.
......
Having already returned to the Xuanhuang Realm, Li Fan perceived the women’s conversation through his Demon God avatar.
A cold smile touched his lips.
(End of Chapter)
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