Chapter 1279: Dao Integration Ants Must Die |
Leaving aside the character of Mo Rubin and the others from the Xuantian Sect, they are ultimately cultivators born and raised in the Xuanhuang Realm.
The main contradiction within the Xuanhuang Realm now lies in the struggle for sovereignty between the native cultivators of the Xuanhuang Realm and the cultivators from foreign cultivation worlds who were devoured for various reasons since the great catastrophe of the Immortal Realm.
The key to resolving this contradiction lies in two individuals, the Immortal Ancestor and the Heavenly Doctor.
“As for Mo Rubin, he might even lend a hand at a critical moment. And as for the Xuantian King…”
Based on current clues, the goal of Xuantian King Xuanyuan Hong aligns with that of Li Ping, both aiming to save the Xuanhuang Realm from crisis. If he is truly not dead, Li Ping would not mind returning the position of Xuanhuang Celestial Venerable to him.
This journey with Mo Rubin brought Li Ping significant gains. Aside from unexpectedly mastering an Immortal level formation, the Spirit Gathering Ascension Formation, more importantly, he cut off the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance’s covert attempt to draw power from the Dark Sea.
Without the formation controlling artifact, relying only on the strength currently displayed by the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, it is absolutely impossible for them to manipulate the Dark Sea again. Although the purpose behind stealing the power of darkness remains unclear, this action undoubtedly destroyed one of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance’s hidden trump cards.
As for deepening his connection with the Heavenly Dao of the Xuanhuang Realm, it now seemed to be an optional improvement for Li Ping.
After returning to the Holy Dynasty Great Qi, Li Ping first went to the treasury. He ordered Cat Treasure to once again use the original Binding Space Ring to complete replication, ensuring that every treasure existed in triplicate.
“Although I previously knew that many Dharma Kings of the Xuantian Sect are still slumbering throughout the Xuanhuang Realm, I did not have a precise measure of their strength. Mo Rubin claimed he is the weakest among the twelve…”
“Even if exaggerated, the strength of the Dharma Kings is indeed terrifying. After all, they possess the legacy of the Immortal Realm.”
“The Xuantian Sect inherited the legacy of the Immortal Realm. The Ten Great Immortal Sects inherited the teachings of the Heavenly Capital Grand Mage, and when they destroyed the Xuantian Sect, they must have also seized many treasures. As for the Immortal Ancestor…”
“Even the Taishang Sect’s highest cultivation scripture, the Supreme Primordial True Scripture, was forcibly taken by him. Many treasures of the Ten Great Immortal Sects must now be in his possession. Not to mention the Tianxuan Mirror, a supreme treasure that even the Ten Great Immortal Sects could not find, yet is under his control. His strength surpasses even that of the Xuantian Sect’s Dharma Kings.”
A question arose before the Holy Emperor.
If the Immortal Ancestor is forced out, a battle is inevitable.
Though vast, the Xuanhuang Realm cannot withstand their devastation. Moreover, too many strange and dangerous existences lie hidden within it, such as the True Immortal’ “Will to Survive” in the depths of the Dark Sea.
If their battle were to disturb such existences, then there would be no need to argue about orthodoxy. Whether the Xuanhuang Realm could even survive would become uncertain.
“The decisive battle must take place in the outer void beyond the Xuanhuang Realm,” Li Ping thought.
He believed that in this matter, the Immortal Ancestor would agree. After all, having painstakingly maintained the world for thousands of years, he would not wish to see it destroyed.
Li Ping bore no particular malice toward him. It was simply a difference in position.
“It seems I must personally travel to the outer void to familiarize myself with the battlefield environment.”
However, before that, Li Ping focused his attention on the Spirit Gathering Ascension Formation.
This formation shares similarities with the Myriad Realms All-Spirits Refining Formation. After improvements by the Xuantian King, its bloody and violent nature had been greatly reduced, making it acceptable to Li Ping.
The Spirit Gathering Ascension Formation can extract matter and convert it into transcendent immortal power.
The Myriad Realms All-Spirits Refining Formation can fuse consciousness into a force capable of resisting a True Immortal.
If the two are combined…
“It may solve the issue of insufficient source power essence.”
“Although limited by materials, the effectiveness of the Ascension Formation will be reduced, it should not be difficult to condense power equal in level to source power essence.”
The Holy Emperor immediately began deducing.
Formation structures decomposed and recombined within his mind. A new formation was slowly taking shape.
Meanwhile, someone else had already deduced this formation ahead of him.
Beneath the Dark Sea, under constant threat of death, the connection between the Holy Emperor’s clone and Li Fan’s true body grew closer.
Especially after Mo Rubin placed that demonic mask on the Holy Emperor, the images perceived by Li Fan became clearer than ever.
Thus, Li Fan had complete knowledge of their actions.
Within the Derivation Law Jade space, Li Fan looked at the results reported by the simulated personality of the Final Dissociation Disc, a strange light flashing in his eyes.
“The Spirit Gathering Ascension Formation is powerful, but its efficiency in extracting energy is too low. Even refining an entire world into nothing yields only a small amount of immortal power. But if combined with the Myriad Realms All-Spirits Refining Formation…”
“It achieves perfect utilization. Matter converts into energy, and divine sense fuses and ascends. Remarkable.”
Li Fan rapidly deduced in his mind.
“If I had used this formation earlier to sacrifice the beings of multiple small worlds…”
“I could have delayed the Faceless True Immortal three times longer.”
“Moreover, with this formation, I will no longer need to rely so heavily on the You race.”
Regardless of his opinion of Mo Rubin, Li Fan took his warnings seriously.
“Immortal Power of the Mortal Dust brings more harm than benefit,” and “do not become a True Immortal unless absolutely necessary,” remained deeply imprinted in his mind.
As for their grudges, they could be settled in a future life.
Li Fan suppressed the rising thoughts and refocused on the newly formed formation.
The simulated personality of the Final Dissociation Disc was waiting for him to name it.
“All things in the world, whether living beings or spiritual qi, originate from chaotic nothingness.”
“Under this formation, all things return to their primordial state.”
“The formation shall be called [Primordial Spiritual Void Formation].”
As the thought formed, a chaotic yellow light enveloped the Final Dissociation Disc.
This name drew inspiration from the Immortal level formation Primordial Mystic Spirit.
Though similar in name, their power was incomparable.
Yet Li Fan was confident that through continuous reincarnation and refinement, one day this formation would rival it.
“This formation is too extreme. The Holy Emperor’s clone may not think the same way.”
Li Fan continued analyzing.
This journey yielded immense gains.
The Immortal formation personally set by the Xuantian King provided vast data to the Final Dissociation Disc.
The True Immortal “Will to Survive” and the accumulated power of the Dark Sea also tempted Li Fan greatly.
Unlike others who live only once, he had endless time and opportunities for trial and error.
However, the prerequisite was simple.
He must survive.
“Mo Rubin may be detestable, but his words are reasonable.”
With ample time in seclusion, Li Fan continued to digest his gains.
Meanwhile, those capable of deciding the fate of the Xuanhuang Realm had undergone tremendous upheaval in just days.
Yet the countless living beings of the Xuanhuang Realm remained completely unaware.
The same was true within the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance.
The Dark Sea was a highly classified matter, known only to a few Dharma-Transmitters, who were now gathered discussing countermeasures.
Among ordinary cultivators, the most discussed topic was the rainbow light communication from beyond the world.
It had been over three months since dozens of Dao Integration cultivators departed the Xuanhuang Realm within that rainbow light.
People originally believed they would never return or send news again.
Unexpectedly, the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance possessed a method of long distance communication and occasionally released messages from the departed group.
Originally, this was impossible.
It was only made possible thanks to a sword light message transmitted from the depths of the star sea.
After analysis, the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance successfully reproduced this communication technology and applied it to the Beyond Realm Rainbow Light.
Because of this, members of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance were fortunate enough to witness scenes beyond the Xuanhuang Realm.
“What is all this. Why is it completely pitch black?”
“Could it be that the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance is just fooling people. This looks no different from an ordinary spatial rift.”
“Where is the so-called other side of the star sea. Where is the Xuanshang Immortal Ark?”
“Good thing I did not choose to go at the time. Otherwise, staring at this every day would be unbearably boring.”
“Without reaching Dao Integration, one is not even qualified to board the Beyond Realm Rainbow Light. May I ask what your cultivation level is now, fellow daoist?”
“I have cultivated for less than a hundred years and have already entered the Golden Core Great Dao. Reaching Dao Integration should be easy for me.”
…
Regarding the images released by the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance for unknown reasons, the vast majority of cultivators simply treated them as entertainment and casually commented on them.
However, some people were able to perceive certain clues from this fleeting glimpse.
Outside the Chizha Abyss, in the Broken Palm Immortal City.
Shang Shaojun had already watched these scenes of the outer void dozens of times.
Apart from the versions made public by the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, he had also obtained some highly confidential versions through special channels.
Cold sweat formed on his forehead. His body staggered slightly as he withdrew from his contemplation.
“How do you feel, Shaojun?”
The one speaking was Diyi Jinglun.
He coughed lightly, looking at Shang Shaojun with an expression as if enjoying a show.
“The outer void is actually this dangerous. I consider myself quite strong, but if I were to encounter those calamities, I would likely not escape death,” Shang Shaojun said with lingering fear.
“It is fine, I am the same,” Diyi Jinglun said with a smile. “That is why I am becoming increasingly curious about the white robed sword immortal you mentioned.”
Diyi Jinglun withdrew his smile. “Not only can he safely traverse the void, he can also transmit such critical information from the other side of the star sea. Such an extraordinary genius, yet I have never heard of him before.”
Shang Shaojun also sighed. “Only after that day did I realize how many capable individuals exist in this world. I no longer dare to underestimate other heroes.”
“No, you have not understood what I mean,” Diyi Jinglun shook his head. “I mean that the appearance of such a person completely defies logic.”
Shang Shaojun was stunned.
Diyi Jinglun suddenly stood up, lightly waving his feather fan as he spoke slowly. “In the current era where techniques cannot be cultivated simultaneously, not only are cultivation methods strictly controlled, but even the resources required for advancement are constantly monitored by us.”
“Those rogue cultivators, even with heaven defying luck, can at most reach the Nascent Soul stage. To go further, they would inevitably fall into the sight of our Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance. Yet the white robed sword immortal you mentioned…”
“It is as if he appeared out of nowhere. No matter how we investigate, there is no trace of him.”
Shang Shaojun frowned slightly, somewhat unconvinced. “There are countless hidden forces in the Xuanhuang Realm. How could the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance possibly know them all?”
Diyi Jinglun lightly waved his fan again, and a projection of light appeared before them.
It showed the scene of Li Fan’s Holy Embryo displaying great power outside the Chizha Abyss, breaking the demonic sound with a single sword strike.
“How do you find this sword technique, Shaojun?” Diyi Jinglun asked.
“Exquisitely profound, as if born from nature,” Shang Shaojun replied without hesitation.
“This sword is the Sword of Xuanhuang.” Diyi Jinglun mimicked the movement of Li Fan in the image with his white jade fan. A streak of sword light actually flew out from the tip of the fan.
“The Sword of Xuanhuang…” Shang Shaojun carefully pondered these words.
“In the Xuanhuang Realm, there are many who cultivate the sword path, and there is no shortage of geniuses among them. Naturally, they can discern the essence of the sword technique used by this white robed sword immortal.”
Each time Li Fan in the image swung his sword, Diyi Jinglun also waved his fan.
Streams of miniature sword light echoed the movements in the projection.
“Brother Jinglun, what exactly are you implying?” Shang Shaojun asked with a frown.
“Do you know the Heavenly Oversight Bureau?” Diyi Jinglun avoided the question and instead asked one of his own.
“I do. Through the Heavenly Oversight Bureau, the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance constantly monitors the principles of heaven and earth. Not only can it observe the Spirit of Heaven And Earth, but more importantly, it can detect traces of violations of natural law in advance,” Shang Shaojun answered quickly.
“But what does this have to do with the Sword of Xuanhuang?”
“This sword is a Heavenly Wonder. It points directly to the principles of heaven and earth,” Diyi Jinglun said in a deep voice.
Upon hearing this, Shang Shaojun seemed to realize something, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes.
“Fluctuations in the Sword Dao had indeed been observed by the Heavenly Oversight Bureau before. However, they lasted for a very short time, less than half a month, before returning to normal. Since it did not involve a Heavenly Sovereign level anomaly, it was simply recorded and archived as usual. I saw that record at the time but did not pay it much attention. Only after you mentioned this white robed Sword Immortal did I connect the two,” Diyi Jinglun said slowly.
“Half a month?” Shang Shaojun found it hard to believe.
At this point, if Shang Shaojun still did not understand, he would not be worthy of guarding the Chizha Abyss.
The fact that the Sword Dao had not been completely overturned meant that the disturbance was a sign of Dao Integration.
And from the occurrence to completion taking only half a month, it meant that the white robed sword immortal he encountered…was not a long established Dao Integration expert at all, but someone who had just entered this realm.
But was that even possible?
A breakthrough in cultivation could occur suddenly through opportunity, but comprehension of the sword dao and the effortless grace of wielding the sword required accumulation over time.
Scenes of Li Fan’s Holy Embryo traveling with him surfaced again in Shang Shaojun’s mind.
“Perhaps… this person is simply a peerless genius?” he said uncertainly.
Diyi Jinglun neither confirmed nor denied it. “Perhaps. But I am more inclined to believe that this is an outsider who infiltrated our Xuanhuang Realm, used this Heavenly Wonder of the Sword Dao to break into the Dao Integration realm, and then guided us toward the depths of the star sea…”
Shang Shaojun raised his hand to interrupt Diyi Jinglun’s words.
“Brother Jinglun, is this not a bit too absurd?”
Diyi Jinglun smiled slightly. “It is merely the most reasonable explanation after eliminating many impossibilities.”
“This person has no background at all and appeared out of nowhere.”
“After reaching Dao Integration, he was able to completely master it… and it is even the Sword Dao, which ranks among the most complex within the principles of heaven and earth.”
“If this person truly accomplished all of this entirely on his own, without any foundation, I would call him the most talented individual under the Immortal Ancestor throughout all ages.”
“Moreover, judging from your description, this person easily won over the hearts of the entire Broken Palm Immortal City with just his words…”
Diyi Jinglun let out another cold laugh.
Shang Shaojun, however, thought of even more.
Within the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, there were those with ulterior motives, seeking to set things right.
This was the claim that person kept repeating.
After being guided, he indeed developed such suspicions. He had even planned to join forces with several friends to uncover the truth.
But what if that person himself harbored ill intentions?
If his actions caused internal chaos within the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance and others took advantage of the situation, would he not become a traitor to the Xuanhuang Realm?
At this thought, cold sweat broke out on Shang Shaojun’s back.
At that moment, Diyi Jinglun spoke again, as if perfectly timed.
“When you first came to me, I was indeed somewhat persuaded.”
“But after conducting some investigation, I discovered something amiss.”
“Shaojun, you are an high-ranking official of the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance. Every word and action must be handled with caution.”
Shang Shaojun nodded slightly and fell into deep thought.
“Do not act rashly before the truth is clear. If that person contacts you again, report it immediately. I will handle it.”
After giving these instructions, Diyi Jinglun’s figure drifted away gracefully, leaving the roaring abyss within the white mist.
Only after a long while did Shang Shaojun come back to his senses.
Originally, he had intended to persuade Diyi Jinglun to switch sides, yet instead he himself had been easily shaken.
Truly worthy of the title “Diyi.”
[TL:- (Dì-yī) = “Number One” / “First”]
“What kind of person are you, exactly?” Shang Shaojun gazed into the starry sky, as if once again seeing that white robed figure, elegant and otherworldly, like an immortal from the heavens.
Let us set aside the Xuan Immortal Ark at the far end of the star sea for now.
Instead, let us speak of the rainbow light departing from the Xuanhuang Realm, currently traveling through the star sea toward the Xuan Immortal Ark.
After transmitting the recorded images of the rainbow light to the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, Lan Yu focused his gaze ahead once more.
All around was pitch black, seemingly calm.
Yet within his perception, danger lurked everywhere, filled with killing intent.
“Brother Lan Yu, we have been out here for quite some time. Have we gained anything?”
Jin Ri’s voice came from behind.
Lan Yu had never held a good impression of this Dao Integration cultivator who liked to meddle everywhere.
At this moment, he only replied indifferently, “There have been some minor gains.”
Jin Ri let out a sinister chuckle and secretly transmitted his voice. “Brother Lan Yu, now that we are in this star sea, we are no longer bound by the power of the Heavenly Sovereign. Does that not make breaking through easier?”
“I heard that your cultivation method is a direct inheritance from a Grand Mage of the past, possibly originating from the Immortal Realm. And it seems that in such a short time, you have grown noticeably younger…”
“Jin Ri, you are overstepping.” Lan Yu said coldly, cutting him off.
Jin Ri was not embarrassed. He cupped his hands, smiled, and left.
Lan Yu turned back around and continued observing the dark void ahead of the rainbow light.
But inwardly, he let out a long sigh.
On this flying vessel, internally named [Wangzun][1], the atmosphere had become rather subtle.
The protective rainbow light had been mostly depleted while escaping the Immortal Ruins, yet the vessel had not slowed down and continued speeding toward the far end of the star sea.
However, in just a few months, three Dao Integration cultivators on board had already died suddenly.
If they had died from strange disasters beyond the star sea, it would have been one thing. The key issue was that all three had died without any clear cause.
Everyone had personally examined the situation, yet no one could determine the truth behind their deaths.
The three corpses still lay quietly within the vessel, their complexions rosy, as if they were merely asleep.
But internally, their entire souls had already been hollowed out without anyone noticing.
“These are Dao Integration cultivators…” Lan Yu felt extremely heavy in his heart.
Among the three who had fallen, one named Qingyan was also a veteran Dao Integration cultivator like him. His strength was not much inferior.
Yet he had still died just like that, without any explanation.
Lan Yu even found himself missing the death announcement phenomena of the Xuanhuang Realm. At the very least, even in death, one could determine the cause.
“However, I heard that before we departed, those phenomena also began showing abnormalities. Truly a troubled time.”
From surviving the great calamity until now, Lan Yu instinctively sensed that something was unusual.
While his thoughts were drifting, a shrill scream suddenly rang out again, jolting him awake.
Lan Yu’s expression changed. Realizing something was wrong, he immediately rushed toward the source of the sound.
By the time he arrived, four Dao Integration cultivators had already gathered there.
The focus of everyone’s terrified gaze was the corpse lying on the ground.
Lan Yu’s pupils suddenly shrank, because the one who had died this time was none other than Jin Ri Immortal Sage, who had just been trying to befriend him earlier.
Looking at Jin Ri’s ruddy face and lifeless body, a chill rose in Lan Yu’s heart.
Not long after, all the survivors on the flying vessel had gathered.
“Old Guan, you should handle this.”
From the crowd, Guan Xingxiu stepped forward slowly, his expression grave.
After carefully examining Jin Ri Immortal Sage’s corpse, he made his judgment: “The same method of death.”
An uproar broke out among the crowd.
“Who the hell is it?”
“This is too stifling, truly too stifling. We are all Dao Integration experts who dominate our own regions, yet we are being slaughtered inexplicably on this small vessel!”
“Should we… go back? It’s not that I, Old Xu, am afraid of death. If we encountered the legendary Xuan Immortal Ark and died after hearing the Dao, that would be one thing. But what is this now? If this gets out, our reputations will be completely ruined.”
…
“Silence.” Guan Xingxiu impatiently interrupted the discussion.
“From now on, we act together. No one is allowed to separate.”
“This is not a calamity of the void. Someone has comprehended the Dao and is committing murder.”
Guan Xingxiu’s words stirred a huge wave.
“What did you say?”
“Old Guan, have you gone mad? Even if you are the head of the Garrison Institute and specialize in this field, this is too outrageous.”
Guan Xingxiu waved his hand, suppressing the noise.
“I say this for a reason.”
Behind him, a small golden sword rose into the air.
After circling once, it instantly shot toward Jin Ri’s corpse on the ground.
A faint black thread was severed from the corpse by the golden sword.
Guan Xingxiu grasped the thread. It seemed to possess a life of its own, still struggling violently.
After observing it, Lan Yu also spoke in disbelief, “Xingxiu, you mean the killer used this thread to easily kill those people?”
Guan Xingxiu showed respect toward Lan Yu and nodded. “At present, it appears to be so.”
“If anyone doubts it, you can try its power yourselves.”
“I will try.” Sun Luchang volunteered.
Soon, the test ended with several holes pierced through his body.
This was even with the black thread being suppressed by the Golden Falling Divine Star Sword.
“How is this possible? Just a single thread, yet so powerful?” Sun Luchang looked shaken.
The other Dao Integration cultivators were also filled with disbelief.
Guan Xingxiu swept his gaze across the crowd and said loudly, “Everyone, I know that in the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance you all hold important positions and high status. But do not forget, we are now in the Star Sea.”
“I believe you have all sensed that the upper limit of the laws in this star sea is far above that of the Xuanhuang Realm. Without the constraints of the Heavenly Sovereign, after being suppressed for so long, once one comprehends the Dao, it is not impossible for one’s realm to advance rapidly.”
Sun Luchang said unwillingly, “Even so, can the gap really be this great? It is one thing to be defeated, but to not even be able to struggle or make a sound… If he truly has such strength, why not just kill all of us at once?”
His words drew agreement from the others.
At this moment, Lan Yu spoke, “Perhaps it is due to the special nature of this person’s cultivation technique. It is not a matter of overwhelming strength, but rather that the battle occurs within the divine soul conscious sea, without causing any external energy fluctuations.”
“As for this black thread, it is merely the medium used to launch the attack.”
Lan Yu was the most senior among them, and with his explanation, the others gradually accepted it.
“If that is the case, then let us follow the clues and find this bastard!”
At the suggestion of the group, Guan Xingxiu used the black thread to test each of the surviving Dao Integration cultivators.
No connection was found with anyone.
“This killer is cautious and cunning. He would not leave such an obvious flaw. In my opinion, this seems more like something deliberately left behind to mislead us,” said a Dao Integration cultivator named Zimu.
“Not necessarily. He probably did not expect that Brother Guan would also advance so quickly and be able to discover the traces he left behind,” someone immediately countered.
“Brother Guan, how exactly did you comprehend the Dao? In this vast dark starry sky, I feel nothing at all.”
“Yes, Old Guan, tell us. With a hidden killer watching us, only if each of us comprehends the Dao and gains some strength can we avoid being picked off one by one.”
Amid the chatter, Guan Xingxiu had no choice but to recount how he had suddenly gained enlightenment.
[1]:- (往尊) Wangzun means 往 = to go / to depart / onward. 尊 = venerable / sovereign.
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