Let you simulate life, but you change fate every time?! Chapter 1160 - 604: The Method of Becoming a God, Openly Defying the Imperial Edict? (Part 2)

Perhaps the Will of the Heavens was merely playing it safe by having Lu Yuan return to the Main World immediately.

Lu Yuan shook his head, dismissing the thought.

Without further ado.

He took a single step, materializing in the sky above the City Lord's Mansion.

The moment he appeared.

Wuxin, who oversaw the administration of Wuyou City, detected his aura instantly.

"Master, you have returned?"

Overjoyed, Wuxin materialized before Lu Yuan.

"You have labored diligently during my absence."

Observing Wuxin's somewhat weary countenance, Lu Yuan felt a pang of guilt.

After a century of growth, Wuyou City had transformed from its humble beginnings into a vast metropolis, now a nexus connecting several World Planes.

In his previous Simulation, Lu Yuan had utilized Simulation Points to successfully elevate Wuxin to the status of a Celestial Dao Level artificial intelligence.

However, entrusting the management of multiple World Planes to her alone had proven to be an immense burden, leaving her visibly drained.

"As long as it aids Master, any degree of exhaustion for Wuxin is deemed worthwhile," Wuxin replied with a gentle smile, her lovely eyes curving into crescents.

Yet, gazing at the fatigued Wuxin, Lu Yuan was struck by a new idea.

The Power of Faith possessed boundless applications; beyond condensing Divine Material, it could be employed to forge Divine Weapons and Treasures, or even to imbue living beings with a sliver of divinity.

Could he, perhaps, harness the Power of Faith to elevate Wuxin to a Divine Level artificial intelligence?

This notion sparked within him.

Lu Yuan's heart fluttered, and he immediately voiced his speculative thought.

Upon hearing this daring, unconventional proposition.

Wuxin paused in astonishment, then, as if comprehending its implications, a profound warmth and emotion flooded her heart.

As a Celestial Dao Level artificial intelligence, she grasped the immense value of the Power of Faith.

Even powerhouses at the Immortal level rarely possessed enough for themselves, let alone the willingness to expend it on another.

The fact that Lu Yuan would even consider utilizing such a precious resource on her was deeply moving.

"However, to my knowledge, no artificial intelligences have ever achieved deity status. The Power of Faith is exceedingly precious; Master, you need not squander it on me," Wuxin stated earnestly after a moment's consideration.

"Then I shall devise another method," Lu Yuan responded, his brow furrowing slightly as he refused to abandon the idea.

For in the vastness of the All Heavens and Myriad Realms, any entity possessing spiritual intelligence could achieve Dao Enlightenment and ascend to godhood.

For instance, mechanical beings, devoid of flesh and blood, could also reach the pinnacle and become Gods of Machines.

And while Wuxin was merely an intelligent lifeform, this did not preclude her from the possibility of Ascension!

"Indeed, Master, during your absence, the Great Yan Empire dispatched several imperial edicts, commanding your immediate appearance in the capital before His Majesty."

"However, as you were not present, Wuxin took it upon herself to decline these summons."

As Wuxin spoke, she produced an imperial edict and presented it to Lu Yuan.

A low hum emanated.

The instant Lu Yuan reached for the seemingly ordinary edict, it inexplicably erupted in a brilliant radiance.

Hundreds of ancient runes soared into the heavens, suspended like celestial bodies, exuding an immense pressure.

This oppressive force descended like Mount Tai, as if an Emperor had personally manifested.

It compelled the citizens of Wuyou City to instinctively prostrate themselves, overcome by an urge to worship.

"So, the Great Yan Royal Family is attempting to intimidate me? What a grand display!"

A cold smile touched Lu Yuan's lips. With a casual flick of his wrist, the overwhelming pressure dissipated completely.

Other Simulators within Wuyou City felt as if an immense weight had been lifted, exhaling in unison as if shedding a burden of ten thousand jun.

Subsequently.

Lu Yuan unfurled the imperial edict, swiftly grasping the Great Yan Royal Family's intentions.

The core message from the Great Yan Royal Family was straightforward.

Under the heavens, all land belongs to the sovereign; to the farthest shores, all are subjects of the king.

Wuyou City, by origin, was part of the Great Yan Empire and thus rightfully belonged to the Great Yan Royal Family.

Furthermore, Lu Yuan's private imprisonment of King Wuwei and his defiance of the Royal Family's authority constituted an unforgivable capital offense.

However, His Majesty Dayan, known for his benevolence and care for his people, akin to a father to his children.

Considering Lu Yuan's meritorious service in defending the Southern Domain and his repeated repulsions of the Dark Creatures' army, leniency beyond legal bounds could be granted, sparing him the death penalty.

Nevertheless, while his life might be spared, punishment remained unavoidable.

In order to atone for his past transgressions, Lu Yuan was compelled to journey to the capital, express sincere remorse, and willingly cede Wuyou City to the Great Yan Royal Family.

"The Great Yan Royal Family truly excels at intricate schemes," Lu Yuan mused.

With a subtle clench of his palm, the imperial edict crumbled into dust, vanishing without a trace.

His reply was straightforward.

Empty words were unnecessary; if they possessed the courage, they should settle this through combat.

When the Dark Army launched its assault...

The Great Yan Royal Family, paralyzed by their fear of mortality, remained holed up within the Imperial City, allowing billions of commoners to fall prey to the Dark Creatures. And now, they had the audacity to posture before him?

Where was the Great Yan Royal Family when countless innocent lives were tragically extinguished?

Where were they when innumerable cities were overrun, and defenseless women, children, and the elderly were transformed into mere sustenance for bloodthirsty beasts?

Where was the Great Yan Royal Family when the border defenses crumbled, and the surviving Simulators fought valiantly to their last breath, refusing to retreat?

Now that Wuyou City has blossomed into prosperity, they emerge to claim its fruits?

Who bestowed upon them such presumptuous entitlement?

"Master, even a famished beast retains its might. The Great Yan Royal Family is still recognized as the world's overlord. Openly defying an imperial edict might be perceived as... somewhat improper, wouldn't you agree?" Wuxin expressed her concern.

As the administrator of Wuyou City, she had indeed encountered the Great Yan Royal Family on several occasions.

However, their insufferably arrogant and condescending demeanor left her utterly repulsed.

Despite her profound dislike, her limited influence meant she could only suppress her indignation and strive to avert confrontation whenever possible.

Otherwise, should they find even the slightest pretext, Wuyou City would undoubtedly become the target of widespread condemnation and face siege from numerous factions!

"Reporting to my lord, Deputy City Lord Wuxin speaks wisely. The Great Yan Empire harbors a Demigod Level cultivator, the very reason for its unbroken reign over ten millennia," King Wuwei stated urgently, having rushed over the moment he received the news.

Witnessing Lu Yuan effortlessly reduce the imperial edict to powder, his eyelids involuntarily twitched, and he attempted a tactful dissuasion.

"Rest assured. As long as I am present, even if the Great Flame Ancestor emerges from his seclusion, he shall be incapable of causing any significant disturbance," Lu Yuan declared with an air of indifference, dismissing the Great Yan Royal Family as mere insignificant pawns.

Previously, lacking sufficient power, he had maintained a low profile.

Yet, with his current might and cultivation realm, he could effortlessly obliterate adversaries like the Blood River Ancestor.

Across the vast expanse of the All Heavens and Myriad Realms, perhaps only beings on the caliber of the Blood God, at the Divine Level, could be considered his equals.

As for the members of the Great Yan Royal Family, they were nothing more than craven rats, fearful of death and willing to betray honor for personal gain.

If they conducted themselves with decorum, he might consider peaceful coexistence.

However, should their audacious provocations and buffoonery persist, he would not hesitate to ensure that this self-proclaimed 'lord of the world' find itself under entirely new management!

"Master, has your power undergone a breakthrough?" Upon perceiving the immense confidence radiating from Lu Yuan's voice, Wuxin, King Wuwei, and the others were instantly filled with hope and elation.

"Indeed. Beyond the Dark Deities, no other entity within the Great Yan Empire now warrants my apprehension," Lu Yuan proclaimed candidly, offering them a balm to their troubled hearts.

"Magnificent!"

"From this day forward, we shall no longer be subjected to the disdainful glances of the Great Yan Royal Family!"

"Precisely! I've long found the Great Yan Royal Family to be an eyesore. They are, in essence, spineless cowards who readily sacrifice commoners while spouting lofty rhetoric."

"With your declaration, Master, we are finally free from enduring their insolence!" Shi Tao, King Wuwei, and the others erupted in joyous cheers.

One should not be misled by the rapid development of Wuyou City, which consistently produced a wealth of promising talents each year.

These burgeoning geniuses still required a considerable amount of time to mature fully.

Moreover, with multiple Divine-level Traits converging upon Wuyou City, its growth rate was alarmingly swift, making it a source of envy and irritation for many established powers.

It was impossible to quantify the number of ancient sovereigns who harbored ambitions of annexing Wuyou City for themselves.

Were it not for the robust defensive line maintained by powerful combatants from several other World Planes, Wuyou City would likely have been dismembered and divided amongst other ambitious forces long ago.