My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1242: Heavenly Dao as Nourishment

The protective power for the earth veins was initially consumed by the [Dao One] insects, transforming into a source of sustenance instead.

What began as a mere clump of shadow, the size of a fist, rapidly expanded like ink dropped into water, progressively blackening the surging river of earth veins.

Even more disconcertingly, the river of darkness, eroded by the [Dao One] insects, retained the exact aura and energy fluctuations of the original yellow earth veins, its only difference being its color. Such a mutation was imperceptible to ordinary senses.

However, Wang Xuanba, who possessed a clone within the [Dao One] swarm, could clearly discern the alarming rate at which the swarm was growing stronger and wider.

Following the path of the earth veins, it began to aggressively spread outwards from Yueyang Prefecture, reaching all corners of the Xuanhuang Realm.

Beyond merely spreading horizontally, the [Dao One] insects also relentlessly burrowed downwards along the thick, hanging roots of the colossal tree, extending their reach in the vertical dimension.

“The marvels of creation are truly boundless. Without Master’s guidance, I would never have fathomed such a gigantic tree lay hidden beneath the Xuanhuang Realm,” Wang Xuanba mused internally.

Through the visual feedback transmitted by the [Dao One] insect bodies, Wang Xuanba witnessed the formerly dense and still roots begin to stir and sway, as if awakening, once they were stained black.

A vast consciousness swept back and forth across these darkened sections. Compared to its prior state, it now radiated a palpable sense of unease and bewilderment. Wang Xuanba recognized this as the consciousness of the Ancient Earth Vein Tree.

Yet, this awareness was destined to be in vain. Before the transformed [Dao One] insects could fully mature into their complete insectoid forms and while they merely lay hidden, the Ancient Earth Vein Tree remained oblivious to its internal contamination.

“It senses that something is amiss within its own body but cannot pinpoint the source. As its condition deteriorates, the fear and despair within its core intensify. To attack the mind first is indeed the superior tactic. Master’s strategy is truly impeccable,” a cold smirk touched Wang Xuanba’s lips. Sensing the opportune moment, he issued a mental command.

The rapidly expanding wave of dark shadow abruptly ceased its advance. The [Dao One] insect swarm entered a profound slumber, lying dormant within the very being of the Ancient Earth Vein Tree.

The flow of yellow earth-vein power continued to bathe it, seemingly pushing back the shadow. Nevertheless, the darkness did not dissipate; it merely settled at the base, beneath the yellow.

From a broader perspective, it appeared as though a faint blemish had materialized within the Xuanhuang earth veins.

“Master mentioned that the earth veins ultimately influence all the myriad life forms on the surface. Even the slightest alteration could trigger catastrophic events like collapsing mountains and fracturing the earth. If mishandled, it could even provoke antagonism from the Xuanhuang Heavenly Dao…”

Moments prior, Wang Xuanba had indeed perceived a subtle disturbance in the will of heaven and earth. However, the instant the [Dao One] insects became dormant, this disturbance rapidly receded.

“Intriguing,” Wang Xuanba narrowed his eyes, remaining in contemplation for a brief period.

Without delay, he then proceeded towards the next earth-vein node. His objective was to implant sixteen such dark spots within the core of the Xuanhuang Earth Vein Ancient Tree.

The meticulously laid plan unfolded without a hitch.

Save for the final few instances, where the increasingly agitated ancient tree instinctively unleashed violent surges in the earth-vein currents, causing him minor injuries, the remainder of the swarm shadows were perfectly positioned.

Even the Ancient Earth Vein Tree’s conscious struggles proved utterly ineffectual. On the contrary, these efforts amplified the spread of the [Dao One] swarm through the earth veins at an accelerated pace, resulting in those shadowed areas becoming noticeably more pronounced than the others.

Half a month hence, Wang Xuanba, having flawlessly executed his assignment, made his return to the Holy Capital.

Within the grand hall of the Holy Emperor, several of Li Ping’s disciples were already assembled, awaiting his arrival.

Wang Xuanba felt a measure of surprise. These senior fellow disciples had each been diligently cultivating as per Master’s instructions and seldom had opportunities to convene. Some he had never personally encountered, having only heard of their existence as Master’s disciples. He hadn't anticipated such a collective gathering today.

“It appears Master is finally poised to enact a significant maneuver,” Wang Xuanba’s excitement surged.

He advanced with purpose, knelt respectfully before the Holy Emperor on one knee, and relayed the status of his mission.

The Faceless Holy Emperor extended a hand gently, aiding Wang Xuanba to his feet.

“Excellent work.”

Rarely bestowed with words of commendation from the Holy Emperor, Wang Xuanba couldn't suppress a swell of pride, lifting his head.

“With sixteen swarms of [Dao One] insects implanted, the Earth Vein Ancient Tree is doomed. Which one of you will go on behalf of your master to subdue this tree?” Li Ping calmly inquired.

The six disciples positioned below responded in unison: “This disciple is willing to share Master’s burdens!”

Observing these disciples who spoke with genuine sincerity, Li Ping nodded in contentment.

Among the six disciples, there were three males and three females.

Their names were Sun Erlang, Su Yuqing, Wang Xuanba, Lin Ling, Ou Shangtian, and Daoist Child Liuli.

The initial five had been accepted and meticulously nurtured by Li Ping for a considerable duration. However, Daoist Child Liuli was accepted on a sudden impulse after Li Ping discovered the extraordinary nature of Cat Treasure.

Nevertheless, Li Ping harbored no malicious agenda. His sole intention was to nurture her and subsequently leverage her unique connection with the Fishing Pond to acquire more treasures from it. Li Ping’s intentions were pure, leading him to openly disclose the truth to her. Daoist Child Liuli possessed a keen perception of others' hearts. Upon sensing Li Ping’s genuine sincerity, she gradually accepted and grew accustomed to him as her master.

Zhong Shentong consistently urged her to faithfully execute the Holy Emperor’s commands. Coupled with occasional private instruction from Daoist Hundred Flowers, this young Daoist child's advancement became the most rapid among all the disciples.

Incidentally, ever since his relocation to the Holy Dynasty of Great Qi, Zhong Shentong had fully embraced the leisurely lifestyle he cherished most. The perpetually escalating concentration of spiritual energy within the Holy Dynasty afforded him the luxury of several more decades of comfortable existence without necessitating a breakthrough in his current realm, prompting him to cease his cultivation efforts entirely.

With the Holy Emperor’s express endorsement, he spent each passing day contentedly casting his line into the Fishing Pond. His days were truly the subject of others’ envy.

Returning to the scene within the Holy Emperor’s hall, the disciples all exhibited eager anticipation upon receiving the Holy Emperor’s commission.

However, Li Ping had already determined his choice.

“Lin Ling, you will accompany Xuanba. Should the ancient tree recognize its place, then all will be well. If it persists in its defiance…”

Li Ping offered a subtle smile: “You have my permission to replace it.”

As the Spiritwood Realm’s incarnation, Lin Ling had been subduing other minor worlds for the Holy Dynasty of Great Qi since Li Ping awakened her in this particular lifetime. The palpable, almost tangible killing intent she exuded without restraint established her as the most formidable among Li Ping’s six disciples.

The remaining disciples raised no objections when Li Ping assigned this critical mission to her.

The Faceless Holy Emperor conveyed a wheel-shaped treasure to Lin Ling via the air: “Possessing this wheel, you shall command the [Dao One] insects at your discretion. Once the insects reach their critical stage, the Earth Vein Ancient Tree should offer no further resistance. Nonetheless, you must remain vigilant against any desperate measures it might employ…”

After imparting a few final, straightforward instructions, Li Ping observed Lin Ling and Wang Xuanba depart from the Holy Emperor’s hall.

A momentary silence descended upon the hall.

Ou Shangtian mustered his courage and inquired: “Master, regarding the matter you previously mentioned entrusting to me…”

Li Ping responded with a slight smile: “It shall be soon. Simply ensure your preparations are complete.”

The remaining three disciples also directed their gazes toward him.

As Li Ping’s most senior disciple, Sun Erlang had long been instrumental in overseeing the various affairs of the Holy Dynasty. He understood that his master had been meticulously planning for an extended period, and this sudden undertaking was certainly not confined to this solitary objective.

“Erlang.” As anticipated, Li Ping addressed him.

“This disciple is present.”

“Proceed on behalf of your master and undertake a journey to the Five Elders Association.”

Sun Erlang was immediately taken aback.

He had envisioned numerous potential conquests on the horizon, yet he had never conceived that his master would dispatch him to the Five Elders Association.

This designation remained exceptionally obscure to the vast majority of individuals within the Holy Dynasty. Sun Erlang had only gleaned scant details about it previously from Yi Shu of the Taiyan Sect.

“Inquire on my behalf whether they possess any knowledge of the events involving the Eastern Extremity Heavenly Sovereign from that era.”

Li Ping transmitted a visual representation into Sun Erlang’s consciousness.

“Eastern Extremity?” Sun Erlang had never encountered this name before. However, any individual bearing the title of Heavenly Sovereign was undoubtedly positioned at the Longevity Immortal realm.

Consequently, after clearly perceiving the image implanted in his mind, even with his resolute disposition forged across two lifetimes, Sun Erlang could not suppress a tremor that coursed through his entire being.

Li Ping, paying no heed to Sun Erlang’s reaction, continued with his directives: “The Five Elders Association operates differently from the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance. The influence of the Heavenly Sovereigns extends throughout the entire region, with each presiding over a distinct territory. For this particular expedition, direct your course towards the dominion of the Truth Heavenly Sovereign. As for the other Heavenly Sovereigns, refrain from provoking them…”

Sun Erlang meticulously committed his master’s instructions to memory.

Much like Lin Ling before him, Sun Erlang was presented with a bestowed treasure prior to his departure.

“The Dao Deviation Stone you already possess is the supreme treasure; any reliance on external aids would merely lead you astray,” Li Ping stated, carefully placing a shimmering, crystalline stone into Sun Erlang’s hand.

Within Sun Erlang’s consciousness, the Dao Deviation Stone flared with an intense blue light, unleashing waves of desperate, covetous intent that surged like a tidal wave.

An insatiable longing emanated from his very soul, leaving Sun Erlang utterly incapable of, and unwilling to, exert any restraint.

“Another Dao Deviation Stone? And of even finer quality than the one I already possess! It must be at least mid-grade, or perhaps even superior,” Sun Erlang exclaimed, his heart soaring with elation.

Having spent considerable time accompanying Yi Shu of the Taiyan Sect in the Holy Dynasty, Sun Erlang was acutely aware of the immense value Dao Deviation Stones held in this world. So few remained, and nearly all had been claimed by cultivators blessed with extraordinary fortune. Outsiders could search indefinitely without finding one. Yet now, his master was gifting him a mid-grade specimen…

Sun Erlang immediately prostrated himself, offering his profoundest gratitude for his master’s boundless generosity.

The sheer joy inundating his heart completely dispelled the fear that had recently taken root due to the Eastern Extremity Heavenly Sovereign’s precarious situation.

“Absorb its power gradually. The sublimation process of the Dao Deviation Stone will serve to invigorate and advance all aspects of your abilities. Naturally, to fully unlock the stone’s potential, you might consider augmenting it with another rare treasure.”

Li Ping’s resonant voice filled the chamber: “The bedrock of the Five Elders Association was once the Ten Great Immortal Sects. Although their names have faded, their essence persists, holding within countless treasure vaults. You may extend an invitation to Yi Shu of the Taiyan Sect to join you on this undertaking.”

“Your command shall be my guide, Master.” Sun Erlang affirmed with a nod, then stepped forward and departed.

Among his many disciples, Sun Erlang held a special place in Li Ping’s heart, marked by profound and singular affection. This particular assignment served not only to leverage Sun Erlang’s strength as a means to an end but also stemmed from Li Ping’s subtle intuition that Sun Erlang’s own destiny lay intertwined with this mission. This premonition was ethereal, not born from logical deduction based on concrete evidence, but akin to the spontaneous, intuitive flashes a cultivator experiences just before a significant breakthrough.

Observing that all her senior brethren and sisters had been bestowed with treasures, Daoist Child Liuli couldn't suppress her own burgeoning anticipation. Her wide eyes remained fixed intently upon Li Ping.

Su Yuqing, in contrast, displayed the most tranquil response of all. Perhaps this equanimity was due to the unborn child within her womb.

Su Yuqing’s mind replayed her master’s earlier words: “The fetus you carry is, in essence, the incarnation of this world’s Heavenly Dao.”

“This realm confronts imminent destruction, and it seeks a fragile path to survival by borrowing your vessel. However, even with the world’s Heavenly Dao bestowing its blessings upon you, you remain a mortal being, your body excessively frail. Should you miraculously succeed in bringing this child into the world, her growth will be a struggle, and you yourself will perish.”

“Unless you choose to cultivate alongside me…”

From that point forward, Su Yuqing had followed Li Ping to the Great Qi Holy Dynasty.

As her cultivation realm ascended, the intrinsic weakness of her mortal form gradually subsided. The infant within her womb also settled into a more peaceful slumber.

Yet, her Master had imparted that the stronger her Qi cultivation at the moment of childbirth, the greater her daughter's future accomplishments would be. Driven by a mother’s innate protective instinct, Su Yuqing dedicated herself to cultivation, ultimately surpassing the other six disciples in strength.

She harbored no fervent desire for glory attained through martial exploits.

Li Ping’s divine sense focused on the two disciples within the hall who remained silent, awaiting specific duties and yet to receive their treasures.

This caused Daoist Child Liuli to sense an impending significance. Her heart gave a sudden leap, and she quickly averted her gaze, retracting her hopeful expression.

“Your temperaments are harmonious, and your association will bring mutual benefit. Furthermore, given your unique physical constitutions, it is not advisable for you to be exposed frequently to the aura of killing intent…”

“I have recently opened a unique pocket dimension. I require your assistance within its confines.”

Upon hearing this, Daoist Child Liuli’s countenance immediately fell.

Perhaps owing to her upbringing under Zhong Shentong, her disposition mirrored his own—a tendency towards considerable indolence unless external pressures intervened. Since Li Ping had taken her as a disciple, it was naturally his intention to rectify this particular character flaw.

Following Ou Shangtian’s departure, Liuli and Su Yuqing accompanied Li Ping into the newly unveiled pocket dimension.

“Master, it’s so dim in here. Liuli feels a bit frightened,” Liuli declared with deliberately slurred speech, adopting a pitiable tone.

Liuli's display of misery was no pretense; this realm was genuinely devoid of any light, starkly contrasting with ordinary small worlds. It was a special creation, meticulously crafted by Li Ping in collaboration with Tianyang and Xu Ke, intended solely for the You Clan.

“Yuqing, besides the pervasive darkness, have you perceived any other distinctions within this place?” Li Ping inquired, his gaze steady, disregarding Liuli’s act of feigned pity.

The utter blackness and profound silence seemed to lull the developing fetus within Su Yuqing’s womb, its movements slowing as it gradually succumbed to a deep slumber.

Su Yuqing perceived the subtle emotions emanating from her daughter. After a brief pause, she responded with a slight frown, “The Heavenly Dao of this minor world… is it incomplete? Or perhaps, it simply doesn't exist at all?”

“It is but an empty expanse of space. From this disciple’s perspective, it scarcely warrants the designation of a world.”

Su Yuqing’s innate talent was undeniable, as she discerned the peculiarity of the environment within moments.

Li Ping offered a gentle smile, “Your assessment is only partially correct. Initially, this domain was not entirely without a nascent world consciousness for its Heavenly Dao. Though incredibly faint, it did exist.”

Su Yuqing appeared taken aback, on the verge of questioning the whereabouts of the world’s Heavenly Dao.

Suddenly, a golden cube materialized before her, its brilliant effulgence piercing the gloom of the entire dark, small world.

As she sensed a subtly familiar energy signature emanating from within the cube, Su Yuqing instinctively felt an overpowering wave of apprehension.

The fetus within her womb, jolted awake by the disturbance, began to writhe with unrest.

This was because the golden cube held sealed within it a world’s Heavenly Dao consciousness, identical in fundamental nature to her own!

“They each received a boon, therefore it stands to reason that you would not be excluded,” Li Ping stated, acutely aware of Su Yuqing’s burgeoning fear.

“This location must be maintained under my absolute dominion, negating any requirement for a world’s Heavenly Dao consciousness. Consequently, I extracted and contained it.”

“I bestow it upon you now,” Li Ping declared with tranquil finality.