My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1244: Life and Death Hold No Fixed Conclusion
Previously on My Longevity Simulation...
Wang Xuanba observed the rather ignoble-looking elder before him, struggling to reconcile this image with the revered ancient tree said to command the Xuanhuang Realm's earth veins.
In response to the Earth Vein Ancient Tree's accusation, Lin Ling simply scoffed. “Goodwill? I have been with Master for merely a few short years, yet I have not only achieved form from a nascent, weak consciousness but have also attained this current, formidable cultivation.”
“How long have you cultivated? Eliminating you would be as simple as a thought!” Lin Ling fixed her frigid gaze upon the Earth Vein Ancient Tree. The wheel positioned behind her materialized and began to spin with intense speed.
The insect swarms residing within the earth veins seemed to sense this shift, stirring in unison with palpable agitation. While they had not collectively shattered their seals, these fifteen shadow swarms visibly increased in size.
“Let us converse reasonably. We must discuss this calmly,” the stooped old man beseeched, his demeanor growing exceedingly anxious.
However, Lin Ling paid him no heed, continuing her relentless advance. “Your mother tree is not my mother tree. What you perceive as a transition from darkness to light, I see as the destruction of my very path!”
“Those who obstruct my path deserve nothing less than death!” Lin Ling’s furious cry echoed.
Wang Xuanba let out a soft chuckle, obligingly easing the restraint on one of the insect swarms.
The Earth Vein Ancient Tree's countenance shifted dramatically. Before he could utter a word, one of his legs seemed to buckle as if snapping, causing his entire form to lose balance and tumble to the ground.
“A misunderstanding! It truly is a misunderstanding! The mother tree is the wellspring of all existence in this world. It is not solely for us Spiritwood beings but for humans as well…”The Earth Vein Ancient Tree’s plea was cut short as another swarm of insects erupted, severing his other leg. The hunched old man looked up, his face a mask of embarrassment and sheer panic.
“The source of all living beings in the world? Where is it now?” Lin Ling's words dripped with contempt.
“Even if your statement holds truth, so what?”
Lin Ling advanced, positioning herself directly before the Earth Vein Ancient Tree.
“Compared to my Master…”
“You are nothing more than a clay chicken or a tile dog!”
Lin Ling brought her foot down with crushing force upon the Earth Vein Ancient Tree.
The phantom old man emitted a wail. Though parts of his being had been consumed by the [Dao One] insects, his remaining strength should have offered some resistance. Yet, the Earth Vein Ancient Tree made no attempt to fight back.
This was because the ancient tree recognized the veracity of the young kin's pronouncements.
“What precisely are these entities…” While outwardly subdued, the Earth Vein Ancient Tree secretly attempted to neutralize the peculiar black energy.
However, this power differed fundamentally from any known within the Xuanhuang Realm, leaving it utterly incapable of resistance.
“These few disciples already wield such potent methods. What caliber of divine being must their master be? Could it be an ancient, supreme expert? We harbor no animosity. Why target me so abruptly? Could it be in preparation to confront…” The Earth Vein Ancient Tree's mind was a vortex of uncertainty, countless possibilities flashing through his consciousness.
Yet, Lin Ling afforded the Earth Vein Ancient Tree no extended period for contemplation.
“Those who adapt to the unfolding times are indeed wise. As we are both Spiritwood, I shall extend an offer: Submit to our Holy Dynasty of Great Qi!”
“If not, I will reluctantly assume your mantle as the Earth Vein Ancient Tree!” Lin Ling declared icily, her killing intent sharp as blade.
As she spoke, verdant roots unfurled from beneath her feet, extending like countless tendrils that surged into the swarm of black insects.
A pure green hue began to spread from Lin Ling's lower extremities, rapidly transforming the black expanse into shades of green.
Lin Ling, wielding the imitation beast wheel, had now integrated her very being with the insect swarm. She was the swarm, and the swarm was her.
Every location the [Dao One] black torrent traversed became an extension of her will, an integral part of her physical form.
Had these sections been previously imbued by the [Dao One] insects, the Earth Vein Ancient Tree might have retained a sliver of hope for reclamation. This would involve devising a method to completely obliterate the [Dao One] insects, followed by continuous purification with earth-vein energy.
But now, with Lin Ling occupying these portions…
The Earth Vein Ancient Tree's complexion progressively paled.
It had utterly lost all sensory connection to a segment of its own body. Indeed, it sensed a hostile entity now situated adjacent to its original form.
An entity that could potentially engulf the remaining parts at any moment!
This chilling sensation served only to reinforce the gravity of Lin Ling's unspoken threat.
Its time was rapidly dwindling…
This stark realization flashed through the Earth Vein Ancient Tree's mind.
However, pledging allegiance to the so-called Holy Dynasty of Great Qi would constitute a betrayal of its progenitor.
Ruomu's malevolent visage suddenly materialized before the Earth Vein Ancient Tree, causing it to involuntarily shudder.
The notion of resisting within its heart dissipated once more.
Just as the Earth Vein Ancient Tree lingered in indecision, it distinctly perceived a peculiar intent emanating from Lin Ling.
“Hmm?”
After a thorough contemplation, and a recollection of Ruomu’s increasingly erratic behavior recently, it finally reached a conclusion.
“This venerable one...”
Lin Ling cast a slight glance its way. The Earth Vein Ancient Tree paused its address, then amended: “I am prepared to submit to the Holy Dynasty.”
Wang Xuanba regarded the ancient tree with a measure of distrust. Lin Ling then issued the command: “Then accompany us to meet the Master.”
There was absolutely no possibility of refusal.
Feeling the relentless menace of the insect swarms still residing within its being, the Earth Vein Ancient Tree could only acquiesce with a sense of helplessness.
Its form coalesced from the ethereal, appearing rather unkempt.
It followed obediently in the wake of Wang Xuanba and Lin Ling.
The journey proceeded without any disturbance, and they soon found themselves within the pocket dimension of Great Qi.
The sheer magnitude of unfathomable auras radiating from every direction caused the ancient tree to tread with extreme caution, trembling in apprehension.
If even these two disciples could subdue it so decisively, then the Holy Emperor of Great Qi would undoubtedly possess even greater prowess.
Within the hallowed halls of the Holy Emperor, the ancient tree’s surrender was a foregone conclusion.
Not only did it become ensnared within the Holy Emperor’s golden net of source power, irrevocably losing its autonomy of body and spirit to serve as a thrall of Great Qi, but the Earth Vein Ancient Tree also divulged all its knowledge concerning Ruomu.
Ultimately, it succeeded in preserving its own humble existence.
The Holy Dynasty, as a result, officially obtained the means to pinpoint Ruomu’s primary form.
“Your Majesty, I have inadvertently revealed my father’s presence today. He will undoubtedly sense it soon. Therefore, swift action is paramount to our success.” Having committed to surrender, the Earth Vein Ancient Tree, now fully aligned, proactively offered strategic advice to Li Ping.
“You speak the truth. It is precisely for this reason that I am already en route.”
Li Ping’s voice echoed from above, but what left the Earth Vein Ancient Tree utterly astonished was the sight of the Faceless Holy Emperor’s silhouette gradually dissolving and vanishing.
Furthermore, it had no means of detecting when the other party had departed.
“The Holy Emperor’s might is truly beyond comprehension. It surpasses even…”
“Hmph, that old lunatic is about to stumble upon some significant good fortune.”
For reasons unknown, the Earth Vein Ancient Tree began to harbor a degree of eager anticipation.
Meanwhile, situated beyond the precincts of the Holy Emperor’s hall,
Wang Xuanba observed Lin Ling, wanting to voice his thoughts but held back by hesitation.
“If you have something on your mind, speak it plainly. Lingering with that gaze upon me incessantly, I fear I may lose restraint and draw my blade,” Lin Ling stated abruptly, startling Wang Xuanba.
He ran a hand through his hair and looked towards his junior sister. Abandoning his hesitation, he inquired: “Earlier, during the final moments of persuading the Earth Vein Ancient Tree to submit, did Junior Sister utter something to it?”
Lin Ling’s expression conveyed distinct displeasure, as though the question itself was tiresome.
“I merely conveyed that should it choose to surrender, an alliance could be forged between us.”