My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1248: Defying the Principles of Xuanhuang Once Again
Previously on My Longevity Simulation...
The white-haired Daoist offered a faint smile in response to Sun Erlang’s statement.
“Precisely. Each individual possesses a distinct personality and independent thoughts. It is the innate nature of living beings to disperse when faced with peril. Endeavoring to make everyone share a single heart and mind proves exceptionally difficult. The myriad events throughout the Xuanhuang Realm’s history serve as ample evidence of this truth.”
With a gentle wave of his whisk, the white-haired Daoist conjured numerous scenes within the pristine white expanse before Sun Erlang.
A shadowy omen of the world’s end loomed over the Xuanhuang Realm, poised to descend imminently. Yet, concerning the appropriate response to this impending catastrophe, the various sects and factions within the Xuanhuang Realm remained divided in their approaches.
Some resolved to abandon the realm and make their escape. Others opted to retreat into seclusion, much like turtles withdrawing their heads into their shells. A portion scurried about in desperation, rallying calls for unity. Meanwhile, still others seized the prevailing chaos as an opportunity for plunder and the gratification of their personal desires.
The inhabitants depicted in these scenes lacked distinct physical appearances, all represented by formless figures. Nevertheless, the absurd spectacles unfolding were rendered with striking realism.
“However, this represents the Xuanhuang Realm of the past.”
The white-haired Daoist gestured with his whisk once more, and the imagery shifted dramatically.
“Ten thousand hearts united as one, a steadfast will defying heaven’s mandate, an open alliance of divine power, eradicating all worries and fears, a single word settling the nine cauldrons…”
As the Truth Heavenly Sovereign spoke these words, detailed depictions of life within the territories governed by the Five Elders Association materialized before Sun Erlang.
“What are your thoughts? How does this compare to the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance?” the Truth Heavenly Sovereign inquired.
“It is, without a doubt, far superior to the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance,” Sun Erlang responded without a moment’s hesitation.
He then appended his observation: “It is merely regrettable that all of this is predicated upon the immense divine abilities of the five Heavenly Sovereigns. Everything appears as ephemeral and insubstantial as flowers reflected in a mirror or the moon’s image upon the water. Should any of these five Heavenly Sovereigns unexpectedly meet with misfortune one day, this seemingly beautiful tableau will undoubtedly shatter in an instant.”
Discussing the potential downfall of a Heavenly Sovereign so openly within the domain of the Five Elders Association was an act of profound defiance. Yet, the white-haired Daoist, believed to be the Truth Heavenly Sovereign, displayed no signs of displeasure.
Instead, he inclined his head in agreement, stating, “What you have said contains a measure of truth, yet it also falls short.”
Sun Erlang’s countenance faltered. He clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and declared solemnly, “I humbly request your enlightenment, Heavenly Sovereign.”
“The reason it holds truth is that, from the perspective of an ordinary external cultivator, this is indeed the case. The existing order is established due to the presence of the five Heavenly Sovereigns. If the Heavenly Sovereigns were to perish, the order would completely vanish.”
“The reason it falls short is that you have not grasped the profound essence of the Longevity Immortal realm within this world.”
Stroking his beard, the Truth Heavenly Sovereign expounded with measured words: “Defy the principles of heaven and earth to attain immortal longevity.”
“Once a cultivator defies these principles, they inherently become an integral part of the world’s principles. Much like sunlight, water droplets, and the very air we breathe, they collectively constitute the very fabric of the [World] itself.”
“Human beings are not isolated entities. It is futile to negate the existence of the Longevity Immortal realm and then proceed to discuss the cultivators flourishing beneath its influence.”
Sun Erlang found himself unable to fully comprehend the Truth Heavenly Sovereign’s pronouncements. To his perception, they sounded akin to a form of logical fallacy.
However, he recognized that the Longevity Immortal Heavenly Sovereign, occupying the apex of this world’s power structure, would scarcely engage in a verbal dispute with a junior like himself over semantics.
Consequently, Sun Erlang furrowed his brow, immersing himself in deep contemplation.
After a considerable interval, he articulated his thoughts with a pensive tone: “Our discourse pertains to the cultivators of the Xuanhuang Realm. This forms the primary premise. And the Longevity Immortal Heavenly Sovereign has already become an indivisible component of the Xuanhuang Realm, thus…”
“No, that cannot be right,” Sun Erlang suddenly stated, his senses heightened. “The crucial factor is that your influence does not appear to encompass the entirety of the Xuanhuang Realm; it appears restricted to this specific area.”
The Truth Heavenly Sovereign posed a question: “Have you ever perceived the presence of the Carefree Heavenly Sovereign’s divine power?”
Sun Erlang affirmed with a nod: “Naturally, I am aware of it.”
“As fellow cultivators within the Longevity Immortal realm, Carefree’s might is not significantly greater than ours. Whatever he is capable of achieving…”
“We are naturally capable of achieving as well,” the Truth Heavenly Sovereign concluded, his tone calm and deliberate.
Upon hearing this, Sun Erlang initially felt a surge of incredulity.
However, as his thoughts delved deeper, his expression gradually shifted to one of profound seriousness.
“Then, the reason is…?” he was compelled to inquire.
“Naturally, this is because the opportune moment has not yet arrived,” the white-haired Daoist declared with a gentle smile, waving his whisk once more.
The expanse of white within the Truth Fruit Tree began to slowly recede.
The visage of the Truth Heavenly Sovereign also gradually faded into obscurity.
“Heavenly Sovereign!”
It was only then that Sun Erlang remembered his master’s parting instructions. He hastily called out, “Does the Heavenly Sovereign have knowledge of the matter concerning the Eastern Extremity Heavenly Sovereign?”
“You shall understand when the time comes.”
With a resounding boom, the white space imploded.
Countless flickers of light and shadow erupted simultaneously, blooming within Sun Erlang’s mind.
He found himself back in the tangible world, yet he remained captivated by the visions imparted by the Truth Heavenly Sovereign.
“Defying the very fabric of heaven and earth once more? Have you lost your mind? You stand at the precipice of such an accomplishment. One more step and you will achieve Longevity by following the natural progression. Why would you resort to such drastic measures?” The young Daoist’s countenance was etched with bewilderment, his words imbued with urgency.
“Longevity? It is merely the transformation of the physical form into the Dao,” the opposing figure replied, his face indistinct, yet his voice dripped with disdain for the concept of the [Longevity Immortal realm].
He continued, “Were it not for a certain entity, achieving Longevity through bodily transformation into the Dao would be acceptable. However, the entirety of our cultivation system is constructed upon a framework established by him…”
“Xinghan, do you comprehend the potential repercussions?”
The young Daoist remained in silent contemplation.
“The Xuanhuang Realm is currently undergoing a rebirth through destruction. This is the singular focus of his attention. The ascension of a cultivator to Longevity is of no consequence to him. In fact, he might even welcome the emergence of Longevity Immortal realm cultivators who align with his objectives. Do you understand the reason why?”
The young Daoist continued to avert his gaze, offering no reply.
“Your innate talents are in no way inferior to mine. How can you fail to grasp this? You are merely allowing a sliver of fortune to cloud your judgment.”
“Allow me to be direct. One day, when the Xuanhuang Realm completes its grand rebirth and transformation, those known as Longevity Immortal Heavenly Sovereigns will be assimilated entirely into the new world’s Heavenly Dao… enduring a fate far worse than death, or rather, a state where the concepts of life and death cease to hold meaning.”
“They will serve merely as instruments for the world’s reconstruction.”
The indistinct figure let out a cold sneer.
“This is nothing but your fanciful delusion and wild speculation…” After a prolonged silence, the young Daoist weakly offered his rebuttal.
Oblivious to the objection, the blurry figure pressed on, “I refuse to believe it! I am determined to challenge him!”
“To achieve Longevity by reversing the principles of heaven and earth. This action forms the bedrock of his Dao, yet it also represents his most significant vulnerability. If we can once again invert his principles, we can instantly seize all his accumulated fortune and supplant him…”
“Eastern Extremity! You…” The young Daoist glanced around nervously, concerned that such a heaven-defying declaration might be overheard.
However, the blurry figure was brimming with an audacious spirit, his eyes alight with ambition.
“Xinghan, do not be alarmed. On this perilous path, I am not embarking alone,” Eastern Extremity declared, attempting to soothe him.
“The Immortal-Mortal Miasma harbors the profound enigma of reversing the heavenly and earthly principles once more. Its origin traces back to the previous Xuanhuang Great Celestial Venerable, now deceased.”
“I have recently uncovered certain promising leads. Provided that…”
Boom!
Before Eastern Extremity could complete his sentence, the vision abruptly fractured.
As the scene before his eyes coalesced once more, it was still Eastern Extremity’s form that appeared.
However…
The Eastern Extremity who, moments before, had exuded smug confidence and high spirits, now presented an unnervingly peculiar spectacle.
His head hung low, his body entirely bare.
His long hair fanned out, while innumerable tendrils extended from within his very being.
These threads stretched out into the boundless void beyond.
“Eastern Extremity!”
This ghastly tableau, coupled with the Truth Heavenly Sovereign’s cry of alarm, abruptly shattered and dissolved into nothingness.
…
“What in the world is this?” Sun Erlang’s mind reeled from the shock.
Despite the brevity of their exchange, each revealed secret carried world-shattering implications.
Sun Erlang’s gaze swept his surroundings, noticing that only a minimal amount of time had elapsed since he had entered the Truth Fruit Tree’s creation illusion.
At this very moment, cultivators could still be observed seated upon the fruits, their eyes shut in concentration as they underwent the trial.
Yet, Sun Erlang harbored no desire to linger in this place any further.
He needed to return with the utmost haste to relay all that he had witnessed and heard to his master.
Fortuitously, the attention of the cultivators within the city remained entirely fixed upon those prodigious talents still ensnared within the illusion.
Consequently, little notice was paid to Sun Erlang, the perceived failure.
He stealthily departed from the city and set a direct course for the entrance to the Great Qi small world.
As he soared through the air, Sun Erlang’s thoughts churned relentlessly.
“Had the Truth Heavenly Sovereign already perceived my presence long before this?”
“This would explain his appearance within the illusion, specifically to meet me.”
“They were already informed about Eastern Extremity Heavenly Sovereign’s predicament. Since I was dispatched by Master, they exploited me to relay these events to him.”
“What profound significance is hidden within this?”
Despite Sun Erlang’s considerable worldly experience, confronting this truth, which touched upon the Xuanhuang Realm’s most guarded secrets, left him struggling to maintain composure.
Sun Erlang couldn't help but quicken his pace.
…
In reality, returning to the Great Qi small world in person was unnecessary.
Via the golden colossal net, meticulously woven from source power essence, the Faceless Holy Emperor had already experienced everything that transpired with Sun Erlang the moment he entered the Truth illusion, in perfect synchronization.
Likewise, the Truth Heavenly Sovereign hadn't genuinely been conversing with Sun Erlang, a mere cultivator not yet at the Dao Integration stage.
The communication was directed towards the Faceless Holy Emperor.
Li Ping meticulously replayed the sequences transmitted by the Truth Heavenly Sovereign.
Concurrently, the seemingly cryptic pronouncements of the other party resonated repeatedly in his mind.
“A mere instrument for the Immortal Ancestor to forge new worlds?”
“It appears they possess a degree of self-awareness. Upon witnessing my emergence and confrontation with the Immortal Ancestor, they subtly extend an olive branch…”
“However, complete trust cannot be placed in them.”
Li Ping let out a cold snort.
It was true that the Five Heavenly Sovereigns had embodied the Dao within their very beings.
Yet, faced with the overwhelming pressure from the Immortal Ancestor, Li Ping firmly believed that after all these years, they wouldn't simply resign themselves to fate without taking any action.
“Carefree Paradise, a self-generated cosmos.”
“Land of Truth, birthing countless realities.”
“As for the remaining few, their stance is largely that of observers, watching the conflict from afar.”
“And those truly cornered, like the present Xuanhuang Heavenly Dào, will desperately grasp any lifeline that presents itself.”
Li Ping’s thoughts remained remarkably placid, unaffected by the somewhat unnerving spectacle presented by the Truth Heavenly Sovereign.
“But Eastern Extremity Heavenly Sovereign’s assertion that the secret to reversing the fundamental laws of heaven and earth once more lies concealed within the Immortal-Mortal Miasma… might hold a kernel of truth.”
“Eastern Extremity’s Purifying Body Spiritual Pool possesses the capability to neutralize the corrupted principles affecting Su Bai, much like the Xuanhuang Immortal Heart Curse.”
“Reversing the principles of heaven and earth anew…”
Li Ping contemplated these two statements, his mind delving into their implications.
“While it cannot be relied upon entirely, it remains a viable approach to destabilize the Immortal Ancestor’s power.”
With this thought solidified, Li Ping’s figure flickered, and he reappeared near Yin Shangren.
Xu Ke was also present in the same vicinity.
They were intently observing a delicate and charming young girl, both expressing their astonishment.
Upon Li Ping’s arrival, Yin Shangren spoke first: “You’ve arrived at an opportune moment. Come, examine this child.”
The imposing presence of the Holy Emperor, coupled with his unidentifiable visage, instilled a degree of apprehension in the young girl.
Nevertheless, she mustered her courage and met Li Ping’s gaze directly.
His divine sense immediately permeated the girl’s body. Li Ping displayed a hint of surprise and transmitted: “Were you not under the impression that they all practiced the new cultivation method?”
“Why is this young girl cultivating according to the Immortal Ancestor’s techniques?”
Xu Ke responded with evident emotion: “Holy Emperor, please do not misinterpret. No one here imparted the cultivation method to her. She discovered it independently.”
“And among this cohort of children, she is not the sole anomaly.”
Yin Shangren’s tone also carried a peculiar note: “This is what they refer to as being driven to desperation and forging a new path. Having failed to establish their foundation using our methods and witnessing their peers’ relentless advancement, they instinctively, in their desperation, stumbled upon an alternative path for cultivation by chance.”
“To prevent any adverse influence on the young ones diligently practicing the new method, we had no choice but to relocate them.”
The Faceless Holy Emperor listened in quiet contemplation.
This time, the source power essence he deployed swept through, thoroughly scrutinizing the internal conditions of these young children.
“This is no mere coincidence.”
“The Immortal Ancestor’s method has intrinsically become a component of the Xuanhuang Heavenly Dào.”
“It exists as an inherent pathway within the world itself. Even with one’s vision obscured, an individual will instinctively gravitate towards this path.”
Li Ping recalled the scenario within the world that Sun Erlang had conjured not long prior.
“This is the Dào of Xuanhuang. The ultimate Dào. Even the Xuanhuang Heavenly Dào itself cannot evade its pervasive influence.”
“By adhering to its Dào, one can attain supreme standing within the realm, which translates to longevity.”
“As for defying the Dào…”
“It’s a matter of mutual destruction.”
Before Li Ping’s eyes materialized the grotesque form of Eastern Extremity, resembling a mere puppet.
Yet, Li Ping’s heart remained devoid of any fear or hesitation.
“Su Bai and Eastern Extremity are destined to falter…”
“But that does not imply my own inevitable defeat!”
“While the Immortal Ancestor is mighty, a solution still exists.”
Li Ping's intent remained unwavering from the start.
“To defy the Dao successfully, one path involves re-inverting its very principles and shattering its foundation.”
“Another is to crush the situation with overwhelming force, suppressing strength with strength. The Immortal Ancestor's Dao is undoubtedly supreme within the Xuanhuang Realm, yet the world is not confined to this realm alone. Beyond lies the Star Sea, and beyond that, the High Wall.”
As Li Ping’s thoughts flowed, he simultaneously clarified the reason for his visit to Yin Shangren and Xu Ke.
“Immortal-Mortal Miasma?”
Yin Shangren found it peculiar that Li Ping suddenly revisited this research topic of his past.
“Mr. Bai achieved the reversal of principles, but at the ultimate cost of his own life. His deep favor with the Heavenly Dao meant that the greater his entanglement, the more severe the backlash. In the end, he could not escape and returned his Dao to the heavens,”
Yin Shangren elaborated.
“If the principles were already reversed, how can it be dispelled again?”
“Doesn't this imply that each instance of dispelling the Immortal-Mortal Miasma is, in essence, reversing the principles of heaven and earth once more?”
Li Ping inquired calmly.
This was a point Yin Shangren had never contemplated, leaving him momentarily stunned in place.
