My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1261: Cat Treasure's Third Transformation

Sun Luyuan continued to speak at length, yet Li Fan remained trapped in a state of shock and profound grief, reeling from the devastating news of his beloved wife's demise.

"Such are the times, such is fate. It is no wonder I have felt this pervasive restlessness in recent days."

"Confined here, I was unable to bid her farewell one last time," Li Fan lamented, his face etched with sorrow.

"Has our son been given a name yet?"

Sun Luyuan responded with a composed demeanor: "His name is Sun Tianci. Ninglu personally selected this name for her son before her passing."

Following a moment of quiet reflection, Li Fan spoke, his voice tinged with both grief and a measure of solace: "Tianci... a fitting name."

Once the conversation shifted away from Sun Tianci, Sun Luyuan's expression grew markedly serious as he addressed the primary issue at hand.

"Your eldest uncle, Sun Luchang, is on the verge of departing."

Sun Luyuan then briefly recounted the appearance of a streak of sword light across the heavens, bearing tidings from the Xuan Shang Immortal Ark originating from the distant expanse of the Star Sea.

Li Fan expressed a degree of surprise: "From what I gather, venturing far beyond the stars does not sound like a positive undertaking. Is there no way to refuse such a journey?"

Sun Luyuan conveyed his dissent with a shake of his head: "The current predicament is that the high-ranking families within the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance who grasp the underlying truth are desperately seeking to evade this obligation, while the lower-ranking Dao Integration cultivators, tasked with guarding and unaware of the full picture, are clamoring to be part of it. To secure more pawns for their scheme, they naturally will not divulge the truth to them. It is a rather grim irony."

"Although Eldest Uncle has achieved the Dao Integration realm, he has grown accustomed to a life of ease and comfort over these years. I harbor concerns..." Li Fan voiced, his worry palpable.

"Were I not stationed here, bound and unable to depart, I would undoubtedly volunteer to journey beyond the stars in Eldest Uncle's stead."

Li Fan's declaration was firm and resolute, perfectly aligning with the persona Sun Ang had previously portrayed.

Sun Luyuan, harboring no suspicions, merely displayed a flicker of displeasure: "Our Sun family's influence has escalated considerably. Being assigned the duty of safeguarding the Derivation Law Jade and now tasked with a journey beyond the stars... these arrangements likely stem from the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance's deliberate intention to keep us in check."

"Do not trouble yourself with such thoughts. Simply reside here peacefully."

Without disclosing that the Sun family had already sworn allegiance to the Holy Dynasty of Great Qi, Sun Luyuan simply implored him to prioritize his safety above all else.

"I have already conferred with Elder Xu on your behalf."

"Perhaps your predetermined three hundred years of waiting will be shortened, and you will achieve your success and be permitted to depart sooner."

Before taking his leave, Sun Luyuan added these parting words.

"The family head has gone to considerable lengths. I am truly grateful," Li Fan expressed, his face alight with appreciation.

"Incidentally, after years of dedicated meditation in this very spot, I have compiled my lifelong learnings and attained certain profound insights."

"Family head, please convey this treatise, titled '[Uplifted Righteous Dharma],' to Tianci on my behalf."

As he spoke, a document, appearing entirely unremarkable, materialized in Sun Luyuan's mind.

A cursory examination revealed nothing out of the ordinary.

It was, in essence, a standard cultivation method for refining the heart and fortifying one's resolve.

Sun Luyuan accepted with a nod of agreement.

He then departed.

Only after Sun Luyuan's figure had completely disappeared from the vicinity did Li Fan let out a cold snort in his heart: "In roughly a hundred years, it remains highly uncertain whether the Xuanhuang Realm itself will even endure."

Nevertheless, aware of the covert surveillance maintained by the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance in this location, he refrained from dwelling on the thought. It was but a fleeting mental impression.

As for the 'Uplifted Righteous Dharma,' its true purpose was to lay the groundwork for Sun Tianci's eventual ascent.

Li Fan's gaze then fell upon the Derivation Law Jade, which had once again lapsed into a state of indolence, feigning diligence while actually shirking its duties. He could not help but patiently admonish and guide it once more.

...

Holy Dynasty of Great Qi.

Holy Dynasty Secret Martial Test Field.

Li Ping and Qiao Gong observed as Sun Erlang exerted considerable effort to gain control over the third Holy Punishment Divine Puppet.

The designation 'Holy Punishment Divine Puppet' was a nomenclature Li Ping had coined for the golden automaton, distinguishing it from the common Holy Army puppets.

"This Sun youngster possesses truly exceptional talent and a frightening capacity for adaptation. He has already grasped the fundamentals of operating the third divine puppet. At this pace, he might very well master all of our reserved divine puppets," Qiao Gong lauded him without reservation.

"In comparison, everyone in my Lingyuan Sect seems utterly inept."

"Speaking of which, you have been residing within the Holy Dynasty for this entire duration. Are all affairs within the Lingyuan Sect in Nine Mountain Prefecture proceeding smoothly?" Li Ping inquired casually, though his gaze remained fixed upon Sun Erlang within the training grounds, observing the beads of perspiration continuously trickling down the young man's forehead.

Qiao Gong dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand: "I have a puppet stationed in Nine Mountain Prefecture. Those simpletons grovel every time they perceive my presence and dare not even lift their heads. How could they possibly discern any discrepancies?"

Qiao Gong paused at this juncture: "However, based on my estimations, the tax collector from the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance is expected to arrive shortly. I might need to attend to that matter then."

Li Ping was aware that Qiao Gong's extensive collection of source power across Nine Mountain Prefecture, utilizing the Vital Essence Technique of All Living Beings, operated with the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance's sanction. The condition was to surrender a portion of the gathered power.

A substantial portion, by all accounts.

"The Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance shouldn't be short on consumables; why show such particular interest in your share?" Li Ping inquired.

Qiao Gong responded with a nonchalant air: "Who can say? Perhaps they deem such unpleasant tasks inconvenient to handle openly themselves."

"But..."

Qiao Gong seemed to recall something: "Now that you mention it, I remember the Immortal Alliance envoy once let slip that the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance faces a significant internal deficit, compelling them to seek new revenue streams and curtail expenditures."

"I even jested with him then, remarking that the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, despite its outward appearance of wealth, is actually quite penniless."

Li Ping became lost in thought upon hearing this.

"Source power is nothing more than pure, unattached cultivation energy. Ordinary cultivators have no need for it..."

"Intriguing."

"When the Immortal Alliance envoy arrives this time, I shall meet him in your stead," Li Ping resolved.

"Excellent, excellent." Qiao Gong, unable to spare the time, readily accepted. He promptly conveyed all pertinent details from previous encounters to Li Ping.

"Incidentally, how fares the puppet body I requested you to prepare?"

Qiao Gong displayed a look of pride and made a clapping motion.

A lifelike, yet faceless, body materialized before Li Ping.

Unlike the Holy Emperor's imposing three-zhang-three height, this faceless body was of regular human stature. Nevertheless, it was a perfectly sculpted miniature replica, bearing a striking resemblance to Li Ping himself.

Had the Holy Emperor harbored numerous suspicions, Qiao Gong might have faced accusations of profound disrespect.

However, at this moment, Li Ping simply gazed at the puppet body with a mixture of interest and surprise: "This is actually a genuine flesh-and-blood form?"

Qiao Gong nodded: "Indeed. Did you not intend to utilize it for journeys into the Star Sea? The Star Sea is fraught with peril, and certain unusual phenomena can only be perceived by a true flesh-and-blood being. I experienced considerable hardship when I first arrived in the Xuanhuang Realm."

A flicker of pain crossed Qiao Gong's eyes before he resumed his introduction to the Holy Emperor: "I drew inspiration from Tianyang's embodiment of the Dao, as well as your cherished disciple's flesh cultivation technique."

"While the cultivation aptitude of this flesh puppet cannot be expected to be exceptional, a complete sensory connection is certainly achievable. Furthermore, akin to the Holy Army Divine Puppet, it can absorb the Spirit of Heaven and Earth along with the essence of source power. Although its inherent bodily weakness will somewhat diminish its strength, with due caution, a Dao Integration level of power should suffice for self-preservation within the Star Sea."

"Provided it does not encounter any peculiar void calamities," Qiao Gong added with marked caution.

The Holy Emperor nodded. A minuscule speck of gold detached from his fingertip and entered the flesh puppet. A profound sense of connection, as if it were an extension of his own being, surged within him.

The Holy Emperor meticulously explored these sensations, both familiar and novel. A few breakthroughs dawned upon his mind.

"I shall take this body with me."

A flash of golden light ensued, and the Holy Emperor, along with the flesh puppet body, vanished simultaneously.

Qiao Gong then shifted his attention back to Sun Erlang on the training grounds.

Within the treasury of the Holy Dynasty.

Having eluded Qiao Gong, the Holy Emperor commenced the modification of the puppet body. His primary objective for venturing into the Star Sea this time was the comprehension of the Dao.

He still held specific expectations regarding the innate potential of the body he would inhabit. What Qiao Gong was incapable of achieving... did not preclude the Holy Emperor's possibility.

His large hand rested upon the crown of the flesh puppet's head as the Xuanhuang Heavenly Favor began to permeate it.

Abruptly... a sense of déjà vu washed over the Holy Emperor. His hand movements faltered slightly.

After a moment of contemplation, he suppressed this peculiar sensation. The initially somewhat rigid vessel gradually took on a lifelike quality.

As one celestial material after another from the Holy Dynasty's treasury was transmuted into liquid form by the essence of source power and assimilated into the puppet body, the form became increasingly crystalline and translucent, exuding a rich fragrance.

Even the slumbering Cat Treasure was enticed by the aroma. It stirred abruptly and surveyed its surroundings. Upon discerning that the source of the captivating scent was the very body being refined by Li Ping, a hint of disappointment flickered in its eyes.

Just as it was preparing to return to slumber, it received an instruction from the Holy Emperor.Cat Treasure shook its head somewhat unwillingly. In the end, unable to resist the promised temptation of source power essence, it let out a lazy meow. Then it leaped forward and transformed into the shape of a blue, transparent glass cover. It enveloped the body Li Ping had refined. Strands of blue light released from the container. After drifting for a moment, they all drilled into the interior of the puppet body. At this moment Li Ping had a strand of consciousness attached to the puppet body, so he could personally and vividly feel the specific changes occurring as it bathed in the blue light. “Reorganization of flesh and blood, sublimation of life form.” “Even without cultivation, the strength of this body already surpasses that of ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators in the Xuanhuang Realm.” “And...” The Holy Emperor carefully sensed the differences between this body and his original one. He could not yet understand all the consequences caused by these differences. But he could almost confirm that these variations had been created to deal with some special circumstance. While the blue light cover continued its modifications, a flash of insight appeared in Li Ping’s mind. He could even use Cat Treasure’s function to infuse the special abilities of the living beings Cat Treasure had previously absorbed and imitated into this body, turning them into innate divine powers. However, since this was an artificially created body, doing so might cause unpredictable changes. The divine powers Cat Treasure currently possessed were all optional for Li Ping. With departure for the Star Sea imminent, he did not pursue it further. He could experiment slowly in the future. The blue light cover grew dimmer and dimmer until its glow completely faded. Cat Treasure looked as if it had fought a great battle for three days and three nights. Its face was haggard, and even its once-glossy fur appeared somewhat yellowish. Li Ping fed it a large mouthful of golden source power essence. Only then did Cat Treasure sink contentedly back into deep sleep. “Item replication and living being imitation. This is Cat Treasure’s third function.” “Changing tendons and cleansing marrow.” “Truly remarkable!” Li Ping exclaimed in admiration. The puppet body had awakened from its sublimation. Li Ping sensed that this body was even more suitable for his divine soul than his original one. “Why not simply switch bodies?” An irresistible thought surged from the depths of his mind, but the Holy Emperor forcibly suppressed it in an instant. Cat Treasure’s tendon-changing and marrow-cleansing function was not a one-time use. The effect on the puppet body was already so excellent; applying it to the main body would naturally be no worse. There was still plenty of time. There would be plenty of opportunities. Li Ping focused his will on the puppet body and began adapting to and attempting to control it. ... Half a month later. Before the puppet body could fly out of the Xuanhuang Realm, it first received a transmission reminder from Qiao Gong. The Immortal Alliance envoy was about to arrive at the Lingyuan Sect in Nine Mountain Prefecture. Golden light flashed across Li Ping’s body, instantly transforming him into the appearance of Master Qiao Gong. He appeared noiselessly inside the Lingyuan Sect headquarters. He waited for the Immortal Alliance envoy’s arrival. The puppet body left behind by Qiao Gong had already prepared a large quantity of collected source power. Li Ping naturally looked down on this low-quality energy. Not to mention compared with source power essence, it fell far short even when compared with the source power produced by the people of the Holy Dynasty of Great Qi through cultivating the Vital Essence Technique of All Living Beings. However, after inspecting it, the Immortal Alliance envoy was overjoyed. “The quality of this batch submitted seems to have improved quite a bit?” “The sect master has put in real effort.” The Immortal Alliance envoy praised as he carefully stored away the light sphere containing the source power. Li Ping, imitating Qiao Gong’s tone, smiled and replied: “Recently I acquired a profound technique that can invisibly eliminate the distracting thoughts of the sect members, allowing them to devote more time to cultivating the method.” The Immortal Alliance envoy’s eyes brightened: “There is such a divine technique?” “Why? Is the envoy interested?” Li Ping asked. The Immortal Alliance envoy looked somewhat embarrassed: “The Immortal Alliance’s deficit has grown larger again recently. If the sect master finds it convenient...” Li Ping waved his hand: “It is no trouble. It is merely a minor path. If the envoy is interested, I shall recite it for you.” “Keep the mind free of distractions and reside in one’s own spirit. Ten thousand laws cannot invade; touch upon the profound and mysterious...” As Li Ping spoke, he chanted the words of the technique aloud.

The envoy from the Immortal Alliance beamed, focusing entirely on the chanting, listening with rapt attention.

Unbeknownst to him, his own consciousness was gradually succumbing, sinking deep beneath the gentle, rhythmic recitation.

As the Immortal Alliance envoy’s eyes glazed over, falling into a state of complete mental vacancy, Li Ping offered a faint smile. He flicked a minuscule speck of gold from his fingertip, sending it soaring directly into the envoy’s Sea of Consciousness.

As anticipated, the Immortal Alliance’s restrictions were in place, offering a form of mental protection.

However, against the silent, insidious creep of the source power essence, these defenses proved as fragile as mere paper, breached without a whisper.

Before long, Li Ping unearthed the precise information he sought, nestled within the envoy’s mind.

“The collective power of ten thousand cultivators, concentrated into a single Piercing Spear.”

“Plunging deep into the Xuanhuang Realm, aiming for the boundless Dark Sea…”

“Just as it was suspected.”

Li Ping had long harbored a potent curiosity regarding how the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance had managed to pinpoint and maintain their access to the Dark Sea.

The records from the You Clan indicated that the passage the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance had carved into the Dark Sea was markedly distinct from the methods typically employed by the You Clan.

Perhaps they harbored doubts about the You Clan’s reliability, or perhaps the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance desired absolute dominion over the Dark Sea gateway.

Regardless of their motivations, the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance had devised a novel strategy: utilizing highly concentrated source power to forge a direct conduit between the main body of the Xuanhuang Realm and the Dark Sea.

“It is precisely this covetous gaze the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance casts upon the Nether Realm, like a lurking tiger, that has led to the continued depletion of the Dark Sea’s strength.”

“It appears the moment has come to sever some of their encroaching tendrils, starting now.”