My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1276: Capturing of Mo Rubin

Initially, the Derivation Law Jade approached the Jade with a degree of caution. However, the moment she truly took a bite, her expression transformed dramatically, becoming incredibly vivid. Subsequently, she began to devour it in large, rapid mouthfuls.

“Mmm… this is delicious…”

Within mere moments, an entire plate of fried rice was consumed. Afterward, still feeling a slight lack of satisfaction, she gently rubbed her somewhat full belly, her face etched with utter astonishment. “Your fried rice tastes exactly like the genuine article. How did you possibly achieve this?”

As she voiced her question, another burp escaped her.

Li Fan offered a smile and replied, “When the illusory is treated as genuine, it becomes real; conversely, when the real is regarded as false, it turns into falsehood. Distinguishing between truth and illusion is never a straightforward matter. Provided you possess a profound grasp of an object's core essence, you too can manifest something indistinguishable from reality.”

The Derivation Law Jade slumped onto the ground. “I have only ever sampled fried rice; I have never personally prepared it. The same applies to other fine dishes. It seems self-sufficiency is beyond my reach. However…”

Her gaze shifted towards Li Fan. “You weren't a chef in your previous life, were you?”

Li Fan’s expression faltered slightly. He expertly sidestepped the question, deftly steering the conversation elsewhere. “Have you had your fill? Have you managed to recall that immortal character?”

Derivation Law Jade promptly shook her head. “One dish is insufficient. May I have more?”

Li Fan emitted a soft scoff but still waved his hand casually. A stove, cooking implements, and various ingredients materialized one after another.

As flames danced from the cooking fire, one delectable dish after another, radiating enticing aromas, was presented.

Derivation Law Jade’s mouth watered as she observed the display, accepting each offering readily and promptly stuffing it into her mouth.

“Burp…”

Having indulged in a thoroughly satisfying banquet, the young girl's stomach protruded like a perfectly round ball. She sprawled flat on the ground in a rather unrefined posture.

“I must admit, despite your less-than-handsome appearance, your culinary prowess is truly exceptional,” she declared appreciatively.

Li Fan responded with composed nonchalance. “It was merely a minor trade I pursued during my mortal days. Hardly worth remarking upon.”

Derivation Law Jade’s eyes crinkled in happiness as she savored the lingering flavors. She then announced, “I feel quite drowsy. I believe I shall take a nap. You may attend to your own affairs.”

Even as she spoke, loud snores erupted from her, signifying her deep slumber. Within the luminous sphere representing her character, strokes converged and shifted, coalescing into an immense character that dominated the entire sky.

The profound resonance of the Great Dao, once faintly perceived within the illusion, seemed to echo once more.

Nonetheless, its presence was intermittent, fading in and out as if it were merely a phantom.

Li Fan tilted his head upwards, fixing his gaze upon the character without stirring. Only after it had gradually faded away did a contemplative expression grace his features.

“It is undeniably a script from a True Immortal. However, owing to Derivation Law Jade’s fragmented recollections, its complete meaning remains elusive. Even the character she manifests now exhibits certain deviations from the authentic script.

“Nevertheless…”

Utilizing his hand as an implement, Li Fan made an attempt to inscribe in the air.

Yet, he faltered repeatedly at crucial junctures, shaking his head slightly each time.

“The structural composition of the strokes, the nuanced style of their turns, and the meticulous details of the brushwork bear a striking resemblance to the ‘Hunger’ and ‘Chaos’ characters I encountered previously, yet they possess a greater elegance and a more naturally inherent form.”

“The disparity between an original masterpiece and a mere imitation is indeed vast.”

Previously, the True Immortal character scripts Li Fan had encountered appeared utterly perfect to him, flawless in every conceivable aspect and imbued with immense divine power.

But this comparison revealed a stark difference. Relative to this genuine inscription recalled by Derivation Law Jade, those that had previously brought ruin to the Darkest Star Sea now seemed crude, akin to the scribblings of a child.

However, Li Fan observed that this perceived chasm only manifested when both were examined side-by-side. If he were to reproduce a single character, such as ‘Hunger’ or ‘Chaos,’ in isolation, he would still instinctively perceive it as impeccable.

This presented a profoundly paradoxical yet wondrous experience.

Following numerous attempts, Li Fan arrived at a particular realization. To him, True Immortal script resembled a boundless ocean. Alone, he could only be submerged within its depths, incapable of grasping its entirety. But with an authentic inscription serving as a reference point, it acted like an anchor or a strategic vantage point, empowering him to break free and perceive with clarity.

By emulating the authentic inscription, Li Fan proceeded to reorganize the ‘Hunger’ and ‘Chaos’ scripts he had mastered.

The outcomes were exceptionally positive. Although they appeared virtually identical at first glance, Li Fan was confident that their inherent power had escalated by no less than a third.

“It is regrettable that even this authentic inscription is incomplete, and furthermore, it has undergone some distortion during its transmission through memory.”

After a considerable period, Li Fan emerged from his state of profound contemplation, exhaling deeply.

“Based on the evidence gathered thus far, True Immortal character script can be broadly categorized into three distinct types. The first category, exemplified by the ‘Chaos’ variant, incites calamity and devastation. The second is the ‘Return’ type, which embodies edicts emanating from the Immortal Realm. The final category pertains to this…”

“The rain that descends upon a character’s manifestation is known as Immortal Melody Jade Dew, accompanied by the profound resonance of the Great Dao, drawing True Immortals to vie for it. This likely connects to the legendary Inscription Dao.”

Li Fan’s thoughts raced as he once more attempted to mend the incomplete character, yet the outcome, predictably, was failure.

“With the Immortal Realm’s demise, where could such genuine inscriptions possibly be found now?”

…

Meanwhile, as Li Fan’s main body engaged in contemplation, Li Ping, the Faceless Holy Emperor, had finalized the sealing of both the Faceless Immortal statue and the remnants of the First Origin Sect.

Based on his senses, Mo Rubin, who had been making a rapid escape, had ceased all movement some time ago.

“What place is this?” Li Ping mused, opting not to pursue immediately. Instead, he summoned Master Qiao Gong.

“That area… Legend has it, it was formed from the heart of a colossal beast after its demise, a convergence point for earth energy within Nine Mountains Prefecture. I’ve visited it once but found nothing remarkable,” Qiao Gong responded.

“The spiritual qi there is merely slightly more concentrated than in other locales.”

Li Ping then inquired about the Heavenly Beast.

Qiao Gong shrugged. “Were it not for the local cultivators, I wouldn’t even know Nine Mountains originated from a giant beast’s carcass.”

He then brought up a Nascent Soul cultivator named Shen Yurou, whose family possessed specialized knowledge in excavation.

Li Ping summoned Shen Yurou and requested specifics.

Shen Yurou replied with caution, “After my ancestor ventured into that location, he began suffering from peculiar ailments. He would repeatedly experience dreams of that subterranean structure. Since then, all members of our family have exhibited reversed yin and yang traits.”

Li Ping examined him but detected no anomalies.

“Is the location documented?”

“No, but there is a painting.”

Shen Yurou conjured an image. At the structure’s four corners stood statues lacking heads, appearing to be in supplication. A smooth pillar occupied the center, though its shadow inexplicably mirrored a ferocious beast.

Li Ping’s gaze fixated on the statues. Despite their missing heads, they bore a striking resemblance to the Faceless True Immortal statues located beneath Mount Taixu.

“They appropriated the likeness, yet removed the head.”

“And this pillar…” The smooth, cylindrical edifice was unquestionably the core of this peculiar construction. Yet, nothing definitive could be gleaned from the image alone.

After dismissing Shen Yurou, Li Ping silently made his way to the vast marshlands of Nine Mountains Prefecture. Within a region characterized by nine continuous mountain ranges, the existence of such an expansive swamp was, theoretically, highly improbable. Numerous cultivators had explored this area, seeking to unearth hidden secrets, but all had departed empty-handed.

Standing in the marsh’s center, Li Ping perceived only a foul, putrid odor, detecting no other unusual phenomena. Were it not for the distinct sensation that Mo Rubin was concealed here, it is likely Mo Rubin would have remained undiscovered.

Mo Rubin appeared unaware of Li Ping’s approach. Though he moved within a confined area deep within the swamp, he never strayed from this vicinity. After establishing containment formations around the perimeter, Li Ping submerged himself within the swamp, advancing stealthily toward the sensed location.

A gurgling sound. Abruptly, Li Ping’s movement ceased.

Moments prior, Li Ping had faintly perceived a squirming noise. With his current cultivation level, it was highly improbable to be an illusion. Therefore…

Li Ping surveyed his surroundings. The viscous, foul-smelling swamp mud contracted and shifted rhythmically, as if imbued with life. A strange sensation stirred within Li Ping; it felt as though the entire swamp had suddenly awakened.

“A trap?” The thought crossed Li Ping’s mind, but he quickly dismissed it. The swamp’s focus was not directed at him.

The Holy Emperor continued to mask his presence. Guided by the sensation in his heart, which corresponded to the swamp’s rhythmic pulse, he soon located the unusual structure encountered by Shen Yurou’s ancestor.

viewed externally and broadly, the structure resembled a featureless face. The colossal, smooth pillar stood centrally on the forehead-like region, akin to a third eye pointing skyward from beneath the earth. This bizarre spectacle caused Li Ping’s heart to constrict.

The structure obstructed his perception of its interior. He could only utilize the mark previously placed on Mo Rubin to confirm the individual’s presence within, engaged in some activity. The Holy Emperor did not enter recklessly. Instead, he meticulously erected a barrier of source power essence on the exterior. Coupled with multiple layers of formations, the area was completely sealed. Furthermore, he invoked the power of the Xuanhuang Heavenly Dao to stabilize the surrounding earth veins.

Despite these extensive precautions, Li Ping inexplicably felt a lack of complete confidence. After a brief contemplation, Li Ping roused Cat Treasure from his shoulder and retrieved an item from its belly—a peculiar treasure acquired from the Fishing Pond, possessing the ability to seal space. The treasure itself appeared rather unassuming, merely a simple ring.

Yet the golden white radiance that flowed across it subtly hinted at the formidable power concealed within.

“Binding Space Ring.”

“It was forged by eradicating all life within a ring-shaped world, then merging that essence into the artifact. This imbues it with not just the weight of an entire world, but also the burden of countless lives. Once bound, even my own movements would be significantly impeded.”

While its creation method undeniably marked it as an evil artifact, Li Ping's pragmatic approach meant he felt no qualms about its use.

With a gentle heave, the Binding Space Ring soared towards the summit of the featureless structure. Instantly, it expanded manifold, enveloping the entire vicinity.

Observing the golden white ring gradually dissipate from view, the Holy Emperor contemplated for a moment before instituting one final precaution.

Once all preparations were complete, Li Ping ascended into the structure.

“You have arrived.”

“I have anticipated your arrival for a considerable time.”

The instant he stepped inside, Mo Rubin's voice echoed near his ear.

Li Ping's gaze sharpened, yet he could not discern Mo Rubin's form.

However, at the base of the smooth central pillar within the structure, a wavering shadow vaguely took on a human-like shape.

It faced Li Ping, appearing to smirk.

“I followed Brother Xuanyuan for so long. Even without reaching the half-immortal realm, I wouldn't be entirely clueless. Moreover, you're employing a strategy that my brother himself once abandoned…”

“The Mortal Dust Immortal Power is potent, but it brings harm without true benefit,” Mo Rubin derided.

Li Ping understood that the Mortal Dust Immortal Power he referenced stemmed from the essence of source power, meticulously condensed from the collective faith of the You race.

Every shortcut invariably carries a cost. However, Li Ping's ultimate objective was not ascension, but the Xuanhuang world itself.

Within the scope of his pursuits, seeking the maximum possible power was entirely justifiable.

Disregarding Mo Rubin’s taunts, the Holy Emperor meticulously inspected the structure's intricate details.

“A relic from the Xuantian Sect?” he inquired.

Mo Rubin seemed to be in a state of anticipation, refraining from action. He responded, “Heh, rather than attributing it to the Xuantian Sect, it's more accurate to say this is a contingency I established for myself.”

“Brother Xuanyuan was far too idealistic. He placed an excessive amount of trust in himself.”

“My approach is different.”

The shadow beneath the pillar appeared agitated, its movements accelerating rapidly.

“I once shared his mindset, believing myself to be the predestined protagonist, that success was assured as long as I acted. But subsequently, I suffered a severe setback, my cultivation declining daily, forcing me to endure the scorn of those I once held in contempt…”

“I have realized!”

Mo Rubin's shadow surged upwards from the ground, levitating in mid-air as it fixed a malevolent glare upon Li Ping.

“I am not some central protagonist. I am merely an inconsequential figure within the vast expanse of history. A minor character must always prepare a fallback, a path for potential failure. Thus, I constructed this sanctuary in secret, behind Brother Xuanyuan's back!”