My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1278: The Will to Survive at the End of the World

“I harbour a greater fear that the remains of that True Immortal… might reanimate.”

As Mo Rubin voiced these ominous words, Li Ping couldn't shake the feeling, whether imagined or not, that the abyss of the Dark Sea had plunged into an even deeper cold.

It felt as though an unseen entity had suddenly fixed its piercing gaze upon him, sending an abrupt, icy shiver down his spine.

The Holy Emperor scanned his surroundings with great caution, yet he detected no hidden observers.

Turning his attention back to the deceased form of Fang Dingge, a disciple of the Grand Dao Sect, Li Ping inquired, “Having reached such a state, can it truly come back to life?”

Li Ping’s query was not directed at Fang Dingge’s remains, but rather the True Immortal whose immortal body had morphed into the Dark Sea and whose will had become the very essence of the Fallen Immortal Realm.

Mo Rubin also cast his gaze upon the nearby corpse and softly suggested, “Allow me to recount a tale.”

“Our Nine Refinements Temple once venerated a statue of our progenitor. It is said to have been personally sculpted by the founding ancestor, Master Miaofa, for his own likeness.”

“This stone effigy was worshipped for millennia. Whenever disciples faced trials or uncertainties on their cultivation path, sincere prayers often yielded responses from the unseen. Consequently, its incense offerings remained abundant throughout the years.”

“Then, one fateful day, tribulation clouds abruptly converged above the Nine Refinements Temple. Bolts of divine lightning struck repeatedly, yet their target was that very ancestor statue. A figure erupted from within the stone, ascending rapidly towards the heavens. Its power was astonishing. Even the Nine Heavens Divine Lightning, potent enough to instantly extinguish Dao Integration cultivators, was utterly ineffective. The figure laughed triumphantly amidst the lightning, poised to brave the tribulation and ascend…”

At this critical juncture, Mo Rubin deliberately paused once more.

After a prolonged silence, with no urging from the Holy Emperor, he felt compelled to continue, “The fragments of the ancestor statue, scattered across the ground, inexplicably began to reform. They converged upon the one undergoing tribulation. Seizing the moment of his unpreparedness, they drew him back into the confines of the statue.”

“From that moment forward, no matter his struggles, escape from the statue's prison was impossible. The statue then ascended, carrying that figure within its stone form!”

Having absorbed this peculiar narrative, Li Ping furrowed his brow slightly.

Mo Rubin posed a question, “Consider this: between the two entities that ascended together, which one do you believe was the ancestor of our Nine Refinements Temple?”

Li Ping contemplated for a moment before replying, “The figure encased within the statue had to confront the ascension tribulation. It must have been him. Unable to ascend in life, he utilized the statue, endured millennia of worship, amassed power, and attempted ascension…”

Mo Rubin offered a faint, knowing smile. “Incorrect.”

“Our ancestor, Master Miaofa, has authenticated records of his ascension to immortality witnessed by innumerable observers. However, a secret known only to the successive heads of the Nine Refinements Temple is that, in the year following his arrival in the Immortal Realm, he met his demise under unknown circumstances.”

Li Ping was taken aback by this revelation.

Mo Rubin continued with evident satisfaction, “Yet, the statue he personally crafted served as his contingency, a fallback plan. Even if his soul were annihilated in the upper realm, he could regenerate through that very statue.”

Li Ping’s brow furrowed once more. “Then, who was the figure trapped within the statue?”

Mo Rubin let out a low chuckle. “He was the third head of our Nine Refinements Temple. Defying the ancestor’s directives, he sought to establish his own doctrines. Following an internal schism, he was grievously wounded and vanished. Little did anyone suspect he had been concealed within the ancestor statue all along, even cultivating to the point of ascension in a single, momentous leap.”

“Ultimately, he simply completed the preparations for another’s success.”

“Master Miaofa had only been in the Immortal Realm for a year and lacked a substantial foundation, yet he could still revive via the statue. To say nothing of that True Immortal.”

“Merely observe this Dark Sea. One can only surmise its formidable power during its lifetime. Truly, do not attempt to comprehend the methods of Immortals using the limited perspective of mere cultivators. The disparity is as vast as the heavens and the earth.”

Perhaps due to the extended duration of their conversation, Mo Rubin's emotions had settled considerably as he spoke.

Li Ping remained reticent.

He sensed that Mo Rubin's account of Master Miaofa’s revival through the statue, and the involvement of the third head, contained certain inconsistencies.

However, this was a profound ancient secret, and they were situated deep within perilous territory. Now was hardly the opportune moment for further investigation.

“Shall we proceed further into the depths? The manner of Fang Dingge’s demise does not appear to be the work of an ordinary cultivator,” Li Ping suggested, shifting the topic.

“Let us venture in to investigate. If the True Immortal has indeed revived, after such a vast expanse of time, it would not likely remain stationary,” Mo Rubin stated, maneuvering past Fang Dingge’s remains and continuing his descent into the encroaching darkness.

Three layers of formation barriers were traversed, some integral to the original Spirit Gathering Ascension Formation, while others were added later.

Through the combined efforts of Li Ping and Mo Rubin, after considerable exertion, they finally reached the control core of the Spirit Gathering Ascension Formation.

During their journey, the remains of the other four fallen Longevity Immortals were not discovered.

The control core, situated in the deepest part of the Dark Sea, presented itself as a transparent observation platform.

Permeated by the surrounding formation barriers, akin to panoramic glass, the entirety of the Dark Sea was clearly visible to Li Ping and Mo Rubin.

Even with immense magnification, the Dark Sea retained its distinct resemblance to a human form.

Mo Rubin, evidently familiar with this location, bypassed the awe-inspiring spectacle and proceeded to the platform's center.

His expression shifted subtly.

“Shall I share the good news first, or the bad news?” Mo Rubin inquired.

Following a brief pause, Li Ping responded, “The good news.”

“The good news is that the fallen True Immortal’s remains did not achieve revival,” Mo Rubin stated in a subdued tone.

“And the bad news?”

Mo Rubin emitted a cold chuckle. “You will discover it soon enough.”

Li Ping advanced, positioning himself beside Mo Rubin.

The panorama before him underwent a dramatic transformation, the grand observation platform appearing to plummet at an alarming rate.

The Dark Sea surged upwards, rapidly expanding until it engulfed his vision and permeated his very soul.

With a resounding boom, the surroundings shifted once more, suggesting a departure from the Dark Sea to an uncharted territory.

“Remain still.”

Mo Rubin’s voice resonated within Li Ping’s mind, offering a measure of reassurance as he surveyed their new environment.

There, he beheld the other four deceased Longevity Immortals.

They were frozen in their final moments, their bodies echoing their postures at the time of death. Unlike Fang Dingge, their countenances were obscured by a layer of gray dust, rendering their features indistinguishable.

It was only possible to discern, vaguely, their desperate struggle against an overwhelming force that had consumed them.

Li Ping endeavored to identify the agent responsible for the demise of these five Longevity Immortals.

Extending from beneath the bodies of the four immortals, vine-like gray tendrils intertwined, drawing Li Ping’s attention.

Upon closer inspection, these gray vines exhibited no trace of life; they were merely inert compositions of pure energy.

Despite their inanimate nature, Li Ping felt an unnerving sensation, as if he were the focus of a venomous serpent’s gaze.

“What is this?” Li Ping questioned directly.

After a prolonged silence, Mo Rubin slowly articulated, “This is the will to survive. The residual will to survive from the True Immortal’s remains.”

“The will to survive?” Li Ping mused intently on the implication of Mo Rubin’s words.

“True Immortals defy conventional understanding. When Brother Xuanyuan repurposed the True Immortal’s remains, he harbored such apprehensions. To forestall any possibility of revival, he implemented numerous precautionary measures. Yet, unexpectedly…”

Though Li Ping could not discern Mo Rubin’s physical form, he sensed the intense focus of Mo Rubin’s gaze upon the pervasive gray “will to survive.”

“Under typical circumstances, the remains of a True Immortal, having already transformed into the Dark Sea, should be incapable of manifesting such a potent will to survive.”

Mo Rubin’s observation prompted Li Ping to contemplate, “Unless it was deliberately provoked.”

“Precisely. The perpetrator is no ordinary individual,” Mo Rubin remarked.

“Firstly, breaching Brother Xuanyuan’s established restrictions is no simple feat. Secondly, rousing the will of a True Immortal’s remains requires extraordinary capability. Thirdly, managing to withdraw unscathed after initiating the will to survive… truly remarkable,” Mo Rubin stated, devoid of any discernible admiration.

“Do not underestimate these entities. Even individuals of our caliber, should we fall prey to their targeting, would find survival exceedingly challenging. We would inevitably meet the same fate as these five empty vessels.”

Li Ping’s brow furrowed slightly. He harbored a degree of confidence in his own prowess.

Without engaging in debate, Mo Rubin continued his explanation in a quiet tone, “A deceased entity whose will to survive is rekindled acts akin to a drowning person grasping at a final straw, unleashing a surge of power instantaneously…”

“Instinctively, it would absorb all nearby life forms it could reach, converting them into sustenance for its own potential resurgence. Only an individual of Brother Xuanyuan’s caliber could offer even marginal resistance. While you and I may project strength, we remain far inferior.”

Li Ping remained in thoughtful silence.

Mo Rubin proceeded, “Fortunately, the instigator did not compromise Brother Xuanyuan’s safeguards. Following the 'will to survive' draining the life force from those four cultivators, it found no further targets for absorption and consequently receded into dormancy.”

“Should it manage to escape the confines of the Dark Sea…”

“I fear the entirety of the Xuanhuang Realm would serve as its sustenance,” Li Ping interjected, his expression growing solemn.

“But then again, Brother Xuanyuan’s methods are not so easily broken. The individual who triggered it, the one you referred to as the Immortal Ancestor, did not directly dismantle the Dark Sea’s restrictions. Instead, they merely superimposed their own techniques upon them.”

“However… possessing an artifact for formation control and being intimately familiar with the local restrictions allows for unimpeded movement.” Mo Rubin appeared to recall something, causing the aura he had gathered to momentarily flicker unstably.

“Let us focus on the task at hand first.” Just as Li Ping began to worry that Mo Rubin might lose control and descend into madness, he instantly regained his composure.

A vast amount of information was then transmitted directly into Li Ping’s consciousness.

“This… this is the Spirit Gathering Ascension Formation?” Li Ping immediately discerned its fundamental nature.

“To be precise, it is a variation devised by Brother Xuanyuan. The original Ascension Formation was conceived by a demonic cultivator. Heh, that one was a truly monstrous fiend. Originating from obscure beginnings with meager cultivation aptitude, he only managed to reach the Golden Core stage at best. Yet, he forcibly engineered this malevolent formation. Any area encompassed by this formation would have its contents refined into the purest Qi.”

“He commenced his journey from minor mortal worlds, escalating from weakness to strength, extinguishing the lives of countless beings across various worlds before finally ascending to the Immortal Realm. Upon his arrival, his initial act was to enhance the formation, intending to replicate his methods within the Immortal Realm itself. Hmph, even such a figure perished like a common fly during the great catastrophe in the Immortal Realm. All his accumulated treasures subsequently fell into the possession of Brother Xuanyuan. Nevertheless, Brother Xuanyuan held considerable disdain for his legacy…” Mo Rubin stated with a chilling laugh.

““Someone so brutally violent and savagely wicked… can still attain the Dao and achieve immortality? Are the Immortal Tribulations in their world dissimilar to those in the Xuanhuang Realm?” Li Ping inquired, a frown creasing his brow.

This was because, within Li Ping’s recollection, individuals of such malevolent disposition in the Xuanhuang Realm would invariably face heavenly tribulations significantly more potent than usual, leaving them with virtually no chance of success.

“Regardless of its intensity, the heavenly tribulation imposes certain limits within the lower realms. As long as one can overcome it, that suffices. Furthermore, concepts of good and evil are not absolute…”

Li Ping could distinctly perceive that as Mo Rubin articulated these words, he once again lapsed into a state of mental confusion.

“What is it that you require of me?” Li Ping promptly redirected his focus.

“Your proficiency in formations should not significantly trail behind Brother Xuanyuan’s. The central control nexus of the Spirit Gathering Ascension Formation present here must remain undisturbed. If feasible, reinforce it with an additional layer and drive it deeper into the Dark Sea. Subsequently, sever the connection between the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance’s formation control artifact and this grand formation,” Mo Rubin instructed upon regaining his composure.

Li Ping inclined his head, meticulously examining the surrounding formation intricacies while cross-referencing them with the formation schematic imprinted in his mind.

“As expected of the Xuantian King, truly the most exceptional genius the Xuanhuang Realm has produced in ten millennia.”

As a formation master himself, Li Ping could not help but experience a sense of professional camaraderie upon sensing the sheer brilliance inherent in this formation’s design.

The essence of power originating from the fervent prayers of the You race was absorbed and transmuted by the Dark Sea, which was, in essence, the remnants of a True Immortal. This transformed energy was then concentrated deep within the formation’s core.

It appeared to be accumulating in a chaotic manner, yet Li Ping faintly sensed that through specific methodologies, all this power, capable of rivaling a True Immortal, could be unleashed instantaneously.

The objective was to liberate the Xuanhuang Realm from the dominion of the True Immortals residing in the Immortal Ruins.

“To wield a mortal formation to command the might of a True Immortal… truly remarkable.”

Li Ping found no evidence of the Xuanhuang Realm’s original world formation within this complex structure. This formation was likely conceived independently by the Xuantian King. The ingenious utilization of even the remains of a fallen True Immortal underscored Xuanyuan Hong’s unparalleled mastery over formations.

“To reinforce this formation, certain materials will be required,” Li Ping stated after a period of observation.

“I possess them,” Mo Rubin responded without hesitation.

As if anticipating this need, after they had returned from the sanctuary of the “will to survive” to the formation’s core, he produced a collection of materials.

Li Ping inspected them. They were precisely the components needed for reinforcing the formation.

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m merely borrowing your countenance.”

“As a Dharma King of the Xuantian Sect, it is perfectly normal to carry resources for a comeback even while in hasty retreat, isn’t it?”

“By the way, why do you also lack a face? Could it be connected to that True Immortal who aided Brother Xuanyuan back then? I am quite timid, please don’t frighten me…”

Li Ping, disregarding Mo Rubin’s incessant chatter, dedicated his full attention to the intricate process of establishing the formation.

Utilizing the Xuantian King’s previous efforts as a blueprint, Li Ping found it simple to replicate the process. The formation gradually took its intended shape, and the elevated platform they occupied seemed to ascend even higher.

Mo Rubin observed with evident approval. Once Li Ping concluded his work, Mo Rubin produced an additional set of components. "Descend further, and ensure the True Immortal’s innate ‘Will To Survive’ is entirely subjugated within the deepest recesses of the Dark Sea."

Li Ping concurred, agreeing with the assessment. Without any objection, he resumed his task.

By the time the materials were depleted, the vast expanse of the Dark Sea visible to them had diminished to merely half its original size.

"At this juncture, it should possess adequate safety, provided no deliberate interference occurs," Mo Rubin remarked softly, standing alongside Li Ping and gazing down at the Dark Sea.

"This matter directly impacts the security of the Xuanhuang Realm; caution is paramount." This statement was not a request for Mo Rubin’s assent but a notification of a decided course of action. "I shall erect supplementary defensive formations in this vicinity."

Mo Rubin offered a dismissive shrug. "Suit yourself. After all these years, no one save us has ventured to this desolate locale. Whom exactly are you fortifying against with your arrays? Should that primal will to survive break free from its confinement, your rudimentary formations would prove utterly insignificant."

Disregarding Mo Rubin’s cynical provocation, Li Ping meticulously inscribed the most potent sealing formation he was capable of at that moment.

"Excellent, the subsequent step is to sever the appendage extended by the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance," Mo Rubin prompted once Li Ping finished.

"The current extraction of dark power is constrained. However, should the Dark Sea contract to a specific threshold, the Will to Survive might detect the potent vitality emanating from the external Xuanhuang Realm. In such an event, the ramifications would be dire beyond comprehension."

While reinforcing the existing formation, Li Ping had already detected two faint, intermittent thread-like connections extending outwards from the formation's core.

Their ultimate destinations remained concealed.

"The two formation-controlling artifacts; you intend to sever their link to the core?" Li Ping inquired, glancing at Mo Rubin.

"The other artifact is, in all likelihood, already defunct. Severing its connection is acceptable," Mo Rubin replied after a brief pause, nodding.

Li Ping promptly proceeded to adjust the formation core.

The procedure unfolded seamlessly. The Spirit Gathering Ascension Formation emitted a gentle hum, then appeared to initiate a reset sequence.

It briefly flickered before its brilliance returned.

From his position at the formation core, Li Ping could sense the breach that the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance had carved into the Dark Sea.

Boom. Boom.

Masses of clouds churned violently, unleashing waves of unseen force. These waves propelled the suspended "clouds" within the Dark Sea, growing in magnitude. By the time they reached the ruptured point, they had transformed into a cataclysmic tidal surge.

With immense force, it impacted the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance’s apparatus.

Scores of Immortal Alliance cultivators, diligently overseeing the siphoning of dark power, were abruptly engulfed.

They vanished from existence without a trace.

Amidst the violent convulsions, the breach commenced its closure.

Confronted by this abrupt turn of events, the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance demonstrated an unwillingness to concede. Within the rapidly constricting rift, the eye-shaped formation-controlling artifact reappeared.

The golden abacus, an instrument of power, flickered into view.