My Longevity Simulation Chapter 1282: Hidden Immortal Compendium of the Hundred Tales

In this lifetime, Li Fan had also tried to categorize the True Immortal seal script characters he had encountered.

His initial approach, however, focused on their specific effects, such as destruction, command, or enhancement.

Yet, within the Severed Immortal Tower, located at the distant end of the star sea, they employed a completely different and innovative perspective.

This perspective distinguished characters based on whether the Dao they represented was currently occupied by a True Immortal, or had been occupied in the past.

Extensive records within the Severed Immortal Tower indicate that these different categories of True Immortal seal script characters present varying levels of difficulty and inherent danger when one attempts to enter the Dao.

Should a Dao already be claimed by a True Immortal, any individual attempting to enter it via that character would be instantly reduced to ashes at the moment of Dao attainment, vanishing without a trace. This fate is unavoidable, regardless of one's power or talent.

Conversely, if a Dao remains unclaimed by any True Immortal, cultivators of ordinary talent can still catch a glimpse of the grand Dao embodied by the True Immortal seal script, even with certain accompanying side effects.

Li Fan meticulously studied the fragmented insights left behind by his predecessors, accessible to him based on his current contribution level.

A fundamental divergence exists between his methods and approaches like mere transcription or attempting to replicate the True Immortal script itself. Within the Severed Immortal Tower and the entirety of the Xuan Immortal Ark, the practice is less about directly wielding the power of the True Immortal seal script and more about utilizing remnants of world extinction to draw upon residual immortal power.

What they termed 'entering the Dao' was not a true ascension to the path of a True Immortal. It more closely resembled an integration of one's physical form, soul, and consciousness into these remnants, thereby acquiring specific attributes forged through eons of tempering. This process facilitates a more effective channeling of the lingering immortal power within the star sea.

Without question, this represents a shortcut. If circumstances were to shift and the star sea ceased to harbor such abundant residual immortal power, then even those who successfully entered the Dao would find their resultant strength significantly diminished. In stark contrast, Li Fan's method, which utilizes the fundamental essence of the True Immortal seal script, relies solely on the caster's personal cultivation and their depth of comprehension regarding the script, unhindered by environmental constraints.

Naturally, this is Li Fan's interpretation, derived from having personally witnessed the true form of the True Immortal seal script. The inhabitants of the Immortal Ark would undoubtedly dispute this unless Li Fan were amenable to sharing the fundamental forms of the scripts. Given the Immortal Ark's accumulated knowledge over millennia, witnessing the authentic forms could potentially trigger a qualitative leap in their collective strength within a brief period.

However, Li Fan was far too prudent to consider such a course of action.

It proved considerably easier and safer to sporadically contribute insights in exchange for contributions. As his insights stemmed from genuine True Immortal seal script knowledge, they were invariably accurate, regardless of how unconventional his viewpoint appeared.

This highlights the essential advantage of having perceived the true transmission firsthand. They strived through every conceivable method to reconstruct the origin from external manifestations, whereas Li Fan had already witnessed the origin itself and worked backward, ensuring a naturally fluid progression.

Despite Li Fan's firm conviction that the Immortal Ark's methodologies were merely sophisticated contrivances, he conceded that for beings below the True Immortal realm, achieving the ability to wield power originally belonging to True Immortals was undeniably worthwhile.

After all, in the perilous expanse of the Darkest Star Sea, survival is the paramount concern.

Without these research advancements concerning True Immortal seal scripts, the Xuan Immortal Ark would likely have long ago succumbed to the fate of becoming mere debris adrift within the star sea.

This current endeavor saw Li Fan orchestrating the Xuan Immortal Ark's successful capture of a Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance flying vessel. Beyond accruing merit for his present incarnation, his principal objective was to leverage the cultivators at the Dao Integration stage to facilitate the revelation of the Immortal Ancestor's existence.

Having operated covertly within the Xuan Immortal Ark for an extended duration, Li Fan had finally ascertained the identity of the enigmatic cultivator he had first encountered amidst the Sea of Relics.

This individual was once a prominent member of the Xuan Immortal Ark, even holding a position of significant authority. However, several centuries prior, they fell victim to deception by an external party. The specifics of an undisclosed agreement remain unknown, but it granted this outsider access to the Immortal Ark's most sensitive repository, the [Immortal Compendium of Hundred Tales].

The outsider professed an intention to merely peruse the ancient texts housed within. Yet, upon entry, they failed to emerge at the stipulated time. A subsequent investigation by the Immortal Ark revealed, to their horror, that numerous classified archives had been pilfered and were missing.

Not only did an outsider disappear, but the three Dao Integration cultivators responsible for the area's security also vanished without a trace.

The Immortal Ark experienced significant upheaval, with its leadership purged, causing a minor internal conflict among the ranks.

Eventually, a faction managed to escape the Ark. However, they harbored a strong desire to reclaim it. With no other safe haven in the immense Darkest Star Sea, they took refuge in the Sea of Relics, plotting their return and the recapture of the Xuan Immortal Ark.

Simultaneously, the Immortal Ark relentlessly pursued the escapees. Yet, the vastness of the star sea rendered their capture an almost impossible feat.

They were forced to accept their continued defiance.

The inhabitants of the Immortal Ark harbored deep animosity towards the outsider who instigated the chaos, particularly due to the loss of vital secret archives, a wound that never healed.

However, the identity of this outsider remained shrouded in mystery. It was speculated that only the former members who had fled might possess knowledge of the truth.

Since that event, the outsider had not been seen again.

Although Li Fan was not entirely certain if this mysterious figure was indeed the Immortal Ancestor, he considered the possibility of them being the same person.

After all, life forms were exceptionally rare in the current Darkest Star Sea.

Given their proximity to the High Wall and their possession of such unfathomable power, who else could it be but the Immortal Ancestor or the Heavenly Doctor?

Li Fan hypothesized that if the Immortal Ark were to discover the existence of a potent individual in the much larger Sea of Remnant Worlds, far beyond the Sea of Relics, who might be their ancient adversary, they would undoubtedly initiate an investigation.

After all, no entity would willingly permit a potential threat to exist nearby.

Furthermore, through the Xuan Immortal Ark, Li Fan saw an opportunity to glean more about the true nature of both the Immortal Ancestor and the Heavenly Doctor.

He didn't anticipate groundbreaking revelations, but even a sliver of information would prove invaluable. For Li Fan, this was a risk-free endeavor, a simple strategic move.

Ultimate success, he mused, might very well hinge on these seemingly minor details. Both the Immortal Ark and the Holy Emperor served as pawns in his grander testing strategy.

Li Fan, engrossed in his thoughts, reviewed another document.

Regarding the fate of those Dao Integration cultivators from the Ten Thousand Immortal Alliance, he remained indifferent. Within the Xuanhuang Realm, they too were merely disposable assets.

However, an unforeseen development occurred.

Three days later, the long-haired Dao Integration cultivator, Wang Hai, made his return.

He also presented an interrogation record.

“Brother Zhao, please examine this. The events aboard that flying vessel were truly extraordinary.”

Li Fan perused the document, a slight frown creasing his brow.

“That flying vessel was that formidable? Dao Integration cultivators were treated as mere sustenance…”

Wang Hai corroborated this, nodding solemnly.

“We engaged it three times before finally breaching its defenses, and we expended a considerable number of relics in the process.”

“Yet, the effort was justifiable. Each of those Dao Integration cultivators carried substantial resources. Not to mention the valuable items contained within the vessel, known as the Spirit of Heaven and Earth.”

Li Fan subtly raised his head, feigning innocence.

“What precisely is this Spirit of Heaven and Earth? Is it merely a manifestation of world laws?”

Wang Hai chuckled.

“If that were its only quality, I would not be this enthusiastic. This Spirit of Heaven and Earth not only encompasses the power of the cultivation world's laws but also contains a fragment of the fundamental force that constitutes the world itself.”

“Think of the cultivation world as a structure; these Spirits of Heaven and Earth are akin to its supporting beams. And this is precisely what our Xuan Immortal Ark desperately needs. With this potent fuel, our ark can maintain stable operation for another century.”

Wang Hai's elation was palpable in his voice.

He continued, elaborating, “Even the flying vessel itself can be salvaged and repurposed to bolster our Immortal Ark's defenses. Brother Zhao, your subtle foresight this time has yielded gains for the Immortal Ark that are unequivocally on par with dozens of relic artifacts.”

Li Fan, however, kept his gaze lowered, his fingers sifting through documents. “My primary concern is the specific rewards we've secured. Incidentally, what was the Council of Elders' assessment of that world known as the Xuanhuang Realm? While perhaps distant, it could serve as a vital lifeline.”

Wang Hai gestured dismissively. “You are well acquainted with the members of the Council of Elders. They invariably rationalize their decisions with the ‘greater good’ and the ‘future of the Immortal Ark.’ As for undertaking an expedition across the star sea…”

“I suspect they would only consider such a monumental undertaking when our Immortal Ark reaches the absolute brink of destruction.”

Li Fan nodded, deep in thought. "That is indeed quite unfortunate. From the vague premonitions I had, cultivators like those on the flying vessel, who are at the Dao Integration stage, already represent the pinnacle of combat prowess within the Xuanhuang Realm. As for the slightly more powerful cultivators in the Longevity Immortal Realm, their numbers are exceedingly few. If our Immortal Ark were to make an appearance, they would be utterly incapable of mounting any resistance whatsoever."

Wang Hai concurred, a sneer evident in his voice. "They are nothing more than mere parasites, clinging to a dying cultivation world. In my estimation, we wouldn't even require the full might of the Immortal Ark. A mere contingent of three to five Dao Entrant cultivators would suffice to effortlessly subjugate the entirety of the Xuanhuang Realm."

Wang Hai then let out an aggrieved sigh, a hint of regret coloring his tone. "It is merely a pity that the Council of Elders strictly forbids such an action."

Li Fan remained silent, choosing instead to press the question, "And what of my reward? Surely, after rendering such a significant contribution, the Council of Elders would not leave me entirely uncompensated."

It was only then that Wang Hai ceased his evasiveness and, with deliberate care, produced a jade slip.

The instant the jade slip materialized, Li Fan's gaze intensified.

He acutely perceived the half-jade hairpin adorning Wang Hai's head vibrating with unusual persistence. Simultaneously, the jade slip itself emanated faint ripples, infused with the potent aura of True Immortal seal script.

"Could this be…"

Li Fan swiftly grasped the implication. "Is this jade slip itself a World Extinction Relic artifact?"

Wang Hai replied with a measure of pride, "Indeed. This marks the third World Extinction Jade Slip our Immortal Ark has managed to acquire. Each observation depletes the True Immortal power imbued within it, rendering it exceptionally precious. The Council of Elders has truly incurred a substantial cost for this."

"And what exactly is recorded within this jade slip?"

"I too am curious, but unfortunately, I lack the necessary authority to ascertain its contents. You shall comprehend its significance once you examine it yourself. Make haste, for I must reclaim it after you have finished perusing its entirety," Wang Hai urged, casting a somewhat envious glance at the jade slip now held by Li Fan.

With newfound solemnity, Li Fan channeled a wisp of his divine sense into the artifact.

The World Extinction Jade Slip constituted a particularly unique category among World Extinction Relic artifacts.

Unlike conventional magic treasures, after prolonged immersion in True Immortal power, the jade slip itself remained untainted by the True Immortal seal script. Instead, this potent energy permeated the very essence of the recorded contents.

Inducing a profound transformation.

Or, more aptly, a sublimation.

The transformed content, as if guided by a True Immortal's hand, underwent a qualitative leap, exhibiting unparalleled profundity.

A mere mortal technique could ascend to the status of a True Immortal method. Even the simplest inscription, touched by True Immortal power, could evolve into a conduit for comprehending the Dao.

In essence, the World Extinction Jade Slip represented one of the exceedingly rare methods currently available for engaging with True Immortal power without incurring deleterious effects.

As his divine sense delved into the jade slip, the initial layer of information that greeted him was the original inscription.

An unassuming technique for tempering the will. Based on its apparent grade, it did not seem to surpass the Soul Transformation stage.

Within moments of assimilation, his divine sense experienced a radical shift in perception.

The previously unremarkable text appeared to galvanize, twisting and morphing, reforming into entirely novel characters. As these characters coalesced, a completely new immortal method unfurled before his perception.

"Hm?"

Li Fan's heart stirred with a subtle tremor as he meticulously re-examined this nascent method multiple times.

A sensation, both familiar and strangely alien, gradually bloomed within his consciousness as his comprehension deepened.

"Immortal Heart Mantra?"

"Yet, it is not the one from Xuanhuang."

"Furthermore, there are discernible discrepancies in the minute details. After all, it was not genuinely deduced and personally imparted by a True Immortal, but rather an evolution catalyzed by the jade slip itself. One could even argue it is a diluted iteration of the Xuanhuang Immortal Heart Mantra," Li Fan mused internally, a tinge of wistfulness present.

Yet, outwardly, he maintained an demeanor of fervent excitement and profound absorption.

As the characters, flowing like liquid script, gradually receded and ultimately vanished, Li Fan reluctantly returned the World Extinction Jade Slip. He then articulated, "As anticipated of an immortal method. With this technique, I am assured that I shall no longer be plagued by heart demons in the future. Even when attempting to comprehend True Immortal seal script, the detrimental repercussions I experience will be significantly mitigated."

"Kindly extend my sincere gratitude to the esteemed elders on my behalf."

Upon hearing this, Wang Hai unconsciously cast a fleeting glance at the World Extinction Jade Slip still in his grasp, then forcefully suppressed the burgeoning impulse to examine it himself. Not only were there explicit restrictions imposed by the Council of Elders, rendering any unauthorized perusal impossible, but such an act would constitute a grave transgression against the established protocols of the Immortal Ark.

Committing such an act would make anyone a specimen for studying the script of immortals, even for him.

“My gains this time are largely due to Brother Wang’s long-term connection. This is my understanding; please accept it,” Li Fan said, noting the other person’s expression. After briefly closing his eyes in concentration, he immediately carved another jade slip on the spot and presented it.

Wang Hai was thrilled by this gesture. “Many thanks, Brother Zhao. In the future, I will readily assist you without hesitation.”

Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, he eagerly accepted the jade slip and began to read its contents.

Deeply engrossed, his eyebrows moved with evident delight.

After a considerable time, he emerged from his contemplation and directly shattered the jade slip before Li Fan.

This was the established protocol for knowledge transmission within the Immortal Ark.

While there was no prohibition against cultivating different methods simultaneously, techniques, Dao arts, and unique insights were considered highly valuable assets.

For instance, the World Extinguishing Jade Slip, a reward from the Council of Elders of the Severed Immortal Tower, was exclusively for Li Fan’s study and could not be shared with others.

However, Li Fan possessed the freedom to impart his own derived insights after his personal study, a privilege that was not restricted.

Nevertheless, knowledge passed through an intermediary would inevitably be of lesser efficacy compared to direct, personal experience. This was particularly true when it involved the power of a True Immortal; even with identical written explanations, the absence of personally sensing the transformation of profound power would result in substantially diminished progress in cultivation and refinement of comprehension.

Unless one was a prodigy capable of transcending this inherent disparity, knowledge acquired through secondary or tertiary transmissions would invariably be inferior to the original source.

It was precisely due to his strict adherence to this regulation that Wang Hai, upon finishing his perusal, proceeded to destroy the jade slip Li Fan had inscribed.

Upon his departure that day, he would gain the prerogative to disseminate this method further. However, as it would have already undergone at least a third-hand transmission via him, its effectiveness would be further diluted.

Should any cultivator of this method aspire to greater heights, they would be compelled to retrace its lineage, ascend the chain of transmission, and offer a suitable tribute to solicit guidance from those who had passed it on earlier. Whether they would ultimately obtain the authentic method would hinge on the sincerity of their intentions.

Li Fan, having been embedded within the Xuan Immortal Ark for over a decade, was thoroughly conversant with its intricate regulations.

Observing Wang Hai’s compliance and his generous offering of an additional jade slip filled with his insights, the two finally parted with a sense of mutual satisfaction.

“By the way, among the five Dao Integration cultivators who have survived in the Xuanhuang Realm, one possesses a rather peculiar nature. Consequently, to exercise prudence, the elders have refrained from taking direct action against him. You might wish to investigate this matter if it piques your interest,” Wang Hai conveyed this veiled suggestion before making his exit.

Li Fan found himself contemplating this cryptic remark.

According to the established rules of the Immortal Ark, such indirect phrasing was employed exclusively when dealings involved the higher echelons of the ark or the influential powers backing them.

“A survivor…”

“It must be Lan Yu. He is, after all, the sole individual to attain Dao Integration through the archaic method, rendering him devoid of value to the ark. Yet, he doesn't strike me as particularly extraordinary…”

“Could it be the Grand Mage of Heavenly Capital?”

Li Fan formulated a hypothesis, adjusted his slightly disheveled attire, exited his chambers, and set a course toward the Council of Elders of the Severed Immortal Tower.

The current iteration of the Immortal Ark was constructed entirely upon a Void Divine Tree, and following the successful appropriation of the ark’s control, the Severed Immortal Tower established its new headquarters at the apex of this colossal tree.