Chapter 1276: Holy Emperor Establishes New Law

Angry Squid:

Zhang Xu’s expression was solemn. Stroking his beard, he said, "The connection between bloodlines is mysterious and profound, yet one cannot help but believe it. Brother Sun, perhaps you could have someone send a message to your family to confirm."

Hua Yueye echoed his words.

"Thank you for your guidance, Fellow Daoists." Sun Ang, who was Li Fan's true body, pondered for a moment, then cast a spiritual talisman that flew out of the Derivation Jade Space. This talisman was granted to each guardian of the Dao Union Realm only once for every century of guardianship. If not for the "care" previously provided by Xu Yuanxian, which reduced "Sun Ang's" guardianship time by a hundred years, he would not have been able to contact the outside world even now.

Less than half a day later, Sun Luyuan, the head of the Sun family, personally rushed over.

"Your eldest uncle has unfortunately perished."

Li Fan's face first showed shock, then transformed into self-reproach and sorrow: "Before eldest uncle left, I already had a vague premonition..."

Sun Luyuan comforted him, "Life and death are impermanent. Luchang's demise has nothing to do with you, Lu'er. You don't need to blame yourself."

"I..."

Sun Luyuan paused, then changed his words: "These are troubled times recently, but as long as I am here, the Sun family will not fall. Just stay here with peace of mind."

"When necessary, I will find a way to get you out." Sun Luyuan made this solemn promise.

Li Fan, knowing that the Sun family had already pledged allegiance to the Great Qǐ Holy Dynasty, naturally understood the true meaning of Sun Luyuan's words. However, at that moment, he could only feign: "I can hold on. We cannot waste the family's resources because of me."

While the two Sun family members were enacting a scene of profound familial affection, Fu Yuansheng, whom Li Fan's clone had taken over, was facing overwhelming malice from various individuals within his own family.

"Little Shengzi, what stroke of luck did you have to obtain a Dao Union cultivation method?"

"Yuansheng, the family has treated you well all these years, haven't they? It's time for you to repay the family."

"Sheng'er, in less than two days, more than ten Soul Transformation cultivators have come knocking. Any one of them is someone our Fu family cannot afford to offend! For the future of the Fu family, why don't you hand over this cultivation method?"

"Fu Yuansheng, don't think that a moment of luck means a lifetime of it! You are merely a small Core Formation cultivator; how can you protect a true Dao Union cultivation method? Rather than having it forcibly taken from you later, it's better to proactively hand it over and secure a brighter future!"

The moment he left the Myriad Immortals Alliance headquarters, messages that had been previously blocked instantly flooded in. The undisguised greed and malice in the words almost caused his spiritual energy to stagnate. If Fu Yuansheng wasn't already a different person, he would likely have been driven to a shattered Dao heart by his own relatives on the spot.

Li Fan watched the continuous flow of messages, which grew even more intense due to the prolonged lack of a reply, and his expression subtly shifted.

"The wickedness of human hearts can be this extreme!"

"As the saying goes, 'different environments nurture different people.' Within the Holy Dynasty, such things would never happen. The Myriad Immortals Alliance's destiny is sealed!"

"Let me give it another push!"

Li Fan smiled faintly, then his expression instantly turned bitter and filled with immense grief and indignation.

Instead of returning to the Fu family, he used a teleportation array to reach Tianshu Immortal City, openly and directly appearing before the world.

Soon, Fu Yuansheng's appearance attracted attention. Even those who were unaware noticed the strange looks from the surrounding crowd. After a few inquiries, they instantly understood.

Fu Yuansheng, the focus of everyone's attention, seemed to be forced, frantic and desperate. Instead of temporarily hiding or using a teleportation array to escape, he seemed to have lost his mind, flying directly out of Tianshu City with his physical body.

Soon, many curious cultivators followed him. How fast could a Core Formation cultivator fly? Soon, a dense crowd trailed behind Fu Yuansheng. It wasn't that all of them coveted the cultivation method; most were simply there to watch the commotion.

Li Fan feigned a panicked expression, but in reality, he was leisurely leading the group. He was waiting for an opportunity to completely detonate the situation.

After aimlessly flying for most of the day, the person Li Fan was waiting for finally appeared. That was likely Fu Linmu, Fu Yuansheng's nominal father.

"You wretched creature, the family head summoned you, yet you refused to return. What exactly are you trying to do?" The moment Fu Linmu appeared, he unleashed a torrent of curses upon Fu Yuansheng.

Behind Fu Linmu stood a cultivator with folded arms and slightly narrowed eyes. Judging by his aura, he should be at the Soul Transformation stage.

Li Fan stopped, appearing to be extremely fearful of his father.

Fu Linmu continued to appeal to emotions and reason, then introduced the identity of the squinting Soul Transformation cultivator behind him.

"This is Senior Fu Tongtian from Tianquan Province. He's also considered part of our clan."

"Our Fu family truly cannot protect that Dao Union cultivation method of yours. In your hands, it's a disaster, not a blessing. Why not hand it over to Senior Fu..."

After Fu Linmu's persuasion, Li Fan appeared to struggle in agony, on the verge of compromising. Just then, more uninvited guests arrived. It was another elder of the Fu family, bringing yet another Soul Transformation cultivator, aiming to contend for ownership of the true Dao Union cultivation method.

Li Fan feigned confusion, unsure of whose words to heed. As the two Soul Transformation cultivators confronted each other, more Soul Transformation cultivators arrived in quick succession after hearing the news.

"Everyone, it's just a Dao Union cultivation method; it's not worth fighting to the death over. Why don't we discuss it peacefully?" someone suggested, completely disregarding the opinion of Fu Yuansheng, the method's owner, as if it were already their possession.

"Indeed, if the cost is too high, it would be better to simply purchase it through the Heavenly Profound Mirror."

"Why don't we first listen to what kind of cultivation method this 'Qilin child' of the Fu family had the Derivation Jade deduce?"

The group of Soul Transformation cultivators quickly reached a consensus and all turned to look at Li Fan. Little did they know, this was exactly what Li Fan wanted.

Before entering the Derivation Jade Space, he had already anticipated using this cultivation method to stir up trouble, thus the blueprint methods he provided to the Derivation Jade were all of extremely high specifications. The resulting cultivation method was naturally extraordinary, even holding some use for Li Fan in his current state.

Li Fan, disguised as Fu Yuansheng, showed a pained expression. Finally, with no other choice, he took a deep breath and enunciated each word: "The cultivation method I obtained is called the 'Spirit-Responsive Heaven-Reaching Incarnation Method'."

"The current new methods are truly going against the heavens. However, to break through realms, one must rely on various resources between heaven and earth. For prominent aristocratic families, this might be fine, but for those of us without power or influence, even with exceptional talent, we are still constrained!"

Li Fan's words caused many cultivators present to stir slightly, feeling a deep sense of resonance.

Li Fan continued, "Therefore, I have always dreamt of one day breaking free from these restrictions. Thanks to Senior Qianxun's great favor, I was gifted a 'Law-Seeking Jade Tablet', which finally gave me the opportunity to turn that dream into reality."

"This 'Spirit-Responsive Heaven-Reaching Incarnation Method' can continuously strengthen one's connection with the Profound Yellow Heavens and Earth, greatly weakening the hostility of the Heavenly Dao. Then, relying on this connection with heaven and earth, it allows one to seek Nascent Soul grotto-heavens and the necessary materials for breakthroughs like the 'Transformation of Life'. Furthermore, when cultivated to profound depths, sensing the location of the world's spirit is also an easy task..."

"With this method, if only Fu Yuansheng were given a little time, achieving Dao Union would not be a pipe dream. But who would have thought, who would have thought..."

"The Myriad Immortals Alliance would actually oppress a low-level cultivator like me to this extent! They don't give any chances at all!"

The more Li Fan spoke, the more indignant and grief-stricken he became, his eyes bloodshot. Then, with a sweep of his hand, he directly revealed the general outline of the 'Spirit-Responsive Heaven-Reaching Incarnation Method', displaying it for all to see.

With just a glance, the Dao Union cultivators present recognized the extraordinary nature of this method. It was definitely not something a mere Core Formation cultivator could fabricate.

The Soul Transformation cultivators had varied expressions. The atmosphere suddenly became tense and serious.

"Enough."

One of them erased the text from the sky, then surveyed the crowd: "The value of this cultivation method, I believe, needs no further explanation."

"Indeed, there are differences even among Dao Union cultivation methods. If what this young man said is true, the value of this Dao Union cultivation method is truly the highest I have ever seen in my life."

"Hehe, I think even if half of those present were to die, as long as this method is won, it would be worth it!"

The Soul Transformation cultivators spoke one after another, the scent of gunpowder growing stronger.

The members of the Fu family present, however, gradually became crestfallen. If only they had known that what Fu Yuansheng had comprehended was such a supreme cultivation method, capable of creating an immortal cultivation family, they would have tried to protect him at all costs! Even if they were to sell it, they could have demanded more conditions.

Leaving aside the Fu family's endless regrets, regarding the ultimate ownership of the 'Spirit-Responsive Heaven-Reaching Incarnation Method', a newly promoted Dao Union cultivator unexpectedly intervened. This person was known as Immortal Venerable Chilu, who had just broken through to the Dao Union realm a few days prior. Having yet to find a suitable cultivation method, he happened to hear about Fu Yuansheng's situation. Driven by interest, he joined the commotion. He didn't expect such a pleasant surprise.

Between Dao Union and Soul Transformation cultivators, there was a world of difference. If Chilu wanted it, the Soul Transformation cultivators naturally couldn't contend with him. Moreover, Chilu was not alone; he also had the backing of a powerful family. Ultimately, under the pressure of dual authority, the Soul Transformation cultivators present all withdrew from the competition.

To avoid further complications, the final victor, Immortal Venerable Chilu, immediately demanded Fu Yuansheng hand over the cultivation method.

"I only hope that after Senior obtains this method, you will still show some consideration for our Fu family." Li Fan sighed towards the sky, his single sentence filling the Fu family members present with deep shame.

Watching Chilu fly closer, Li Fan, with his spiritual sense, transmitted the complete 'Spirit-Responsive Heaven-Reaching Incarnation Method'.

"Indeed, it is a peerless profound method," Chilu said, his face beaming with delight.

"Young Fu, sign this contract. It states your voluntary renunciation of the method's ownership. Rest assured, I will not mistreat your Fu family..." Chilu said in a deep voice.

"This junior obeys," Li Fan said, lowering his head, about to take the golden contract.

And at this moment...

Perhaps influenced by the text of the 'Spirit-Responsive Heaven-Reaching Incarnation Method' he had just seen, Chilu suddenly felt his mind become somewhat hazy. The Fu Yuansheng before him seemed to transform into a hideous, terrifying monster, the kind only seen in nightmares, lunging at him with bared fangs and claws. The next moment, it would pounce onto his face.

Chilu jolted, instinctively unleashing a red light. It struck Fu Yuansheng's body directly. The might of a Dao Union cultivator, even an unconscious, casual strike, was something a Core Formation cultivator could not withstand. With an expression of disbelief on his face, Fu Yuansheng's body instantly disintegrated inch by inch, perishing completely!

This sudden turn of events stunned everyone present. All eyes were filled with shock, staring at Immortal Venerable Chilu, who had committed the act in public. Chilu himself was also somewhat stunned. He stared blankly at his own hand.

"Could it be that the influence of the world's spirit hasn't fully subsided since my recent breakthrough?"

"Fortunately, the 'Spirit-Responsive Heaven-Reaching Incarnation Method' is already in my hands." This was the second thought that flashed through Chilu's mind.

"Sheng'er!" After a deathly silence, the Fu family members finally reacted. They cried out in grief and indignation. Many others, unafraid of the vast chasm between themselves and a Dao Union cultivator, glared at Chilu with intense hatred.

Above their heads, the belated phenomenon of demise appeared, narrating Fu Yuansheng's death. As the perpetrator, Chilu felt vaguely uncomfortable looking at the eyes of these "ants." However, since he was in the wrong, it was not good for him to flare up in public. He merely said, "Rest assured, this Venerable One keeps his word. I will not mistreat your Fu family."

Only then did the sobs of the Fu family members slowly cease. After all, the person was already dead; there was no need to defy a Dao Union cultivator and court death over a deceased individual. Chilu departed with the Fu family members.

The group of Soul Transformation cultivators also sighed with emotion: "It seems this cultivation method was too precious. Immortal Venerable Chilu chose to kill him to ensure absolute secrecy."

"He doesn't even trust a contract? This newly ascended Dao Union cultivator is a bit too suspicious, isn't he?"

"What good is a contract? There are plenty of mysterious and wondrous methods in the world. What if one could breach a contract without suffering punishment?"

"And this is with so many people watching. If it were in private, he would probably act even more recklessly!"

"Dao Union cultivators are truly formidable! At their level, the Immortal Alliance laws probably become optional, right?"

"Naturally. It's obvious; how could the Immortal Alliance genuinely punish a Dao Union cultivator for the sake of a mere Core Formation cultivator? Even if they did, it would surely just be a formality."

"Upon entering Dao Union, it truly becomes vastly different. Just like the previous Boundary-Leaving Rainbow Light, which allows one to roam the sea of stars, only Dao Union cultivators are qualified for that."

The Soul Transformation cultivators, having lost interest in chatting, departed one after another. However, the remaining large number of Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and Nascent Soul cultivators, who were at lower levels, lingered for a long time. They looked up at the lingering phenomenon of demise in the sky, a feeling of "the rabbit dying, the fox lamenting" welling up in their hearts. Under the influence of a mysterious force they couldn't perceive, this emotion gradually transformed into a raging flame of anger, slowly igniting.

"In the eyes of the Immortal Alliance's high-ranking members, we are truly like ants."

"What about the promised Immortal Alliance laws? Do they only apply to us?"

"Today, it was Fu Yuansheng who died. Tomorrow, who among us will be unjustly killed?"

In the silence, a peculiar atmosphere was brewing. Although no words were spoken, their gazes at each other revealed everything. However, due to the deterrence of the Immortal Alliance, none dared to vocalize their thoughts.

Perhaps... All they needed was an opportunity.

A long while later, all the watching cultivators finally dispersed.

A wisp of Li Fan's divided consciousness transformed into a phantom, reappearing in the world.

"Now that the flames are ignited, I probably won't even need to fan them for them to engulf the entire Myriad Immortals Alliance." Li Fan was very pleased with his masterpiece.

And the subsequent developments indeed matched his predictions. Although the image of Immortal Venerable Chilu killing Fu Yuansheng in broad daylight quickly spread throughout the Myriad Immortals Alliance via the Heavenly Profound Mirror, the Fu family had already expressed their understanding regarding Chilu's temporary mistake due to his recent breakthrough and unstable cultivation realm. Therefore, the Immortal Alliance ceased to pursue his responsibility, merely imposing a symbolic fine of some contribution points.

Conversely, the news of Immortal Venerable Chilu's acquisition of the 'Spirit-Responsive Heaven-Reaching Incarnation Method' spread, prompting countless families to inquire about the truth of the matter. They all expressed willingness to pay handsomely for Chilu to act, to sense and locate the world's spirit. For a time, the newly breakthrough Dao Union cultivator Chilu's status even surpassed some veteran Dao Union cultivators.

As for the innocent Fu Yuansheng who tragically died, he was slowly forgotten as time passed.

"How ironic! The guilty are not punished; instead, they are rewarded." Within the Great Qǐ Holy Dynasty, Wang Xuanba looked at the document in his hand and sighed in admiration.

"If this were in our Great Qǐ, let alone ordinary officials, even I, a personal disciple of the Holy Emperor, would be severely punished for such an act. At the very least, I'd be imprisoned in the Nether Jail for hundreds of years. How could it just pass so lightly? The Myriad Immortals Alliance is truly good... ah, no, the Myriad Immortals Alliance is truly corrupt!" Ouyang Tian shook his head repeatedly.

Sun Erlang glanced at Ouyang Tian and smiled helplessly: "Master means that this incident can be publicized as a typical example, for pre-war mobilization."

"Furthermore, we can use this opportunity to shake the very foundations of the Immortal Alliance. After all, the vast majority of cultivators in the Myriad Immortals Alliance are below the Soul Transformation realm."

Ouyang Tian curled his lip: "What's the use of winning over these wastes? I'll kill as many as come!"

Sun Erlang's expression changed: "Nonsense! A righteous cause garners much support, while an unrighteous one finds little. The Immortal Alliance has lost the hearts of its people; our Holy Dynasty's conquest is an act in accordance with the will of the people."

"Only by having a just cause and acting in accordance with the Dao can we be invincible!"

As he was the senior disciple, Ouyang Tian dared not refute him, merely muttering, "Saying all this, in the end, it still comes down to strength."

After some playful banter, the disciples brought the conversation back on track.

"Shangtian, how is the construction of your Myriad Manifestations Teleportation Array progressing?" Sun Erlang asked.

Ouyang Tian's face showed a triumphant expression: "You can rest assured when I handle things, Senior Brother. I have already completed the positioning of all provinces within the Myriad Immortals Alliance. As soon as Master gives the order, our Great Qǐ soldiers can instantly pass through the Myriad Manifestations Teleportation Array to various designated provinces. Then, using the Puxian True Ark, aided by the white mist barrier, we can guarantee a stealthy descent upon the Heavenly Cities of each province!"

Wang Xuanba added, "Several moles planted within the Immortal Alliance have also completed their liaison. As soon as the time is right, the Heavenly Profound Mirrors and teleportation arrays in all provinces of the Immortal Alliance will be rendered inoperative."

A miniature map of the Immortal Alliance's territory appeared before them. "At that time, each province will become an isolated island, unable to fend for itself. Their strengths have already been ascertained. Dividing and conquering them will be no problem."

"The most crucial points are still the four central provinces of the Immortal Alliance, and the Immortal Alliance headquarters."

Scanning the list of main cultivators stationed in each province, Sun Erlang focused his gaze on the very center of the miniature map. After pondering for a moment, Sun Erlang said, "When Master summoned me earlier, he subtly revealed something. At that time, he will employ astonishing means to directly seal off the four central provinces and the Immortal Alliance headquarters. We should not worry about support from the Immortal Alliance headquarters; we only need to focus on resolving the battles in the various provinces as quickly as possible."

"Additionally, there are Immortal Alliance secret realms hidden within the white mist and various provinces; we will seal them with formations before the war begins. While the forces stationed at places like Hidden Dragon Abyss, Phoenix Mist City, Vast Mountains, and Thunderous Immortal City may not be strong individually, combined, they are not to be underestimated. We still need to defeat them one by one."

The others listened to Sun Erlang's explanation of the campaign plan with solemn attention. Only Ouyang Tian said with a playful grin: "I have personally experienced the Myriad Immortals Alliance's formation skills. They are simply not worth mentioning. The sealing formations personally created by Master will be more than enough to trap them for a year or two!"

"It's just that the materials for setting up the formations might be a bit scarce, no?" Ouyang Tian suddenly frowned, asking in confusion.

Sun Erlang smiled and took out a piece of Emptiness Mother Stone, placing it before them. Ouyang Tian scanned the supplies contained within the Mother Stone and instantly stood up in shock: "So much? Did we steal the Immortal Alliance's treasury?"

Sun Erlang chuckled, "Master gave me three pieces in total. Each Mother Stone is fully packed. As far as I know, Senior Ouyangzi also bestowed ample resources. So, you don't need to worry about strategic materials. Just prepare to set up the formations."

Ouyang Tian's eyes lit up upon hearing about his father, and he nodded repeatedly.

Sun Erlang then looked at the silent duo of Su Yuqing and Liuli. Ever since they were dispatched by the Holy Emperor to guard the underground dark world, they truly seemed to have been tainted by the darkness, their personalities changed, becoming much more taciturn.

"Junior Sister, how is the assembly of reinforcements from the small worlds progressing?" Sun Erlang asked.

"Faster than expected. Rest assured, the Myriad Worlds Alliance Army will arrive on the battlefield on time," Su Yuqing said softly, her tone possessing a resilience she hadn't had before.

During her process of educating the Nether race in the underground dark world, she subtly sensed a possible connection between the Heavenly Dao of the small worlds and their inhabitants. Coupled with her previous experience in the Departing Realm, where she gained the favor of the Heavenly Dao and was possessed by it, she naturally found it easier to gain the affinity of the small worlds' Heavenly Daos than other cultivators.

Leveraging this advantage, she traveled through various small worlds under the Holy Emperor's command. Employing both gentle and firm approaches, temptation and coercion, a two-pronged strategy. She assembled a true "Myriad Worlds United" force with astonishing efficiency. Although there wasn't much expectation for the actual combat power this alliance would demonstrate, its sheer scale would certainly boost their military prestige. Most importantly, it prevented them from potentially causing trouble during the decisive battle between the Holy Dynasty and the Myriad Immortals Alliance.

"Oh, right, where's Senior Sister Lin Ling? Why haven't I seen her lately?" Ouyang Tian suddenly asked, somewhat curious.

Sun Erlang vaguely replied, "She has an assignment from Master, so I'm not entirely sure. But rest assured, she will definitely not miss this feast."

The disciples collectively looked back at the miniature map of the Myriad Immortals Alliance on the field. Their eyes all held a hint of impatience.

Within the Holy Dynasty's secret realm, in the experimental ground or academy created for Senior Yin.

Senior Yin scratched his scalp and pressed back the true self's Dao foundation that had emerged from the crack in his skull. He said with some uncertainty, "Is doing this too hasty?"

"My Foundation Establishment method is a complete success. As for the Primordial Core Formation, only half of it has been deduced. And for anything beyond that, it's all castles in the air, moon in the water. It looks beautiful at first glance, but it collapses with a poke, unable to withstand scrutiny!"

Holy Emperor Li Ping sat at a wooden table, occasionally flipping through a phantom text, making deletions and revisions. Around him, phenomena resembling galaxies, born from his comprehension of the Dao, distorted space, appearing and disappearing intermittently.

Senior Yin forced his gaze away from such an astonishing sight.

After a while, the Holy Emperor read through the entire phantom book once, then started revising it from the first page again. Only then did he reply, "As the saying goes, 'When the real is fake, the fake is also real.' As long as we make the world's cultivators believe that this is a brand new cultivation method capable of breaking free from the traditional teaching system and cultivating independently..."

"Even if it only lasts for a few days, that will be enough."

"What's more, given how obscure the New Law is, and how completely it contradicts the traditional teaching methods, how long do you think Profound Yellow cultivators would need to verify its authenticity?"

As the Holy Emperor spoke, he once again used his hand as a pen, modifying the phantom book composed of the New Law. Senior Yin did not reply, only repeating the phrase, "When the real is fake, the fake is also real."

After a long while, he suddenly understood: "That's right! Precisely because there was no New Law in the world before, once we announce it, and the easiest to verify Foundation Establishment method is proven true, they will naturally, for the time being, assume that all subsequent cultivation methods are also true."

"And my repeated revisions are merely to make this deceptive effect even better," the Holy Emperor said with a slight, self-deprecating smile.

"But what's the point? It ultimately can't shake the foundation of the traditional teaching methods, can it?" Senior Yin scratched his scalp again.

"The traditional teaching methods and the New Law are incompatible. To cultivate, one must switch schools and re-establish their path. Perhaps one in a thousand will choose to do so, but it's a matter of one growing while the other declines."

"More critically..."

As the Holy Emperor spoke, he once again completed a revision of the phantom book. He made no further changes, but closed the phantom book. Pressing his hands down, dazzling starlight surged across the book. In merely a breath's time, the phantom book, which had originally been pure fictional light and shadow, astonishingly gained a physical form. It transformed into a truly existing book in the world.

Handing this New Law book to Senior Yin, the Holy Emperor stood up and continued, "More critically, if we announce the New Law, and the Immortal Alliance is powerless against us..."

"The Transmitter of Laws will certainly rush back from the distant starry sky." The Holy Emperor said in a deep voice.

"This is what is called 'attacking what they must save'."

A flicker of light passed through Senior Yin's eyes, and he slowly nodded. "Do you... have confidence in confronting the Transmitter of Laws?" After a moment of hesitation, Senior Yin still asked.

"It's just a gamble," the Holy Emperor paused, stating candidly.