Chapter 1370: Autumn Water Enters the Star Sea

The effect of the “Form of Life” was even more wondrous than Li Fan had anticipated.

Watching the young Daoist acolyte kneeling before him, Li Fan tried to perceive its specific life form.

“Granting life…” He savored these two words in his mind.

Li Fan's act of inscribing the Form of Life onto the liquid longsword created a 'spirit of the artifact' type of being. A strong, natural connection existed between him and his creation.

What the acolyte referred to as 'Great Master' was, in fact, master or sovereign.

Li Fan vaguely felt that with a single thought, he could erase the acolyte's consciousness at will, restoring the liquid longsword to its original state.

No matter how powerful the acolyte became, as long as it couldn't break free from the constraints of the Form of Life, it would be unable to escape its destiny as a creation.

“The Form of Life is indeed infinitely profound. The only pity is that what it creates is a truly independent living being with its own consciousness. I cannot fully perceive its thoughts one by one.”

“However, controlling it like a puppet is still possible.”

Having swiftly understood the situation, Li Fan calmly said, “Rise.”

With a casual flick of his finger, he prompted the acolyte to manifest clothes to cover its body.

“Thank you, Great Master, for the clothes!” The acolyte respectfully kowtowed again before finally rising as instructed.

“Attack me with all your might.”

“This…” The young acolyte hesitated for a moment, but ultimately complied.

The young acolyte’s figure vanished instantly.

In its place, torrential rain poured down from the sky.

Upon closer inspection, each raindrop was a chillingly formidable sword.

A storm of sword-rain encircled Li Fan, threatening to tear him to shreds.

The newly born acolyte was like a blank slate, knowing only to faithfully execute Li Fan’s commands.

When it launched its attack, it held nothing back.

“Even with an nascent intelligence, it can unleash so many pure, distinct sword intents. A cultivator would likely need millennia of cultivation to reach such a realm. Is this the innate advantage of an artifact taking human form…?”

“It’s a pity, though, that this liquid longsword is still within the scope of a realm artifact, and its power ceiling is limited to this.”

Li Fan neither dodged nor evaded, allowing the myriad sword-rain to fall upon him.

Each sword energy, though seemingly formidable, would burst into dazzling golden light as if hitting an invisible barrier just before touching Li Fan, then dissipate into nothingness.

Despite the torrential downpour, not even Li Fan’s clothes got wet.

“Recall!”

Li Fan’s counter-attack was merely a wave of his sleeve. The myriad raindrops gathered, and with a light tap of his finger, he produced a crisp 'ding' sound.

The young acolyte immediately reverted to its original form, falling clumsily to the ground.

“Thank you, Great Master, for your mercy!”

“Great Master’s divine might is unrivaled throughout the universe!”

The young acolyte hastily got up, instinctively kneeling and offering praise.

“It has taken human form. But its strength is far from being able to block a blade for me.”

“It needs further strengthening.”

Li Fan narrowed his eyes slightly, instructing the young acolyte to revert to its original form.

After the Form of Life was imprinted, the surface of the liquid longsword resembled living water, appearing even more vibrant.

Li Fan already had a preliminary plan in mind for how to strengthen this sword before him.

His own strength surpassed that of immortal arrays. The best method, naturally, was to refine it with arrays.

Essence of Source Energy surged, golden patterns transforming into array units, all integrating into the liquid longsword.

As the immortal array entered its body, the liquid longsword instantly seemed to boil, its surface violently shaking without cease.

As a realm artifact, it normally wouldn't be able to withstand the immense, transcendental power of an immortal array. However, what Li Fan was currently inscribing was the Profound Yellow Grand Array of Sentient Beings, a fusion of all immortal arrays Li Fan had mastered so far.

As the array evolved, the power of creation and destruction flowed within it. This was enough to protect and sustain the liquid longsword, preventing its destruction.

Of course, during the array refinement process, Li Fan also vaguely perceived the effect of the Form of Life.

“The birth of intelligence caused a qualitative change in the liquid longsword itself. Otherwise, it might not have fully withstood the first wave of impact before the immortal array inscription was complete.”

Golden light flickered continuously. After seven days, Li Fan finally completed the inscription of the entire Profound Yellow Grand Array of Sentient Beings.

What he had left within the liquid longsword was merely a template, similar to a true immortal's seal script. It was like the basic formation of complex machinery; to activate the array's operation and evolution, energy still needed to be injected.

If relying solely on the liquid longsword itself, it probably wouldn't last even a moment before being drained and depleted by the immortal array's requirements.

As for the Essence of Source Energy, Li Fan did not intend for the liquid longsword to use it.

After all, the ascension of Profound Yellow was imminent, and every bit of Essence of Source Energy reserve increased Li Fan’s chances of success.

If this blade-blocking creation still needed to compete with him for resources…

Wouldn't that defeat the original purpose?

However, Li Fan also didn't intend for this liquid longsword to become a mere showpiece that could only power the immortal array for a brief period. In fact, Li Fan already had a brilliant idea in mind.

“Energy. Infinite.”

Li Fan looked up at the Star Sea, his eyes slightly narrowed.

After preparations, twenty days later.

In the empty Star Sea, the young acolyte in blue robes chanted incantations.

What it chanted was the enhanced version of the Immortal Boat's technique, the Grand Armor Divine Art.

Li Fan, concealed far away, observed in secret.

Indeed, he wanted to replicate the Immortal Boat's feat of equalizing the Star Sea. Only this time, it wasn't Li Fan equalizing the Star Sea's power, but the liquid longsword!

Certainly, from previous experiences, it was known that after equalizing the infinite Star Sea, one would instead be assimilated by it.

Becoming a Star Spirit-like entity.

But…

Inside the liquid longsword, the Form of Life was inscribed!

The Form of Life even led to the emergence of an independent consciousness within this utterly dark Star Sea. Its status was undoubtedly superior to that of the Star Sea.

As long as the Form of Life remained intact, even if it transformed into a Star Spirit, its life and death would still be within Li Fan's control.

“Star Spirits cannot defy the Star Sea’s consciousness.”

“Creations of the Form of Life cannot defy their creator’s will.”

“When these two contradict each other…”

“Let me see who prevails!”

The young acolyte’s chanting continued without pause. It seemed to have performed it millions of times, showing no hint of unfamiliarity. In fact, it was even more perfect than most Immortal Boat elders.

The learning ability of an artifact spirit in human form was indeed far beyond that of ordinary people.

However, perhaps because it had been forced to undergo communication with the Grand Armor Divine Art once before, the Star Sea’s consciousness seemed to have developed some 'resistance.' This time, it took almost twice as long as before to summon the Star Sea’s consciousness.

A purple-gold vortex, resembling a deep eye, reappeared in the Star Sea.

The young acolyte showed no hesitation, its movements like a dragon or snake, as the ‘Equilibrium’ character technique erupted with a roar.

The Star Sea’s reaction was still to accept all comers.

However, compared to the Immortal Boat elders who had weathered millennia, the young acolyte, barely a month old and with almost no experience, seemed unable to pique the Star Sea’s interest much.

Nevertheless, the 'Equilibrium' character was formed.

An infinite amount of Star Sea energy surged down from nothingness.

Bathed in starlight, the young acolyte gradually transformed into a Star Spirit, glowing with blue starlight and with stars connected like bones.

Suddenly, as if impacted by the Star Sea’s infinite power, the hidden Form of Life pattern within the young acolyte mysteriously glowed and surfaced on its body.

Under the collision and stimulation of an external force that could barely be considered an opponent, the Form of Life finally radiated its original brilliance.

It was black, representing nothingness, yet simultaneously shimmering with all the vibrant colors of the world.

The outermost edge of the pattern was veiled in a faint white light, also representing nothingness.

It was a kaleidoscopic black with fluorescent edges.

This dazzling and unforgettable color, upon appearing, completely suppressed the blue of the Star Sea.

From within the purple-gold vortex, a thunderous roar, tens of millions of times louder than wind and thunder, instantly erupted.

Even Li Fan, secretly observing from afar, could feel the Star Sea’s wrath from the intensely swirling vortex.

Anger was anger.

But the Star Sea’s consciousness wouldn't act impulsively.

All bluster and no substance, the purple-gold vortex vanished even faster than it had appeared.

With the Star Sea's threat gone, the Form of Life receded back into its body. Only the Star Spirit acolyte remained, standing blankly in the Star Sea.

“It succeeded?”

Unexpectedly, things were easier than he had anticipated. Li Fan calmed his mind, sensing his connection with the young acolyte.

The dominion power of the Form of Life indeed still existed.

It had not disappeared, unaffected by the Star Sea’s true essence.

With a thought from Li Fan, the young acolyte elegantly moved, appearing before him several times faster than before.

“Thank you, Great Master, for bestowing this good fortune!”

Li Fan quietly observed the acolyte’s brand new Star Spirit body.

Using the dominion power of the Form of Life, Li Fan was able to see the internal details through the endlessly brilliant starlight.

Each light point seemed like a channel.

Leading to an unknown, mysterious place, which was the true source of infinite star power.

Perhaps because it was too vast and exceeded Li Fan’s sensory capabilities, Li Fan couldn't detect any unusual presence within it.

The Star Sea consciousness’s restrictions had not dissipated. They were merely suppressed by the Form of Life, temporarily unable to affect the young acolyte.

Li Fan also vaguely felt that as endless star power continuously gushed from the channels, countless Star Sea laws were slowly integrating and transforming the acolyte’s sword body under the refinement of the star power.

“Though it hasn’t reached the realm of an immortal artifact, it is still a Supreme Sword.”

“With infinite star power as its source, it’s sufficient to operate the immortal array at maximum load indefinitely.”

Li Fan reached out and grasped the longsword, which had instantly reverted to its original form.

It was no longer in liquid form. Instead, brilliant starlight surged, as if it were the endless Star Sea itself.

Amidst the flickering light and shadow, countless worlds seemed to be born and destroyed within it.

Forging such a powerful weapon with his own hands, Li Fan felt a rare surge of excitement.

“I wonder if I can use this sword to call upon the infinite power of the Star Sea?”

With a thought, a large amount of star power surged out from the sword body.

However, this primitive and pure Star Sea power was not the same as the spiritual energy cultivated by cultivators.

After rushing into Li Fan’s body, not only could it not be absorbed or utilized,

it instead rampaged through his body like a flood, causing wanton destruction.

Li Fan frowned slightly, forced to expel it from his body.

“What a pity. But there must be cultivation techniques that can transform Star Sea power for one's own use.” Li Fan couldn't help but think of the cultivators from the Tai Jia Realm who once dominated with Star Sea power.

A moment later, Li Fan secretly shook his head: “I’m getting a bit muddled. Even with the Star Sea’s infinitude, it will ultimately be constrained by the Form of Life.”

“Pursuing quantity that cannot lead to qualitative change…”

“Ultimately, it’s a misguided path.”

“But to be able to create a Supreme Realm artifact so easily is definitely an incredibly good thing for me right now.”

If he had a dozen or so Supreme Realm bodyguards, even if they were just Supreme Realm artifact spirits, it would be enough for Li Fan to sweep through the Star Sea.

Thinking this, Li Fan was about to repeat his method.

However, a scene that somewhat astonished Li Fan occurred.

The Form of Life…

He could no longer imprint it onto other objects!

Even though he still remembered the pattern in his mind, when it came down to it, he couldn’t bring himself to engrave it.

“So there was such a limitation.”

After several more attempts, confirming the limitation was real, Li Fan couldn’t help but feel a little regret.

“I had originally planned to use the Form of Life to create an army of artifact spirits. To unify the Star Sea and explore beyond the wall.”

“After all, fully controlled creations are far more convenient to use than cultivators.”

“What a pity.”

Li Fan shook his head with a sigh, tossing out the starlight longsword in his hand.

The young acolyte transformed back into human form, head bowed and eyes downcast, standing before Li Fan.

Li Fan mused, “Oh, object, your quantity is infinite, your time endless, your divisions impermanent. Now you have gained the infinite divine power of the Star Sea; from this moment on, you are no longer constrained by mortal fetters, transcending material existence.”

“From now on, I shall call you…”

“Autumn Water!”

Upon hearing this, the young acolyte was initially stunned, not understanding what connection Li Fan’s words about infinitude, endlessness, and impermanence had with 'Autumn Water'.

But the Great Master’s words were commands.

The young acolyte immediately stopped pondering, happily kowtowing and bowing down, “Thank you, Great Master, for bestowing a name!”

After acknowledging the name Autumn Water, the aura around the young acolyte seemed to undergo a subtle, inexplicable change.

It seemed to resemble a naturally born living being even more.

As the creator, Li Fan instantly felt a hint of enlightenment within his heart.

If, one day, the young acolyte Autumn Water could completely evolve into a true life form, breaking free from its destiny as a creation,

then Li Fan would be able to act again and imprint a new Form of Life.

Li Fan pondered for a long time, his expression unreadable.

“Hmph.”

“Pure creations are still better.”

When he returned to the Profound Yellow Realm, Li Fan found that Tian Yang had also awakened from his enlightenment.

Though merely a puppet assembled from various materials, it surprisingly possessed a subtle, ethereal and transcendent quality.

It was only half a step behind the True Immortals Li Fan had once seen.

Li Fan suspected that if Tian Yang were to appear in the Profound Yellow Realm at this moment, countless cultivators would undoubtedly kneel in reverence.

Next, Li Fan had Autumn Water and Tian Yang spar.

Autumn Water, driven by infinite star power with the Profound Yellow Grand Array of Sentient Beings, should theoretically be able to decisively suppress Tian Yang.

However, Li Fan discovered that the immortal-level illusion array, which had trapped Tian Yi for a long time, had little effect on Tian Yang.

When Tian Yang entered combat, he could consistently disregard everything generated within the illusion.

Even the past events of him becoming Dao could not trouble him much.

Instead, everything within the illusion array refined Tian Yang’s heart, making it even more advanced and perfect.

Leaping out of the storm of the Myriad Things Returning to Void Grand Array, which Autumn Water was rapidly changing, Tian Yang delivered a powerful punch to Autumn Water’s body.