Chapter 1464: Compassion Counteracts the Obscuring of the Dao

**Chapter 1472: Compassion Against Dao Annihilation**

Wu Xian's strength lived up to his reputation as one of the strongest among the True Immortals surviving in the current Shuo Star Sea. His assimilation of Lord Shouqiu's Dao Inheritance Shadow technique was noticeably smoother than Li Buren's. He experienced little substantial impact, mostly displaying expressions of fascinated enjoyment. Compared to Li Buren, who was a half-baked True Immortal pieced together, the inheritance from Lord Shouqiu's "Writings" was clearly more suitable for genuine Immortals. Lord Shouqiu's countless contemplations over more than a hundred epochs might have been useless to Li Buren, but for Wu Xian, a true Immortal, it was an immense opportunity.

In Qian Ruochang's eyes, the aura emanating from Wu Xian became almost visibly more elusive and unpredictable. It seemed that within a short period, his strength had undergone a qualitative breakthrough. This secretly astonished Qian Ruochang, who couldn't help but feel a surge of envy.

After an unknown period, Wu Xian finally emerged from the vast sea of Lord Shouqiu's thoughts. "Many thanks, Senior, for imparting this power," he said solemnly. He spoke these words with genuine sincerity. Lord Shouqiu had been missing long before the destruction of the Immortal Realm; had it not been for this Hidden Emperor's generous transmission, how could he have had the opportunity to witness such a wondrous method?

"The concept of the Dao Net is indeed ingenious. Using the Nameless as its bones and True Immortals as its strings, it can indeed forge a net to save the world. Unfortunately, too few True Immortals survive now. And you would certainly not willingly sacrifice yourselves to join the net." Li Fan's voice quietly echoed through the desolate starry sky. "After further fighting, the remaining number of True Immortals joining the net would likely be insufficient to support the Dao Net in reaching its projected strength." Perhaps due to the recent transmission of power, his voice carried a subtle difference compared to before.

Qian Ruochang, however, paid little attention to these details; his focus was on what this mysterious senior was now saying. "This perfectly aligns with the long-standing hidden worries within the Stewardship Council. As expected of a venerable senior, he saw the Dao Net's fatal flaw at a glance." Qian Ruochang was once again astounded.

Li Fan continued, "You may transmit these 'Writings of Shouqiu' on my behalf. Regardless of their past or identity, anyone willing to leave behind a shadow projection will suffice. The power of a shadow projection to inherit the Dao is no less than that of the main body. If the True Immortals still existing in this starry sky collectively cultivate this and leave their inherited Dao shadows in the Dao Net..." He paused, then added, "Your two factions do not have to pursue a path of mutual destruction."

Upon hearing this, Qian Ruochang finally understood the true meaning of this secret shadow projection technique for Dao inheritance. It seemed that after a long period of conflict, a genuine hope for its conclusion had appeared, filling his heart with inexplicable excitement. Wu Xian's excitement surpassed even Qian Ruochang's, not only because he saw the possibility of reconciliation between the two sides, but also because he himself could transmit Lord Shouqiu's secret method on his behalf.

Even after many years, the name "Lord Shouqiu" still carried an unmatched weight among the True Immortals of the Immortal Realm. Especially after Emperor Tianluo Immortal widely propagated his grand words and ambitions throughout the Immortal Realm, claiming to completely resolve the Dao Annihilation calamity and simultaneously create an eternal Immortal Dynasty of transcendence, only to instead invite further disaster. This made the surviving True Immortals of the Immortal Realm immensely nostalgic for Lord Shouqiu, who had once single-handedly forced back Dao Annihilation. "If Lord Shouqiu were here, how could the Immortal Realm have been destroyed?" This was a phrase often spoken by the Immortal sects. And now, he could actually transmit Lord Shouqiu's secret method on his behalf... What an honor! Compared to a shameful escape by hiding in the Profound Coffin of Salvation, he clearly preferred to undertake this duty. Moreover, with this method of Dao-inheriting shadow projections, if it could be combined with the Dao Net technique, it might truly turn the tide and and create a "world-saving Immortal ark" amidst the despair-inducing Dao Annihilation calamity!

"Since I have already transmitted the method, Lord Shouqiu's trust from back then can be considered fulfilled." Li Fan's voice echoed through the void. "What you two factions wish to do next..." He let out a soft chuckle. "Heh heh, it has little to do with this lone one. That's all. You may withdraw first." Just as Qian Ruochang and Wu Xian were immersed in intense thought, Li Fan mercilessly issued an order for them to leave.

These words made the two acutely aware of something peculiar. "Senior Hidden Emperor has never revealed his true form. Now he's ordering us to withdraw..." "Could it be that his true body is hidden right here, but unable to manifest for some reason?" The strength displayed by Senior Hidden Emperor was unfathomable. And what could restrict his freedom... In this world, perhaps only the Dao Annihilation calamity! A thought simultaneously appeared in both their minds: "Could Senior Hidden Emperor be acting as a pillar, supporting the Dao Annihilation calamity with his own body?"

This was not a wild guess; such instances were not unprecedented in history. However, those Nameless True Immortals who had temporarily stemmed Dao Annihilation were mostly eroded and fell. Someone like Senior Hidden Emperor, who could bear the Dao Annihilation calamity on his shoulders and still possess some degree of activity... In history, perhaps only Lord Shouqiu had achieved this!

What Senior Hidden Emperor said next further confirmed their suspicions: "Not leaving yet? Do you truly wish for this lone one to rise and see you off?" He let out another soft laugh. "Hmph hmph, it wouldn't be an issue for this lone one to stretch his limbs. I just fear that the Dao Annihilation calamity in this starfield might no longer be containable!" The moment the words "Dao Annihilation calamity" were uttered, several subtle ripples simultaneously emanated through the surrounding starry sky. A sense of dread arose in their hearts, as if a great disaster was imminent. This place was already a surviving remnant after being affected by Dao Annihilation, and with the occurrence of these fluctuations, it seemed as if the heavens and earth were about to collapse once more. The instinctive warning of crisis could not be false.

With their inner guesses verified, Qian Ruochang and Wu Xian, their expressions complex, bowed remotely to Senior Hidden Emperor, who had already departed from "Ma Tiande." Then, they both simultaneously fled from this starfield. As for the newly promoted Immortal Hunters who were still sleeping... Senior Hidden Emperor had not spoken, so they dared not ask for them. Besides, compared to the gains from this encounter, these younger ones were simply insignificant.

"Immortal Hunters..." Qian Ruochang murmured to himself. "From now on, perhaps their name will change." In his mind, a towering figure flashed across. That individual could be said to have personally created the original Dao Net. Although seemingly ruthless towards True Immortals and even Nameless True Immortals, mercilessly suppressing them with bloodshed, Qian Ruochang knew in his heart that this individual still held some affection for Immortals. Otherwise, if he had personally intervened, this war would have ended long ago. The Stewardship Council would also not have accepted the allegiance of those mortal-transformed True Immortals. These individuals seemed honest but harbored sinister intentions, making them completely unstable factors. "Lord Shouqiu. I seem to have heard that name, but I don't know who he specifically is." He pondered. "However, if this shadow projection Dao inheritance method is real... that eminent figure, for him, it would likely be a great boon."

Meanwhile, in Wu Xian's mind, figures that could be approached for initial alliance constantly flickered. True Immortals who had constantly fought each other suddenly turning to cooperate with the Shuo Star Sea—while theoretically the best choice, years of hatred might not be easily cast aside in a short time. To prevent further needless deaths, he had to act quickly.

With myriad thoughts, the two left the starfield of the high wall. Li Fan also withdrew from probing their minds. Using the shadow power so frequently had left Li Buren in a terrible state. He had to absorb another Immortal Realm chess piece as replenishment. The clone puppet was one thing, but worse was the infiltration of the Dao Annihilation calamity. It wasn't just the Darkest Star Sea where the Profound Yellow Realm resided. In this experimental field, three out of ten square star seas that currently survived with vitality had already begun to show signs of Dao Annihilation black qi evolving. The fluctuations signaling the impending eruption of the Dao Annihilation tide were not deliberately faked by Li Fan to scare Qian Ruochang and the others. Such fluctuations could not be simulated, even with the power of Lord Shouqiu's shadow.

"A few more uses like this, and it might truly lead to a sudden collapse of the heavens," Li Fan mused. "Unless a Nameless Immortal can be found to share some of the pressure." Thinking this, he couldn't help but look at the remaining Immortal Realm chess pieces within the shadow space. "Chess pieces gather, Immortal Realm appears, Southern Immortal Celestial Pillar emerges." "The core of this Celestial Pillar is the bone of a Nameless True Immortal. When it appeared in the Profound Yellow Realm, it caused the world to instantly collapse." "But within Lord Shouqiu's shadow space, it probably won't be allowed to act so wildly." "Since it bears the name of a Celestial Pillar, it should also fulfill the duty of a Celestial Pillar." Li Fan had already made a decision.

Things always have two sides. As the clone puppet frequently invoked Lord Shouqiu's shadow power, its body suffered severe damage from enduring energy far exceeding its limits. But at the same time, as Li Buren's appearance increasingly resembled Lord Shouqiu, his manipulation of the shadow power became even more proficient. "Even living Nameless True Immortals can be suppressed with a single hand, let alone a mere bone." Li Fan naturally understood the consequences of dealing with a tiger. Lord Shouqiu was the strongest being he had encountered to date. Even if he had long transcended and gone to other possibilities, just as Hei Tianyi and Xie Subai could sense their counterparts in other possibilities, Lord Shouqiu would certainly be able to sense, to some extent, that the shadow power he once left behind was being used. The reason he was still willing to take this risk was due to the "virtue" Lord Shouqiu had displayed. The power of this shadow was left behind precisely to help the people of this realm resist the great calamity. Borrowing and suppressing the Nameless True Immortal to increase resistance could be considered consistent with Lord Shouqiu's original intention. "Moreover, the Immortal Realm of the original possibility was destroyed tens of thousands of years ago. If Lord Shouqiu truly cared about this realm, he should have returned to look long ago." He continued in his thoughts. "If he hasn't appeared yet, it's even less likely that he would manifest due to such minor disturbances." Of course, these "bets" were not the primary reasons. At its root, Li Fan possessed the confidence of "Returning to True." Even if Lord Shouqiu were to cross possibilities and arrive, Li Fan was confident he could withdraw by "Returning to True."

Within the Darkest Star Sea, the subtle fluctuations grew more frequent. It was as if violent waves were constantly crashing, presenting a precarious scene of a looming collapse. "There's no time to lose." Li Fan's eyes flickered. "If it fails, I can only 'Return to True'. Anyway, I've already gathered enough valuable information."

As Qian Ruochang finally withdrew, his mind revealed a flaw. Li Fan seized the opportunity to capture the image of the hidden figure behind the Dao Net. Although their specific identity remained unknown, a faint shadow was left behind. If they were to meet again in this starry sky, Li Fan would instantly recognize them. Of course, this was under the premise of being empowered by Lord Shouqiu's shadow.

The main body sent the chess piece formed from the Medicine King True Cauldron, which was the missing piece to complete the Immortal Realm gathering, into the space where the experimental field's shadow resided. After leaving another item, he quietly departed. He returned to the Profound Yellow Realm, ready to activate "Returning to True" at any moment. Meanwhile, Li Buren once again sat on the Grand Tutor's chair. Concentrating intently, he watched his body disintegrate inch by inch. Only a faint, net-like starlight remained, occupying the chair. This was him detaching from the body formed by the Immortal Realm chess pieces, projecting the Dao Net with his divine sense to manipulate the shadow power. "The upper limit of controllable power has drastically reduced again." He noted. "However, the Immortal Realm is unfolding within the shadow space. It's sufficient." Li Buren made a preliminary judgment. Without a physical body, with only his divine sense remaining, it didn't greatly affect him. Instead, freed from the body's constraints, he vaguely felt that the various Great Daos projected by his divine sense became clearer.

A total of thirteen Immortal Realm chess pieces gathered. Six of them had previously merged into a colorful form. After Li Buren threw them in this time, another six merged with each other. Adding the crucial catalyst, the Medicine King True Cauldron chess piece... an Immortal Realm manifested once more! However, compared to the earth-shattering appearance it made in the Profound Yellow Realm before, its unfolding in this shadow space, under the collective gaze of the five Lord Shouqiu shadows, appeared surprisingly calm. It no longer resembled a corner of the former Immortal Realm, but rather seemed like an ordinary mortal cultivation world. Yet, when the Southern Immortal Celestial Pillar in the center of the Immortal Realm revealed itself, it still caused a slight tremor. Li Buren even faintly perceived that Lord Shouqiu's shadows seemed to shift their gaze towards it.

The shadow space was under the suppression of Lord Shouqiu's power. The stone tablet could not absorb external objects; it simply stood quietly. At this point, Li Buren threw in the item that his main body had left earlier. This was like a single stone stirring up a thousand waves! The calm stone tablet violently trembled. Cracks appeared on its surface, as if something was about to break free from within! And floating spontaneously above the stone tablet was precisely another Nameless True Immortal's bone, taken by Li Fan from the "Returning to True" space and smuggled along with him! Two identical bones appeared at the same time, seemingly triggering some mysterious and unpredictable change. Ripples ceaselessly reverberated through the shadow space. The gazes cast by Lord Shouqiu's shadows became increasingly focused and directed. Within the Immortal Realm, the stone tablet exploded, and the previously stable Immortal Realm space seemed to boil instantly. Various light and shadow twisted and spread out. And at the center of countless fragments, astonishingly, were two identical bones, overlapping! The fusion of the Nameless True Immortal's bones was not like the fusion of two ordinary identical rare items, where only one remained with no change in appearance. Instead, it was as if new tissue was growing on the original bone!

(End of Chapter)