Chapter 424: True Lies

"My hometown is called Dali.

Unlike your world, a towering volcano stands in the center of Dali. Periodically, the volcano erupts, claiming countless lives. Moreover, its activity has become increasingly frequent over the years. Evidently, Dali's ultimate fate is to be completely consumed by the volcano's lava. Hundreds of years ago, I came to Xuanhuang Realm alone, seeking a way to save my home." Li Fan recounted this to Li Chenfeng and the others, his eyes filled with reminiscence.

"Unfortunately, while I found a way to temporarily suppress the volcano, eradicating the underlying threat completely is beyond my current cultivation level. However, that's not the main point." Li Fan suddenly changed the subject.

"During my time in Xuanhuang Realm, I encountered many mortals like myself who had smuggled themselves in from smaller worlds. They often had very difficult lives. Feeling sympathetic, I always tried my best to offer help. It was precisely because of this that I was able to join the organization I'm now part of. And that's why I've come to see you today."

Li Chenfeng and the others were stunned. "What organization?"

Li Fan stated with utmost solemnity, "An organization dedicated to uniting all the extraterritorial lands to counterattack the Immortal Cultivation World."

"Counterattack... the Immortal Cultivation World?" All three present were aghast.

Li Fan clasped his hands behind his back and nodded slightly. "Precisely! A thousand years ago, we were driven from our homes, filled with pain and indignation. Over the long years, most people's memories of their homelands have faded. Yet, there remains a group who have always kept it all etched in their hearts. They swore that one day, they would return here. They would reclaim everything that was once theirs."

Li Fan, activating his Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart, spoke with a captivating voice. "Xuanhuang Realm, compared to the small worlds we inhabit, is vast. It is vibrant and lacks nothing. Yet, it's occupied by those damned immortal cultivators. While we are forced to eke out a living in barren, cramped territories. How unjust!" Li Fan exclaimed indignantly.

Li Chenfeng and the other two compared their empire's world to Xuanhuang Realm. They couldn't help but nod in agreement.

"Compared to the massive Immortal Cultivator Alliance, we deeply understand that our own strength is far too weak. Only by uniting all our strengths can we hope to contend with them. In fact, five hundred years ago, we made an attempt. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough allies united at that time, and ultimately, our efforts fell short. But we haven't given up." Li Fan's gaze was piercing as he looked at Li Chenfeng and the others. "Over these years, we've constantly been searching for new partners and accumulating strength anew. There are countless small worlds outside the realm; no one knows how many are yet to be united. But just like you, those who smuggle themselves in are extremely cautious in their actions. So progress has been quite slow. I only recently noticed you, and after some probing, indeed..."

Zhu Shaotang seemed to recall something and realized, "The battle to counterattack the Immortal Cultivation World five hundred years ago? It is indeed mentioned in the history of Xuanhuang Realm that our Empire has collected."

Li Chenfeng's eyes flashed with a hint of regret, though he quickly masked it. He pondered for a moment, then carefully asked, "So, Senior, you've come here to ask our Empire to join the organization?"

"Precisely!" Li Fan nodded.

Zhu Shaotang was about to speak but was held back by Li Chenfeng. This young man was clearly in a leadership position among the three. He looked at Li Fan and replied somewhat tactfully, "This junior greatly admires the organization's grand ambitions. However, our Empire's strength is too weak. Even if we join, I fear we won't be much help. We might even become a burden..."

Li Fan extended a hand, cutting off Li Chenfeng's words. "I've already seen your Empire's strength clearly in your dreams. While not extremely strong, it can barely be ranked in the upper-middle tier among the many worlds participating in the organization. You don't need to underestimate yourselves." Li Fan looked at Li Chenfeng with a faint smile, "Besides, even small worlds with no extraordinary power whatsoever are not refused by the organization when they apply to join. After all, every bit of strength helps. If you lack power, providing manpower is enough. The organization will train qualified combatants for you free of charge."

The unmistakable implication in Li Fan's words that refusal was not an option became apparent, and Li Chenfeng's smile slowly grew strained. He wanted to struggle further, but saw Li Fan's expression gradually turn cold. Li Chenfeng's heart slowly sank to the bottom. A tense atmosphere began to spread within the secret chamber.

However, for some reason, after a moment, Li Fan's demeanor softened again. He scoffed, "I originally didn't want to tell you, but it seems you're still pinning your hopes on that ridiculous escape plan. Such weak-willed escape artists..." Li Fan stated coldly, "To be frank, your plan to use a hundred thousand World-Splitting Whales to escape Xuanhuang Realm will simply not succeed. The moment you leave Xuanhuang Realm will be the day your Empire perishes!"

Li Chenfeng and the other two were completely stunned. "Senior, what do you mean by that?"

"See for yourselves!" Li Fan pointed a finger at the center of their foreheads.

Instantly, Li Chenfeng felt the surrounding scenery vanish. It was as if they were in endless void. In the distance, a massive ball of light pulsed. A streak of light flew out from the light ball, attempting to escape. But strangely, after it traveled some distance from the light ball, it inexplicably changed its trajectory, irreversibly flying upwards. Up there, it was as if some terrifying monster had opened its gaping maw, trying to draw it in and devour it.

Cold sweat broke out on the foreheads of all three, and they stumbled backward, falling to the ground in disarray. "What was that?" He stared intensely at Li Fan, his eyes wide with horror.

"Why do you think we are desperately fighting back against the Immortal Cultivation World? Because we have nowhere to escape to," Li Fan said mockingly. "That is the Immortal Ruins, an unknown and terrifying entity that covets the entire Xuanhuang Realm. The Xuanhuang Realm is vast and immense; perhaps it can hold out for a long time against the Immortal Ruins. But for the small worlds we inhabit, it's hard to say. Not to mention your Empire's painstakingly conceived, utterly ridiculous plan."

Li Fan continued to strike at Li Chenfeng's morale. The three imperial representatives also began to ponder what fate awaited their Empire if they were to leave Xuanhuang Realm. Their faces turned incredibly pale.

"Therefore, joining us is the only way out," Li Fan stated frankly.