Chapter 579: 若木煎人寿

Angry Squid:"Not to mention where there are so many corpses of fallen Core Formation cultivators."

"After a cultivator dies, their Way returns to Heaven. Although the Core Formation is the crystallization of a cultivator's understanding of the laws of heaven and earth, it still requires rare heaven and earth treasures as its foundation."

"Once the Way returns to Heaven, the rare treasures lose their potency, and the methods condensed within the Core Formation lose their foundation. Not only is the quality of the Core Formation greatly diminished, but over time, there's a risk of it disintegrating, preventing long-term preservation."

As if discussing his area of expertise, Daoist Rottenwood spoke with great clarity and expertise. A rare vibrancy appeared on his face, and the tight wrinkles around his eyes relaxed imperceptibly.

"However, all these problems and troubles can be easily resolved, provided the cultivators are willing."

"If a cultivator's Core Formation is extracted while they are still alive, it won't trigger the malicious mechanisms of heaven and earth. With the heaven and earth treasures serving as the core, the Core Formation can then be preserved for a long time."

"Although the cultivator will lose all their cultivation and become no different from a mortal, it's merely the Core Formation stage. Cultivating from scratch again doesn't take much effort!"

"With sufficient resources, a new Core Formation can be re-condensed in at most ten years."

"Hmm, although the production cycle is still a bit long, with our current number of cultivators, we can still achieve a harvest of hundreds of Core Formations annually."

Daoist Rottenwood uttered these chilling words in the calmest tone.

"Long-term, stable, harmless. Can that lucky kid Zhang Debiao, who stumbled upon it by chance, compare to this?"

"No, he can't!"

"So, if fellow Daoist has a need, you must prioritize us!"

Daoist Rottenwood looked at Li Fan, a glint of eagerness in his eyes.

Li Fan was clearly not convinced by his simple words. He shook his head repeatedly, "Fellow Daoist, don't deceive me. What cultivator would willingly have their Core Formation extracted, only to repeat the cycle every decade or so? Just thinking about it, I can feel the horror..."

"Misunderstanding, a complete misunderstanding!" Daoist Rottenwood quickly interrupted Li Fan.

"We can now extract Core Formations painlessly and harmlessly. Those cultivators not only feel no pain but also experience a unique kind of comfort. I even know one fellow who, to constantly experience the pleasure of Core Formation extraction, immediately dedicates himself to cultivating again after each removal."

"He's now considered our most efficient cultivator, able to cultivate a Dual-Law Core Formation in an average of three to four years."

Daoist Rottenwood, completely unaware of any issue with his words, enthusiastically explained to Li Fan.

Even Li Fan, as indifferent as he was, couldn't help but feel a chill creep into his heart as he looked at Daoist Rottenwood.

"So, fellow Daoist, all your worries are completely unnecessary."

"We have passed the inspection of the Myriad Immortal Alliance and are officially recognized. Think about it: we supply a certain amount of materials to the Immortal Alliance every year. If these items truly had quality issues, the Myriad Immortal Alliance would be the first to come knocking on our door! So, fellow Daoist, rest assured!"

Li Fan's eyes narrowed slightly: "The Myriad Immortal Alliance knows about what you're doing? But why have I never heard of it?"

Hearing this, Rottenwood mumbled quietly: "It's simply that our philosophy is too advanced. The Immortal Alliance said that if it were made public, it would certainly lead to public misunderstanding."

"That's why it's kept secret."

"They're just ordinary mortals; it's normal for them not to accept it. But someone like you, fellow Daoist Yu, should be able to understand our methods, right?"

Daoist Rottenwood looked at Li Fan, full of expectation.

"I can understand it, but for now, it's still a bit hard to accept," Li Fan said, half-truthfully.

As if he had found a rare kindred spirit, Daoist Rottenwood clapped his hands in praise; "I knew it, I wasn't mistaken! Fellow Daoist possesses great wisdom!"

He abruptly stood up and paced back and forth, excitedly saying, "It's natural to feel sympathy for one's own kind. It's normal that you, fellow Daoist, can't fully change your perspective just yet!"

"But I believe that once you personally visit our place and see for yourself, you'll soon change your mind!"

"So, fellow Daoist, would you like to come and visit?"

Without thinking, Li Fan was about to flat-out refuse.

However, something unexpected happened. Somehow, looking at the aged, frail cultivator before him, and then thinking about the countless Core Formations that might be waiting for him there... Li Fan, who needed complete Core Formations to unlock anchor points, unexpectedly, as if by some strange compulsion, changed his mind.

"Alright! There's no harm in taking a look!" he nodded in agreement.

The moment the words left his mouth, Li Fan's heart was filled with shock. He suddenly understood. The grey-robed cultivator before him was absolutely infinitely more dangerous than he had imagined!

He just wanted to buy some cultivators' Core Formations for use, so why did he encounter such a messed-up situation?! His luck was truly terrible!

Li Fan cursed inwardly, silently murmuring, "Revert..."

Mid-sentence, Li Fan stopped himself. Suddenly, he felt it was no big deal. It probably hasn't reached the point where I need to directly revert, has it? After all, the other party is certified by the Myriad Immortal Alliance; surely they wouldn't commit robbery and murder. Besides, he had been setting up his plans in this world for a long time, finally reaching this current stage with great difficulty. If he were to revert, everything would have to start over, which would be quite troublesome, wouldn't it?

Numerous thoughts flooded Li Fan's mind simultaneously. He actually managed to convince himself and changed his mind.

"Daoist Rottenwood, what is your place called, and how does one get there?" Li Fan asked, now wearing a look of genuine interest.

Rottenwood slapped his forehead, annoyed: "Oh, oh, I almost forgot to introduce it to fellow Daoist Yu."

"Our place is called..."

"Frying Human Lifespan."

Li Fan wondered if it was his imagination, but when Rottenwood uttered that last phrase, his tone and expression instantly turned somewhat sinister. Just a moment later, Rottenwood returned to his previous enthusiastic demeanor.

"As for how to get there..."

"Just grab hold of me, fellow Daoist!"

Li Fan, therefore, naturally and as expected, grabbed Daoist Rottenwood's sleeve.

"Hold on tight, fellow Daoist!" Rottenwood exclaimed loudly, muttering incantations: "Heaven and Earth possess Ruomu, consuming life's longevity day and night..."

As if engulfed by rolling thick smoke, in the blink of an eye, everything around them turned into a vast grey blur. Aside from constantly twisting light and shadows, and strange whistling sounds rushing past, no other sights could be clearly discerned.

However, at this moment, Li Fan felt not the slightest sense of danger. In fact, as he watched the grey mist engulfing him, an inexplicable sense of belonging inexplicably surged within him, as if he inherently belonged there.

After an unknown period, the grey mist dissipated. The surrounding scenery became clear again.

"Fellow Daoist Yu, we've arrived!"

Following Daoist Rottenwood's greeting, Li Fan clearly saw the sight of Frying Human Lifespan. A gigantic tree, reaching to the heavens yet withered, yellow, and covered in spots, stood before him. Countless cultivators hung densely from its branches, just like fruit on a tree.