Chapter 780: Li Fan's Determined Will to Die

“How could the scenes recorded by the Medicine King’s True Cauldron be false?” Fang Zaiji scoffed.

His gaze drifted over the Replica Dao Transformation Stone Mother that Xu Bai was constantly toying with in his hand. When he saw Xu Bai finally put it away, he couldn't help but feel a little regretful.

Then, with a hint of curiosity, he asked, “But you mentioned that the Immortal Ruins' pull is indeed growing stronger. How did you determine that?”

Chen Tianhai did not conceal it, explaining, “Based on the time and angle at which the Medicine King's True Cauldron's trajectory shifted after it flew out of the Xuanhuang Realm.”

“As I said before, over the years, we have sent people to explore the Immortal Ruins. Although we found nothing within the Ruins themselves, we did record a lot of useful information.”

“According to our calculations, the Immortal Ruins' gravitational pull is now almost more than twice as strong as what the Medicine King's True Cauldron encountered back then.”

“That's quite terrifying. Doesn't that mean that in a while, the entire Xuanhuang Realm will be swallowed by it?” Fang Zaiji exclaimed in wonder, though his face showed no trace of fear.

“Those Immortal Venerables, who knows what they're even doing.”

“Anyway, if the sky falls, the taller ones will bear the brunt,” he muttered softly.

“Relying on others is not the act of a wise person,” Chen Tianhai retorted, clearly disapproving of his attitude.

Upon learning from the Dao Transformation Taiyan Sect that the Immortal Ruins' pull was indeed strengthening, Xu Bai became pensive.

“After the Immortal Ruins were discovered back then, the major powers of the Xuanhuang Realm didn't immediately choose to flee. Instead, they opted to capture other Grotto-Heavens and minor worlds to resist it...”

“Perhaps that was because the Immortal Ruins weren't as terrifying back then as they are now.”

“And now, not much time is left for the Xuanhuang Realm. That's why, in the previous life, after the Xuanhuang Realm was unified, the repulsion plan was immediately initiated.”

His thoughts fleeting, Xu Bai then posed the final question of their visit: “The cultivators in the city are all transformed members of the Taiyan Sect. But I heard that the Dao Transformation Stone Mother itself has developed sentience. Has it ever created a human body for itself?”

Chen Tianhai was a little surprised to hear this question, which seemed unrelated to their previous conversation.

However, this was not a secret, so he nodded and said, “Initially, out of curiosity about humans, the Dao Transformation Stone Mother did generate a human body for analysis and research.”

“However, she rarely appears in human form now.”

Having received the answer he sought, Xu Bai nodded slightly.

He then bid farewell to Chen Tianhai.

Chen Tianhai hesitated for a moment but ultimately allowed Xu Bai and his companions to leave.

As Xu Bai and Fang Zaiji disappeared within the Grand Profound Grotto-Heaven,

A completely azure figure, whose features were indistinct, suddenly appeared beside Chen Tianhai.

“You just let them go?”

“That person named Xu Bai might be holding many secrets.”

“Beyond the variables, perhaps he was brought back from beyond the heavens by the Medicine King Sect. Or perhaps, he originates from beings deliberately erased by powerful individuals.” The azure figure's voice sounded neither male nor female, and its tone fluctuated wildly, making it incredibly strange.

However, this did not hinder her communication with Chen Tianhai.

“Deliberately erased? Are you suggesting the resurrection of a mighty being?” A glint flashed in Chen Tianhai's eyes.

“Based on the divination results, it's highly possible. The character Xu Bai has never appeared in any world we've divined. His emergence might simply be an accident. However, Fang Zaiji addresses him as Sect Master...”

“That suggests there's an error in our divination results, caused by missing information,” the azure figure explained rapidly.

“Too many unknown factors are involved. Abruptly drawing him into the Taiyan Sect carries too high a risk.”

Chen Tianhai pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded.

“What was the meaning of that last question he asked?”

The azure figure rippled for a moment.

Soon after, she replied, “Divination failed.”

“However...”

She didn't finish her sentence, her form gradually fading until she disappeared before Chen Tianhai.

Yet Chen Tianhai seemed to have heard the unspoken words of the azure figure.

He revealed an intrigued expression.

In the long valley,

Fang Zaiji was recounting the experiences of their trip to Liu San and Jiang Yushan.

“I never imagined that the illustrious Taiyan Sect would now be in such a state. In comparison, our Medicine King Sect is rather fortunate,” Fang Zaiji exclaimed repeatedly.

Clearly, no matter how much Chen Tianhai boasted, he could not accept the concept of "information immortality."

Liu San also wore a look of regret.

His divine sense swept across the daily cultivation of the many disciples within Longevity Valley, observing a scene of vibrant life. His expression shifted as he pondered.

Meanwhile, Xu Bai had already arrived in the secret chamber.

The Replica Dao Transformation Stone Mother, brilliantly glowing with white light, now floated before him.

“Simulate...”

Xu Bai let out a cold snort but did not use his divine sense to make contact with it for the so-called simulation.

He didn't believe the claims that the Dao Transformation Taiyan Sect tolerated no lies, nor that there was no connection between the replica and the Stone Mother's true form. Xu Bai believed none of it.

Grand Master Li was inherently suspicious, and even more so after possessing a supreme treasure like 'Return to Truth'; he would never simply trust anyone else.

“If I use it for simulation, it'll either immediately revert to its true form, or it will be a desperate measure in a life-or-death situation.”

“In any case, if I am to use it, I must be prepared for the 'Return to Truth' to be exposed.”

Xu Bai gazed at it for a long time, ultimately putting it away for the time being.

“According to Chen Tianhai, although hundreds of years pass in the simulation, only an instant passes in reality.”

“Perhaps it can be used at a crucial moment to find a glimmer of hope.”

“I only hope that in this life, I never have a day when I need to use it.”

Pushing his thoughts aside for now,

Xu Bai solemnly began an important task:

Writing his last will.

As the saying goes, 'Plan for defeat before engaging in battle.'

This world was full of crises, and even though Li Fan had made many preparations, he wasn't certain of victory.

What if...

What if he failed to escape the influence of Mr. Bai's resurrection?

And ultimately died, replaced by him?

Then, given Li Fan's nature, how could he be content with that?

“If I die, the existence of the 'Return to Truth' artifact shall be spread throughout the world.”

“You want to replace me? Even if I'm dead, you won't have an easy time!”

A grim expression flickered across Xu Bai's face.

One could imagine that if the cultivators of the Xuanhuang Realm learned of the existence of an artifact like 'Return to Truth' in the world,

Even if its next holder were an existence comparable to an Immortal Venerable, they would never know peace again.

This was Li Fan's ultimate trump card.

It would only be activated after Li Fan's consciousness was completely annihilated.

But if Li Fan fortunately prevailed, these items would be destroyed at his whim.