Chapter 944: 万界显雏形

After listening to Qing's explanation, Li Fan carefully observed the complete operation of the hourglass. He couldn't help but feel a pleasant surprise. Under the immense pressure of their nation's demise, the people of the empire had indeed unleashed unimaginable potential. Li Fan hadn't expected them to create such a seemingly perfect device; even with his current discerning eye, it was difficult to find any flaws in it.

"This strange beast and the hourglass device currently have no names," Qing said. With a subtle glance from Qing, the Empress bowed respectfully and then softly added, "We ask Senior to kindly bestow names upon them."

"Heh heh..." Li Fan chuckled. Even though he understood their subtle intentions, Li Fan found himself quite pleased at that moment. After a moment of contemplation, Li Fan had an answer. "It is said that when heaven and earth first opened, they divided into Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang combine to give rise to all things. And it is also said, 'The Dao gives birth to one, one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, and three gives birth to all things...'" Li Fan paused slightly, then declared loudly, "This strange beast can be named 'Dao Yi Worm,' and this device can be named 'Heaven and Earth Crucible!'"

The three imperial women exchanged glances, their eyes filled with pleasant surprise. "Thank you for bestowing the names, Senior!" they said in unison.

Li Fan then learned more details about the Heaven and Earth Crucible. The forging of the crucible itself was not difficult. With sufficient resources, producing tens of thousands of crucibles daily was effortlessly achievable. One only needed to transfer some Dao Yi Worms into a new, empty crucible, supply nutrients, and wait ten days. The Heaven and Earth Crucible could then continuously generate spiritual energy.

"The only potential hidden danger is that the Dao Yi Worms may mutate during their self-propagation," Qing explained. "The probability of mutation is extremely small, and the direction is uncertain. However, any mutation will cause the Heaven and Earth Crucible to malfunction. Furthermore, because the Dao Yi Worms have now been selectively bred to an extremely simple structure, any mutant variants lack competitiveness compared to them. Thus, they will always be replaced by these newly emerged mutants. To ensure the Dao Yi Worms always maintain their optimal spiritual energy output, any mutated individuals found within a crucible must be completely eliminated. It is also recommended to cultivate multiple backups of the original Dao Yi Worm strain to prevent large-scale mutations or extinction events."

It must be said that nothing in this world is perfect. Even after hundreds of generations of improvements, this flaw in the Dao Yi Worms could never be completely eliminated. However, compared to the benefits they provided, these drawbacks were almost negligible. It merely meant that the Heaven and Earth Crucibles would need to be replaced periodically.

"In fact, it can't even be considered a flaw," Li Fan mused inwardly. "If the crucibles are sealed with secret methods, outsiders cannot open them. After a certain period, a crucible will cease to function. To use it again, one would need to acquire a new one... Isn't this a perfect means of control? Even if it's promoted across the myriad small worlds, it would significantly reduce the risk of loss of control."

In an instant, Li Fan deduced various possible outcomes, and his inner joy intensified. Yet, he showed no trace of it on his face.

After putting away several Heaven and Earth Crucibles, Li Fan looked at the three imperial women. Following a suffocating silence, he spoke. "Excellent! I am very pleased with your performance this time! Our Myriad Worlds Alliance has always been clear about rewards and punishments. Since you have rendered such great service, how can you not be rewarded? From today onwards, your empire will officially become a member of the Myriad Worlds Alliance."

As he spoke, a phantom image of a faceless stone statue appeared before the three women. He guided them to complete their oath before the statue, and then Li Fan imparted the method of divine possession. "With the protection of a demon god, you will be able to handle various crises that may arise in your empire in the future." The three women all possessed exceptional talent. Under Li Fan's observation, it was only a moment before each of them summoned their own divine demon. Feeling the powerful aura of the divine demons, they couldn't help but feel a sense of pleasant surprise.

"This is merely the most basic reward. Once I return and report on this achievement, the Alliance will issue many more rewards," Li Fan continued. "These will include, but are not limited to, improvements to your cultivation and material support for the empire, among other things. If possible, you may even have the honor of visiting the Alliance headquarters." Li Fan nonchalantly painted a grand picture for them.

"Oh, and as the small world that developed the Heaven and Earth Crucible, the Alliance permits you to be the first to popularize it within your own small world. Furthermore, when Heaven and Earth Crucibles are deployed in other small worlds, you will receive a corresponding share of the rewards. The relevant reward materials will be settled once every ten years and delivered directly to you. While the proportion won't be excessively large, it will certainly be enough to develop and upgrade your small world here." This was a completely unexpected gain, and the three imperial individuals were visibly overjoyed.

"Remember, our Alliance never treats its own people unfairly. Anyone who contributes to the Alliance will receive a thousandfold or even a hundredfold return." As if to prove his words, Li Fan handed a storage ring to the three imperial women. When Qing clearly saw the materials contained within the storage ring, her pupils contracted. She quickly bowed deeply to Li Fan in thanks. Li Fan waved his hand dismissively, not taking it to heart.

"Your performance this time was even better than I anticipated," Li Fan said. "Next, I have another task for you." From his storage ring, Li Fan took out the Sky-Patrolling Arrow, whose surface arrays had been erased, leaving only its dormant living core. "See if you can research the characteristics of this creature and achieve its large-scale propagation. If you can accomplish this, the Alliance will reward you generously!" Li Fan stated gravely. Both his expression and tone revealed the importance he placed on this item.

Qing solemnly accepted the Sky-Patrolling Arrow, observed it for a moment, and showed a look of surprise. Nevertheless, she quickly affirmed, "We will not fail Senior's trust!" After explaining some related matters and leaving behind a jade slip for constant communication, Li Fan quietly departed the imperial small world.

Inside the Imperial Palace, Hong looked at Qing, her brows slightly furrowed. "Qing, this thing seems a bit familiar?"

Qing shook her head. "It does bear some resemblance to that item from our sect back then. However, it's too early to be certain. Further research is needed." After a brief silence, Hong asked again, "Then, about the Myriad Worlds Alliance... what's your take on them?"

"When others are the knife and we are the fish, what can we do?" Qing sighed. "We can only take one step at a time and see how things unfold. Moreover, based on their current behavior, they don't seem to be truly malicious."

A short silence fell over the Imperial Palace again. As if remembering something, Qing suddenly said, "Oh, about the demon god Senior bestowed upon us... Do not use it unless absolutely necessary. I have a strange feeling about it." Both Hong and the Empress nodded silently.

Li Fan, who had already returned to the Xuanhuang Realm, sensed the women's conversation through his demon god avatar. He smiled coldly.