NOVPUBAfter listening to Qing’s introduction, Li Fan carefully observed the complete operation process of the hourglass once more.
He couldn’t help but feel pleasantly surprised.
Under the pressure of nation extinction, the people of the Empire had indeed unleashed an unimaginable potential.
Li Fan hadn’t expected that they could create such a device, one that could be considered perfect.
Even with Li Fan’s critical eye, it was hard to find any shortcomings of the device.
"This Exotic Beast, as well as the hourglass device, currently have no names."
"Please, senior, would you bestow them with names."
After speaking, Qing signaled with her eyes. The Imperial Daughter bowed and then spoke softly.
"Heh heh…" Li Fan chuckled. 𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙥𝒖𝒃.𝙘𝙤𝒎
Even though he was aware of their ulterior motives, Li Fan was extremely pleased at the moment.
After a moment’s contemplation, Li Fan had his answer.
"As it is said, when Heaven and Earth first split, there was Yin and Yang."
"Yin and Yang combined to evolve all things."
"And as it is said, from the Tao came one, from one came two, from two came three, and from three came all things…"
"This Exotic Beast, shall be named [Dao Yi Bug]."
"This device…"
Li Fan paused briefly, and then said aloud, "Shall be named [Heaven and Earth Furnace]!"
The three ladies of the Empire exchanged looks, their eyes full of surprise and delight.
"Thank you, senior, for bestowing the names!" they said in unison.
Li Fan then learned more details about the [Heaven and Earth Furnace].
Crafting the furnace itself was not difficult.
Given sufficient resources, producing tens of thousands of furnaces per day was entirely possible.
One simply needed to lead a portion of the [Dao Yi Bugs] into a new empty furnace, infuse it with nutrients, and wait for ten days.
The Heaven and Earth Furnace would then continuously produce Spiritual Energy.
"The only potential danger is that the Dao Yi Bugs could undergo mutations during the self-replication process."
"The chances of a mutation are extremely small, and the direction is unpredictable. But regardless, it will cause the Heaven and Earth Furnace to malfunction."
"Furthermore, since the Dao Yi Bugs have now been selectively bred to an extremely simple structure, they’re not competitive against any mutated forms. Thus, they are always replaced by these newly evolved mutants."
"To ensure that the Dao Yi Bugs remain in the optimal state for producing Spiritual Energy, one must thoroughly exterminate any mutants found in the furnace as soon as they are detected."
"Also, it is advised to back up and cultivate multiple prime versions of the Dao Yi Bug to prevent any large-scale mutations or extinction events."
…
It must be said that there is no such thing as perfection in this world.
Even after hundreds of generations of improvement, this flaw of the Dao Yi Bug still has not been eliminated.
But then again, compared to the benefits they can bring, these drawbacks can be almost entirely disregarded.
It’s merely a matter of replacing the Heaven and Earth Furnaces from time to time.
"In fact, they can’t even be considered as flaws."
"Seal the furnaces with a Secret Technique, making them inaccessible for outsiders. Every once in a while, the furnaces will become inactive. Those who want to use them again will have to seek new furnaces…"
"Isn’t this a perfect control mechanism?"
"Even if it is promoted to the Minor Worlds of Heaven, it could significantly reduce the risk of losing control."
In an instant, Li Fan extrapolated various possible outcomes, and his heart swelled with joy.
Yet, he did not show any emotion on his face.
After collecting several Heaven and Earth Furnaces, Li Fan turned to look at the three ladies of the Empire.
After a breath-taking silence.
"Very good!"
"I am very satisfied with your performance this time!"
"At the United Federation of All Realms, we always have clear rewards and punishments. Having made such a great contribution this time, how could you not be rewarded?"
"From this day forth, your Empire officially becomes a member of the United Federation of All Realms,"
he said, as the phantom of a Faceless Stone Statue emerged in front of the three women.
After leading them through the oath before the Stone Statue, Li Fan then imparted the [Descent of the Divine] technique.
"With the protection of demon gods, you will be well equipped to deal with the various crises that typically arise in your Empire."
All three women had exceptional talents, and under the witness of Li Fan, it took merely a moment before each summoned their own respective divine demon.
Feeling the formidable aura of the divine demons, the three couldn’t help but feel a bit of surprise and excitement.
"This is merely the most basic of rewards. Once I return and report the gains of this venture, the Union will issue many more rewards."
"These include, but are not limited to, enhancements to your Cultivation Base and material support for the Empire, among others."
"If possible, you might even have the honor of visiting the headquarters of the Union."
Li Fan calmly sketched out the grand picture.
"Moreover, as the developers of the Heaven and Earth Furnace in the Minor World, the Union allows you to first implement it across your own Small World. Furthermore, when other Small Worlds install the Heaven and Earth Furnace, you will also receive a corresponding reward share."
"The corresponding reward materials will be settled every ten years and delivered directly to you here."
"Although the proportion might not be large, it’s definitely sufficient to upgrade and enhance this Small World of yours."
This was an unexpected windfall, and the three members of the Empire were even more delighted.
"Remember, our Union never undercompensates its own people."
"Anyone who contributes to the Union will receive a thousandfold return."
As if to prove his point, Li Fan then handed the three women of the Empire a Storage Ring.
When Qing looked closely at the materials contained within the Storage Ring, her pupils contracted.
She quickly bowed to express her gratitude to Li Fan.
Li Fan waved his hand, unconcerned.
"Your performance this time was even better than I expected."
"Next, I have another task for you."
Li Fan took the Sky Patrol Arrow from the Storage Ring, its surface Array Technique wiped clean, leaving only the core dormant creature.
"See if you can study the traits of this creature and accomplish its large-scale breeding."
"If you can achieve this, the Union will have great rewards for you!"
Li Fan said with a grave voice.
In his expression and tone, the importance he placed on this item was evident.
Qing earnestly took the Sky Patrol Arrow, observing it for a moment, her face showing surprise.
But she quickly affirmed, "We will not fail the expectations of our senior!"
After discussing some related matters, Li Fan left behind a Jade Talisman, implying they could communicate at any time, and then
he quietly exited the Empire Minor World.
Inside the Imperial Palace.
With slightly furrowed brows, Hong turned to Qing, "Qing, this thing seems a bit familiar, doesn’t it?"
Qing shook her head, "It indeed resembles that thing from our sect years ago. But we can’t be certain at the moment. It requires further study."
After a moment of silence, Hong asked again, "And the United Federation of All Realms... what do you make of them?"
"When others hold the knife and we are the fish on the chopping board, what can we do? We can only take it one step at a time and see."
"Moreover, from their actions so far, they don’t seem to be wicked to the core."
The Imperial Palace fell quiet for a while.
As if remembering something, Qing suddenly said, "Speaking of the demon gods the senior granted us..."
"Unless absolutely necessary, do not use them."
"I always feel there is something strange about them."
Both Hong and the Imperial Daughter nodded silently.
...
Having returned to the Xuanhuang World, Li Fan, through his demon god’s incarnate consciousness, sensed the ladies’ conversation.
Li Fan let out a cold laugh.
