NOVPUBChapter 318
If only I could borrow the Returning Origin Mirror to examine it, Li Su mused. The Returning Origin Mirror was the Taoist tool in the possession of the Returning Origin Sect’s leader. Tens of thousands of years ago, the Returning Origin Sect’s leader used the Returning Origin Mirror to unleash the power of the heavens and earth, causing the North Sea to boil and devastating its foundations, region by region.
However, the Returning Origin Sect’s leader had been in seclusion, and Li Su couldn’t borrow the Returning Origin Mirror. Even though he couldn’t borrow it, there was a set of notes within the Returning Origin Sect, written by an alchemist during the crafting of the Returning Origin Mirror. This alchemist had been brought to the Returning Origin Sect at a considerable expense. These notes, in Li Su’s hands, could prove useful.
Li Su began sketching the blueprints and preparations for the crafting process. He intended to start crafting a portion first and, in case of material shortages, continue once he acquired the necessary components. This crafting process consumed a significant amount of his time, not to mention the numerous blueprints he had to create.
The Taoist tool itself wasn’t very large, but its internal structure was intricate, with a one-cubic-centimeter area containing patterns resembling a large city. Such a small area required Li Su to draw several blueprints, resembling the process of manufacturing microchips. The complexity of crafting a Taoist tool also lay in its connection to the “Dao” and the power of the heavens and earth.
Each strike from a Taoist tool carried a tremendous amount of power. Only other Taoist tools could effectively counter these attacks. Apart from Taoist tools, there were Taoist symbols and similar objects, such as the two Nascent Souls sent by the woman, and there was even a Taoist symbol. Given the strength of the two Nascent Souls, they wouldn’t have been able to obtain the Taoist symbol on their own. The woman provided the Taoist symbol to counter potential interference from the Immortal Sects of the Canglan Realm.
Without using a Taoist tool, breaking through the Elemental Magnetic Barrier within a certain period was practically impossible. It was the Taoist symbol that allowed those two alchemists to bypass the Elemental Magnetic Barrier. Even though Li Su possessed remarkable formation skills, it took him over a year to complete the blueprints because he had never crafted a Taoist tool before.
With the design blueprint in hand, the next step was to commence crafting. Li Su initiated the process, and as anticipated, it took him slightly over two years to exhaust his materials. The required components for the Taoist tool remained exceptionally rare. Throughout this period, Li Su didn’t craft continuously, occasionally spending time with his concubines and engaging in other activities.
While achieving the Fusion stage was a significant milestone, further enhancing his strength remained a desirable goal. However, Li Su has recently been dedicating his focus to crafting the Taoist tool. After four years of effort, the Taoist tool was now halfway complete and functional—an impressive accomplishment.
“This will do,” Li Su said. He activated the Taoist tool, finding it satisfactory. Under the same level of force, it displayed considerably more power than an excellent Treasured Taoist tool. Over these four years, everything remained calm. The East Sea aquatic clans refrained from launching another attack on the West Sea or the North Sea, possibly consolidating their position in the South Sea.
Li Su presumed they needed time, suggesting that the current East Sea aquatic clans hadn’t reached overwhelming strength. If the South Sea Queen’s speculations were accurate, they might not be confident enough to provoke a war with humanity at this moment. Regardless of Ruowei’s speculations, it was evident that the ambitions of the East Sea aquatic clans were significant.
“Husband, several long-standing second-tier demon sects in the Demon Saint Realm are acting strangely. They might be planning to make a move against you,” conveyed Mystic Moon, breaking her silence after several years of seclusion.
These demon cultivators, from second-tier demon sects, seemed persistently interested in him. Li Su pondered what drew their attention. Upon receiving Mystic Moon’s message, he contacted his family and discreetly arranged for the Li family members in Luo City to relocate to Mangkang Mountain in small groups.
Having established cavern mansions in Mangkang Mountain, Li Su could accommodate several million Li family members. This precautionary measure was taken in case of emergencies, considering demon cultivators’ tendency to disregard rules. Mangkang Mountain’s Elemental Magnetic Barrier made them wary, a strategic advantage Li Su had used in confrontations with enemies.
Preparedness was crucial, as demon cultivators might target his descendants first to lure him near Luo City before launching an attack. Despite his strength, Li Su couldn’t allow others to harm his flesh and blood. He extended this caution to the Water Moon Sect, instructing its members, mostly his concubines, to move to Mangkang Mountain.
With preparations complete, Li Su remained vigilant. Once his family and the Water Moon Sect had relocated, he received a message from the sect leader’s aunt. “Li Su, the people of that woman are likely on the move. I cannot be certain, but the possibility is significant. The Saintess, aboard a flying vessel from the Purple Gold Sacred Land, passed through the passage to the Canglan Realm. They’re likely headed this way. The woman from the Eastern Family should be on her way!”
