After listening to Qing's explanation, Li Fan carefully observed the entire operational process of the hourglass-like device once more.
A faint trace of delight arose in his heart.
Under the pressure of their nation's fall and the threat of extinction, the people of this empire had indeed unleashed an unimaginable potential.
Even Li Fan had not expected that they could create such a nearly flawless device.
Even with his current discerning eyes, it was difficult to find any true flaw in this construct.
"This kind of spirit beast and the hourglass device still lack names," Qing said respectfully. "Please, Senior, grant them names."
After speaking, Qing subtly gestured with her eyes. The imperial princess bowed deeply and spoke softly.
Li Fan chuckled.
Even though he clearly understood their intentions, he was still rather pleased by their respect.
Un homme entre dans un magasin pour de l'eau et gagne 100 000 $SuiteAfter a brief moment of contemplation, Li Fan had his answer.
"When heaven and earth first opened, they divided into yin and yang," he said slowly.
"Yin and yang merged, giving birth to all things."
"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 the myriad beings…"
"This spirit beast shall be named Dao-One Insect."
"As for this device…"
Li Fan paused for a moment, then declared solemnly, "It shall be called Heaven and Earth Furnace!"
The three imperial women exchanged glances, eyes filled with joy.
"Thank you for bestowing the names, Senior!" they said in unison.
Afterward, Li Fan continued to inquire into more details regarding the Heaven and Earth Furnace.
Forging the furnace itself was not particularly difficult.
As long as resources were sufficient, producing tens of thousands of furnaces in a single day would not be a problem.
One simply needed to introduce a portion of Dao-One Insects into a newly forged, empty furnace, infuse it with nutrients, and wait ten days.
The Heaven and Earth Furnace would then continuously generate spiritual energy.
"The only potential risk," Qing explained, "is that during self-replication, the Dao-One Insects may undergo mutation."
"The probability of mutation is extremely low, and the direction of change unpredictable. But in any case, such mutations would cause the Heaven and Earth Furnace to malfunction." ɽä𐌽𝐎BĚŠ
"Moreover, since the Dao-One Insects have been selectively bred to an extremely simple structure, any mutated variant would naturally surpass them in adaptability. Hence, the original strain would inevitably be replaced."
"To ensure that the Dao-One Insects remain in their optimal spiritual energy–producing state, any sign of mutation within a furnace must be met with immediate and total extermination."
"It is also advised to maintain multiple cultivated backups of the original Dao-One strain to prevent a large-scale mutation or extinction event."
Indeed, there was no such thing as a perfect creation in this world.
Even after hundreds of generations of refinement, this flaw within the Dao-One Insects could not be fully eliminated.
However, compared to the immense benefits they brought, such flaws were nearly negligible.
At worst, the furnaces would need periodic replacement.
"In fact," Li Fan thought to himself, "this can hardly be called a flaw at all."
"If the furnaces are sealed through secret arts so that outsiders cannot open them, then after a certain period they will naturally fail. To use them again, one must seek new furnaces…"
"Is this not the perfect means of control?"
"Even if this is spread across countless small worlds, it would greatly reduce the risk of loss of control."
In a flash, Li Fan deduced countless possible outcomes, his inner joy growing stronger.
Yet not a trace of it showed on his face.
Gathering several Heaven and Earth Furnaces into his sleeve, Li Fan turned his gaze toward the three imperial women.
A suffocating silence followed.
"Very good."
"I am very satisfied with your performance this time."
"Our Federation of All World has always been strict in its rewards and punishments. You have rendered great merit this time. How could such contributions go unrewarded?"
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"From today onward, your Empire shall officially become a member of the Federation of All World."
As he spoke, an illusory projection of a Faceless Stone Statue appeared before the three women.
Guiding them to complete their oath before the statue, Li Fan then transmitted to them the secret art known as Divine Descent Body.
"With the protection of a demon god, it will be enough to handle all kinds of crises that may arise within your Empire."
The three women all possessed extraordinary talent. Under Li Fan's supervision, in just a short moment, each of them successfully summoned their own respective Divine Demon.
Feeling the powerful aura emitted by these beings, the three could not help but feel pleasantly surprised.
"This is only the most basic of rewards. When I return and report our accomplishments, the Federation will issue further rewards."
"These include, but are not limited to, enhancements to your cultivation, and material support for your Empire."
"If the opportunity arises, you may even be permitted to visit the headquarters of the Federation."
Li Fan spoke lightly, painting an enticing vision before them.
"Also, since you were the ones who developed the Heaven and Earth Furnace within your small world, the Federation grants you the privilege to first implement and popularize it within your own realm. Furthermore, when other small worlds install their own Heaven and Earth Furnaces, you will receive a proportional share of the corresponding reward distribution."
"These material rewards will be settled every ten years, and delivered directly to your world."
"Although the percentage may not be large, it will be more than enough to upgrade and strengthen your small world."
This was an entirely unexpected fortune. The three imperial women were visibly overjoyed.
"Remember, our Federation never mistreats its own people."
"Anyone who contributes to the Federation shall receive a return a hundredfold, a thousandfold in value."
To further prove his words, Li Fan handed the three imperial women a storage ring.
When Qing peered into the contents of the ring and saw the vast quantity of resources within, her pupils contracted slightly.
She immediately bowed deeply to Li Fan in gratitude.
Li Fan merely waved his hand dismissively, as though it were nothing.
"Your performance this time exceeded my expectations."
"Next, I have another task for you."
From within his storage ring, Li Fan took out a Sky-Patrolling Arrow whose formation engravings had been erased, leaving only the dormant living core within.
"See if you can research this creature's characteristics, and attempt to breed it on a large scale."
"If you can accomplish that, the Federation will greatly reward you."
Li Fan spoke in a deep tone, his expression and voice both revealing the importance he placed on this matter.
Qing carefully received the Sky-Patrolling Arrow, examined it for a moment, and showed a look of surprise.
However, she soon composed herself and said firmly, "I will not fail the senior's trust."
After giving several additional instructions, Li Fan left behind a jade talisman for communication at any time, and quietly departed from the Empire's small world.
Inside the Imperial Palace.
Hong frowned slightly and looked at Xiao Qing. "Qing, this thing seems somewhat familiar, does it not?"
Qing shook her head. "Indeed, it looks a bit like that thing from our sect back then. But we cannot be certain yet. We need to study it further."
After a moment of silence, Hong asked again, "And what do you think of this Federation of All Worlds?"
"Whether we like it or not, we are the fish and they are the knife. What can we do? We can only take one step at a time."
"Besides, from what we've seen so far, they don't seem to be ruthless or evil people."
The Imperial Palace fell silent again.
After a brief pause, as if recalling something, Qing suddenly said, "By the way, the Demon Gods granted to us by that senior..."
"Do not use them unless it is absolutely necessary."
"I have a feeling that there is something strange about them."
Hong and the Imperial Princess both nodded silently.
…
Having already returned to the Xuanhuang Realm, Li Fan, through the divine sense of his Demon God incarnation, sensed the conversation among the three women.
Li Fan let out a cold sneer.