My longevity simulation

Li Fan instinctively took a slight step back.

He only relaxed after ensuring, through the Heart of the Spiritwood, that he still held absolute control over the life and death of the Spirit Tree.

The spiritual pressure of the Tree Spirit continued to rise—Nascent Soul, Soul Transformation…

It wasn’t until it reached a level comparable to Dao Integration that it finally stopped.

“A colossal tree-born spirit—it is essentially the manifestation of the Heavenly Dao of the Spiritwood Realm.”

“If the Heavenly Dao truly had sentience, then a cave-heaven world would be equivalent to the Nascent Soul realm, while a small world’s level would range from Soul Transformation to Dao Integration depending on its scale.”

“Under normal circumstances, given the foundation of the Spiritwood Realm, it would be nearly impossible for a Tree Spirit to attain Dao Integration strength. However, with Shang Tianci continuously transporting the wondrous essence of Xuanhuang into this realm, it has undergone a form of ascension.”

“It’s similar to how Mr. Bai previously created a miniature Xuanhuang Realm with his bare hands—except Shang Tianci accomplished it through pure replication.”

As Li Fan contemplated, the gathering of green light from all directions gradually ceased.

A figure, with a body nearly indistinguishable from that of a human, appeared before him.

Her form was exquisite and curvaceous, similar to the leader of the Treefolk Clan, with distinctly feminine characteristics.

Li Fan glanced at her and, with a mere thought, used the Heart of the Spiritwood to clothe her.

The Tree Spirit did not resist.

Instead, she curiously examined the garments that had suddenly appeared on her body.

Although her gaze carried a certain innocence, it was by no means ignorant.

Born as a natural spirit and inheriting all of the Spirit Tree’s memories, what she lacked compared to ordinary cultivators was merely experience in interpersonal interactions.

“Even though she has already surpassed me in strength, because I refined the Heart of the Spiritwood early on, she still remains under my control.”

As this thought crossed Li Fan’s mind, the Tree Spirit, at his mere will, gracefully knelt before him.

For a Dao Integration cultivator to kneel before a mere Golden Core cultivator—anywhere in the world, this would be considered a grave humiliation.

Yet the Tree Spirit showed no trace of anger.

“Master.” She addressed Li Fan naturally.

The creations of Heaven and Earth are inherently pure—they do not possess the deceitful, scheming nature of humans.

Especially in their infancy, they have no concept of hiding their emotions.

Li Fan observed her carefully, ensuring that her submission was genuine before he nodded in satisfaction.

“Since you have taken human form, you should have a name of your own.”

“From now on, you shall be called Lin Ling.”

As he spoke, Li Fan reached out and tapped Lin Ling’s forehead.

A moment later, a red mark appeared between her brows.

“Thank you, Master.” Lin Ling was overjoyed to have a name. She bowed to Li Fan once more, repeating the name over and over again.

“She has yet to develop a sense of hierarchy in power. Thus, calling someone weaker than her ‘Master’ does not bother her in the slightest.”

“But as she grows and experiences more of the world, that may change.”

“However, breaking free from the restraint of the Heart of the Spiritwood will not be an easy feat.”

Li Fan carefully examined the faint connection between himself and Lin Ling, deep in thought.

For the next period of time, Lin Ling demonstrated to Li Fan the immense power she wielded as the incarnation of the Heavenly Dao within the Spiritwood Realm.

She could effortlessly manipulate all the forces of this miniature world and always in the most efficient way possible.

With her help, Shang Tianci’s “transportation” efforts became several times easier.

Lin Ling, however, did not see it as a burdensome task. On the contrary, she seemed to be having great fun.

Her pure and carefree expression deeply captivated the young man, Shang Tianci.

As an incarnation of the Heavenly Dao, Lin Ling’s beauty was naturally beyond words—her flawless face had not a single imperfection, and every smile and frown carried an unparalleled charm.

Shang Tianci was utterly mesmerized, unable to look away.

“S-Senior…” After Lin Ling finished her work and was sent off to play elsewhere by Li Fan, Shang Tianci hesitantly approached him, his face flushed.

“Heh, good work.” Li Fan patted Shang Tianci’s shoulder with a knowing smile.

He did not make any promises, but Shang Tianci instantly looked as if he had been injected with a surge of boundless energy.

“Senior, the extraordinary scenery of Xuanhuang that I stored in my Heavenly Scene Gourd has almost been fully replicated. So, I’d like to return to the Xuanhuang Realm to record some other scenes.”

“Perfect timing. I can also try persuading some others from the Shanhe Pavilion to come along.” He volunteered himself.

Seeing his initiative, Li Fan had no reason to refuse.

However, to be cautious, he gifted him a jade pendant to serve as a medium for deploying [Formless Killing Intent].

Only then did he allow him to leave.

After calculating the time, it seemed that he had left the Five Elders Association waiting long enough.

With that in mind, Li Fan leisurely exited the Spiritwood Realm as well.

What he didn’t expect was that upon seeing him leave, Lin Ling also wanted to follow.

“You can leave this place?” Li Fan asked in surprise.

“Master, don’t worry. It’s no problem.” Lin Ling nodded firmly.

“However, I might not be as free outside as I am at home,” she added.

A free Dao Integration-level bodyguard—how could Li Fan possibly refuse?

When the two arrived at the Xuanhuang Realm, Li Fan immediately observed any changes in her condition.

“She’s still somewhat affected… Her actual combat power is slightly weaker than a true Dao Integration cultivator.”

“But she’s still far stronger than an ordinary Soul Transformation cultivator.”

Li Fan nodded to himself.

With Lin Ling by his side, he flew toward the direction of Jiushan Prefecture.

Not long after they set off, Lin Ling suddenly asked, “Master, why don’t we travel underground? Flying in the sky is so slow.”

Li Fan was momentarily stunned.

“Underground? What do you mean?”

Lin Ling widened her eyes, looking at Li Fan.

She opened her mouth as if to explain, but after a long moment, she couldn’t find the right words.

After a while, she suddenly slapped her forehead and transmitted an image into Li Fan’s mind.

In an instant, Li Fan understood what she meant.

“Earth vein energy?”

“You can use the power of the earth veins to travel?” He couldn’t help but ask.

“Master, you can’t?” Lin Ling looked at him in surprise.

Seeing Li Fan remain silent, Lin Ling thought for a moment before reassuring him, “It’s okay, Master. I think I can take you along.”

Sensing the connection, she didn’t seem to be lying.

After hesitating for a moment, Li Fan slowly nodded. “Then let’s give it a try.”

“Alright, Master! Hold on to me!” Seeing him agree, Lin Ling became visibly excited.

A layer of green light emerged around her body as she grabbed hold of Li Fan.

Then, in a sudden motion, she dove straight from the sky into the depths of the earth.

Li Fan’s vision went black at first.

Then, it felt as if he had plunged into a raging river—surrounded by surging, earth-yellow energy.

The immense pressure made it difficult for him to breathe.

But Lin Ling, on the other hand, moved as effortlessly as a fish in water.

Not only was she able to maneuver with ease, but she also seemed capable of continuously drawing from the endless power of the earth veins to strengthen herself.

Excitedly shouting along the way, she surged forward, riding the currents of the earth veins.

In less than half the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the two had already arrived at Jiushan Prefecture.