Primordial Era: Reborn as a Qi Immortal, Steadily Cultivating

Chapter 160 Battle of Wits with Zhao Gongming (4.2K)

On the Three Immortal Islands, within the Qionghua Palace, ethereal mists swirl, exuding a natural Taoist charm.

Four figures with auras as deep as the sea sat facing each other on a futon carved from ten-thousand-year-old cold jade, discussing the Dao in peace.

The leader was a female fairy dressed in an apricot-yellow palace gown.

Her face was serene and exquisitely beautiful, and her aura was one with the Dao of Heaven and Earth.

It was none other than the Cloud Fairy, the head of the Three Immortal Realms.

Beside her were Qiongxiao, dressed in a blue phoenix robe, with a lively and carefree personality, and Bixiao, dressed in a red cloud robe, with a hint of naivety between her brows.

Opposite the three men stood a dignified Taoist priest dressed in a black robe.

His face was resolute, his body was robust, and the sounds of dragons roaring and tigers howling could be faintly heard around him.

This person was none other than a top-tier expert who had already attained the Great Luo Dao Fruit at Luofu Cave on Mount Emei.

Zhao Gongming!
Since the six sages returned to their positions, his understanding of the laws of heaven and earth has become increasingly clear.

She would often emerge from Luofu Cave and come to this Three Immortal Islands to sit and discuss the Dao with her three sisters, who were already like family, and verify each other's understanding.

At this moment, the four of them are verifying each other's insights and understandings on the Great Dao.

The air was filled with Taoist chants, and lotus flowers bloomed in the void—a truly celestial scene.

It was at this moment that Ma Yuan's Daoist voice entered Qionghua Palace through the island's protective array.

"Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan!"

The most lively and unrestrained fairy, Bixiao, upon hearing this familiar name that she had not seen for countless millennia, was overjoyed.

His clear eyes were instantly filled with uncontrollable joy!

"Big sister! It's Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan who's come to see us!"

Fairy Qiongxiao also showed a happy expression.

The previously cool expression on his face softened into a gentle smile.

Their impression of this mysterious Daoist friend, who had once sat and discussed Daoist principles on the island and whose words and insights far surpassed those of ordinary great beings, was already extremely positive.

Throughout these countless years of arduous practice, I often thought of this person in my spare time.

I never imagined that we would meet again here today!
Without the slightest hesitation, the two leaped up from the futon, transforming into two streaks of light, eager to joyfully run out of the formation and personally greet their old friend who had come from afar.

However, it was at this moment that the most meticulous fairy, Yunxiao, appeared.

Without warning, he raised his right hand and gently blocked the void.

"My two sisters, wait a moment."

Yunxiao's voice remained gentle, but her beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly at this moment.

"Elder sister, what are you doing? Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan has come from afar, and we should personally greet him to avoid being impolite."

Bixiao asked, puzzled, her face full of doubt.

Yunxiao did not answer immediately.

She simply closed her beautiful eyes slowly, her slender fingers forming a mysterious hand seal in front of her.

They were trying to deduce the current state of their old friend's spiritual cultivation from the unseen forces.

Then the next moment!
On Yunxiao's otherwise calm and beautiful face, an unprecedented look of surprise suddenly appeared!
In her deduction.

All the secrets related to Ma Yuan turned into an unfathomable chaotic void!

It was as if this person did not exist in this primordial world at all!

It was as if he had already transcended the workings of the heavens and was no longer part of the river of fate!

"This...how is this possible!"

Even with Yunxiao's current calm and composed Dao heart, he couldn't help but feel a huge wave of emotion at this moment!

"What strange Taoist magic..." Yunxiao thought to himself.
"It's only been a few eons since we last met. What earth-shattering changes have happened to this Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan?"

She couldn't understand it at all; although Ma Yuan was once known for his exceptional speech and insight, he was still a man of great talent and wisdom.

Yet he ultimately remained within the Taiyi realm.

Furthermore, she knew that Ma Yuan was a rogue cultivator with an ordinary background, and that his breakthrough to Taiyi was mostly due to a great opportunity.

In terms of true foundation, they are far inferior to those with extraordinary backgrounds and innate divine beings.

Unexpectedly, Ma Yuan has undergone such a terrifying transformation, a complete metamorphosis.

It was at this moment that Zhao Gongming, who had been quietly observing from the side, slowly stood up from the futon.

He looked at his two younger sisters, who were already impatient.

A hint of curiosity crept onto his otherwise magnanimous face.

"My two sisters, who exactly is this Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan? Why are you so concerned about him?"

He had already heard that his younger sister had befriended a mysterious rogue cultivator with profound cultivation and a similar temperament on the East Sea.

He already felt a sense of gratitude.

However, as the elder brother, he couldn't help but harbor a slight sense of scrutiny.

I want to see for myself what kind of extraordinary person this is, who can earn such high praise from even my two proud and arrogant sisters.

Seeing this, Yunxiao slowly withdrew his supernatural powers and smiled calmly at Zhao Gongming:

“Brother, come with us and you will see for yourself.”

Having said that, she flicked her sleeve.

The protective array surrounding the Three Immortal Islands, powerful enough to instill fear in even ordinary Great Luo Golden Immortals, quietly parted to the sides, creating a wide passage for them.

Ma Yuan stood calmly outside the fairy island.

The great formation was seen to have opened.

Three stunningly beautiful figures, each with unparalleled elegance, emerged together with a Taoist priest in a black robe exuding a bold and domineering aura.

"Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan, it has been several eons since we last met, yet you remain as dashing as ever!"

Fairy Yunxiao smiled gracefully, her voice as gentle as water, and bowed to Ma Yuan.

Ma Yuan smiled calmly and returned the greeting with neither arrogance nor servility.

"The three fairies have also made great progress in their cultivation, and their charm is even better than before. This is truly a cause for celebration."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Yunxiao introduced Ma Yuan to the magnanimous Taoist priest beside him.

"Fellow Daoist, this is my elder brother, Zhao Gongming."

"I have long admired your name, Fellow Daoist. Meeting you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved." Zhao Gongming laughed loudly, his voice as clear as a bell, and bowed respectfully to Ma Yuan.

His gaze was filled with undisguised scrutiny and curiosity.

"Fellow Daoist Gongming, you are too kind. I am but a wandering cultivator from the mountains, how could I have such a great name?" Ma Yuan replied calmly with a smile.

After the greetings were exchanged, the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

Yunxiao immediately set up another celestial banquet in the Qionghua Palace.

We will treat this old friend who has come from afar to the finest wines and rare fruits that have long since disappeared from the primordial world.

During the meal, Qiongxiao and Bixiao, who were already unable to contain themselves, chirped around Ma Yuan like two cheerful larks, constantly asking him about his travel experiences over the years.

Ma Yuan responded with a smile, only briefly mentioning his travels across the vast and desolate land, where he occasionally gained some insights, but he did not recount his experiences at the East Sea Dragon Palace and the Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

Zhao Gongming, whose face was already flushed from drinking, finally couldn't suppress his curiosity any longer.

Suddenly, he stood up from the futon.

A glint flashed in his tiger-like eyes, and he laughed heartily at Ma Yuan, saying, "Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan!"

"I've heard that you've traveled far and wide and have a wealth of knowledge. I imagine your supernatural abilities must already be extraordinary, far beyond what ordinary experts can match!"

"My siblings and I have lived on this East Sea for a long time, but we are like frogs in a well, looking at the sky from the bottom of a well, and we feel very depressed!"

"How about... the two of us spar here, to verify each other's skills, and then stop when we've reached a point of mutual understanding, what do you say?"

Upon hearing Zhao Gongming's words, the previously harmonious atmosphere in Qionghua Palace suddenly froze.

"Brother!"

The fairy maiden's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly again, and a hint of helplessness flashed in her beautiful eyes.

"Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan has come from afar and is an honored guest. How can you be so abrupt?"

She naturally knew her elder brother Zhao Gongming, whose temperament was always bold, unrestrained, and upright.

He particularly enjoys befriending powerful beings from the primordial era and values ​​loyalty above all else.

However, today's actions seem somewhat abrupt.

After all, this Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan was an old friend who had come from afar, and it was the first time he had met his elder brother.

To propose a duel so hastily is ultimately a breach of etiquette.

However, before she could even try to mediate,

The two fairies, Qiongxiao and Bixiao, who had been watching with great interest, were the first to clap and cheer, as if they wanted to stir up trouble!

"Good! Good!"

Bixiao's pretty face, full of innocent charm, was filled with excitement.

"Brother's magical abilities are already beyond compare, and Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan is also unfathomable. This exchange is sure to be absolutely spectacular!"

Qiongxiao nodded repeatedly from the side, her eyes also filled with anticipation.

They were well aware of their brother's strength; among the Great Luo Golden Immortals of their generation, he was virtually unmatched.

The three sisters were deeply impressed by the breadth of knowledge and the transcendence of his Taoist philosophy that had been discussed with this fellow Daoist Ma Yuan on the Three Immortal Islands in the past.

Now, with her peak Taiyi cultivation, she simply cannot fathom Ma Yuan's true strength.

The battle between these two would be just as exciting as a sage preaching!

Seeing this, Ma Yuan's face remained completely expressionless.

He calmly looked at Zhao Gongming, who was already full of fighting spirit, smiled indifferently, slowly stood up from the futon, and readily agreed.

“Since Brother Gongming has such an elegant interest, I, this humble Daoist, will gladly accompany you.”

"Excellent! Fellow Daoist, you have great spirit!"

Upon seeing Ma Yuan agree, Zhao Gongming immediately threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh!
The laughter was accompanied by the faint sounds of dragons roaring and tigers howling.

Its power was so great that it caused the celestial clouds surrounding the entire Qionghua Palace to tremble violently!

Before long, outside Qionghua Palace, on the vast white jade square already shrouded in celestial mist.

Ma Yuan and Zhao Gongming stood facing each other, a thousand feet apart.

Both of them knew that this was merely a verification of the Daoist techniques, and would end there. Therefore, they did not leave the Three Immortal Islands, but instead created a magical barrier on the plaza.

"Fellow Daoist Ma Yuan, be careful!"

Zhao Gongming was an upright and honest man, and naturally disdained to engage in such sneak attacks.

His voice was as loud as a bell, and it resounded within this barrier!
Before he finished speaking, he suddenly made a hand seal, and his vast magical power, which had already reached the initial stage of the Great Luo realm, suddenly erupted!
"Buzz!!!!"

Suddenly, a dazzling golden divine rope shot into the sky from the auspicious clouds above his head without warning!

Dragon-Binding Rope!
This treasure is a superior-grade innate spiritual treasure that Zhao Gongming was born with. It contains thirty-six innate divine restrictions and is specifically designed to bind immortals and gods.

Its power is so great that it is no less than that of ordinary top-grade innate spiritual treasures!

The rope had barely appeared when it began to grow longer in the wind.

In the blink of an eye, it had transformed into a golden net that blotted out the sky!

The Daoist aura flowed and the laws intertwined, sealing off all the void within the Qionghua Palace in an instant, leaving no way out!
It carried an immense power, enough to imprison a whole region, and descended upon the green-robed Taoist who stood calmly in place!
However, this was a terrifying attack that would make any Grand Luo Golden Immortal of the same realm change color.

Ma Yuan, however, neither dodged nor avoided.

His aura remained as pure and simple as ever, undisturbed, and he had not even activated the most basic protective five-colored divine light.

He simply raised his right hand calmly, extending one slender, white finger.

Facing the countless shadows that had already covered the entire sky, he casually tapped forward.

There was not a trace of earth-shattering magical power fluctuation on his fingertips.

Only a tiny, shimmering phantom of a world, no bigger than a mustard seed, flashed and disappeared from that fingertip!
However, this strange phenomenon was witnessed by Yunxiao, who was watching the battle from the side. Just now, she clearly saw the mustard seed world at Ma Yuan's fingertips, which contained endless rivers, lakes and seas, and three thousand majestic dragon shadows soaring freely within it.

Before Yunxiao could think it through, the strange phenomenon on the white jade square changed again!
An invisible and intangible power, yet seemingly containing the supreme power of the complete cycle of birth and death of a thousand worlds, suddenly descended from Ma Yuan's seemingly ordinary fingertips!

"Buzz!!!!"

That was originally a Dragon-Binding Rope with overwhelming power, enough to bind the primordial spirit and Dao fruit of an ordinary Great Luo Golden Immortal, but the moment it came into contact with this world's great power!

Its forward momentum suddenly came to a standstill in mid-air without any warning!

In the end, it was as if they were completely imprisoned by that invisible spacetime, and could no longer advance even an inch!

"what?!"

Zhao Gongming's once bold and unrestrained face was now instantly filled with disbelief and horror!

He could clearly feel it in that instant just now.

His connection with the primordial spirit of his natal magic treasure, with which he had long been bound by life and death, was forcibly severed by a supreme law power far beyond his comprehension!
It was as if his magic weapon no longer belonged to him.

Instead, it was completely suppressed by the more vast and advanced laws of heaven and earth!

These are terrifying methods that have never been heard of or seen before.

It had long since far exceeded his understanding of the Great Luo Golden Immortal!
"This...how is this possible!"

The three fairy maidens of Sanxiao, standing to the side, also stared wide-eyed at the sight.

They simply couldn't understand how their brother possessed such a supreme treasure capable of imprisoning a Great Luo Immortal.

They were easily suppressed on the spot by this fellow Daoist Ma Yuan with just a casual flick of his finger!

"Brother Gongming, you flatter me."

Ma Yuan smiled calmly and flicked his finger.

The Dragon-Binding Rope, which had already been imprisoned in mid-air, flashed with light.

It transformed into a stream of light and flew back obediently into the hands of Zhao Gongming, who was already dumbfounded.

Zhao Gongming instinctively took the magic weapon.

His mind was still immersed in the endless shock he had just experienced, and he was unable to extricate himself from it for a long time.

“Brother Gongming, it’s my turn.”

Ma Yuan's calm voice rang out again.

He neither used his innate divine power, the Karma Divine Hand, nor the Xuan Yuan Water Control Flag he had just obtained.

He simply turned his palm over calmly.

A precious pearl, no bigger than a longan and entirely blue, was quietly floating in his palm.

It was any one of the thirty-six Sea-Stabilizing Pearls that he had already completely refined and merged into one, and upgraded to an innate supreme treasure!
Ma Yuan did not utter a single word.

He simply tossed the precious pearl lightly forward towards Zhao Gongming, who was already completely out of his mind.

(End of this chapter)