Primordial Era: From the Creation Lotus to the First Disciple of the Three Pure Ones

"stop."

The voice was not loud, yet it seemed to contain the majesty of heaven and earth, clearly reaching the ears of every Taoist boy and the Six-Eared Macaque.

The magical power gathered by the Taoist disciples instantly dissipated, as if they had been choked by an invisible giant hand. They turned their heads in horror to look at the suddenly appearing blue lotus.

Qinglian ignored them and focused her gaze on the golden-haired monkey who was covered in dirt, had dull eyes, but still stood stubbornly.

He tried his best to make his voice sound calm:

"The little monkey over there."

The Six-Eared Macaque raised its head blankly and looked at Qinglian. The Taoist before it had a peaceful and profound aura, completely different from those cultivators who would scold and beat it at the drop of a hat.

But his eyes remained numb; having experienced too many rejections and humiliations, he had long since given up all hope.

"Your name is Liu Er, is that right?" Qinglian asked.

Six-eared mechanically nodded.

"I see you have exceptional potential; you are a promising talent."

Qinglian spoke slowly, and when she looked into Liu Er's lifeless eyes, a very faint ripple appeared because of the long-lost phrase "good seedling".

"But..." Qinglian's tone shifted abruptly, the glimmer of light in Liu Er's eyes instantly dimmed, and a self-deprecating bitter smile even appeared on his lips. Sure enough... it was still...

"However, the Dao Ancestor has spoken the words, 'The Dharma shall not be passed on to six ears.' This is the cause and effect of Heaven, and I dare not easily disobey it." Qinglian's voice carried a hint of helplessness, yet it was also frank.

Liu Er lowered his head even further, and the glimmer of light that had just risen was completely extinguished, leaving only a deeper despair.

"However," Qinglian's tone shifted again, carrying an undeniable firmness, "what the Dao Ancestor said was 'The Dharma is not to be passed on to six ears.' The Dharma refers to the Dao's methods and supernatural powers, the true words of the Great Dao. Although this humble Daoist dares not pass on the Dao's methods and supernatural powers to you, but..."

He stared intently at the Six-Eared Macaque: "If you are willing, I can teach you some combat techniques and body-refining methods for strengthening your body and protecting your life! These are not Taoist methods, but techniques for strengthening the body and protecting life, and should not conflict with the words of the Taoist Ancestor. After I consult my master in the future, perhaps I can find a way to turn things around for you."

boom--!

Like a thunderclap from a clear sky, it exploded in the lifeless heart of the Six-Eared Macaque!

He suddenly raised his head, and his previously dull and lifeless eyes now burst forth with an unbelievable, blinding light, like a dying man grasping at a last straw! His body trembled violently with extreme excitement!

"My... Immortal... are you... are you telling the truth?!"

Liu Er's voice was hoarse like a broken gong, tinged with sobs, filled with disbelief and ecstasy, and a cautious desire for confirmation.

He sought apprenticeship countless times, kneeling before countless temple gates, only to be met with cold rejection, merciless mockery, and even vicious expulsion! No one… no one ever offered to teach him! Not even… combat techniques!

"I am Qinglian, the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones of Kunlun Mountain. I always keep my word; how could I speak lightly to you?"

Qinglian announced her name, both to give Liu Er confidence and to intimidate the few doubtful young Daoists.

Kunlun Mountain! Sanqing! First Disciple!

These words struck like a heavy hammer, turning the young Taoist disciples pale. They knelt on the ground with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly: "We were blind and ignorant, unaware that you were a disciple of the Three Pure Ones! We have offended you, Immortal! Please forgive us! Please forgive us!"

They were terrified. They had almost beaten the monkey that the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones had his eye on right in front of him? That was practically courting death!

Qinglian didn't even glance at them, simply waving her hand dismissively. The young Taoists, as if granted a pardon, scrambled back to their cave and slammed the stone door shut behind them.

At this moment, the Six-Eared Macaque saw nothing but the figure before him who claimed to be the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones and was willing to give him a glimmer of hope!

With a "thud," he slammed his knees heavily onto the hard rock, prostrating himself before Qinglian, his forehead pressed against the ground, his voice filled with tearful excitement and boundless piety:

"Six Ears is willing! Six Ears is willing! Thank you, Immortal, for your great kindness! Thank you, Immortal, for granting Six Ears a chance to live! Six Ears is willing to serve you like an ox or a horse, repaying your great kindness with my humble offerings!"

Tears mingled with dirt, streaming down his face. In that moment, it was as if he had finally seen a glimmer of light in endless darkness!

Qinglian stepped forward, a gentle force lifting Liu Er up: "No need for such a grand gesture. I imparted my skills to you out of pity for your exceptional talent. Remember, once you join my sect, you must uphold righteousness and refrain from wrongdoing or indiscriminate killing. Otherwise, even with the Dao Ancestor's words before me, I will personally eliminate my sect!"

"Yes! Yes! Liu Er will obey the Immortal's teachings! I would never dare to disobey!" Liu Er trembled with excitement, nodding repeatedly, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future and awe for the Green Lotus.

"Alright, get up." Qinglian looked at Liu Er's thin yet resilient body. "Since you are named Liu Er, this innate supernatural power is both a blessing and a curse. Remember, there are countless powerful beings in the primordial world, and many possess great supernatural abilities. Although your supernatural power is wonderful, it is not omnipotent, and it can easily bring about your death! In the future, unless it is a matter of life and death or you have my permission, you must never use this supernatural power to spy on others' secrets! Otherwise, if it attracts the attention of powerful beings, you will suffer a backlash, and even I may not be able to protect you then! Remember! Remember!"

Qinglian spoke seriously, pointing out the biggest hidden danger of Liu Er.

Six Ears felt a chill run down his spine, recalling the backlash and pursuit he had suffered in the past for eavesdropping. He immediately and solemnly swore, "Six Ears will remember the Immortal's admonition! I will never again abuse my supernatural powers and invite disaster!"

"Yes." Qinglian nodded. "Let's go. Travel with me. This primordial land will be your first stage of training!"

From then on, a small figure appeared beside Qinglian.

The Six-Eared Macaque followed closely behind Qinglian, his eyes filled with curiosity about the unknown world and reverence for his master.

He was no longer the "jinx" who was driven away everywhere and hated by everyone, but a disciple under Qinglian, the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones... a nominal disciple.

Qinglian did not immediately impart profound teachings, but instead started from the most basic.

He combined his combat experience honed in the Witch Clan with the essence of physical training in the "Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Technique" to create a set of basic body-refining fist techniques and movement steps tailored for Liu Er.

"Watch closely!" In a secluded valley, Qinglian moved with seemingly simple and direct movements, yet they contained a precise burst of power, a perfect shift of the center of gravity, and an ancient fighting spirit that integrated offense and defense.

Every punch, every kick, every dodge and maneuver is imbued with the beauty of power and the wisdom of combat. This is precisely the basic fighting style he has simplified and refined from the witch clan's combat techniques, integrating them with his own understanding!

"This boxing style is nameless. It emphasizes intent over form! Its core lies in mobilizing the body's Qi and blood, condensing the strength of muscles and bones, and seizing opportunities in both movement and stillness! The body movements and footwork emphasize seeing in all directions, hearing in all directions, with the steps following the body, the body moving with intention, moving like a rabbit, and still as a mountain!"

Qinglian demonstrated and explained the essentials of the process.

Liu Er was exceptionally gifted and possessed extremely high comprehension, watching with utter fascination.

He was a spirit born for battle! After Qinglian demonstrated it once, he could imitate six or seven tenths of its form. With Qinglian's guidance on key points, he quickly grasped its essence. Like parched seedlings receiving rain, he frantically absorbed everything Qinglian taught him!

Every day at the first light of dawn, Liu Er would begin his arduous training.

He practiced the seemingly simple boxing stance over and over again, sweat soaking through his golden hair and leaving wet marks on the rocks.

When practicing footwork, his figure darted and leaped through the mountains and forests, as fast as the wind and as agile as lightning, fully displaying the monkey's natural agility. His eyes were filled only with a thirst for power and a deep appreciation for his master's teachings!

Qinglian watched quietly from the side, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Liu Er's diligence and perseverance reminded him of himself back then, taking each step with unwavering determination on Mount Buzhou, enduring the oppressive power of Pangu. The flame in his eyes was a testament to his defiance of fate and a thirst for life!

"Master, do you think my 'Monkey Scouting the Way' technique is correct?"

Liu Er stopped his stance and stood up, panting heavily, but his eyes were fixed intently on Qing Lian.

"Your form is nearly nine-tenths complete, but your power delivery is still lacking three-tenths of clarity. Remember, power originates from the ground, originates from your waist and hips, flows through your arms, and condenses at the tip of your fist! Don't use your arms to strike; use your entire body to impact! Again!" Qinglian's eyes were sharp as she precisely pointed out the shortcomings.

"Yes, Master!" Liu Er was not discouraged at all, but became even more excited. He immediately lowered his waist and stood up straight, and began to practice again. This time, he paid more attention to the transmission of power and the coordination of his whole body.

The master and apprentice were a pair; one taught the apprentice meticulously, imparting all his knowledge of combat and survival skills.

One trains relentlessly, seizing this hard-won glimmer of hope. Amidst the vast and desolate landscape, a unique master-disciple bond unfolds. Qinglian's journey is also enriched by the addition of Liu Er, bringing with it a sense of responsibility and entanglement.

The tragic fate of the Six-Eared Macaque seemed to have been subtly altered by Qinglian's "extrajudicial mercy."