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

Ao Yuanlong's eyes flashed with a sharp light, his mind racing. Although his East Sea Dragon Clan had declined, its foundation remained.

The clan is full of dragons with pure bloodlines and majestic presence!

If one could climb the social ladder to become a sage, even if it were just a dragon becoming a sage's mount, it would bring an immeasurable boost to the fortunes of the entire dragon race! This is simply a golden opportunity!

He immediately put down his wine cup, leaned forward slightly, and spoke with a hint of eagerness and self-recommendation: "Your Excellency has discerning eyes! Choosing a mount for a sage certainly requires qualities that align with the Great Dao! However..."

He changed the subject, a confident smile appearing on his face, "When it comes to momentum, pomp, and foundation, my Dragon Clan is not to be outdone!"

Within the small palace dwell several golden and azure dragons, their bloodlines pure and having reached the peak of the Taiyi realm. Their forms were majestic and their bearing imposing, soaring through the clouds and mist, roaming the nine heavens—truly befitting the aura of a sage's journey!

"May I ask if the Immortal could introduce us? If the Sage were to favor us and take us as his mount, the entire Dragon Clan of the East Sea would be eternally grateful for the Immortal's and the Sage's grace, and would offer our utmost support!"

Ao Guang listened from the side, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes. If the Dragon Clan could produce a saint's mount, their status would surely rise dramatically!

Upon hearing this, Qinglian secretly chuckled to herself at the Dragon King's clever mind.

He gently shook his head, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable air: "I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness. The majesty of the dragon race is known throughout the primordial world. However, the choice of a mount is not only about grandeur and imposing presence, but also about harmony with the Dao."

Fellow Daoist Si is as steady as a mountain, with power that spans the universe, secretly in harmony with the earth's essence, perfectly embodying the Taiqing's inaction and naturalness, and the meaning of returning to simplicity and truth.

Fellow Daoist Kui single-handedly commands thunder, his light illuminating wind and rain, his power majestic and awe-inspiring, just like the sharp edge of Shangqing that cuts off a single line and shatters all laws.

This is a preordained destiny, not something that can be forced by human power. A forced union will not be sweet; if the qualities are incompatible, even a divine dragon serving a sage will lose its true nature, which is not a good thing for either party.

Ao Yuan's expectant smile froze slightly, and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he was more deeply pondering Qing Lian's words.

As the Dragon King, he naturally understood the importance of "harmony." A sage transcends worldly affairs; how could his mount be merely a lavish decoration?

It must be something that resonates with its principles and complements it. Qinglian's words are all true.

He quickly adjusted his mindset, laughed heartily to conceal his slight disappointment: "Your Highness's profound words have enlightened me! It was my oversight and my rudeness. The path of mounts is indeed not something we can presume to comment on."

He changed the subject, his eyes regaining their eagerness, "However, for a sage's journey, besides a magnificent steed, the imperial procession is also indispensable! My humble palace happens to possess something that might be worthy of a sage's revered presence!"

After saying that, Ao Yuan gave a wink to the Turtle Prime Minister who was standing to the side.

The old tortoise understood immediately, bowed and retreated, its steps slow yet rhythmic, quickly disappearing behind the hall.

Before long, a deep and solemn dragon roar came from behind the hall! The sound was not violent, but carried an ancient, noble, and auspicious aura!

Guided by the Turtle Prime Minister, nine golden dragon puppets, with their golden bodies, scales and claws flying, and majestic and powerful appearance, but without any real life force, pulled a magnificent chariot and slowly drove into the main hall!

The moment this carriage appeared, it instantly attracted everyone's attention!

The main body of the frame is carved from the heartwood of a tree called "Nine Nether Agarwood", which has been growing for countless years!

The wood has a deep and warm purplish-gold color, and naturally exudes a unique fragrance that calms the mind, dispels evil and impurities, and can bring peace of mind and eliminate distracting thoughts.

The vehicle's design is simple and grand, with smooth lines and mysterious innate Dao patterns engraved all over it, as if it contains the ultimate truth of the beginning of heaven and earth.

The most breathtaking thing is the nine golden dragons pulling the chariot!

They are not living beings, but puppet golden dragons made by extracting the purest dragon soul essence and part of the dragon bone essence of nine fallen ancient golden dragons using some incredible refining techniques, and by fusing a massive amount of merit energy and innate Geng metal essence!

[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: ①⓪①ⓚⓚⓢ.ⓒⓞⓜ]

Although it lacks intelligence, it retains the majestic form of the dragon race and a trace of the dragon soul, making it lifelike and dazzling with golden light!

The nine golden dragon puppets were linked by their auras, faintly forming a mysterious formation, exuding a powerful aura that suppressed fortune and made them impervious to all evil!

The entire carriage exudes a precious aura, surrounded by auspicious energy. It embodies nobility, majesty, peace, and grandeur! It is none other than the legendary treasure—the Nine Dragons Agarwood Carriage!

"This is the 'Nine Dragons Agarwood Chariot'!"

Ao Yuan introduced in a loud voice, his tone filled with pride and a touch of emotion, "This chariot was made in ancient times by an ancestor of my dragon clan who was skilled in weapon crafting. He gathered innate spiritual roots and combined them with the legacy of nine ancient golden dragons and supreme merits. It was originally intended to be a treasure to protect the fortune of my dragon clan."

However, after its successful forging, it was discovered that this chariot contained a trace of sacred aura, which could only be controlled by those with great fortune, merit, and supernatural powers. Forcing it would only bring harm. Our dragon race is of meager fortune, unworthy to possess such a sacred object, and has always treasured it deep within our treasury, a pearl hidden in dust.

He looked at Qinglian with utmost sincerity: "Today I have met an immortal and know that a sage is about to appear. This thing is destined to see the light of day again!"

Xiao Wang wishes to offer this "Nine Dragons Agarwood Chariot" to the Immortal! This chariot is magnificent and solemn, naturally auspicious, and can suppress bad luck, making it impervious to all magic, truly befitting the dignity of a sage!

I humbly request that the celestial being accept this and forward it to the Jade Pure Primordial Heavenly Venerable! Only under the tutelage of a sage can this item truly shine and live up to its name!

Ao Yuan's words were resounding and full of sincerity.

He knew that this treasure would be useless if left in the Dragon Palace, so he might as well take this opportunity to present it to the future Jade Purity Saint. This would not only repay Qinglian for saving his son, but also create a good relationship for the Dragon Clan and establish a connection with the Saint. It would be a win-win situation!

Looking at the magnificent and awe-inspiring Nine Dragons Agarwood Chariot before her, Qinglian's heart was filled with turbulent emotions.

In his past life's memories, this carriage was none other than the iconic palanquin of his second master, the Primordial Celestial Venerable! He never expected its origin to be related to the Dragon Clan, and even more unexpectedly, that it would be offered up by the Dragon King of the East Sea under these circumstances! The cause and effect between this item and his second master was already predetermined!

He did not refuse.

This treasure truly matches the temperament of the Second Master, Yuanshi Tianzun, who is in charge of the Chan Sect, establishes the order of heaven and earth, and emphasizes grandeur and rules! Moreover, the Dragon King's intention in offering the treasure is sincere, and it would be unseemly to refuse.

Qinglian rose and bowed solemnly to Ao Yuan: "Your Majesty the Dragon King's generous gift is truly exquisite, imbued with the aura of the Holy Dao, perfectly complementing the venerable presence of my two masters, the Jade Purity Primordial Heavenly Venerable! On behalf of my two masters, I thank Your Majesty for your kindness! This treasure will surely shine with its due brilliance under the sage's throne!"

Having said that, he waved his hand, and the Nine Dragons Incense Chariot transformed into a stream of light, rapidly shrinking and falling into his palm. It was then safely stored within the Qiankun Diagram. The nine golden dragon puppets also transformed into nine golden rays and disappeared into the chariot.

Seeing Qinglian accept the precious gift, Ao Yuan felt a great weight lifted from his heart, and his smile grew even brighter. He repeatedly said, "You're too kind, Immortal! It is an honor for my Dragon Clan to serve a Sage! This humble gift is nothing but a token of my respect! Come, let's continue drinking!"

The atmosphere inside the hall grew lively once more, the sounds of string and wind instruments intensified, and exquisite wines and delicacies were served in a continuous stream. Amidst the clinking of cups, host and guests enjoyed themselves immensely. The Azure Ox lay quietly on the jade platform, its massive horns gleaming faintly in the precious light; the Kui Ox occasionally tapped its single foot lightly on the ground, causing the hall to fill with mist and a light drizzle, creating a unique and enchanting scene. Qinglian and Ao Yuan discussed profound mysteries and shared their experiences from the primordial era, while Ao Guang listened respectfully, gaining much insight.

The banquet lasted for a long time, and Qinglian, seeing that it was getting late, got up to take her leave.

Ao Yuan, along with his senior officials from the Dragon Palace, personally escorted Qinglian to the palace gates, repeatedly expressing his gratitude and reluctance to part, and declaring that the East Sea Dragon Palace would always keep its doors open for Qinglian.

"Your Majesty the Dragon King, fellow Daoists, please wait."

Qinglian stood on the sea surface, cupping her hands to Ao Yuan and the others, "We are deeply grateful for your hospitality. We will surely meet again someday if fate allows. We hope Your Majesty will restrain your people, keep a low profile in the East Sea, and refrain from getting easily involved in the troubles of the primordial world."

The last sentence was earnest and contained a hidden admonition. Ao Yuan's expression turned serious, and he solemnly replied, "Immortal's golden words will be etched in my heart! I will certainly restrain my people and guard the seas!"

Qinglian nodded slightly to Ao Guang: "Your Highness, please cultivate diligently."

"Respectfully bidding farewell to the Immortal!" Ao Guang and the Dragon Palace members bowed in unison.

Qinglian said no more, and auspicious clouds rose beneath her feet.

The Azure Ox roared softly, riding the waves in its wake. The Kui Ox leaped into the air with a single kick, accompanied by wind and rain. Under the complex gazes of the Dragon King of the East Sea, Ao Yuan, and the others, the three figures gradually disappeared into the vast blue waves and starlight, continuing their unfinished primordial journey.