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

Chapter 72 A Feast to Show Filial Piety

Without further delay, the three of them, master and disciples, activated the Taiji Diagram with all their might. Enveloped in clear light, their speed soared, and they sped towards Kunlun Mountain.

On the way back, they encountered some Taiyi Golden Immortals and Golden Immortal Realm beasts that were full of spiritual energy and looked delicious.

Qinglian would also collect some and put them into other areas of the Qiankun Diagram, already planning how to combine them to present her masters with an unprecedented "Primordial Feast".

After a long time, seeing the ancient and majestic Kunlun Mountain again, exuding Taoist charm, Sun Wuzhen felt a sense of homecoming, like a wanderer returning home. Even Qinglian felt a warmth in her heart.

After passing through the protective array, we arrived directly outside the Sanqing Palace.

"Disciple Qinglian, along with disciples Sun Wuzhen and Ao Guang, have returned from our travels and wish to see Master!" Qinglian's respectful voice echoed through the hall.

The palace gates opened silently. On the cloud bed, the figures of the Three Pure Ones seemed to merge with the void, their aura even more profound and unfathomable than when they left, and the barrier of the sacred realm seemed to be thinning even more.

"Come in," Lao Tzu said indifferently.

The three, master and disciples, entered the main hall and bowed respectfully.

"Hmm? Ao Guang?" Yuanshi Tianzun's majestic gaze fell on Ao Guang. "The little prince of the East Sea Dragon Palace?"

"How come you're here?" He naturally recognized Ao Guang.

Qinglian quickly replied, "Reporting to my second master, when I was traveling in the East Sea, I saw that Ao Guang was of pure heart and had extraordinary potential. Moreover, we were destined to be together, so I have taken him as my second disciple. Ao Guang, have you not yet greeted your grandmaster?"

Ao Guang immediately stepped forward and respectfully performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony: "Disciple Ao Guang pays respects to Grandmaster, Second Grandmaster, and Third Grandmaster!"

The Grand Master of Heaven grinned: "Hey! Big brother, second brother, look! Our group of disciples and grand-disciples is growing stronger and stronger! Dragon Prince, not bad, not bad! From now on, when you go out to fight—uh, I mean travel, you'll have even more imposing presence!"

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded slightly, acknowledging his grand-disciple. Laozi glanced at Ao Guang but offered no objection.

Qinglian continued, "During my travels, I came across some strange and unusual products in the primordial wilderness. I am deeply grateful for your teachings, Master, and have prepared some simple food to express my filial piety. I humbly request that you, Master, taste it."

"Food and drink?" All three were taken aback.

Having reached their level of cultivation, they had long since abstained from grains, subsisting on wind and dew, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, their appetites almost nonexistent. Qinglian's sudden offer of food surprised them greatly.

Seeing Qinglian's sincere expression, Laozi said calmly, "It's good that you have this intention."

Qinglian was overjoyed and immediately said, "Please wait a moment, Master. This disciple will go and prepare." After saying that, she led her two disciples out of the main hall and began the operation on the square outside the hall.

He first used his great magical power to level an area, then took out the slightly modified Purple Gold Eight Trigrams Furnace as the main stove, and also took out several pots, cutting boards and other items made of innate jade.

The movements were fluid and graceful, full of a unique beauty.

Sun Wuzhen and Ao Guang assisted Qinglian, processing the ordinary ingredients by washing, peeling, and cutting them, keeping themselves very busy.

The main event was dealing with those two peak-level Great Luo beasts.

Qinglian personally took action, her expression utterly focused. With the ultimate sharpness contained within the Qingping Sword Intent, she carefully peeled away the most essential tenderloin and heart's blood from the Lava Dragon;

The pure radiance of the Pure Lotus cleanses the rich, succulent flesh condensed in the giant claws of the Star Core Poison Scorpion and the tenderest piece of live meat beside its tail hook, dispelling its malevolent aura and poisonous gleam.

Guided by the power of creation, the essence from the Earth Dragon's hard shell and scorpion shell was simmered into a rich, white broth.

Various collected natural seasonings are cleverly used to enhance aroma, freshness, remove fishy smell, or add flavor.

Under his control, the Samadhi True Fire was sometimes simmered over a low flame, and sometimes stir-fried over a high flame.

For a moment, the area outside the Sanqing Palace was filled with fragrance. The fragrance was not the ordinary smell of cooking, but a strange fragrance that mixed the essence of countless spiritual materials and the laws and principles of the Dao. It made people feel relaxed and refreshed, and even attracted the spiritual energy of the surrounding world!

Even the Three Pure Ones on the cloud bed, whose hearts were as calm as still water, seemed to be stirred by this unprecedented fragrance.

The Tongtian Sect Leader sniffed, a look of curiosity in his eyes; the Primordial Heavenly Lord nodded slightly; Laozi remained indifferent, but a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

After a long while, Qinglian finally finished preparing. He meticulously prepared nine main dishes, which were served on jade platters. He also prepared drinks with spiritual spring water and immortal fruits, and respectfully sent them into the hall, placing them in front of the Three Pure Ones.

On the jade plate was a piece of Dihuanglong tenderloin sashimi, thin as a cicada's wing, crystal clear, slightly curled, and exuding an enticing oily sheen and the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns.

There is a rich, milky white soup, brimming with abundant vital energy and adorned with emerald green scallions, called Star Scorpion Shell and Dragon Bone Soup;

It has a bright red, oily texture, a soft and chewy consistency, and a flavor that melts in your mouth.

There are golden and crispy roasted scorpion tail tips sprinkled with cumin and chili powder;

There are also steamed manta ray, stir-fried shark fin soup, and a platter of spiritual fruits, etc. - a dazzling array of dishes, where the charm of Taoism and aroma intertwine, making it a feast for the eyes and nose!

"Master, please take a look." Qinglian said respectfully.

The three Pure Ones exchanged a glance.

Lao Tzu was the first to pick up the jade chopsticks, take a slice of Dihuanglong sashimi, and put it in his mouth.

With a slight chew, a barely perceptible glint flashed in his eyes!

The meat was incredibly tender and springy, and the abundant essence of blood and qi it contained gently spread out, nourishing the sacred body. What was even more rare was the complex flavor of numbing spiciness and freshness, which had a wonderful and exhilarating sensation that impacted the primordial spirit!

Yuanshi Tianzun scooped up a spoonful of dragon bone soup. The soup was rich and fragrant, and a warm current instantly flowed through his limbs and bones. The essence of blood and qi that had been purified by the Pure World White Lotus actually had a slight, imperceptible help in stabilizing his cultivation!

The Master of the Heavens grabbed a piece of braised scorpion claw paste, chewed it vigorously, and exclaimed with delight, "Great! Delicious! Chewy! Flavorful! Much more interesting than alchemy! Hahaha!"

Even a saint (at the peak of quasi-saint) could not help but be moved by this unprecedented and ultimate taste experience.

They savored their food slowly, and although they didn't say much, the subtle changes in their expressions and the slowing of their eating speed said it all.

Qinglian then served Sun Wuzhen and Ao Guang, who were eagerly watching, a small bowl of soup and a few pieces of meat, and instructed them, "This thing has violent energy. Your cultivation is not high enough, so just take a small sip and stop immediately. Use your internal energy to neutralize it."

The two disciples, who had been craving it, immediately devoured the food. They felt a warm current burst forth, their blood and energy boiling, and they quickly ran to the side to sit and digest.

After a long while, the Three Pure Ones put down their jade chopsticks (Tongtian Sect Leader licked his lips with lingering reluctance).

Lao Tzu spoke slowly, his voice still calm: "This food is excellent. We know of your filial piety." This was a very high compliment.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable nodded: "Your ingenious mind has transformed the barbaric into delicacies, demonstrating your ever-growing mastery of creation."

The Master of Heaven said directly, "Make more next time! Especially that scorpion sting ointment!"

But then, Lao Tzu changed his tone, becoming serious: "However, such pleasures of the palate are ultimately minor skills of unorthodox paths. They should only be indulged in occasionally, never becoming addicted to them and hindering your own cultivation of the Great Dao. Your fundamental duty lies in comprehending the Primordial Chaos, verifying the sacred Dao, and upholding the lineage of the Dao. Do you understand?"

Qinglian's expression hardened, and she bowed respectfully: "Master's teachings are etched in my mind! I will certainly distinguish between what is important and what is not, and will never lose sight of the bigger picture for the sake of trivial matters, thus delaying my cultivation. This was a serendipitous discovery during my travels, and I acted out of gratitude for my master's kindness."

"Good." The Three Pure Ones nodded slightly and said no more.

Those who can cultivate to their level must have an extremely firm Dao heart. A little bit of gluttony is like a gentle breeze that passes by, leaving no trace. They are only a little gratified by their disciple's filial piety and ingenuity.

Qinglian, along with Sun Wuzhen and Ao Guang, who had finished digesting and whose breathing had improved, cleared away the cups and plates, bowed to the Three Pure Ones again, and then left the main hall.

Upon returning to the Qingyu Dao Palace, Qinglian said to her two disciples, "You have both gained something from this journey. You should go into seclusion to meditate and digest your insights, and consolidate your cultivation."

Especially Wuzhen, you have already reached the peak of the late Taiyi stage. You should calm your mind and seek an opportunity to break through to the Daluo stage. Ao Guang, you also need to work hard and not slack off.

"Yes, Master!" the two replied in unison, then returned to their respective caves and entered into seclusion.

Qinglian also returned to her quiet room.

He sat cross-legged on a futon, surrounded by treasures. He did not immediately go into deep seclusion, but instead savored every detail of his journey.

The climb of Buzhou Mountain, the trials of the Wu tribe, the exploration of the Classic of Mountains and Seas, the destiny of the Dragon Palace, Zhen Yuanzi's perseverance, Hongyun's glimmer of hope—and finally, the grand feast prepared for his master.

All sorts of experiences flow through my mind like a scroll painting.

His Dao heart, after experiencing ease and heaviness, slaughter and protection, noise and tranquility, became more harmonious and transparent.

That grand feast, though seemingly trivial, was in fact another form of his understanding and application of "creation".

Every sip and every bite is a product of nature.

The Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Technique operates on its own, blending the naturalness of Taiqing, the order of Yuqing, and the sharpness of Shangqing, while also incorporating a vivid and harmonious understanding gained from the mundane world.

The realm of the late-stage Great Luo is already perfect and flawless, and the barrier leading to Quasi-Saint seems to have become clearer silently.

He slowly closed his eyes, auspicious clouds surging above his head, and the three flowers rising and falling, officially entering a deep state of seclusion.

The turbulent winds and clouds of the primordial world, and the footsteps of the great calamity, seemed to be shut out from the Azure Jade Palace.

However, both Qinglian and the Three Pure Ones in seclusion clearly knew that this brief tranquility was nothing more than the last respite before the storm.