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

Chapter 78 Traveling Through the Primordial Wilderness

Qinglian led Sun Wuzhen and Ao Guang away from the Heavenly Court, but did not immediately return to Kunlun.

Above the clouds, he glanced back at the Thirty-Three Heavens, still shrouded in auspicious light and filled with celestial music. His gaze was deep, as if trying to pierce through the magnificent scene and see the surging undercurrents beneath.

Although the golden light of the Heavenly Marriage's merits had dissipated, the immense power of the Heavenly Dao and the suddenly stabilized, even increased, fortune of the demon race were imprinted in his perception as if they were tangible.

Nuwa's Martial Aunt seized this opportunity to make great progress in her cultivation, undoubtedly bringing her one step closer to the Primordial Saint Realm;

Di Jun and Xi He, in harmony of Yin and Yang, complemented each other in their Dao, and their cultivation became even more perfect; the entire demon race's Heavenly Court took this opportunity to display its majesty and unite the people.

However, amidst this joyous celebration in the primordial world, Qinglian clearly sensed that the immense calamity and malevolent energy permeating the heavens and earth had not truly dissipated; it had merely been temporarily diluted and suppressed by the grand spectacle of this heavenly marriage and the merits of the Heavenly Dao.

The fundamental conflict between the Lich and Demon races, stemming from their shared interests, and the hatred and slaughter accumulated over millions of years, cannot be resolved by a celestial marriage or a single act of merit.

"Master, shouldn't we just go back to Kunlun?"

Sun Wuzhen's voice interrupted Qinglian's thoughts.

He smacked his lips, seemingly still savoring the rich aroma of the Heavenly Imperial Wine, his golden eyes curiously surveying the vast land below.

Ao Guang also looked at Qinglian, his eyes filled with inquiry.

As the crown prince of the Dragon Clan, he could better appreciate the powerful fortune of the Heavenly Court at this moment, and he was somewhat puzzled by his master's decision.

Qinglian withdrew her gaze, her expression returning to calm, and said lightly, "The commotion in the Heavenly Court has subsided; it is now the time to quietly comprehend the true nature of the primordial world."

Although you two have gained something from this trip, your knowledge is mostly focused on battles and feasts, and your understanding of the vast world and the principles of life and death of all things is still shallow.

The path of cultivation requires a balance of activity and rest; it necessitates both the grand banquets of the Heavenly Palace and the quiet contemplation of the mountains and fields. This time, I will return slowly, observing, listening, and reflecting more.

Upon hearing this, the two men's expressions hardened, and they said in unison, "Disciple understands!"

Thus, the three of them slowed down their cloud-riding speed considerably, drifting like three gentle breezes over the primordial landscape where calamity and vitality intertwined.

Qinglian intentionally guided them, not following a fixed route, but going wherever her heart led, following the mysterious energy of heaven and earth...

Follow the rhythm of nature.

They had seen the enormous canyon that had been torn apart by the ancient war, still exuding destructive sword energy, and which ordinary Golden Immortals dared not venture into.

Sun Wuzhen realized the shortcomings of his own combat skills from that sharp sword intent;

They had visited a volcanic field where everything was in utter desolation, except for the raging, toxic fire in the earth's lungs, which gave birth to all sorts of strange fire-evil creatures.

With the help of the dragon clan's ability to control water and the water element of the Four Symbols Pearl, Ao Guang carefully absorbed a trace of the essence of poisonous fire, comprehending the wonder of the mutual restraint and generation of water and fire.

They also passed through some small tribes and races struggling to survive in the gaps between calamities, and witnessed their fear, resilience, and longing for a peaceful life.

This left Ao Guang, who was born into nobility and had witnessed countless battles between top-tier experts, with a profound sense of unease.

Qinglian would sometimes stop on the cloud and point to the direction of a certain ley line, a certain strange plant, or even the unusual spiritual energy flowing in the air, explaining to her two disciples the laws and wonders of creation contained within them.

With his profound understanding of the Dao of Creation, he dissected the seemingly ordinary scene to reveal its deep mysteries, captivating Sun Wuzhen and Ao Guang. They felt that many of their previous vague understandings had become clear, and their perception of heaven and earth had become more acute.

On this day, they arrived at a desolate mountain range. The spiritual energy here was thin, the rocks were rugged, and the vegetation was sparse, as if it were a corner forgotten by the primordial wilderness.

However, Qinglian frowned slightly, sensing a faint but exceptionally pure and abundant trace of Wutu essence emanating from the depths of the earth veins in the distance. Its quality and quantity were far beyond what could be nurtured on the surface of this place.

"Follow me." With a thought, Qinglian led her two disciples down from the clouds and landed in a seemingly ordinary rocky valley.

He took mysterious steps, made hand seals, and drew upon the earth's energy.

A moment later, ripples spread through the void ahead, revealing a narrow crevice hidden by a natural formation, barely wide enough for one person to pass through!

A unique fragrance, dozens of times stronger than the essence of Earth, emanates from it, refreshing the mind and body!

"Huh? This is..." Sun Wuzhen sniffed, his golden eyes shining.

"Such pure earth spirit energy! And the fragrance of fruit!" Ao Guang exclaimed in surprise.

A knowing glint flashed in Qinglian's eyes: "The workings of fate are truly wondrous. Let's go in, but we mustn't damage the natural formations here." He stepped into the crevice first, and the two quickly followed.

The crevice was initially very narrow, but after walking several dozen steps, it suddenly opened up before us! It turned out to be a blessed land, no more than a few acres in size!

Although this place is small, it is a hidden paradise.

A spring gurgles in the center, emitting a refreshing fragrance;

The surrounding mountain walls are as smooth and warm as jade, containing the essence of pure Wu Earth.

The most eye-catching thing was the small tree in the corner, which was no more than a person's height, with a greenish-yellow body, sparse branches and leaves, but bearing three fist-sized, shaped like miniature Dao bodies, and with an adorable, earthy-yellow spirit fruit!

That exotic fragrance and boundless vitality originated from these three spiritual fruits!

"This is... the Earth Element Dao Fruit?"

Qinglian was somewhat surprised. This fruit was a top-grade acquired spiritual root, which needed to be nurtured for several eons in an extremely pure Wutu spiritual vein before it could mature.

Consuming it can greatly enhance one's understanding of earth-elemental laws, solidify one's foundation, and nourish the physical body and primordial spirit, making it an unparalleled treasure for earth-elemental cultivators. I never imagined such an opportunity would be hidden in this desolate place.

"Hehe, Master, this fruit smells amazing!" Sun Wuzhen rubbed his hands together, looking at it eagerly.

Although Ao Guang did not speak, the dragon race's sensitivity to the spiritual objects of heaven and earth made him realize that this fruit was extraordinary.

Qinglian smiled slightly: "This item is destined for you. Wuzhen, this fruit can help you comprehend the profound meaning of the earth, and it will benefit your battle body."

"Ao Guang, your dragon clan is inherently skilled in water, yet water and earth are both mutually destructive and mutually supportive. Comprehending this principle may give you a deeper understanding of the fusion of the earth and water elements within the Four Symbols Pearl."

He stepped forward and carefully picked the three ripe Earth Element Dao Fruits. He then used the Qi of the Creation Green Lotus to nourish the sapling, helping it recover its vitality without harming its foundation.

He gave two Dao Fruits to his disciples and kept one for himself. Sun Wuzhen and Ao Guang were overjoyed and quickly thanked him.

Just as Sun Wuzhen was about to swallow the Dao Fruit, Qinglian stopped him: "The earth essence here is rich and the environment is special, which is perfect for refining this fruit. You two should stay here and cultivate in seclusion to fully absorb the power of this Dao Fruit before you leave."

After saying that, he waved his sleeve and set up several more layers of concealment and protection barriers to protect his two disciples.

Sun Wuzhen and Ao Guang sat down cross-legged as instructed, took the Dao Fruit, and were instantly enveloped by the pure and powerful earth elemental energy and the understanding of the laws, falling into a deep state of cultivation.

Qinglian stood guard to the side, consuming the Dao Fruit herself, carefully comprehending the Daoist essence contained within it. This resonated with the ever-renewing spirit within his own creation, the Green Lotus, and he found himself greatly benefited.

Several months passed, and the three of them, master and disciples, woke up one after another.

Sun Wuzhen's aura became more concentrated, and his every move seemed to connect him with the earth, making his power more harmonious and domineering.

Ao Guang's control over the Four Symbols Pearls has significantly improved, with a faint earthy yellow luster and water vapor mingling around him; Qing Lian's understanding of the Dao of Creation has also deepened, and the illusory image of the Ninth Grade Green Lotus has become increasingly solid.

"Thank you for your kindness, Master!" The two felt their own progress and bowed respectfully once again.

Qinglian nodded and led them away from this small blessed land, disappearing back into the natural formation as if no one had ever been there.