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

The majestic Kunlun Mountains have stood for ages.

Three Taoist palaces hang above the sea of ​​clouds, breathing in and out boundless pure spiritual energy.

Taiqing Palace is simple and unadorned, with the ethereal image of Tai Chi flowing and rotating at the top;

Yuqing Palace exudes a solemn atmosphere, with the order of stars subtly revealed.

Sword energy soared into the sky from Shangqing Palace, its sharpness fully revealed. After the second lecture at Zixiao Palace, this place gained an even deeper sense of the lingering charm of the Great Dao.

Lao Tzu sat cross-legged on a futon in the center of the Taiqing Palace, his eyes half-closed, as if he were wandering in the vast void, or perhaps deducing the boundless secrets of heaven.

With a whisk draped over his arm, his aura was as calm as the deep sea, perfectly embodying the concept of "non-action".

Yuanshi Tianzun sat upright on a cloud bed to the left of Laozi, his crown adorned with tassels, his face solemn, and his body radiating a pure and ethereal light, forming an invisible set of laws and regulations, exuding majesty.

The Tongtian Sect Leader stood with his arms crossed, leaning against a jade pillar in the hall. His eyes were bright, and the clear, melodious sound of the Qingping Sword scabbard at his waist emanated from it, exuding a sharp, eager spirit, as if he were about to break the silence of the hall at any moment.

Inside the hall, you could hear a pin drop. The only sound was the pervasive, yet distinct, Daoist energy, which, though of the same origin, was silently merging and colliding, creating a unique space that brought both peace and awe.

After a long while, Laozi slowly opened his eyes, a flash of clear light appearing and disappearing in them, like the first light piercing through chaos. His gaze swept over Yuanshi and Tongtian, his voice as calm as a still well, yet clearly resonating deep within the Dao hearts of his two brothers:

"The method of severing the corpse passed down by the Dao Ancestor is infinitely profound and is the path to sainthood. However, the difficulties within it were already pointed out on the journey back from chaos."

Lao Tzu paused slightly, as if weighing the weight of each word, "To achieve the perfection of the Three Corpses and ultimately unify them to attain the Primordial Chaos, the foundation lies in the 'vessel' that entrusts the Three Corpses. If it is not a primordial spiritual treasure of the same origin and connected in energy, the Three Corpses cannot truly achieve perfect harmony. Forcing them to unite will leave the foundation flawed, and the Great Dao... may be in danger of being severed."

Upon hearing this, a subtle hint of realization and lingering fear flickered across the majestic face of the Primordial Celestial Venerable. He nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Elder brother, you are wise! If you hadn't awakened me in time at Zixiao Palace and pointed out the key to this matter, Tongtian and I would likely have hastily acted out of good intentions in our pursuit of rapid advancement, entrusting ourselves to treasures of different origins. If that were the case, we might have seemingly ascended to Quasi-Sainthood in one step, but in reality, we would have sown the seeds of our future downfall! If our foundation is damaged, our path to Sainthood will be severed, and it will be too late for regrets!"

His voice carried a resolute solemnity, a heartfelt admiration for his elder brother's wisdom, and a profound warning of his own near-mistake.

The Tongtian Sect Leader also abandoned his casual demeanor, straightened his body, and his eyes were sharp as sword light.

He continued, his tone carrying a hint of relief at surviving a calamity, but also a firm resolve for the future: "Elder brother, your insightful words have awakened me from my dream! When the opportunity to sever the corpse was presented, it was indeed exhilarating, almost tempting me to immediately unleash Qingping's power. Fortunately! Fortunately, elder brother is there, as stable as the main vein of Kunlun, as immovable as a mountain! Without a solid foundation, even the tallest building is nothing but a mirage."

"Excellent! Now that we understand this principle, the three of us brothers should personally venture into the primordial world to seek the treasure of the same origin! This is the foundation for proving the Dao, and we cannot afford to lose it!" He placed his palm on the hilt of the Qingping Sword, and a resolute intent to break through the fog ahead arose spontaneously.

"Good." Lao Tzu nodded slightly, understanding the reaction of his two brothers and feeling deeply gratified.

"With the completion of the second lecture at Zixiao, many fellow Daoists have recently advanced to Quasi-Saint level. At this time, they should spend more time in their respective Daoist temples to experience their realm, sort out their gains, and consolidate their Dao fruits."

This is precisely the time for us to quietly set out, traversing the primordial wilderness in search of opportunity. The primordial wilderness is vast, containing the legacy of creation, where perhaps a chance encounter can be found.

The three masters, sharing the same sentiments, had already set out their plans for the coming period in just a few words.

Laozi then subtly moved his divine sense, and a gentle yet irresistible summons pierced through space and landed in a simple jade palace not far away.

Qinglian, who was immersed in the profound mysteries of the Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Technique and consolidating her Great Luo Dao Fruit, was startled and immediately stopped practicing. Her body transformed into a beam of clear light and arrived at the gate of Taiqing Palace in an instant.

He straightened his clothes, his expression respectful, and stepped inside, bowing deeply to his three masters: "Disciple Qinglian greets Masters. May I ask what orders Masters have summoned me for?"

Laozi, observing the harmonious and ever-flowing Daoist aura emanating from him, surpassing even his former self, felt a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He slowly said, "We sense the will of Heaven and must leave the mountain for some time to travel throughout the primordial world, seeking an opportunity related to the path of the Dao. You should focus on your cultivation in Kunlun, comprehending the Xuan Yuan Gong and stabilizing your realm. This place is pure and serene, rich in Daoist energy, and protected by innate restrictions; it will ensure your safety."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable also spoke solemnly, with a sense of entrustment: "Kunlun is our Daoist temple, impervious to all evil. You should cultivate here in seclusion, hone your magical power, and comprehend the Great Dao. When we return, we will test your progress. Do not slacken."

The Master of Heaven grinned, a hint of nonchalance in his expression: "Boy, keep a close watch on the house! Once I return with the treasure, I might even be able to teach you a few of your newly acquired sword techniques!"

Upon hearing this, Qinglian's mind raced.

Exploring the primordial wilderness! For him, this was not only an excellent opportunity to broaden his horizons and find spiritual treasures, but also a crucial step in practicing the "Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Technique" and verifying his own path of creation within the world! The opportunity was right before him; how could he miss it? He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions within him, and bowed again, his tone earnest and resolute:

"Disciple thanks Master for your concern! However..."

He raised his head, his eyes clear and filled with longing. "Your disciple has been bestowed with the supreme and wondrous technique, the Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Technique, by Master. My foundation is now solid, and my resolve is firm. This technique is profound and all-encompassing. While I deeply feel that although closed-door study can improve my magical power, to truly understand the true meaning of 'Profound Origin,' to perceive the flow of creation, and to seize the wonders of life, I fear I must enter the mortal world, observe the changes of heaven and earth, and experience the emotions of all things. I humbly request Master's permission to also travel through the primordial wilderness! I will certainly abide by my duty, diligently study and comprehend it, and never dare to neglect Master's teachings, much less cause any trouble!"

Qinglian's words were sincere and heartfelt, expressing both her yearning for the Great Dao and highlighting that the cultivation characteristics of the "Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Technique" required practical verification. Her reasons were sound, and her attitude was extremely respectful.

Upon hearing this, the Three Pure Ones exchanged glances, their Daoist thoughts communicating in an instant without a sound.

Laozi's gaze deepened as he carefully examined the Azure Lotus once more. While the cultivation of an early-stage Great Luo Golden Immortal wasn't top-tier in the current prehistoric world, it was certainly not weak.

He possesses the "Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Technique," whose magical power is pure and vast, far surpassing that of others of the same level. Furthermore, he is protected by the Origin of Creation, which gives him boundless vitality, making him immune to ordinary injuries.

In terms of temperament, having gone through the struggle of the original body, the transformation of the lotus seed, and listening to the sacred words, it has long been tempered into a resilient and well-rounded person, and has a pure heart, knowing when to advance and when to retreat, and understanding gratitude.

The gaze of the Primordial Celestial Venerable was dignified, scrutinizing, but even more so, it held approval.

This young man possesses extraordinary background, profound blessings, and enduring fortune. During his trip to Zixiao Palace, many of the most powerful beings in the primordial world recognized him as the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones.

The name of the Three Pure Ones is the strongest talisman in the primordial world! As long as Qinglian doesn't actively provoke those ancient monsters or get caught up in the mass calamity killing field, who would dare to disrespect the Three Pure Ones? Even the likes of Di Jun and Donghuang Taiyi would have to consider the consequences of offending the Three Pure Ones at the same time.

The Tongtian Sect Leader's eyes were full of admiration. He was naturally active and admired this kind of enterprising and daring spirit in seeking the Dao.

In his view, promising talents should be sent out to experience the trials and tribulations, and their brilliance should be revealed through hardship! How can flowers in a greenhouse bear the weight of the supreme sword path that seizes every last chance for survival?

After a moment, Lao Tzu slowly spoke, his voice still calm, yet carrying a hint of agreement: "What you seek is in accordance with the principles of the Great Dao cultivation. The Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Technique indeed needs to be verified by Heaven and Earth. Your mental cultivation is already sufficient for your travels."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable nodded slightly and added, "The primordial world is vast, where opportunities and dangers coexist. You must remember to uphold righteousness and distinguish right from wrong. The names of the Three Pure Ones can protect you, but they are not a means for you to act recklessly. In all matters, you should use wisdom and reason to prevail. If you encounter insurmountable danger..."

His gaze turned to Lao Tzu.

Lao Tzu understood. He said no more, and simply flicked his sleeves seemingly casually.

In an instant!

"Buzz—!"

A deep, resonant sound, as if it had come from the very beginning of creation, resounded throughout the entire Taiqing Palace!

Boundless primordial energy surged forth from nowhere, like the Milky Way hanging upside down in the heavens, or like the rising energy of Mother Earth, instantly illuminating the palace with a sacred and solemn aura!

The primordial energy was so thick and substantial that it carried the supreme Daoist charm of being impervious to all laws and repelling all evils. It also contained an unparalleled sense of weightiness that suppressed the primordial chaos and supported the heavens and the earth!

At the core of the light, a delicate and exquisite small tower slowly rotated and emerged. The tower had nine stories, and was neither gold nor jade. Its entire body was formed from the purest primordial energy. On the tower, the Great Dao runes naturally appeared and disappeared. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to be evolving a grand scene of the heaven-opening axe splitting the chaos, the pure energy rising and the turbid energy sinking, and the earth, water, fire and wind settling at the four poles!

It is the supreme treasure of acquired merit—the Heaven and Earth Profound Yellow Exquisite Pagoda! This was transformed from the merit of Pangu's creation of the world. Standing on one's head ensures invincibility, immunity from all laws, and freedom from the stain of cause and effect!

Upon seeing this treasure, even the Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning and the Master of the Heavenly Gate showed a hint of solemnity in their eyes.

This tower's defensive capabilities are unparalleled in the primordial world, and it is one of Lao Tzu's most important protective treasures.

With a light tap of his finger, Laozi caused the Xuanhuang Pagoda, radiating a vast aura of merit, to transform into a gentle stream of light, which floated steadily in front of Qinglian.

"Azure Lotus, this is the Exquisite Pagoda of Heaven and Earth."

Lao Tzu's voice was calm, yet every word carried immense weight: "With this pagoda for protection, in this vast primordial world, those who can harm you are few and far between. Even if you encounter danger, simply infuse your magic power, raise this pagoda above your head, and the primordial energy will descend to protect you. Remember, this pagoda's primary purpose is protection; do not use it lightly unless absolutely necessary. If you encounter a truly irresistible force…"

Lao Tzu's profound gaze seemed to pierce through time and space: "This tower will protect your primordial spirit and support you until we arrive."

The Tongtian Sect Leader laughed heartily, stepped forward, and patted Qinglian's shoulder forcefully: "Boy, take this! This is your elder brother's most treasured possession! With it, you can go anywhere in the prehistoric world! Don't be a coward when you encounter trouble, but don't be foolish enough to fight head-on either. If you need to run, then run and come back to complain to our masters!"

His words were full of protectiveness and confidence.

Yuanshi Tianzun also revealed a rare, faint smile, and a point of Jade Purity Immortal Light from his fingertip entered Qinglian's brow: "This is a core energy of the innate restriction of Kunlun Mountain. Holding it allows you to sense the location of Kunlun, and in times of crisis, you can draw upon a trace of Kunlun's earth vein power to protect your body and help you escape."

Looking at the treasure before her, which was imbued with the primordial energy of Xuanhuang and bore the merits of the creation of the world, and feeling the immense care and expectations of her three masters, Qinglian felt a surge of warmth in her heart and almost choked up.

He held the warm, slightly cool pagoda in his hands with utmost solemnity.

He slowly and solemnly knelt down, his forehead touching the cool floor of the Dao Palace:

"Disciple Qinglian kowtows in gratitude for Master's generous gifts! This kindness and virtue will never be forgotten! Disciple will certainly follow Master's teachings, uphold righteousness, diligently cultivate, and verify the Great Dao, never bringing shame upon our Sanqing lineage! I will not fail Master's grace in bestowing treasures and protecting the Dao!"

The voice was strong and clear, carrying the sincerity and determination unique to young people, and a deep gratitude for the supreme teacher's kindness. It lingered for a long time in the Taiqing Palace at the top of Kunlun Mountain.

The magnificent pagoda, exuding the primordial chaos, hummed softly in his palm, its primordial energy swirling and flowing, as if acknowledging the young master's character and vows.