Primordial Era: Starting by overwhelming the Sages, Hongjun was stunned!

Kong Xuan remained silent.

saint.

That was a level he had never reached.

But now, he must achieve it.

Because next time, Yuanshi Tianzun will not show mercy.

Because next time, the Tongtian Cult Leader won't come to save you.

Kong Xuan looked up: "Master, how does one become a saint?"

Tongtian gazed at him, remaining silent for a long time.

"To become a saint, three things are needed."

"First, great merit."

"Secondly, a great opportunity."

Third, great perseverance.

"You have great perseverance and great opportunities."

"But you lack great merit."

Kong Xuan asked, "How can one attain great merit?"

Tongtiandao: "To save all living beings."

"To save the people."

"Save those who deserve it."

"During the great calamity, countless people died or were injured."

"If you can save enough people, merit will naturally come."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

To save the people.

To save the people.

It's easier said than done.

Such is the will of Heaven during this great eon.

Those who deserve to die, those who deserve to perish.

Go against the tide and save them.

How easy is it?

Tongtiandao said, "It's difficult, but we must do it."

"Otherwise, you will never become a saint."

"If you can't become a saint, you'll be trampled underfoot forever."

Kong Xuan looked up at him.

"I understand."

Tongtian nodded and stood up.

"I'll be waiting for you on Jin'ao Island."

"If you become a saint, the gates of the Intercepting Sect will be forever open for you."

He turned and flew away.

The crimson sword light disappeared into the horizon.

Kong Xuan braced himself against the ground and stood up.

His whole body was still in pain, but he could stand.

Yunxiao helped him up: "Senior brother, your injuries haven't healed yet."

Kong Xuan shook his head: "It's alright."

He looked up and gazed into the distance.

At the foot of Jinji Ridge, the Xiqi camp still stands.

The Golden Immortal of the Chan Sect is still alive.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable is still alive.

The great calamity continues.

He can't stop.

Kong Xuan turned around and walked back to his tent.

Sit in the main seat, close your eyes and regulate your breathing.

The light of chaos flowed within his body, slowly repairing his injuries.

Yunxiao stood guard outside the tent, not allowing anyone to disturb him.

One day, three days, five days.

Kong Xuan did not move.

The chaotic light flowed within his body, and his injuries gradually healed.

Although his cultivation level did not improve, his foundation became more stable.

fifth day.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes.

The injury is 70% healed; the rest will take time.

But he didn't have time.

The Xiqi army could come again at any time.

Kong Xuan got up and walked out of the tent.

Yunxiao greeted him: "Senior brother, where are you going?"

Kong Xuandao said, "Let's go down the mountain."

"Go to the Xiqi camp."

Yunxiao was taken aback: "Go to the Xiqi camp? For what?"

Kong Xuandao: "Negotiation."

"Make them withdraw their troops."

Yunxiao's expression changed drastically: "Negotiation? They'll kill you."

Kong Xuan shook his head: "No."

"Yuanshi Tianzun has a sense of honor and would not harm the wounded."

"The Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect value fame and will not take advantage of others in times of distress."

"If I go alone, they won't dare to make a move."

Yunxiao remained silent.

She knew that Kong Xuan was right.

But she was still worried.

"I'll go with you."

Kong Xuan shook his head: "You stay."

"If I don't come back, then you should go back to Jin'ao Island."

"Tell the leader that Kong Xuan owes him, and he will repay him in the next life."

Yunxiao's eyes reddened: "Senior brother..."

Kong Xuan waved his hand, turned around and walked down the mountain.

His black robes fluttered in the wind, and his black hair danced in the air.

The Zhuxian Sword was stuck in his back, its blade as black as ink.

He walked slowly, but very steadily.

Every step was taken firmly.

The mountain wind howled, blowing his robes.

His shadow stretched long in the setting sun.

The main camp of Xiqi had a towering gate.

The guard stopped him: "Halt! Who goes there?"

Kong Xuan said, "Kong Xuan requests an audience with the Primordial Heavenly Venerable."

The guard's expression changed drastically.

Kong Xuan, commander-in-chief of the Shang army, a quasi-saint level expert.

They dared not delay and rushed into the camp to report.

A moment later, the guard came out and said, "The Celestial Venerable requests your presence."

Kong Xuan strode into the camp.

The Xiqi camp stretched for dozens of miles.

The camps were like a forest, and the banners were like clouds.

The soldiers looked at him with complicated expressions.

There was hostility, curiosity, and awe.

Kong Xuan remained expressionless and walked towards the central command tent.

The tent flap was open.

Inside the tent sat the Primordial Celestial Venerable.

On the left and right sides sat the Twelve Golden Immortals.

Kong Xuan entered the tent and stood in the center.

He clasped his hands in greeting: "Greetings, Heavenly Venerable."

Yuanshi Tianzun looked at him calmly.

"Is your injury healed?"

Kong Xuandao said, "It's about 70% done."

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded: "Early stage Quasi-Saint, you can withstand 50% of my power and survive."

"You are the most promising junior I have ever seen."

"Unfortunately, we walk different paths."

Kong Xuandao said, "Even if our paths differ, we can still talk."

Yuanshi Tianzun raised an eyebrow: "What are you talking about?"

Kong Xuandao: "Let's talk about withdrawing the troops."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable's expression darkened: "Withdraw the troops? Impossible."

Kong Xuandao said, "King Zhou of Shang still has eighteen years of good fortune left."

"Aren't you afraid of what the world will say, given your haste?"

The Primordial Celestial Venerable remained silent.

Kong Xuan continued, "The Heavenly Venerable cares about his reputation, and the Chan Sect cares about its name."

"If we disregard the fate of the Shang Dynasty and forcibly destroy it..."

"What will the world say?"

They would say that the Chan sect was too deceitful, and that the sages were bullying the weak.

The expression on Yuanshi Tianzun's face changed slightly.

Kong Xuan's words struck a nerve.

Sages care about their reputation, and those who expound on doctrines care about their fame.

If they disregard everything and forcibly destroy the Shang dynasty...

His reputation was ruined.

After a long silence, Yuanshi Tianzun finally spoke: "What do you want?"

Kong Xuan said, "Follow the rules."

"King Zhou of Shang still has eighteen years of good fortune left."

"Within eighteen years, you may overthrow King Zhou."

"We can't let a saint intervene."

"We must not bully the weak."

"Each relies on their own abilities, regardless of life or death."

Yuanshi Tianzun gazed at him with profound eyes.

"You're trying to stall for time."

Kong Xuan did not deny it: "Yes."

"I need time to become a saint."

"After becoming a saint, I will fight the Heavenly Venerable again."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable remained silent.

The twelve Golden Immortals looked at each other in bewilderment.

a long time.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable spoke: "Very well."

I promise you.

"The sage will not intervene for eighteen years."

"Eighteen years from now, whether you become a saint or not."

"I will personally take action to destroy King Zhou of Shang."

Kong Xuan nodded: "It's a deal."

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded: "It's a deal."

Kong Xuan turned around and walked out of the tent.

His steps remained steady.

His expression remained calm.

But his heart was pounding wildly.

Eighteen years.

He was only eighteen years old.

He must become a saint within eighteen years.

Otherwise, everything will come to an end.

Kong Xuan walked out of the Xiqi camp and back to Jinji Ridge.

It was getting late, and the stars were twinkling.

The mountain wind howled, blowing his black robe.

He walked slowly, each step firm and deliberate.

Back to the camp.

Yunxiao greeted him: "Senior brother, did you succeed in the deal?"

Kong Xuan nodded: "Eighteen years."

"The sage will not intervene for eighteen years."

Yunxiao breathed a sigh of relief: "That's great."

Kong Xuan shook his head: "No good."

"Eighteen years is too short."

"To become a saint, one needs to accumulate great merit."

"Eighteen years, what can you do in that time?"

Yunxiao remained silent.

She knew that Kong Xuan was right.

Eighteen years is a long time for ordinary people.

For a cultivator, it is but a fleeting moment.

Achieving sainthood in an instant—how easy is that?

Kong Xuan sat in the main seat with his eyes closed.

My mind sank into my body.

The chaotic light flowed, and his cultivation level stabilized at the early stage of Quasi-Saint.

But what he needs is not cultivation.

It is a meritorious deed.

The merit of saving all living beings.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes and looked outside the tent.

The stars twinkled, and the night was as dark as ink.

"Eighteen years."

That's enough.

He got up and walked out of the tent.

Yunxiao asked, "Senior brother, where are you going?"

Kong Xuandao said, "Let's go down the mountain."

"To save the people."

"Accumulate good deeds."

"To become a saint."

As soon as he finished speaking, he leaped into the air.

They disappeared into the night.

Yunxiao stood atop the mountain, gazing at his retreating figure.

"Senior brother, take care."

Kong Xuan flew over thousands of mountains and rivers.

Flying over towns and villages.

Flying over battlefields, flying over ruins.

Wherever they went, corpses littered the fields, and cries of agony filled the air.

During the great calamity, countless people died or were injured.

The people were displaced and their lives were miserable.

Kong Xuan landed in front of a village.

The village has been burned down, leaving only ruins.

The villagers either died or fled.

Only a few elderly people remained, sitting amidst the ruins.

His eyes were vacant, and his face was ashen.

Kong Xuan walked over and squatted down.

"Grandpas, are you all alright?"

The old man looked up at him.

"Good? We've lost our home, what's good about that?"

Kong Xuan remained silent.

He took a bag of grain from his sleeve and placed it in front of the old man.

"Take these and distribute them to everyone."

The old man took the grain and was stunned.

"You...who are you?"

Kong Xuan stood up: "Just passing by."

He turned and left.

The old man watched his retreating figure, tears streaming down his face.

"What a kind person, what a kind person..."

Kong Xuan did not turn around.

keep going.

We passed through village after village.

They saved one civilian after another.

Food, medicine, and clothing.

He gave everything he could.

He saved everyone he could.

One day, ten days, one month.

Kong Xuan traveled throughout the entire Shang Dynasty.

It saved countless lives.

Merit is accumulated.

It's slow, but he's accumulating.

This day.

Kong Xuan arrived at the city.

The city isn't big, but it's very lively.

The city gate is inscribed with three characters: Chentang Pass.

Kong Xuan stopped and stared at the three words.

Chentang Pass.

The administrative center of Li Jing.

Nezha's hometown.

In the illusion, he saw Nezha.

That boy with three heads and eight arms.

That madman who dared to challenge a saint.

Kong Xuan strode into the city.

The streets were bustling with people.

Shops lined the streets, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares rose and fell.

Kong Xuan walked slowly, his gaze sweeping across the street.

Suddenly, he stopped.

Ahead, a boy stood.

She looked about seven or eight years old, with two buns in her hair.

Wearing a red bellyband and holding a Qiankun ring.

He rode on wheels of fire, with delicate features and a handsome appearance.

Nezha.

He looked at Kong Xuan and tilted his head.

"Who are you?"

Kong Xuandao: "Just passing by."

Nezha asked, "Are you very strong?"

Kong Xuan nodded: "It's alright."

Nezha's eyes lit up: "Shall we have a fight?"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "No."

Nezha pouted: "That's boring."

He turned around and flew away on his fiery wheels.

Kong Xuan watched his retreating figure, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"Nezha, son of Li Jing, and disciple of Taiyi Zhenren."

"During the Investiture of the Gods, he achieved physical sainthood."

"He has potential."

He turned around and kept walking.

After passing through Chentang Pass, continue south.

The merits are still far from sufficient.

He is still a long way from becoming a saint.

can't stop.

Kong Xuan was gone for a year.

He traveled all over the mountains and rivers of the Shang Dynasty.

It saved countless lives.

I have accumulated a lot of merit, but it is still not enough.

He is still a long way from becoming a saint.

This day.

Kong Xuan arrived at the foot of a mountain.

The mountain is very high, shrouded in clouds and mist.

At the foot of the mountain, there is a temple.

The temple was small, and the incense offerings were few and far between.

Inside the temple, there is a statue of a deity.

He has three eyes and wields a three-pointed, double-edged sword.

Yang Jian.

Kong Xuan entered the temple and looked at the statue of the god.

Yang Jian was a third-generation disciple of the Chan Sect.

"He made outstanding contributions during the Investiture of the Gods."

"He is a rare talent for military command."

He turned and walked out of the temple gate.

Suddenly, a voice rang out.

"Who are you?"

Kong Xuan turned his head.

A young man stood at the temple entrance.

Dressed in white as snow, with a handsome face.

There is a vertical line between his eyebrows, like a third eye.

Yang Jian.

Kong Xuandao: "Just passing by."

Yang Jian stared at him, his gaze sharp as lightning.

"You are Kong Xuan."

Kong Xuan nodded: "Yes."

Yang Jian asked, "What are you doing here?"

Kong Xuandao: "Save people."

Yang Jian asked, "Whom do you want to save?"

Kong Xuandao said, "To save the common people."

Yang Jian remained silent.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: "You can't save him."

"Those who deserve to die will die during this great calamity."

"You're going against the will of Heaven; you can't save them."

Kong Xuandao said, "Even if we can't save them, we must try."

"Because if you don't save them, you can never become a saint."

"If you can't become a saint, you'll never be able to protect the people you want to protect."

Yang Jian looked at him with a complicated expression.

"You're crazy."

Kong Xuan nodded: "Perhaps."

He turned and left.

Yang Jian stood at the temple gate, watching his retreating figure.

He remained motionless for a long time.

"Kong Xuan, commander-in-chief of the Shang army."

"A quasi-saint level expert."

"One man can withstand twelve Golden Immortals and survive a single blow from a Saint."

"This person is no ordinary individual."

Yang Jian turned around and walked into the temple.

Continue your spiritual practice.

Kong Xuan continued walking.

One year, two years, three years.

He traveled throughout the Shang Dynasty and the Zhou Dynasty.

I traveled all over the prehistoric world.

It saved countless lives.

Merit is accumulated.

His cultivation is improving.

Quasi-Saint stage: early, middle, and late.

Three years, from the initial stage to the later stage.

But he is still one step away from becoming a saint.

last step.

It's also the most difficult step.

This day.

Kong Xuan arrived at the foot of a mountain.

The mountain isn't high, but it's quite unique.

The mountain is spiral-shaped, going up in circles.

At the top of the mountain, there is a palace.

The palace was very small, only big enough for one person.

Kong Xuan stopped and looked at the mountain.

"Tianji Mountain".

He came here in the illusion.

The Celestial Realm Lord is here.

But who is the real-world Lord of the Heavenly Mystery Domain?

Kong Xuan strode up the mountain.

The mountain road spirals, going round and round.

After walking for a long time, we finally reached the top of the mountain.

The palace was very small, only big enough for one person.

Inside the hall, an old man sat cross-legged.

He had white eyebrows and beard, and a ruddy complexion.

His eyes were slightly closed, and his breathing was long and even.

Cultivation level: Peak Quasi-Saint.

The Old Man of Heavenly Secrets.

He opened his eyes and looked at Kong Xuan.

"You've arrived."

Kong Xuan nodded.

The old man of heavenly secrets said, "I have been waiting for you for a long time."

Kong Xuan asked, "What are you waiting for me to do?"

The old man of heavenly secrets said, "I have something to tell you."

"Regarding the matter of sanctification."

Kong Xuan sat opposite him.

The Old Man of Heavenly Secrets said, "To become a saint, you need three things."

"Great merit, great opportunity, great perseverance."

"You have all of them."

"But you're still missing one thing."

Kong Xuan asked, "What's missing?"

The old man of heavenly secrets said, "We are missing a trigger."

"A turning point that leads to enlightenment."

"Without this opportunity, you will never become a saint."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: "Where is the opportunity?"

The Old Man of Heavenly Secrets raised his hand and pointed into the distance.

"There."

"Chentang Pass".

Nezha.

Kong Xuan was taken aback.

The old man of heavenly secrets said, "Nezha's tribulation is your opportunity."

"If he dies, you will never become a saint."

"If he were alive, you would have a chance."

Kong Xuan asked, "Why?"

The Old Man of Heavenly Secrets shook his head: "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed."

"Go."

"Chen Tang Pass is waiting for you."

Kong Xuan got up and walked down the mountain.