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

Kong Xuan stood in the void, gazing in the direction where Yuanshi Tianzun had disappeared.

He remained motionless for a long time.

Nezha flew up and landed beside him.

"Kong Xuan, you have become a saint!"

Kong Xuan nodded: "Mm."

Nezha asked, "You won?"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "We didn't win."

"We didn't lose either."

"A draw."

Nezha said, "A draw is still very impressive!"

"The other party is none other than the Primordial Celestial Venerable!"

Kong Xuan remained silent.

He looked down at his hands.

Holy light flowed through his palm.

Warm and gentle.

He finally became a saint.

He had been working towards this day for eighteen years.

From quasi-saint to saint, it's just a step away.

But it took him eighteen years to take this step.

Kong Xuan turned around and flew back to Jinji Ridge.

The mountain has been leveled, and the camp has been destroyed.

The Shang army soldiers were scattered all around.

Kong Xuan landed on the ruins, standing with his hands behind his back.

His black robe was torn, and he was covered in blood.

But he stood there.

The soldiers of the Shang army knelt on the ground.

"General!"

Kong Xuan nodded: "Get up, all of you."

"The war is over."

"Go home."

The soldiers stood up and looked at each other in bewilderment.

Then, cheers erupted.

The war is over.

The War of the Gods has finally come to an end.

Kong Xuan turned around and walked into the distance.

Nezha caught up: "Kong Xuan, where are you going?"

Kong Xuandao: "Go home."

"Drink the soup."

Nezha asked, "Shall I go with you?"

Kong Xuan nodded: "Okay."

The two flew side by side toward the primordial wilderness.

Holy light was behind him, illuminating heaven and earth.

Kong Xuan flew over thousands of mountains and rivers.

Holy light flowed behind him, illuminating the hazy sky.

Nezha followed beside him on his Wind Fire Wheels, holding half a steamed bun in his hand.

"Kong Xuan, where do you live?"

Kong Xuandao said, "The primordial wilderness, the immortal volcano."

Nezha asked, "Is it far?"

Kong Xuandao: "It's very far."

"How long will it take to fly?"

"Three days."

Nezha stopped asking questions, munched on his steamed bun, and followed along as they flew.

Three days later.

Undead volcano.

The flames still burned, and the sky was crimson.

Kong Xuan landed at the foot of the mountain, standing with his hands behind his back.

Looking at the surging flames, a warm feeling welled up in my heart.

Eighteen years.

He hasn't been back for eighteen years.

How is my mother?

Kong Xuan strode up the mountain.

Nezha followed behind, looking around.

"It's so hot here."

Kong Xuan did not answer.

Halfway up the mountain, Phoenix Palace came into view.

The palace gates were open.

Yuan Feng stood in the hall, looking towards the entrance.

White clothes, white hair, and an aged face.

But his eyes remained bright.

She smiled when she saw Kong Xuan come in.

"Child, you're back?"

Kong Xuan nodded: "You're back."

Yuan Feng took out a bowl from her sleeve.

The bowl contains soup.

It was still steaming.

"Child, drink the soup."

Kong Xuan took the bowl, lowered his head, and took a sip.

It's very hot and smells delicious.

"It tastes good."

Yuan Feng smiled.

Mother and son faced each other, speechless.

Nezha stood at the door, watching this scene unfold.

Her eyes were slightly red.

He thought of his mother.

Lady Yin.

Still at Chentang Pass.

Wait for him to go back.

Kong Xuan put down the bowl and turned to look at Nezha.

"Missing home?"

Nezha nodded: "I want to."

Kong Xuan said, "After you finish your soup, I'll take you home."

Nezha shook his head: "No rush."

"I'll stay with you first."

Kong Xuan nodded and said nothing more.

Three days later.

Kong Xuan left the immortal volcano.

Nezha followed beside him.

The two flew towards Chentang Pass.

On the way, Nezha asked, "Kong Xuan, what do you want to do in the future?"

Kong Xuan thought for a moment: "Guard Jinji Ridge."

"To safeguard the destiny of the Shang Dynasty."

"Protect those who should be protected."

Nezha asked, "Is the war still going on?"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "Let's not fight anymore."

"The War of the Gods has ended."

"What remains is to recuperate and rebuild."

Nezha nodded and asked no more questions.

Chentang Pass.

The city gates were opened, and the people lined the streets to welcome them.

Nezha landed in the city and looked around.

"Mother! I'm back!"

Lady Yin ran out of the mansion and hugged Nezha.

Tears flowed down my face.

"My child, you're finally back."

Nezha also cried.

The mother and child embraced each other, remaining silent for a long time.

Kong Xuan stood to the side, watching this scene unfold.

A slight smile played at the corners of his lips.

He turned and left.

Nezha called out, "Kong Xuan, where are you going?"

Kong Xuan did not turn around.

"go home."

"Drink the soup."

Jinji Ridge.

The Shang army soldiers had already left the ruins.

All that remains are ruins, broken stones, and rubble.

Kong Xuan landed on the mountaintop, standing with his hands behind his back.

The wind blew, raising dust.

He gazed into the distance, his expression calm.

Eighteen years.

He guarded it for eighteen years.

Now, it's finally over.

Kong Xuan sat cross-legged on the ruins, his eyes closed.

Holy light flowed through his body.

The cultivation of a sage in the early stages is as solid as a mountain.

But he knew that wasn't enough.

The War of the Gods has ended, but the Great Calamity is still to come.

When will the next great calamity come?

do not know.

But he knew it would come.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes and looked up at the sky.

The sky is very blue, and the clouds are very white.

Everything was peaceful.

But the calm before the storm is always the most peaceful.

"We need to be stronger."

"Powerful enough to cope with the next great calamity."

Kong Xuan closed his eyes and continued his cultivation.

Holy light flowed through his body, and his cultivation level gradually improved.

No rush, take your time.

This sitting lasted for three years.

For three years, Kong Xuan did not leave Jinji Ridge.

He sits cross-legged on the mountaintop every day, practicing his spiritual cultivation without ceasing.

His cultivation level progressed from the early stage of Sainthood to the middle stage.

The holy light is stronger now.

This day.

Nezha has arrived.

He rides on wheels of fire and holds the Universe Ring in his hand.

He landed on the mountaintop and looked up at Kong Xuan.

"Kong Xuan, you have been meditating for another three years."

Kong Xuan opened his eyes: "You've grown up."

Nezha has indeed grown up.

Three years ago he looked like a seven or eight-year-old, but now he's a teenager.

He had delicate features and a determined look in his eyes.

Cultivation level: Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Nezha said, "It's been three years, but you haven't changed much."

Kong Xuandao said, "Sages never grow old."

Nezha pouted: "Showing off."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

Nezha asked, "Kong Xuan, how much longer are you going to sit?"

Kong Xuandao: "I don't know."

"It might take a long time."

"It might be soon."

"It's up to fate."

Nezha remained silent.

After a long silence, he spoke: "Kong Xuan, I want to cultivate with you."

Kong Xuan looked at him: "Cultivate with me? Where's your master?"

Nezha said, "The Immortal Taiyi has returned to Qianyuan Mountain."

"They told me to make my own way."

"I want to follow you."

Kong Xuan remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

"it is good."

"Then let's go together."

Nezha laughed and sat down to the side.

"Kong Xuan, what did you teach me?"

Kong Xuandao: "I will teach you how to live."

Nezha was taken aback: "Does living require instruction?"

Kong Xuandao: "Yes, it is necessary."

"In the midst of a great calamity, survival is the hardest thing."

"And most importantly."

Nezha nodded and asked no more questions.

The two sat on the mountaintop, one sitting and one standing.

The wind blew, and her robes fluttered.

Three more years passed.

This day.

Yunxiao has arrived.

He wore a blue Taoist robe and had a calm expression.

He landed on the mountaintop and looked up at Kong Xuan.

"Senior brother, the Tongtian Sect Leader requests your return to Jin'ao Island."

Kong Xuan opened his eyes: "What is it?"

Yunxiao said, "Let's discuss the Dao."

"The disciples of the Jie Sect have gathered, eager to hear their senior brother preach."

Kong Xuan thought for a moment and nodded.

"it is good."

He stood up and stood with his hands behind his back.

Nezha stood up too: "I'll go too."

Kong Xuan nodded, and the three of them flew towards Jin'ao Island.

Jin'ao Island.

Inside Biyou Palace, the Tongtian Sect Leader sat in the main seat.

On the left and right sides sat disciples of the Jie Sect.

Upon seeing Kong Xuan arrive, everyone stood up.

"Senior Brother Kong Xuan."

Kong Xuan nodded and sat down in the guest seat.

Tongtian gazed at him, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

"Mid-stage Sainthood, three years."

"You're faster than I thought."

Kong Xuandao said, "That's not enough."

Tongtian nodded: "It's indeed not enough."

"Although the great calamity has passed, the next great calamity is not far away."

"We need to be stronger."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

Tongtian said, "I invited you here today so that you could preach to my disciples."

"Your path is different from ours."

"Coming from chaos, coming from life and death."

"From protection."

Your teachings are worth listening to.

Kong Xuan remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

"it is good."

He rose and stood in the hall.

He looked around at the disciples of the Jie Sect.

Zhao Gongming, the Three Immortals of Sanxiao, Duobao, and Jinling.

Familiar faces.

In the illusion, they all died.

But now, they are all alive.

The Investiture of the Gods war ended prematurely.

Because Kong Xuan defended Jinji Ridge.

Because the Primordial Celestial Venerable has withdrawn.

Kong Xuan spoke, his voice calm.

"The Way is not in the heavens."

"Not underground."

"Not in books, not on words."

"The Way is beneath your feet."

"Every step you take."

Everyone held their breath and listened intently.

Kong Xuan continued, "I have traveled many roads."

"From the beginning of time to chaos, from chaos to primordial chaos."

"From the primordial chaos to the boundless void, from the boundless void to the void of return."

"From the void to the beginning, from the beginning to the void."

"From vacuum to nothingness, from nothingness back to the primordial chaos."

"Every step was taken with my life on the line."

"Every battle is fought with blood."

"Every breakthrough was achieved at the cost of my life."

"So I know what the Tao is."

Everyone asked, "What is it?"

Kong Xuandao said, "The Way is living."

"Only by staying alive can you find a way forward."

"Only by staying alive can you protect those you want to protect."

"Only by living can one drink mother's soup."

Everyone fell silent.

The Master of the Heavens looked at Kong Xuan with a complex expression.

"Your path is very simple."

"But it's also very profound."

Kong Xuan nodded: "Because the Dao is inherently simple."

"It's not about the mysterious, it's about the ordinary."

"It's not about lofty goals, it's about what's right under your feet."

He continued his sermon.

They talked for three days and three nights.

From chaos to primordial chaos, and from primordial chaos to the boundless void.

From Wuji to Guixu, and from Guixu to Taichu.

From the beginning, it speaks of emptiness; from emptiness, it speaks of nothingness.

Each step was explained in great detail.

Every battle was described very truthfully.

Every death was described with great pain.

The disciples listened with rapt attention.

Some people cried, and some people laughed.

Some have figured it out, while others are still figuring it out.

Three days later.

After Kong Xuan finished speaking, he returned to his seat as a guest.

He closed his eyes and stopped speaking.

The Master of Heaven stood up and looked around.

"You have all heard the teachings of Confucius."

"Keep it in mind, and put it into practice."

"Don't let them down."

All the disciples nodded in unison.

banquet.

The disciples of the Jie Sect gathered together, drinking and chatting happily.

Kong Xuan sat to one side, drinking very slowly.

Nezha sat beside him, eating meat heartily.

Yunxiao brought over a cup of wine and handed it to Kong Xuan.

"Senior brother, I salute you."

Kong Xuan took it and drank it all in one gulp.

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

Kong Xuandao said, "Return to Jinji Ridge."

"That's my battlefield."

"It's also my home."

Yunxiao nodded: "I'll go with you."

Kong Xuan looked at her: "Aren't you afraid of death?"

Yunxiao said, "I'm afraid."

"But I'm even more afraid of living a life of ignominy."

"Senior brother is right, as long as you're alive, there's a way to go."

"But if you just keep living a life of mere survival, you'll never make a path forward."

Kong Xuan remained silent and nodded.

"Okay, let's go together."

The banquet has ended.

Kong Xuan got up and walked out of Biyou Palace.

Standing by the sea, gazing at the distant ocean.

Waves crashed against the shore, and the sea breeze howled.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his expression calm.

Nezha stood beside him, and Yunxiao stood behind him.

The three stood side by side, gazing at the sea.

Nezha asked, "Kong Xuan, what are you thinking about?"

Kong Xuandao said, "I'm thinking about the future."

Nezha asked, "Is there still a road?"

Kong Xuandao: "Yes."

"The Way has no end, and so does the road."

Above the sages, there is the Heavenly Way.

"Beyond the Heavenly Way, there is the Great Way."

"Above the Great Dao, there is also Chaos."

"Layer upon layer, endlessly."

Nezha remained silent.

After a long silence, he finally spoke: "Where are you going?"

Kong Xuandao said, "Walk until you can't walk anymore."

"We'll keep going until we protect everyone."

"I'll keep going until I can no longer drink my mother's soup."

Nezha nodded: "Then I'll go with you."

Yunxiao said, "I'll go with you too."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

Turn around and take flight.

It flew towards Jinji Ridge.

Nezha followed beside him, riding on his Wind Fire Wheels.

He flew through the clouds on his sword, following behind.

The three flew over thousands of mountains and rivers, and over vast oceans and mulberry fields.

Back to Jinji Ridge.

The ruins remain, the rocks remain.

Kong Xuan landed on the mountaintop, standing with his hands behind his back.

The wind blew, and the black robe fluttered in the wind.

He gazed into the distance, his expression calm.

The road ahead is still long.

But he wasn't in a hurry.

Take your time.

We'll get there eventually.

Nezha sat down to the side and began his cultivation.

Yunxiao stood behind him, closing his eyes to rest.

The three people sat, stood, and stood still, each in their own place.

The wind at Jinji Ridge blew for three days and three nights.

Kong Xuan remained completely still.

Holy light flowed through his body, and his cultivation level gradually improved.

Not urgent.

Take it easy.

Because he was there.

Because the person who needs protection is still here.

Because that bowl of soup is still there.

Kong Xuan smiled slightly, closed his eyes, and entered a meditative state.

Holy light was behind him, illuminating heaven and earth.

The wind at Jinji Ridge blew for three days and three nights.

Kong Xuan remained motionless, like a stone statue.

Holy light flowed through my body, as warm and gentle as water.

The cultivation level of a mid-stage sage remains unchanged.

But his state of mind had deepened to another level.

It is not about the improvement of one's cultivation, but about the stabilization of one's heart.

Nezha couldn't sit still any longer.

He got up and walked around on the mountaintop, tossing the Qiankun Ring up and down.

"Kong Xuan, how long are you going to sit here?"

Kong Xuan did not open his eyes.

"have no idea."

Nezha pouted: "You always say that."

Yunxiao stood to one side, closing his eyes to rest.

Hearing Nezha's words, she opened her eyes, glanced at him, and then closed them again.

Nezha was even more bored.

"You two are all taciturn."

He flew down from the mountain peak and circled around Jinji Ridge.

The Shang army soldiers have already left, and their camp has been dismantled.

All that remains are ruins, broken stones, and rubble.

Wild grasses grew from the cracks in the rocks, lush and green.

Several wild rabbits hopped around in the grass, unafraid of people.

Nezha squatted down and looked at the few wild rabbits.

The rabbit stared at him, its three-lobed mouth twitching.

Nezha reached out to touch it, but the rabbit ran away.

"It's boring."

He got up and flew back to the mountaintop.

Kong Xuan was still sitting.

Yunxiao is still standing.

Everything remains the same.

Nezha sighed and sat down to the side.

He also began practicing spiritual cultivation.

This sitting lasted for three months.

No one came for three months.

Jinji Ridge is very quiet, with only the sounds of wind, birdsong, and the hopping of wild rabbits.

Kong Xuan liked this kind of quiet.

It's much better than the shouts of battle on the battlefield.

It's much better than the emptiness in the illusion.

This is real quiet, with wind, grass, and rabbits.

In this quiet, he found himself.

It was early morning in the fourth month.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes.

The sky was just beginning to brighten, and the morning fog was very thick.

Jinji Ridge was shrouded in white mist, like a fairyland.

Nezha was still asleep, slumped to one side, drooling all over the ground.

Yunxiao stood with his eyes closed, his breathing long and even.

Kong Xuan did not wake them.

He stood up, put his hands behind his back, and gazed into the distance.

A figure walked through the morning mist.

White clothes, white hair, and an aged face.

Leaning on a bamboo cane, he walked with faltering steps.

It was that old man.

The one I visited three years ago.

Kong Xuan leaped down and landed in front of the old man.

"You're here again."