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

"Who set up that cage?"

The Queen Mother of the West shook her head: "I don't know."

When Pangu fell, he left nothing behind.

"Only this land exists, only these living beings exist."

"We all live on the remains of Pangu."

"They all live in that cage."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

This news is absolutely shocking.

Pangu came from beyond heaven and earth.

The creation of heaven was to break free from the cage.

But it failed.

This place has been left behind, becoming a new prison.

"So what is the key to breaking this deadlock that I was talking about?"

The Queen Mother of the West looked at him, her gaze profound:

"It's your scent."

"An aura that transcends this world."

Kong Xuan's heart tightened.

To elevate one's supernatural powers.

Did Lao Tzu and the Queen Mother of the West both know about his supernatural powers?

How did you know that, senior?

The Queen Mother of the West said calmly:

"Lao Tzu deduced the secrets of heaven and saw a glimpse of it."

"The aura emanating from you does not belong to this world."

"It comes from a higher level, from the place where Pangu came from."

"Perhaps it can be the key to breaking free from the cage."

Kong Xuan was deeply shaken.

Sublimated supernatural powers, originating from a higher level?

From the place where Pangu came from?

Where did he get this supernatural power from?

He is clearly just a descendant of the Phoenix Clan.

He is only the son of Yuan Feng.

How could it have such an origin?

The Queen Mother of the West seemed to sense his confusion and spoke:

"No one knows where your supernatural powers come from."

"Perhaps it was fate, perhaps it was destiny."

"Perhaps it was a glimmer of hope left behind when Pangu fell."

Kong Xuan remained silent, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

Is the sublimation of supernatural powers a hope left behind by Pangu?

Is it the accumulation of one's many lifetimes?

Or something else?

he does not know.

But he knew that this supernatural power was indeed extraordinary.

It can elevate everything.

Cultivation, background, comprehension, external things.

Even the Great Way.

Such supernatural power has never existed in the primordial world.

"Senior, what should I do?"

The Queen Mother of the West gazed at him, her eyes cold and clear:

"Become stronger."

"Strong enough to break free of the cage."

"Powerful enough to transcend the boundaries of heaven and earth."

"Powerful enough to find the path from which Pangu came."

"Then, go outside."

Kong Xuan clenched his fist, his gaze resolute.

"I understand."

The Queen Mother of the West nodded and waved her hand.

A beam of light shot out and landed in front of Kong Xuan.

The light faded, revealing a jade pendant.

The jade pendant is pure white and has a smooth, lustrous texture.

It is engraved with ancient patterns and emits a faint glow.

"This is a token from Xi Kunlun."

"With this jade pendant, one may enter and exit the Western Kunlun Mountains."

"If you encounter danger, you can crush the jade pendant, and I will sense it."

Kong Xuan took the jade pendant and put it away.

"Thank you, senior."

The Queen Mother of the West turned and looked at the sea of ​​clouds:

"Go."

"I'm waiting for you."

Kong Xuan bowed respectfully, then turned and descended the mountain.

After taking a few steps, the Queen Mother of the West's voice came from behind:

"Kong Xuan."

He stopped and turned around.

"You carry on your shoulders not only your own destiny."

"It is this world, and the fate of all people."

"Live well."

"Get stronger."

Kong Xuan remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

"I've remembered."

He soared into the air, his black robes fluttering in the wind.

After descending from Xikunlun, Kong Xuan headed east.

The speed of a quasi-saint is so fast that ten thousand miles can be covered in an instant.

Three days later, Shouyang Mountain came into view.

Kong Xuan landed at the foot of the mountain and walked up the mountain.

The bluestone road winds its way through the quiet mountain path.

He walked slowly, each step heavy.

The words of the Queen Mother of the West still echoed in my ears.

Bearing the fate of everyone.

This burden is too heavy.

But he had no way out.

I don't want to withdraw either.

Upon reaching the mountaintop, the thatched hut remained unchanged.

The stone platform remains the same.

Lao Tzu sat on the stone platform, closing his eyes to rest.

Kong Xuan approached and sat down opposite the stone platform.

Lao Tzu opened his eyes and looked at him.

"Early stage of Quasi-Saint."

"It's faster than I expected."

Kong Xuan respectfully said, "Senior."

Lao Tzu nodded: "The Queen Mother of the West told you everything?"

"Yes."

"I've already said that."

Lao Tzu gazed at the horizon and remained silent for a long time.

Then he opened his mouth:

"Pangu separated heaven and earth to return home."

"Unfortunately, he can't go back."

His last wish rests on the people and all living beings in this world.

Kong Xuan asked, "What exactly is that cage?"

Lao Tzu looked at him, his gaze profound:

"That is the Way."

"The Dao of this world."

"When Pangu separated heaven and earth, he used his own Dao to suppress the Dao of the outside world."

"But his path has also become a new prison."

"Our spiritual practice is all within His Way."

"We can't get out."

"Unless, one transcends his Way."

Kong Xuan was greatly shocked.

The Dao that surpasses Pangu?

Pangu, the great god who created the world.

His Dao is the rule of this world.

To transcend his Dao is to break the rules of this world.

How is that possible?

Seeing his expression, Lao Tzu said calmly:

"It's difficult."

"But it's not impossible."

"There is a flaw in the remains of Pangu."

"A flaw he deliberately left undetected."

"That tiny flaw is where the hope lies."

Kong Xuan looked up: "Where is that slight flaw?"

Lao Tzu looked at him, his gaze deep and unwavering:

"On you."

Kong Xuan was stunned.

On him?

Sublimation of supernatural powers?

"Senior, are you saying that the key to sublimating supernatural powers lies in that one tiny flaw?"

Lao Tzu shook his head: "Not entirely."

"The key is to sublimate supernatural powers."

"That one flaw was the keyhole."

"We have the key, and the keyhole is there too."

"Just one step away from opening it."

Kong Xuan remained silent, deep in thought.

The key is there, and the lock is there too.

Just one step away.

What is that step?

Lao Tzu seemed to sense his confusion and spoke:

That step was about time.

"To elevate one's supernatural powers, growth is necessary."

"It takes enough force to turn that lock."

"You're still too weak."

Kong Xuan nodded: "This junior understands."

"I will continue to become stronger."

"Until enough to open that lock."

Lao Tzu nodded slightly:

"This road is not easy to travel."

"There will be countless calamities and countless life-and-death situations."

"Perhaps in the end, you will find out."

"After the cage was opened, the outside was even more terrifying."

Kong Xuan was silent for a moment, then spoke:

"Then it still needs to be opened."

"Trapped here, you'll never see the truth."

"I'm going out, even if it's worse outside."

"At least, it's about freedom."

Lao Tzu looked at him, a hint of approval in his eyes.

"good."

"I'm waiting for you."

Kong Xuan stood up and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting:

"Thank you for your guidance, senior."

Lao Tzu closed his eyes and said no more.

Kong Xuan turned around and stepped into the air, disappearing into the distance.

After descending Shouyang Mountain, he headed south.

The speed of a quasi-saint is so great that heaven and earth seem to reverse.

Mountains and rivers swept past beneath our feet.

Kong Xuan felt an unprecedented clarity in his heart.

The cage, the truth, Pangu.

The key to breaking the deadlock lies in sublimating supernatural powers.

All of this points in the same direction.

Become stronger.

Powerful enough to break through everything.

So powerful that it can reach beyond the heavens and earth.

Powerful enough to see through all the truths.

Kong Xuan traveled south for half a month.

On this day, he stopped in front of a mountain.

The mountain is not high, but it is rich in spiritual energy.

There is a cave in the mountains, heavily guarded.

Kong Xuan probed with his divine sense and was overjoyed.

Inside the cave, there is a spiritual root.

Nine fruits grew on the spiritual root.

The fruit is golden yellow all over, emitting a faint glow.

Gold Yuan Fruit.

A primordial spiritual root, ripening only once every ten thousand years.

It contains the Great Dao of Gold, which is beneficial to cultivation.

Kong Xuan lifted his foot and walked towards the cave.

At the entrance of the cave, the protective barrier flickered.

Kong Xuan raised his hand and pressed down gently.

The restrictions were broken.

He pushed the door open and entered.

Inside the cave, spiritual light flickered.

The golden fruit hangs on the branches like nine small suns.

Kong Xuan approached and reached out to pick it.

Suddenly, a soft sound came from deep within the cave.

Kong Xuan stopped and looked into the depths.

A figure emerged from the darkness.

He was thin and hunched over.

He looked like an old man, with a white beard and white hair.

He was leaning on a cane.

The old man looked at Kong Xuan and grinned:

"Little one, this fruit is mine."

Kong Xuan sized up the old man.

He extended his divine sense, but could not fathom its depth.

The old man stood before me, yet it was as if I were in the void.

It's as if it doesn't exist.

Kong Xuan felt a chill run down his spine.

Master.

At least at the peak of Quasi-Saint level.

He cupped his hands in greeting: "Senior, this junior was unaware that this place was owned."

"I apologize for intruding."

The old man chuckled:

"Ignorance is a crime, but not a crime punishable by death."

"Since you've come, it must be fate."

"Here, have one of these golden fruit."

Kong Xuan was taken aback: "Senior is willing to give it?"

The old man nodded and took down a golden fruit.

It was thrown towards Kong Xuan.

Kong Xuan caught it; it was warm to the touch.

The air is rich in spiritual energy, and the essence of metal flows through it.

He cupped his hands in thanks again, saying, "Thank you, senior."

The old man waved his hand:

"You're welcome."

"You carry the aura of Lao Tzu."

"Lao Tzu's friends are my friends."

Kong Xuan's heart stirred.

Lao Tzu's friend?

Does this old man know Lao Tzu?

"Does the senior know Laozi of Taiqing?"

The old man chuckled:

"Yes, of course I know you."

"That old bastard of mine still owes me a pot of wine back in the day."

"It hasn't been returned yet."

Kong Xuan was speechless.

This old man dares to call me "old man" or "youngster".

Their identity must be extraordinary.

He respectfully asked, "May I ask how you are addressed, senior?"

The old man, leaning on his cane, said slowly:

"My name...it's been so long since anyone called me that."

"Just call me Old Huang."

Kong Xuan cupped his hands in greeting: "Senior Huang."

Old Huang sized him up, his gaze playful:

"In the early stages of Quasi-Sainthood, with a solid foundation."

"There's also a strange aura emanating from him."

"My kid's got his eye on you."

Kong Xuan didn't know how to respond.

Old Huang chuckled again:

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

"Now that you're here, why not cultivate here for a few days?"

"The Golden Essence Fruit contains the essence of the Dao of Gold, which is beneficial for comprehending the Great Dao."

Kong Xuan nodded: "Thank you, senior."

He found a corner in the cave.

He sat cross-legged and took out the Golden Yuan Fruit.

Hold it in your palm and circulate the energy.

The essence of metal surged into his body and entered his sea of ​​consciousness.

The ball of light flickered slightly, absorbing the essence of Tao.

The Daoist principles unfolded in his sea of ​​consciousness, transforming into golden patterns.

Kong Xuan closed his eyes, completely absorbed in the moment.

The path of gold is sharp and sturdy.

Metal is present in all things.

As the flow of the Dao of Metal is enhanced, so too is the physical body.

Bones are stronger, tendons and veins are more resilient.

Three days later, the gold-bearing fruit withered and died.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes, a flash of golden light in them.

The path to gold has been opened.

His cultivation level also improved slightly.

Although it may not be obvious, it can accumulate over time.

He stood up and bid farewell to Elder Huang.

Old Huang sat deep inside the cave, closing his eyes to rest.

"Are you leaving?"

Kong Xuan nodded: "Yes, I still have a long way to go."

Old Huang opened his eyes and looked at him.

"Go."

"Remember, the road is long, so don't stray from it."

Kong Xuan cupped his hands in respect: "This junior will remember."

He turned around and stepped into the air.

After leaving the mountains, we headed south.

After traveling for several more days, a large swamp appeared ahead.

The vast marshland is boundless and its waters are misty and boundless.

The waters are teeming with powerful demons, whose auras are formidable.

Kong Xuan was about to pass through when he suddenly stopped.

Deep within the great swamp, a fluctuating aura emanated.

He recognized that scent.

They are dragons.

Moreover, they are dragons at the quasi-saint level.

Kong Xuan frowned and probed out with his divine sense.

Deep within the great swamp, there dwells a giant dragon.

Its entire body is jet black, and its scales are as hard as iron.

It is thousands of feet long and sits in the water.

The dragon has scars on its body.

The wounds were so deep that bone was visible, and the water was stained red with blood.

Kong Xuan's heart stirred.

How could a dragon at the mid-stage of Quasi-Saint be injured?

He approached and walked on the water.

The dragon sensed him and opened its eyes.

Dragon's eyes were like two blood moons, filled with vigilance.

"who?"

Kong Xuan stopped on the water and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Kong Xuan of the Phoenix Clan."

"Passing by this place, I saw that you were injured, senior."

Is there anything I can help you with?

The dragon looked him over, its gaze softening.

"The Phoenix Clan?"

"A descendant of Yuan Feng?"

Kong Xuan nodded.

The dragon was silent for a moment, then spoke:

"I am a member of the East Sea Dragon Clan, and the elder brother of Ao Guang."

"Ao Xin."

Kong Xuan was slightly startled.

Ao Xin, a powerful member of the East Sea Dragon Clan.

He was a mid-stage Quasi-Saint, and his reputation was already widespread.

"Senior Ao Xin, how did you get injured here?"

Ao Xin closed his eyes, his tone heavy:

"We encountered a remnant of Chaos."

"After seven days of fierce fighting, I was wounded, and it fled."

Kong Xuan frowned slightly: "A remnant of chaos?"

"In the primordial era, the remnants of chaos have long since vanished."

How did you end up here?

Ao Xin shook his head: "I don't know."

"That thing came out from underground."

"He carried an aura of death, as if he had crawled out of an abyss."

Kong Xuan felt a chill run down his spine.

Deathly aura.

Ground.

palace.

He thought of that desert, and of that coffin.

"Senior, what does that Chaos Remnant look like?"

Ao Xin recalled: "It was completely black, with no eyes or mouth."

"Covered in scales, exuding a putrid aura."

"It's like something that's been dead for a long time, yet it can still move."

Kong Xuan remained silent.

It has no eyes or mouth, its body is covered in scales, and its aura is decaying.

This description matches the aura he sensed underground.

"Senior, do you know where it came from?"

Ao Xin shook his head: "Deep underground."

"There seems to be a passageway there."

"Towards the unknown."

Kong Xuan's heart stirred.

aisle?

A journey to the unknown?

Perhaps, that passage leads outside the cage.

He hesitated for a moment, then spoke:

"Senior, where is that passage?"

Ao Xin glanced at him: "You want to go?"

Kong Xuan nodded.

Ao Xin shook his head: "Too dangerous."

"The passageway was filled with an aura of death."

"Anyone below the level of a Quasi-Saint will die upon contact."

"Even a quasi-saint wouldn't last long."

Kong Xuan calmly replied, "This junior is well aware of the situation."

Ao Xin stared at him for a long time before finally speaking:

"At the bottom of the great swamp, there is a crack."

"The crack leads deep underground."

"That remnant of chaos emerged from the crack."

Kong Xuan cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, senior."

He turned around and stepped into the marsh.

At the bottom of the swamp, it was pitch black.

Kong Xuan extended his divine sense to perceive his surroundings.

There are mountains, valleys, and shipwrecks underwater.

Countless skeletons are scattered everywhere.

He traversed underwater mountains and crossed seabed canyons.

Finally, at the bottom of a deep abyss.

I saw a crack.

The crack was small, no more than three feet wide.

But deathly energy kept gushing out of the crack.

The air was thick with deathly energy, and the cold was bone-chilling.

Kong Xuan stopped in front of the crack and carefully sensed it.

A faint light emanated from deep within the crack.

The light flickered, like breathing.

Within his sea of ​​consciousness, the ball of light flickered violently.

It was brighter than ever before.

Kong Xuan's heart stirred.

There is something deep inside the crack.

Something very important.

He took a deep breath and lifted his foot.

Step into the crevice.

Deathly energy surged forth like a tide.

It was more intense than ever before.

Kong Xuan activated his cultivation technique, using Daoist energy to protect his body.

Within his sea of ​​consciousness, a bright ball of light shone forth.

It emits light to protect the primordial spirit.

Deathly energy must not approach.

He ventured deeper and deeper, and the cracks grew wider and wider.

From three feet, to three zhang, to thirty zhang.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, the view suddenly opened up ahead.

Kong Xuan stopped and opened his eyes wide.

Before me lay a strange space.

The space was not large, only a few hundred feet in diameter.

The walls are smooth and covered with ancient runes.

The runes flowed, emitting a faint glow.

In the center of the space, something is suspended.

It is a stone.

The stone is the size of a fist and completely transparent.

There is a ray of light in the stone.

The light was not large, but it was dazzling.

Kong Xuan had seen that light before.

In Lao Tzu's eyes.

In the words of the Queen Mother of the West.

Within the ball of light in his sea of ​​consciousness.

That was an aura that transcended this world.