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

boom!

With a deafening roar, the world was created.

Chaos cracked open, and the clear and the turbid separated.

As the sky rises, the earth descends.

The giant stood between heaven and earth, supporting the dome.

His gaze was fixed on the cracked chaos beyond.

There is light there.

Wherever he comes from.

The giant took a step, wanting to go out.

But as soon as he took a step, the heavens and earth began to shake.

The sky cracked open, and the earth collapsed.

The giant stopped and looked down at the world he had created.

After a long silence, he slowly withdrew his foot.

He sat down cross-legged and stopped walking.

The body began to petrify, transforming into mountains and rivers.

It transforms into wind, clouds, thunder, and lightning, and into all living things.

In the end, only a pair of eyes remained.

Looking out at the cracked chaos.

He gazed at the light from which he could never escape.

Then, it turned completely petrified.

The image disappeared.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes and found himself kneeling on the gray ruins.

Tears fell silently.

He raised his hand and wiped away his tears.

My heart is breaking.

Pangu.

That giant was Pangu.

He created the heavens so that he could go home.

But he can't go back.

If he loosens his grip, the world will collapse.

Billions of lives will be destroyed.

He chose to stay.

I chose to become this world.

They chose to be trapped here forever.

Kong Xuan supported himself on the ground and slowly stood up.

Lao Tzu stood aside, watching him quietly.

Kong Xuan turned his head and looked at the faint light.

After the gauze, there was that fragment.

Fragments of Pangu's axe.

Right there.

He lifted his foot and walked towards the glimmer of light once more.

This time, he didn't hesitate.

Through the glimmer of light, through the memories of Pangu.

They walked past Sasa.

Reach out and grasp the fragment.

The fragments felt cold to the touch, carrying an ancient power.

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

The fragments began to integrate into the body.

The Way of Pangu, the Will of Pangu.

Like a tidal wave, it surged in and merged into the ball of light.

The cluster of light is transforming and sublimating.

It's getting brighter and brighter, more and more dazzling.

Kong Xuan closed his eyes, sensing all of this.

Pangu's Dao merged into his body.

The outline of the cage gradually became clear.

That barrier that covered the primordial wilderness.

He saw it.

Right above you, all around you.

Enveloping the entire world within it.

Just like the Chaos Lock that once trapped Pangu.

The same.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes, his gaze sparkling like a river of stars.

The fragments were completely integrated into the body.

The light cluster underwent another transformation.

It is stronger and more complete than before.

To elevate one's supernatural powers.

It has reached its peak.

Kong Xuan turned around and stepped out of the dim light.

Return to the gray ruins.

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

"Did you get it?"

Kong Xuan nodded: "Got it."

Lao Tzu nodded slightly:

"Our journey to the Ruins ends here."

"It's time to go back."

Kong Xuan gazed at the faint light and remained silent for a moment.

Then he turned around and followed Lao Tzu uphill.

Through the darkness, through the rift valley.

Through the icy seawater, through the surging waves.

A day later, the two returned to the shore.

The setting sun was like blood, dyeing the sky red.

Kong Xuan stood on the shore, hands behind his back, gazing at the sea.

Guixu, deep in the ocean, once again sank into silence.

He clenched his fist, feeling the power within his body.

Mid-stage peak of Quasi-Saint.

The fragments of Pangu's axe have been integrated with supernatural powers.

The outline of the cage is now clearly visible.

It's only a matter of time before we break it down.

Lao Tzu stood to one side, hands behind his back, gazing at the sky:

How are you feeling?

Kong Xuan was silent for a moment, then spoke:

"Pangu was very lonely."

Lao Tzu remained silent.

Kong Xuan continued:

He created the heavens so he could go home.

"But he can't go back."

He chose to stay, he chose this place.

"They chose all of us."

Lao Tzu turned to look at him:

"You saw his memories?"

Kong Xuan nodded.

Lao Tzu remained silent for a long time before speaking:

"Then don't let him down."

Kong Xuan clenched his fist, his gaze resolute:

"No, it won't."

Lao Tzu nodded slightly, turned around, and stepped into the air.

The sound came from afar:

"The day you break free of your cage."

"I'll be there."

Kong Xuan watched Laozi depart until his figure disappeared into the sea of ​​clouds.

He turned around and looked at the vast, untamed land.

Mountains and rivers, mythical beasts roam freely.

All living things are busy with their own affairs.

All of this was obtained by Pangu at the cost of his own life.

These are all things he protected.

Kong Xuan lifted his foot and stepped into the air.

His cultivation, at the peak of the mid-stage Quasi-Saint realm, surged within his body.

He knew in his heart that he was far from the late stage of Quasi-Saint.

It's not far off.

keep going.

Walk outside the cage.

Reach the end of that truth.

We arrived at the place where Pangu longed to return but could never go back.

Then, take a look for Pangu.

Take a look at that free world.

Kong Xuan walked on air, heading west.

His cultivation, at the peak of the mid-stage Quasi-Saint realm, circulated within his body.

With each step that landed in the void, golden ripples spread out, like petals falling into the water.

He walked neither fast nor slow.

Two days later, they stopped in front of a valley.

The valley is lush with vegetation and filled with spiritual energy.

A stream flows through the valley, its waters gurgling.

Kong Xuan landed by the stream, squatted down, and scooped up a handful of water.

The water is cool and has a sweet taste.

He looked up and saw a peach tree in the valley.

The peach tree is not tall, but its branches are covered with blossoms.

Pink petals trembled gently in the wind, fluttering down.

Kong Xuan suddenly remembered Fengqi Palace.

I think of Yuan Feng's figure, and I think of Nezha's smiling face.

I remember the cup of wine Yunxiao poured, and the bowl that Shitou held.

Are those people and those events still around?

he does not know.

The illusion is layered upon layer, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and falsehood.

Perhaps Fengqi Palace is fake, or perhaps Xikunlun is real.

Perhaps Lao Tzu existed, or perhaps it was all just his imagination.

Kong Xuan shook his head, no longer wanting to think about it.

I got up and followed the stream upstream.

Deep in the valley, there are caves in the mountain walls.

The cave wasn't large, but it was clean.

There is a stone platform in the cave, covered with a thick layer of moss, as soft as a bed.

Kong Xuan sat cross-legged on the stone platform, closed his eyes and concentrated.

His consciousness sank into his sea of ​​consciousness and touched the ball of light.

The ball of light shone as brightly as the sun, and was dozens of times larger than before.

After the fragments of Pangu's Axe were integrated, his supernatural powers reached their peak.

By elevating oneself, one no longer needs spiritual energy.

A single thought can elevate one's being.

By sublimating external objects, ordinary iron can be transformed into a spiritual treasure.

The Path of Ascension allows one to touch upon the rules above the Heavenly Dao.

Kong Xuan introspected, carefully sensing the changes in his supernatural powers.

All three levels have been completed.

But he felt it wasn't enough.

Above the peak of supernatural powers, there should be another level.

That layer needs a catalyst.

It requires a special opportunity, a sudden realization.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes and looked towards the cave entrance.

The stream babbles, and peach blossoms fall.

He got up and went outside the cave.

Standing with his hands behind his back by the stream, he gazed at a tree full of blossoms.

Pink petals fall into the water and drift with the current.

Kong Xuan reached out and caught one of them.

The petals trembled gently in my palm.

He stared for a moment, then released his grip.

The petals drifted down and floated away on the water.

Kong Xuan looked at the petal and suddenly smiled.

He got it.

Above the pinnacle of supernatural powers, what lies at that next level?

It means letting go.

It's about letting nature take its course.

It's about letting everything happen on its own.

Like a petal falling into the water, drifting with the current.

Do not force, do not resist.

Go wherever you need to go.

Kong Xuan closed his eyes.

My mind sank into the sea of ​​consciousness and touched the ball of light.

This time, he did not initiate sublimation.

Just quietly, together with the ball of light.

Feel its pulse, feel its warmth.

The ball of light flickered gently in his mind's eye.

Like a heartbeat, like breathing.

Kong Xuan didn't move either, just stayed with it.

Time passed, and I don't know how much time had gone by.

Suddenly, the ball of light trembled.

A great light shone forth, illuminating the entire sea of ​​consciousness.

That light was as warm as the spring sun and as vast as the starry sea.

The ball of light slowly changed within the radiance.

The shape has changed; it's no longer a sphere.

It transformed into a boundless sea of ​​light.

The sea of ​​consciousness became the sea of ​​light.

Kong Xuan's mind was immersed in it, experiencing an unprecedented tranquility.

His supernatural powers have reached their peak.

It has reached a new level.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes, his pupils sparkling like starlight.

He looked down at the stream.

The blue sky and white clouds are reflected in the stream.

He raised his finger and tapped it lightly.

The reflection in the stream suddenly came to life.

The blue sky began to move, and the white clouds began to drift.

The world reflected in the water seemed to have come to life.

Kong Xuan stopped, and the reflection returned to normal.

He understood.

This new level is creation.

To create things with supernatural powers, to turn the illusory into the real.

Bring the things from that illusion into the real world.

Kong Xuan remained silent for a long time.

This ability is simply too incredible.

If the sage knew about this, it would likely bring disaster.

He concealed his aura and hid his supernatural powers in the deepest part of his consciousness.

He turned around and went back into the cave.

Sit down again, close your eyes and steady yourself.

The supernatural power has just undergone a transformation and needs time to mature.

This sitting lasted for seven days.

Seven days later, Kong Xuan got up.

His cultivation, at the peak of the mid-stage Quasi-Saint realm, has improved by another fraction.

It's just a hair's breadth away from the later stages.

He stepped out of the cave and looked out into the valley.

As dusk settles, a gentle evening breeze begins to blow.

Kong Xuan lifted his foot and stepped into the air.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, a city appeared ahead.

The city walls are mottled, and the city gates are half-closed.

A tattered flag hung on the city wall, bearing three faded characters: Luofeng City.

Kong Xuan stopped.

Luofeng City.

He came here in his previous life.

At that time, the city was called Phoenix Perch City, and it was an affiliated city of the Phoenix Clan.

But later, during the war between the Lich King and the Demon King, the Phoenix Clan declined, and the city's name was changed.

Kong Xuan landed in front of the city gate and pushed it open to enter.

The city was deserted, and the streets were empty.

Only a few lanterns swayed in the wind.

In the corner, a wandering demon cultivator huddled, his breath faint.

Kong Xuan walked along the long street and saw a dilapidated temple.

The plaque above the temple gate is crooked, and it reads "Phoenix Shrine".

He went inside; the temple was covered in dust.

In the center is a statue of Yuan Feng.

The statue's head was broken off and fell to the ground, shattering into several pieces.

Kong Xuan walked over and squatted down.

Pick up the pieces and piece them back together, one by one.

Use the force to bond and restore it to its original state.

Then Yuan Feng's statue was placed back on the altar.

He stepped back and bowed.

He turned around and walked out of the Phoenix Shrine.

Outside the temple stood an old woman.

The old woman had a hunched back and a full head of white hair.

Leaning on a wooden cane, with a faded red rope wrapped around it.

The old woman looked at Kong Xuan, and suddenly her cloudy eyes lit up.

"You are... a member of the Phoenix Clan?"

Kong Xuan nodded.

The old woman's lips trembled, and her eyes welled up with tears.

"Finally... finally I've seen the Phoenix Clan again."

As she spoke, she began to kneel down.

Kong Xuan reached out and supported her, saying, "There's no need for that."

The old woman shook her head, insisting on kneeling.

"I am a descendant of a Phoenix Clan servant, and I have guarded this city for 100,000 years."

"The phoenix clan in the city has all left; some are dead, and some have scattered."

"Only this old woman remains, guarding this Phoenix Shrine."

Kong Xuan remained silent and helped her up.

"I'm sorry to have troubled you."

The old woman wiped away her tears, then suddenly remembered something.

He reached into his pocket and took out a cloth bag.

The cloth bag was worn, but it was wrapped up tightly.

"This was left behind by the Phoenix Clan when they left."

"It is said that one day, a descendant of the Phoenix Clan will return."

"Pass this item on to future generations."

Kong Xuan took the cloth bag and opened it.

Inside was a jade slip.

The jade slip was entirely crimson, warm and lustrous like blood.

When divine sense probed inside, a mark was found.

It's Yuan Feng's aura.

Kong Xuan was startled.

He placed the jade slip on his forehead and closed his eyes to sense it.

The inscription contains a message left by Yuan Feng.

"My son, if you read these words, it means you have returned."

"There's no need to worry about the Phoenix Clan."

"You have your own path to walk."

"That thing is located 30,000 li to the northwest."

"In an unnamed mountain cave."

"Go and fetch it; it will help you break through."

That's all I have to say.

Kong Xuan gripped the jade slip tightly and remained silent for a long time.

Yuan Feng, his mother.

It has long since vanished into the endless ages.

The marks that remain still guide him.

He turned and looked northwest.

Thirty thousand miles away, there is an unnamed mountain cave.

The things Yuan Feng left behind can help him break through.

Kong Xuan bowed his head and said to the old woman, "Thank you for guarding this city."

The old woman shook her head: "It's what I should do."

Kong Xuan forced a drop of blood from his fingertip and flicked it into the old woman's body.

As the essence and blood entered her body, the old woman's hunched back gradually straightened.

Gray hair turns black, wrinkles fade.

She transformed from an old woman into a middle-aged woman.

She looked at her hands, her eyes wide with shock.

"this……"

Kong Xuan said, "The essence of the Phoenix Clan can extend your lifespan by three thousand years."

"If you wish to defend this city, then continue to defend it."

"If you want to leave, that's fine with you."

The old woman's eyes filled with tears, and she was about to kneel down again.

Kong Xuan helped her up: "No need."

He turned around and stepped into the air.

At the speed of a quasi-saint, covering 30,000 li takes only a moment.

Kong Xuan landed in a desolate mountain.

The mountain is not high, and the grass and trees are withered and yellow.

There is a crack on the mountainside, hidden by vines.

He pushed aside the vines and stepped into the crevice.

Deep within the crevice lies a natural stone chamber.

The stone chamber was not large, only a few dozen feet in circumference.

In the center of the stone chamber, something floats.

It is a bead.

The bead is entirely pure gold and about the size of a thumb.

It hovers in mid-air and rotates slowly.

A wisp of red light flowed within the bead, as if it were alive.

Kong Xuan approached and reached out to touch it.

The bead trembled and shone brightly.

The crimson light transformed into a thin stream and flowed into Kong Xuan's body.

It surged into the sea of ​​consciousness and merged into that sea of ​​light.

The sea of ​​light absorbed it and began to surge violently.

Like tides, like storms.

Kong Xuan closed his eyes and sensed the change.

The power contained within the bead is the origin of the phoenix.

It was a wisp of Dao fruit she left behind before her demise.

That wisp of Dao fruit spread within the sea of ​​light, merging with supernatural powers.

Kong Xuan felt that his Dao was being sublimated.

It is transforming.

The bottleneck of the mid-stage Quasi-Saint peak is under the impact of the Dao Fruit.

Like thin ice melting rapidly under the scorching sun.

His cultivation level rose rapidly, unstoppable.

Late stage of Quasi-Saint.

His Dao power surged, and his sea of ​​consciousness expanded.

The physical body underwent another transformation, and the bones became like chaotic stone.

The tendons and veins are like divine iron, and the blood is like fine nectar.

The fruits of enlightenment continued to flow into the bead.

His cultivation level continued to rise.

The peak of the late stage of Quasi-Saint.

Then stop.

The power within the bead was exhausted, and it turned into powder.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes, his gaze reflecting the sun and moon.

The peak of the late stage of Quasi-Saint.

He is only half a step away from achieving the perfect quasi-saint level.

He clenched his fist, feeling the power within.

It's more than a hundred times stronger than it was in the middle period.

With a wave of his hand, space and time were distorted.

Looking down at cause and effect is like looking at the lines on your palm.

Kong Xuan remained silent for a long time.

mother.

This was the first time he had felt the warmth left behind by Yuan Feng.

Although it was a wisp of Dao fruit left behind before its demise.

But that aura, that feeling.

It's the temperature of being connected by blood.

Kong Xuan withdrew from the crevice and stood with his hands behind his back on the mountaintop.

The night wind was biting, and his dark robe fluttered in the wind.

He looked into the distance, where the sky was already beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn.

A new day is about to begin.

Kong Xuan lifted his foot and continued westward.

His cultivation level at the peak of the late Quasi-Saint stage allowed him to travel ten thousand miles in a single step.

Mountains and rivers flow backward, and the sea of ​​clouds surges.