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

Kong Xuan looked at him, his tone calm.

"You can't get out."

"The area around the crack contains remnants of Pangu's Dao power; touching it will result in instant death."

Even if you're lucky enough to escape, the world outside is beyond your capabilities.

The left head of the three-headed dragon sneered, "How did you know?"

Kong Xuandao: "Because I've been abroad."

The three-headed dragon's laughter abruptly stopped.

Six eyes stared at Kong Xuan simultaneously, filled with suspicion.

"Have you been out?"

Kong Xuan nodded.

"What's it like outside?"

"It's similar to here, with mountains, water, flowers, and trees."

"It lacks spiritual energy, but possesses a unique aura."

"Purer than spiritual energy."

The three-headed dragon remained silent for a moment, then the right head spoke: "Then why didn't you stay over there?"

Kong Xuan looked at it: "Because I'm guarding this place."

"Guard this crack."

"Don't let things that shouldn't go out go out."

"And we won't let anything that shouldn't be here in."

The three-headed dragon fell silent again.

After a long while, its middle head slowly drooped down.

"OK."

"I'm not going."

Kong Xuan didn't say much, but bowed respectfully.

He turned around and stepped into the air.

The voice of the three-headed dragon came from behind: "Next time, don't try to persuade people so bluntly."

"Easily beaten."

Kong Xuan didn't turn around, he just waved his hand.

We traveled eastward for several more days.

It landed on a barren hill.

On the barren hill, there is a stone tablet.

The stone tablet is broken and the inscription is blurred.

Kong Xuan squatted down and brushed away the dust from the stele.

The words "Phoenix Clan Heroes" were revealed below.

He was silent for a moment, then stood up.

He took a flask of wine from his sleeve.

The wine was bought by him in Nanming City; it was ordinary fruit wine.

He collapsed in front of the monument, the wine seeping into the soil.

"Mother."

"I've come back for you."

The wind blew across the barren hills, stirring his dark robe.

The phoenix pattern remaining on the monument shimmered slightly in the sunlight.

It's like a response.

Kong Xuan stood in front of the stone tablet for a long time.

He didn't turn and leave until the sun was setting in the west.

Flying over barren hills, flying over mountain ridges.

After traveling for two more days, they landed in a peach grove.

The peach blossoms remain, like clouds and rosy hues.

On the tallest peach tree, one of the nine blood peaches is missing.

The remaining eight, hanging on the branches, were as red as blood.

The sapling under the tree has grown to be more than a person tall.

The branches and leaves are spread out, lush and green.

A drop of dew clung to the tip of a leaf, glistening in the sunlight.

Kong Xuan approached and reached out to touch the leaf.

The leaves trembled slightly, as if greeting someone.

"You've grown taller."

The seedling shook its branches, as if nodding.

Kong Xuan sat down under the tree.

Leaning against the tree trunk, gazing at the sky.

The white crack in the sky is still there.

Like a scar, stretching across the sky.

Not ugly, but eye-catching.

Kong Xuan stared at the crack for a long time.

Then close your eyes and lean against the tree trunk.

A gentle breeze swept by, and peach blossoms fell on his shoulders, his knees, and his palms.

He opened his palm and looked at the petals in his hand.

It's pink, thin, and has slightly curled edges.

After watching for a moment, he gently blew on it.

The petals floated up and drifted away on the wind.

The seedlings swayed gently in the wind, their leaves rustling softly.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes and stood up.

"I have to go now."

The seedling's leaves drooped down, as if it were somewhat disappointed.

Kong Xuan smiled and said, "They will come back."

"I'll come back and visit once I'm done with this."

The seedling straightened up again, and its leaves unfurled once more.

Kong Xuan stepped into the air and flew away.

He flew over peach groves, over mountains, and over rivers.

They flew towards the white light in the sky.

It's not about leaving.

It's to guard it.

Guarding that crack, guarding this land.

He didn't fly fast; every step was steady and deliberate.

His cultivation, reaching the pinnacle of Quasi-Saint level, flowed through his body, and his Dao power surged like a mighty river.

Within the sea of ​​consciousness, the sea of ​​light was as calm as a mirror.

The golden light rose and fell slowly, like breathing.

Kong Xuanfei stopped in front of the crack.

He stood with his hands behind his back in the void, facing the white slit.

The wind blows, carrying the scent of grass and trees from the other side of the crack.

Clear and vast.

Kong Xuan stood before the white light, his robes billowing.

Behind them, on the vast, untamed land, all things grow and all kinds of beasts roam.

In the unknown world ahead, the wind blows and the grass grows.

He stood in the middle.

Guarding this door.

Don't let people wander in.

They also don't allow things to come in randomly.

His posture was as imposing as a mountain.

Kong Xuan stood there, standing above the vast sky.

Before my eyes was a white light, behind me was the primordial wilderness.

With nothing in hand, there is no fear in the heart.

He is Kong Xuan.

Descendants of the Phoenix Clan.

Lord of Ascension.

The gatekeeper of this crack.

Kong Xuan stood high in the sky, his robes fluttering in the wind.

White light poured out from the crack and warmed his face.

He took out a piece of dry food from his sleeve and took a bite.

The dry rations were hard and dry; he had bought them casually in Nanming City.

He chewed a few times, swallowed, and then took out his water pouch and drank some water.

This realm of the sky is very high, the wind is strong, and the clouds are churning beneath our feet.

He could see people looking up at the sky on the vast, desolate land.

Those gazes pierced through the clouds and landed on him.

He doesn't care.

A voice came from below.

"Kong Xuan."

Kong Xuan looked down and saw a person standing on a cloud.

The clouds are white, and so are the people.

Dressed in white, her hair flowing like a waterfall.

Queen Mother of the West.

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

The Queen Mother of the West stepped into the void and walked to his side.

They also looked towards that crack.

"How long have you been guarding this place?"

"Not long after."

How are you feeling?

"Peace and tranquility."

The Queen Mother of the West nodded slightly and asked no further questions.

The two stood side by side, gazing at the white light.

The wind rushed out from the crack, carrying the scents of the outside world.

Crisp, fresh, and unfamiliar.

The Queen Mother of the West spoke: "Will those things outside come again?"

Kong Xuandao: "Yes."

"When?"

"have no idea."

The Queen Mother of the West remained silent for a moment, then took something out of her sleeve.

It was a jade bottle, pure white, and only two inches tall.

"This is the Taiyin Jade Dew from Xikunlun."

"It has remarkable effects on nourishing the body."

"You stay here guarding this door, don't ruin your health."

Kong Xuan took the jade bottle and put it away.

"Thank you, senior."

The Queen Mother of the West said, "No need."

She turned and rode away on the clouds.

The white-clad figure disappeared into the sea of ​​clouds, leaving no trace.

Kong Xuan put the jade bottle into his bosom and looked back at the white light.

Several wisps of black smoke were moving around the edge of the crack.

Thin, faint, like scattered embers.

Kong Xuan raised his hand and gently brushed it away.

A golden light swept by, and the black mist dissipated.

Clean and tidy.

Another day passed.

A gust of wind, carrying cool, damp air, rushed out of the crack.

There was a black dot in the wind, like a flying insect.

The black light pierced through the white light and landed in front of Kong Xuan.

It is a butterfly.

The wings are jet black with dark gold patterns along the edges.

A butterfly circled in front of him and landed on his fingertip.

The wings gently opened and closed.

Kong Xuan looked down at it.

The butterfly's antennae twitched slightly, then it flapped its wings and took flight.

It flew towards the crack, passed through the white light, and disappeared.

Kong Xuan watched it leave.

Those are things from the outside world.

No ill intent, just passing by.

Kong Xuan withdrew his gaze and continued to keep watch.

Several more days passed.

The sea of ​​clouds surged, and a chilling fighting spirit emanated from below.

Kong Xuan looked down.

From the direction of Buzhou Mountain, a figure soared into the sky.

The man was shirtless, with bulging muscles.

Holding a giant axe, it was none other than Xing Tian.

Xing Tian flew to Kong Xuan and stopped.

The aura of a mid-stage Quasi-Saint surged around him.

He grinned: "I'll take over for you for a bit."

Kong Xuan looked at him: "Can you hold out?"

Xing Tian patted his chest and declared, "We have to defend it, even if we can't."

"You can't stand like that forever. You need to rest."

Kong Xuan remained silent for a moment, then stepped aside.

Xing Tian stepped forward and stood in front of the crack.

The axe blade faces outwards, its fighting spirit palpable.

Kong Xuan stepped back a few steps and sat down in the void.

Close your eyes and regulate your breathing.

Within the sea of ​​consciousness, the sea of ​​light was as calm as a mirror.

Golden light flowed slowly.

The will of Pangu, the mark of the mother, and the words of Laozi.

They are all integrated into this sea of ​​light.

He felt the changes within his body.

His cultivation as a Quasi-Saint had reached its peak.

Just one step away from achieving Hunyuan.

But that step cannot be crossed through cultivation alone.

An opportunity is needed.

Kong Xuan was not in a hurry.

He opened his eyes and looked at Xing Tian's back.

"Is anything coming?"

Xing Tian didn't turn his head: "No."

"Just a few small insects, they flew by."

"I didn't stop them."

Kong Xuan nodded.

Xing Tian was silent for a moment, then spoke: "Tell me, what about the world outside?"

"Are there really flowers?"

Kong Xuandao: "Yes."

"The grass is green too?"

"Green."

Xing Tian gripped the axe handle tightly and gently exhaled.

"That's fine then."

It's time for the shift change.

Kong Xuan stood up and stepped forward.

Xing Tian stepped aside and stretched his shoulders.

"I'm leaving now. I'll come back in a few days."

"Don't try to tough it out alone; call for help if you need to."

Kong Xuan nodded.

Xingtian descended from the sky and returned to the Great Swamp.

Kong Xuan stood before the crack once more.

The white light remains, the wind remains.

He touched the jade bottle in his arms, and then touched the piece of dried food.

My fingertip touched a hard object.

He took it out; it was a jade pendant.

Snow-white and smooth.

The token of Xi Kunlun.

He said that if he needed to come back, he would crush it.

We don't need it right now.

He carefully put the jade pendant away.

He touched his sleeve again; the egg was still there.

The egg of the Golden-Winged Roc.

The eggshell is grayish-white with cloud-like patterns.

The atmosphere inside is much stronger than before.

That aura was already close to taking human form.

Kong Xuan took the egg out and held it in his palm.

"Soon."

The egg vibrated gently, as if in response.

Kong Xuan carefully put the eggs away again.

Keep guarding it.

Several more days passed.

A slight ripple came from the crack.

Faint, yet clear.

It was like a gaze coming from a very, very far place.

Kong Xuan looked up.

Deep within the white light, there was a blurry shadow.

It may not be clearly visible, but it certainly exists.

The shadow stopped at the edge of the crack and did not go any further.

And so, through the white light, he met Kong Xuan's gaze.

Kong Xuan did not move.

The two of them stood there, looking at each other through the door.

The shadow seemed to smile.

Then he turned around and disappeared into the white light.

Kong Xuan withdrew his gaze.

My heart was unmoved.

The shadow showed neither malice nor goodwill.

I just came to take a look.

After I finished watching, I left.

Kong Xuan continued to stand.

Several more days passed.

A voice came from below.

Clear and bright, casual and relaxed.

I came to see you.

Kong Xuan looked down and saw a young man standing on a cloud.

White robe, long hair, hands behind her back.

The Master of Heaven.

Kong Xuan cupped his hands in greeting: "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Tongtian waved his hand: "How many times have I told you, don't call me a saint."

He stepped into the air and walked to Kong Xuan's side.

He looked up at the crack, then looked down at Kong Xuan.

"You've lost weight."

Kong Xuandao: "It's alright."

Tongtian took out a gourd of wine from his sleeve and handed it over.

"Take a sip."

Kong Xuan took it and pulled out the stopper.

The aroma of the wine is enticing, with a hint of spiciness.

He tilted his head back and took a sip.

The alcohol burned as it went down my throat, the burning sensation traveling from my throat all the way to my stomach.

A warm feeling spread through my body.

"Good wine."

Tongtian laughed: "That's right."

He took the gourd and took a sip.

Then, gazing at the white light, he slowly spoke: "My master often said that beyond this world, there are other worlds."

"I didn't believe it before."

"I believe it now."

Kong Xuan did not respond.

Tongtian continued speaking to himself, "You plan to stay here indefinitely?"

Kong Xuan thought for a moment: "Stay until the cage completely shatters."

"What's outside can't get in, but what's inside can get out."

"Then what?"

Kong Xuan remained silent for a long time before speaking, "We'll talk about it later."

Tongtian smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

"Okay, you stay and guard it."

"Call someone if you need anything."

He soared into the sky, his white robes disappearing into the sea of ​​clouds.

The wind rushed out from the crack, carrying the scent of distant lands.

Kong Xuan watched Tongtian depart into the distance, then turned back.

Continue standing.

Moonlight rose from the depths of the sea of ​​clouds, spilling onto the cracks.

The white light and silver light intertwine, like frost and snow.

Kong Xuan stood in the moonlight, his robes fluttering in the wind.

He gazed at the white light, his eyes calm.

Behind me lies the primordial wilderness, before me lies the unknown.

He's standing here.

The wind comes, and he comes.

The wind has gone, but he remains.

This stop lasted for a month.

Kong Xuan took out a water pouch from his bosom and took a sip.

He took out another piece of dry food and broke it into small pieces.

Put it in your mouth and chew slowly.

A few petals drifted out from the crack.

Pink and thin.

It landed on his shoulder, then slid off and drifted away in the wind.

Kong Xuan looked at those few petals.

Suddenly I remembered that little sapling in the peach grove.

I wonder if I've grown taller.

He snapped out of his thoughts and swallowed the last bite of dry food.

He patted the crumbs off his hands.

Continue standing.

Xing Tian would come and relieve him every few days.

Lao Jun visited once and brought a pot of tea.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable did not come, but a streak of azure light swept across the sky.

That was his gaze; he glanced at it from afar, then looked away.

The Queen Mother of the West came again, bringing a basket of spiritual fruits.

Kong Xuan ate a few and put the rest away.

The days passed by.

The crack neither widened nor narrowed.

It maintains just the right width.

Just enough for a butterfly to fly by.

Just enough for a gaze to pass through.

It's just big enough for him to stand here and guard this door.

On this day, a dark red hue suddenly appeared on the horizon.

It's not the sunset, it's a different kind of red.

Heavy, thick, like congealed blood.

Kong Xuan looked up.

Dark red spread from the horizon, slowly covering most of the sky.

The white light on the other side of the crack seemed to be overshadowed by the dark red, its radiance dimming slightly.

Kong Xuan frowned.

Something was moving within the dark red hue.

Its shape was indistinct, but its aura was decaying and ancient.

Like those three hands last time, but not quite the same.

Heavier and thicker, as if it were gushing out from the deepest part of the abyss.

Kong Xuan stepped forward, blocking the crack.

Within the sea of ​​consciousness, the sea of ​​light surged.

Golden light emanated from his body, covering his entire being.

The dark red color grew closer and deeper.

The few wisps of black energy at the edge of the crack suddenly became active again.

As if they had smelled their own kind, they began to surge and entwine.

Kong Xuan raised his hand, and golden light swept across.

The black energy was suppressed, but it quickly surged back up.

It's even fiercer than before.

The dark red object stopped before reaching the crack.

Like a wall, blocking the white light from the other side.

There was a pair of eyes inside, watching him.