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

They traveled westward for over a month.

He encountered several attacks from ferocious beasts along the way, but he easily dealt with them all.

He also collected a few spiritual materials to nourish his supernatural powers.

The light cluster is growing brighter, and the time for transformation is drawing ever closer.

On this day, Kong Xuan arrived at a desolate wilderness.

The wilderness is vast, with yellow dust filling the sky.

The wind blew, and sand and dust hit our faces.

Kong Xuan stopped and looked ahead.

At the edge of the wasteland, there was a hazy, gray light.

Like a curtain falling from the sky, separating two worlds.

That was the edge of the primordial wilderness.

The boundary of chaos.

Kong Xuan lifted his foot and continued walking.

After walking for another half day, we finally arrived at the border.

The hazy light curtain resembled a giant wall.

Behind the wall lies chaos, churning endlessly.

The chaotic energy surged forth, sometimes transforming into storms.

Sometimes it condenses into a vortex.

Kong Xuan stood in front of the light screen and reached out to touch it.

My fingertips touched the gray light and felt a slight coolness.

Then, a crack appeared in the gray light.

Kong Xuan lifted his foot and stepped inside.

My vision went dark for a moment, then brightened again.

chaos.

Boundless chaos.

A hazy, gray air current surged about everywhere.

There is no up or down, no left or right.

There was only endless chaotic energy.

Kong Xuan closed his eyes and probed out with his divine sense.

In chaos, divine consciousness is limited.

It can only explore ten thousand miles, and then it cannot go any further.

That's enough.

He noticed that there was an exceptionally dense mass of chaotic energy not far away.

A wisp of golden light was mixed in with that chaotic energy.

The golden light was faint, yet it stood out starkly from the surrounding grayness.

Kong Xuan was overjoyed.

Chaotic golden light.

This is a wondrous thing from the chaos.

It contains the imprint of the beginning of creation.

It has a remarkable effect on comprehending the great Dao.

It is also a great tonic for enhancing supernatural powers.

Kong Xuan flew towards that mass of chaotic energy.

Only when it got closer could the golden light be seen clearly.

The golden light was small, about the size of a thumb.

Like a golden bead, suspended in chaos.

Golden light shimmered, exuding an ancient and rustic charm.

Kong Xuan reached out to take it.

The moment the fingertips touched the golden light, the golden light suddenly shone brightly.

It was so bright it was blinding, so dazzling.

Then, the golden light transformed into a beam of light.

It burrowed into Kong Xuan's brow.

It headed straight for the ball of light in the sea of ​​consciousness.

The ball of light vibrated violently, merging with the golden light.

The two lights converged, and the ball of light suddenly expanded.

It then contracted rapidly.

After several attempts, it finally stabilized.

Kong Xuan closed his eyes and looked inward, discovering that the ball of light had changed.

It's a size bigger and twice as bright as before.

Like a small sun, it floats in the very center of the sea of ​​consciousness.

The light shone down, illuminating every corner of the sea of ​​consciousness.

Kong Xuan's heart stirred.

The supernatural power has transformed.

He sublimated his supernatural powers, advancing from the first level to the second level.

Kong Xuan opened his eyes, a surge of joy welling up in his heart.

In his previous life, he spent countless years.

Only then did he elevate his supernatural powers to the second level.

In this lifetime, it was accomplished so quickly.

He carefully sensed the changes in the supernatural powers.

Sure enough, the sublimation effect was even stronger.

In the past, advancing one's cultivation level required consuming a large amount of spiritual energy.

Now, the consumption is halved, and the effect is doubled.

Previously, the only way to elevate one's lineage was to purify one's bloodline.

Now, the foundation can be changed directly.

Previously, enhancing one's understanding could only improve comprehension.

Now we can touch the very origin of the Great Dao.

Kong Xuan clenched his fist, his heart filled with determination.

The second level of sublimated divine power will be his greatest source of confidence in the primordial world.

He continued walking through the chaos.

Seek more opportunities to nurture your supernatural abilities.

The chaos was vast and boundless.

Kong Xuan had been gone for an unknown period of time.

They found a wisp of chaotic energy and several pieces of chaotic stones.

There is also a Chaos Spirit Root.

Two fruits, shimmering with silver light, grew on the spiritual root.

Kong Xuan picked one and swallowed it.

The fruit pulp enters the stomach, and a warm current spreads throughout.

It nourishes the physical body and also the light cluster in the sea of ​​consciousness.

The ball of light brightened a little more.

Kong Xuan carefully put the other one away.

Leave it to Dapeng.

When the roc transforms into human form, this fruit will greatly benefit him.

In the chaos, there was no day or night, and Kong Xuan did not know how much time had passed.

He felt he had gone very far.

Even when divine sense probed out from afar, all that could be seen was chaos.

There are no boundaries, no direction.

But Kong Xuan remained calm.

He stopped in a chaotic flow of air and sat down cross-legged.

Since we're here, let's cultivate here.

The chaotic energy was rich and pure, even more so than the spiritual energy of the primordial world.

Cultivating here will yield twice the results with half the effort.

Kong Xuan closed his eyes and began to circulate his internal energy.

The chaotic energy surged into his body, tempering his physical form.

It also surged into the sea of ​​consciousness, nourishing the light cluster.

The ball of light absorbed chaotic energy and grew brighter and brighter.

The light illuminated the entire sea of ​​consciousness, turning it into a vast expanse of white.

Kong Xuan was so engrossed in it that he forgot about time.

I don't know how long I sat there.

Maybe in a few years, maybe in decades.

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

His cultivation level has improved again.

His peak as a Quasi-Saint was becoming increasingly stable.

He was only one step away from becoming a Primordial Golden Immortal.

But that step is extremely difficult to cross.

It requires sufficient accumulation and understanding.

What's needed is a catalyst.

Kong Xuan stood up and stood with his hands behind his back in the chaos.

The surrounding chaotic energy surged like churning ocean waves.

He gazed at the endless chaos, lost in thought.

Should we delve deeper, or return to the primordial wilderness?

Delving into chaos, opportunities and dangers coexist.

Returning to the primordial world allows us to seek more opportunities.

Kong Xuan pondered for a moment and then made a decision.

Let's go back to the primordial world first.

Opportunities in chaos cannot be fully discovered in a short time.

It's not too late to come back when you've cultivated to a higher level.

Kong Xuan turned around and flew in the direction he remembered.

After traveling for an unknown amount of time, a hazy, gray light curtain appeared before them.

That was the edge of the primordial wilderness.

Kong Xuan passed through the light curtain and returned to the primordial world.

The world is vast and open, and the air is filled with vitality.

He took a deep breath and felt completely refreshed.

Look up and gaze into the distance.

In the east, the sun rises.

Golden light bathed the earth.

Kong Xuan lifted his foot and stepped into the air.

The road ahead in this life is still long.

The Grand Luo Golden Immortal is just the beginning.

He wants to reach even greater heights.

See the truth of this world.

Let's step out of the primordial wilderness and see what lies beyond the chaos.

Kong Xuan's figure disappeared into the morning light.

Kong Xuan traveled eastward, the morning light bathing his clothes.

He flew slowly, his steps were unhurried, each step he took was on the void, and golden lotuses bloomed like flowers beneath his feet.

The cultivation level at the peak of Quasi-Saint level flowed quietly within his body, his mind was clear, and Daoist charm arose spontaneously.

In the very center of his mind, the radiant light shone like the blazing sun; it was the appearance of his sublimated divine power after its transformation.

It's a whole size bigger than before, dazzling and warm, like a little sun hanging above your mind.

As Kong Xuan walked, he introspected, carefully savoring the changes after the transformation of his supernatural powers.

With a slight thought, his supernatural powers were activated.

The world before my eyes suddenly became clear.

The textures of the grass and trees, the trails of the wind, the moisture and lightning hidden in the clouds.

The direction of the spiritual veins deep within the earth was reflected in his sea of ​​consciousness, every detail clearly visible.

Kong Xuan couldn't help but stop.

This feeling is very different from before.

In the past, using supernatural powers was like viewing things through a veil; there was always a sense of obscurity.

Now, it's like a veil has been lifted, revealing the world open and clear at a glance.

He raised his hand, and a wisp of Dao power gathered at his fingertips.

As the power of the Dao flowed, he had a slight thought and gently urged it on.

As the light fell on his fingertips, the ordinary Dao power unexpectedly generated a trace of chaotic energy.

Although it was only a wisp and vanished in an instant, Kong Xuan saw it clearly.

After the transformation of supernatural powers, the effect of sublimation was indeed elevated to a higher level.

Previously, one could only elevate one's cultivation level, foundation, and comprehension; now, one can even touch upon the essence of Dao power.

Kong Xuan stopped, satisfied.

Continue eastward.

After walking for about half a day, a majestic mountain appeared in the sea of ​​clouds ahead.

The mountains rise and fall in a continuous, undulating pattern, like a giant dragon coiled up.

The area is rich in spiritual energy and shrouded in mist.

Kong Xuan's gaze fell on the mountain, and suddenly he stopped in his tracks.

He recognized the mountain.

This is Shouyang Mountain.

The Daoist temple of Lao Tzu, the Bajing Palace, was built here in later generations.

At this time, Shouyang Mountain was still a desolate wilderness, without any caves or human traces.

Kong Xuan thought for a moment, then landed.

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

The spiritual energy of Shouyang Mountain is not much different from that of Kunlun Mountain, and what is even more rare is that the earth's energy is stable.

Like an ancient bell hanging still, perfectly suited for quiet meditation.

Kong Xuan's divine sense swept across the entire mountain.

There are many spiritual beasts in the mountains, but no great demons or ferocious beasts, making it quite peaceful.

He walked to a cliff face.

The cliff face was as smooth as a mirror, covered with moss.

Kong Xuan raised his hand and gently brushed it away, causing the moss to fall and revealing the reddish-brown rock surface.

He gathered Dao power at his fingertips and carved an array pattern on the cliff face.

The array patterns fell into the rock, glowed faintly, and then disappeared.

He then set up several layers of restrictions around the mountaintop to protect it.

The restriction wasn't strong, but it was concealed enough that even an ordinary Great Luo Golden Immortal passing by wouldn't notice anything amiss.

After doing all this, Kong Xuan sat down cross-legged.

Sitting in front of the cliff, facing east, breathing in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

The spiritual energy of Shouyang Mountain flowed into my body, gentle and soothing.

It was neither as violent as elsewhere, nor as chaotic as in the midst of turmoil.

This spiritual energy flowed into my heart like a warm current, nourishing my physical body and also the ball of light in my mind's eye.

Kong Xuan closed his eyes and quietly began his cultivation.

This sitting lasted for half a year.

Over the course of six months, he absorbed spiritual energy daily, honing his Dao power and solidifying his foundation.

Occasionally, I open my eyes to gaze at the distant sea of ​​clouds, watch the sunrise and sunset, and see birds circling overhead.

Life is ordinary, yet fulfilling.

That morning, Kong Xuan finished his practice as usual.

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and his gaze fell towards the foot of the mountain.

At the foot of the mountain, a presence is approaching.

His aura wasn't strong, only at the late stage of Taiyi Golden Immortal, but it still carried a sharp edge.

Like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, its cold light is chilling.

Kong Xuan extended his divine sense and scanned the newcomer.

He was a young man dressed in black, carrying an iron sword on his back.

He was slender with a cool and aloof demeanor, but his eyes were extremely bright, like two burning flames.

The young man stopped at the foot of the mountain, looked up at Shouyang Mountain, and hesitated.

They seemed to want to go up the mountain, but were also somewhat hesitant.

Kong Xuan withdrew his divine sense and ignored it.

In the vast wilderness, it was common for passersby to come and go.

But the young man lingered at the foot of the mountain for a long time before finally gritting his teeth and embarking on the mountain path.

There is a prohibition order issued by Kong Xuan on the mountain road, and ordinary people are not allowed to enter.

The young man reached the mountainside and was blocked by an invisible barrier.

He reached out and pushed, but couldn't move it.

He frowned and tapped the sword sheath again, but there was still no response.

The young man took two steps back, looked up, and shouted, "Is anyone on the mountain? I'm Xuandu, just passing through, and I'd like to ask for a drink of water!"

The sound was clear and resonant, echoing through the mountains.

Kong Xuan didn't want to pay attention to it, but when he heard the name, he paused slightly.

Xuandu?

He opened his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in his gaze.

Xuandu was a disciple of Laozi.

The later Grand Master Xuandu was a renowned figure in the Taoist community.

But that happened after the Investiture of the Gods.

At this time, Xuandu was only a Taiyi Golden Immortal and had not yet become a disciple of Laozi.

Kong Xuan pondered for a moment, then raised his hand and waved.

The restrictions on the mountainside silently dissipated.

Xuandu was taken aback, then overjoyed, and quickly went up the mountain.

Upon reaching the summit, Xuandu was taken aback when he saw Kong Xuan sitting cross-legged in front of the cliff.

He had assumed that the person living on the mountain was a reclusive master, with an imposing presence and unfathomable depth.

But the person in front of him was dressed in black robes with black hair, had a young face, and exuded a peaceful aura, showing no signs of oppression.

He looked like an ordinary monk, sitting there admiring the scenery.

Xuan Du hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands in a salute: "Junior Xuan Du greets Senior."

Kong Xuan nodded slightly: "Sit."

Xuandu sat down opposite Kong Xuan, somewhat reserved, with his hands on his knees and his back ramrod straight.

Kong Xuan sized him up a few times; he was indeed young.

There was still a hint of youthful naiveté between his brows, but his eyes already held a resolute look.

"Where do you come from?" Kong Xuan asked.

Xuandu replied, "This junior comes from the East Sea and has been traveling westward, hoping to find a cave to settle down and cultivate."

"Passing by this place, I saw that the mountains were majestic and possessed a remarkable spiritual energy, so I decided to come up and take a look."

Kong Xuan nodded: "This mountain is indeed excellent, with deep spiritual veins and stable earth energy."

"If you wish to stay, find a cave halfway up the mountain."

Xuan Du's eyes lit up: "Senior, do you allow it?"

Kong Xuan said calmly, "Mountains are created by heaven and earth, not my private property. You may do as you please."

Xuan Du was overjoyed and rose to bow again: "Thank you, Senior!"

He turned to go down the mountain, but after taking two steps he stopped and looked back at Kong Xuan.

"Senior, may I ask a question?"

"How long have you been practicing here?"

Kong Xuan thought for a moment: "More than half a year."

Xuan Du looked on with admiration: "To be able to establish yourself in such a sacred mountain in just half a year, your cultivation must be extremely high."

Kong Xuan didn't respond to that, but simply said, "Cultivation isn't about the length of time, but about whether you put your heart into it."

"You're young, and your foundation is quite solid. If you're willing to work hard, your future is bright."

Xuan Du solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "This junior will remember."

He turned around and quickly walked down the mountain.

Kong Xuan watched his retreating figure, a slight stirring in his heart.

Xuandu was a disciple of Laozi.

But now I've encountered myself first.

Does this count as altering cause and effect?

Kong Xuan shook his head, deciding not to think about it anymore.

The matter of cause and effect is mysterious and profound.

If it's changed, so be it. As long as you're on the right path, it's fine.

In the days that followed, Xuandu carved out a cave dwelling halfway up the mountain and settled down there.

Every morning he would go up the mountain to ask Kong Xuan for advice on cultivation.

At first, she was reserved and asked questions cautiously, but as they gradually became more familiar, she started talking more.

Kong Xuan was not stingy with his knowledge; he offered guidance where needed and corrected what was wrong.

Xuandu was quick to understand and made rapid progress.

That evening, the setting sun shone like gold, and the sky was ablaze with rosy clouds.

Xuan Du sat on the edge of the cliff, his legs dangling in the air, gazing at the distant sunset in a daze.

Kong Xuan stood behind him with his hands behind his back, remaining silent.

After a long silence, Xuandu suddenly spoke up: "Senior, what else do you think exists beyond this world?"

Kong Xuan's eyes flickered slightly: "Why do you ask that?"

Xuan Du scratched his head: "It just suddenly came to mind."

"I traveled all the way from the East China Sea to here, covering tens of thousands of miles, and saw many mountains, many rivers, and many creatures."

"The farther you go, the bigger the world seems."

"So vast...it seems like it will never end."

He turned back, a look of confusion in his eyes: "What lies beyond that end?"

What's outside?

Kong Xuan was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I also want to know the answer to this question."

Xuan Du was taken aback: "Senior doesn't know either?"

Kong Xuan shook his head: "I don't know."

"But it is precisely because we don't know that we must keep going."

"If you knew everything, what would be the point of living?"