Fantasy: I, the Great Celestial Venerable of the Dao

It's not just the orthodox sects, but also many independent cultivators who live in remote corners of the world.

Even some demonic forces that usually kept to themselves and did not interfere with the righteous path began to stir and become restless.

They even quietly began migrating to relatively safer areas in eastern China.

The Netherworld Spring doesn't care whether you're a righteous demon or a demon; its destructive demonic energy erupts.

If you can't stop it, you'll die and perish; no one can escape unscathed.

The entire land of China was instantly filled with unease and fear, with everyone on edge.

Having arranged everything, Dao Xuan composed himself and stepped back into the Nuwa Temple.

Inside the temple, Ling'er had risen from the prayer mat and was waiting quietly.

However, a trace of longing and sadness for the statue still lingered in those bright eyes.

"Master." Ling'er called out obediently as Dao Xuan entered.

"Um."

Dao Xuan nodded slightly, walked to her side, and told her about the Myriad Tribulations Nether Spring in as calm a tone as possible.

He knew the compassionate nature of Nuwa's descendants, and this matter might cause her some worry.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Ling'er's face showed a solemnity and sadness beyond her years, and she whispered:

"Are all living beings going to suffer again...?"

Dao Xuan reached out and gently stroked the top of her head, his tone carrying a reassuring strength:

"Alright, you little girl, you're still young. Even if the sky falls, there are tall people to hold it up."

"What's wrong? Isn't Master still here?"

Feeling the warmth of her master's palm, Ling'er felt some of the gloom in her heart dissipate.

She nodded vigorously and smiled again.

Right now, we need to resolve the issue of the Fire Spirit Orb.

Without further delay, the two began to carefully search for traces of the fire qilin around the Nuwa Temple.

However, half a day passed, and Dao Xuan repeatedly probed with his divine sense.

They surveyed almost every inch of the land.

However, they were unable to detect any powerful fire-type spirit beast aura.

They couldn't even find an area with exceptionally rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Dao Xuan frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then a thought suddenly struck him.

He remembered the Water Spirit Orb he had obtained from Li Xiaoyao.

There may be a subtle connection between the five elemental pearls.

He took out the azure-blue spirit pearl and slowly infused it with his magic power.

Sure enough, the Water Spirit Pearl reacted immediately, its body glowing slightly, sometimes gentle, sometimes turbulent.

It was as if they had encountered a mutually reinforcing and restraining force, which guided them in a certain direction.

"Just as I expected!"

Dao Xuan was overjoyed and, with Ling'er in tow, followed the guidance of the Water Spirit Pearl.

Soon they arrived at a hidden cave that looked extremely ordinary, even somewhat inconspicuous.

The entrance to the cave was overgrown with weeds and was completely inconspicuous.

But as soon as he stepped inside, Dao Xuan immediately sensed something was different.

The cave was unusually dry, a stark contrast to the humid climate unique to the Nanzhao Kingdom outside.

A scorching heat filled the air.

However, this heat was firmly locked inside the cave by an invisible force, and did not leak out at all.

The two ventured deeper into the cave, and after a short while, the view suddenly opened up before them.

In a huge underground cave, a colossal creature suddenly appeared before our eyes!

It was several meters tall, its entire body covered with fiery red scales, its limbs were as thick as pillars, and its head was ferocious and majestic.

A faint red flame burned around it.

The entire cave was bathed in a crimson glow. It was the fire qilin beside the Nuwa Temple!

At this moment, the fire qilin was staring at Dao Xuan with its large, fiery eyes, full of vigilance.

It exhaled hot white breath from its nostrils and pawed the ground restlessly with its forelegs.

They were clearly hostile towards this uninvited guest.

However, when its gaze swept over Ling'er beside Dao Xuan, its wariness noticeably eased.

A hint of intimacy even appeared in his eyes.

It clearly sensed the pure Nuwa bloodline within Ling'er's body.

Not wanting to create any further complications, Dao Xuan directly activated his spirit communication technique to transmit his divine thoughts.

This revealed Dao Xuan's identity as a member of the Qingyun Sect and his purpose in borrowing the Fire Spirit Orb.

"Are you Dao Xuan Zhenren of the Qingyun Sect?"

A slightly naive yet surprised voice resounded directly in Dao Xuan and Ling'er's hearts.

It is not a human language, but both parties can understand its meaning through psychic abilities.

Ling'er blinked curiously, looking at the big guy that could "talk," finding it all very novel.

"It is indeed I, Dao Xuan," Dao Xuan replied with his divine sense.

"With Dao Xuan Zhenren here, Huo Ling pays his respects."

The fire unicorn's voice rang out again, its tone quite polite, even carrying a touch of human emotion.

"I had heard of the Qingyun Sect Leader's reputation in my early years, and seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed extraordinary."

Dao Xuan nodded slightly, realizing that "Fire Spirit" must be the name of this fire unicorn.

He replied politely, "Fire Spirit Beast, you're too kind."

"Sigh, it's embarrassing to admit," Huo Ling said with a hint of helplessness.

"Some time ago, I was tricked by that demon Baiyue and suffered a small loss. I am well aware of the harm caused by the rampant demonic path."

The True Man, being the head of a prestigious and righteous sect, wishes to use the Fire Spirit Orb to promote the righteous path.

"To eradicate evil and eliminate wickedness, lending the Fire Spirit Orb to the True Person is quite appropriate."

Upon hearing this, Dao Xuan felt reassured, as he had originally prepared several other plans.

They even brought Ling'er along to communicate as a descendant of Nuwa, and things went surprisingly smoothly.

A slight smile appeared on his face: "In that case, I thank the divine beast for its profound understanding."

"Please don't thank me yet, Master." Huo Ling changed the subject. "I do have a request, and I hope you will grant it."

"Oh? Mythical beast, please speak freely." Dao Xuan's expression remained unchanged. He naturally understood that there was no such thing as a free lunch.

"This should not be difficult for a real person."

Huo Ling's tone was filled with a mixture of anticipation and complexity, "I only hope that one day, the True Person will allow Huo Ling... to go to Qingyun Mountain and meet your sect's Water Qilin."

Dao Xuan understood upon hearing this.

The Qilin clan is rare. Although water and fire have different attributes, they are ultimately divine beasts of the same origin.

It's understandable that they long to see each other.

He nodded in agreement almost without hesitation:

"It is a wonderful thing for people of the same clan to meet, and I naturally have no reason to object."

"If the divine beast has any free time, it may come to my Qingyun Temple as a guest at any time. This humble Taoist will certainly sweep his bed and welcome it warmly."

"In that case, thank you very much, Master!"

Fire Spirit's voice revealed obvious joy.

It said no more, and with a flash of crimson light, a pearl the size of a pigeon egg, entirely crimson, with flames seemingly flowing inside, slowly flew out from its forehead.

It floated in front of Dao Xuan.

It is the Fire Spirit Orb, one of the Five Elemental Orbs!

Dao Xuan solemnly accepted it, its surface smooth and warm to the touch.

Yet one can feel the immense, ocean-like power of flames contained within.

He thanked the Fire Spirit again and agreed to meet again in Qingyun before leaving the cave with Ling'er.

Stepping out of the cave, feeling the warmth emanating from the Fire Spirit Orb in her hand, Ling'er finally couldn't contain her curiosity and looked up at it, asking:

"Master, why are you going to such lengths to find this Water and Fire Spirit Pearl? What is your purpose?"

They seem pretty powerful.