Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Dongfang Shuo asked, "Where is the core of that formation?"

Li Yan looked into the depths of the black mist: "If I am not mistaken, the core of the formation is at the bottom of the Xuanbing Pool."

Sun Wukong said, "Then let's go to the Xuanbing Pool!"

Li Yan nodded and turned to Dongfang Shuo:

"Sir, now that the precious herb and lingzhi have been obtained, please return to Kunlun Temple and wait for me and the King."

The Xuanbing Pool is fraught with danger; it is not advisable for you, sir, to venture into it.

Dongfang Shuo initially wanted to decline, but remembering the appearance of the three-headed monster he had just seen, he swallowed back the words he was about to say.

He cupped his hands and said, "Please be careful, both of you. I will await your return at the Kunlun Shrine."

After saying that, he turned around and went back the way he came.

Li Yan and Sun Wukong exchanged a glance, and then the two walked into the black mist.

The black mist surged endlessly, so thick that one could not see their own hand in front of their face.

Li Yanmo used the Canglang Dao Scripture to create a thin film around his body with the power of water, thus isolating him from the black mist.

Sun Wukong, relying on his indestructible body, strode forward, forcing the black mist to retreat with his golden light as soon as it approached.

After walking for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they suddenly saw a pool of water.

That pool was a hundred feet in circumference, and its water was as black as ink, without a ripple.

A thin layer of black mist hung over the surface of the pool, emitting a pungent, fishy stench.

In the center of the pool, a Ganoderma lucidum grows.

The lingzhi mushroom was about three zhang tall, with a canopy like a house, and was entirely black, emitting faint glows.

On the umbrella canopy, there are countless fine lines, densely packed and winding.

The roots of the Ganoderma lucidum are deeply embedded in the pool water, connected to the spiritual veins at the bottom of the Xuanbing Pool.

Li Yan focused his attention and carefully observed the pool of water.

Although the water in the pool was black, it was not murky.

The black color comes from the black mud at the bottom of the Xuanbing Pool.

The black mud contains extremely cold energy, so much so that even a Taiyi Golden Immortal would not dare to venture into it lightly.

Li Yan took out a pill from his sleeve and threw it into the pool.

The elixir, upon entering the water, transformed into a ball of golden light and sank downwards.

Wherever the golden light passed, the black mist in the pool receded.

In a short while, the golden light sank to the bottom of the pool, illuminating the scene below.

At the bottom of the pool, there was a thick layer of black mud.

Buried in the black mud was a nail about three feet long.

The nail was entirely black, with countless fine runes engraved on it.

The nail was driven deep into the spiritual vein, with only the nail head protruding.

Countless fine black roots, as thin as hair, extend upwards from the nail head, connecting with the root of the black Ganoderma lucidum.

That is the core of the Earth Vein Dragon Locking Formation.

Li Yan stood by the pool, eyes closed, lost in thought.

He mentally deduced the operating rules of the Earth Vein Dragon Locking Formation.

The Xuan Yin Nail was driven into the spiritual vein, like a silver needle piercing an acupoint, sealing off a crucial node.

The vital energy of the spiritual vein was cut off, and a portion of it nourished the black Ganoderma lucidum.

The other part was transported northward along the array patterns.

This formation is similar to the principle of meridians in the human body.

"The meridians are what determine life and death, treat all diseases, and regulate deficiency and excess; they must not be left unobstructed."

The spiritual veins are to the heavens and earth what the meridians are to the human body.

If this area is blocked, it's like a person's meridians being obstructed; over time, this will inevitably lead to serious problems.

Li Yan opened his eyes and said to Sun Wukong, "Your Majesty, the Xuan Yin Nail is fixed at the Tian Shu position of the spiritual vein."

Tian Shu, the first star of the Big Dipper, is the pivot of heaven and earth.

With this position locked, the spiritual energy cannot ascend and can only flow horizontally.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed: "Brother, you mean the spot where the nail was driven in is a key point?"

"Exactly."

To break the formation, the spiritual energy must be diverted elsewhere before removing the nails, so that it does not leak out through the nail holes.

Otherwise, when the nail is removed, the spiritual energy will surge like a flood bursting its banks, causing at best the collapse of Mount Kunlun, and at worst, shaking the entire Three Realms.

Li Yan took out four jade tokens from his sleeve.

Each one is engraved with large ancient seal characters.

The Azure Dragon is in the east, the White Tiger in the west, the Vermilion Bird in the south, and the Black Tortoise in the north.

These four jade tablets were from his time at Flower Fruit Mountain.

Made of jade, imprinted with the true forms of the Four Symbols using divine thought, this object is used to set up simple formations.

He handed four jade tokens to Sun Wukong:

"Your Majesty, please nail these four jade tablets around the Xuanbing Pool according to their positions."

The Azure Dragon is in the east, the White Tiger in the west, the Vermilion Bird in the south, and the Black Tortoise in the north.

As the nail was driven in, magical power was used to make the jade tablet sink three feet into the ground.

Sun Wukong took the jade tablet and somersaulted into the air.

With a quick glance around to determine the location, he threw out the four jade tokens one by one.

Whirring whirring!

The jade tablet pierced the air and fell into the mud by the pool.

Sun Wukong landed, his hands forming a hand seal, using his magic to activate his power.

Where the four jade tablets were buried, a beam of light shot into the sky from each of them.

A blue light shone from the east, like a blue dragon soaring into the sky.

The white light from the west resembled a white tiger roaring at the moon.

The red light in the south is like the Vermilion Bird bathing in fire.

The northern black light resembles the Black Tortoise suppressing the sea.

The four colors of light intertwined and swirled in mid-air, gradually condensing into a grand array of the Four Symbols, enveloping the Xuanbing Pool within.

Li Yan sat cross-legged by the pool, his hands forming a mudra, chanting incantations.

The Four Symbols Formation sensed his magical power and slowly began to operate.

The horns of the Azure Dragon, the tail of the White Tiger, the wings of the Vermilion Bird, and the fist of the Black Tortoise each occupy their own position and perform their own duties.

The power of the four elements transformed into four chains, extending towards the bottom of the Xuanbing Pool and locking the spiritual vein in four directions.

Li Yan let out a long sigh of relief, stood up, and said, "The spiritual vein is locked. We can remove the nails now."

Sun Wukong gripped his golden cudgel, about to make a move, but Li Yan raised his hand to stop him.

"The task of removing the nails requires the help of this humble Taoist priest."

The Xuan Yin Nail is connected to the spiritual vein; if it is pulled out by brute force, the spiritual vein will be severely damaged.

"Using the virtue of water, I gently dissolved the connection between the nail and the spiritual vein, allowing it to be removed without damage."

Sun Wukong nodded and said, "Brother, be careful."

Li Yan took a deep breath and leaped into the Xuanbing Pool.

As he entered the water, he silently recited the Canglang Dao Jing, using the power of water to create a thin film around his body.

Although the water in that pool was icy cold, it was kept out by that thin film, preventing anyone from getting close.

He slowly sank down, and saw countless black wisps of energy swimming like snakes in the pool.

Sensing the presence of a living person, the black mist began to coil around him.

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged as he silently recited, "The highest good is like water, which benefits all things without striving."

The black mist, upon touching the membrane, vanished without a trace, like a clay ox sinking into the sea.

They sank about several tens of feet, and their feet sank to the bottom of the pool.

The bottom of the pool was covered with a thick layer of soft, black mud.

A faint, eerie light flickered within the black mud.

Li Yan looked closely and saw that the Xuan Yin Nail was embedded in the spiritual vein not far in front of him.

The nail was about three feet long, entirely black, with a large ancient seal character engraved on its head: 【镇】 (Zhen).

Around the nail, the spiritual energy surged and churned like boiling water.

The spiritual energy was blocked by the nails and had nowhere to escape, so it was squeezed to both sides, making the barrier of the spiritual vein extremely thin.

Li Yan understood that the Xuan Yin Nail was like a plug, blocking the exit of the spiritual vein.

If the spiritual energy is not properly channeled before removing the nail, the spiritual energy will erupt like a volcano, unstoppable.

He sat cross-legged at the bottom of the pool, closing his eyes and concentrating.

With hands forming a mudra, he silently recited the secret formula for longevity, using his mind to sense the flow of spiritual energy within the spiritual veins.

Although the spiritual energy was blocked, there were still tiny gaps through which it seeped out from the edges of the nail holes.

The spiritual energy that seeped out spread in all directions like a gentle stream.

Li Yan focused his mind on those fine streams, delving deep into the spiritual veins.

Inside, there is a river formed by the condensation of spiritual energy, several meters wide and bottomless.

The river water was clear, radiating a faint golden light.

Countless tiny runes flow within the river water; these are patterns naturally formed by heaven and earth.

Li Yan focused his mind on the spiritual vein, feeling the vastness of the spiritual energy.

A sudden realization dawned on him.

This spiritual vein is the essence accumulated over ten thousand years in Kunlun Mountain, a condensation of the energy of heaven and earth.

If one can extract even a little from it, the benefit to one's spiritual practice will be immeasurable.

He calmed himself and silently recited the Canglang Daoist Scripture.

Using the power of water, the spiritual energy within the spiritual veins was slowly guided to flow in the four directions locked by the Four Symbols Formation.

The Azure Dragon position, shimmering with azure light, transforms the spiritual energy it guides into Azure Dragon energy, which is then stored in the East.

The White Tiger position is shrouded in white light, which transforms spiritual energy into the malevolent energy of the White Tiger, suppressing it in the west.

The Vermilion Bird position, with its flowing red light, transforms spiritual energy into the Vermilion Bird Fire, which is sealed in the south.

The position of Xuanwu, with its dark light condensing, transforms spiritual energy into Xuanwu water, which is then stored in the north.

Each of the four elements performs its own function, transforming and storing the spiritual energy that flows in from all directions.

Li Yan sensed that the pressure of spiritual energy within the spiritual vein was gradually decreasing, and knew that the time had come.

He withdrew his mind from the spiritual veins and opened his eyes.

The Xuan Yin Nail was no longer trembling.

The character "镇" (zhen, meaning town/town) on the nail cap had also dimmed somewhat.

Li Yan took a deep breath, his magical power transformed into his hands, and he reached into the black mud to grasp the Xuan Yin Nail.

The nail was icy cold to the touch, like holding a piece of ancient ice.

A chilling power emanated from the nail and spread upwards along the magical hand.

Li Yanmo used the Canglang Dao Scripture to envelop the cold, yin energy with the power of water, slowly refining it.

Although that chilling power was unpredictable, it was no match for the gentleness of the water element.

In a short while, it turned into wisps of green smoke, drifting away between the fingers.

Li Yan steadied himself and slowly exerted his strength.

The nail didn't budge.

He applied even more force, but the nail remained firmly in place.

Li Yan's heart sank; the nail was driven too deep, its connection to the spiritual vein too tight.

If we pull it out by brute force, the spiritual veins may be damaged.

He loosened his hands and pondered for a moment.

"The softest thing in the world can overcome the hardest thing in the world."

Water, though extremely soft and weak, can penetrate rocks and split mountains.

It is because it does not contend.

He does not contend, therefore no one in the world can contend with him.

A sudden realization dawned on Li Yan.

He shouldn't try to pull the nail out by force, but rather use the gentleness of water to "melt" the nail out.

He closed his eyes and focused his mind, and his magical hand grasped the nail once more.

At the same time, immerse your mind in the nail.

Although the nail was made of Xuan Yin iron, it was still a product of heaven and earth, and had its own way.

Li Yan used the power of water to slowly seep into the texture of the nail.

The connection between the nail and the spiritual vein was gradually dissolved.

The feeling was like water dripping on stone, or a rope sawing through wood.

I don't know how much time passed.

It may be a moment, or it may be several days.

The nail suddenly twitched slightly.

Li Yan was delighted, but remained calm and continued to use the power of water to transform it.

The nails are getting looser.

Finally, the nail slowly slid out of the spiritual vein.

Li Yan opened his eyes and saw the Xuan Yin Nail lying quietly in his palm.

The character "镇" (zhen, meaning "suppress") on the nail had disappeared, turning into a faint golden light.

That was the energy of the spiritual vein, which seeped into the nail when it was pulled out, transforming the Xuan Yin Iron into Xuan Jin.

Li Yan tucked the nail into his sleeve, his mind slightly unsettled.

On the mirror of the heart, a line of small golden characters slowly appeared:

[Using the gentleness of water to transform the hardness of Yin, the Yin nail is pulled out without damage, thus breaking the earth vein dragon-locking formation.]

[Aura of Destiny +1200 (Ultimate Softness, Ultimate Firmness)]

Nourished by the energy of the spiritual veins, the Xuan Yin Nail transforms into the Xuan Jin Nail, containing the essence of the spiritual veins and suitable for refining weapons.

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 22700/20480]

Li Yan was overjoyed and was about to withdraw his thoughts when he suddenly felt a vast power surging out from the spiritual vein.

That power was a profound and mysterious Daoist essence.

The Daoist energy surged upwards along the spiritual veins, bursting out of the bottom of the pool and soaring straight into the sky.

In that instant, the sky above Kunlun Mountain changed color.

The once clear sky suddenly became covered with dark clouds.

Lightning flashed within the dark clouds, and the booming thunder shook the entire Kunlun Mountain.

Suddenly, a crack appeared in the dark clouds.

A beam of golden light shone down from the crevice, illuminating the Xuanbing Pool.

Amidst the golden light, celestial flowers seemed to fall in disarray, and golden lotuses sprang from the ground.

Golden lotuses emerged from the pool, one after another, adorning the entire Xuanbing Pool like a fairyland.

The black Ganoderma lucidum trembled violently upon sensing this Daoist aura.

On the umbrella canopy, the fine lines began to crack.

Black sap oozed from the cracks, emitting a foul stench.

In a short while, the black Ganoderma lucidum withered.

The umbrella-shaped canopy collapsed, the roots withered, turning into a pool of black water that seeped into the bottom of the pond.

Where the black water seeped in, a tiny seedling sprouted from the soil.

The seedlings were entirely green and emitted a faint fragrance.

It grows slowly, bathed in golden light.

It sprouts branches and leaves, and blossoms and bears fruit.

In just a short while, the seedling grew into a three-foot-tall Ganoderma lucidum.

The Ganoderma lucidum is entirely emerald green, with a faint golden light flowing through it, exuding a vast vitality.

That is the real Yao grass and Lingzhi.

The ones that Dongfang Shuo collected earlier were just ordinary Ganoderma lucidum.

It only grows in the ancient land of Yaochi and is imbued with some spiritual energy, so it is called Yao grass and Lingzhi.

This plant is the one that was planted by the mother of the Queen Mother of the West in ancient times.

It was suppressed by the black Ganoderma for hundreds of years. Now that the black Ganoderma has withered, it breaks through the soil and sees the light of day again.

Li Yan gazed at the Ganoderma lucidum and felt a surge of emotion.

This is the way of endless life.

Although black Ganoderma lucidum is evil, it is also part of the Tao.

When evil is exhausted, good will follow; when withering is exhausted, prosperity will arrive. This is the way of nature.

He reached out and gently stroked the leaves of the Ganoderma lucidum.

The leaf trembled slightly.

Just then, the Ganoderma lucidum suddenly trembled.

On the leaves, lines of small golden characters appeared.

Li Yan looked closely and saw that the golden characters read:

"By the Jade Pool, I planted this mushroom."

It ripens once every three thousand years; eating it can prolong life.

However, the treasure is not the Ganoderma lucidum itself, but the human heart.

If the heart is not upright, even Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) can be poisonous.

If the mind is clear, even poisonous weeds can be a source of joy.

If future generations are fortunate enough to come here, they will understand this principle.

The gold lettering appeared briefly before gradually disappearing.

But the Ganoderma lucidum underwent a change.

The golden light on the leaves grew stronger and stronger, and the entire Ganoderma lucidum transformed into a ball of golden light, slowly rising.

In the golden light, the shape of the Ganoderma lucidum gradually blurred, transforming into a golden fruit.

The fruit was shaped like a peach, but much smaller, only the size of a pigeon's egg.

It is crystal clear, as if it were carved from crystal, with mountains, rivers, sun, moon and stars faintly visible inside.

Li Yan reached out and caught the fruit; it was warm to the touch.

Within the fruit lies a vast life force that resonates strongly with the grotto.

He was startled; this fruit was no ordinary thing.

As one's mind saturates within it, one sees a wisp of ancient energy sealed within the fruit.

That is the Taoist essence left behind by the Queen Mother of the West.

A sudden realization dawned on Li Yan.

This fruit is the essence of the Yao grass and Lingzhi, which has been condensed over tens of thousands of years by absorbing the essence of the Kunlun spiritual vein.

The black Ganoderma suppressed it for hundreds of years, but instead of destroying it, it stimulated its potential.

Over the centuries, it has fought day and night against the black Ganoderma lucidum, refining its own path to a purer state.

At this moment, the black Ganoderma withers, and it condenses all the essence accumulated over hundreds of years into this fruit.

This is what it means to be put in a desperate situation and then survive.

Li Yan put the fruit into his sleeve, his mind slightly uneasy.

On the mirror, a line of small golden characters slowly appeared:

【The fruit, formed from the essence of the rare herb Lingzhi over ten thousand years, is called the Jade Pool Immortal Fruit, imbued with the Taoist charm of the Queen Mother of the West】

[Fate/Destiny Aura +1000 (From Death to Survival)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 23700/20480]

Li Yan withdrew his thoughts and felt a sense of satisfaction.

Just then, the Four Symbols Formation suddenly trembled.

Four beams of light shot into the sky, intertwining and swirling in mid-air, transforming into a four-colored pillar of light that soared straight into the clouds.

Within that pillar of light, the true forms of the Four Symbols could be faintly seen swirling and dancing, emitting bursts of hissing sounds.

The neighing sound echoed throughout the entire Kunlun Mountains.

All the beasts in the mountains, upon hearing the sound, lay prostrate on the ground, trembling in fear; the grass and trees swayed and rustled.

The snow that had been accumulating on the mountaintop for years was shaken off and fell, triggering an avalanche.

The sound of the avalanche was like the thunder of ten thousand horses.

Rumble!

The sound echoed through the valley.

The four true forms hovered for a moment before gradually dissipating.

Rumble!

The sound echoed through the valley.

The four true forms hovered for a moment before gradually dissipating.

The four-colored beams of light also converged, transforming into four rays of light that disappeared into the four jade tablets.

Li Yan reached out and beckoned, and the four jade tablets flew out of the ground and landed in his palm.

Each jade plaque has a tiny crack.

That was caused by bearing too much spiritual energy, which became unbearable.

He sighed and put the jade pendant into his sleeve.

These four jade pendants are no longer usable.

It needs to be refined again to be restored.

Just as he was about to put the jade pendants away, he suddenly noticed that within the cracks on the four jade pendants, a faint radiance was flowing.

That radiance is the trace left by the spiritual energy seeping into it.

Li Yan's heart stirred; this spiritual energy was the essence accumulated over ten thousand years in Kunlun Mountain.

If one can refine it into one's body, its benefits to cultivation will be immeasurable.

He sat cross-legged by the pool, holding two jade tablets in each hand, his eyes closed in deep concentration.

He silently practiced the secrets of longevity, using his mind to guide the spiritual energy within the jade tablet slowly into his body.

As the spiritual energy entered his body, he felt a vast power surging along his meridians towards his dantian.

That power was not as gentle as ordinary spiritual energy, but rather possessed the unique weight and sharpness of Kunlun Mountain.

Li Yan steadied his mind, enveloped it with the power of water, and slowly refined it.

Under the influence of the Water Virtue, the spiritual energy gradually became gentle and merged into the dantian.

Within the dantian, the twelve-petaled golden lotus sensed this spiritual energy and began to slowly rotate.

Above the lotus, those mysterious symbols and characters shone brightly.

The spiritual energy was absorbed by the lotus, transforming into golden lotus flowers that bloomed around it.

When the lotus blooms, its fragrance fills the air and its golden light shines everywhere.

The golden light pierced through Li Yan's body, illuminating the entire Xuanbing Pool.

As the golden light shone upon the pool, the black mist dissipated.

The black mud at the bottom of the pool was also purified by the golden light, gradually turning grayish-white.

The Xuanbing Pool, which was originally as black as ink, is now gradually becoming clear.

In the pool, the spiritual herbs and medicines that had been suppressed by the black Ganoderma lucidum sensed the golden light and burst forth from the ground.

Like jade, it is a vibrant, emerald green.

Some resemble agate, their red color as vibrant as fire.

Some are like crystal, sparkling and translucent.

The entire Xuanbing Pool, once a desolate wasteland, has been transformed into a paradise.

The golden light lasted for about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea before gradually receding.

When Li Yan opened his eyes, he felt completely refreshed, and the true essence and magical power in his dantian had become even more abundant.

[After refining the spiritual energy, nine more golden lotuses bloomed in his dantian, marking a significant advancement in his cultivation.]

[Aura of Destiny +300 (Accumulated Strength Unleashed)]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 24000/20480]

Just as he was about to stand up, he suddenly sensed a faint ripple coming from the bottom of the Xuanbing Pool.

The fluctuation was faint, almost imperceptible.

Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine and opened his Eye of Cause and Effect to look down into the pool.

At the bottom of the pool, there was an inconspicuous stone.

The stone was about the size of a fist, grayish-white all over, and completely unremarkable.

But the fluctuations emanated from this stone.

Li Yan leaped into the pool, swam to the bottom, and picked up the stone.

The stone felt cold and heavy to the touch.

He turned the stone over and saw a star map engraved on its back.

In that star chart, there was one star that was particularly bright.

That star is Polaris.

Li Yan's heart skipped a beat. Could this stone be...?

When one probes into it with their mind, they feel that a vast power of stars is sealed within the stone.

That power was like the northern night sky, boundless and limitless.

There is also a line of small characters carved in ancient seal script inside the stone.

"The essence of the North Pole, the pivot of all stars."

Those who obtain it can glimpse the Way of Heaven.

Those who lose something do not lose their true nature.

Li Yan held the stone, a surge of joy welling up inside him.

Polaris dust!

The third spiritual object he had been searching for was actually at the bottom of this Xuanbing Pool!

The Earth Vein Dragon Locking Formation, the Black Lingzhi Mushroom, and the Mysterious Yin Nail were all just appearances.

The real purpose is this stone.

The people of the North hid fragments of the North Star here and concealed their presence with a dragon-locking formation of earth veins.

If he hadn't broken the formation and purified the pool water, this stone would have remained forever asleep at the bottom of the pool, unknown to anyone.

Li Yan tucked the North Star dust into his sleeve, his mind slightly somber.

On the mirror, a line of small golden characters slowly emerged.

[Obtaining fragments of the North Star, which contain the power of the North Star, can be used as the foundation for the World Tree.]

[Aura of Destiny +1500 (What you've been searching for is right under your nose, and here it is, without any effort at all)]

With the three spiritual artifacts complete, the World Tree can be erected within the grotto-heaven, giving rise to the Middle Thousand Worlds.

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 25500/20480]

Looking at the lines of small golden characters, Li Yan felt a surge of satisfaction.

Peach rootlets, rebirth pearl fragments, North Star fragments.

The three magical items have finally been collected.

He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and leaped out of the pool.

Sun Wukong stood by the pool, his golden eyes filled with concern: "Brother, have you gained anything?"

Li Yan nodded and said, "The harvest is considerable. The three spiritual items are now complete."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong was overjoyed: "Really? Then what are we waiting for? Let's go back now and build the World Tree!"

Li Yan shook his head and said, "No rush."

The World Tree needs to be planted in an auspicious time and place within a grotto-heaven, and it also needs to be arranged with formations and refined with spiritual objects.

This is not something that can be achieved overnight.

"Junior brother, this matter at Kunlun Mountain is not over yet."

Sun Wukong's golden eyes flashed: "Is there anything else?"

Li Yan said, "Although the Earth Vein Dragon Locking Formation is broken, the spiritual veins have been damaged."

If it is not repaired, the spiritual energy of the veins will gradually dissipate over time.

The entire Kunlun Mountains will be affected at that time.

He sat cross-legged by the pool and took out the black gold nail from his sleeve.

"This nail was originally made of Xuan Yin iron, but it was transformed into Xuan Jin by the Qi of the spiritual vein."

It contains the essence of spiritual veins, which can be used to repair them.

Li Yan formed hand seals and held the Xuanjin nail in his palm.

He silently used the secret technique of longevity to slowly refine the nail with the fire of the cave.

The nail melted gradually when it came into contact with fire, turning into a pool of golden liquid.

The liquid contained a rich spiritual energy.

Li Yan guided the golden liquid with his mind, allowing it to slowly seep into the spiritual veins at the bottom of the pool.

The spiritual vein sensed this essence and, like a thirsty person drinking from a sweet spring, emitted a joyful hum.

The cracks in the spiritual vein barrier were filled with golden liquid and gradually healed.

The severed spiritual energy flowed upwards again, unimpeded.

The spiritual energy surged from the bottom of the pool, bursting through the black mist and soaring straight into the sky.

In that instant, the sky above Kunlun Mountain changed color once again.

The dark clouds dispersed, and golden light shone down.

Flowers rained down from the sky, and golden lotuses appeared.

Within that golden light, celestial music could be faintly heard.

The celestial music was melodious and graceful, as if celestial maidens were singing from the heavens.

Amidst the music, a phoenix flew in from the horizon, circling above Mount Kunlun.

The phoenix was entirely golden, with rainbow-like tail feathers, and emitted a clear cry.

Its calls traveled for miles.

Dongfang Shuo was anxiously waiting in the Kunlun Temple when he suddenly saw a bright golden light on the horizon and a phoenix flying in. He was startled.

He quickly walked out of the ancestral hall and looked in the direction of the golden light.

Above Kunlun Mountain, golden light shone in countless rays, auspicious clouds stretched out, phoenixes circled, and celestial music filled the air.

He has lived for thousands of years, how could he have ever seen such a strange phenomenon?

"Master Li... Great Sage... what exactly have you done...?"

He muttered to himself, his awe of the two men deepening even further.

The mountain god also came out of the shrine, and looking at the golden light, tears streamed down his face.

He had lived in the Kunlun Mountains for tens of thousands of years and had never seen the spiritual veins so active.

The golden light and auspicious aura, the phoenix music and celestial sounds, are all signs of the interaction between heaven and earth, a reward for those who have repaired the spiritual veins.

"Excellent, excellent... Kunlun has a spirit, Heaven and Earth are moved..."

The mountain god murmured, bowing deeply towards the direction of the golden light.

At this moment, by the Xuanbing Pool.

Li Yan sat cross-legged, his face slightly pale.

Repairing the spiritual veins exhausted most of his magical power.

But gazing at the clear pool water, the lush vegetation, and the vibrant life, a sense of satisfaction welled up in my heart.

Sun Wukong stood beside him, his golden eyes gazing at the phoenix circling amidst celestial music, and grinned as he said:

"Brother, the commotion you've caused is even bigger than when I, Old Sun, became an immortal!"

Li Yan laughed and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. I am merely going with the flow and taking advantage of the power of heaven and earth."

The phoenix circled for a moment, then transformed into a golden light and entered Li Yan's brow.

Li Yan felt a warm sensation between his brows, which then flowed throughout his body.

[Repairing the spiritual veins brings a response from heaven and earth, attracting the phoenix and accompanied by celestial music.]

[Aura of Destiny +800 (Power comparable to creation, benefiting all living beings)]

[The essence of the phoenix enters the body, and the primordial spirit is nourished by the innate fire virtue, thus advancing in one's cultivation.]

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 26300/20480]

Li Yan was overjoyed and was about to stand up when he suddenly felt a violent tremor in the cave.

He focused his mind into the cave, where he saw the twelve-petaled golden lotus slowly rotating.

Beside the lotus flower, three spiritual objects—the roots of a peach, fragments of a reincarnation bead, and fragments of the North Star—float in mid-air.

Each radiates its own light.

The roots of the peach tree are entirely purple, radiating the meaning of continuous life.

The beads of reincarnation, in six colors, flow and circulate, embodying the principle of reincarnation.

Polaris dust, silvery-white in color, imbued with the power of stars.

The three spiritual objects sensed each other's presence and gradually began to resonate in a mysterious way.

The lotus flower spun faster and faster, and the three spiritual objects spun along with it, slowly merging under the intertwining of the three-colored light.

The roots of the peach tree transformed into a purple light.

The fragments of the karmic pearl transformed into six-colored radiance.

Polaris dust transforms into silvery-white starlight.

At this moment, the three spiritual objects completely merged with the golden lotus.

The lotus flower's light intensified, illuminating the entire cave as bright as day.

At this moment, the mountains and rivers within a radius of 9,999 li underwent earth-shattering changes.

The earth expands, the sky rises, rivers extend, and vegetation grows.

Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine li... nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine li and a half... nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine li and ninety-nine...

That final mile, illuminated by the light of the lotus, was finally breached.

At that moment, when the distance reached ten thousand miles, a thunderous roar resounded throughout the heavens and earth.

It was like the creation of the world, shaking the entire cavern.

Amidst the roar, chaotic energy surged forth from nothingness, transforming into two distinct energies: clear and turbid.

The pure air rises and transforms into the sky.

The turbid air sinks down and condenses into the earth.

Stars appeared in the sky.

The stars, which started as just a few faint lights, gradually multiplied and transformed into a sky full of stars.

Mountains rise up on the earth.

The mountain range started as just a few mounds, but gradually grew taller and became a majestic mountain.

The river flows out of the mountains, meanders, and flows into the lake.

In the lake, the water ripples, reflecting the sky and clouds.

Plants grow from the soil, spread from the water's edge, and climb from the foot of the mountain, adorning the entire land with lush greenery.

The thousands of lesser demons emerged from the Demon Imprisonment Valley, staring in disbelief at the newly born world.

In Anleyuan, the monkeys also ran out of the orchard and climbed the high branches.

Staring at the sky full of stars, it squeaked and chirped.

Little Drill Wind squatted on the tallest tree, holding a big peach.

"Your Majesty... what... what's going on?"

It muttered to itself, completely unaware that the peach had slipped from its hand.

Outside the grotto, Li Yan sat cross-legged by the pool, his eyes closed in deep concentration.

He sensed the changes within the cave and felt an indescribable joy welling up inside him.

The small world eventually evolved into the medium world.

He steadied himself and continued to guide the power of heaven and earth within the cave, converging it towards the location of the lotus.

Within the lotus, the three spiritual objects had completely merged, transforming into a seed.

The seeds were entirely golden, heart-shaped, and faintly glowed.

The seed contains the essence of three spiritual objects, as well as the accumulation of lotus flowers over tens of thousands of years.

Those are seeds of the World Tree.

Li Yan took a deep breath and guided the seed with his mind, sending it drifting towards the center of the cave.

There is a high mountain there.

That mountain is the highest mountain in the grotto-heaven, and it is called Tianzhu Mountain.

At the summit of the mountain, there is a flat area called the Temple of Heaven.

The seeds drifted down onto the Temple of Heaven and landed in the soil.

At the moment of burial, a thunderous roar resounded once more between heaven and earth.

Rumble!

It was even more violent than before, shaking the entire cavern.

Amidst the roar, the seeds broke through the soil, took root, and sprouted.

The tender shoots broke through the soil, their entire bodies golden, radiating brilliant light.

The light pierced through the barriers of the cave and spread outwards.

At the edge of the Xuanbing Pool, Li Yan's body suddenly shone with golden light.

The golden light enveloped his entire body, making him look like a golden Arhat.

Sun Wukong was forced back several steps by the golden light, his golden eyes wide with astonishment.

"Brother! What...what are you doing...?"

Before he finished speaking, he immediately mobilized his magical power to protect Li Yan.

Li Yan closed his eyes and focused his mind, guiding the growth of the World Tree.

The tender shoots grew taller and taller, from an inch to a foot, and then to ten feet.

Countless fine lines appeared on the tree trunk, textures naturally formed by heaven and earth.

The branches stretch out, extending in all directions.

The leaves grow, turning completely golden, and sway in the wind.

The World Tree was growing at a rate visible to the naked eye.

One zhang... ten zhang... one hundred zhang... one thousand zhang...

In a short while, the World Tree grew to a height of a thousand feet, its canopy covering the sky and blocking out the sun.

Above the tree canopy, stars twinkle and the sun and moon revolve.

Beneath the tree roots, spiritual veins converge, and the earth's energy surges.

The entire World Tree is like a bridge, connecting heaven and earth, and communicating the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.

The moment the World Tree grew to maturity, the cave underwent another earth-shattering change.

The earth expands, the sky rises, the stars increase, and the mountains and rivers become magnificent.

A radius of ten thousand li... a hundred thousand li... a hundred thousand li...

Ultimately, the territory of the cave was fixed at a radius of 300,000 li.

The 300,000-mile-long landscape is majestic and magnificent, with ever-changing scenery.

The lesser demons and imprisoned demon cultivators all knelt on the ground and kowtowed towards the World Tree.

Although they didn't understand what had happened, they could sense that a vast vitality had emerged in this world.

In the paradise, the monkeys also knelt down and squeaked.

Little Drill knelt on the ground, muttering, "Your Majesty...where...are we?"

Li Yan withdrew his mind from the cave and slowly opened his eyes.

He felt as if he had been reborn.

The three treasures of essence, energy, and spirit are fully replenished and perfected, and the golden light within the primordial spirit becomes even more solid.

[The grotto-heavens evolved into a thousand worlds, spanning three hundred thousand miles, where the World Tree was erected, establishing the foundation of heaven and earth.]

[Aura of Destiny +3000 (Creation of Heaven and Earth, Creation of All Things)]

The World Tree, now fully formed, can bear the essence of heaven and earth and nourish the vitality of all things.

[Current Affinity/Dharma Energy: 29300/20480]

[Cultivation Level: Seventh Level of Grotto-Heaven (Middle Thousand 30%)]

He gazed at the line of small golden characters, a sense of satisfaction welling up inside him.

Standing up, I felt completely relaxed, as if a huge burden had been lifted from my shoulders.

Sun Wukong stepped forward, his golden eyes filled with concern: "Brother, is it done?"

Li Yan nodded and smiled, "It's done."

The grotto-heaven has evolved into a thousand worlds, spanning three hundred thousand li in circumference.

The World Tree has already been established. In the future, it only needs to be carefully nurtured to bear the fortune of heaven and earth and transform into a celestial being.

In the future, this will help Your Majesty to open the gates of the Great Luo in one fell swoop!

Sun Wukong was overjoyed and clapped his hands, saying, "Good! Good! Good!"

Brother, you now have your own territory, and I, Old Sun, have also descended to the Great Luo.

"Who in this world dares to bully us now!"

Li Yan smiled and said, "Your Majesty is right."

However, the path of cultivation is long and uncertain.

Above the Middle Thousand Worlds, there is the Great Thousand Worlds; above the Great Thousand Worlds, there is Chaos.

We still need to keep working hard.

Sun Wukong grinned and said, "Of course! I, Old Sun, still want to attain the Great Luo Immortal realm!"

The two looked at each other and burst into laughter.

The laughter echoed through the Kunlun Mountains, startling a flock of birds.

Li Yan stopped laughing and said, "Junior brother, we should go back now. Master Dongfang is still waiting for us at Kunlun Temple."

Sun Wukong nodded, and the two of them rode on the clouds, flying towards the Kunlun Temple.

Along the way, one could see that the Kunlun Mountains were covered with lush spiritual herbs and teeming with joyful beasts.

The deathly aura that had been corrupted by the black Ganoderma lucidum has vanished without a trace, transforming into a vibrant and thriving place.

The deathly aura that had been corrupted by the black Ganoderma lucidum has vanished without a trace, transforming into a vibrant and thriving place.

Upon arriving at the Kunlun Temple, one sees Dongfang Shuo and the Mountain God standing outside the temple gate, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the deity.

Upon seeing the two, Dongfang Shuo hurriedly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Gentlemen, you're finally back! Were you the ones who caused the golden light and phoenixes appearing in the sky just now?"

Sun Wukong laughed and said, "Brother, that was made by my brother."

He repaired the spiritual veins, and the heavens and earth, sensing his presence, bestowed extraordinary phenomena.

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Shuo looked at Li Yan with even more awe.

He spent thousands of years in the Heavenly Court and met many extraordinary people.

Yet I have never seen anyone repair a spiritual vein and cause such a magnificent celestial phenomenon.

The mountain god also stepped forward and bowed deeply to Li Yan: "Master Li, your kindness and virtue are beyond my ability to repay."

That spiritual vein has been locked for hundreds of years, and I am helpless to stop it.

Thanks to the Taoist priest's intervention today, Kunlun Mountain has been able to regain its vitality.

I will remember this kindness.

Li Yan helped him up and said, "Mountain God, there's no need for such formalities."

I have only done my duty.

That spiritual vein was originally a product of heaven and earth; I repaired it for my own cultivation.

The mountain god shook his head and said, "Daoist, you are too modest."

I have lived in the Kunlun Mountains for tens of thousands of years and have seen countless people come here to collect herbs, but no one has ever thought of repairing the spiritual veins.

The Taoist priest's actions have accumulated immeasurable merit.

He took out a jade slip from his sleeve and presented it with both hands:

"This is a map of the Kunlun Mountains, which records the direction of the mountain's spiritual veins."

This old man presents this map to the Daoist Master, hoping that in the future, if the Daoist Master ever needs anything from Kunlun Mountain, he will not hesitate to ask.

Li Yan accepted the jade slip, solemnly put it into his sleeve, and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you for your generous gift, Mountain God."

The mountain god then turned to Dongfang Shuo: "Mr. Dongfang, have you managed to gather the precious herb, Lingzhi?"

Dongfang Shuo quickly took out the jade box, opened it, and took a look.

The Ganoderma lucidum in the box was no ordinary spiritual object.

Instead, it emits a golden light and has a pleasant fragrance.

He was stunned, muttering, "This...how did this change?"

Li Yan smiled and said, "Sir, after the black Ganoderma withers, its spiritual veins revive."

The lingzhi mushroom in the master's box, imbued with the energy of rejuvenation, also gained a touch of spirituality, and thus underwent a transformation.

Upon hearing this, Dongfang Shuo was overjoyed and repeatedly said, "Thank you, Daoist Li! Thank you, Daoist Li!"

The three exchanged a few more words, then bid farewell to the mountain god and flew towards the heavenly court on the clouds.

Along the way, Sun Wukong somersaulted and had a great time.

Li Yan rode on a golden beam that seemed to leap across the ground, as steady as Mount Tai.

Dongfang Shuo treads on the blue clouds, drifting away as if riding the wind.

After traveling for about an hour, a huge portal faintly appeared in the sea of ​​clouds ahead.

On either side of the gate stood two rows of heavenly soldiers and generals.

The four Heavenly Kings, each occupying a territory, are the leaders.

Dongfang Shuo was the first to part the clouds and descend.

Then, Sun Wukong stopped in his tracks, landed in front of the South Heavenly Gate, stood with his hands behind his back, head held high and chest out.

Li Yan stood at the end of the line, with his hands at his sides, his expression unchanged.

Upon seeing the three, the Heavenly King of Growth cupped his hands and said, "The three of you have returned?"

Dongfang Shuo smiled and said, "I'm back. Everything for the Peach Banquet has been purchased."

The Heavenly King of Growth laughed and said, "Excellent."

After speaking, he turned to Sun Wukong:

"The Jade Emperor had previously inquired of the Great Sage, saying that if the Great Sage returned, he should go to the Lingxiao Palace."

Li Yan's heart stirred slightly.

The Jade Emperor summoned the monkey; what was the reason?