Primordial Era: The Three Senior Brothers of the Taiqing Clan

The news of Chen Qing's attainment of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm swept across the entire prehistoric world like a hurricane.

In just a few days, from the shores of the East China Sea to the Western Paradise, from the icy plains of the North Sea to the fiery domains of the South, everyone knew about it.

Disciples of the Three Pure Ones spread the word, and various tribes of the human race set up altars to worship. Even the Jade Emperor of Heaven sent congratulatory gifts.

This is the first Primordial Golden Immortal since the Dao Ancestor became a saint, not by relying on Primordial Purple Qi, not by proving the Dao through merit, and not by severing the Three Corpses, but by proving the Dao through strength and breaking the shackles of the Heavenly Dao with his own power.

Penglai Island is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations.

The Three Pure Ones gathered to personally congratulate Chen Qing. Inside the main hall, the Three Pure Ones sat high on the cloud platform, with Chen Qing seated below, flanked by disciples from the three religions, all gathered together.

"Hahaha!" Tongtian's laughter was the loudest. He held up a wine glass and walked up to Chen Qing. "Little Qingzi, your uncle was right about you!"

"A Grand Luo Golden Immortal of Primordial Chaos! Excellent! From this day forward, our three sects will have four Grand Luo Golden Immortals. Let's see who dares to provoke us now!"

Chen Qing quickly stood up and respectfully accepted the wine cup: "Uncle-Master, you flatter me. I was just lucky."

"Just luck?" Tongtian glared. "You fought your way from Taiyi Golden Immortal to Hunyuan Daluo, when was it ever just luck?"

"You fought Zhunti, Kunpeng, Zhulong, and Zulong—each one of those battles was a real, hard-fought one! Your senior uncles have seen it all!"

Yuanshi also smiled, nodding and saying, "Third brother is right. Qing'er, your journey has indeed been difficult. Although I haven't said much, I've always been proud of you."

Chen Qing quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Second Martial Uncle."

Laozi stroked his beard and smiled, "Qing'er, you are now a Primordial Golden Immortal, and although your name is different from ours, your status is equal. You should be more prudent in your actions in the future. However, you have always been discreet, so I am at ease with you."

Chen Qing respectfully replied, "This disciple will humbly follow Master's teachings."

The Three Pure Ones were incredibly gratified by Chen Qing's growth. From a junior who followed behind them back then to a powerful expert of the Primordial Chaos realm who could now stand shoulder to shoulder with them, Chen Qing had proven himself with his strength. As their elders, they naturally shared in his glory.

Disciples like Duobao, Guangchengzi, and Xuandu looked at Chen Qing with faces full of admiration. Their senior brother's attainment of the Primordial Dao made them, his junior brothers and sisters, proud as well.

"Senior Brother, you are now a Primordial Golden Immortal. Could you tell us about your experience of attaining enlightenment?" Duobao asked curiously.

Chen Qing laughed and said, "The feeling of attaining enlightenment... how should I put it? It's like being trapped in a big cage, and suddenly the cage breaks open, and you're outside. The sky is high and the sea is wide, and you're completely unrestrained."

Guang Chengzi pressed on, "Senior Brother, what's the difference between a Sage and a Primordial Golden Immortal?"

Chen Qing thought for a moment and said, "Sages entrust themselves to the Way of Heaven and can mobilize the power of the Way of Heaven, but their actions cannot go against the will of the Way of Heaven and are therefore subject to certain constraints."

The Primordial Golden Immortal does not rely on the Heavenly Dao, but entirely on his own abilities.

It can be said that sages are the strongest beings under the Heavenly Dao, while Primordial Grand Luo beings are those who have transcended the Heavenly Dao. However, in terms of combat power, there is no difference between the two; each has its own strengths.

However, even a Grand Luo Golden Immortal would be suppressed by the Heavenly Dao. The reason I wasn't suppressed by the Heavenly Dao is due to special circumstances. Therefore, under normal circumstances, a Saint is still stronger in the world.

The disciples nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

Tongtian laughed and said, "You might not understand now, but you'll naturally understand when you reach that level. However..."

He looked at Chen Qing, "Little Qing, now that you've attained enlightenment, what are your next plans?"

Chen Qing pondered for a moment and said, "This disciple plans to first stabilize my cultivation level, and then go to the Chaos Realm to investigate the true nature of that extraterrestrial world. They have attacked repeatedly, and we cannot always be on the defensive."

Lao Tzu nodded: "Very well. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. But you must be careful, for dangers lurk everywhere in the chaos, and the sages from beyond the realm are not to be trifled with."

Yuanshi added, "If you need help, just send a message. Although we cannot leave the Primordial World for long, we can still fight for short periods."

Chen Qing said gratefully, "Thank you for your kindness, Master and Uncle. I understand."

Meanwhile, in the abyss of the East Sea, lies the ancestral home of the Dragon Clan.

The First Emperor sat on the dragon throne with a gloomy expression, with his nine sons standing on either side. The atmosphere in the hall was heavy.

"Then Chen Qing has attained enlightenment." Zu Long spoke slowly, his voice deep, "A Primordial Golden Immortal, not relying on the Heavenly Dao, but solely on his own strength. What great ability."

Qiuniu asked cautiously, "Father, what should we do now?"

Zu Long snorted coldly: "What should we do? Let him prove his path, and I will heal my wounds. The Dragon Clan should not clash with him for now. We will make our plans after he leaves the Primordial World for Chaos."

Ya Zi said unwillingly, "Father, are we just going to let this go?"

Zulong glanced at him and said coldly, "What else can we do but forget about it? Can you beat him? If you can, I will hand over the position of Dragon Lord to you."

Ya Zi was speechless.

Zu Long sighed and said, "The grudge between the Dragon Clan and Chen Qing cannot be resolved overnight. But now is not the time for a head-on confrontation."

As your father, I need time to recover from my injuries, and you all need time to grow. When the time is right, we'll face him again.

The dragon princes bowed their heads and agreed.

Zulong waved his hand, dismissing them, and sat alone in the hall, gazing at the distant deep sea, remaining silent for a long time. He didn't know what Chen Qing would do next, but he knew that the dragon race's days would not be easy.

Mount Sumeru in the West.

Jieyin and Zhunti sat facing each other; they were the only two people in the hall.

"Then Chen Qing has attained enlightenment." Zhunti's expression was not good. "A Primordial Golden Immortal, on par with a Sage. Now the Three Pure Ones lineage has gained another top-tier expert."

Jieyin's face was bitter: "This is fate, and cannot be stopped by human power. Daoist Chen Qing has had boundless luck and countless opportunities along the way, so it is only natural that he has reached this point."

Zhunti gritted his teeth: "Senior brother, we can't continue to be so passive. The Three Pure Ones are growing stronger and stronger; when will our Western Sect be able to rise to prominence?"

After a moment of silence, Jieyin slowly said, "Junior brother, you mean to..."

A ruthless glint flashed in Zhunti's eyes: "I want to go to the Chaos Realm and talk to the people there. Since they have designs on the Primordial World, perhaps we can take advantage of that."

Jieyin frowned: "It's too risky to negotiate with a tiger for its skin."

Zhunti said, "The risks are great, but the rewards are also great. Senior brother, we can't wait any longer. If we wait any longer, the Three Pure Ones will control the prehistoric world, and our Western Sect will never have a chance to rise."

Jieyin sighed deeply and said no more objections.

Zhunti stood up and walked out of the hall. He was going to Chaos to find the people of that world. This was his last gamble.

In Nuwa's palace, Nuwa sat on her cloud bed, playing with a five-colored stone in her hand.

"She has attained enlightenment..." Nuwa murmured, a smile appearing on her lips. "Although I had expected it, the speed is indeed too fast."

She wasn't particularly close to Chen Qing, but she didn't harbor any ill will towards him either. Chen Qing had saved Fuxi and helped the human race, so they had a good relationship. Chen Qing's attainment of enlightenment wouldn't be detrimental to her.

"Senior Brother, you've taken on a fine disciple!" Nuwa said to the void, as if Lao Tzu could hear her.

The Heavenly Court, the Lingxiao Palace.

Haotian sat on the dragon throne, with Yaochi standing beside him. Only the two of them were in the hall.

"Then Chen Qing has attained enlightenment." Haotian's voice was somewhat complicated. "A Primordial Golden Immortal, on par with us saints."

Yaochi said softly, "Your Majesty, you need not worry. Although Daoist Chen Qing is powerful, he never interferes in the affairs of the Heavenly Court. As long as the Heavenly Court does not provoke him, he will not cause trouble."

Haotian nodded: "I know. But... as the Heavenly Emperor, ruling the Three Realms, it is truly unacceptable that I have to depend on others."

Yaochi advised, "Your Majesty, in the primordial world, the strong are respected. The three religions have become powerful, not overnight. The Heavenly Court's foundation is still weak, and it is not advisable to antagonize the three religions. It is not too late to plan for the long term after the Heavenly Court has a stable foundation."

Haotian sighed, "That's all we can do."

He paused, then said, "Send a decree to send a generous gift to Penglai Immortal Island to congratulate Daoist Chen Qing on attaining the Primordial Dao."

"As you command," Yaochi replied.

Outside the main hall on Penglai Immortal Island.

Chen Qing stood atop the mountain, gazing at the vast sea in the distance. The sea breeze caressed his face, and his clothes fluttered in the wind.

Xuanming appeared behind him at some point and stood quietly.

"Why don't you go to the palace?" Chen Qing asked softly without turning around.

Xuanming said calmly, "I don't like crowds."

Chen Qing smiled but didn't say anything more.

After a moment of silence, Xuanming suddenly spoke: "Are you going to Chaos next?"

Chen Qing nodded: "Yes. The outsiders have repeatedly invaded, we can't always be on the defensive. I need to investigate their situation."

Xuanming said, "I'll go with you."

Chen Qing turned and glanced at her: "Your cultivation hasn't fully recovered yet, so stay on the island."

Xuanming shook his head: "It's almost done. Besides, having one more person might be of some help."

Chen Qing thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright. But you have to promise me you won't be reckless if you encounter danger."

Xuanming rarely showed a smile: "When have I ever been stubborn?"

Chen Qing smiled too. He knew Xuan Ming's temperament; he might agree readily, but when a real crisis came, he'd probably rush in faster than anyone else.

"Then it's settled," Chen Qing said. "We'll set off once my cultivation level is stable."

Xuanming nodded and turned to leave.

Several days later, Chen Qing's cultivation level was completely stabilized.

On this day, he summoned several children on the island, gave them instructions, and then sent a message to each of the Three Pure Ones, informing them of his itinerary.

Then, he and Xuanming left Penglai Immortal Island and flew towards Chaos.

In the chaos, there is no up or down, no left or right, no time, no years.

Chen Qing and Xuan Ming walked side by side, traversing the boundless chaotic air currents.

The surrounding chaotic energy, like thick paste, carrying violent energy, attempted to erode their bodies.

However, both of them possessed incredibly strong physical bodies, remaining unmoved despite the onslaught of chaotic energy.

"No wonder it's called Chaos." Chen Qing looked around and sighed, "If you stay here for too long, you'll even lose your sense of direction."

Xuanming said calmly, "Back when the Witch Clan was at its peak, I also came to Chaos a few times. But back then, with Dijiang there, the laws of space cleared the way, so I didn't find it too difficult to travel. Now that I'm traveling on my own, I realize how terrifying Chaos truly is."

Chen Qing smiled and said, "With me here, you don't need to worry about getting lost."

His inner world was complete, and his divine sense was incredibly powerful, capable of covering an extremely wide area even in chaos.

Moreover, his understanding of the laws of time has been perfected, allowing him to clearly perceive the flow of time, unlike other cultivators who lose their sense of time in the chaos.

The two continued walking, not knowing how long they had walked.

"Stop." Chen Qing suddenly raised his hand, signaling Xuan Ming to stop.

Xuanming immediately became alert, his body surging with the laws of ice, ready for battle.

Chen Qing's gaze pierced through layers of chaotic energy and landed on a blurry shadow.

The shadow loomed in and out of the chaos, like a lurking beast, exuding a chilling aura.

"What is that?" Xuanming followed his gaze, his brows furrowing.

Chen Qing did not answer immediately, but closed his eyes and sensed for a moment before slowly saying, "That is the aura of a world... It shares the same origin as the auras of the extraterrestrial saints we encountered before."

Xuanming's expression changed slightly: "You mean, the entrance to that world?"

Chen Qing nodded: "Very likely. However, that area is shrouded in chaotic energy, making it difficult to see the whole picture. Moreover, I sensed the presence of a Saint-level being patrolling there; if we approach rashly, we will be discovered."

Xuanming asked, "Then what do we do? Go around it?"

Chen Qing thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Going around it isn't impossible, but we know too little about that world. Now that we've found the entrance, we should at least know its location and size."

He took out a jade slip from his sleeve, burned the spatial coordinates of this chaotic region, and then put it back into his sleeve.

"Let's go back first," Chen Qing said. "We'll come back to investigate once we're ready."

Xuanming nodded. The two turned and headed back towards the prehistoric world.

Just then, a strong fluctuation suddenly came from the depths of chaos.

The wave surged in like a tidal wave, carrying a destructive force that hurtled straight towards the two of them.

Chen Qing's expression darkened, and he instantly stood in front of Xuan Ming, unleashing the power of the world around him to form an invisible barrier.

"boom--"

The shockwave struck the barrier, stirring up a chaotic surge of energy. Chen Qing remained unmoved, but a hint of seriousness flashed in his eyes.

"There's a battle between saints," he said in a deep voice, "not far ahead."

Xuanming asked, "Is it internal strife within that world, or is someone attacking it?"

Chen Qing shook his head: "I don't know. But it's not far, I can take you there to take a look. But you must conceal your presence and not be discovered."

Xuanming nodded. Chen Qing waved his hand, releasing a surge of world power that enveloped the two of them. Then, concealing his aura, he flew towards the direction from which the fluctuations originated.

A moment later, the two arrived at a chaotic open space.

The scene before them surprised both Chen Qing and Xuan Ming.

Three figures were locked in fierce combat amidst the chaos. Two of them were shrouded in black mist, their auras dark and violent, resembling extraterrestrial saints.