Primordial Era: The Three Senior Brothers of the Taiqing Clan

In the chaos, Lao Tzu turned and left, his figure gradually disappearing into the distance. The man in black robes stood there, gazing in the direction Lao Tzu had vanished, his face ashen.

"Taiqing Laozi, indeed lives up to his reputation," the black-robed man murmured. "A few words were enough to force me to back down for a hundred years. But... a hundred years is just a hundred years, it will pass in the blink of an eye. I can afford to wait."

He turned and returned to the black palace, where the eight extraterrestrial saints bowed in unison.

"My lord, why did you agree to his request?" a saint from beyond the realm couldn't help but ask.

The man in black robes glanced at him coldly: "Do you think I want to agree? Although Taiqing Laozi's words were harsh, they were all true."

"That kid Chen Qing is indeed a prodigy. In such a short time, he has already become able to contend with me. If given more time, he might truly surpass me."

He paused, a sly glint in his eyes: "However, what I promised was 'to wait until he comes out of seclusion,' not that I couldn't do anything before he does. A hundred years is plenty of time for me to do many things."

He whispered a few instructions, and the several extraterrestrial saints nodded in agreement, revealing sinister smiles.

Deep within the main hall of Penglai Immortal Island.

Chen Qing was completely unaware of anything happening outside. His entire mind was focused on the world within his body, launching one attack after another against that barrier.

His world has reached the pinnacle of the immeasurable great world, with the three thousand great laws perfectly perfected and the world's walls as solid as iron.

But the barrier that stretched deep within the core of the world was like an invisible chasm, keeping him outside the door to a higher realm.

"What exactly is it?" Chen Qing frowned, repeatedly probing the barrier with his divine sense.

He could vaguely sense that the barrier was not simply a limitation of power, but a deeper kind of obstacle, as if it were the final shackle imposed by the Heavenly Dao on those who sought transcendence. Breaking through it would allow one to truly transcend the Heavenly Dao; failing to break through it, even if one reached the level of a Primordial Golden Immortal, would still leave one below the Heavenly Dao.

"As expected, proving one's path through force is not so easy," Chen Qing murmured.

He didn't get discouraged; instead, he became more determined with each setback. Every challenge deepened his understanding of that barrier.

He began to try different methods, sometimes using pure world power to confront it head-on, sometimes using the three thousand laws of the Great Dao to merge and impact it, and sometimes even using the laws of time and space in combination.

Every failure brought him closer to success.

Time slips away unnoticed. Ten years, twenty years, thirty years... Spring comes and autumn goes, flowers bloom and fade, the peach blossoms on Penglai Island bloom and fade again, the tides rise and fall.

Every day, Xuanming would come to the outside of the palace, stand quietly for a while, feel the increasingly powerful aura inside the palace, and then leave silently.

"It'll be soon," she murmured to herself. "It'll be soon."

Lao Tzu returned from chaos, bringing with him the message of the hundred-year pact he had made with the man in black robes.

"A hundred years?" Tongtian frowned. "That's too short. Xiao Qingzi has only been in seclusion for less than fifty years. He has more than fifty years left. Can he break through?"

Lao Tzu said calmly, "Whether he can break through is his business. What we can do is buy him time and prevent anyone from disturbing him."

Yuanshi nodded: "Brother is right. For the next fifty years, we must protect the Primordial World and not give the Demon God Realm any opportunity to take advantage of us."

Nuwa said, "I will project a map of mountains and rivers onto the edge of chaos, so that any unusual activity will be detected immediately."

Jieyin and Zhunti also expressed their willingness to contribute.

For the first time, these seven powerful beings of the Primordial Chaos level worked together in such a united manner.

In the fifty-third year, Chen Qing finally grasped the essence of that barrier.

"I see..." He opened his eyes, a flash of understanding in them.

That barrier wasn't a restriction imposed by the Heavenly Dao, but rather a limitation of his own understanding. He had been trying to understand the world using the primordial way of thinking, forgetting that his world was different from the primordial world.

His world was created by his own hands; it was his own path. To break through that barrier, it wasn't about breaking anything, but about transcending oneself.

"My path is my world," Chen Qing murmured to himself. "As long as my world is powerful enough, I can transcend everything."

He closed his eyes, ceasing his assault on the barrier, and instead immersed himself entirely in the world, sensing every change within it: the undulations of mountains, the rushing of rivers, the movement of stars, and the breath of all living things. He began to merge with his own world, becoming one with it.

His aura began to subtly change. It was no longer a sharp, piercing edge, but a profound, all-encompassing depth.

It was as if he himself was a world, a world that was growing and evolving.

In the sixty-eighth year, the first crack appeared on that barrier.

"boom--"

A deep, resounding boom echoed within Chen Qing's body, causing the core of his world to tremble violently. Though the crack was small, it was like a clap of thunder awakening the insects, foreshadowing a new beginning.

Chen Qing didn't stop, continuing to merge with his own world. The cracks were slowly widening, like fissures on ice, spreading outwards little by little.

In the seventy-ninth year, cracks spread throughout the entire barrier.

In the eighty-fifth year, the barrier shattered with a deafening roar.

At that moment, Chen Qing felt a clear resonance in his mind, as if something had been completely opened up. His inner world began to expand wildly, mountains rose higher, rivers widened, the sky became higher and farther, and the stars became brighter.

The three thousand Great Dao Laws also surged simultaneously, each becoming several times thicker than before, intertwining with each other to form a denser and more profound net.

At this moment, Chen Qing's aura also underwent a qualitative change.

If he was like a surging river before, he is now like a boundless ocean—unfathomable and limitless, seemingly capable of encompassing and submerging everything.

He slowly opened his eyes.

Those eyes no longer held any glint or sharpness, only an unfathomable calm. It was a serenity born from seeing through the essence of the world, a composure from standing at a higher dimension and looking down upon everything.

"I see," he said softly. "This is the true Primordial Golden Immortal."

He stood up and walked out of the main hall.

Outside the hall, the sun was shining brightly.

Xuanming was standing by the sea when she sensed the presence behind her and suddenly turned around. The moment she saw Chen Qing, her pupils contracted slightly.

Chen Qing stood there, dressed in white as snow, his face as usual. But Xuan Ming could no longer sense his presence—not because he had disappeared, but because his aura had completely merged with heaven and earth, as if he were heaven, earth, and the entire world.

"You succeeded?" Xuanming's voice trembled slightly.

Chen Qing nodded, a gentle smile appearing on his lips: "Yes, it worked."

Xuanming let out a long breath, his shoulders, which had been tense for nearly a hundred years, finally relaxed: "That's good."

Chen Qing walked to her side, looked at the horizon where the sea met the sky, and said slowly, "You've had a tough time all these years."

Xuanming shook his head: "It's not hard work. But you, you've been in seclusion for nearly a hundred years, you must be very tired, right?"

Chen Qing smiled and said, "It's alright."

He paused for a moment, then asked, "Is there any movement from the Demon Realm?"

Xuanming said, "The sage Laozi went to Chaos and made a hundred-year agreement with the man in black robes. Now that the hundred-year period is approaching, I'm afraid they will be here soon."

Chen Qing nodded: "I understand."

He gazed toward the direction of chaos, a profound light flashing in his eyes.

"It's time to end this."

The news quickly spread throughout the entire wilderness.

The news of Chen Qing's successful breakthrough spread like wildfire. Shouyang Mountain, Kunlun Mountain, Jin'ao Island, Nuwa Palace, Mount Sumeru, the Heavenly Court... everyone who was following this great battle received the news at the same time.

On Shouyang Mountain, Laozi smiled with satisfaction: "This child has indeed not disappointed his teacher."

In the Kunlun Mountains, the Primordial Celestial Venerable nodded slightly: "Good that you've broken through."

On Jin'ao Island, the Tongtian Sect Leader laughed heartily: "Good lad! I knew you could do it!"

In the Nuwa Palace, Nuwa gently stroked the five-colored stone in her hand, a slight smile playing on her lips: "Finally, the wait is over."

On Mount Sumeru in the West, Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with emotion.

"That kid has really broken through." Zhunti's voice was somewhat complicated. "An era is coming to an end."

The guide clasped his hands together and whispered, "Amitabha."

In the Heavenly Court, at the Lingxiao Palace, Haotian and Yaochi stood side by side, gazing towards the mortal realm below.

"Chen Qing has broken through," Haotian said. "The chances of victory for the Primordial World have increased even further."

Yaochi said softly, "That man in black robes is likely to be disappointed."

Several days later, in the midst of chaos.

Alone, Chen Qing stepped into the boundless void. His aura was completely concealed, making him appear like an ordinary mortal strolling through the chaos.

He didn't know when the man in black would appear, but he knew the man would definitely come.

Sure enough, in less than half a day, a black figure emerged from the depths of chaos; it was the man in black robes.

"Chen Qing, you have indeed broken through." The man in black robes looked at Chen Qing, a complex light flashing in his eyes. "I underestimated you."

Chen Qing stood with his hands behind his back and said calmly, "The hundred-year agreement has come to an end. It's time to fulfill your promise."

The man in black robes remained silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "A promise? What did I promise?"

Chen Qing raised an eyebrow: "You want to back out?"

The man in black robes shook his head: "It's not that I'm backing down. I just feel that it's too presumptuous of you to come alone."

Before he finished speaking, eight more figures emerged from the depths of chaos—eight extraterrestrial saints—and surrounded Chen Qing.

Nine against one.

The man in black robes said coldly, "Chen Qing, I admit you're strong. But can you, alone, defeat all nine of us?"

Chen Qing glanced around, his expression unchanged. He slowly raised his hand, palm up, and smiled slightly: "Who said I'm alone?"

Before he finished speaking, seven dazzling lights suddenly shone behind him.

Laozi, Yuanshi, Tongtian, Nuwa, Jieyin, Zhunti, and Haotian—seven powerful beings of the Primordial Chaos—emerged from the light and stood side by side behind Chen Qing.

Seven against nine is still a disadvantage. But behind Chen Qing is the entire primordial world.

"Black-robed man, today is the day your Demon God Realm perishes." Chen Qing's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.

The man in black robes looked at the scene before him, and his expression finally changed.

In the chaotic void, nine figures faced off against seven others. The chaotic energy surged ceaselessly as their auras clashed, spreading in all directions like boiling magma.

The man in black robes stood at the forefront, with eight extraterrestrial saints positioned on either side. Nine powerful auras intertwined to form a massive net, enveloping Chen Qing and the others.

The aura was violent and chaotic, filled with a destructive desire, as if it wanted to tear everything in front of it to pieces.

Chen Qing stood in the center of the seven, his expression calm as still water. Behind him were six saints and the Jade Emperor, each a top-tier warrior in the primordial world, but they were still outnumbered by the nine saints from beyond the realm.

"Seven against nine." The man in black robes spoke slowly, his voice hoarse and deep, like the scraping of metal. "Chen Qing, do you really think you can win?"

Chen Qing said calmly, "Number of people does not determine the outcome of a battle."

The man in black robes sneered, "Then let's see!"

He suddenly waved his hand, and eight extraterrestrial saints attacked simultaneously. Eight world-destroying attacks converged into a torrent, crashing towards Chen Qing and his group of seven.

The chaotic space groaned under the crushing attack, cracks spreading in all directions.

Chen Qing neither dodged nor avoided, but took a step forward.

His aura was released completely at that moment, like a supernova exploding in chaos. Boundless world power surged from his body, transforming into a golden light curtain that stretched out before the seven people.

"boom--"

The eight attacks struck the light barrier, unleashing a deafening roar.

The chaotic space trembled violently, and the surrounding chaotic air currents were torn into pieces by the shock wave, scattering in all directions.

Chen Qing's golden light screen trembled a few times before returning to stability, blocking all eight attacks.

The black-robed man's pupils constricted sharply: "Your strength... how could it have increased so much?"

Chen Qing slightly raised his hand, and a ball of golden light condensed in his palm. Within that light, one could vaguely see mountains and rivers, the sun, moon, and stars, as if a complete world was operating within it.

"Black-robed man, you have cultivated for countless years and endured countless tribulations; you are indeed very strong," Chen Qing's voice was calm and profound. "But you have always trapped yourself in chaos, believing that power is everything. You have never truly understood the essence of the world."

The man in black robes said grimly, "You think you understand?"

Chen Qing said, "I have created worlds and I have destroyed worlds. I have seen the three thousand Great Daos intertwine and take shape before my eyes, and I have also seen them collapse and shatter before my eyes. I know where power comes from, and I know where it will ultimately go."

He paused, his gaze falling on the man in black robes, as if piercing through layers of mist: "And you don't know. You just keep chasing power, but you don't understand the meaning of power."

"Have you said enough?" The black-robed man's voice was as cold as iron. "If you have, then die!"

He flashed and instantly appeared in front of Chen Qing, striking down with his palm.

This palm strike was imbued with boundless chaotic power, making it more powerful than any previous one. Wherever the palm wind passed, the chaotic space shattered.

Chen Qing neither dodged nor avoided, but raised a fist to meet the punch.

"boom--"

Fist and palm collided, causing the chaotic space to tremble violently. Chen Qing remained unmoved, while the man in black robes took three steps back, his face slightly pale.

"Impossible!" A look of horror flashed in the black-robed man's eyes. "You only recently broke through to the next level, how could you possess such immense power?"

Chen Qing did not answer. His gaze passed over the man in black robes and landed on that dark red world in the distance—the Realm of Demons.

"Your world is already decaying." Chen Qing's voice carried a sigh. "You can feel it constantly declining. You've been searching for a new world, not to expand, but to escape your fate of death."

The man in black robes finally changed his expression: "How did you know...?"

Chen Qing said, "Because I once faced the same choice. But you made the wrong choice, so your world will decay, and you will never be able to break through the bottleneck."

The man in black robes remained silent for a moment, then let out a low laugh: "You talk as if you can save us. Since you're so powerful, let me see just how strong you really are!"

His body swelled again, transforming into a towering giant—the true form of chaos.

This time, his Chaos True Form was larger than ever before, his body shrouded in intense Chaos Qi, radiating a suffocating pressure.

"Chaotic True Body - Fifth Level!" the black-robed man roared, slamming down a punch.

That punch carried boundless chaotic power, as if it would shatter the entire chaos. Chen Qing took a deep breath, and the power of his inner world erupted fully. Golden light swirled wildly around him, converging into a raging torrent.

He threw a punch as well.

Two forces collided in the chaos, like two worlds colliding head-on.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still, and space seemed to freeze into a giant piece of amber.

Everyone held their breath, watching as the two forces converged at the midpoint.

Then—a deafening explosion rang out.

The chaotic space shattered completely at that moment, revealing the boundless void below.

The shockwave spread in all directions, and wherever it passed, the chaotic air currents were directly evaporated, turning into the most primitive energy and dissipating.

Eight extraterrestrial saints and six primordial saints acted simultaneously, each erecting a defensive barrier to withstand the violent impact. Even so, they were still pushed back by the shockwave, their faces pale.

"Is that all their power?" Tongtian murmured, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes.

Lao Tzu's gaze was profound: "Qing'er is stronger than we imagined."

Once the smoke and dust cleared, everyone could see the scene clearly.

Chen Qing and the man in black robes remained standing in the same spot. However, the man in black robes' chaotic true form was now covered in cracks, like a piece of porcelain about to shatter.

Chen Qing remained dressed in pure white, without even a tear in the hem of his clothes.

"You..." The man in black robes opened his mouth, a trickle of black blood spilling from the corner of his lips, "Who exactly are you?"

Chen Qing said calmly, "I am Chen Qing, a cultivator. A cultivator who wants to protect the primordial world."

The man in black robes gave a bitter laugh: "Cultivator... I have cultivated for countless years and have never seen anyone like you. You win."

His enormous body began to shrink, returning to its normal size. Cracks still covered his entire body, but he showed no intention of attacking again.

"I have lost." The man in black robes looked at Chen Qing, a complex light flashing in his eyes. "I did not lose to you, but to this world."

Chen Qing paused for a moment, then said, "The decline of your world is not irreversible. If you can find new life within yourself, instead of blindly expanding outwards, there may still be hope."

The man in black robes gave a wry smile: "Easier said than done."

Chen Qing said, "It won't be easy, but it's not impossible. The Primordial World is willing to exchange resources with you and explore the Chaos together. But the premise is that you cannot invade the Primordial World again."

The man in black robes remained silent for a long time before finally nodding slowly: "I agree."

The eight extraterrestrial saints looked at each other, seemingly wanting to say something, but were stopped by the black-robed man raising his hand.

"withdraw."

The man in black robes turned and, leading eight extraterrestrial saints, flew towards the Demon God Realm. Their figures vanished into the depths of chaos, leaving only surging chaotic currents behind.

Chen Qing gazed in the direction they had disappeared and let out a long breath.

Seven powerful beings from the primordial era surrounded them, Tongtian's voice laced with laughter: "Little Qingzi, you're quite something! You single-handedly beat that old guy into submission!"

Chen Qing smiled and was about to speak when his expression suddenly changed.

An incredibly powerful and suffocating aura suddenly erupted from the depths of chaos, shooting straight into the sky.

That aura was vast and boundless, as if the entire chaos was trembling.

Everyone looked toward the direction from which the aura came—it was deep within the Demon God Realm.

"What's going on?" Yuan Shi's expression turned serious. "Could it be that the black-robed man and his men have reinforcements?"

Chen Qing shook his head, his gaze deep: "It wasn't the man in black robes. That aura... was far stronger than the man in black robes."

Just then, an old and majestic voice came from the depths of chaos.

"Chen Qing, you have finally broken through... I have been waiting for you for a long time."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed.

A hint of seriousness flashed in Laozi's eyes: "This aura... could it be that one?"

Chen Qing did not answer, but looked at the figure that was slowly emerging from the depths of the chaos.

It was an old man dressed in a gray robe, with a withered face, but his eyes shone as brightly as two suns.

His aura was comparable to Chen Qing's.

"Who are you?" Chen Qing asked in a deep voice.

The gray-robed elder smiled slightly, his voice hoarse and distant: "I am... the will of Heaven from the Chaos Demon God Realm."