Primordial Era: The Three Senior Brothers of the Taiqing Clan

It took Chen Qing a full four hundred years to barely complete the differentiation of his primordial spirit. Each of those eight hundred and forty million fragments of his primordial spirit was as small as a speck of dust, yet they were inexplicably connected to his original body due to their shared origin.

After the last part of his primordial spirit returned to its place, he felt as if all his energy had been drained, and he collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.

The price was also terrible—his cultivation level plummeted from Taiyi Golden Immortal to Earth Immortal. This was only because the differentiated particles began to cultivate on their own and nourish the original body; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to maintain even the Earth Immortal realm.

Chen Qing shook his head with a wry smile. The resources required for this cultivation technique far exceeded his expectations. However, now that he had taken the first step, the rest would just be a matter of patience and perseverance.

He spent some time stabilizing his cultivation level and adapting to his new body. Eighty-four hundred million microparticles circulated slowly within his body, each particle like a tiny individual, absorbing and releasing magical power, resonating with each other, and faintly forming a vast combined force.

Although his cultivation level had dropped, he could feel that his combat power had not only not decreased, but had become even more profound and enduring than before.

However, he decided to temporarily stop cultivating.

There are two reasons: First, the time for the second lecture at Zixiao Palace is approaching, and he cannot delay it; second, he has absorbed too much spiritual energy in the past four hundred years, and the spiritual energy within a radius of thousands of miles has been greatly diluted by him. If he continues to cultivate, his speed will be greatly reduced, so it is better to let this world slow down.

Chen Qing stood up and walked around the valley. The plants and trees in the valley looked somewhat withered due to the lack of spiritual energy. He touched his nose a little embarrassedly, thinking that he would have to set up a spirit-gathering array later to draw some spiritual energy from other places as compensation.

He found a sunny spot with flat ground, soft soil, and surrounding rocks, perfect for planting. He carefully took out the withered gourd vine and the clump of Heavenly Soil that emitted a soft glow from his sleeve.

As soon as the Nine Heavens Breath Soil touched the ground, it automatically spread out, transforming into a small patch of fertile soil, brimming with spiritual energy and full of vitality. Chen Qing buried the roots of the gourd vine into the Breath Soil, then gently patted the soil with his hand and watered it with some spiritual spring water.

He wasn't sure if it could revive. After all, the gourd vine had withered after the gourd was picked, losing most of its essence. But whether it succeeded or not, there was no harm in trying. What if it survived? That would be a huge gain.

After finishing these tasks, there was nothing else urgent. Chen Qing sat cross-legged, took out the Qiankun Cauldron, and began refining it.

This innate treasure is now his natal spiritual treasure, connected to his very being. However, refining a treasure is not something that can be accomplished overnight; it requires nurturing and cultivating it over time. He suspends the Qiankun Cauldron in his dantian, using his magical power to cleanse it day and night, making the connection between the cauldron and his primordial spirit ever stronger.

As for weapon crafting? Forget it. He hasn't even learned the most basic weapon crafting techniques, so having a supreme treasure like the Qiankun Cauldron is useless. It's like being given an unparalleled divine weapon, but not knowing how to use it; it's just a fire poker.

Let's wait until I learn the art of weapon crafting from my second master. The Primordial Celestial Venerable is extremely skilled in weapon crafting. If I can get his guidance, and with the assistance of the Qiankun Cauldron, my weapon crafting skills will surely advance by leaps and bounds.

Of course, the array formation of his third uncle, Tongtian, could not be ignored. Chen Qing had already made his plans: he had 840 million micro-particle avatars within his body, and if he were to fight alone, mobilizing them all would already make him incredibly powerful.

But if these particles could be arranged and operated in a formation to form a large array, wouldn't the power be able to reach another level?

This idea is very appealing. I must ask my third uncle for advice when I have the chance.

In this daily cycle of cultivation and waiting, a hundred years passed in the blink of an eye.

"My disciple, we should go!"

On this day, the voice of his master, Laozi, suddenly rang in his ears, gentle yet clear. Chen Qing opened his eyes and saw the figures of the Three Pure Ones slowly emerging from the void, approaching from afar and landing in front of him.

"Hmm? Little Qing'er, you're cultivating the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique, using the Taiqing Immortal Power as your source? Not bad, not bad!" Tongtian spoke first, his gaze sweeping over Chen Qing, a hint of admiration in his eyes.

The Nine Revolutions Profound Technique possessed a unique and domineering aura, which could not be concealed from the Three Pure Ones, who were transformed from the primordial spirit of Pangu. Tongtian was straightforward and spoke his mind, making no attempt to hide his appreciation.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable frowned slightly. His perception was extremely sharp, and he quickly sensed the unusual nature of Chen Qing's cultivation technique.

"Xiaoqing, this Nine Revolutions Profound Technique is good, but it consumes too much resources. Your path of splitting your primordial spirit into individual entities requires even more terrifying resources—don't you want to attain enlightenment?" Yuanshi pointed out the drawback directly, his tone filled with concern.

Yuanshi still cared about Chen Qing, his junior. He valued rules and loyalty, and since Chen Qing was the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones, he naturally didn't want this disciple to embark on a dead end.

Lao Tzu frowned as well. This was his eldest disciple; how could he ignore him?

"Little Qing'er, you must think about the consequences of whatever cultivation method you choose. Although the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique is powerful, it consumes too much energy. Your path of splitting individuals may allow you to win by sheer quantity in the early stages, crushing opponents of the same level, and even fighting opponents of higher levels. But when you truly embark on the path of cultivation and pursue the Great Dao, it will be of little use," Laozi earnestly reminded him.

"The Great Luo cultivator comprehends the laws of heaven and earth and forges his own Great Dao. At that level, the competition is about the depth of one's understanding of the Great Dao and one's control over it. No matter how powerful your magical strength is, if your Great Dao is inferior to theirs, you will still be inferior. The idea of ​​overwhelming force with sheer power does not work above the Great Luo level."

Chen Qing listened attentively and nodded. He knew that his three elders genuinely cared for him, and he was deeply moved. After a moment's thought, he said, "Master, my two senior uncles, I understand your concerns. However, I have the Qiankun Cauldron. As for resources, once I reach the Great Luo realm, I can go to the Chaos Realm to refine the Chaos Qi and convert it using the Qiankun Cauldron. That should be enough to support my cultivation."

"As for the Great Dao..." Chen Qing paused, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, "The Qiankun Cauldron can restore one's original state, so I can take a shortcut. I can collect more innate spiritual treasures, use the Qiankun Cauldron to restore them to their original state, absorb the fragments of the laws of heaven and earth within them, and thereby increase my cultivation of the Great Dao. Although it's not as solid as what I comprehend myself, it's at least a path."

Upon hearing this, the three Pure Ones' eyes lit up.

"Good lad, that's a really good idea!" Tongtian patted Chen Qing's head and laughed heartily, his eyes full of admiration.

Yuanshi nodded slightly, a rare smile appearing on his face: "Nephew, you do indeed have good comprehension. To think of using spiritual treasures to nourish the Great Dao, this shortcut is something even we had never considered."

Laozi stroked his beard, the worry on his face fading slightly, replaced by relief. He didn't say much, only nodded, and said, "Alright, since you have your own plans, I won't say any more. We should go to Zixiao Palace."

---

The second sermon at Zixiao Palace was imminent, and the Three Pure Ones, along with their only disciple Chen Qing, once again ventured into the chaos.

This time, there were far fewer people encountered on the outskirts of Chaos. Most cultivators already understood that Dao Ancestor Hongjun had said, "Those with affinity may come to hear the Dao," but the word "affinity" actually implied a threshold—one must possess at least the cultivation level of a Great Luo Golden Immortal to safely enter Chaos. Those whose cultivation was insufficient couldn't even enter Chaos, let alone be considered affinity.

The last time Chen Qing was able to enter the Chaos Realm with his Taiyi cultivation was entirely due to the protection of Laozi's Heaven and Earth Profound Yellow Exquisite Pagoda. That pagoda, suspended above his head, was impervious to all laws, and the chaotic energy could not harm him in the slightest. This time, with his cultivation level declining, he is even more reliant on his master's protection.

Soon, the Purple Cloud Palace came into view.

Unlike last time, there were two more Taoist children outside the palace gate. One was a boy and the other a girl, both exquisitely beautiful, brimming with spiritual energy. They looked to be no more than seven or eight years old, yet they possessed an otherworldly air about them.

Upon seeing the Three Pure Ones and the others arrive, two young Taoist disciples stepped forward and respectfully said, "Master instructed that since you have arrived, please come in directly."

The three Qing masters nodded slightly, said nothing more, and strode inside. Given their status and position, the two gatekeepers were not worth their time and effort.

Chen Qing lagged behind, watching the two boys with a slight smile. He recognized them—the man and woman were none other than the future rulers of the Three Realms, the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother of the West. He hadn't expected them to look so adorable at this moment.

He secretly regretted: It's a pity we don't have a camera, otherwise we could take pictures and look at them later when they become the rulers of the Three Realms. That scene would be especially interesting.

Upon entering Zixiao Palace, one finds a considerable number of people already gathered. Having learned from their previous experience, and reminded by Hongjun's warning "Do not make a move," everyone sits quietly, some with their eyes closed in meditation, others silently contemplating, awaiting the commencement of the sermon. A solemn and dignified atmosphere permeates the entire hall.

After an unknown amount of time, the gates of Zixiao Palace slammed shut with a loud "bang." On the platform in front, the figure of an old Taoist priest appeared out of thin air—it was none other than the Taoist Ancestor Hongjun. He wore a simple Taoist robe, and his aura was as deep as an abyss, as if he were one with the entire world.

Hongjun glanced at the crowd below, and without saying anything more, began to speak.

As the sound of the Great Dao echoed and reverberated in the void, celestial flowers rained down, and golden lotuses surged to the ground, the Purple Cloud Palace was once again shrouded in extraordinary phenomena. Everyone entered into meditation, immersed in the profound Daoist rhythm.

This lecture discusses the cultivation methods for reaching the Hunyuan Golden Immortal realm, involving the laws of heaven and earth and insights into the Great Dao. For those whose realm is insufficient, the lecture will be obscure and difficult to understand, like trying to see flowers through a fog.

Chen Qing tried several times, but found that with his cultivation level, he simply couldn't understand those profound contents.

He was quite decisive; he gave up on comprehension and instead began cultivating using the extremely rich innate spiritual energy in the Zixiao Palace.

The spiritual energy here is inexhaustible, which can make up for the deficit he suffered from excessive absorption in Kunlun Mountain.

At this moment, not only Chen Qing did this, but many cultivators in the hall who were not strong enough also switched to cultivation.

The three Pure Ones ahead remained calm, their expressions revealing neither joy nor anger. Their cultivation was sufficient; they listened to the teachings with rapt attention, occasionally their brows twitching slightly as if they had gained some insight.

Nuwa sometimes frowned, sometimes showed joy, clearly having made some progress on the path to becoming a quasi-saint.

The person who led the way seemed to have an even deeper bitterness on their face. It was unclear whether it was because they had grasped some profound truth and felt inadequate, or simply because they couldn't understand and were therefore frowning.

As for Zhunti, he was even more pathetic—he sat there gesticulating wildly, sometimes bursting into tears, sometimes laughing out loud, his expressions changing so rapidly it was astonishing. Those around him glanced at him sideways, but dared not say a word.

The crowd behind them was even more distraught, displaying a variety of reactions: some scratched their heads, some were drowsy, some had flushed faces as if they had realized something, and some had furrowed brows as if facing a formidable enemy. The entire Zixiao Palace was much more lively than last time.

In this atmosphere, the time for the second sermon slowly passed.

Three thousand years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Hongjun's voice abruptly ceased, the sound of the Great Dao dissipated, and the strange phenomena within Zixiao Palace gradually faded. The people below slowly awoke from their meditation, some still feeling unsatisfied, others filled with a sense of loss.

Just then, a strong surge of magical power suddenly erupted from Chen Qing's body! A powerful aura rose from his body, as if he had been injected with new vitality, and his cultivation level steadily increased by a large margin.

He broke through to the realm of Celestial Immortal.

Although he was only a Celestial Immortal, the magical power emanating from him was more terrifying than that of some Taiyi Golden Immortals. This was largely due to the enhancement of the 840 million particles within his body, a quantitative change that led to a qualitative leap.

However, those seated in Zixiao Palace were all at least Great Luo Golden Immortals, so Chen Qing's commotion didn't attract much attention. Only a few people nearby glanced at him before looking away.

The people in the hall watched Chen Qing's breakthrough with expressions of surprise. Those cultivators who had wasted three thousand years of their lives by not understanding the sermon were even more filled with regret—if only they had known they couldn't understand, they would have been better off cultivating quietly like this kid!

On the platform above, Hongjun gave Chen Qing a deep look. His gaze seemed to pierce through everything, seeing the movement of the 840 million particles within Chen Qing's body, and also the Qiankun Cauldron. He paused slightly, then sighed leisurely, his figure slowly dissipating from the platform as if he had never been there.

"Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on your great progress!"

Congratulations! Congratulations!

Chen Qing had just opened his eyes and hadn't even had time to stand up when he heard a chorus of congratulations. He quickly got up and returned the greetings to those around him.

In the primordial world, strength is paramount. If you have strength, you will earn everyone's respect. Although Chen Qing appears to be only at the Celestial Immortal realm, everyone clearly felt the surge of magical power he exuded during his breakthrough—that was definitely not the aura of an ordinary Celestial Immortal.

Everyone thought that Chen Qing was deliberately lowering his cultivation level to show weakness. Although he was not a Da Luo, he had the Three Pure Ones behind him, so who would dare to underestimate him?

As a result, people came in droves to offer their congratulations, try to become acquainted with him, and even invite him to their homes. Chen Qing dealt with them all, his smile almost freezing on his face.

After finally getting rid of everyone, Chen Qing breathed a sigh of relief and followed the Three Pure Ones out of the Zixiao Palace.

---

Within the chaos, earth, fire, wind, and water raged and surged, the chaotic air currents shifting unpredictably, sometimes like knives, sometimes like tides. Three figures walked through the chaos, one in front and one behind.

The Three Pure Ones led the way with unhurried steps, and the chaotic energy automatically gave way when it approached within three feet of them. Chen Qing followed behind, protected by Laozi's Xuanhuang Exquisite Pagoda, and was unharmed.

As they walked, the three Qing suddenly stopped in unison.

"Master, what's wrong?" Chen Qing asked in confusion.

Lao Tzu gazed at the distant, chaotic energy, his eyes distant and profound, as if sensing something. After a moment, he spoke softly, "This old Daoist senses... something destined for us."

Yuan Shi nodded and said succinctly, "Good."

Tongtian laughed heartily, "Let's go, let's see what it is. It's amazing that all three of us are connected to it. The fact that all three of us can sense it at the same time means this thing is no ordinary thing."

After a brief discussion, the three immediately changed direction and, following the faint, elusive sensation, headed deeper into the chaos.

Chen Qing didn't care; following the three elders wouldn't hurt him. He followed behind, looking around with his eyes darting about, hoping to find something else of interest.

This is chaos! In the world before the creation of heaven and earth, even if you picked up a stone on the ground, it was a primordial stone of chaos, a rare treasure in the primordial world.

Unfortunately, along the way, all they encountered was the chaotic energy raging everywhere. The chaos was vast and boundless, and spiritual beings were a rare sight; how easy was it to come across one?

Gradually, the chaotic air currents in front of them calmed down, no longer as violent and raging as before, as if they had been suppressed by something.

Chen Qing felt a chill run down his spine—the opportunity that the Three Pure Ones sensed must be right here.

Sure enough, after walking a short distance, a blue lotus flower suddenly appeared ahead, floating quietly in the chaotic void.

The lotus flower was entirely verdant, radiating a soft azure glow. The chaotic and violent air currents surrounding it subsided automatically upon reaching its vicinity, like a tamed wild beast. The entire area appeared exceptionally peaceful and serene, a stark contrast to the chaotic storm outside.

Chen Qing stared intently, and his expression froze.

The lotus flower had twenty-four petals, each layer upon layer, crystal clear and containing an extremely rich innate energy. Below the lotus, there was a blue lotus platform, perfectly integrated with the petals.

That's right—this lotus platform is the Creation Lotus, transformed from the lotus seed of the Primordial Lotus! It has twenty-four petals and is a supreme innate treasure!

Information about other lotus seeds flashed through Chen Qing's mind:

After the Primordial Lotus shattered, several lotus seeds scattered throughout the primordial world, each transforming into a different lotus platform.

The twelve-petaled golden lotus of merit should still be in Hongjun's hands at this time, and was later bestowed upon the Western Guide Daoist.

The Twelve-Grade Karmic Fire Red Lotus is the innate treasure of the Blood Sea Styx Ancestor;

The Twelfth Grade World-Destroying Black Lotus was once owned by the ancient demon ancestor Rahu. Later, Hongjun killed Rahu, and the World-Destroying Black Lotus disappeared without a trace.

The twelve-petaled Pure White Lotus has never appeared in the world since the beginning of time, and its whereabouts are unknown.

These twelve-tiered lotus platforms are all top-grade innate spiritual treasures, supreme defensive treasures, and can also suppress fortune. They are unparalleled treasures that countless cultivators dream of.

The Creation Lotus before them, a twenty-fourth grade variety, is of an even higher grade, a true innate treasure! Its value is even comparable to the Qiankun Cauldron in Chen Qing's hands.

The Three Pure Ones looked at the blue lotus, their eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

This is what they are destined to have.