Primordial Era: The Three Senior Brothers of the Taiqing Clan

Laozi pondered for a long time before finally speaking: "Qing'er's words are not without reason. The Heavenly Way does not prevent people from beyond the realms, and there is indeed something strange about this matter. However, matters of the Heavenly Way are of no small matter and are beyond our ability to fathom. The most urgent task is to make our own preparations first."

Yuanshi nodded and said, "Elder brother is right. No matter what the Heavenly Dao says, it's always right to improve one's own strength. That extraterrestrial saint retreated this time not necessarily because he was afraid of us, but more likely as a test. Next time he comes, it probably won't be so simple."

Tongtian patted Chen Qing on the shoulder and laughed, "Little Qingzi, now that you have the Chaos Bell protecting you and the Qiankun Cauldron in your hands, no one below the Saint is your match. Even against a Saint, you have the power to fight. But remember, those people from beyond the realm are unpredictable, so don't be careless."

Chen Qing solemnly replied, "This disciple will remember my master's teachings."

Laozi stroked his beard and slowly said, "Since that's the case, let's each go back and make our own arrangements. Qing'er, you should get to work on the character test for the disciples of the three sects as soon as possible. Also, don't spread the matter of the Chaos Bell for now; keep it as a trump card."

"Disciple understands," Chen Qing replied.

Tongtian suddenly remembered something and said, "By the way, Xiao Qingzi, that Xuan Turtle has now been taken as my disciple and is cultivating on Jin'ao Island. He will have to shoulder great responsibilities for the Human Emperor in the future. If you have time, you might as well give him some pointers."

Chen Qing nodded: "Don't worry, Uncle-Master, I've got it."

Laozi added, "You must also keep a close eye on Fuxi's situation. The affairs of the Three Sovereigns are related to the fate of the human race, and cannot be taken lightly."

"Yes."

Yuanshi added, "Although that sage from beyond the realm has retreated, he might return. Although we are sages, we cannot always guard every corner of the primordial world. When you travel through the primordial world, be vigilant and send a message immediately if you discover anything unusual."

Chen Qing agreed to each of them.

The Three Pure Ones retrieved their magical treasures that had sealed the heavens and earth, and Kunlun Mountain returned to its former tranquility. Chen Qing bid farewell to the Three Pure Ones and rode a cloud towards the East Sea.

On Penglai Island, Chen Qing descended from the clouds. The island's attendants had already come forward to greet him respectfully, saying, "Master has returned."

Chen Qing nodded and asked, "Is there anything happening on the island?"

The boy replied, "Everything is fine. It's just that the great battle a few days ago caused the East Sea to be turbulent, and some of the spirit beasts on the island were frightened, but they have been calmed down."

Chen Qing nodded slightly, dismissed the boy, and walked alone towards the main hall in the center of the island.

He sat on the futon, eyes closed in deep thought. Today's events had served as a wake-up call. The Primordial World was not the only world; other great worlds existed within the chaos. What was the origin of that sage called "Void," and the "Tianyuan Realm" behind him? What was their purpose in coming to the Primordial World? Why didn't Dao Ancestor Hongjun intervene? Why didn't the Heavenly Dao reject them?

These questions kept popping into my head, but I couldn't figure out any of them.

After a long while, Chen Qing opened his eyes and shook his head. He decided to put aside what he couldn't understand for the time being.

The most urgent task is to implement the character tests for the disciples of the three sects, as instructed by his master and senior uncles. This is his duty as the vice leader of the three sects, and also his responsibility for the future of the three sects.

He sent a message to Duobao and Guangchengzi respectively, instructing them to arrange for their disciples to prepare for the assessment. He would inform them of the specific plan after he had drafted it.

After delivering the message, Chen Qing took out the Chaos Bell.

This small bell was exquisite and heavy in his hand, surrounded by chaotic energy, with the sun, moon, and star patterns on its surface appearing and disappearing. He examined it for a moment, then with a thought, the Chaos Bell transformed into a stream of light and entered his body, where he fully refined the eight hundred and forty million worlds around him.

This is an innate treasure, extraordinary indeed. The more one refines, the deeper one comprehends the mysteries of space and time, the stronger one becomes, and the greater the power one can unleash.

Chen Qing then took out the Qiankun Cauldron and placed it in front of him. The cauldron contained many spiritual herbs and materials, which he had accumulated over the years. After thinking for a moment, he decided to take this opportunity to refine more spiritual treasures. Firstly, this would enrich the resources of the three sects' disciples, and secondly, it would allow him to hone his alchemy and weapon-forging skills.

He waved his hand, and one after another, spiritual herbs flew out of the cauldron and hovered in mid-air. He carefully examined them and selected a few that were old enough to prepare a batch of Nine-Turn Golden Pills.

Last time at Shouyang Mountain, he successfully refined a Nine-Turn Golden Pill on his first attempt, although he ruined a few, it was still quite astonishing. This time, with experience, he should be able to refine it even better.

The fire ignited, the cauldron heated up, and the spiritual medicine was added. Chen Qing was completely focused, controlling the flames and medicinal properties within the cauldron. Unlike last time, this time he was much more composed, each step precise and efficient, without the slightest hesitation.

Several months later, the elixir was completed.

Nine golden pills flew out of the cauldron, gleaming with golden light and exuding a fragrant aroma. This time, not a single one was damaged; each one was perfect and imbued with Daoist energy.

Chen Qing nodded in satisfaction, took out a jade bottle, and carefully stored the golden pills. He didn't need these pills himself, but he could give them to his junior brothers.

Xuandu's cultivation is still shallow, Duobao also needs to be improved, and Guangchengzi, Jinling, Wudang and others can also share some. With the great battle imminent, every little bit of improvement is good, or it's good to keep it to save one's life.

After putting away the pills, Chen Qing began refining spiritual treasures.

He took out the basket of materials, carefully selecting the suitable ones and putting them into the cauldron. The Qiankun Cauldron truly lived up to its reputation as a supreme innate treasure, capable of both refining artifacts and alchemy with extremely high efficiency. One after another, spiritual treasures flew out of the cauldron, which Chen Qing casually pocketed into his sleeve.

These spiritual treasures vary in grade, with most being low-grade and occasionally a mid-grade one. But regardless of grade, they are all genuine innate spiritual treasures, possessing indestructible spiritual light and Daoist charm, enough to make ordinary cultivators fight tooth and nail for them.

After working for an unknown amount of time, Chen Qing finally stopped. He took stock of the items he had crafted during this period; there were already over a hundred spirit treasures, and combined with his previous stock, it was enough to last for a while.

He stretched, stood up, and walked out of the main hall.

On Penglai Immortal Island, the air is thick with spiritual energy, and birds sing sweetly amidst fragrant flowers. The "auxiliary-type magic weapon" stands firmly atop the mountain, continuously transforming chaotic energy, making the island's innate spiritual energy increasingly abundant. Nourished by this spiritual energy, the spiritual roots and immortal herbs thrive, some already bearing abundant fruit.

Chen Qing wandered around the island for a while, then suddenly felt something and looked up into the distance.

That's the direction of Jin'ao Island.

"Let's go check on the Xuan Turtle," Chen Qing muttered to himself. His Uncle Tongtian had asked him to give the Xuan Turtle some pointers, since it would one day become the Human Emperor, and he couldn't afford to be careless.

He transformed into a streak of rainbow light and flew towards Jin'ao Island.

On Jin'ao Island, the disciples of the Jie Sect were cultivating. Duobao was the first to sense Chen Qing's arrival and hurriedly came out to greet him.

"Senior Brother!" Duobao said with a beaming smile, "What brings you here?"

Chen Qing smiled and said, "I've come to see you all. My martial uncle asked me to give you some pointers on the Xuan Turtle. Where is it?"

Duobao said, "He's in the back mountain. That kid cultivates very diligently, but he's a bit stubborn." As he spoke, Duobao led Chen Qing toward the back mountain.

On the edge of a cliff in the back mountain, a burly young man was sitting cross-legged in meditation. His face was resolute, with a hint of honesty in his brows; he was the Xuan Turtle in its transformed form.

Sensing someone approaching, the Xuan Turtle opened its eyes and saw Duobao and Chen Qing. It quickly stood up and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Vice Sect Leader, greetings, Senior Brother."

Duobao waved his hand: "Xuan Gui, Master has asked the...Vice Sect Leader to teach you, so you must study diligently!"

Xuan Gui quickly bowed deeply to Chen Qing again: "Xuan Gui thanks the Vice Master."

Chen Qing sized him up and nodded: "Not bad, solid foundation, calm temperament. Your master's judgment is still very good."

The black tortoise smiled sheepishly, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Chen Qing asked, "What kind of cultivation technique do you practice?"

The Xuan Turtle replied, "I have diligently practiced the Shangqing Immortal Techniques taught by my master day and night, daring not to slack off."

Chen Qing said, "You will one day assume the throne of the Human Emperor. Cultivation alone is not enough. You also need to understand the affairs of the human race and comprehend the suffering of humankind. Go and visit a human tribe now to see and learn about human life."

Xuan Turtle was taken aback: "Senior Brother, should I go now?"

Chen Qing nodded: "Go now. Cultivation isn't urgent. The path of the Human Emperor emphasizes virtue. If you don't understand the human race, how will you govern the world in the future?"

Xuan Gui glanced at Duo Bao, who nodded and said, "The Vice Master is right, let's go."

Xuan Gui then agreed, tidied himself up, and went down the mountain.

Watching the Xuan Turtle's departing figure, Duobao turned to Chen Qing and asked, "Senior Brother, is the matter of the extraterrestrial saint... very serious?"

Chen Qing's expression hardened, and he pondered, "It's serious in some ways, but not so serious in others. The key is that we need to be prepared. Besides instructing the Xuan Turtle, I have another matter to entrust to you."

"What is it? Just tell me, Senior Brother," Duobao said, patting his chest.

Chen Qing took out a jade bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Duobao: "Inside are nine Nine-Turn Golden Pills. Take them back and distribute them to outstanding disciples of the Jie Sect. One for each person, no more."

Duobao took the jade bottle, his eyes lighting up: "Nine-Turn Golden Elixir? Senior Brother, you refined this?"

Chen Qing nodded: "Yes, I learned it from my master at Shouyang Mountain last time. Try it, the effect is not bad."

Duobao opened the bottle, and a rich fragrance of medicinal pills wafted out. He took a deep breath and felt comfortable all over. His cultivation even seemed to loosen up slightly.

"What a wonderful pill!" Duobao exclaimed, quickly sealing the bottle to prevent the fragrance from dissipating.

Chen Qing smiled and said, "Your cultivation has already reached the peak of Taiyi Golden Immortal. Eating one should allow you to break through to the Great Luo realm. However, you should seize the opportunity and not be impatient for quick results."

Duobao said gratefully, "Thank you very much, Senior Brother!"

Chen Qing waved his hand and said, "In addition, Master and my uncles asked me to test the character of the disciples of the three sects. As for the Jie Sect, you, Jin Ling, and Wudang should first conduct a self-examination and list those disciples who are of bad character and have heavy karma. I will deal with them later."

Duobao's expression hardened, and he solemnly said, "Don't worry, Senior Brother, I will definitely handle it well."

Chen Qing nodded, gave a few more instructions, and then left Jin'ao Island.

In the days that followed, Chen Qing traveled back and forth between the three schools, dealing with a mountain of academic affairs.

The Human Sect has few disciples, only Xuandu, so there's no need to worry about him. The Chan Sect also doesn't have many disciples, but Guang Chengzi is a reliable person and has already taken care of all the disciples' situations clearly.

The Jie Sect, however, has a large number of disciples of varying quality, requiring a great deal of effort to acquire.

Chen Qing carefully reviewed the list submitted by Duobao and others, eliminating those who had committed minor offenses rather than major crimes, and leaving behind a group of disciples with heavy karma and bad character.

Some of these disciples bullied others by abusing their power, some indiscriminately killed innocent people, some colluded with heretics, and some even betrayed their sect.

Chen Qing showed no mercy. He personally led the team to deal with these disciples one by one. Those with minor offenses had their cultivation abolished and were expelled from the sect; those with serious offenses were executed on the spot as a warning to others.

For a time, the three religions were shaken.

Those disciples who were usually domineering and fearless were now trembling with fear, no longer daring to act recklessly. As for those disciples who were upright and diligent in their training, they held Chen Qing in even higher esteem.

The atmosphere of the three religions was thus cleansed.

On this day, Chen Qing was refining spiritual treasures on Penglai Immortal Island when he suddenly sensed a message flying from afar. He reached out and caught it, scanning it with his divine sense; it was a message from Laozi:

"Qing'er, come to Shouyang Mountain quickly."

Chen Qing dared not delay and immediately set off for Shouyang Mountain.

Upon arriving at the Eight Views Palace, Chen Qing found that the Three Pure Ones were all there. Laozi sat in the center, Yuanshi Tianzun on the left, and Tongtian on the right, and none of the three looked too good.

"Disciple greets Master and two senior uncles." Chen Qing bowed.

Lao Tzu nodded, gesturing for him to sit down, and then said, "I just received a message that the extraterrestrial saint 'Void' has reappeared."

Chen Qing's expression hardened: "Where?"

Yuanshi said, "In the West, he met with Jieyin and Zhunti, and I don't know what they talked about. Although Jieyin and Zhunti didn't go with him, they didn't make a move either."

Tongtian snorted coldly, "Those two bald monks are probably up to something. If that Void offers them any benefits, it's hard to guarantee they won't turn against us."

Laozi shook his head: "It's not that bad. Although Jieyin and Zhunti have acted somewhat biasedly, they are, after all, saints personally appointed by the Dao Ancestor and connected to the destiny of the prehistoric world. If they were to betray the prehistoric world, the Heavenly Dao would be the first to punish them."

Chen Qing pondered for a moment and asked, "Then what was their purpose in meeting? Did Xu Wu want to win them over?"

Yuanshi said, "Very likely. When Xuwu came last time, it was clearly a test. This time, his visit to Jieyin and Zhunti is probably an attempt to divide us."

Tongtian slammed his fist on the table: "What are you afraid of? If they have any ulterior motives, just go and attack them! I don't believe those two bald monks can cause any trouble."

Laozi waved his hand: "Don't act rashly. This matter needs careful consideration. Qing'er, what do you think?"

Chen Qing thought for a moment and said, "This disciple believes that there is a high possibility that Xu Wu is trying to win over Jieyin and Zhunti. But Jieyin and Zhunti are not fools, and they will not easily side with an unfamiliar force."

"At most, Void's trip will plant a seed in them, causing them to harbor disloyalty towards the Primordial World. There won't be any major actions in the short term."

Lao Tzu nodded: "That makes sense. So, in your opinion, how should we respond?"

Chen Qing said, "We'll meet force with force and water with earth. We'll strengthen our defenses and improve our own strength. After this period of rectification, the morale of the disciples of the three sects has improved considerably."

Next, we can let them gain more experience and increase their practical skills.

In addition, this could also be a calculated move. In case we are sown discord and forced to attack the two Western Saints, they might be forced to betray us even if they don't want to.

Then we've fallen into their trap!

The three Qings exchanged a glance and all agreed that Chen Qing's words made sense.

Laozi said, "Since that's the case, then we'll do as you say. You'll arrange the training for the disciples of the three religions. Also, I have some Nine-Turn Golden Pills here; you can give some to the outstanding disciples to encourage them."

Chen Qing replied, "This disciple understands."

Tongtian suddenly laughed and said, "Little Qingzi, you can't go back on your promise to me about the magical treasure you gave me last time. My newly accepted disciples are still eagerly waiting for it."

Chen Qing was both amused and exasperated: "Don't worry, Uncle-Master, I've already finished refining it. I'll send it over in your name later."

Tongtian nodded in satisfaction.

Yuanshi also spoke up, saying, "Qing'er, your skills in refining weapons and pills are already top-notch among the three sects. You can teach them to the other disciples when you have time, so that they can also be self-sufficient."

Chen Qing said, "Second Martial Uncle is right. I have considered it. We can offer courses in alchemy and weapon crafting in the three sects so that interested disciples can learn them. This will not only improve their skills but also help the three sects cultivate talent."

Lao Tzu praised, "That's a good idea. Go ahead and do it; we'll support you."

Chen Qing thanked the Three Pure Ones, discussed some details, and then took his leave.

Upon returning to Penglai Immortal Island, Chen Qing began arranging the training programs for the disciples of the three sects. He first discussed with Duobao, Guangchengzi, Xuandu, and others to develop a comprehensive training plan.

Trial points were set up in various parts of the prehistoric world, allowing disciples to form teams to go there and complete tasks; at the same time, a point system was established to reward disciples based on their performance, with rewards including pills, spiritual treasures, and cultivation techniques.

Chen Qing also compiled his alchemy and weapon crafting insights into a book and distributed it to talented disciples from the three religions so they could study it on their own. He also regularly held lectures on Penglai Immortal Island, personally explaining the techniques of alchemy and weapon crafting.

For a time, the enthusiasm of the disciples of the three religions soared, and the learning atmosphere was unprecedentedly strong.

Chen Qing felt somewhat relieved after witnessing all this. Suddenly, a strange movement came from within his body, and Chen Qing's face lit up with joy; another helper had arrived.