Primordial Era: Taibai, the Poison Master of Yaochi, drives a Sage insane!

Now Li Bai is focused on cultivating the Great Dao of Bai Ze, while Yaochi has begun refining the Sun and Moon Essence Wheel. With this treasure, Yaochi is now well-rounded in both offense and defense.

The two of them sat cross-legged and cultivated in the secret realm, facing each other. When Li Taibai didn't understand something, he could simply ask Yaochi.

As for the Jade Pool Wonderland now, there is basically nothing to deal with; the Seven Fairies are enough to handle all the problems in the Jade Pool Wonderland!

"Taibai, for the next nine thousand years, you may peacefully cultivate in seclusion in the Jade Pool Wonderland, without concerning yourself with external affairs. You may freely use anything you need for cultivation within the Jade Pool. If you have any questions about cultivation, feel free to come to me, and I will personally answer them for you."

"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kindness!"

"You are my most capable minister, my right-hand man. You should cultivate diligently and solidify your foundation."

Yaochi spoke solemnly, raised her hand and waved, instantly transferring all of Yaochi's limited fortune to Taibai Jinxing!

It's important to understand that Yaochi doesn't really have much fortune, though it's not entirely without it. This little bit of fortune is Yaochi's reputation, which is the decree by which Hongjun bestowed the title upon Yaochi.

What is luck?

It may seem invisible, but it is actually reputation, which is the recognition of all beings in the Three Realms. And now, Yaochi still has reputation, such as sending letters to saints and being able to hold the Peach Banquet. This is good fortune.

In other words, fortune equals the attention of all people + the approval of all people + the thoughts of all people + power and reputation + the attention of heaven and earth.

It is invisible and intangible, but it truly exists, can enhance cultivation, protect the foundation of the Dao, assist in proving the Dao, and withstand great calamities.

In the mortal world, wherever everyone's attention is focused, that's where things become popular, where people make money, and where things prosper.

In the primordial world, the gaze, thoughts, reverence, and recognition of all people converge there, and the fortune there is boundless. This is the core essence of the fortune of the primordial world.

For example, when Yaochi invited the six great saints, the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and the two Western Saints, they all gave face and attended the banquet as promised. Yaochi was able to support the Peach Banquet of the Three Realms and entertain all the great beings of the primordial world.

Zhenyuan, Kunpeng, Styx, and the ancient gods all showed up to pay their respects, and the eyes of all the big shots in the Three Realms were now focused on the Jade Pool Wonderland.

All the immortals and gods, and all the myriad races of the primordial world, are watching: the Golden Mother of Yaochi is indeed the lord of all immortals, personally appointed by the Dao Ancestor; she has pomp, prestige, and weight.

This gaze, this recognition, this reverence, all automatically transformed into the fortune of Yaochi.

Why does one's luck dry up if they stay in the Jade Pool and never leave?

You do not show your face, do not handle affairs, do not uphold justice, do not maintain the immortal path, and do not participate in the major events of the Three Realms.

People will gradually forget you, ignore you, and stop acknowledging you.

No one cares about you, no one respects you, no one needs you; the moment your gaze falls, your luck drops to zero.

Just like in real life: if a brand never shows its face, never does anything, and nobody talks about it, it will slowly fade away and become obsolete.

In the primordial era, being out of breath means the loss of fortune, the decline of one's foundation, and the inability to ever attain enlightenment.

Therefore, one must plan for good fortune and attention. This is why Li Bai planned to secure the position of Grand Priest of Yaochi.

"All the current fortune of the entire Yaochi Wonderland will be at your disposal for the next nine thousand years, helping you to accelerate your cultivation and achieve success sooner."

Li Bai was greatly alarmed upon hearing this and hurriedly declined, saying, "Your Majesty, as the Great Celestial Venerable who governs all immortals, also needs to cultivate and attain enlightenment. The fortune of Yaochi is already meager; how can I accept it all bestowed upon you! I dare not accept it!"

Yaochi waved her hand gently, her tone firm: "You and I, ruler and subject, are of one mind, sharing joys and sorrows, why should we distinguish between us? Yaochi's foundation is not yet stable, and its fortune is already insufficient. Even if it all belongs to me, the progress in cultivation will be extremely limited. It is better to give it to you to help you quickly improve your cultivation. The stronger you are, the better you can assist me in the future and consolidate Yaochi's power."

Deeply moved, Li Bai no longer declined and bowed solemnly, saying, "Your Majesty's kindness is too much for me to refuse. I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to serving Your Majesty and will not fail your trust!"

"Your intention is enough."

Yaochi softly instructed, "During your seclusion, all worldly affairs and Yaochi matters will be handled by the seven fairies, including the one in red. You don't need to worry about them; just focus on your cultivation."

Li Bai accepted the order and once again bowed in gratitude to Yaochi.

...........................

Finally, the time for the Peach Banquet arrived. At this time, the Heavenly Emperor and the Earthly Emperor had both attained enlightenment, and the Human Emperor was now engaged in a great battle against Chi You.

Of course, Yaochi is currently unable to participate in anything related to the human race.

After nine thousand years of quiet seclusion, nourished by the fortune of the entire Yaochi region, and generously bestowed by the Golden Mother with a Ren Water Peach to temper his Dao foundation and purify his origin, Li Taibai's cultivation has long since surpassed what it once was. He has steadily reached the peak of the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm, with a profound Dao foundation and a flawless Geng Metal origin.

Bai Ze's Enlightenment Scripture has achieved minor mastery of all ten levels. His Enlightenment Wisdom Eye resides permanently in his spiritual platform, and his supernatural powers such as discerning the source of all spirits and having a clear and enlightened mind are highly refined. He has also achieved minor mastery of the ability to understand the secrets of heaven, discern the Dao and recognize destiny, and see through illusions.

Yaochi, on the other hand, is where the essence of the sun and moon is refined.

This treasure has an unparalleled origin; it is the condensation of the essence of the ancient sun!

This treasure is naturally imbued with forty restrictions.

One, ten, thirty, thirty-nine, forty...

With a soft crackling sound as the Dao patterns shattered, the power of the Sun and Moon Essence Wheel slowly unleashed. The light on the wheel surged, and the true fire of the sun and the cold radiance of the moon intertwined and flowed. A vast and ancient aura, spanning countless ages, slowly awakened, causing the surrounding void to tremble slightly.

With all forty seals refined, the power of the Sun and Moon Essence Wheel surged dramatically!

However, when she finished refining the forty restrictions, two pupil-like beams of intimidation appeared instantly, shocking Yaochi so much that she trembled and spat out a mouthful of blood!

"Your Majesty!"

Li Taibai, upon waking, immediately stepped forward to support Yaochi: "Your Majesty, what has happened?"

Yaochi took a deep breath and said, "After refining forty restrictions, this Sun and Moon Essence Wheel revealed something terrifying beyond description. A single glance at it injured me!"

Upon hearing this, Li Taibai was immediately shocked and asked, "Your Majesty is now a quasi-sage, yet you still possess such power that you were injured!"

Yaochi shook her head: "I don't know what this is either. It's just a top-grade innate spiritual treasure, yet it possesses such power. It seems to be a larger restriction, but it's round and resembles the pupil of an eye!"

After listening, Li Bai pondered for a moment, then was greatly shocked: "Pupil? Could it be that this Sun and Moon Essence Wheel is transformed from the pupil of the Great God Pangu? The Sun Star is the left eye of the Great God Pangu, and the Moon Star is the right eye of the Great God Pangu. The birth of these two treasures, and the seal is in the shape of a pupil, so..."

Yaochi was immediately taken aback: "It truly is the pupil of the Great God Pangu! In that case, it is a great secret!"

Li Taibai nodded: "Your Majesty, it should be good!"

Yaochi frowned and said, "This is just speculation. Besides, if it's a major secret, why didn't Dijun and Taiyi open it?"

Li Bai gave a bitter smile: "In that case, the future can only be opened up by seeking opportunities; for now, it can only be put on hold... This must not be told to anyone!"

After a moment of contemplation, the Queen Mother of the West slowly spoke: "Very well, this matter should be known only to you and me, the ruler and your subject, and should not be spoken of to outsiders. Taibai, nine thousand years have passed, the Peach Banquet is about to begin, and guests from the Three Realms will arrive one after another. It is time to get involved in everything."

Yaochi made an oath for Li Bai, and now the two, ruler and subject, are completely of one mind.

Li Taibai bowed and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, everything will proceed as planned. During this grand event, Your Majesty only needs to remain calm, composed, and observe the situation quietly. The current situation is critical, and it all depends on the choice in the heart of the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian, whether he still clings to power and harbors ulterior motives."

Yaochi took a deep breath: "Fine, we have been siblings for millions of years. I have repeatedly yielded and tolerated. If Haotian still deliberately plots to frame and humiliate me at this Peach Banquet, then from now on, we will sever all ties with him on the spot, and our sibling relationship will be cut off completely, with no further connection between us."

Upon hearing this, Li Taibai sighed softly, speaking frankly and revealing his truest thoughts: "In truth... in my heart, I actually hope that Haotian will really frame Your Majesty."

Yaochi's eyes flickered as she looked at Taibai.

Taibai continued speaking slowly, every word sincere and without concealment.

"Only by completely tearing off the mask of pretense and severing the last thread of attachment and concern in Her Majesty's heart can Her Majesty completely let go of past affections and no longer be bound by sentiments. The coexistence of two supreme beings in the Heavenly Court is an abnormal situation. Both of them were appointed by the Dao Ancestor, and they are in charge of all the gods and unify all the immortals. They are destined not to be able to live in harmony for long. Sooner or later, they will have to be divided into primary and secondary and subordinate."

If they continue to be outwardly harmonious but inwardly estranged, the Empress will forever be constrained, unable to freely compete for fortune, accumulate merit, or plan her path to enlightenment.

Only through a complete severance can the Empress rule the Jade Pool alone, free from the constraints of the Heavenly Court, freely roaming the primordial world, forging alliances with outsiders, seizing opportunities from heaven and earth, making the Jade Pool Wonderland unique, and scheming for destiny!

Yaochi listened quietly, then slowly nodded: "I am very pleased that Taibai spoke frankly this time. I understand what you mean. It seems that you now dare to speak your true feelings to me."

"Now that things have come to this, there's no need for empty words."

Li Taibai sighed softly: "Your Majesty and the Great Heavenly Venerable Haotian were once fellow disciples under the Dao Ancestor of Zixiao Palace, sharing a deep bond. But times have changed. With the Heavenly Court in hand and the destiny divided, both are now vying for the Dao, competing for the Great Dao."

Since they reside in the same Heavenly Court and share the power of Heaven, they are destined to be ranked and subordinate, and there is no possibility of long-term coexistence.

As for me, I am not in pain. If Your Majesty is strong, my path will be smooth. If Your Majesty's fortune is at its peak, my position will naturally rise accordingly.

Even if I am naturally gifted, if I were to turn around and submit to the emperor, I would be nothing more than a phoenix tail clinging to someone else, insignificant and reduced to a pawn, never able to realize my ambitions.

Only by remaining by Her Majesty's side, with the ruler and subject of one heart and mind, and supporting each other, can I fully utilize my talents, devise strategies, and have a true opportunity to use my abilities.

His heartfelt words, sincere and earnest, struck a chord with the reader.

A warm feeling welled up in Yaochi's heart, and countless emotions surged within her. She stepped forward, reached out and gently grasped Li Bai's hand, her expression deeply moved.

"Taibai and I have been ruler and subject for ten thousand years, and there is no need for such empty formalities. In this primordial world, immortals and gods are all self-interested, scheming and treacherous. Only you, Taibai, consider my needs in everything you do, plan for me step by step, and wholeheartedly help me to consolidate my foundation and seek the Dao. How could I not know this sincerity?"

The two, ruler and subject, were of one mind and understood each other perfectly, with no more barriers between them.

At this moment, the entire Jade Pool Wonderland was bustling with activity.

All the peaches from the nine-thousand-year-old peach orchard have been harvested, the immortal fruits are abundant, their fragrance fills the air, and their spiritual essence permeates the heavens.

Fine wines and delicacies were laid out on the long table, and rare and precious ingredients and delicacies filled the banquet.

Yaochi issued an order, commanding the Moon Goddess to lead a group of Heng'e Fairies and Yaochi Fairies, dressed in splendid attire and with graceful bearing, to prepare celestial music and ancient melodies. They were to perform a dance on the clouds when the grand event began, to showcase the splendor of Yaochi and entertain guests from the Three Realms.

.........................

Before long, Haotian and Yaoji arrived at Yaochi.

Haotian, dressed in imperial robes, looked majestic and awe-inspiring as he gazed at the Jade Pool Wonderland, seemingly deep in thought. Yaoji, with her pure heart and joyful expression, felt that the harmony of the Heavenly Court and the grand opening of the event were a joyous occasion for the Three Realms, and her heart was filled with sincere happiness.

With the arrival of the two Heavenly Venerables, powerful beings from all corners of the primordial world and great gods from the Three Realms began to arrive at the Jade Pool Wonderland one after another.

Auspicious clouds stretched for thousands of miles, and divine light shone in countless directions, with powerful auras descending one after another.

Zhenyuan Daxian, who lives in seclusion and holds the Earth Book in his hand.

The Styx Ancestor, with his boundless sea of ​​blood and overwhelming murderous aura, sat alone in a corner, keeping to himself and no one else.

The Kunpeng Ancestor, who ruled the Northern Sea and was a man of deep cunning, controlled the Hetu and Luoshu, and whose power shook the Three Realms, sat down in a certain place.

Ancient gods of Lei Ze, ancient great powers, and powerful immortals from the Three Realms... one after another, these great figures who shook the primordial world attended the banquet.

The Yaochi Square was vast and boundless, with countless long white jade tables arranged in rows. Each table was independent and covered with a cloud-patterned fairy carpet. Powerful figures from all walks of life took their seats in turn, sitting cross-legged with different expressions. Some closed their eyes to rest, while others chatted in hushed tones. Undercurrents were quietly surging.

At the very top of the plaza, six supreme platforms hang high in the air, each adorned with a cloud-patterned cushion. They float in the void, solemn and dignified, and are the sacred seats reserved for the six Primordial Saints. At this moment, they are all empty, awaiting the arrival of the Saints.

A moment later, the celestial breeze changed dramatically, ethereal celestial music filled the air, and the Daoist rhyme permeated the sky.

The Supreme Lord of the Heavenly Cultivation Sect was the first to arrive.

He wore a black Taoist robe, exuding an aura of dignified Taoist spirit. Behind him followed the four direct disciples of the Jie Sect, the Three Immortal Maidens of Sanxiao, the Seven Immortal Attendants, and other core disciples, creating an imposing and majestic presence.

Haotian and Yaochi quickly stood up and stepped forward side by side to personally greet them, showing perfect courtesy.

Tongtian's gaze swept over the two of them, his expression gentle. Following the old etiquette of Zixiao, he spoke calmly: "Junior Brother Haotian, Junior Sister Yaochi, it's been many years. I hope you've been well."

When his gaze fell on Yaochi, he nodded slightly, his eyes showing obvious admiration.

After exchanging pleasantries, Tongtian went straight to sit on the third high platform for saints on the left and settled down steadily, while the disciples of the Jie Sect sat down below.

Immediately following, the sky was bathed in a seven-colored glow, and the ever-flowing Dao of Creation enveloped the surrounding land, as the Goddess Nuwa descended from the Nuwa Heaven.

Dressed in a plain-colored divine robe, he was incomparably holy, surrounded by the vitality of creation, both compassionate and majestic.

Haotian and Yaochi bowed again to greet them respectfully.

Nuwa nodded slightly, her expression serene, and landed directly on the first supreme holy position on her right hand, a position of utmost honor and unshakeable authority.

Then, the western sky was filled with Buddhist light and the sound of chanting, and the two saints, Jieyin and Zhunti, came side by side.

The two celestial beings still greeted them respectfully, leading the two saints to their seats on the second and third holy positions to the right.

Finally, Taiqing Laozi and Yuqing Yuanshi descended one after another.

Lao Tzu exuded a pure and tranquil Daoist aura, with a wisp of pure energy emanating from him. Only the Grand Master Xuandu accompanied him alone.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable had a solemn expression, strict Daoist rules, and a vast and powerful Heavenly Dao order that covered all directions. He was accompanied by twelve Golden Immortals, exuding majesty and righteousness.

Following the old order of Zixiao Palace, the two were respectfully invited by Haotian and Yaochi to the first and second holy positions on the left.

All six sages were present, strictly following the order in which they listened to the Dao at Zixiao Palace, standing on the left and right, with no deviation whatsoever.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Li Taibai was in charge of coordinating things, but he looked at Haotian to see what Haotian would do!