Yuanshi Tianzun: I Have a Path in the Chan Sect; Zhao Gongming: Little Master; Egg Kong Reveals His Mouth

Li Er suddenly grew serious, reeled in his fishing line, and said earnestly, "First Brother Pan, this isn't a small matter concerning Second Brother Pan. We'll have to wait until Third Brother Pan returns before discussing it.

If he didn't truly love that woman, then he should end everything as soon as possible and avoid getting tangled up.

But if he loved her, then none of those so-called troubles would matter."

Black Dog asked curiously, "Little Master, didn't you say you didn't believe in love?

You said things like love didn't exist, that people who pursued love were fools, and that it would even affect the speed at which we drew our swords."

Li Er reached out and stroked Black Dog's head. "Love is a beautiful thing.

Every one of us has the right to pursue beautiful things. Not believing in love doesn't stop me from yearning for it.

Who wouldn't want to try something beautiful that they had only heard about but never seen?

It's like the Great Dao. We all pursue the Great Dao with everything we have. We do not give up simply because it is elusive or the road is distant.

We must remain steadfast in what we seek deep in our hearts. As they say: If one hears the Dao in the morning, one may die in the evening without regret!"

Grand Pure Saint fell into thought at those words. He slowly closed his eyes and began contemplating Li Er's words in light of everything that had happened before.

Yuanshi Tianzun let out a soft breath. A sharp glint flashed through his eyes, and a look of firm resolve to pursue the Great Dao appeared on his face. The more he had pursued the Great Dao before, the more distant it had seemed.

He had even entertained thoughts of giving up. Moreover, after becoming a Saint and receiving the blessing of the Heavenly Dao Saint Fruit Position, he had indeed seen far too many things, as though everything were within easy reach.

Over time, he had developed a habit of thinking that such things could be obtained effortlessly, and he no longer took them to heart.

After hearing Li Er's words today, when he looked back on those things from the past, it seemed as though an exceedingly thin barrier lay between them.

Everything he had seen had merely been granted to him by the Saint Fruit Position. It was not truly the comprehension of laws that he himself possessed.

Especially Li Er's words: If one hears the Dao in the morning, one may die in the evening without regret.

They struck his heart like the voice of the Great Dao itself, stirring anew his desire to pursue it.

"Thank you for enlightening me, Brother Li Er," Yuanshi Tianzun said seriously, with a trace more respect in his voice.

Li Er waved his hand as though he had long since become accustomed to it, then cast his line again and returned his attention to fishing.

For over a hundred years, whenever he casually said something, one of these two brothers would begin contemplating beside him, while the other would sigh with profound emotion.

He truly did not understand what the people of the Primordial World were doing. He would casually say a few words, and they would start contemplating and cultivating. Every single one of them was a master at filling in the blanks.

Could it be that the behavior, culture, and way of thinking of every world were different, producing entirely different sparks when they collided?

Especially in a place like the Primordial World, where cultivation existed, many bold ideas could be realized. As long as one dared to think and act, so long as one did not die, one would eventually reap even greater gains.

Unfortunately, he did not know how extraordinary he himself was. He had fused with the Chaos Orb, and if ordinary people observed his every movement, those with high comprehension would certainly gain different insights.

Grand Pure Saint and Yuanshi Tianzun were both people of great comprehension. They had spent enough time at Li Er's side to observe him, and they occasionally discovered that he seemed to be one with the Dao. His casual words could resonate with both of them, causing their cultivation to rise rapidly.

"Still, if Third Brother really can make things work with her, it would count as his good fortune," Grand Pure Saint said after opening his eyes, a trace of emotion in his voice.

"Uh, that does seem rather good. But Third Brother probably isn't willing, right? Otherwise, why would he be running away?" Yuanshi Tianzun said helplessly after pausing in surprise.

At that moment, Li Er said faintly from the side, "Could it be that he was tormented for two hundred years and only ran because he couldn't endure it anymore?"

Black Dog nodded in complete agreement. "Little Master, why not develop some pills to strengthen the body for First Master—"

"Well... there aren't many materials left.

When he comes back, I'll just give him a bath with Purple Firmament Divine Lightning," Li Er said awkwardly, a trace of embarrassment flashing through his eyes.

Recently, he had been researching and developing new pills. He wanted to incorporate the vitality contained within the Purple Firmament Divine Lightning, while also using the mysterious power in his Golden Core to temper the pills and improve the Primordial One Qi Pill he had developed.

After all, his Golden Core was already the size of a walnut. He no longer had to worry about exhausting it whenever he mobilized his mana.

Otherwise, even top-grade pills were too weak to be of any use to Quasi-Sages like First Brother Pan and Second Brother Pan.

If he did not take advantage of the Primordial World's abundant materials now to research, refine, and store pills as strategic resources for Daoism's future development, then would it not become even harder to refine pills once the environment worsened and such excellent resources were no longer available?

People were the same way. One could not assume that money would keep coming in forever. One had to seize the present and build a solid foundation, so that no matter how things changed in the future, there would be nothing to fear.

"The materials have run out again? Then I'll go exchange for some at the Interception Sect," Grand Pure Saint asked curiously, surprise flashing through his eyes.

He knew Li Er had been conducting research all this time, but they had brought back quite a lot of resources last time. Had they really been used up so quickly?

He knew that the Demon Race and the Interception Sect had been conducting trade. After all, his good corpse, Lord Lao, was serving as an alchemy elder in the Interception Sect, and he seemed to have a rather good relationship with Lingbao Tianzun.

Li Er shook his head. "That won't do. If we keep going to the Interception Sect to exchange resources, I'm afraid Saint Tongtian will notice something. That would be troublesome.

If we can develop a Trading Market ourselves, or establish a place for trade, then we can exchange pills, talismans, array disks, and magical treasures for resources without worrying about that problem.

We can even use the Trading Market to form our own force and obtain information from every faction at the first possible moment.

However, the Trading Market must be backed by a powerful force. Otherwise, if people start forcing purchases and sales, that would be bad."

Li Er looked toward Grand Pure Saint and Yuanshi Tianzun, as though asking whether the two of them were strong enough to hold the fort.

Li Er also remembered that the Primordial World truly did not seem to have any large-scale Trading Markets. Cultivators of every level seemed to obtain magical treasures and pills either through robbery or by searching for them.

If Daoism could establish such a Trading Market, the benefits behind it would definitely be astonishing.

"What is the purpose of this Trading Market?" Yuanshi Tianzun asked seriously. Wisdom gleamed in his eyes. From those few words alone, he could deduce that this Trading Market was anything but simple.

Moreover, after more than a century of contact, he understood that all the rules and plans of Third Brother's Interception Sect had come from Li Er.

It would be a lie to say he was not envious of the merit gained by the Interception Sect's Heart-Tempering Path, sect rule stele, and Heaven's Pride Ranking.

One only had to look at Lingbao Tianzun. He had already condensed more than a dozen Merit Golden Bodies.

Once this Trading Market succeeded, the merit it would bring would definitely—

Without even thinking, Li Er explained all the benefits that a Trading Market could bring.

After all, establishing the first Trading Market in the Primordial World would certainly earn merit. But without sufficient strength to support it, anyone who tried such a thing would surely be beaten to death.

After listening, Yuanshi Tianzun's eyes grew brighter and brighter. He directly reached out and pressed down on his elder brother, Grand Pure Saint.

Then he said earnestly to Li Er, "Li Er, I actually have a path in the Chan Sect. How about leaving this matter to me?"

Grand Pure Saint rolled his eyes. This second brother of his was hopeless. If Third Brother found out that he was stealing the Interception Sect's opportunity like this, would they not end up fighting?

Li Er shuddered all over when he heard those words. He recalled a line from the Journey to the West novel from his previous life: I have a path in the west—once the deed is done—

"Second Brother Pan, is this path reliable?"

"It must be reliable. I passed Daoism's introductory course. Its safety rating is absolutely ninety-nine percent," Yuanshi Tianzun said seriously, patting his chest with confidence in his eyes.

Li Er fell silent as he stroked his chin in thought. To be honest, if they could have the Chan Sect endorse them, it really was not a bad choice.

After all, Yuanshi Tianzun's tendency to protect his own was indeed rather useful. He did not care in the slightest about bullying the weak with his strength.

"How far can you take this?" Li Er asked seriously, a grave look flashing through his eyes.

This Trading Market was no joke. If it became the first of its kind in the Primordial World, the profits it would generate in the future would definitely make even Saints jealous. If Yuanshi Tianzun could not be brought in to act when necessary, then this business could not be done. It would be better to let it rot.

Yuanshi Tianzun suddenly grew solemn and said with incomparable seriousness, "Straight to a Saint."

There was no helping it. The more he interacted with Li Er, the more he understood just how wary this fellow was. The more frivolous he acted regarding this matter, the less likely Li Er would agree. It was better to be serious.

If he had not yet discussed Li Er with Third Brother, he would have wanted to reveal his identity as a Saint already.

Since Third Brother Tongtian intended to conceal things from Li Er, he must have his reasons. Yuanshi Tianzun could not simply tear apart that layer of understanding.

If Li Er learned that they were Saints, he likely would not truly treat them as friends with complete sincerity anymore. Instead, a barrier would form between them.

After becoming Saints, the only people they could truly speak with were their own brothers. It was difficult to say even one heartfelt word to anyone else.

Because others feared their status, their words were already diluted.

Not to mention scenes like fishing competitions together as they had today.

"That works. Yuanshi Tianzun is quite protective of his own. We probably won't go wrong by finding him."

Yuanshi Tianzun: ...

Pfft—

"Sorry, I suddenly remembered that I recently received an alchemy assignment from the Interception Sect," Grand Pure Saint said apologetically, though he could not suppress the smile at the corners of his mouth.

He had not expected Li Er's one sentence to directly expose his second brother's temperament. He really did have a tendency to protect his own.

"Big Brother! What alchemy assignment? Tell us so we can all have a laugh," Yuanshi Tianzun said coldly, anger flashing through his eyes. His elder brother actually dared to laugh at him.

Had he not heard that Li Er was praising him?

"Someone wants to commission Passion Pills. They only want the passion effect—the stronger, the better. They said it will be used for a sneak attack."

Yuanshi Tianzun: ...

"What a talent!" Li Er exclaimed.

At that moment, Black Dog, who had been keeping his head lowered beside them, voiced his question.

"Little Master, how will the Trading Market's profits be divided? If our share is too small, will First Master go rob the merchants in the market?"

Li Er: ...

Yuanshi Tianzun: ...

Grand Pure Saint held back his laughter, put away his fishing rod, and opened a spatial passage. "I'll go accept the Interception Sect's assignment. You can make the plans for this. When the time comes, I can be responsible for refining some pills."

"How about we wait for First Master to return before discussing it?"

"We can't wait even a moment. I'll get it done and broaden the path for our Daoism. It's time for me to contribute to Daoism.

Besides, when the time comes, you'll know just how solid my path is," Yuanshi Tianzun said seriously, looking at Black Dog as though he would stew the damn dog if it dared speak again.

"Then, Second Brother Pan, act within your means and put stability first," Li Er said seriously, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes.

He inwardly sighed. This was the sense of responsibility a Daoism elder ought to have. Still, he understood why Second Brother Pan wanted to handle this matter so well.

After all, First Brother Pan had an identity in the Interception Sect and could use their pills to exchange for resources, which made Daoism's development more convenient.

But Second Brother Pan had yet to make any contribution.

"Alright. I'll handle it."

Yuanshi Tianzun hurriedly opened a void passage and stepped straight inside.

A moment later,

Black Dog slowly stood up, concern appearing on his face. "Little Master, isn't this matter a little too hasty?"

According to his deductions, this Trading Market would definitely become indispensable to the Primordial World in the future. The benefits it generated would surely make even Saints jealous.

Their First Master was a core disciple of the Interception Sect. If this matter were exposed in the future, Sect Master Tongtian would definitely not spare them.

With such a good idea, why not report it?

Moreover, based on his understanding of Little Master, doing something like this would certainly create karma. That would not be a good thing for him.

In the past, he definitely would not have done something like this. It did not suit his cautious nature.

Li Er sighed and rubbed Black Dog's head. "The Interception Sect will undoubtedly become a dominant force if it continues developing like this in the future.

But a tall tree catches the wind and invites danger. When that time comes, Sect Master Tongtian alone may not be able to bear it.

So if our Interception Sect also swallows this Trading Market, it will not be icing on the cake. It will be adding fuel to the fire.

Black, sometimes certain benefits do not truly bring you benefits. They may bring disaster instead. People need to understand trade-offs.

If we connect with the Chan Sect, we will have another way out in the future. That is what fits our development plan.

Yuanshi Tianzun's protective nature is a good thing for us.

And Third Brother Pan is preparing to get married, so we need to help him build up some family assets. Didn't you hear that the other side has the background of an Innate Divine?"

Black Dog nodded to show that he understood, then voiced the matter that worried him.

"What if this is exposed in the future?"

"Then we simply don't let it be exposed. Or we increase our own strength and our own importance," Li Er said seriously, confidence flashing through his eyes.

His comprehension of formations had increased considerably recently. He could initially construct spatial laws and had also comprehended a certain degree of time laws.

At the very least, he was already somewhat threatening to top-tier Quasi-Sages like First Brother Pan and Second Brother Pan.

In any case, time was immeasurable in the Primordial World, so he had plenty of time to perfect some of his cultivation ideas. And now he had two elder brothers who could answer his cultivation questions.

Once the era came when Saints could no longer emerge, that would be the glorious era of their Daoism.

Of course, he still had to hurry and break through to the Golden Core Stage.

Afterward, Li Er no longer had any mood to fish. He directly returned to the small secret-realm world to refine some body-strengthening pills for Third Brother Pan.

When Li Er entered the small secret-realm world with Black Dog, he saw something.

Fat Zhao, Fat Li, Xiao Wu, and Old Wu Liu were gathered around Egg Kong, as though something extraordinary had happened.

"What's going on?" Li Er asked curiously, confusion flashing through his eyes.

Zhao Gongming hurriedly said, "Little Master, come quickly! Egg Kong's mouth broke through his shell. It looks like he's about to come out—

But he seems too weak to come out. Did he refine his shell too hard?!"