With a mix of anticipation and solemnity, Xuanwei once again set foot on Three Immortal Island.
Unlike his previous visit, where he was chased and then treated, this time he arrived as a "guest elder" and "fellow Daoist," personally invited by Fairy Yunxiao. The immortal maids and spirit boys on the island greeted him with smiles, their respect tinged with warmth.
Qiongxiao personally welcomed him outside the island. Today, she wore a water-green immortal-skimming dress, making her appear even more gentle and captivating. Upon seeing Xuanwei, she smiled faintly, a hint of undisguised joy flickering in her eyes, "Junior Brother has arrived. Eldest Sister is already waiting at the Primal Chaos Platform."
"Thank you, Senior Sister Qiongxiao," Xuanwei cupped his hands and followed Qiongxiao into the island. The scenery along the way was still picturesque, but his state of mind was vastly different from before, with less trepidation and more determination.
The Primal Chaos Platform was located at the highest point of Three Immortal Island. It was a Dao platform polished from a single piece of Chaos Color strange stone, surrounded by swirling clouds and mist, offering a panoramic view of the entire immortal island and the boundless Eastern Sea. At this moment, Yunxiao was seated in the center of the platform, clad in a plain white dress, as aloof as the moon, with Primal Chaos Qi naturally circulating around her, as if she had merged with the heavens and earth.
Bixiao sat to the side, idly swinging her legs. Seeing Xuanwei, she immediately jumped up and said with a grin, "Junior Brother Xuanwei, you're finally here! Eldest Sister has been preparing for this lecture for a long time!"
Yunxiao opened her eyes, her cool gaze falling upon Xuanwei. She nodded slightly, "Junior Brother, please be seated."
Xuanwei sat on a meditation cushion on one side of the platform (Immortal Qi condensed into form), forming a triangle with the three sisters. Qiongxiao sat quietly behind him, while Bixiao sat next to Yunxiao.
"The Purple Orchid you gifted me recently was of exceptional quality and aided me in forming a pill. I shall always remember this kindness," Yunxiao began directly. Though her tone was calm, it carried sincere gratitude. "I have recently been comprehending the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper and have gained some insights into the Dao of 'Primal Chaos Qi, encompassing all things.' Today, I wish to discuss Dao with Junior Brother to mutually verify our understanding."
"Senior Sister's favor is too great; this junior is unworthy and will gladly listen," Xuanwei said solemnly.
Yunxiao spoke no further and began her lecture. She did not discuss specific cultivation methods but rather her profound understanding of the word "Primal Chaos" since taking charge of the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper (replica). Primal Chaos, she explained, was the state before chaos was divided and primordial qi was differentiated, encompassing all things, without good or evil, without beginning or end. Its Dao was supremely great and impartial, capable of evolving heaven and earth, and also of embracing all living beings.
Her Dao sound was clear and ethereal, yet it contained supreme principles, causing the Dao Rhyme around the Primal Chaos Platform to resonate, manifesting various phenomena of primordial chaos and the birth and death of all things.
Xuanwei listened with rapt attention. What Yunxiao spoke of, though different in expression, shared a common essence with his own cultivation of the Chaos Heaven-Opening Art and the fundamental nature of the Chaos Bead. However, from the perspective of "encompassing" and "carrying," it offered him entirely new inspiration! The fragments of the Chaos Bead within him trembled slightly, as if nourished by this Primal Chaos Dao sound, and its repair progress quietly increased to 5.9%.
After Yunxiao finished, Xuanwei pondered for a moment before beginning to expound on his own Dao. He held nothing back, integrating his Innate Immortal Qi, Wutu Source, Wood Element Vitality, the Dao of Chaos, and the newly born Humanity's Torch Flame to explain his understanding of "change," "life," "struggle," and "civilizational inheritance."
His Dao, while not as grand and encompassing as Primal Chaos, was more dynamic, full of vitality and variables, carrying a tenacious will to rise from obscurity and seize a sliver of life from desperate situations! Especially when he spoke of "passing on the torch," that spark of Mysterious Yellow Star Fire naturally appeared between his brows, warm and firm, illuminating the void.
Bixiao listened with sparkling eyes, finding Xuanwei's discourse novel, interesting, and full of energy. Qiongxiao's gaze was gentle and thoughtful, as if she felt a resonance within it.
As for Yunxiao, upon hearing Xuanwei expound on the Dao of the "Torch Flame" and discuss the self-strengthening of all beings and the continuation of civilization, her heart, as clear and cold as an icy lake, actually rippled. Having wielded the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper, she had witnessed countless powerful beings view sentient beings as ants, yet few, like Xuanwei, could see such immense potential and tenacious spirit within these lowly "ants."
Two different Daos converged, collided, and verified each other at this moment.
From Yunxiao's Dao of "Primal Chaos," Xuanwei gained greater understanding of inclusion and stability, and his control over chaotic power became more refined. Yunxiao, in turn, felt a completely different possibility for the future, filled with vitality and hope, from Xuanwei's Dao of the "Torch Flame." This subtly benefited her in perfecting her own Great Dao!
The discussion of Dao lasted for a full three days.
Three days later, the Dao sound gradually subsided, and the phenomena dissipated. On the Primal Chaos Platform, all four individuals had gained something, their auras becoming more harmonious and profound.
Yunxiao looked at Xuanwei, and for the first time, her cool eyes showed undisguised admiration, even a hint of gentleness she herself hadn't noticed, "Junior Brother's Dao is unprecedented and contains infinite possibilities. Today's discussion of Dao has also benefited me greatly."
To receive such praise from the aloof Fairy Yunxiao would be enough to make Xuanwei famous among the younger generation of the Primordial World.
Xuanwei said humbly, "Senior Sister is too kind. It was Senior Sister's Great Dao of Primal Chaos that enlightened this disciple."
Bixiao interjected with a giggle, "Alright, alright, stop flattering each other! The discussion of Dao is over, isn't it time for the real business?" As she spoke, she winked at Qiongxiao.
Qiongxiao's face turned slightly red. She shot Bixiao a gentle glare, then flipped her hand, and a warm jade bottle appeared. She handed the bottle to Xuanwei, her voice soft, "Junior Brother Xuanwei, this is the Nine-Turn Calming Pill, personally refined by Eldest Sister using the Calm Heart Purple Orchid you cultivated as the main ingredient, along with several rare herbs from Three Immortal Island. A total of nine pills were made. These three are for you, Junior Brother, as a token of our gratitude."
Xuanwei took the jade bottle and uncorked it. Instantly, a refreshing aroma that seemed to cleanse the soul filled the air. Inside the bottle, three pills the size of dragon eyes were perfectly round and flawless, with nine clear cloud patterns on their surface, emitting a radiant glow! Just inhaling the scent brought a sense of peace and clarity to his mind!
A Nine-Turn Golden Pill! And a Nine-Turn Calming Pill of extremely high quality! This pill had miraculous effects in stabilizing the Dao heart, resisting inner demons, and enhancing comprehension, its value immeasurable!
"This... this is too precious!" Xuanwei quickly refused, "This disciple only provided some spiritual plants, how can I dare accept such a generous gift?"
Yunxiao said calmly, "Without your Purple Orchid, which contains the vitality of creation, this pill could not have reached the Nine-Turn stage. This is what you deserve, take it."
Qiongxiao also said gently, "Junior Brother's cultivation has advanced rapidly, and he is in a crucial period of vigorous progress. This pill will greatly benefit you. Moreover... if you need to refine pills in the future, we will undoubtedly have to trouble Junior Brother again." As she spoke, a hint of anticipation appeared in her eyes.
With that said, Xuanwei no longer demurred and accepted it solemnly, "Thank you, three Senior Sisters! If there is anything you need in the future, Xuanwei will wholeheartedly assist you and will never refuse!"
Seeing him accept the pills, smiles appeared on the faces of the three sisters. Bixiao even clapped her hands, "That's more like it! By the way, Junior Brother Xuanwei, you're so skilled at planting. Could you help us create a place like your Medicine Garden here on Three Immortal Island? We also want to taste the top-grade spiritual fruits we grow ourselves!"
Xuanwei's heart stirred at this. This was a perfect opportunity to deepen their relationship! He immediately nodded, "This is easily done! If the three Senior Sisters do not mind, this disciple is willing to serve as your loyal subordinate, planning a spiritual garden for Three Immortal Island and sharing some cultivation tips."
"Really? That's wonderful!" Bixiao cheered.
Qiongxiao also showed a pleased expression, "In that case, we shall trouble Junior Brother."
Although Yunxiao did not speak, her eyes conveyed tacit approval and a hint of expectation.
In the following days, Xuanwei remained on Three Immortal Island, beginning to plan and design the spiritual gardens for them. He not only applied the knowledge from the Azure Emperor Longevity Art and the Wutu Source but also integrated a trace of the creative and inheritance essence of the "Torch Flame." This resulted in a planned spiritual garden that was not only rich in spiritual energy but also subtly aligned with the Dao of natural cycles of birth and death, its design far surpassing ordinary medicine gardens.
During this process, his interactions with the three sisters became increasingly frequent. With Bixiao, it was mostly laughter and playful banter. With Qiongxiao, there was a quiet understanding and gentleness, like a stream flowing steadily. And with Yunxiao... although this aloof eldest sister spoke little, whenever he encountered difficulties or expounded on certain intricate ideas, she could always pinpoint the key issues with her sharp insights, providing him with great inspiration. Between them, a peculiar affection, based on mutual admiration and resonance in their Dao paths, was quietly blossoming.
One day, Xuanwei was discussing the arrangement of a formation eye with Yunxiao. They were standing very close, and he could clearly smell the faint, cool fragrance emanating from Yunxiao, like the scent after a fresh snowfall. Yunxiao was intently pointing at the formation diagram, explaining, a strand of her dark hair falling onto her forehead, adding a touch of softness.
Xuanwei gazed at her exquisite profile, so close to him, and his heart involuntarily quickened.
Just then, Yunxiao seemed to sense his gaze and raised her eyes. Their eyes met, and time seemed to momentarily freeze. A fleeting panic, which even she hadn't clearly understood, flashed in Yunxiao's cool eyes, before she quickly regained her composure. However, a faint blush had quietly crept up to her earlobes.
She continued her explanation as if nothing had happened, but her tone had subtly quickened.
Xuanwei also quickly collected himself and listened attentively, but the stirring in his heart had already been quietly planted.
The planning of the spiritual garden was preliminarily completed; the rest would require time for construction and cultivation. Xuanwei knew it was time for him to leave. The lecture at Biyou Palace was approaching, and he needed to return to make final preparations.
Before his departure, Yunxiao summoned him alone to the Tide-Listening Pavilion.
She looked at Xuanwei, silent for a moment, before speaking, "Junior Brother, do you know that the fragment of the Nine Nether Demon Domain you triggered that day has been temporarily sealed by Master with Saintly power?"
Xuanwei's heart tightened, "This disciple did not know. Thank you, Master, for your intervention."
Yunxiao shook her head, "Sealing is not a long-term solution. That fragment is too deeply entangled with the Primordial World's earth veins and... some long-dissipated resentments. Forcibly purifying it might trigger a greater calamity. Master said that the one who tied the knot must be the one to untie it."
Her gaze deepened as she looked at Xuanwei, "You carry the power of Chaos and that 'Torch Flame.' You may be the key to dealing with this kind of defiled energy. When your cultivation is sufficient, this matter may fall upon you."
Xuanwei nodded solemnly, "Disciple understands. I will strive to cultivate diligently and not fail the trust of Master and Senior Sister."
Yunxiao gave a slight nod. Then, with a flip of her elegant hand, a token appeared in her grasp. It was neither gold nor jade, and simple Primal Chaos runes were carved upon it.
"This is the 'Primal Chaos Token.' I condensed it with my own Dao Rhyme. Though it has no offensive or defensive capabilities, it can help you calm your mind and spirit, and comprehend the meaning of Primal Chaos. It may be beneficial for your cultivation. Also... if you encounter an emergency, crush this token, and I will sense it."
She handed the token to Xuanwei. Her tone remained calm, but her clear eyes held a trace of undetectable concern.
Xuanwei looked at the token, which contained Yunxiao's unique Dao Rhyme, and a warm current surged through his heart. He took it with both hands. The touch was smooth and warm, as if it still held the temperature of Yunxiao's fingertips.
"Senior Sister... this is a generous gift. Xuanwei... is deeply grateful." His voice was a little low, filled with sincere emotion.
Yunxiao avoided his gaze and turned to look at the surging waves outside the pavilion, leaving only a graceful back. "Be careful on your journey, and return soon..."
Xuanwei clutched the Primal Chaos Token and bowed deeply to Yunxiao's retreating figure. Only then did he turn, summon his escape light, and leave Three Immortal Island.
This time, in his heart, besides the desire for power and the determination to reverse his fate, there was also a heavy burden of concern.
Not long after he left, inside the Tide-Listening Pavilion, Yunxiao gazed in the direction he had disappeared for a long time without moving. Qiongxiao quietly approached her and whispered, "Eldest Sister, are you worried about Junior Brother Xuanwei?"
Yunxiao did not turn around. She simply sighed softly, a sigh so light it seemed it could be scattered by the sea breeze.
"The tribulation clouds... have already shown signs. He carries a Variable, and his connection with us deepens. I fear... his path ahead will be arduous."
Upon hearing this, a hint of worry flashed in Qiongxiao's gentle eyes as well.
Above the East Sea, Xuanwei was flying through the air, contemplating his upcoming cultivation plan. Suddenly, his expression shifted, and he took out the jade slip he had obtained from Duobao, which contained information about Liubo Mountain.
At that moment, the jade slip was emitting a faint warmth. A previously blurry mark on it, indicating a location near the waters of Liubo Mountain, had now become clear. A line of small text had appeared beside it:
"Traces of an ancient tribe are suspected, worshipping a peculiar Torch Flame, possibly related to Junior Brother's Dao..."
Ancient tribe? Peculiar Torch Flame?
Xuanwei's heart leaped! Could it be... an early human tribe?!
He immediately changed direction and sped towards the new location marked on the jade slip!
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