Today, I, Tongtian, would open a Great Thousand World with the power of a Sage!
Daoist Duobao was puzzled. Primordial Heavenly Venerate had just made his declaration, so why was his master also...
Zhao Gongming pondered. Could it be that the Sages were competing with one another?
Another wave of Saintly Might swept across the nine heavens.
Today, I, Jieyin, would open a Great Thousand World!
Today, I, Zhunti, would open a Great Thousand World!
The Two Saints of the West made their declarations, shaking all living beings.
Four great Sages had opened the heavens in succession—an event unheard of since ancient times.
Before the uproar could settle, Saintly Might rose once more from Shouyang Mountain.
Taiqing Laozi stood above the nine heavens. "Today, I, Taiqing Laozi, would open a Great Thousand World!"
Holy light shone across Wa Huang Tian as Nuwa's clear voice echoed. "Today, I, Nuwa, would open a Great Thousand World!"
The Six Saints made their declarations one after another, leaving the Primordial Wilderness aghast.
Queen Mother of the West gazed at the sky. "Why do all Six Saints wish to open the heavens?"
Zhen Yuanzi calculated the Heavenly Secret. "There must be some hidden mystery within this."
Ancestor Minghe looked toward Wuji Heaven. "It must be connected to that place."
Outside Wuji Heaven, Lu Changqing stood with Kunpeng and the other two, watching the auspicious signs fill the sky. He smiled faintly. "Another sixty million merit points have come in. It may not be much, but it is still worth celebrating."
He considered whether he should promote the matter of opening the heavens. After all, the Six Saints' efficiency was limited.
Behind him, Kunpeng and the other two saw their master's delight and secretly shook their heads.
The celestial phenomena of the Primordial Wilderness suddenly changed.
Thunder boomed beneath clear skies, stars appeared in broad daylight, and Dao laws shimmered like rosy clouds.
The River of Time and Space reflected across the heavens as stars flickered in and out.
Boom—
The chaotic void tore apart, and all living beings feared that heaven and earth would collapse.
Lu Changqing gazed at the heavenly spectacle caused by the Sages, the curve of his lips becoming ever more pronounced.
A complete universe was worth ten million.
If ten million complete universes were created, would that not use up one million billion merit points?
After murmuring softly, he enthusiastically cheered on the Sages:
"Honored ones, put in a little more effort!"
His words made Kunpeng and the other two instinctively rub their foreheads.
Setting aside whether ten million universes would even work, merely squandering one million billion merit points—
That thought alone was absurd enough. Could the Primordial Wilderness truly accumulate such an immense amount of merit?
Even more absurdly, he wanted six honored ones to create ten million universes.
Even an old ox plowing a field would not dare be worked so mercilessly!
While Kunpeng and the other two grumbled inwardly, the Sages had already begun their acts of creation.
Unlike the other Sages, who relied on magical treasures to open the heavens, Nuwa specialized in the Profound Skill of Creation.
She was adept at creating something from nothing and nurturing life. Thus, she needed no external aid; the profound principles of creation she had comprehended were enough to evolve heaven and earth.
Dao rhythm flowed around Nuwa's body, laws emerged, and the true meaning of creation permeated the surrounding space.
With a gentle wave of her hand, a vast universe slowly took shape within her Great Dao of Creation.
In but a moment, the outline of a world newly born from chaos appeared. Yet this was merely the first step of creation.
As the embryonic world emerged, Saintly Might surged around Nuwa.
Within the newborn universe, earth veins, fire veins, water veins, and wind veins gradually took form. The outline of heaven and earth grew clearer, resembling a true realm.
At the same time, Nuwa continued her work.
Within the universe, laws of time, space, yin and yang, and the five elements condensed one after another, forming enormous spheres of the five elements.
At this point, ordinary Sages would usually use magical treasures to forcibly break apart the laws, but Nuwa chose a different path.
She patiently sorted through the rules of the newborn universe as though untangling a knotted mass of thread.
After heaven and earth had initially stabilized, water and fire found balance, yin and yang harmonized, time and space were established, and all things began to evolve, Nuwa continued using the Wondrous Method of Creation to let all things in the world develop without end.
She created three thousand tribes, enlightened trillions upon trillions of living beings, spread endless flowers, grass, and trees, and helped those who had awakened intelligence take form.
Watching the world go from nothingness to existence, from silence and extinction to overflowing vitality, Nuwa immersed herself in the process.
This process consumed three hundred years.
Without the aid of a Primordial Supreme Treasure, Nuwa could not shorten the time needed for creation as the Three Pure Ones had.
As time passed, more than a hundred Spring and Autumn cycles went by.
Relying on a Primordial Supreme Treasure, Tongtian had already swiftly opened two universes.
Curious about Nuwa's creation of the world through the Dao of Creation, he came to visit her.
"Fellow Daoist Nuwa, how is the progress of your universe?"
Seeing Tongtian's visit, Nuwa smiled faintly in reply:
"It is more than half complete."
"Has Fellow Daoist Tongtian already finished?"
Tongtian carefully examined the universe Nuwa had created and sincerely praised her:
"I have indeed completed mine."
"However, compared to your vibrant heaven and earth, Fellow Daoist, my lifeless universe truly pales in comparison."
Although Tongtian's universe possessed basic laws such as the five elements and yin and yang, it was far less alive than the world Nuwa had opened through the Dao of Creation.
After examining it closely, Tongtian sighed:
"As expected of one who specializes in the Great Dao of Creation. It is truly admirable."
Nuwa shook her head slightly.
"You flatter me, Fellow Daoist."
At that moment, Nuwa suddenly sensed that with the birth of this universe, the rules of the entire Primordial Wilderness seemed to have undergone a subtle change.
As she considered this, inspiration flashed through her mind. She seemed to realize something, and astonishment appeared on her face as she marveled inwardly:
Could Fellow Daoist Changqing be using the act of creation to perfect the order of the Primordial Wilderness?
Nuwa secretly deduced further, and the more she thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed.
After all, what ordinary cultivator would spend tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of merit points to open useless universes?
Thinking of this, Nuwa could not help but sigh:
"Fellow Daoist Changqing's arrangement is truly earth-shattering, unprecedented throughout all ages!"
Tongtian also noticed the changes in the rules of the Primordial Wilderness at this moment.
Hearing Nuwa's words, he was first stunned.
Then realization dawned upon him.
"So that is how it is!"
"This is Fellow Daoist Changqing's earth-shattering plan!"
"No wonder a cultivator would do something that appears so pointless while expending such a vast amount of merit."
"Fellow Daoist Changqing's strategy is so far-reaching that even we honored ones are ashamed to compare. Could it be that he is truly destined by Heaven, born in response to the times?"
Because of the misunderstanding of these two honored ones,
Lu Changqing's originally comical image as a spoiled wastrel
Suddenly became unfathomably profound.
If Lu Changqing had heard the conversation between the two Sages,
He would surely have hurriedly explained:
"No!"
"It is a misunderstanding!"
"Do not speculate wildly!"
After all, he truly only wanted to squander his family fortune.
After Tongtian and Nuwa's conjecture spread, the other honored ones also sensed the changes in the Primordial Wilderness.
Each of them came to their own realization.
For a time, the Sages became even more diligent in creating worlds.
Time flew by like an arrow, and the sun and moon raced onward.
In the blink of an eye, several hundred years had passed.
The Six Saints gathered atop Kunlun's summit, drinking immortal tea together.
This time, the Six Saints had created nine universes in total.
With the aid of Primordial Supreme Treasures, the Three Pure Ones progressed more quickly and each created two.
While drinking tea, the Sages spoke of the perfection of the Primordial Wilderness's order and Lu Changqing's astonishing arrangement.
After offering a round of praise, they could only sigh:
"To be able to lay out such a heaven-shaking plan, Fellow Daoist Changqing is truly an unparalleled genius!"
While the Sages were sighing in admiration,
Lu Changqing was lazily reclining on a cloud couch, dreaming of spending merit points extravagantly for ten thousand years and attaining Sainthood.
Suddenly, the strange phenomena of heaven and earth vanished.
Lu Changqing leisurely awoke.
Seeing that the Primordial Wilderness had returned to calm,
He performed a quick calculation, then tore through the air and descended upon Kunlun's summit.
Seeing the Six Saints gathered together, Lu Changqing said with a smile:
"Several hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye. You have all worked hard, honored ones."
After speaking, he sensed the situation slightly and immediately knew how many universes each Sage had created.
Because Lu Changqing had previously given his primordial spirit imprints to the Sages,
The universes completed by the honored ones would naturally bear their primordial spirit imprints within their origins,
Thereby bringing those worlds under Lu Changqing's control.
Seeing that the Six Saints had created only nine universes over several hundred years,
Lu Changqing was fairly satisfied, but he felt that the Sages still had strength to spare.
Thus, he encouraged them:
"Only nine worlds so far."
"Why not put in a little more effort, honored ones? Create several million more universes and earn several billion merit points. Would that not be wonderful?"
Upon hearing this, Yuanshi spat out a mouthful of immortal tea.
This was simply the ravings of a madman!
Several million universes?
Even if the Six Saints gave it their all, they could not create such a number.
What did he take the honored ones for?
Donkeys turning a millstone?
After Lu Changqing stated that number,
The other honored ones present were equally dumbfounded.
"Several million universes? Fellow Daoist, are you joking?"
"How many years and months would it take to open so many worlds?"
Sect Master Tongtian let out a soft sigh.
Although opening a Great Thousand World could earn merit,
A Sage's origin was ultimately limited.
At the thought of that number,
Even Sages felt their scalps go numb.
Lu Changqing smiled.
"I misspoke just now."
Hearing this, the Saints secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
They thought, So it was merely a slip of the tongue.
He had said one extra word.
A few hundred Great Thousand Worlds
Were still within reason.
After all, each world was worth ten million merit points.
Even if Lu Changqing had an extraordinary background,
He could not possibly squander wealth so recklessly.
Yet Lu Changqing looked around at the Saints.
Then he said calmly, "To be precise, it is ten million."
Pfft—
The spirit tea that Primordial Heavenly Venerate had just swallowed sprayed out.
Laozi could not help but speak:
"Does Fellow Daoist Changqing have some misunderstanding about Sages?"
"Do you think opening a Great Thousand World is child's play?"
Zhunti immediately chimed in:
"Exactly! Ten million worlds—
even Sages would find that beyond their strength!"
Jieyin spoke even more bluntly:
"Fellow Daoist, are you treating us like oxen and horses?"
As soon as he said this,
the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa actually nodded in rare agreement.
Lu Changqing merely smiled without speaking.
With a wave of his hand, ninety-two million Merit Golden Clouds blanketed Kunlun,
their dazzling golden radiance illuminating the Primordial Wilderness.
Guang Chengzi cried out in shock:
"Boundless merit!"
Lu Changqing announced loudly:
"The Six Saints of the Xuanmen shall open nine worlds,
and receive ninety-two million merits!"
The Primordial Wilderness erupted.
Ten million merits in exchange for one world?
What a lavish gesture from the Longevity Immortal Venerable!
Within the Blood Sea, Ming He beat his chest in frustration:
"Why have I not yet become a Sage?!"
Just as all the Quasi-Saints turned green with envy,
Lu Changqing had already finished distributing the merit:
the Two Saints of the West received twenty million,
the Three Pure Ones received sixty million in total,
and Nuwa alone received twelve million.
Nuwa asked in confusion:
"Fellow Daoist, did you miscalculate?"
Lu Changqing explained:
"Your Majesty's world is brimming with life,
so you have been granted an additional reward."
The Sages suddenly understood.
Nuwa excelled in the Dao of Creation,
and this was indeed beyond their reach.
Once the merit had been distributed,
all the Sages immediately beamed with delight.
The Two Saints of the West secretly thought:
Being treated like oxen and horses like this is worth it!
Yet Lu Changqing was calculating in secret:
The Six Saints were progressing too slowly.
Why not...
create several dozen more Sages?
The Six Saints were dumbfounded upon hearing this.
Tongtian smiled bitterly.
"To become a Sage, one needs Primordial Violet Qi.
How could that be easy?"
Lu Changqing nodded seriously.
"You are right, Fellow Daoist.
It seems I must find more violet qi."
With that, he cupped his hands in farewell,
then tore through the void and departed.
Nuwa suddenly frowned.
"Do you think...
he truly intends to create Sages?"
The Sages looked at one another,
and the hall fell silent for a time.
Dozens of newly ascended Sages suddenly appeared between heaven and earth in the Primordial Wilderness. Lu Changqing led them before the six Sages who were opening heaven and earth, then introduced them with a smile:
"Fellow Daoists, these are the new members of the production team joining the world-opening project. From now on, they will help you all expand heaven and earth."
At the thought of that scene, the Sages present were all utterly shocked.
I may have something to say, but I do not know whether I should say it!
After returning to Wuji Heaven, Lu Changqing did not remain idle.
Taking advantage of his free time, he continued expanding his Daoist field.
He took the completed palace complex—including one main hall, sixteen side halls, and three hundred sixty-five auxiliary halls—and reforged them all with several million merits.
After inspecting them carefully, he suddenly felt that something was missing.
Then he thought of it: as the richest man in the Primordial Wilderness, with a collection of treasures equivalent to thirty percent of the combined wealth of countless living beings, how could he lack a personal treasury?
So, with a wave of his hand, he erected a treasure vault and likewise tempered and reinforced it with merit.
Once it was complete, Lu Changqing nodded in satisfaction. Seeing Kunpeng and the other two staring in stunned silence beside him, he casually handed them three brooms.
"Since you have nothing to do, sweep all those mountains of treasures into the vault."
Though the vault appeared small from the outside, it contained another world within and had more than enough room for every treasure.
Upon hearing this order, the three were even more shocked. They stared fixedly at the ordinary brooms in their hands—
These priceless treasures were to be handled like rubbish?
If the treasures had spirits, they would probably burst into tears!
One had to know that these Innate Merit Spiritual Treasures, Post-Natal Merit Supreme Treasures, Spiritual Roots, and rare materials were peerless treasures that cultivators outside would fight to the death over.
Yet here, they were treated no differently from dust?
What kind of normal person could do such a thing?
Ran Deng and the other two fell silent for a moment, then could only smile bitterly.
"Is this the daily life of the wealthy?"
Just as the three tearfully waved their brooms and cleared away the treasures, the Twelve Ancestral Witches came to visit.
"The Twelve Ancestral Witches of the Witch Clan have come to pay respects to the Longevity Immortal Venerable!"
Although Lu Changqing was focused on opening heaven and earth, he did not turn down small profits. He sent them a voice transmission and let them enter.
The impatient Zhu Rong was the first to rush into Longevity Palace. Brimming with confidence, he said:
"Fellow Daoist Changqing, this time we have brought a supreme treasure for trade. We guarantee it will open your eyes!"
Lu Changqing lounged lazily on a long chair. He slightly opened his eyes and asked with a faint smile:
"What did you just say?"
Before you continue