Within Wa Huang Tian, Nuwa Saw

Within Wa Huang Tian, Nuwa watched Lu Changqing wield the World Origin, her curiosity about his identity growing ever deeper.

In Shouyang Mountain, Taiqing Laozi also took an interest in Lu Changqing. Knowing his second brother's temperament well, he understood that anyone who could move Primordial Heavenly Venerate to act must be extraordinary. "I'll ask my brother about it another day," Laozi murmured to himself before resuming his contemplation of the Great Dao.

On Western Sumeru Mountain, Saint Zhunti was equally baffled: Why would Fellow Daoist Primordial be willing to open a world for a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal? What makes this child so special?

Though the Two Saints of the West held Saint positions, their cultivation was the weakest among the Six Saints, and now doubt filled their hearts.

Nuwa, though rarely tested in battle, had reached the third heaven of Saint cultivation, her strength not to be underestimated.

And the foremost of the Six Saints was none other than Taiqing Laozi, chief of the Three Pure Ones.

The Two Saints of the West, being slightly inferior in cultivation, paid especially close attention to opportunities in the Primordial Wilderness.

Seeing Primordial Heavenly Venerate open a Great Thousand World for Lu Changqing, the two Saints immediately focused their attention.

Jieyin made a divination and discovered that Lu Changqing's fortune blazed like a rainbow, with a Merit Golden Wheel faintly manifesting behind him. Frowning, he said, "This child's origins are no ordinary matter."

Zhunti observed carefully, then realized: "Senior Brother, do you recall the one blessed by the Heavenly Dao the other day?"

Jieyin nodded, his gaze burning. "Bearing such fortune, he should be brought into our Western Sect."

Zhunti clapped his hands and laughed. "He could serve as Deputy Sect Leader."

Many great powers across the Primordial Wilderness also took silent note.

Queen Mother of the West sighed softly. "Another one not to be provoked has appeared in the Primordial Wilderness." With that, she withdrew her divine sense and continued her cultivation.

East King Duke, on the other hand, secretly memorized Lu Changqing's appearance, his ambition plain: "If I can win this man's aid, why worry about unifying the Primordial Wilderness?"

The leaders of the Wu and Yao clans, Di Jiang and Di Jun, also harbored thoughts of recruiting him.

At that moment, Lu Changqing was touring Wuji Heaven with Primordial Heavenly Venerate.

Primordial appeared calm on the surface, but his mind was fixed on that ten million merit.

The moment Lu Changqing produced the Merit Golden Cloud, Primordial snatched it up eagerly and took his leave in haste: "If Fellow Daoist ever has need of me, I shall surely serve." Before the words faded, he had transformed into a streak of light and vanished beyond the horizon.

"Just ten million merit, and he loses his composure like this. It seems even Saints cannot escape worldly desires." Lu Changqing shook his head with a light laugh.

Kunpeng, standing nearby, pondered to himself: My master treats merit as if it were nothing, yet he does not realize how precious this fifty million merit is to me. If I could gain such merit's blessing, perhaps even I, Kunpeng, could attain a Saint position!

Years ago, he had once had the chance to become a Saint.

But because Hong Yun yielded his seat, Jieyin and Zhunti seized the opportunity, causing Kunpeng to miss his chance at sainthood.

Now, following Lu Changqing, the hope of attaining the Dao was rekindled in his heart.

Lu Changqing did not notice Kunpeng's thoughts.

After opening Wuji Heaven, he was already calculating new ways to spend his merit.

Suddenly, heaven and earth changed color, and Saintly Might surged over Wuji Peak.

In an instant, purple qi stretched across the sky, auspicious clouds swirled, and a thousand rainbow hues blazed forth.

The laws of the Great Dao manifested, and Saintly Might enveloped ten thousand miles of mountains and rivers.

Before their forms appeared, their might was already felt.

Under the gaze of the two, the Three Thousand Laws wove together into a golden rainbow bridge.

Jieyin and Zhunti stepped across the bridge, traversing time and space to descend upon the peak.

"Jieyin (Zhunti) of Sumeru Mountain, specially come to pay respects to Fellow Daoist Changqing!"

Even without the announcement, Lu Changqing recognized these two Western Saints—among the Six Saints of the Primordial Wilderness, only these two sported bald heads and thick skins.

"Greetings, Saints." Kunpeng suppressed his old grudges and bowed.

Under Saintly Might, one had no choice but to lower one's head.

Lu Changqing, however, merely gave a slight nod. "What business brings you two here?"

With a Hundred Trillion Merit in his possession and the blessing of the Heavenly Dao, even Saints dared not act rashly.

Jieyin smiled warmly. "We have long heard of Fellow Daoist's extraordinary nature and have come specially to invite you to serve as Deputy Sect Leader of the Western Sect."

Zhunti added immediately, "If you are willing to accept, we will also present you with a valuable treasure."

Lu Changqing chuckled lightly. "I'm afraid you two cannot afford me."

With the God-Slaying Spear and the Tai Xu Creation Banner in his grasp, both supreme treasures, why would he covet the meager riches of the West?

Suppressing his displeasure, Jieyin produced a Middle Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Primordial Golden Bamboo Staff. "This treasure specializes in defense and can summon a Vajra bodyguard. I hope Fellow Daoist will consider it."

The two were confident, believing this gift would be enough to sway a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal.

Seeing this Middle Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, Lu Changqing found it laughable.

For one, he lacked no treasures; for another, did a mere Middle Grade Spiritual Treasure truly qualify to recruit him? They must think too little of him.

Then again, he reflected, the Two Saints of the West had always been impoverished. Being able to produce such a treasure was already a rare effort.

Lu Changqing suddenly had an idea: since they wanted to use spiritual treasures as an invitation, he might as well do the opposite and use merit to buy their magic treasures.

He smiled and said, "Instead of inviting me, why not name a price and sell this treasure to me?"

The two saints were stunned at his words.

They had come to invite someone, not to sell their magic treasures. Besides, who could afford a saint's spiritual treasure?

Zhunti's tone turned cold. "Daoist friend, do not jest. We sincerely invite you, and hope you will not refuse." A faint pressure of Saintly Might radiated, making it hard for Kunpeng to breathe.

Lu Changqing remained composed. "You sincerely invite me, and I sincerely wish to buy. There is no conflict."

Jieyin's face darkened as he put away the treasure. "Hmph, do you take the Sage for some—"

Before he could finish, Lu Changqing produced a cloud of five hundred thousand Merit Golden Clouds. "Hold on. I find this treasure acceptable. I wonder if five hundred thousand merit is enough to show sincerity?"

As the golden cloud appeared, the two saints were struck speechless.

Five hundred thousand merit! The Two Saints of the West would stop at nothing to obtain merit.

Such an opportunity would make them willing to kneel and beg.

Jieyin's face instantly filled with smiles, and he somehow produced the spiritual treasure again. "Though a Sage values face, with such sincerity from you, Daoist friend, we can certainly negotiate."

Kunpeng watched in silence.

Fifty thousand merit was more than enough for a Middle Grade Spiritual Treasure. Only someone as extravagant as Lu Changqing would be willing to spend so much.

Lu Changqing felt delighted. Using merit to smash people is truly the most satisfying.

Seeing Jieyin about to hand over the spiritual treasure, Lu Changqing did not take it.

He felt that five hundred thousand merit might not be the limit and wanted to probe further.

The two saints, thinking he found it too expensive, quickly said, "If five hundred thousand is too high, we can discuss it further."

"We do not seek merit; we merely wish to form a good connection."

In their eyes, what was a Sage's face worth in merit? Even fifty thousand would sell, let alone five hundred thousand.

But Lu Changqing waved his hand. "It really isn't quite right."

He raised one finger, and the two saints hurriedly said, "One hundred thousand is fine too, just as a bond." They inwardly regretted being cut down by four hundred thousand.

Lu Changqing shook his head. "I meant one million."

He produced another five hundred thousand golden clouds and handed them to the stunned Jieyin.

Kunpeng held his forehead. The master truly is a bargaining genius...

Zhunti's throat tightened at the sight of a million merit. When had they ever seen such a generous person?

Coming to his senses, he quickly took out another Middle Grade Spiritual Treasure. "Daoist friend, do you want more? Take this one too?"

It wasn't that Zhunti had no shame, but Lu Changqing's offer was simply too high.

Lu Changqing laughed heartily. "I'll take it! I want all the magic treasures!"

Faced with such boldness, the two saints sold off all their treasures except the Merit Golden Lotus and the Six Roots of Pure Bamboo.

Lu Changqing looked at the dozens of Postnatal and Innate treasures and was slightly disappointed. "I didn't expect saints to be so poor."

In the end, he spent only ten million merit to buy them all.

Jieyin and Zhunti looked embarrassed, secretly regretting their shallow reserves.

What shocked them even more was that Lu Changqing immediately used merit to refine all the treasures, not even sparing the low-grade Postnatal Spiritual Treasures.

Jieyin couldn't help but say, "Daoist friend, isn't this a waste of merit?"

Lu Changqing was unconcerned. "This Seat has plenty of merit. A little use won't hurt."

The two saints were green with envy and hastily took their leave to go into seclusion at Mount Sumeru.

Kunpeng watched as Lu Changqing transformed numerous treasures into Merit Magic Treasures, his heart now utterly calm.

Truly worthy of the Great Master. Under heaven, only he dares to squander merit like this...

Just as he was thinking, he heard Lu Changqing call out:

"Little Kun, go do something for me."

Kunpeng immediately bowed and asked, "What is the Great Master's command?"

Lu Changqing took out a bamboo scroll and wrote several lines with a fingertip. "According to the merit amounts listed here, go to the Primordial Wilderness and announce—This Seat is willing to exchange merit for all kinds of Spiritual Roots and magic treasures."

As his divine sense swept over the scroll's contents, Kunpeng froze on the spot.

Merit Exchange List:

Top Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure (Spiritual Root): Five million merit

High Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure (Spiritual Root): Three million merit

Middle Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure (Spiritual Root): One million merit

Low Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure (Spiritual Root): Fifty Thousand Merit

Postnatal Ultimate Treasure: Three Hundred Thousand Merit

Postnatal Spiritual Treasure: Fifty Thousand to Two Hundred Thousand Merit (depending on grade)

Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures: Priced according to grade.

This wasn't squandering—it was outright bankruptcy. He truly deserved the title of Number One Prodigal of the Primordial Wilderness!

Seeing Kunpeng standing frozen in place, Lu Changqing raised an eyebrow and urged, "Why aren't you going?"

Kunpeng snapped awake, his face full of shock. "Great Master, there are countless treasures in the Primordial Wilderness. Is this pricing truly appropriate?"

Lu Changqing smiled calmly. "No matter. Just do as I say."

He had intended to exhaust all his Merit anyway. If he could use this opportunity to spend the Hundred Trillion Merit, it would actually suit his plans perfectly.

Watching this prodigal behavior, Kunpeng felt a pang of heartache. If this Merit were mine, I would have already achieved Dao and become a Saint! He sighed inwardly but ultimately accepted the order and left.

As a Late Quasi-Saint powerhouse, Kunpeng didn't need to travel in person. He simply used his divine abilities to spread the news across the entire Primordial Wilderness.

In an instant, all living beings in the Primordial Wilderness were shaken.

Inside Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain, Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi heard the news with mixed expressions.

Zhen Yuanzi scoffed. "Exchange Merit for treasures? At such exorbitant prices? Ridiculous!"

Hong Yun, however, calculated with his fingers and mused, "The news came from Kunpeng, but its source is Wuji Heaven. Could the master of that Daoist field have some deeper intention?"

The two decided to wait and see.

Most of the great powers in the Primordial Wilderness held a skeptical attitude—Merit was far more precious than treasures. Such an exchange was like trading gold for silver, utterly unwise.

Houtu, however, was different.

Upon hearing Lu Changqing's name, she immediately said to the Ancestral Witches, "Brothers, although the news was spread by Kunpeng, it originated from Wuji Heaven.

I trust Fellow Daoist Changqing!"

In the past, Lu Changqing had casually gifted her Ten Thousand Merit and even guided the Witch Clan in cultivating their Primordial Spirit. Houtu had absolute faith in him.

Di Jiang frowned and tried to dissuade her. "Little sister, this is suspicious.

Saint Yuanshi just established his Daoist field at Wuji Peak, and now this Merit exchange appears. There might be a conspiracy.

It's better to hold off for now."

Houtu refused to comply. "Since you're uneasy, big brother, then let me go ahead and investigate first!"

Seeing her determination, Di Jiang had no choice but to send Xing Tian to accompany and protect her.

Just as Houtu and Xing Tian were rushing to Wuji Peak, the three Demon Emperors of the Demon Clan Heavenly Court were also discussing the matter.

"Fellow Daoist Changqing had the Demon Master spread the message. What exactly does he intend?"

Tai Yi had witnessed Lu Changqing's methods before, so he didn't doubt the authenticity of the news. He was merely speculating on its purpose.

Fu Xi performed a divination and frowned slightly. "It's difficult to calculate Fellow Daoist Changqing's true intentions."

Di Jun, however, had his own plans. "Regardless of Fellow Daoist Changqing's purpose, we should go and show our support.

This is a good opportunity to invite him to join the Demon Clan."

Tai Yi nodded in agreement. "The situation is stable now. With Xi Huang and me guarding the Heavenly Court, you can go without worry."

Fu Xi confirmed with a finger calculation. "Fellow Daoist Changqing bears no hostility toward the Demon Clan. This trip will be safe."

Meanwhile, at East Sea Zifu Prefecture, East King Duke was also scheming.

"With my status as the Head of Male Immortals, recruiting a Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal shouldn't be difficult."

East King Duke said to the cultivators under his command.

The cultivators chimed in, "We are willing to accompany you to Wuji Peak."

East King Duke, brimming with confidence, immediately led his group through the air and departed.

At that moment, all living beings in the Primordial Wilderness heard Kunpeng's proclamation and erupted into excitement.

Unlike the cautious great powers, ordinary cultivators didn't care whether there was a trick involved.

To them, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In an instant, billions of living beings surged like a tidal wave toward Wuji Heaven.

Those with lower cultivation levels, however, would need some time to arrive.

Within Wuji Heaven, the noise of the crowd was already deafening.

Cultivators from nearby regions came carrying all their possessions to exchange, but unfortunately, most of the treasures they brought were ordinary.

Lu Changqing tallied the gains and couldn't help shaking his head. "Tens of thousands of treasures only exchanged for Ten Million Merit. What a bunch of paupers."

Kunpeng, who was helping refine the treasures with tears in his eyes, silently complained, The Great Master is far too extravagant. Even these scraps are accepted. Ten Million Merit wasted just like that!

Kunpeng coveted this Merit immensely but dared not act on it—before Lu Changqing gave the word, he couldn't even entertain the thought.

The Heavenly Dao Oath had been sworn; any slight violation would result in utter annihilation of soul and body.

This tormented him greatly, like forcing a starving beggar to stand by a table laden with delicacies, unable to partake.

Just as Kunpeng was suppressing his resentment to forge the Merit Magic Treasure, a gentle voice rang out:

"Fellow Daoist Changqing, Houtu, Ancestral Witch of the Witch Clan, has come to call."

Hearing this, Lu Changqing's earlier gloom instantly lifted, a smile spreading across his face: Finally, an honored guest has arrived!

He immediately sent a voice transmission in reply: "Fellow Daoist Houtu, please enter."

Houtu entered Wuji Heaven with Xing Tian in tow.

In another's Daoist field, one must follow proper etiquette and not fly about freely.

"Fellow Daoist Changqing, it's good to see you well."

Arriving outside Longevity Palace, Houtu greeted him with a smile.

Xing Tian, however, kept a wary eye on the Demon Master Kunpeng, still harboring suspicion toward Lu Changqing.

The matter of exchanging merits for magical treasures and Spiritual Roots seemed dubious no matter how one looked at it.