Lotus Heart Comprehends the Dao, Longevity Dao Rhyme Breaks Through the Mystical Barrier

At the deepest point of Origin Secluded Valley, a thin golden barrier enveloped the area. Shen Hao had condensed it from his own Dao Rhyme, sealing off every disturbance from the outside world. Within the barrier, the Longevity Lotus that had only recently bloomed still stood tall and graceful. Nine fiery-red lotus seeds rested securely within its seedpod, each radiating a life aura so rich it was nearly tangible. The surrounding origin spiritual energy flowed continuously toward the seeds like a hundred rivers returning to the sea.

Shen Hao sat cross-legged upon the Green Stone before the Longevity Lotus, dressed in a plain Daoist robe untouched by dust. His eyes were slightly closed, and his hands formed the Longevity Dao Seal. A faint golden halo lingered around him, a sign that the Longevity Dao Rhyme had been driven to its utmost limit. Fine lotus patterns faintly flowed within that halo, echoing the aura of the Longevity Lotus. His breathing was long and steady. With every breath he took, immense quantities of origin spiritual energy poured through his nose and mouth into his body, nourishing his limbs and bones.

Zi Xuan stood quietly at the edge of the barrier, holding a white jade teacup filled with Dao-comprehension tea brewed from Life Spring Water. A wisp of Longevity Dao Rhyme also mingled within the curling tea steam. Her gaze remained fixed on Shen Hao, her eyes brimming with tenderness, yet she did not dare disturb him in the slightest, afraid of interrupting his enlightenment. Elder Mu Chen sat beneath an ancient tree some distance away, gently stroking the Longevity Lotus seed he had just received. His eyes were full of emotion. He could clearly sense that the Dao Rhyme around Shen Hao was transforming at an astonishing speed—a change that returned to