Empress Nuwa, holding the Qiankun Cauldron, Innate Supreme Treasure bestowed upon her by Hongjun Dao Ancestor, opened a furnace at the foot of the remaining half of Buzhou Mountain to smelt Five-Colored Stone.
She had already gathered enough of the Five Elements Essence. Next, she just needed to combine the Five Elements Essence with various Spirit Materials and minerals, and the Five-Colored Divine Stone to refine the resulting liquid, which could then be used to Mending the Heavens.
She took out the Lotus Lantern and used its flame to light the precious cauldron.
With masterful skill and the intertwining of the Great Dao, divine materials and Five-Colored Stone are forged, fused, and sublimated within it.
Finally, when the cauldron spewed forth a dazzling light that could illuminate the Chaos, the Five-Colored Stone was finally refined into liquid, and the essence of the divine materials and spirit ores were also incorporated into it.
Empress Nuwa, holding her precious cauldron, appeared before the enormous rift in the Firmament.
The four Saints, Laozi, Yuanshi, Jieyin, Zhunti, were already on high alert.
Laozi transformed the Taiji Diagram into a golden bridge spanning the sky, with the Yin-Yang Two Energies flowing endlessly, firmly blocking the largest gap; the clear radiance of the Jade Ruyi of the Yuanshi Tianzun Jade Ruyi and the myriad rays of Buddha Light hanging from the Twelve-grade Merit Golden Lotus of the Daoist Jieyin together stabilized the spatial structure and supported the Firmament; the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree of the Daoist Zhunti scattered seven-colored rays of light, blocking other small gaps and stabilizing some cracks.
"Fellow Daoists, I hope you will lend me a hand and help me repair the Firmament." Nuwa's clear, cold voice echoed through the void.
With a gentle wave of her hand, the Qiankun Cauldron flew into the sky and stood in the air. Then, the Five-Colored Stone solution inside the cauldron transformed into a stream of light and flew precisely towards the hideous crack in the sky.
Nuwa activated the sacred power of the Creation Laws, her fingers outlining profound runes in the void. Each rune that fell drew the Five-Colored Divine Stone to Perfect World merge with the Creation Laws flowing upon it.
"Combine!"
With a clear shout from Nuwa, the Creation Laws and the divine radiance of the Five-Colored Stone wove together a net, patching up the crack in the Firmament inch by inch.
Laozi, Yuanshi, Jieyin, Zhunti dared not slacken in the slightest, doing their utmost to maintain the stability of the Firmament and providing crucial support for Nuwa's efforts to Mending the Heavens.
Holy light and Daoist principles intertwined in the sky. As the act of Mending the Heavens proceeded, countless surviving Primordial World Living Beings gazed up at this scene, their hearts filled with awe and hope.
After an unknown amount of time, the last crack was repaired by the Five-Colored Stone liquid, and the entire Firmament was filled with dazzling divine light. The huge hole that had eclipsed the world was finally Perfect World repaired.
Nuwa's brows relaxed as she successfully Mending the Heavens, though this was not a difficult task for Saint.
However, for others, the matter is not over yet.
Laozi Tzu frowned slightly and said in a deep voice:
Although the crack in the Firmament has been repaired, the pillar that supported heaven and earth no longer exists.
If this celestial Firmament were not supported by something truly towering and upright, it would be unsustainable for us to forcibly stabilize the Four Directions and Dimensions with our magical Magic Treasure alone.
The balance of heaven and earth has been disrupted, and the operation of the Heavenly Dao Laws is no longer functioning smoothly.
His words carried a hint of solemnity.
The golden bridge formed by the Taiji Diagram, the Twelve-Petaled Golden Lotus, the glow emanating from the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree, and the clear radiance emanating from the Jade Ruyi, although temporarily supporting the Four Directions and Dimensions and eight poles of the Firmament and preventing its collapse, these supreme treasures were bearing the crushing weight of the entire Primordial Desolation Heavenly Realm.
The group could clearly sense that at the support point, even the Saint's most precious treasure was emitting a faint yet continuous mournful cry, as if the refined iron had been stretched to its limit.
An invisible pressure acted on the Magic Treasure, and then transmitted to the primordial Primordial Spirit of the Saint who wielded Magic Treasure, causing them to feel a heavy sense of oppression.
Just then, the voice of the Sect Master Tongtian came from the void, carrying a hint of complexity:
I searched the far reaches of the Northern Sea, following the ancient aura of Heaven-Opening, and finally pinpointed its source.
Its power is boundless, its aura is vast and powerful, its Physical Body is incomparably strong, and its origin is profound and enduring. It is a giant turtle, a rare species from the Primordial World, that has been sleeping in the Northern Sea for hundreds of millions of years and has received the unique favor of the Heavenly Dao!
Its Bloodline is so strong, and its Physical Body so robust, that it is indeed capable of shouldering this immense responsibility!
He paused, his tone becoming subtle:
However, this giant turtle is not an ignorant creature.
If my perception is correct, he is the one that Daoist Friend Jiang Yun rescued from the North Sea, who has now joined the Giant Turtle Clan and resides on Mount Sumeru as a Dharma Protector of the Western Teachings!
"If we now wish to take four of them to support the heavens and earth, this matter is no longer something I can decide alone; we must consult the Black Tortoise itself and our two fellow Daoists from the Western Teachings."
Upon hearing this, the gazes of the Saint present involuntarily turned towards Western Mount Sumeru.
The Western Teachings's Dharma Protector hold a revered position and are connected to the karmic Karma the entire Ju'ao clan and the Western Teachings.
Taking the limbs of the Black Tortoise to support the sky is tantamount to sacrificing an important Dharma Protector of the Western Teachings, and will also incur enormous karmic Karma.
Such matters can only be decided personally by the two Saints, Jieyin and Zhunti, who are the leaders of the Western Teachings, and their opinions must also be sought from the Black Tortoise.
Laozi, Yuanshi, and others remained silent.
Under the repaired Firmament, the atmosphere fell silent for a moment, with only the low hum of several treasures echoing in the space due to the heavy burden they bore, making the supporting situation seem even more precarious.
And then, back to the moment when Buzhou Mountain broke apart and the Firmament collapsed, the Black Tortoise, who was cultivating in seclusion in its Cave Abode in the Western Mount Sumeru, suddenly opened its eyes, which had been filled with the vicissitudes of millions of years.
A sense of Heavenly Mandate emanated from the will of the Primordial Desolation World, clearly imprinted upon his ancient and powerful soul.
Following that throbbing sensation, he looked toward the direction of the Heavenly Pillar of Buzhou Mountain and noticed its collapse. Suddenly, he realized something.
With a slight movement of his body, he let out a long and deep sigh, which echoed in the silent Cave Abode, containing the suppressed energy of living under the sway of Heavenly Mandate for countless years.
"Has Heavenly Mandate... finally arrived?"
After waiting for so many years, and almost losing his True Spirit back then, he has finally reached the time to fulfill his Heavenly Mandate.
Once he survives this ordeal, he can change his destiny and begin cultivating the Great Dao anew.
"Buzhou Mountain collapses and the Primordial World is desolate, it is the time for my body to manifest." The Black Tortoise's voice was deep and calm, without the slightest fear or resistance, but rather a sense of relief and responsibility as if the dust had settled.
"What Jiang Yun said back then was indeed true."
Only now, with the collapse of this pillar of heaven, do I understand that supporting the heavens with my own body to protect Primordial Desolation All Spirits is my Black Tortoise destiny, and through this I can gain immeasurable Merit."
He already knew what he had to do.
The next moment, his immense Divine Sense spread throughout the surrounding peaks, instantly covering the entire secret realm that the Giant Turtle Clan had established on Mount Sumeru.
"Fellow clansmen, come to my place immediately, I have something important to tell you."
After he led many Giant Turtle Clan to Mount Sumeru, he was elected by everyone to become the Clan Leader of this generation.
A moment later, all the adult giant turtles and core clansmen who remained on Mount Sumeru appeared before the Black Tortoise.
The Black Tortoise's gaze swept over these Bloodline- related clansmen, and it slowly spoke:
The Primordial World underwent a dramatic change, the pillar of heaven collapsed, and all living beings suffered.
I have received the Heavenly Mandate, and bear a heavy responsibility. I must depart from you all in accordance with the will of Heavenly Mandate.
Upon hearing this, Ao Gan and several other clan elders immediately became agitated. "Clan Leader, where are you going? The Heavenly Pillar has collapsed..."
The Black Tortoise waved its hand, interrupting the group and calming their agitation:
Go where I am meant to go, and do what I ought to do.
You need not worry, this is not a final farewell, and this trip is an opportunity I have been waiting for.
I will use this very essence to transform into a pillar supporting the heavens, protecting the Peace in the Primordial Desolation, and also adding to your blessings.
He looked at the elders, including Ao Gan, and made arrangements for the follow-up matters.
"After I leave, you should take Ao Gan and Ao Kun as your leaders, strictly abide by the religious rules, be law-abiding and do not rely on my connections within the religion to cause trouble."
Mount Sumeru is our final destination. We are grateful for the compassion of our Two Religious Leaders, Jieyin and Zhunti, and for the deep friendship we have formed with our fellow practitioners in the Western Teachings.
You should treat all Human Clan, your fellow disciples, and the creatures of the mountains with kindness, diligently cultivate yourselves, and comprehend the profound virtue of the earth. The future of the Giant Turtle lineage rests on your shoulders."
Although the tribespeople did not understand the details, seeing the Black Tortoise's firm and peaceful eyes, they could only suppress their reluctance and worries and nodded in agreement.
After giving instructions to his clansmen, Black Tortoise prepared to leave his Cave Abode to visit many familiar disciples and followers within the sect.
The world was undergoing a great change, which many of the disciples and Dharma Protector within the sect had already sensed. At this time, Jieyin Zhunti had already gone to the Primordial World Heavenly Pillar. Before leaving, they instructed their disciples to take charge of the sect's affairs and reassure the people.
At this moment, a group of disciples and core members of the sect were gathered in the main hall to discuss matters.
Upon seeing the Black Tortoise suddenly appear, Bixiao was the first to stand up and exclaim, "Senior Mysterious Turtle, you've arrived too! The world outside is in complete chaos!"
Black Tortoise watched as Bixiao remained as boisterous and talkative as ever in front of acquaintances, appearing quite affectionate.
He laughed and replied to Bixiao, "Hahaha, Bixiao, why are you still so impulsive and unsteady? You still need to learn more from Yunxiao."
Bixiao pursed her lips upon hearing this. Her eldest sister had always been that kind of person—calm and collected, yet capable and composed. It was precisely because of her eldest sister's care that she had been carefree and so lively since birth.
"Senior Mysterious Turtle, I am very composed in front of the younger generation. It's only when I'm with you that I feel so free and unrestrained!"
The Black Tortoise nodded and smiled, "That's good... that's good!"
Then he looked at the others and said solemnly:
Heaven and earth have their own Law and Order, and calamities are also opportunities.
I have come here today because I have a favor to ask of you.
I am about to carry out the mandate of Heavenly Mandate, and it may be a long time before I return.
The descendants of the Giant Turtle Clan are simple and honest, but they are burdened with the Bloodline of Primordial World alien species and are fond of sleeping, so they inevitably have their shortcomings.
I hope that, out of consideration for our long-standing friendship, you will look after them in the future, lest they lose their roots in the faith and in the Primordial World, and stray from the right path. This is my greatest concern."
The Yaoshi, as the leader, solemnly cupped his hands and said:
Don't worry, senior!
You have a deep connection with my Senior Brother, and you have also spent a long time with me. The Giant Turtle Clan is like a brother to us.
Gongming hereby swears that, to the best of our ability, we will protect the Giant Turtle Clan and ensure their peaceful coexistence with all parties, living up to the expectations of our predecessors!
Yunxiao also stepped forward, her voice as warm as jade:
Your journey is a great Merit, and although we are of humble status, we aspire to it.
The Giant Turtle Clan are not only your Bloodline, but also the Dharma Protector of our Western Teachings. We will certainly regard them as one family.
If any disputes arise, we will do our utmost to mediate and maintain order.
The others nodded in agreement.
Looking into their sincere eyes, the Black Tortoise felt relieved of its worries.
He smiled with satisfaction, "Good, good! With your words, I can leave in peace. The Western Teachings has you as its successors, and its future is limitless. Cultivate diligently, and the Great Dao is within your grasp!"
After the Black Tortoise had arranged everything, the cracks in the Primordial World Firmament had been Perfect World mended by the Five-Colored Divine Stone under the divine hand of the Empress Nuwa, and the once damaged Firmament had been replaced by warm five-colored light.
However, just as he sensed in his mind, the unbalanced pressure between heaven and earth had not completely dissipated.
Laozi's Taiji Diagram, Jieyin's Merit Golden Lotus of Jieyin, Yuanshi's Jade Ruyi, and Zhunti's Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree still hang high in the four directions, radiating holy radiance that suppresses all heavens. But deep within the radiance, the subtle and continuous humming and the extreme pressure that the origin of the Magic Treasure endures clearly convey a message: Heaven and earth need to erect a pillar to support the sky!
The time is now.
The Black Tortoise left the sacred land of Mount Sumeru, its enormous form transforming into a dark brown beam of light that instantly traversed countless Mountains and Rivers, arriving at the former location of the Buzhou Heavenly Pillar.
The once towering sacred mountain that symbolized the Pangu's Spine has long since collapsed, leaving only a massive, broken base and the surrounding land, utterly destroyed by the collision of two Ancestral Witch primordial Laws and the power of the collapsing heavens, transformed into boundless ruins and murky, Weak Water lakes.
His arrival immediately attracted the attention of several Saints in the void.
The enormous body of the Black Tortoise stood atop the base of Buzhou Mountain. At this moment, it had revealed its true form as a giant turtle, its head held high, gazing at the fragile, newly formed Firmament that was being forcibly supported by the supreme treasure.
He sensed the yearning of all living beings for a balanced and stable Order, a yearning that resonated with the primal power dormant deep within his Bloodline.
He heeded the call of fate and prayed aloud to heaven and earth in fervor:
"The Great Dao is above, the Empress Houtu bears witness, and all the sages of Heavenly Dao clearly see!"
I am the giant Black Tortoise of the North Sea, born from the creation of the Heaven-Opening by Pangu, nourished by the source of the earth, and protected by the Western Saint Teachings, for countless eons!
Now we see the Primordial World pillar of heaven collapse, the sky tilts and the earth sinks, and all living beings hang upside down under the overturned nest!
"Grateful for the boundless grace of Great Dao and answering the call of Heavenly Mandate, I do not wish to witness the suffering of all beings. I willingly relinquish this body, cultivated for countless eons, and transform its infinitely profound essence into the foundation that supports Heaven and Earth, eternally guarding the four corners of the Primordial World!"
"My body is willing to be the pillar of that new heaven!"
Inherited Burden the weight of the vast heavens and connecting the Earth Veins of the Nine Netherworlds!
Protect Primordial Desolation All Spirits, ensure the endless cycle of heaven and earth, and bless all things to live on forever!
This oath is witnessed by Heaven and Earth! The sun and moon bear witness!
As he uttered this soul-stirring Great Vow, the very origin of the Primordial World Heaven and Earth Origin roared violently!
A powerful pillar of light emerged simultaneously from the above the Nine Heavens and the Youming below, instantly enveloping the enormous body of the Black Tortoise, which was as majestic as a continuous mountain range!
"Fellow Daoist, Great Virtue!"
All the saints present, including the Two Sages of the West, Jieyin Zhunti, felt a surge of heartfelt admiration at that moment.
This seemingly detached and otherworldly being has shown unparalleled responsibility and courage at this moment!
Under the baptism of the supreme, pure Earthly Dao energy and the radiant light of heaven and earth's Merit, the Black Tortoise's enormous Tortoise Shell and flesh, which had been condensed over countless years, seemed to be dissolved and reassembled by creation itself.
The Black Tortoise's soul felt no pain whatsoever, only a sense of freedom as it returned to its origin, merged with heaven and earth, and roamed freely in the sea of Heaven and Earth Laws.