Spirit Gourd's "Guardian God" plan was like a stone thrown into a lake, but the ripples it created far exceeded expectations. It not only brought about a guardian race system that was close to the Human Clan, but also unexpectedly gave rise to an endogenous divine Divine Dao with the heroic spirits and Departed Souls of the Human Clan at its core.
The heroic spirits originate from their own race and have the purest obsession with protecting their people; in turn, protecting the race brings external power and diversity.
Guided by the Human Race's fortune, the two work together, supervising and complementing each other, jointly building a solid protective barrier for the Human Clan.
Gazing at the Clay Statue of heroic spirits erected in the center of each tribe, and feeling the slightly mixed yet vibrant power of incense offerings condensed from pure faith, Spirit Gourd stood on the hillside beside Shennong, and said with emotion, "
Shennong never imagined that Human Clan possessed innate wisdom.
I merely proposed a guardian deity plan, and you've actually managed to derive a whole system of Fire God from it. With such wisdom, the future of the Human Clan is promising."
He gazed at the bustling and vibrant scene of the tribe in the distance, then changed the subject and raised another idea.
"Now that the Divine Dao has arisen, why not continue to develop it and make it even more perfect?"
Does the sovereign know of the Earth Dao Saint Zhenyuan Immortal Venerable?
He wields the Earth Scroll, commands the Primordial World Mountain Gods and Earth Gods, nurtures the Earth Spirit, and unravels the Earth Veins. His way is intimately connected with all living things on earth.
Human Clan, rooted in the earth, has multiplied and thrived. Therefore, it is fitting to honor the ancestor Zhenyuanzi as the 'Ancestor of Earth Immortals' and to offer him the Human Race's fortune.
The Mountain Gods and land deities under his command can also receive offerings, be nourished and improved by the incense and prayers of the Human Clan, and protect the Human Clan in the area.
This move will deepen the foundation of the Human Clan's Divine Dao, allowing it to resonate with the Earth Veins, and will further enhance the prosperity of Great Immortal Zhen Yuan's path under the Human Race's fortune.
If you are interested, Fellow Daoist Hongyun and Senior Zhenyuanzi are sworn brothers; he can deliver the message on your behalf.
Upon hearing this, Shennong's eyes flashed with wisdom. This was undoubtedly a grand plan that could more closely bind the Human Clan with the Saint stood at the pinnacle of the Primordial World, as well as the entire ecosystem of the Earth Veins.
He pondered for a moment, then made up his mind and solemnly said, "
The Dao Venerable's suggestion is truly a wise one!
When our clan suffered in the past, the Immortal Venerable Zhenyuan extended a helping hand and protected our clan.
Now that our Human Clan has risen to prominence, we should rightfully honor Great Immortal Zhen Yuan as the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, so that he may enjoy the Human Race's fortune in return.
At the same time, incorporating the Earth Spirit lineage into the Human Clan's Divine Dao system will further strengthen the relationship between our two sides, making it a win-win situation.
Since Teacher Hong Yun has a close relationship with Immortal Venerable Zhenyuan, it would be most appropriate to ask him to convey the message.
Afterwards, Shennong told Hong Yun about this idea, Hong Yun did not hesitate at all and immediately set off for Wuzhuang Temple.
Upon entering the temple, the Two found Qingfeng and Mingyue taking a nap.
After teasing the Two for a while, he asked them for Zhenyuanzi's location and headed straight for the Rear Courtyard of Wuzhuang Temple.
Upon seeing Zhenyuanzi Yuanzi meditating and contemplating the profound mysteries of the Earthly Dao under the Ginseng Fruit Tree, he said loudly, "Brother Dao, there is a great opportunity related to you, which I wish to explain to you."
Then, he recounted Spirit Gourd's suggestion and Shennong's proposal in detail.
Zhenyuanzi stroked his whisk, his expression calm yet thoughtful.
Human Clan has already taken the shape of the Protagonists of Heaven and Earth, and its Fortune is rising and boundless.
If he were to accept the title bestowed upon him by the Human Clan, thus deeply binding his Earth Spirit lineage with Fortune destiny of the Protagonists of Heaven and Earth, he would likely be able to reap the immense Fortune of the Human Clan, just like Nuwa, Laozi, and others, thereby accelerating the advancement of his own understanding of the Earthly Dao.
Thinking of this, a smile appeared on his lips as he gazed into the distance, as if he could see incense burning in countless Human Clan villages, offerings to the "Ancestor of Earth Immortals," and feel the Earth Spirit, Mountain Gods, and land deities growing stronger and more diligently tending to the Earth Veins under the blessing of the Human Clan incense offerings.
Moreover, Jiang Yun, who left behind Martial Dao legacy among the Human Clan, holds the title of "Martial Ancestor" and has long enjoyed the Human Race's fortune. It is likely that his achievement of the Hunyuan Great Luo was also due to the help of this Fortune.
"Good!" Zhenyuanzi finally nodded, a broad smile on his face, and agreed.
This is a mutually beneficial move.
If I were to receive the title of 'Ancestor of Earth Immortals,' I would naturally protect the Human Clan and ensure its continued existence on the earth.
I hereby command all the Primordial World Mountain Gods and land deities under the jurisdiction of the Earth Scroll, that from now on, under the guidance of my Daoist laws, while enjoying the incense offerings of the Human Clan, you must also respond to the requests of devout believers, and at the same time diligently manage the Earth Veins to protect the peace and well-being of the land.
The incense offerings and vows of this person can nourish your Dao Attainment progress.
From this day forward, the Spiritual Resonance the Human Clan's Earth Veins and my Earthly Dao lineage will be as interdependent as tree roots are to fertile soil, sharing joys and sorrows, and endlessly regenerating!
After Hong Yun brought back Zhenyuanzi's affirmative answer, Shennong immediately began to make arrangements.
A grand and solemn sacrificial ceremony was held in Chen Du, presided over by Shennong, the common Shennong of the Human Race Co-Lord, who proclaimed to the Primordial World Human Clan: to honor the Earth Dao Saint Great Immortal Zhen Yuan as the "Ancestor of Earth Immortals," and to enjoy the incense offerings and Fortune of the Human Clan for generations!
The news spread like wildfire throughout every Earth Veins and the protection of Mountain Gods and Earth Gods.
One after another, Clay Statue of the "Ancestor of Earth Immortals" were sculpted and carried into the temples of the Human Clan, where they were placed alongside Nuwa, Jiang Yun, Laozi, and the Three Ancestors of the Human Race, and were worshipped and worshipped by the Human Clan.
The Clan Elder solemnly informed every member of the news, explaining the close connection between this Ancestor of Earth Immortals and the Human Clan, and between the earth and the land.
Soon, Shennong and the elders responsible for observing the Earth Veins and Fortune sensed the change: the Mountain Gods and land deities who were usually distant from the tribe began to actively reveal their whereabouts.
The mountain mists will guide lost hunters just right, and the streams along the fields will avoid newly sown fields and flow to the corners that need irrigation.
Although these changes are subtle, they are particularly profound for the Human Clan who depend on the earth for survival.
In places brimming with spiritual energy, the Earth Spirit, who have established good relationships with the tribes, visibly enhance their protective power and ability to channel the Earth Veins after receiving offerings and being blessed by divine power.
Thus, in addition to the Human Clan's system of Heroic Spirit Divine Path and Divine Dao, the powerful branch of the Earth Spirit lineage has now been added. The three are like three tenacious roots, growing deeper and deeper into the fertile soil, constructing a three-dimensional and interwoven protective network for the Human Clan.
Thus, the framework of the three major guardian systems of the Human Clan has been initially established, and their operation is becoming increasingly smooth and stable.
Shennong was deeply gratified, but as the supreme ruler, he never stopped moving forward.
Once everything was on track and entrusted to trusted elders and tribal leaders for continued improvement, he resolutely shouldered his medicine basket, picked up the Spirit Whip that Hong Yun had crafted for him, and the bamboo slip that recorded information about countless herbs, embarking on his own journey—tasting Hundred Herbs and writing the "Shennong's Hundred Herbs Scripture"!
As time passed, under Shennong's leadership, the Human Clan radiated boundless vitality and energy. The entire race seemed to have broken through some invisible shackles and began a new round of rapid expansion, growing stronger day by day.
Various policies and decrees benefiting the people have won popular support, many crises threatening the survival and development of the Human Clan have been resolved, and exchanges and integration between tribes have become more frequent than ever before.
With Chen Du as its core, the Human Clan's footprints spread like Starfire, quickly illuminating the vast territories of the east, west, and north of the Primordial Desolation Earth.
On the fertile river valleys, towering mountain plains, and the edges of vast forests, new settlements sprang up one after another.
Originally scattered across the Primordial Desolation Earth, the tribes began to multiply and proliferate rapidly like spores. Isolated tribal settlements gradually connected and expanded like pieces of a puzzle, eventually forming prosperous Human Clan territories.
The population is growing stronger every day, farmland is crisscrossed by paths, markets are bustling with activity, and military equipment is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
The prestige and overall strength of the Human Clan have been steadily increasing at a visible pace, quietly standing out among the myriad races of the Primordial World.
Against this backdrop of vigorous development, the selection and implementation of the "Twelve Zodiac Guardian Gods" program is of particular importance.
After a long and careful investigation and evaluation, and with the active recommendation of various tribes, the Human Clan finally selected twelve races from among the thousands of symbiotic races. These twelve races, characterized by deep friendship, exceptional talent, and long-term coexistence and mutual benefit with the Human Clan, were chosen as immortal symbols and bestowed upon them the title of "Twelve Zodiac Guardian Gods" of the Human Clan!
Chen Du, the main council hall of the Human Clan.
The hall was solemn, with Totem Pillar in the center symbolizing the passing down of the Human Clan traditions.
Shennong, dressed in hemp clothing and wearing Human Emperor adorned with patterns of the Five Grains, sat in the main seat.
Below sat the highly respected ancestors of various Human Race tribe, powerful chieftains, wise men who understood the principles of heaven and earth, and guest elders and virtuous men, including Ancestor Hong Yun.
The purpose of this gathering is to determine the final zodiac animal.
"Our race has endured countless hardships and tribulations to finally lay the foundation for a prosperous era." Shennong's voice echoed throughout the hall. "Today, we have gathered you all to finally decide and announce the ownership of the 'Twelve Zodiac Guardian Gods' of our Human Clan!"
As he spoke, Shennong glanced at Elder Gongsun below.
"Elder Gongsun, please read out the final list!"
The eldest Gongsun Gaotao, who was in charge of the selection process, stood up, holding a scroll of lists written on Tortoise Shell and animal hides, and read aloud, "
The Twelve Zodiac Guardian Gods were selected based on the order of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches.
Rat: Mysterious Warehouse Rat Clan.
Their race possesses keen intellect and reproduces rapidly. They are particularly adept at digging caves, identifying hidden objects, and warning of impending disasters. Moreover, their race is scattered throughout various tribes of our Human Clan, living together with our Human Clan. They are truly friendly neighbors who watch over and help each other!
He can be appointed as the guardian deity of the son's position!
"Ox: Green Ox Clan."
Their clan is strong and powerful, with a gentle and resilient nature, providing invaluable assistance in cultivating and reclaiming wasteland, and willingly bearing heavy burdens.
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the Ugly Position!
"Tiger: Striped Spirit Tiger, a branch of the White Tiger Clan."
Although this group of spirit tigers is fierce, they are relatively reserved in nature and rarely attack people. They have reached a tacit agreement with some hunter tribes of the Human Clan to share the prey in the mountains and forests. They have the function of guarding the mountain area and deterring other ferocious beasts. Their fierce aura can boost people's morale.
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the Yin position!
"Rabbit: The Moon-Chasing Jade Rabbit Clan."
Their tribe is agile and swift, with an astonishing breeding capacity, providing a stable supply of high-quality fur and some meat to various tribes, and they are also gentle in nature. The image of the Jade Rabbit swiftly moving under the moon adds to its auspiciousness.
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the Mao position!
"Dragon: Dragon Clan (the orthodox Dragon Clan of the Four Seas Dragon Palace and some rivers, not a mixed-blood ferocious dragon).
A noble and powerful ally, controlling clouds and rain, a key force in water conservancy and flood control. With the protection of the Dragon Clan, our Human Clan's water veins are secure!
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the Chen position!
"Snake: Mysterious Patterned Spirit Snake Clan."
Their creatures are winding and flexible, endowed with extraordinary abilities, and adept at protecting Spirit Herb and plants. They are of great help to us in identifying medicinal materials and collecting rare and precious treasures. The image of molting and rebirth symbolizes endless life.
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the Si position!
"Horse: The Wind-Chasing Celestial Horse Clan."
Their race is incredibly swift and powerful, capable of traveling thousands of miles a day, making them excellent partners for delivering messages, carrying heavy loads on long journeys, and charging into battle.
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the noon position!
"Goat: Five-Colored Auspicious Cloud Goat Clan."
The tribe has auspicious fur coloration throughout, and the wool produced is white and thick, which is the tribe's reliance for keeping warm in winter. They are also known for their gentle temperament.
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the lower ranks!
"Monkey: The Clear-Minded Spirit Monkey Clan."
Their tribe is agile and intelligent, climbing swiftly, and often active on the edge of dangerous mountain forests. They can sense danger in advance and warn others by sounding their voices, making them an important eye and ears of our mountain forest tribes!
He was appointed as the guardian deity of Shen!
"The Rooster): Dawn-Announcing Golden Beak Chicken Clan."
Their tribe has magnificent crowns and feathers, and day after day they sing loudly at the break of dawn to announce the time of day to their people, dispelling the darkness of the long night; they are the messengers of the seasons.
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the You position!
"Dog: Mountain-Guarding Grey Dog Clan.
Their tribe is loyal and fearless, with an extremely keen sense of smell and hearing. They are unparalleled in guarding homes, tracking prey, and warning of invasions. They are our tribe's closest watchdogs and hunting partners.
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the Xu position!
"The Pig): As-You-Wish Fortune Pig Clan."
Their people are endearingly simple-minded, possess vigorous vitality, and reproduce rapidly, providing the tribe with a stable source of fat and meat. Their plump appearance also symbolizes a prosperous life.
He was appointed as the guardian deity of the Hai position!
The Twelve Zodiac Animals correspond to the cycle of heaven and earth, and are in accordance with the principles of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, and the Moon Wheel.
Observing the workings of heaven and earth, the Day-Night Cycle is fundamental.
A day can be divided into twelve two-hour periods. At midnight, the yang energy begins to emerge. At noon, the yang energy is at its peak, and then it starts again at midnight, in an endless cycle.
A year can be divided into twelve months and Four Seasons, and the Four Seasons Reincarnation.
The number twelve corresponds to the order of the movement of the heavens and the Stars.
Just as heaven and earth have Yin-Yang, the sun has day and night, the moon has waxing and waning, and the year is divided into four seasons.
The Twelve Zodiac Animals are arranged according to the cyclical Laws of heaven and earth: the Rat is born at midnight, representing the birth of yang from the yin, symbolizing its cleverness and agility; the Ox awakens the earth, requiring diligent cultivation; the Tiger symbolizes the majestic darkness before dawn; the Rabbit appears with the soft light of morning; the Dragon Rabbit with the sun and brings rain; the Snake meanders like the sun gradually rising; the Goat gallops at Horse with its blazing Sunlight; the Sheep enjoys the warm afternoon; the Monkey is clever and active at the turn of midday and evening; the Rooster returns at dusk to mark the order of sunset; the Dog faithfully guards the gate at twilight; Pig is silent, representing the peaceful rest of all things.
This represents the twelve two-hour periods of a day!
These twelve positions rotate in sequence, representing a twelve-year Reincarnation.
Heaven and earth were one, and twelve cycles were formed.
In this way, every Human Clan, from the year they are born, corresponds to a Zodiac Guardian Gods, which is their 'zodiac sign'.
This zodiac sign is not only a way of counting years, but also a protective mark imprinted at the time of one's birth, accompanying them throughout their life and becoming part of their life trajectory, closely connected with the principle of the rotation of heaven and earth!
The so-called Twelve Zodiac Animals are the foundation of a supreme calendar system that encompasses time and space and implicitly aligns with the Dao of Humanity of Heavenly Dao, Earthly Dao, and Humanity!
Based on the rotation of the Twelve Zodiac Guardian Gods and the cycles of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, the Human Clan established twelve months, twelve two-hour days, and twelve years in a cycle, thus creating the "Human Clan Human Dao Calendar"!
This calendar aligns with the workings of heaven and earth and is blessed by the Racial Fortune, enabling Human Clan to better understand the flow of time, avoid missing agricultural seasons, and Union with the Dao!
At the same time, the twelve guardian deities, with their unique power, can draw upon the power of the earthly branches to form a Twelve Yuan Chen Guardian Great Formation that encompasses the mysteries of heaven and earth!
Once this formation is completed, it will be rooted in the foundation of the Human Race's fortune, resonating with the Stars above, harmonizing with the Earth Veins below, and protecting all people in the middle. It will become an immortal cornerstone for stabilizing and suppressing the overall Fortune of the Human Clan!
This is no longer a simple protective system, but a prototype of a strategic- Great Formation that integrates Human Clan into the Space-Time Law Primordial World time and space, communicates with the Fortune of Heaven and Earth, and suppresses its own foundation!
Its significance far exceeds imagination.