Thoughts

Zhou Yuan brushed the [Profound Nether Weak Water Bead] aside and laughed:

"Of all your supernatural powers, half are derived from your restless mind, and half from your ability to navigate water."

"[The Profound Nether Weak Water Bead] is Mid-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure of the Water Essence."

"This will benefit your understanding of the laws and your future attainment of the Dao."

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhiqi realized the situation and stuffed the [Profound Nether Weak Water Bead] back into his sleeve, though his golden eyes remained fixed on the long staff in the void.

Seeing his reaction, Zhou Yuan couldn't help but chuckle.

This staff is called the Primordial Chaos One Qi Staff.

"It was obtained by your master during his travels in the Yunmeng Marsh, within an Innate Magic Array."

"Because it once held the [Northern Profound Origin Water Control Banner], it has been imbued with some of the Daoist essence of Water Essence."

"This humble Daoist priest further refined the Yin and Yang Qi, and then Five Thunders Creation."

Therefore, "Chaos gave rise to one primordial energy, and this primordial energy transformed into Yin and Yang."

This staff is not of innate origin, but its material is formed from chaos. Although it Innate Undying Spirit Light within it, if it were truly used, its power would be incomparable to ordinary Innate Spiritual Treasures.

"The [Primordial Chaos One Qi Staff] was crafted for you by your master."

"In the chaos devoid of spirit, one should nourish the staff with spirit and cultivate one's character with care, thus attaining perfection."

"You shall wield this stick with care, with utmost care!"

Wu Zhiqi knew that his master wanted him to hone the Qi Staff every day with his mental power in order to purify his mind and eliminate the Demonic Intent in his primordial spirit.

His earnest teachings were clearly well-intentioned.

Wu Zhiqi was deeply grateful, and his previously ferocious expression softened. He accepted the [Primordial Chaos One Qi Staff] with both hands and respectfully said:

"I will follow my teacher's teachings."

"Master, please be seated. This disciple will take his leave now."

After the ceremony was completed, the monkey somersaulted and then, together with Madam Jiuzhen and Jin Chentao, gathered the Daoist soldiers and disciples in the cave and headed straight for the Huai River.

After he left, only the two Primordial Unity Golden Immortals, Old Man Qingrong and Granny Huai, remained before him.

These two men were mild-mannered, rarely caused trouble, and were not skilled in magical combat.

Therefore, the spiritual treasure bestowed by Zhou Yuan was not an Innate Spiritual Treasure skilled in warfare.

Instead, it leans towards the category of auxiliary functions.

Among them Low-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Azure Cloud Bottle. This treasure can gather the essence of water and the essence of wood, and has a miraculous effect on alchemy and healing. It was bestowed upon the Old Man Qingrong Low-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure him.

The Low-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Vine Dragon Staff, was bestowed upon Granny Huai, who was an expert in planting and whose disciples and followers in her cave were mostly plant spirits.

The Soaring Dragon Staff can gather the scattered Qi of Jia Wood and Yi Wood between heaven and earth, which is of great benefit to cultivators who practice the Way of Wood.

"The path of immortality flourishes greatly."

"As the Dao Ancestor, I must glorify the immortal lineage and spread the teachings to all living beings."

Zhou Yuan calculated with his fingers and said:

"Besides the main lineage, the Wuyi Mountain Daoist tradition should have seventy-two branches manifesting in the world, corresponding to the fortunes of the Seventy-two Caves."

He looked at the Human Dao:

"I have already appointed the leaders of forty-eight caves and will pass down forty-eight Dharma teachings."

"There are still twenty-four unclaimed primordial cave dwellings."

"Your next task is to oversee the acceptance of disciples and the transmission of teachings within the Wuyi Mountain Daoist lineage, and to help me find the leaders of the twenty-four caves."

Old Man Qingrong pondered for a moment, then said respectfully:

"May I ask, teacher, how are beginners selected?"

"How will the leaders of these twenty-four caves be chosen?"

"Please advise, teacher."

"This is easy!"

Zhou Yuan smiled slightly and then took out a mirror from his sleeve:

"This mirror is called the Mirror of Misdeeds, also known as the [Mirror of Karma]."

"All beings in the universe who have not attained the Daluo Golden Immortal can pass before the [Mirror of Karma] and have their essence of good and evil souls revealed, as well as the origin of their merits and Karmic Debt."

"Whether it's true or false, good or evil, a single glance will tell."

"You shall hang this mirror in front of Wuyi Mountain. All disciples who enter the grotto-heaven to cultivate must walk in front of this mirror."

"As for the twenty-four cave masters, they will be chosen by those whose fortunes align with theirs, so you need not worry!"

After hearing this, the Old Man Qingrong had no more doubts. He bowed and paid his respects, then withdrew with Granny Huai.

'The matters of the immortal path' are simply a matter of proceeding step by step, gradually and surely.'

"Now that the Dao of Immortality is flourishing, in the Ancestral Court of Mystic Gate, apart from the three from Kunlun Mountain, I am the most esteemed."

Countless beings from all the heavens and myriad spirits wish to become disciples of Wuyi Mountain. They are governed by the Seventy-two Caves, supported by resources earned through the Acquired Merchant Dao, and further nurtured with the classics, supernatural powers, Daoist methods, and various arts derived from the [Myriad Dao Book].

'The prosperity of our Wuyi Mountain Daoist lineage is only a matter of time.'

For Zhou Yuan now, what does time matter?

The heavens and earth were bright, and the spiritual energy within the Palace of Hearing the Dao was ethereal. Zhou Yuan sat upright on the Dao Platform, with the bronze incense burners on either side of him emitting smoke and clouds. He unconsciously tapped the Jade Chime in his hand lightly, a thoughtful expression on his face.

'The matter of the immortal path's lineage is still relatively easy to discuss.'

'This matter concerning the Water Essence... is rather difficult to handle.'

Although he had already Quasi-Saint Heavenly Venerate and held a high position in the Ancestral Court of Mystic Gate.

However, the forces involved in the Primordial World Water Essence are numerous.

Even though the Dragon Clan is not as powerful as before after the Battle of Kunlun, the Four Seas Dragon Clan is suspected of having some connection with that one in the Purple Mansion Continent.

Since the East King Duke aspires to the position of supreme authority in Heaven and Earth, how could he possibly let go of the position of supreme authority in Water Essence?

Will the Demon Clan Heavenly Court and the Witch Clan allow the Primordial World Water Essence to unify, and for a flawless Water Element Black Emperor to be born?

It should be noted that in the Ancient Era, after the Ancestor Dragon successfully assumed the position of the Water Element Black Emperor, he immediately harbored the ambition to unify the prehistoric Primordial World and transform the Black Emperor into the Heavenly Emperor.

This is one of them.

There are quite a few powerful Dao Lords who cultivate the Dao of Water Essence.

Gonggong, Xuanming, Minghe, Kunpeng, and Doumu all exerted considerable influence over the Authority of Water Element in the Primordial Great World.

'Getting them to relinquish their Water Essence is no easy task.'

This is the second point.

As for the third one...

Zhou Yuan's face appeared to shift in light and shadow under the Heavenly Light streaming into the Dao Palace. He let out a soft sigh and inwardly lamented:

'Having assumed the position of Mystic Gate Ancestor, my status within the ancestral temple is exceptionally high.'

'If the Water Element Black Emperor were to truly regain his throne...'

'The question remains: to whom will this divine lineage belong?'

'It's inevitable that some people will feel restless within the ancestral temple.'

'Balance, balance!'

He stroked the smooth, jade-like bamboo cane in his hand and spoke softly:

"But this humble Daoist priest has played a crucial role in the successful establishment of the Mystic Gate Immortal Path, almost securing its foundation."

"I will not take the legacies of any Divine Demon Dao Lineage, but only the water systems of the four rivers and Eight Streams of the continent."

"As for the remaining Authority of Water Element, we can only pursue them gradually..."

"If anyone tries to stop us again, they'll be ungrateful."

"However, I cannot personally participate in this battle for Water Essence."

If he personally intervenes, the other parties will likely have a reason to get involved as well.

"We still have to fight a battle to exchange pieces with all parties!"

Thinking of this, Zhou Yuan rummaged through his disciples and sighed slightly.

'Although some Dao Lord to join the Earth Immortal lineage, they do not wish to join our Wuyi Mountain lineage.'

'Wu Zhiqi and others also lacked time to grow.'

'In this way...'

Zhou Yuan made some calculations with his hands, and after a long while, a smile finally appeared on his face.

"Great indeed is the Qian Yuan, the origin of all things, which governs all under Heaven."

"The demise of the old era and the beginning of the new era are a fitting end to the cycle of decay and rebirth."

"Since he has such great fortune, I, this humble Daoist, will lend him a hand."

Thinking of this, Zhou Yuan had an idea and brought back a white deer and a white crane from In Wuyi Mountain.

These white deer and white cranes are Innate Beings born and raised in the Wuyi Mountains.

Since Zhou Yuan took control of Wuyi Mountain, he has not paid any attention to them.

The disciples were astonished by the two beasts' extraordinary abilities, their cultivation as Immortal Golden Immortals, and their ability to roam freely within the caves of Wuyi Mountain.

They perceived them as spirit beasts under the command of their sect's elders and founders, and thus treated them with great respect.

Occasionally, sacred fruits are offered as sacrifices.

So the white deer and the white crane lived a carefree and leisurely life, taking advantage of the tiger's power.

Now they have been captured by Zhou Yuan.

I was immediately startled.

Upon seeing the Celestial Venerable on the Dao Platform, clad in seventy-two colors and emanating Chaos Aura, exuding an air of lofty divinity, the celestial being hastily knelt and prostrated himself, confessing his sins.

"Heavenly Venerable, please forgive me! Heavenly Venerable, please forgive me!"

"We should not have used our power to deceive the disciples and followers of the Heavenly Venerable for our own gluttony."

The white crane was timid and looked so frightened it was on the verge of tears.

Zhou Yuan laughed:

"I summoned you here not to interrogate you."

"However, my Palace of Hearing the Dao is short of two Attendant Boy for cleaning and sweeping."

"I observe that you two are of pure and kind nature. Although you are somewhat lazy and cunning, you still have your merits."

"Would you be willing to serve as my Attendant Boy?"

The white deer and the white crane exchanged a glance and then breathed a sigh of relief.

So it turns out they didn't want the spirit fruit back from us.

That stuff is already in my stomach; who knows when I'll be able to accumulate it again.

But the next moment, they were overjoyed.

What?

The Heavenly Venerable wishes to take us as his Attendant Boy!

After that, wouldn't we be able to openly and legitimately collect these spiritual fruits?

What's there to be unwilling about?

So the white deer and the white crane hurriedly bowed in gratitude and respectfully said:

"Greetings, sir."

"May you be blessed, sir."

Zhou Yuan nodded slightly.

Tap lightly with the bamboo cane.

Two handsome and gentle-looking Attendant Boys dressed in white robes appeared on the spot.

The two figures, a man and a woman, were none other than the White Deer Attendant and the White Crane Attendant.

"Deer Child, Crane Child."

"Disciple is here."

The White Crane Attendant and the White Deer Attendant quickly responded.

"Come closer, all of you."

After the white crane and White Deer Attendant came up, Zhou Yuan gave them a few detailed instructions.

He then took out the [Three Lights Jade Ruyi].

He instructed:

"Here we go to the West."

"After entering that cave..."

"And let this treasure illuminate the Grand Void three times."

"It can draw upon the Three Lights Divine Water."

The White Deer Attendant presented the Ruyi and smiled, saying:

"Don't worry, sir."

"We understand."

After saying this, he bid farewell to Zhou Yuan.

With a grin, they set off through the clouds and headed west.

After they left.

Zhou Yuan then stopped smiling.

He lowered his eyes and went straight to the Grand Void to comprehend the Great Dao.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan made numerous arrangements in the In Wuyi Mountains.

After the other powerful figures returned to their respective dojos...

They were also carrying out elaborate schemes in a flurry of activity.

Within Dragon Abyss.

Candle Dragon staggered out of the Grand Void.

His pale face was completely devoid of color.

Strands of Karmic Debt emanated from his body, but were instantly erased by the power of time.

"The accumulated Karmic Debt erupted, and it could no longer be suppressed."

"Severely injured, he will be unable to fight again for some time."

"Leave this crippled body to deter petty scoundrels."

Candle Dragon closed his eyes, his heart filled with sorrow.

This trip is to the Kunlun Mountains.

Apart from the fact that he and Daenerys were seriously injured, they barely escaped death after overcoming numerous deadly dangers.

The rest of the old dragons all perished on Kunlun Mountain.

Thinking of this, the dragon king, who had roamed the world since the Archaic Era, sighed softly:

"The ancient dragons from the Primordial Era are all dead now."

"Only the Dragon Mother and I remain, as a last resort to deter those treacherous individuals."

"Each of the Five-Colored Dragon Clans will leave behind an old dragon at the peak of the Great Luo. If they can advance to Quasi-Saint, our dragon clan will once again be one of the most powerful clans in the Primordial World."

"From this day forward, no old dragon will ever again expend the merits of the dragon race to suppress the Karmic Debt within its body."

Candle Dragon's expression was neither crying nor laughing.

"The future generation of dragon prodigies."

"All of them can, in this new era, cleanse themselves of their Karmic Debt in childhood by virtue of our clan's merit in suppressing the water eye."

"A brave man cuts off his own arm! A brave man cuts off his own arm!"

How can my heart not ache!

Among those dead dragons were his descendants who had lived with him for hundreds of eons.

There were his former subordinates who had served under him and fought alongside him.

However, the dragons of the Archaic Era had already accumulated too much karma. They were like the pus and flesh on the dragon's body, absorbing the dragon's merits, but they were old and had no future.

Instead, they encroached on the resources for the survival and development of the new generation of dragons.

"But from this day forward, the development of our dragon race will no longer be hampered, nor burdened by history, and we can move forward with a lighter load."

A tear of blood fell from the Candle Dragon.

It vanished in an instant.

After a moment, Candle Dragon regained his composure.

He summoned the five ancient dragons at the peak of the Great Luo, questioned them one by one, and then dismissed them.

'Taiyuan!'

'It really was him.'

Candle Dragon was filled with both anger and hatred.

But now the Dragon Clan is in decline, while Taiyuanzi is thriving.

'Now, it's us who have to be mindful of his every move.'

Candle Dragon shook his head with a wry smile.

Then his gaze became distant and unfocused, flickering uncertainly.

Just then...

A voice rang out from within the Dragon Palace.

"Although Taiyuan took our dragon clan's most precious treasure..."

"But the lives of these five dragon lords were not harmed."

"Furthermore, the resentment and malevolent energy within the dragon tomb were purified using special methods."

"In my opinion, they probably don't want to fight to the death with our dragon clan."

An elderly woman with white hair emerged from the void, leaning on Dragon Head Staff.

She gazed at the Candle Dragon and said in a deep voice:

"Now, neither you nor I can suppress the times."

"Since Taiyuanzi has no intention of becoming our mortal enemy..."

"From now on, our dragon clan should be more courteous to the Wuyi Mountain Daoist tradition."

The Dragon Mother Empress's gaze swept across the land, seemingly able to see all the worlds.

"The dragon race can no longer withstand the torment of such beings."

Candle Dragon remained silent for a moment.

Ultimately, it is said:

"Then let us do as Your Majesty says."

In Ancient Era, if any deity dared to venture deep into the Dragon Abyss, even if they were chased to the ends of the earth, the Candle Dragon would still imprison them in the Ruins of Return, ensuring their eternal damnation.

But times have changed, and circumstances have forced us to act. What can we do?