Chaos Derivation Scripture Breaks Shackles, Maitreya Arrives with a Hidden Knife

Longevity Mountain, Wuzhuang Temple, West Wing Meditation Room.

This room appeared simple, but it was located at the convergence point of the Ginseng Fruit Tree's spiritual roots and was one of the core areas covered by the Earth Book. The spiritual energy within was so dense and pure it had almost turned liquid. With every breath, one's magic power felt active, their Dao heart clear, and all external probes and heavenly secret deductions were completely blocked. It was truly the top-tier meditation sanctuary in the Great Desolation.

Tongtian sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his mind more tranquil than ever. Since his transmigration, he had experienced the self-abolition of his Saint Position, seizing treasures in the Sea of Blood, the incident of rescuing his disciples, a perilous encounter in the void, and even a confrontation with Ksitigarbha. He had been in a constant state of tension and on the run. Now, he could finally rest, possessing truly his own time and space.

He didn't immediately begin cultivating. Instead, he first carefully reviewed his gains.

Cultivation: Late-stage Quasi-Saint, stable foundation, Primordial Dao Fruit in its nascent stage, combat power comparable to a peak Quasi-Saint.

Treasures: Chaos Bead (damaged) is the foundation, Qingping Sword is damaged and awaiting repair, various materials obtained from the Dragon Palace and the void.

Influence: Wudang rescued, Sanxiao are loyal, Kui Niu is loyal, an implicit alliance with the Dragon Palace of the East Sea, Qiushou Xian is a hidden pawn, an initial alliance with Zhen Yuanzi, and an agreement with Empress Pingxin.

Hidden Dangers: Hostility from all Saints, wanted by the Heavenly Court, enmity with the Western Teachings, approaching Great Tribulation from another realm, disciples on the Investiture of the Gods list in imminent danger.

Path Forward: The Primordial Dao is arduous and requires guidance from the Chaos Derivation Scripture.

After his review, Tongtian's gaze grew even more determined. The most pressing matter was to enhance his own strength! Strength alone was the foundation of everything!

He sent his thoughts into the System and, without hesitation, chose to redeem.

[Redeemed Chaos Derivation Scripture (Upper Volume), consumed Contribution Points: 3000 points.]

An indescribably vast torrent of information surged into Tongtian's primordial spirit instantly! It wasn't simple text or images, but countless profound insights into the creation of Chaos, the derivation of laws, and the origin of the Dao. It was like the infinite wisdom of a Big Bang!

Even though Tongtian's primordial spirit had once been that of a Saint, he now felt his head was about to explode! He grunted, fully activating his Primordial Dao Fruit, and struggled to absorb and digest this vast, sea-like knowledge.

After an unknown period, the impact of the information slowly subsided. Tongtian's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, but his eyes blazed with brilliant divine light!

"So that's it. So this is the true mystery of the Chaos Dao!" he murmured, his heart filled with unimaginable shock.

The Chaos Derivation Scripture was not a specific cultivation method, but more like a key, a general outline, guiding one on how to comprehend Chaos, how to derive one's own Dao, and ultimately transform oneself into Chaos and transcend everything! Its ambition was so lofty, its path so magnificent, far exceeding his previous understanding!

It even elaborated in detail on the entire process of the Primordial Dao Fruit's condensation and growth, until it finally transformed into the "Chaos Green Lotus Seed" (the foundation of the Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortal), as well as the critical junctures and tribulations to be aware of at each stage.

Comparing it with the scripture, Tongtian immediately understood his current state. His Primordial Dao Fruit was still in the "phantom" stage. He needed to continuously devour various origin energies and Dao insights to transform it from virtual to real, and finally open up a true "Chaos embryo" within the Dao Fruit, only then could he be considered to have stepped onto the threshold of a Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortal!

Devouring Ksitigarbha's power of faith, refining the remnants of demon gods, and even the resources absorbed from the Dragon Palace previously were all accumulating provisions for this step.

"Devour, derive, open up," the light of enlightenment in Tongtian's eyes grew brighter and brighter. "Since that is the case, it shall begin today!"

He no longer hesitated, forming ancient hand seals recorded in the Chaos Derivation Scripture. The Chaos Bead above his head hummed, descending countless strands of Chaos Qi, even purer and more active than before.

Within his dantian, the pigeon-egg-sized phantom of his Primordial Dao Fruit trembled violently. The tiny Chaos vortex within spun at an unprecedented speed, generating a terrifying suction force!

The extremely dense innate spiritual energy in the meditation room, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, surged madly into the Dao Fruit! But this was not enough!

Tongtian's mind moved, and he guided out the vast Buddhist power of faith he had previously devoured from Ksitigarbha and partially refined, as well as the pure Chaos Demonic Qi extracted from the remnants of the One-Eyed Demon God suppressed within the Chaos Bead, injecting them into the Dao Fruit!

Rumble! The Dao Fruit was like a powerful fuel injected into it, emitting brilliant light! Its volume began to expand and solidify at a visible rate! The hazy luster on its surface grew deeper, and the Chaos vortex within expanded rapidly, as if it were truly about to evolve into a nascent world!

This process was not smooth sailing. The power of faith contained the obsession of salvation, and the Chaos Demonic Qi contained the will of violent destruction, constantly impacting Tongtian's mind, attempting to pollute his Dao foundation.

"Suppress!" Tongtian stabilized his mind, using the supreme heart-refining technique recorded in the Chaos Derivation Scripture. He visualized the primordial state of Chaos, a realm impervious to all methods, crushing and refining all distracting thoughts and external demons, turning them into nourishment for the Dao Fruit's growth!

His aura climbed steadily, and his understanding of the Chaos Dao deepened with every passing moment. Many previously unclear bottlenecks were now suddenly illuminated. His magic power became even more condensed, carrying pure Chaos characteristics, its quality far surpassing that of his peers.

After an unknown period, when all the power of faith and demonic Qi were completely devoured and refined, the Primordial Dao Fruit had grown by a circle, its color deep and profound. As it spun, it exuded a heavy and majestic Dao rhythm. The Chaos vortex within stabilized, with faint shadows of earth, water, fire, and wind appearing and disappearing!

The Primordial Dao Fruit, transformed from virtual to real, officially entered the "solid shadow" stage! Although there was still a long way to go to the true "Chaos embryo," it was a qualitative leap! Tongtian's cultivation also rose with the tide, completely stabilizing at the peak of the late-stage Quasi-Saint. He only needed one more opportunity to attempt to break through to the peak Quasi-Saint!

Tongtian slowly opened his eyes. Within them, Chaos was born and perished, as if countless worlds were being created and reincarnated. He gently clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him, far exceeding what it was before. A powerful confidence arose spontaneously.

Now, facing Ksitigarbha again, he was confident he could completely suppress him within ten moves! Even facing an old peak Quasi-Saint like Kunpeng, he had the strength to fight!

"Congratulations, Master, on your great progress!" Yun Xiao, who was guarding outside, sensed the calmer yet more profound aura from within the room and sent a joyous telepathic message of congratulation.

Tongtian smiled slightly and rose to his feet. He had been in seclusion for an unknown period, but he imagined that the outside world must have undergone further changes.

He pushed open the door of the meditation room, and sunlight streamed in. Yun Xiao and Zhen Yuanzi were both waiting in the courtyard.

"Daoist friend has emerged from seclusion? Judging by your aura, your Dao is promising. Truly a cause for celebration!" Zhen Yuanzi said with a smile, stroking his beard, his eyes filled with even greater admiration. He could feel that Tongtian was now even more unfathomable than before his seclusion, and the faint Chaos Dao rhythm emanating from him made even him feel a slight tremor.

"I have gained a little. Thank you, Daoist brother, for providing this blessed land," Tongtian said, cupping his hands in thanks.

"Daoist friend is too kind..." Zhen Yuanzi's words were interrupted as his brow furrowed. He looked up in the direction outside the temple, "A guest has arrived, and an unwelcome one at that."

Almost simultaneously, Qingfeng Mingyue's somewhat nervous voice came from outside the temple: "Master! Venerable Maitreya of the Western Teachings has come to visit!"

Maitreya Buddha? The future Buddha? The direct disciple of Saint Zhunti, the second most important figure in the Western Teachings?

Tongtian and Zhen Yuanzi exchanged glances, seeing the understanding in each other's eyes. Ksitigarbha had just retreated, and Maitreya arrived. The Western Teachings were indeed persistent, and this time, they had sent someone of greater importance!

"They've come quickly," Tongtian sneered.

"We'll deal with them as they come," Zhen Yuanzi said calmly. "Daoist friend can rest in the side hall. Let me handle this."

Tongtian nodded and, with Yun Xiao, quietly concealed themselves in the side hall, their presence perfectly masked by the Earth Book.

Zhen Yuanzi tidied his robes and slowly walked towards the front courtyard.

Outside the Wuzhuang Temple stood a stout monk with a broad face, large ears, and a round belly, smiling amiably. He was accompanied by several Bodhisattvas and Vajra attendants. He wore a kasaya and carried a cloth bag. He smiled before speaking, exuding an air of amiability. He was none other than Maitreya Buddha.

"Amitabha! This humble monk is Maitreya. I greet Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi! Forgive my presumptuous visit. I hope Great Immortal will not be offended!" Maitreya said with a smile, bowing courteously, his tone friendly.

"So it is Venerable Maitreya's esteemed presence. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner. Please come in," Zhen Yuanzi replied with a faint bow, ushering everyone into the temple and seating them in the living room as host and guest.

Qingfeng Mingyue served tea.

Maitreya took a sip of tea, clicking his tongue in admiration. "Excellent tea! Truly excellent! The immortal land of Mount Wanshou is indeed extraordinary." After a few pleasantries, he changed the subject, seemingly casually asking, "I heard that a while ago, my junior brother Ksitigarbha had some conflict with Tongtian of the Jie Teachings at the far reaches of the East Sea and was injured. Has the Great Immortal heard of this matter?"

Zhen Yuanzi didn't even lift his eyelids, slowly replying, "This humble one lives in seclusion in the mountains and is uninvolved in outside affairs. I have not heard of it."

Maitreya's smile remained unchanged. "Oh? Is that so? But my sect's secret arts sensed that the last trace of Tongtian's disappearing aura seemed to be near this Mount Wanshou. Great Immortal, you are in charge of the Earth Book and monitor the earth's energy flow, have you not detected the slightest anomaly?"

These words already carried clear probing and doubt.

Zhen Yuanzi put down his teacup, looked at Maitreya, and his tone remained calm. "What does Venerable mean by this? Are you perhaps suspecting this humble one of harboring a fugitive? Though my Mount Wanshou is small, it is a place of purity. How can it allow outsiders to pry at will? If Venerable has evidence, you may speak frankly. If not, please be cautious with your words."

Though his tone was mild, it carried the dignity of the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, and he was not being polite.

Maitreya's smile faltered slightly, then he smiled even more brightly. "Great Immortal, you misunderstand! How could this monk dare to suspect Great Immortal? It is just that Tongtian is vicious and evil, destroyed our Buddhist treasures, injured our fellow disciples, and is even colluding with Outer Realm Demon Gods. This concerns the safety of the Great Desolation, and this monk is anxious, hence my slip of the tongue. I hope Great Immortal will forgive me."

His tone was sincere, as if he were truly concerned for the safety of the Great Desolation. "Since Great Immortal has not detected anything, then perhaps my senses were mistaken. Perhaps that Tongtian is cunning and used some secret art to escape elsewhere. This monk needs to search elsewhere and will not stay long."

With that, he actually stood up to take his leave, without any hesitation.

Zhen Yuanzi did not try to stop him and stood to see him off. "Venerable, travel safely."

Seeing him off to the temple gate, Maitreya suddenly stopped and turned back with a smile. "Oh, right. I heard that Great Immortal's Ginseng Fruits will soon be ripe. May this monk trouble you again then to beg for a fruit to taste?"

Zhen Yuanzi said lightly, "The fruits are produced by a spiritual root of heaven and earth. Those with destiny will obtain them. If Venerable has time then, you are welcome to come."

"That is excellent! Excellent! Farewell!" Maitreya laughed heartily, leading his followers to ascend on clouds and depart, appearing carefree.

Only after leaving the vicinity of Mount Wanshou did the smile on Maitreya's face slowly recede, turning grim.

"Venerable, that Zhen Yuanzi..." a Bodhisattva beside him whispered.

"Hmph, slippery old fox!" Maitreya said coldly. "He definitely knows something, and it's highly probable that Tongtian is hiding in his temple! It's just that the Earth Book isolates us, so we can't find evidence, and we can't do anything to him!"

"What should we do then?"

"It's fine." A cunning glint flashed in Maitreya's eyes. "Since he admitted the Ginseng Fruits are about to ripen, that is our opportunity! When all parties come to congratulate, with a mix of dragons and fish, it will be an excellent opportunity for us to investigate! Moreover, Master has already made arrangements. At that time, we will invite an 'old friend' to come, and let's see how Zhen Yuanzi can refuse then!"

"Old friend?"

"Heh heh, you'll know when the time comes." Maitreya said no more, looking back deeply in the direction of Mount Wanshou. "Tongtian, Zhen Yuanzi... I'll let you have a few more days of peace. When the fruit gathering arrives, we'll see how you two deal with it!"

Inside Wuzhuang Temple, Zhen Yuanzi returned to the back courtyard. Tongtian and Yun Xiao emerged from a side hall.

"The smiling tiger has left, but he will not give up easily," Zhen Yuanzi said lightly. "Especially since he mentioned the Ginseng Fruit Gathering, I fear that will be the moment when the pretense is dropped and the true intentions are revealed."

Tongtian's gaze was deep. "When soldiers come, block them; when water comes, dam it. It just so happens that with this fruit gathering, perhaps I can meet a few 'old friends' again."