Broken Body Flees Chaos, Loyal Ox Tramples Clouds

The majestic and solemn great doors of Zixiao Palace, in Tongtian's eyes, were no longer the entrance to the supreme Great Dao, but the only path to break free from the cage, leading to freedom and new life!

He endured the tearing pain in his Primordial Spirit and the boundless agony from his Saint Body's collapse, channeling the last remaining Quasi-Saint Method Power within him, transforming it into a dim yet resolute beam of light that shot straight for the palace gates!

Normally, the great doors of Zixiao Palace operated by the Heavenly Dao's laws, only opening for a Saint or the Dao Ancestor's summons. But now, perhaps due to the Heavenly Dao's rules being shaken by Tongtian's self-abolishment of his Saint Position, or perhaps due to the influence of the mysterious System working in the shadows, the heavy doors, imbued with endless Dao principles, actually opened a sliver silently the moment he reached them!

Beyond the gap was the surging, vibrantly colored Chaos Qi!

Without a moment's hesitation, Tongtian's body shrank sharply. Like a fish, he narrowly squeezed through the gap!

The instant he left Zixiao Palace, the colossal Heavenly Dao eye formed from Dao patterns behind him, its indifferent gaze flickered slightly. There was no anger, no pursuit, just a detached observation of the escapee, before slowly dissipating as if it had never existed.

RUMBLE!

The great doors of Zixiao Palace slammed shut behind him, completely sealing off the inside from the outside.

But Tongtian had no time to look back. A more terrifying pressure instantly swept over him from all directions!

"Pfft—"

Tongtian, having just entered the Chaos Sea, felt as if he had been struck by countless Primordial Divine Mountains simultaneously. He spat out a large mouthful of golden blood, his body uncontrollably swept towards the depths of Chaos.

Chaos Qi is the primordial energy from before the heavens and earth were formed. It is violent and chaotic, capable of assimilating all things and dissolving all methods. Even a Grand Unity Golden Immortal would not dare to step into Chaos lightly without a supreme treasure to protect them. Only Quasi-Saints could initially resist it, and even then, they had to proceed with extreme caution.

And now, Tongtian's cultivation had plummeted to the early Quasi-Saint stage, his Saint Body was shattered, his Primordial Spirit was dim, and he was in an unprecedented state of weakness!

Sizzle—Sizzle—

The surrounding Chaos airflow felt like billions of sharp files, madly eroding his body. His Daoist robe instantly became tattered, and the wounds on his body that had split open from self-abolishing his Saint Position tore open again. Golden Saint blood continuously seeped out, only to be quickly consumed and dissolved by the Chaos Qi.

The intense pain almost made him faint.

"I can't faint! I absolutely cannot faint!" Tongtian gritted his teeth, biting his tongue until it bled. With a terrifyingly resolute will, he forced himself to stay conscious.

Once one lost consciousness in Chaos, there was only one outcome—assimilation, complete disappearance.

He painstakingly mobilized the meager Quasi-Saint Method Power within him, forming a thin layer of protective immortal light around his body to barely resist the erosion of the Chaos Qi. But this was like trying to bail out a sinking boat with a single cup of water. The immortal light dimmed at a visible rate, threatening to shatter at any moment.

[Warning: Host's injuries are severe, energy is rapidly depleting, protective immortal light is about to collapse. Please find a stable area or obtain energy replenishment as soon as possible.]

The System's prompt sounded coldly, stating the precarious reality.

Tongtian gave a bitter laugh inwardly. A stable area? Where in this boundless Chaos could there be a stable area? Energy replenishment? That was even more of a fantasy!

He was like a small boat in a stormy sea, liable to capsize at any moment.

The intense pain and extreme weakness continuously assaulted his consciousness, and past scenes resurfaced uncontrollably.

It was after the Dragon-Han Initial Tribulation, when Dao Ancestor Hongjun lectured on the Great Dao in Zixiao Palace. Among the three thousand guests of Zixiao, he, his elder brother Laozi, and his second brother Yuanshi, relying on their Pangu lineage, were able to sit on the first six futons.

At that time, the Three Pure Ones were harmonious brothers, listening to the Dao together, discussing methods together, and traveling the Great Desolation together. Laozi was inaction but magnanimous, Yuanshi, though valuing lineage, was not yet as harsh as he was now, and he himself was straightforward and the most unrestrained.

When did things start to change?

Was it after establishing their sects and becoming Saints? After the Dao Ancestor distributed treasures? Or after countless disputes over Dao traditions and doctrines?

Brotherly affection seemed to grow increasingly fragile in the face of long years and disputes over the Great Dao.

"Big Brother, Second Brother..." A complex emotion flashed in Tongtian's eyes, a mixture of nostalgia, heartbreak, and the coldness of betrayal.

The scenes of the War of Investiture of the Gods pierced his nerves again. Outside the Immortal Execution Sword Formation, four Saints gathered. Laozi calmly intervened, helping Yuanshi break the formation; Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning showed no mercy, the Pangu Banner shaking, destroying sword energy; the Two Saints of the West, with compassionate faces, performed acts of salvation, but in reality, they were forcibly abducting disciples and plundering destiny!

"Heh," Tongtian let out a knowing, light chuckle, filled with endless desolation. "Brothers fight amongst themselves, and outsiders benefit. Teacher, is this the Mystic Gate you wished to see?"

Perhaps the System was right; Saints were merely chess pieces of the Heavenly Dao. And chess pieces could be discarded at any time.

Just as his mind was in turmoil, his protective immortal light growing dimmer and on the verge of complete dissipation—

ROAR!!! A roar, not quite of a bull, not quite of a dragon, yet filled with immense urgency and sorrow, pierced through layers of Chaos and clearly reached Tongtian's almost blurred consciousness!

This sound... Tongtian looked up sharply, his dim eyes erupting with astonishing brilliance! It's it! MOO!!! Another roar came, clearer and more urgent than before! As if it were not far away!

Immediately after, the Chaos Qi ahead was forcefully pushed aside by an immense force. A blue-colored auspicious light broke through the Chaos, like a lighthouse in the darkness, rushing towards him at high speed!

Within the auspicious light was a divine and extraordinary giant beast!

Its form resembled a Kui Niu, yet it was more majestic and powerful. Its body was covered in blue scales, shimmering with pure and potent Innate Water Spirit Power. Beneath its four hooves were not auspicious clouds, but surging phantom waves, as if it were treading on an invisible Heavenly River. A single horn on its head was crystal clear, condensing terrifying Water element Dao principles.

It was his mount, Kui Niu, who had followed him since his enlightenment and accompanied him for countless eons!

"Kui Niu!" Tongtian couldn't help but call out, his voice hoarse but tinged with surprise.

He never expected that the first to find him would be Kui Niu!

In Kui Niu's enormous bovine eyes, there was human-like urgency, worry, and boundless grief and indignation upon seeing Tongtian's dire state. It rushed to Tongtian's side, and the gentle yet resilient blue immortal light emanating from its body immediately pushed back the surrounding violent Chaos Qi, creating a small, relatively stable area.

Tongtian immediately felt the pressure ease. The Chaos power that had been constantly eroding his body was temporarily blocked.

MOO! MOO MOO! Kui Niu lowered its head, its massive head affectionately and anxiously nuzzling Tongtian, emitting low whimpers, even tearing up. It could feel the extreme weakness of its master's aura and the near-shattered Saint Body, which wracked its heart with pain.

"It's alright, old friend, I'm not dead yet." A warmth surged in Tongtian's heart. He reached out with difficulty, patting Kui Niu's wet nose, and revealed a comforting smile.

In this moment of betrayal and universal enmity, to have such a loyal companion risk coming to find him, this bond was far more precious than the illusory Saint Position!

He hesitated no longer, mustering a breath of strength, and climbed onto Kui Niu's broad back.

As soon as he was seated, pure and gentle Innate Water Spirit Power flowed from Kui Niu's body into his own, slowly nourishing his damaged meridians and depleted Dantian. Although it was like a drop in the ocean for his injuries, it still invigorated his spirit slightly.

"Go! Kui Niu, let's leave here first! Return to the Great Desolation!" Tongtian, lying on Kui Niu's back, whispered his command.

Kui Niu, having gained sentience, immediately understood its predicament. It let out a steady, low growl, its four hooves churning through the waves. Azure immortal light surged around its body, shielding Tongtian on its back. It turned, aiming to charge towards the Great Desolation.

However, just then—"Boundless Heavenly Venerable!" a clear yet somewhat detached Daoist name suddenly echoed from the Chaos ahead and to the side.

"Uncle-Master Tongtian, why the haste? Your nephew Guangchengzi, by the decree of Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning of Jade Pure, is here to respectfully welcome your esteemed presence."

Before the words even finished, a hazy immortal light parted the Chaos. A middle-aged Daoist, clad in an eight trigrams purple-ribbon immortal robe, wearing a Jade Pure lotus crown, with an ancient face and profound eyes, holding a radiant jade Ruyi, blocked Kui Niu's path.

It was none other than the Head of the Chan Teachings' Twelve Golden Immortals, Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning's most favored disciple—Guangchengzi!

His tone, though outwardly respectful, calling Tongtian "Uncle-Master," firmly blocked their way. His gaze calmly swept over Tongtian, who was riding on Kui Niu's back, appearing weak and with his Saint Body stained with blood. A flicker of imperceptible surprise and scrutiny crossed his eyes.

Tongtian's heart sank.

The worst possible scenario had indeed occurred!

Senior Brother Yuanshi had sensed the disturbance at Zixiao Palace immediately and dispatched a disciple to "investigate"!

Guangchengzi before him was a Quasi-Saint expert who had severed two corpses, his cultivation far surpassing Tongtian's current weakened state. Moreover, the jade Ruyi in his hand, radiating myriad rays of light and auspicious colors, was clearly a replica of the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi, the treasure Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning used to prove his Dao upon becoming a Saint!

Though a replica, it contained the power of a Saint, its might far exceeding that of ordinary Innate Spiritual Treasures!

The visitor was not friendly! Sensing the hostility of the approaching figure, Kui Niu let out a threatening growl, its hooves restlessly stamping the waves. The azure immortal light intensified, firmly shielding Tongtian behind it.

Tongtian took a deep breath, suppressing the surging blood and pain within his body. He forcibly straightened his spine, his gaze chillingly fixed on Guangchengzi. "Guangchengzi? 'Respectfully welcome my esteemed presence'? Did Senior Brother Yuanshi send you to check if I'm dead yet?"

Though his voice was weak, it still carried the lingering majesty of the Intercepting Sect Master, a Heavenly Dao Saint.

Guangchengzi's expression remained unchanged. He slightly cupped his hands. "Uncle-Master jest. My Master sensed the anomaly at Zixiao Palace and the lament of the Heavenly Dao. Worried for Uncle-Master's safety, he specially ordered me to visit. Seeing that Uncle-Master is unharmed, I am relieved. However..." His tone shifted, his gaze falling upon Tongtian's damaged Saint Body and his declining aura. He spoke with a hint of "concern," "Uncle-Master seems to be severely injured, and your cultivation has fallen to such a state? Why not return with me to Kunlun Mountain's Jade Void Palace? Master will surely have elixirs to help Uncle-Master heal."

Return to Kunlun Mountain?

Tongtian sneered inwardly. Going to Kunlun Mountain would be walking right into a trap! Then, whether he would be healed or permanently confined would be entirely up to Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning!

"No need," Tongtian coldly refused. "I know my own injuries. Senior Brother Yuanshi need not trouble himself. You may return and tell Senior Brother that I appreciate his 'kindness'."

Upon hearing this, Guangchengzi did not move aside. Instead, he stepped forward. The replica Three Treasures Jade Ruyi in his hand emitted a faint clear light, its aura subtly locking onto Tongtian and Kui Niu. "Uncle-Master is so heavily injured, wandering alone in the Chaos is truly dangerous. If you encounter a Chaos Storm or some ignorant Chaos creature, there could be unforeseen accidents. It would be best to let your disciple escort Uncle-Master. This is also Master's decree. Please do not refuse, Uncle-Master."

Though his tone remained polite, the underlying firmness was undeniable!

He was determined to "invite" Tongtian back to Kunlun!

Kui Niu pawed the ground anxiously, emitting a warning growl.

Tongtian's eyes turned completely cold. He knew that a peaceful resolution was unlikely today. Guangchengzi, acting under Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning's decree, would not let him leave easily.

Fight head-on? There was no chance of victory! Even if Guangchengzi wouldn't dare to kill a Saint (especially since Tongtian was no longer one), capturing him and bringing him back to Kunlun was more than enough!

What to do? Tongtian's mind raced, countless thoughts flashing through it. Force a breakthrough? Though Kui Niu was an extraordinary innate divine beast, it was no match for Guangchengzi, who wielded a Saint's treasure replica. Provoke him with words? Guangchengzi was clearly determined to carry out his decree.

Just as Tongtian's thoughts swirled, contemplating an escape route, the cold System prompt in his Primordial Spirit sounded again:

[Detected Host encountering interception. Hostile target: Guangchengzi (Mid-Quasi-Saint). Analyzing combat power comparison: Host win rate below 0.01%.]

[Based on current environment and Host's condition, generating optimal solution: Utilize Chaos airflow disturbance to create a brief chaos, break through towards the southeast. Chaos Qi is relatively sparse in this direction, with faint spatial fluctuations, possibly containing temporary rifts.]

[Hint: Can temporarily unleash "Shangqing Divine Thunder" to interfere with the opponent's spiritual sense perception. Requires consumption of three drops of Host's origin essence blood.]

A flash of brilliance appeared in Tongtian's eyes! The System's proposed solution, though requiring a price, was the only chance of survival!

"Guangchengzi," Tongtian suddenly spoke, his voice much calmer, as if giving up resistance. "Since you insist on inviting me, then I..."

Mid-sentence, he suddenly struck Kui Niu!

Kui Niu, whose mind was already connected with Tongtian's, erupted instantly!

ROAR!!! It let out a world-shattering roar. The single horn on its head erupted with an incredibly brilliant azure divine light. A thick, terrifying divine thunder imbued with Kui Water power, like a roaring water dragon, blasted directly at Guangchengzi!

It was Kui Niu's innate Spiritual Power—Kui Water Divine Thunder!

Simultaneously, Tongtian's face paled. He forcefully expelled three drops of origin essence blood, containing a faint aura of the Saint Dao, and spat them out!

The essence blood ignited the moment it left his body, transforming into three subtle yet incredibly sharp purple electric lights!

Shangqing Divine Thunder! Though its power was far less than one ten-thousandth of his peak, it contained the purest aura of the Shangqing Immortal Method and a trace of residual Saint Dao fragments!

Kui Water Divine Thunder focused on offense, Shangqing Divine Thunder to disrupt his spiritual sense!

Guangchengzi clearly hadn't expected Tongtian to suddenly attack, and with such a desperate gambit! Especially those three purple electric lights; though their energy wasn't strong, they made his Primordial Spirit tremble slightly, as if facing the feeling of his Master, Venerable Lord of Primordial Beginning, unleashing Jade Pure Divine Thunder!

He dared not delay. He immediately activated the replica Three Treasures Jade Ruyi in his hand. Clear light surged, forming a light screen to protect him. At the same time, he retreated slightly, preparing to block this wave of attacks first.

BOOM!!!

The Kui Water Divine Thunder fiercely collided with the clear light screen, erupting with a deafening roar. The violent energy shockwave caused the surrounding Chaos Qi to become even more chaotic!

And at this moment of energy explosion, surging Chaos, and spiritual sense slightly disrupted by the Shangqing Divine Thunder—

"Go!" Tongtian struck Kui Niu again!

Kui Niu understood immediately. Its four hooves stomped hard, the azure immortal light around its body contracting to its limit, shielding Tongtian. It transformed into an incredibly swift azure streak of light, no longer heading towards the Great Desolation, but suddenly plunging towards the southeast direction indicated by the System, that area where the Chaos Qi was relatively sparse!

"Stop!" Guangchengzi easily neutralized the attack and immediately noticed Tongtian fleeing. His face darkened, and he coldly shouted. He waved the jade Ruyi in his hand, and a clear immortal light, like a silk ribbon, crossed the Chaos, chasing directly after Kui Niu!

Sensing the incredibly sharp pursuit from behind, Tongtian's pupils contracted. If struck, Kui Niu would be severely injured!

At this critical moment—buzz! The Chaos space ahead, due to the previous energy impact and its inherent instability, twisted violently. A subtle spatial rift flashed and disappeared!

"Now!" Tongtian's mind was suddenly enlightened, and he urgently directed Kui Niu!

Kui Niu let out a roar, showing no signs of slowing down. Instead, it accelerated fiercely, charging straight towards the vanishing rift!

Whoosh! A stream of blue light instantly vanished into the rift.

Boom! The immortal light cast by Guangchengzi missed its target, causing the Chaos to churn violently but losing its quarry.

Guangchengzi flashed to where the rift had disappeared, his expression turning grim. He carefully sensed his surroundings, but only chaotic spatial currents and gradually calming spatial fluctuations remained. He could no longer find any trace of Tongtian.

"Traversing a spatial rift? Hmph, Uncle-Master Tongtian, you are decisive indeed! To risk being torn apart by spatial turbulence..." Guangchengzi's eyes flickered. After a moment of contemplation, he muttered, "Your cultivation has fallen so severely, yet you could still escape from this immortal's grasp. I must report this to Master immediately!"

He lingered no longer, turning into a clear light and speeding back towards the Great Desolation's Kunlun Mountain.

Meanwhile, in a bizarre, temporary passage filled with spatial turbulence, Kui Niu strained to maintain its immortal light, protecting Tongtian on its back as they struggled to navigate through.

Tongtian's face was as pale as paper. Forcing out three drops of his origin blood had worsened his injuries, making his aura even weaker.

Yet, as he looked at the unknown passage ahead, his eyes shone with unusual brightness.

He had escaped!

Although the path ahead was uncertain and fraught with peril, he had, after all, relied on himself (and the System) to carve out a sliver of hope from the Saint's schemes and interception!

"Golden Ao Island," he murmured softly, lying on Kui Niu's back, a flicker of nostalgia and resolve flashing in his eyes.

That was his dojo, the foundation of the Intercepting Sect, and the only place he could think of for temporary refuge.

Even though it was already a ruin.