Tongtian and his party had been searching for a very long time across the boundless ocean, braving the wind and waves as they went.
They had endured countless assaults by violent winds and towering waves, but had never given up their search for the legendary, mysterious place.
Just as they were all beginning to feel tired, an enormous island suddenly appeared before them.
The island was like a dazzling pearl set in the blue ocean, radiating a mysterious light that dazzled the eye.
It was vast beyond imagination, like a paradise set apart from the mortal world.
Clouds and mist wreathed the island. Through them, they could make out lush forests, waterfalls plunging from great heights, and pavilions and towers scattered in orderly fashion.
The mysterious light seemed to emanate from the scenery itself, enveloping the entire island in a dreamlike atmosphere.
As Tongtian gazed at the wondrous island before him, an inexplicable feeling stirred in his heart.
Somehow, he seemed to sense a special bond between himself and the island.
He could not explain this bond, but it filled him with certainty that the island would bring him unexpected rewards.
Without hesitation, Sect Master Tongtian unleashed his powerful Magic Power, attempting to open the Island-Protecting Array around the island.
As Sect Master Tongtian's hand signs shifted, beams of brilliant light shot from his hands and slammed into the Island-Protecting Array.
A deep rumble rang out. The array began to tremble violently, then slowly opened a passage.
Tongtian and the others eagerly flew inside. When they saw the scenery on the island, they could not help crying out in amazement.
The island's scenery was breathtaking, and the air was thick with Spiritual Energy. One breath was enough to make them feel refreshed and invigorated.
Among the forests, exotic flowers and plants vied for beauty, while rare birds and strange beasts roamed freely. Waterfalls streamed down like silver ribbons into crystal-clear lakes, sending up sprays of water.
The pavilions and towers were marvels of craftsmanship, exquisite in every detail and a testament to the builders' extraordinary skill.
Sect Master Tongtian could not help praising it. "What an Immortal Blessed Land! This is a paradise every cultivator dreams of!" The others nodded in agreement, their eyes full of delight and excitement.
"Ha ha ha ha! From now on, this island shall be called Golden Ao Island!" Sect Master Tongtian exclaimed, his face alight with excitement. His voice rang like thunder across the entire island.
Standing at the island's highest point, he looked down over the vibrant, picturesque land, his heart brimming with joy.
"From this day forward, we'll devote ourselves to cultivation here! Hurry and get things in order." Sect Master Tongtian clenched his fists, determination shining in his eyes.
Golden Ao Island was rich in Spiritual Energy and had a formidable terrain. It was an ideal place for cultivation. Finding such a treasure to serve as his Training Ground was undoubtedly a great blessing for Sect Master Tongtian.
Just then, Su Mu stepped forward with a smile and bowed to Sect Master Tongtian. "Saint Tongtian, congratulations on finding your ideal Training Ground. But you've only just arrived, and I'm sure you still have plenty to arrange. I won't disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave." With that, Su Mu bowed once more and prepared to depart.
"All right, nephew Su Mu. Remember to visit again when you have time," Sect Master Tongtian said with a smile.
Although Nuwa had severed her teacher-student relationship with Dao Ancestor Hongjun, Sect Master Tongtian still hoped to maintain a good relationship with her.
After all, in his eyes, Nuwa was not only kindhearted but also immensely powerful. She was truly a rare friend.
Sect Master Tongtian thought to himself that Nuwa really was a wonderful person, even better than his elder brother, Taishang Laojun, and second brother, Primordial Lord.
She was always so warm and amiable toward others, never putting on airs. Her wisdom and abilities were plain for all to see, and she had accomplished the remarkable feat of creating humankind.
Thinking of this, Sect Master Tongtian could not help admiring Nuwa.
"All right, I'll definitely visit again," Su Mu replied with a smile and a nod. Then he turned and left Golden Ao Island.
His figure receded into the distance until it vanished at the edge of the sky.
After leaving, Su Mu did not stop. He immediately set off for Wuzhuang Temple of Longevity Mountain.
As he traveled, his thoughts churned. He quietly considered what he would say when he met Zhenyuanzi.
At last, Su Mu arrived at Wuzhuang Temple of Longevity Mountain. He took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and stepped into the temple.
Once inside, Su Mu soon spotted Zhenyuanzi seated in the main hall.
Not daring to delay, he hurried forward, respectfully bowed, and called out, "Greetings, Vice Leader!"
Zhenyuanzi slowly opened his eyes and looked at Su Mu. A kindly smile appeared on his face as he waved a hand. "Su Mu, there's no need for such formality. Please rise. You've come to see me, so I presume you have something important to discuss?"
Su Mu straightened and looked at Zhenyuanzi, his expression serious. "Vice Leader, I have indeed come today to tell you something extremely important. I happened upon a Path to Enlightenment. Would you be willing to try walking this path?"
At those words, Zhenyuanzi's calm expression instantly turned eager. He sprang to his feet, eyes wide as he stared at Su Mu and pressed him for an answer. "What? A Path to Enlightenment? Is this true?"
"Why not take a trip to the Underworld, Vice Leader? Everything will become clear when you get there," Su Mu said with a solemn expression.
Zhenyuanzi furrowed his brow and fell into thought. After a moment, he slowly nodded in agreement.
After all, enlightenment was what every cultivator pursued throughout their entire life. Naturally, none would casually pass up any possible opportunity.
And so, Su Mu and Zhenyuanzi set off together for the Underworld.
The moment they entered the Underworld, Houtu sensed their arrival. What was more, even the mysterious Earth Dao sent her a clear sign.
Houtu's beautiful eyes lit up, and she thought to herself, It seems the time for me to finally leave this place has come!
At the same time, Zhenyuanzi felt a stirring within him. He clearly sensed that the Dao Fruit he had pursued so tirelessly was hidden in the Underworld.
Before long, Su Mu and Zhenyuanzi arrived at Pingxin Hall. They straightened their clothes and respectfully bowed to Houtu. "Greetings, Empress Houtu."
Seated in the main hall, Houtu calmly regarded the two men below her and spoke slowly. "I already know why you have come. Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, are you willing to take up a position in the Underworld?"
"Yes, I am willing," Zhenyuanzi replied with unwavering resolve. His determined gaze seemed capable of piercing every obstacle, revealing his boundless courage and conviction.
He stood tall and straight, exuding a powerful aura.
Houtu rose slowly, her movements graceful and dignified, each one imbued with an indescribable authority.
She looked at Zhenyuanzi and said, "I now appoint Zhenyuanzi as the Heavenly Dao Path Lord of the Six Paths." As soon as she finished speaking, the entire Underworld seemed to tremble, and an invisible force enveloped Zhenyuanzi.
Following Houtu's appointment, Zhenyuanzi instantly felt the Underworld's fortune surge toward him like a tide, ceaselessly empowering him.
This fortune was vast and mighty, containing endless mysterious energy. Zhenyuanzi's body began to tremble slightly.
Houtu raised her hand and waved gently. A gigantic vortex appeared in the empty air.
The vortex was like a gateway to an unknown world, radiating a terrifying aura.
Houtu turned to Zhenyuanzi and said softly, "Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, I have opened the Six Paths of Reincarnation for you. Go now. May your journey go smoothly, and may you achieve success soon."
"Thank you, Empress Houtu!" Zhenyuanzi bowed deeply to Houtu, his eyes filled with gratitude. Then, brimming with excitement, he walked step by step toward the vortex.
The moment he entered it, a flash of light filled his vision, and he vanished from where he stood.
After entering the Heavenly Dao Reincarnation Space, Zhenyuanzi immediately sensed that this place was unlike the outside world.
The Spiritual Energy here was so dense it seemed almost solid, and mysterious forces of law filled the air.
He took a deep breath and felt his whole body relax, as if every cell were cheering.
Zhenyuanzi knew that cultivating here would make his efforts twice as effective, so he immediately sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to cultivate in quiet concentration.
After sending Zhenyuanzi into the Six Paths of Reincarnation space, Houtu turned to Su Mu and asked, "Su Mu, is there any way to quickly strengthen the Earth Dao?"
Houtu's expression was somewhat grave. She knew that although she had already reached the Earth Dao Nine Heavens, the Earth Dao still lacked the power required for one to merge with it, leaving little room for her to advance further.
To strengthen the Earth Dao, they would have to find another way.
Su Mu pondered for a moment, then said, "Empress, as far as I know, perhaps you could seek out some ancient ruins or mysterious treasures to obtain powerful energy and strengthen the Earth Dao. But such places are often fraught with danger and filled with all kinds of unknown challenges and trials..."
"Empress, you can strengthen the Earth Dao by creating Saints. There should be six Saints in the Earth Dao, each corresponding to one of the Six Paths of Reincarnation. That would greatly increase the Earth Dao's power," Su Mu suggested earnestly.
At this, Houtu's expression dimmed, and she said dejectedly, "Creating Saints is no easy matter. The necessary opportunities, fortune, and effort are beyond anything an ordinary person could imagine."
Su Mu smiled faintly and reassured her, "Empress, don't worry. The Vice Leader has already begun comprehending Heavenly Path Reincarnation. I'm sure he'll gain something before long."
"Besides, Old Ancestor Minghe of the Sea of Blood is extraordinary. He founded the Asura Clan himself. The Asura Clan has deep ties to the Six Paths of Reincarnation. If Ancestor Minghe could become the Path Lord of the Asura Path, it would undoubtedly greatly strengthen the Earth Dao."
"That's right. How could I have forgotten Ancestor Minghe?"
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