The Truth Behind Taking on Karma and the Immeasurable Calamity

The aftershocks of the great battle in the Sky Vault subsided, leaving only Donghua standing there, being looked up at by everyone.

Yes, looking up!

At this moment, everyone's eyes were fixed on Donghua.

Those who understood Donghua's final attack were filled with shock and disbelief, because they all realized that it was neither the Dao of the Primordial World nor an attack method from the Primordial World.

Those who didn't understand were only shocked and awestruck. It was a respect for strength and for the powerful, regardless of factional differences, because they didn't know what it was. They only knew that Donghua first beheaded Taiyi and then Shen Ni, displaying unparalleled divine might!

So sometimes it's better for people to be a little ignorant!

The Earth Fetal Membrane that the Earth Book had transformed into had disappeared. Donghua descended from the Sky Vault and looked at these old acquaintances in Longevity Mountain. He felt a real sense of familiarity.

Having spent so long in the chaos, he was indeed not used to it, and he still preferred a world with human touch.

"Fellow Daoists, it's been a long time! I've missed you all so much!"

The armor on Donghua's body instantly dissipated, transforming into Pure World White Lotus that entered his body. He strolled forward, smiling as he looked at the Three Pure Ones, Jieyin, Zhunti, Zhen Yuanzi, Hong Yun, and others opposite him.

"What's so long about a mere one-yuan gathering, or even a hundred thousand years?"

Zhen Yuanzi responded with a smile, but then his face fell, and he looked sorrowful and regretful as he said to Donghua:

"Look, it's all because of you, Donghua, that half of my Longevity Mountain has been destroyed. I don't know how long it will take to recover. It breaks my heart. I, Zhen Yuanzi, am truly unfortunate. I made a terrible mistake in choosing my friends!"

Donghua helplessly pointed at Zhen Yuanzi, with a look of disgust.

"You cunning Zhen Yuanzi! I've just survived two major battles, and instead of offering me a cup of tea or some Ginseng Fruit to soothe my throat, you're here making insinuations about me. I've truly misjudged you!"

Donghua's regretful and heartbroken expression left Zhen Yuanzi speechless. "What a fellow! I haven't even had a chance to make a move on you, and you've already set your sights on my Ginseng Fruit. Absolutely brilliant!"

The conversation between the two instantly lightened the solemn atmosphere, as if nothing had happened before, and it was just a gathering of fellow Daoists.

"Do you think I'm as petty as you?" Zhen Yuanzi glanced at Donghua with disdain, then looked at the crowd and said softly:

"Fellow Daoists, fellow Daoists, thank you all for your tireless efforts and selfless sacrifices in coming to the rescue of Longevity Mountain. Zhen Yuanzi once again expresses his deepest gratitude."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhen Yuanzi bowed slightly to the crowd. The bow was very low and merely a symbolic gesture, which the crowd accepted without hesitation.

"I have prepared a banquet inside the temple. I hope you fellow Daoists will do me the honor of joining us for a chat!"

After some modesty and pleasantries, everyone agreed.

Donghua did not rush inside, but instead looked at the people in the Purple Mansion and the demon army that had already surrendered.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

After exchanging greetings, Donghua gestured to everyone not to stand on ceremony, then looked at Fuxi and said, "Well done, thank you for your hard work, Fellow Daoist Fuxi!"

He was very satisfied with Fuxi's actions, especially his final persuasion of the large demon army to surrender. This not only prevented damage to the Purple Mansion but also further increased Purple Mansion strength, achieving two goals at once, which was truly excellent.

Moreover, if the Purple Mansion wants to rule the world, then the demon race is an unavoidable existence. Since the demon race cannot be completely eradicated, the only option is to use both kindness and force to subdue some of them and suppress others.

Fuxi shook his head and said, "Your Majesty's divine might has descended, and all races have submitted, including the demon race. Therefore, Fuxi dares not take credit for this!"

Donghua smiled helplessly and said no more. He looked at the many demons who were surrounded and divided by the Purple Mansion army, and then waved his hand to signal the Purple Mansion army to retreat.

"My fellow demon brothers, I believe you all know me, Donghua. The Primordial Wilderness is currently at a crucial juncture, a time when the Purple Mansion is about to ascend to the world."

"You were all once members of the Demon Race Heavenly Court, but from today onwards, you have only one identity: members of the Purple Mansion. I don't care what positions you held in the Demon Clan or the Heavenly Court before, but once you arrive at the Purple Mansion, everything will start anew."

"This also means that you have no merit, but you also have no blemishes or karma. You are the fresh blood of the Purple Mansion, like a blank sheet of paper. What you will become in the end is up to you."

"Therefore, are you all willing to follow me, Donghua, to establish great achievements, build a new Supreme Heavenly Court, and create a magnificent Primordial World?"

Donghua made no promises to the demons, nor did he pursue any questions, as if they were simply a group of newcomers who had voluntarily joined the Purple Mansion.

And these are precisely the things that the demon race needs, because they represent respect!

"I am willing to follow the Donghua God, Your Majesty!"

A demon king of the Grand Unity race knelt on one knee, his attitude sincere. It was clear that this was his true thought, because if it were fake, it wouldn't be able to fool Donghua or the Great Powers present.

As the Grand Unity Demon King knelt in allegiance, countless other demons followed suit, their darkness covering the entire Longevity Mountain.

"Okay, okay, okay!"

Donghua clapped his hands and laughed, waving his hand to signal that all one million demons had stood up.

"Now that we have met our fellow demon brothers for the first time, I, Donghua, will present you with a gift."

After Donghua finished speaking, he raised his hand and had the three members of the human race, Suiren Clan, Zhi Shengshi, and You Chao Shi, stand in front of him.

"Greetings, teacher!"

The three felt an immediate sense of kinship upon seeing Donghua, a connection stemming from their shared blood and soul.

"Yes, no need for formalities. You've suffered greatly during this calamity!"

It would have been better if he hadn't said those words. As soon as he did, the woman from the Zhi Shengshi burst into tears, which made Donghua's heart skip a beat.

What a mess I made!

"Teacher, of the billions of people in the human race, only a few million survived this great calamity. We beg you, teacher, to do us justice!" Suiren Clan knelt down in grief before Donghua.

Donghua stepped forward and personally helped the three of them up, saying softly, "I know the bitterness in your hearts, but which of the Myriad Races of the Primordial World has not experienced hardship? Back then, the Dragon, Phoenix, and Kirin Three Clans were almost wiped out by the Fierce Beasts beast race."

"When the Witch Clan was rising to power, they were almost slaughtered by the Demon Clan. If it weren't for the strength of the Twelve Demon Gods back then, the Witch Clan Jidu wouldn't exist today."

"Even the demon race was once the food source for the Innate Three Races and countless other races, wasn't it?"

At this point, Donghua stepped forward and gently patted Suiren Clan on the shoulder, saying, "So I think that although the human race suffered heavy losses in this great calamity, you should learn something from it and establish the characteristics of your own race, just like the upright spirit of the Witch Clan."

"Because a race without Essence, Qi, and Spirit can accomplish nothing!"

The three members of the Suiren Clan felt as if they had been struck hard in the heart, and at that moment they seemed to have grown a lot.

He then knelt down before Donghua again and said, "Thank you for teaching me, Teacher!"

Donghua accepted the bow, then asked everyone to stand up, inwardly thinking, "Toxic chicken soup really does work!"

"I have summoned you here today because I have something to tell you. The million demons here have killed many humans, and many of your descendants have died at their hands."

"But now that they have submitted to the Purple Mansion, the karma between you and me, Donghua, and the Purple Mansion will take over. Is that acceptable?"

"Teacher, this, this..." The three were shocked and didn't know what to say for a moment.

Donghua said again, "Don't worry, taking on this karma doesn't mean I won't let you take revenge. If you want to seek revenge on any of them in the future, I agree. I will set up a arena in the Purple Mansion for a fair duel, with no regard for life or death. In your next life, the Purple Mansion will personally Jieyin you back. Is that acceptable?"

After thinking for a moment, Suiren Clan said, "Since my teacher has pleaded for mercy, I, on behalf of the human race, agree to settle this matter here."

"Alright!" Donghua responded. After he finished speaking, the Great Dao Power dissipated, Great Dao of Karma and Effect blessed the millions of demons. Their cause and effect with the human race was instantly transferred to Donghua.

"His Majesty!"

"His Majesty..."

Seeing this, the demons were deeply moved, and even some other Great Powers were quite touched. These causes and effects might not amount to much in one or two instances, but when combined with millions of people, they amounted to a great deal.

However, for Donghua, this karmic debt is nothing; if he wanted, he could erase it at any time using the Merit Power within his body.

But if you're going to put on an act, you have to go all the way. You have to project this righteous and awe-inspiring image so that these demons can feel the warmth of the Purple Mansion and then risk their lives for you.

His idea was to use the demon race to attack the demon race and to use the demon race to manage the demon race.

"It's alright!" Donghua stopped everyone from speaking, turned to the several Emperor Lords of the Purple Mansion, and said:

"Longbo, Great Commander of Fate, you two lead the army back to the Purple Mansion. I will soon return to the Purple Mansion as well!"

"Yes!"

The Purple Mansion army of the Purple Mansion and the newly surrendered demon army began their orderly retreat back to the Purple Mansion in the East Sea.

At this moment, Donghua's gaze fell on Kunpeng and Minghe, and a powerful aura emanated from them. The Emperor Dao Power, like a rule, surrounded the heavens and earth, instantly suppressing the two of them to their original positions.

"Today, I also want to announce something to all fellow Daoists: Fellow Daoist Hongyun Primordial Violet Qi is in my possession. If any fellow Daoists wish to comprehend it, they can come directly to me. Do not seek out Fellow Daoist Hongyun anymore, or I will be angry!"

"Do you two understand?"

Minghe didn't dare to breathe loudly, fearing that Donghua's sword would strike him. He wasn't Shen Ni, and he wasn't truly immortal.

Kunpeng's sinister eyes tried to reveal a hint of a smile, but he found it was better not to smile at all.

"We understand. Please rest assured, Fellow Daoist Donghua, we are here today only to help Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi and Fellow Daoist Hongyun. We have no other intentions whatsoever."

Donghua chuckled and said, "That would be best!"

At this moment, Hong Yun's lips were almost curled up to her ears, clearly indicating that she was very happy.

"It's so good to have someone back you up!"

"However, I also need to become stronger as soon as possible, so as not to fall too far behind Fellow Daoist Donghua."

Zhen Yuanzi also seemed very happy, and said cheerfully, "Fellow Daoists, please come into the temple for a chat!"

"Please!"

"Please!"

Donghua followed the others into Wuzhuang Temple, where a grand banquet began. Many Great Powers were all smiles as they tasted Ginseng Fruit, drank spiritual tea and wine, and admired the fairies' graceful dances, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

This is the life that immortals should have!

Can someone who spends all day fighting and killing be called a god?

Donghua turned around and inadvertently noticed that although Zhen Yuanzi was smiling, it was very forced, and he looked preoccupied.

"Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, why are you troubled?"

Upon hearing Donghua's voice, everyone stopped and looked at Zhen Yuanzi, since they were guests and he was the host.

Zhen Yuanzi sighed and said, "I've spoiled the enjoyment of you all, please forgive me."

"The grand formation was initially set up with the Ginseng Fruit Tree as its foundation, but Taiyi forcibly broke the formation, damaging the Ginseng Fruit Tree's roots. Now, its very essence has been damaged, and its level is estimated to drop from top-tier spiritual root."

Only then did everyone understand why Zhen Yuanzi was so worried; anyone would be distressed by such a thing.

However, no one spoke. After all, the Ginseng Fruit was a top-tier innate spiritual root, and it would be extremely difficult, perhaps even impossible, to cure the source power, because the Primordial Wilderness was currently lacking in source energy.

"It's nothing, fellow Daoist, why worry!" Donghua leisurely sipped a cup of spiritual tea, and then a wisp of Innate Purple Qi and Chaos Source Qi appeared in his hand.

"Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, can this item save your Ginseng Fruit Tree?"

However, everyone in the hall stared intently at the Innate Purple Qi and Chaos Source Qi in Donghua's hand, their eyes filled with greed, even the Three Pure Ones were no exception.

The allure of these two items to them is no less than that of a Top-tier Innate Spiritual Treasure, or even Innate Supreme Treasure.

Because it's just so incredibly rare!

The reason why Innate Deities are so powerful is because they are born from the Great Dao Law, and also because of their Innate Purple Qi.

It can be said that the Innate Purple Qi is one of the most important components of Innate Deities.

The Chaos Source Qi is an important component of Innate Supreme Treasure, and is the origin of Innate Supreme Treasure.

"Brother Donghua, this, this, this is far too precious. I am unworthy of receiving it, truly unworthy!"

Zhen Yuanzi said he felt unworthy of the gift, but his actions betrayed his words. He quickly took it from Donghua's hand, even using his supernatural ability, "Universe in a Sleeve," to do so.

"Hahaha..." Donghua couldn't help but laugh out loud. If it weren't for that opportunity in the chaos, he probably wouldn't be any different from these people.

Tongtian looked at Donghua with burning eyes and asked eagerly, "Junior Brother Donghua, do you have any other Chaos Source Qi? Could you give me some? I can exchange it for a spiritual treasure, or you can name your terms!"

Tongtian saw the possibility of his Immortal Slaying Four Swords of Innate Supreme Treasure from the Chaos Source Qi of Donghua. This was the only chance; there was no other way.

Donghua instantly understood Tongtian's thoughts and said with a smile, "You think this Chaos Source Qi is as common as cabbage? The Chaos Source Qi needed for the Immortal Slaying Four Swords to advance to the Innate Supreme Treasure is no small amount."

"Alas, I was just being presumptuous!" Tongtian sighed regretfully, realizing that he had lost his composure. The preciousness of Chaos Source Qi goes without saying; otherwise, Innate Supreme Treasure wouldn't be so rare.

"Fellow Daoist Tongtian, I..." Donghua was about to say something when a voice suddenly rang in his ears:

"Come to the Purple Sky Palace immediately!"

These words were not spoken to Donghua alone; everyone present heard them, or perhaps they were originally addressed to the guests in the Purple Sky Palace.

"Our master has summoned us; we shall go!"

"Okay, let's do it together!"

As soon as they finished speaking, the group flashed away from Longevity Mountain and headed straight for the chaos beyond the Nine Heavens.

Inside the Purple Sky Palace!

Everyone sat down in their original positions, with Donghua positioned between Nuwa and Jieyin.

At this time, only a few hundred of the Three Thousand Guests of Zixiao Palace arrived. However, with Hongjun's appearance, the gates of the Purple Sky Palace were closed, which meant that those people would never return.

"Greetings, Master/Teacher!"

Hongjun nodded and said, "No need for formalities!"

"I have summoned you here today to tell you two things. The first is about Shen Ni's identity and past."

Taishang asked, puzzled, "Master, isn't Shen Ni the Beast Emperor of the Fierce Beasts beast clan? Does he have another identity?"

Hongjun nodded and then shook his head, flicked the whisk in his hand, and slowly said:

"In fact, the so-called Fierce Beasts race does not exist. They are just ordinary races. There are only five that can truly be called Fierce Beasts: Taotie, Chaos, Qiongqi, Taowu, and Shen Ni!"

"As for the other Fierce Beasts, they are merely myriad races infected by the World-Destroying Power, having lost their original intelligence and degenerated into Fierce Beasts that only know how to destroy heaven and earth. This is also why some Fierce Beasts can regain their senses."

Upon hearing this, Donghua had a flash of inspiration, as if he understood something, and then took out the sealed power of the world-destroying origin.

"Master, could it be that the true reason for the emergence of the Fierce Beasts race is this power of world destruction?"

Hongjun waved his whisk, receiving the World-Destroying Power from Donghua. Then, the Jade Plate of Creation appeared, and a mark was placed on the seal, reinforcing it once again.

With a flick of his finger in the void, a rift instantly opened in the Purple Firmament Realm, and sealed within the rift was a World-Destroying Power even larger than that in Donghua's hand.

Hongjun unleashed several hand seals in succession, and the Great Dao Power and the Heavenly Dao Power permeated the Purple Sky Palace. He then suppressed the world-destroying primordial power once again within the crack.

"This is the complete power of Shen Ni's origin. After Shen Ni was killed, his power of origin was divided into four parts. I, Luohu, Yin-Yang, and Qiankun each suppressed one part. Later, after the two fellow Daoists Yin-Yang and Qiankun perished, I brought the part of the power of origin that they suppressed back to the Purple Firmament Realm to suppress it."

"And the primal power in your hand is the same one that Luohu possessed. I never expected that he would leave that primal power within Taiyi's body."

"He truly has ulterior motives. If I ever see him again, I will definitely have a word with him!"

The words were spoken softly, but everyone seemed to sense an overwhelming killing intent.

At this moment, everyone's thoughts returned to the time of the Dao-Devil War. The old Daoist in front of them was not only the Dao Ancestor, but also a formidable killer.

The number of Fierce Beasts and demons who died at Hongjun's hands was probably countless, and there were even some Innate Deities. The rise of a person is always accompanied by bloodshed.

Donghua himself is not a bloodthirsty person, but now his hands are stained with the blood of many people, which is unavoidable.

After angrily rebuking Luohu, Hongjun continued, "The source of the World-Destroying Power is actually Pangu, which comes from the void of the Great Dao. It is also the source of the power that Chaos wanted to destroy heaven and earth."

"Therefore, the World-Destroying Power and the Heavenly Dao Power are corresponding forces, and the two are naturally antagonistic, but they cannot be determined to win or lose, because the World-Destroying Power and the Heavenly Dao Power are of the same nature, both being immortal forces in the world."

"The Heavenly Dao was born from Pangu, and the destruction of the world was also born from Pangu. Therefore, the Saint Immortal and Undying in the Primordial Wilderness. As for Shen Ni and the Four Fierce Beasts, as long as they are in the primordial Primordial Wilderness and belong to the Dao of the Primordial Wilderness, they cannot be truly killed. They can only be sealed and reincarnated time and time again."

"However, as the Heavenly Dao grows stronger, the World-Destroying Power also grows stronger, because the two are evenly matched, which is the origin of the Primordial Wilderness Calamity!"

Yuanshi asked, puzzled, "Master, wasn't the Primordial Wilderness Calamity a way for Heaven and Earth to deal with negative energy? How could it be related to the World-Destroying Power?"

Everyone turned their expectant gazes to Hongjun once again; this was the answer they all wanted to know.

Hongjun: "What you say is both right and wrong. The Great Tribulation does indeed alleviate the burden on heaven and earth, but the real driving force behind it is the World-Destroying Power of the Primordial Wilderness itself."

"After each great calamity, both the Heavenly Dao and the World-Destroying Power are strengthened. During the great calamity, the World-Destroying Power is at its strongest and most active. A single mistake could lead to the shattering of heaven and earth, and even the Heavenly Dao cannot stop it."

"Finally, when the Immeasurable Calamity arrives, the World-Destroying Power will completely overwhelm the Heavenly Dao, and the true catastrophe will descend upon the Primordial Wilderness, bringing silence to heaven and earth and the annihilation of all living beings."

"The Shen Ni and the Four Fierce Beasts are the embodiment of the World-Destroying Power, so they cannot be truly killed, and they can replicate the Great Dao, attack methods, and so on of all living beings in the Primordial Wilderness."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought. Donghua seemed to understand why the Heavenly Secret secrets were chaotic during the Great Tribulation, and why cultivators' minds were easily influenced by external forces.

Because the Dao itself contains the World-Destroying Power during the Great Tribulation, how can the coexistence of the two not affect people's minds?

Donghua asked in a deep voice, "Master, is there truly no solution to the Immeasurable Calamity?"

Hongjun smiled and said nonchalantly, "What in the world is unsolvable? The Great Dao is fifty, the Heavenly Evolution is forty-nine, and one is missing. The Immeasurable Calamity are no exception."

"As long as we can survive the Immeasurable Calamity, then the Primordial Wilderness will truly be eternal, and its status will be equal to that of the Great Dao. The World-Destroying Power will also dissipate within the Primordial Wilderness. At that time, the Primordial Wilderness world will truly be a great age, and all living beings will have the hope of attaining the Dao, even if they are just ordinary beings!"

The Purple Sky Palace was completely silent. Everyone was deep in thought, slowly digesting everything Hongjun had said, trying to grasp something from it, something that would be beneficial to them.

But the more Donghua thought about it, the more something seemed off. If Shen Ni were the embodiment of the World-Destroying Power, then why did they appear at the beginning of time, and why were they so powerful?

This is unreasonable!

It should be noted that the Heavenly Dao Power, which corresponds to the World-Destroying Power, was only in its nascent stage at that time. So how could the World-Destroying Power manifest five true forms and eventually infect so many races, thus creating the Fierce Beasts race?

Donghua looked at Hongjun with a puzzled expression, only to find that the other party was also looking at him, and nodded slightly.

He immediately swallowed the question he was about to ask, clearly indicating that Hongjun didn't want everyone to know the answer.

Nuwa, standing to the side, was also smiling as she watched him. Clearly, the other party had also noticed something was amiss and had received a hint from Hongjun.

"Interesting, very interesting, truly interesting. To be able to keep Hongjun silent, it seems that the Fierce Beasts clan and Shen Ni must have a great secret."

P. S.: I was quite busy on Monday, so it's a little late. 6,000 words!