Ginseng Fruit

Dao Xuan took a step forward, his figure merging with the clouds and disappearing into the horizon.

Having achieved Grand Unity Golden Immortal status and completing the seventh revolution of his profound technique, Dao Xuan felt an surge of exhilaration.

However, as his divine sense swept across the Great Desolation, he saw the aura of calamity and malevolence churning like dark clouds, growing ever denser.

The Witch and Demon clans were locked in a sky-shattering battle, their blood staining the mountains and rivers, their resentment reaching the heavens. The signs of a Calamity were already apparent.

"Kunlun is indeed beautiful, but it is ultimately a Saint's dojo and not a place for prolonged stay,"

Dao Xuan mused. "With the Calamity about to begin, I must find a tranquil dojo to establish my foundation, so that I may avoid disaster, cultivate in seclusion, and observe the unfolding events."

With his decision made, the coast of the East Sea appeared in his mind.

The East Sea was vast, dotted with immortal islands, rich in spiritual energy, and far from the main battlefield of the Witch and Demon clans near Buzhou Mountain. It was an excellent choice.

"I shall journey to the East Sea!"

Dao Xuan summoned his escape light. The Li Fire Feathered Sword transformed into a crimson rainbow, streaking eastward like lightning.

As he traveled, he encountered more scenes of shattered mountains and rivers.

Demon clouds obscured the sun, witchish malevolence pierced the sky, and the flames of war had spread to all corners of the Great Desolation.

Dao Xuan did not wish to get involved in unnecessary trouble. He concealed his aura and chose only the most desolate paths.

However, even as the trees desired stillness, the wind would not cease.

While passing through a vast expanse of mountains, he suddenly saw demonic energy emanating from below, accompanied by thunderous shouts.

It turned out to be a group of lesser demons, shaped like jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards, attacking a strange beast.

The beast resembled a Qilin, but it was covered in five-colored scales, with prominent horns and hooves that trod on clouds. Auspicious energy swirled around it as it struggled to resist, but it was outnumbered and clearly weakening.

"A Five-Colored Qilin?" A flicker of surprise flashed in Dao Xuan's eyes.

Qilins were divine beasts of auspiciousness, and a five-colored one was even rarer, possessing a noble bloodline.

"You wicked beasts, how dare you bully an auspicious creature!"

Dao Xuan had no intention of intervening, but seeing the extraordinary sentience of the Five-Colored Qilin and the wickedness of the demons, he felt displeased.

He descended from the clouds and let out a clear shout.

The sound was not loud, but it contained the profound dao charm of a Grand Unity, exploding like thunder in the ears of the demons!

"Who goes there?!"

A wolf demon, wielding a steel fork with bared fangs, furiously demanded.

"Scram!"

Dao Xuan, too lazy for further words, flicked his sleeve.

A gentle yet irresistible wave of magical power surged out, like a gentle breeze.

The group of lesser demons felt an overwhelming force strike them. With cries of alarm, they were swept away like rolling gourds, falling into the mountain ravine. They landed in a dazed heap, scrambling away in disarray.

The pressure on the Five-Colored Qilin instantly vanished. It looked up at Dao Xuan.

Its eyes were clear, filled with gratitude and a hint of intelligence.

It walked before Dao Xuan, lowered its head, and let out a soft cry. Its front hooves bent slightly, as if in submission.

Dao Xuan's heart stirred slightly.

This beast possessed innate sentience and was blessed with auspiciousness. It would make a good mount for travel.

"Are you willing to follow me and cultivate?" Dao Xuan asked.

Upon hearing this, a flash of joy appeared in the Five-Colored Qilin's eyes. It nodded repeatedly, affectionately rubbing its head against Dao Xuan's daoist robe.

"Good."

Dao Xuan smiled and gently stroked the five-colored scales on its head.

"Since you have joined my sect, you shall have a dharma name. As you possess five colors, I shall call you 'Five Spirits'."

The Five-Colored Qilin – Five Spirits – let out a joyful cry, and the auspicious energy around it intensified.

Dao Xuan leaped onto its back.

Five Spirits' hooves generated clouds, carrying them through the air with steady speed. Five-colored rays of light flowed around its body, making Dao Xuan appear even more ethereal and dignified.

"Go!"

Dao Xuan shouted lightly. Five Spirits understood and transformed into a five-colored stream of light, continuing eastward.

With Five Spirits as a mount, their speed increased, and it also saved him considerable magical power.

They traveled without incident for several more days.

One day, as they were passing over a desolate Gobi Desert, Dao Xuan suddenly felt the spiritual energy of heaven and earth violently fluctuating ahead!

Gales howled, whipping up sandstorms!

A terrifying aura, chilling to the bone and seemingly capable of freezing the soul, was clashing fiercely with a mellow and gentle, yet sharp, red cloud energy!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Deafening explosions continued to echo, distorting space itself!

"What powerful magical energy fluctuations! At least Quasi-Saint level!" Dao Xuan's heart tightened, and he quickly reined in the Five Spirits.

"Kunpeng! You're going too far! I have no quarrel with you, why are you relentlessly pursuing me!"

A deep voice, filled with shock and anger, rang out. It was Old Ancestor Hongyun!

"Hmph! Hongyun! Innocent men are condemned for their wealth! How can a useless wretch like you possess the Primordial Violet Qi, the foundation of the Great Dao? Hand it over quickly if you know what's good for you, and perhaps I'll spare your life!"

Another sinister, cold voice responded, filled with greed and killing intent. It was that Northern Darkness Kunpeng!

Dao Xuan gazed intently.

High above the desolate Gobi:

On one side, a giant bird's phantom!

Its wings were like clouds descending from the heavens, its body a deep blue, covered in icy scales. Its eyes were like two cold blood moons, emitting a chill that could freeze eternity!

It was Kunpeng manifesting a portion of his true form's divine aspect!

Northern Darkness's frigid malevolence surged around him, transforming into countless ice crystal blades and glacial torrents, attacking the opposite side like a sky-covering tide!

On the other side, a mass of Auspicious Cloud as red as fire!

Within the Auspicious Cloud, Old Ancestor Hongyun's figure appeared.

He wore a Fish Tail Golden Crown, a crimson immortal robe adorned with cloud patterns, and a Pure Yang Silk Sash around his waist. His face was like a full moon, with three long beards. His originally kind demeanor was now filled with solemnity and rage.

He stood upon a crimson auspicious cloud, waving a whisk in his hand. Red sand danced in the air, forming a barrier that struggled to resist the terrifying Northern Darkness frigid malevolence.

The red sand contained the power to break spells and erode them, but Kunpeng's Northern Darkness frigid malevolence was a primordial extreme cold energy, even more potent!

The red sand barrier was continuously being frozen and shattered!

Old Ancestor Hongyun was clearly at a disadvantage, his aura already somewhat unstable.

"Fellow Daoist Hongyun, why be so stubborn? Hand over the Violet Qi and avoid the calamity of death!" Kunpeng's voice was icy, his attacks growing fiercer!

"Never! This was bestowed by the Dao Ancestor! I would rather die than give it to you!"

Old Ancestor Hongyun gritted his teeth and persisted, activating the Primordial Violet Qi within his Primordial Spirit. The violet light flickered, barely holding on.

Dao Xuan saw it clearly.

Kunpeng intended to kill for treasure!

Although Old Ancestor Hongyun possessed the Primordial Violet Qi, he was not skilled in combat and lacked powerful offensive Spiritual Treasures to protect himself. Facing the notorious and ruthless Kunpeng, his defeat was only a matter of time.

Dao Xuan did not wish to get involved in a battle between Quasi-Saints and was about to bypass the area.

Who would have thought!

At this very moment!

Kunpeng, unable to break through after a prolonged assault, grew impatient and suddenly unleashed his full power!

"Northern Darkness Swallows Heaven!"

He opened his massive maw, and a dark vortex, incomparably deep and seemingly capable of devouring all things, appeared out of nowhere!

A terrifying suction force erupted!

It not only targeted Hongyun but also affected an area of a thousand miles!

Rumble!

Dao Xuan felt an irresistible devouring force pulling at him. The Five Spirits beneath him cried out in alarm, their footing destabilized by the pull. Together with Dao Xuan, they were drawn towards the dark vortex!

Countless ice crystal blades were swept up by the suction, shooting out in all directions like a torrential rain!

Several of them, carrying a bone-chilling cold, flew directly towards Dao Xuan's face!

"How dare you! Involving innocent bystanders!"

Dao Xuan was furious!

Even a clay figurine has a temper, let alone him, who was now a Grand Unity Golden Immortal!

"Mysterious Yellow Ruler! Break!"

Dao Xuan reacted with extreme speed!

With a thought, the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Merit Ruler instantly appeared in his hand!

The Mysterious Yellow Qi on the ruler surged, and the Dao rhythm that annihilates all things erupted!

He swung the ruler horizontally!

A condensed, tangible shadow of the Mysterious Yellow Ruler tore through space, striking after the fact!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Those ice crystal blades, capable of heavily wounding a Grand Unity, shattered like rotten wood under the Mysterious Yellow Ruler's shadow, turning into dust!

Simultaneously, the ruler's shadow, its momentum undiminished, carrying the majestic and all-destroying power, slashed fiercely towards the edge of the devouring black hole!

Riiiiip!

As if ripping through silk!

The edge of that deep, black vortex was actually split open by the shadow of the Xuanhuang Ruler!

The terrifying devouring power faltered for a moment!

Dao Xuan seized the opportunity to activate the Five Spirits, and a burst of five-colored auspicious light erupted, instantly breaking free from the suction and retreating to a safe distance.

"Huh?!"

Kunpeng's Dharma Image, with its blood-moon-like giant eyes, suddenly turned towards Dao Xuan. Its icy gaze locked onto him, and then onto the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Merit Ruler in his hand!

"Junior! How dare you ruin my good deed?!" Kunpeng's voice was filled with rage, and a hint of surprise.

The destructive Dao rhythm and merit power contained within the Xuanhuang Ruler's shadow made even him feel a tremor of fear!

Old Ancestor Hongyun's pressure suddenly lessened, and he also looked at Dao Xuan in surprise, recognizing him as a disciple of Taiqing from the Purple Heaven Palace.

"Kunpeng! As a senior, you resort to such despicable acts and even involve the innocent! You are unworthy to be a guest of the Purple Heaven Palace!"

Dao Xuan stood with his ruler in hand. Despite facing a Quasi-Saint, he showed no fear, his voice clear and resonant, echoing across the Gobi Desert.

"Hmph! Sharp-tongued! Once I've dealt with Hongyun, I'll settle the score with you!"

Kunpeng was wary of the Xuanhuang Ruler and more eager to seize the Violet Qi. He didn't want any further complications, so he snorted coldly. His giant mouth opened again, the black vortex's power intensifying, pressing down on Hongyun with all his might!

Old Ancestor Hongyun's face turned ashen, his Auspicious Cloud swaying precariously!

At this critical moment!

"Kunpeng! How dare you bully my dear friend!"

A steady, deep voice, laced with anger, like thunder from the earth, rolled in from the horizon!

Immediately after!

A colossal book phantom, earth-yellow and incredibly heavy, as if carrying the veins of the Great Desolation's earth, appeared in the sky!

The book unfolded, and boundless Earthen Qi erupted, evolving into the imagery of the Great Desolation's mountains, rivers, and land!

A Dao rhythm of heaviness, carrying, and protection permeated the air!

It was the ultimate innate Spiritual Treasure—the Earth Book!

The Earth Book phantom descended with a roar, like a boundless expanse of land, forcefully suppressing the Northern Darkness black vortex!

Boom—!!!

A world-shattering explosion!

The black vortex violently shook, its devouring power forcibly interrupted, even showing signs of imminent collapse!

"Zhenyuanzi!" Kunpeng exclaimed in shock and rage!

A stream of auspicious clouds surged from the horizon, and a Daoist approached, riding the clouds.

He wore a Lotus Ruyi Crown, a robe of Apricot Yellow Bagua Immortal Robe, a Qiankun Silk Sash around his waist, and Cloud-Treading Boots on his feet.

His face was like the silver moon, with three strands of long beard beneath his chin. He possessed an elegant demeanor and a dignified presence, the Ancestor of Earth Immortals—Great Immortal Zhenyuan!

He held a whisk, his face filled with anger. The Earth Book phantom floated above his head, emitting boundless pressure.

"Fellow Daoist Hongyun, do not panic, I have arrived!"

Zhenyuanzi stepped to Hongyun's side, and the Earth Book descended with its heavy Earthen Qi, instantly shielding Hongyun.

Old Ancestor Hongyun's pressure vanished, and he let out a long sigh of relief, saying gratefully, "Brother Dao! You have arrived just in time!"

Seeing Zhenyuanzi arrive with the Earth Book, Kunpeng knew that his plan was impossible today.

Though he was powerful, Zhenyuanzi's cultivation was profound, the Earth Book's defense was unparalleled, and with Hongyun by his side, he knew he couldn't gain any advantage.

"Hmph! Zhenyuanzi! Hongyun! And that junior! I have noted the karma of today! There will be a generous repayment in the future!"

Kunpeng's Dharma Image cast a sinister glance at the three, especially fixing a deep look on Dao Xuan, as if to engrave his appearance into his bones.

Then, he flapped his giant wings, stirring up a chilling tide, instantly transforming into a deep blue streak of light, vanishing into the void.

On the Gobi Desert, the violent energy aftershocks gradually subsided.

Zhenyuanzi retracted the Earth Book phantom and descended from the clouds with Hongyun.

"Thank you for your timely assistance, Brother Dao Zhenyuan!" Hongyun thanked Zhenyuanzi again.

"We are close friends, there is no need for thanks." Zhenyuanzi waved his hand, then turned his gaze to Dao Xuan beside them.

"Little friend Dao Xuan, for your righteous intervention just now in blocking Kunpeng's fierce power, I thank you on behalf of Fellow Daoist Hongyun." Zhenyuanzi cupped his hands, his attitude gentle.

Dao Xuan quickly returned the bow, "Great Immortal Zhenyuan is too kind. Seeing injustice on the road is my duty, I dare not accept your thanks. As for Kunpeng's arrogance and involvement of innocents, I was merely protecting myself."

"Brother Taiqing's esteemed disciple, truly remarkable."

A hint of understanding flashed in Zhenyuanzi's eyes, and he was deeply impressed by the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Merit Ruler in Dao Xuan's hand.

Old Ancestor Hongyun also stepped forward, a warm smile on his face, "So it is Little friend Dao Xuan.

We parted ways in the Purple Firmament Palace. Your strike just now was truly extraordinary! To be able to break through Kunpeng's divine ability, you are indeed a formidable successor!"

"Senior Hongyun flatters me," Dao Xuan said humbly.

Zhenyuanzi looked at Hongyun, his brow furrowed slightly, and said earnestly:

"Fellow Daoist Hongyun, that Kunpeng is fierce and greedy. If he fails this time, he will surely not be reconciled. You possess the Primordial Violet Qi and have already become the target of public criticism. You must be extremely careful in the future and never leave Longevity Mountain so easily."

Old Ancestor Hongyun waved his hand dismissively and laughed, "Brother Dao worries too much.

I conduct myself with integrity and broad benevolence, and the Heavenly Dao will naturally protect me. How can that Kunpeng, no matter how fierce, do anything to me? Besides, aren't you here, Brother Dao?"

He patted Zhenyuanzi's shoulder, appearing extremely optimistic.

Seeing this, Zhenyuanzi shook his head helplessly, knowing his old friend's nature and that further persuasion would be futile.

Hongyun then looked at Dao Xuan and enthusiastically invited, "Little friend Dao Xuan, our meeting today is fate.

My brother Dao Zhenyuan and I are about to return to Wuzhuang Temple. If you have no urgent matters, why not join us? Taste my brother's Ginseng Fruit and discuss the Dao."

Dao Xuan's heart stirred.

Wuzhuang Temple! Ginseng Fruit!

These were famous grotto-heavens and spiritual roots in the Great Desolation!

To discuss the Dao with two veteran powerful beings was a rare opportunity.

"It is my sincere wish, but I dare not ask. This junior respectfully obeys." Dao Xuan happily agreed.

"Haha! Good! Little friend is straightforward!" Hongyun laughed heartily.

Zhenyuanzi also smiled and nodded, "Little friend, please."

At that, Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun ascended auspicious clouds, while Dao Xuan rode his Five Spirits, following closely.

The auspicious clouds and radiant mist moved at extreme speed.

Before long, they saw a celestial mountain ahead.

Behold:

The mountains were majestic and imposing, their great forms magnificent. Their roots connected to the Kunlun脉, their peaks scraping the firmament.

White cranes often came to perch on the cypress trees, and black apes sometimes hung from the vines.

Sunlight shone on the clear forest, with layers of red mist winding through a thousand branches; wind blew from the shaded ravines, with myriad streams of colorful clouds flying.

Hidden birds chirped amidst the green bamboo, and brocade pheasants fought among the wild flowers.

The grass was lush before the cliffs, and plum blossoms fragrant on the mountain ridges. Thorny bushes grew dense, while orchids exuded a faint, pure scent.

In the deep forest, eagles and phoenixes gathered with a thousand birds, and in ancient caves, qilin ruled ten thousand beasts.

The stream water seemed to have feelings, winding and turning with many glances; the peaks and ridges were continuous, overlapping and circling back.

They also saw green locust trees lining the path and verdant willows shading the gate. Bridges made of withered wood crossed streams, and peaks were covered with ivy.

Birds carried red buds from the cloudy ravines, and deer trod on fragrant bushes, ascending stone platforms.

Before the gate, the flowers bloomed with the passage of time, and the wind carried their fragrance. Green willows by the embankment rustled with orioles, and peach trees by the bank were adorned with butterflies.

Truly, it was a scene of extraordinary beauty, a celestial dwelling!

To the left of the mountain gate stood a stone tablet, about thirty feet high and eight feet wide, with ten large characters inscribed: "Longevity Mountain Blessed Land, Wuzhuang Temple Grotto-Heaven."

The scenery within the temple was even more remarkable.

Green pines, still damp with dew, shaded the high pavilions; emerald bamboo, catching the clouds, protected the lecture hall. Vermilion railings and jade doors, painted beams and carved rafters. Pavilions were layered, and towers overlapped. There were countless quiet rooms and secluded dwellings, with wondrous herbs and exotic flowers.

The three descended from the clouds and stepped into the temple.

Two young Daoist attendants, Clear Wind and Bright Moon, had already come out to greet them. Both had their hair tied in double topknots, wore simple Daoist robes, had faces like powdered jade, and lips like painted vermilion. They respectfully bowed, "Welcome, Master, and Old Ancestor Hongyun, back to the mountain."

They then looked curiously at Dao Xuan and the Five Spirits.

Zhenyuanzi said, "This is the esteemed disciple of Senior Daoist Taiqing, Little Friend Dao Xuan. He is a distinguished guest, hurry and prepare."

Clear Wind and Bright Moon quickly bowed to Dao Xuan.

Entering the main hall, they took their seats according to their status.

Zhenyuanzi commanded, "Clear Wind, go fetch three Ginseng Fruits."

Clear Wind took the order and left.

Not long after, he returned carrying three fruits on a jade plate.

Dao Xuan gazed intently.

Indeed, they resembled infants not yet three years old, with complete limbs and features, moving their hands and feet on the plate, nodding their heads.

An exotic fragrance wafted, and just inhaling it refreshed the spirit, causing the pores all over the body to relax, as if their cultivation had advanced by a sliver.

"Little friend, this is the spiritual root of my temple, the Grass-Returning Pill, also known as 'Ginseng Fruit'.

It takes three thousand years to blossom, three thousand years to bear fruit, and another three thousand years to ripen. It takes at least ten thousand years before it can be eaten.

Just smelling it grants three hundred and sixty years of life; eating one grants forty-seven thousand years. Today, by fate, please allow little friend to taste it," Zhenyuanzi introduced with a smile.

Although Dao Xuan knew of the fruit's miraculous properties, seeing it with his own eyes still left him awestruck.

"Thank you for the Great Immortal's generous gift!"

He took one, feeling its warmth and the intensified fragrance in his hand.

Carefully biting through the peel, a sweet and pure juice instantly flowed down his throat. It transformed into a surge of potent, refined, and incredibly gentle innate Yi Wood essence, coursing through his entire body!

His Primordial Spirit felt as if cleansed by a sweet spring, becoming even clearer and more transparent.

The Three Flowers atop his head swayed gracefully, and the Five Qi within his chest circulated with accelerated speed.

The Taiqing Immortal Art began to circulate on its own, refining his magical power.

The Nine Revolutions Profound Technique was also nourished, his physical body's Blood Essence becoming even more vigorous, showing signs of advancing towards the mid-stage of the seventh revolution!

After consuming one Ginseng Fruit, Dao Xuan felt his cultivation and magical power both improve, his foundation becoming more stable. It was equivalent to several hundred years of arduous cultivation!

"Truly a rare treasure of heaven and earth!" Dao Xuan praised sincerely.

Hongyun and Zhenyuanzi each consumed one as well.

Afterward, the three sat in the hall to discuss the Dao.

Zhenyuanzi expounded on the Dao of the Earth Immortal, embodying virtue and nurturing all things, illustrating the veins of the mountains and rivers of the Great Desolation. The phantom image of the Earth Book flickered, and the Earthen Dao rhythm was as heavy as a mountain.

Hongyun spoke of the Dao of clouds and mist, their constant gathering and scattering, their freedom and ease. Auspicious clouds flowed around him, containing a trace of the profound energy of the Primordial Violet Qi.

Dao Xuan, in turn, responded with the principles of Taiqing's non-action and the balance of Yin and Yang. The Auspicious Cloud above his head manifested, and the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Merit Ruler flickered, embodying both destruction and creation, expounding on the Dao of balance.

The three streams of Dao rhythm intertwined and collided, evolving infinite profound mysteries.

At times, it was as heavy as the earth; at other times, as ethereal as flowing clouds; and at still others, as decisive as a celestial ruler dividing Yin and Yang.

Although Dao Xuan had only recently entered the Grand Unity realm, his foundation was solid, his magical treasures were wondrous, and he had received the true teachings of Taiqing. His words and discussions always hit the crucial points, causing both Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun to nod frequently, finding them quite enlightening.

Old Ancestor Hongyun, with his open and generous nature, particularly admired Dao Xuan. He offered guidance from time to time, deepening Dao Xuan's comprehension of the Grand Unity realm.

Zhenyuanzi, on the other hand, was steady and profound. His Dao of the Earth Immortal was all-encompassing, allowing Dao Xuan to gain a deeper understanding of the Great Desolation's lands and the spiritual veins and terrestrial energy.