Dao Xuan stood beside the pool of Three Lights Divine Water, surrounded by the immortal island's spiritual charm, deep in thought.
The blessed land at the island's heart had begun to take shape, but such a vast Fangzhang Island still required careful arrangement.
At that thought, an item suddenly came to mind.
With a flicker of intent, the Chaos Bead emerged from the depths of his primordial spirit, hovering above his palm and radiating a hazy clear glow.
His divine sense entered the chaotic space within the bead.
In a corner lay a gourd vine whose spiritual light had dimmed, its tendrils withered and dried.
It was the Supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Root he had obtained from Buzhou Mountain years ago, the vine that had borne seven Innate Treasure Gourds!
Back then, six of the seven gourds had been plucked away by great powers. Only this final one remained, unripe and shriveled, hanging from the vine with barely any life left.
"This vine's origin has been severely damaged, and the last gourd will find it difficult to mature..."
Dao Xuan's gaze fell upon the divine water in the pool, where three-colored radiance rippled.
"The Three Lights Divine Water is the greatest divine water of creation in the primordial world. It contains boundless vitality!"
"Combined with Nine Heavens Breathing Soil, the two may be able to defy fate, restore its origin, and hasten the maturity of this final treasure!"
No sooner thought than done.
Dao Xuan carefully removed the Innate Gourd Vine.
Its tendrils were withered and cool to the touch, its remaining life like a candle flame in the wind.
He placed it beside the pool and gently lowered its roots into the Three Lights Divine Water.
At the same time, a handful of divine soil carrying the dense aura of Earth-element creation flew from his sleeve. It was the Nine Heavens Breathing Soil!
The Breathing Soil was like golden sand, scattering evenly around the Gourd Vine's roots and tenderly wrapping them.
"Creation without end, vitality restored!"
Dao Xuan chanted an incantation and formed seals with his hands, drawing upon Fangzhang Island's abundant spiritual energy and pouring it into the vine.
The Three Lights Divine Water stirred. Sunlight divine rays, moonlight divine splendor, and starlight divine brilliance wound around the withered vine like living things, soaking into every inch of its dried fibers.
The Nine Heavens Breathing Soil also released warm Earth-element essence, nourishing the damaged roots.
Buzz!
The withered vine suddenly trembled!
Like parched earth receiving sweet rain after a long drought!
Before the naked eye, its shriveled tendrils began to unfurl. The dead outer bark peeled away, revealing a gleaming jade-like luster!
Its wilted leaves rose again, lush and green, their veins flowing with vigorous life!
Even more wondrously, as though sensing the clear Dao Rhyme of the Enlightenment Tea Tree beside the pool, the vine extended on its own. Its supple branches curled around the tea tree's trunk like spiritual serpents.
The auras of the two spiritual roots resonated, their Dao Rhymes merging.
Clear light flowed from the Enlightenment Tea Tree, its aura of lucid wisdom nourishing the vine.
The Gourd Vine burst with life, returning strands of Innate Wood-element essence in turn.
The two had formed a marvelous symbiosis!
And upon the vine, the final unripe, shriveled gourd greedily absorbed the power of creation from the Three Lights Divine Water and Nine Heavens Breathing Soil!
Its shriveled skin gradually filled out, taking on a warm jade sheen.
A faint yet profound Dao Rhyme quietly began to form and grow within the gourd!
Though it would still take time to mature completely, its restored vitality was plain to see!
"It truly works!"
A sharp light flashed through Dao Xuan's eyes, and his heart settled.
With this divine water of creation and the Nine Heavens Breathing Soil, given enough time, this final Innate Treasure Gourd would surely mature!
This was an unexpected delight!
Having finished this matter, Dao Xuan was in high spirits.
He looked around Fangzhang Immortal Island.
Immortal mountains towered high, spiritual springs and cascading waterfalls flowed, strange flowers and exotic grasses covered the ground, and immortal birds and spiritual beasts roamed freely.
Yet despite the island's vastness, he was its only inhabitant. It still felt desolate.
"How can an immortal blessed land be left without anyone to tend it?"
Dao Xuan's gaze swept toward a spiritual spring shrouded in misty energy.
There, beside the spring's source, lay two spirit stones that had been nourished by spiritual energy for ten thousand years, each pure white as jade.
Their texture was warm and smooth, spiritual light dwelling within. They had already begun to develop sentience.
"It shall be you two!"
Dao Xuan smiled faintly, raised two fingers like a sword, and pointed through the air!
Two streams of pure mana containing the vitality of creation, carrying threads of Innate Dao Rhyme, accurately entered the two spirit stones!
"Heaven and earth possess spirit. Awaken and take form!"
His clear shout fell!
Buzz!
The two spirit stones suddenly erupted with dazzling radiance!
Within the flowing light, their forms rapidly changed and solidified.
In the blink of an eye, the radiance faded.
Two exquisitely carved children, appearing seven or eight years old, stood where the stones had been.
Both wore their hair in twin buns, Water-Cloud Patterned Robes, Qiankun Silk Sashes at their waists, and small Cloud-Treading Boots on their feet.
One child had a face like powdered jade, lips like painted vermilion, and eyes like drops of black lacquer, exceptionally lively.
The other had a face like mutton fat jade, a cinnabar mark upon his brow, refined features, and a gentle jade-like bearing.
The moment the two children took form, spiritual light shone brightly in their eyes. Amid their innocence was an instinctive closeness and reverence toward Dao Xuan.
They both dropped to their knees, their voices clear and bright.
"Greetings, Master! Thank you, Master, for granting us enlightenment!"
Dao Xuan nodded and said warmly,
"You were born upon Fangzhang and nourished by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Today, I have enlightened you and shall grant you names."
He pointed to the child with the powdered-jade face.
"You are as lively as the turning of a celestial pivot. You shall be called Yushu."
He then pointed to the child with the mutton-fat-jade face.
"You are as gentle as the Jade Balance of the celestial sphere. You shall be called Xuanji."
"From this day forth, you shall be responsible for tending Fangzhang Immortal Island, caring for the spiritual roots and immortal herbs upon it, and guarding its gates."
"We shall obey Master's decree!"
Yushu and Xuanji answered together, their little faces filled with earnest joy.
Dao Xuan also passed down several basic breathing techniques and methods for tending spiritual plants.
The two children were intelligent and grasped everything immediately. Delighted, they began busily working around the island.
Watching Yushu chase spiritual butterflies while Xuanji carefully watered newly sprouted white lotus seedlings with spiritual spring water, Dao Xuan felt the island gain a little more life.
Dao Xuan was pleased.
He flew to an open area in the middle of the island where spirit veins converged.
With immortal mountains behind it and a spiritual lake before it, the place commanded a broad view and possessed magnificent natural energy.
"The core of the Dao field should stand here!"
Dao Xuan took out the Myriad Treasures Nine Dragon Seal.
The seal hovered in the air, nine dragon phantoms circling it as a weighty Dao Rhyme spread outward.
"Nine dragons, suppress the earth. Immortal palace, arise!"
Dao Xuan poured surging mana into the seal.
The seal blazed with light as nine azure dragons formed from Chaos Qi roared forth and burrowed into the earth veins below!
Rumble!
The earth trembled slightly. The earth veins were sorted and stabilized, and endless spiritual energy gathered from all directions.
Dao Xuan's hands moved in a blur as countless rare spiritual materials flew from his sleeves.
There was ten-thousand-year warm jade, stellar refined gold, Innate Metal essence, Wood essence, Profound Nether True Water, essence of Li Fire...
All were treasures he had acquired during his travels through the primordial world, and he spared none of them now.
"Condense!"
Dao Xuan uttered the true command, using his divine sense as a guide and his mana as a furnace!
The rare spiritual materials rapidly melted and took shape in the air!
The foundation was paved with ten-thousand-year warm jade, gentle yet sturdy, containing Dao Rhyme.
The palace pillars were forged from stellar refined gold and Innate Metal essence. They shone with golden light, indestructible, with faint starlight flowing within.
The walls were formed from spiritual jade condensed from Wood essence, brimming with vitality and capable of absorbing spiritual energy on their own.
The roof was covered with glazed tiles refined from Profound Nether True Water, crystal-clear and reflecting seven-colored clouds.
The upturned eaves were traced with profound Dao patterns using essence of Li Fire, while faint phantoms of Fire Phoenixes circled above them.
In only a short while, a grand and majestic immortal palace, ancient and solemn in bearing, rose from the ground!
The palace complex was built along the mountain, layered in orderly tiers.
The main hall rose high, its plaque bearing three ancient characters naturally formed by Dao Rhyme—Xuan Yuan Palace!
The plaza before the hall was paved with white jade and could hold a thousand people.
Within the palace were Quiet Rooms, an alchemy chamber, a scripture repository, a reception hall, a training ground... everything was complete.
The entire immortal palace was shrouded in a layer of hazy immortal light. It blended seamlessly with Fangzhang Island's spirit veins, becoming a world of its own.
Dao Xuan waved his hand again and laid down layer upon layer of restrictions.
Using the Myriad Treasures Nine Dragon Seal as its core, he linked the earth veins and formed a protective grand formation.
The formation contained Chaos Qi and the power of dark-yellow annihilation. The purifying holy light of the Pure World White Lotus also flickered faintly within it.
Unless one stood at the peak of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm or held a supreme treasure, no one could hope to glimpse even the slightest thing within!
Thus, the core Dao field of Fangzhang Immortal Island, Xuan Yuan Palace, was officially completed!
Dao Xuan entered the main hall and sat cross-legged upon the Cloud Bed.
Yushu and Xuanji stood obediently at his sides.
His mind settled as he prepared to continue his seclusion, comprehend the Great Dao of the Pure World White Lotus, and break through to the middle stage of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm.
Yet even as the tree wished for stillness, the wind would not cease.
One day.
Outside Fangzhang Island, in the sea region shrouded by the Chaos grand formation and countless restrictions.
The calm was broken.
Several powerful draconic auras approached from afar, stirring the winds and clouds.
At their head was an old man wearing a purple-gold crown and a black dragon robe embroidered with golden patterns.
His face resembled a silver moon, three long strands of beard hung to his chest, and his bearing was dignified. Though not angry, he inspired awe. He was clearly at the early stage of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm!
He was Ao Guang, the current Dragon King of the East Sea Dragon Clan!
Several Dragon Clan elders followed behind him, all at the peak or perfection stage of the Golden Immortal realm.
There were also dozens of Dragon Clan elite commanders, all armored and helmeted, holding divine weapons and radiating fierce auras.
Yet there was not a trace of their usual arrogance on the faces of these Dragon Clan powerhouses.
Instead, every one of them looked grave, with worry hidden between their brows and... a thread of solemn, tragic hope.
Ao Guang took a deep breath and called loudly toward the seemingly empty sea before them.
"Ao Guang of the East Sea Dragon Clan, accompanied by the elders of my clan, requests an audience with the master of Fangzhang Immortal Island, esteemed Dao Xuan, disciple of the Supreme Pure Dao Venerable!"
His voice contained draconic might, yet it was exceptionally respectful. It pierced through the restrictions and reached the island.
Within Xuan Yuan Palace.
Dao Xuan slowly opened his eyes.
Divine light flowed through his gaze, instantly piercing the void and revealing the situation outside the island.
"The East Sea Dragon Clan?"
He raised an eyebrow slightly.
The Dragon Clan had once been overlords of the primordial world. Although they now lay dormant within the Four Seas due to karmic burdens and declining fortune, their foundations remained.
And now the highest ranks of their entire clan had come to visit?
Yushu and Xuanji also sensed the disturbance and looked curiously beyond the palace.
Dao Xuan stirred his thoughts.
A small gap opened in the chaotic mist that enveloped the island.
An immortal bridge formed from clouds and mist extended from the island's interior, reaching directly before Ao Guang and the others.
"Dragon King, please enter the island so we may speak."
Dao Xuan's calm voice came from within the island.
Ao Guang and the others were instantly invigorated. Not daring to delay, they hurried onto the immortal bridge.
The bridge contracted, bringing them into the island in an instant.
The moment they entered, the Innate Spiritual Energy so dense it seemed impossible to disperse, the rare treasures and exotic grasses covering the land, the immortal birds and auspicious beasts soaring through the skies, and the pool at the island's heart shrouded in three-colored divine light, along with the magnificent Xuan Yuan Palace in the distance...
All of it shook the hearts of every Dragon Clan member!
"What a supreme blessed realm!" Ao Guang silently sighed, becoming even more respectful.
Led by Yushu and Xuanji, Ao Guang and several core elders entered the main hall of Xuan Yuan Palace.
Upon the Cloud Bed sat a Daoist.
He wore a Blue Gauze Headband, an Apricot Yellow Eight Trigrams Robe, a Qiankun Silk Sash at his waist, and Cloud-Treading Boots on his feet.
His face was like crowned jade, his eyes like bright stars, his bearing elegant and refined, his aura transcendent.
Dao Rhyme flowed around him, and his aura was as deep as the sea. Even compared to the Dragon Clan's ancient ancestors, he was in no way inferior!
It was the Lord of Fangzhang, Dao Venerable Xuan Yuan!
Ao Guang did not dare look directly at him. He hurriedly led the others in a deep bow, lowering his posture to the utmost.
"East Sea Dragon Clan's Ao Guang pays respects to Dao Venerable Dao Xuan! Congratulations, Dao Venerable, on obtaining this supreme immortal island. The Great Dao is within reach!"
Dao Xuan raised a hand slightly, and a gentle force lifted everyone up.
"Dragon King, there is no need for such formality. You have come from afar—what is your purpose?"
A trace of bitterness appeared on Ao Guang's face, and he let out a long sigh.
"In reply to Dao Venerable, my Dragon Clan... has suffered greatly!"
"Since the ancient Dragon-Han Initial Tribulation, karma has bound us, our destiny has declined, and we have been confined to the Four Seas."
"Now that the Witch-Demon Calamity has begun, the two races contend for supremacy, stirring the prehistoric world. The flames of war have already spread to the Four Seas!"
"Though my Dragon Clan has done all we can to remain apart from worldly affairs, the tree may wish for stillness, but the wind will not cease."
"The Demon Clan's Heavenly Court treats our Four Seas as hunting grounds. Great demons often abduct dragon descendants as mounts and food!"
"The Witch Clan is savage and overbearing as well, often demanding water veins by force. At the slightest refusal, they slaughter the sons of our aquatic clans!"
"My Dragon Clan is weak, surviving in the cracks. Our suffering is beyond endurance!"
Ao Guang's voice was filled with grief and indignation, while the elders behind him wore equally sorrowful expressions.
"We know that Fangzhang Immortal Island is a supreme blessed land, and that Dao Venerable's divine abilities are vast, your mana boundless."
"Today, we have come presumptuously to beg Dao Venerable for mercy and ask that you permit the East Sea Dragon Clan to attach ourselves to the immortal island and seek temporary protection!"
"My Dragon Clan is willing to honor Dao Venerable above all, offer tribute year after year, and worship you every season! At any command, we would not dare disobey!"
Having said that, Ao Guang held up a treasure pearl that shone brilliantly and radiated immense dragon might.
The moment the pearl appeared, a deep dragon roar seemed to resound through the entire hall, and an ancient pressure originating from the source of their bloodline spread out!
Within the pearl, scenes of chaos being sundered and the Ancestral Dragon soaring through the skies seemed to rise and fall!
"This is the supreme treasure of my Dragon Clan—the Ancestral Dragon Pearl!"
Ao Guang's voice carried incomparable solemnity, along with a trace of reluctance.
"It was left behind by His Majesty the Ancestral Dragon, progenitor of our clan. It contains a trace of his origin blood essence and supreme dragon might. It can suppress the Dragon Clan's destiny and command all aquatic clans beneath the heavens!"
"Today, I offer it to Dao Venerable as a small token of our sincerity!"
At the same time, the elders behind him presented several jade boxes overflowing with treasure light.
The boxes contained treasures hoarded by the Dragon Clan:
There was ten-thousand-year deep-sea cold iron, fist-sized luminous pearls, dragon-blood coral containing true dragon blood essence, ancient Jade Slips recording the Dragon Clan's secret arts, and even several Acquired Spiritual Treasures of considerable quality...
The dazzling array of treasures sent brilliant light soaring into the heavens!
This had nearly emptied more than half the reserves of the East Sea Dragon Palace!
Their sincerity could not have been greater!
Dao Xuan's gaze swept over those treasures before finally settling on the Ancestral Dragon Pearl in Ao Guang's hands, which radiated ancient dragon might.
This pearl was no ordinary object. Formed from the Ancestral Dragon's origin, it carried immense significance.
His thoughts raced.
Though the Dragon Clan had declined, a starved camel was still larger than a horse.
They controlled the Four Seas and countless aquatic clans, with a deep foundation.
More crucially, Dao Xuan knew the future trend of events.
After the Witch-Demon Calamity, the Human Race would rise!
And the Human Race was closely connected to the aquatic clans, especially the Dragon Clan.
The Dragon Clan was needed to govern the clouds and rain, the rivers and lakes, and the seas.
If he could forge goodwill with the Dragon Clan in advance, then when the Human Race flourished in the future, the Dragon Clan's vast aquatic destiny might complement Human Race Destiny and become an important part of Dao Xuan's plans for the prehistoric world!
This was a long-term investment!
Moreover, the Ancestral Dragon Pearl contained the Ancestral Dragon's origin and would also benefit his comprehension of the Dao of Chaos.
And though the Dragon Clan claimed to be seeking his protection, what they truly sought was the protection of the Three Pure Ones. He was merely benefiting from his masters' prestige.
"Very well."
Dao Xuan spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying unquestionable authority.
"Considering your sincerity, and that the Dragon Clan rendered merit to the prehistoric world in ancient times..."
"I may permit the East Sea Dragon Clan to attach itself to Fangzhang and receive my protection."
"As for this Ancestral Dragon Pearl, I will accept it and keep it for the time being."
With a beckoning gesture, the Ancestral Dragon Pearl radiating vast dragon might flew into his hand and vanished into his sleeve.
"As for the remaining tribute, Yushu and Xuanji, take it and place it in the treasury."
Yushu and Xuanji answered crisply, "Yes, Master!"
They stepped forward and accepted the treasure boxes.
When Ao Guang saw Dao Xuan accept the Ancestral Dragon Pearl, he felt reluctant, but even more relieved and grateful.
By accepting this pearl, the Dao Venerable had truly accepted the Dragon Clan's allegiance!
"Thank you for Dao Venerable's great grace! Thank you for Dao Venerable's mercy!"
Ao Guang's voice trembled with excitement as he bowed deeply once more.
"However, remember this."
Dao Xuan continued.
"First, restrain your clansmen. Do not act wantonly in the East Sea, bully the weak, and needlessly increase your karma."
"Second, if the Demon Clan commits abductions again, report it to me."
"Third, wait quietly for the Timing of the Heavens. The day will come when you restore your destiny."
"My East Sea Dragon Clan will certainly obey Dao Venerable's decree! We honor Dao Venerable above all and shall never harbor divided loyalties!" Ao Guang and the elders replied in unison, wholly convinced.
"You may return now and govern the East Sea in peace."
Dao Xuan waved his hand.
"If anything important arises, use this talisman to activate the immortal bridge."
A Jade Talisman condensed from Purifying Sacred Light flew toward Ao Guang.
Ao Guang received it with the utmost care.
"Ao Guang takes his leave! May Dao Venerable enjoy everlasting peace!"
The Dragon Clan members bowed respectfully once more. Led by Yushu and Xuanji, they departed Fangzhang Immortal Island, filled with excitement and hope.
Dao Xuan watched the auspicious light of the departing Dragon Clan.
The corners of his lips lifted slightly.
He had sheltered the Dragon Clan, forged goodwill, and gained generous tribute as well as the Ancestral Dragon Pearl.
It was a win-win arrangement.
His gaze deepened as he looked toward the prehistoric continent.
The conflict between the Witch Clan and Demon Clan was growing ever fiercer.
Yet Dao Xuan possessed Fangzhang Immortal Island, and his foundation had already been established.
He would quietly observe the shifting winds and clouds and devote himself to cultivation.
The day he broke through to the mid-stage Great Luo would be the day Dao Xuan's name truly resounded throughout the prehistoric world!
Within Xuan Yuan Palace, the Dao's resonance flowed, returning to silence.
Only Dao Xuan remained, seated cross-legged upon a Cloud Bed, the Top Three Flowers swaying above his head and the Five Qi in the Chest returning to their origin as he steadily advanced toward the mid-stage Great Luo realm.
Before you continue