The Dragon Clan Visits

Dao Xuan stood by the pond of Three Lights Divine Water, the spiritual essence of the immortal island swirling around him as he pondered.

The blessed land at the island's heart had begun to take shape, but such a grand Fangzhang still required meticulous arrangement.

Thinking of this, he suddenly remembered something.

With a slight movement of his mind, the Chaos Bead emerged from the depths of his Primordial Spirit, hovering in his palm and emitting a faint, clear light.

His divine sense probed the chaotic space within the bead.

A gourd vine, its spiritual light dim and its tendrils withered, lay quietly in a corner.

This was the Supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Root obtained from Buzhou Mountain years ago, the one that had nurtured seven Innate Treasure Gourds!

Back then, six of the seven gourds were taken by powerful beings, leaving only this last one. It was green, shriveled, with faint life force, hanging on the vine.

"The origin of this vine is greatly damaged, and the last gourd is unlikely to mature..."

Dao Xuan's gaze fell upon the Creation Divine Water rippling with three-colored divine light in the pond.

"Three Lights Divine Water is the foremost Creation Divine Water in the Great Desolation, containing endless vitality!"

"Combined with Nine Heavens Breathing Soil, these two might be able to defy fate, mend its origin, and ripen this final treasure!"

No sooner said than done.

Dao Xuan carefully took out the Innate Gourd Vine.

The vine was withered, its tendrils cool to the touch, its remaining life force like a candle in the wind.

He placed it by the pond, its roots gently probing into the Three Lights Divine Water.

At the same time, a handful of divine soil, emitting the profound Earthen Creation energy, flew out from his sleeve – it was the Nine Heavens Breathing Soil!

The Breathing Soil resembled golden sand, evenly sprinkled around the base of the gourd vine, gently enveloping its roots.

"Creation without limits, vitality reborn!"

Dao Xuan chanted the true words, formed a hand seal, and channeled the abundant spiritual energy of Fangzhang Island into the vine.

The Three Lights Divine Water was stirred. Sunlight's divine radiance, moonlight's divine brilliance, and starlight's divine splendor, strand by strand, like living things, actively entwined the withered vine, moistening every inch of its shriveled fibers.

The Nine Heavens Breathing Soil also emitted warm Earthen essence, nourishing the damaged roots.

Buzz!

The withered vine trembled violently!

It was like a long drought meeting sweet rain!

Visibly, the shriveled vine began to unfurl, its dry outer skin shedding, revealing a lustrous jade light!

The listless leaves stood tall again, emerald green and dripping with vitality, their veins flowing with vigorous life!

Even more miraculously, the vine seemed to sense the pure spiritual Dao rhythm of the Enlightenment Tea Tree by the pond. It actively extended itself, its flexible branches like spiritual snakes, gently twining around the branches of the Enlightenment Tea Tree.

The energies of the two spiritual roots interacted, their Dao rhythms merging.

The Enlightenment Tea Tree's clear light flowed, and the aura of wisdom and clarity nourished the vine.

The gourd vine flourished with life, feeding back strands of Innate Wood essence.

The two formed a wondrous symbiosis!

And on the vine, the last shriveled, green gourd was now greedily absorbing the Creation power of the Three Lights Divine Water and Nine Heavens Breathing Soil!

Its shriveled surface gradually plumped up, emitting a warm, jade-like luster.

A faint, mysterious Dao rhythm, nurtured within the gourd, quietly grew stronger!

Although it would still take time to fully mature, its revitalized life force was clearly visible!

"It really works!"

A sharp light flashed in Dao Xuan's eyes, his heart settling.

With this Creation Divine Water and Nine Heavens Breathing Soil, in time, this last Innate Treasure Gourd would surely mature!

This was an unexpected delight!

Having accomplished this, Dao Xuan felt much better.

He surveyed Fangzhang Immortal Island.

Immortal mountains towered, spiritual springs cascaded, exotic flowers and rare herbs grew everywhere, and immortal birds and spiritual beasts roamed freely.

However, on such a vast immortal island, being the only one made it feel empty.

"How can a blessed land of immortals be without caretakers?"

Dao Xuan's gaze swept over a spiritual spring on the island, where spiritual energy was dense.

There, two spiritual stones, nourished by spiritual energy for ten thousand years, glowing pure white like jade, lay quietly by the spring's eye.

The stones were warm and smooth, containing spiritual light, and had already begun to develop sentience.

"It shall be you two!"

Dao Xuan smiled slightly, pointed his fingers together like a sword, and flicked them through the air!

Two streams of pure magical power, imbued with creation and vitality, carrying wisps of innate Dao rhythm, precisely entered two spiritual stones!

"Heaven and Earth have spirits, enlightenment brings clarity! Transform!"

The clear shout fell!

Hum!

The two spiritual stones suddenly erupted with brilliant light!

As the light flowed, their forms rapidly changed and solidified.

In the blink of an eye, the light dissipated.

In their place stood two exquisitely carved children, appearing to be about seven or eight years old.

Both had their hair tied in double buns, wore water-cloud patterned robes, were girded with Qiankun silk sashes, and had cloud-treading boots on their feet.

One child had a face like powdered jade, lips like painted vermilion, and eyes like polished lacquer, extremely lively.

The other child had a face like sheep fat jade, with a dot of cinnabar on his forehead, possessing a graceful and refined appearance, as gentle as jade.

As soon as the two children transformed, their eyes shone with spiritual light, a mixture of ignorance and a natural closeness and reverence for Dao Xuan.

They both knelt on the ground, their voices clear and crisp:

"Greetings, Master! Thank you, Master, for your enlightenment!"

Dao Xuan nodded and said gently:

"You were born on Fangzhang, nourished by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Today, I enlighten you and bestow your names."

He pointed to the child with the face like powdered jade.

"You are as lively as a moving pivot, so you shall be called 'Yushu'."

He then pointed to the child with the face like sheep fat jade.

"You are as gentle as the Xuanji and Yuheng stars, so you shall be called 'Xuanji'."

"From today onwards, you will be responsible for managing this Fangzhang immortal island, tending to the spiritual roots and immortal herbs on the island, and guarding the entrance."

"We will obey Master's decree!"

Yushu and Xuanji responded in unison, their young faces filled with seriousness and joy.

Dao Xuan then imparted some basic breathing techniques and tips for managing spiritual plants.

The two children were intelligent and understood at a single point, busying themselves on the island with great delight.

Watching Yushu chase spiritual butterflies and Xuanji carefully water the newly sprouted white lotus seedlings with spiritual spring, the island instantly gained a bit more vitality.

Dao Xuan was pleased in his heart.

He flew to a spot on the island with open terrain and converging spiritual veins.

This place was backed by an immortal mountain and faced a spiritual lake, offering a broad view and magnificent scenery.

"The core of the dojo shall be established here!"

Dao Xuan took out the Myriad Treasures Nine Dragon Seal.

The seal hung in the air, surrounded by the phantom images of nine dragons, emanating a profound Dao rhythm.

"Nine dragons anchor the land, the immortal palace rises!"

Dao Xuan's magical power surged into the seal.

The seal emitted a brilliant light, and nine azure dragons, formed from chaotic energy, roared out and burrowed into the earth's veins!

Rumble!

The earth trembled slightly, the earth's veins were smoothed and stabilized, and infinite spiritual energy was gathered.

Dao Xuan's hands flew, and countless rare spiritual materials flew out from his sleeves.

There was ten-thousand-year-old warm jade, star essence metal, innate Geng Metal, essence of Yi Wood, true water of Xuanming, essence of Li Fire...

All of these were obtained during his travels in the Great Desolation, and he did not spare them now.

"Condense!"

Dao Xuan spoke true words, using his divine sense as a guide and his magical power as a furnace!

The rare spiritual materials rapidly melted and took shape in the air!

The foundation was paved with ten-thousand-year-old warm jade, warm and solid, imbued with Dao rhythm.

The palace pillars were cast from star essence metal and innate Geng Metal, shining golden, indestructible, with faint starlight flowing within.

The walls were composed of spiritual walls condensed from the essence of Yi Wood, full of vitality, capable of absorbing spiritual energy on their own.

The roof was covered with glazed tiles condensed from the true water of Xuanming, crystal clear, reflecting colorful auspicious light.

The eaves were upturned, with the essence of Li Fire outlining profound Dao patterns, with phantom images of fire phoenixes faintly circling.

In just a moment, a magnificent, grand, ancient, and solemn immortal palace rose from the ground!

The palace complex was built against the mountain, layered and staggered.

The main hall towered, its plaque inscribed with three ancient seal characters formed by natural Daoist charm—Xuan Yuan Palace!

The plaza in front of the hall was paved with white jade, spacious enough to hold a thousand people.

Within the palace were quiet rooms, alchemy chambers, a scripture pavilion, a reception hall, and a training ground... all the necessary facilities.

The entire immortal palace was enveloped in a layer of misty immortal light, integrated with the spiritual veins of Fangzhang Island, forming its own realm.

Dao Xuan waved his hand again, setting up layers of restrictions.

Using the Myriad Treasures Nine Dragon Seal as the core, he connected the earth veins, forming a protective grand formation.

The formation contained the energy of chaos, the power of Xuanhuang destruction, and the purifying holy light of the Pure World White Lotus was faintly visible.

Unless one was at the peak of Grand Unity Golden Immortal or wielded a supreme treasure, they wouldn't be able to glimpse even a fraction of it!

With this, the core dojo of Fangzhang Immortal Island, Xuan Yuan Palace, was officially completed!

Dao Xuan stepped into the main hall and sat cross-legged on the Cloud Bed.

Yushu and Xuanji stood obediently on either side.

His mind was calm, preparing to continue his closed-door cultivation, to comprehend the Great Dao of the Pure World White Lotus, and to break through to the mid-stage Grand Unity.

However, the tree wished for calm, but the wind would not cease.

On this day.

Outside Fangzhang Island, in the sea area shrouded by the Chaos Grand Formation and layers of restrictions.

The tranquility was broken.

Several powerful dragon auras approached from afar, stirring up wind and clouds.

Leading them was an elder wearing a purple-gold crown and a dark robe embroidered with golden dragon patterns.

His face was like the silver moon, and three long beards hung down to his chest. He exuded an elegant and imposing aura, commanding respect without anger. He was at the early stage of Grand Unity Golden Immortal!

It was none other than the current Dragon King of the East Sea—Ao Guang!

Behind him followed several Dragon Clan elders, all at the peak or perfected stage of Golden Immortal.

There were also dozens of elite Dragon Clan generals, all wearing helmets and armor, wielding divine weapons, their auras fierce.

However, at this moment, these Dragon Clan powerhouses showed no trace of their usual arrogance.

Instead, their expressions were solemn, with a hint of worry and... a touch of tragic anticipation in their brows.

Ao Guang took a deep breath and spoke loudly towards the seemingly empty sea area ahead:

"Ao Guang of the East Sea Dragon Clan, along with the elders of my clan, requests an audience with the master of Fangzhang Immortal Island, the esteemed disciple of the Great Purity Dao Venerable, Dao Xuan Dao Venerable!"

His voice contained dragon might, yet it was exceptionally respectful, penetrating the restrictions and reaching the island.

Within Xuan Yuan Palace.

Dao Xuan slowly opened his eyes.

Divine light flowed in his pupils, instantly piercing through the void, allowing him to see the situation outside the island.

"The East Sea Dragon Clan?"

He raised an eyebrow slightly.

The Dragon Clan, once the overlords of the Great Desolation, now hibernated in the Four Seas due to karma and declining fortune, but their foundation remained.

And now, the entire high-level leadership of the clan had come to pay their respects?

Yushu and Xuanji also sensed the commotion and looked curiously towards the outside of the palace.

Dao Xuan's thoughts stirred.

The chaotic mist shrouding the island dispersed slightly.

A fairy bridge condensed from clouds and mist extended from within the island, reaching directly before Ao Guang and the others.

"Dragon King, please enter the island for a discussion."

Dao Xuan's calm voice emanated from within the island.

Ao Guang and the others' spirits lifted, and they did not dare to delay, quickly stepping onto the fairy bridge.

The fairy bridge retracted, instantly bringing them onto the island.

As soon as they entered the island, the dense, unresolvable innate spiritual energy, the exotic plants and rare herbs visible everywhere, the immortal birds and auspicious beasts soaring in the sky, and the pool shimmering with three-colored divine light in the distance, along with the magnificent Xuan Yuan Palace...

All of it shocked the hearts of every member of the Dragon Clan!

"What a supreme grotto-heaven!" Ao Guang sighed inwardly, becoming even more respectful.

Under the guidance of Yushu and Xuanji, Ao Guang and a few core elders entered the main hall of Xuan Yuan Palace.

They saw a Daoist seated on the Cloud Bed.

He wore a blue gauze headband, an apricot-yellow Bagua robe, a Qiankun Silk Sash around his waist, and Cloud-Treading Boots on his feet.

His face was like jade, his eyes like bright stars, his bearing elegant and extraordinary.

Daoist charm flowed around him, and his aura was as deep as the sea, comparable to their Dragon Clan's ancestors!

This is the Lord of Fangzhang, Daozun of Xuan Yuan!

Ao Guang dared not look directly, and quickly led his followers to bow and salute, their posture exceedingly low.

"Ao Guang of the East Sea Dragon Clan, I pay my respects to Daozun Dao Xuan! Congratulations to Daozun on obtaining this supreme immortal island; the Great Dao is within reach!"

Dao Xuan raised his hand slightly, and a gentle force lifted everyone.

"Dragon King, there is no need for such ceremony. You have traveled a long distance, what brings you here?"

A hint of bitterness appeared on Ao Guang's face, and he sighed deeply:

"Replying to Daozun, my Dragon Clan... is suffering!"

"Since the ancient Dragon-Han initial tribulation, we have been entangled by karma, our fortune has declined, and we are confined to the Four Seas."

"Now that the Witch-Demon Calamity has begun, the two clans contend for supremacy, stirring up the Great Desolation, and the fires of war have already spread to the Four Seas!"

"Although my Dragon Clan has tried its best to avoid worldly affairs, the tree wishes to be still, but the wind does not cease."

"The Demon Clan's Heavenly Court regards our Four Seas as a hunting ground, and powerful demons often abduct dragon sons and grandsons to be their mounts or their food!"

"The Witch Clan is barbaric and often forcibly demands water veins. If there is the slightest disobedience, they will beat and kill our water clan's children!"

"My Dragon Clan is weak and struggles to survive in the cracks, our suffering is unbearable!"

Ao Guang's voice was filled with grief and indignation, and the elders behind him also showed sorrowful expressions.

"We know that Fangzhang Immortal Island is a supreme blessed land, and Daozun possesses vast divine abilities and boundless magical power."

"We have taken the liberty to come today, and we boldly implore Daozun's compassion to allow our East Sea Dragon Clan to attach ourselves to the immortal island and seek temporary refuge!"

"My Dragon Clan is willing to revere Daozun as our sovereign, offering tribute year after year, and paying homage every year! If there are any commands, we dare not disobey!"

With that, Ao Guang presented a pearl that shone brilliantly and exuded immense dragon might.

As this pearl appeared, the entire great hall seemed to echo with a low dragon's roar, and an ancient pressure originating from the source of their bloodline permeated the air!

Within the pearl, it was as if the chaos of creation and the soaring of the Ancestral Dragon were unfolding!

"This is the supreme treasure of my Dragon Clan—the Ancestral Dragon Pearl!"

Ao Guang's voice carried immense solemnity and a hint of reluctance.

"It was left behind by our clan's progenitor, His Majesty the Ancestral Dragon, and contains a trace of his origin blood essence and supreme dragon might. It can suppress the Dragon Clan's fortune and command all water creatures in the world!"

"I present it to Daozun today to express my sincerity!"

At the same time, the elders behind him also presented several jade boxes overflowing with treasure light.

The boxes contained the Dragon Clan's treasured collections:

There was ten-thousand-year deep-sea cold iron, fist-sized luminous pearls, coral containing true dragon blood essence, ancient jade slips recording the Dragon Clan's secret methods, and even several acquired spiritual treasures of excellent quality...

They were dazzling and their treasure light reached the heavens!

This was almost half of the East Sea Dragon Palace's wealth!

The sincerity could not be considered insufficient!

Dao Xuan's gaze swept over the treasures, finally landing on the Ancestral Dragon Pearl in Ao Guang's hand, which emanated ancient dragon might.

This pearl was no small matter; it was formed from the Ancestral Dragon's origin and held great significance.

His mind raced.

Although the Dragon Clan was in decline, a starved camel was still larger than a horse.

They controlled the Four Seas, with billions of water creatures and profound heritage.

More importantly, Dao Xuan knew the general trend of the future.

After the Witch-Demon era, the Human Race would rise!

And the Human Race and the water race, especially the Dragon Clan, had a close relationship.

Summoning clouds and rain, rivers, lakes, and seas all required the Dragon Clan's service.

If he could establish good karma with the Dragon Clan in advance, when the Human Race prospered in the future, the vast fortune of the water race from the Dragon Clan could complement the Human Race's fortune, becoming an important part of his grand plan for the Great Desolation!

This was a long-term investment!

Moreover, this Ancestral Dragon Pearl contained the Ancestral Dragon's origin, which would be beneficial for him in comprehending the Chaos Great Dao.

And the Dragon Clan's request for his protection was, in essence, a request for the protection of the Three Pure Ones; he was still benefiting from his teacher's influence.

"Good."

Dao Xuan spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying undeniable authority.

"Considering your sincerity, and the fact that the Dragon Clan also had merits in the Great Desolation in ancient times."

"I can allow your East Sea Dragon Clan to attach yourselves to Fangzhang and receive my protection."

"I will accept this Ancestral Dragon Pearl and keep it for safekeeping for the time being."

He reached out a hand, and the Ancestral Dragon Pearl, emanating vast dragon might, flew into his hand and disappeared into his sleeve.

"As for the other offerings, Yushu and Xuanji, put them into storage."

Yushu and Xuanji responded crisply, "Yes, Master!"

They stepped forward and took the treasure chests.

Ao Guang saw Dao Xuan accept the Ancestral Dragon Pearl. Though he felt reluctance, relief and gratitude washed over him.

With the Dao Venerable accepting this pearl, he truly accepted the Dragon Clan's allegiance!

"Thank you for your great kindness, Dao Venerable! Thank you for your compassion!"

Ao Guang's voice trembled with emotion as he bowed deeply once more.

"However, you must remember this."

Dao Xuan continued.

"First, restrain your kin. Do not act arbitrarily in the East Sea, bullying the weak and accumulating karma."

"Second, if the Demon Clan engages in further plundering, you may report it to me."

"Third, await the opportune moment. The day for your clan to regain its fortune will come."

"We, the Dragon Clan of the East Sea, will surely abide by your decree, Dao Venerable! We acknowledge you as our sovereign and will never harbor any disloyalty!" Ao Guang and the elders vowed in unison, their hearts filled with sincere conviction.

"You may return now and govern the East Sea with peace of mind."

Dao Xuan waved his hand.

"Should any urgent matter arise, you may use this token to activate the Immortal Bridge."

A jade token, condensed from pure world holy light, flew towards Ao Guang.

Ao Guang received it with great reverence.

"Ao Guang withdraws! May the Dao Venerable live ten thousand years!"

The Dragon Clan members bowed respectfully again, and under Yushu and Xuanji's guidance, they departed Fangzhang Immortal Island, filled with excitement and hope.

Watching the auspicious light of the departing dragons.

Dao Xuan's lips curved upward.

By protecting the Dragon Clan, he had forged a good relationship, and in return, received generous offerings and the Ancestral Dragon Pearl.

This was a win-win situation.

His gaze deepened as he looked towards the Great Desolation continent.

The conflict between the Witches and Demons intensified.

However, he, Dao Xuan, occupied Fangzhang Immortal Island, his foundation already established.

He would calmly observe the unfolding events and focus on his cultivation.

When the day came for him to break through to the mid-Grand Unity stage, his name, Dao Xuan, would truly resonate throughout the Great Desolation!

Within Xuan Yuan Palace, Dao rhythm flowed, and silence returned.

Only Dao Xuan remained, seated on the Cloud Bed, the Three Flowers above his head swaying, the Five Qi within his chest returning to the origin, steadily advancing towards the mid-Grand Unity realm.