Saint

Dao Xuan stood on the mountaintop, his green robes fluttering, his gaze deep.

The three ancestors of the Human Race, Suiren Shi, Youchao Shi, and Zhisheng Shi, had all achieved Grand Unity Golden Immortal status. Merit protected them, and their fortune was long and prosperous.

The three thousand Earth Immortals of the Martial Path were also relentlessly advancing on their respective paths, and the overall strength of the Human Race was rapidly growing.

The foundation had been laid; it was time to establish their positions!

With a slight shift of his thoughts, Dao Xuan transmitted his voice to the three ancestors.

"Suiren Shi, Youchao Shi, Zhisheng Shi, come to the peak to see me at once."

His voice was calm, yet it contained supreme authority, clearly reaching the ears of the three Human Ancestors.

In just a moment.

Three streaks of light tore through the sky and landed before Dao Xuan.

Suiren Shi held his fire drill, radiating warmth, his aura vast.

Youchao Shi's physique was sturdy, his aura as heavy as a mountain, seemingly connected to the earth.

Zhisheng Shi was gentle and elegant, her aura carrying the vitality of creation.

The three bowed in unison, "Greetings, Martial Ancestor!"

Dao Xuan's gaze swept over them, and he nodded slightly.

"You are the primordial ancestors of the Human Race, with immeasurable merit and fortune bestowed upon you."

"However, the Great Desolation is vast, and the Great Dao is infinite. Although you possess Grand Unity cultivation and a deep foundation, the path ahead is long and still requires guidance."

"Today, I, Dao Xuan, wish to accept you as registered disciples, to impart the true teachings of my Taiqing lineage, and to help you comprehend the Heavenly Dao and protect the Human Race. Are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, the three ancestors were first stunned, then overwhelming joy surged into their hearts!

In their minds, Martial Ancestor Dao Xuan was already like a Father God!

He had pioneered the Martial Path and enlightened them to become Human Ancestors, his accomplishments rivaling Creation itself!

To be able to enter his tutelage, even as a mere registered disciple, was an immense opportunity!

"This disciple is willing!"

"This disciple Suiren Shi (Youchao Shi/Zhisheng Shi) greets you, Teacher!"

Without hesitation, the three prostrated themselves, performing the grand ceremony of three kowtows and nine bows!

Dao Xuan accepted their obeisance calmly.

After the ceremony concluded, he gently flicked his sleeve, and three streams of clear light shot from his fingertips, entering the brows of the three ancestors.

"This is the Foundation Establishment chapter of the Grand Pure Immortal Method and some of my insights. It is the fundamental Great Dao taught to me by my Teacher, Taiqing Dao Venerate, and it is profoundly mysterious."

"You must diligently comprehend it, combine it with your own merit and fortune, and do not let this opportunity go to waste."

The three ancestors felt a vast, pure Dao Rhyme, filled with infinite vitality, surge into their Sea of Consciousness. It was profoundly mysterious, the very foundation of the supreme immortal method!

"Thank you, Teacher, for the grace of imparting this Dharma!" The three ancestors were extremely excited and kowtowed again.

The story branches out.

Meanwhile, on Kunlun Mountain.

Immortal energy coiled, and auspicious mists swirled in a thousand strands.

The Three Pure Ones sat cross-legged on a cloud bed, Dao Rhyme flowing around them, their auras as deep as the sea.

However, the opportunity to become a Saint remained elusive, like looking at flowers in a fog or the moon in the water.

Laozi (Taishang) had a lean face, white hair, and a youthful complexion. He held a simple staff, his aura the most profound.

Primordial Heavenly Venerate had a dignified expression, wearing the Jade Pure Lotus Crown, his aura noble.

Sect Master Tongtian had sharp sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, his aura fierce, as if sword qi was suppressed within him.

"Brother, we have been comprehending the Primordial Violet Qi for many years. Where is the opportunity?" Primordial Heavenly Venerate frowned slightly.

Sect Master Tongtian also said, "Yes, Eldest Brother. Sitting idly in the mountains is likely not a good strategy."

Laozi slowly opened his eyes, within which chaos was born and extinguished, and the light of wisdom flowed.

"The Great Dao is formless; it gives birth to heaven and earth. The opportunity may lie in the mortal world, among all living beings."

His voice was calm, yet it contained supreme truth.

"I wish to descend the mountain and travel the Great Desolation, to experience the myriad forms of life, and perhaps find that sliver of opportunity."

Primordial Heavenly Venerate pondered for a moment, "What Eldest Brother says is reasonable. However, I have a feeling that this place may be in harmony with my Dao, so I will wait here for the opportunity."

Sect Master Tongtian declared loudly, "I also feel stifled in the mountains. I shall accompany Eldest Brother on a journey, perhaps gaining something!"

Laozi nodded, "Good."

Thus, Laozi and Sect Master Tongtian bid farewell to Primordial Heavenly Venerate and left the Sacred Realm of Kunlun, stepping into the vast Great Desolation.

Sect Master Tongtian, being fond of freedom, soon parted ways with Laozi and went to seek his own opportunities.

Laozi traveled alone.

He restrained the supreme Dao Rhyme emanating from his body, transforming into an ordinary old man.

He wore coarse linen clothes and straw sandals, holding a common wooden staff.

His face was kind and gentle, his eyes unfocused, and his steps faltered.

He looked like the most ordinary old man in the Great Desolation, utterly unremarkable.

He arrived at the shores of the East Sea, where the Human Race resided.

By this time, the Human Race was no longer the naive and weak beings they were in their infancy.

Tribes were established, and dwellings were orderly (the merit of Youchao Shi).

Campfires were everywhere, and cooking smoke curled upwards (a testament to Suiren's ingenuity).

Though the clothing of the tribesmen was simple, it was sufficient for covering and warmth (the merit of the Zhisheng clan).

Furthermore, countless warriors practiced martial arts in the open spaces of the tribes, their shouts echoing; or they formed teams to hunt, exuding fierce Qi (the merit of Dao Xuan's martial arts).

It was a scene of vitality and self-improvement!

A hint of imperceptible approval flashed in Laozi's unfocused eyes.

He did not reveal his identity, nor did he seek out Dao Xuan.

Instead, like a truly ordinary old man, he integrated himself into the Human Race tribes.

Beside Suiren's tribe, he built a simple thatched hut.

Every day, he watched humans start fires and cook, watched warriors practice martial arts to strengthen themselves, watched craftsmen build houses, and watched women weave clothes.

Sometimes, he would sit on a large rock at the edge of the tribe, watching the playing children.

Sometimes, he would walk to the edge of the martial arts practice grounds and watch quietly.

Occasionally, curious children or warriors would approach and ask questions.

He would then, in the simplest and most unadorned language, explain principles of heaven and earth, and methods of breathing and physical training for strengthening the body (not immortal methods, but the way of health preservation).

"Grandpa, why is fire hot?" a child asked innocently.

Laozi smiled kindly, "Heaven and Earth have Yin and Yang; fire is the essence of Yang, hence it generates heat."

"Old man, what do you think of my fist technique? How can I generate force more smoothly?" a warrior asked humbly.

Laozi nodded slightly, "Force originates from the ground, is generated from the waist and spine, and flows to the fingertips. Breathing should be synchronized, like the ebb and flow of tides."

His words, though seemingly simple, often pointed directly to the essence, containing the profound principles of the Great Dao.

Those who listened, though they did not grasp the profundity, felt their bodies and minds relax, as if they had suddenly understood.

Gradually, this ordinary yet wise old man gained a small reputation among the Human Race tribes.

Many people, when encountering confusion, liked to come and chat with this "Old Li."

Laozi welcomed everyone, patiently answering their questions.

He spoke of the harmony between humans and nature, of the unity of the community, of the spirit of self-improvement, and of the magnanimity of bearing virtue.

He did not impart any earth-shattering divine abilities or magical techniques.

He only spoke of the most practical life principles and the most basic methods of health and physical fitness.

It was like spring rain, nurturing things silently.

A hundred years passed in the blink of an eye.

Laozi spent a century in the Human Race tribes, spreading the Dao.

He witnessed the birth, old age, sickness, and death of the humans, their joys and sorrows.

He witnessed their resilience, diligence, wisdom, and their tenacious struggle for survival in the cracks of the Great Desolation.

The fog in his heart gradually dissipated.

The Primordial Violet Qi in his Primordial Spirit pulsed violently, resonating strongly with this hopeful and vibrant race!

The opportune moment had arrived!

On this day.

Laozi walked out of his thatched hut and came to an open area in the center of the Human Race tribe.

He still appeared as an ordinary old man.

But as he stood still, the entire shore of the East Sea, and indeed the entire Great Desolation, seemed to fall silent!

The wind stopped, the clouds halted.

Birds and beasts fell silent, all things held their breath.

An indescribable, grand, solemn, and reverent aura, centered on him, quietly permeated the surroundings.

Countless humans, whether near or far, whatever they were doing, felt a sense of awareness and involuntarily stopped their actions, looking in that direction.

At the peak of an unnamed mountain.

Dao Xuan, who had been meditating, suddenly opened his eyes!

Within his eyes, chaotic auspicious clouds churned, the Four Symbols rotating!

"This aura... it's Teacher?! When did he arrive?!"

Dao Xuan's heart trembled violently. With his Quasi-Saint cultivation, he hadn't sensed anything at all!

Laozi slowly raised his head, his gaze seeming to pierce through the Thirty-Third Heaven and reach the depths of chaos.

His voice was calm, yet it resounded like thunder from the Ninth Heaven, echoing through every corner of the Great Desolation and imprinting itself on the minds of countless living beings!

"Heavenly Dao above!"

"I am Pangu's orthodox descendant, the foremost of the Three Pure Ones, the Grand Pure One Laozi!"

"Today, I observe the Human Race. Born frail, yet they strive ceaselessly, passing the torch, their wisdom gradually awakening, civilization beginning to manifest! Their nature is resilient, their virtue profound, and they shall be one of the protagonists of the Great Desolation!"

"I sense the Heavenly Dao and follow the general trend. Today, I establish a teaching, named: 'Human'!"

"I shall use the Primordial Supreme Treasure, the Taiji Diagram, to suppress the Human Religion's destiny!"

As his voice fell!

Hum!

An ancient and profound scroll flew out from above Laozi's head and instantly unfurled. Yin and Yang energies flowed, evolving into earth, water, fire, and wind, stabilizing the universe!

It was precisely the Primordial Supreme Treasure—the Taiji Diagram!

"The Human Religion is established!"

RUMBLE—!!!

Above the Nine Heavens, chaos surged!

Endless Mysterious Yellow Merit Qi, like a celestial river breaching its banks, surged mightily, far more colossal than what Suiren-shi and others had received—by hundreds of millions of times!

Seventy percent of it instantly poured into Laozi's body!

At the same time, within Laozi's Primordial Spirit, the ten percent of Heaven-Opening Merit he had obtained at the beginning of creation was completely ignited, erupting with a roar!

The two boundless forces of merit intertwined!

Boundless radiance erupted from Laozi's body!

A supreme, eternal, indestructible, and Primordial Chaos Saintly might, like the first ray of light at the dawn of the universe, exploded forth, sweeping across the Great Desolation!

Purple Qi came from the East for thirty thousand miles!

Endless auspicious energy permeated from the East, with myriad rays of rosy light and thousands of streams of auspicious colors!

Golden lotuses emerged, pearl-like necklaces hung down, and celestial music sounded, filling the universe!

Across the Great Desolation, countless living beings, regardless of their cultivation level or location, all felt a connection and involuntarily bowed their heads towards the coast of the East Sea!

A Saint had emerged!

A Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortal!

The Taiqing Saint!

Laozi stood in place, his ordinary old man's image shedding away.

His true form manifested!

Behold him:

Wearing the Nine Cloud Blazing Beast Crown!

Clad in the Purple Ribbon Eight Trigrams Immortal Robe!

His waist cinched with the Gold Thread Jade Belt!

His feet adorned with the Phoenix Pattern Cloud-Ascending Shoes!

His face was like a silver moon, and three long beards flowed down his chin to his chest, each strand crystalline, containing Dao Rhyme.

Pure light enveloped him, auspicious clouds ascended, Three Flowers gathered at the crown, and Five Qi faced the origin!

The Taiji Diagram hovered above his head, Yin and Yang energies descending, evolving infinite Great Dao!

His Saintly might was like a prison, his Saintly virtue like the sea!

"I am the Taiqing Dao De Tianzun! I have now achieved Sainthood!"

His grand voice once again echoed through the Great Desolation, proclaiming his Saintly status!

Dao Xuan reacted the fastest!

"Teacher has achieved Sainthood! And it's within the Human Race!"

His heart filled with excitement, he immediately sent a telepathic message to all those close to him.

Gourd Baby, Golden Peng, Six-Eared Macaque, Suiren, Youchao, Zhisheng! Quickly follow me to pay respects to our Saintly Ancestor Master!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Six streams of light shot up into the sky from various parts of the Human Race at the fastest speed and landed behind Dao Xuan.

The Gourd Baby stood on the Seven-Colored Gourd, his small face flushed with excitement.

The Golden Peng transformed into a young man in golden robes, his golden eyes brilliant and his aura sharp.

The Six-Eared Macaque wore a fish-tail crown, its six ears twitching, full of reverence.

Suiren, Youchao, and Zhisheng, the three Human Ancestors, trembled with excitement. They had just become disciples of the Martial Ancestor, and in the blink of an eye, their Ancestor Master had become a Saint!

Dao Xuan took a deep breath and tidied his robes.

He still wore the blue gauze headband and apricot-yellow Eight Trigrams robe, but today it seemed exceptionally solemn.

"Let's go!"

He led the six people behind him, transforming into a streak of pure light, and instantly appeared before Laozi's Saintly carriage.

Disciple Dao Xuan (Gourd Baby/Golden Peng/Six-Eared Macaque/Suiren/Youchao/Zhisheng), pays respects to Teacher (Ancestor Master)! Congratulations to Teacher (Ancestor Master) on achieving Primordial Chaos and boundless Saintly longevity!

The seven of them knelt and bowed in unison, their voices resounding, filled with heartfelt reverence and joy!

Laozi (Taiqing Saint)'s gaze fell upon them, his Saintly might retracted, transforming into boundless kindness and relief.

He first looked at Dao Xuan, his eyes filled with praise.

"Good. Dao Xuan, you have protected the Human Race, transmitted the Dao, imparted knowledge, and guided civilization. Your contributions are immense. For the Human Race to have the prosperity of today, you are the foremost contributor!"

Dao Xuan quickly replied, "This disciple dares not claim credit. It is all thanks to Teacher's blessings and the Human Race's self-reliance."

Laozi nodded with a smile, his gaze sweeping over Gourd Baby, Golden Peng, and Six-Eared Macaque behind Dao Xuan.

"These three children have extraordinary origins and profound destiny, and are fated to be with my Xuanmen."

Gourd Baby, being clever, immediately pulled Golden Peng and Six-Eared Macaque, and they kowtowed again: "Ancestor Master! Ancestor Master! We wish to become disciples of Master and be personal disciples! We beg Ancestor Master to grant our wish!"

Golden Peng and Six-Eared Macaque also quickly said, "We beg Ancestor Master to grant our wish!"

Laozi stroked his beard and smiled, his Saintly eyes like lightning, having already seen through the origins of the three.

"Gourd Baby, you are formed from a Primordial Spirit Root, naturally created by Heaven and Earth. You may become the Guardian Boy of my Xuanmen."

"Golden Peng, you are formed from Primordial Yin and Yang Qi, with extraordinary talent. You shall be the Guardian Divine Bird of my Human Religion."

"Six-Eared Macaque, you are skilled at listening to sounds, understanding Yin and Yang, and possess a heart inclined towards the Dao. You may be accepted as my personal disciple and taught my Great Dao."

"Are you willing?"

Gourd Baby, Golden Peng, and Six-Eared Macaque were overjoyed upon hearing this!

"Willing! Willing! This disciple is willing!"

"We pay respects to Teacher (Master)!"

The three kowtowed again, performing the grand ceremony of becoming disciples!

Thus, the position of the Fourth Generation First Disciple of Xuanmen was finally settled!

Six-Eared Macaque became the Founding Disciple under Dao Xuan.

Gourd Baby became the Guardian Boy.

Golden Peng became the Guardian Divine Bird.

As for Suiren, Youchao, and Zhisheng, Laozi merely glanced at them with a smile and said nothing more.

Their most important identity was as the Three Human Ancestors, carrying the great destiny of the Human Race. Dao Xuan's status as a registered disciple was already icing on the cake for them, and a Saint would not easily change it.

After the disciple acceptance ceremony concluded.

Gourd Baby was the most lively. His small eyes darted around, recalling the glorious deeds of Master in Purple霄 Palace back then.

He immediately tugged at the corners of Golden Peng and Six-Eared Macaque's clothes.

Then, the three little rascals, along with the three Human Ancestors kneeling behind them (signaled by Gourd Baby's gaze), all kowtowed again in unison.

Their voices were unified, with a hint of slyness:

"This disciple pays respects to Ancestor Master (Teacher)! We beg Ancestor Master (Teacher) to bestow treasures!"

Poof!

Dao Xuan almost couldn't hold back his laughter.

This familiar taste! This familiar recipe!

Hadn't he done the same thing in the Purple Heaven Palace back then?!

Saint Laozi's gaze instantly fell upon Dao Xuan.

That gaze was calm and without ripples, yet it seemed to carry wisdom that saw through everything.

Was it you who taught them?

You did the same thing in the Purple Heaven Palace back then!

Dao Xuan's old face turned red with embarrassment. He quickly waved his hands and transmitted his voice to explain:

"Teacher, please see clearly! This disciple is wronged! This... this is purely them learning on their own! It has nothing to do with this disciple! Absolutely not!"

He wished he could find a hole to crawl into.

Being blamed for this... was too unfair!

Laozi looked at Dao Xuan's embarrassed expression, then at the few little ones below, their eyes eager, wearing expressions that clearly said, "Ancestor Master, quickly give us red envelopes."

A rare smile, tinged with helplessness and amusement, finally broke through the saint's majestic countenance.

It was like ice and snow melting, like a spring breeze brushing the face.

"Enough."

"Since you have all entered my sect, how can you be without treasures to protect you?"

As the Saint spoke, the heavens and earth's Dao Rhyme began to flow.

Even greater opportunities were about to descend upon these few audacious little ones (or perhaps, those who had truly inherited Dao Xuan's teachings)!

On the shores of the East Sea, holy radiance shone.

The Human Race's destiny, due to the Saint's establishment of the sect, once again welcomed an unprecedented surge!

Greater storms, too, began to accelerate their brewing due to the Saint's birth!