Parting

Dao Xuan's lips curled into a playful smile.

"Loan Saint... truly a prodigy of the Great Desolation!"

His gaze swept over the Human Race below, a mix of excitement and confusion from the successive saintly pressures.

He then looked at the Gourd Baby, Golden Peng, and Six-Eared Macaque beside him, each holding a newly acquired Magic Treasure and brimming with excitement.

And the three Human Ancestors, their auras growing ever more profound.

"It's time for our Human Race to officially step onto the grand stage of the Great Desolation!"

"Storms?"

"Heh, why should our Human Race fear storms! We can just use them to sharpen our blades!"

After his bold declaration, Dao Xuan silently calculated the Heavenly Opportunity.

The three Human Ancestors were established, the foundation of martial arts was solid, and the flames of civilization had been ignited.

Furthermore, with Teacher Taiqing Saint establishing the Human Religion, their destiny was flourishing.

"It is time."

Dao Xuan understood in his heart.

Protection was not the same as confinement.

Fledglings must eventually leave the nest to soar through the skies.

The Human Race needed to face the storms of the Great Desolation independently to truly grow.

He summoned Suiren, Youchao, and Zhisheng, the three Human Ancestors.

"You three are the progenitors of the Human Race, with immeasurable merit and destiny upon you."

"Now that the Human Race's foundation is laid and civilization has begun to show, you must strive for self-improvement."

"My duty of protection is fulfilled, and I shall depart today."

Upon hearing this, the three Ancestors were struck as if by lightning!

"Martial Ancestor!"

Suiren, holding the Suiren's Fire Drill, trembled, "The Human Race's current state is all thanks to the Martial Ancestor's efforts! How can you leave?"

Youchao, holding the Thick Earth Home-Securing Seal, pleaded urgently, "Yes, Martial Ancestor! The Great Desolation is perilous; without your presence, the Human Race might..."

Zhisheng's clan was even more on the verge of tears, "Teacher! We disciples still need your constant guidance!"

Below, the Human Race tribes, upon hearing the news of the Martial Ancestor's departure, erupted instantly!

Countless tribesmen dropped their work and rushed towards the nameless mountain peak.

"Martial Ancestor! Don't go!"

"We beg the Martial Ancestor to stay and protect the Human Race!"

"The Martial Ancestor is the Father God of our Human Race! How can he leave!"

Shouts, pleas, and cries converged into a mournful ocean.

A dense crowd knelt at the foot of the mountain, stretching endlessly.

The genuine reliance and reluctance emanating from them were deeply moving.

Dao Xuan stood at the summit, his blue robes fluttering in the wind.

Looking at the billions of tribesmen kneeling below, a warmth flowed through his heart.

But his Dao heart was firm, unmoved.

"Foolish children."

Dao Xuan's voice was calm, yet it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"I am not leaving, but letting go."

"The torch has been lit; it must now spread like wildfire."

"The houses have been built; you must now settle yourselves."

"The clothes have been woven; you must now carry yourselves with dignity."

"The path of martial arts has been passed down; you must now become strong on your own!"

"As long as I am here, you will forever harbor a sense of dependence, how can you truly stand tall and face the world?"

"Though the Great Desolation is perilous, it is also a whetstone for our blades!"

"The Human Race should be like the waters of the East Sea, flowing endlessly, carving through mountains and piercing stones!"

"I depart not to abandon you, but in anticipation of seeing you again, standing proudly in the Great Desolation!"

As his voice faded.

Dao Xuan did not linger.

His mind stirred.

"Five Spirits!"

A soft call.

"Roar—!"

A majestic and auspicious Qilin's long roar echoed through heaven and earth!

A divine and extraordinary Qilin was seen treading on clouds as it arrived!

Its head resembled a dragon, its horns like jade branches!

Its body was covered in five-colored scales, with the five divine lights of red, yellow, green, white, and black flowing!

It trod on auspicious clouds, with thousands of auspicious rays!

This was none other than Dao Xuan's mount—the Five Spirit Qilin!

Dao Xuan gracefully landed on the Qilin's back.

With a sweep of his sleeve, a clear light enveloped Gourd Baby, Golden Peng, and Six-Eared.

The Five Spirit Qilin's four hooves generated clouds, auspicious light emanated from beneath its feet, and it carried Dao Xuan and the others, transforming into a five-colored rainbow that instantly pierced through the clouds, heading towards the depths of the East Sea!

"Martial Ancestor—!"

Suiren, Youchao, and Zhisheng, the three ancestors, cried out in grief and bowed deeply towards the direction where the rainbow had disappeared!

Billions of their kin prostrated themselves and wept, their cries shaking the wilderness!

Within the five-colored rainbow.

Gourd Baby's small face was sorrowful, "Master, the Human Race is so pitiful..."

Golden Peng's golden eyes flickered, remaining silent.

Six-Eared's six ears drooped, his mood low.

Dao Xuan's expression was calm, "When a fledgling bird leaves the nest, it can then soar through the nine heavens. This is a pain that must be endured."

Just then!

Above the nine heavens, another change occurred!

It was not the might of a Saint, but an even purer and vaster Mysterious Yellow Merit Qi!

Like a golden waterfall, it cascaded down!

Its target was Dao Xuan and his group!

The Heavenly Dao sensed it!

Dao Xuan created the Martial Way, guiding the Human Race towards self-reliance, immeasurable merit!

He protected the Human Race through its weakest period, guiding the birth of civilization, immeasurable merit!

He enlightened the three ancestors, immeasurable merit!

Now that his task was complete and he was retreating, the Heavenly Dao settled the accounts, bestowing immeasurable merit!

The grandeur of this merit, though not as great as a Saint establishing a religion, far surpassed what the three ancestors had received!

Dao Xuan's mind stirred.

An Auspicious Cloud appeared above his head, the Three Flowers swaying, the Five Qi circulating.

The vast merit descended, but he lightly waved his sleeve.

"My Dao is already achieved, my foundation is firm. This merit has limited benefit to my cultivation."

"Disperse!"

With a soft shout.

The immense Mysterious Yellow Merit was guided by his great divine power and split into three!

Seventy percent! It transformed into three thick streams of golden light, each pouring into Gourd Baby, Golden Peng, and Six-Eared!

Twenty percent! It scattered into the Human Race lands below, nourishing the Human Race's destiny and stabilizing their foundation.

Only the remaining ten percent! Was quietly absorbed by the mysterious small bottle within Dao Xuan's sleeve.

"Boom!"

Golden Peng and Six-Eared were completely submerged in the golden light of merit!

Within Golden Peng, the Innate Yin and Yang Qi spun wildly, merging with the merit!

His cultivation, originally at the late stage of Golden Immortal, now soared like a rocket!

Golden Immortal completion! Early stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal! Mid stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal!

Finally, he stabilized at the mid stage of Grand Unity Golden Immortal, his aura sharp and unparalleled!

Six-Eared Macaque cultivated the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique taught by Dao Xuan!

This technique heavily emphasized foundation, consumed vast resources, and progressed slowly.

Now, propelled by the immense merit!

His Blood Essence roared like thunder within him! His bones and sinews sang in unison!

Peak of the third turn! Fourth turn!

BOOM!

A powerful, unparalleled physical strength, as if capable of shaking mountains, erupted!

Fourth turn of the Nine Revolutions Profound Technique! Corresponding to the Late Heavenly Immortal stage!

The six ears, shining with golden light, seemed to have significantly improved their divine ability to perceive all things!

"Haha! I've broken through!" Golden Peng felt the surging power within him.

"Disciple thanks Teacher!" Six-Eared trembled with excitement.

Then there was Gourd Baby!

He did not use the merit to improve his own cultivation.

He looked solemn, and patted his waist!

Whoosh!

The phantom image of the seven-colored gourd vine that accompanied him appeared!

The seven-treasure gourds on the vine shimmered with light, these were the fruits of his true form!

Gourd Baby guided the vast golden light of merit surging towards him, pouring it all into the seven-colored gourd vine!

"Buzz--!"

The seven-colored gourd vine instantly erupted with unprecedented brilliant auspicious light!

The seven-colored divine light intertwined, and Dao Rhyme roared!

The vines became even thicker and tougher, like coiled dragons!

The seven-treasure gourds shone even brighter!

Red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple!

The seven-colored light shot up into the sky, interweaving and reflecting each other!

On the surface of the gourds, the already profound natural Dao patterns, now nourished by the golden light of merit, became even more complex and deep, with Mysterious Yellow Qi faintly circulating!

A benevolent, peaceful, and incorruptible treasure light of merit permeated the air!

The seven-colored gourd vine, nourished by immeasurable merit, underwent a qualitative transformation!

The treasure gourd transformed into a mid-grade Innate Merit Spiritual Treasure!

Its power greatly increased, and its wondrous uses were endless!

"Haha! My gourd has become more powerful!" Gourd Baby hugged the enlarged vines, dancing with joy.

Dao Xuan smiled and nodded.

Seeing his disciples each gain something, he felt deeply gratified.

This wave of merit was well spent!

The Five Spirit Qilin carried everyone and continued to flee.

They had already left the shores of the East Sea and entered the fringes of the Great Desolation continent.

Below them were rolling mountains, ancient trees reaching the sky, and miasma filling the air.

Dao Xuan felt something and his gaze fell upon a deep canyon below.

He saw that within the canyon, demonic energy soared, and fiend qi permeated the air!

Dozens of Witch Clan warriors were fiercely attacking a crimson figure!

Those Witch Clan members:

Some had faces like indigo, hair like cinnabar, and fangs exposed!

Some had faces like the bottom of a pot, beards like steel needles, and eyes like bronze bells!

Some were over ten feet tall, with muscular bodies, wielding giant axes and bone clubs!

Each of them exuded ferocious aura, their Blood Essence like smoke!

The one surrounded in the middle was a monkey!

This monkey:

Its fur was entirely crimson like fire!

Its face was like a horse's, its nose was flattened, and its eyes shot out golden light!

Its limbs were long and slender, and it moved like the wind!

Especially its buttocks, which were a patch of crimson, particularly striking!

It was precisely one of the Four Mixed Monkeys, the Red-buttocked Macaque, who understood Yin and Yang, knew human affairs, was skilled at entering and exiting, and could avoid death and prolong life!

At this moment, the Red-buttocked Macaque was already seriously injured.

Its body bore multiple claw marks, deep enough to expose bone, and its crimson fur was stained with blood.

It wielded a massive beast bone, picked up from who-knows-where, struggling desperately and facing imminent danger!

It let out roars of anger and anxiety!

"ROAR! You barbarians of the Witch Clan! What kind of skill is it to bully the few with the many!"

"Hmph! Demon monkey! Trespassing in our Houtu Tribe's hunting grounds and stealing spiritual medicine is a crime punishable by death!" a leading Witch Clan brute roared, his giant axe cleaving down, stirring up a piercing wind!

The Red-buttocked Macaque narrowly dodged, but was struck on the back by another Witch Clan warrior's bone club!

"Pfft!" It spat out a mouthful of blood, its aura instantly weakening!

It was on the verge of being dismembered by a flurry of axes!

"Master! It's the Red-buttocked Macaque!" The Six-Eared Macaque's ears twitched, and it immediately recognized the shared origin of their aura, saying urgently.

A flash of sharp light flickered in Dao Xuan's eyes!

The Four Mixed Monkeys!

The Lingming Stone Monkey, the Six-Eared Macaque, the Tongbi Ape Monkey, and the Red-buttocked Macaque!

These were differentiations from the origin of the Chaos Demon Ape!

The Six-Eared Macaque had already joined his tutelage.

Now he encountered the Red-buttocked Macaque!

In the depths of fate, there was a destined connection!

"This monkey is fated with me."

Dao Xuan spoke indifferently.

Without any apparent movement from him.

He merely gently flicked his sleeve towards the canyon below.

Whoosh--!

An invisible, formless, yet vast and powerful force, like the sky collapsing!

It pressed down with a roar!

The dozens of ferocious Witch Clan warriors felt as if they had been crushed by a hundred thousand divine mountains!

"Thump! Thump!"

Before they could even scream, they were instantly pressed to the ground, unable to move!

Terror filled their eyes, as if they had seen a ghost!

The Red-buttocked Macaque, having narrowly escaped death, was still shaken.

It looked around blankly, its gaze finally falling upon the figure in the blue shirt on the Qilin's back in mid-air.

It knew this distinguished person had saved it.

It struggled to its feet and, facing Dao Xuan's direction, prostrated itself:

"This humble demon, Yuan Chi, thanks the immortal for saving my life!"

Its voice was hoarse, filled with the excitement of surviving a catastrophe.

Dao Xuan, riding the Five Spirit Qilin, descended from the clouds with the three Gourd Babies.

He looked at the Red-buttocked Macaque kneeling on the ground.

"Your name is Yuan Chi?"

"Yes... This humble demon just picked a random name, because of this red butt..." Yuan Chi pointed to its red backside somewhat nervously.

Dao Xuan nodded slightly, "Yuan Chi... it's acceptable. Do you know your own origins?"

Yuan Chi shook its head blankly, "This humble demon only knows it was born in the mountains and lived a muddled life..."

Dao Xuan revealed, "You are one of the Four Mixed Monkeys, the Red-buttocked Macaque, born knowing Yin and Yang, understanding human affairs, skilled in coming and going, and able to avoid death and prolong life."

Upon hearing this, golden light flashed in Yuan Chi's eyes, as if memories deep within its bloodline were being stirred!

"The Four Mixed Monkeys... Red-buttocked Macaque..." it murmured to itself.

Dao Xuan continued, "I see you are fated with me. Are you willing to join my tutelage and cultivate the Great Dao with me?"

Yuan Chi was stunned at first, then overwhelmed with joy!

Though muddled, it wasn't foolish!

This immortal before it had effortlessly suppressed dozens of powerful Witches!

And its mount was an extraordinary Qilin!

It was definitely a top-tier mighty being in the Great Desolation!

To be able to join its tutelage was a tremendous opportunity!

"I am willing! Disciple is willing! Disciple Yuan Chi, greets Master!"

It kowtowed repeatedly in excitement, its forehead turning red.

"Good," Dao Xuan said with a smile.

The Gourd Baby immediately popped out, pointing at Six-Eared and Golden Peng, and enthusiastically introduced, "This is Junior Brother Six-Eared! This is Junior Brother Golden Peng!"

Six-Eared looked at the Red-buttocked Macaque, who shared the same origin, and felt a sense of closeness. He stepped forward to help him up. "Second Junior Brother, there's no need for such formalities."

Golden Peng nodded coldly.

Yuan Chi quickly paid his respects. "Greetings, Senior Brother! Greetings, Senior Brother Golden Peng! Greetings, Senior Brother Gourd Baby!"

Dao Xuan took out a healing spiritual pill and flicked it into Yuan Chi's mouth.

The pill melted upon entering his mouth, and its immense medicinal power circulated.

The deep, bone-revealing wounds on Yuan Chi's body healed at a visible speed!

His aura also quickly stabilized, settling at the Late Heavenly Immortal cultivation level.

"Thank you, Teacher!" Yuan Chi said, moved to tears.

Riding the Five Spirit Qilin, Dao Xuan once again gathered everyone and transformed into a five-colored rainbow, speeding towards the depths of the East Sea, in the direction of Fangzhang Immortal Island.

Fangzhang Immortal Island.

It was still shrouded in immortal mist, with auspicious clouds and myriad rays of light.

Strange flowers and exotic herbs grew everywhere, and immortal cranes and spiritual apes played.

In the center of the island, Xuan Yuan Palace stood quietly, its Dao rhythm naturally formed.

In front of the palace gates.

Two exquisitely carved child attendants were sitting on the steps, bored.

They were Yushu and Xuanji, the two children left behind.

Yushu had her hair tied in double buns, wore a Water-Combining Robe, and her small face was puffed out.

Xuanji had her hair in double pigtails, wore a light yellow skirt, and rested her chin in her hand.

"Sigh... Master took the Gourd Baby out to play and didn't bring us..." Yushu sighed.

"Exactly! Leaving us to guard the house is so boring!" Xuanji pouted.

Suddenly!

A majestic and auspicious Qilin's roar echoed!

A familiar five-colored rainbow broke through the island's restrictions and landed in front of the palace gates.

The light faded.

The Five Spirit Qilin proudly raised its head.

Dao Xuan, in his loose green robes, sat smiling on the Qilin's back.

The Gourd Baby, Golden Peng, Six-Eared, and Yuan Chi stood behind him.

"Master!"

"Gourd Baby!"

"Qilin!"

Yushu and Xuanji were stunned at first, then overjoyed. They rushed over like young swallows returning to their nest!

Yushu hugged the Five Spirit Qilin's leg (she didn't dare hug Dao Xuan's leg anymore), rubbing her small face against it. "Master! Qilin! You're finally back! Yushu missed you so much!"

Xuanji, on the other hand, rushed towards the Gourd Baby and then looked curiously at the unfamiliar Six-Eared and Yuan Chi. "Gourd Baby! Who are they?"

The Gourd Baby proudly puffed out his chest and pointed at everyone. "This is Junior Brother Six-Eared! This is Junior Brother Golden Peng! This is Junior Brother Yuan Chi!"

Six-Eared, Golden Peng, Yuan Chi: "..."

Dao Xuan chuckled, patted the Qilin's neck, and the Five Spirit Qilin obediently lay down.

Dao Xuan gracefully landed and smiled as he stroked Yushu and Xuanji's heads. "Alright, alright, stop being spoiled. Aren't I back now?"

Yushu raised her small face, looking wronged. "Master is biased! You took the Gourd Baby out to play for so long! And you brought new junior brothers!"

Xuanji chimed in. "That's right! You must take us next time!"

Dao Xuan chuckled. "Okay, okay, I'll take you next time."

After appeasing the two spoiled attendants.

Dao Xuan led everyone into the main hall of Xuan Yuan Palace.

Yushu and Xuanji stood on either side.

Dao Xuan sat on the Cloud Bed.

The Gourd Baby and Golden Peng stood behind Dao Xuan, to his left and right.

Six-Eared and Yuan Chi stood respectfully below.

Dao Xuan said with a serious expression:

"From today onward, the ranking of my disciples is set."

"Six-Eared Macaque, you are my first disciple, the foremost disciple of the fourth generation of Xuanmen. You must diligently cultivate the Great Dao and not betray my kindness."

Six-Eared Macaque solemnly bowed: "Disciple Six-Eared, I shall obey Teacher's teachings!"

"Red-buttocked Macaque Yuan Chi, you are my second disciple. You must respect your teacher and Dao, and be friendly to your fellow disciples."

Yuan Chi excitedly kowtowed: "Disciple Yuan Chi, I shall obey Teacher's teachings! I will definitely respect my Senior Brother!"

"Gourd Baby, you are my Dharma Protector Child. Golden Peng is my Protector Divine Bird. Yushu and Xuanji are my Attendant Children."

"All of you shall perform your duties, help and love each other, and together seek the Great Dao."

"Yes! Master (Teacher)!" Gourd Baby, Golden Peng, Yushu, and Xuanji responded in unison.

Dao Xuan nodded: "This place, Fangzhang Immortal Island, is rich in spiritual energy. All of you may find a place of spiritual beauty, establish your own cave dwellings, and cultivate with a calm heart."

"If you encounter any difficulties, you may come to Xuan Yuan Palace to find me, or ask your Senior Brother for guidance."

"We shall obey your imperial decree!" All the disciples and children promised in unison.

Afterward.

Six-Eared Macaque led Yuan Chi to a seaside cliff on the island, a place where spiritual energy converged, and established a cave dwelling.

Golden Peng chose the peak of a high mountain, from where he could overlook the East Sea and absorb the morning purple qi.

Gourd Baby still preferred to stay under the Seven-Colored Gourd Vine outside Dao Xuan's sleeping quarters, hugging his radiant gourd and chuckling foolishly.

Yushu and Xuanji also joyfully returned to their own residences for the attendant children.

The Five Spirit Qilin leisurely returned to its Qilin Cliff cave dwelling.

Xuan Yuan Palace, quiet room.

Dao Xuan sat cross-legged.

He did not immediately go into seclusion to break through to a higher realm.

With cultivation reaching the Quasi-Saint level, every step must happen naturally; one cannot rush.

"The matters of the Human Race are concluded. Next..."

Dao Xuan's gaze was deep.

With a thought, several materials exuding radiant light appeared before him.

There was Innate Golden Essence from the Treasure Distribution Rock, Grand Unity Divine Wood, Profound Nether True Water...

And also rare ores and spirit root branches collected during his travels in the Great Desolation...

"It's time to refine some handy treasures."

Dao Xuan's fingertips flowed with Dao fire as he began to smelt the materials.

Just as Dao Xuan was peacefully refining treasures and teaching his disciples.

The Great Desolation was surging with hidden currents!

Heavenly Court, Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

Dijun sat high on the imperial throne, his expression grim.

Taiyi stood by his side, the phantom of the Chaos Bell floating behind him.

"Big Brother, the six Saints have emerged, and the pattern of heaven and earth is set!" Taiyi's voice carried a hint of anxiety. "That last strand of Primordial Violet Qi is the key to whether our Demon Clan can truly contend with the Saints!"

Golden flames flickered in Dijun's eyes: "Hongyun... Hmph! Hiding on Longevity Mountain, thinking that with Zhenyuanzi's Earth Book protecting him, he can rest easy?"

"Issue an order!"

"To the Ten Great Demon Marshals: strictly monitor the area within a million li of Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain! Not even a fly is to be let through!"

"Once Hongyun leaves the vicinity of Wuzhuang Temple... kill!"

"Yes!" Demonic energy surged in the hall!

Northern Darkness, Demon Master Palace.

Old Ancestor Kunpeng's face was so grim it could drip water.

"Old man Hongyun! If you hadn't pretended to be benevolent and given up your seat back then, how could I have missed the opportunity for a Saint position!"

"Your Violet Qi rightfully belongs to me!"

His form transformed into a dark stream of light that almost merged with the void, and he silently crept towards Longevity Mountain.

Like the most patient viper, waiting for its prey to reveal a weakness.

Netherworld Sea of Blood, Minghe Hall.

Old Ancestor Minghe sat upon the Twelve-petal Karmic Fire Red Lotus.

Waves of blood surged around him, and fiend qi billowed!