The island was dotted with strange peaks, flying waterfalls, and flowing springs. Immortal blossoms and auspicious herbs covered the ground, while spiritual birds and exotic beasts appeared and vanished amid a scene of natural peace, tranquility, and Dao charm.
Compared to the place where he had been born, this place was more than a hundred times grander!
"What an immortal paradise!" Dao Xuan marveled inwardly. His enormous dragon head swayed slightly, sending water splashing.
His dragon body was injured, his organs ached faintly, and his mana was depleted. He urgently needed a place to recover.
The spiritual energy here was abundant, making it the perfect place.
He no longer hesitated. Golden light flowed around his body as his thousand-zhang dragon form rapidly shrank and transformed.
In the blink of an eye, the massive creature vanished, leaving behind a nine-foot Dao Body.
It was Dao Xuan's human form. He still wore the Apricot Yellow Eight Trigrams Robe, but his face was pale, a trace of blood lingered at the corner of his mouth, and his aura was unsteady. Though the pressure of an Early True Immortal had weakened due to his injuries—
It still carried the ancient majesty of the first golden flood dragon born between heaven and earth.
He forced up a breath of true essence and staggered onto the jade-sand beach at the edge of the immortal island.
The ground beneath his feet was warm and smooth. Spiritual energy seeped into the Yongquan acupoints in the soles of his feet, nourishing his damaged meridians and easing his discomfort considerably.
First, I need to find a secluded spiritual vein. Recovering my injuries is the priority.
Dao Xuan looked around, cautiously extending his divine sense in search of a suitable place for secluded cultivation.
This place might have seemed peaceful, but the primordial world was dangerous. Who knew whether some great expert was cultivating in seclusion here?
He walked unsteadily along a winding stream brimming with spiritual energy, heading deeper into the island.
The stream was crystal clear, with spiritual fish flicking their tails beneath its surface. Strange flowers and exotic herbs lined both banks, their fragrance refreshing the heart and mind.
After traveling only a few miles, the path suddenly opened up into a secluded valley enclosed by mountains on three sides.
Spiritual energy filled the valley, even denser than elsewhere. At its center lay a clear jade pool, above which strands of milky-white spiritual mist rose without end.
Dao Xuan was delighted and was about to step forward.
Suddenly!
He halted, his gaze freezing on the summit of the tallest elegant peak beside the jade pool!
There were no rocks or vegetation atop that peak. Instead, three clouds of different shapes floated there, spiritual light flowing around them!
One was wreathed in crimson radiance like burning flames. As the rosy light pulsed, it gave off a scorching yet lively aura, with the pressure of a Mid Heavenly Immortal faintly leaking out!
One gleamed with golden light, as though forged from pure gold. Its radiance was restrained yet resilient, carrying the unwavering sharpness of Geng Metal Qi. Its cultivation was roughly at the Late Earth Immortal stage.
The last shone with lustrous jade light, like flawless emerald. Its glow was gentle as water, containing vigorous life force and enduring Dao charm. Its cultivation was also at the Late Earth Immortal stage.
The three spiritual clouds hovered above the peak, bathing in dense Innate Spiritual Energy and the essence of the sun and moon. They slowly rotated and rose and fell, brimming with spirituality.
Even stranger, between the Crimson Cloud and the golden cloud was a strand of invisible, intangible, yet extraordinarily lively Clear Wind, darting freely about in play!
Though this Clear Wind had no physical form, its presence could be clearly sensed. At times, it coiled like a dragon; at others, it swept past the clouds, stirring faint ripples. Its aura had astonishingly reached the Early Heavenly Immortal stage!
Three clouds, one strand of wind!
It was as if thunder had exploded in Dao Xuan's mind!
A place name renowned throughout the future primordial world, along with four names that would shake the ages, instantly sprang into his Sea of Consciousness!
Three Immortals Island!
The Three Virtuous Ladies!
Zhao Gongming!
The Crimson Cloud had to be Lady Yunxiao, who would one day wield the Primordial Gold Dou and shake the Investiture of the Gods Battlefield!
The golden cloud should be Lady Qiongxiao, master of the Golden Flood Dragon Scissors and fierce in temperament!
The Jade Cloud had to be Lady Bixiao, holder of the Dragon Binding Rope, graceful and gentle by nature!
And that strand of Clear Wind was the future Outer Disciple Senior Brother of the Jie Sect, Zhao Gongming, whose Sea Calming Pearls would sweep all before them!
Dao Xuan's heart shook violently, and he nearly blurted it out!
He had never imagined that his desperate water escape would send him crashing straight into the birthplace of these future core figures of the Jie Sect!
And this was before they had even taken form!
Just as Dao Xuan's mind churned and he stood dumbfounded, the four spirits atop the peak simultaneously sensed this unexpected guest!
The crimson radiance of the Crimson Cloud suddenly flared, and a wave of divine sense carrying obvious awe and vigilance swept over him, locking onto Dao Xuan.
The strand of Clear Wind immediately stopped playing as well, hovering beside the Crimson Cloud. Its invisible "gaze" carried surprise and uncertainty as it examined the figure below, who radiated the majesty of a True Immortal.
A clear, pleasant female voice, filled with obvious respect and a trace of nervousness, rang out from the Crimson Cloud and echoed through the valley:
"Y-you, Senior... who are you? This island is protected by an Innate Grand Formation that conceals heavenly secrets. Outsiders should find it nearly impossible to locate, much less enter it!
"Yet Senior's divine abilities are so profound that you broke through the formation and descended here? May I ask why Senior has come, and what advice you have for us?"
Her voice was filled with the instinctive awe reserved for higher-level cultivators.
Dao Xuan's Early True Immortal realm was already an existence they had to look up to, given that they had yet to take form and their strongest member was only a Mid Heavenly Immortal!
Moreover, the ancient, majestic aura on Dao Xuan's body, originating from the golden flood dragon that existed at the dawn of creation, instinctively made them feel oppressed.
Dao Xuan took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing his roiling blood and the stormy waves in his heart.
He nodded slightly toward the peak, his expression gentle yet tinged with exhaustion.
"This poor Daoist is Dao Xuan, a lone cultivator from the East Sea and the first golden flood dragon to take form between heaven and earth.
"I did not intend to intrude upon this treasured land. I merely encountered a great calamity and was pursued by a Golden Immortal cultivator. In my panic, I used water escape to flee for my life. I do not know how, but following the guidance of the waterways, I accidentally entered this island.
"As for the Innate Grand Formation... this poor Daoist truly sensed nothing of it, nor do I know how I entered. It was as though some unseen force had guided me here.
"This poor Daoist's injuries are rather severe at present. If I have caused any disturbance, I hope you little friends will forgive me."
His words were sincere. He made clear his origins as the first golden flood dragon between heaven and earth, explained that he had entered by accident, and revealed both his injuries and the fact that a Golden Immortal had pursued him.
At the same time, he subtly elevated his own standing by showing that he had escaped from a Golden Immortal, while displaying enough weakness to ease their guard.
"The first golden flood dragon between heaven and earth to take form?!" The female voice within the Crimson Cloud was filled with undisguised shock and reverence. "You were pursued by a Golden Immortal?!"
The strand of Clear Wind let out a soft cry of alarm, circling him reverently as the invisible currents became cautious. "Golden Immortals are actually this terrifying? Senior, you... you are so badly injured!"
The voice was filled with fear toward battles between high-level cultivators and concern for Dao Xuan's injuries.
The crimson radiance of the Crimson Cloud rippled slightly. Her reverence deepened, while much of her vigilance faded.
The golden cloud and Jade Cloud also flickered with spiritual light, conveying emotions of awe and curiosity.
The origins of the first golden flood dragon and the strength to escape alive from a Golden Immortal, at least in their eyes, were enough to inspire reverence.
"Senior Dao Xuan!" The female voice in the Crimson Cloud became increasingly respectful. "With such profound cultivation, you still suffered such a calamity.
"The spiritual spring of this jade pool is our birthplace. Its spiritual energy is the purest and gentlest here, and it will greatly benefit your recovery. If Senior does not mind, please heal here in peace. We are willing to stand guard for you!"
She had taken the initiative to invite him, humbling herself greatly.
First, Dao Xuan's cultivation was profound and worthy of reverence. Second, he was badly injured and weak in aura, showing no hostile intent. Third, his entry through the formation might have been a fated opportunity.
Fourth, they had lived alone on this isolated island for a long time. It was rare for them to encounter such a "great expert," and they felt both reverence and a desire to draw close and seek guidance.
Hearing this, Dao Xuan steadied himself and revealed a gentle smile.
"Then this poor Daoist will shamelessly impose upon you. My thanks, little friends."
He no longer declined. Under the reverent gazes of the four spirits, he walked to the spot beside the jade pool where spiritual energy was densest and spiritual mist rose, then sat down cross-legged.
The instant he settled, incomparably pure Innate Spiritual Energy surged into his limbs and bones like countless rivers returning to the sea, nourishing his damaged meridians and soothing the dull ache in his organs.
The gentle water-element power emitted by the pool was even more perfectly compatible with the origin of his golden flood dragon bloodline, accelerating his recovery.
Dao Xuan immediately calmed his mind and circulated the healing method within the Heavenly Star Evolution Technique, guiding the spiritual energy to restore his body.
Above the peak, the three clouds slowly drifted lower, hovering in the air not far from Dao Xuan while maintaining a respectful distance.
The strand of Clear Wind also quietly coiled beside the Crimson Cloud, reverently and curiously "watching" this Senior Dao Xuan heal.
For a time, the only sounds in the valley were the faint movement of spiritual energy and Dao Xuan's long, steady breathing. A peculiar stillness filled the air, carrying both reverence and admiration.
Time passed, and there were no years on the island.
Dao Xuan's seclusion lasted a full hundred years.
Over those hundred years, he immersed himself in healing and cultivation. With the exceptional Innate spiritual spring and dense spiritual energy of Three Immortals Island, he not only fully recovered from the injuries Venerable Xuanyin had inflicted—
He even turned misfortune into fortune, tempering his foundation until it became ever more solid and flawless as jade.
His relationship with the four spirits atop the peak also underwent subtle yet profound changes over those hundred years.
After his injuries stabilized, Dao Xuan often ended his brief meditations and took the initiative to converse with the four spirits.
He did not preach from on high. Instead, like a gentle and learned elder brother who was also a teacher, he patiently answered the many doubts the four spirits encountered on their path of cultivation.
"Senior, what is 'sharpness'? I observe the solidity of the golden cloud, yet it struggles to break through the barriers of the void."
Clear Wind's voice, Zhao Gongming's voice, carried the curiosity of a youth as he respectfully sought guidance.
Dao Xuan smiled faintly and took out the Mysterious Gold Law-Breaking Halberd. He did not activate its power, merely placing it before him and allowing its innate Geng Metal Dao charm—the intent to shatter all laws and sever all things—to flow naturally.
At once, an invisible sense of sharpness spread through the air.
"Sharpness is not merely hardness. More importantly, it lies in the opportunity to 'break laws.'"
Dao Xuan's voice was gentle, yet every word was incisive. "The solidity of the golden cloud is the firmness of defense. Sharpness, however, is the ability to pierce falsehood, find weakness, and break it with a single strike.
"Like this halberd, its edge is contained within, held back without being released. Yet wherever its intent points, all laws become empty."
He lightly tapped the air with a fingertip, and a condensed strand of Geng Metal Qi silently shot forth.
A drifting spiritual leaf ahead split in two at once. Its cut was smooth as a mirror, yet not the slightest violent force leaked out.
Clear Wind circled around the Mysterious Gold Law-Breaking Halberd, and the invisible currents became exceptionally focused.
At times, he imitated that condensed edge; at others, he sensed the intent of breaking laws. Amid his reverence, his aura quietly gained a trace of sharp understanding.
The golden cloud's glow flickered slightly as well, as though she were contemplating the relationship between hardness and softness, defense and breakthrough.
"Senior, in the Dao of transformation, how does one grasp the pivot of 'one'?" The Crimson Cloud, Yunxiao, let her rosy radiance flow and transformed into a lively cloud sparrow as she asked respectfully.
What she asked about was the principle of Chaos giving rise to all things that Dao Xuan had previously mentioned.
Dao Xuan pondered briefly instead of answering directly. He closed his eyes and focused.
He blended into his divine sense his understanding of the trace of Chaos Dao charm within the Chaos Bead Fragment, as well as his slight comprehension of the beginning of heaven and earth and the birth of all things.
It transformed into a gentle, all-embracing ripple of Dao charm that softly brushed across the Crimson Cloud.
"Before Chaos was divided and primordial mist was distinguished, there was 'one.' This 'one' is not a dead thing, but vitality containing endless transformations.
"Like clouds and rosy mists, which gather and disperse unpredictably and change into countless forms, yet their origin remains that single wisp of innate cloud qi.
"Grasp the origin, and no transformation will depart from its source. With a casual gesture, all things become wondrous methods."
Bathed in the ripple containing Chaos Dao charm, the Crimson Cloud's rosy glow fluctuated violently. At times, she transformed into a galloping steed; at others, she condensed into a budding lotus.
At still other times, she scattered into countless specks of starlight. Her transformations became ever more lively, natural, profound, and unfathomable, while the Dao charm she contained deepened.
Though she said nothing, the gratitude, enlightenment, and deep admiration shining from her rosy light were unmistakable.
Jade Cloud, Bixiao, was most interested in the herbal spirit roots, strange flowers, and exotic fruits Dao Xuan described from the outside world.
Dao Xuan told her everything he knew in a leisurely, storytelling manner. The Jade Cloud's spiritual light danced with delight as she listened in rapt attention, worshiping this widely traveled Senior even more.
Over a hundred years, Dao Xuan guided them with care, both like an elder brother and a teacher.
The four spirits absorbed everything hungrily. They revered Dao Xuan as a father and elder brother, and their admiration deepened by the day.
Every answer, every discussion of the Dao, benefited them immensely. Their respect and reliance upon Senior Dao Xuan had long been etched into the roots of their spirituality.
On this day.
Dao Xuan sat beside the spiritual spring of the jade pool. His aura was complete and full, having reached its peak.
A pressure vaster and more condensed than it had been a hundred years earlier faintly radiated from him.
Above his head, surging spiritual energy gathered wildly, and three incomparably solid lotus phantoms with clear outlines slowly appeared!
Though only three inches in size, they overflowed with Dao charm. One was pale gold, one watery blue, and one murky Chaos gray, symbolizing his foundations in Geng Metal, water essence, and Chaos, the last gained from his comprehension of the Chaos Bead!
The signs of Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown and Five Qi Facing the Origin!
Dao Xuan suddenly opened his eyes. Golden light flashed within them like lightning, piercing the void!
A tyrannical pressure of a Mid True Immortal, far surpassing that of a hundred years ago, burst forth and instantly enveloped the entire valley before he perfectly restrained it once more!
Mid True Immortal! His foundation was stable, and his Dao cultivation had advanced greatly!
Almost at the instant he broke through, intense Dao charm fluctuations also erupted from the summit!
The Crimson Cloud's rosy radiance stretched for ten thousand feet. Purple qi swirled amid the crimson glow, and her spiritual pressure had astonishingly stabilized at the Late Heavenly Immortal stage!
As her rosy light flowed, her transformations followed her will, profound and unfathomable, faintly possessing the rudiments of perfect primordial freedom!
The strand of Clear Wind had condensed into pale green crystalline light, almost tangible. As he spiraled and howled, tiny cracks faintly appeared in the void. His sharpness had reached an extraordinary realm, leaving him only one step from the Mid Heavenly Immortal stage!
The golden cloud's light had drawn inward like refined gold, while the Jade Cloud's jade glow brimmed with life. Both had greatly advanced in spirituality and Dao cultivation, and neither was far from the threshold of Heavenly Immortal!
"Congratulations, Senior Dao Xuan! Congratulations on your advancement in Dao cultivation and your ascent to a higher level!"
The clear female voice came from the Crimson Cloud, brimming with heartfelt joy and deep reverence.
"Senior is incredible! That aura... it's so powerful!" Clear Wind circled him reverently, his voice excited.
Golden light flickered from the golden cloud, while the Jade Cloud's spiritual radiance swayed. Both conveyed incomparable reverence and joy.
Dao Xuan rose to his full height, feeling the oceanic mana within him and his rock-solid Dao foundation. His heart was filled with boundless satisfaction.
He looked toward the four spirits atop the peak, his gaze gentle and gratified.
"A hundred years pass in the blink of an eye.
"This poor Daoist's breakthrough today is also thanks to your kindness in guarding me. Moreover, discussing the Dao with you and teaching one another has helped me sort through my own path.
"I will remember this karmic bond in my heart."
"Senior, you honor us too greatly!" The Crimson Cloud's rosy radiance flowed as her voice carried incomparable respect and gratitude.
"Senior has spent a hundred years preaching the Dao, resolving our doubts, and guiding us through confusion. To us, it is no different from being remade!
"This grace is like that of a master!
"Our spirituality is dull. We only hope that when we take form someday, we may follow at Senior's side, listen to your teachings, and repay even a fraction of your great kindness in transmitting the Dao!"
Clear Wind echoed excitedly, "Yes, yes, yes! Senior, once we take form, we'll definitely come find you!
"You can't abandon us!"
His words were filled with reliance upon a parent figure.
The golden cloud's radiance became resolute, while the Jade Cloud's spiritual light swayed, both conveying the same desire to follow him and revere him.
Looking at these four future great figures, who revered him as though he were divine and admired him so deeply, Dao Xuan felt countless emotions stir within his heart, warmth surging through him.
After a hundred years together, their bond had already become as deep as that between master and disciples, or siblings.
He knew that his journey to Kunlun Mountain could not be delayed.
"Good!"
Dao Xuan laughed heartily and agreed. "Your foundations have been established, and the day you take form is not far off.
I still have important matters to attend to and must make a trip to Kunlun.
When you take form and travel the primordial wilderness someday, come to Kunlun Mountain to find me!
The road through the primordial wilderness is long. You must cultivate diligently without cease and not squander the fortune of this immortal island!"
"We shall heed Senior's teachings!"
The Four Spirits answered in unison, their voices filled with reluctance and firm resolve.
Dao Xuan hesitated no longer. He took one deep look at the immortal island shrouded in rosy light, then at the three spirit clouds and the wisp of Clear Wind atop the peak.
With a flicker, his figure transformed into a pale golden escape light, condensed almost into substance, its pressure restrained within.
He shot into the sky, straight into Yunxiao, racing toward the northwest, where Kunlun Mountain lay!
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