As Donghua and Taizhen bowed and accepted the Spiritual Treasures, Dao Ancestor Hongjun's expression remained neither sorrowful nor joyful. Yet his indifferent voice, like the proclamation of the Heavenly Dao, echoed through every corner of Purple Heaven Palace and pierced straight into the depths of every god's mind:
"Maintain the peace of the Primordial Wilderness and rectify its chaotic order. You two—do not disappoint me."
Donghua and Taizhen exchanged glances, understanding each other's thoughts in an instant. They immediately answered in unison, "We juniors respectfully accept the Dao Ancestor's decree!"
The gazes of the many powerful cultivators in the hall converged on the two of them. Some were burning with envy, some were cold as ice, and some lowered their brows and eyes. Countless thoughts churned in their hearts as every sort of scheme quietly surged beneath the surface.
The opportunity bestowed by a Saint was as weighty as a mountain. The positions of Immortal Head and the Innate Spiritual Treasures were both supreme authority and vast karmic burdens.
Thus, the positions of Head of Male Immortals and Head of Female Immortals were settled.
"At the next lecture, I shall discuss the Saint's Dao. It will take place after one One Yuan Cycle."
As soon as Dao Ancestor Hongjun finished speaking, just as before, everyone suddenly felt the scene before their eyes blur and change. Space and time turned upside down. When they steadied their minds, they found themselves already standing within the boundless Chaos.
Before the surrounding cultivators could step forward to make conversation, the Twelve-petal Pure World White Lotus leisurely appeared beneath Donghua's feet. Its sacred lotus radiance glittered brilliantly, washing away the murky aura around them.
The two figures transformed into a streak of light and swept across the Chaos, drifting away, leaving behind only powerful figures with differing thoughts, silently watching the direction in which they had departed.
Only after they had moved beyond everyone's perception did Donghua slow his escape light. As spiritual radiance emerged, Donghua released his Good Corpse, Pure Yang Daoist.
"You have my thanks for making this trip." Donghua spoke as he handed the Primordial Sky Measuring Ruler to Pure Yang Daoist.
"You and I are originally one. There is no need for formalities." Pure Yang Daoist smiled and saluted, accepting the Primordial Sky Measuring Ruler. His figure then faded away, and he departed as planned to track down the traces of Hong Yun and Zhenyuanzi.
Seeing this, Taizhen did not ask what Donghua had sent his Good Corpse to do. Instead, a smile danced between her brows as she said in a crisp voice:
"Today must be a double celebration. First, the two of us were appointed Immortal Heads. Then, Donghua, you became the first to sever the Three Corpses and step into the realm of Quasi-Saint. This truly calls for congratulations."
Taizhen paused briefly before asking, "But this realm of Quasi-Saint—what exactly is the difference between it and Daluo?"
Donghua looked at Taizhen and answered slowly:
"It is like the difference between clouds and mud. Only after reaching this stage can one understand what it means to escape the cage. If one encounters a Daluo wielding an Innate Supreme Treasure or forming a profound mystical formation, one may need to expend some effort. As for the rest, they can be suppressed with a turn of the hand."
Donghua pondered briefly before continuing, "However, the Great Dao is boundless. This breakthrough has not yet brought any obvious advancement in Law Comprehension."
Taizhen nodded when she heard this, understanding his meaning. The two said nothing more and transformed into two streams of clear light, heading straight toward West Kunlun.
Within the Chaos, Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun were riding clouds as they traveled, intending to return to Longevity Mountain.
Suddenly, the Daoist Hong Yun beside him came to an abrupt halt. He let out a soft exclamation, sensing his Nascent Soul inexplicably tremble. An indescribable pull came faintly from the direction of Buzhou Mountain, as though some treasure tied to his very life were calling to him. His heart and blood surged again and again.
"Daoist Brother!" Hong Yun hurriedly called out to Zhenyuanzi, his face showing surprise and a trace of delight. "I suddenly feel that something in the direction of Buzhou Mountain is fated to me. Under this pull on my mind, I can hardly control myself."
Hearing this, Zhenyuanzi made a divination with his fingers, but the heavenly secrets were a complete blur.
Yet Zhenyuanzi knew well that Hong Yun was the first cloud in the world to attain the Dao, and that he possessed profound fortune and affinity. His sudden feeling could not have arisen without cause. After pondering briefly, Zhenyuanzi said:
"Since you have sensed an opportunity, we should naturally go investigate. I will accompany you." Zhenyuanzi knew that Hong Yun was honest and kindhearted and easily fell victim to schemes, so he had decided to go with him and protect him.
"Then I shall trouble you, Daoist Brother." Hong Yun gave him a grateful smile. He immediately followed that mysterious feeling, turning around with Zhenyuanzi. Together, they transformed into two rainbows and sped straight toward Buzhou Mountain.
At the very instant Hong Yun sensed the pull, far behind them, Pure Yang Daoist—who had concealed his figure with Sunlight Without Trace—flashed with understanding in his pure Daoist eyes.
"Everything is indeed as the main body expected!"
Pure Yang Daoist understood completely. His figure fully merged into the flowing sunlight, following like a shadow closely behind Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun.
Before long, deep within Buzhou Mountain, a valley concealed by an Innate Formation finally welcomed the last person destined to arrive.
As Hong Yun stepped into the valley, the naturally formed protective formation trembled slightly. It then quietly dissipated like morning mist before the sun, completely revealing the immeasurable creation hidden within the valley.
The moment the formation dispersed, the valley's true appearance emerged!
In an instant, rosy light erupted like an ocean. Ten thousand auspicious rays shot into the heavens, and a dense, wondrous fragrance spread in every direction. The spiritual energy of the heavens and earth from all sides surged together like a hundred rivers returning to the sea, gathering at the valley entrance and forming a vast vortex of spiritual energy.
On the sheer cliff at the bottom of the valley, a vine that was entirely emerald green, as though carved from divine jade, suddenly appeared.
Its vines coiled like azure dragons, while its leaves flowed with the green light of creation. Every wisp of its aura contained the Innate Dao Charm from the beginning of the creation of heaven and earth. It was none other than the Innate Gourd Vine, one of the Ten Great Innate Spiritual Roots!
Seven Treasure Gourds shone brightly upon the vine. Their colors differed, their Dao Charms interwove, and all had nearly reached perfection.
Only the seventh and final gourd was slightly dimmer, its aura weak, as though its origin were insufficient and it could not fully complete its transformation.
Through the main body, Pure Yang Daoist already knew clearly that among these seven gourds, all but the immature seventh had their own destined masters. In the future momentum of the Primordial Wilderness, they would each bloom with entirely different and resplendent radiance.
Taiqing Laozi would take one and refine it into the Purple Gold Gourd. It concealed the wonders of Qiankun and could nurture spiritual pills. When facing an enemy, once its talisman seal was lifted, Mysterious Light would envelop and draw the enemy inside, transforming them into pus before three quarters of an hour had passed.
Eastern Emperor Taiyi would take one and refine it into the vicious and peerless Immortal-Slaying Gourd. Within it was a flying blade formed from Innate killing qi. Once the words "Please, treasure, turn around" were spoken, it could slay immortals and annihilate gods, its edge terrifying.
The one obtained by Supreme Pure Tongtian would be refined into the Water-Fire Gourd. Whenever it was opened, two Water-Fire Qilins would leap out, roaring through the winds and clouds with fearsome might.
The one in Jade Pure Yuanshi's hand would, after being enlightened, become the Heaven and Earth Gourd. It contained an uncreated expanse of Chaos, from which earth, fire, wind, and water could evolve. It could also nurture all treasures and improve their origins.
The one held by Nuwa would be refined into the Monster Summoning Gourd. With a single shake, all the demons of the Primordial Wilderness would sense its call in their hearts and dare not disobey. It was truly a vital treasure for ruling the Demon Race.
The one obtained by Hong Yun would eventually become the Nine-Nine Soul-Dispersing Gourd. It contained Netherworld Soul-Dispersing Sand. When facing an enemy, sand would pour from the gourd's mouth, red sand blotting out the sky. Any immortal or god touched by it would have their Nascent Soul disintegrate. Its viciousness was unparalleled.
As for the seventh gourd, because its origin had suffered excessive damage, it ultimately failed to reach perfection. Its spiritual radiance was dim, and it remained hidden deep within the vine, its destiny still unknown.
Apart from the seven gourds, this Gourd Vine itself was also a supreme treasure.
Besides the seven Innate Treasure Gourds, the Gourd Vine itself was also a rare treasure in the Primordial Wilderness, containing immeasurable creation.
Later, when Nuwa molded earth to create humanity, she would rely on this vine. Because the vine assisted a Saint in accomplishing the merit of creating humanity, it would transform into a Merit Spiritual Treasure, named the "Human Creation Whip."
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