The First Chapter

The primordial chaos first opened.

The firmament shattered, and the vast, boundless waters of the Heavenly River surged out from the rifts, engulfing the desolate western lands.

The earth veins cracked, abysses crisscrossed the land, and the remaining ground was scorched and withered, devoid of life, no longer capable of nurturing all things.

This was not some perilous realm, but the entire West—desolate, broken, and shrouded in deathly silence.

Compared to the East, it was like a world apart, as if two entirely different heavens and earths.

Yet, in the heart of the West, a spiritual mountain stood tall. A thousand miles of undulating peaks, teeming with exotic flowers and spiritual trees, with green pines and bamboo nestled amongst them, and vibrant life flourishing amidst swirling auspicious clouds.

In this desolation, only this spiritual mountain remained, untouched by the world.

Lu Tian sidestepped the pouring waters of the Heavenly River, skirted the surging malevolent energy from the depths, and trekked all the way to the foot of the mountain.

He looked up towards the summit, a flicker of melancholy crossing his eyes.

"In the end... I still can't escape the fate of joining the Western Teachings."

He was a soul from another world. After transmigrating to the Primordial Era, he had become a purple bamboo in the West.

Unfortunately, the timing of his transmigration was truly unfortunate.

As soon as he arrived in this world, the western lands had already been ravaged by the great battle between Hongjun and Luohu. He had barely managed to take human form, but his foundation was damaged, and his cultivation was stuck at the True Immortal realm.

It just so happened that the Six Sages had successively attained enlightenment, achieving supreme sagehood.

He had an idea and wanted to join a sage's sect to gain a reputation. Who knew that after trekking for ten thousand years to meet the Three Pure Ones, he would be greatly disappointed—

Laozi only spoke of fate and didn't even glance at Lu Tian;

Yuanshi deemed his foundation shallow and directly refused him entry;

Tongtian did take him into the outer sect of the Intercepting Sect, but there, infighting was rampant, and duels were as common as daily meals.

Lu Tian, being from the West and having low cultivation, suffered constant exclusion and humiliation.

Even with his dedication to cultivation, he ultimately couldn't stay in the Intercepting Sect.

Intercepting Sect...

When my Dao techniques are perfected, I will surely slaughter you all until rivers of blood flow!

Thousands of years have passed, yet the memory of his past encounters still filled him with irrepressible hatred.

Looking at the majestic spiritual mountain now, he couldn't help but feel apprehensive—

Traveling back and forth between East and West had cost him ten thousand years. He wondered if the Two Sages of the West would look down on him?

Although the Primordial Era was full of opportunities, every step was fraught with peril.

Just escaping the Intercepting Sect, he had nearly lost his life at the hands of an Intercepting Sect disciple.

Lu Tian, a being of the West, earnestly implores the Sages to take him in!

At the foot of the mountain, he solemnly bowed three times.

If he were still in his previous life, he might have admired the Three Pure Ones like a mortal and disdained the Western Teachings.

But after ten thousand years of tempering, he had long understood—

What do insults matter? Only the living have the right to discuss the Great Dao.

Jieyin and Zhunti were truly individuals of extraordinary perseverance, revitalizing the desolate and declining West to its former glory. The hardships involved were unimaginable and by no means ordinary!

Indeed...

It is common to critique characters from the perspective of an onlooker while reading a novel.

But to truly be in the Primordial Era, facing the highest Sages of this world, being accepted as a disciple was already a tremendous opportunity. How could there be any room for being picky?

Since he possessed the heart of seeking the Dao, he stepped onto the spiritual mountain. Upon reaching the summit, he would be a disciple of the West.

A clear, profound, and mystical voice suddenly echoed.

Instantly, Lu Tian's surrounding magical power was sealed, rendering him like an ordinary mortal. He knew this was a trial for discipleship.

Each Sage had their own methods for accepting disciples: Laozi valued fate, Yuanshi focused on foundation, both being tests of their Dao.

Tongtian had no explicit rules, but to stand out in the Intercepting Sect and become a personal disciple or an outer sect disciple who was heavily relied upon like Zhao Gongming or the Sanxiao sisters was not easy.

In comparison, the Western Teachings' trial was rather straightforward—

It was merely climbing the spiritual mountain.

Without hesitation, he used both hands and feet to climb upwards.

The spiritual mountain towered into the clouds, perhaps reaching beyond the thirty-third heaven. Yet, Lu Tian climbed steadily, his mind at ease.

He had seen this kind of scenario countless times in novels before. If he had read it before transmigrating, he would have scoffed at the author's cliché.

Who knew he would personally experience such a trial today!

Fortunately, as someone who had cultivated for ten thousand years and harbored a strong will, he would not cry out in pain like a newborn being.

Gradually, he even discovered a profound mystery within—

This mountain, blessed by a Sage, secretly contained divine wonders!

After traveling a hundred miles, the immortal power within him had already become refined.

After another thousand miles, it was as if he had undergone a complete transformation. The purity of his immortal power doubled, and his combat power surged accordingly.

Continuing upward, his immortal power began to undergo a strange metamorphosis, and his cultivation climbed steadily.

At three thousand miles, he entered the mid-stage of True Immortal.

At six thousand miles, he had already reached the late-stage of True Immortal.

At the nine-thousand-zhang peak, he attained the pinnacle of True Immortal.

Finally, at the summit of nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine zhang, he saw two Daoists in white robes playing chess opposite each other.

Seeing him reach the summit, they both turned their heads simultaneously, exchanging a smiling glance.

"When our sect accepts disciples, we do not inquire about their foundation or cultivation, but only value their perseverance."

"Observing the ambitions within your chest, you must have endured hardships without falling, making you precisely the kind of resolute and courageous individual tempered by hatred."

"Join my Western Teachings, and you may act as you please. No matter what powerful backing your opponents have, all karma will be borne by the two of us. We will personally intervene when necessary."

Lu Tian was slightly taken aback.

As expected of Sages, they had instantly discerned his thoughts.

These words truly warmed his heart!

No matter who his enemies were or what forces they commanded, the Western Teachings were willing to take on all the karma. He only needed to act freely!

It was amusing how later generations would mock Jieyin and Zhunti, the two Sages, for their shamelessness.

But for Lu Tian, this was actually a good thing!

From this day forward, who would dare to touch him?

"Why do you not quickly pay your respects?"

Lu Tian snapped back to attention and immediately bowed respectfully to the two Sages.

"I, Lu Tian, pay my respects to my two Masters!"

Boom--

His aura surged, and instantly, auspicious clouds appeared in the sky, golden lotuses bloomed on the ground, and the colorful clouds beneath his feet churned like dragons.

He had directly broken through to the Golden Immortal realm!

At the same time, a cold, mechanical voice sounded in Lu Tian's mind...

[Ding! Host has taken Sages as masters, system activated successfully!] [Detected host's masters are Jieyin and Zhunti] [Host has obtained exclusive system: Mountain Patrol System] [Mountain Patrol System: For every spiritual mountain and blessed land explored, you will receive opportune rewards.] [Host's first entry into the Western Spirit Mountain, reward: Saint-grade Comprehension]

The continuous stream of notifications echoed in Lu Tian's mind.

His heart was instantly filled with ecstasy.

So, he wasn't without a cheat, he just needed to meet specific conditions—become a direct disciple of a Sage?

If he had joined the Intercepting Sect back then...

Lu Tian pondered for a moment and suddenly had an epiphany.

Although he had joined the Intercepting Sect before, its structure was loose. He was just an insignificant one among countless outer disciples.

He probably could only activate the system by becoming a true disciple of a Sage.

These trigger conditions were truly harsh!

Fortunately, he had now become a direct disciple under Jieyin and Zhunti, becoming a direct disciple of Sages. This not only activated the system but also allowed him to break through his cultivation realm.

It was truly a triple blessing.

Even better, the protective nature of the Two Sages of the West was no less than that of the Three Pure Ones!

Recalling legends from later generations, Lu Tian suddenly understood—

All Sages are protective of their disciples.

Yuanshi and Tongtian still cared about their reputation, but these two from the West were completely shameless!

If their disciples were truly bullied, they would personally step in to seek justice!

Thinking about it this way...

It actually felt exhilarating?

A slight smile played on Lu Tian's lips as he fully accepted his new identity as a disciple of the Western Teachings.

"You, as a native being, should be aware of the current state of the Western Teachings."

"Since you have joined my sect, I shall bestow this upon you as an introductory gift. Cultivation emphasizes clarity of mind and seeing one's true nature. Do not be overly attached to external things. When your Daoist methods advance, you will naturally understand that all magical treasures are illusory."

Before the Daoist Jieyin finished speaking, an object flew through the air.

Lu Tian quickly caught it with both hands and respectfully said, "Thank you for your gift, Master."

Upon closer inspection, he saw a delicate and translucent prayer bead in his palm. Within the bead, countless worlds seemed to revolve, enveloped in immeasurable Buddha light. Though not a primordial spiritual treasure, it was still a rare acquired supreme treasure.

The Western Teachings were known for their poverty, unlike the Eastern Heavenly Origin Sect and Intercepting Sect, which were so affluent. Among them, even those with some seniority, who didn't possess several primordial spiritual treasures? The Heaven-Mixing Silk, the Nine-Dragon Fire-Capping Pot, the Sea-Calming Divine Beads, the Primordial Golden Dou, and even the Qingping Sword and Immortal-Slaying Sword temporarily lent to the Sect Master Tongtian – each one was a rare treasure.

This was because the spiritual veins of the West had been damaged in ancient times, resulting in thin spiritual energy, making it difficult to nurture primordial spiritual beings. However, in the Great Desolation, acquired spiritual treasures were not necessarily inferior to primordial ones. Guangchengzi's Sky-Turning Seal and the Three Sisters' Golden Flood Dragon Scissors were both refined later, yet their power was comparable to primordial supreme treasures.

The power of a Dharma treasure depended entirely on the number of restrictions within it. Primordial spiritual treasures contained the true meaning of the Great Dao, while acquired spiritual treasures carried the cultivator's understanding of the Dao. If a Sage personally refined them, the power of the restrictions within would rival those of primordial treasures.

Lu Tian concentrated and examined the prayer bead, a slight smile forming on his lips. This bead contained twenty-four layers of restrictions, placing it in the upper echelon of acquired spiritual treasures. It was likely limited by its material, making further refinement difficult.

As he pondered, he suddenly felt his mind clear, as if he had gained some insight, and couldn't help but let out a soft exclamation.

The two Sages, Jieyin and Zhunti, simultaneously turned their gazes toward him. Lu Tian had already sat cross-legged and entered a state of profound enlightenment.

This newly accepted disciple was indeed unusual. Jieyin stroked his beard and smiled. Without even imparting any Daoist teachings, he could already comprehend profound mysteries from the restrictions of a Dharma treasure.

Sage Zhunti's smile deepened: "This bead contains a Great Thousand World within it, and its restrictions secretly align with the true meaning of the Buddha's Kingdom in the Palm. Since he has gained insight, he must have grasped this divine ability."

"Who would have thought our Western Teachings would have such a deeply wise disciple!"

The two Sages exchanged glances, their faces beaming with joy. Although the Western Teachings had a few disciples, their aptitude and comprehension were mediocre. Even with personal guidance from a Sage, their cultivation progress still lagged behind that of the disciples in the Eastern sects. Now that they had encountered such a talented individual as Lu Tian, they were naturally overjoyed.

He remained in meditation for a full forty-nine days and nights.

Buddha light flowed around Lu Tian, as if the universe was encircling him, with immeasurable beings devoutly chanting scriptures and worshipping the Buddha.

"It's the Buddha's Kingdom in the Palm, truly marvelous."

Zhunti's eyes showed approval as he considered how to guide this exceptionally gifted disciple.

Suddenly!

The Buddha light surrounding Lu Tian burst forth with a roar!

What followed in its collapse was that vast world!

Innumerable beings, with solemn expressions, returned to oblivion along with the heavens and earth!

All things annihilated, returning to nothingness.

Hah--

Lu Tian exhaled a wisp of clear Qi.

"This technique shall be called..."

The Great Nirvana Art!

"It's a pity my cultivation is still shallow, unable to display the full might of this technique."

"If I achieve the Grand Unity Dao Fruit, I could annihilate a Great Thousand World with a flick of my finger. Who could oppose me then?"

He opened his eyes, his brows raised, his spirit soaring.

"Sage's comprehension is truly extraordinary!"

"In just forty-nine days, I derived this technique from the restrictions of the Buddha's Kingdom in the Palm!"

"Its profoundness is sufficient to be a secret killing art for Grand Unity Golden Immortals!"

"With a wave of my hand, I can overturn the universe!"

"Thinking back to when I was in the Intercepting Sect, I was merely of ordinary talent."

"If not for this, why would I have remained obscure for so long?"

Zhunti's smile gradually faded from his face.

However, that smile appeared on Jieyin's lips.

"Brother, you've misjudged this time."

"Our disciple is not a compassionate Buddha, but clearly an Asura who wields annihilation!"

Zhunti was not offended, and with a flick of his finger, he chuckled:

"Since that's the case, disciple, listen well--"

"Your master will now teach you the Wrathful Vajra Method!"

"Hold onto your indignation, it's perfect for tempering the Vajra body and eradicating all injustice in the world!"

A golden light shot from his fingertip, entering Lu Tian's glabella.