Setting Out, First Exploration of the Primordial World's Secret Realm

Inside the artifact-refining chamber of Zichen Cave Abode, flames soared into the sky, while streams of chaos qi and spiritual fire intertwined into dazzling bands of light.

Xuan Chen sat cross-legged before the artifact furnace, his hands rapidly forming seals as he chanted under his breath. Within the furnace, a wisp of Chaos Origin Essence emitted by the Primal Chaos Pearl, powder ground from Taotie scales, and the essence of several dozen century-old spiritual herbs continuously fused beneath the scorching spiritual fire. He intended to refine a simple defensive artifact for Nüwa to face the unknown dangers within the Kunlun Ruins secret realm.

Nüwa stood obediently at his side, her curious gaze fixed on the changes within the artifact furnace. The spiritual fire blazed fiercely, painting her cheeks a rosy red. She could clearly sense that, under her master's control, the various materials in the furnace were gradually condensing into an artifact imbued with Chaos Dao Resonance.

"Disciple, come and inject a thread of your Creation Power." Xuan Chen opened his eyes and spoke to Nüwa. This artifact had been tailored specifically for her. Only by incorporating her Creation Power could it achieve the best possible compatibility.

Nüwa stepped forward as instructed and extended a finger. A thread of pure Creation Power flowed from her fingertip and slowly entered the artifact furnace. The instant it touched the materials within, the furnace let out a clear hum. The light inside surged, while the Chaos Origin Essence and Creation Power resonated with each other, forming a spiraling current of energy.

Delight rose in Xuan Chen's heart. His hand seals grew even faster as he shouted, "Chaos as the foundation, creation as the pattern—condense!"

"Hum—!"

The artifact furnace shook violently, and a gentle azure radiance burst from its opening. Within that light, a gauze robe as thin as cicada wings slowly took shape. The robe was pale azure throughout, its surface covered in dense chaos dao patterns and creation runes. As it fluttered softly, streaks of flowing light seemed to gleam across it. It was both light and elegant, yet no less magnificent—the defensive artifact Xuan Chen had refined for Nüwa, the Chaos Veil.

Xuan Chen beckoned, and the Chaos Veil slowly drifted into his hand. He examined the artifact carefully and nodded in satisfaction. "Though the Chaos Veil is not an Innate Spirit Treasure, it contains the dual Dao Resonance of chaos and creation. It can withstand the full-force strike of a Late Golden Immortal, and it can automatically absorb chaos qi to repair itself. It is most suitable for you at present."

With that, he held the Chaos Veil out before Nüwa. "Come, put it on and try it."

Nüwa accepted the Chaos Veil. It felt warm and smooth in her hands, like silk. Following Xuan Chen's guidance, she draped it over herself. The moment it touched her body, it automatically conformed to her figure, turning into a faint azure halo that merged into her plain dress. Without close inspection, it was impossible to notice.

"Thank you, Master!" Feeling the warmth and sense of security emanating from the veil, Nüwa bowed to Xuan Chen, her eyes brimming with gratitude.

"It is good that you have it on." Xuan Chen smiled faintly, but his expression gradually turned solemn. "Disciple, this trip to the Kunlun Ruins differs from cultivating within the cave abode. Outside, danger lurks on every side. There are not only powerful ferocious beasts, but also all kinds of innate sacred beings and factions. Remember to stay by your master's side at all times. Do not act on your own."

He paused, then continued his warning. "Most importantly, hide your aura well. Your Primal Creation Body is far too special. Once it is exposed, it will inevitably draw countless covetous eyes. This Chaos Veil can not only defend you, but also help conceal your aura. Together with your master's Chaos Breath Concealment Art, ordinary Golden Immortal-level beings will find it exceedingly difficult to discover your true origins."

"This disciple will remember Master's teachings!" Nüwa replied solemnly, her expression incomparably serious. She knew her master's reminders were for her safety. In this perilous Primordial World, only by proceeding cautiously could one survive for long.

Xuan Chen nodded in satisfaction and began checking his own equipment. He wore the Primal Chaos Pearl close to his body, then tucked a short blade refined from Taotie's bones at his waist. Although this blade was merely an acquired artifact, it contained Chaos Power and was more than enough for ordinary battles. Once he had finished, he looked at Nüwa and said, "Let us go."

The two left Zichen Cave Abode. With a wave of his hand, Xuan Chen fully activated the cave abode's defensive restrictions. Then he took Nüwa's hand, circulated the Primordial Dao-Seeking Formula, and a faint golden halo spread around him as he used a commonly seen movement technique of the Primordial World—the Gleaming Light Escape.

"Hold tightly to Master's hand. Do not let go," Xuan Chen said softly. Then his figure flashed, and he took Nüwa with him as they transformed into a streak of golden light that sped away from Mount Buzhou.

The Gleaming Light Escape was incredibly fast. The wind howled past their ears, while the scenery around them swept by like images in a revolving lantern. Nüwa clutched Xuan Chen's hand tightly, feeling both a trace of nervousness and a trace of excitement. This was her first time leaving Zichen Cave Abode, leaving Mount Buzhou, and truly stepping into the vast, unknown Primordial World.

As Xuan Chen controlled the escape technique, he explained the geography of the Primordial World to Nüwa. "Disciple, the Primordial World is boundless and divided into five great continents: east, south, west, north, and center. Mount Buzhou, where we currently are, lies at the heart of the central continent. It is the heavenly pillar of the Primordial World, connecting heaven and earth. Its spiritual veins are extremely abundant, and it is also a place where many innate sacred beings cultivate in seclusion."

He pointed eastward and continued, "To the east lies Dongsheng Divine Continent. It borders the sea, its spiritual qi is moist, and many Demon Race tribes gather there. Among them, the East Sea Dragon Clan is the most powerful, controlling the waters of the Four Seas with formidable strength. Unless necessary, we should avoid clashing with the Dragon Clan during this journey."

"And what about the west?" Nüwa asked curiously, her eyes turning toward the region shrouded in chaos qi.

"To the west is Xiniu Hezhou. Its terrain is broad and vast, mostly deserts and barren plains, though it also contains many innate spiritual veins. It is said that quite a few innate sacred beings who cultivate the Dao of extinction and reincarnation reside there in seclusion." Xuan Chen's expression was somewhat grave. "However, the spiritual qi in the west is comparatively mixed and impure, less abundant than that of the central continent and Dongsheng Divine Continent. Its factions are also tangled and complex, and its dangers are no less than those of the other continents."

He then pointed south and north. "To the south is Nanzhan Buzhou. Its climate is scorching, with many volcanoes and swamps. Ferocious beasts run rampant there. It is a good place for training, but it is also the most dangerous region. To the north is Beiju Luzhou, frozen year-round and bitterly cold. It likewise has powerful ferocious beasts and innate sacred beings. However, most living beings there cultivate ice-based Great Daos, which conflict somewhat with your Creation Dao."

Nüwa listened attentively, committing every piece of information to memory. She could feel that the Primordial World was far grander and more complex than she had imagined. The geographical environments and power distributions of the major continents all differed. To gain a foothold between heaven and earth, one had to possess a clear understanding of these things.

"Besides the five great continents, the Primordial World also has many famous secret realms and perilous lands. For example, the Kunlun Ruins we are heading to this time; the three immortal mountains overseas—Penglai Island, Fangzhang Island, and Yingzhou Island; as well as dangerous places such as the Netherworld Blood Sea and the Valley of Ten Thousand Monsters." Xuan Chen continued his explanation. "These places either contain endless opportunities or conceal fatal dangers. Countless cultivators flock toward them, yet stop short at the sight of them."

"What are the most powerful factions in the Primordial World?" Nüwa asked, a flicker of curiosity flashing through her eyes.

After pondering for a moment, Xuan Chen said, "The Primordial World has only recently opened, and the major factions have yet to fully take shape, but some supreme powers have already begun to emerge. For instance, the East Sea Dragon Clan controls the Four Seas and commands countless aquatic races, making it exceptionally powerful. Then there is the Kylin Clan, which occupies Nanzhan Buzhou. They possess innate divine strength and excel in close combat. The Phoenix Clan resides upon the Undying Volcano, commanding the flames of nirvana with astonishing offensive power. These three clans are collectively known as the Primordial Three Clans, and they are currently the strongest forces in the Primordial World."

"Beyond them, there are also many powerful innate sacred beings, each occupying a territory and cultivating the Dao in seclusion. For example, the Queen Mother of the West, whom we may encounter on this trip, as well as the legendary Ancestor Hongjun and the Three Pure Saints. Though the Three Pure Saints have yet to attain the Dao, their strength already far surpasses that of ordinary innate sacred beings. The strength of these beings is unfathomable; they are the true pinnacle combat forces of the Primordial World."

Nüwa's heart tightened. She could sense a trace of reverence in her master's voice whenever he mentioned those names. She knew these beings were titans of the Primordial World. If she wished to contend against them, she still had a long road ahead.

"Disciple, there is no need for you to be overly afraid." Sensing Nüwa's thoughts, Xuan Chen comforted her softly. "Most of these supreme beings focus on cultivation and rarely interfere in outside affairs. So long as we do not provoke them, there generally will not be any major trouble. What matters most is improving your own strength. Only when you are strong enough can you have a voice in this Primordial World."

"Yes, this disciple understands!" Nüwa nodded heavily, determination flashing in her eyes. She gripped Xuan Chen's hand tightly and silently swore that she would improve her strength as soon as possible, live up to her master's expectations, and one day become a mighty expert like those supreme beings.

The two sped onward, their escape light cutting across the heavens as they flew toward the Kunlun Ruins. Along the way, they witnessed many strange sights: enormous ferocious beasts roaring through the mountains and forests, innate lifeforms cultivating beside spiritual veins, and even small Demon Race tribes fighting over territory and resources.

As Xuan Chen controlled the escape technique, he remained constantly alert to the movements around them while continuing to teach Nüwa all kinds of common knowledge and survival skills for the Primordial World. Nüwa studied with great seriousness, asking questions from time to time, and Xuan Chen patiently answered every one of them.

Through Xuan Chen's explanations and the sights they encountered along the way, Nüwa's understanding of the Primordial World grew ever clearer. She also came to understand more deeply the meaning of the four words: strength commands respect. She knew that this journey to the Kunlun Ruins was not only for the sake of finding an Innate Spiritual Root, but also an important opportunity for her to train and grow.

Three days later, the two had finally traveled far beyond the range of Mount Buzhou. Ahead, the chaos qi between heaven and earth grew increasingly dense, and the faint outline of a majestic mountain range could be seen. It was the direction of the Kunlun Ruins. Xuan Chen slowed the escape technique, his expression turning solemn. "Disciple, the Kunlun Ruins lie ahead. Dangers lurk everywhere within the secret realm. From here on, we must be even more careful. Remember not to lower your guard."

Nüwa nodded and fully activated the defensive effects of the Chaos Veil. At the same time, she circulated the Chaos Breath Concealment Art to restrain her aura. Following Xuan Chen's instructions, she disguised herself as an ordinary Golden Immortal-level cultivator.

Xuan Chen nodded in satisfaction. Taking Nüwa with him, he transformed into an inconspicuous streak of light and sped toward the outskirts of the Kunlun Ruins. A true journey of exploration through a secret realm was about to begin.