Inside the artifact-refining chamber of Zichen Cave Abode, flames soared into the sky. Chaos currents and spirit fire intertwined into dazzling ribbons of light.
Xuan Chen sat cross-legged before the artifact furnace, his hands rapidly forming seals as he muttered an incantation. Within the furnace, a wisp of Chaos Origin Force emitted by the Primal Chaos Pearl, powder ground from Taotie scales, and the essences of several dozen century-old spirit herbs continuously fused beneath the searing spirit fire. He intended to forge a simple defensive artifact for Nüwa to deal with the unknown dangers within the Kunlun Ruins secret realm.
Nüwa stood obediently at one side, her curious gaze fixed on the changes within the artifact furnace. The spirit fire blazed fiercely, painting her cheeks a rosy red. She could clearly sense that, under her master's control, the various materials within the furnace were gradually condensing into an artifact imbued with Chaos Dao Resonance.
"Disciple, come and inject a trace 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 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 came into contact with the materials inside, the furnace gave a clear hum. The light within surged explosively, and the Chaos Origin Force and Creation Power resonated with one another, 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 glow burst from its mouth. Within that radiance, a gauzy garment 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 drifted gently, glimmers of flowing light seemed to flicker across it. It was light yet elegant—the defensive artifact Xuan Chen had forged for Nüwa, the Chaos Veil.
Xuan Chen beckoned, and the Chaos Veil slowly floated into his hand. He examined the artifact carefully, then 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 a full-force strike from a Late Golden Immortal, and it can automatically absorb Chaos currents to repair itself. It is most suitable for you at this stage."
With that, he held the Chaos Veil out to Nüwa. "Come, put it on and try it."
Nüwa accepted the Chaos Veil. It felt warm and smooth in her hands, as silky as satin. Following Xuan Chen's instructions, she draped it over herself. The moment it touched her body, it automatically conformed to her figure, transforming into a faint azure halo that merged into her plain dress. Unless one looked closely, it was impossible to notice.
"Thank you, Master!" Feeling the warmth and security radiating from the veil, Nüwa bowed deeply to Xuan Chen, her eyes filled with gratitude.
"It fits, then." Xuan Chen smiled faintly, but his expression gradually turned serious. "Disciple, this journey to the Kunlun Ruins differs from cultivating in the cave abode. Outside, danger lurks on every side. There are not only powerful ferocious beasts, but also all kinds of Primordial Divine Beings and factions. Remember to stay by your master's side at all times. Do not act on your own."
After a pause, he continued his warning. "Most importantly, conceal your aura well. Your Primal Creation Body is far too special. If it is exposed, it will surely draw countless covetous eyes. The Chaos Veil can not only defend you, but also help conceal your aura. Together with your master's Chaos Breath Concealment Art, even 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 grave. She knew that her master's warnings were for her safety. In this perilous Primordial World, only cautious conduct would allow one to 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 forged from Taotie's bones at his waist. Although this short 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's go. We're setting out."
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 radiance rose around him as he unleashed a commonly used escape art of the Primordial World—the Gleaming Light Escape.
"Hold tight to your 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, racing away from Mount Buzhou.
The Gleaming Light Escape was incredibly fast. Wind howled past their ears, while the scenery around them swept by like a revolving lantern. Nüwa gripped 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 this vast and unknown Primordial World.
As he controlled the escape art, Xuan Chen explained the geography of the Primordial World to Nüwa. "Disciple, the Primordial World is boundless, divided into the five great continents of east, south, west, north, and center. Mount Buzhou, where we are now, lies in the heart of the central continent. It is the Celestial Pillar of the Primordial World, connecting heaven and earth. Its Spirit Veins are immensely abundant, and it is also a place where many Primordial Divine Beings cultivate in seclusion."
He pointed eastward and continued, "To the east lies Dongsheng Divine Continent, bordering the sea. Its spiritual energy is moist, and many Demon Race tribes live there. Among them, the East Sea Dragon Clan is the most powerful. They command the waters of the Four Seas and possess formidable strength. Unless absolutely necessary, we should avoid conflict with the Dragon Clan during this journey."
"What about the west?" Nüwa asked curiously, her gaze turning toward the region in the west shrouded in Chaos currents.
"To the west is Xiniu Hezhou. Its terrain is vast and expansive, mostly deserts and barren lands, though it also possesses quite a few Innate Spirit Veins. It is said that many Primordial Divine Beings who cultivate the Daos of extinction and reincarnation seclude themselves there." Xuan Chen's expression grew somewhat grave. "However, the spiritual energy in the west is comparatively mixed and impure, far less abundant than that of the central continent and Dongsheng Divine Continent. Its factions are also tangled as a thousand threads, and its dangers are no less than those of the other continents."
He pointed south and north again. "To the south lies Nanzhan Buzhou. Its climate is scorching, with many volcanoes and swamps. Ferocious beasts run rampant there. It is an excellent place for training, but also the most dangerous of places. To the north lies Beiju Luzhou, frozen all year round and bitterly cold. It likewise has powerful ferocious beasts and Primordial Divine Beings. However, most living beings there cultivate ice-related Great Daos, which conflict somewhat with your Creation Dao."
Nüwa listened intently, committing every piece of information to heart. She could feel that the Primordial World was far grander and more complicated than she had imagined. The geographical environments and distribution of powers across the great continents were all different. To gain a foothold between heaven and earth, one had to possess a clear understanding of them.
"Besides the five great continents, there are also many famous secret realms and dangerous lands in the Primordial World. For example, the Kunlun Ruins we are heading to, as well as the three overseas immortal mountains—Penglai Island, Fangzhang Island, and Yingzhou Island—and perilous places such as the Netherworld Blood Sea and the Valley of Ten Thousand Monsters." Xuan Chen continued, "These places either contain endless opportunities or conceal fatal dangers. Countless cultivators flock toward them, yet stand at a distance in fear."
"What are the strongest forces in the Primordial World?" Nüwa asked, a glimmer of curiosity flashing in her eyes.
After thinking for a moment, Xuan Chen said, "The Primordial World has only recently opened, and the major powers have yet to fully take shape, but several peak existences have already begun to emerge. For instance, the East Sea Dragon Clan commands the Four Seas and has innumerable aquatic tribes beneath it, making it immensely powerful. Then there is the Kylin Clan, entrenched in Nanzhan Buzhou. They are born with divine strength and excel in close combat. The Phoenix Clan dwells within the Undying Volcano and commands Nirvana Fire, their offensive power astonishing. 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 many powerful Primordial Divine Beings, each occupying a territory and cultivating the Dao in seclusion. For example, the Queen Mother of the West whom we may encounter this time, as well as the legendary Ancestor Hongjun and the Three Pure Saints—though they have not yet attained the Dao, their strength already far surpasses that of ordinary Primordial Divine Beings. The strength of these existences is unfathomable. They are the true peak combat power of the Primordial World."
Nüwa's heart tightened. She could sense a trace of reverence in her master's voice when he mentioned those names. She knew these beings were giants of the Primordial World. If she wanted to contend with them, she still had a long road ahead.
"Disciple, there is no need to fear too much." Noticing Nüwa's thoughts, Xuan Chen comforted her softly. "Most of these peak existences devote themselves to cultivation and rarely interfere in worldly matters. So long as we do not provoke them, there generally will not be much trouble. The most important thing is to improve your own strength. Only when you are powerful enough can you have a voice in the Primordial World."
"Yes, this disciple understands!" Nüwa nodded heavily, determination flashing in her eyes. She tightened her grip on Xuan Chen's hand and silently swore that she would raise her strength as quickly as possible, live up to her master's expectations, and one day become a great power like those peak existences.
The two sped onward, their escape light streaking across the heavens toward the Kunlun Ruins. Along the way, they witnessed many strange sights: enormous ferocious beasts roaring through mountain forests, primordial creatures cultivating beside Spirit Veins, and even several small Demon Race tribes fighting over territory and resources.
While controlling the escape art, Xuan Chen remained constantly alert to the movements around them. At the same time, he continued teaching Nüwa all manner of common knowledge and survival techniques of the Primordial World. Nüwa learned with great seriousness, asking questions from time to time, and Xuan Chen patiently answered every one.
Through Xuan Chen's explanations and the sights they encountered along the way, Nüwa's understanding of the Primordial World became 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 merely to seek an Innate Spiritual Root, but also an important opportunity for her to gain experience and grow.
Three days later, the two finally left the range of Mount Buzhou behind. Ahead, the Chaos currents between heaven and earth grew increasingly dense, and they could vaguely make out the outline of a towering mountain range—the direction of the Kunlun Ruins. Xuan Chen slowed the escape art, his expression becoming serious. "Disciple, the Kunlun Ruins lie ahead. Within the secret realm, danger hides everywhere. From here on, we must be even more careful. Remember not to let down 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, reining in her aura and, following Xuan Chen's instructions, disguising 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 secret-realm exploration was about to begin.
Before you continue