At the edge of the Boundless Sea.
A handsome Daoist streaked across the heavens at incredible speed.
He made no attempt to conceal his aura. Wherever he passed, every living being that sensed his vast and majestic presence hurriedly fled.
Ever since the Three Clans' war ended, the Dragon Clan had remained holed up within the Four Seas.
This had allowed quite a few powerful figures to emerge in the Boundless Sea, and this purple-robed Daoist was one of them.
"I raced through the sea all this way, intending to find a few Dragon Clan experts to test my skills against."
"Who would have thought those Dragon Clan fools had become so timid? They all curled up and hid."
Eastern Duke's eyes gleamed with pride. As an Innate Great Being, he had always acted arrogantly.
But at the peak of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, he truly had the qualifications to be arrogant.
At the very least, within the Boundless Sea, such cultivation placed him among the strongest.
Even across the entire Primordial World, he believed he belonged among the foremost experts.
This was why he had become extremely displeased with the various exploits of Shangqing Tongtian circulating throughout the Boundless Sea.
So what if he was a Pangu Sect Disciple?!
They were both Innate Great Beings. Why did the sea's living beings praise him so extravagantly?
It was as though every other Innate Great Being was far inferior to Tongtian.
Thus, Eastern Duke had set out across the sea this time with Kunlun Mountain as his destination. He wanted to see for himself just how powerful Shangqing Tongtian truly was.
If that man was merely a hollow name, then he should not blame Eastern Duke for using the reputation of a Pangu Sect Disciple as a stepping stone to make his own name resound throughout the Primordial World!
Netherworld Blood Sea.
The vast Blood Sea contained endless dead souls and resentful spirits. It was also the filthiest place in the entire Primordial World.
Although Ancestor of the Styx River was an Innate Great Being, he had never intended to show himself before the Three Clans' war.
After the war ended, countless dead souls of living beings flooded into the Blood Sea.
This caused Nether River's cultivation to soar. Combined with the Three Clans' retreat from the world and Tongtian's surging reputation, it gave him the desire to contend with Tongtian.
"It is said that this man fought hundreds of millions of Demon Clan members alone."
"One could tell at a glance that it was nothing but a rumor!"
"He merely followed behind seniors such as Hongjun, picking up scraps and gaining such tremendous fame for nothing."
"But if I can defeat him, my name will shake the Primordial World!"
Nether River's long hair draped over his shoulders as he sped toward Kunlun Mountain.
Not only was he an Innate Great Being, but he also possessed three Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures!
That was his greatest source of confidence!
No matter how impressive a Pangu Sect Disciple was, could he possibly produce three Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures?!
As Innate Great Beings from outside came rushing toward Kunlun Mountain because of his reputation,
Tongtian remained immersed in secluded cultivation.
Over this long period, he had refined every spiritual treasure in his possession.
In particular, he had devoted the most effort to the Innate Supreme Treasure, the God-Slaying Spear, and the 12th Grade Black Lotus of Destruction.
Their power had not disappointed Tongtian.
A terrifying aura shook the void. Tongtian held the God-Slaying Spear in his hand, while the 12th Grade Black Lotus of Destruction slowly floated beneath his feet, streams of destructive power continuously spilling forth from it.
"With Primordial Golden Immortal cultivation, along with these two spiritual treasures!"
"My combat strength is already enough to sweep away all opponents beneath my realm."
A glint flashed through Tongtian's eyes. Only after successfully attaining Primordial Golden Immortal cultivation did he truly sense how immense the gap was between Primordial Golden Immortals and Grand Luo Golden Immortals.
Come to think of it, it was fortunate that he had vast Heavenly Dao Merit protecting him. Otherwise, Rahou would certainly have dealt with him back then.
Heavenly Dao Merit truly was a wonderful thing!
Even though he knew of many major events that would occur in the future, there were not many opportunities among them to earn Heavenly Dao Merit.
Therefore, whenever such an opportunity arose, he absolutely could not let it pass.
"The other Innate Great Beings of the Primordial World can at most cultivate to the peak of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm. They lack a method of achieving Primordial Unity and cannot break through to Primordial Golden Immortal."
"And when Hongjun appears again, he will surely be a Sage of the Heavenly Dao."
"By that reckoning, my combat strength is also in the first echelon of the Primordial World!"
Tongtian looked delighted. Since his cultivation had successfully broken through, the purpose of this secluded cultivation had been achieved.
He had no intention of remaining in seclusion any longer and immediately emerged.
Striding out of Shangqing Hall with the gait of a dragon and tiger, Tongtian's heart stirred as he prepared to check on Laozi and Yuanshi's cultivation.
Neither of their foundations was inferior to his. The reason their cultivation lagged behind was simply that they had not gained many benefits during the great tribulation.
Of course, that also had something to do with their insufficient cultivation.
When they had decided to travel through the Primordial World back then, if the two of them had gone with him, they might have been able to claim a share of the benefits from the great tribulation as well.
Just as he emerged from seclusion, Xihe and Changxi appeared and slowly walked toward Tongtian.
"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Tongtian, on your advancement in cultivation!"
"You must have successfully broken through to the Primordial Golden Immortal realm, right?"
Xihe asked, her pretty face filled with delight.
Facing Tongtian now, she could sense an invisible pressure.
There was no doubt that Tongtian's cultivation had already reached the Primordial Golden Immortal realm!
This aura was even more powerful than before!
Tongtian chuckled. "I was fortunate enough to break through successfully."
Changxi said with emotion, "Fellow Daoist, your talent for cultivation is truly astonishing."
"You have already broken through to the Primordial Golden Immortal realm so quickly."
"You far surpass us sisters."
Back on the Taiyin Star, the gap between them had clearly not been so vast.
How much time had passed since then?
Tongtian's cultivation had already completely surpassed the two of them!
Their feelings were complicated, though they felt more fortunate than anything else.
The stronger Tongtian became, the more secure their support would be. At the very least, they would not have to worry about provoking trouble from others in the Primordial World.
"I have only just emerged from seclusion. Did you two come looking for me because something happened?"
Tongtian asked.
Changxi smiled. "The three of us were guests in West Kunlun, and Sister Queen Mother of the West sent an invitation, hoping Fellow Daoist Tongtian would pay her a visit."
"Sister Queen Mother of the West has invited us several times, and we could not keep refusing her, so we decided to come to your cave abode."
Tongtian's mouth twitched slightly at those words. Good grief!
Queen Mother of the West truly was persistent. So much time had passed—could she still be holding a grudge over what happened last time?
If he had truly harbored improper intentions, then so be it, but it had all been a misunderstanding!
Fine! I have avoided her for tens of thousands of years. It is time to find an opportunity to explain things clearly.
Tongtian sighed inwardly, knowing that he could hide for a while, but not forever.
The best solution was to explain that matter to her in private.
Only then could the misunderstanding be resolved.
"Alright!"
"Since Fellow Daoist Queen Mother of the West has invited me so many times, I naturally have to give her this courtesy."
After pondering for a moment, Tongtian agreed directly.
The Xihe sisters were also delighted. Sister Queen Mother of the West was a good person, and they believed Fellow Daoist Tongtian would surely get along well with her.
Besides, all of their Daoist grounds were located on Kunlun Mountain. They would meet sooner or later.
It would naturally be for the best if they could get along.
Thus, the three of them flew toward West Kunlun.
Three Pure Ones Hall.
Laozi and Yuanshi had also ended their seclusion at this time. Without prior arrangement, the two of them arrived at Three Pure Ones Hall.
"Our third brother truly lives a carefree life!"
Yuanshi said with a complicated expression after sensing the three of them leave East Kunlun.
The two of them had also gained greatly from this session of secluded cultivation.
They had successfully raised their cultivation to the peak of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm!
But compared to Tongtian, such cultivation appeared somewhat insignificant.
After all, both of them knew that Tongtian had very likely already broken through to the Primordial Golden Immortal realm upon emerging from seclusion.
They were all Pangu Sect Disciples and brothers.
Yet Tongtian, their third brother, had surpassed them by an entire major realm in cultivation. This made their feelings even more complicated.
"Alas!"
"Not only is our third brother powerful, but his reputation has long surpassed ours by far."
Laozi said bitterly.
Who in the Primordial World had not heard the name Shangqing Tongtian by now?
All living beings knew he was a Pangu Sect Disciple, but there were three Pangu Sect Disciples!
Tongtian's name shook the Primordial World, while the two of them seemed like insignificant nobodies.
That was what pained them the most.
"Eldest Brother, I do not think things can continue like this. Should we think of a solution?"
Yuanshi suddenly said.
Laozi gave him a deep look and said in a grave voice, "What solution could there be?"
"Besides, we possess advantages that our third brother does not. Once Master emerges from seclusion, he will surely expound the Dao to us again."
"We are not without a chance to catch up!"
Yuanshi shook his head, seeming as though he wanted to speak but held himself back.
Could they truly catch up across such a vast gap?
What he actually wanted to suggest to Laozi was that the Three Pure Ones should split apart.
Otherwise, if this continued, the Three Pure Ones might become the One Pure One!
Most importantly, the two brothers had gained nothing—no spiritual treasures, no reputation, no benefits at all.
Had they known this would happen, they should have given Tongtian the title of leader of the Three Pure Ones from the start.
At least then, the two of them could have comforted themselves somewhat.
West Kunlun. Tongtian followed the two women into West Kunlun.
Clouds and mist swirled through the air, and spiritual essence permeated the surroundings. It truly was a paradise on earth.
"The spiritual essence of heaven and earth is not much different from that of East Kunlun."
"But this beautiful scenery surpasses East Kunlun by far."
Xihe said softly.
Tongtian nodded slightly. He agreed with that assessment.
The first time he came to West Kunlun, he had already noticed that every part of its scenery seemed to have been deliberately arranged.
Moreover, West Kunlun was the Daoist ground of Queen Mother of the West, a female immortal, so that made perfect sense.
By comparison, when the Three Pure Ones cultivated on Kunlun Mountain, they only cared that the spiritual essence of heaven and earth was abundant. They paid no attention at all to scenery.
They were even less likely to devote effort to arranging it.
A short while later, the three arrived before a great hall. The hall was solid and balanced. Though not grand or imposing, it was ancient and elegant.
Tongtian glanced up. Three words were written on the plaque above the hall: "Longevity Hall."
"This name suits Queen Mother of the West's personality."
Tongtian's eyes flickered slightly.
Queen Mother of the West was most renowned for being granted the title of Head of Female Immortals by the Dao Ancestor during his teachings at Purple Cloud Palace.
But compared to the other person, her conduct was marked everywhere by restraint and caution.
Thus, she was one of the few Innate Great Beings in the Primordial World who still possessed a great reputation after the Heavenly Court was established!
The three entered Longevity Hall and saw Queen Mother of the West seated in the seat of honor. Her figure was graceful, while her appearance was dignified and noble.
In terms of beauty alone, she was in no way inferior to the Xihe sisters.
Queen Mother of the West's gaze fell upon Tongtian. There was a trace of danger in her gentle eyes as she teased, "I have invited Fellow Daoist Tongtian several times. I thought you would not honor me with your presence this time either."
Meeting her beautiful eyes, Tongtian could not help feeling somewhat embarrassed.
He could tell that Queen Mother of the West's words seemed to carry another meaning.
He could only cup his hands and say, "I had many matters to attend to previously. Now that I have finished what was at hand, how could I refuse Fellow Daoist's invitation?"
Xihe and Changxi could not sense the awkward atmosphere between the two, but they were still willing to put in a good word for Tongtian.
"Elder Sister, do not be so harsh on Fellow Daoist Tongtian."
"He truly only just emerged from seclusion before us sisters called him over."
Changxi said with a smile.
Queen Mother of the West smiled. "You two misunderstand. How would I dare be harsh on Fellow Daoist Tongtian?"
"Please, all three of you, take your seats!"
Seeing that Queen Mother of the West said no more, Tongtian regained his forthright manner and casually found a seat for himself.
Queen Mother of the West turned her palm over. Fruit platters immediately appeared out of thin air on the tables before Tongtian and the others, each bearing Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Fruit, Ren Water Peaches.
"This is a Ren Water Peach I specially picked to entertain fellow Daoist Tongtian."
"Fellow Daoist Tongtian's reputation now resounds throughout the Primordial World. If I used other Spiritual Fruits to entertain you, I fear the courtesy would be lacking."
"It is simply that there are no other Spiritual Roots on West Kunlun. I hope you will not find it wanting."
Queen Mother of the West spoke with a serious expression.
Tongtian waved his hand. "You are being too courteous, fellow Daoist! Using a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Fruit to entertain a guest—there are not many in the Primordial World capable of such generosity."
After speaking, he picked up the Ren Water Peach and took a bite.
He had tasted Ren Water Peaches before, but a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Fruit truly possessed a flavor all its own.
After he finished it, the spiritual essence within seemed to turn into tiny streams that flowed through every part of his body.
"Elder Sister need not be so polite. Fellow Daoist Tongtian may indeed possess a fearsome reputation outside, but his personality is quite easy to get along with."
"Come to think of it, if fellow Daoist Tongtian had not invited us, my younger sister and I would probably still be cultivating bitterly on the Taiyin Star."
"How would we have had the chance to see so many sights of the Primordial World?"
Xihe took a bite of the Ren Water Peach and spoke.
Changxi sighed. "Ever since the war of the Three Clans ended, fellow Daoist Tongtian's name has spread throughout the entire Primordial World."
"I have heard that both the Qilin Clan and the Phoenix Clan hold you in extremely high regard."
"Among the many Innate Great Beings, fellow Daoist Tongtian's prestige is surely the greatest."
Queen Mother of the West's beautiful eyes flickered. Over this period, she had learned quite a bit about Tongtian's deeds through Ao Li and the other two women.
Thus, it was not merely because of the previous incident that she wished to meet Tongtian personally.
After all, they both cultivated within Kunlun Mountain.
If Tongtian was a man of loyalty and principle, she could cultivate in West Kunlun with peace of mind.
Conversely, if Tongtian harbored other intentions, she would need to consider more matters.
As the four conversed, their discussion turned to the Dao.
Discussing the Dao was also one of the important ways for great beings such as themselves to improve their cultivation.
Especially since Tongtian possessed the highest cultivation among the four, it soon became Tongtian explaining while the three women listened attentively.
All of them gained something from it.
After discussing the Dao for a while, Queen Mother of the West's eyes shifted as she said, "You two younger sisters have visited my West Kunlun many times."
"You have also seen the Ren Water Peach Tree many times. Since we are discussing the Dao, we ought to have Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Fruits to accompany it."
"Why not ask you two younger sisters to help me pick some more Ren Water Peaches?"
Xihe and Changxi were somewhat surprised. They had not expected Queen Mother of the West to trust them so much.
That was a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Root!
An ordinary being would likely regard it as incomparably precious, perhaps even hide it away and never mention it.
"Elder Sister, please wait here. The two of us can make the trip."
After Changxi spoke, she left together with Xihe.
As a result, only Tongtian and Queen Mother of the West remained in the Longevity Hall.
For a moment, the atmosphere became somewhat subtle.
Tongtian sat in his seat without changing expression, showing no hint of unease.
This only made Queen Mother of the West's thoughts more complicated. With only the two of them in the Longevity Hall, her reputation was of utmost importance. Since Tongtian did not take the initiative to speak, she could only do so herself.
Yet asking about such a matter made Queen Mother of the West feel somewhat flustered.
She could only brace herself and say, "Not long ago, an uninvited guest climbed West Kunlun."
"After thinking it over, the only one who could have climbed the mountain at that time was you, fellow Daoist."
The matter had already been laid bare, so even if Tongtian wanted to feign ignorance, he could no longer do so.
He could only cough lightly. "Indeed, I was presumptuous in that matter."
"I had merely intended to wander around Kunlun Mountain. Seeing that the scenery of West Kunlun was exquisitely beautiful, I intended to take a few more looks."
"I did offend you, fellow Daoist! I offer my sincere apologies here."
Seeing him admit it so openly, Queen Mother of the West felt even more embarrassed.
Her pretty face gradually flushed, and her voice lowered. "At that time, I was bathing in a pool."
"Fellow Daoist, did you... did you see me?"
Tongtian coughed lightly and said solemnly, "I did see you."
"However, one should not look upon impropriety. I did not take another glance and left immediately."
Queen Mother of the West fell silent at once. It was just as she had imagined.
Tongtian had indeed seen her body.
She simply did not know how much he had seen.
After remaining silent for a moment, Queen Mother of the West continued with a flushed face, "Fellow Daoist, your name now shakes the Primordial World. Do you have a Dao companion by your side?"
She had already indirectly asked Ao Li and the other two women this question during this period.
According to the three women, Tongtian had always been occupied with cultivation and had not sought a Dao companion.
Still, she wished to hear Tongtian's answer personally.
After all, Xihe and Changxi, her two younger sisters, were not inferior to her in appearance or temperament.
What if Tongtian was interested in one of them?
Tongtian was somewhat surprised that Queen Mother of the West would ask such a question.
Still, he answered honestly, "No."
"My heart is devoted to cultivation, so I have not considered such matters."
Hearing this, Queen Mother of the West nodded slightly, and her satisfaction with Tongtian increased by several degrees.
In the near sense, Tongtian was her neighbor, and through a twist of fate, the two of them had developed a somewhat ambiguous connection.
In the broader sense, Tongtian was already a powerful figure whose name shook the Primordial World. Among the many Innate Great Beings, he was likely among the very best.
That aligned with the standards she held for a Dao companion.
"The path of cultivation is long. Fellow Daoist, there is no need for you to be so anxious."
"Since you and I are fated, would fellow Daoist be willing to become Dao companions with me?"
After pondering briefly, Queen Mother of the West asked directly.
So suddenly?
Hearing this question, Tongtian could not help but be stunned.
He truly had not expected Queen Mother of the West to be so direct.
Setting aside the previous occasion, this was still their first meeting, was it not?
Of course, he certainly had a favorable impression of Queen Mother of the West.
But to him, this progression was simply too fast. Just as he had said, what he was more anxious about now was cultivation!
Though the Primordial World had calmed down for now, another Heaven and Earth Calamity would erupt again before long.
If he could remain carefree forever, there would be no need for excessive concern.
But he knew very well that he would sooner or later become one of the main figures in the Heaven and Earth Calamity. Even though he had made many preparations, he still did not have much confidence in dealing with the calamity.
Therefore, he did not consider such matters at this time.
"Thank you for your favor, fellow Daoist! But this is only our first meeting. In my view, such a major matter in life should be considered more carefully."
"At the very least, we should wait until both sides have become thoroughly familiar with one another before allowing things to develop naturally."
Tongtian spoke with a serious expression.
Queen Mother of the West was also a clever person and immediately understood Tongtian's meaning, so she did not continue dwelling on the matter.
Instead, she followed his lead and said, "Fellow Daoist speaks reasonably."
Tongtian knew when to advance and when to retreat. Clearly, he already possessed a clear understanding of his own pursuit of the Great Dao.
This made Queen Mother of the West even more satisfied with him.
She could tell that Tongtian was not the sort of person consumed by ambition. Otherwise, with his current prestige in the Primordial World, truly no one would be able to stop him.
At the very least, among the many Innate Great Beings, not one could compare with him.
The Primordial World had always been a place where the strong preyed upon the weak, so Queen Mother of the West was willing to become Dao companions with Tongtian.
But since Tongtian had no such intentions at the moment, she said no more.
Once the two became more familiar, it would not be too late to discuss the matter again.
After the two conversed for a while, Xihe and Changxi returned to the Longevity Hall carrying Ren Water Peaches.
Tongtian ate another Ren Water Peach, then no longer felt like continuing.
Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Fruits possessed wondrous uses even for Primordial Golden Immortals.
However, his cultivation was more stable than that of an ordinary Primordial Golden Immortal.
After all, he cultivated the Pangu Primordial Skill!
Thus, the Ren Water Peaches did not have any particularly noticeable effect on him. Tasting one occasionally was fine, but eating too many would truly be wasteful.
"Hm?"
At that moment, Tongtian suddenly turned his gaze beyond Kunlun Mountain. He sensed two auras rapidly approaching Kunlun Mountain.
Upon closer inspection, since neither of the two concealed their aura, Tongtian recognized them directly.
"Why have these two come to Kunlun Mountain?"
"I have never even met them, and we have no friendship whatsoever. It seems those who come harbor ill intent!"
Tongtian's eyes deepened. With his cultivation as a Primordial Golden Immortal, the arrivals could not possibly escape his senses.
It was simply that he did not know why the two had come.
Outside Kunlun Mountain, two uninvited guests arrived almost at the same time and immediately turned their gazes toward each other.
Before you continue