Chaotic currents surged as Purple Cloud Palace stood towering and unmoving.
Ming Xin followed Jieyin and Zhunti into this supreme Daoist sanctuary of the Primordial World. Along the way, he had finally witnessed firsthand the bearing of the Primordial World's foremost great powers.
The Three Pure Ones sat cross-legged on the foremost cushions, their auras as deep as the sea—one tranquil and detached, one imposing and sharp, one with an edge fully exposed—embodying the supreme majesty of Pangu's Orthodox Lineage.
Empress Nuwa was peerlessly graceful, Creation aura flowing around her as she sat upon another cushion in the front row.
Di Jun and Tai Yi stood together, their Emperor's Aura intertwined with domineering True Sun Fire, their majesty overwhelming.
East King Duke and Queen Mother of the West had received the titles of leaders of the male and female immortals, along with spiritual treasures. Though they could scarcely hide their delight, they tried their best to maintain solemn expressions.
Fu Xi, Hong Yun, Zhen Yuan Zi, Kun Peng, Old Ancestor Ming He... Auras of strength, strangeness, and ethereal mystery filled the palace. Every one of them was an existence capable of shaking the Primordial World with a mere stomp.
Naturally, the gazes of these great powers also fell upon Ming Xin, who followed behind the Two Sages of the West, his aura unique and unfamiliar. A perfected Grand Unity Golden Immortal?
Though his cultivation was not low, he was hardly worth noticing here. What was even stranger was that his aura was neither Buddhist nor demonic, yet contained both Buddha and demon as one, carrying a cold intent of slaughter and Nirvana.
His path seemed both similar to and different from Jieyin and Zhunti's, yet faintly aligned with theirs. Who was he? Why was he able to follow the two men of the West?
Facing the probing, puzzled, and faintly appraising looks of the many great powers, Daoist Zhunti's compassionate smile became especially radiant. He cleared his throat, his voice not loud, yet clearly carrying throughout the hall.
"Greetings, fellow Daoists. This is the Founding Disciple newly accepted by my senior brother and me—Ming Xin! He possesses perfected Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivation. Ming Xin, greet the fellow Daoists!"
Daoist Jieyin also nodded slightly, squeezing a trace of warmth onto his sorrowful face. "My unworthy disciple Ming Xin. I hope you fellow Daoists will look after him."
Founding Disciple? Those two shameless bald donkeys had taken on a disciple, and he was their sole first disciple?
The great powers inwardly shuddered. For those two shameless Westerners, so skilled at scheming and so exacting in their standards, to jointly accept him as their only Founding Disciple, this youth had to possess something extraordinary!
The scrutiny in their eyes deepened, but they still gave the two men face on the surface, nodding slightly in greeting.
Ming Xin remained calm as still water. He bowed faintly in all directions, then sat peacefully upon a somewhat secluded cushion behind Jieyin and Zhunti.
He could sense countless divine perceptions, overt and hidden, sweeping over him. Yet his will was firm, and the Great Nirvana Killing Buddha Scripture protected his body. These probes were like a breeze brushing a mountain ridge, unable to shake him in the slightest.
Before long, space above the Dao platform rippled faintly. An old Daoist clad in a simple robe, with an ancient and unadorned face and green hair hanging over his shoulders—
His indifferent eyes seeming to contain the birth and death of the universe—appeared without a sound.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun!
An indescribable, supreme Sage's might instantly enveloped the entire Purple Cloud Palace! Regardless of what thoughts they harbored, all the great powers held their breath and became reverent and solemn.
Ming Xin's heart and mind shook violently as well. This was his first time facing a true Sage! That aura standing above all things made him keenly realize his own insignificance.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's indifferent gaze swept over the beings below, like the Heavenly Dao looking down upon ants.
When his gaze passed over Ming Xin, it seemed to pause for an exceedingly brief instant. Within those depths of indifference—
A nearly imperceptible ripple seemed to spread, like a stone dropped into a tranquil lake.
"A variable?" A faint thought passed through the Dao Ancestor's mind before being submerged by the grander will of the Heavenly Dao, leaving no trace behind.
"The sermon begins." Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke in an even tone, yet it was like Dao Sound, directly imprinting itself upon the depths of every listener's primordial spirit. This time, he expounded the path of the Quasi-Saint!
The method of Slaying the Three Corpses, the road of Achieving Sainthood through Merit, the path of Proving the Dao through Laws... One supreme path after another, leading to the Primordial Golden Immortal realm of Quasi-Saints, was clearly explained.
Regarding Proving the Dao through Laws in particular, the Dao Ancestor stated plainly, "This method is an alternative form of Proving the Dao through Strength.
However, the Great Dao has retreated, and the Heavenly Dao governs order. The path of Proving the Dao through Laws is extraordinarily perilous. None but those with great perseverance, great wisdom, and great karmic fortune can pursue it."
Its difficulty was so immense that many great powers shrank back from it.
Ming Xin immersed himself completely, exerting all his strength to deduce and comprehend it. Though the path of Proving the Dao through Laws was difficult, it was the one most suited to the core principle of his Great Nirvana Killing Buddha Scripture: attaining the Dao through the Killing Law!
He listened in rapt attention, constantly confirming and absorbing what he heard against his own cultivation art.
Three thousand years of preaching passed in the blink of an eye.
As the Dao Sound gradually faded, the great powers felt as though they had drunk heavenly nectar. Their gains were immense, and they prepared to rise and depart.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze fell upon East King Duke and Queen Mother of the West. "East King Duke, Queen Mother of the West, you shall be the leaders of the male and female immortals of the Primordial World.
"I bestow upon you the superior Innate Spiritual Treasures, the Dragon Head Crutch and the Plain Cloud World Banner. Govern the order of the immortals of the Primordial World and regulate yin and yang."
The two spiritual treasures turned into streams of light and fell into their hands, drawing envious looks from the crowd. East King Duke and Queen Mother of the West bowed in thanks with excitement.
Just as the great powers thought the Dao Ancestor had finished preaching and bestowing treasures and were preparing to leave, Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze shifted again, ultimately landing on—Ming Xin!
"Ming Xin, come forward." The indifferent voice sounded, not loud, yet like thunder exploding through the silent Purple Cloud Palace!
Buzz!
The entire hall became so quiet that one could hear a needle fall! The gazes of all the great powers, filled with shock, confusion, and scrutiny, focused in unison upon the gray-clad young man with the unique aura!
The Dao Ancestor had called this junior forward alone?!
What did he intend to do?
Countless thoughts churned through the minds of the great powers. A trace of curiosity flashed through Hong Yun's eyes, Primordial Lord of Heaven frowned slightly, and Di Jun and Tai Yi's gazes deepened.
A bloody gleam flashed through Old Ancestor Ming He's eyes, while even the Three Pure Ones and Empress Nuwa turned their attention toward him.
Ming Xin's heart suddenly tightened! Had he been discovered?! Had the Dao Ancestor seen something? The system's existence? Or the nature of him as a "variable"? Immense pressure descended upon him in an instant!
"Dao Ancestor!" "Dao Ancestor!"
Two urgent cries rang out almost simultaneously! Jieyin and Zhunti's expressions changed drastically. Without hesitation, they stepped forward, instantly shielding Ming Xin tightly behind them!
The sorrow on Daoist Jieyin's face vanished, leaving only utter gravity and protectiveness. He bowed deeply toward the Dao platform. "Dao Ancestor above! Has my unworthy disciple committed some offense?
This disciple, Jieyin, has failed in his supervision and is willing to bear the punishment on his disciple's behalf! I beg the Dao Ancestor for forgiveness!"
Daoist Zhunti's body glowed with the light of wisdom. Though his manner was respectful, the stance he took before Ming Xin was incomparably resolute!
This sight stunned all the great powers within Purple Cloud Palace! The Two Sages of the West were actually this nervous over their disciple?
They were even willing to lose their composure before the Dao Ancestor to protect him? Just how much weight did this disciple hold in their hearts?!
Looking at the two figures before him, neither especially tall yet like mountains shielding him from all harm, an indescribable warmth and gratitude instantly washed away Ming Xin's nervousness!
With masters like these, what more could he ask for?! He took a deep breath and lightly patted the tense backs of his two masters, signaling for them to rest easy.
He stepped around Jieyin and Zhunti, walked to the center of the hall, and bowed deeply to Hongjun upon the Dao platform. His voice was clear and steady. "Disciple Ming Xin greets the Dao Ancestor!"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's indifferent gaze fell upon Ming Xin, as though it could penetrate his soul and see through every aspect of his origin.
After a moment, that indifferent voice rang out again, throwing the entire Purple Cloud Palace into even greater shock.
"You are quite good."
Those simple four words were like four bolts of Chaos divine lightning striking the hearts of the great powers!
The Dao Ancestor had personally described a junior as "quite good"? What an extraordinary honor was that?!
Jieyin and Zhunti were stunned at first, before wild joy instantly flooded their faces! The Dao Ancestor was praising their disciple?!
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's voice continued, like the profound proclamation of the Great Dao, clearly entering every great power's ears.
"A superior Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Slaughter Buddha Seal, underwent Form Transformation. Its foundation is profound and rarely seen since ancient times."
"At the moment of Form Transformation, you had already comprehended your own path—'Killing life to protect life, Slaying Karma rather than people!'"
"This path contains the power of great Nirvana, great wisdom, and great courage. It takes slaughter as its outer form and protection and Transcendence as its inner essence. Its vision is lofty, and its potential limitless."
"Ming Xin, you possess a Sage's Demeanor!"
Boom—!!!
The Dao Ancestor's words were like billions of Chaos stars cast into Purple Cloud Palace! The entire hall erupted into uproar!
A superior Innate Spiritual Treasure had undergone Form Transformation?! He had comprehended his own path?! "Killing life to protect life, Slaying Karma rather than people"?!
The Dao Ancestor had personally declared that this path contained the power of great Nirvana and great wisdom?!
Most shocking of all was that final statement—you possess a Sage's Demeanor!!!
This was Dao Ancestor Hongjun's evaluation! Its weight was enough to alter the entire structure of the Primordial World!
"Hiss...!" Countless gasps rang out.
"A superior Innate Spiritual Treasure undergoing Form Transformation?! No wonder his foundation is so profound!"
"'Killing life to protect life, Slaying Karma rather than people'—what tremendous spirit! What profound Dao essence!"
"A Sage's Demeanor?! Spoken personally by the Dao Ancestor! This youth... this youth's future is limitless!"
"Heavens! How could such exceptional talent... how could he have become the disciple of those two bald Western thieves?!"
Countless great powers screamed inwardly. Their gazes toward Jieyin and Zhunti were filled with incredulous jealousy, regret, and even a trace of heartache!
It was as though they had watched a peerless treasure buried in barren sand!
Primordial Lord of Heaven frowned tightly, his gaze toward Ming Xin incomparably complicated. He thought inwardly, *With such a foundation and such Dao heart, he ought to have entered my Chan Sect and inherited Pangu's orthodox legacy!
Yet the West got to him first.* Laozi beside him remained calm, while a trace of admiration flashed in Lord of the Heavens' eyes.
He then curled his lip, seemingly rather disdainful of the two men from the West.
Di Jun and Tai Yi's expressions darkened. If such a figure could serve the demon race... What a pity! What a pity!
Old Ancestor Ming He's blood-red eyes flickered as he pondered something unknown. Empress Nuwa's eyes, meanwhile, held a trace of curiosity and scrutiny.
Just as the great powers were caught in a swirl of conflicting emotions, their minds reeling from this earth-shattering news, Dao Ancestor Hongjun acted again.
He casually flicked his sleeve.
A stream of bleak white, icy light appeared before Ming Xin in an instant, carrying endless deathly silence and destruction, along with a terrifyingly sharp killing intent. It hovered motionlessly in the air.
As the light faded, it revealed a long sword of savage and ancient design! The blade seemed forged entirely from grim white bones, covered in fine cracks. Within those cracks flowed a dark red sheen, like congealed blood.
Embedded in the sword guard was a tightly closed gray-white eye, as though it belonged to an ancient Demon God. The entire sword emitted a terrifying Dao essence of ferocity, Terminus, and the destruction of all things, originating from primordial Chaos!
Its pressure was so powerful that it faintly surpassed even the Dragon Head Crutch and Plain Cloud World Banner that had just been bestowed!
"This is the companion spiritual treasure of one of the three thousand Chaos Demon Gods, the White Bone Demon God—the White Bone Life-Death Sword." Dao Ancestor Hongjun's voice remained indifferent, yet his words exploded like thunder.
"It was once an Innate Supreme Treasure. Damaged during the Heaven-Opening Tribulation, its origin was impaired, and it fell in rank. It is now a superior Innate Spiritual Treasure."
"It contains the Dao principles of 'life and death' and 'white bone slaughter,' and is compatible with your origin."
"Today, I bestow it upon you."
Bestow... bestow it upon him?! The Dao Ancestor was personally granting him a treasure?! And it was the companion spiritual treasure of a Chaos Demon God!
Though it had fallen in rank, it was still one of the finest superior Innate Spiritual Treasures!
Moreover, the Dao principles of "life and death" and "white bone slaughter" contained within it perfectly matched Ming Xin's paths of "killing life to protect life" and "Nirvana Killing Buddha"!
This opportunity, this grace, was simply earth-shattering!
Ming Xin was stunned as well, overwhelmed by immense joy. He instinctively turned to look at his two masters.
Jieyin and Zhunti no longer possessed even a trace of their Future Sage solemnity.
Their eyes were wide open, their mouths slightly agape. The wild joy, excitement, and disbelief on their faces were practically overflowing!
Daoist Zhunti in particular was so excited that his hands trembled. He frantically winked at Ming Xin, his meaning obvious: Foolish disciple! Quickly! Take it! This is a heaven-sent opportunity!
Warmth filled Ming Xin's heart. No longer hesitating, he stretched out both hands and solemnly accepted the White Bone Life-Death Sword, which radiated a terrifying aura.
The moment the sword entered his hands, an icy, bone-piercing Dao essence of slaughter and life-death, yet one that felt bound to him by blood, surged into his body and resonated powerfully with his Great Nirvana Killing Buddha Scripture!
The Dark Gold Killing Buddha Wheel between his brows even glimmered faintly!
Holding the sword, he bowed deeply to Hongjun upon the Dao platform. "Disciple Ming Xin thanks the Dao Ancestor for bestowing this treasure!"
"Mhm." Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded slightly and spoke no more. His figure vanished from the Dao platform without a sound, like a bubble bursting.
The moment the Dao Ancestor departed, the atmosphere inside Purple Cloud Palace instantly exploded!
"Hahahaha! Good! Good! Excellent!"
Daoist Zhunti was the first to lose control, throwing back his head in laughter. His voice was full of triumphant exhilaration and pride.
It made the entire hall hum. "The Dao Ancestor personally bestowed a treasure! The Dao Ancestor personally declared that he possesses a 'Sage's Demeanor'! My disciple Ming Xin! You have brought such glory to your masters! Hahahaha!"
A brilliant smile also blossomed across Daoist Jieyin's gaunt face, brighter than ever before, sweeping away all traces of sorrow.
He patted Ming Xin's shoulder, so excited that his words became incoherent. "Good disciple! Good! Wonderful! Heaven blesses the West! Heaven blesses the West!"
Feeling the chill and weight of the White Bone Sword in his hands and seeing his two masters' ecstatic expressions, Ming Xin's heart surged with emotion.
He held the White Bone Life-Death Sword up with both hands and spoke earnestly to Jieyin and Zhunti. "Two Masters! The Dao Ancestor bestowed this treasure upon me, and I am deeply grateful.
Yet the West is impoverished, and both Masters have toiled tirelessly to revitalize it. This sword possesses extraordinary power. Please accept it, Masters. It may protect you, or perhaps add to the West's foundation!"
At those words, the great powers who had not yet completely dispersed from Purple Cloud Palace froze in their tracks!
What?!
This brat... this brat wanted to offer the superior Innate Spiritual Treasure, just bestowed by the Dao Ancestor and born alongside a Chaos Demon God, to his masters?!
This... this was simply... simply...
Zhunti and Jieyin were stunned as well. They looked at Ming Xin's incomparably earnest eyes, then at the White Bone Sword radiating its terrifying aura.
The emotion in their hearts, which had only just settled, surged forth again, even stronger than before!
"Foolish disciple!" Daoist Zhunti's eyes reddened slightly. He stepped forward and firmly pressed down Ming Xin's hands holding the sword, pushing the White Bone Sword back into Ming Xin's embrace.
His voice carried unprecedented gentleness and resolve. "What the Dao Ancestor bestowed upon you is your Karmic Fate! This sword contains the Dao principles of life-death and slaughter, perfectly matching your Great Dao. It is the supreme weapon for you to protect your Dao and attain the Dao!
Though your second master and I are poor, we have not fallen so low as to covet our disciple's opportunity! Keep this sword well and refine it diligently!"
Daoist Jieyin nodded heavily as well, his gaunt hand patting Ming Xin's shoulder. "Ming Xin, my disciple, your intentions have been received by your master and your martial uncle!
This sword should be used by you! No matter how impoverished the West may be, your master and I have our own means. You need not worry! Keep it safe, and do not let the Dao Ancestor's grace go to waste!"
The master and disciple trio—one sincerely offering a treasure, the other two firmly refusing it—the profound bond between master and disciple—
That heartfelt concern they held for one another appeared especially sincere and moving beneath the immense glory of the Dao Ancestor's bestowed treasure.
Yet this deeply affectionate scene, in the eyes of the foremost great powers of the Primordial World who had yet to depart—
Was no different from stabbing them viciously through the heart, then sprinkling a handful of scalding salt into the wound!
A superior Innate Spiritual Treasure! Personally bestowed by the Dao Ancestor! Born alongside a Chaos Demon God! Compatible with his own Great Dao! A disciple with the demeanor of a Future Sage!
Such an exceptional disciple! So filial and sensible! Such profound affection between master and disciple!
Why... why did he have to be the disciple of those two shameless, penniless bald thieves from the West?!
Looking at Jieyin and Zhunti's unconcealable pride and satisfaction, then at Ming Xin's respectful and filial demeanor—
And then looking at the followers or brothers around themselves, who were either arrogant and untamed like Tai Yi, deeply calculating like Di Jun, or constantly scheming against one another like the Three Pure Ones—
An indescribable bitterness, jealousy, frustration, and even indignation erupted like a volcano within the hearts of the great powers!
"Hmph!" Primordial Lord of Heaven's face turned livid, and he snorted heavily.
He flicked his sleeve, turned around, and stepped into the void, vanishing from sight. Out of sight, out of mind!
"Interesting." Lord of the Heavens grinned, though a trace of envy also flashed through his eyes. He then transformed into sword light and fled away.
Laozi remained calm, merely lingering on Ming Xin for one additional moment.
Di Jun and Tai Yi's faces darkened until they seemed ready to drip water. They swiftly departed with the demon race.
Empress Nuwa shook her head with a smile, and a flash of azure Creation light vanished in an instant.
Old Ancestor Ming He gave Ming Xin a deep look with his blood-red eyes before transforming into a streak of blood light and fleeing into the netherworld.
Hong Yun wanted to step forward and speak, but Zhen Yuan Zi grabbed him and pulled him away. Casting a wary glance at the two men from the West, he quickly departed.
The other great powers also wore complicated expressions. Some shook their heads and sighed, some looked resentful, and some practically breathed fire from their eyes, as though avoiding a plague.
They tore through space one after another and left Purple Cloud Palace without looking back. They departed even faster than they had arrived to hear the sermon!
In the vast Purple Cloud Palace, only the three master and disciples of the West remained in the blink of an eye.
Daoist Zhunti looked at the hall, now empty in an instant, then sensed the lingering "sourness" left behind by those great powers as they departed. He could not help but clap his hands and laugh again.
He said to Ming Xin, "See, my disciple? Didn't your master tell you so? Though The West is poor, gaining such a fine disciple surpasses the Eastern lands' countless spiritual treasures! Hahaha! What a delight! What a delight!"
Daoist Jieyin also smiled openly for once, unprecedented radiance blooming across his gaunt face. "My disciple Ming Xin is The West's greatest treasure!
Come, return to Mount Sumeru with your master! Properly refine the treasures bestowed by the Dao Ancestor and comprehend the Great Dao! Prosperity of the West is just around the corner!"
Three streams of light, carrying abundant gains and unprecedented high spirits, shot out of Purple Cloud Palace and sped toward Mount Sumeru in the barren yet hopeful West!
Before you continue