The Dao Ancestor Bestows Treasure

Chaotic currents surged as the Purple Cloud Palace stood tall and unshakable.

Ming Xin followed Jieyin and Zhunti into this supreme Daoist sanctuary of the Primordial World, and along the way, he finally witnessed the true bearing of the Primordial World's top experts.

The Three Pure Ones sat cross-legged on the foremost cattail mats, their auras deep as the ocean—one serene and inactive, one majestic and stern, one sharp and aggressive—embodying the supreme authority of Pangu's Orthodox Lineage.

Empress Nuwa, peerless in grace, radiated the essence of creation as she sat on another front-row mat.

Di Jun and Tai Yi, brothers intertwined with Emperor's Aura and the domineering True Sun Fire, exuded imposing dignity.

East King Duke and Queen Mother of the West had received the titles of Male and Female Immortal Leaders along with spiritual treasures. Though they struggled to hide their joy, they strove to maintain solemnity.

Fu Xi, Hong Yun, Zhen Yuan Zi, Kun Peng, Old Ancestor Ming He... a host of auras—some fierce, some eerie, some ethereal—filled the palace, each belonging to a being whose mere stomp could shake the Primordial World.

These experts' gazes naturally fell on Ming Xin, who followed closely behind the two Westerners, his aura unique and unfamiliar. A Primordial Unity Golden Immortal at perfection?

Though not a low realm, it was utterly unremarkable here. Stranger still, his aura was neither Buddhist nor demonic, yet fused both, carrying a chilling sense of slaughter and nirvana.

It resembled Jieyin and Zhunti's path but was subtly different, yet faintly aligned. Who was he? Why could he follow beside the two Westerners?

Faced with the probing, puzzled, or slightly scrutinizing gazes of many experts, Daoist Zhunti's compassionate smile shone especially bright. He cleared his throat, his voice not loud but clearly echoing through the hall:

"Greetings to all fellow Daoists. This is This Daoist and my senior brother's newly accepted Founding Disciple—Ming Xin! A Primordial Unity Golden Immortal at perfection, paying respects to all fellow Daoists!"

Daoist Jieyin also nodded slightly, forcing a trace of warmth onto his sorrowful face: "My unworthy disciple Ming Xin, may all fellow Daoists show him kindness."

Founding Disciple? These two shameless bald monks had taken a disciple, and their only first disciple at that?

The experts' hearts tightened. For these two calculating, sharp-eyed, shameless Westerners to jointly accept him as their sole Founding Disciple, this youth must have extraordinary qualities!

Their gazes grew more scrutinizing, but on the surface, they nodded slightly out of courtesy to the pair, acknowledging the greeting.

Ming Xin's expression was calm as still water. He bowed slightly to all directions, then sat serenely on a somewhat remote cattail mat behind Jieyin and Zhunti.

He could feel countless divine thoughts, overt and covert, sweeping over him. But his will was firm, and protected by the Great Nirvana Killing Buddha Scripture, these probes were like a breeze brushing a mountain—they failed to shake him in the slightest.

Before long, the space above the Dao platform rippled faintly. An old Daoist appeared silently, clad in simple robes, with an ancient, unadorned face and flowing green hair.

His eyes, indifferent as if containing the birth and death of universes.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun!

An indescribable, supreme saintly might instantly enveloped the entire Purple Cloud Palace! All experts, regardless of their inner thoughts, held their breath, reverent and solemn.

Ming Xin's mind also trembled violently. This was his first time facing a true saint! That aura, transcending all things, made him deeply feel his own insignificance.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's indifferent gaze swept over the beings below, like the Heavenly Dao overlooking ants.

When his gaze passed over Ming Xin, it seemed to pause for an extremely subtle instant. In the depths of those indifferent eyes, a barely perceptible ripple spread, like a pebble dropped into a calm lake.

"Variable?" A faint, almost nonexistent thought crossed the Dao Ancestor's mind, then was swallowed by the grander will of the Heavenly Dao, leaving no trace.

"The sermon begins." Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke, his voice flat, yet like the Dao Sound, it branded itself directly into the Primordial Spirit depths of every listener. This time, he expounded the path to the Quasi-Saint!

The method of Slaying the Three Corpses, the path of Achieving Sainthood through Merit, the way of Proving the Dao through Laws... every supreme path to the Golden Immortal of the Origin (Quasi-Saint) was clearly elucidated.

Especially Proving the Dao through Laws, the Dao Ancestor stated directly: "This method is a variation of Proving the Dao through Strength.

But the Great Dao recedes, the Heavenly Dao governs order. The path of Proving the Dao through Laws is perilous beyond measure, unattainable without great perseverance, great wisdom, and great opportunity."

Its extreme difficulty made many experts shrink back.

Ming Xin immersed his mind, fully deducing and understanding. Though the path of Proving the Dao through Laws was arduous, it perfectly matched the core concept of his Great Nirvana Killing Buddha Scripture—proving the Dao through the Killing Law!

He listened with rapt fascination, integrating his own technique, constantly verifying and absorbing.

Three thousand years of sermon passed in a snap.

The Dao Sound gradually ceased. The experts, as if drinking fine nectar, had gained immensely and prepared to rise and leave.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze fell on East King Duke and Queen Mother of the West: "East King Duke, Queen Mother of the West, you are the leaders of male and female immortals in the Primordial World.

I grant you the top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasures, the 'Dragon Head Crutch' and the 'Plain Cloud World Banner,' to govern the order of all immortals and regulate yin and yang."

The two treasures turned into streams of light and fell into their hands, drawing envy from the crowd. East King Duke and Queen Mother of the West bowed in excited gratitude.

Just as the experts thought the Dao Ancestor's sermon and treasure bestowal were over and prepared to leave, Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze shifted again, finally landing on—Ming Xin!

"Ming Xin, step forward." The indifferent voice rang out, not loud, yet it exploded like thunder in the silent Purple Cloud Palace!

Buzz!

The entire hall fell deathly silent! All experts' gazes, filled with shock, confusion, and scrutiny, focused sharply on that gray-robed youth with his unique aura!

The Dao Ancestor had called this junior forward alone?!

What did he intend?

Countless thoughts churned in the experts' minds. Hong Yun's eyes showed a flicker of curiosity. Primordial Lord of Heaven frowned slightly. Di Jun and Tai Yi's gazes were deep.

Old Ancestor Ming He's eyes flashed with blood light. Even the Three Pure Ones and Empress Nuwa turned their attention.

Ming Xin's heart tightened violently! Had he been discovered?! What had the Dao Ancestor seen? The existence of the system? Or the essence of his "variable" nature? An immense pressure descended instantly!

"Dao Ancestor!" "Dao Ancestor!"

Two urgent cries rang out almost simultaneously! Jieyin and Zhunti's faces changed dramatically. Without hesitation, they stepped forward, instantly shielding Ming Xin tightly behind them!

The sorrowful expression on Daoist Jieyin's face vanished entirely, replaced by nothing but utmost solemnity and protective affection. He bowed deeply toward the Dao platform: "Dao Ancestor above! Has this unworthy disciple of mine committed some offense? Your disciple Jieyin (Zhunti) has failed in guidance and is willing to bear punishment on his behalf! I beg the Dao Ancestor to forgive his sins!"

Daoist Zhunti, meanwhile, radiated a flowing light of wisdom all around him. Though his posture was reverent, the way he shielded Ming Xin before him was utterly resolute!

This scene left all the great powers in the Purple Cloud Palace stunned! The Two Sages of the West were this anxious over a disciple? They would even lose composure before the Dao Ancestor to protect him? Just how heavy was this disciple's weight in their hearts?!

Ming Xin looked at the two figures before him—neither tall nor imposing, yet standing like mountains shielding him from everything. An indescribable warmth and emotion surged through him, instantly washing away his nervousness! With a teacher like this, what more could one ask for?! He took a deep breath, gently patted his two masters' tense backs to reassure them, then stepped around Jieyin and Zhunti to the center of the hall. Facing Hongjun on the Dao platform, he bowed deeply, his voice clear and steady: "Disciple Ming Xin pays respects to the Dao Ancestor!"

The Dao Ancestor Hongjun's indifferent gaze fell upon Ming Xin, as if it could pierce through his soul and see through every trace of his origin. A moment later, that detached voice rang out again, plunging the entire Purple Cloud Palace into even greater shock: "You... are quite good."

Just five simple words, like five bolts of chaotic divine thunder striking the hearts of all the great powers! The Dao Ancestor himself personally praised a junior as "quite good"? What kind of supreme honor was this?! Jieyin and Zhunti were stunned at first, then ecstasy instantly flooded their faces! The Dao Ancestor was praising their disciple?!

The Dao Ancestor Hongjun's voice continued, like the celestial sound of the Great Dao, clearly reaching every great power's ears: "Form Transformation of the top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure 'Slaughter Buddha Seal,' with profound foundations, rare since ancient times. At the moment of Form Transformation, he already understood his own path—'Killing to protect life, severing karma, not people.' This path contains the power of great extinction, great wisdom, and great courage. With slaughter as its surface and protection and transcendence as its core, its conception is lofty, its potential boundless. Ming Xin, you possess a Sage's Demeanor!"

Boom—!!! The Dao Ancestor's words were like casting billions of chaotic stars into the Purple Cloud Palace! The entire hall erupted into turmoil! Form Transformation of a top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure?! Understanding one's own path?! "Killing to protect life, severing karma, not people"?! The Dao Ancestor personally commented that this path contained the power of great extinction and great wisdom?! And the most shocking part was that final line—you possess a Sage's Demeanor!!! This was a judgment from the Dao Ancestor Hongjun himself! Its weight was enough to reshape the entire Primordial World!

"Sss...!" Countless sharp intakes of breath sounded. "Form Transformation of a top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure?! No wonder his origins are so profound!" "'Killing to protect life, severing karma, not people'—what boldness! What deep Dao resonance!" "A Sage's Demeanor?! Spoken by the Dao Ancestor himself! This child... this child's future is limitless!" "Heavens! How could such fine jade and rare talent... how could it have fallen into the hands of those two Western bald monks?!" Countless great powers screamed inwardly, staring at Jieyin and Zhunti with looks of incredulous jealousy, regret, and even a hint of heart-wrenching anguish?! As if witnessing a peerless treasure buried in barren sand!

The Primordial Lord of Heaven furrowed his brow, his gaze toward Ming Xin complex. He thought to himself: "With such foundations and such a Dao heart, he should have entered my Chan Sect, inheriting Pangu's orthodox lineage! Yet the West snatched him first." Beside him, Laozi remained indifferent, while the Lord of the Heavens' eyes flashed with a trace of admiration, then he curled his lips, seemingly disdainful of the Western pair. Di Jun and Tai Yi's faces darkened—such a figure, if only he could serve the Demon Race... what a pity! What a pity! Old Ancestor Ming He's blood-red pupils flickered, thoughts unknown. Empress Nuwa's eyes held a hint of curiosity and scrutiny.

Just as the great powers' minds churned with mixed emotions, shaken by this earth-shattering news, the Dao Ancestor Hongjun moved again. He flicked his sleeve, seemingly casually. A streak of pale, icy light, exuding an aura of endless death and annihilation, wrapped in a chilling edge of slaughter, instantly appeared before Ming Xin and hovered still. The light faded, revealing a ferocious, ancient longsword! Its blade was forged from what seemed like stark white bones, covered in fine cracks through which flowed a dark red, coagulated-blood-like sheen. At the guard was set a tightly shut, grayish-white eye, as if from an ancient Demon God. The entire sword radiated a terrifying Dao resonance of primal chaos's brutality, finality, and the destruction of all things! Its oppressive might even faintly overshadowed the Dragon Head Crutch and Plain Cloud World Banner just 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,'" the Dao Ancestor Hongjun's voice remained indifferent, yet it struck like thunder. "Originally an Innate Supreme Treasure, it was damaged in the great kalpa of creation, its origin impaired, dropping in rank. Now it is a top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. It contains the Dao principles of 'Life-Death' and 'White Bone Slaughter,' resonating with your origin. Today, I bestow it upon you."

Bestow... bestow it?! The Dao Ancestor personally granted a treasure?! And the companion spiritual treasure of a Chaos Demon God at that! Though its rank had fallen, it was still a pinnacle among top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasures! The Dao principles of "Life-Death" and "White Bone Slaughter" it held were a perfect match for Ming Xin's path of "killing to protect life" and "extinction slaughter Buddha"!

This opportunity, this bestowal, was absolutely earth-shattering!

Ming Xin was stunned as well, the immense joy crashing over him. He instinctively turned his head to look at his two masters.

Daoist Jieyin and Daoist Zhunti—where was any trace of their future Sage's solemnity now?

Their eyes were wide as saucers, mouths slightly agape, faces overflowing with ecstasy, excitement, and disbelief that nearly spilled out!

Daoist Zhunti in particular was trembling with excitement, frantically winking and gesturing at Ming Xin, the meaning unmistakable: Foolish disciple! Hurry! Take it! This is a heaven-sent opportunity!

A warmth spread through Ming Xin's heart. He hesitated no longer, extending both hands to solemnly receive the White Bone Life-Death Sword, which radiated a terrifying aura.

The moment the sword touched his hands, a bone-chilling yet blood-linked killing and life-death Dao resonance surged into his body, resonating powerfully with his Great Nirvana Killing Buddha Scripture!

The dark gold Killing Buddha Wheel between his brows even flickered faintly!

Sword in hand, he bowed deeply toward Dao Ancestor Hongjun on the platform: "Disciple Ming Xin thanks the Dao Ancestor for the gift of this treasure!"

"Mm." Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded slightly, said no more, and vanished like a bubble, silently disappearing from the platform.

The moment the Dao Ancestor left, the atmosphere inside the Purple Cloud Palace exploded!

"Hahaha! Good! Good! Excellent!"

Daoist Zhunti was the first to lose control, bursting into loud laughter, the sound brimming with vindicated pride and smugness.

It shook the entire hall, rumbling loudly, "The Dao Ancestor personally bestows a treasure! The Dao Ancestor himself praises 'Sage's Demeanor'! My disciple Ming Xin! You've brought your master such face! Hahaha!"

Daoist Jieyin's gaunt face also bloomed with an unprecedented radiant smile, his usual bitterness swept clean.

He patted Ming Xin's shoulder, so excited he was incoherent: "Good disciple! Good! Too good! Heaven blesses the West! Heaven blesses the West!"

Feeling the cold weight of the White Bone Sword in his hand and seeing his two masters' ecstatic joy, Ming Xin's heart surged with emotion.

He raised the White Bone Life-Death Sword with both hands and said sincerely to Jieyin and Zhunti: "Two masters! The Dao Ancestor bestowed this treasure, and this disciple is endlessly grateful.

But the West is poor, and you two masters toil tirelessly to revive it. This sword's power is extraordinary. Please, masters, accept it—either for self-protection or to add a foundation to the West!"

At these words, the mighty figures still lingering in the Purple Cloud Palace halted in their tracks!

What?!

This kid... this kid wants to offer the top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, born from a Chaos Demon God and just granted by the Dao Ancestor, to his masters?!

This... this is simply... simply...

Zhunti and Jieyin were stunned too, staring at Ming Xin's utterly earnest gaze and the terrifying White Bone Sword in his hands.

The gratitude that had just settled in their hearts surged again, even fiercer than before!

"Silly disciple!" Daoist Zhunti's eyes reddened slightly. He stepped forward, firmly pressing down on Ming Xin's hands holding the sword, pushing it back into Ming Xin's embrace.

His voice carried unprecedented gentleness and resolve: "What the Dao Ancestor grants you is your destiny! This sword contains the Dao of life-death and killing, perfectly aligned with your Great Path—it is the supreme weapon for you to protect and realize your Dao!

Though your master and second master are poor, we would never covet our disciple's fortune! Keep this sword well, and refine it with all your heart!"

Daoist Jieyin nodded heavily, his bony hand patting Ming Xin's shoulder: "Ming Xin, my disciple, your master and uncle understand your intent!

This sword is meant for you! No matter how bitter the West, your masters have our own means—no need for you to worry! Keep it safe, and do not betray the Dao Ancestor's gift!"

Master and disciples—one sincerely offering a treasure, the other two firmly refusing—the deep bond between them, that heartfelt mutual care, shone especially genuine and moving against the backdrop of the Dao Ancestor's grand bestowal.

Yet this touching scene, witnessed by the top Primordial World mighty figures who had yet to leave, was like a knife stabbed into their hearts, followed by a handful of scorching salt!

A top-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure! Personally granted by the Dao Ancestor! Born from a Chaos Demon God! Perfectly aligned with one's own Great Path! A disciple with the future bearing of a Sage!

Such an unparalleled, excellent disciple! So filial and considerate! Such deep master-disciple affection!

Why... why did it have to be those two shameless, dirt-poor bald monks from the West?!

Watching Jieyin and Zhunti's barely concealed pride and satisfaction, watching Ming Xin's respectful and filial demeanor, then glancing at their own followers or brothers—some unruly (like Tai Yi), some scheming (like Di Jun), some scheming against each other (like the Three Pure Ones)—

an indescribable wave of bitterness, jealousy, resentment, and even fury erupted like a volcano in the hearts of many mighty figures!

"Hmph!" Primordial Lord of Heaven's face was ashen as he let out a heavy snort.

Flicking his sleeve, he turned and stepped into the void, disappearing—out of sight, out of mind!

"Interesting." Lord of the Heavens grinned, but a flicker of envy passed through his eyes before he vanished as a sword light.

Laozi remained indifferent, though his gaze lingered on Ming Xin for an extra moment.

Di Jun and Tai Yi's faces were so dark they seemed to drip water as they swiftly departed with the Demon Race followers.

Empress Nuwa shook her head with a faint smile, and a flash of azure creation light vanished.

Old Ancestor Ming He's blood-red eyes fixed on Ming Xin for a long moment before he turned into a blood light and fled into the netherworld.

Hong Yun wanted to step forward and speak, but Zhen Yuan Zi grabbed him, shot a wary glance at the two Westerners, and quickly left.

The other mighty figures also wore complex expressions—some shaking their heads and sighing, some indignant, some with fire in their eyes—as if fleeing a plague.

They tore through space one after another, leaving the Purple Cloud Palace without looking back. Their speed was even faster than when they'd come to hear the Dao!

The vast Purple Cloud Palace, in the blink of an eye, was left with only the three masters and disciples from the West.

Daoist Zhunti looked at the suddenly empty hall, then sensed the lingering "sourness" left behind by the departing great powers, and couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh heartily once more.

He said to Ming Xin, "Disciple, do you see? Did your master not speak truly? Though our West is poor, to gain such a disciple is worth more than all the myriad spirit treasures of the East! Hahaha! How exhilarating! How exhilarating!"

Daoist Jieyin also smiled with rare delight, his gaunt face glowing with unprecedented radiance: "Our disciple Ming Xin is the greatest treasure of our West!

Come, follow your master back to Mount Sumeru! Let us earnestly refine the treasures bestowed by the Dao Ancestor and comprehend the Great Dao! The rise of the West is just around the corner!"

Three streaks of light, laden with bountiful gains and an unprecedented surge of spirit, burst out of the Purple Cloud Palace and sped westward toward the barren yet hopeful Mount Sumeru!