Chapter 197

The Heavenly Dao above, I, Vermilion Bird Lingguang, ancestor of the Phoenix clan, feeling my sins deep, now knowing my duty, I vow to guard the South Pole, repay the karmic debt of heaven and earth, and consolidate the primordial world.

Vermilion Bird Mausoleum Light

The Dao resonance accompanied the Vermilion Bird's voice, echoing through the primordial world, yet it was only this, much simpler than before.

But that makes sense; the Vermilion Bird's strength is now low, far inferior to the Azure Dragon and Black Tortoise, so it naturally appears weaker.

Merit fell from heaven and earth, washing away much karmic debt for the Phoenix clan and letting the Primordial Phoenix barely regain consciousness for a moment.

The Primordial Phoenix narrowed its phoenix eyes, its divine sense sweeping over the Dead Fire Mountain, yet it saw only the Phoenix bathing in fire, countless fire energies rushing into the sky.

"In the end, will it not return? Since I feel it was a mistake, why then must I still acknowledge the identity of the Phoenix ancestor?"

The Primordial Phoenix still wanted to speak, but being weak and powerless, its consciousness quickly sank into boundless darkness, helplessly falling into deep sleep.

Although the Vermilion Bird shared part of the merit with the Phoenix clan, the remaining merit was enough to heal its injuries.

Although restoring the Lord of Luo Heaven is still far off, at least the Dao fruit is no longer deficient, leaving a slim chance to pursue the Great Dao.

With a hint of reluctance, the Vermilion Bird cast one last look at the primordial world, then resolutely stepped onto the Jieyin path forged from boundless fire energy.

Thereafter, the primordial world had no Phoenix ancestor Vermilion Bird; only the Vermilion Bird, Divine Lord Lingguang, remained to guard Nan Fang, symbolizing propriety.

Mausoleum Light Divine Lord

"Shaohao Daoist, since that is the case, let us announce it to the world; between us we ought to be as close as brothers, only for now, added, it's still a little late."

The Overseer's laughter rang out, he was quite satisfied with the gains of this journey, while Shaohao also wore a beaming smile, his face glowing red, and said: "Overseer, my brother, between us we ought to be as close as brothers, only one is in heaven and the other on earth."

"Announcing to the world is even more fitting; where does the word 'late' come from? Having my younger brother join is always a blessing, so what harm is there in being late?"

Instantly both laughed; Shaohao widely invited the gods to celebrate the Overseer's addition.

At the close of the aeon, the primordial world finally resonated with the last Dao resonance of the Four Spirits returning to their places.

"Heavenly Dao above, I, White Tiger Overseer, ancestor of the tiger clan of the primordial world and chief of the White Tiger clan, feeling the weight of my duty, I vow to guard the West Pole for heaven and earth."

"From now on, with the Four Spirits in place to consolidate the primordial world, thereafter space shall not be breakable by all things, and heaven and earth shall stand firm thereby."

"From now on, the tiger shall be the king of beasts in the primordial world, unchangeable; I hope the Heavenly Dao will verify this."

Rolling thunder rumbled in the sky, gusts of gale swept the land, destroying evil and exterminating wickedness.

Four Spirits Return to Their Positions

In the past, as long as one could withstand the tearing of space, one could see where the primordial world lay through space.

But now, even with Qi's cultivation, one cannot know where one lies outside space; it is ever-changing, full of ominous and lethal intent.

"From now on, to roam within the primordial world, one can truly only rely on the art of flight avoidance."

White Tiger (beast)

White Tiger Returns to Position? maybe not needed.

But unexpectedly, space had indeed become much more stable, yet the effect was not only that; the White Tiger's return directly sealed off the path of space travel.

With the Four Spirits in place, heaven and earth were purified; a new aeon began under the Four Spirits, countless spirit opportunities stirred extraordinarily, and the richness of heavenly and earthly spiritual energy reached a new standard.

Accompanied by sunlight appearing on the ground, the new aeon arrived, and the primordial world also began a true great transformation.

Heaven and earth suddenly brightened; countless stars fell into the sight of all beings in the primordial world, and even in broad daylight they remained dazzling and radiant.

The primordial spiritual energy in heaven and earth became much more violent, no longer as before; its intensity made Qi feel as if he had returned to before the Ferocious Beast Calamity, but it was far richer, a difference of nearly tens of times.

Countless heavenly and earthly phenomena began to take human form, becoming part of the primordial world's living beings; they were exceptionally talented and had outstanding foundations, most being taken into the gate of the Innate Divine Sacred.

merit (glossary)

Check if any missing: "Phoenix" as Phoenix maybe not needed. "White Tiger" we have.

Also "Star God" we have.

Also "Daoist friend" not needed.

Also "Immortal" not needed.

Also "Great Cycle" we have.

Also "Four Spirits Return to Their Positions" we have.

Also "Mausoleum Light Divine Lord" we have.

Also "White Tiger Overseer" we have.

Also "Troop Overseer" we have.

Also "White Tiger Clan" we have.

Also "Tiger Clan" we have.

Also "Phoenix Clan" we have.

Also "Under the Primordial Divine Sacred Gate" we have.

Also "Mount Sumeru" we have.

Also "Rahu" we have.

Also "Bodhi Tree" we have.

Also "Seven Jeweled Wondrous Tree" we have.

Also "Dead Fire Mountain" we have.

Also "Yunmeng Marsh" we have.

Also "South Pole" we have.

Also "West Pole" we have.

Also "South" we have.

Also "Western Continent" we have.

Also "Heavenly Way" we have.

Also "Great Way" we have.

Also "merit" we have.

Also "Vermilion Bird Mausoleum Light" we have.

Also "Primordial Phoenix" we have.

Also "Revered God of Luo Heaven" we have.

Also "Shaohao" we have.

Also "Receiving and Guiding" we have.

Also "Zhunti" we have.

Also "Zhunti" is Zhunti (glossary). We need to include Zhunti.

We missed Zhunti (Zhunti). Add:

The bodhi tree that had once been collected by Rahu also had two figures walk out from it, one fat and one thin, one with a sorrowful expression and the other with a smiling countenance.

After the two walked out, the bodhi tree collapsed with a boom, its branches and leaves gathering together, finally merging into a precious branch with seven forks, shining with pearl light and treasure aura, truly extraordinary.

It then fell into the fat person's hand, and the fat person laughed, saying:

"This object is fated for me; the Seven Treasure Wonderful Tree ought to come into my hands."

Seeing this, the fat person's smile grew a bit brighter, while the thin person's expression grew a bit more sorrowful, sighing continuously, they said:

"Good."

However, on the ground above, a gap suddenly opened, and a bamboo shoot burst from the soil, instantly turning into a giant bamboo.

Seeing this, the thin person hurried over, reached out and lightly touched it; the giant bamboo collapsed with a boom, turning into a bamboo staff that fell into the thin person's hand.

The thin person immediately ceased their sorrowful appearance, beaming with joy and saying: "Alas, alas! This object is fated for me!"

The two glanced at each other, both greatly delighted, and simultaneously bowed, saying:

"I am Jieyin, greetings, fellow Daoist!"

"I am Zhunti, greetings, fellow Daoist!"

However, at this moment heaven and earth suddenly bestowed merit, which poured onto Jieyin and Zhunti; it seemed to signify something, and the fortune of the entire West gathered as well.

Jieyin and Zhunti glanced at each other again, but the previous joy was gone, their faces somewhat solemn; Jieyin then spoke, saying:

"Zhunti fellow Daoist, it seems our responsibility is great; aside from you and me, the West actually has no divine beings!"

"In this situation, what should we do? Alas! Alas!"

After saying this, Jieyin's expression grew even more sorrowful, and even tears fell.

Zhunti was the same, tears streaming down their face as they said:

"The West is impoverished, Jieyin brother Daoist; this further shows how heavy our responsibility is, as fortune has gathered upon our persons, and we must strive for this!"

Upon hearing Zhunti's words, Jieyin also held back their tears and said: "Exactly, exactly!"

Immediately, the two set out from Mount Sumeru, walking through the West, repairing the ley lines, purifying the lingering resentment and murderous energy, never ceasing.

The primordial starry skies and primordial heavens combined, and their effects were not limited to this. In the starry realms, chaos reigned; meteors occasionally fell into the primordial world, causing continual heavenly fires and earthly calamities. The primordial realm was too vast; although many cultivators constantly intercepted them, some always slipped through.

Most of these meteors fell into the East, varying in size; the larger ones were blocked and landed smoothly, becoming small mountains in the East.

The smaller ones might be missed, striking the primordial earth and creating small lakes.

Although these meteors caused considerable damage to the primordial earth, they also brought many benefits to the beings of the primordial world.

For example, the east has always lacked mineral deposits, but these meteorites, after being burned by heavenly fire, often contain high-quality ore, which has brought many changes to the beings of the wilderness.

But as the starry sky and the sky gradually merged, meteorite falls into the wilderness became much rarer, most being intercepted by the rolling clouds.

When the starry sky and the sky completely merged, amidst the rolling clouds the heavenly realm also came into existence; although its gate's location is unknown, it indeed exists in reality.

The heavenly realm is vast in area, encompassing most of the wilderness land, almost another wilderness continent, and it has not been divided.

Even a single ring's area is broader than the combined area of any three continents.

Mount Buzhou.

Taiyi, together with Fuxi and Nüwa, also sought out those primordial deities, and began to invite and visit each other.

Taiyi (Fuxi, Nüwa) greets all fellow Daoists.

I, Dijiang, Rushou, Goumang, Gonggong, Zhurong, Houtu, Tianwu, Xuanming, Qiangliang, Shebi Shi, Xizi, Zhu Jiuyin, greet all fellow Daoists.

In their interactions, Taiyi and the others also learned that they called themselves shamans, which is completely different from these primordial deities.

They do not comprehend the Great Dao, have no primordial spirit, and solely cultivate the physical body and the power of laws; although they are gods, they bear almost no resemblance to those deities.

"Fellow Daoist Houtu, since you lack a primordial spirit and do not comprehend the Great Dao, how do you perceive heavenly numbers and karmic force?"

"Isn't this letting others scheme against you, while you yourself remain unaware?"

Nüwa was somewhat curious; given the harmonious atmosphere among everyone, she then raised her own question.

Houtu, however, paid no heed to Nüwa's question, speaking frankly: "Although we do not know heavenly numbers nor comprehend the Great Dao, our methods are likewise unknown to outsiders."

"We live in Mount Buzhou, have no desire to venture out, and are content to be free; since we do not offend them, why would they scheme against us?"

"Moreover, what fear do we have of karma? If someone truly incurs the karma you speak of with us, relying on our strength, should it not be they who should fear?"

"As for karmic force, according to your words, when karmic force befalls one, the spiritual platform is obscured and the Great Dao cannot be comprehended; what effect does that have on us?"

"We shamans do not cultivate the Great Dao; our spiritual platform is for material things, and we still do not know, so why bother with those?"

Nüwa, upon hearing Houtu's words, for a moment did not know how to express her complex feelings; after all, although his words were hard for her to accept, they seemed to have some merit.

Their twelve brothers and sisters possess strength hardly different from that of Luotian Zunshen; ordinary people encountering such a group would avoid them at all costs, so how could they not dare to clash with them?

Houtu did not know what Nüwa was thinking, and continued to speak:

"My brothers and I seek freedom; aside from worshipping our father god, we daily do nothing but hunt, and why should we worry about those things?"

"Surely hunting would not also invite scheming; if that were the case, scheming would come from everywhere, and few in the wilderness could survive."

"Moreover, although we cannot perceive the heavenly numbers you speak of, we have our own means to sense malicious intent directed at us."

"According to your words, if someone schemes against you, you can detect anomalies from the heavenly secrets."

"But if they have a means to conceal it, you too would fall victim to scheming; I suspect such means also exist."

Having said this, Houtu paused slightly, awaiting Nüwa's reaction.

Nüwa nodded in agreement; concealing and disturbing heavenly secrets are hardly extraordinary means, and the problem Houtu raised indeed exists.

Seeing this, Houtu continued:

"We are different; my brothers and I specialize in cultivating our physical bodies and bloodlines, as well as the power of laws; although we lack your effects, we are not mundane."

"If a malicious thought threatens us, our flesh and blood will sense it; according to your terminology, this is called a sudden impulse."

"However, you encounter such situations far less often, and it is not absolute."

"But we can constantly sense this; for you a sudden impulse is occasional, whereas for us it is inevitable."

"They can conceal heavenly numbers and disturb heavenly secrets; could they possibly block our sudden impulse arising from the union of spirit and flesh?"

Having said this, Houtu's face showed pride; their powerful physical bodies are what they and their siblings are most proud of.

"Every inch of flesh and blood on their bodies has undergone countless temperings; this is Houtu's proudest aspect as a shaman, and also the power they trust most."

"Although laws may have mutual restraining power, their bodies, forged through countless trainings, cannot be subdued by anyone."

Nüwa also nodded; Houtu's words were quite right; spirit and flesh, for the primordial deities, constitute the embodiment of life cultivation.

"This has nothing to do with realm or combat strength; it is the most fundamental power, and also the perfect embodiment of a living being."

"The growth of life cultivation does not drive realm advancement, but if life cultivation is insufficient, cultivation is merely a flower in the mirror, a moon in the water."

"Life cultivation is indeed the foundation of cultivation; if life cultivation is lacking, the realm is like a pavilion in the air, ready to collapse at a touch."

Nüwa seemed to think of something, somewhat surprised, and asked: "Father god?"

Houtu nodded and said: "Exactly; unlike you, although you comprehend the Great Dao, know heavenly numbers, revere heaven and earth, and also revere the father god, you seem unwilling to acknowledge that your very birth fundamentally stems from the father god."

Upon hearing Houtu's words, Nüwa immediately knew which father god he meant, and laughed: "So the father god you refer to is the great god Pangu; Pangu is indeed worthy of respect."

"But we are nurtured by heaven and earth, nurtured by the Great Dao; although Pangu's act of opening heaven and earth is indeed great merit, the presence of the Great Dao is not due to Pangu's opening."

"We naturally respect Pangu, but although we dwell in the wilderness, we are born of the Great Dao; respecting Pangu is appropriate, but there is no need to regard him as our father."

Houtu heard this, felt somewhat displeased, but said nothing more; after all, it was just a first meeting, and given their differing views, further words would be unnecessary.

"However, you call yourselves the Orthodox Pangu lineage; among the wilderness there are also three primordial deities who likewise claim this, so I do not know wherein lies your difference."

Nüwa did not feel that the previous remarks were offensive; on the contrary, she continued with casual talk.

Houtu immediately became interested, and this also drew the attention of the remaining several shamans, who awaited Nüwa's further words.

(End of chapter)