Chapter 356

"Cultivating the primordial unity of being and non-being is true perfection! I have learned!"

Hearing Hong Jun’s profound exposition on “Hun Yuan,” Yang Mei felt countless stars being born and dying in his mind, the voice of the Dao thundering within.

His understanding of the Hun Yuan realm instantly rose a level.

Hong Jun nodded slightly, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes.

He was confident he had grasped the essence of the Hun Yuan Dao—this time, success was certain!

"Therefore," Hong Jun rose and said, "merging with the Dao is my best path to achieving 'Dao Cheng Hun Yuan'!"

"By harnessing the power of the Hong Huang Heavenly Dao, I will comprehend the 'being' of Pan Gu’s creation of heaven and earth, then reverse-engineer the 'non-being' of primordial chaos through my own Dao, ultimately uniting being and non-being to attain perfection!"

He paused, then added: "As for 'abandoning name and vessel'... perhaps useful to other Daoists, but for me, it is no longer necessary."

"If one day I truly achieve perfection, the position of Dao Ancestor should be passed to the worthy."

His words rang with grandeur, as if he had already foreseen the scene of his own ultimate transcendence.

At this moment, Yang Mei suddenly asked: "If 'abandoning name and vessel' means relinquishing everything to merge with the Dao, could one then step down from the position of 'merging' and let someone else take over?"

"Well," Hong Jun looked at Yang Mei, thought for a moment, and said, "Theoretically, it is possible."

"Like Pan Gu the Great—if a second Pan Gu appeared and became the new Pan Gu of this age, I suspect the [First Pan Gu] would have to step down, letting the new Pan Gu reopen heaven and earth."

"After merging with the Heavenly Dao and acting as the executor of Pan Gu’s will, as long as one does not directly attain the path of Pan Gu, a changeover should be possible."

{This matches the speculation of Taiwei Tian Di!}

Yang Mei recalled how, while playing a game in the Lingjing world, he had discussed this with Xuan Qing.

Oh no, no, no—it wasn’t me, it was [Liu the Elder]!

Yang Mei’s gaze toward Hong Jun carried a touch of guilt.

Hong Jun noticed nothing, assuming he was contemplating replacing him as the second merger candidate.

"Right now, everything I know about merging with the Dao is still theoretical. Even if ninety-nine percent of my deductions are flawless, that final one percent gap will render all prior efforts useless."

"So I must first truly enter this realm before I can answer you accurately."

Hong Jun looked at Yang Mei and smiled: "Let me explore the path first, gather the advanced insights, then discuss them thoroughly with you, my Dao friend."

"I will now enter seclusion for a time, fully integrating the method of severing the Three Corpses with the path of merging with the Dao."

"The affairs of the Dao Alliance, and the observation of movements across Hong Huang, I leave in your capable hands."

"Rest assured, no major problems will arise," Yang Mei assured him, thumping his chest.

Taiwei Yuan.

The gods gathered, discussing Hong Huang.

"Have you heard? The Phoenix Clan’s patriarch is dead—died horribly, not even a bone left!"

On the throne of [Chenxing Shang Zun], the Water Star Divine Sword emitted a brilliant blue glow, and Chenxing materialized from within.

He arrived and immediately reported an "earth-shattering" piece of news.

"We’ve heard—apparently, Zu Long is dead too, his corpse lying in the starry void, retrieved by a giant turtle."

Divine fire ignited at the seat of [Yinghuo Shang Zun], revealing a graceful goddess with phoenix eyes and slender brows, her aura elegant.

"Moreover, Shi Qilin is dead," said [Suixing Shang Zun] Fuxi, stretching and yawning: "I looked into it—apparently, the entire Qilin Clan isn’t despondent; instead, they’ve collectively turned grief into energy, actively updating various systems."

"Like 'Filial Piety Makes You Strong: I Burn Incense for My Ancestors, They Give Me a Boost,' 'Soul Return: The Years I Hired My Primogenitor as a Proxy,' 'Hong Huang Divine Clans: Starting with the Primogenitor’s Funeral,' 'I’m a Corpse Driver, Only Driving Qilin Corpses.'"

The Taiwei gods showed little reaction to Chenxing and Yinghuo’s reports—they had been at the scene themselves.

But when they heard [Suixing Shang Zun] Fuxi’s report on the Qilin Clan’s current state, they couldn’t keep their composure.

"Has the Qilin Clan always been this open-minded?" [Taiyin Shang Zun] Wangshu couldn’t help asking.

“Is the Qilin Clan’s culture always this open?” Wang Shu couldn’t help asking.

[Suixing Shang Zun] Fuxi said: "After all, they’re a clan that can create systems."

"If their culture weren’t this open, they wouldn’t survive in our Hong Huang."

"True enough," the gods nodded.

After all, gods of Hong Huang—who’s ever been serious?

Thinking of this, everyone’s gaze turned involuntarily to the main seat.

Xuan Qing was idly playing with the World-Ending Mill.

This supreme artifact of destruction had transformed into an imperial seal, spinning in Xuan Qing’s hands.

"Why are you all staring at me?" Xuan Qing held the seal, smiling at the gods.

Every god present felt the Tian Di’s gaze linger on the crown of their heads.

They broke into cold sweats.

"We’re just waiting for Tian Di’s instructions."

[Taibai Shang Zun] Qitian chuckled nervously: "We weren’t prepared enough this time—let Hong Jun, the Ancestor of Immortal Dao, slip away!"

"Next time, when we fight at Buzhou Mountain, we must be utterly prepared—we must settle everything in one decisive strike!"

"Hmm, that’s true," Xuan Qing nodded slightly. "I have little guidance for this great battle—only one rule: strength."

"You must all strive to enhance your strength within these one hundred thousand years."

"Prepare every possible means to increase power—divine arts, divine treasures, pills, scriptures... the less serious, the better."

Xuan Qing emphasized the last half-sentence.

“Prepare every means to enhance your strength—divine techniques, spirit treasures, pills, scriptures—the less orthodox, the better.”

Even serious gods couldn’t survive in Hong Huang anymore—how much less in a Dao lineage war!

{We’ll need to bring out our secret techniques then!} the gods thought inwardly.

"By the way, I should inform you of some information and methods regarding Hong Jun—so you can prepare accordingly."

Then Xuan Qing gave a brief summary of the coming battle and shared all known information about Hong Jun.

His origins, identity, current strength, upcoming movements—Xuan Qing recounted them all in detail.

Even, he explained the comparison between the method of severing the Three Corpses and the principle of Tai Wu.

Even though he only reached the level of Tai Shi Da Luo, the Taiwei gods gained immensely.

"Thank you, Tian Di, for transmitting the Dao!" the gods sincerely expressed their gratitude.

Xuan Qing didn’t know many details of the severing method, but he revealed the Tai Wu principle without reservation—everything he knew, he shared.

The remaining path he himself had not yet traversed—he only outlined the general idea.

"If any of you have ideas, feel free to exchange them."

Xuan Qing set the tone, then appended the meeting’s official theme: "Taiwei Summary Assembly and Great Dao Achievements Sharing Conference."

"Then let me speak first," Nvwa spoke up.

She spoke of the Dao of Creation and the principle of Tai Su!

Nvwa’s Tai Su Dao echoed Xuan Qing’s teachings in spirit, yet differed in many ways.

All present benefited greatly.

"Since Nvwa Dao friend spoke of the essence of Creation, I’ll speak of my Geng Metal essence."

Qitian eagerly took the floor next.

He spoke at length of Dao and principle.

Under his guidance, the gods experienced the four stages—from creation to destruction—of the world, or the Four Calamities: Formation, Duration, Decay, Emptiness.

The principles were the same, yet the methods differed; the gods listened with rapt attention.

Under his guidance, the gods experienced the four stages of the world’s creation to destruction—the Four Great Calamities: Formation, Duration, Decay, and Emptiness.

Chenxing was also eager—he opened with: "Life originates from water!"

The gods laughed: "You’re bold!"

After all, all beings of Hong Huang originated from Pan Gu, who originated from the Dao.

Chenxing’s statement redefined the origin of life—didn’t he fear retribution?

"Who among those who cultivate the Dao isn’t bold?"

Chenxing grinned.

He feared nothing—only spoke: "It is well known that Pan Gu is made of water."

"Dao friend Jing Yao once said: 'The highest good is like water. Water benefits all things without contention, dwelling where others despise—thus it is close to the Dao.'"

"Pan Gu sacrificed himself to become Hong Huang, benefiting all things—this is proof one."

"Pan Gu was despised by all demonic gods in the chaotic age—this is proof two."

"Though despised by demonic gods, Pan Gu never argued—he used his great axe to correct their behavior—this is proof three."

"Pan Gu was invincible, merging with the Dao, closest to it—this is proof four."

"From these four proofs, we know Pan Gu is made of water."

"Thus, all beings of Hong Huang originate from Pan Gu; Pan Gu equals water; water is closest to the Dao; rounding off, all beings originate from water."

"Is there a problem?"

Chenxing’s argument was logical and convincing.

Even if the chaotic demonic gods revived, they’d give Chenxing a thumbs-up.

Taishang admitted defeat: "Dao friend, your thinking is brilliant—I cannot match you!"

After Xuan Qing sparked the topic and Chenxing opened the floodgates, the gods’ subsequent speeches took wildly different directions.

Soon, Taiwei Yuan was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Xiang Xuanqing opened the topic, and after Chen Xing unlocked his thinking, what the subsequent spirits said indeed took a different direction.

For a time, Taiwei Yuan was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Ultimately, all eyes turned to Luohou.

“What is the true nature of your demonic Dao?”

Luohou pondered, then said: “To hold the sacred heart, to be brimming with martial virtue, to act according to one’s nature—that is perhaps the essence of our demonic Dao.”

Then Luohou spoke of the *Heavenly Demon Secret*, the *Divine Demon Secret*, and the *Yin Demon Secret*.

These were the core scriptures of the demonic Dao.

He was not afraid they would learn them.

Whoever learned them became a demon—he only gained, never lost.

Luohou finished recounting the Ten Demonic Secrets in one breath; each deity gained something.

Chenxing, still eager, asked: “Luohou, why don’t you tell us about the *Seductive Demon Secret*?”

Luohou shot Chenxing a glare.

“The secret of the Seductive Demon lies in perceiving the desires of all living beings.” To everyone’s surprise, Luohou began explaining the *Seductive Demon Secret*.

Chenxing rejoiced wildly.

The deities of Taiwei listened, entranced.

After the scripture was finished, all remained immersed in the profound mystery of the Dao.

Then Luohou spoke softly: “Your current reactions are precisely how the Seductive Demon entices with the Dao.”

“Cough, cough~~”

The deities immediately snapped back to their senses, resuming their solemn demeanor.

Xiang Xuanqing turned to one side and asked: “By the way, Jingyao, how is your research on the Primordial Great Dao Nine-Transformation Immortal Hunyuan Pill coming along?”

“Hunyuan Pill?” Taishang did not understand why Xiang Xuanqing suddenly asked this. He replied: “I’ve gathered ample materials, but no matter how I calculate, I feel something is still missing—a crucial opportunity.”

“If I force the refinement now, it still won’t be perfect. I plan to wait until I advance further before attempting again.”

During the battle with the ferocious beasts, Taishang had fought desperately to kill the demon god Xiangliu precisely because it was an ideal material for refining the Hunyuan Pill.

Thus, after successfully claiming the corpse, he had been preparing for the pill’s refinement ever since.

“Then wait a while longer,” said Xiang Xuanqing.

Xiang Xuanqing smiled: “The refinement of the Hunyuan Pill will always find its opportunity.”

“For now, I’ll take you somewhere.”

As Xiang Xuanqing spoke, he stirred his mind.

From the Jia-sized universe within the Tai Sha Palace of the Underworld, a streak of light shot forth and landed in Xiang Xuanqing’s palm.

Everyone looked curiously.

It was a pair of eyeballs.

These were the eyes of the Destroyer Demon God.

Clearly, they had died with eyes wide open.

“Wum!!”

As soon as the Destroyer Demon God’s eyeballs appeared, the Emperor Seal formed from the World-Ending Mill trembled slightly.

Xiang Xuanqing held both objects in his palm.

Then the scroll on the Chaotic Table unfurled, and he cast them into it.

Then the scroll on the Chaotic Long Table unfurled, and he cast it into the scroll.

Clouds churned, and a scene appeared.

Black mountains, black waters—mysterious and silent.

If Shen Ni were here, he would surely cry out.

For this was his old lair—Immortal Mountain!

“Come, let’s see Shen Ni’s dwelling,” said Xiang Xuanqing, his figure vanishing from the main seat.

“Come, I’ll show you where Shen Ni resides.” Xiang Xuanqing’s figure vanished from the main seat.

The deities exchanged glances.

“Go!”

Eleven beams of light shot forth simultaneously, plunging into the scroll.

Eleven beams of light emerged simultaneously, sinking into the scroll.

The boundary between reality and illusion shattered.

The deities entered Immortal Mountain.

“What’s that?” asked Shang Bai Shangzun, Qitian, pointing into the void.

At the center of Immortal Mountain, chaotic qi churned, and a simple, unadorned coffin hung suspended in midair, devoid of any divine radiance.

Xiang Xuanqing smiled: “Shen Ni’s relics.”

“Feel free to search around—you might find something surprising.”

Hearing this, the deities’ eyes lit up.

Everyone scattered, searching everywhere.

Only Xiang Xuanqing stepped forward and opened the chaotic coffin.

Inside, it was utterly empty.

Xiang Xuanqing studied it for a while, then discovered its correct use.

He lay down directly inside and closed the lid.

He lay down directly within it and closed the coffin lid.

At the peak of Kunlun Mountain, clear qi swirled, and ten thousand rays of immortal light blazed.

While the Taiwei Emperor led the deities in searching for treasures, his true self was about to embark on another journey.

The three Daoists—Taishang, Xiang Xuanqing, and Yuchen Daojun—sat in a triangular formation, cross-legged.

In Xiang Xuanqing’s hand, the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi glowed with radiant immortal light, manifesting the form of creation.

Above Taishang’s head, the Purple Gold Bagua Furnace ignited, its three thousand flames flowing through all times and realms.

Before Yuchen Daojun, the Green Ping Sword rose into the air, its blade shimmering, faintly connecting with the forces of destruction and termination.

Before Yuchen Daojun, the Qingping Sword soared into the air, its blade shimmering, faintly resonating with the forces of annihilation and termination.

The Three Pure Ones cried in unison, channeling their cultivation power, yuanshen, and the primordial imprint from Pangu.

The Three Pure Ones shouted as one, pouring their cultivation energy, yuanshen, and the primordial imprint from Pangu.

The Bagua Furnace surged forward, flames roaring as if crossing infinite distances of time and space.

The Jade Ruyi erupted in brilliant radiance; a shadow of an axe, imbued with the will of creation, slashed violently into the void ahead. The void rippled like water, revealing the turbulent, dazzling, ever-flowing River of Time beneath.

The sword qi of the Green Ping Sword converged into a blade sharp enough to rend all things, ascending against the flow of time.

The Qingping Sword’s aura converged into a blade of piercing brilliance, ascending through time and space.

The River of Time churned violently; a powerful backlash surged forth—strong enough to instantly disorient even a Da Luo Sovereign!

“Now, go!” Xiang Xuanqing whispered sharply.

He waved his hand, and the Ghost Gate appeared at the rift, stabilizing boundless time and space.

Three streams of pure qi instantly ascended, crossing the Ghost Gate!

In the instant their forms vanished, the Bagua Furnace, the Jade Ruyi, and the Green Ping Sword dimmed their light.

The peak of Kunlun Mountain returned to stillness.

…

They did not know how long they had traveled—it felt like an instant, yet also eternity.

When the Three Pure Ones regained awareness, they found themselves within a space beyond description.

There was no up or down, no east or west, no sun or stars—only endless, viscous, chaotic “nothingness!”

Here there was no up or down, no east or west, no sun or moon or stars—only endless, viscous, chaotic “nothingness”!

Within this chaos surged violent earth, water, fire, and wind, clashing, annihilating, and rebirthing endlessly.

Countless primordial, unformed fragments of laws collided and intertwined.

They were returning to the age of creation.

The Three Pure Ones were filled with excitement.

Yet they also felt unease.

Though familiarity breeds comfort, facing the Great Pangu, even repeated encounters still caused dread!

Yuchen Daojun’s expression was grave: “Even now, I still feel the terrifying presence of Great Pangu.”

“Even as a Tai Su Da Luo, standing at this juncture, I sense my own Dao being influenced—almost as if it were being assimilated toward some unknown direction.”

“Even if I become a Tai Su Da Luo and stand at this node, I can feel my own Dao being influenced, even as if being assimilated toward some unknown direction.”

“It’s as if Father God is calling us!” x3

The Three Pure Ones spoke in unison.

At that moment—

Boom!!

An indescribable roar—or rather, a “vibration” beyond the concept of sound—erupted from the depths of chaos!

The entire chaos trembled as if shaken by this single “pulse!”

The Three Pure Ones stared in horror.

The Three Pure Ones stared in shock.

In the center of the endless chaos, a light beyond description was expanding at incredible speed!

Within that light, a towering giant figure, reaching from earth to heaven, faintly took shape!

He held a colossal axe, equally indescribable; each swing shattered the endless chaos and unleashed torrents of earth, water, fire, and wind!

The pure qi rose, the turbid qi sank!

Heaven and earth… were being opened and separated!

Pangu!

The spirits of the Three Pure Ones were instantly drawn and awed by the supreme power of creation!

They saw chaos split apart, saw pure and turbid separate, saw earth, water, fire, and wind rage and gradually subside, saw yin and yang evolve, and the five elements emerge…

This… was the birth of “Being”!

From absolute “Nothing” to the all-encompassing “Being”!

Every movement, every breath of the giant seemed to contain infinite truths of the Dao!

The Three Pure Ones watched and contemplated, entranced and spellbound.

At that moment, the Pangu primordial spirit mark within them stirred with unprecedented vitality, resonating powerfully with the power of creation!

It was as if they had transcended time and space, engaging in a silent exchange with the primordial deity who was opening heaven and earth!

And that giant, seemingly aware of something, cast a faint, sidelong glance—toward the Three Pure Ones, and toward the other hidden gaze.

Merely one glance, yet it contained the might of creation itself!

The Three Pure Ones instantly felt their primordial spirits violently shaken.

【My sons, you’ve finally arrived!】 A hint of a smile flickered in Pangu’s gaze.

Without a word, he raised his Creation Axe.

Shhh!

The Three Pure Ones’ vision plunged into sudden darkness.

“???”

————

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(End of Chapter)