Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

Fifty years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The Chaos Dao Tree, with its hundred newly sprouted Dao leaves radiating light, has already taken shape as a nascent realm.

In the Heavenly Realm of Blazing Fire, flames surged; in the Nine Netherworld Realm, deathly energy settled; in the Azure Realm of Longevity, vegetation grew wildly… The laws of the Hundred Realms were initially established, beginning to nourish the origin.

The towering trees along the road trembled violently.

Countless faint sources of Dao energy gathered on the trunk, and with this assistance, the Chaos Dao Tree's main trunk visibly climbed upwards.

Two hundred and eighty million zhang, two hundred and ninety million zhang... it quickly approached the three hundred million zhang mark. The tree canopy spread out like clouds hanging from the sky, disappearing into the sea of ​​light above, and chaotic sparks burst forth between the friction of branches and leaves.

As the Chaos Dao Tree grew to 300 million feet, its root system developed with particular emphasis, continuously penetrating the deep layers of the vast earth and piercing through layers of viscous primordial soil.

Soon, the roots of the Chaos Dao Tree continued to break through the boundaries of the Ancient Xi Dao Domain, extending towards darker and more ancient soil layers...

On this day, a wisp of flesh touched something.

"Ok?"

Li Mu was startled by the unusual movement perceived by the root system, and his divine sense involuntarily followed the roots of the Chaos Dao Tree.

Suddenly, a solidified "strange soil layer" appeared in his mind's eye. It was a vast expanse of gray-black soil with a texture that was neither stone nor bone. The moment the roots of the Chaos Dao Tree pierced into it, a desolate, decaying, and endlessly resentful Dao aura of annihilation traveled back along the roots!

Li Mu was slightly taken aback and asked in surprise, "What region of the Vast Land is this...?"

The next moment, Li Mu's figure flickered and disappeared from the original spot, sinking down along the root veins and reappearing.

Soon, Li Mu's vision cleared up, and a vast "graveyard" came into view.

On the gray-black earth, countless broken stone tablets stand, varying in height, some as low as hills, others as tall as stars. The tablets are covered with cracks, and their surfaces are covered with a dark red color, like dried blood.

Beneath each tombstone lies a blurry, illusory figure; some shaped like withered trees, others like collapsing nebulae, still others with only a wisp of twisted Dao patterns remaining… they are countless, densely packed together.

In the center of the cemetery, nine particularly majestic monuments stand in a ring, their bodies wrapped in black soul chains, the other ends of which plunge into an endless abyss, their bindings unknown.

The entire graveyard was deathly silent, with only resentment surging like a tide, and traces of annihilation spreading like a spider web across the void.

……

"What is this place?"

"How can there be so many tombs of Dao Ancestors?"

Li Mu was extremely shocked and was about to leave to inquire about the situation at the location of Dao Ancestor Gu Xi when suddenly, a tombstone carrying 'information' appeared in his field of vision.

As soon as Li Mu had a thought, he immediately calmed his mind.

The next moment, a massive amount of fragmented memories were forcibly poured into the sea of ​​consciousness, the images were fragmented, and the light and shadow were chaotic.

"This place is actually the remains of the fallen ancient ancestral trees...!"

Li Mu was momentarily dazed, and it took him a long time to snap out of his daze.

Li Mu looked into the depths of the graveyard, where the nine giant steles suppressed the remains of the peak ancestral tree that had fallen during the last calamity cycle. The calamity-destroying Dao traces and the remnant Dao sources contained within were highly poisonous to ordinary Dao Ancestors...

However, these remnants of Dao source seem to be the supreme resources for refining the foundation of Chaos Dao for Li Mu's Chaos Dao!
"Chaos is a furnace that can melt all things. The resentment and remnants of calamity in this ancient tomb... may be of use."

With a thought, Li Mu immediately sat cross-legged and formed the "Chaos Furnace" mudra with his hands.

The next moment, the illusory image of the Chaos Dao Tree suddenly descended behind them!
The towering tree trunk took root at the edge of the ancient tomb, and its countless roots spread out of the cemetery like tentacles, piercing under the broken tombstones. The gray light of the Dao transformed into a chaotic Dao fire, constantly burning and refining the resentment and calamity that had accumulated for hundreds of thousands of years.

Under the burning of the Chaos Fire, a continuous hissing sound emanated from beneath the tombstone.

Endless resentment transformed into streaks of black dragons that soared away, attempting to evade the refining power of the Chaos Dao Fire. The boundless power of annihilation, like bolts of black lightning, continuously exploded and launched a frenzied counterattack...

However, the Chaos Fire was extremely domineering. Wherever it passed, the black dragons were all swallowed up and refined, and the black lightning was forcibly suppressed, devouring their origins and causing them to lose their foundation...

Soon, the ancestral tree graveyard, which had been peaceful for hundreds of thousands of years, suddenly became incredibly lively, filled with the mournful howls of countless ancient ancestral trees. The last traces of the ancestral trees' existence were being erased one after another, and their lamentations never ceased.

Li Mu's eyes shone brightly, and the Chaos Dao Fire burned ever brighter, constantly refining and absorbing the remnants of the Dao origins of these fallen Dao Ancestors, as well as the vast and boundless tribulation power.

……

Time flew by, and three years passed in the blink of an eye. The first broken stele shattered, and the withered tree phantom below was completely refined, condensing into a gray-black mass containing the Dao intent of "withering" and "ending".

Li Mu was overjoyed and urged the Chaos Dao Tree to incorporate this wisp of Dao source into it, repeatedly refining it with the Chaos Dao Rhyme.

……

Seven years later, the second batch of Dao Source was refined!

After eighteen years, the third strand of Dao source was refined and appeared.

These three remnants of calamity and destruction, one of which is "withering," one of which is "collapse," and one of which is "returning to stillness," are all essences extracted from the fallen remains of the ancient ancestral tree. Although they contain the power of calamity and destruction, the Dao intent contained within them is profound and terrifying; they are no less than the external Dao origins that Li Mu obtained from Gu Xi and Lei Yan Dao Ancestor.

Soon, Li Mu incorporated the three remnants of the source into the Chaos Dao Fruit.

The Chaos Dao Fruit, its surface hazy with boiling Dao light, contained three remnants of its origin that surged and crashed within like poisonous dragons entering the sea, clashing violently with numerous external Dao origins.

Li Mu smiled coldly, and the origin of the Chaos Dao Tree surged forth, forcibly suppressing the three strands of remnant origin within the core of the Dao Fruit, and slowly refining them with the Chaos Dao Fire.

I know this place like the back of my hand!

Ten years passed in the blink of an eye.

Li Mu opened his eyes, a deep gray-black glint flashing across his pupils before disappearing.

The three remnants of the Calamity Annihilation Source were initially refined, but not yet fully integrated, yet they could not shake Li Mu's Chaos Dao Foundation.

"This place...should be dealt with gradually!"

Li Mu's gaze swept across the entire burial passage and ancient tombs, his eyes shining with excitement.

The cemetery was vast, filled with countless broken tombstones. To other Dao Ancestors, it was nothing more than an abandoned land. However, to Li Mu, it was an inexhaustible treasure trove.
However, this matter cannot be rushed.

Li Mu concealed his aura, and the illusory image of the Chaos Dao Tree slowly retracted its roots and quietly retreated.

Before leaving, he laid down three layers of chaotic concealment Dao patterns at the edge of the graveyard to completely isolate the aura of this place. After doing all this, Li Mu's figure dissipated and he returned to the Chaotic Treasure Mansion, preparing to completely refine the three remnants of the source before absorbing other remnants of the Fallen Dao.

Not long after Li Mu left.

Above the vast land, several boundless divine thoughts swept in from different directions, like an invisible net, enveloping this ancient soil layer.

Forest of Ten Thousand Ancestors - Eastern Region, Crimson Flame Ancestral Region.

At the summit of an ancestral tree, its entire body crimson and its branches and leaves swirling like flames, Dao Ancestor Chixiao suddenly opened his eyes. He was tall and imposing, wearing a crimson Daoist robe, his eyes like two molten gold suns, his brows furrowed.

"That fluctuation just now... the aura of annihilation?"

The powerful divine sense of the Crimson Sky Dao Ancestor continued to penetrate downwards. When it touched that ancient soil layer, it only sensed a chaotic and mixed remnant of Daoist rhyme. The pure tribulation power fluctuations from before had dissipated without a trace.

“Strange… How could the Daoist aura of annihilation suddenly emanate from the depths of the vast land? Could it be that something has happened to the ‘Ancient Burial Tomb’? Has the great calamity broken out ahead of schedule?” Dao Ancestor Chixiao’s expression was solemn. Having experienced a calamity cycle, he knew the dangers of that ancient tomb.

That was the place where the ancient ancestral tree had fallen, a place where resentment and calamity intertwined, and even those at the peak of the Dao Integration Realm were unwilling to touch it easily.

……

Forest of Ten Thousand Ancestors, Western Regions, Xuan Sha Cold Domain.

In a dark world covered in ice, the Xuan Sha Dao Ancestor rose from the depths of the Weak Water. His face was blurred, and he was wrapped in three thousand chains of the Weak Water. His aura was cold and deathly.

"Remnants of calamity power... erupting from the depths of the Vast Earth?"

Xuan Sha Dao Ancestor investigated several times and found that the Dao principles in that area were chaotic, as if they had been forcibly disrupted by some force, and the source could not be traced.

"Someone disturbed the ancient tomb... But who could it be?"

……

Forest of Ten Thousand Ancestors - Southern Region, Heavenly Demon Blood Forest.

A blood moon hangs high, and ten thousand demons howl.

The Heavenly Demon Ancestor sat atop a throne of white bones, with two horns on his head, demonic markings covering his face, and blood-red vertical pupils, his expression gloomy.

"An aura of annihilation... Heh heh, interesting. Who isn't afraid of death and dares to venture into that hellish place, the Burial Dao Ancient Tomb?"

The Demon Forest trembled after the Heavenly Demon Ancestor's death, and billions of demon souls roared in unison, transforming into a blood-red divine thought that rushed into the depths of the vast land. After a long time, the investigation yielded no results.

The Heavenly Demon Ancestor's expression darkened.

"Such a brilliant tactic... disrupting the secrets of heaven and concealing the traces. Who exactly is it?"

……

The divine senses of several Dao Ancestors from other realms lingered in the depths of the vast land for several days, but ultimately gained nothing and retreated one after another.

However, the seed of doubt had already been sown.

Dao Ancestor Chixiao transmitted his thoughts to Dao Ancestor Xuansha: "Fellow Daoist Xuansha, have you been able to ascertain the truth?"

Xuan Sha Dao Ancestor responded with his divine sense: "The Dao is in chaos, and there are no traces left. But the aura of annihilation cannot be faked; someone must have disturbed the ancient tomb of the Burial Dao."

The Heavenly Demon Dao Ancestor interjected, "Heh heh, to be able to disrupt the heavenly secrets to this extent, it must be the work of at least the peak of the Dao Integration stage. Could it be that old thing Gu Xi? He cultivates the Dao of Returning to the Source, so perhaps he can barely refine the remnants of the tribulation power."

“The Ancient Xi Dao Domain is still far from the Ancient Tomb, and he has already experienced two great calamities, so his Dao Foundation is already entangled with calamity marks. If he were to encounter the Ancient Tomb of the Burial Dao again, it would be tantamount to setting himself on fire.”

"If it weren't for Gu Xi... who else in the vast forest could refine the remnants of the Calamity Annihilation?"

"The Dao of Devouring can devour all laws, and perhaps it can barely manage to do so. However, in order to cope with the calamity, the Heavenly Devouring Dao Ancestor searched everywhere for sources to increase his Dao, and disappeared for a long time. His fate is still unknown!"

"Who cares who it is! Since they've disturbed the ancient tomb, they must have something to gain. The remnants of the Calamity Annihilation are valuable. If we can obtain them, the next tide might be able to withstand 30% more damage."

"Do not act rashly. Since this person can disrupt the heavenly secrets and conceal traces, his methods should not be underestimated. Moreover, the destruction of the remnant source is extremely dangerous. Even if you obtain it, it may not be a blessing."

……

The Daoist patriarchs exchanged their thoughts and discussed for a long time, but ultimately failed to reach a definitive conclusion.

Dao Ancestor Chixiao said in a deep voice, "Enough. Since we cannot find the source, let's put it aside for now. Fellow Daoists, please pay attention to the area around your respective Dao Domains. If there are any abnormal fluctuations in the power of tribulation, please exchange information in time."

"good."

"can."

The divine thoughts gradually dissipated.

Deep within the vast land, silence returns.

Deep within the ancient tomb in the burial path, the nine giant steles trembled slightly.

The gray-black chains wrapped around the monument rattled, as if something was struggling below. A wisp of pure aura of annihilation seeped out from the crack at the bottom of the monument, constantly widening the crack.

……

Chaos Treasure Palace.

Li Mu sat cross-legged under the tree and slowly opened his eyes.

When those divine thoughts swept across the depths of the vast land just now, Li Mu sensed something. Fortunately, he had laid out concealed Dao patterns in advance and disrupted the Dao laws of that area, so no trace was left.

"They are those old monsters at the peak of the Dao Integration stage."

The chaotic starlight in Li Mu's eyes slowly swirled, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes, for those who had overturned the Dao Ancestor had not discovered his existence.

However, having noticed the unusual activity at the Burial Passage Tomb, they knew they would need to be more cautious in their future actions.

Next, Li Mu focused on refining the three remnant sources within the Chaos Treasure Palace. The Chaos Dao Fire transformed into a furnace, using the Strange Source as a catalyst, with the other external sources working together to refine the remnant sources.

"This ancient burial tomb truly holds some treasures!"

After a few days, Li Mu exhaled a breath of turbid air, successfully refining the three remnants of the source. Just as he was about to get up, he suddenly felt a clear and bright Daoist aura transmitted from the void, which condensed into a ball of Daoist thought and unfolded.

Li Mu was slightly taken aback, and then his figure flashed, appearing outside the Treasure Mansion.

There he was, Gu Xi Dao Zu, looking anxious as he rushed over and questioned Li Mu: "Some time ago, you went to the depths of the Vast Land and disturbed the 'Burial Dao Ancient Tomb'?"

Li Mu's heart stirred slightly, and he said frankly, "This junior did indeed find an ancient tomb and refined three remnants of the source."

“You…” Gu Xi smiled bitterly and sighed with worry, “Fellow Daoist Li, you are too impatient. That Burial Dao Ancient Tomb is the place where ancient ancestral trees fell and piled up, and resentment and tribulation have been intertwined for hundreds of thousands of years. All the Dao Ancestors in the vast forest with a little knowledge know that this place is dangerous, and no one has ever dared to touch it lightly—do you know why?”

"I'd like to hear the details." Li Mu was slightly taken aback and asked, puzzled.

"Within the ancient tomb, the remnants of those fallen Dao Ancestors are all stained with the marks of calamity and destruction. Even a peak Dao Integration cultivator would have their Dao foundation defiled and their own calamity brought forward if they forcibly absorbed them." Gu Xi looked at Li Mu and said solemnly, "Moreover, deep within that graveyard, there are the remains of nine peak ancestral trees that fell during the ancient calamity and destruction cycles; their lingering will has not dissipated, and their calamity power is like a lock. The slightest disturbance will alarm the deep Dao law veins of the entire Vast Land."

Li Mu's expression darkened slightly: "Senior, are you saying that I leaked my aura when refining the remnant source?"

Gu Xi reminded him, "During this period, the Dao Ancestors from other realms, such as Chi Xiao, Xuan Sha, and Tian Yao, have been frequently scanning the depths of the vast land with their divine senses, all searching for the source of the calamity power fluctuations. If it weren't for the hidden patterns of the Returning to the Source that I laid on the edge of the ancient tomb years ago to slightly conceal it, you would probably already be located by now."

Li Mu's gaze darkened.

Gu Xi continued, "Chi Xiao cultivates the True Fire of the Sun, making him most sensitive to the aura of annihilation; Xuan Sha's Palm is the Weak Water of Death, capable of sensing the cycle of life and death; Tian Yao Tong's Blood Sacrifice Demon Forest is a bloodthirsty beast... These are all old monsters who have survived a cycle of annihilation, ruthless in their methods and profound in their thoughts. If they knew that a cultivator who had just entered the Dao Integration stage could refine the remnants of the Ancient Tomb without falling into ruin!"

Gu Xi paused for a moment, watching Li Mu's increasingly grave expression, and warned, "Fellow Daoist Li, your Chaos Dao's ability to 'absorb all origins into one' is a lifeline during the calamity cycle, but also a target of everyone. In the past, they were wary of me, and wary of the covenant of the Chaos Hub, and could still maintain a facade of peace; but if they discover that you can even refine the remnants of the ancient calamity... then, all contracts and grand plans will become empty talk. They will spare no effort to imprison and refine you, seize your Dao Fruit, and divide your origin..."

Li Mu remained silent for a long time before speaking, "Senior, do you mean that I should temporarily suspend absorbing the remnants of the ancient tomb?"

"It's not a postponement, it's an absolute no-go!" Gu Xi warned resolutely, "At least until the great calamity arrives, do not disturb the ancient tomb in the slightest. That graveyard has now become a whirlpool, with many secretly watching; if you stir up any more disturbances, even this old Taoist will find it difficult to protect you!"

Having said that, Dao Ancestor Gu Xi transformed into a streak of azure light and hurriedly departed. (End of Chapter)