Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

"Crack!" A sound rang out.

In the center of the nine steles, the pitch-black eye of calamity opened completely, and as far as its gaze could reach, the void was annihilated, and the laws of the Dao wailed.

"roar of a tiger!"

A low, guttural sound emanated from the eyes of the calamity, neither human nor beast, but the wailing of the collapse of all paths.

Cracks spread across the monument, and a blurry black figure broke free from it. It had a human body and an animal head, bone spurs on its back, and nine broken chains wrapped around its body. At the end of each chain was a withered phantom of a Dao tree, exuding the unique aura of the "Transformation of Dao" realm.

Ancient Dao Transformation Cultivator - Xiao!
"The Great Dao of Chaos... Someone has actually cultivated this path!"

Xiao stared at the Chaos Dao Tree behind Li Mu, a burning greed in his eyes.

Almost simultaneously, the remaining eight steles collapsed one after another.

A figure emerged from the eastern stele, clad in a star-studded Taoist robe. He had the face of a young man, but his eyes radiated an aura of timelessness. This was "Chen," the ancient celestial path in his palm.

A shimmering mist rose from the western stele, within which the silhouette of a woman could be seen. This was the "spirit," who held the spiritual source of all things.

Flames soared into the sky from the Southern Stele, and a giant with crimson hair emerged from the fire. His body was consumed by the burning Daoist aura that distorted the void. This was "Yan," who wielded the true fire that could burn the world.
The Northern Stele oozes a black, turbid flow, and a hunched old man stands leaning on a cane, the tip of which drips a bone-corroding poison. This is "corrosion," which specifically destroys the foundation of all laws and principles.

A withered corpse crawled out from under the southeast stele. It was skin and bones with empty eye sockets. This was the "withered" corpse, indicating that the lifespan of the deceased was exhausted.
The Southwest Stele exploded, revealing a collapsed star-like ruin. In the center of the ruin stood a Taoist priest in a gray robe. This was "Ruins," who controlled the destruction of the ruins.
The Northeast Stele exudes a chilling aura, with a warrior clad in black armor standing with a spear in hand. The murderous intent solidifies into tangible blood-red patterns, which is the "Sha," signifying slaughter and conquest.
In the dreamlike landscape of the Northwest Stele, amidst swirling mists and clouds, stands a hazy, beautiful figure, her laughter both real and illusory—this is the "Nightmare," a magical realm within the palm of one's hand.

The nine remnants of the Dao Origin, all of whom survived the ancient calamities, are now only remnants of their original essence. Yet, their oppressive aura has solidified the entire vast land.

"The Great Dao of Chaos... all things originate from one. If one obtains this Dao Fruit during the tribulation, one may be able to reshape one's Dao foundation and avoid the next tribulation." Chen Zhi's lingering starry eyes fell on the Dao Fruit above Li Mu's head, making no attempt to hide his desire.

“This child has just entered the Dao Integration stage, and his foundation is not yet stable. This is the perfect opportunity to seize him,” the remnant spirit of the spirit replied, its spiritual eyes fixed on Li Mu.

Yan's lingering will roared angrily: "If you all want it, then let's fight it out! Why bother with words!"

……

The nine lingering gazes were fixed on Li Mu.

No! To be precise, it was the Chaos Dao Fruit nailed to Li Mu's body, its eyes filled with greed and madness. They had been dormant for too long, and their remnants were about to dissipate. This nearly complete Chaos Dao Fruit was the only medicine to prolong their lives!
At this moment, Li Mu's body trembled violently, the ground beneath his feet cracked inch by inch, and the Chaos Dao Tree grew wildly, 890 million zhang... 900 million zhang... 930 million zhang!
"Not enough, waah!" Li Mu's eyes turned bloodshot as he gritted his teeth and refined the three remnants of the Chaos Dao Fruit, detonating them completely.

"Boom!"

The powerful Daoist energy surged back, and Li Mu used the momentum to break through his realm. The main trunk of the Dao Tree suddenly grew taller, reaching 950 million zhang... 980 million zhang... 1 billion zhang!

The towering Chaos Tree stood tall, its branches radiating chaotic light from over five hundred realms, and the entire graveyard was shrouded in a hazy glow.

"Ants are ants after all!"

"How dare you break through to a higher realm under our watchful eyes!"

"The Chaos Dao Fruit is nearing perfection... If not now, when?"

……

The nine remnants of their venerable spirits exchanged glances, determined to obtain the Chaos Dao Fruit.

The next moment, Xiao made the first move.

A broken chain, like a black dragon, shot out and pierced Li Mu's brow, then turned into a wisp of black smoke and disappeared into his brow.

With a "poof," Li Mu spat out a mouthful of blood, as if struck by lightning.

Yan Zhi laughed with lingering resentment, and the True Fire of Burning the World transformed into nine crimson dragons, rushing towards the roots of the Chaos Dao Tree.

Chen Zhi's lingering will raised his hand and pointed, and the starlight Dao patterns transformed into a cage, covering the tree branches.

The six remnants of the Chaos Dao Tree—Spirit, Erosion, Withering, Ruins, Fiend, and Nightmare—each employed various methods: some drew life force back to crack the Dao Tree's veins, some sprinkled bone-corroding poison to damage the Dao Foundation, some hastened the depletion of lifespan and accelerated Li Mu's aging, some condensed fiendish intent to slash at the main trunk, and some wove a demonic illusion to directly attack the Dao Soul. They all vied for the Dao Fruit of the Chaos Dao Tree.

------

Starry Sky Platform.

The Eight Ancestors were doing their best to maintain the forbidden zone when they sensed the terrifying fluctuations coming from the Ancient Burial Tomb, and their expressions changed drastically.

Haotian Daozu said with a wry smile, "Deep within the ancient tomb... the remnants of nine evil spirits have fully awakened!"

"This is terrible!" Gu Xiqinghui's Daoist robe fluttered wildly, and the Daoist rhyme of Gui Cang tried to fight for a chance of survival for Li Mu. However, he encountered a terrifying tribulation force, and his own Dao domain showed signs of collapse.

Ancient Dao Ancestor's face was filled with disbelief, and he said in a trembling voice, "Those nine auras... surpass the Dao Integration Realm. They are at the Dao Transformation Realm!"

"Transformation?"

The seven ancestors were all taken aback.

The Azure Origin Dao Ancestor's emerald eyes widened in shock. "The legendary Transformation Realm from ancient times? Above the Dao Integration Realm, transcending the shackles of the Great Dao, one's body becomes the source of all Daos... Such an existence actually exists in this world?"

Haotian Daozu focused his senses and suddenly realized, "No wonder... no wonder a single glance from him made us feel like ants."

"Fellow Daoist Li is in grave danger!" sighed Dao Ancestor Qingyuan.

Lei Yan Daozu's purple, electric hair exploded as he said resentfully, "Fine, fine, this guy has really ruined himself! A thousand years of planning has come to nothing!"

Night-Sickness Dao Ancestor's old face was gloomy: "The remnant of the Dao Transformation... that brat Li Mu is completely finished."

Dao Ancestor Chao Yuan smiled bitterly, "With the remnants of the nine Dao Transformation Realms awakened, even if the eight of us join forces, we will not be able to stop even one of them. Fellow Daoist Li is doomed this time!"

Dao Ancestor Yinghong hesitated and said, "Should we really give up? The great calamity is imminent. If we lend a helping hand, perhaps there is any hope?"

Lei Yan Dao Ancestor roared, "Save? What can we use to save them! The nine remnants of the Dao Transformation Realm are fighting endlessly in this region. If we rush in, we'll only be throwing our lives away!"

Gu Xi Daozu stared intently at the direction of the Burial Dao Ancient Tomb. A look of struggle flashed in Qinghui's eyes. Finally, he sighed and said, "We cannot save him. If we act now, not only will we fail to save Fellow Daoist Li, but we will also bring trouble upon ourselves and lead the nine evil spirits to our Dao Domain."

Haotian Daozu said with a wry smile, "What Fellow Daoist Gu Xi said makes sense; once the remnant of the Dao Transformation awakens, its primary target will undoubtedly be Fellow Daoist Li's Chaos Dao Fruit. If we rashly intervene, we fear we might provoke its ferocity, which would bring forward the great calamity of the Vast Earth Forest and Sea... and cause the deaths of countless lives."

Qingyuan Daozu said unwillingly, "Are we just going to stand by and watch?"

"We might not even dare to look. Under the shroud of the remnant divine sense of the Dao Transformation Realm, even our prying might be detected."

"Retreat immediately! Shrink the forbidden zone to completely isolate that area, lest the evil spirits become aware of our presence!"

……

The other Dao Ancestors offered their advice, and they all saw the fear in each other's eyes.

Unexpectedly, on another day, they were able to see beings above the Dao Integration Realm, and at once, they saw nine remnants of the Dao Transformation Realm.

"withdraw!"

The Dao Ancestor Haotian made a hand seal, and the Star Evolution Array was activated. The forbidden realm's sky curtain contracted rapidly, abandoning the tens of millions of miles around the ancient tomb to firmly protect the core area of ​​the Eight Great Dao Domains.

Gu Xi glanced in the direction of Li Mu, a hint of pain flashing in her clear eyes, and murmured, "Fellow Daoist Li, I'm sorry!"

______
The nine remnants of the Dao Transformation Realm vied to strip him of his Dao Source, leaving Li Mu in unbearable agony, unable to live or die. "Seal!"

With a sharp shout, Li Mu caused the billions of Dao patterns on the main trunk of the Chaos Dao Tree to suddenly light up, and layers of gray Dao light burst forth from the inside out, transforming into an indestructible cage, not to trap the enemy, but to seal himself.

The Dao Foundation, Meridians, Spirit Sea, Divine Soul... the operation of all the origins came to an abrupt halt; more than five hundred realms on the branch dimmed simultaneously, the boundary walls were sealed, and the lords of all realms were forced into a deep slumber.

Li Mu's aura plummeted, dropping from the late stage of the Dao Integration Realm all the way down to the initial stage, the Dao Attainment Realm, the Mahayana Realm... In the blink of an eye, he was sitting like an ordinary person, his life force almost extinguished.

Only the Chaos Dao Fruit above his head remained, its gray swirling silently suspended.

"This child has sealed his Dao foundation and closed off all realms. Is he offering his Dao fruit to survive?" Chen Zhi's lingering thoughts narrowed his starry eyes, wary.

Ling Zhi's lingering resentment sneered, "It's just the survival instinct of ants. The Chaos Dao Fruit is nearing perfection. Even if it seals itself away, its inner essence remains. If we seize the Dao Fruit and refine its soul, the Chaos Dao will become the foundation for us to rebuild our Dao foundation!"

"Yours? No one can contend with me for this Chaotic Dao!" Yan's remnant spirit roared furiously.
As soon as it finished speaking, it transformed into a crimson dragon and pounced on the Chaos Dao Fruit.

"Yan, how dare you!" Xiao roared in fury, breaking the chains and turning them around to entangle the red dragon.

The lingering resentment of Eclipse roared, "This great path should be governed by my true intent, the essence of Eclipse!"

"Dream on! This thing should belong to me!" Withered remnant's empty eye sockets flashed with a ghostly light as it lunged at the Chaos Dao Fruit.

The lingering resentment of the Ruins summoned the collapsing Star Ruins, pressing down on the Dao Fruit; the lingering resentment of the Fiend cleaved with its battle spear, aiming directly for the core of the Dao Fruit...

The nine remnants of the Dao, having survived the ancient calamities, should have had unwavering resolve. However, after slumbering for hundreds of thousands of years, their remnants were about to dissipate, and their yearning to see the Great Dao again pierced through their reason.

The Chaos Dao Fruit is right before my eyes, within reach.

Those who are a step too slow will miss the opportunity to transcend.

"Get out of my way!" roared fiercely, as the nine broken chains lashed out at the remaining eight.

Chen sneered: "Xiao, you have the deepest resentment. The chains are broken, yet you still want to act violently?"

The next moment, a starlight cage appeared, trapping Xiao Zhi's chains.

The lingering remnant of the spirit transformed into a crystalline mist, silently seeping into the Chaos Dao Fruit: "When the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits..."

"You're courting death!" The venom on the tip of the corrosive staff transformed into a giant net, enveloping the spiritual mist.

……

The nine battles erupted, creating endless chaotic currents of Daoist energy above the burial ground. The gray-black earth collapsed, and hundreds of broken tombstones turned to dust. The calamity's power surged into the sky, turning the entire vast land into a chaotic mess.

Li Mu sat cross-legged in the center of the turbulent current, his eyes closed, his face withered like a corpse, with only a faint gray light flickering between his brows, which was the last connection between the Chaos Dao Fruit and his remaining divine soul.

Li Mu is waiting.

They are waiting for Jiu Nian to be completely trapped.

------

In the Crimson Flame Ancestral Domain, the Crimson Sky Dao Ancestor's ten-thousand-foot-tall fiery body shattered the void. His face was ferocious, and he stared in disbelief at the direction of the Ancient Burial Tomb, roaring angrily: "Transformation Dao aura! Nine Daos, Gu Xi... what kind of monster have you raised!"

In the Xuan Sha Dao Domain, the Weak Water surged.

Xuan Sha Dao Ancestor rose from the Mo Bing Jade Platform, staring intently at the Burial Dao Ancient Tomb: "The Chaos Dao Tree... the remnants of the Dao Transformation are vying for possession... the eight ancient beings, what a grand scheme!"

Xuan Sha Dao Ancestor drew a withered finger, and the Weak Water condensed into a mirror. The mirror reflected the chaos of the graveyard, where nine blurry remnants fought each other. In the center, a towering gray Dao tree stood quietly, and beneath the tree, a figure in a green robe sat withered like a corpse.

"Using the Chaos Dao Tree as bait to lure the remnant Dao spirit into the trap... Gu Xi, aren't you afraid of playing with fire and getting burned?"

"The Chaos Dao Tree, what a pity!"

……

The howls of ten thousand demons in the Heavenly Demon Blood Forest suddenly ceased.

The Heavenly Demon Dao Ancestor sat on the throne of white bones, his vertical pupils blood-red: "Remnant Daoist Will... Nine Venerables! Old man Gu Xi, how dare you provoke such a taboo!"

The Heavenly Demon Ancestor's immense demonic sense swept across the turbulent currents, only to be instantly torn apart by the tribulation force. A mouthful of demonic blood spilled from the corner of his mouth as he exclaimed in shock, "What terrifying tribulation force! That Chaos Dao Tree has actually attracted nine evil spirits to awaken and fight for it simultaneously."

"Dao Ancestor, this is a golden opportunity! The Nine Thoughts are locked in a chaotic battle, both sides are severely injured. We can take advantage of the chaos to seize the Chaos Dao Tree!" At this moment, a subordinate of the Demon Ancestor suggested.

The Heavenly Demon Dao Ancestor swung his claw back, sending the Demon Ancestor flying. He cursed, "Fool! Even in a chaotic battle, the aftershocks of a Dao Transformation remnant are enough to crush a peak Dao Integration cultivator. Are you trying to kill me by getting close now?"

"Order that the Blood Forest be sealed off and all demons lie dormant. We will wait until Jiu Nian has determined the victor before making further plans."
-
……

Across all the regions of the vast land, the divine thoughts of the Dao Ancestors intertwined, all locking onto the Ancient Burial Tomb, filled with shock at the events that had occurred in that region.

"I never imagined that someone could cultivate the Great Dao of Chaos to this extent! It's a pity that the remnants of the Nine Transformation Daos have invaded it, leaving no chance of survival!"

"The remnant spirit of the Dao has awakened... The great calamity may be coming sooner than expected!"

"The Eighth Ancestor plotted for a thousand years, all to nurture a Chaos Dao Tree and lure the evil spirits of the ancient tomb into the world? What kind of scheme is this!"

"If all nine thoughts are unleashed simultaneously, the Chaos Dao Tree will surely be destroyed. How can we survive this great calamity?"

"Gu Xi...you have ruined the vast land!"

……

Divine thoughts surged like a tide, indignation, helplessness, mockery, despair... The divine thoughts of many Dao Ancestors intertwined to form an invisible sea of ​​rage, surging towards the Starry Sky Forbidden Realm.

Within the forbidden zone, all eight ancestors sensed something.

Dao Ancestor Lei Yan roared in fury, "A bunch of cowards! You always cower in the shadows, and now you dare to criticize me!"

Gu Xi's expression was bitter, and he said with a wry smile, "What they said is true. Fellow Daoist Li is indeed the most crucial pawn in our plan. However... I never expected this outcome!"

Dao Ancestor Chao Yuan sighed, "Fellow Daoist Li is using himself as bait, gambling on a sliver of hope. However, in the chaotic battle of the Nine Thoughts, the turbulent currents of Daoist energy are enough to tear apart even a peak Dao Integration cultivator. He has sealed his Dao Foundation, making him no different from a mortal. How can he possibly survive?"

Yinghong Daozu said in a low voice, "Perhaps... he never wanted to live."

The official residence was eerily silent.

Haotian Daozu said in a deep voice: "Fellow Daoist Li offered the Dao Fruit as bait... This is not a sacrifice, but a desperate gamble; if Jiu Nianzhen decides the winner within the Dao Fruit, the survivor will surely suffer a great loss of vitality, and at that time, who knows..."

Qingyuan Daozu's eyes lit up, and he excitedly replied, "Fellow Daoist Li may have a glimmer of hope to devour the remnant spirit and refine its source."

Dao Ancestor Youguang shook his head, looking unconvinced, and said, "It's too difficult. Even a lingering resentment is still within the Dao Transformation Realm. Fellow Daoist Li sealed his own Dao Foundation; how can he possibly devour it?"

"Unless... he had a backup plan."

Upon hearing this, the Starry Dao Platform fell silent. The Dao Ancestors stopped speaking, their divine senses locked onto the direction of the Ancient Burial Tomb, hoping for this miracle to happen.

Time passed slowly; the situation of the Chaos Dao Tree did not improve. On the contrary, amidst the fierce struggle and confrontation among the nine remnants of Dao Transformation, its Dao Source became chaotic and it teetered on the brink of collapse. (End of Chapter)