Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

Burial route ancient tomb.

The Chaos Dao Tree had reached a height of six billion feet, its roots forming a net that covered the entire graveyard, frantically absorbing the power of calamity.

Li Mu suddenly sensed something and looked up into the void.

A wisp of clear light pierced through layers of chaotic tribulation power, tenaciously and persistently probing towards the Chaos Dao Tree.

Within the Daoist thought, Gu Xi's aura was clearly discernible.

Li Mu's eyes flickered slightly, and with a thought, the roots of the Chaos Dao Tree slightly restrained their absorption of tribulation power, making way for Qinghui Dao Thought.

Qinghui's Daoist thoughts were able to get closer and finally arrived at the foot of the Chaos Dao Tree.

The phantom formed by Gu Xi's Daoist thoughts looked at Li Mu's figure with eyes wide with utter shock.

Gu Xi gazed at the towering Chaos Dao Tree and Li Mu, whose aura was as deep as the sea. She opened her mouth, but after a long while, she managed to utter a strained voice: "Fellow Daoist Li...? It really is you!"

Li Mu smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Gu, it's been a thousand years. I hope you've been well."

Gu Xi stared at Li Mu in disbelief, exclaiming in shock, "Fellow Daoist Li... you're really not dead! And you even refined those nine remnant thoughts? How did you do that?"

Li Mu smiled slightly and said modestly, "I succeeded by sheer luck!"

Gu Xi Daozu scrutinized Li Mu for a long while, taking some time to process the result before impatiently asking, "Fellow Daoist Li, your current cultivation level..."

"Perfected Dao Integration!" Li Mu said calmly, "Those nine remnant origins have all returned to chaos. Now my Dao Fruit can be considered half a step into the Dao Transformation stage! I'm only missing a sliver of opportunity!"

Upon confirming his guess from Li Mu, Dao Ancestor Gu Xi gasped, his mind reeling and unable to calm down for a long time.

"Half-step into the Dao Transformation Realm!"

Gu Xi murmured, looking at Li Mu with a complicated expression, and after a long while sighed, "A thousand years have passed, from the late stage of Dao Integration to the half-step Dao Transformation... Fellow Daoist Li, your opportunity is unprecedented!"

Li Mu smiled and continued, "Tribulations are also opportunities. I never expected that not only would I not be devoured by the nine remnant spirits, but I would also use this opportunity to advance to this realm!"

Upon hearing Li Mu mention what happened back then, Gu Xi Dao Zu couldn't help but show a look of guilt after recalling it.

“Fellow Daoist Li, back then, when the remnants of the Nine Transformation Daos all emerged..., I and Haotian and the others dared not lend a helping hand.” Gu Xi looked at Li Mu with a face full of shame and explained apologetically, “The fate of the Eight Domains is the same, and the lives of billions of people depend on one person. I... had no choice.”

Li Mu's smile remained unchanged, and he said calmly, "Fellow Daoist Gu, there's no need to apologize. If it were me, I would have done the same."

Gu Xi looked at Li Mu with a questioning expression, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, and asked to confirm, "Fellow Daoist Li, you really don't blame us?"

"On the path of cultivation, everyone strives for a narrow escape!" Li Mu stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the Chaos Dao Tree, and said solemnly, "Back then, I used myself as bait, gambling with my life. If I won, it was my good fortune; if I lost, it was my destiny to perish! Fellow Daoists, you have guarded the forbidden realm for a thousand years, protecting me and preventing interference from the outside world, which is already a great kindness!"

Upon hearing this, Dao Ancestor Gu Xi breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Li Mu sincerely, saying, "I admire Fellow Daoist Li's magnanimity!"

After a pause, Gu Xi Dao Zu's expression changed slightly, and he solemnly said, "Now that Fellow Daoist Li has emerged from seclusion, he should know the current situation of the Vast Land."

Li Mu smiled and nodded: "The calamity is raging, and all ancestors have perished."

“It’s more than just withering!” Ancestor Gu Xi gave a bitter smile and sighed, “The calamity has only been going on for a few decades, and the vast forest has already lost 30% of the ancestral trees. The Crimson Sky burns the world, the Profound Fiend devours the source, and the Heavenly Demon sacrifices blood… All the ancestors are frantically plundering, just hoping to hold on for a little longer.”

Ancient Dao Ancestor raised his hand and pointed, and the clear light condensed into a light screen, reflecting the scene of the Starry Dao Platform.

The Eight Extremes Calamity Suppressing Array shimmered with light, with the eight ancestors each occupying a key point in the array. Outside the array, the calamity force was as dark as ink, and the tides crashed against the array walls, creating ripples.

"I, along with Haotian, Leiyan, and others, set up the Eight Extremes Formation, using the Chaos Dao Source left behind by you, fellow Daoist, as our eye, barely managing to protect the core area of ​​the Eight Domains," Dao Ancestor Gu Xi explained to Li Mu in detail, pointing to the hazy Dao Source at the center of the formation.

Changing the subject, Dao Ancestor Gu Xi continued, "However, the calamity tide is fierce, and the foundation of the formation is unstable. If this continues, the Eight Domains will surely be destroyed within a hundred years at most, and we..."

Li Mu stared at the light screen, the chaotic starlight in his eyes turning slightly. He nodded knowingly, fully aware of their current predicament.

Gu Xi Daozu stepped forward, bowed deeply to Li Mu, and pleaded, "Fellow Daoist Li, I humbly request that you use the Chaos Dao Tree as a pivot to help us overcome this tribulation!"

Upon hearing this, Li Mu frowned slightly but did not respond.

Gu Xi Daozu looked up at Li Mu and earnestly said, "Fellow Daoist Li, the Chaos Great Dao encompasses all origins and is one, and the power of calamity can also be refined. If Fellow Daoist Li were to take charge of the pivot and divert the calamity tide, the power of the Eight Extremes Formation could increase a hundredfold. At that time, all living beings in the eight regions would be grateful for your life! I beg Fellow Daoist Li to set aside past grievances and lend a helping hand."

Li Mu remained silent, his brows slightly furrowed.

Seeing this, Gu Xi became anxious and said urgently, "If Fellow Daoist Li has any concerns, please speak freely. As long as the Eight Domains can survive the great calamity, I, Gu Xi, will agree to any conditions on behalf of our ancestors!"

After hearing this, Li Mu knew it was inappropriate to remain silent any longer, and frankly said, "Fellow Daoist Gu, my Dao foundation is now initially solidified, and I am at the half-step into the Dao Transformation realm. My next step is to undergo this great calamity and attempt to break through to the Dao Transformation realm. If I miss this opportunity, I don't know when I will be able to wait again..."

Upon hearing this, Dao Ancestor Gu Xi was slightly taken aback, his face full of surprise.

"The path to enlightenment requires a vast amount of primordial energy and the resources of countless paths." Li Mu looked at the tidal wave of calamity power that covered the vast land and explained, "Within the tidal wave, the scattered Dao essence is endless, which is exactly what I need. If I were to be distracted by managing the key points and protecting the eight regions... I fear I would be hindering my own path to enlightenment!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Xi's expression turned anxious: "Fellow Daoist, what do you mean...?"

“I, Li, can take action to refine some of the tribulation power and alleviate the pressure on the Eight Domains.” Li Mu glanced at Gu Xi meaningfully and said indifferently, “However, for me to fully protect the Eight Domains and devote my attention to managing the hub… a sufficient price must be paid.”

Hearing that there was still room for negotiation, Gu Xi breathed a slight sigh of relief and hurriedly asked, "What does Fellow Daoist wish to obtain?"

Li Mu looked directly at Gu Xi and gestured, "If I, Li, help the Eight Domains overcome the great calamity, then in the future, the ancestral trees of the Eight Domains shall revere the Chaos Dao Tree!"

Gu Xi frowned slightly, looking at Li Mu with some confusion about the deeper meaning behind his words.

"Above the vast land, the eight domains are bounded by the flow of primordial energy, all of which must be regulated by the Chaos Dao Tree." Li Mu looked at Gu Xi and said frankly, "The eight ancestral domains need to release their original imprints and connect with the Chaos Dao Tree. From then on, the rise and fall of the eight domains will be in sync with my path of cultivation."

Upon hearing this, Dao Ancestor Gu Xi was shaken, his Daoist thoughts flickering uncertainly. After a long while, he asked incredulously, "Fellow Daoist... does this mean the Eight Domains are to submit to you as their master?"

“It is not the master, but the pivot.” Li Mu shook his head, indicating, “The vast land needs a new order after the calamity; the Chaos Dao Tree, which encompasses all Daos, can serve as the foundation for this new order. If the eight regions are willing to connect, with their source Qi complementing each other and their Daos co-evolving, and to jointly govern the vast land with me, then when the great calamity returns in the future, they will also have the power to resist.”

After hearing this, Dao Ancestor Gu Xi remained silent for a long time. He never expected that Li Mu was so ambitious that he had already thought about taking control of the entire Vast Land after the Great Calamity.

Li Mu did not urge him, but waited quietly. Behind him, the roots of the Chaos Dao Tree swayed, absorbing the tribulation power from all directions. The tree trunk slowly grew taller, its aura profound.

"What Fellow Daoist Li requests is far too astonishing!" Dao Ancestor Gu Xi looked at Li Mu with a wry smile and sighed, "The Eight Regions revere the Chaos Dao Tree and have all their source energy under its command. This is not an alliance, but rather... submission."

"After the calamity, the vast land will surely be reborn." Li Mu calmly looked at Gu Xi Daozu and gestured, "The fall of the myriad ancestors and the remnants of their origins are everywhere. This is the resource for the Chaos Dao Tree to advance further. I, Li, wish to use this calamity to break through to the Transformation Dao Realm. If the Eight Regions are willing to connect with Chaos and jointly comprehend the Great Dao, then the order of the vast land from now on shall be jointly controlled by us."

"Transformation into the Dao!" Gu Xi's spirits lifted, and she looked at Li Mu with bright eyes: "Fellow Daoist Li, you have glimpsed the path from the nine lingering thoughts?"

Li Mu nodded slightly and generously explained, "Those nine Transformation Dao seniors all perished in the ancient times due to insufficient foundation and deficiencies in their Dao source, leaving their remnants trapped in the ancient tomb. To achieve Transformation Dao, one must absorb the source of all Daos and forge an unparalleled Dao foundation. The Chaos Dao encompasses all things and is perfectly suited to this path!"

Ancient Dao Ancestor's breathing quickened slightly as he looked at Li Mu and asked, "Fellow Daoist, is your intention to use the Eight Regions as a bridge to connect the veins of the vast land and thereby gather the legacy of myriad ancestors?"

"That is indeed the method." Li Mu nodded with a smile, indicating, "After the Great Calamity, the remnants of the source scattered. Without a central hub to guide them, they would merely return to the vast earth, waiting 120,000 years to nurture new forests. If the Eight Domains are willing to open their doors and connect with the roots of my Chaos Dao Tree, then we can use the veins of the Eight Domains as a network to gather all the scattered remnants and forge a flawless Dao foundation." Upon hearing this, Dao Ancestor Gu Xi closed his eyes, his clear Dao aura flowing endlessly, as if he were making a deduction.

After a long pause, Gu Xi opened her eyes and looked at Li Mu, saying, "This method... is indeed possible. However, once the Eight Domains release their Origin Imprints, there will be no turning back. If you achieve your Dao..."

"If I achieve enlightenment, the Eight Domains can transcend along with the Chaos Dao Tree and experience countless tribulations together." Li Mu looked at Gu Xi with clear eyes and assured her, "Fellow Daoist Gu has survived two tribulations and should know the suffering of the cycle of reincarnation in the Vast Land. Each time a tribulation ends, it is like a straw dog being slaughtered. Even at the peak of the Dao Integration stage, one can only barely survive. This path is the only path to life."

Gu Xi's figure trembled. He sighed and said, "In that case, I understand."

Gu Xi looked at Li Mu and said resolutely, "If we can survive the great calamity and protect the lives of the eight regions, the eight regions will respect the Chaos Dao Tree and honor Fellow Daoist Li as their common master. The flow of Origin Qi and the evolution of Dao principles will all be directed by Fellow Daoist."

Li Mu smiled slightly and asked, "Can you, fellow Daoist, make decisions for the other seven fellow Daoists?"

Gu Xi shook his head and said, "This matter concerns the survival of the Eight Domains, and I dare not make a decision on my own. I need to return to the Star Evolution Platform and discuss it with Hao Tian, ​​Lei Yan, and others."

"how long?"

"Half a day will suffice!" Gu Xi said confidently. "I will give Fellow Daoist Li an answer within half a day."

Li Mu nodded slightly and said, "Then I will see Fellow Daoist Gu off and await good news!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Mu waved his hand, and the Chaos Dao Yuan enveloped Gu Xi's Dao Thoughts, sending him away.

Then, Li Mu closed his eyes and concentrated.

The roots of the Chaos Dao Tree penetrated deep into the vast earth, increasing its speed of absorbing tribulation power by three points. The tree trunk continued to grow at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the nine thousand newly formed world embryos on the branches frantically absorbed and nourished the source qi. The boundary wall solidified, and the chaos inside differentiated, with the initial distinction between the pure and the turbid.

……

Star Evolution Platform
As Gu Xi's thoughts returned to his body, a radiant glow spread around him, and his face appeared slightly pale.

"how?"

Haotian Daozu stared intently at Gu Xi and asked urgently.

The chaotic Dao Source fluctuations still lingered at the core of the formation, and the gazes of the other six Dao Ancestors all focused on Gu Xi's face.

Gu Xi took a deep breath and recounted everything he had seen at the ancient tomb of the burial road and what Li Mu had said.

For a moment, the Starry Sky Platform was deathly silent, with only Gu Xi's voice remaining.

Purple lightning crackled around Lei Yan Daozu as he abruptly stood up, exclaiming incredulously, "Li Mu not only didn't die, but he also advanced to the half-step Dao Transformation realm! How is this possible!"

"He wants us to serve him as our master? What an enormous appetite!"

"This guy, this guy is outrageous!"

……

In an instant, the entire platform was filled with the thunderous roar of Dao Ancestor Lei Yan, which shocked everyone to the extreme.

a long time,

Qingyuan Daozu spoke up, interrupting, "Fellow Daoist Lei, calm down, let's talk things over!"

"Release the Origin Mark... From now on, life and death will be in his hands alone. That brat, that brat is too arrogant!" Dao Ancestor Lei Yan glared at Dao Ancestor Qing Yuan, furious.

Dao Ancestor You Guang hurriedly reminded them, "A great calamity is imminent; let's get through this calamity first!"

“Yes! If Li Mu can achieve the Dao Transformation, the Eight Domains can transcend with him. If he fails… we can also regain our freedom. This proposal is not without merit!” Qingyuan Dao Ancestor agreed.

Night-Sickness Dao Ancestor said coldly, "He's playing a clever game, using the Eight Domains as a net to collect the remnants of the myriad ancestors and forge his own Dao foundation. Once it's complete, he'll transform into the Dao!"

Dao Ancestor Chao Yuan sighed, “But if we don’t follow his advice… we fear we won’t survive this calamity; the calamity is raging, and all the ancestors will perish. Even Chi Xiao and Xuan Sha will only be able to barely survive. Once the formation is broken and the domain is destroyed, we will all face certain death!”

Dao Ancestor Yinghong said softly, "Since Li Mu dared to propose this, he must have some confidence. He has refined the nine remnants of the Dao Transformation Realm and glimpsed the path; perhaps... he really can succeed!"

After a long silence, Dao Ancestor Haotian looked at Gu Xi and asked, "Fellow Daoist Gu Xi, what is your opinion?"

A hint of weariness flashed across Gu Xiqinghui's eyes, but he said without hesitation, "I believe him!"

Lei Yan glared angrily: "You surnamed Gu! Have you gone mad? Raising that kid into a Chaos Dao Tree was already a risky move, and now you want to hand over the lifeblood of the Eight Domains to him?"

Gu Xi shook his head and said, "Fellow Daoist Lei Yan, have you ever seen a second person who can refine nine remnants of the Dao Transformation Realm? A second Dao Tree that can grow against the tide of tribulation, absorbing tribulation power as easily as drinking water? Li Mu's Dao is extraordinary. If he really wanted to harm us, why would he go to such lengths? With his current half-step Dao Transformation Realm ability, even if he forcibly seizes the origin of the Eight Domains, how much of our strength can we withstand?"

Upon hearing this, Dao Ancestor Lei Yan paused, unable to utter a rebuttal for a long time.

Qingyuan Daozu pondered and said, "What Fellow Daoist Gu said makes sense. If Fellow Daoist Li harbored ill intentions, he could have simply watched the Eight Domains collapse and then collected the remaining resources. Since he has proposed this idea, it means that he is willing to leave a way for coexistence."

Daoist Youguang nodded and said, "I agree to this proposal!"

The Dao Ancestor Haotian swept his starry eyes over the assembled ancestors and gestured, "Let's vote. Those who wish to follow Li Mu's proposal, please raise your hands."

Gu Xi was the first to raise her hand.

Qingyuan, Yinghong, and Chaoyuan raised their hands in succession.

The ethereal light and shadow moved slightly, and then rose.

Ye Yan's old face was gloomy. After hesitating for a moment, he sighed and said, "Fine! I'll take this gamble too!"

Immediately, all the Dao Ancestors' gazes fell on Lei Yan.

Lei Yan Daozu's expression shifted, his body crackling with thunderous Daoist thoughts as he struggled violently. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and sighed, "I... agree!"

Seeing this, Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded, raised his hand and pointed, and starlight Dao patterns surged from his palm and entered the Chaos Dao Source at the array's core, indicating: "In that case, let us take this Dao Source as our covenant and establish a Great Dao Oath. After the calamity, the Eight Regions will revere the Chaos Dao Tree, share the same source Qi, and comprehend the same Dao principles. If this oath is broken, the foundation of the Dao will be completely destroyed, and there will be no hope of recovery for countless eons."

The other six patriarchs successively cast spells, and the seven-colored Daoist energy merged into the Chaos Source.

The source of the Dao was shrouded in gray, but suddenly the light of the Dao shone brightly, and eight fine lines appeared on its surface, which were the original marks of the eight patriarchs.

Gu Xi looked at Hao Tian: "Fellow Daoist Hao Tian?"

The Dao Ancestor Haotian's expression darkened slightly, indicating, "The Star Evolution Array was set up by me, and the Dao Source of the array's core has long been connected to my own origin. Naturally, I am included in this contract."

"The oath has been made. I will trouble Fellow Daoist Gu to make another trip and quickly inform Fellow Daoist Li that the Eight Extremes Formation is not easy to maintain. The sooner we connect the Chaos Dao Tree as the pivot, the greater the chance of survival." Dao Ancestor Haotian looked at Gu Xi and urged him.

Gu Xi nodded happily, closed her eyes and concentrated. A clear, radiant Dao thought flew out, following the resonant power of the Chaos Dao Source, heading straight for the Ancient Burial Tomb. (End of Chapter)