Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

Inside the quiet room, the Chaos Furnace hovered in the air, turning silently.

Li Mu's eyes flashed with a gray light as he said in a deep voice, "This rhyme is neither a curse nor an evil spirit, but something that dissipated when the foundation of one's Dao collapsed... It seems to be related to the fall of the Dao Transformation Realm."

Ancient Dao Ancestor cast out his divine sense, carefully sensing the invisible Dao aura within the furnace, and agreed: "There's no mistake! This is the 'Power of Dao Demise,' recorded in ancient scrolls. When a Dao Realm cultivator dies and their Dao dissipates, their life's cultivation is returned to heaven and earth, and the negative law arising from the collapse of their Dao foundation; touching it weakens the Dao, and touching it dries up the source!"

After finishing his deduction, Dao Ancestor Haotian sighed, "This source, I'm afraid, cannot be eliminated!"

"The Dao of Decay is naturally generated after a vast land has become completely dead and silent. It is like the smell of decaying corpses, like the ashes of grass and trees, and belongs to the cycle of heaven and earth. Forcibly driving away this Dao is tantamount to reversing life and death, which is difficult."

Li Mu paused for a moment, then continued, "Perhaps it can be 'neutralized'."

"How to neutralize it?" Gu Xi Dao Zu asked in surprise.

“Use the ‘Life Force Dao Rhyme’ of the newly born vast land to counteract it.” Li Mu pondered for a moment and gestured, “Fellow Daoist Qingyuan is in charge of the Ancestral Tree of Myriad Spirits, which is the most vibrant in life force. Please ask him to nourish this source with the Life Force Dao Rhyme, which may gradually eliminate the harm of decay.”

Gu Xi Dao Zu stroked his beard and said, "This method is feasible, however, it will probably take a long time."

"It's better than abandoning it." Li Mu looked at the three ancestors, Gu Xi, Hao Tian, ​​and Chen Guang: "The matter of the declining Dao Rhyme will be left to the three of you to continue the deduction. Remember, do not recklessly use the power of the Dao's demise, but only use the Dao Rhyme to simulate and explore the method of harmony."

Gu Xi solemnly replied, "Rest assured, Master, I understand."

Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded in agreement: "The Star Evolution Technique can trace its flow trajectory, and may be able to find the opportunity for the vitality and Dao rhythm to be in harmony."

Chenguang Daozu said, "The pure Yang Daoist aura may be able to restrain it; I will do my best."

Li Mu said no more. With a flicker, he created a chaotic clone. The clone was entirely gray and had the same face as Li Mu, except that there were chaotic star swirling in its eyes and its aura was slightly weaker than that of the original.

"I, the Venerable One, will remain in charge of this vast land. I will venture deep into the ruins to investigate."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Mu's clone stepped into the void and disappeared from the spot in an instant.

In the vast expanse of the northwestern sky, a gray phantom disappeared into a crevice and vanished without a trace.

After an unknown amount of time, a wisp of Li Mu's avatar traversed the endless void, reaching the end of the rift. Stepping out from the crack, he looked around and saw countless fragments of stars floating in the air, utterly silent.

A faint, invisible rhythm emanated from the surrounding area, causing the decaying Daoist energy to rise and fall like the tides.

Li Mu's clone's eyes narrowed, and it sped towards the source of the rhythm.

Along the way, occasional dark glints flashed by, remnants of Dao source, tainted by the dense Dao aura of decay, shattering upon touch and turning into powder.

The deeper one goes, the stronger the Daoist aura of decay becomes. Dark mist condenses in the void, frantically attacking Li Mu's chaotic Daoist essence.

Li Mu's clone frowned, sensing that the Chaos Source was rapidly depleting and could not be maintained for long.

Just as Li Mu was about to withdraw from this clone, he suddenly made a discovery. In the void ahead, surrounded by rubble, stood a crumbling altar, its surface covered in cracks and its patterns dull and lifeless.

At the concave center of the altar, a jet-black crystal core floats, its surface swirling with black spiderwebs. It is a "Dao Fall Source Core." The source core emits a massive amount of decaying Dao aura, like a giant wave sweeping out and eroding the surrounding debris. Countless dim remnants of the source are scattered around its edges, containing various dim Dao auras.

"The core area is here!"

Li Mu's clone's eyes lit up. It compressed the Chaos Dao Domain and transformed into a streak of light, speeding away.

Reaching the edge of the altar, Li Mu's clone raised his hand and made a grasping motion. The Chaos Dao Fire condensed into a gray palm, which he took into his hand and quickly probed into it with his Dao sense.

The next moment, the fragments of regret exploded.

A shattered scene appeared as a blazing, sun-like figure broke through the boundary from the outer realm, carrying endless world-burning true fire, and fiercely fought against the Dao-transforming will of this world.

"I will absorb your Dao Source to mend my deficiencies..."

The roar of the will to transform this realm echoed in the lingering remnants, filled with greed, violence, and a desperate gamble.

……

Li Mu's clone's expression darkened slightly as he learned the general outline of this region's decline.

Before its demise, the Dao-transforming will of this vast land forcibly devoured the Dao source from the outer realms, attempting to break through to the level of Dao Transformation. However, its cultivated Dao clashed with the Dao source from the outer realms, causing its Dao foundation to collapse and backfire, ultimately leading to the disintegration of the vast land and the annihilation of countless spirits.

"Greed and arrogance bring disaster."

Li Mu withdrew his Daoist thoughts, sealed the remnant source, and looked down at the altar below.

A deep, bottomless crack appeared in the base of the altar, through which a pale hue could be faintly seen. Li Mu's clone swept away the broken rocks with a flick of his sleeve, revealing a seated "ancient corpse".

Gu Tui was draped in a tattered black robe. His flesh and bones had long since turned to ash, leaving only a white skeleton. The bones were as white as jade, exuding a decaying Daoist aura. His right hand tightly gripped a white jade bone scroll.

Li Mu's divine sense entered into the book, and the contents were quickly reflected in his mind: "The Record of Ten Thousand Paths in Silence".

The opening lines are shockingly written in blood: "All paths share a common origin and can be absorbed. However, different paths clash, like ice and charcoal in a furnace... I have absorbed the Dao sources of seven regions, and my Dao foundation is on the verge of collapse. It is too late for regrets. If future generations obtain this scroll, they should remember: The path to transformation cannot be achieved through forceful devouring; it requires the harmony of all paths and the mutual support of the original source..."

……

The text was densely packed with detailed descriptions of the insights, conflicts, and foundation collapses of various Dao cultivators from this realm who had absorbed Dao sources from other realms. The last few lines were written in messy handwriting, conveying a sense of despair.

"The Dao of Decline has been born... This Dao has no solution; touching it will cause decay... The 'Dao Demise Core' beneath the altar is the condensation of my Dao foundation's collapse, radiating incessantly. Ten thousand years from now, this world will surely return to complete annihilation... I leave my remnants here to warn those who come after!"

"If you can suppress the Dao Source Core... you may take it... lest this thing... bring calamity to other realms..."

A gray glint flashed in Li Mu's clone's eyes as he said with relief, "I see."

next moment,
The Chaos Dao Source of Li Mu's clone was completely lost under the erosion of the Endless Decay Dao Source.

Just as the clone completely dissipated, Li Mu's clone used a secret technique to transmit the "Record of Ten Thousand Paths in Silence" along with the insights gained from the origin to his true self, before finally disappearing completely.

Wan Hai Dao Yuan.

Li Mu's true form opened his eyes, and everything his clone had seen and felt rushed in.

"Above the Dao... all paths resonate!"

Li Mu was utterly shocked and muttered to himself.

Seeing that Li Mu's expression was unusual, Gu Xi Dao Zu asked with concern, "Dao Master, have you discovered anything?"

After a moment's thought, Li Mu shared the contents of the bone slip with the Three Ancestors through divine thought.

Upon learning this, Dao Ancestor Gu Xi gasped: "To forcibly break through by devouring the Dao Source of the outer realms... how is such an act any different from self-destruction?"

The Dao Ancestor Haotian said with a solemn expression, "Dao Master, if that Dao Origin Core cannot be completely suppressed, the Dao Aura of Decay will spread sooner or later, and may affect the surrounding vast land."

Li Mu nodded, pondered for a moment, and decided, "I will go myself." "Dao Master!" Dao Ancestor Gu Xi exclaimed urgently, "The remains are dangerous; do not risk your life!"

Dao Ancestor Haotian added, "Yes! Dao Master, your personal safety concerns the vast land and countless lives. This journey is extremely dangerous, please consider it carefully!"

Dao Ancestor Chenguang solemnly said, "Dao Master, the vast land has just been settled, and the Forest of Ten Thousand Ancestors has not yet been completed. If you venture out alone and something happens to you...!"

Li Mu smiled slightly and raised his hand to stop the Third Patriarch's advice.

"The Dao's core lies there, its decaying Dao essence flowing endlessly. This is no ordinary Dao trace; it is the condensation of a vast, utterly desolate land. Even with the restoration of life and the harmony of its Dao essence, it will still require a long time." Li Mu interrupted the three, saying, "Surrounded by the Purple Cloud and Cold Nether Domains, the time for our extinction is imminent. This remnant possesses a rich source; if we can refine and absorb it, the land's veins can increase by thirty percent. How can we afford to miss such resources?"

Gu Xi Dao Zu stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "If Dao Master insists on going, I am willing to accompany you and protect you. The Gui Cang Dao is good at sealing and isolating, which may be able to resist the erosion of the declining Dao charm."

Dao Ancestor Haotian followed closely behind: "My Star Evolution Technique can deduce the flow of Daoist energy and help us avoid dangerous places."

With his eyes blazing, Dao Ancestor Chenguang then spoke up, "Pure Yang Daoist Rhyme can completely overcome Yin Sha. I can assist the Daoist Master in refining the Dao Annihilation Source Core!"

"I appreciate your kindness!" Li Mu smiled and shook his head, politely declining the offer from the Third Ancestor, saying, "The Dao of Decay touches upon the realm of Dao Transformation. It is difficult for anyone who is not a Dao Transformation cultivator to resist it."

Li Mu looked at the three patriarchs and said resolutely, "You are all at the peak of the Dao Integration stage. If you touch the power of Dao Fall, you will suffer a backlash. At that time, it will not only be of no benefit, but I will also need to spare my attention to protect you."

Before Gu Xi Daozu could speak further, Li Mu raised his hand to interrupt him, saying, "The deduction of the Harmony Method is related to whether the Vast Land can absorb the remnants of this domain's source, and it concerns the future of the Vast Land. You will remain in the Source Sea to comprehend the Dao of Life and the Dao of Decline and Extinction, and find the opportunity to resonate with it. My departure will last for several years at the shortest, and a hundred years at the longest. You need not worry about it!"

As soon as he finished speaking, chaotic energy surged around Li Mu, and his figure rapidly became ethereal.

"Dao Master!" Dao Ancestor Haotian called out urgently.

"No need to worry about me!"

Li Mu responded with a smile, leaving behind his final words: "I am Chaos, and Chaos is me. The Dao-Fallen Origin Core is nothing but the remnants of a realm. When I return, the origin of the vast land will surely undergo a leap forward!"

After saying this, Li Mu's figure completely dissipated into billions of gray mists, disappearing without a trace in an instant.

They watched Li Mu disappear and leave.

Gu Xi Daozu remained silent for a long time, then sighed, "Daoist Master's mind is made up."

Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded and said, "Dao Lord risked his life for the sake of the Haotu, truly a role model for us all!"

Ancestor Chenguang nodded solemnly: "We must not slacken in our deductions. When the Dao Master returns, we must present a feasible method."

The three patriarchs exchanged glances and nodded in unison. With solemn expressions, they immersed themselves in the deduction of the Daoist essence of purification and decay.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Time flies, and a century has passed.

In the vast land, the Forest of Ten Thousand Ancestors presents a myriad of magnificent sights. A thousand newly ascended ancestral trees take root in the source veins, their branches bearing shimmering Dao fruits that nourish the land. The Chaos Array operates day and night, absorbing and releasing the primordial energy that roams the void.

The Starry Dao Platform is a vibrant hub where various Dao sources intertwine.

At the center of the platform, the "Dark Origin" hangs inside the Chaos Furnace, exuding an invisible aura of decay and appearing somewhat weak amidst the surrounding Dao Sources.

For over a century, Dao Ancestors such as Gu Xi, Hao Tian, ​​Chen Guang, Qing Yuan, and Lei Yan have conducted hundreds of thousands of deductions and countless experiments, yet they have still failed to find a perfect method for purification.

“The vitality of the Dao can neutralize 30%, the pure Yang Dao fire can burn away 50% of the decaying energy, and the remaining 20%... follows like a shadow.” Qingyuan Dao Ancestor’s blue eyes dimmed as he sighed.

"These two declining elements coexist with their origin; if forced, the source will collapse; if allowed to dissipate slowly, it will take ten thousand years. It is difficult!" Gu Xi Daozu sighed helplessly, feeling regretful for not being able to fulfill Li Mu's important task.

Chenguang Daozu pondered and said, "If the Dao Lord returns, enveloping him in the Chaotic Dao Rhyme might temporarily isolate him from the erosion of the Decaying Rhyme?"

Dao Ancestor Haotian shook his head and said, "This is only treating the symptoms, not the root cause. If this thing is incorporated into the Haotu Origin Vein, its decay will gradually take hold, and the Haotu will inevitably develop hidden ailments a thousand years later!"

Just as the Daoist patriarchs were frowning in worry, the void above the Daoist platform suddenly rippled.

A wisp of gray air current swirled and gathered, and a figure quickly solidified.

With a hazy, star-like gaze, it was Li Mu. Compared to a hundred years ago, his Daoist aura had become even more profound, and a barely perceptible weariness had appeared between his brows, as if he had gone through a long journey and his spiritual energy had been greatly depleted.

"Daoist!"

Gu Xi Daozu suddenly stood up and greeted him with great excitement.

"Welcome back to the Vast Land, Dao Lord!"

All the Daoist masters were invigorated and rose to greet them respectfully.

Li Mu looked at the assembled Dao Ancestors, smiled slightly, and greeted them, "You've all worked hard during this century-long absence!"

Ancient Dao Ancestor stepped forward, his gaze carefully scrutinizing Li Mu, and asked with concern, "Dao Master, was your journey... successful?"

Li Mu was slightly taken aback, smiled but did not answer, instead asking in return, "After a century of research, what are the results?"

Qingyuan Daozu understood that Li Mu did not want to talk about the journey of the remains, so he immediately replied respectfully: "Reporting to Daoist Master, over the past hundred years, I have used the origin of the Ten Thousand Spirits Ancestral Tree as the foundation, supplemented by Fellow Daoist Gu Xi's Gui Cang Sealing, Fellow Daoist Hao Tian's Xing Yan Deduction, Fellow Daoist Chen Guang's Pure Yang Refining, and Fellow Daoist Lei Yan's Thunder Intent, ... and finally obtained this method."

As soon as he finished speaking, Dao Ancestor Qingyuan flicked his finger, and the emerald green elixir split into three, transforming into three shimmering illusory images of Dao seeds.

“Firstly, the vitality permeates.” Qingyuan Dao Ancestor pointed to the first Dao Seed: “Wrap the remnant source with pure vitality Dao rhyme, and slowly permeate it. It can transform 30% of the decay rhyme in a hundred years. However, this method takes a very long time and requires continuous consumption of the ancestral tree’s source. It is feasible for small quantities, but difficult to continue with large quantities.”

"Secondly, pure yang calcination." Ancestor Chenguang continued, "With my Great Sun Pure Yang Origin Fire, I can quickly refine it and burn off 50% of the decaying energy in three days. However, the loss of the remaining source is also huge, with only 30% remaining. Moreover, the core of the decaying energy is stubborn, and the embers are difficult to remove."

"Thirdly... Chaos Returns to Origin." Ancient Dao Ancestor continued, "By borrowing the Chaos True Meaning left by the Dao Master, we simulated the fluctuations of decaying energy, inducing it to break away from its origin on its own, and then sealed and separated it with the Daoist Rhyme of Returning to the Source. This method is exquisite, but it requires control at the Dao Transformation level. With our combined efforts, we have only succeeded three times in a hundred years, and the amount of original energy obtained from purifying the residual source is not much!"

The Dao Ancestor Haotian added, "Each of the three methods has its advantages and disadvantages. If used alternately, it is estimated that 30% of the remnant source can be purified within a thousand years. As for the deeper layers... the decaying aura and the original source have completely merged. Unless the entire remnant is completely dispersed and returned to chaos, there is no solution!"

Li Mu listened quietly, his eyes filled with a chaotic, swirling starlight, as if he had foreseen this.

After pondering for a long time, Li Mu said with dissatisfaction, "Thirty percent in a thousand years is too slow!"

The Dao Ancestor of Qingyuan smiled bitterly: "Dao Master, the decaying Dao aura touches upon the secret of the Dao Transformation and Demise. It is already fortunate that we were able to find a method of purification. If you want to hurry, unless..."

"Unless what?" Li Mu asked with a smile.

“Unless there is a Dao Lord who has transformed into the Dao, using the Chaos Dao as a furnace to forcibly refine the remnant origin and decaying energy together, and regenerate pure source power,” said Dao Ancestor Gu Xi in a deep voice. “However, this would be extremely costly and would require constant resistance to the erosion of decaying energy, making it extremely dangerous.”

Li Mu remained silent for a moment.

During his journey through the ruins of the vast land, Li Mu personally encountered the core of the demise and deeply understood the terrifying power of the Dao of Decay. (End of Chapter)