Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

Life in Tianyong City seemed unchanged on the surface: cooking smoke rose, the market was bustling, and the bloodstains on the city walls were covered by a new layer of sand.

However, an invisible pressure, like a leaden cloud, weighed heavily on the human territory.

The cold decree from the Suspended Temple transformed into countless streams of light, piercing through the boundary and landing in the core areas of the three major human forces—the Immortal Alliance Headquarters, the Divine Dynasty Imperial Palace, and the Ancient Moon Sect's Imperial City.

The Demon Saint's will was beyond question, shaking the human race's high command. Secret orders flew like snowflakes to various strongholds, cities, and fortresses.

"Looking for someone! A cultivator of the Chaos Dao!"

"The scent is imprinted here; we must dig three feet into the ground to find the clues!"

"The Nine Heavens Demon Court is enraged. If you cannot hand over the person, war will resume!"

……

Tianyong City, a massive city of cultivation located at the border between the human and demon territories, was the first to bear the brunt of the attack. The elders of the three major forces gathered in the city, their faces so solemn they could wring water out of them.

In the projected floating hall of the Suspended Temple, the Great Sage of the Nine Heavens' vertical eyes that pierced the void seemed to be right in front of him, and the fierce and domineering chaotic mark on the star map was so clear it was blinding.

"Investigate! All unfamiliar cultivators, all abnormal aura fluctuations, leave no one out!" The Immortal Alliance elder's voice was hoarse.

"Tighten control of the city gates, triple the number of patrol guards! Arrest any suspicious persons first!" The Divine Dynasty's garrison commander clenched his fists.

The elder of the Ancient Moon Sect closed his eyes to sense the aura within the city, his brows furrowed: "Tianyong City is a chaotic place, its aura disordered... Difficult! As difficult as ascending to heaven! But the decrees of the twelve demon saints cannot be disobeyed!"

The pressure was transmitted layer by layer, seeping into every brick and stone of the city. The clanging of the city guards' armor grew more frequent, and their eyes vigilantly scanned every pedestrian.

The forces of the three major human races moved through the streets and alleys, and the invisible net quietly tightened.

However, Li Mu cultivated the Chaos Dao and reached the Seed Dao Realm, forming his own Dao Intent. If he wanted to hide his aura, no one could find him, not even the twelve Great Saints of the Demon Race in this world.

Time flies, and nine years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Tianyong City hung low. The invisible net tightened more and more, almost cutting into the bone marrow; the will of the Suspended Temple hung coldly over the heads of all human forces.

The demon race has given humanity a final ten-year deadline, and a great war is about to begin.

East of Tianyong City, at the horizon, the color changed.

At first it was a dark crimson, like dried blood scabs, then the crimson rolled and spread, swallowing the daylight, surging towards the city.

That wasn't a cloud; it was a demonic aura solidified into a tangible form, thick and heavy, carrying the acrid smell of sulfur and rust, chilling one to the bone.

Above the crimson tide, shadowy figures loomed. A colossal monstrous bird flapped its wings, tearing through the low-hanging sky and casting a moving abyss. The ground trembled, and a muffled rumble grew louder as a mountain-sized beast charged forward, each step shaking the earth.

Within the demonic clouds, countless scarlet eyes lit up, densely packed, greedily locking onto the gloomy outline of Tianyong City.

The phantom of the suspended temple appeared and disappeared deep within the demonic clouds, clearer and colder than ever before. The wills of the nine demonic saints, like tangible shrieks, crashed violently against the crumbling protective array of Tianyong City, stirring up intense ripples.

On the city wall, the pungent, fishy smell could not be contained, and the hands of the patrolling guards gripping their ritual implements were pale at the knuckles.

The hustle and bustle of the city seemed to be strangled by an invisible hand, instantly falling silent, and an atmosphere of despair permeated the air under the influence of an eerie aura.

An invisible net, suffocating people.

The ten-year deadline is approaching, and the arrival of those surging demonic clouds is the final ultimatum.

The air froze, leaving only the distant, ever-growing, terrifying rumble of thunder—the sound of billions of demons trampling the earth.

Tianyong City, like a lone boat, is about to be swallowed up by the blood-red demonic aura.

Nine years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Those three innocent children from back then are now teenagers. The hardships of Tianyong City seem to have left few marks on them; instead, they have fostered a remarkable brilliance in them.

Li Mu's courtyard remained tranquil, its tranquility reflected in the three now towering figures. The turmoil that had arisen when the Dao Seed was planted years ago was, in the lake of his heart, merely a ripple that had long since subsided.

Deep within his sea of ​​consciousness, the Chaos Dao Tree grew ever more vigorous. The three strands of connection originating from the Dao Seed were as thin as gossamer threads yet indestructible, more solid and profound than they had been nine years ago.

Lin Xiaolun was slender and graceful, like a willow branch sprouting in early spring, exuding a moist and spiritual charm. The "water spirit seed" from back then has now transformed into a clear spiritual spring in her sea of ​​consciousness, its clear light flowing endlessly.

After nine years of nurturing, her spiritual essence has become pure and clear. Her former inferior spiritual root has been transformed into a perfect bridge to draw upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. As she walks, a thin mist seems to shroud her, and the moisture in the air is naturally close to her. Without any effort, a cool and refreshing Daoist aura surrounds her.

Da Niu, like an ancient pine tree rooted to the earth, was imposing, his muscles bulging, exuding a rock-like, solidified power. The "Earthly Dao Seed" within him was like the core of a mountain range, ceaselessly drawing upon the essence of the earth's veins, washing and tempering his bones and flesh. Beneath his bronze skin, his bones and muscles were far more resilient than refined steel, and when his blood and energy surged, the faint sound of the earth's pulse could be heard. Standing there, he gave off a sense of mountain-like stability; ordinary shoving and bumping were nothing more than a gentle breeze to him.

Iron Head's transformation was the most dramatic. The once frail child was now as muscular and sharp as a knife, every muscle containing explosive power. The "Burning Fire Dao Seed" deep within his soul and the burning hatred in his heart had long since merged, transforming into a pure, blazing, and inexhaustible source of power.

Iron Head's eyes were sharp, flashing like lightning with every blink. His skin seemed to flow with molten lava, possessing an innate affinity and control over all things hot, fierce, and explosive. That sharpness, even when deliberately concealed, was still chilling.

Nine years later, under the immense power of the Chaos Dao Seed to defy fate, their cultivation path progressed so rapidly that it would leave any so-called genius speechless!
Qi Refining, Foundation Building, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Deity Transformation, Void Refining, Body Integration, Mahayana... The many obstacles on the path of cultivation are like smooth roads under their feet. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth is not something difficult for them to absorb, but a surging river. The profound mysteries of the Dao are as clear as the lines on their palms.

In the Lin family courtyard, Lin Xiaolun sat quietly in front of the courtyard, holding nothing in her hands. With a slight thought, the clear water in the water vat in the courtyard rose silently, transforming into a crystal-clear ribbon of water that danced lightly at her fingertips, sometimes turning into swimming fish, sometimes condensing into ice crystals, and finally transforming into a fine and gentle spiritual rain, silently sprinkling onto the plants and trees in the courtyard.

The plants instantly unfurled, brimming with vitality. Her aura was profound and serene, and the Daoist principles of water flowed endlessly around her, revealing the magnificent aura of the Mahayana stage.

Lin's parents had long since gone from initial shock to numb awe. They knew that their daughter was already soaring in the heavens beyond their comprehension.

In Da Niu's backyard, a low thud echoed, raising a cloud of dust. A fifth-tier demonic beast, the "Earth Dragon Rhinoceros," as large as a small mountain and covered in thick scales, was slammed to the ground by Da Niu, who grabbed it by the neck with one hand! The brute force that could have crushed a city wall seemed utterly laughable before his mountain-like, solid physique.

With his feet firmly planted on the ground, a powerful and unparalleled force of the earth's veins surged from his feet into his entire body. The muscles in his arms bulged, like coiled dragons, and he actually swung the enormous beast up and strangled it to death.

Da Niu finished his stance, his aura deep and resonant like the earth just awakening, he was at the peak of the Integration Realm, half a step into the Mahayana Realm! By the courtyard wall, Da Niu's father was holding a large jar of top-grade demon beast blood wine, his face filled with undisguised pride and emotion.

Over the years, the family's rice jar has long been replaced with a specially made huge container, which is not filled with ordinary spirit rice, but with dried meat of demon beasts containing abundant essence. Meanwhile, the Great Ox Mother is standing to the side, habitually wiping her son's tough leather armor, which can no longer be repaired with ordinary iron.

The blacksmith shop next door, the furnace fire of the ordinary railway was no longer an ordinary fire, but a nearly transparent bluish-white color, radiating a terrifyingly high temperature that could burn everything.

Ironhead stood shirtless before the furnace, his body covered in dark red patterns like flowing magma. He held a piece of deep-sea cold iron, about the size of a human head and said to be "unmeltable even after ten thousand forgings," in his palm. A violent burst of fiery essence erupted from his palm, transforming into an invisible force. The cold iron deformed, stretched, and expanded like soft mud in the bluish-white flames, impurities instantly vaporized, emitting a piercing shriek.

In a short while, the prototype of a short blade, gleaming coldly and with flowing fire patterns on its edge, was formed. A flash of fire appeared in Iron Head's eyes, and a wisp of fire, condensed to its extreme, shot out from his fingertip, carving intricate and profound weapon patterns onto the blade.

With a soft hum, the short blade emitted a sharp and incomparable killing intent that soared into the sky, causing the furnace fire to flicker.

Ironhead Mother stood at the entrance of the forging workshop, holding a rare fire-attribute ore called "Melting Heart Essence," which she had just acquired from the inner city's auction house. Looking at her son's cultivation level—capable of burning mountains and boiling seas—she felt both pride and a deep-seated unease about this overwhelming power. Nine years had passed, and the roars of beasts and the dust storms outside Tianyong City remained, even drawing ever closer. Panic gripped the city, and defenses were reinforced layer upon layer.

In Li Mu's perception, those three Dao Seeds were no longer the faint sparks they once were. They were like three rising Dao Stars, radiating brilliant light in their respective seas of consciousness, absorbing the essence of the vast world and profound Dao principles, and growing at an astonishing pace.

The Chaos Dao Tree connected to it grew ever more lush and verdant, with strands of pure and profound primordial power—the wisdom of water, the condensation of earth veins, and the inextinguishability of burning fire—continuously feeding back and nourishing the foundation of the three thousand Great Daos.

East of Tianyong City, a red tide surged, and eerie clouds obscured the sun.

The immense pressure, like a tangible shackle, weighed on everyone's neck. The city was deathly silent, save for the distant, muffled thunderous thud of the demon army's footsteps, each beat striking a chord in one's heart.

The Lin family courtyard.

Lin Xiaolun stood silently in the courtyard, a drop of water swirling silently between her fingertips, reflecting the blinding crimson of the sky. Her aura was as still as a deep pool, the Daoist principles of water flowing ceaselessly, quietly isolating her from the despair and stench permeating the outside world. Her clear eyes gazed into the depths of the demonic clouds, where the illusory image of the suspended holy temple was clearly visible. The drop of water on her fingertip suddenly froze, transforming into a translucent ice crystal, its chilling aura terrifying.

"You've arrived." Lin Xiaolun's voice was cold and clear, devoid of joy or sorrow, only a calm, pent-up power flowing within her. The grass and trees in the courtyard swayed without wind, and fine frost condensed on their leaves.

The parents hid inside the house, peering through the crack in the door at their daughter's tall, solitary figure, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and a faint sense of reliance.

Blacksmith shop.

The furnace fire was more intense than ever before, the bluish-white flames licking the furnace walls and emitting a piercing shriek. Iron Head was bare-chested, dark red patterns flowing beneath his skin like living things.

Iron Head held a newly forged, dark red sword blank in his hand. The terrifying demonic aura emanating from outside the city and the oppressive aura of the suspended temple did not make him retreat; instead, it was like boiling oil being poured into a raging fire! The flames of hatred in his eyes completely merged with the Dao Seed of Burning Fire, erupting with a battle intent that could scorch the heavens and boil the seas.

"Thump!" The heavy hammer slammed down, sparks rained down like a storm, the sword embryo emitted a dragon-like hum, and a sharp, killing aura that could tear everything apart soared into the sky, briefly breaking through the demonic atmosphere pressing down overhead!

Ironhead's mother stood by the door, holding several pieces of fiery red ore. Her face was pale, but seeing her son's imposing aura, which was like a drawn sword, she silently threw the ore into the storage pile next to the furnace.

The firelight illuminated his taut profile and the flickering flames in his eyes, making him appear as a bloodthirsty weapon about to drink blood.

The backyard of Da Niu's house.

The giant bull stood like a mountain, its bronze skin revealing muscles that bulged like coiled dragons. It took a deep breath, and a powerful, concentrated force of earth energy surged from its feet, making the solid ground beneath its feet seem to resonate with it as if they were one with it.

The tremors of the distant earth and the roar of the charging demon army were clearly transmitted to him.

"Roar..." A deep, beast-like groan escaped from his throat, carrying a texture like the friction of rocks, and he stomped his foot!

"boom!"

The solid rammed earth ground in the backyard undulated like waves, shaking the courtyard wall and causing dust to fall. A visible ripple of earthy yellow spread several feet out from him before subsiding.

Da Niu's parents barely managed to stay upright by holding onto the doorframe, staring at their son in shock. Da Niu's gaze was as deep and unwavering as he looked towards the direction of the Crimson Tide. His aura, heavy as a mountain, rose steadily, and he unleashed the power of a peak-level Nascent Soul cultivator without reservation, forming a solid, earth-yellow force field around himself.

"It needs to be thicker," he said in a deep voice, his gaze sweeping over his own not-so-high courtyard wall, then looking at the towering but seemingly crumbling city walls in the distance. His large, fan-like hands slowly clenched, his knuckles cracking like popping beans.

Da Niu's father subconsciously rubbed his hands together, as if he wanted to find something to do, but in the end he just sighed heavily and looked at his son's reliable back with complicated eyes.

In the east of the city, the ferocious outline of the Crimson Tide was clearly visible, demonic clouds hung low, and the oppressive aura of the suspended temple gripped the city like a cold, giant hand. The invisible net had tightened to its limit.

A chill ran through Lin Xiaolun's fingertips.

The sword embryo in Iron Head's hand hummed and trembled.

The earth pulsed steadily beneath the ox's feet.

The three people's gazes, some calm, some intense, some solemn, all swept across the chaotic city and landed in the same direction—Li Mu's quiet little courtyard.

The gentleman is watching.

The demonic aura in the east of the city surged like a sea of ​​blood, and the phantom of the suspended holy temple pressed down heavily. The cultivators in the city turned pale, and the protective array's light screen swayed violently, groaning under its unbearable weight.

"It's over!"

"The Demon Saint has arrived in person; Heaven is determined to destroy Tianyong!"

……

Desperate screams echoed from the city walls.

Just then, three figures moved.

Lin Xiaolun's figure blurred, transforming into a cool, flowing light that swept through the chaotic crowd, heading straight for the East Gate. Wherever she passed, the scorching, foul wind was dispelled by invisible moisture, leaving behind a faint coolness. The guards patrolling the city walls felt only a gentle breeze on their faces as that slender figure gracefully crossed the crenellations.

Iron Head was even faster! A ring of bluish-white flames exploded beneath his feet, and he shot towards the city wall like an arrow released from a bow, accompanied by a scorching wind. Near the base of the wall, he let out a low roar, neither dodging nor avoiding, and rammed head-on into the heavily reinforced city wall!

"Boom!"

The city wall, stronger than steel, was smashed open, creating a molten breach! Fragments of rock and flames flew everywhere, but Ironhead's figure didn't stop, charging out of the city with an indomitable and ferocious killing intent, heading straight for the Red Tide's vanguard!
Da Niu was the slowest, his steps heavy. With each stride, the bluestone bricks beneath his feet cracked and sank silently. Like a silent giant rhinoceros, he parted the chaotic crowd and headed towards the city gate. The guards, overwhelmed by his imposing presence, forgot to stop him.

"Open!" Da Niu exhaled and placed his large palm on the heavy black iron city gate.

"Creak—Boom!"

The city gate bolt snapped! The two massive gates, which required dozens of strongmen to push, were flung open with a single hand, crashing against the city walls with a deafening roar. He stepped out of the city gate and stood before the drawbridge, his imposing figure like a solitary mountain rising outside the city.

Outside the city, a crimson tide of demonic energy swept over them, thick and suffocating. Billions of demon soldiers roared deafeningly, their scarlet eyes locked onto the three suddenly appearing figures. Behind them stood colossal, mountain-like beasts and ferocious, sun-blinding demonic birds. The illusory image of the suspended temple cast a cold gaze upon them.

The three teenagers were as insignificant as dust in the face of this devastating torrent of demonic forces.

Iron Head stood beside the molten breach in the city wall, the dark red sword in his hand, which was not yet fully cooled, humming and trembling, pointing straight into the depths of the demonic clouds, his eyes burning with intense fire, showing no fear.

Lin Xiaolun hung above the suspension bridge, a cold light swirling around an ice shard at her fingertips. The aura of water rippled around her, carrying a foul wind. Her clear eyes reflected the blood-red, demonic atmosphere, calm and undisturbed.

Da Niu stood at the open city gate, yellow light flowing beneath his feet, connecting him to the earth. His aura was as solid as a mountain as he faced the surging tide of beasts, his fists slowly clenching.

A newborn calf, boldly displaying its brilliance!
The city walls were deathly silent. All eyes were fixed on the three arrogant teenagers, their astonishment, confusion, and despair mixed with a sliver of absurd hope.

Inside the courtyard, Li Mu stood quietly, his brows slightly furrowed. His gaze pierced through the void, landing on the small yet upright backs of the three children. The three strands of connection between the Chaos Dao Tree faintly lit up. (End of Chapter)