Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

Yuan Kun returned to the bridge of the Xuanjia, his cold, hard face revealing no emotion.

"Transport the target to Detention Level 7 of Zhenxing Tower and activate the highest level of psionic blockade," Yuan Kun ordered. "The think tank's required permissions have been granted; have them investigate immediately."

"Yes!" The adjutant accepted the order, and the fleet turned and headed toward a giant floating tower deep in the star field. The tower was dark all over, with star-like array patterns and chains flowing on its surface, exuding an aura that suppressed all things.

The Zhenxing Tower has seven floors and is heavily guarded.

Li Mu sat cross-legged in the center, beneath him a flowing array of binding formations. Xue'er and the others were placed in separate cubicles a little further away. Although they were suppressed, their bodies were not fundamentally harmed. The spiritual energy within the tower was pure and cold, carrying an invisible pressure.

Li Mu closed his eyes, his aura completely out of sync with the suppressing power. A barely perceptible trace of chaotic energy, like a pebble thrown into stagnant water, quietly spread outwards.

Upon touching his array patterns, a slight stagnation was observed in their flow, as if they were being silently eroded and assimilated by some higher-level power, subtly maintaining a balance.

Xuanjia Core Think Tank.

Several elderly members of the think tank surrounded a huge psionic light screen, on which runes cascaded like a waterfall as they consulted the oldest and most obscure jade slip rubbings.

"Investigate 'Zhongdao'! All related entries, tracing back to the rarest text before the 'Ancient Era'!" The Grand Councilor's voice was urgent.

The light screen flickered wildly, and countless phantom images of ancient texts fluttered about. Finally, a rubbing of an animal bone, riddled with cracks and with almost completely worn-out writing, was magnified.

The few words on it were like thunder: "...In the chaos that gave birth to spirits, the seed of the Dao sprouted. This realm is not the ultimate power, but the beginning of the Dao...In the ancient times, there was a remnant race called 'Cultivating the Dao,' whose abilities... are close to the source of the Dao, and who, having mastered the source of the Dao, are regarded as... the 'First Saint' of the 'Great Luo Immortal Venerable' of the Immortal Dynasty..."

Dead silence.

Inside the think tank, you could hear a pin drop.

Several elderly men, who were used to weathering storms, stopped breathing and turned deathly pale.

"Great Luo Immortal Venerable, Initial Saint Realm?" A strategist's voice trembled as he pointed to the words "considered equal" on the light screen: "Comparable to... Great Luo Immortal Venerable?"

Cold sweat instantly soaked through the Grand Councilor's dark green official robe. He turned his head sharply and looked at another light screen—where the seventh floor of the Zhenxing Tower was clearly displayed, showing Li Mu sitting cross-legged peacefully.

"Quickly! Send a message to Yuan Kun!" The Grand Councilor's voice was filled with unprecedented panic: "Immediately cease all suppression! Activate the highest level of protocol! Quickly, quickly, we... have imprisoned a Primordial Saint!"

The Grand Councilor's vision blurred, and he almost couldn't stand up. They had actually locked a Primordial Saint, comparable to the pillar of the Celestial Dynasty, in the Star-Suppressing Tower with the highest-level confinement array.

This is not just impolite, it's downright catastrophic!

"Hurry up!" he urged hoarsely.

Outside the Zhenxing Tower.

Yuan Kun stood at the bow of the Xuanjia warship, gazing at the colossal tower that suppressed the enemy. His adjutant had just handed him the think tank's initial feedback: "Information on the Dao Cultivation Realm is unclear; caution is advised."

Suddenly, a top-level emergency message, carrying the nearly collapsing thoughts of the Grand Advisor of the think tank, crashed into Yuan Kun's mind: "Release him!! Release him immediately! The Seed Dao Realm is equivalent to the Initial Saint, and he is an Initial Saint! We have locked up an Initial Saint!!"

The words "First Saint" exploded in Yuan Kun's sea of ​​consciousness like a thunderbolt from the heavens.

Yuan Kun's body jolted violently, his pupils suddenly contracted to pinpoints, and for the first time, a clear crack appeared on his usually cold and hard face. The fingers gripping the armrest tightened instantly until his knuckles turned white, and the joints under his black armor gloves made a soft cracking sound as they were unable to bear the weight.

On the main light screen of the bridge, the image of Li Mu sitting calmly inside the tower became incredibly glaring at this moment.

Cold sweat silently trickled down Yuan Kun's forehead.

Yuan Kun slowly raised his head and looked into the depths of the Zhenxing Tower. In his gaze, there was no longer any scrutiny or control, only a cold horror and a trace of... unbelievable absurdity.

Inside the tower, Li Mu seemed to sense something, slightly raised his eyelids, and then closed them again. The array patterns beneath him, silently permeated by the chaotic essence, flickered uncertainly.

Outside the tower, stardust was like mist.

Yuan Kun's Adam's apple bobbed as he suppressed his surging emotions. "First Sage!" These two words carried a weight heavier than the stars.

"Send the order! Immediately remove all suppression restrictions on the seventh floor of the Zhenxing Tower! Remove all the psionic chains!" Yuan Kun turned around abruptly and urgently gave the order to his deputy.

"Commander?" the adjutant asked in surprise.

"Execute! Immediately!" Yuan Kun's voice was practically spitting out from between his teeth.

The command was issued instantly. Inside the seventh floor of the Zhenxing Tower, the previously flowing and oppressive confinement array suddenly dimmed, like a candle flame being extinguished.

The psionic chains that had been wrapped around Li Mu and hidden in the void also receded like the tide, disappearing without a trace.

Xue'er and the others suddenly felt a lightness all over their bodies, and their sluggish spiritual energy flowed smoothly again. They looked at Li Mu with surprise and uncertainty.

Li Mu remained seated cross-legged, his eyelids twitching almost imperceptibly only when the restriction dissipated.

Outside the tower, Yuan Kun took a deep breath. His black armor cloak fluttered even without wind. In a flash, he appeared in front of the teleportation array leading to the seventh floor, his steps a hundred times heavier than before.

The hatch slid open silently.

As Yuan Kun stepped in, there were no more guards behind him this time. The dark gold patterns on his armor seemed to have lost their sharpness. Standing in front of Li Mu, the majestic aura he had previously possessed was completely gone, leaving only a solemnity that he was trying his best to maintain.

“Senior!” Yuan Kun spoke, his voice low and dry, “I was oversightd earlier. I have offended you greatly. Please come to the ‘Xuanjia’ ship. The Grand Councilor will come to invite you.”

Li Mu slowly opened his eyes, his gaze calmly falling on Yuan Kun's face, as if he had already seen through everything. He did not get up, but simply said, "Oh? No need to trouble yourself."

Yuan Kun's heart tightened.

Li Mu, however, had already stood up casually and naturally: "Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up and the restrictions here have been lifted, it's good to chat here. If the Grand Councilor arrives, I, Li, will be waiting for you."

Yuan Kun's eyes changed slightly. The other party's attitude showed that he did not take the Zhenxing Tower seriously at all, and it was also a nonchalant response to the majesty of the Immortal Dynasty.

Yuan Kun remained silent for a moment, no longer insisting, and only said, "The Grand Councilor will arrive in a moment."

Immediately, Yuan Kun personally activated a spirit rune inside the cabin, and a soft light shone, creating a simple space for receiving guests.

Before long, a gentle yet imposing figure appeared in the teleportation array. He wore a dark green official robe and had white hair and beard; it was none other than the Grand Councilor Cao Cong from the light screen earlier. His face was sincere, and his steps were slightly hurried.

"Senior!" Cao Cong bowed respectfully before Cao Cong even approached, his tone sincere: "I am Cao Cong, a councilor of the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty. I have offended you greatly before, please forgive me! My subordinates acted rashly, causing you to be frightened!" A faint light flashed behind Cao Cong, and four figures were gently lifted into the cabin by a soft force. They were Xue'er, Lin Xiaolun, Tie Tou, and Da Niu. The four had clearly been well cared for, their complexions were rosy, but there was still a trace of confusion in their eyes.

"Brother Li!" Xue'er exclaimed in surprise.

"teacher!"

"Xiao Lun, Tie Tou, Da Niu." Li Mu nodded slightly to the three of them, his gaze gentle.

Cao Cong's smile widened, and he said warmly, "I have personally brought you, Senior's Daoist companion and three esteemed disciples. This place is simple and not suitable for entertaining guests. Xuanjia has prepared a quiet room with spiritual tea. Would you do me the honor of moving the table? So that I may do my best to be a good host and apologize for my apologies."

Li Mu glanced at Cao Cong, and finally nodded: "When the guest is at the host's behest. Grand Councilor, please."

"Fellow Daoist Li, please!" Cao Cong stepped aside to lead the way, his posture extremely humble.

The group passed through the teleportation array, left the Zhenxing Tower, and stepped onto the Xuanjia's spacious and brightly lit bridge corridor. The cold metal and the somber atmosphere of psionic energy seemed to have softened somewhat because of Cao Cong's attitude.

Deep within the Xuanjia, the door to the quiet room prepared for distinguished guests opened silently.

The space is vast, with deep starlight flowing beneath your feet, making each step feel as solid as walking on solid ground. The four walls are made of pure starlight, with flowing light, and the starry sky projection on the dome slowly rotates, with billions of stars casting a cool glow.

Pure and gentle stellar spiritual energy permeated the air.

In the center of the quiet room, a jade platform floated above the starlight, its surface adorned with naturally flowing cloud patterns. Delicacies were laid out: jade dishes were filled with fragrant, solidified spiritual fruits; thinly sliced ​​beast meat was roasted over a low flame, its oil turning into a pale golden mist; crystal cups held a radiant nectar, its surface shimmering with stardust.

On either side of the jade platform, large futons carved from warm jade radiate a spiritual glow.

With a sincere smile, Chief Councilor Cao bowed and led Li Mu and his party to their seats: "Senior, fairy, and three young friends, please! We have some simple wine and wild game; please don't find them offensive."

Li Mu glanced at the luxurious decorations, his gaze lingering briefly on the delicacies containing the essence of stars, and said calmly, "Grand Councilor, you've gone to great lengths."

Li Mu stepped onto the starry mist with a composed gait, followed by Xue'er, her beautiful eyes filled with wonder and a smile playing on her lips.

Lin Xiaolun, Tietou, and Da Niu followed cautiously behind, their gazes shifting between the starry dome and the spiritual food.

Everyone took their seats, resting on warm jade cushions to soothe their bodies. Cao Cong personally picked up the Star Jade Pot and poured Li Mu and Xue'er with pale gold "Star Marrow Jade Liquid" containing starlight, and then gestured to the fairy maidens to pour amber-colored spiritual drinks for Lin Xiaolun and the other two.

"This is 'Star Marrow Jade Liquid,' a secret brew made from the core essence of stars at birth, nourishing the soul and cleansing the foundation of one's Dao. Senior, Fairy Xue, please." Cao Cong raised his cup.

Li Mu picked up the crystal glass and took a small sip. The gentle yet powerful stellar energy spread throughout his body, flowing into his consciousness and bringing clarity and peace.

"Good wine." Li Mu put down his cup. Xue'er's eyes brightened slightly.

Cao Cong's smile deepened, and he clapped his hands lightly. The starlight barrier rippled, and several elegant women in palace attire, carrying a jade zither and a long jade flute, gracefully entered and took their seats.

The clear, melodious sound of the nine-stringed jade zither resounded, like a secluded spring in a valley, echoed by the sound of the flute, like a gentle breeze in a pine forest. The music was soothing and ethereal, flowing from the depths of the celestial nebula, mingling with the starry sea, star mist, and spiritual energy, transforming into a drifting silver mist that soothed the soul.

Amidst celestial music and starlight, even the finest delicacies gained a unique charm.

Under the warm jade, the spiritual energy, and the soothing celestial music, Lin Xiaolun, Tietou, and Da Niu gradually lost their restraint. They savored the spiritual food, and the surging, gentle spiritual power nourished their bones and blood, revealing satisfied and amazed expressions on their faces.

Cao observed from the shadows that Li Mu remained calm, only glancing at the woman playing the zither for a moment when the celestial music began. Xue'er was engrossed in the music; the three disciples were focused on their food. He felt somewhat reassured.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became harmonious.

Cao Cong put down his jade chopsticks, his smile gentle, but a hint of inquiry and worry surfaced in his eyes. He carefully chose his words and asked curiously, "Senior, your supernatural powers are vast and your Dao realm is profound. Senior previously wished to 'travel the three thousand main realms to complete the Great Dao,' a grand ambition that is truly admirable. Why did you choose this region of my Great Qian Immortal Dynasty? If you do not find it presumptuous, could you please offer some guidance?"

Li Mu picked up a shimmering star-shaped spirit fruit. Without pausing, his fingertips paused slightly before he placed the fruit in his mouth, the sweet juice dissolving with gentle spiritual energy. His gaze calmly fell upon Cao Cong.

That gaze was piercing. Cao Cong's heart tightened, and he forced a smile.

As the music played, an invisible pressure gathered, causing Lin Xiaolun and Tietou to chew more slowly; only Da Niu remained oblivious, focused on tackling the grilled meat.

Li Mu swallowed the spiritual fruit, picked up a plain white silk handkerchief and wiped the corner of his mouth with a calm and natural rhythm.

"You're too kind, Grand Councilor." Li Mu's voice was clear and calm, yet carried weight. "I was just passing through. The Three Thousand Main Realms are vast and boundless, and I followed the guidance of the Dao Source. The spiritual energy of this realm is active, and the primordial aura resonates somewhat with the principles I have comprehended, so I stopped to verify what I have learned."

“That’s all. If your esteemed court has any doubts, or feels that my master and I are inconvenient and disturbing the peace of this world…” Li Mu put down the silk handkerchief, looked directly at Cao Cong, and gestured, “We will leave immediately. The universe is vast, there is always a place where we can settle down and contemplate. My companions and three disciples are used to wandering with me, and we are not afraid to change our place of residence.”

"You flatter me, senior!"

"The Celestial Dynasty has absolutely no such intention! Absolutely not!" Cao Cong quickly said with a smile to ease the situation.

"Senior, please don't misunderstand! The Immortal Dynasty made a grave mistake regarding the Star-Suppressing Tower, and I am filled with dread! Your presence on the Xuanjia is a great honor for our star region and the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty! How could we dare to be disrespectful? To travel through the realms and verify the Great Dao is a supreme divine power that transcends heaven and earth! The entire Immortal Dynasty will do its utmost to assist you in your comprehension, without any doubt or obstruction! Please rest assured here, Senior. Whatever you need, the Immortal Dynasty will do its utmost to satisfy you!" Cao Cong spoke rapidly, waving his hands repeatedly to indicate his presence.

Li Mu listened quietly, his face expressionless. After Cao Cong finished speaking, he nodded slightly: "Since the Grand Councilor says so, I will trouble you for a few more days. Thank you for your trouble."

"You flatter me! You flatter me!" Cao Cong replied repeatedly, letting out a long sigh of relief as he tried to warm up the atmosphere. He hurriedly poured wine for Li Mu, saying, "Please enjoy, senior. Are the musicians here any good? If you are in the mood, senior, you may choose a piece..."

"No need! This music is excellent!" Li Mu nodded with a smile.

“Senior, our Great Qian Immortal Dynasty has ruled this star field for ten thousand years and has a profound foundation. Whatever you need, whether it is rare treasures, top-secret star maps, or even ‘pathways’ to certain specific realms… our Immortal Dynasty can do its utmost to help! We only hope to establish a good relationship with you, and to receive even a few words of guidance from you in our spare time would be a great blessing for our Immortal Dynasty.” Cao Cong smiled and nodded, making it clear.

"I appreciate the Grand Councilor's kind offer," Li Mu said with a smile, politely declining. He gestured, "I have my own methods for navigating life. External assistance is not what I seek; opportunities will naturally arise. Forcing things will only distort the true essence!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cong's smile froze for a moment, then he forced it back on, implying, "Senior's unwavering Dao heart is truly admirable. However... does Senior know that the 'Cultivation of the Dao' realm, according to the records of the Immortal Dynasty, only existed before the Ancient Era? The appearance of such a realm in the world will cause a great stir. Although Senior has no intention of pursuing it, various forces may covet it, and your peaceful travels may be disrupted!"

"Oh! What is your intention, Your Majesty?" Li Mu frowned slightly and asked in a daze.

Cao Cong eagerly replied, “Senior, please allow me to speak. The Immortal Dynasty has a ‘Heavenly Star Pavilion,’ where the position of worship is highly respected and the affairs are leisurely. You only need to lend your name to the pavilion. The people worshipped in the pavilion are all reclusive masters whom the Immortal Dynasty relies on, and ordinary forces would never dare to disturb them. If you are willing to agree, the Immortal Dynasty can rightfully protect you and your disciples, prevent any villains from spying on you, and ensure that you and your disciples can meditate in peace.”

Cao Cong observed Li Mu's expression and added, "It's just a nominal appointment. We will not interfere with your actions. The Heavenly Star Pavilion can provide you with the necessary resources, star maps, and secret paths to realms, saving you the trouble of searching. This is the sincerity of the Immortal Dynasty. We hope you will consider it."

Inside the quiet room, celestial music flowed like a stream through the starlight and mist.

Xue'er tapped her fingertips lightly on her knee, as if following a musical rhythm. Lin Xiaolun and the other two stopped eating and all looked at Li Mu. (End of Chapter)