Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

Thirty years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Deep within the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty, a massive shipyard stretching across the void slowly opened. The air currents were pushed aside by an invisible force field, revealing a colossal behemoth lurking within. Its entire body was covered with a deep bronze-colored deck, engraved with profound array patterns, containing the immense power to tear apart space.

The bow resembles the sharp teeth of an ancient behemoth, ferocious and majestic. At its core, a deep, dark furnace slowly rotates, emitting chilling fluctuations of boundary energy. On both sides of the hull, structures extend out like giant wings, with layers upon layers of array patterns on them, drawing in the chaotic energy that is floating around.

This is the boundary-breaking spirit ship, "Rending Universe," forged by expending the entire power of the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty and forging countless rare treasures.

At this moment, in the void surrounding the Rift Universe, hundreds of slightly smaller but equally imposing escort ships were arranged in a solemn formation, with flowing array patterns forming a vast sea of ​​light, and a chilling aura permeated the starry sky.

……

On the altar, Emperor Qian Yuan, clad in imperial robes and crown, stood with his hands behind his back. His majesty surpassed that of the past, with dragon-shaped auras swirling around him, his gaze burning brightly, piercing through the chaos and fixed on the unknown beyond.

Tianxing Pavilion Master Ji Yu stood solemnly to his side, his expression focused, holding a round jade plate about a foot in size. In the center of the jade plate was a miniature three-dimensional star map, with light points flowing around it—the Three Thousand Realms Map!
Below the platform, powerful figures stood in great numbers.

The Sword Sect Ancestor, Blood Slaughter God, Dry Zen Buddha, Burning Heaven Valley Master, the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty's Three Armies Marshal, the Sea-Suppressing King from the Returning Void Sea Eye, and many other civil and military officials gathered together, their various auras intertwined, as if they were all waiting for the arrival of a certain being.

All the powerful figures, whether their gazes were open or hidden, turned towards the center of the bridge.

Emperor Qian Yuan suddenly twitched his brow, flicked his fingertips, and sent an invisible sound wave directly into Ji Yu's sea of ​​consciousness: "Has Fellow Daoist Li sent a message?"

"It has been conveyed. He said he will attend the mobilization meeting on time!" Ji Yu replied respectfully, his face showing urgency.

"Hmm! The time is not yet ripe, let's wait a little longer!" Emperor Qian Yuan nodded.

On the bridge, Emperor Qian Yuan's fingertips twitched slightly. The silent question had just dissipated in Ji Yu's sea of ​​consciousness when the air suddenly froze.

There was no strong wind, no surge of spiritual energy. The void itself was like a calm water surface tossed with an invisible stone, rippling out in circles that were barely perceptible to the naked eye.

The ripples spread rapidly, sweeping across the heavily fortified fleet and passing over the bodies of every top-tier expert.

The Sword Sect Ancestor's fingers tightened on the ancient sword sheath; the crimson aura surrounding the Blood Slaughter God Monarch instantly solidified; the withered Zen Buddha's lowered eyelids suddenly lifted, golden light bursting from his turbid eyes; the wisp of World-Burning True Flame leaping in the palm of the Burning Heaven Valley Master swayed violently; the sound of the Returning Void Tide that was faintly appearing around the Sea Suppressor King exploded with a deafening roar...

All the powerful figures, whether in the open or in the shadows, suddenly tensed up like a fully drawn bow, and hundreds of gazes, like cold lightning, pierced towards the center of the ripples—the empty void in the middle of the bridge!

……

The next instant the ripples spread, a figure solidified silently.

Clad in an ancient blue robe, his aura was harmonious and integrated with the surrounding chaotic void. He stood there as if he had existed there since time immemorial, or as if he had just stepped from the other side of time. The lingering echoes of the spatial ripples still lingered, and the shocked and wary postures of the powerful figures froze on the spot, only then revealing the abruptness of his appearance.

It was Li Mu!

Ignoring the hundreds of astonished gazes that converged in an instant, enough to pierce the stars, Li Mu calmly focused his gaze on the Qian Yuan Emperor in front of him, who was dressed in imperial robes and crown, surrounded by dragon aura.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. I am late, please forgive me!" Li Mu bowed slightly to Emperor Qian Yuan and said apologetically.

Emperor Qian Yuan laughed loudly, his imperial robe sleeves fluttering slightly, dispelling the invisible pressure that had lingered on the bridge due to Li Mu's arrival: "Fellow Daoist Li, you flatter me! Your presence at this grand oath-taking ceremony is already a great honor for me and for the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty. How can there be any talk of being late or not late!"

Emperor Qian Yuan's gaze was intense. He stepped to the side and pointed to the colossal object behind him that stretched across the void and exuded a tearing aura: "Fellow Daoist Li, please look. This is the boundary-breaking spirit ship, 'Rending Universe,' forged with the combined strength of the entire Great Qian Dynasty and thirty years of painstaking effort!"

"This ship's hull is made of star core gold, and it has been forged with countless rare treasures such as the Vast Ocean Profound Ice Soul, the Returning Void Abyss Iron, and the Nine Heavens Cloud Gang Stone. It is embedded with 3,600 layers of spatial layered restrictions, and its core furnace can draw on the spiritual power of heaven and earth to transform it into boundary power, tearing through the void barrier as easily as shredded silk! The Yin-Yang Wing Array on both sides can absorb the tide of spiritual power as its power source, allowing it to travel freely in the void star sea!"

"The Emperor is a man of great talent and ambition, and the Immortal Dynasty has a profound foundation. The creation of this divine artifact is a pioneering act that will benefit future generations." Li Mu glanced at the 'Rending Universe' and nodded in praise.

Emperor Qian Yuan nodded in satisfaction, then with a flourish of his sleeves, his voice booming like a bell, echoing across the bridge as he proclaimed: "Three thousand years of seclusion, three thousand realms in decline, now our Great Qian Dynasty, holding the Mandate of Heaven, raises its divine warship to break through the void and open new realms! This is the beginning of us cultivators defying fate, seizing opportunities, and expanding our territory!"

Before he finished speaking, Tianxing Pavilion Master Ji Yu held up the jade plate with both hands, and the Three Thousand World Map suddenly rose up, transforming into a vast starry sky projected above the void. The light spots were like sand, flowing endlessly, and the three thousand worlds were connected like a giant tree.

A single leaf of a giant tree is a world in itself. Apart from the three thousand main worlds, mysterious and tiny 'leaves' are everywhere!
Ji Yu pointed his fingertip at one of the suddenly brightened leaves and explained to the assembled experts in a deep voice: "Reporting to the Emperor, the first boundary to be established has been determined—the Night Shadow Realm! According to the broken boundary marker, the primordial energy of this realm is condensed, and the main inhabitants seem to be the 'Shadow Clan,' whose form is between reality and illusion. They prefer to live in the shadows and possess the talents of concealment and erosion. There are also unique landforms such as the 'Erosion Moss Plain' and the 'Hollow Giant Tree.' Deep within its core, there may be an ancient will comparable to that of a Great Luo Immortal lurking!"

"My lords!" Emperor Qian Yuan raised the imperial seal high, invoking the supreme national fortune of the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty. His voice, like a resounding bell, echoed throughout the starry sea. "This journey to Night Shadow marks the beginning of our Immortal Dynasty's expansion and conquest! I, the Emperor, will sit in the central government to solidify your foundations and regulate the national fortune! I hope that you will all work together with one heart and one mind to spread the glory of our Great Qian to foreign lands!"

Emperor Qian Yuan's gaze swept over the powerful figures whose auras were boiling below the bridge: the Sword Sect Ancestor, Blood Slaughter God, Dry Zen Buddha, Burning Heaven Valley Master, Sea Suppressor King... each one of them was a pillar of the Immortal Dynasty.

"However, the Night Shadow Realm is the first realm created in the history of our Great Qian! This realm is deep and mysterious, and its secrets are hard to fathom. Without unparalleled abilities to suppress its fortune and protect the spirit ship, it may be difficult to make the journey!" Emperor Qian Yuan changed the subject.

As soon as he finished speaking, all eyes turned to him again.

The focus wasn't on the three marshals, whose fighting spirit was boiling, nor on the likes of the Buddha and the Valley Master, but rather on that figure in green robes.

“Fellow Daoist Li,” Emperor Qian Yuan turned slightly, his imperial robes fluttering, carrying a heavy aura, “The Night Shadow Realm is unpredictable. What Ji Yu has explored is merely the tip of the iceberg; the ancient will deep within is an even greater hidden danger. I must remain in the Immortal Dynasty, drawing upon the nation's fortune to protect the boundary gate passage and stabilize the rear. If such unpredictable changes occur within this fleet, I fear our strength may be insufficient…”

Emperor Qian Yuan stared intently at Li Mu: "Fellow Daoist, your cultivation is profound, you are well-versed in the origin of chaos, and you possess unpredictable abilities. I humbly request that you accompany the ship and take command of the 'Rending Universe,' to protect the sons of the Immortal Dynasty and this great undertaking of expanding the realm! If we encounter any insurmountable forces, you will be the pillar of strength, the key to turning the tide! This favor and kindness will be forever remembered by me and the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty!"

The bridge fell silent instantly, all the powerful figures focusing their gazes on Li Mu, holding their breath in anticipation.

The fact that the Emperor personally requested this, adopting such a humble posture, demonstrates the importance he placed on this trip and also reveals Li Mu's extraordinary status.

Li Mu remained calm, pondered for a moment, and nodded, saying, "I admire Your Majesty's sincere heart. As the Immortal Dynasty strives to expand its great cause, I am also willing to do my part to protect this ship and ensure its safe arrival at Nightshade." "Excellent! Fellow Daoist Li's words are more valuable than a million soldiers! I am greatly pleased!" Emperor Qian Yuan was overjoyed and expressed his gratitude with excitement.

Emperor Qian Yuan raised his hand and the Imperial Seal hovered in the air. Dragon-shaped aura rose from the depths of the Great Qian Immortal Dynasty, transforming into hundreds of golden rays that pierced into the deck array of the Rift Universe.

"Gentlemen, board the ship! May you all achieve a resounding victory!"

At the command, it resounded like a thunderclap.

The Sword Sect Ancestor stepped forward, his sword light tearing through the void, and he was the first to ascend the main battle platform of the Rift Universe; Blood Slaughter God's aura surged, transforming into a blood rainbow that pierced through the escort fleet; the lotus platform beneath the feet of the Withered Zen Buddha radiated golden light and disappeared into the meditation hall in the ship's flank; the Burning Heaven Valley Master spun a fiery lotus in his palm and vanished without a trace; the Sea Suppressor King stood on the Returning Ruins tide pattern, and amidst the roar of the tide, he disappeared into the central hub of the ship formation.

Each powerful figure stood in their proper place, their auras flowing through the fleet like rivers flowing into the sea.

Li Mu stood with his hands behind his back, took one last look at Emperor Qian Yuan on the platform, nodded slightly, and then took a step forward, his figure blending into the painting as he quietly landed at the highest point of the bridge of the Lieyu Ship.

Emperor Qian Yuan rose from the ceremonial platform and stood in the void, his imperial robes fluttering as he watched the generals board the ship, his expression solemn and majestic.

Once all the powerful figures and the three armies had boarded the spirit ship, Emperor Qian Yuan loudly proclaimed, "All of you, heed my command!"

"Rending Universe, set sail!"

"Target—Night Shadow Realm!"

boom--!
As Emperor Qian Yuan issued his command, the massive shipyard stretching across the void trembled violently.

The deep bronze deck covering the ship's hull suddenly lit up, and the countless mysterious array patterns engraved on it came to life, layer upon layer, flowing with light that tore through the void.

Deep within the structure at the bow of the ship, which resembled the fangs of an ancient behemoth, the deep furnace heart roared and accelerated to its limit. An unstoppable surge of boundary force, like a tangible tide, exploded outwards, shattering the surrounding chaotic void!

Om-!
The yin-yang wing array on both sides of the ship's hull, resembling giant wings, unleashed a suction force that devoured the heavens and the earth, instantly swallowing up the chaotic energy that was floating around the ship array and transforming it into violent power.

Hundreds of escort spirit ships responded simultaneously, their hull array patterns blazing brightly, merging with the core array patterns of the Rift Universe to form a dazzling ocean of light spanning the cosmos! The chilling aura solidified like iron, as if to freeze this void.

"Obey the Emperor's order!"

The powerful warriors and the three marshals clashed in their armor, their killing intent soaring to the heavens! The civil and military officials responded in unison, their voices converging and causing the void to hum.

"Open the gate to the boundary! Break through the void!" Tianxing Pavilion Master Ji Yu shouted sharply, holding the Three Thousand Boundary Map Jade Plate in his hand.

Ji Yu's fingertips moved rapidly across the round jade disc, and the giant tree star map projected in the void suddenly magnified. The bright "leaf" representing the Night Shadow Realm shot out a beam of blinding light, pointing directly at the boundary wall in front.

With the bow of the Rift Universe aimed at the beam of light, the boundless power accumulated to its peak in the deep furnace core transformed into a destructive torrent of indescribable color and form, slamming fiercely forward!
Tsk-!
With a sharp screech like an ancient, primordial beast tearing through cloth, the seemingly empty void ahead was ripped open by this torrent, creating a huge, twisted, pitch-black rift with chaotic currents flowing along its edges!
Deep within the rift, a bizarre and distorted passageway can be vaguely seen—the very passageway leading to the Night Shadow Realm!

"Activate the defenses! Protect the ship!"

Inside the bridge, several celestial officials in charge of the array's core shouted in unison.

The brightness of all the array patterns on the Rift Universe increased by another layer, forming a thick cocoon of light that enveloped the giant ship. The Yin-Yang Wing arrays on both sides flapped violently, pulling the massive ship slowly into the heart-palpitating void rift.

Hundreds of escort ships, their array patterns swirling, followed closely behind, like loyal stars guarding a colossal beast tearing through chaos, one after another disappearing into the dark passage.

As the Rift entered the gate, its hull sliced ​​into the chaotic river like a sharp blade. The sound of the surrounding void cracking was incessant, and distorted turbulent currents raged outside the cocoon of light, as if billions of wronged souls were howling.

On the bridge, Li Mu stood with his hands behind his back, his blue robe motionless, his gaze piercing through layers of array patterns, staring at the depths of the churning, ink-black passage ahead.

Within the passage, time seemed to move at a pace that was both slow and fast, with layers of space pressing down on each other. With each breath of progress, countless tiny fragments of space were crushed like stardust. The Yin-Yang Wing Array breathed in and out of chaos, converting all the violent energy into propulsion. The entire giant ship roared and moved forward like a dragon going against the current.

Suddenly, the light and shadow at the end of the passage changed abruptly. A cold and heavy surge of energy poured in from the other side of the crack, carrying an aura of decay and darkness. It surged onto the ship like a tide, causing the light cocoon to tremble violently, cracks to appear in the array patterns, and a hum that could not bear the weight.

"Night Shadow Realm's Yuan Qi is eroding! Protect the formation and stabilize!" In the ship's central hub, the Sea-Suppressing King roared, pressing his hands onto the Returning Void Tide Plate. Vast water surged from the void, transforming into a thousand-layered tidal wall to suppress the formation's core. At the same time, the Burning Heaven Valley Master attacked, his Burning World True Flame erupting from the seven fire eyes on the ship's spine, forming a long river of crimson flames outside the cocoon of light, burning away the invading Yin and filth.

The withered Zen Buddha sat cross-legged in the meditation hall, his golden body manifesting. He chanted Buddhist hymns, and golden Sanskrit characters floated from his mouth, merging into the array patterns and repairing the cracks. The Sword Sect Ancestor stood on the main battle platform, unleashing a sword strike. The sword intent transformed into a rainbow, piercing straight through the passage ahead and cleaving a condensed cloud of miasma into nothingness.

Blood Slaughter God Lord sneered, his murderous aura transforming into a hundred-foot-long blood spear that pierced the void in front of the ship's bow, forcefully creating a clear area.

The armor of the three armies clanged in unison, and spiritual energy flowed like rivers converging into the sea, pouring into the core of the main formation.

Li Mu's eyes flickered slightly, and with a flick of his sleeve, an invisible ripple of chaos spread out from in front of him, instantly spreading to the entire passage. The surging darkness seemed to be suppressed by some higher-level rule, and suddenly froze.

At that moment, the Rift Universe suddenly shuddered and finally broke through the boundary passage!

The scene before them suddenly opened up, revealing an endless void.

There were no stars, no sunlight, only a thick, inky darkness that permeated all directions, like the deathly stillness before the beginning of the universe.

Countless fragments of shattered realms floated in the space, all covered by a layer of dark purple moss-like substance, slowly wriggling, drawing upon the remaining spiritual energy like living things—this was the "Erosion Moss Plain," neither land nor air, parasitic in the rifts of the void.

Further away, colossal trees floated in the depths of darkness, their bodies pitch black, branches twisted like tentacles, and dark red veins flowing within them, like pulsating blood vessels. These were "hollow giant trees," neither alive nor dead, rooted in nothingness. Within their hollow trunks, indistinct silhouettes moved about, seemingly the dwelling place of the Shadow Clan. (End of Chapter)