Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

The atmosphere within the hall suddenly solidified, and a murderous intent surged forth like a tidal wave. The powerful members of the Rang Clan stood atop the earthen altar, their auras permeating heaven and earth, connecting with the very essence of the entire hall and even the depths of the earth's veins.

In an instant, it seemed that with just a command, the entire Realm of Breath of Earth would awaken and transform into a colossal divine beast that had existed for countless ages, using mountains and rivers as its bones and earth fire as its blood, unleashing a world-destroying rage against the vast and mighty Immortal Dynasty fleet.

The Illusionary Spirit Immortal stood still in the center, his Xuanhuang Daoist robe fluttering lightly under the invisible pressure, yet his figure remained as still as a rock, not retreating an inch.

The Immortal Venerable Huanling's gaze was calm as he swept over those eyes that burned with ancient rage and deep sorrow. His heart was undisturbed; it was not a matter of good versus evil, nor a struggle between right and wrong, but simply the instinct of living beings to protect their land, guard their roots, and uphold the Way.

"Fellow Daoists, Illusionary Spirit has conveyed the sincerity of the Immortal Dynasty to your ears." Immortal Venerable Illusionary Spirit bowed and took his leave, saying, "You may decide for yourselves how to choose."

After speaking, the Illusionary Spirit Immortal Venerable no longer lingered. His body shone with a surge of yellow light, and the Nine Mountains Suppressing Ruler hummed softly. A profound and transcendent aura spread out, merging with the earth while also towering above it, seemingly capable of drawing upon the origin of all realms.

Illusionary Spirit Immortal turned around, and amidst the angry glares of the powerful members of the Earth Clan, stepped out of the Thick Earth Palace. His figure traversed the cave heaven shrouded in the essence of the earth veins, and finally transformed into a stream of light, breaking through the air and disappearing into the depths of the star sea.

As the Immortal Venerable Huanling departed, the killing intent in the hall only intensified, like thunder rumbling in the air.

"What an arrogant fool!" The Earth-Splitting Beast King roared and slammed down with a punch. The foundation of the Golden Stone Palace trembled violently, and the array patterns on the walls flowed endlessly, finally dissipating the violent power.

The Lord of the Rock King had deep, dark eyes, with the fire of the earth's core flickering within them. He did not stop him, but spoke in a low voice: "This person's cultivation is not shallow. His aura resonates faintly with the ley lines of my realm, and is quite pure. It seems he can draw upon even deeper source power. The Immortal Dynasty actually has such a figure. His profound foundation should not be underestimated."

The Jade Queen frowned slightly, her emerald eyes flickering uncertainly: "They claim to be benevolent, but in reality, they plunder. That floating immortal port draws life force from the realm every day. Although it hasn't been eradicated, it's like a silkworm devouring mulberry leaves; in the long run, it will inevitably deplete its vitality. How can such 'benevolence' be trusted?"

The Lord of the Swamp gently stroked the throne with his withered hand, the sound of his knuckles rubbing together as hoarse as the wind rustling across the wasteland: "He intends to take root here and has far-reaching plans. However, his words leave room for maneuver. This inquiry is not only to test our strength but also to gauge our reaction and to demonstrate his inviolable power."

The powerful figures discussed countermeasures.

……

Inside the bridge of the Rift, the atmosphere was equally heavy.

Upon seeing the return of the Illusionary Spirit Immortal, everyone's expressions turned solemn. The streak of dark yellow light pierced the starry sky and landed steadily on the bow deck of the ship. Immediately afterwards, the figure stepped onto the bridge and bowed to Li Mu and the other powerful figures.

The Illusionary Spirit Immortal Venerable's aura was restrained, his face expressionless, devoid of joy or sorrow, except for his eyes, which were as deep as an abyss, as if he had seen through all causes and effects.

"How is it?" King Zhenhai asked in a deep voice, his tone as low as the ocean tide.

The Illusionary Spirit Immortal Venerable's gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on Li Mu. He respectfully reported, "Reporting to Senior, the heroes of the Breath of Earth are of unwavering resolve. They regard our Immortal Dynasty as an invading enemy, and if we do not withdraw our troops, they vow to mobilize the entire realm to fight us to the death."

The Illusionary Spirit Immortal Venerable slowly recounted the conversation in the hall, his tone calm and without praise or criticism, yet he fully conveyed the anger, fear, and determination of the Rang Clan's powerful warriors to everyone.

A murmur rippled through the bridge.

The Valley Master of Burning Heaven's eyes blazed with fire, his fighting spirit soaring to the heavens: "Just as I expected! These natives live in symbiosis with the earth's veins and consider themselves the chosen ones. If we don't suppress them with thunder, how can we establish our authority?"

The Sword Sect Ancestor gently stroked the spine of his sword, its cold light gleaming: "The fact that they haven't made a move yet shows they are wary. However, if we back down, it will only fuel their greed and push us further."

The Buddha Master Kuchan clasped his hands together and chanted Buddhist mantras softly, his expression compassionate: "The beings of this realm have lived here for generations. When suddenly confronted by external forces, it is only natural for them to resist. However, the Celestial Dynasty's expansion of its territory is also an act of seeking the Dao and saving the world. How should we understand the cause and effect in this matter?"

After pondering for a long time, the King of Zhenhai turned to Li Mu and bowed, requesting permission: "Senior, the situation is clear. The Rang tribe refuses to back down, and it may be difficult to coexist with them. Should we establish our authority with iron fist, or should we devise another strategy?"

All the powerful figures focused their attention on Li Mu. This matter, concerning the fate of the Immortal Dynasty, could only be decided by his single word.

Li Mu stood calmly at the bow of the ship, his expression unwavering, as if all the conflicts, wars, and power struggles were like fleeting clouds, unable to disturb his mind. His gaze pierced through the crystal wall, fixed on the vast and bountiful realm of the Breath Soil, and after a long while, he slowly spoke.

“The soil of life nurtures all things; its essence is profound, and its virtue is enduring.” Li Mu pondered for a moment, then gestured and said, “The creatures of this world breathe with the earth; their anger is the anger of the earth; their defense is the defense of heaven and earth.”

Li Mu paused, then his tone became calm: "The expansion of the Immortal Dynasty by tens of thousands of miles is not out of greed, but rather a natural consequence of the will of Heaven and an inevitable part of the path of cultivation. If there are mountains ahead, we will climb them; if there are seas ahead, we will cross them. Conflicts are unavoidable, and challenges are ever-present."

His gaze slowly returned, sweeping over the powerful figures, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes like a sword being drawn from its sheath.

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it." Li Mu spoke in a calm tone, as if he were talking about something perfectly ordinary, and gestured, "If they want to fight, then let them fight until the heavens and earth crumble; if they want to talk, then we'll open our doors to welcome them."

"However, our will cannot be taken away, cannot be changed, and cannot be humiliated."

"The Floating Immortal Port has been established in this world. It is the foundation upon which we are rooted and the stepping stone to heaven. It cannot be shaken or retreated."

Li Mu raised his hand, his voice booming like a great bell, and ordered: "Order the three armies—the fleet to reinforce its defenses, and the entire army to enter the highest state of alert. Also dispatch elite troops to infiltrate the outer perimeter of the Xirang to draw star maps, survey the terrain, and collect information on all phenomena. Do not provoke us, but if anyone offends us, kill them without mercy."

"The construction of the Immortal Port must continue day and night without fail. When drawing life from the fertile soil, we must do so ethically and with moderation. When taking from it, we must not forget to give back; when building, we must also cultivate morality. Let the beings of this world know that we are not here to plunder, but to be pioneers who have come for the sake of order."

These words, like a stabilizing force, silenced all the clamor. The powerful figures were all shaken, awestruck by Li Mu's boldness and foresight.

"As you command, senior!" King Zhenhai bowed first, his voice booming like thunder.

The Valley Master of Burning Heaven Valley, the Ancestor of the Sword Sect, the Buddha of Withered Zen, and the Immortal Venerable of Illusionary Spirit all cupped their hands and said loudly, "We obey your command!"

Li Mu turned his head away, his eyes showing neither sorrow nor joy, only a profound understanding of the ultimate truth and a peaceful anticipation of the future.

All things in this world have their own path, but his path requires constantly exploring the origins of the three thousand worlds in order to reach the end of chaos, the state of oneness of all paths, and to be fearless of any challenge.

Inside the bridge, Li Mu's orders were relayed like a tide, the anxiety dissipated, and in its place was a strict and orderly operation.

The shield of the Rift Universe shimmered with light, the warning array was fully activated, and countless cultivators returned to their positions like stars, each performing their duties, laying a net of heaven and earth for the impending changes in the world.

Under the starry sky, the construction of Xian Port is in full swing. The array patterns and spiritual light flow, and the giant structure rises from the ground, making rapid progress every day.

……

Several years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The Rift Universe had long since transformed into the core of a vast celestial port. Under Li Mu's command, with the ship as its heart and arrays as its backbone, a floating celestial city spanning a star field rose from the deep starry sky of the Breath of Earth Realm, resembling a moving sacred mountain, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon and gathering countless rays of spiritual light. Its main body was fused with several small and medium-sized Breath of Earth continents, stretching for tens of thousands of miles, like a dragon coiled and a tiger crouching, forming an immortal fortress complex suspended above the abyss of stars.

Within the celestial harbor, a misty aura swirled, and array patterns resembled a net.

Thousands of cultivators from the Immortal Dynasty settled here, opening cave dwellings, refining elixirs, and cultivating spiritual fields. The unique vitality of the fertile soil of the Breath Soil Realm was activated, merging with the spiritual seeds brought by the Immortal Dynasty, giving birth to a variety of extraordinary immortal herbs and flowers. Some cultivators even attempted to tame the rare flowers and herbs that grew in this realm, comprehending the mysteries of heaven and earth through the cycle of life and death.

The edict issued by Li Mu stated: "Take what is acquired in a proper way, use it in moderation, give back what you have taken, and educate others when you have established a system."

From then on, the cultivators of the Immortal Dynasty no longer sought to take from the land. They used formations to draw upon the essence of the earth's veins and also channeled the refined spiritual energy back into the land, nourishing the soil and water. Occasionally, uncivilized tribes would appear, and the cultivators would teach them farming techniques and weapon crafting methods as a sign of goodwill.

However, such "education" ultimately passed like the wind. Those ancient and long-standing powerful members of the Rang tribe viewed the Immortal Dynasty as an invading locust, and its very existence was a desecration of the order of heaven and earth.

The influence of the Celestial Dynasty has never ceased. Elite patrol teams, scattered like sparks, with Nascent Soul and Void Refinement cultivators as the backbone and Mahayana experts providing support, penetrated every inch of the Star Land of the Breath Soil Realm.

Drawing star maps, surveying landforms, searching for spiritual materials, exploring mineral veins, hunting exotic beasts—they spared no effort in acquiring anything that could enhance the foundation of the Immortal Dynasty. Their flying boats traversed the Nebula Forest, where giant trees formed dense forests, explored ancient mineral veins deep within the earth's core, and even discovered several hidden grottoes, where spiritual energy was abundant and rare treasures were piled up like mountains, moving even the high-ranking officials of the Immortal Dynasty.

The deeper the exploration, the greater the turmoil.

Initially, it was just a minor skirmish. The Earth Clan used the power of the earth's veins to obstruct mining or ambush lone gatherers. The Celestial Dynasty's patrols mostly avoided their direct confrontation, only retaliating when necessary for self-defense, not wanting to escalate the situation.

Li Mu issued an order: "Do not provoke us first, but those who offend us will be killed without mercy."

Therefore, they act with extreme caution, as if walking on thin ice, yet their sharpness is concealed.

However, the Rang tribe was not a tribe that could be easily tamed. Their anger was like subterranean fire, buried deep for thousands of years, waiting only for the right moment to erupt. The Immortal Dynasty's year-after-year "cultivation" was like a knife cutting into their body, like needles piercing their heart, until finally they could no longer bear it.

In late autumn, the starry sky is vast and the chill penetrates to the bone.

A patrol team consisting of three flying boats is venturing deep into the "Sea of ​​Floating Wood"—a labyrinth of giant trees nourished by the essence of the earth's veins. The dead trees are as numerous as mountains, their root systems as intricate as a net, crisscrossing and unpredictable. The team includes dozens of Nascent Soul cultivators and two Deity Transformation team leaders; their mission is to survey whether this area can be developed into a spiritual plant cultivation base.

Suddenly, the withered mountain range beneath their feet trembled violently!
"Be on guard!" A captain of the Void Refinement team spread his divine sense, only to feel an oppressive force as heavy as a mountain surging from all directions, almost freezing his soul.

In an instant, several earth-shattering roars erupted from the depths of the withered wood! The earth cracked, and countless wooden roots as thick as mountains lashed out from the void, like giant pythons coiling around the three flying boats, instantly tightening and crushing them!
"Enemy attack! It's the Rang Clan!" another Void Refinement Captain roared, his longsword transforming into a rainbow as he slashed at the roots, but it was deflected by a powerful force of earth vein laws, losing seventy percent of its power.

Immediately afterwards, countless warriors of the Rang tribe, clad in earthen armor and shaped like colossal mountains, surged forth from the ground and through the gaps in the trees. Their eyes were bloodshot, their roars were deafening, and they charged forward fearlessly, wielding stone hammers and bone knives.

This was a premeditated ambush!

The Rang tribe, taking advantage of the perilous Floating Wood Sea, skillfully employed the laws of the earth's veins to lay a trap. The Immortal Dynasty's patrol was primarily focused on reconnaissance, with few offensive or defensive magical treasures. They hadn't anticipated the sheer number of powerful enemy figures, including several beings with auras as deep as the abyss and the subtle pressure of Dao Lords, lurking in the shadows and controlling the battle.

The battle quickly reached a fever pitch.

The cultivators of the Immortal Dynasty rose up in resistance, their spiritual light exploding, their magical treasures shattering, and their blood staining the withered branches of trees. However, the Rang tribe, relying on their advantageous terrain, launched a relentless and overwhelming offensive, their sheer numbers overwhelming the enemy.

Two Void Refinement Captains fought desperately to break through the encirclement and send a message for reinforcements, but their souls were imprisoned by several earth vein chains. Seeing their comrades fall one by one, they were filled with grief and indignation, and finally, at the cost of self-destruction, they tore open a sliver of space.

Several cultivators at the Void Refinement stage, carrying a wrecked boat and heavily wounded, broke through the encirclement.

The cost was devastating—dozens of Void Refinement cultivators perished, two Nascent Soul experts died, and the patrol team was nearly wiped out.

The survivors, carrying the battle report, tore through the starry sky with their escape light and rushed back to the Immortal Harbor.

The news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of Senpou.

"Ambushed at the sea of ​​driftwood! Almost all dead or wounded!"

"The Rang tribe—has made their move!"

The once orderly celestial port suddenly froze, suppressed anger churning in the hearts of the cultivators, fear and fighting spirit rising together.

The seriously injured cultivator was carried into the council hall.

King Zhenhai sat upright in the main seat, his face ashen, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, as if he wanted to crush the void.

"What was the scale of the ambush? How many powerful figures did the Rang Clan deploy? Were there any Dao Lord level experts among them?"

The guard, enduring excruciating pain, recounted the battle at Fumu Sea in detail. When he mentioned "several powerful figures with the aura of Dao Lords," all the great powers in the hall paled.

The Valley Master of Burning Heaven suddenly stood up, flames surging around him, the scorching heat distorting the air: "These natives dare to offend the majesty of my Immortal Dynasty! We shall use the Burning Heaven Fire to refine their souls to ashes!"

The sword in the hand of the Sword Sect's patriarch hummed, its cold light tearing through the air: "Years of forbearance have not brought peace. It is time to let this world witness the might of my Immortal Dynasty!"

The withered Zen Buddha lowered his head, clasped his hands, and sighed softly: "The calamity of slaughter has begun, and the cause and effect are inescapable."

The Illusionary Spirit Immortal's gaze deepened: "This is no accident. The ambush site is the home ground of the Rang Clan; powerful figures gathered there, and the plan was meticulously laid out. It is clearly a deliberate attempt to severely damage our dynasty and force us to back down."

King Zhenhai took a deep breath, suppressing his surging killing intent. He knew he needed to make a calm and decisive decision at this moment, and turned his gaze to the end of the hall.

There, a figure stood still as a mountain, his back to the crowd, gazing into the depths of the starry sea.

It was Li Mu.

King Zhenhai stepped forward, bowed, and reported: "Senior, a sudden upheaval has occurred in the Xirang Realm. The Floating Wood Sea patrol team was ambushed by the Xirang Clan, and the entire force was almost wiped out. Two Nascent Soul commanders have perished..."

The King of Zhenhai presented the battle report in detail, his tone filled with grief and indignation, implying his desire to fight.

Li Mu stood motionless, like an ancient rock. His gaze pierced through the crystal wall, landing on the vast and fertile realm of the Breath of Earth. At this moment, killing intent surged like a tide, and raging flames soared into the sky.

After a long while, Li Mu slowly turned around. His voice was calm, yet it was like thunder from the heavens, shaking the hall and suppressing all the noise.

“I once said—our will cannot be taken away, cannot be changed, and cannot be humiliated.”

Li Mu raised his hand and waved it lightly, unleashing an invisible pressure that sent shivers down the spines of the powerful figures, as if they were standing on the edge of an abyss: "They want to fight—"

Li Mu's gaze swept over the crowd, a cold glint like a sword flashing in his eyes—a profound understanding of the Great Dao, and an indifference to the challenge.

"Then let's fight until the heavens and earth crumble!"

When the voice falls, the order comes out.

"Issue my decree—all troops prepare for battle! The patrols shall immediately withdraw and raise the alert level to the highest. The entire defense line of Xian Port shall be activated!"

"Mobilize our elite forces and prepare for a counterattack!"

"Since the Rang tribe has chosen the path of war, then let them have their way!"

"We obey the orders of our predecessors!" King Zhenhai was the first to kneel and bow, his voice resounding through the heavens.

The Valley Master of Burning Heaven, the Ancestor of the Sword Sect, the Buddha of Withered Zen, the Immortal Venerable of Illusionary Spirit… all the powerful figures in the hall bowed in unison, their fighting spirit blazing like flames, soaring into the sky: “As you command!”

In an instant, the gloom over Xian Port dissipated, replaced by an aura of iron-blooded killing intent. The war drums hadn't sounded, but the killing intent had already begun. (End of Chapter)