Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

The Myriad Ghost Origin Embryo throbbed incessantly, like a deformed ancient heart, deeply embedded in the center of the pale trunk of the Ghost Clan's mother tree. Its sound was muffled, and with each throb, a visible gray-white ripple spread out, silently permeating the void.

Wherever the ripples reached, the remaining star debris turned to dust. The boundary barrier, which had not yet completely collapsed, let out a mournful cry. The spiritual energy evaporated like boiling water. The towering phantom of the Ancestral Tree of Myriad Realms trembled slightly, its branches and leaves rustling. A faint, yet deeply rooted, gray-white light was quietly spreading upwards along the subtle ends of the ancestral vein.

"The root cause... is being eroded!"

Beside the Pool of Myriad Laws, the Primordial Daoist suddenly opened his eyes, his face more solemn than ever before. His fingertips swept across the surface of the pool, and ripples spread out, revealing the terrifying sight of the pulsating primordial embryo at the core of the Mother Tree.

"If this embryo is not eliminated, even before it is fully born, the very foundation of all worlds will decay!"

"Clang!" A clear and melodious bell rang out, disregarding the barriers of boundaries, resounding in the minds of all the remaining realm lords throughout the myriad realms.

The bell tolled urgently, carrying an undeniable summons. In the Heavenly Ruins Palace, spiritual light flashed, and projections of realm lords appeared one after another.

The Primordial Daoist stood in the heart of the ruins, enveloped in a clear radiance, his face solemn as ancient ice.

Without further ado, all the realm lords turned their gazes to the central light screen—the pulsating Myriad Ghost Origin Embryo, and the gray-white ghost marks slowly emerging from the roots of the Myriad Realms Ancestral Tree.

"As you all have seen," said the Primordial Daoist in a deep and solemn voice. "The Ghost Clan is carrying out an act of annihilation, forcibly urging the Origin Embryo in an attempt to give birth to the Ghost Ancestor. Even before the embryo is formed, its power is already evident, and it is using Ghost Force ripples to erode the roots of the Ancestral Tree. At this rate, within ten years, the roots of the Ancestral Tree of All Realms will be deeply corrupted. At that time, even if the Origin Embryo is destroyed, the myriad realms will lose their support, order will collapse, and all things will perish."

The Ruins Palace was deathly silent, with only heavy breathing rising and falling. The true spirit of the Ancient Origin Realm Lord was asleep, the Xuanhuang Daojun was just recovering from serious injuries, the Qinglin Daomu had not yet recovered her aura, and Xingyan, Taiyu and others had also suffered heavy losses. Three or four out of ten of the allied forces' elite troops were gone, and the rest were all wounded.

"Fellow Daoist Taichu, please speak frankly, what should be done?" Daoist Haoyi asked in a deep voice.

The Primordial Daoist's gaze swept over the assembled realm lords like lightning, and he resolutely declared, "Sitting and waiting for death will only lead to annihilation. We must destroy the Origin Embryo before it fully matures and the Ancestral Tree's roots are completely corrupted! This is called—'Severing the Embryo'!"

"Severing the embryo?" The Eternal Nether Lord's shadowy aura rippled as he solemnly said, "The Origin Embryo is hidden deep within the core of the Mother Tree, heavily guarded. Its power is beyond what any one of us can withstand alone. If we launch a direct attack, how many casualties will we suffer? Do we even have a chance of victory?"

“The odds of victory are slim, but it is the only way to survive.” The Primordial Daoist raised his hand, and clear light condensed, transforming into a simplified star map, pointing to the core of the Mother Tree’s trunk. “The Origin Embryo is in its early stages of development, and its connection with the Mother Tree is not yet perfect. The will of the Ghost Ancestor is still gathering strength. This is the best opportunity, and it may be the last chance. I propose that we gather the remaining power of all realms to form the ‘Embryo-Slaying Arrow’ and strike straight at the heart of the enemy!”

"How is it composed?" The figure of the Illusionary Time Lord was ethereal, and his voice was filled with doubt: "The domain of the Mother Tree of Deception is distorted, and all laws are difficult to penetrate it. Ordinary allied forces would probably find it difficult to get close to it."

“This is no ordinary coalition.” The Primordial Daoist’s gaze was intense as he looked at Li Mu’s projection: “We must have the Chaos Daoist as our leader, for the Chaos Dao is the only force that can directly confront and penetrate the core of the Mother Tree. Then, I will use the Primordial Pure Qi, in conjunction with the origins of all the Realm Lords, to set up the ‘Myriad Realms Returning to Origin Array’ to temporarily stabilize the Ancestral Tree’s roots, slow down its transformation, and provide source power support for the fetal severance. Xuanhuang, Qinglin, Xingyan, Taiyu… all fellow Daoists, you must do your utmost to assist and protect the Chaos Daoist, break through the Mother Tree’s defenses, and reach the Origin Embryo!”

Upon hearing this, the various realm lords had different expressions, all looking at Li Mu with a hint of doubt, placing all their hopes on the Chaos Dao Lord.

"Disaster is imminent, how can we hesitate!" Xuanhuang Daojun stepped forward, his voice booming like a bell, and solemnly said, "Fellow Daoist Li saved me last time, helped restore Qingxuan, and even burned the roots of the Mother Tree, his merit surpassing all the heavens. At this moment, only his strength can penetrate into the tiger's den. If we do not take the action of severing the embryo, are we going to sit idly by and watch the Origin Embryo descend into the world, and all worlds become a den of monsters?"

Qinglin Daomu also nodded slightly and looked at Li Mu: "In the fight against the Gui Clan, Fellow Daoist Li's stance is undoubtedly clear. I am willing to lend a helping hand with my remaining essence."

Xingyan Daozun and Taiyu Immortal Lord exchanged a glance, both seeing the determination in each other's eyes.

"The Zhou Tian Star Chart can deduce the weak points in the mother tree's domain, guiding the direction of the spearhead," said Xingyan Daozun in a deep voice.

"The Taiyu Array Diagram can distort spacetime and briefly open a path to the core," the Taiyu Immortal Lord coldly replied.

After a moment's thought, Hao Yi Dao Zun, Yong Ji Ming Zhu, Huan Shi Tian Zhu, and others nodded in agreement, all looking at Li Mu's projection with anticipation!
"I wonder if Fellow Daoist Li has any objections?" Tai Chu Dao Zun asked Li Mu nervously.

For a moment, you could hear a pin drop. The gazes of all the realm lords—some solemn, some expectant, some concealing worry—were all focused on that figure in green robes. Chaos Dao Lord Li Mu had now become the only variable in all the heavens and myriad realms that could possibly turn the tide of battle.

"Lord of Chaos, the Origin Embryo is perilous, concerning the survival of all realms. We all know this is a difficult task, but... looking across the heavens, only Fellow Daoist Li's Chaos Dao can restrain the Ghost Clan and carry out this heroic act of severing the embryo. We hope Fellow Daoist Li... will consider the well-being of all living beings!" Lord Haoyi paused slightly as he stroked his beard, and then gave his instructions.

"Fellow Daoist Li, your previous assistance in protecting Xuanhuang is a kindness that all realms will remember. Now, the Gui Clan is conceiving the Origin Embryo. Once this thing is born, it will threaten all realms. Even if the Chaos Dao can protect itself, all the heavens and myriad realms will become dead zones, and the Dao will cease to exist. I'm afraid your path will also be difficult to remain unscathed." The Taiyu Immortal Lord pointed out the dangers and earnestly pleaded.

"Fellow Daoist Li, it is not that we are afraid of death, but that only with your strength can we have a chance to break this deadlock. The origin of the Qinglin Realm is willing to do everything in our power to help you eliminate this scourge!" Qinglin Dao Mother said gently.

Xuanhuang Daojun stepped forward, his Xuanhuang Qi surging slightly with excitement. He looked at Li Mu and said, "Fellow Daoist Li! Xuanhuang's life was saved by you. This body and soul are willing to serve you. I will do anything for you, even at the cost of my life!"

……

For a moment, the various realm lords looked at Li Mu with their own words, some earnest, some passionate, some analyzing the pros and cons, and some making direct requests.

Inside the Ruins Palace, divine thoughts intertwined, with a mixture of solemnity and anticipation. They were all beings who ruled over a realm and looked down upon eternity, yet at this moment, they placed all their hopes on Li Mu alone.

At this moment, the chaotic star vortex in Li Mu's eyes spun at an unprecedented speed, reflecting the pulsating Myriad Demonic Origin Embryo. An invisible and intangible divine thought, transcending all laws, quietly overflowed from between his brows.

This thought, condensed like a thread, carried a wisp of light from the newly formed Dao Fruit of Order. Like a fish diving into the abyss, it silently traversed layers of void, evading the surveillance of the strange power within the domain of the Mother Tree of Devious Transformation, and quietly approached the Myriad Devious Origin Embryo.

Li Mu's divine sense transformed into tiny tendrils, gently touching the natural, intricate patterns of the amniotic membrane.

In an instant, a torrent of cold, deathly, and extremely greedy will surged upstream along with the divine thought and crashed into Li Mu's sea of ​​consciousness!
As Li Mu's mind reeled, he "saw" a scene deep within the amniotic sac: a boundless, eerie sea, its pale white and dark red swirling and churning like blood staining the sky or soul fire burning the heavens; countless twisted and wailing fragments of souls floated within, all remnants of resentment, fear, despair, and hatred left behind by beings from realms devoured in the past... The negative emotions accumulated by countless eras across the myriad realms converged, compressed, and boiled here, transforming into a breeding ground for evil spirits.

Deep within the sea, a strange and eerie entity is taking shape, its form ever-changing. Sometimes it transforms into a gigantic maw that devours stars and the moon, sometimes it solidifies into a throne built from countless faces of agony, and sometimes it disperses into whispers that permeate the void, like tides and mist, seeping into every inch of space. A primal malice that surpasses the source of corruption and the ancient gods of the world-devouring realm is awakening from within it—ancient, pure, and almost the origin of the Great Dao.

This thing feeds on the negative emotions of all realms, using them to build the foundation of its existence! Li Mu felt a chill in his heart. This was the "Will of the Ancestor of Demons" conceived in the Demonic Embryo. Its essence was so profound that if it were allowed to descend into the world, its absolute dominion and devouring nature over negative emotions would likely pollute the laws of chaos and distort the foundation of all paths.

At that time, even if he possesses the Great Dao of Chaos, he may not be able to control it!

This scoundrel must be eliminated!
Li Mu abruptly withdrew his divine sense, a fierce glint flashing deep in his eyes. Facing the requests of the realm lords, his face remained calm, devoid of sorrow or joy, only the chaotic star swirling deep within his eyes gradually subsided.

Inside the Ruins Palace, countless gazes, like torches, were fixed on Li Mu. Xingyan Daozun, Taiyu Immortal Lord, and Qinglin Daomu quietly clenched their jade fingers in their sleeves... The entire hall was silent, awaiting Li Mu's response.

"If this embryo is not eliminated, it will eventually become a major threat." Li Mu looked at the realm lords and said in a deep voice, "Within the embryonic membrane lies a sea of ​​negative emotions from all realms. Resentment, fear, despair, hatred... all serve as its food, nourishing the will of the Demon Ancestor. If it is allowed to descend into the world, the fall of all realms will be secondary; my Great Dao of Chaos will also be obscured and hindered!"

In just a few words, he revealed the origins and roots of the matter, clearly indicating that this battle was related to Li Mu's own path, and not merely to the greater good of the common people.

With these words, Li Mu was essentially accepting the responsibility of "abortion"!
The realm lords were all shaken and momentarily stunned. They had thought that they would need to persuade him from all sides and make solemn promises to move this unpredictable Chaos Dao Lord. Unexpectedly, Li Mu was so decisive, going straight to the point and showing no intention of shirking responsibility.

The light in the eyes of the Primordial Daoist suddenly intensified. He gazed deeply at Li Mu, his expression unspoken.

Xuanhuang Daojun's chest heaved, unable to hide his excitement; Qinglin Daomu quietly loosened her fingers, as if she had relieved herself of a heavy burden; a trace of relief also flashed in the eyes of Xingyan, Taiyu and others.

“Fellow Daoist Li is truly wise and righteous, we… thank you!” The Primordial Daoist was the first to bow, his bow reaching the ground. The projections of the various realm lords also bowed their heads, adding a touch of resolute determination to the otherwise chilling atmosphere.

"There's no time to lose." Li Mu accepted the greeting, his tone calm: "Then... let's begin."

With the decision made, there's no need for further words; we must go all out.

The Primordial Dao Venerable stepped forward, his radiant light surging, and his grand Dao voice resounded throughout the Ruins Palace: "Deploy the 'Great Array of Returning to the Origin of All Realms' to assist the Chaos Dao Lord in opening the boundary bridge!"

The order is given and the law follows!

Hao Yi Dao Venerable stepped forward first, his body resounding with Daoist energy, drawing upon the origin of the Hao Yang Realm, transforming it into a magnificent golden bridge phantom that spanned one end of the void. The shadowy figure of the Eternal Nether Lord swirled, its aura of the Nether Abyss spreading like ink, stabilizing the foundation of the golden bridge and isolating it from the intrusion of strange forces; the figure of the Illusionary Time Heavenly Lord multiplied into countless forms, swirling with the Daoist energy of time and space, smoothing the ripples of time and maintaining the stability of the passage.

Before Xingyan Daozun, the celestial disc spun rapidly, with the trajectories of billions of stars intertwining to deduce the weakest point in the Mother Tree's domain and point out the coordinates for the Boundary Bridge.
With a gentle wave of her jade hand, the Taiyu Immortal Lord unfurled the Taiyu Array Diagram, layer upon layer of space folding and compressing, forcefully closing the vast distance in the void, and condensing into the nascent form of a crystal passage that could only accommodate one person at a time.

With a roar, Xuanhuang Daojun disregarded the fatigue of his newly recovered body and activated the remaining Xuanhuang Origin, which transformed into a thick earth-yellow divine light, like a giant dragon coiling around it to reinforce the passage's barrier.

The Qinglin Dao Mother activated the life-giving Dao principles of the Qinglin Realm, and emerald light, like vines, entwined the passage, giving it vibrant life and resisting the erosion of death.

……

In an instant, the Ruins Palace shone with boundless brilliance, its Daoist energy surging like a turbulent sea. The various Realm Lords unleashed their divine powers, pouring out their primal energy without reservation, converging at a single point. Metal, wood, water, fire, earth; time, space, life, death, illusion… all the great laws of the Dao intertwined and resonated here. Amidst the dazzling light, a "Boundary Bridge," spanning endless starfields and pointing directly to the core of the Mysterious Mother Tree, was visibly solidifying and stabilizing!
The boundary bridge is crystal clear, containing countless flowing Dao patterns, radiating the clear light of all realms, and exuding an indestructible and impervious power.

At the end of the bridge, a deep darkness descends—the core airspace shrouded by the monstrous Mother Tree, where the pale light emanating from the pulsating primordial embryo can be faintly seen.

"The boundary bridge is complete! Lord of Chaos, please!" The voice of the Primordial Dao Venerable was like a booming bell, his face pale, and he had expended a great deal of energy.

The auras of all the realm lords fluctuated, and they all looked at Li Mu with high hopes!
Li Mu nodded, took a step forward, and reached the starting point of the boundary bridge. He glanced back at the crowd with a calm look, then turned around and stepped forward.

The boundary bridge traverses between distorted void and eerie mist. Outside the bridge, billions of pale white roots, like a swarm of blood-sniffing sharks, frantically pounce and bite, crashing against the light wall of the boundary bridge, stirring up ripples and piercing screams.

However, the Boundary Bridge, which gathers the essence of all realm masters, is as solid as divine metal, remaining perfectly still, steadily carrying Li Mu straight to the target.

In a short while, Li Mu had already crossed the boundary bridge and disappeared into the area covered by the Mother Tree's domain.

The scene before my eyes suddenly changed. The vast starry sea disappeared, leaving only a viscous, deathly void. All around me were writhing, pale "flesh walls," which were inside the trunk of the monstrous mother tree. Countless twisted faces floated and wailed on the flesh walls, and dark red sap flowed like blood, stinking and chilling, penetrating straight to the soul.

In the center of the space, the Myriad Ghost Origin Embryo floated silently, pulsating like a drum, shaking one's soul to the point of breaking. Gray, white and red strange patterns flowed on the embryonic membrane, and the sea of ​​negative emotions inside surged and boiled. The will of the Ghost Ancestor had condensed into a clear outline, and its cold gaze pierced through the embryonic membrane, locking onto the intruder.

"An anomaly, shall be punished!"

The vast, twisted will of the Mother Tree of the Ghost Clan, like billions of ice needles, pierced directly into Li Mu's soul.

Li Mu's eyes sharpened, and the Chaos Dao Tree suddenly appeared behind him, its branches growing rapidly, opening up the fleshy walls in all directions, and carving out a chaotic domain.

"burn!"

Li Mu pointed forward with his fingers like a sword.

In an instant, the billions of branches and leaves of the Chaos Dao Tree swayed together, and the vast primordial source surged out, condensing and compressing at the fingertips, transforming into a seemingly weak but actually containing the power to burn the world—the Chaos Fire Seed!
The spark shot out lightly, growing longer in the wind, and in an instant transformed into a gray fire line that stretched across the void, silently piercing the embryonic membrane of the Myriad Demon Source!

Where the Chaos Dao Fire passed, the eerie mist melted away like snow, and the wailing faces on the fleshy walls dissipated in terror. The terrifying Daoist aura that burned away all laws and returned to the primordial chaos caused the inner space of the Evil Mother Tree to tremble. (End of this chapter)