Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

The void froze instantly, and the oppressive aura of the three Dao Ancestors was as overwhelming as the sky, making no attempt to conceal it.

The purple lightning around Dao Ancestor Lei Yan exploded, and thousands of lightning bolts emitted a terrifying thunderous swirl, like the annihilation tribulation of the Great Dao;
Behind the Qingyuan Dao Ancestor, the emerald green ancestral tree appeared, with countless threads of life emerging. Spiritual buds sprouted in the void, permeated by the source of the Dao, penetrating every crevice.

The aura of the Great Heavenly Dao Ancestor was profound, and the myriad stars around him manifested in rotation, as if he himself were a miniature version of the Great Heavenly Land.

The combined auras of the three Dao Ancestors intertwined, locking onto the area where Gu Xi and Li Mu were located; the vast earth's primordial energy rippled in circles on the dark earth layer, while the hazy sea of ​​light above surged endlessly.

"Gentlemen, you think you can subdue me with this display? You are underestimating me!" Gu Xi chuckled, his green robe fluttering even without wind.

The moment the words left his mouth, the entire area underwent a dramatic change!
With the ancient place as its center, the vast earth and its source energy within a million miles trembled, and a majestic ancestral tree appeared from the depths of the secluded soil. Its roots, as thick and robust as dragon veins, broke through the soil, and its surface flowed with a warm and clear light. Wherever the light reached, the pressure of the three Dao Ancestors was forcibly isolated and dissolved.

Above the roots, countless Dao patterns lit up, evolving into "Returning to the Source," "Bearing," and "Transformation," forming a triple cycle of Dao rhythm.

The Daoist essence of Gui Cang is like a deep pool that embraces all rivers, swallowing up the overwhelming pressure of the three Dao Ancestors' Dao Integration; the Daoist essence of Cheng Bao is like the earth supporting mountains, remaining steadfast no matter how violent the thunder and life force may be; the Daoist essence of Hua Sheng is like a spring breeze caressing frozen earth, transforming the impact of the Dao Ancestors into pure spiritual energy that nourishes this region.

This is the ancestral tree domain that Gu Xi has cultivated for countless eras—wherever it takes root, that is its territory; wherever its roots reach, all laws arise from the heart!

A murderous glint flashed in Lei Yan Daozu's eyes as he glared angrily and said, "Old man, are you really going to offend all three of us for the sake of this little cultivator who just advanced to the Dao Integration Realm? It's a fight to the death!"

"Fellow Daoist Lei, you are mistaken!" Gu Xi chuckled as if he had heard a joke, and solemnly said, "The three of you have come uninvited and are taking this opportunity to cause trouble. I am merely reminding you that this place is ultimately my Dao domain, and I will not tolerate your insolence!"

"If not!"

Before he finished speaking, Gu Xi's Dao aura suddenly surged.
The majestic Ancestral Tree of Myriad Realms solidified completely, causing the primordial energy of the vast land within a radius of tens of millions of miles to resonate together, transforming into a pillar of Dao that reached the heavens and the earth. Instantly, it suppressed and locked down the Dao domains of the three Dao Ancestors: the Thunder Dao Domain, the Azure Origin Dao Domain, and the Star Origin Dao Domain. The three Dao Ancestors were instantly like fishing boats being constantly battered by raging waves, their Dao domains rising and falling with the waves, seemingly sinking and floating, completely out of their control.

The three Dao Ancestors' expressions changed simultaneously, their faces turning extremely ugly.

Lei Yan Daozu's face was gloomy. Thunder rumbled continuously in his Thunder Dao Domain. A trace of surprise and doubt flashed in his eyes. He knew that Gu Xi had a profound Dao foundation and had survived several tribulations. He did not expect that Gu Xi's Dao Domain had been developed to such an extent that he could so easily dispel the pressure from the three of them working together and still put so much pressure on them.

With a smile on his face, Qingyuan Dao Ancestor maintained the defense of his Dao Domain and congratulated him, saying, "Fellow Daoist Gu, your Dao Domain has made such great progress, truly a cause for celebration!"

Changing the subject, Qingyuan Daozu looked at Gu Xi and advised, "The great calamity is imminent, concerning the survival of billions of living beings in the vast land and forests. It cannot be borne by one person or one tree alone. The Chaos Dao Tree has the ability to absorb sources, but it is still in its infancy and needs the nourishment of all Daos and the protection of all ancestors before it can truly play a pivotal role in the great calamity. Fellow Daoist, by forcibly staying here, wouldn't you be... delaying its growth opportunities?"

In this situation, the Qingyuan Dao Ancestor's unspoken meaning was still to persuade Gu Xi to hand over Li Mu, or at least to place the Chaos Dao Tree under "joint management".

The Dao Ancestor Haotian remained silent, his eyes reflecting the surging stars, as if he were calculating something. Occasionally, his gaze would sweep over the Chaos Dao Tree behind Li Mu, passing over the root that was still probing into the Primordial Origin Layer, and a faint, almost imperceptible light would flash deep in his eyes.

"Fellow Daoist Qingyuan, you are mistaken." Gu Xi flicked his sleeve, and the clear light of his Dao Domain rippled, isolating all external noise. He decisively said, "Fellow Daoist Li's Dao is self-created from chaos, its foundation growing naturally. Why would it need the 'protection' of others? This place of mine is rich in source energy and peaceful in Dao rhythm, making it the best place for the Chaos Dao Tree to grow. As for the strategy to deal with the great calamity... when Fellow Daoist Li's Dao Tree has grown to the point where its branches and leaves can cover a vast area, I will invite all of you fellow Daoists to discuss it together. How can there be any talk of 'delay'?"

"Hmph! Clever words and flattery!" Dao Ancestor Lei Yan was already impatient and shouted, "Since that's the case, let me test just how good your Chaos Dao Tree is, that it's worth the old man Gu Xi protecting it like this!"

Before he finished speaking, the thunderous crown between Lei Yan Daozu's brows suddenly shone brightly.

A "Silent Thunder Pattern" shot out from his fingertip, skillfully bypassing the layers of clear light barrier of the Ancient Xi Dao Domain, and following the source energy of the vast earth, it pierced straight towards the Chaos Dao Tree behind Li Mu!
This move was ruthless and cunning. While Lei Yan was arguing with Gu Xi on the surface, he had already locked onto Li Mu in secret. He wanted to use the Dao of Annihilation Thunder to test the authenticity of Li Mu's Chaos Origin and confirm whether Li Mu could make them compete with Gu Xi to the end without regard for their own lives.

"How dare you!" Gu Xi's expression changed drastically, and the Qinghui Dao Domain trembled violently as someone rushed to intercept.

However, Lei Yan's attack was swift and unpredictable, and Gu Xi Dao Yu's hasty action immediately slowed him down by half a second!

Li Mu remained unmoved, only slightly lowering his gaze, and softly uttered a single word: "Disperse."

The Primordial Dao Fruit on the branch of the Chaos Dao Tree throbbed, and gray Dao light surged out from the fruit core.

With a "whoosh!", the lightning flashed and disappeared into the roots of the Chaos Dao Tree. It did not cause much damage and was absorbed by the gray Dao Domain that permeated the Chaos Dao Tree, ceasing to exist.

Li Mu's mind merged with the Dao Tree, and he "saw" it very clearly. The Annihilation Thunder, which contained the Dao of Destruction, attacked with terrifying Dao intent. It contained the true meaning of the Dao of Annihilation Thunder. The Chaos Dao easily absorbed it and transformed it into a tiny new Dao pattern in the Dao Tree's texture, representing the "end of destruction".

The Great Dao of Chaos encompasses everything, and even the destructive power of thunder is one of those everything.

Li Mu could even sense that after the Chaos Dao Tree absorbed this lightning attack, its affinity for the Dao of "Thunder Dao" and the speed of absorption had subtly increased.

Li Mu looked up at Dao Ancestor Lei Yan, his expression calm and undisturbed, as if he had merely brushed away a speck of dust.

Lei Yan Daozu's pupils shrank sharply. That attack only used 50% of his Dao Yuan, yet it contained the true meaning of the Thunder Dao that his true self had comprehended in the Great Dao of Thunder. If an ordinary early-stage Dao Integration cultivator were to take it head-on, even if they were not seriously injured, their Great Dao principles would be disrupted and their foundation shaken.

This person... swallowed it so casually? Moreover, the Chaos Dao Tree not only had no damage to its aura, but also showed a hint of indescribable harmony?

"What a magnificent 'All things originate from one'!" The Great Dao Ancestor Haotian's profound gaze fell upon Li Mu, and he suddenly praised, "The Great Dao of Chaos is indeed worthy of its name. Even I, the old man, would need to slowly dissolve Fellow Daoist Lei Yan's attack by using the 'Returning to the Origin of Vast Earth' technique. Fellow Daoist Li was able to absorb it instantly and nourish himself... Such a quality is indeed an unparalleled weapon against the tide of annihilation."

The Azure Primordial Dao Ancestor's eyes flashed with a fervent light. She could clearly see that Li Mu's method of dissolving the lightning was a true "inclusiveness" and "digestion," transforming the external Dao principles into his own. How similar this was to the description in ancient texts of the ancient Chaos Dao Ancestor "absorbing the source of the collapse of all Daos and maintaining the cycle of one region" during the calamity-ending tide!
Seeing that Li Mu was unharmed, Gu Xi's shock and anger subsided slightly. She looked at Dao Ancestor Lei Yan with eyes that seemed to want to devour him, her rage uncontrollable.

Gu Xi's aura suddenly turned cold and sharp. Within the Dao Domain, the roots of the countless ancestral trees that had burst forth from the earth all turned around and locked onto Dao Ancestor Lei Yan, exuding a chilling aura: "Lei Yan! You dare to launch a sneak attack on Fellow Daoist Li right in front of me? Do you really think I'm just a decoration? If you don't give me an explanation today, you'll leave half of your Dao body behind before you leave!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Dao Tree behind him shone brightly, transforming into countless crystalline chains that intertwined to form a net that sealed off all of Lei Yan Dao Zu's escape routes. The Dao Rhyme he carried transformed into an invisible mountain, suppressing his Thunder Dao Domain; the Dao Rhyme he generated then reversed into the power of "Annihilation Spirit," rapidly eroding the protective Thunder Qi.

"I'm not afraid of you!" Dao Ancestor Lei Yan's expression changed, and lightning surged around his body to defend against the attack. At the same time, he sent a telepathic message to the two Dao Ancestors beside him for help: "What are you two standing there for! Attack now!"

Gu Xi was fighting to the death, and it was impossible to win. Moreover, there were Qingyuan Daozu and Haotian Daozu watching from the side. An earth-shattering battle was about to break out!
At that moment, Li Mu suddenly stepped forward and bowed slightly to Gu Xi: "Senior Gu, please calm down."

Li Mu's gaze swept over the three Dao Ancestors, Lei Yan, Qing Yuan, and Hao Tian, ​​and he reassured them, "The great cycle of annihilation is approaching. It is only natural that you fellow Daoists are concerned about the survival of the Vast Earth Forest and Sea, and are interested in the power of the Chaos Dao Tree, wanting to test its quality. As a junior who has just advanced to the Dao Integration stage and whose Dao Tree is newly established, it is truly an honor to receive such attention from you peak Dao Ancestors."

Li Mu's words were neither humble nor arrogant. He pointed out the "testing" nature of Lei Yan's move, giving the other party a way out, while also implying that he understood everyone's anxiety about the calamity. He skillfully pulled a potential deadly battle between Dao Ancestors back to the level of "testing" and "concern".

Gu Xi frowned slightly, glanced at Li Mu, and seemed to be deep in thought. The chilling Dao Domain around him gradually subsided, but his Dao Thoughts remained, firmly locking onto the three Dao Ancestors in the arena.

"Give Fellow Daoist Li some face and leave quickly. I will let this matter go. If you continue to pester me, don't blame me for turning ruthless!" Gu Xi urged the three of them.

"Fellow Daoist Gu, let's talk this out!" Seeing this, Dao Ancestor Qingyuan immediately seized the opportunity to ease the atmosphere, saying, "Fellow Daoist Li is broad-minded and reasonable, truly a blessing to the Vast Land. Fellow Daoist Lei Yan is a bit too hasty, and his probing actions were indeed inappropriate, but his intentions were for the sake of the billions of living beings in the Vast Land's forests. Fellow Daoist Gu, please set aside your thunderous anger for now. The most important thing right now is how to deal with the great calamity cycle that will occur in three thousand years. Since the Chaos Dao Tree has the ability to absorb sources, and Fellow Daoist Li is so reasonable, why not take this opportunity to discuss a sound strategy together?"

"What Fellow Daoist Qingyuan said is quite right. Under the tide of annihilation, all paths wither, and even the peak ancestral trees cannot remain unscathed. Although the Chaos Dao Tree has excellent characteristics, it takes time to grow, and its proper use requires the cooperation of all paths. Fellow Daoist Gu, Fellow Daoist Leiyan, instead of arguing here, why don't we sit down and carefully deduce how to use the power of the Chaos Dao Tree to seek a glimmer of hope for the Vast Earth Forest Sea?" Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded slightly and continued.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xi's gaze turned cold, and the Dao Domain around her paused slightly.

"Fellow Daoist Qingyuan's words make it seem as if this old Daoist is disregarding the bigger picture?" Gu Xi flicked his sleeve, causing ripples in the void, and angrily said, "Fellow Daoist Li has established himself here at his own pace of cultivation. The tribulation cycle still has three thousand years to go, why rush things? Your forceful intrusion into this old Daoist domain today, your probing actions, have already been impolite. If you truly wish to discuss strategies for overcoming the tribulation, you should follow ancient customs, send invitations, and choose a date to discuss it at the old site of the 'Alliance of the Ruins Sea.' Instead, you have resorted to intimidation and actions that border on robbery!"

The gentle smile on Qingyuan Daozu's face remained unchanged as he advised, "Fellow Daoist Gu, please calm down. The old site of the Void Sea Alliance... has been abandoned for 120,000 years since the last cycle. The restrictions are broken and the spiritual energy has dissipated, so it is probably not a good place to discuss matters. However, Fellow Daoist Haotian's 'Star Evolution Dao Platform' is a newly built site in recent years. It can gather the resonance of all Daos and deduce the secrets of heaven, so it may be useful."

Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded: "The Starry Dao Platform is indeed ready and can welcome fellow Daoists at any time."

Lei Yan Daozu stared intently at Li Mu, deep in thought, without uttering a sound.

The situation reached a stalemate for a moment.

After a moment's thought, Li Mu calmly swept his gaze over the three Dao Ancestors, then cupped his hands and said, "I appreciate Senior Gu's kindness, but what Fellow Daoists Qing Yuan and Hao Tian said also makes sense."

Gu Xi suddenly turned around, her gaze fixed on Li Mu: "Fellow Daoist Li?"

Gu Xi never expected that her protection of Li Mu would lead to him stabbing her in the back.

Li Mu remained calm and apologetic, saying, "Senior Gu, please don't misunderstand. I will always remember your kindness in protecting me. However, the Great Cycle of Annihilation concerns the survival of billions of living beings in the vast land and forest, and it is certainly not something that one person or one tree can bear alone. I have just advanced to the Dao Integration stage, and my Dao Tree is newly established. I was fortunate to obtain the ability to absorb the source of chaos, but my foundation is still shallow and my branches and leaves are not yet abundant. If I were to cultivate in seclusion, even with your full support, it would be difficult to reach the level where I can withstand the tides alone in three thousand years."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xi frowned, looking at Li Mu with a meaningful gaze, seemingly lost in thought.

Li Mu turned his gaze to Qing Yuan, Hao Tian, ​​and Lei Yan, and gestured, "The three of you are all peak Dao Ancestors, having managed your Dao Domains for countless eras. Your understanding of the flow of Origin Qi and the characteristics of the Tribulation Tide in the Vast Land far surpasses that of this junior. If we can receive your guidance and jointly study the method of transcending tribulation, we may be able to find a more secure path. At that time, the Chaos Dao Tree will serve as the hub, absorbing the power of the dissipation of all sources; the Dao Domains of the Ancestors will serve as the barrier, protecting the core domain from damage—only with such cooperation can we have a greater chance of preserving a glimmer of hope for the survival of the Vast Land Forest."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xi's expression darkened slightly, and his fingers quietly tightened in his sleeve. He stared intently at Li Mu, his eyes darting around as if scrutinizing the true meaning behind these words.

A green light flashed in Qingyuan Daozu's eyes, and he laughed heartily, "Fellow Daoist Li is a man of great righteousness, and cares deeply for all living beings in this vast land. He is truly a blessing to Lin Hai."

The Great Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded with approval in his eyes and said, "Fellow Daoist Li has a broad mind and extraordinary insight. The Great Dao of Chaos encompasses everything and needs the nourishment of all Daos and the verification of all laws to reach perfection. To work in isolation is certainly not the best approach."

"If you are truly willing to overcome this calamity together, I can temporarily set aside what just happened. Are you willing to attend the Starry Sky Dao Platform meeting?" Dao Ancestor Lei Yan gave Li Mu a deep look and provoked him into inviting him.

These words caused another moment of silence in the room. (End of Chapter)