Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

"Wonderful!" Gu Xi couldn't wait to cast a spell, drawing in and catching the chaotic Dao Yuan. His eyes shone brightly, and he exclaimed with delight, "The true meaning of chaos is indeed extraordinary. Fellow Daoist Li, I will remember this kindness. Three years from now, at the Star Evolution Dao Platform Gathering, I will accompany you to face all sides together."

After speaking, Gu Xi absorbed the Chaos Dao Source into her body, bowed solemnly to Li Mu, and her figure transformed into specks of clear light and dissipated.

Watching him leave, Li Mu held Gu Xi's 'Guicang Daoyuan' in his palm, and his figure vanished in an instant.

The next instant, Li Mu's figure reassembled under the Chaos Dao Tree, sitting cross-legged, his hands holding the Dao Source, his mind sinking into it.

The Way of Returning to the Source emphasizes "concealment" and "returning." It conceals the essence of heaven and earth before it is released and returns all the power of calamities to the place of annihilation. Gu Xi experienced two great calamities and cultivated this Way to perfection. The entangled gray-black "traces of calamity and destruction" deep in the source of the Way became the best clue to understanding the essence of calamities.

Li Mu's mind was clear and bright, reflecting the source of the Dao. The Chaos Dao Tree triggered the Primordial Dao Fruit, and the gray Dao light descended, enveloping the source of the Dao.

The chaotic Daoist rhythm surged like a tide, unfolding its all-encompassing nature, meticulously analyzing and exploring the hidden true meanings of the Great Dao such as "sealing," "precipitation," "seclusion," "concealing the truth," and "returning to the origin," etc., and then using the method of Chaos Dao Derivation to evolve the myriad changes of the Dao source of "returning to the origin," etc.

As his Dao heart reflected, Li Mu seemed to personally experience the growth of the Ancient Ancestral Tree over hundreds of thousands of years, its attainment of Dao, and the long period of time during which it endured the raging calamities, sealed its origin, and avoided the calamity's wrath. Many profound methods concerning the stagnation of time and space, the inward containment of the origin, and the temporary severance of cause and effect were gradually transformed into the cycle of the chaotic Dao rhythm.

Chaos encompasses everything, and inherently possesses a "hidden" aspect. In the past, Li Mu emphasized evolution, order, and inclusiveness, and his understanding of the "hidden" aspect was not profound. Now, with the completion of the ancient Dao source, he suddenly feels that the Great Dao of Chaos has become increasingly profound and all-encompassing.

……

Time flies. As Li Mu gained a deeper understanding of the ancient Xi's "Guicang" Dao Yuan, absorbed its true meaning, and evolved the Dao meaning of "Guicang", his aura suddenly became three times more profound.

Behind him, the Chaos Dao Tree resonated, and the primordial Dao patterns on the main trunk flowed with light. The newly formed light blue patterns spread rapidly and merged with the "Chaos Creation Diagram". Several faint light blue Dao patterns quietly appeared on the main trunk, and a large number of new branches and buds sprouted, intertwining and coexisting with the original gray and gold patterns.

At the same time, the roots beneath the Chaos Dao Tree spread out in all directions, deeply penetrating the vast and secluded soil. The primordial energy of the vast soil within a radius of millions of miles suddenly boiled, surging in like hundreds of rivers flowing into the sea.

The efficiency of the Chaos Dao Tree in absorbing Origin Qi more than tripled after Li Mu comprehended the Dao Intent of Returning to the Source!
At the same time, the Chaos Dao Tree began to grow at a visible speed, ninety million zhang... one hundred million zhang... one hundred and thirty million zhang... In just over a month, the Chaos Dao Tree broke through the barrier of one hundred and fifty million zhang. Its canopy, like clouds hanging from the sky, disappeared into the sea of ​​light above. New branches and leaves revealed a magnificent vitality, and the embryonic core of the new world continued to emerge.

The thirty-six core Chaos Dao Leaves gave birth to thirty-six nascent realms whose Dao rhythms surged and whose foundations rose steadily...; Xue'er, Xiao Jin, and the others also sensed this and were overjoyed.

Li Mu's cultivation of the Chaos Dao was further perfected, and his cultivation level greatly improved. They followed suit and gained enormous benefits.

……

Time flies, and three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, beneath the Chaos Dao Tree, Gu Xi's figure quietly appeared.

Gu Xi was dressed in a black robe, with an ancient face and a hint of weariness between his brows. The process of comprehending the source of chaos was not easy.

Li Mu appeared to greet her, and when Gu Xi saw him, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

Li Mu's aura was completely different from three years ago; his Daoist charm was harmonious and restrained, his sharpness concealed, and his aura subtle, revealing his true nature amidst the mortal realm. Had he grasped the essence of the Daoist intent of 'Returning to the Hidden'? Behind him, the Chaos Dao Tree stood majestically, its grandeur awe-inspiring.

In just three short years, how could he have made such great progress?

"Fellow Daoist Li, you truly possess extraordinary talent!" Gu Xi exclaimed, looking at Li Mu with a complex expression.

"You flatter me, senior!" Li Mu replied humbly with a bow.

"No need for formalities. We are at the same level, so let's address each other as fellow Daoists!" Gu Xi waved his hand and sighed, "The Great Dao of Chaos is infinitely profound. This old Daoist has spent three years comprehending it, but has only grasped the basics and has yet to truly enter its gate. However, what Fellow Daoist Li has gained is probably not so simple. Fellow Daoist Li's ability to cultivate the Great Dao of Chaos is truly a talent rarely seen throughout history!"

"Senior, you flatter me. Your Dao Source of Gui Cang is profound and extensive; I have benefited greatly from it." Li Mu smiled modestly, not wanting to continue the conversation on this topic, and changed the subject, saying, "The three-year period has come to an end. Are you about to set off for the Star Evolution Dao Platform?"

"Yes! That's why I've come!" Gu Xi nodded, his expression turning serious.

Gu Xi looked at Li Mu and said solemnly, "Hao Tian, ​​Qing Yuan, Lei Yan and others are probably waiting for us at the Dao Platform. This trip is definitely not a good one. Fellow Daoist Li, please remember that no matter how grand their words are, their core is still to seize control of the Chaos Dao Tree. You and I must advance and retreat together in order to gain the upper hand in the power struggle among all parties."

"This junior understands." Li Mu nodded and looked at Gu Xi respectfully, saying, "Everything will be arranged as you wish, senior."

Gu Xi said no more. With a wave of his sleeve, the clear light and Daoist charm enveloped the two of them. The next moment, the void rippled like water, and the two figures quietly disappeared from their original spot.

……

The small boat, bathed in the clear light, glided through the vast void, like a fish gliding into dark, deep waters. Outside the boat, light flashed by, and along the way, the magnificent scenery of thousands of ancestral forests and seas came into view.

The Purple-Gold Thunder Tree spewed out electric snakes, the Jade Ancient Tree showered down spiritual rain, and the Crimson Flame Volcano Tree scorched the void... Daoist rhymes soared to the heavens, encircling the realm.

Inside the boat, all was quiet.

Gu Xi and Li Mu sat facing each other before an ancient jade table, on which lay a green jade tea set. The spring water in the pot was boiling, and wisps of white steam, carrying a refreshing and spiritual charm, slowly rose and condensed into wisps of pure air that lingered and did not dissipate.

Gu Xi held the teapot and poured tea into the cup. The amber-colored tea soup rippled outwards, revealing illusory images of mountains and rivers and the burgeoning of vegetation.

Gu Xi pushed the teacup in front of Li Mu and greeted him with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Li, please."

Li Mu accepted the teacup, nodded in thanks, and a warm, mellow Daoist aura flowed down his throat, cleansing his soul.

"Excellent tea." Li Mu put down his teacup and praised with a smile, "This tea contains the essence of the vast earth's source, and contains a trace of the true meaning of returning to the source."

Gu Xi smiled and nodded, sincerely praising, "Fellow Daoist Li's understanding of Guicang is deeper than I expected. This tea is called 'Guicang Green Bud,' which grows on the core branch of the old Daoist ancestral tree. It takes three thousand years for one leaf to sprout and nine thousand years to become tea. It contains the true meaning of the Guicang Great Dao that I have cultivated. Drinking it can calm the mind and clarify the nature, resist external evils, and is very beneficial to maintaining one's original heart."

After the introduction, Gu Xi changed the subject and looked at Li Mu in a deep voice, saying, "The journey to the Starry Sky Platform is a million miles long. We can take this time to discuss the intricacies of this alliance in detail."

Li Mu put down his teacup, sat up straight, and said, "I would like to hear the details." "The Star Evolution Platform was built by the Dao Ancestor Haotian using the remains of nine ancient stars as its foundation, blending the primordial energy of the vast earth with the brilliance of the sea of ​​light and stars. It contains the 'Myriad Phenomena Star Evolution Array,' which can resonate with the Dao rhythms of all heavens and deduce the changes in heavenly secrets. This place was established after the last calamity and destruction cycle, and has lasted for more than 320,000 years. It is the arena for the power struggles of various forces in the Forest Sea."

"Besides the old Daoist, Haotian, Qingyuan, and Leiyan, there are five other Dao Ancestors who will be attending this time," Gu Xi said to Li Mu.

“Dao Ancestor Lei Yan, as you already know, this person mainly cultivates the ‘Great Dao of Annihilation Thunder’. He is domineering and decisive in killing. His ancestral tree has condensed 30,000 realms, all of which cultivate thunder magic. The beings there are fierce and warlike. Today on the Dao platform, this person will definitely make trouble first, or use the pretext of thunder tempering to forcibly demand that you transplant your Dao tree.”

"The Qingyuan Dao Ancestor resides in the western Qing Domain of the Vast Land, and mainly cultivates the 'Great Dao of the Vitality of All Spirits'. He appears gentle and mild-mannered, but in reality, he is cunning and scheming. He is used to using the big picture as an excuse to carry out alliances and counter-alliances. His words are watertight, and he often lays down hidden tricks without your knowledge. Fellow Daoist, you must be wary of him using 'jointly resisting the great calamity' as bait to lure you into his trap and slowly plot against you."

"Dao Ancestor Haotian is located in the Haotian Central Domain of the Vast Earth. He cultivates the 'Great Dao of the Vast Earth Evolution'. He appears to be fair and impartial, but his schemes are the most far-reaching. The Star Evolution Dao Platform is his creation. This person is good at using heavenly secrets to deduce and plan, often taking one step and thinking ten steps ahead. His current state must be that he wants to incorporate the Chaos Dao Tree into the 'Heaven Evolution System', using it as a hub to exercise control."

"Besides these three, the ones who might appear are Dao Ancestor Chaoyuan, Dao Ancestor Yinghong, Dao Ancestor Youguang, Dao Ancestor Yeyan, and Dao Ancestor Huanmiao. These five people have a relationship of mutual restraint with the three mentioned above. The eight of them are united and occupy a region of the Vast Land, advancing and retreating together. This Dao Assembly is related to the Great Cycle of Calamity and Annihilation and the Great Dao of Chaos. They will definitely appear together!" Gu Xi said to Li Mu.

Gu Xi's gaze was deep as he continued, "These eight are all old fellows who have cultivated for 100,000 years and are at the Dao Integration stage. Their foundations are profound and their methods are extraordinary. Today's Starry Sky Gathering is ostensibly to discuss strategies for overcoming tribulations, but in reality, it is a power struggle among various parties, all vying to control the Chaos Dao Tree."

Li Mu listened attentively for a long time, looked at Gu Xi and nodded knowingly, then asked, "In your opinion, senior, how should I respond?"

Gu Xi was satisfied with Li Mu's attitude and continued, "Fellow Daoist Li has three paths to choose from!"

"Firstly, a firm refusal and stubborn defense of the Dao Tree is the most dangerous strategy. It will inevitably lead to a joint effort from all sides to force the move. Even if an old Daoist intervenes and mediates, it will be difficult to withstand the wrath of the masses and may prematurely ignite a conflict, resulting in an attack by all enemies."

"Secondly, temporarily relying on others may bring temporary stability, but living under someone else's roof will inevitably restrict the growth of the Dao tree, and the true meaning of the Great Dao may be tampered with. In the long run, it is tantamount to cutting off one's own path."

"What about the third way?" Li Mu's face darkened as he looked at Gu Xi and pressed her for an answer.

“Thirdly, retreat to advance, and use the momentum to break the deadlock.” Gu Xi pondered for a moment, then gestured to Li Mu, “Fellow Daoist Li can take the initiative on the Dao Platform to propose the strategy of ‘Chaos as the hub, with all domains jointly defending’—opening up some of the roots of the Dao Tree to connect the barriers of the Dao Domains of the Ancestors, allowing the scattered source Qi to circulate and be shared, and requiring the Ancestors to use their natal Dao Source as a guide to stabilize their respective core domains from collapse. In this way, Chaos will act as the center of harmony, and the domains will surround and coexist. It may seem that Fellow Daoist is the core, but in reality, it will bind the interests of all parties together and share the burden of the calamity.”

Li Mu's eyes flickered slightly: "This strategy...can the ancestors accept it?"

Gu Xi's lips curled into a deep smile: "They have no choice but to agree. Under the tide of annihilation, a single tree cannot hold up the sky. Even the most powerful ancestral trees need external assistance. The ability of Chaos to absorb the source is unique and is the key to maintaining the cycle. Even if the ancestors have their own selfish motives, with the great calamity before them, infighting is pointless. This strategy gives them hope of preserving their Dao Domain, while also subtly creating a system of checks and balances. Wise people will weigh the pros and cons."

After a pause, Gu Xi reminded Li Mu, "However, the key to this strategy lies in the distinction between primary and secondary matters. Fellow Daoist Li must adhere to one point—the Chaos Dao Tree is the pivotal and fundamental element, it cannot be transplanted, it cannot be empowered by external paths, its roots can be partially opened, but the sovereignty of the Dao Tree cannot be infringed upon. This is the bottom line, and there is no room for retreat!"

Li Mu nodded slightly and replied, "Senior Gu's considerations are thorough, and I will certainly follow them."

After speaking, Li Mu raised his cup and took a sip. The tea warmed his mind and cleansed his spirit, but his thoughts raced like lightning.

While Gu Xi's words are certainly reasonable, entrusting one's entire path to others is by no means in Li Mu's nature.

For the Great Dao of Chaos to reach perfection, it must establish its own foothold amidst the struggle of all paths, seize opportunities, and break through the impasse—the struggle among the ancestors of the Star Evolution Dao Platform is a perfect opportunity to fish in troubled waters.

Li Mu's mind raced: "Three thousand years... the great cycle of annihilation is approaching, and all the ancestors want to find a way to avoid the calamity. The Chaos Dao Tree's ability to absorb the source has become the target of everyone's attacks."

"If we blindly rely on Gu Xi, we will gain protection but also be subject to his control, and the Dao Tree will not be able to grow freely. It would be better to take advantage of this Dao Platform meeting to openly honor Gu Xi as the leader, while secretly instigating the power struggle among various parties, causing them to restrain each other. Then, under the name of 'Chaos Hub,' I will seek an opportunity to establish an independent foothold in a corner. Three thousand years is enough time for the Dao Tree to grow several more cycles and become lush and leafy. At that time, even if a great calamity comes, we will have the confidence to deal with it."

Gu Xi gazed at Li Mu for a moment, a subtle, unspoken meaning flashing in her eyes, then raised her cup in a toast: "That's good."

……

After traveling for two days in the small boat, the vast emptiness ahead suddenly opened up.

Here, a hazy sea of ​​light cascades down like a waterfall, converging into a vast and dazzling halo. In the center of the halo, nine enormous, mountain-like skeletal stars float in a nine-palace configuration.

Between the nine star skeletons are connected by chaotic stone beams as thick as dragon veins. The stone beams are carved with images of the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers and peaks, exhaling Daoist rhymes, forming a "Myriad Phenomena Star Evolution Array" that covers a million miles of void.

At the heart of the formation, a platform spanning a thousand miles floats silently. Its surface is paved with a single piece of "Ten Thousand Year Star Marrow Jade," smooth as a mirror, reflecting the sea of ​​light and the eerie, dark landscape of the vast land.

This is the Star Evolution Platform.

Li Mu followed Gu Xi out of the small boat and stood on the platform, feeling an overwhelming aura, a mixture of myriad paths, rushing towards him.
Inside the platform, several figures waited quietly, each with their own aura soaring to the sky, causing the surrounding laws to resonate.

In the east, Dao Ancestor Lei Yan stood majestically, his ten-thousand-foot-tall purple-gold thunder body coiled with countless electric snakes, a thunder crown atop his head, and his eyes, like lightning, swept over Li Mu, a trace of undisguised heat flashing in them.

In the west, Dao Ancestor Qingyuan stood with a smile, his body radiating a bright green light. His gentle gaze seemed to penetrate Li Mu's appearance and see directly into the source of his Dao.

In the central position, the Dao Ancestor Haotian sat upright on a star-shaped futon, dressed in a black robe with wide sleeves. His face was as ancient and simple as a stone sculpture, exuding a profound Daoist aura of "holding the reins of heaven and establishing the foundation of the vast land."

In addition, four other figures each occupied one side of the platform:
On the north side stood an old man in black robes, his figure withered like an ancient pine tree, his eyes bright and clear, radiating the Daoist essence of "the ebb and flow of tides and the passage of time"—he was none other than Dao Ancestor Chaoyuan.

On the south side stood a red-haired woman with a face as beautiful as fire, wearing a phoenix feather robe. Wisps of seven-colored glazed flames danced at her fingertips, reflecting the myriad aspects of the mortal world as the flames swirled. This was none other than Dao Ancestor Yinghong.

On the east side stood a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar in a blue robe, with a calm smile on his face. His figure was sometimes real and sometimes ethereal, seemingly existing yet not existing, as if he might turn into a wisp of breeze and disappear into the void at any moment—this was Dao Ancestor Youguang.

On the west side, an old woman with silver hair leaned on a snake-head cane, her eyelids drooping, looking drowsy. Around her, wisps of "dreamlike mist" swirled, and from within the mist, one could vaguely hear the murmurs of all living beings and the howls of inner demons—the Night-Sickness Dao Ancestor.

Li Mu's gaze swept over the area, and his heart skipped a beat.

The seven Dao Ancestors had all reached the peak of the Dao Returning stage, each achieving perfect Dao, and their Dao Domains had been cultivated for countless epochs. Compared to them, his own Chaos Dao Tree, which had just entered the Dao Integration stage, was indeed as Gu Xi had said—"still shallow in foundation."

However, the Great Dao of Chaos encompasses everything and excels at finding a glimmer of hope in the gaps between countless paths. Li Mu suppressed his myriad emotions and stepped forward with Gu Xi.

On the platform, all the patriarchs' gazes converged on Li Mu. (End of Chapter)