Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

Li Mu stepped onto the Star Evolution Platform.

In an instant, heaven and earth turned upside down, and all phenomena became nothingness.

The jade-like surface of the platform beneath his feet rippled like water, while the sea of ​​light above his head cascaded down like a waterfall, transforming into a "sky curtain." Around him, the illusory images of nine star skeletons rotated, casting distorted and deformed light and shadow.

"Fellow Daoist Li, Fellow Daoist Gu, please enter the stage."

The host, Dao Ancestor Haotian, greeted them with a smile, his Daoist voice ethereal.

Li Mu and Gu Xi readily accepted the good advice and entered the Dao Platform. They sat cross-legged in two empty spaces on the platform, next to each other.

The Dao Ancestor Haotian looked at Li Mu and went straight to the point: "The calamity is approaching, and the lives of billions of beings in the Vast Forest are hanging by a thread. The Chaos Dao Tree has the ability to absorb all sources and maintain the cycle, and it is the key to surviving the calamity. I propose that this tree be moved to the core of the Star Evolution Array, with the Nine Star Bones as the foundation and the Myriad Phenomena Star Evolution Array as the auxiliary, so that all ancestors can jointly study its Dao and refine its pivotal power. In this way, the tree's ability to absorb sources can be maximized, benefiting all regions of the forest."

As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of purple lightning suddenly shone around Lei Yan Daozu on the east side.

"Fellow Daoist Haotian is absolutely right!" Dao Ancestor Leiyan's voice boomed like thunder as he looked at Li Mu and agreed, "The Chaos Dao Tree is newly formed, and its foundation is still tender. It needs the nourishment and tempering of all the Daos. By placing it at the core of the Star Evolution Array and letting it be cleansed day and night by the Dao Rhyme of the Ancestors, it can grow faster and become powerful sooner. Fellow Daoist Li, this is a grand plan for the Vast Land. You should prioritize the overall situation."

With a smile, Dao Ancestor Qingyuan offered a tactful suggestion: "Fellow Daoist Lei Yan is too hasty. The Star Array's malevolent energy is too heavy. The Chaos Dao Tree is ultimately a plant, newly sprouted and delicate, and I fear it will be unable to withstand the tempering of thunder day and night. In my opinion, it would be better to invite Fellow Daoist Li to my Azure Domain. The Azure Domain has the most abundant vitality, and all spirits are in harmony. I will use the source of vitality to nurture the Dao Tree, supplemented by the 'All Trees in Spring' array, which can ensure that the Dao Tree's roots are not damaged. We can proceed slowly and gradually, and it will not be too late to discuss the pivotal position when its branches and leaves are lush."

As soon as Qingyuan Daozu finished speaking, the expressions of the Daozus in the arena changed, and the atmosphere suddenly froze.

Dao Ancestor Chaoyuan's expression was solemn, as if he was pondering this plan; Dao Ancestor Yinghong opened his eyes, his gaze shifting between Li Mu and Gu Xi; Dao Ancestor Youguang's gaze fell on Dao Ancestor Haotian and Dao Ancestor Leiyan, observing their reactions; a glint of light flashed beneath Dao Ancestor Yeyan's drooping eyelids.

None of the ancestors echoed or refuted the statement; they were all clearly observing and watching Li Mu and Gu Xi, waiting for their reaction.

Gu Xi's gentle smile remained unchanged, and his clear Daoist aura naturally spread out as he retorted in a deep voice: "Fellow Daoist Haotian and Fellow Daoist Qingyuan's plan is inappropriate!"

"The Great Dao of Chaos has its own path. Fellow Daoist Li's Dao Tree is rooted in fertile soil and grows from its origin. Its Dao Rhyme evolution and root extension are all perfectly integrated with the source Qi of the land where it is located. Forcibly transplanting it, even with all kinds of care, will sever its foundation and damage its Dao source. This will not help it grow, but will actually damage its root."

Gu Xi paused for a moment, then continued, "Furthermore, the Chaos Absorbing Source's power lies in its ability to encompass and evolve. If it is passively nourished and placed at the core of the great formation, where it is forcibly infused by all the myriad paths, it may disrupt its own evolutionary rhythm. Moving it into the Azure Domain, even with the nurturing of life, would lose the rich and complex nature of the vast earth's source energy, thus limiting its path. Such practices are tantamount to pulling up seedlings to help them grow, or they may cause the Chaos Dao Tree to lose its true meaning of encompassing all things and generating its own heavenly secrets."

Gu Xi's words made sense, and the platform fell into a brief silence as soon as he finished speaking.

A moment later, Dao Ancestor Haotian suddenly spoke, his tone heavy: "I understand Fellow Daoist Gu Xi's heart in protecting the Dao, but the calamity tide waits for no one. No matter how fast the Chaos Dao Tree grows, what realm can it reach in three thousand years? Without the assistance of the Daoist essence of the ancestors and the acceleration of the Star Evolution Array, if it is allowed to grow naturally, it may not be able to shoulder the heavy responsibility before the great calamity arrives. At that time, the Vast Earth Forest Sea will be missing a crucial link, and trillions of realms will collapse. Who will bear the consequences of such karma?"

These words struck at the heart, directly binding Li Mu to the "life or death of Zulin," forcing him to make a statement.

Lei Yan Dao Ancestor glared angrily at Gu Xi and said sternly, "Old Daoist Gu Xi, you are protecting him at every turn. Do you want to monopolize the benefits of the Chaos Dao Tree? Fellow Daoist Li, today on the Starry Sky Platform, all the ancestors are discussing and setting rules. If you are aware of the bigger picture, you should take on the important responsibility. If you insist on your own interests and disregard the ancestors of the Vast Land, you will be making an enemy of the Lin Hai Domain!"

Before he finished speaking, Dao Ancestor Lei Yan's thunderous Dao Domain erupted, and thousands of purple lightning snakes danced wildly, transforming into a phantom of an annihilating thunder dragon that hovered above the Dao Platform, staring intently at Li Mu. The terrifying destructive Dao intent pressed down as if it were a tangible substance.

"Lei Yan! How dare you make a move on the Starry Sky Platform?" Gu Xi shouted coldly. The Dao Tree behind him appeared, blocking the Thunder Dragon, and the Dao Aura was reversed into the power of "Annihilation Spirit".

The Dao domains of two peak Dao Ancestors clashed, causing the Dao Platform to tremble violently. The illusory images of the Nine Star Bones flickered, and the Myriad Manifestations Star Evolution Array spontaneously activated, with Dao patterns lighting up layer by layer to stabilize this space.

Qingyuan Daozu frowned slightly, his body surrounded by shimmering azure light, and gently advised, "Fellow Daoists, why be angry? The Starry Sky Dao Platform should persuade with reason!"

The Dao Ancestor Haotian sat motionless, his body radiating starlight that swallowed up the residual Daoist energy that reached him. His gaze remained fixed on Li Mu, as if awaiting his decision.

The four Dao Ancestors, Chao Yuan, Ying Hong, You Guang, and Ye Yan, each used their own methods to protect Gu Xi, their eyes gleaming, clearly pleased to see Gu Xi and Lei Yan clash, in order to ascertain the truth of the matter.

Li Mu stood at the center of the collision of Dao domains. The Chaos Dao Tree appeared, absorbing the violent thunder intent and the Dao rhyme of Gui Cang to protect himself. He looked at the annihilating thunder dragon, glanced at the different expressions of the ancestors, and his mind was filled with a hundred thoughts.

Gu Xi's defense was expected, but the sheer force of his stance, his willingness to confront Lei Yan Daozu head-on, made Li Mu increasingly unsure of his true intentions.

Haotian used his overwhelming power to intimidate people, Leiyan used his strength to coerce people, and Qingyuan used his gentleness to entangle people... What the ancestors sought was nothing more than control over the Chaos Dao Tree, or at least dominance over it.

……

Li Mu pondered for a moment, then looked at Dao Ancestor Lei Yan and asked, "Fellow Daoist Lei Yan, do you want me to make an oath? A promise to use the Chaos Dao Tree as a hub to provide protection for the Dao domains of all of you and maintain the circulation of Origin Qi when the Cataclysmic Tide comes?"

Lei Yan Dao Ancestor snorted coldly and confirmed, "That's right! Since the Chaos Dao Tree has the ability to absorb sources, it should shoulder this important responsibility. You need to make a Great Dao Oath, stating that during the calamity you should selflessly protect all domains, without bias, and without using your pivotal position to coerce or demand excessive prices. Only in this way can the ancestors rest assured and allow your Dao Tree to continue to grow."

The Qingyuan Dao Ancestor smiled and replied, "The Great Dao Oath, which touches the very source, is the most just. If Fellow Daoist Li is willing to take the oath, my proposal to nurture him in the Qing Domain can be abandoned. After all, in the face of calamity, it is only right to work together."

Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded slightly: "Making an oath to show impartiality can put the concerns of all realms at ease. If Fellow Daoist Li is willing to do so, the position at the core of the Star Evolution Array can also be discussed again."

All the patriarchs on the platform focused their gazes on Li Mu, awaiting his response.

Gu Xi frowned and transmitted her voice to Li Mu: "Fellow Daoist Li, do not make an oath lightly! The oaths of the Great Dao are far-reaching and complex. Once made, you must act according to the oath when the calamity comes, and you must not disobey even if there are all kinds of changes. What they want is to bind you and the Chaos Dao Tree to the responsibility of 'protecting all realms'. At that time, the resources needed for the growth of your Dao Tree and the space needed for its evolution will all be subject to this oath, and your path of cultivation will be hindered!"

Li Mu remained silent for a moment.

He was well aware of the power of the Great Dao Oath. This oath was based on the origin of the Great Dao. Once it was made, if it was broken when the great calamity came, at best the Dao heart would be clouded and the realm would fall, and at worst the Great Dao would backfire and the Dao foundation would collapse.

The ancestors were using the pretext of the great cause of the land to actually bind and control the people.

However, if an oath is not taken, things may not end well today. Dao Ancestor Lei Yan dared to break the ice and take action, Dao Ancestor Hao Tian and Dao Ancestor Qing Yuan pressed on step by step, and the other four ancestors remained on the same page.

Gu Xi, alone, was no match for the masses. A relentless, forceful refusal would only hasten conflict, ultimately harming him. Li Mu's gaze deepened, his mind racing. A vague idea rose from the depths of his Dao heart: "Return to the source... seal away, settle, retreat from the world..."

After thinking it over, Li Mu looked at the assembled Dao Ancestors and said in a deep voice, "I admire your concern for the Vast Ancestral Forest."

"The Great Dao of Chaos does indeed possess the ability to absorb sources, and it may be of assistance to various domains during the calamity and destruction tide. This is a responsibility bestowed upon me by the Heavenly Dao, and I dare not refuse it."

Gu Xi's expression changed slightly, and she immediately used telepathy to stop him.

Li Mu seemed oblivious and continued, "However, the Great Dao Oath concerns the very origin and cannot be lightly established. I have a compromise plan, which I would like to invite fellow Daoists to consider."

Upon hearing this, all the Dao Ancestors present focused their gazes on Li Mu.

"Fellow Daoist Li, please speak!" Dao Ancestor Haotian quickly gestured.

Li Mu nodded and said, "The Star Evolution Platform was forged by Fellow Daoist Haotian using the remains of stars and the primordial energy of the vast earth. It contains the Myriad Phenomena Star Evolution Array, which can deduce heavenly secrets and resonate with all the Daos. I am willing to use this platform as proof to promise that three hundred years before the arrival of the Calamity Annihilation Tide, I will open up 30% of the roots of the Chaos Dao Tree and, with the power of the Star Evolution Array, construct a 'Primordial Energy Circulation Channel' with the Dao Domains that are willing to connect."

"This passage is only used to channel and balance the scattered source energy during the calamity, maintaining the continuous cycle. On ordinary days, everyone cultivates independently without interfering with each other. The Chaos Dao Tree will not be transplanted, nor will it belong to any domain. It will remain rooted in its original place and grow at its own pace. As for the specific protection range and source energy distribution ratio during the calamity, it can be determined at that time based on the amount of effort each domain contributes and the depth of its connection with the great array."

After speaking, Li Mu looked at Dao Ancestor Haotian and continued, "Fellow Daoist Haotian is in charge of the Star Evolution Array and is most proficient in connecting and channeling things, so he can be in charge. In this way, we can avoid the harshness of taking an oath, deal with calamities in practice, and preserve the autonomy of the Chaos Dao Tree. What do you fellow Daoists think?"

As soon as Li Mu finished speaking, the expressions of the Dao Ancestors present changed, and they quickly weighed the pros and cons of this proposal.

Without a Great Dao Oath, Li Mu cannot be bound. However, his promise to open 30% of his roots to connect with the Great Array will indeed provide practical protection during the Great Calamity. If the Chaos Dao Tree is not transplanted, the Ancestors will find it difficult to monopolize its benefits, thus avoiding the worry of any single entity becoming too powerful. Haotian, by managing the connection matters, will gain a share of authority in an invisible way...

Lei Yan Daozu frowned, purple lightning flashing in his eyes, dissatisfied that this proposal had not managed to subdue Li Mu.

The Qingyuan Dao Ancestor's smile was faint, his gaze shifting between Li Mu and Haotian, as if trying to guess whether the two had any tacit understanding.

After pondering for a moment, Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded in approval and said, "Fellow Daoist Li's suggestion... is indeed pragmatic. The Star Evolution Array can indeed help to guide and connect the source energy. However, is 30% of the roots enough? When the great calamity descends, how violently the source energy will dissipate. If there is not enough source energy to absorb, it may be difficult to maintain the multi-domain cycle."

Li Mu answered truthfully: "Three thousand years from now, my Dao Tree will be far more magnificent than it is today. With thirty percent of its roots, it will be able to draw in a considerable amount of scattered source energy. If you fellow Daoists still feel it is insufficient, you can each reinforce the passage with your own natal Dao source, or set up auxiliary formations in your respective Dao domains to share the pressure. The Chaos Dao Tree is the hub, but it is not the only reliance. Each domain itself must also do its best."

Dao Ancestor Chao Yuan questioned, "Connecting to the great formation and opening the roots... how can Fellow Daoist Li guarantee that the connection won't be suddenly severed during the tribulation, or that he won't favor one side?"

Li Mu turned to look at him and said solemnly, "As Fellow Daoist Chao Yuan has to worry about, I can promise you this: once the Origin Qi circulation channel during the tribulation is established, unless the channel itself collapses or the connected Dao domain actively severs it, I will not unilaterally terminate it. As for favoritism..."

Li Mu paused slightly, then continued, "Within the Star Evolution Array, the flow of Origin Qi follows a predictable pattern. Fellow Daoist Haotian is in charge of the array, and all fellow Daoists can monitor it. Moreover, the Chaos Origin Absorption is about inclusiveness and balance. If one deliberately favors it, it will damage the Dao Tree's own cycle. How could I, Li, do something that harms others and benefits no one?"

Daoist Youguang gave Li Mu a meaningful look and said with a faint smile, "Words are not enough."

Li Mu nodded: "It can be recorded in the 'Starry Jade Book', with the Daoist imprint as proof, and stored in the core of the great formation. In this way, fellow Daoists can verify it at any time."

Upon hearing this, the Dao Ancestors fell silent once more, their gazes meeting, their thoughts constantly communicating, and their discussions becoming increasingly heated.

Gu Xi's expression softened slightly. Li Mu's proposal, seemingly a concession, was actually a strategy of exchanging "opening up some roots" for the autonomy of "not making vows or transplanting," pushing specific responsibilities to be discussed before the calamity, leaving room for maneuver for three thousand years, and drawing Hao Tian into the game to take charge, thus diverting attention. It was indeed a strategy of retreating to advance.

Lei Yan Dao Ancestor suddenly sneered: "Easy for you to say! What if your Dao Tree does not grow as expected in three thousand years, or if your Dao Foundation is damaged along the way, and you are unable to fulfill today's agreement?"

Li Mu met Lei Yan Daozu's gaze, his expression turning cold: "Then I ask Fellow Daoist Lei Yan to find another way, or... to personally test whether my Dao Tree is still capable of fulfilling its pivotal role."

Lei Yan Daozu frowned, his purple pupils shrank suddenly, and thunder roared around him, as if he was about to unleash his power.

"Fellow Daoist Lei Yan, don't be hasty!" Dao Ancestor Haotian quickly spoke up to stop him.

Lei Yan Daozu glared at Li Mu, snorted coldly, and stopped his attack.

Haotian Daozu gave Li Mu a deep look and praised him, "Fellow Daoist Li's proposal takes into account both reality and long-term prospects, and can be considered a temporary solution. Fellow Daoists, if you have no objections, you may record it in the Star Evolution Jade Book and tentatively establish this agreement."

Qingyuan Dao Ancestor's eyes flickered, and he chuckled, "I have no objection. However, over the past three thousand years, Fellow Daoist Li's Dao Tree has grown, and we should always be concerned about it. Why don't we meet regularly at the Star Evolution Platform to discuss the progress and share our information?"

This proposal, seemingly out of concern, is actually intended to monitor Li Mu regularly and prevent him from slipping out of control.

Li Mu was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "This is easy to solve. We can meet at this platform every five hundred years and the outcome will be clear. What do you all think?"

Upon hearing Li Mu's words, the aura of the Dao Platform condensed like mercury, and the expressions of the Dao Ancestors varied.

Dao Ancestor Lei Yan retorted vehemently, "A discussion every five hundred years? There are too many variables. If something unexpected happens during that time, are we supposed to just wait in vain? This method is unfounded and baseless; it absolutely won't work!"

“Fellow Daoist Lei Yan, your words are too extreme. Fellow Daoist Li’s willingness to record the Daoist essence in the Starry Jade Book already shows his sincerity. Although five hundred years is a long time, the growth of the Chaos Dao Tree is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Regular discussions can actually eliminate suspicion,” Gu Xi interjected with a smile.

"I think... Lei Yan's concerns are not without merit. The cycle of annihilation is imminent, and three thousand years will pass in the blink of an eye. If we only realize that progress is not going well after five hundred years, it will be too late to make amends. It would be better if... Fellow Daoist Li manifested a wisp of the Chaos Dao Source on this platform every hundred years, so that all fellow Daoists could observe its growth." Night-Sickness Dao Ancestor said.

“A hundred years is too frequent and will affect Fellow Daoist Li’s seclusion! With the great calamity imminent, when will the Chaos Dao Ancestor be able to become one?” Gu Xi sneered.

……

For a time, the Dao Ancestors argued endlessly, creating a heated atmosphere. (End of Chapter)