Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

A hundred days have passed in the blink of an eye.

The Hongmeng Dao Fruit on Li Mu's chest, with its gray Dao light and purple-gold lightning on the surface, has gradually become calmer. The gray and gold colors have gradually seeped in a trace of extreme purple lightning intent, and new fine lightning patterns have been created. These patterns intertwine and coexist with the chaotic Dao patterns, adding a touch of fierce decisiveness to the Dao charm. The two are intertwined and inseparable, forming a perfect whole.

Li Mu slightly opened his eyes, and a point of purple lightning disappeared from the depths of the chaotic starry sky in his eyes.

Li Mu raised his hand in a feint, and the radiant light of the Chaos Dao Fruit vanished into his brow, returning to the branch of the Chaos Dao Tree. The Chaos Dao Tree then gained a vast and profound meaning of "lightning is born and destroyed, also belonging to chaos," before slowly fading away.

All the Dao Ancestors focused their attention on each other.

Qingyuan Daozu smiled and congratulated him: "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Li, on refining the Innate Thunder Source for a hundred days and reaching a new level in the Chaos Dao Fruit. This is truly a cause for celebration. Fellow Daoist's Dao embraces all origins into one. Seeing this with my own eyes today, I know that the ancient texts' description of 'chaos encompassing all' is no exaggeration."

Haotian Daozu nodded slightly and praised, "The innate thunder source is a trace of the fundamental source of the thunder great path. It is unruly and violent, and few have been able to absorb it throughout history. Fellow Daoist Li used chaos as a furnace to melt the heretical path without harming himself. On the contrary, it caused the Dao fruit to change and greatly increased his foundation. Such ability makes him worthy of the pivotal role."

"The tides rise and fall, and all streams flow to the sea. Fellow Daoist Li's chaos is like the sea embracing all rivers. The Thunder Source entering it is merely adding a tributary. I... admire it." Dao Ancestor Chaoyuan nodded in praise.

"The Chaos Dao Fruit, fused with lightning patterns, may evolve into a realm in the future, potentially generating its own lightning laws to nourish lightning-attribute beings. Such wondrous creation is something I have only just witnessed today," Dao Ancestor Yinghong agreed.

Gu Xi Daozu glanced at Lei Yan Daozu, whose face was full of anger, and said happily, "Fellow Daoist Lei Yan's finger has become Fellow Daoist Li's opportunity. There is nothing more mysterious in the world than this."

Night-Sickness Dao Ancestor agreed, saying, "When the calamity ends, there will surely be remnants of thunder among the scattered myriad paths. Since Fellow Daoist Li has already refined the innate thunder source, he will have an even greater chance of success when he draws upon the scattered thunder elemental energy. Excellent."

The Dao Ancestors' words no longer contained the previous probing and coercion; instead, they expressed much approval and agreement.

Li Mu's hundred-day refinement of the Thunder Source proves the terrifying potential of the Chaos Dao's "all origins into one," which will hold immense weight in the upcoming Great Cycle of Annihilation and cannot be underestimated by anyone.

In the arena, only Dao Ancestor Lei Yan had a gloomy face and was filled with resentment. The anger in his eyes as he stared at Li Mu was almost tangible.

That wisp of innate lightning source only accounted for one ten-thousandth of the Thunder Dao Ancestor's original source of the Thunder Dao. Its sudden loss left his Dao foundation incomplete, and it would take at least a thousand years of painstaking effort to nurture and repair it in the future. What frustrated him even more was that his all-out attack failed to defeat the opponent, but instead helped the opponent's Dao fruit to transform, winning the praise of all the Dao Ancestors.

“Fellow Daoist Lei Yan.” Dao Ancestor Haotian turned to Dao Ancestor Lei Yan and reminded him, “In sparring and verification, mistakes are inevitable. Now that the innate thunder source has been refined by Fellow Daoist Li, it is also a matter of destiny. Fellow Daoist has a profound foundation in the Great Dao of Thunder. Given time, he can cultivate it to perfection again. Now that the calamity is approaching, I hope that Fellow Daoist will prioritize the overall situation and not lose sight of the bigger picture for the sake of small things.”

Qingyuan Dao Ancestor then advised, "Fellow Daoist Lei Yan, please calm down. Fellow Daoist Li refined the Thunder Source and obtained the True Meaning of Thunder from the Chaos Dao Fruit. This will greatly benefit the smooth flow of thunderous energy during the tribulation, and it will also be helpful to the Vast Earth Forest Sea. Fellow Daoist lost a wisp of Thunder Source, but he was able to receive the protection of the Chaos Hub during the tribulation, preserving the Dao Domain's billions of thunderous realms. Fellow Daoist should weigh which is more important."

"Very well, very well indeed!" Dao Ancestor Lei Yan suppressed his anger and looked at Li Mu with a blank expression, warning, "Li Mu, I will remember what happened today! When the calamity comes, if you fail to fulfill your promise or dare to show the slightest favoritism, I will use the power of the Thunderous Realms to settle accounts with you!"

Li Mu met Lei Yandao's stern gaze and cupped his hands, saying, "Fellow Daoist Lei, rest assured, I will do my utmost since I have agreed to this. During the tribulation, the source qi circulates, and the thunderous qi is channeled away. I will do my best to help."

Lei Yan Daozu snorted coldly, said nothing more, and retreated to the side with a flick of his sleeve. He closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, but his aura was still fluctuating, clearly indicating that his anger had not subsided.

Seeing that the situation was settled, Dao Ancestor Haotian presided over the meeting and said in a loud voice: "In that case, Fellow Daoist Li's previous proposal—that the Chaos Dao Tree should not be transplanted, but should take root in its original place and grow autonomously, opening up 30% of its roots three hundred years before the calamity, and using the Star Evolution Array to build a source energy circulation channel with the various domains; the specific protection range and the proportion of source energy distribution will be discussed at that time according to the amount of effort and the depth of connection of each Dao domain—does anyone have any objections?"

Qingyuan Daozu smiled and nodded: "I have no objection."

Dao Ancestor Chao Yuan: "Agreed."

Dao Ancestor You Guang's figure was faint: "Good."

……

All the Dao Ancestors nodded in agreement.

Lei Yan Daozu snorted, which was taken as tacit agreement.

Gu Xi's expression relaxed, and a hint of relief flashed in her eyes. Li Mu had managed to win this game despite the danger, and had managed to gain a foothold.

The Dao Ancestor Haotian raised his hand and pointed, causing a dazzling starlight to rise from the jade surface in the center of the Star Evolution Platform. Within the radiance, a scroll that was neither silk nor jade, but flowed with starlight, appeared. The pages turned automatically, and Dao patterns spontaneously appeared on the blank pages.

"Fellow Daoists, please use your personal Daoist imprints as proof to jointly record this agreement."

The Dao Ancestor Haotian pointed first, and a wisp of vast and profound starlight Dao rhyme, containing the secrets of heaven and the true meaning of deduction, entered the jade book, transforming into a line of ancient seal script Dao characters flowing with starlight, which recorded the framework of the covenant of the Chaos Hub.

Qingyuan Daozu flicked his finger, and the vibrant green Daoist energy flowed in, adding details; Chaoyuan Daozu drew a line with his withered finger, and tidal Daoist patterns were imprinted on it; Yinghong, Youguang, and Yeyan followed suit; Leiyan Daozu flicked out a wisp of purple lightning pattern, roughly and domineeringly branding it into the book.

Gu Xi casually waved his hand, imprinting the true meaning of Gui Cang, and acting as guarantor for Li Mu.

Li Mu formed hand seals, releasing a chaotic Daoist energy, which he gently tapped into the jade scroll.

As the imprints of various Daoist principles converged, the jade book shone brightly. The pages closed, transforming into a stream of light that entered the core of the Star Evolution Array, connecting with the energy of the nine star skeletons. From then on, this agreement was subject to the monitoring of the Star Evolution Array, which could be checked by all ancestors at any time. Those who violated it would trigger a backlash from the array, and their Daoist hearts would be clouded.

"The contract is complete." Dao Ancestor Haotian solemnly looked at Li Mu and gestured, "As Fellow Daoist Li suggested, every five hundred years thereafter, we will meet here at the Star Evolution Dao Platform to discuss progress and exchange information. The next Dao Assembly will be held five hundred years from now. Does anyone have any objections?"

All the Dao Ancestors had no objections. Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "In that case, the Dao Assembly ends here today. I hope that after you all return, you will make preparations early, diligently cultivate your Dao Domains, and strive to overcome the great calamity together."

Gu Xi stood up and said to Li Mu, "Fellow Daoist Li, please return with this old Daoist."

Li Mu nodded and bowed to the assembled Dao Ancestors in farewell. The Ancestors returned the bow, each with a different expression.

With a flick of his sleeve, Gu Xi enveloped the two figures in a radiant Daoist aura, their forms gradually fading away before disappearing swiftly from the Starry Dao Platform.

……

Once Gu Xi and Li Mu had completely departed, the previous harmony at Xingyan Daotai instantly vanished, and the atmosphere suddenly became extremely heavy.

Lei Yan Daozu suddenly opened his eyes, purple lightning surging in them, and questioned sharply: "Haotian! Qingyuan! Why did you two stop me just now? That Li Mu stole my innate thunder source, this is an irreconcilable enmity! You kept trying to persuade me to make peace, could it be that you were really intimidated by that brat and are willing to submit?"

The Dao Ancestor Haotian remained calm and advised, "Fellow Daoist Lei Yan, please calm down. It's not that I'm trying to stop you, but rather that the situation dictates it."

Qingyuan Dao Ancestor smiled and gestured: "Fellow Daoist Lei Yan, we both know the power of your 'Innate Thunder Source' finger strike. Fellow Daoist Li was able to withstand and refine it with the Chaos Dao Fruit, which is enough to prove that his foundation far exceeds the initial stage of the Dao Integration Realm. His foundation is extraordinary. If we forcibly tear off the mask, even if we join forces and Gu Xi protects us to the death, a chaotic battle on the Starry Sky Platform would be fierce, even if we win, it would be tragic and only damage our Dao foundation. What good would that do for the calamity?"

Dao Ancestor Chaoyuan, with his withered face expressionless, agreed: "That's right. Moreover, Fellow Daoist Li has already made concessions in his proposal. Once he opens up 30% of his roots to connect to the great array, it will be discussed once every 500 years. There are endless variables in the next 3,000 years. We may not be without a chance. Fellow Daoist Lei is too hasty."

Yinghong Daozu said in a deep voice, "That old fox Gu Xi also has schemes against the Chaos Dao, and even passed on the Guicang True Meaning to Li Mu. The two are colluding more and more. If we keep forcing them, it will only make them more united. It is better to abide by this agreement for now and deal with them slowly."

Dao Ancestor You Guang smiled and agreed, "That's how it should be. The Great Dao of Chaos is not easy to deal with. Being too hasty will backfire. That brat Li Mu wants to use Chaos as a hub to contain all the sources and maintain the cycle. This strategy is grand. However, how violent and chaotic are the source qi that the calamity tide dissipates? Even if Chaos has the ability to contain it, it still needs the cooperation of the corresponding Dao Domain, the guidance of the formation, and the support of the source. Three thousand years will pass in the blink of an eye. If he has not grown enough by then, that will be the time for us to intervene. ... There is a lot to be done here!"

"What Fellow Daoist You Guang said is quite right!" Dao Ancestor Ye Yan nodded in agreement, but then suddenly thought of something, pondered for a moment, and added, "However, Li Mu's Dao heart is firm and steady, and he is not someone who can be easily manipulated. Three thousand years is neither a long time nor a short time. There may be opportunities during that time, but I'm afraid things may easily change."

"What's so difficult about that? The massive resources required for the Chaos Dao Tree to grow, the abundance of source energy in the place where it takes root, and the smoothness or reversal of the evolution of the realm can all be secretly influenced. It's up to you to do it. Just don't give yourself away!" Qingyuan Dao Ancestor was slightly pleased and gestured.

Upon hearing this, Dao Ancestor Lei Yan's anger subsided instantly, and his purple-lightning eyes narrowed: "Your intentions are... to outwardly abide by the agreement, while secretly trying to restrain it and prevent it from growing too fast? When the calamity arrives, if the Chaos Dao Tree does not meet expectations, you can take advantage of the situation to suppress it, forcing it to relinquish more power, or even... seize the opportunity to take away its Dao Tree origin?"

The Dao Ancestor Haotian nodded and thought to himself, "The covenant of the Chaos Hub has been established and cannot be violated openly. However, Li Mu's Dao Tree needs various resources to grow. The land with abundant source energy in the vast land has long been claimed. Although the place where he took root is under the protection of Gu Xi, it is ultimately just a corner. In the past three thousand years, if the flow of source energy in the surrounding area changes slightly, or if some 'accidents' disturb the peace of his Dao Domain... all of this is within reason."

The Qingyuan Dao Ancestor nodded in approval, saying, "The Dao of Vitality in my Qingyuan Dao Domain is indeed remarkably effective in nourishing all things. However, excessive vitality can cause plants to grow wildly and spiritual energy to stagnate, thus disrupting the balance of Dao. If Fellow Daoist Li needs the nourishment of vitality, I am happy to 'generously' assist you, but I am somewhat unsure about the dosage and proportion."

Yinghong Daozu smiled and said, "The flames of the mortal world are adept at stirring up inner demons and distracting thoughts, burning away the Dao heart. As the number of living beings within Fellow Daoist Li's Dao Tree gradually increases, it is inevitable that the seven emotions and six desires will arise. My Dao Source may be able to help these living beings 'temper their minds,' but if the fire is too strong, it may inadvertently damage their fundamental nature."

Dao Ancestor Youguang replied knowingly, "Youguang's escape is without shadow or form. When it passed by Fellow Daoist Li's Dao Domain, it left a few traces of its exploration. Judging from its growth process, Fellow Daoist Li probably won't mind. However, if the exploration is too frequent, it will inevitably disturb its peace."

Nightshade Dao Ancestor's dim eyes were half-open, and he smiled sinisterly: "Dreamscapes and mists can reflect the depths of the heart. When I have nothing to do, I release some fragments of nightmares to drift over, so that the creatures of that realm may have nightmares and temper their souls. It is a meritorious deed. However, if these nightmares are too realistic and frighten the newly born intelligence, it will make me seem like I am not the right one."

……

The seven Dao Ancestors spoke one after another, without explicitly stating their intention to join forces, but their words all implied a strategy to secretly restrain and interfere with the growth of Li Mu's Chaos Dao Tree.

Upon hearing this, Dao Ancestor Lei Yan was in high spirits. His purple-lightning eyes flashed with a fierce light as he excitedly said, "Good! Let's go by this plan! I will temporarily swallow this humiliation and act according to the agreement. In secret... I will make sure that Li Mu knows that the Vast Forest is not a place where this newly promoted Dao Ancestor can roam freely! If the Chaos Dao Tree has not grown by the time the calamity arrives three thousand years later, I will settle accounts with him then!"

Haotian Daozu nodded slightly and instructed the other Daozu: "You must be careful to act appropriately. Gu Xi is not someone to be trifled with. He has been operating in the Guizang Dao Domain for countless epochs and has keen senses. All your methods must be done naturally, like a natural disaster or an accident, without leaving any obvious traces, and without touching the bottom line of the Star Evolution Jade Book contract. Otherwise, you will give Gu Xi a pretext to make trouble."

Qingyuan Daozu smiled faintly: "Fellow Daoist Haotian, rest assured, I know what I'm doing. Boiling a frog in lukewarm water is the best strategy."

Daoist Chaoyuan tapped his withered fingers lightly: "This old man understands."

The Dao Ancestors then held a secret meeting for a while, and decided on a rough plan to secretly hinder each other. They all understood each other without saying a word and reached a tacit agreement.

The Dao Ancestor Haotian rose, waved his sleeve, and the light of the Starry Dao Platform gradually faded, indicating, "That's all for today. After you all return, act according to the plan. We will observe the changes at the Dao Assembly five hundred years later."

As soon as the words were spoken, the figures of the Dao Ancestors transformed into streams of light and disappeared into the Starry Dao Platform.

On the other side, Li Mu saw Gu Xi off, turned around and stepped into the Chaos Dao Tree. He sat cross-legged, his eyes gradually closing, and his mind sank completely into the depths of the tree's heart.

The Chaos Dao Tree's countless roots stretched out, deeply penetrating the vast and secluded soil. These roots, like living creatures, moved and traversed layers of sticky earth, finding several "earth vein spiritual apertures" with exceptionally abundant source energy.

A massive amount of primordial energy was forcibly drawn up, flowing upstream along the roots and into the main trunk. The primordial energy was thick and complex, containing the chaotic evil energy and lingering filth accumulated over countless ages in the vast land. Ordinary ancestral trees would need to slowly cleanse and purify it with their own Daoist principles before daring to incorporate it into their origin.

However, the Chaos Dao Tree cultivated by Li Mu was completely different. The newly fused Thunderous True Intent erupted, and countless tiny purple lightning bolts shot out from the Dao patterns, flowing between the tree's veins. Wherever they passed, the yin and filth within the mixed source energy were completely cleansed by the supreme yang and powerful energy of the thunder, leaving behind only the pure chaotic essence…

Refining evil, purifying, and absorbing source energy... all three steps are carried out simultaneously, increasing the efficiency of the Chaos Dao Tree in absorbing source energy by more than tenfold!
The towering tree trunk grew rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye, reaching 160 million zhang, 180 million zhang..., 200 million zhang... (End of this chapter)