Gou Dao and Cultivation of Immortals, Start from Farming

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

Li Mu's mind merged with the Chaos Dao Tree, and he clearly sensed the growth of the Chaos Dao Tree and the advancement of his realm.

The true meaning of "creation" within that wisp of innate lightning source was completely refined, giving rise to a boundless vitality that was injected into the many world embryos on the branches.

In the Ice and Snow Fox Realm, deep within the vast glaciers, thunderclouds suddenly gathered, bringing down wisps of life-giving "spring thunder rain." Nourished by this, the glaciers sprouted some cold-resistant spiritual plants...

In the realm of the Vajra Ape, atop the Ten Thousand Mountains, a chaotic bolt of lightning suddenly erupted, striking the ancestral mountain's secret cave.

Xiao Jin was refining his Vajra Essence when he was struck by lightning. His marrow churned, and a wisp of "Thunderous Battle Blood" was born, merging into his giant ape form. His eyes burst with lightning, his aura surged, and the barrier of the late stage of the Seed Dao shattered. He stepped into the peak of the Seed Dao!
Within the Myriad Realms of Puppets, at the core of the Puppets' Dao, the Bright Moon's deduction of the Great Dao puzzle suddenly revealed countless lightning-related variables. Data surged wildly, instantly optimizing a "Chaotic Lightning Evolution Model" to seven hundred and twenty versions...

Li Mu gained profound insight into the Great Dao of Thunder, and the Chaos Source Furnace operated three times faster, greatly benefiting the lords of all realms and the Dao Sources of their respective realms.

Li Mu's aura steadily increased, completely solidifying his Dao foundation at the mid-stage of the Dao Integration realm, rapidly growing stronger, and continuing to advance towards the late-stage of the Dao Integration realm.

Beneath the Chaos Dao Tree, Li Mu sat cross-legged, his body surrounded by a hazy Dao light that rose and fell like the tides.

The only Primordial Dao Fruit atop the Chaos Dao Tree has mysterious and unified chaotic Dao patterns on its surface. Only the newly fused purple lightning patterns are unpredictable, sometimes bursting with lightning, sometimes disappearing into the fruit, and sometimes vanishing without a trace. ... These various Dao phenomena are incompatible with the profound foundation of the Chaos Dao and its all-encompassing nature.

Li Mu's eyes were closed and his brows were furrowed.

Refining the innate lightning source and obtaining the Dao of Returning to the Source brought many benefits, helping the Chaos Dao Tree to overcome difficulties in its growth.

However, the Great Dao of Thunder and the Dao of Returning to the Source are ultimately "external paths." Even if they are forcibly incorporated into the Great Dao of Chaos, it will still take time to refine and perfect them.

At this moment, a wisp of purple lightning intent condensed from the Dao Fruit surged like a living dragon, carrying the "Innate Thunder Dao Source" cultivated by Dao Ancestor Lei Yan for 198,000 years. It had already obtained the Dao Source of Gu Xi - Gui Cang, and inevitably some disharmony arose with the Chaos Origin.

This is not a good omen.

The Great Dao of Chaos encompasses everything and evolves infinitely, possessing the ability to "embrace all origins into one." However, the innate thunder Dao source absorbed this time originated from the source of the Thunder Ancestor, containing the true meaning of thunder cultivated throughout his life, his obsession with the Great Dao, and a trace of "calamity and destruction" Dao mark.

Not to mention, the Guizang Dao Source obtained through the exchange with Gu Xi contains two Dao traces of "Cataclysm".

These heretical paths are all the original sources of the Great Dao with a master. Even if they are forcibly absorbed by Chaos, they are like stubborn stones entering the belly, difficult to dissolve.

"This appearance resembles the injury suffered by someone who has attained enlightenment..."

Li Mu suddenly realized that this was one of the "seven wounds" mentioned by Gu Xi.

When he first entered the realm of Dao Integration, his chaotic foundation was not yet stable. Suddenly incorporating two powerful external sources was like a child forcibly swallowing the food of tigers and wolves. He was satisfied for a moment, but it damaged the foundation of his Dao.

The purple lightning manifested by the Chaos Dao Fruit, and the hidden Dao forms, are all injuries left behind by the excessive speed of "increase" and the incomplete transformation of "absorption".

If it is not refined and polished in time, and is allowed to collide, at best the Dao rhythm will be disordered, and at worst the origin will collapse and the foundation of the Dao will be damaged.

"It must be refined slowly, using chaos as a furnace."

With a thought, Li Mu formed the Dao seal of "Chaos Furnace" with both hands, causing the majestic Dao tree to tremble violently.

The countless leaves on the branches rustled, and the hazy light of the Dao cascaded down like a waterfall, pouring into the Primordial Dao Fruit. The nine layers of the "Chaos Creation Diagram" on the surface of the Dao Fruit rotated faster, with the differentiation of purity and turbidity, the rotation of the five elements, the arrangement of stars... All kinds of evolutionary true meanings transformed into invisible Dao fire, which was born from all directions, wanting to completely refine and merge the two external origins into the Great Dao of Chaos.

Just at this time,

A million miles away in the dark void, on the land where the Chaos Dao Tree was rooted, three figures quietly arrived, their auras concealed within the vast land.

Night-Sickness Dao Ancestor leaned on his snake-headed cane, his eyes half-open, surrounded by dreamlike mist and haze, within which the whispers of all living beings could be faintly heard; Wandering Light Dao Ancestor's figure was illusory, like a wisp of breeze that could dissipate at any moment; Qingyuan Dao Ancestor's aura was completely concealed, and the vibrant Dao essence was no longer present.

The three Dao Ancestors concealed their Dao essence and, by taking advantage of the flow of the primordial Qi of the vast earth, quietly approached the place where the Chaos Dao Tree was rooted.

"what?"

Night-Sickness Dao Ancestor suddenly stopped, lightly tapping the void with his snake-headed cane, and said in a low voice, "The Chaos Dao Tree's aura is disordered, and its Dao rhythms are clashing... That brat Li Mu seems to be healing his injuries?"

Dao Ancestor You Guang manifested his figure, a faint smile playing on his lips. He said with delight, "That brat Li Mu has just entered the Dao Integration stage. He is greedy by nature and does not know the difficulty of the Great Dao. He first obtained the Gui Cang Dao Source given by Gu Xi, and then obtained Fellow Daoist Lei's Innate Thunder Source. This boy... is too greedy and cannot digest more. He must have suffered the injury of the Dao Increase. Even if the Chaos Great Dao can encompass all Daos, I am afraid it will be difficult for him to digest in a short time!"

After sensing for a moment, Qingyuan Daozu smiled in agreement: "It is indeed an injury that enhances one's Dao. I did not expect Fellow Daoist Li to trigger this stage so quickly. This injury originates from the source of the Great Dao, making it the most troublesome and requiring a long period of time to heal. Our arrival is... just in time."

Upon hearing this, the three Dao Ancestors exchanged glances, each gleaning a tacit understanding from the other's eyes.

The Starry Dao Platform Agreement was ostensibly a discussion among the Dao Ancestors about overcoming the great calamity together, but in reality, each of them plotted to restrain Li Mu's growth as he cultivated the Chaos Dao and to seize the origin of this Dao.

Now, having stumbled upon his critical period of healing, is a godsend.

"Strike while the iron is hot!" Dao Ancestor Yeyan smiled sinisterly. Before his laughter had even faded, countless phantom images of inner demons materialized from the dreamlike mist around him, baring their fangs and claws as they pounced on Li Mu.

Just then, Dao Ancestor Youguang intervened, signaling, "No. The Star Evolution Jade Contract is still in effect. If we make a move openly, it will surely provoke Gu Xi to act as well. Moreover... the Great Dao of Chaos is profound and mysterious. If we push it too far, something unexpected might happen."

"What, do you have other methods?" Night-Scented Dao Ancestor frowned and stopped.

Qingyuan Dao Ancestor smiled slightly and said gently, "Why take action openly? The root of Zengdao's injury lies in the conflict of the external Dao's origin. Since we are fellow Daoists, we felt sorry for Fellow Daoist Li because his Dao injury was difficult to heal. We sacrificed a portion of our Dao source to help him refine it as soon as possible... This is a good deed, and even if Gu Xi were to come in person, he would have no reason to criticize it!"

Upon hearing this, Dao Ancestor Ye Yan's spirits lifted, and he understood the meaning. He praised, "Excellent! The Nightmare Dao Source can draw upon the tribulations of inner demons to help him 'temper' his Dao heart; Fellow Daoist You Guang's Void Law can disrupt his perception of space and time, prolonging his healing process; Fellow Daoist Qing Yuan's Vitality Dao Source... seemingly nourishing, is actually like excessive sweet rain turning into a flood. With all three sources entering at once, even the all-encompassing Chaos Dao will find it difficult to digest in a short time. At that time, his Dao injury will worsen, and three thousand years will pass... Hmph, let's see how he grows to a level where he can shoulder the responsibility!"

Dao Ancestor You Guang nodded and smiled, “This plan is excellent. However, we must be careful not to cross the bottom line of the Star Evolution Jade Book. The Dao Source we give must be ‘pure’ and contain no obvious malice, and be given solely as a pretext to help Fellow Daoist Li improve his cultivation.”

"Of course!" Dao Ancestor Qingyuan nodded and said with a kind smile. The next moment, the three figures flashed and disappeared from the spot.

Beyond the Chaos Dao Domain, three vast Dao auras silently flew to the boundary of the Chaos Ancestral Tree's domain. Azure, white, and dark Dao lights, carrying immense Dao intent, arrived.

Li Mu awoke from his deep meditation, his heart stirred slightly, and his mind conjured up three figures from beyond the realm: Dao Ancestor Qingyuan, Dao Ancestor Youguang, and Dao Ancestor Yeyan, who arrived together, their demeanor dignified and their faces bearing gentle smiles.

"Is Fellow Daoist Li in meditation?" Dao Ancestor Qingyuan greeted with a smile: "We were passing through your domain when we sensed the profound Daoist charm and were drawn to it, so we came to pay our respects."

Dao Ancestor You Guang smiled and replied, "It has been no more than thirty years since we parted at Xingyan Platform. Fellow Daoist's Chaos Dao has been changing rapidly, which is truly admirable. I have come to visit you today on my way, hoping to have a discussion with you on the Dao."

Ye Yan Dao Zu chuckled hoarsely, “I had nothing to do at the moment, so I was wandering around the vast land in my mind. I happened to meet Qing Yuan who invited me. I thought of Fellow Daoist Li’s young talent and felt close to him, so I came with Qing Yuan and You Guang to bother you.”

The three Daoist masters chatted and laughed, their demeanor peaceful and relaxed, displaying an air of friendly interaction and discussion among fellow Daoists.

However, Li Mu's mind was connected to the Chaos Dao Tree, and he clearly sensed a subtle, almost imperceptible, unusual rhythm deep within those three Daoist auras.

I immediately sensed that they were smiling with daggers hidden behind their smiles, and that they had ill intentions.

Li Mu's mind raced as he concealed his Dao Domain, rose, and took a step forward.

"It is my great honor to have three fellow Daoists grace us with their presence. However, I was just adjusting my Dao Source and was unable to greet them properly. I hope you will forgive me." Li Mu appeared before the three and greeted them politely.

The Azure Origin Dao Ancestor's gaze fell on Li Mu's face, and he smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Li, you are too kind. Observing the flow of your Dao aura, it seems to have the wonder of swallowing heaven and earth and encompassing all things. The Great Dao of Chaos is indeed extraordinary. I have cultivated the Dao of Life Force for many years, and today I have witnessed the profound mystery of Chaos, and I have been deeply moved."

After speaking, Dao Ancestor Qingyuan raised his finger and pointed lightly. A wisp of azure Dao source separated from his fingertip, containing boundless vitality and the vast Dao intent of the birth, death, and rebirth of all things.

"This is my 'Origin of the Vitality of All Spirits,' taken from the Ancestral Tree of the Azure Domain, nurtured for 120,000 years before this single strand was obtained." The Azure Origin Dao Ancestor held up a ball of light and said with a smile, "Today, seeing Fellow Daoist Li, I am delighted and have decided to present this source to you. The Great Dao of Chaos encompasses all things, and this Origin of Vitality may help you comprehend the mysteries of creation and perfect the cycle of the Great Dao."

Upon seeing this, Dao Ancestor Youguang chuckled, and with a flick of his sleeve, a point of ethereal white light leaped out, which was the origin of the Great Dao of "Void Law" that he cultivated.

"I bestow upon Fellow Daoist Li the 'Origin of Void' of Daoist Youguang for your study." Daoist Youguang generously said to Li Mu, "The evolution of chaos is based on space and time. Although this origin is shallow, it may help Fellow Daoist glimpse the profound principles of the void and broaden your knowledge."

Nightshade Dao Ancestor stepped forward with his cane and gestured, "Since you two are so generous, I shouldn't be stingy either. The 'Nightmare Heart Source' was created by me to temper my inner demons and distracting thoughts. It is specially made to hone my Dao heart and strengthen my soul. Fellow Daoist Li is young and vigorous, and his path of cultivation is long. Refining this source can help him cleanse his distracting thoughts and see his true heart."

As soon as he finished speaking, Daoist Yeyan tapped his cane lightly, and a dark cloud of smoke emerged from the snake's mouth at the top of the cane, exuding a strange aura that stirred up the seven emotions and six desires.

Three clusters of Dao Source floated in the void, their azure, pale white, and dark Dao Lights reflecting off each other, illuminating the Chaos Dao Palace in a bizarre and wondrous way.

Li Mu silently observed the three "generous gifts," his mind fully aware of the situation.

Each of these three origins is the natal essence of a Dao Ancestor at the peak of the Dao Integration Realm, cultivated diligently for tens of thousands of years, and is of immense weight. To receive such a gift under normal circumstances would be an immense stroke of luck.

However, Li Mu's injuries from the Zengdao Dao had not yet healed, and the Chaos Dao Fruit was still undergoing the integration of the Thunder and Guizang Daos. To absorb these three sources would be tantamount to adding new wounds to an unhealed wound.

The three Dao Ancestors presented this generous gift under the guise of "discussing the Dao with joy" and "broadening one's knowledge," but in reality, they intended to forcefully impact his already unstable Chaos Dao Foundation with a powerful external force, thus aggravating his injuries and hindering his cultivation.

However, the other party smiled broadly and spoke earnestly, appearing entirely as if they were offering a generous gift out of deep friendship. If Li Mu were to forcefully refuse, he would seem ungrateful.

“I am deeply grateful for the kindness shown to me by my three fellow Daoists. I am ashamed to accept it.” Li Mu bowed and thanked them, saying, “These essential essences are all the result of your hard work. I am unworthy to receive them.”

The Azure Origin Dao Ancestor smiled gently: "Fellow Daoist Li, why be so modest? The Great Dao of Chaos embraces all rivers; such a mere insignificant source is nothing more than icing on the cake for you. Perhaps... you find my Dao source too crude and unworthy of your attention?"

Daoist You Guang calmly said, "It is only natural to exchange gifts when discussing Dao and visiting friends. If Fellow Daoist Li insists on refusing, it would seem like we are being distant."

Night-Scented Dao Ancestor smiled and gestured: "Fellow Daoist Li, we sincerely offer this gift. If you do not accept it, we will stay here and discuss the Dao with you every day until you accept it. I believe the Chaos Treasure Palace is vast and can accommodate us."

Upon hearing this, Li Mu's gaze sharpened slightly.

The Daoist master, under the guise of "staying to discuss the Dao," was actually using coercion. If he didn't accept, the other party might truly stay there, "discussing the Dao" every day and "visiting" constantly, making his healing and cultivation efforts futile.

"Since you three fellow Daoists are so kind, it would be impolite of me to refuse!" Li Mu smiled wryly, reached out and gestured, taking the three orbs of Dao Source into his palm.

The verdant source of vitality is as warm and gentle as spring water, the ethereal source of emptiness is as ethereal as clouds and mist, and the dark source of nightmares is as unpredictable as an abyss. With these three sources of the Great Dao in hand, the boundless Dao intent rushes straight into the meridians from the palm of the hand, causing the Chaos Dao Fruit to tremble slightly, and the unresolved thunder and the Gui Cang Dao within it to become restless.

"Thank you for your generous gifts, fellow Daoists." Li Mu said gratefully, "Such a generous gift will surely be repaid in the future as I make progress in my understanding!"

Qingyuan Daozu smiled happily and said, "Fellow Daoist Li is too kind. However, such primordial essence, once separated from the body, may dissipate if left unattended for too long. Why don't you refine it on the spot, Fellow Daoist Li, so that we can witness the profound mystery of the Chaos Great Dao's absorption of primordial essence?"

Dao Ancestor You Guang nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed, Fellow Daoist Li's Great Dao of Chaos encompasses all things, and refining such external sources should be a piece of cake for him; we can observe from here and perhaps gain some insights."

Night-Sickness Dao Ancestor stared intently at Li Mu, agreeing, "Fellow Daoist Li refined the Innate Thunder Source too quickly that day. Now, I also wish to relive it once more!"

The three Dao Ancestors stared intently, their auras locking onto Li Mu's entire body, looking on with great anticipation.

Upon hearing this, Li Mu's heart sank; this open conspiracy had already cornered him.

Under normal circumstances, refining the three external Dao origins, though taking some time, would not be difficult for Li Mu. However, at this moment, his Dao-enhancing injuries are severe, and his Dao foundation is unstable. If he were to forcibly refine these three external Dao origins, it would only worsen his Dao-enhancing injuries and endanger the very foundation of his Great Dao.

However, the three Dao Ancestors spoke earnestly, appearing completely unaware of his Dao injury. If he were to deny it, it would be difficult to justify.

If we don't refine it, and the other party continues to pester us, who knows what other unexpected things might happen!
“In that case, I, Li, will make a fool of myself,” Li Mu said after a moment’s thought.

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Mu activated the chaotic Dao rhythm, transforming it into three hazy gray vortexes that enveloped the three orbs of Dao source, absorbing and refining them. (End of this chapter)