Primordial Era: Reborn as a Qi Immortal, Steadily Cultivating

Chapter 136 What is the Otherworldly (5K)

Inside the Jade Pool Golden Palace, the ancient token floated silently in front of Ma Yuan.

The Taoist chants flowed over it.

It possesses a profound aura that shares the same roots and origins as the ancestral veins of the Western Kunlun Mountains.

Ma Yuan understood.

The Queen Mother of the West's actions far exceeded the scope of ordinary etiquette.

Previously, this highly respected female immortal in the primordial world had either expounded on the path to quasi-sagehood or bestowed immortal peaches.

His ultimate purpose was nothing more than to repay the debt of karma for saving the Fairy of a Hundred Flowers.

Then, at a crucial moment when he defied his innate nature.

They spared no expense, even sacrificing their own resources, to obtain the core branches of the mother tree of the Renshui peaches for assistance.

This action already demonstrates a heart that cherishes talent and seeks to establish a positive relationship.

However, at this moment, with his attainment of the Great Luo Dao beyond this realm, its significance has become entirely different.

Ma Yuan could clearly sense that the Queen Mother of the West had bestowed this token upon him.

Their attitude already carried a hint of genuine equality and solemnity.

He knew that the Queen Mother of the West had been in seclusion and cultivating for countless eons within this sacred realm of West Kunlun.

What they seek is the supreme Dao that allows one to be untouched by cause and effect throughout countless eons, and to roam freely between heaven and earth.

Although she could rely on the immense fortune of the ancestral mountain range and the supreme protection of the innate grand formation to form her own world within this sacred realm, undisturbed by the external calamity.

However, its ultimate goal is to rely on the primordial Heavenly Dao.

Its very existence is already a link in the operation of the Heavenly Dao.

How can one truly achieve the purity of the six senses, unbreakable through countless eons?
But now, by sheer chance, he has taken the lead on this path and found a true path beyond the mundane world that allows him to completely control his own destiny.

This is the real reason why even a quasi-saint, who already stands at the pinnacle of the primordial world, would take notice of him and even develop a slight desire to befriend and curry favor with him.

Ma Yuan's mind raced, but he didn't say anything.

He simply accepted the token respectfully.

Then, facing the Queen Mother of the West on the cloud bed, he once again solemnly bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty's kindness is too much for this junior to accept."

"If the opportunity arises in the future, I will also come to West Kunlun again to sit and discuss the Dao with Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, the brilliant light emanating from the cloud bed flickered slightly, clearly indicating that it was quite satisfied with Ma Yuan's words.

"good."

A gentle Taoist chant echoed softly within the hall.

Ma Yuan did not linger for even a moment longer.

He turned and slowly withdrew from the Jade Pool Golden Palace.

Outside the hall, the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden, the Plain Maiden, the Hundred Flower Fairy, and other immortals from West Kunlun had been waiting for a long time.

Upon seeing Ma Yuan emerge, they all stepped forward to greet him.

Ma Yuan nodded to each of them and slowly expressed his intention to take his leave.

Although they have spent tens of thousands of years together and have formed a deep bond of friendship, all good things must come to an end.

Although the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden and the others were reluctant to part with him, they knew that Ma Yuan's path to enlightenment was complete and he was no longer someone to be trifled with, so they did not try to persuade him to stay any longer.

After exchanging pleasantries, Ma Yuan didn't linger for a moment longer.

With a single step, he silently appeared outside the Heavenly Gate of West Kunlun.

"hold head high--!"

The black dragon Ao Xuan, who had been waiting for a long time, let out a high-pitched dragon roar full of joy.

Its enormous dragon body emerged from the depths of the sea of ​​clouds, respectfully lowering its ferocious dragon head to Ma Yuan's feet.

Ma Yuan calmly stepped onto the dragon's head.

I took one last look back at this ancestral mountain range, shrouded in mist and radiant with divine light.

A hint of gratitude flashed in his eyes.

Then there was no lingering attachment whatsoever.

"Let's go back to the mountain."

With a calm command, Ao Xuan's massive dragon body, nearly ten thousand feet tall, trembled violently and transformed into a black streak of light that tore through the sky, disappearing in an instant at the edge of the vast sea of ​​clouds.

……

On the dragon's head, Ma Yuan sat cross-legged.

His aura was restrained, as if he had merged with the surrounding void.

He slowly raised his hand and made a calculation with his fingers in front of him.

"I never imagined that I would linger in the sacred realm of West Kunlun for eighty-nine thousand years..."

Ma Yuan murmured to himself, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.

For nearly 90,000 years, he spent most of his time immersed in the Jade Pool Golden Palace, listening to the Queen Mother of the West preach the quasi-saintly path, and had long forgotten the passage of time.

Now that the Great Dao has been achieved and I have returned to the primordial world, I feel as if I have lived through another world.

I wonder what state the Skull Mountain lineage is in now that it has already gotten back on track after I left.

……

I don't know how long we traveled, but when the familiar and welcoming outline of Skull Mountain reappeared on the distant horizon.

Ao Xuan's enormous dragon body also gradually slowed down.

Today, Skull Mountain is no longer the menacing place it once was.

The entire immortal mountain was firmly protected within a dazzling canopy woven from five-colored divine light and the Daoist principles of cause and effect.

Above the canopy, a golden lotus of fortune, formed from a purple-gold jade ruyi, coiled upon it, exhaling endless auspicious clouds and auspicious energy.

The entire sacred mountain has been transformed into a true blessed land for immortals.

Invulnerable to all laws, and repelled by all evil!
Even before getting close, a solemn, profound, and thriving aura of Taoist tradition and fortune already rushed towards us!

As soon as Ao Xuan's enormous dragon body approached the range of the mountain-protecting formation...

The once unbreakable five-colored light barrier had, in the darkness, sensed the familiar aura emanating from the Dao Lord.

It actually took the initiative to slowly separate to both sides, creating a wide passage for it.

"when--!"

Almost at the same time, a clear and melodious bell rang out from the highest point of the Yuandao Palace!

The town's bell tolls even without wind!
The sound of the bell contained the supreme truth of purifying the mind and cleansing the dust of the world, and in an instant it spread to every corner of the entire immortal mountain!
This proclaims that the sole master of this sacred place has finally returned after nearly 90,000 years!

In an instant, the once relatively calm Skull Mountain came to a complete boil!
Whether it's the disciple who is struggling to temper his body in the Five-Colored Thunder Pool, the disciple who is diligently studying the Dao in the Scripture Pavilion, or the cultivator who is in seclusion in the mountain cave, they are all engaged in rigorous cultivation.

At that moment, they all put down everything they were doing without prior arrangement!
Streaks of light shot into the sky from all directions of the immortal mountain!

They transformed into hundreds of extraordinary figures, filled with excitement and reverence, all converging towards the Yuandao Palace, which was already shrouded in immortal energy and permeated with Daoist charm!

When Ao Xuan's enormous dragon body slowly descended onto the most spacious Five Elements Platform in front of the Yuan Dao Palace.

The audience below the stage was already packed with people, a sea of ​​black heads!
Hundreds of Skull Mountain disciples, dressed in various colored Taoist robes, were already lined up in an orderly fashion, respectfully standing in their place according to the order of seniority between the inner and outer disciples!

The leader was none other than the eldest disciple, Shi Ji, who had already undergone a complete transformation and whose temperament had become increasingly aloof and otherworldly!
Now, she exudes a restrained Daoist aura, her presence as profound as the sea.

The powerful aura belonging to a Golden Immortal at the peak of perfection swirled around him endlessly.

It was several times more powerful than before Ma Yuan left!
Clearly, she has benefited greatly from nearly 90,000 years of arduous cultivation!

Behind him were his four personal disciples: Kong Lingzi, Yuanshan, Baiyu, and Yunshu, who had long since shed their youthful immaturity and whose figures had become increasingly upright.

Each of them possessed a stable aura and naturally exuded Daoist charm, indicating that they had already all entered the perfect realm of the Profound Immortal.

They are only one step away from becoming immortal golden immortals!
Further on were the two children, Black Wind and Azure Cloud, who had also entered the mid-stage of the Profound Immortal realm.

And those dozens of Xuanxian inner disciples with extraordinary auras, and hundreds of Tianxian and Dixian outer disciples!
The whole scene was solemn and dignified, with a magnificent atmosphere!
Ma Yuan leaped down from the dragon's head and stood calmly in the center of the high platform.

His gaze slowly swept over the faces below, each filled with excitement and reverence.

Looking back on nearly 90,000 years since his departure, he found that his own temple was not only unharmed, but had become even more prosperous and full of talented people.

An unprecedented sense of satisfaction welled up in his heart.

"Disciple Shiji, leading the entire Skull Mountain lineage, respectfully welcomes Master (Lord) back to the mountain!"

Shi Ji stepped forward and solemnly bowed to Ma Yuan.

Hundreds of his disciples also knelt down in unison, their voices like a mountain roar and a tsunami, soaring into the sky! "We...respectfully welcome the Dao Master back to the mountain!"

Ma Yuan stood with his hands behind his back in front of Yuandao Palace, his gaze slowly sweeping over the disciples below the stage.

Finally, the gaze landed on Shi Ji, who was in the lead, and a gentle smile appeared in her eyes.

With a flick of his sleeve, an invisible force appeared out of thin air, lifting up all the thousands of disciples who were kneeling on the ground.

"Everyone, get up."

The calm voice resonated clearly in the hearts of every disciple.

“I have been away from the mountain for nearly 90,000 years, and the temple has not only remained intact, but has become increasingly prosperous and full of talented people. Shiji, you have made great contributions.”

"This disciple dares not take credit," Shi Ji replied respectfully, bowing her head in a cool voice.
"This is all thanks to your great fortune, Master. I was merely doing my duty."

Ma Yuan nodded slightly and said no more.

He knew his eldest disciple's character; he was always cold on the outside but warm on the inside, calm and reliable.

His gaze swept over the four personally trained disciples, who had already undergone a complete transformation, and the dozens of Xuanxian disciples with extraordinary auras, his tone carrying a hint of approval.

"You are also quite good, with firm Daoist beliefs, courageous and diligent progress, without the slightest slackening."

A simple word of praise stirred the hearts of thousands of disciples, their faces revealing an uncontrollable sense of honor and joy.

"Issue my decree." Ma Yuan's voice once again became vast and majestic.
"All cultivators above the Xuanxian level in the mountains shall follow me into the Yuandao Palace. The rest of the disciples shall disperse and cultivate diligently, and shall not make any noise."

"Yes, sir!"

At Ma Yuan's command, the disciples who had gathered in the square slowly and orderly retreated.

Only the few dozen core disciples with the most profound auras followed Ma Yuan and Shi Ji and slowly stepped into the Yuandao Palace.

Inside the Yuandao Palace, the air was thick with celestial energy, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Ma Yuangao sat on the cloud-shaped cushion.

His gaze calmly swept over the dozens of core disciples who were already seated in order below.

These people are the true pillars of his Skull Mountain lineage.

He then turned his gaze to his eldest disciple, Shi Ji, who was standing beside him.

“Shiji, come forward.”

"Yes, sir."

Ma Yuan looked at the disciple before him, whose cultivation had already reached the peak of the Golden Immortal realm, and slowly spoke, asking in a calm voice:
"Do you know what kind of Dao fruit one will attain after reaching the peak of the Golden Immortal realm?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Ji was slightly taken aback, but then replied respectfully without hesitation:
"Reporting to the teacher, after the Golden Immortal, there is the Taiyi Dao Fruit of Five Qi Gathering at the Origin, and then the Three Flowers Gathering at the Top, which allows one's true spirit to transcend the river of time and be entrusted to the origin of the Primordial Heavenly Dao, thus attaining the Great Luo Golden Immortal Dao Fruit that is indestructible and carefree."

This is the correct path of cultivation known to all living beings in the primordial world.

However, Ma Yuan slowly shook his head upon hearing this.

"This is the Great Dao, but it is not the Supreme Great Dao."

These words were met not only by Shi Ji, but also by the dozens of Xuanxian disciples sitting below.

They were also deeply shaken, and a look of bewilderment appeared on their faces.

Ma Yuan did not immediately answer the questions of the group.

He simply closed his eyes slowly, and the Daoist aura around him, which had been restrained to the extreme, quietly released a trace at this moment.

boom--! ! ! !

In an instant, the entire Yuandao Palace trembled violently!
All the disciples present, whether it was Shi Ji, who was in the late stage of Golden Immortal, or Kong Lingzi, who was already a Perfected Profound Immortal, etc.

At this moment, everyone felt as if a thunderous explosion, as if the heavens and earth were being created, was resounding within their own primordial spirit sea of ​​consciousness!
Their consciousness was instantly drawn in by an irresistible and immense force!
It was as if, in the blink of an eye, they had traversed endless time and space.

We have arrived in a vast and boundless new world, full of endless vitality and creation!
They saw that in the sky above this world, the stars were constantly revolving, evolving the most fundamental principles of Yin and Yang.

They saw on that vast and boundless land, where mountains and rivers stretched endlessly, containing the profound and boundless spiritual essence of the earth.

They saw that the three races of metal, wood, and thunder, being born in this world, multiplied and thrived, constantly fighting for survival and glory.

They also saw that spring brings life, summer brings growth, autumn brings harvest, and winter brings storage—a complete and perfect cycle of the four seasons, which endlessly revitalize this world and bring rhythm and years to all things!
This world is not as vast and boundless as the primordial world.

However, it already has complete laws, operates continuously, and has become a world of its own!
And at the very center of this world, atop that majestic divine mountain, hundreds of millions of feet high.

A magnificent and sacred image of creation, beyond description in any words, sits there quietly.

The opening and closing of its eyes marks the alternation of day and night.

Its breathing and exhalation correspond to the cycle of the four seasons.

He is the only Dao in this world!

"This...this is..."

Even with Shi Ji's already serene and unmoved Daoist heart, after witnessing this supreme power that rivals creation itself, she was still deeply moved.

He was also deeply shaken, his voice filled with uncontrollable horror!

The other disciples were completely stunned, their minds reeling, and they remained speechless for a long time!
They never imagined that their seemingly unassuming teacher would be like this.

Its supernatural powers have reached such a terrifying level that it has created the world and evolved into a thousand worlds!
"This is my way."

Ma Yuan's calm yet profound voice slowly resonated in the hearts of every disciple.

The extraordinary phenomenon that had enveloped everyone's minds slowly dissipated.

Inside the Yuandao Palace, the tranquility of the past was restored once again.

However, all the disciples present were still immersed in the endless shock they had just experienced, unable to extricate themselves from it for a long time.

"Teacher... what is meant by 'beyond the secular world'?"

After a long while, it was still the eldest disciple, Kong Lingzi, whose mind was the purest and most insightful, who was the first to recover from the shock and respectfully asked with a trembling voice.

Ma Yuan slowly opened his eyes, and in those deep eyes, it seemed as if the cycle of birth and death of a world was reflected.

"The primordial world, though seemingly vast and boundless, is in reality nothing more than a giant cage."

His voice rang out leisurely, filled with a kind of detached indifference.

All living beings are immersed in it, unable to control their own destiny.

Even those cultivators who attain the Great Luo Dao Fruit and entrust their true spirit to the Heavenly Dao are merely jumping from a smaller cage into a larger one, still bound by the Great Tribulation and governed by the Heavenly Dao, unable to truly be free.

"What I seek is to create a pure land outside this cage, where I can roam freely."

"This is the realm beyond the mundane world!"

Upon hearing this, the entire hall fell silent.

All the disciples were completely stunned by Ma Yuan's shocking remarks!
"The primordial world is a land of turmoil, rife with calamities and entangled karma; it is not a place to linger." Ma Yuan's voice rang out once more, pointing out the path ahead for everyone.
“The foundation of my Skull Mountain lineage does not lie here.”

"When my world has evolved to a more perfect state and its internal laws have become more stable, that will be the time for you to retire and take over its domain."

"At that time, I will bestow divine positions and authority upon people in this world."

Each of you may rule a corner of the world, enjoying boundless fortune and true freedom.

These words undoubtedly stirred up a huge wave in the hearts of all the disciples!

They finally realized that their teacher was planning such a grand and ambitious undertaking!

After a brief moment of shock came an overwhelming surge of excitement!
"We...swear to follow our teacher to the death, and together prove the Great Way beyond the mundane world!"

Led by Shi Ji, all the disciples bowed respectfully to Ma Yuan once again, their hearts filled with the deepest emotions.

His voice was filled with an unprecedented determination!
Seeing this, Ma Yuan nodded in satisfaction.

He knew that from this day forward, the Dao heart of the Skull Mountain lineage had finally been truly solidified into one, and could no longer be shaken.

Having done all this, Ma Yuan held nothing back.

He began his formal lecture inside the Yuandao Palace.

He briefly explained to everyone what he had gained in the Western Kunlun Mountains.

This preaching did not last long, only a few hundred years.

After the sermon, Ma Yuan sat upright on the cloud bed, his eyes slightly closed, and gestured for his disciples to leave and digest what he had learned.

But at that moment, his thoughts stirred slightly.

The divine thought spread across the primordial land.

He wanted to begin observing the current situation of that human.

------------

This chapter has over 5,000 words. I originally said I would finish the West Kunlun storyline yesterday, but I suddenly had the inspiration for the Great Luo Immortal, so I temporarily revised the outline, wasting a lot of time. I've been working on the outline all afternoon until now, and I've only written 5,000 words. I'll stay up late tonight and update a few more chapters to make up for it. The following chapters will be about the enlightenment of the human race.

(End of this chapter)