Primordial Era: Refusing Hongjun's path to sainthood, I attained the Dao of Hunyuan.

Chapter 168 The Immortal Slaughtering Formation at Jiepai Pass

"Even more so, the two universes, forming a Yin-Yang Tai Chi, can better absorb and transform the chaotic energy."

"This is a long-term solution."

Zhen Yuanzi praised, "You've gone to so much trouble, teacher."

Hongjun laughed and said, "There's no need to publicize this matter. I'm only telling you, and I won't let anyone else hear it."

Hongjun rarely cracked a joke, and Zhen Yuanzi couldn't help but burst into laughter.

After eating a few more ginseng fruits, Hongjun waved his sleeve and put away the rest, saying to Zhen Yuanzi, "I'm going back to Zixiao Palace."

"Your disciple respectfully sees you off, Master."

Zhen Yuanzi quickly got up to see him off.

Hongjun nodded, his figure turning into an illusion and disappearing.

Seeing this, Zhen Yuanzi breathed a sigh of relief, feeling much more relaxed.

……

Meanwhile, the conflict between the Western Zhou and Shang dynasties, along with the conflicts of the Great Tribulation and the various religions, intensified across the nine provinces of the human race.

At first, Tongtian Jiaozhu didn't care much, thinking that by ordering his disciples to keep their caves closed and not come out, he could thwart Yuanshi Tianzun's plan.

At the same time, he also had to refine the Qiankun Cauldron to make it work in conjunction with the Zhuxian Sword Formation, which took a lot of effort.

Unexpectedly, during this period, the Western Zhou, supported by the Chan Sect, and the Western Sect, which was also interfering, even had the saint Zhunti personally intervene.

The Jie Sect was powerful, claiming that ten thousand immortals came to pay homage. Although it respected the mandate of Tongtian, it kept its cave closed and remained secluded.

But disaster struck unexpectedly. As mentioned before, Shen Gongbao was another disciple who was taken in by Yuanshi Tianzun along with Jiang Ziya.

Shen Gongbao, unaware of the true situation, thought that Yuanshi Tianzun was biased and was determined to make things difficult for Jiang Ziya, thus obstructing Jiang Ziya's eastward expedition.

Unexpectedly, they fell right into Yuanshi Tianzun's trap. With his silver tongue, he persuaded many disciples of the Jie Sect to descend the mountain and fulfill their destiny.

By the time the Tongtian Sect Leader learned of this, the losses had already been devastating. Enraged, the Tongtian Sect Leader ordered Duobao Daoist to take the Four Zhuxian Swords and the Zhuxian Formation Diagram to Jiepai Pass and set up the Zhuxian Sword Formation.

The Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation was immediately formed, and a monstrous killing intent surged forth, shaking the Three Realms. The evil energy of the Great Calamity was also stirred up, flowing endlessly and spreading into clouds, making it impossible for the beings of the Earthly Immortal Realm to see the sun.

The Xiqi army was stunned by the sight as soon as they passed Sishui Pass. Even the Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect who were with the army paled in comparison, knowing that this was the Zhuxian Sword Formation of Tongtian Shengren, the leader of the Jie Sect.

The powerful beings and saints of the Three Realms were all greatly alarmed. By now, the power of the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation was no secret.

The Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation is the number one killing formation in the Heavenly Dao, and the fact that it is controlled by a sage only adds to its terrifying power.

At this moment, even Xuanhuang had to divert his attention from comprehending the Jade Tablet of Creation to focus on this battle.

"The time has come; it's time to get some things into our hands." With a thought, Xuanhuang sent one of his avatars away from Xuanhuang Heaven and into the Earthly Immortal Realm.

They arrived at Jiepai Pass, but did not approach it. Instead, they found a spot, sat down silently, and seemed to be waiting for something.

Meanwhile, the Xiqi army, intimidated by the Zhuxian Sword Formation, stopped some distance in front of Jiepai Pass. Jiang Ziya hurriedly ordered the army to set up camp and built a thatched hut for the immortals of the Chan Sect to stay.

Meanwhile, the immortals of the Chan Sect were also in a panic and hurriedly sent messages to Kunlun Mountain. However, with the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation set up, even though the secrets of heaven could not be predicted at present, how could the Primordial Heavenly Lord not know? He had already sent other immortals to come.

A few days later, the remaining immortals also gathered, including the Antarctic Immortal, Yun Zhongzi, and the Burning Lamp Daoist, as well as the Twelve Golden Immortals: Guang Chengzi, Chi Jingzi, Huanglong Zhenren, Taiyi Zhenren, Ju Liusun, Lingbao Dafashi, Manjushri Guangfa Tianzun, Puxian Zhenren, Cihang Daoist, Yuding Zhenren, Daoxing Tianzun, and Qingxu Daode Zhenjun.

And his three generations of disciples: Nezha, Jinzha, Muzha, Yang Jian, Lei Zhenzi, etc.

The Taoist Ran Deng then instructed Jiang Ziya to set up an incense table and pray devoutly. A day later, strange fragrance filled the air, celestial music filled the air, and Yuanshi Tianzun arrived riding a nine-dragon sandalwood chariot, accompanied by a white crane boy.

The immortals hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, welcoming Yuanshi Tianzun into the reed hut. Yuanshi Tianzun entered the hut without saying a word.

The other disciples dared not speak either.

After a while, auspicious clouds appeared above the head of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, with jeweled necklaces and countless golden flowers, shining brightly far and wide.

The evil energy gathered above Jiepai Pass was dispelled.

However, with the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation present, the evil aura was temporarily dispelled, but it quickly gathered again.

Then they were dispersed again, and so on, tumbling and rolling, making it all the more spectacular and tragic.

The next day, Yuanshi Tianzun rose from his thatched hut and led the immortals of the Chan Sect to the front of the battle.

A thunderous sound rang out, and the baleful aura surrounding the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation dissipated slightly, revealing the formation's layout.

The great formation was square and orderly, with four gates and four entrances: the Gate of Immortal Slaughtering to the east, the Gate of Immortal Slaughtering to the south, the Gate of Immortal Trapping to the west, and the Gate of Immortal Annihilation to the north.

Within the four gates are four towers, and in each tower hangs a precious sword: the Immortal-Slaying Sword, the Immortal-Slaying Sword, the Immortal-Trapping Sword, and the Immortal-Severing Sword.

Beneath the sword stood four Taoist priests, who were the four direct disciples of Tongtian: Duobao Taoist, Jinling Holy Mother, Wudang Holy Mother, and Zhao Gongming.

However, Zhao Gongming's fate was different from before. He stayed by the side of Tongtian Jiaozhu on Jin'ao Island and thus had not yet suffered any calamity.

Now, however, he has come with the Tongtian Sect Leader to this Jiepai Pass to help set up the Zhuxian Sword Formation.

Beyond the four gates lay a chaotic land, where spiritual energy surged and churned, transforming into earth, water, fire, and wind.

And vaguely, in the center, there seemed to be a high platform, standing firm, with the Tongtian Sect Leader sitting cross-legged on it.

When Tongtian Jiaozhu saw Yuanshi Tianzun, he bowed and said, "Senior brother has arrived."

Yuanshi Tianzun said, "Junior brother, why did you set up this evil formation? What is the meaning of this? At that time, when we were discussing the 'Investiture of the Gods' in Zixiao Palace, we sealed it in front of everyone and established three categories: those with deep roots and good deeds will become immortals, those with lesser roots and good deeds will become gods, and those with shallow roots and good deeds will become humans, still entering the cycle of reincarnation in the six realms. This is the creation and transformation of heaven and earth."

"The Shang dynasty was tyrannical and its fate was sealed; the Western Zhou dynasty was benevolent and wise, and its prosperity was destined. Jiang Ziya led his army to conquer the Shang, slaying immortals and bestowing titles upon gods, which was in accordance with the signs of Heaven and he acted on behalf of Heaven. You are the leader of the Jie Sect and a sage, how could you not know this? Yet you come to obstruct us, which is to say you have broken your own word."

Upon hearing this, the Tongtian Sect Leader sneered, "Senior Brother, this formation of mine was not set up for the Western Zhou Dynasty, but specifically for the Chan Sect. It has nothing to do with the Investiture of the Gods among the Three Teachings. How can you say I've gone back on my word? I won't go into the reasons, you know them yourself. The reason I've set up this great formation here is to test your skills and see what you're capable of, that you've repeatedly deceived me!"

The Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning's expression changed slightly, and he said, "Very well. However, you and I each lead two sects, and our lives are not light. How can we rashly start a war? Since your Jie Sect has four disciples, including Daoist Duobao, here, I will also send four disciples from my Chan Sect to break the formation. We will settle the matter after we have seen who is superior."

The Tongtian Sect Leader was slightly taken aback, but did not object, saying, "Very well. Let your disciple enter the formation, and I will show you that my great formation is not to be underestimated."

Therefore, Yuanshi Tianzun immediately selected four disciples—Guangchengzi, Chijingzi, Yuding Zhenren, and Daozheng Tianzun—to go and break the formation.

The four immortals, having been chosen by the Primordial Heavenly Lord, were filled with trepidation, yet they all recalled the scene of the Ten Deadly Formations from before.

How similar is the situation now?

They used to test their formations on their own disciples, but now it's the Primordial Celestial Venerable who's using them to test the formations.

(End of this chapter)