The Primordial Era: Starting from Being Forced to Become an Apprentice of the Three Pure Ones

The Daoist chanting had ceased, but Taibai remained immersed in the profound Daoist realm, unaware of his impending awakening.

Seeing this, Zhen Yuanzi smiled but remained silent, only drawing upon the clear light of the Earth Book to create a warm and protective barrier around him.

Then, he walked to Hongyun's side, who was still comprehending the primordial purple energy.

At this moment, a subtle change is taking place within Taibai's body.

The principles of earth and wood contained in the ginseng fruit have taken root and sprouted deep within his Dao foundation, waiting to grow.

Once the time is right, it can grow and thrive, merging and resonating with the other lines.

This enlightenment was different from the perilous ordeal of forcibly harmonizing the five elements in the past.

Instead, it borrows the essence of Zhen Yuanzi's earth element and supplements it with the power of the laws within the ginseng fruit to guide the Dao into the body.

The whole process was like a gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain, subtly and silently transforming everything, without the pain of the past.

Time slips away quietly in a state of deep meditation.

When he opened his eyes again, thousands of years had passed in the outside world.

With a slight thought, he raised his right hand and slowly circulated the magical power within his body.

Five-colored light emanated from the palm of the hand, circulating continuously in a harmonious and stable manner, without any stagnation or conflict.

By this point, he had mastered the power of the five elements perfectly, controlling it at will.

There is no need to worry about the embarrassing situation of almost burning down Shangqing Peak due to the loss of control of the Samadhi True Fire, as happened back then.

At this moment, Taibai felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his body, and he felt lighter and more relaxed than ever before.

The magical power within his body flowed freely without any stagnation or obstruction; instead, it was abundant and ceaseless, seemingly endless.

"Phew... Mission accomplished. From now on, as long as no unexpected problems arise, there will be no more worries about the imbalance of the five elements."

Taibai rose and flicked his sleeves, clearing away the dust that had settled on him during his meditation. His gaze then fell upon the two figures not far away.

The wisp of primordial purple energy hanging between the two gradually dimmed, transforming from solid to ethereal, and finally vanished into the void.

Zhen Yuanzi was the first to recover from his meditative state. He looked at the dissipated purple aura, sighed softly, and said with a hint of regret in his voice:

"Alas, fellow Daoist, at first I suspected that you had neglected your studies. Now it seems that this Primordial Purple Qi is indeed not something that can be comprehended overnight."

Hongyun, standing to the side, had a deep frown and a worried expression, clearly helpless against the Primordial Purple Qi.

Ten thousand years have passed since he obtained the purple aura.

During this time, he immersed his entire mind in the purple aura, but what he gained and felt was always like viewing flowers through a fog.

"Fellow Daoist, there is no need to worry too much. The opportunities of the Great Dao are inherently mysterious and unpredictable. Just because you don't understand it today doesn't mean you won't understand it tomorrow."

With your current foundation, as long as you remain focused and diligent, given time you will surely be able to comprehend the profound mysteries within and attain the supreme holy path.

Zhen Yuanzi offered Hongyun a few more words of comfort, then with a flick of his sleeve, an antique wooden table appeared between the three of them.

Three jade cups were already set on the table, with several plates of spiritual fruit scattered among them, their fragrance subtle and their light shimmering.

Zhen Yuanzi turned to Taibai, who was not far away, and raised his hand in invitation.

Taibai understood, walked slowly to the table, straightened his clothes, sat quietly, and said nothing.

Hongyun kept her eyes down, drinking one cup of wine after another.

The wine was clear and refreshing, but it couldn't dispel the deep-seated melancholy between his brows.

At this moment, his Dao heart was slightly disturbed, and he even had a faint doubt:

Could it be that one's own fortune is too shallow, and ultimately one cannot bear the opportunity to become a saint?

After Hongyun finished his ninth cup of wine, Taibai also picked up the jade cup in front of him, took a small sip, and said cryptically:

"Senior Hongyun, are you considering descending the mountain to travel and seek opportunities in the mortal world to comprehend the Primordial Purple Qi? In preparation for your future attainment of sainthood?"

Hongyun frowned slightly, slowly put down her wine cup, and looked intently at Taibai.

Upon hearing this, Zhen Yuanzi's expression hardened, and he turned his head to ask:

"Fellow Daoist Hongyun, do you really intend to leave the mountain to gain experience?"

You have offended Kunpeng by offering your seat in Zixiao Palace.

Moreover, you possess the Primordial Purple Qi, yet you are not a direct disciple of the Dao Ancestor. It's hard to guarantee that no one will take the risk and ambush you halfway through..."

If one is inside the Wuzhuang Temple, one is protected by the Earth Book Array, making it difficult for evil spirits to invade, and one is safe and secure.

But once you step out of this mountain gate, it's a completely different world, and fortune and misfortune are unpredictable.

Therefore, Zhen Yuanzi never imagined that his old friend would have the idea of ​​leaving the mountain.

However, when he saw the hidden determination and restlessness between Hongyun's brows, his heart sank.

"The path of cultivation is inherently defying the heavens. We cultivators should rise to the challenge and navigate dangers with ease."

How can one break free from constraints and attain sainthood without enduring hardship and paying the price?

As soon as Hongyun finished speaking, Zhen Yuanzi slammed his hand on the table and shouted sternly:

"No! No! This is absolutely forbidden! You must not take this risk! If you go down the mountain, you will surely die!"

Before the sound had faded, he activated the Earth Book above his head, and a vast expanse of clear light surged forth, transforming into a thick barrier that enveloped the entire Wuzhuang Temple.

"Why are you so stubborn, fellow Daoist! How can a cultivator fear calamities, shun the world, and forever guard their grotto-heaven? How can one pursue the Great Dao if that's the case!"

Hongyun was unusually enraged and rose up in anger, suddenly waving his long sleeves.

Although he was lenient by nature, he did not yield an inch at this moment and actually suppressed Zhen Yuanzi's voice.

Taibai simply held his cup quietly, took a small sip, and then gently shook his head.

"Opportunities are determined by fate; forcing them will only invite disaster. If you insist on leaving the mountain, you may be in danger of losing your life."

The Demon Court is powerful, the Northern Underworld is deep and mysterious, the Blood Sea is ferocious, and the scattered immortals from all directions are also eyeing you covetously. How could any of these forces tolerate you?

Li Bai's words were like cold water dripping into boiling oil, instantly fueling Hongyun's anger even more.

Hongyun's eyes were wide open, and his magical power was faintly surging around him, as if it was about to be unleashed.

But Li Bai remained calm, only lowering his eyes to examine the wine cup in his hand, his expression unwavering.

He knew that Hongyun was kind-hearted and a good-natured person. Even if he was furious, he would never stoop to killing a junior.

Furthermore, with Zhen Yuanzi protecting him, he shouldn't be in any real danger to his life.

"Does the senior know of the Eastern King Duke?"

Upon hearing the words "Dong Wang Gong," both Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun looked puzzled.

This person was clearly unrelated to this matter, and the two were genuinely puzzled as to why Li Bai had suddenly brought it up.

"What do you mean by that? What does the Eastern King have to do with me descending the mountain?"

"In the past, the Eastern King Duke did not heed my advice and did not disperse the Celestial Court, ultimately leading to his death and the dissipation of his Dao. If Senior Hongyun also insists on going his own way today, I fear he will follow in his footsteps."

Taibai looked at the red clouds before him with a meaningful expression, as if the matter of reminding Dongwanggong back then was just yesterday.

"Alas, old friend! What my young friend Taibai said is true. Do you think those people will let you go so easily?"

Moreover, Kunpeng lost his prayer mat ultimately because of your concession that day; if you leave, he will certainly not let it go!

"Senior, if something were to happen to you, Senior Zhen Yuanzi's Dao heart would surely be tarnished, and he would never have peace of mind in this life. Perhaps his cultivation would never be able to improve again..."

Taibai and Zhen Yuanzi sang in unison, each word earnest, all advising Hongyun not to take any risks.

Hongyun was a reasonable person; her anger gradually dissipated, leaving only a sense of desolation in her eyes.

"Ah, well then, thank you both, fellow Daoists..."

"Young friend, this item was originally a spiritual treasure. Although it is damaged, it still contains the law of water. Consider it a small apology for my rudeness earlier."

After speaking, Hongyun flipped her palm and took out a short dagger with a dim spiritual light, handing it to Taibai.

"Thank you for your generous gift, senior. This Geng metal energy will serve as a return gift."

Another piece of advice: I hope that you, senior, will imprint the principles you have learned throughout your life into your soul, so that perhaps you may have a glimmer of hope in the future.

After receiving the dagger, Taibai drew out a wisp of Geng metal energy and pushed it towards Hongyun. He then took a half step back and bowed again to Zhen Yuanzi and Hongyun.

"Our karmic connection here has come to an end; I shall take my leave."

After saying that, he didn't linger and turned to leave.