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

Taibai slowly probed his primordial spirit into Qingmu's body, sensing the wisps of demonic energy entwined within its meridians and bone marrow.

He focused his mind, activated the power of his primordial spirit, and began to gather the demonic energy little by little.

The demonic energy seemed to struggle and writhe as if it were alive, but under the guidance of Taibai's powerful magic, it gradually gathered into a ball.

Once the demonic energy had gathered to a certain extent, Taibai narrowed his eyes, and the jet-black demonic energy was forcibly peeled out of Qingmu's body, hovering in mid-air, emitting a chilling aura that made people's hearts tremble.

Just in case, Taibai raised his hand and set up several small barriers around the demonic energy, preventing it from dissipating even a little.

The demonic energy he extracted was the most concentrated demonic energy within Aoki's body; who knows, it might be useful in the future.

Having done all this, Taibai finally breathed a sigh of relief, then summoned the Pure World White Lotus.

The Pure White Lotus cast down a blinding light, enveloping Aoki entirely.

Although Qingmu possessed the cultivation level of a Taiyi Golden Immortal, it was entirely built upon accumulated merits, leaving his foundation extremely weak.

Compared to Xiang Liu's strength, which came from genuine cultivation, it was worlds apart.

The demonic energy that invaded his body was far less pure and domineering than that in Xiang Liu's body. Under the illumination of the Divine Light of Purification, this demonic energy quickly dissolved and faded away.

In just a short while, the demonic energy inside and outside Aoki's body was completely cleansed.

He himself fainted due to excessive consumption of magical power and the aftereffects of demonic energy erosion.

Taibai put away the Pure World White Lotus, turned to look at Xiao Hei beside him, and said in a deep voice:

"Xiao Hei, I have two things to entrust to you. First, take good care of Qingmu and help him stabilize his mind and recover his strength."

Secondly, you are also responsible for handling the aftermath of this incident. You must be meticulous and thorough, and ensure there are no mistakes.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Hei's face immediately showed a bitter expression, but he dared not refuse.

Taibai didn't give him a chance to speak further. He turned to face Haotian, bowed deeply, and solemnly said:

"I am very grateful for your help, Uncle-Master."

According to the usual practice of the Heavenly Court, if a deity or immortal becomes possessed by a demon, the Jade Emperor, as the Great Heavenly Venerable, could simply kill the possessed person on the spot with a single palm strike, without needing to do anything else.

However, Haotian did not do so. Instead, he personally suppressed Qingmu and allowed Taibai to come and expel the demonic energy. This was entirely out of respect for Taibai.

Li Bai understood this in his heart, and he would remember this kindness.

Haotian reached out and helped Taibai up, gently patting his shoulder and saying softly:

"Nephew, there's no need for such formalities. If it weren't for your help, my Heavenly Court would probably still be quite empty."

Despite this, a deep worry lingered between Haotian's brows.

As the apparent ruler of the primordial world, if the demonic energy now appears in the Heavenly Court and its root cause cannot be found out and completely resolved, the trouble will only deepen, and he will be held accountable.

"I understand your concerns, Uncle-Master. As for the source of this demonic energy, I only know that it may be related to Kunpeng, but I know nothing else. I hope you will forgive me, Uncle-Master."

Upon hearing this, Haotian frowned even more deeply.

He had previously deduced the secrets of heaven and vaguely sensed that this matter was related to Kunpeng.

However, he still found it hard to believe that Kunpeng, who was also at the Quasi-Saint Perfection Realm, could stir up trouble right under his nose without leaving a trace.

If this is indeed the case, then Kunpeng's ambitions must be enormous, and its methods far beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.

In fact, even if Taibai hadn't mentioned it, Haotian had already decided to send a large number of people to thoroughly investigate the matter.

After all, the continuous infiltration of demonic energy into the celestial gods and immortals was an open provocation against him, the Great Celestial Venerable.

If he does nothing, not only will the Heavenly Court lose its prestige, but all living beings in the primordial world will also regard him as weak and easily bullied.

In these turbulent times, the Heavenly Court needs to demonstrate its swift and decisive measures to stabilize the overall situation.

"What you say, my nephew, is reasonable; this matter certainly needs a thorough investigation. I will issue an order shortly to send people to investigate in detail. What are your plans next, my nephew?"

Taibai had already made up his mind. Kunpeng's actions were an open provocation against him, his close associates, and even the foundation of the Daoist temple.

Whether for public or private reasons, he must take the initiative and retaliate.

Even if we cannot completely destroy Kunpeng, we must pursue and kill him repeatedly to vent our hatred and to deter those who are secretly plotting against us.

"Uncle-Master, I plan to make a trip to the Northern Underworld."

In Haotian's view, the biggest clue at present undoubtedly points to Kunpeng, and it is indeed the top priority to send capable people to investigate this person.

Immediately, Haotian's thoughts stirred, and his vast divine sense traversed countless palaces, reaching the depths of the Heavenly Court:

"Guiche and Yingzhao, come to the Ziwei Palace immediately to see me!"

The Heavenly Court of today, having survived the calamity of the Investiture of the Gods, is no longer lacking in capable ministers and generals.

For example, both Guiche and Yingzhao possessed quasi-saint cultivation levels and were quite powerful.

When Haotian wanted to investigate Kunpeng, who was also at the Great Perfection of Quasi-Saint realm, he immediately thought of these two.

They were once demon saints of the ancient demon court, and should know something about Kunpeng, who is also a giant of the demon race. Sending them there might be twice as effective and they could find out some unexpected information.

Guiche and Yingzhao, though they were quite disdainful of Haotian, this "junior," taking the throne of the Heavenly Court, and unwilling to obey his commands, had no choice but to accept their fates, as their true spirits were high on the Investiture of the Gods and their lives were entirely in Haotian's hands.

Guiche and Yingzhao, though they were quite disdainful of Haotian, this "junior," taking the throne of the Heavenly Court, and unwilling to obey his commands, had no choice but to accept their fates, as their true spirits were high on the Investiture of the Gods and their lives were entirely in Haotian's hands.

What terrified them even more was that the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip, when combined, possessed the terrifying power to obliterate the true consciousness of the gods and turn them into puppets.

Although his cultivation level is currently restricted by the Investiture of the Gods and can hardly make any progress, at least his intelligence still exists. If he can't even keep this last bit of self-awareness, what difference is there between him and the complete annihilation of his true spirit?

Therefore, despite their reluctance, the two had no choice but to set off for the Ziwei Palace immediately after receiving the imperial decree.

However, as the two stepped into the hall and their eyes fell upon Taibai, who was standing to the side, their aura suddenly turned cold, and an intense, almost tangible, malevolent aura spread out uncontrollably.

The reason they ended up on the Investiture of the Gods list and were subject to the rule of the Jade Emperor can be traced back to the gift of Taibai.

Guiche, who harbored a deep grudge against Taibai, flashed cold light in his eyes, and the quasi-saint level magical power within his body subtly trembled, with a heavy pressure pressing directly towards Taibai.

Seeing this, Taibai took a light half-step forward, releasing his magical power, which even had a faint force of counter-pressure.

Haotian, seated high on his throne, witnessed the fierce exchange between the three. He couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself and shook his head helplessly.

He was well aware of the long-standing feud between the three of them.

However, Guiche and Yingzhao were both former demon saints of the Demon Court, and they were probably the two who understood Kunpeng the most in the entire Heavenly Court.

Therefore, after much deliberation and considering all the existing deities in the Heavenly Court, only these two were suitable candidates to delve into the Northern Darkness and investigate Kunpeng.

This matter concerns the source of demonic energy and the reputation of the Heavenly Court; it cannot be handled with any personal feelings.

"Enough, Guiche and Yingzhao, are you two trying to rebel?"

"Your subordinate wouldn't dare!"

Seeing Haotian's fury, the two immediately lost all their arrogance and hurriedly bowed down, their posture extremely respectful, for fear that Haotian would take out the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip.