Primordial Era: I am a treasure trove, full of magical treasures.

Xuanbao stood amidst the boundless radiance of merit, his gaze clear as a mirror. He slowly raised his hand and gently pointed at the still churning sea of ​​immeasurable merit.

"My path does not require external seeking."

As soon as the words fell, there was no earth-shattering sound, but the vast sea of ​​merit, which was enough to drive any quasi-saint mad and pave a path to sainthood, suddenly paused. The golden, dark yellow, and milky white sea of ​​light, which had been swirling randomly, began to differentiate and flow in an orderly manner according to some mysterious trajectory, as if it had received the highest command.

Transforming into a dazzling golden pillar of light, it once again poured into Xuanbao's head, attempting to condense a tenth golden wheel—a feat beyond the capacity of this world's merit system. A portion of the merit directly merged into Xuanbao's physical body, primordial spirit, and even his fundamental Dao, further solidifying his already flawless foundation, refining his magical power, and deepening his understanding of the Dao of Heaven and Earth. Though not yet a saint, his aura grew increasingly ethereal and lofty, faintly displaying signs of transcendence. While not yet a saint, he already possessed some of the characteristics of one.

After Xuanbao accepted the merit, it no longer interfered. The remaining 60% of the merit, as if possessing intelligence, began to flow automatically to every participant in the restoration of the western ley lines. The amount and thickness depended entirely on the size of their contribution, the amount of effort they put in, and the purity of their thoughts in this great undertaking, without any difference, demonstrating the impartiality of the Way of Heaven.

"boom!"

The second, immense merit, accounting for about 20% of the total, was divided into several smaller streams, each directed towards one of the most crucial beings.

The largest wisp, the purest golden light, mixed with a rich, primordial aura, descended upon Zhen Yuanzi's head. Holding the Earth Book, he presided over the grand formation, stabilizing the earth's veins—a truly immense achievement. As the merit entered his body, the Daoist energy surrounding Zhen Yuanzi surged dramatically. The Earth Book in his hand radiated unprecedented brilliance, and his connection with the primordial earth became even closer and deeper. His long-stagnant cultivation began to loosen and rise; although he hadn't yet reached the peak of Quasi-Saint, he wasn't far off.

Another, slightly smaller ray of golden light, carrying warm, milky-white vow power, was cast upon Hongyun's soul. Although Hongyun didn't offer much help in this process, he had a good brother, after all. Of course, it could also be interest being repaid by others, such as the karma owed by the two in the West. With the integration of merit, his already solidified soul instantly shone brightly, his soul body became more stable, and his cultivation level returned to Taiyi Golden Immortal. Hongyun's face showed a broad-minded and gratified smile.

Immediately afterwards, three beams of golden light, each with its own emphasis but equally vast, flew toward the Three Pure Ones.

The magnificent Pagoda of Heaven and Earth, radiating boundless primordial energy, descended upon Laozi, effortlessly receiving the merit. As the merit merged with it, the pagoda appeared even more ancient and imposing, its surface subtly revealing the shadows of mountains, rivers, the sun, moon, and stars, as if bearing a portion of the Daoist principles that had shaped the primordial order. Laozi remained serene, merely nodding slightly; the tranquil and effortless Daoist aura surrounding him seemed to become even more harmonious.

Yuanshi was bathed in the golden light of merit. With the accumulation of merit, the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi became increasingly lustrous and translucent, the Jade Purity Immortal Light became increasingly pure and vast, and the Earthly Sect's fortune rose accordingly. Yuanshi showed approval and nodded slightly to Xuanbao.

Tongtian also gained merit. With the merit merging, the sword energy around him became increasingly restrained yet even more terrifying, faintly emanating a supreme sword intent capable of breaking all techniques and cutting through all things. Tongtian laughed heartily, his voice shaking the surrounding area, and nodded slightly to Xuanbao.

Nuwa and Houtu also gained abundant merit. Nuwa received the most concentrated essence of creation and vitality, which merged into her sage body, deepening her understanding of the Great Dao of Creation. The phantom image of the Mountain and River Map in her hand flashed by, seemingly indicating that she too had benefited. Her gaze towards Xuanbao was full of satisfaction and appreciation.

Houtu's merits are closely linked to reincarnation and the earth. With the accumulation of merits, her Dharma form becomes more solid and compassionate. As the illusory image of the reincarnation disc in her hand rotates, the earth's fortune seems to become more stable and prosperous, and the order of the underworld is subtly strengthened. She cast a grateful glance at Xuanbao.

After these key figures distributed the merits, the remaining 40% of the merits, like a golden downpour, began to fall upon the millions of participants below!

The core disciples of the three sects—Duobao, Guangchengzi, Yuding, Jinling, Wudang, Zhao Gongming, and the Sanxiao—along with those who excelled in clearing away demons, stabilizing the earth's energy, and setting up protective formations, were all enveloped in a thick golden light of merit. Duobao's body shone with a divine light that seemed to indicate a breakthrough; Guangchengzi's Dao foundation became even more solid, and the three flowers above his auspicious cloud grew increasingly dense; Yuding, the Sanxiao, and others also saw a significant increase in their cultivation... The overall fortune of the disciples of the three sects soared, and they cheered with joy.

The six ancestral witches, including Dijiang, Zhurong, and Gonggong, along with numerous great witches and witch soldiers, also gained merit, and in great quantities. Although merit was of little use to the witch clan, the witch clan had long known the wonderful uses of merit. You may not need it, but you must have it. In the prehistoric world, having merit was equivalent to having a get-out-of-jail-free card.

The four Bodhisattvas and their followers also received abundant merit. The golden bodies of the four Bodhisattvas—Bhaisajyaguru, Suryaprabha, Candraprabha, and Ratnasambhava—became even more radiant, their Buddha-light shining everywhere, and their understanding of the Dharma deepened. The three thousand monks, eight hundred Arhats, and a million monk soldiers all felt their Dharma practice progressing, their minds becoming clearer, and their faith in the revival of the West becoming even stronger. On Mount Ling, although Jieyin and Zhunti did not directly intervene, as Western saints and leaders of Buddhism, they also shared in a portion of the overall merit and fortune of Buddhism. Their expressions were complex; they were both delighted that the revival of the West was promising and that Buddhism would benefit, yet bitter that they were not the ones in control.

Moreover, while other saints had contributed to the restoration of the earth's veins, they had all gained merit, but for various reasons, they had missed this opportunity to repay their debts.

The Phoenix Clan, Dragon Clan, Qilin, Xuanwu, White Tiger, and other divine beast races, as well as the myriad races of the primordial world, powerful cultivators from all walks of life, and even those lesser demons and spirits with low cultivation but who devoted themselves wholeheartedly—all who participated in this great undertaking, regardless of the size of their contribution, received merit rewards to varying degrees. Some saw their cultivation bottlenecks loosen, some their injuries healed, some their magical treasures upgraded, and some their fortunes deepened… The entire western land was enveloped in a golden rain of merit, filled with the aura of breakthroughs and joyful exclamations.

Most movingly, the native creatures of the West, ravaged by demonic calamities and newly reborn—the tenacious sprouts of grass pushing through the earth, the clear springs seeping from the cracks in the rocks, the fish beginning to swim, the timid little beasts venturing out of their burrows, and even the spirits of the mountains and rivers, once again sensing life… Though bewildered, they instinctively opened their hearts to this rain of merit. Faint, milky-white specks of light rose from them, mingling with the falling merit. They received the least merit, yet it was the purest—a reward from Heaven and Earth for their tenacious life. Tiny patches of green spread at a visible speed, the babbling of water grew even more joyful, and the vitality of the entire West, nourished by this rain of merit, exploded!

Some of the merits transformed into the purest spiritual energy of heaven and earth and the vitality of creation, merging into the newly born rivers, mountains, and land, improving the barrenness of the western origins and laying a more solid foundation for the long-term recovery of this land.

The distribution of merit lasted for three full days.

Three days later, the golden light of merit, the primordial energy, and the milky white power of vows gradually dissipated, and the sky returned to clarity. Although the sealing effect of the Zhou Tian Star Array remained, and the starlight was dim, the western sky was now a clear blue, with leisurely white clouds and warm sunshine. The land was lush and green, with a nascent network of waterways. Although the spiritual energy was not particularly abundant, it was full of vitality and life, a world apart from the desolate barrenness of a thousand years ago.

All participants, regardless of their cultivation level, had radiant complexions and their auras had improved to varying degrees, immersed in the joy of accumulating merit and the realization of their spiritual progress. They gazed at Xuanbao, who stood at the head of the black dragon, their eyes filled with unprecedented reverence, gratitude, and admiration. It was Xuanbao who brought hope for changing the West; it was he who gathered such power; it was he who relinquished the readily attainable holy position, sharing immeasurable merit with everyone!

Zhen Yuanzi stroked his beard and sighed, "Third brother, you are noble and righteous, you do not claim credit for your merits, and you benefit all living beings. I admire your magnanimity and character very much."

The red cloud's soul shone brightly, and it laughed, "I am honored to share this experience! This journey is more valuable than ten thousand years of arduous cultivation."

The Three Pure Ones nodded slightly, approving of Xuanbao's actions. Nuwa's eyes shone with even greater admiration. Houtu, in her divine form, bowed slightly in gratitude.

Daoist Duobao flew to Xuanbao's side and bowed deeply: "Senior Brother, the disciples of the three sects will never forget this kindness!" Guangchengzi, Yuding and others also bowed.

Dijiang, the Ancestral Witch, patted his chest and said, "Brother Xuanbao, if you ever need anything in the future, just let us know! Our Witch Clan will never hesitate!"

Four Bodhisattvas from the Buddhist sect chanted the Buddha's name in unison: "Amitabha Buddha, the merits of the Daoist Master Xuanbao are immeasurable, and his compassion is boundless. All sentient beings in the Western Paradise will forever be grateful for his great kindness."

Representatives from the Phoenix Clan, Dragon Clan, and other races also rushed forward to fawn over him. After all, Xuanbao was someone who could become a saint at any time, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Xuanbao was a saint now.

Xuanbao returned the greetings one by one, his expression calm and without any hint of arrogance. He gazed at the revitalized western land, feeling the vibrant life force surging between heaven and earth and the joy of all living beings, and his heart was filled with peace and contentment. He had no regrets about giving up the path to sainthood. His path lay beneath his feet, in the future, in a wider world, not in a saintly position achieved overnight.

"Fellow Daoists," Xuanbao's clear voice rang out again, silencing the commotion in the arena, "the Western ley lines have been initially opened, and life has been restored, but the foundation is still weak, and the spiritual energy is not yet abundant. This is the beginning of a new life, not a one-time event. The subsequent nourishment and stabilization, the regulation of mountains and rivers, the nurturing of life, and the reconstruction of order still require you all to work together with the beings of the West, and proceed step by step."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd: "This merit is the recognition of our efforts in repairing the primordial world and benefiting all living beings by the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man. May you all make good use of this merit, advance your cultivation, uphold the righteous path, and bring blessings to your disciples. The West is newly reborn, with everything in need of rebuilding, and opportunities abound. You may decide for yourselves which path to take."

After saying this, Xuanbao bowed to Zhenyuanzi, Hongyun, the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, Houtu, and others, saying, "Many thanks to all my masters, brothers and sisters, and fellow Daoists for your great help. I will remember this cause and effect. Now that the earth's veins are open, I still have some trivial matters to attend to, so I will take my leave for now."

As for why Xuanbao ran away first, it was because he felt very uncomfortable being watched by so many people, and he was even a little overwhelmed.

However, even though he had to make a show of it, Xuanbao looked at the disciples of the three religions, the witch clan, the Buddhist sect, and the representatives of all races: "You have all worked hard. You can stay here to meditate and comprehend, or you can go to the land of new life to seek opportunities. The future of the primordial world needs our joint protection."

Having said that, without waiting for anyone to speak further, Xuanbao gently gestured to Nidhogg beneath his feet. The black dragon understood, letting out a deep roar, and carrying Xuanbao, leading three thousand Holy Spirit Warriors, transformed into a dark streak of light, vanishing in an instant into the western horizon. He left decisively, leaving the stage to this newly reborn land, full of infinite possibilities, and to the grateful participants, each with their own plans.

The crowd stared in the direction where Xuanbao had disappeared, speechless for a long time. This Daoist Lord had created a miracle, leading so many people to gain merit, yet he did not claim credit for his achievements and drifted away gracefully. His demeanor, his magnanimity, and his breadth of vision were deeply imprinted in the hearts of every living being present.

A new era has begun in the West. And Xuanbao's reputation is now unmatched.

The sky was azure, the earth was verdant, and the streams murmured; everything was filled with hope and the unknown.

Xuanbao stood atop Nidhogg's dragon head, about to lead the Holy Spirit Legion to the Netherworld to deal with the remnant souls of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden and others, as well as some issues in the Underworld. Suddenly, deep within his primordial spirit, the "Kongtong Seal" that carried the fortune of the human race trembled violently without warning!

"Buzz—!"

It was not a sharp alarm bell warning of a crisis, but a deep, stagnant feeling, as if being dragged by an invisible weight, or as if clear water had been thrown into ink, a "turbid" feeling that crashed into Xuanbao's mind along the inseparable connection between the Kongtong Seal and the entire river of human destiny!

"This is..." Xuanbao's figure swayed almost imperceptibly, and his brows furrowed suddenly. Although he was only at the peak of Quasi-Saint, his sensitivity to the cause and effect of everything related to himself was extremely acute. Especially the human race, as the "Martial Ancestor" he occupied a lot of the human race's fortune, and as the "Human Emperor" recognized by the Kongtong Seal, even the slightest change in the overall fortune of the human race could not escape his perception.

The sensations we are experiencing now are far from "minor changes"!

It was a dramatic change intertwined with "sinking" and "chaos"! It was as if the long river of human destiny, which was originally weak but full of vitality and constantly rising, was suddenly obscured by a layer of black mist. Even if you can't see it with a Xuanbao, human destiny is inexplicably sinking and becoming disordered. This is definitely not an ordinary thing!

Is humanity destined to face another catastrophe of annihilation?

Xuanbao naturally knew that the original human race had once suffered a calamity of extermination, almost being wiped out by the demon race, and was used to forge the Witch-Slaying Sword, but that was only the human race in the original timeline.

Xuanbao was somewhat uncertain. With Xuanbao's help, the human race had long since taken a different path from the original human race. Could they possibly experience another annihilation?

Do the demon race really have that much power? Facing several saints? How many heads do they have?

Various doubts led Xuanbao to change his plans. He decided to first visit the human tribe, Nidhogg. Sensing Xuanbao's intentions, he changed direction and sped towards the human tribe like a black lightning bolt. Along the way, Xuanbao circulated his magic power, constantly probing the state of the human race's fortune through the Kongtong Seal. However, the gloomy and stagnant feeling grew stronger, causing his heart to clench.