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

灵山

……

The sorrow on Zhunti's face was almost etched into stone. His withered fingers twirled the seemingly endless string of prayer beads. The extinguished Buddha light flickered around him, making this small world even more desolate.

"The Earthly Emperor has emerged, and the Three Pure Ones have mobilized." His voice was hoarse, as if squeezed from a dried-up riverbed. "Xuan Du, Guang Chengzi, and Duo Bao have all gathered at Jiang River. With them here, the Earthly Emperor's teacher... I'm afraid we're in trouble."

"Difficult?" Jieyin suddenly opened his eyes, a hint of almost ferocious ruthlessness flashing across his usual sorrowful face. "Junior brother, who said we must compete for the title of Earth Emperor's teacher?"

Zhunti raised his eyes, his sorrow still lingering, but with a hint of inquiry in them.

Jieyin slowly rose and paced around this small world. With each step he took, a phantom golden lotus bloomed, only to be quickly swallowed by the invisible darkness, turning into a distorted shadow.

"If the Three Pure Ones want to fight, let them fight." Jieyin stopped in his tracks. "The teachers of the Earthly Emperor, and even the Human Emperor and the Five Emperors, hold high positions and wield immense power, their merits are immeasurable, but they are also too much of a target, like oil being poured on a raging fire, under the watchful eyes of everyone. Xuanbao, the Three Pure Ones, and even Nuwa are all watching. If we forcefully compete now, it's no different from throwing eggs against rocks, bringing shame upon ourselves, and we might even expose ourselves prematurely..."

Zhunti's face froze in sorrow, and his fingers, which had been twisting the prayer beads, stopped: "What does Senior Brother mean...?"

"Do not vie for position, but seek profit; do not seek empty fame, but achieve real merit." Jieyin slowly sat back on the cloud bed, his tone gradually becoming calmer, yet even more profound. "Junior brother, look at the human race. Since the establishment of the Heavenly Emperor, its fortune has flourished, and its population is in the trillions. Tribes are scattered like stars in the sky, and talents are as numerous as the sands of the Ganges. The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors were indeed chosen by Heaven and were the core of its fortune, but how could such a vast human race be governed by just a few emperors? There must be countless wise ministers, good generals, and wise men under them, each fulfilling their duties and staying in their positions, in order to support this glorious and prosperous human age."

His gaze swept across the void, as if piercing through the barrier of the sacred mountain, revealing the vibrant yet complex human land: "These outstanding human figures may not be destined for the throne, but are their talents, virtues, and contributions to the development of humanity insignificant? Not at all. Educating a region can enlighten its inhabitants; improving various crafts can benefit countless people; resisting external demons can ensure the peace of a tribe; writing books can enlighten future generations... All these things are connected to the human way and can all be favored by human virtues, only to varying degrees."

Zhunti's eyes brightened. He was naturally intelligent and understood immediately: "Senior brother means... instead of fighting tooth and nail with the Three Pure Ones on the narrow path of becoming the 'Imperial Tutor,' why not cast our gaze upon the vast ocean of human talents? Cast a wide net, sow many seeds, and secretly invest in, support, and guide those 'lost gems' who possess superior aptitude, temperament, and fortune, but whose background, opportunities, or ideals might prevent them from being fully accepted or utilized by the Xuancang-Fuxi lineage?"

"Exactly!" For the first time, a smile appeared on the gaunt face of the guide, though it looked incredibly strange against the backdrop of sorrow. "We do not directly vie for the rightful succession to the Human Emperor, nor do we cross the line between Xuanbao and the Three Pure Ones. We simply... cherish talent, we cannot bear to see the talents of the human race buried, and we simply 'happily' have a connection with them, passing down some humble methods of self-cultivation and benefiting the people, to help them walk more steadily and further on their respective paths."

He lowered his voice, his tone enticing: "Think about it, if we could support ten, a hundred, or even a thousand such 'sages,' 'capable ministers,' and 'wise men' in various human tribes? They might not be at the pinnacle of cultivation, but they might be skilled in agriculture, ensuring abundant harvests for humanity; or proficient in medicine, saving countless lives; or adept at water conservancy, alleviating droughts and floods; or knowledgeable in law, resolving disputes and stopping conflicts; or skilled in education, enlightening and inspiring… Every time they accomplish something, every time they benefit a region of humanity, the merit and fortune they gain, though perhaps not even a fraction of that of the Imperial Tutor, will accumulate like grains of sand forming a tower, like small contributions adding up to a whole garment—how considerable the total amount would be?! More importantly—"

Jieyin's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "These people are scattered throughout humanity, rooted in the grassroots, their influence subtle and pervasive, and they have shown us kindness and imparted their teachings! They are the myriad tentacles we extend into humanity, the best seeds for spreading Western ideals! Given time, as they grow and occupy important positions in various parts of humanity, or become highly respected sages, how could their words, actions, and thoughts not bear the imprint of the West? At that time, within humanity, the Western lineage of ideals will quietly flow, its foundation naturally established! This is the superior strategy of 'nurturing things silently,' far more secure and with greater long-term impact than forcibly vying for the position of 'Imperial Tutor,' which is like a target!"

"Brilliant! Senior Brother!" Zhunti clapped his hands, his sorrow vanished, replaced by a flushed excitement. "This plan is excellent! We're in a win-win situation! If it succeeds, we'll gain merit and fortune, spreading our Western Daoist tradition and laying a hidden foundation among the human race; if it fails, we'll only lose a small investment, nothing serious. Moreover, this matter is kept secret. Even if it's discovered, we can claim it was just a chance enlightenment, born of compassion. Xuanbao and the Three Pure Ones won't be able to make a big fuss about it!"

"Indeed." Jieyin nodded, his expression returning to its sorrowful state, but a deeper calculation lurked in his eyes. "This matter will be handled by 'Wuxiang.' He excels at discerning people's desires, implanting ideas, and subtly influencing them. The chosen person must meet several criteria: First, excellent aptitude and temperament with potential for growth; second, unique talent or unwavering belief in their field; third, preferably a subtle sense of alienation from the current mainstream of humanity, perhaps feeling unappreciated, or having differing ideologies, but at least not a staunch supporter; fourth, their background should not be too illustrious, lest they attract attention too early."

"Let Wuxiang personally select the specific candidates. The method of transmitting the teachings must be roundabout and natural. It may involve a dream, or the use of 'ancient relics' or 'the legacy of sages,' or having a secret agent disguise themselves as a wandering sorcerer or a hermit to 'accidentally' enlighten them... Remember, the teachings transmitted in the early stages must not have obvious Western characteristics. They should focus on practicality and benevolence, such as strengthening the body, regulating the earth's energy, identifying herbs, and simple crafts. First, gain their trust and solve their practical difficulties. As their dependence deepens, slowly infuse them with the essence of our Western teachings, guiding them to make 'small grand vows' that align with their path, such as 'May the people of this land be forever free from famine' or 'May all the suffering of the world be cured,' thus subtly connecting their destiny with that of our Western traditions."

Zhunti added, "A covert communication and protection mechanism also needs to be established. Each selected 'seed' should be observed and guided from a distance by a dedicated agent, and direct contact should never be made unless absolutely necessary. At the same time, deep within Mount Ling, the aura and essence blood imprint of these 'seeds' should be condensed using the secret method of the 'Lotus Pond of Cause and Effect'. If they encounter misfortune or are about to be exposed, the imprint can be activated remotely, either to induce them to 'sudden enlightenment and pass away in meditation' or to create an unexpected illusion. It is imperative to cut off all clues pointing to the West."

"Very well. This matter shall be settled then." The Guide gave his final instructions, his tone stern. "Tell Wuxiang, it is better to be slow than hasty; better to have fewer than indiscriminate. The first batch of 'seeds' should be of high quality, not in large quantities. This is a long-term strategy, concerning the eternal destiny of the West; it cannot be allowed to fail!"

"I'll make the arrangements right away!" Zhunti bowed, his figure slowly fading away. That small world returned to silence, with only the figure of Jieyin sitting there withered, his sorrow never fading, and the ghostly fire in his eyes called "Wild Ambition" burning quietly in the extinguished Buddha light.

……

The Formless Cave Heaven.

On the red lotus throne where demonic energy surged, the Formless Heavenly Demon (the evil corpse of Zhunti) listened to the latest decree from his true self. On his half-Buddha, half-demon face, a mixture of knowing mockery and cruel excitement was revealed.

"Casting a wide net? That's a more insidious method, and a safer path." He licked his lips with his scarlet tongue. "I'm becoming more and more like myself... Well, this matter suits my taste quite well. Manipulating people's hearts, sowing desires, watching those tiny insects, in their self-righteous 'struggle' and 'chance,' step by step walk towards their predetermined cage... Heh, it's truly the most delightful thing."

The Formless Demon vanished from the Crimson Lotus Throne in a flash, appearing above the human land. His gaze, sharp as lightning, swept across the tribes below. He quickly locked onto a small tribe, home to a young man named Ah Feng. Ah Feng had been obsessed with medicine since childhood, but the limitations of the tribe's traditional medical methods hindered his progress, leaving him feeling deeply frustrated by his unfulfilled potential. The Formless Demon silently infiltrated Ah Feng's dream, transforming into an elderly, white-haired healer. In the dream, the old healer revealed to Ah Feng many miraculous herbal remedies and treatment techniques. Upon waking, Ah Feng tried what he had learned in his dream and surprisingly cured some of the tribe's most difficult ailments. As Ah Feng's medical skills became renowned, the Formless Demon opportunely guided him to make the grand vow to "cure all the suffering of the world." Simultaneously, the Formless Demon's spies secretly observed Ah Feng's every move, ensuring his growth remained uninterrupted and that the Western schemes were not exposed. This is just the beginning of the Western strategy; many more "seeds" will be quietly planted on the human land.

……

The Nuwa Palace was shrouded in purple clouds and auspicious mists.

Xuanbao's biggest need right now is time. With a direction in mind, he naturally won't waste any time and arrives at Nuwa Palace immediately.

Nuwa was leaning against her cloud bed, toying with a wisp of primordial energy between her fingers. From this energy, the cycle of life and death of mountains, rivers, plants, birds, and beasts took shape. Suddenly, she sensed something, looked up at the outside of the palace, and a knowing smile appeared on her lips.

"What a rare guest!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Xuanbao appeared in the hall. He was not wearing imperial robes today, but only a simple blue shirt, which showed some of the casualness he had when he was cultivating Taoism on Shouyang Mountain.

"Sister, please stop teasing me." Xuanbao smiled and cupped her hands in greeting. "I've come today to ask you for a favor."

Nuwa's eyes flickered, and she had already guessed seven or eight parts of the truth: "Is it because of the undercurrents among the human race, or... your own cultivation matters?"

"Both," Xuanbao said frankly. "On the human side, Fuxi and Xuancang have already made arrangements, and things are relatively stable for the time being. But on my side... I always feel that time is running out."

His expression turned serious: "Sister, Hongjun sent me his last message from Zixiao Palace, saying 'Time is running out.' Judging from his current state, he's deeply integrated with the Heavenly Dao, almost to the point of being inhuman. Plus, those two in the West seem to be causing trouble lately..."

Nuwa sat up straight, the primordial energy of creation at her fingertips dissipating. She gazed at the mysterious treasure for a moment, then said softly, "You sensed it too?"

"Hmm." Xuanbao nodded. "Ever since the Heavenly Court was re-established, I have been using my authority as the Heavenly Emperor to sense the primordial world. I always feel that there is something watching from beyond this world. Although it is very vague, it is definitely not an illusion."

Nuwa remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "I also vaguely sensed something about this. When I became a saint, the Great Dao manifested, and I felt that deep within the will of the Heavenly Dao, there seemed to be something 'other.' However, at that time, my cultivation was still shallow, and I couldn't see it clearly. Later, I sensed it through the Great Dao of Creation and discovered that the Primordial Heavenly Dao... was not entirely 'natural.'"

"What does my sister mean?"

"The Way of Heaven is flawed," Nuwa said, emphasizing each word. "And this flaw is slowly widening. Hongjun merged with the Dao, ostensibly to mend the flaws in Heaven, but in reality... it's more like he's filling a bottomless pit with his own body. When he said 'time is running out,' he was probably referring to this."

Xuanbao's heart skipped a beat: "Then does sister know where this Heavenly Flaw came from? And what injured it?"

Nuwa shook her head: "I don't know. Perhaps no one but Hongjun knows now, but they have never said it outright. Perhaps... it's an old wound from the creation of the world, perhaps it's something from outside the chaos. I only know that if the celestial void completely collapses, the return of the primordial world to chaos would be the least of our worries; what I fear most is..."

She didn't finish speaking, but Xuanbao understood.

What I fear most is that something might crawl in from outside that gap in the sky.

"So you must become stronger." Nuwa looked at Xuanbao, her eyes showing an unusual seriousness. "The faster the better, the stronger the better. You possess ten cycles of merit, have the Chaos Bell in your hand, and have the recognition of the Heavenly Dao, the Earthly Dao, and the Human Dao. Perhaps... you are the most likely person to touch the truth, or even change something."

Xuanbao took a deep breath: "I understand. That's why I came today to borrow something from you, sister."

"What is it?"

"The Qiankun Cauldron".

Nuwa paused for a moment, then suddenly realized: "You want to use the 'Returning the Innate to the Acquired' power of the Qiankun Cauldron?"

"Exactly," Xuanbao explained. "My path is special, requiring innate spiritual treasures and objects as a guide to rapidly improve my cultivation. However, in the primordial world today, unclaimed innate objects are extremely rare. If I had the Qiankun Cauldron, I could refine acquired spiritual treasures and then refining them back into innate ones. Although they are inferior to true innate objects, their quantity is considerable."

Nuwa laughed: "You certainly have a good idea. But..."

With a flick of her wrist, a small, ancient cauldron appeared in her palm. It had three legs, two handles, and was entirely dark yellow, with the Qian and Kun trigrams engraved on its body. Although small, the cauldron exuded a vast Daoist aura that could suppress the universe and defy the primordial order.

"Take it." Nuwa gently pushed, and the Qiankun Cauldron floated towards Xuanbao.

Xuanbao caught it; it felt heavy in his hand, as if he were holding a small world within it. He was somewhat surprised: "Sister just gave it to me like that? Aren't you going to ask how long I'll need it?"

Nuwa rolled her eyes at him: "Between you and me, is there any need for such talk? This cauldron is of no use to me. Since you urgently need it, take it for now. As for when to return it... return it whenever you want, or don't return it at all. We don't need to talk about such things."

A warm feeling welled up in Xuanbao's heart. He solemnly put away the Qiankun Cauldron and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, sister."

"Alright, alright, stop with the nonsense."

With the Qiankun Cauldron, Xuanbao felt more confident. He looked at Nuwa and said, "Sister, I'm going to improve my cultivation. I hope you'll look after the affairs of the human race." Nuwa waved her hand, "Go with peace of mind. With Fuxi and Xuancang here, the human race won't have any major problems for the time being. I will also keep an eye on things secretly."

……