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

The Heavenly Court has thirty-three heavens.

Today, the Heavenly Court's atmosphere is entirely different from usual. From the Southern Heavenly Gate, countless rays of light and auspicious mist intertwine to form tangible staircases and rainbow bridges, traversing the Thirty-Three Heavens. The Zhou Tian Star Array operates at full power, its 365 main stars and 48,000 stellar constellations shining brighter than ever before, casting a soft yet vast starlight that blends with the rosy clouds, transforming the entire sky into a flowing, dreamlike, dazzling sea of ​​stars. Above the firmament, nine colossal, chaotic, and primordial dragons, condensed from the purest Heavenly Court's fortune, appear and disappear, each breath exhaling boundless Daoist energy, proclaiming the supreme glory of this Heavenly Court.

Outside the South Heavenly Gate, a completely different world had already opened up.

The once ancient and magnificent South Heavenly Gate is now completely imbued with the essence of the Primordial Dao. The three characters "South Heavenly Gate" in purple-gold radiate great light, each stroke seemingly containing a complete law of the Great Dao, dazzling and mesmerizing all who behold them. On either side of the gate tower stand two towering "Primordial Dao Pillars," their shafts carved with grand epics of creation, the differentiation of Yin and Yang, the rotation of the Four Symbols, and the emergence of all spirits. At the top of each pillar sits a majestic, indistinct phantom of a Primordial Dao Venerable, not a physical entity, yet exuding a terrifying majesty. These are the "Welcoming Dharma Forms" manifested by Xuanbao using his own Primordial Dao essence combined with the fortune of the Heavenly Court.

The avenue leading to the gate was no longer paved with white jade. Stepping upon it, a cool, refreshing sensation arose, spontaneously stimulating the cultivator's internal energy and dispelling inner demons. Along both sides of the avenue, every hundred feet, stood a Holy Spirit Clan warrior clad in magnificent armor, with pure white wings on their backs, exuding a pure and sharp aura. Their cultivation levels were at least Taiyi Golden Immortals, with their leaders being Daluo Golden Immortals! Each of them wielded a Primordial Spiritual Treasure (a specially modified Xuanbao), their gazes unwavering, forming a silent and austere ceremonial corridor. Further out, countless celestial soldiers and generals could be vaguely seen forming profound battle formations, their auras intertwined, like slumbering ancient beasts, poised to strike, yet displaying the majesty and order of the Heavenly Court to the fullest extent.

A strange, sweet fragrance filled the air, a blend of the scents from over a hundred kinds of innate spiritual root flowers, mixed with a wisp of primordial Daoist essence from a mysterious treasure. Its aroma could calm the mind and spirit, aiding in enlightenment, and even cleansing the body and purifying the primordial spirit for cultivators below the Golden Immortal level. It was regulating the aura of every attendee.

As the hour of Chen approached, outside the South Heavenly Gate, the light was already flowing like a tapestry, and the shadows of immortals were looming.

Those who arrived first were naturally the races and powerful rogue cultivators of the primordial world who had long been clearly affiliated with the Heavenly Court or had close ties with it.

……

"The Demon Master of the Northern Underworld, Ancestor Kunpeng has arrived—!" A shadow swept by as the announcement was made, transforming into a sinister Taoist priest in black robes. Kunpeng, unusually dressed today in a solemn black Taoist robe, forced a slightly stiff respect onto his face, bowing slightly towards the South Heavenly Gate before riding a cloud into the gate, accompanied by a guiding celestial official. He brought a low-grade innate spiritual treasure and handed it to the official. His gaze swept over the magnificent procession and the vast starry sea, especially when he sensed the omnipresent, gentle yet supreme primordial Daoist aura in the air. A deep sense of apprehension and complexity flashed in the depths of his eyes. Things were different now. This newly ascended Primordial Great Luo, the Lord of the Heavenly Court, was someone he had to look up to and dared not show the slightest disrespect to.

"Zhenyuan the Great Immortal and Hongyun the Ancestor have arrived at Wuzhuang Temple!" Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun arrived together, handing over the 30 ginseng fruits they brought to the celestial official. Many people knew that Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun were sworn brothers of Xuanbao, so they naturally dared not neglect them upon their arrival. Hongyun smiled and nodded to the guiding celestial official. Many familiar rogue cultivators stepped forward to pay their respects.

"Ancestor Styx of the Blood Sea has arrived—!" A flash of overwhelming blood-red light transformed into Styx, clad in a crimson Daoist robe. He came alone, without any Asura followers. He merely glanced coldly at the scene, snorted, and handed a jade box containing the innate spiritual root, Blood Ginseng, to the celestial official before striding inside. His purpose here was primarily to probe the depths of this newly ascended Hunyuan cultivator, and... to search for possible opportunities or weaknesses.

Immediately afterwards, a group of heavyweight figures began to appear.

"The Queen Mother of the West has arrived from Kunlun!" A graceful and noble female immortal rode a blue phoenix and presented nine "elixirs of immortality," eliciting gasps of amazement.

"The three rogue cultivators, Elder Tianxing, Hermit of the Four Seas, and Hermit of the Eight Desolations, have arrived!" These three well-known veteran rogue cultivators from the Primordial World, whose auras were all at the early stage of Quasi-Saint and who were usually elusive, actually arrived together with a respectful attitude.

"The ancient clans of the Primordial Era: the Golden Lion King, the Wood Spirit Clan Chief, the Fire Divine Sparrow Clan Chief, the Xuan Turtle Ancestor… have arrived!" Dozens of representatives from powerful clans, some of whom lived in seclusion and even possessed slumbering quasi-saint elders, arrived in a grand procession, carrying lavish gifts and leading their clan's elites. Their expressions were complex, containing reverence, curiosity, and calculation, but without exception, they all restrained their arrogance and behaved with utmost respect. Xuan Bao's attainment of the Primordial Dao was like a boulder crashing into the deep waters of the Primordial Era, forcing all the great fish beneath the surface to reassess their positions.

However, the real climax arrived suddenly with several grand chants that pierced through the thirty-three heavens!

"The Sage Nuwa has arrived!"

High above, amidst a myriad of radiant rays, auspicious energy condensed into tangible staircases. The Goddess Nuwa, riding a magnificent phoenix chariot, gracefully descended from the heavens. Today, she wore not her palace attire, but a simple moon-white Daoist robe, her dark hair loosely tied with a wooden hairpin. A warm smile graced her exquisite face, and the aura of creation flowed around her, causing lotuses to bloom in the void and sweet springs to gush forth wherever she passed. She did not come alone; beside her was a delicately crafted, agile boy, Lingzhuzi. Nuwa descended, not going to the guest area, but landing directly on the "Welcoming Platform" at the highest point of the Southern Heavenly Gate. She greeted Haotian and Yaochi, who were already waiting there, with smiles, then stood quietly to the side, gazing into the distance—she was waiting.

"The Holy Sage of Peaceful Mind has arrived in the Netherworld!"

A vast expanse of purple aura, reminiscent of the cycle of reincarnation, filled the heavens! A figure clad in simple linen and a plain skirt, barefoot like a lotus, arrived, treading upon the illusory path of the River of Reincarnation, her face both compassionate and dignified. Behind Houtu followed two figures with solemn auras, clad in the robes of the Yama Kings—Qin Guang King Di Jiang and Chu Jiang King Zhu Rong, two of the Ten Kings of Hell! They represented the Netherworld, coming to offer their congratulations. Houtu also landed on the welcoming platform, gave Nuwa a slight nod, and then stood silently. The joint appearance of two sages on the welcoming platform—such treatment was unprecedented!

The area outside the South Heavenly Gate was a sea of ​​jubilation! Countless cultivators trembled with excitement, bowing devoutly towards the welcoming platform. Two sages personally came to greet them—what an honor! The power of this Xuanbao Heavenly Emperor in the Heavenly Court was now at its zenith!

However, this boiling only lasted for a moment before it was completely overwhelmed and detonated by the next three sounds that rang out almost simultaneously!

"The Supreme Sage has arrived—!"

"The Sage of Jade Purity has arrived!"

"The Supreme Sage has arrived—!"

"Boom—!!!"

Chaos was quelled, and earth, fire, water, and wind were restored! The three figures, whose grandeur and mystery defy description, seemed to walk side by side from the end of the "Dao"! Yuanshi Tianzun rode a nine-dragon sandalwood chariot, with the Jade Purity Immortal Light transforming into a jeweled canopy, expounding the order of the Heavenly Dao; Tongtian Treading Thunder Bird, with the illusory shadows of the Four Immortal-Slaying Swords guarding him, cleaved the void, demonstrating his own Dao of Intercepting Heaven; Laozi rode an earthen Qilin, his flat cane across his knees, the Yin and Yang Dao rhythm flowing, interpreting the return of all things to oneness.

The Three Pure Ones! The true lineage of Pangu! The leaders of the Xuanmen! They arrived together, and in the most solemn and divine manner! They did not go to the welcoming platform, but landed directly in front of the South Heavenly Gate, directly in front of the nine Primordial Dao Pillars! The three vast and boundless saintly auras and Dao rhythms perfectly blended with the Primordial Dao rhythms and celestial power of the Heavenly Court itself. Far from conflicting, they merged seamlessly, evolving into countless Dao phenomena, illuminating the area outside the South Heavenly Gate as if it were the source of the Great Dao!

At this moment, whether it was the powerful figures who had arrived long ago, or those who came later, or even Nuwa and Houtu standing on the welcoming platform, everyone bowed and paid their respects in the direction of the Three Pure Ones! The thunderous shouts of worship almost shattered the stars!

"Greetings to the Supreme Pure Sage! Greetings to the Jade Pure Sage! Greetings to the Upper Pure Sage!"

The Three Pure Ones have come together to support Xuanbao! This is no simple act of support; it is a declaration to the entire prehistoric world, and even to all the myriad realms: Xuanbao is their most prized and valued disciple! To disrespect Xuanbao is to be an enemy of the Three Pure Ones and the entire orthodox Xuanmen sect!

The pressure was instantly placed on the last party—the West.

Just as the Taoist chants of the Three Pure Ones had not yet completely subsided, and the sounds of countless immortals paying homage still echoed—

"The Western Paradise, welcomes the Sages of Guidance and Cundi!"

Two figures arrived, bathed in a dim, fading Buddhist light. Jieyin was emaciated and pale, his face contorted with such deep sorrow that it seemed as if he were about to burst into tears. He held a string of prayer beads whose luster was noticeably diminished. Zhunti's forced smile was more like a grimace; his eyes darted away, completely avoiding eye contact with the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and Houtu, and even more so, avoiding the magnificent Heavenly Court and the vast, primordial Daoist energy.

They arrived last and with the lowest posture. Jieyin stepped forward, bowed deeply in the direction of the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and Houtu, his voice dry and hoarse: "Amitabha... Jieyin (Zhunti), congratulations to the Heavenly Emperor Xuanbao on attaining the Primordial Chaos and living a long and prosperous life. I offer you three Bodhi seeds and a pair of crystal cups as a token of my appreciation." The gifts were not insignificant, but compared to the presence of the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and Houtu, they seemed so meager and awkward.

When the Three Pure Ones arrive, they all start with top-grade innate spiritual treasures.

Tongtian snorted coldly and turned his face away. Yuanshi remained expressionless. Laozi nodded slightly in response. Nuwa and Houtu also nodded faintly.

Jieyin and Zhunti dared not utter a single complaint, and even secretly breathed a sigh of relief—thankfully, they hadn't been embarrassed on the spot. The two sheepishly followed the guiding celestial official to the guest area, finding inconspicuous seats and trying their best to minimize their presence. Compared to the dazzling brilliance of the Three Pure Ones' entrance, they were like fireflies beside the bright moon, forlorn and laughable.

All the saints gathered, and guests flocked to the scene.

The auspicious time has arrived.

"clang--!!!"

A resounding bell, seemingly existing since the beginning of chaos and containing the power to stabilize the universe and soothe all living beings, rang out from the deepest part of the Thirty-Three Heavens, instantly overwhelming all noise and resounding deep within the hearts of every participant!

The Chaos Bell tolls, and Primordial Chaos reigns!

"Welcome, Your Majesty!"

Led by Haotian and Yaochi, a million heavenly soldiers, generals, and immortals roared in unison, their voices rolling like a tsunami! Outside the Southern Heavenly Gate, the illusory figures of Dao Venerables atop the nine Primordial Dao Pillars simultaneously opened their eyes, their gazes flashing like lightning as they swept over the myriad immortals below. The starlight, auspicious clouds, and Primordial Dao rhythms, as if summoned by an invisible monarch, converged and paid homage towards the Yaochi Sacred Realm!

The next moment, under the gaze of countless fervent, awe-inspiring, excited, and complex eyes—

At the entrance to the Jade Pool Sacred Realm, the "Primordial Gate," shrouded in flawless immortal light and misty purple aura, suddenly burst open!

A figure slowly stepped out.

He was not dressed in elaborate imperial robes, but in a simple blue Taoist robe. His long hair was casually tied up with a wooden hairpin. His face was gentle and calm, and his eyes were as deep as an ancient well, reflecting the birth and death of the stars and the cycle of reincarnation in the myriad worlds.

However, this seemingly ordinary figure became the absolute center of heaven and earth the moment he appeared! He did not deliberately exude any pressure, but the supreme Dao aura of primordial unity, perfect freedom, and transcendence spread out silently like mercury, enveloping the entire Yaochi Sacred Realm. It even faintly resonated with the Dao aura of the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and Houtu, and seemed to be on par with, or even slightly dominant!

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Heavenly Emperor! Congratulations on Your Majesty's attainment of the Primordial Dao and may you live a long and prosperous life!"

The vast expanse of blue water, as smooth as glass, reflected the celestial stars and the radiance of all the saints. Lotus platforms hung in the air, arranged in rows, with the Primordial Dao Platform, where Xuanbao resided, at the head of the list. The Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, Houtu, Jieyin, and Zhunti sat in the six directions, forming a constellation surrounding the moon. Below, tens of thousands of golden lotus seats radiated outwards, upon which powerful beings from all races of the primordial world, high-ranking officials of the Heavenly Court, and elites of the three sects sat serenely. Not a single person uttered a sound, not a single person moved rashly; only the flow of Daoist energy and the sound of their breath could be heard.

Xuanbao's gaze swept across the entire room, lingering almost imperceptibly on the two Western Saints, before he spoke in a gentle voice, not loud, but clearly penetrating the depths of every attendee's heart:

"I have attained the Primordial Chaos, and I am honored that all of you fellow Daoists have come to witness this ceremony. At this grand gathering, regardless of rank, we will only discuss the Great Dao."

After a brief silence, an old, free-spirited Daoist with white hair and a youthful face, exuding a profound and ancient aura, rose first. He bowed respectfully towards the Hunyuan Dao Platform, his voice filled with excitement and probing: "This humble Daoist, Yunmiaozi of Xuankong Mountain, humbly requests Your Majesty's guidance. I have been stuck at the early stage of Quasi-Saint for over several Yuanhui (eons) now. My primordial spirit and Dao body have been refined without hindrance, but my comprehension of the Great Dao, especially regarding the 'transformation of illusion and reality,' remains elusive, like viewing flowers through fog. May I ask Your Majesty, how can one penetrate the boundary between illusion and reality?"

Upon hearing this question, many powerful figures nodded in agreement. The Dao of Illusion and Reality involves multiple laws such as space, illusion, and true spirit. The question posed by Yun Miaozi was precisely the common dilemma of many veteran Quasi-Saints.

Xuanbao's gaze fell on Yun Miaozi, and he was naturally not afraid at all. Don't forget that he had comprehended more than 3000 laws, so he could tell at a glance what was wrong.

Xuanbao did not answer directly. He extended his right index finger and gently tapped the air in front of him.

"Buzz..."

A glimmer of light bloomed, evolving in an instant. Within that tiny space at the fingertip, chaotic energy surged, rapidly transforming into a miniature, vibrant phantom of a mountain forest, filled with birdsong, fragrant flowers, flowing streams, and cascading waterfalls—all vividly lifelike. The next instant, Xuanbao's finger slightly curved, and the phantom forest abruptly solidified. A strange stone, radiating rich earth and wood elemental energy, crashed down from the void with a clang, striking the crystal-clear surface of the Jade Pool and creating ripples!

"The illusory can be constructed by the mind, a shadow of laws; the real is the condensation of energy, the manifestation of matter." Xuanbao's voice was calm, yet every word was like the imperial edict of the Great Dao, striking the hearts of everyone present. "However, the illusory and the real are fundamentally one, both originating from the fluctuations of the 'Dao.' The barrier you perceive is not due to ignorance, but rather to your attachment to the names and forms of 'illusory' and 'real.' Why not try to first visualize the Dao you have comprehended as an illusory image, then draw in the corresponding spiritual energy of heaven and earth, using your Dao intent as a model and the spiritual energy as material, to 'weave' it yourself?"

As he spoke, he blew on the strange stone that had fallen into the water. The stone flew up, then disintegrated again in mid-air, turning into pure light spots. These light spots did not dissipate, but instead, with Xuanbao's thought, instantly recombine, transforming into a lifelike, wings-spreading fiery spirit bird! The spirit bird sang clearly, and its scorching aura rushed towards them; it was clearly a real living being!

"The laws are the warp, inspiration the weft, and the Dao heart the shuttle. The void can be the foundation of the real, and the real can also transform into the wonder of the void. Clinging to either extreme is not as good as grasping the central axis. Your Dao is your best 'loom.'" Xuanbao looked at Yunmiaozi, who was dumbfounded and whose aura was fluctuating violently. "Disperse your three thousand distracting thoughts and ask only one question: What form does your 'Dao' wish to manifest?"

"boom!"

Yun Miaozi trembled violently, his face instantly contorted with a mixture of ecstasy, realization, and shock. The previously obscure Daoist aura around him suddenly became vibrant, and the three illusory flowers above his head involuntarily appeared. The one representing the Daoist enlightenment of "illusion and reality" shone brightly, faintly showing signs of condensation and sublimation! He knelt down with a thud, his head touching the ground, his voice choked with emotion: "Your Majesty's guidance is like a second life! Yun Miaozi... has understood! Has understood!"

The entire audience was astonished! With a single touch and a single word, a mid-stage Quasi-Saint who had been trapped for tens of thousands of years was on the verge of breaking through to the next realm! What terrifying cultivation and guiding ability this was!

In an instant, even more fervent gazes were cast upon the Hunyuan Dao Platform. The previous slight restraint was completely shattered, and questions poured in from all sides. The questions became increasingly profound and challenging, touching upon the creation and destruction of time and space, the entanglement of cause and effect, the impermanence of fate, and even the hidden dangers in one's own cultivation techniques and the key points of refining spiritual treasures. Xuanbao sat upright on the platform, sometimes demonstrating, sometimes enlightening, sometimes offering only a few words that went straight to the heart of the matter, each time hitting the nail on the head, enlightening the questioners, and even leading to several breakthroughs in minor cultivation realms on the spot. Within the Jade Pool, the phenomena of booming Daoist energy, falling celestial flowers, and golden lotuses emerging from the earth almost never ceased, the atmosphere both fervent and solemn.

The Three Pure Ones, seated on their lotus thrones, all radiated light. Tongtian grinned, Yuanshi stroked his beard with a smile, and Laozi, though seemingly lost in thought, had a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth indicating his excellent mood. Nuwa and Houtu also nodded frequently, their eyes filled with increasing admiration.

Only on the lotus platform where the two Western Saints resided, the atmosphere was stagnant. Jieyin lowered his eyes, seemingly in meditation, but his prayer beads were moving rapidly in his hands. Zhunti's forced smile had long since crumbled, his expression shifting. Watching Xuanbao being revered and worshipped by all the immortals, watching the auras of powerful beings surge because of his guidance, jealousy, resentment, and venom almost burst forth from his eyes. Unconsciously, a dark glint flashed deep within his eyes, but it was quickly suppressed.

Just as the atmosphere of the discussion reached its peak, a Great Luo Immortal received guidance and his realm directly broke through to the Quasi-Saint realm, thus bringing the grand event to its climax.

"Amitabha."

A deep and clear Buddhist chant rang out, not loud, yet strangely overpowering the slight noise in the room, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

The Sage slowly raised his lowered eyelids, his eyes filled with sorrow as he looked towards the Primordial Dao Platform. He clasped his hands together, his voice dry yet steady: "Your Majesty Xuanbao's Daoist arts are profound and your blessings extend to all living beings. This humble monk admires you. However, this humble monk has a question that has puzzled me for many years. I dare to ask Your Majesty to enlighten me."

The Jade Pool fell silent instantly. All eyes turned to Jieyin, then nervously to Xuanbao. A sage was asking a question; this was no ordinary discussion!

The Three Pure Ones narrowed their eyes slightly. Nuwa and Houtu sat up straight. Haotian and Yaochi's palms were sweaty. All the immortals held their breath.

……

"Is this person here to cause trouble?"