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

After seeing the Ancestral Witches off, Xuanbao stood in the Sanqing Hall for a while, lost in thought. The aroma of Da Hong Pao tea still lingered in his nostrils, and the Ancestral Witches' hearty laughter seemed to still echo in his ears. He smacked his lips, feeling a strange itch in his heart—abstaining from alcohol was one thing, but shouldn't he go out and wander around this primordial land? Staying cooped up at home refining elixirs, comprehending the Dao, and being "cared for" by his masters wasn't going to work.

Xuanbao became more and more excited as he thought about it, so he got up and tidied himself up. After all, he had been in Kunlun Mountain for tens of thousands of years, and he was quite frustrated with Xuanbao's personality.

He reported to his master, Laozi, but Laozi didn't even lift his eyelids, only grunting an "Mmm," and continued studying his elixir formula. He told his second master, Yuanshi Tianzun, who stroked his long beard and cautioned, "Traveling is fine, but don't cause trouble, and especially don't make friends indiscriminately… Never mind, you know what you're doing." When it was his third master's turn, Tongtian patted Xuanbao on the shoulder and laughed, "Good! A man should travel the world! If you encounter anyone you don't like, announce my name, Tongtian!… Uh, let's just say the names of the Three Pure Ones."

As for whether Xuanbao would be in danger, Tongtian was not worried at all. It was a joke that there were only a handful of people in the prehistoric world who could move Xuanbao, and it was absolutely impossible for him to take down his disciple in a short period of time.

Now that the three brothers have become saints, they can reach Xuanbao's side with just a thought, so there is no need to worry about Xuanbao's safety.

A hundred years later, west of Buzhou Mountain in the primordial world, there is a place called "Feixingze".

This place is rich in moisture, with ancient trees reaching for the sky. The marsh is perpetually filled with a pale purple spiritual miasma, making it difficult for ordinary creatures to venture deep into. However, it has become a good hiding place for many strange beasts and spirits who do not want to get involved in karma.

Xuanbao was currently riding a leisurely auspicious cloud, drifting above this marshland. After leaving Kunlun Mountain, he had made up his mind to "travel" around. After all, he had already explored all the important treasure troves in the prehistoric world, so he could only wander around aimlessly and try his luck.

He was looking to see if there were any forgotten treasures or "destined" spiritual objects. He had just hung the mid-grade innate spiritual treasure, the "Two Elements Purification Ring," which he had "picked up" from a crack in the earth's veins, around his waist, and was happily wondering what other gains he might have.

Just as they were pondering this, a violent tremor suddenly came from the depths of the swamp below.

"Lord Bai Ze! Wait! Wait!"

"The Heavenly Emperor has decreed that Lord Bai Ze be invited to the Heavenly Court to participate in this grand event; this is by no means malicious!"

"My lord! Stop running! If we keep running, the Demon Saint will skin us alive!"

The cacophony of roars, the explosions of spells, and the deafening crash of a heavy body breaking an ancient tree mingled together, startling thousands of birds that roosted in the marsh. They took flight in a flurry, obscuring half the sky.

Xuanbao descended from the clouds and curiously extended his divine sense to look over.

Below, miasma surged and spiritual light darted about. Seven or eight burly demons, exuding a powerful aura, were desperately chasing after a white figure that was nimbly weaving ahead.

Among those demons, the two leaders were clearly at the level of Great Luo Golden Immortals. One had a tiger's head and a human body, with golden fur all over his body. The character "王" (king) on ​​his forehead was faintly visible with wind and thunder. He held a broadsword that looked like a door panel. When he swung the sword, wind and thunder followed. The mud in front of him was swirled up and ancient trees were broken off at the roots.

The other was a bird with a human body, possessing wings on its back made of iron. With a flap of its wings, it stirred up gusts of azure wind, moving with incredible speed, constantly flanking from the sides. It spoke in a shrill voice: "Lord Bai Ze, the Heavenly Court awaits a vacant position. With your understanding of the nature of all things and your ability to avert danger and seek good fortune, you should be an honored guest of the demon race. Why bury your talents in this desolate swamp!"

The creature that was being chased so relentlessly was a strange beast. It resembled a Qilin, but had no scales or armor. Its entire body was snow-white, and its cloud-like fur was spotless. It had jade horns on its head, an ancient and unusual face, and eyes that were both intelligent and lively, yet also held a hint of helplessness and anger. Its four hooves trod on the air, and clouds rose from its feet, allowing it to move freely between dense forests and marshes.

That's right, the one being chased is none other than Bai Ze, the original strategist of the Demon Court. But Bai Ze hasn't joined the Demon Court yet. As one of the smartest people in the prehistoric world, he can naturally see that although the demon race is powerful now, it's just a facade. The demon race is now enslaving all races and is hated by everyone. Even newborn children know that the demon race is no good.

Therefore, Bai Ze was naturally unwilling to get involved easily. While dodging, it loudly replied, "No, no! This humble Taoist prefers to be free."

Bai Ze was also somewhat helpless at this moment. As a quasi-saint, he could easily kill these demons in front of him, but there were two demon saints behind them... He couldn't afford to offend them.

Ahem! This humble Taoist priest is not skilled in martial arts...

"Bai Ze?" Xuan Bao's eyes lit up instantly, even brighter than when he found the "Two Elements Purification Ring".

This is the famous Bai Ze divine beast of later generations, regarded as an auspicious creature, possessing the characteristics of understanding all things and warding off evil and bringing good fortune. Most importantly, it is intelligent; it was originally supposed to be the strategist of the demon race, but it seems it hasn't joined the demon race yet.

Seeing Bai Ze being chased in a rather disheveled state, Xuan Bao had a sudden thought: wouldn't this "future head steward" be delivered right to his doorstep?

Jie Jie Jie...

Xuanbao immediately made a hand seal, and auspicious clouds slowly floated to the front of the chase route. He cleared his throat and said loudly, "Fellow Daoist ahead, please stop! In broad daylight, under the clear sky, seven or eight burly men chasing a docile auspicious beast—what kind of behavior is this?"

Xuanbao's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a kind of "righteous indignation" characteristic of Kunlun Mountain, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

……

Do you have a gentle, auspicious beast that is almost a sacred creature in your home?

Bai Ze was speechless upon hearing Xuan Bao's words, but upon seeing the newcomer, he immediately shut his mouth. What to do? He couldn't afford to offend this person either. As the chief disciple of the Three Pure Ones, he had already witnessed how venomous Xuan Bao's mouth was back in Zixiao Palace. He couldn't afford to offend him.

The golden-haired tiger demon, who had been chasing the fiercest, suddenly stopped in his tracks, his tiger eyes glaring: "Where did this pretty boy come from, daring to meddle in the affairs of the demon court? If you know what's good for you, get out of the way!"

Xuanbao was dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe today, his hair loosely tied in a bun. His face was fair, and he did indeed look like a "pretty boy." He wasn't annoyed, and smiled as he pointed to himself: "I am Xuanbao, from Kunlun Mountain. My master's surname is Li, my second master's surname is Yuan, and my third master's surname is Tong." He paused, noticing the tiger demon and bird demon's instantly frozen expressions, and slowly added: "Before leaving, my third master specifically instructed me that if I encountered anyone I didn't like, I could mention their names."

The tiger demon's broadsword clattered and trembled.

The bird demon's shrill voice cracked: "Tong... Tong... a disciple of the Three Pure Ones?!"

"Indeed." Xuanbao smiled amiably, his gaze falling on Bai Ze, who was hiding behind his cloud and looking at him with suspicion. His tone became even more amiable. "This... Senior Bai Ze seems to have a special connection with my Kunlun Mountain. I wonder why you gentlemen are pressing him so hard?"

Xuanbao slowly floated to Bai Ze's side. The auspicious beast was rubbing its chest with its hooves to catch its breath, and a few leaves stuck to its jade horn from its escape, making it look rather disheveled and comical. Xuanbao reached out and picked the leaves off it, saying gently, "Senior Bai Ze, this horn ornament is quite unique."

Bai Ze: "..." Is this sarcasm? This must be sarcasm.

The tiger demon had already sheathed his greatsword, his forehead furrowed into a deep frown, forcing out a smile that looked more like a grimace: "So, so you are a disciple of the Three Pure Ones... My apologies, my apologies. We were only invited by the Demon Emperor and the Demon Saint to serve in the Demon Court, not by coercion, not by coercion at all!"

Xuanbao exclaimed "Oh!" as if suddenly enlightened, and nodded: "So when the Demon Court invites people, they send seven or eight burly men carrying swords and chasing people all over the prehistoric world? I've learned something new today. Unlike when my Kunlun Mountain invites guests, we usually just send out invitations and at most have Yellow Turban warriors carry a palanquin. It seems the Heavenly Court... is much more enthusiastic."

The bird demon's wings trembled, and it hurriedly explained, "My lord, please understand! It was Lord Bai Ze... who ran too fast! We couldn't catch up, and in our haste, we made a bit of a commotion..."

"I understand, I understand." Xuanbao looked understanding. "Just like when my third master wanted to find someone to test his sword, he was always so 'enthusiastic' that people would run away as fast as they could."

He changed the subject, smiling as he looked at Bai Ze: "However, as the saying goes, forced melons are not sweet, and forced invitations are not pleasant. Since Senior Bai Ze is unwilling, why force it? I see that Senior Bai Ze has handsome features and a refined appearance, and we are destined to meet. Why don't you come with me to Kunlun Mountain for a few days? It's better than being chased around here for running practice, isn't it?"

Bai Ze's lips twitched. This invitation sounded like another trap. But looking at Xuan Bao and then at the group of demons opposite him who dared not breathe, he weighed the pros and cons—this person in front of him was at most a con artist, but the group behind him really wanted to kidnap him. He sighed, a resigned light shining in his wise eyes: "Fellow Daoist's kindness is too much for this humble Daoist to refuse."

The tiger demon and the bird demon exchanged bewildered glances. Seeing that Xuanbao was really going to abduct this "important strategic talent of the Heavenly Court," they braced themselves and spoke up: "Immortal! This...this Lord Bai Ze, what about the Demon Saint..."

Xuanbao, leading Bai Ze, was about to leave when he heard this. He turned back, revealing a standard eight-tooth smile: "Just go back and report that I, Xuanbao, have invited him to Kunlun Mountain for tea. If you're not satisfied..." He paused, his smile deepening, "Should I have my masters go to your Emperor for a discussion? Or, should I have my third master have a 'enthusiastic' exchange of swordsmanship insights with your Demon Saint?"

The demons all took three steps back in unison, drenched in cold sweat: "No, no! Please take care, Immortal! We wish you and Lord Bai Ze a pleasant journey!"

Watching the two leave, the tiger demon wiped his sweat, his face contorted with despair: "We're doomed... The Demon Saint will definitely skin us alive to use as cushions..."

The bird demon stared at the disappearing black dot on the horizon and muttered, "At least... we'll have some skin left? If we had attacked just now, we probably wouldn't even have ashes left... This guy almost overturned the Blood Sea back in the day!..."