Primordial Era: A brick knocks Hongyun unconscious, and he seizes the throne at the start.

The second phase of the robbery plan, target: the Eight Treasures Merit Pool of Western Paradise.

After discussing it with Zhen Yuanzi, Lu Chen decided that Lu Chen would go alone. Before leaving, Zhen Yuanzi looked worried: "Although the two Western Saints have grudges against you and me, Mount Ling is, after all, a sacred place with strict restrictions. Young friend, you must be careful, leave as soon as you get what you want, and don't be greedy."

"Don't worry, senior, I know what I'm doing." Lu Chen bowed and left using brick magic.

However, he did not head straight to the west, but instead detoured to the East China Sea and went to Jin'ao Island—the Daoist temple of Tongtian Shengren and the headquarters of the Jie Sect.

Why go to the Jie Sect?

Lu Chen had already made his plans. With Haotian's ascension to the throne and the re-establishment of the Heavenly Court, the shadow of the Primordial Sage loomed behind him. He and the Primordial Sage had always had a strained relationship, and the Primordial Sage's Chan Sect was powerful. If the Primordial Sage joined forces with the Heavenly Court, Lu Chen would face great difficulties in the future.

He needs allies.

Looking across the entire prehistoric world, the one with the deepest conflict with Yuanshi and sufficient strength is only Tongtian Jiaozhu!

Although the Investiture of the Gods calamity has not yet begun, the Three Pure Ones have already separated. Tongtian, because he widely accepted disciples and taught without discrimination, was rebuked by Yuanshi for "not distinguishing between those with fur and horns, and those born from moisture and eggs, and treating them all as equals." The conflict between the two had deepened. If he could gain Tongtian's support, or at least reach a tacit understanding, he would have the confidence to resist Yuanshi and the Heavenly Court.

Before the Biyou Palace on Jin'ao Island, ten thousand immortals came to pay homage, creating a magnificent spectacle. Lu Chen concealed his primordial aura, transforming into a handsome Taoist priest, holding a "Shangqing token" (actually an ancient jade with a trace of Shangqing Taoist charm, which he had obtained by chance during his early travels), and requested an audience with Tongtian.

The gatekeepers were Water and Fire Boys. Seeing that the token was indeed from the Shangqing realm, they dared not be negligent and went inside to report.

Before long, the boy led Lu Chen inside. In the main hall of Biyou Palace, Tongtian sat high on a cloud bed, his sword aura soaring to the sky, his gaze sweeping over like lightning.

"Lu Xiao, a rogue cultivator, pays respects to the Sage Tongtian." Lu Chen (alias Lu Xiao) bowed respectfully, neither humble nor arrogant.

"You are not a disciple of my Jie Sect. What do you seek by holding this token?" Tongtian's voice was clear and melodious, yet it carried a scrutinizing tone.

"I have long admired the Sage's teachings of 'education for all,' and even more so the true meaning of the Jie Sect's 'seizing a glimmer of hope'," Lu Chen said, raising his head with a frank gaze. "Now that the Heavenly Court has been re-established, it seeks to unite all immortals into one, establish hierarchy, and set rules. As a rogue cultivator, I am unwilling to be bound by such constraints, and have come to seek the Sage's guidance—in this vast primordial world, are there still places where rogue cultivators can roam freely and unfettered?"

This statement is cleverly worded, expressing both an unwillingness to be governed by the Heavenly Court (which aligns with Tongtian's dislike of constraints) and an underlying concern about the future situation, while also subtly suggesting that Yuanshi might use the Heavenly Court to suppress dissidents.

Tongtian was indeed moved. He had always deeply abhorred Yuanshi's "root theory" and hierarchical order, and he had also sensed Yuanshi's shadow behind Haotian's ascension to the throne. Although the Taoist (Lu Chen) before him only showed the cultivation level of Taiyi Golden Immortal, his demeanor was calm and composed, his Dao heart was clear, and his words were incisive, which made Tongtian feel somewhat favorable towards him.

"Free and unrestrained?" Tongtian chuckled, but there was a hint of mockery in his laughter. "The tide of events is surging, and even sages are caught in the middle. How can one be absolutely free? However, there are quite a few unruly individuals among my disciples who dislike constraints. If you are truly interested, you can join my outer sect to listen to the teachings and cultivate. As for whether you can be truly free and unrestrained, that depends on your own destiny."

Lu Chen felt reassured, knowing he had succeeded in taking the first step. He bowed again: "Disciple Lu Xiao wishes to join the Jie Sect and expresses his gratitude to the Sage for accepting me!"

Tongtian nodded and said to Duobao, who was attending him, "Duobao, take your junior brother Lu Xiao to settle in, teach him the 'Shangqing Basic Immortal Techniques,' and allow him to listen to lectures on the Shangqing Great Dao."

"I will obey your orders, Master." Daoist Duobao smiled and replied, his attitude towards Lu Chen gentle.

Lu Chen then settled in Biyou Palace, outwardly focusing on cultivating the Shangqing Immortal Arts, while secretly using his new identity "Lu Xiao" to keep a low profile within the Jie Sect, making friends with fellow disciples, especially those who were also dissatisfied with the new rules of the Heavenly Court and had a forthright personality, such as Zhao Gongming, the Three Immortals of Sanxiao, Luo Xuan, and Lü Yue.

His (Lu Xiao's) cultivation progressed "rapidly," breaking through from Taiyi Golden Immortal to Golden Immortal in just a few months. He displayed extraordinary talent in formations and weapon crafting, and his insightful views attracted attention in several discussions among fellow disciples. Even Daoist Duobao praised his "extraordinary comprehension."

When Tongtian occasionally gave a sermon, Lu Chen (Lu Xiao) would always raise some tricky but incisive questions, making Tongtian's explanations more in-depth and enjoyable. Tongtian became more and more satisfied with this newly accepted "disciple" and would occasionally stay behind to give him some pointers.

On this day, after Tongtian finished explaining the "Changes in the Dao of Arrays," he left Lu Chen behind alone.

"Lu Xiao, although you've only been a disciple for a short time, you possess considerable talent in the art of array formations. Your question about 'intercepting the heavens with arrays' resonates deeply with me." Tongtian looked at him, his eyes filled with scrutiny. "Your talent is far beyond that of an ordinary rogue cultivator. You've joined my Jie Sect, surely not just for the sake of a carefree life?"

Knowing that the Sage's insight was extraordinary and he couldn't hide it from him, Lu Chen said, half-truthfully, "Master, you are wise. In my early years, I traveled and had a brief encounter with Daoist Lu Chen. He enlightened me, and I learned that the primordial world is full of hidden dangers. Daoist Lu Chen once said that the re-establishment of the Heavenly Court, seemingly a new order, is actually the beginning of a new round of struggle for destiny. Sages are detached, but with hundreds of millions of disciples under their tutelage, it is difficult to remain uninvolved. I joined the Jie Sect because I sincerely admire the Great Dao and also to find a place to settle down and make a living, so that I can do my part in the face of possible future changes."

He cleverly brought up his true identity, "Lu Chen," as a starting point, explaining why "Lu Xiao" was so insightful while subtly conveying his intention to form an alliance—"I have been enlightened by Lu Chen. By joining the Jie Sect, I may become a bridge for communication between the two sides."

Tongtian stared at him intently for a long time, then suddenly smiled: "Lu Chen... that guy who knocked Hongyun unconscious, seized the Saintly position, and dared to confront the Demon God head-on? He's quite an interesting person. He asked you to deliver a message?"

"It wasn't explicitly stated." Lu Chen (Lu Xiao) shook his head. "It's just that this disciple feels there might be something in common between Master's way and Lu Chen Daozun's actions. Both are unwilling to be bound by that rigid order and are willing to seize a glimmer of hope for all living beings."

"What a fine 'seize a sliver of hope'!" Tongtian laughed loudly. "Since you say so, then settle down and cultivate in Biyou Palace. As for the future... let's see what fate brings. If one day you can truly become a bridge between my Jie Sect and that fellow Daoist Lu Chen, it might not be a bad thing."

"This disciple will remember." Lu Chen felt much more at ease. Tongtian's words had tacitly approved of his role as the "middleman," and the alliance had made a good start.

A month or so later, Lu Chen (Lu Xiao) had established himself in the Jie Sect and developed a harmonious relationship with core disciples such as Zhao Gongming and the Three Immortals of Sanxiao. Feeling that the time was right, he left Jin'ao Island after reporting to Duobao under the pretext of "going out to travel and find materials for refining weapons."

The clone "Lu Xiao" returns, his memories synchronized with the original.

Inside the Heavenly Pillar Cave, Lu Chen opened his eyes and smiled slightly.

"On the side of the Jie Sect, the pieces have been placed. Tongtian's attitude has softened, and the future looks promising."

He stood up, looked westward, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

"Now, it's time to collect the interest."

The Concealment Talisman was activated, the Primordial Chaos Aura was completely contained, and the Brick Escape was silently activated, speeding towards the western Spirit Mountain.

Lu Chen is determined to have the crystallization of faith in the Eight Treasures Merit Pool, accumulated over millions of years!

Jieyin and Zhunti, today we'll settle the score you owe Hongyun for what you did back then!