Primordial Era: Reborn Kong Xuan, Steady Cultivation

Then, with barely suppressed excitement, Kong Xuan's gaze was fixed on the Four Symbols Banana Tree, which had finally revealed its true form.

All around the spirit tree, the four innate energies of earth, fire, wind, and water still flowed around like four gentle spirit snakes, circulating endlessly and leisurely.

Sometimes they disappear into the four large, canopy-like banana leaves of different colors, and at other times they emerge again from the veins of the four leaves, purer than ever, following the natural rhythm of the banana tree's breathing.

This cycle repeats itself endlessly, forming a perfect and ever-renewing internal loop, a natural and harmonious phenomenon.

"The Four Symbols Banana Tree truly lives up to its reputation as a top-grade innate spiritual root; it is indeed extraordinary!" Kong Xuan exclaimed inwardly.

This tree is completely different from those spiritual roots that focus on nourishing the primordial spirit and assisting cultivation. It is itself a manifestation of the Four Symbols Great Dao, integrating offense and defense, with endless wonderful uses.

As he knew, although this spiritual root had only four huge banana leaves, each leaf was a natural, top-grade innate spiritual treasure, each bearing and controlling a complete innate power.

Those red leaves can fan out the Samadhi True Fire, which can scorch the heavens and boil the seas, possessing the power to both destroy and refine all things.

Those green leaves can summon sweet rain that nourishes heaven and earth, containing the power to moisten, harmonize, and nurture all things.

That yellow film can trigger earthquakes and landslides as powerful as mountains and seas, and it can also be used for stabilizing suppression and providing defensive support.

Those white leaves can stir up the fierce winds that tear the sky apart, possessing the wonder of circulation, change, and all-pervasiveness.

With all four leaves present, it can almost control the cycle of birth and death in a small world.

However, Kong Xuan's goal this time was not to take everything.

His mind raced, and he quickly made a decision: "I will take these three leaves: wind, earth, and water!" This choice was made after careful consideration.

In the fabric of his memory, the future ownership and causal connections of these four banana leaves had already been vaguely predetermined.

That pure white wind leaf will one day be obtained by the Styx Ancestor of the Netherworld Blood Sea, and may eventually pass into the hands of his subordinate Rakshasa Maiden, becoming the famous "Banana Leaf Fan".

However, that Rakshasa woman is a junior. By the time she is born, I am afraid she will have reached a certain level of cultivation and I will definitely not take her seriously.

At worst, we can just lend out this banana leaf fan when the journey to the West begins in the future.

Of course, this move would undoubtedly offend the Styx Ancestor, but he had already taken the Northern Xuan Yuan Water Control Flag and formed a karmic bond with him, so it wouldn't make a difference if he got another high-grade spiritual treasure.

As for the red leaf, it cannot be touched at all!

This leaf is destined to be obtained by the future sage Laozi, becoming an indispensable aid in his alchemy.

To form a karmic connection with this future sage would be nothing short of inviting trouble and endless calamities.

Once the sermon at Zixiao Palace ended, the Supreme Sage discovered that his destined opportunity had been cut off. How could he not make calculations?

At that time, even if the wrath of the sage is only a slight karmic backlash, it will be far beyond what I can bear now. I will probably have to "obediently" spit out the treasure I have obtained and lose even more.

The remaining earthy yellow leaves and blue-green leaves, in their original trajectory, do not seem to have a clear destined master, or perhaps they simply vanished into the void upon reaching maturity, their whereabouts unknown.

These unclaimed items are a safe option that one can acquire without immediately incurring enormous karmic consequences.

"The Earth Leaf represents stability and support, which is closely related to my Earth Element Divine Light and the future opening of my cave. The Water Leaf represents nourishment and harmony, which can complement my newly acquired Xuan Yuan Water Control Flag and also help the circulation of the Five Elements."

"And those wind-blown leaves will allow me to increase my speed even further, and will also be helpful in comprehending the laws of wind movement in the future."

The more Kong Xuan thought about it, the more he felt that this was the best choice, as it would not only allow him to obtain treasures and increase his strength, but also minimize the known dangers and consequences.

Although the Water Leaf may conflict with the Northern Xuan Yuan Water Control Flag, this treasure consumes too much spiritual energy and is extremely conspicuous, so it can only be used as a last resort.

Having made up his mind, he no longer hesitated.

He first respectfully bowed to the Four Symbols Banana Tree, stating that he only requested the three elements of earth, water, and wind to form a good connection.

Immediately, he channeled his magical power and carefully extended his divine sense toward the three banana leaves—earthy yellow, cyan, and pure white—beginning to gently guide them with the Five Elements theory, combined with his own Daoist aura, to peel away the spiritual leaves that contained immense primordial power.

This process requires immense patience. One must ensure that the spirit leaf remains intact and its spiritual essence is not damaged, while also avoiding disturbing the spirit tree itself, which could trigger a backlash or cause it to flee prematurely.

In a short while, the two huge banana leaves, one yellowish-brown and the other snow-white, began to glow with spiritual light, gradually shrinking and condensing until they transformed into two exquisite little fans, no bigger than the palm of his hand but imbued with Daoist charm, which gently landed in his palm.

One of them is earthy yellow in color, with fan patterns resembling overlapping mountains. It feels heavy and substantial in the hand, carrying a sense of weight and responsibility.

The other fan is pure white, with ripples on its surface. It feels warm to the touch, as if it contains the gentle power of a soft breeze.

These are two top-grade innate spiritual treasures representing "earth" and "wind"!

Kong Xuan was overjoyed and was about to press on with his divine sense to explore the remaining water-like banana leaf when a sudden change occurred!

The Daoist aura emanating from the Four Symbols Banana Tree paused slightly, followed by a clear yet gentle sense of resistance.

Kong Xuan suddenly stopped moving, then realized what was happening.

"That's right! To obtain these Earth and Wind leaves is already an immense stroke of luck, a blessing from Heaven."

These innate spiritual roots possess their own inherent spirituality and destiny. If I am greedy and forcibly seize the third leaf, not only will I fail, but I may also trigger a backlash from the spiritual root, damaging the spirituality of the treasure I have already obtained, and even diminishing my own fortune and luck!

Trying to do too much at once will lead to failure, and excess is as bad as deficiency.

How could he not understand this principle?

Contentment brings happiness, and only through contentment can one achieve lasting happiness.

Thinking of this, Kong Xuan immediately withdrew all his magical power and divine sense, no longer harboring any covetousness.

He took three steps back, bowed deeply to the Four Symbols Banana Tree, and said loudly, "Thank you for the treasure bestowed by the spiritual root. Kong Xuan is deeply grateful."

Two leaves are enough; I dare not disturb the tranquility any further. May the spiritual root remain evergreen, and the Daoist essence endure forever.

After bowing, he lingered without further ado, carefully putting the two newly acquired precious fans into his sleeves, placing them separately from the Xuan Yuan Water Control Flag and other items.

He then turned around, transforming into an inconspicuous streak of light, and silently left the valley, flying rapidly towards the outer area.

The most urgent task is to find a secluded place that is absolutely safe and full of spiritual energy, and then go into seclusion to cultivate in seclusion!

On the one hand, it is necessary to quickly refine the newly acquired Earth and Water Fans, familiarize oneself with their power, and make them an asset to oneself.

On the other hand, having just broken through to the late stage of the Golden Immortal realm, he urgently needs to consolidate his power and restore his mana.

Only by adjusting oneself to the best state can one truly digest all the gains from this trip to Zhoushan and lay the most solid foundation for the upcoming journey to the Southern Continent and long-term seclusion to break through to the Taiyi Realm.