Primordial Era: Reborn Kong Xuan, Steady Cultivation

Having reached an agreement, the Three Immortals and Zhao Gongming no longer hesitated. The four of them transformed into streaks of light and flew out of the island's protective barrier, but cautiously lingered in mid-air, some distance from Kong Xuan and Ma Sui. They bowed respectfully from afar, their voices clear and melodious, blending together:

"Many thanks to you two fellow Daoists for your righteous assistance in rescuing my siblings and me from the perilous situation at our cave dwelling! I am Yunxiao (Zhao Gongming, Qiongxiao, and Bixiao), greetings to you both!"

At this moment, Kong Xuan and Ma Sui had finished questioning the two dragons about the information they knew.

Upon hearing the other party's name, Kong Xuan looked up and saw that the leading female immortal had an elegant demeanor, and the young man beside her was handsome and dashing. The other two female immortals were also quite beautiful and intelligent, which was indeed consistent with the legend.

With a calm expression, he returned the greeting with clasped hands and said, "Fellow Daoists, there is no need for such formalities. My name is Kong Xuan. Fellow Daoist Ma Sui and I were merely passing through this place when we happened to see these two evil dragons causing trouble and bullying our fellow Daoists. Therefore, we stepped forward to give them a slight punishment. It was simply our duty, and we do not deserve such thanks."

During the conversation, Kong Xuan turned his gaze back to the large dragon in his hand, his eyes calm and without the slightest ripple.

He slightly clenched his five fingers, and five-colored light seemed to flow in his palm. The remaining consciousness and soul of the dragon immediately let out a short and mournful cry, and then completely disappeared, without a trace of life.

The enormous dragon's body was then swept away by a sleeve and stored within the sleeve's inner space.

Almost at the very moment the great dragon's soul was annihilated, from the heavens above, as if by some mysterious connection, a wisp of slender yet pure light, radiating a peaceful aura, fell from the sky and silently entered Kong Xuan's head, merging into his primordial spirit.

This is truly a meritorious act of Heaven!

Seeing this, Ma Sui understood and no longer hesitated.

The golden hoop in his palm shone brightly, and the second dragon, who was still weakly begging for mercy, was unable to even let out a scream before following in his brother's footsteps, his soul and spirit annihilated.

A wisp of pale golden Heavenly Merit descended and entered Ma Sui's body.

This merit came suddenly, but it also confirmed the usual actions of these two dragons.

They occupy a region, relying on the background of the Dragon Palace and their own cultivation, bullying the weak and devouring living beings to increase their cultivation. They have committed countless evil deeds and accumulated a great deal of sin.

Their execution today is a fitting retribution for their actions.

In the primordial world, slaying an ordinary dragon may not bring any merit, but eliminating such a person burdened with karma and notorious for evil deeds will surely be appreciated by Heaven, which will bestow merit as a sign of approval and mitigate any negative karmic ripples that may result from their demise.

In contrast, anyone who kills any dragon will gain merit, unless they have lost all their karma and become no different from an ordinary being.

However, these two dragons were not weak in cultivation and had committed many evil deeds. The merit they gained from their deaths was naturally more than that from killing ordinary aquatic creatures.

Seeing that Kong Xuan and Ma Sui had effortlessly ended the two Taiyi Realm dragons and even brought them Heavenly Merit, Sanxiao and Zhao Gongming were filled with even greater shock and awe.

The opponent was decisive and highly skilled, clearly not comparable to an ordinary rogue cultivator.

Yunxiao suppressed his shock and saw that Kong Xuan's words were humble and proper, and his aura was pure and upright. There was no murderous aura surrounding him like that of an ordinary fierce cultivator. In particular, the faint golden light of merit flowing around him was genuine. The last bit of vigilance in his heart dissipated.

Those who possess profound merit are those who perform many good deeds and follow the way of Heaven; they are by no means wicked or evil.

Having made up her mind, she gently extended the invitation: "Fellow Daoists, you are too modest. The kindness of saving our lives and protecting our path is no small matter to my brother and me."

"It just so happens that a primordial spiritual root on my island has recently ripened its fruit, which is just right to be picked to entertain our distinguished guests. Please, fellow Daoists, step a step forward so that we may extend our hospitality and express our sincere gratitude."

Upon hearing this, Kong Xuan exchanged a glance with Ma Sui beside him.

Both of them had their own plans.

Although the information obtained from the dragon is plentiful, it is inevitably fragmented or exaggerated.

If we can take this opportunity to communicate and verify with these monks who have lived overseas for a long time, we will surely obtain more reliable and detailed information about the East China Sea.

Moreover, the "innate spiritual root" mentioned by the other party also piqued Kong Xuan's interest.

He came to the East Sea to search for the innate Yin-Yang and Five Elements Qi. If this spiritual root happens to contain it, it may save him a lot of trouble in the search.

Ma Sui nodded slightly, clearly agreeing to the appointment.

He came here to seek opportunities on overseas immortal islands, and befriending the local cultivators would be entirely beneficial.

Kong Xuan smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Fellow Daoist's invitation is very kind and sincere. In that case, we, Fellow Daoist Ma Sui, will have to trouble you!"

Yunxiao's face lit up with delight, and he stepped aside to lead the way: "Fellow Daoist, please follow me."

Zhao Gongming also stepped forward, smiling and cupping his hands in invitation.

Seeing that their sister and brother had made their stance clear, Qiongxiao and Bixiao also put away their last bit of restraint and looked at Kong Xuan and Ma Sui with curiosity.

After all, these two seniors captured the evil dragon as soon as they made their move, and judging from their relaxed appearance, they probably didn't even unleash their full strength.

This is far more capable than my older sister and brother. If I were to listen to them discuss Taoist practices later, it would undoubtedly be of great help to my future cultivation.

At that moment, the Three Immortals and Zhao Gongming led the way, followed by Kong Xuan and Ma Sui. The group of six transformed into streaks of light, passing through the gentle, rippling light of the innate restriction surrounding the Three Immortal Islands.

Upon entering the island, one sees that the clouds and mist are light and pervasive, unlike the heavy poisonous clouds seen outside. Instead, they exude a sense of tranquility and beauty.

Several spirit pools of varying sizes are scattered like pearls, their waters crystal clear and imbued with a faint spiritual aura. Occasionally, a spirit fish sways its tail, creating ripples.

Exquisite pavilions and elegant terraces are scattered along the pond and lakeside, blending seamlessly with the natural scenery, evoking a sense of Taoist harmony and tranquility.

In the center of the island, where the spiritual energy is most abundant, a strange tree stands majestically.

The tree trunk is like warm jade, the branches and leaves spread out like a cloud canopy, and the whole tree is filled with pure innate spiritual light.

Dozens of lush, ripe fruits, their vibrant green color and radiant beauty, adorn the tree canopy, emitting a unique fragrance that soothes the soul and cleanses the soul.

Kong Xuan's eyes were sharp as lightning; with just one glance, he could see through the roots of the tree.

While it lacked the innate Yin-Yang and Five Elements Qi he needed, the vast and pure innate cloud spirit essence was undeniable, with wisps of cloud Qi resonating subtly with the aura of the Three Immortal Sisters.

Clearly, this tree is their symbiotic spiritual root, sharing the same origin as them, specializing in gathering and purifying innate cloud essence.

Although Ma Sui was not as sharp as Kong Xuan, his perception was also extremely keen, and he also noticed the characteristics of this spiritual root.

Although he felt a slight disappointment at not encountering the innate Yin-Yang and Five Elements Qi, he showed no sign of it on his face and remained calm and composed.

After all, although this tree does not possess the mysteries of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, such a pure innate cloud spiritual root is rare. The spiritual fruit it bears must contain unique opportunities for the creation of clouds and mist, which will have miraculous effects on enlightenment, healing, and even the refining of certain special pills and magical treasures. It is still a rare opportunity.

Seeing that the two women's gazes were fixed on the spiritual root, Yunxiao gently introduced it, "This is the 'Cloudy Cloud Tree,' which is derived from a bit of innate cloud essence that my sister and I were born with when we took human form."

Its fruit ripens once every three thousand years. Eating it can purify one's magical power, calm the mind, and greatly aid in comprehending the pure and spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

"My two fellow Daoists are guests from afar. Please have a seat, and let me pick a few to accompany your tea."

As she spoke, she led everyone to a natural stone platform not far from the tree.

On the platform are jade tables and stone benches, smooth and warm to the touch.

With a wave of his hand, Zhao Gongming took out a jade pot and a spirit spring from his sleeve, while Qiongxiao and Bixiao obediently prepared jade cups.

Although the island is simple and austere, the hospitality towards guests is thorough.