The Primordial Era: Starting with Becoming a Disciple of the Queen Mother of the West

Chapter 111 First Meeting with Di Jun

After Daoist Duobao left, Qingheishan returned to its tranquil state.

Xuan Yao sat quietly under the tea tree in the inner mountain for several months, repeatedly studying the scroll of "Essentials of Shangqing Formation".

Although this volume is not the most fundamental true transmission of the Shangqing lineage's array principles, it excels in its clear outline and detailed explanation, with all array principles having a traceable structure.

Xuan Yao already possessed considerable aptitude for array formations, and now, after careful deduction, he felt that many things he had never understood before were gradually becoming clear amidst the aroma of tea and the Daoist spirit.

Once the Taiyi Five Qi within his body circulates harmoniously, and the Blessing Pure Qi and the Black Tiger Profound Fiend each find their proper place and cease to clash, he knows that the time has come to take up his post in the Demon Court.

On this day, Xuan Yao took out the dark blue star talisman from his sleeve.

As the talisman was placed in his palm, fine star patterns appeared on its surface, resembling a miniature Milky Way.

Xuan Yao drew out a wisp of Taiyi magic power with his fingertips and gently touched it to the center of the talisman.

With a flash of starlight, the talisman transformed into a streak of light that shot into the sky, spreading out a faint line of starlight to guide the way.

Xuan Yao looked up, his expression calm.

He straightened his dark Taoist robe, and with a flick of his sleeves, auspicious clouds of fortune rose from beneath his feet.

Auspicious clouds carried him away from Qinghei Mountain, and following the starlight, they headed towards the outer reaches of the Thirty-Three Heavens.

High above, the wind howled like knives, and thunder and fire churned endlessly among the sea of ​​clouds.

In the past, such celestial phenomena were a matter of life and death for those who were new to the path of immortality.

However, Xuan Yao has now entered the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm, with the five elements protecting him and his cultivation stable. Before those fierce winds, thunder, and fires could even get close, they were all neutralized by the pure light of blessings and virtues on the outer layer of auspicious clouds.

The auspicious clouds soared into the sky, and soon passed through layers of heavens, arriving before that vast sea of ​​stars.

But deep in the sky, a multitude of stars hung in the void, their starlight like water, and the Milky Way like a ribbon.

Countless stellar energies intertwined to form a net, remotely protecting the location of the Demon Court.

This place is no longer an ordinary celestial realm, but a vital star-sea area that the demon race reorganized after taking control of the celestial constellations.

As soon as Xuan Yao stepped into the sea of ​​stars, a beam of azure-gold light came straight at him.

The light dissipated, revealing Qing Linzi's figure.

He remained as gentle as ever, with auspicious blue-gold energy flowing around him. Upon seeing Xuan Yao, a smile immediately appeared on his face, and he stepped forward to bow in greeting.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanyao, how have you been? I received the message and knew it was you, so I came here to greet you."

Xuan Yao smiled and returned the greeting, saying, "I am deeply grateful for your personal welcome, fellow Daoist. I feel ashamed."

Qing Linzi waved his hand and smiled, then stepped aside to lead the way.

"Fellow Daoist, there's no need for such formalities. His Majesty the Demon Emperor was delighted to learn of the arrival of the message from Xikunlun and is currently waiting for you in the inner palace of the Sun God Palace."

The two stepped onto the rainbow bridge formed by starlight and headed towards the Palace of the Sun God.

Halfway there, Qing Linzi slowed his pace slightly and lowered his voice.

"Fellow Daoist, some of my words may be presumptuous, but they are all well-intentioned."

Since the establishment of the Demon Court, countless immortals from all directions and great demons from various races have sought an audience with His Majesty every day.

According to normal custom, even if you, fellow Daoist, possess exceptional talent, with your cultivation at the early stage of Taiyi, it would be difficult for His Majesty to personally summon you.

He glanced at Xuan Yao, his tone still gentle.

"The reason why you are treated with such courtesy today is firstly because your own cultivation and foundation are not bad, and secondly because of the weight of Xi Kunlun."

His Majesty will not take the entry of the Queen Mother of the West's personal disciple into the Demon Court lightly.

17

Xuan Yao understood.

Qing Linzi's words were not meant to be disrespectful, but rather to remind him that today's summons was both a way for the Demon Court to recruit talented individuals and a gesture of respect from the Demon Emperor to Xi Kunlun.

If he truly believes that with his cultivation as a Taiyi Golden Immortal, he can run rampant in the Demon Court, then he is far too reckless.

Xuan Yao nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your guidance, fellow Daoist. I will remember it."

"7

Seeing his calm expression, Qing Linzi said no more.

The two walked along the Star Bridge.

Before long, the magnificent and imposing Sun God Palace appeared in front of us.

Xuan Yao set foot here again, but his state of mind was very different from when he attended the Heavenly Wedding Banquet.

When he came with his master, the Queen Mother of the West, he was seated in the seat of honor, but he was ultimately just a junior observing the ceremony.

What I saw at that time was the raging fire of the Demon Court, and the opportunity for the great powers to exchange words.

Today, however, he came alone to take up his post as the Guardian Star Lord of the Northern Heavenly Mysterious Fiend.

With a change in identity, one's perspective naturally changes as well.

He stepped onto the golden bricks of the Sun God's palace and felt a vast stellar mechanism slowly flowing beneath his feet.

The energy was not visible, yet it resonated with the stars in the sky.

Every step I took felt like stepping on the very fabric of the celestial sphere.

Xuan Yao felt a chill run down his spine.

The Demon Court's management of the Zhou Tian Star Array over the years is clearly far more advanced than it used to be.

The Sun God Palace is not only the training ground of Emperor Jun and Taiyi, but also the central hub of the Demon Court. Now, with the support of the aura of the stars, it has long become a vital location of the Heavenly Court, where one can both attack and defend.

After passing through many outer halls, Qing Linzi led Xuan Yao to a secluded inner hall and stopped.

He bowed respectfully to the people inside the hall, nodded slightly to Xuan Yao, and then quietly withdrew.

Xuan Yao took a deep breath, composed himself, and stepped into the hall alone.

Unlike the magnificent outer hall, the inner hall exudes a simple and ancient atmosphere.

In the center of the main hall, Emperor Jun sat in the main seat.

He was not wearing elaborate imperial robes today, but only a dark gold casual outfit.

The Great Sun True Fire surrounding his body was completely concealed, not a trace of it emanating outwards. Yet, the imperial majesty that had long resided in the Heavenly Court remained as imposing as a mountain, making it impossible for anyone to look directly at him.

On the jade couch to the left of Emperor Jun, Donghuang Taiyi sat casually.

His eyes were slightly closed, as if he were resting.

In the void before him, the faint phantom of an ancient bell of chaotic color appeared and disappeared.

The bell did not make a sound, yet it possessed the power to suppress the primordial chaos. Any spiritual light that entered its vicinity seemed to be silently frozen in place.

Xuan Yao dared not be negligent, stepped forward a few steps, and respectfully performed a junior's salute.

"Xuan Yao, a disciple of the Western Kunlun Sect, has come to pay homage at the summons of His Majesty the Demon Emperor."

Di Jun slightly raised his hand, his voice calm.

No need for formalities.

Xuan Yao rose as instructed and stood with his head bowed in the hall.

Di Jun's golden eyes fell on him, his gaze deep and profound, as if the golden light of the sun were hidden within them.

The gaze wasn't sharp, but it could see right through him, as if it wanted to see clearly the origins of his cultivation.

The inner hall fell silent for a moment.

After a moment, Di Jun slowly spoke.

"You, a junior, are quite promising."

Xuan Yao lowered his head and remained silent.

Di Jun spoke in a calm and unhurried tone, as if he were commenting or pondering.

"In the primordial world, the innate deities were born with the favor of heaven and earth."

"You are not a born saint, but rather possess the body of a Black Tiger acquired later in life. To cultivate to the level of a Taiyi Golden Immortal is rare, but not unique."

As he spoke, he leaned forward slightly, his gaze becoming even more profound.

"What truly concerns me is the energy flow within your body."

"The pure energy of virtue, the black tiger's mysterious aura, the principles of the Shangqing formation, and a wisp of swordsmanship sharpness."

These paths are not from the same source, and some of their energies even subtly clash.

But in you, they all blend together seamlessly, with a solid foundation and no trace of impurity.

Di Jun smiled faintly.

"The path of the Queen Mother of the West is naturally profound, but to attribute your entire foundation to her teachings would be to underestimate you."

Xuan Yao's heart trembled slightly, but his expression remained calm. He simply bowed and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. I have only managed to reach this point by chance, thanks to some fortuitous encounters and the teachings of my master."

Di Jun remained noncommittal.

With a casual wave of his hand, a beam of dark blue starlight flew out from his sleeve, transforming into a scroll of imperial decree that hovered steadily in front of Xuan Yao.

Above the decree, star patterns flowed, and the four characters "Northern Heavenly Mysterious Fiend" faintly gleamed with a cold light.

Below that was the Demon Court's decree, a document outlining the distribution of the celestial fortunes of the stars. Once this decree was issued, it became more than just a title; it became proof of the Demon Court's fortunes and the positions of the stars.

Di Jun said, "You are more than capable of serving as the Guardian Star Lord of the Northern Heavenly Mysterious Fiend. From this day forward, you shall be the Star Lord of my Demon Court, and rightfully share in the fortune of the celestial sphere."

Xuan Yao accepted the imperial edict with both hands and bowed in gratitude once more.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Di Jun nodded slightly, a strange meaning flashing deep in his golden eyes.

He looked at Xuan Yao, his tone softening as if it were just casual conversation.

"Xuan Yao, now that you have entered my Demon Court, I, the Emperor, will ask you one question."

Xuan Yao composed himself slightly and said, "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."

Di Jun slowly said, "My Demon Court now commands all the stars and gathers all the demons. Its status is established, and its fortune is also gathered."

However, on this vast and desolate land, there are still many ancient and unruly demons.

Relying on their seniority and control of a region, they outwardly obeyed the edicts of the evil court but inwardly defied them, following orders but not decrees.

At this point, Di Jun's gaze fell on Xuan Yao.

"In your opinion, what actions should our Demon Court take to truly win the hearts of all demons under heaven?"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere within the inner palace immediately became subtle.

Xuan Yao felt a chill run down his spine.

He naturally understood that Di Jun did not truly want to ask him, a junior at the early stage of Taiyi, for advice on governing the world.

This question tests not only his stance but also his courage.

If the answer is to win people over with virtue and proceed gradually, although it aligns with the way of virtue and fortune of Xikunlun, it may not be appreciated by Dijun and Taiyi.

The Demon Court has only been established for a short time and is at the peak of its fortune; therefore, it is most vulnerable to weakness.

However, if he answers too harshly, it would contradict his usual cautious approach.

In an instant, a variety of thoughts raced through Xuan Yao's mind as he carefully considered his words.

However, at this very moment, the demon race's fortune surged from the depths of the Sun God Palace, and the Daoist aura of Emperor Jun's Great Sun silently enveloped them.

The intense aura clashed with a wisp of ancient malevolent intent hidden deep within his consciousness, causing the black tiger's instincts to surge forth.

That is the ferocious nature rooted in one's very bones and blood.

Black Tiger does not argue or engage in empty talk.

In the mountains and forests, the strong are respected.

If the prey does not submit, it will be torn to pieces.

Xuan Yao raised his head and met Di Jun's golden eyes. The words that were on the tip of his tongue came out naturally.

"The demons are unruly and should be subdued by force."

"Now that the Demon Court has been established, it should act with the tyranny of a king. Those who obey will prosper, and those who resist will perish."

After he finished speaking, the inner hall fell silent.

Xuan Yao felt a sense of foreboding.

While his words may not be wrong, they are too blunt. Given his current status, for him to speak such domineering words in front of Emperor Jun upon first entering the Demon Court inevitably makes him appear overly assertive.

Just as he was about to add his own thoughts, he saw Donghuang Taiyi, who had been resting with his eyes closed on the jade couch, suddenly open his eyes.

A fleeting, chaotic light flashed in those eyes.

The next moment, Taiyi threw his head back and laughed loudly.

"Hahaha!"

Laughter echoed throughout the inner hall, causing the jade pillars to tremble slightly.

Taiyi clapped his hands and stood up, his gaze fixed intently on Xuanyao.

"What a perfect saying: those who obey prosper, those who defy perish!"

His voice was loud and clear, and his tone was full of undisguised admiration.

"I originally thought that the disciples taught by Xikunlun were mostly lukewarm people who only knew how to cultivate themselves and discuss the Dao."

"I never expected that you, a mere Taiyi cultivator, could utter such words. They are quite to my liking."

Taiyi stood up, his figure rising like a mountain, his domineering aura spreading out.

"You're right. The Demon Court has never relied on benevolence and righteousness to establish itself in the world, but rather on its solid cultivation and military prowess."

Anyone who dares to disobey, just beat them until they submit.