Time flowed by, like a white steed flashing past a crevice; Taichu and Minghe cultivated in seclusion deep within the Sea of Blood, unaware of how many springs and autumns had passed.
"Brother, these years I have wholeheartedly sought the Dao, and I feel I am only a hair's breadth away from a Breakthrough, yet I still cannot find the way in.
It seems that relying solely on arduous cultivation will likely make it difficult to cross this threshold and enter the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Realm," Taichu slowly opened his eyes, which were filled with helplessness, and looked at Minghe, who was expounding the Dao beside him.
In fact, he had been restless for a hundred years, unable to immerse himself in Cultivation no matter what.
Taichu knew in his heart that this was all because the Dragon Han Calamity had already begun, and within the Primordial Land, the conflict between the Dragon Clan, Phoenix, and Qilin Clan had fully erupted, disturbing his state of mind.
Furthermore, they previously had Karma entanglements with the Dragon Clan and Demon Race, and now that the Calamity had descended, both he and Minghe needed to participate in it to resolve this Karma.
"So be it, such is fate, such is destiny.
Your current Realm is already not far from a Breakthrough; since seclusion cannot bring further progress, why not head to the Primordial Land?
Perhaps you can find an Opportunity through experience," Minghe nodded slightly in agreement upon hearing Taichu's words.
After the two had decided, they left the Sea of Blood together and headed towards the Primordial Land.
The Primordial Land had already become a brutal battlefield.
The sky was completely obscured by layers of dark clouds, the inky clouds resembling monstrous beasts, poised to strike, as if they intended to devour all living things in the world in one gulp.
In an instant, a deafening Dragon roar soared into the sky, piercing through the thick clouds.
A Five-Clawed Golden Dragon, several zhang in length, with dark, fierce light flickering in its eyes and Dragon whiskers wildly waving like steel whips, appeared majestic and awe-inspiring.
Behind him, dense Dragon Clan members, like a surging golden torrent, swept forth with a roar; wherever they passed, space violently vibrated, rippling with layers of distortion, as if even the Law of this world could not withstand this immense power.
At the same time, a sharp Phoenix cry tore through the sky, and a scorching Aura instantly permeated the air.
A red-feathered Phoenix soared high, its body engulfed in raging flames; the flames, like surging lava, instantly dyed half the sky a dazzling blood-red.
The Phoenix army followed closely, the feathers of every Phoenix bird gleaming in the firelight; they were like burning meteors, carrying a world-destroying Aura, charging fiercely towards the Dragon Clan.
Wherever the Phoenix birds flew, the air was distorted and deformed by the high temperature, emitting a "sizzling" sound, as if it could ignite at any moment.
The ground also trembled violently, dust flew everywhere, and the figures of the Qilin Clan emerged like a black tide.
A robust Qilin raised its head and roared, its hooves leaving deep imprints in the ground.
The Qilins behind it, covered in thick scales, exuded an ancient and majestic Aura, like moving, indestructible fortresses.
The roars of the Qilins intertwined with the Dragon roars and Phoenix cries, forming a powerful sound wave that shattered surrounding trees and sent birds and beasts fleeing in all directions.
As soon as the three clans clashed, the battlefield instantly plunged into chaos, like a living hell.
A Five-Clawed Golden Dragon fiercely swung its thick Dragon tail, which, like a massive steel whip, whistled through the air and struck a Phoenix bird with immense force.
The Phoenix bird reacted extremely quickly, spreading its wings and deftly dodging the Dragon tail attack, while simultaneously spewing a scorching flame from its mouth directly at the Golden Dragon.
The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon showed no fear, opening its maw and spewing a Dragon breath containing powerful Spiritual Qi, which collided with the flames with a thunderous roar.
In an instant, an earth-shattering bang resounded, light scattered in all directions, and the powerful energy impact shattered the surrounding air into countless fragments.
On the ground, a black Qilin was engaged in a fierce battle with a Flood Dragon.
The black Qilin was agile, constantly leaping and pouncing, its single horn gleaming with cold light, each impact carrying immense force.
The Flood Dragon, relying on its body's flexibility, cleverly dodged the black Qilin's attacks, while fiercely counterattacking with its sharp claws and teeth.
The two sides went back and forth, unwilling to yield, and the surrounding land was ploughed into deep gullies by the aftermath of their battle, with shattered stones flying and dust filling the air.
On the battlefield, blood poured down like heavy rain, quickly dyeing the ground red.
As the battle continued, the members of all three clans became bloodthirsty; the shouts, roars, Dragon cries, and Phoenix cries on the battlefield intertwined, deafening.
And this was just the tip of the iceberg in the vast conflict of the Primordial Land; this battlefield before them was a microcosm of the entire chaotic era of the Primordial Land.
At this moment, the entire Primordial Land was enveloped in the flames of war; lives were devastated, and all things withered.
This was the most terrifying Calamity in the Primordial Land, and under the Calamity, the lives of all beings were as cheap as grass.
"The Primordial Land now is truly vastly different from when we last emerged," Minghe murmured softly, gazing at the warring factions in the distance.
In the distance, countless members of the three clans were fiercely fighting in the Void Realm, with lives falling at every moment.
Countless corpses lay strewn across the land, and blood gathered together, actually forming rivers flowing through the ground, truly a "river of blood."
"Alas, this is the Calamity, the greatest tribulation for the beings of the Primordial Land," Taichu sighed involuntarily, looking at the three warring parties.
"These corpses are simply too tragic to be abandoned in the wilderness; let me help you all," Taichu murmured softly, gazing at the countless corpses on the battlefield.
Taichu chanted, and as he recited, all the corpses on the battlefield in front of him transformed into Spiritual Qi, slowly merging into the Primordial Land, and the Evil Qi in the Void Realm also disappeared.
At the same time, Taichu clearly felt countless streams of Karma flowing continuously into his body, like trickling water.
"Who!!!" Taichu's actions instantly startled the three warring parties.
However, no matter how they sensed and searched, they could not detect the whereabouts of Taichu and Minghe.
Before acting, Taichu had already anticipated that the highest Realm Cultivators on the battlefield before him were only at the Early Stage of Taiyi Golden Immortal, and with their strength, it would be impossible for them to discover his and Minghe's existence.
"Taichu, why did you do that?" Minghe asked, full of confusion, looking at Taichu.
He truly did not understand what Taichu's actions were for.
"It was merely a small effort.
I just didn't expect there would be an unexpected pleasant surprise," Taichu shook his head indifferently.
Actually, before doing this, he had not thought of gaining Karma, and this unexpected pleasant surprise caught him somewhat off guard.
"Which Fellow Daoist is playing a joke on us? Please show yourself," on the battlefield, a Dragon Clan Taiyi Golden Immortal flew into the Void Realm and shouted loudly.
"I was just passing by and did it on a whim; I have no intention of interfering with your conflict," Taichu responded upon hearing the Dragon Clan Taiyi's inquiry.
Even so, the two sides on the battlefield still could not find Taichu's location.
Seeing this, they understood that Taichu's strength was far superior to theirs, with a vast disparity.
The three parties on the battlefield, who had briefly ceased fighting, exchanged glances, then plunged back into chaotic battle; the sounds of fighting and shouting once again echoed through the sky.
"Alas, Brother, let's go," Taichu sighed helplessly, looking at the three parties clashing again below.
In the days that followed, Taichu and Minghe were like the "cleaners" of the Primordial Land, purifying the corpses and Evil Qi from battlefields across the Primordial Land, while also collecting various Spiritual Materials and Spiritual Roots to prevent them from being affected by the war.
Naturally, their actions attracted the attention of the three clans.
However, the three clans did not intervene.
This was because Taichu's actions not only posed no harm to their three clans but also invisibly reduced the Karma they bore, causing the three clans to secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
"Fellow Daoist Taichu, I knew it was you purifying the corpses and Evil Qi on the battlefield." As Taichu and his companion finished purifying a battlefield and were about to leave, they were stopped by a voice.
"Fellow Daoist Bi'an, it's been many years. I didn't expect our reunion to be in such a setting." Taichu's face broke into a smile upon seeing the newcomer.
Bi'an was one of Taichu's few good friends, so Taichu was genuinely happy to encounter him.
Taichu hadn't expected them to coincidentally meet on the battlefield.
"Two Fellow Daoists, why not come to my Clan's camp for a chat?" Bi'an looked at Taichu and his companion and invited them.
"Forget it. The Dragon Clan of today is no longer the Dragon Clan of the past. It's better not to drag Two Fellow Daoists into this mess. Let's find a secluded place instead." Before Taichu and his companion could reply, Bi'an gave a bitter smile and rejected his own suggestion.
"Alright, I remember there's a valley not far from here that hasn't been affected by your conflict. Let's go there." Taichu pondered for a moment and then invited Bi'an.
"Alright, as Fellow Daoist wishes." Bi'an nodded.
Subsequently, the three flew together towards that valley.
After the three arrived at the valley, Taichu waved his hand, and a stone table and three stone stools appeared in the valley.
"Fellow Daoist, please."
After the three were seated, Bi'an was the first to speak: "I didn't expect to meet Fellow Daoist again."
"I haven't congratulated Fellow Daoist on achieving Grand Unity Golden Immortal yet." Taichu looked at Bi'an and congratulated him with a smile.
Bi'an's cultivation had already broken through to Grand Unity Golden Immortal, and he had even broken through to the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Middle Stage a hundred years ago. This was the terrifying aspect of the Dao of Luck.
Bi'an was not an Innate Sacred, but merely an Acquired being nurtured by Ancestral Dragon. His Foundation was far inferior to Taichu's.
When Taichu and Bi'an first met, he, like Styx, was at the Taiyi Golden Immortal Perfected Realm Realm. Even when Styx broke through, he hadn't broken through to Grand Unity Golden Immortal yet. However, now Bi'an had surpassed Styx and reached Grand Unity Golden Immortal Middle Stage ahead of him.
Upon hearing Taichu's words, Bi'an's face did not show joy, but rather a bitter smile. "Fellow Daoist clearly knows that I broke through by relying on the Dao of Luck. Why do you mock me so?"
"On the other hand, Fellow Daoist, I'm afraid your Breakthrough isn't far off, is it? It's a pity that given the current situation in the Great Desolation, I probably won't be able to congratulate you when you break through." Bi'an sensed Taichu's state, smiled, and then shook his head.
The three Clans were now completely mired in the quagmire of war. Even someone as confident as Bi'an knew that the current situation was beyond their control.
"This one step, though seemingly close, is like a world apart." Taichu shook his head, his eyes filled with helplessness and melancholy.
"Fellow Daoist Taichu, there's no need to worry too much. You are devoted to the Dao, with a profound Foundation. Breakthrough is only a matter of time." Bi'an put away his bitter smile and looked at Taichu with a serious expression.
"As for me, although I am now in the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Middle Stage, I increasingly feel that this Dao of Luck is like a reflection in a mirror, seemingly infinitely helpful, but in reality, it hides hidden dangers." Bi'an frowned slightly, his tone carrying a hint of worry.
"Now it seems that Two Fellow Daoists' previous unwillingness to join the Dragon Clan was because you had already foreseen today's events?" Bi'an looked at Taichu and his companion curiously.
Taichu shook his head upon hearing Bi'an's question: "Our two brothers not joining the Dragon Clan has nothing to do with this matter. We are simply free by nature, love tranquility, and do not wish to be bothered by tribal disputes and trivial matters."
Bi'an was noncommittal about Taichu's reason, but whether it was a coincidence or truly as Taichu said, it no longer mattered now.
"Fellow Daoist, do you know why our Clan and the Phoenix Clan and Qilin Clan provoked this conflict?" Bi'an looked at Taichu and asked.
"Of course, it's because Ancestral Dragon and the other two want to unify the Great Desolation and achieve Demonstration of Chaotic Primeval Great Luo Golden Immortal by relying on the Dao of Luck." Taichu thought to himself upon hearing Bi'an's question.
However, Taichu did not reveal his thoughts but pretended to be curious as he looked at Bi'an.
Seeing the curiosity in Taichu's eyes, Bi'an didn't keep him in suspense. "Fellow Daoist should know that our three Clans, relying on the Dao of Luck, have forged the Hunyuan Golden Immortal Realm above Grand Unity Golden Immortal. However, this Realm is merely a transition, a Realm we forcibly opened up through the Dao of Luck."
Taichu had memories from his previous life, and when he Transmigrated, he Transmigrated to the Chaos period before the Great Desolation was born.
At that time, the Chaos Demon Gods were all at the Chaotic Primeval Great Luo Golden Immortal Realm, and Taichu had even seen Pangu, who could treat the Chaos Demon Gods as ants.
He naturally knew that above Hunyuan Golden Immortal there was Chaotic Primeval Great Luo Golden Immortal, and even beyond that, there might be higher Realms, which was not impossible to know.
However, even Hongjun and others did not know about these things. In the Legacy memories of the Great Desolation's living beings, the highest Realm for a Cultivator was Grand Unity Golden Immortal, and after reaching Grand Unity Golden Immortal, the Dao of the living beings reached its Perfection in their memories.
And Perfection meant the end, but no one would want their Dao to be restricted. Thus, countless seekers of the Dao began to explore the path after Grand Unity Golden Immortal, and eventually, Hongjun and others found their own Dao.
They discovered a new path beyond the end, which was the Hunyuan Golden Immortal Realm.
And now, Ancestral Dragon and the others should have discovered the path beyond the Hunyuan Golden Immortal Realm, which is Chaotic Primeval Great Luo Golden Immortal.
"Have you already found the path beyond Hunyuan Golden Immortal?" Taichu pretended to be curious and looked at Bi'an.
"Yes, although our Clan Chief has not yet broken through above Hunyuan Golden Immortal, the path beyond has already been found." Bi'an looked at Taichu and said.
"It's just that that path is closely related to the Dao of Luck. Now our three Clans are inextricably entangled with Luck. Whether for Breakthrough or for the sake of our Clans, our three Clans must continue to fight. There can only be one victor among our three Clans." Bi'an shook his head and sighed at this point.
"You're overthinking it. The ultimate victor won't be your three Clans. Even Luo Hou, who is secretly plotting against you, will be a loser. Even the ultimate victor, Hongjun, will bear monstrous Karma. It can be said that there is no victor in the Dragon Han Calamity." Taichu shook his head secretly upon hearing Bi'an's words.
Of course, these thoughts were too advanced. Taichu hadn't even told Styx, so it was naturally impossible to tell Bi'an.
"Fellow Daoist, are you telling us this because you still want us to join the Dragon Clan?" Taichu looked at Bi'an in confusion.
Bi'an looked at Taichu and shook his head.
"No, I'm telling Fellow Daoist not to ask Two Fellow Daoists to join my Clan, but because I also don't know if my Clan can become the victor this time. I hope that if my Dragon Clan ultimately fails, Two Fellow Daoists will protect my Clan once.
As long as Fellow Daoist agrees, I can promise that if my Dragon Clan becomes the victor, Two Fellow Daoists can borrow the Dao."
"Fellow Daoist, you think too highly of us two brothers. Among your three Clans, Taiyi Golden Immortals are everywhere, and Grand Unity Golden Immortals are countless. Even if we two brothers wanted to protect you, we would be willing but powerless." Taichu felt a bit outrageous after hearing Bi'an's words.
Although their strength was good, it was incomparable to the three Clans.
"Two Fellow Daoists, rest assured, I would naturally not make such a difficult request for the two of you. Our three Clans had already made a Heavenly Dao oath before the war began, that no matter which of our three Clans becomes the victor, they cannot make things difficult for the other two Clans. So Two Fellow Daoists, there's no need to worry about the other two Clans." Bi'an explained to Taichu.
"Then, without the threat of the other two Clans, with the Foundation of your Dragon Clan, do you still need the help of us two brothers?"
"Once my Clan falls, our strength will likely be severely damaged within a million years. I'm worried that some petty individuals will covet my Clan. At that time, I hope Two Fellow Daoists will protect my Clan once within your capabilities."
After hearing Bi'an's words, Taichu pondered for a while, exchanged glances with Styx, and finally said, "Alright, I accept this matter. However, at that time, I might need to borrow the Dragon Clan's Dragon patterns for a look."
"Alright, I agree to your request. After this, Fellow Daoist can enter my Dragon Clan to observe the Dragon patterns." Bi'an considered for a moment and then agreed to Taichu's request.
"I have many matters to attend to now, so I shall take my leave first. I hope there will be a time when we meet again, Fellow Daoist." Bi'an smiled freely and then circulated his spiritual Qi, disappearing directly.
"A thousand-mile escort must end in a farewell. Fellow Daoist, we shall meet again." Taichu murmured as he watched Bi'an's disappearing figure.
Taichu knew that Bi'an's fate this time was likely uncertain. The best outcome would be to be suppressed in the Eye of the Sea forever, never to emerge, just like Ancestral Dragon.
"Brother, let's go. Fellow Daoist Bi'an's matter is not something we can meddle with. We now need to do something of great importance to the entire Great Desolation." Taichu waved his hand at Minghe, who was beside him, looking at Bi'an's disappearing figure.
"Alright. Something of great importance to the entire Great Desolation? Can we, with our current strength, participate in such a matter?" Minghe looked at Taichu with a bit of astonishment.
"Brother, the completion of this matter has nothing to do with strength. However, to accomplish it, we need to borrow a Spirit Treasure from Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi before we can proceed."
"Very well. It has been a long time since I last saw Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi. I just hope we don't encounter that noisy Fellow Daoist Hongyun. I don't understand the planning of this matter, but if you need me to act, just let me know." Minghe shook his head in distress when he mentioned Hongyun.
For someone as laconic as Minghe, people like Hongyun, who loved making friends and whose mouths never stopped, were the ones they most dreaded encountering. Last time at Wuzhuang Temple, Hongyun was Minghe's biggest headache.
"Hahaha, I didn't expect Brother to have a time when he's afraid." Taichu chuckled, hearing Minghe's distressed tone.
"That Fellow Daoist Hongyun's mouth is like it can't stop; he's really too troublesome. I don't believe you don't feel the same way." Minghe glared at Taichu, annoyed, upon hearing his teasing tone.
"Brother, actually, although Fellow Daoist Hongyun talks a lot, his character is still very good. Moreover, this time, my plan cannot be carried out without Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi's Spirit Treasure, so we still need to make a trip."
"Then let's go for a trip. I hope we don't encounter that Fellow Daoist Hongyun."
After communicating and confirming their direction, the two transformed into two streaks of rainbow light and flew towards Wuzhuang Temple.
...
Mount Longevity, Wuzhuang Temple.
Hongyun yawned, bored, looking at Zhenyuanzi, who was Cultivating with his eyes closed above him.
"Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, I've been staying in your Dao field for almost five Yuanhui. Why don't you let me go out for a trip? I promise I won't interfere with the conflicts of the three clans."
Zhenyuanzi opened his eyes upon hearing Hongyun's request and looked at him helplessly: "Hongyun, don't even think about it. The three clans in the Great Desolation are constantly in conflict right now. I wouldn't feel at ease if you, with your personality, were to go out."
"Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, but it's too boring in this Dao field." Hongyun grumbled discontentedly, though he didn't actually choose to leave despite his dissatisfaction.
"If you're bored, go lecture the two little ones, Qingfeng and Mingyue." Zhenyuanzi glared at Hongyun, annoyed.
"Oh no, Qingfeng and Mingyue are not my disciples; how can I overstep my bounds?" Hongyun quickly shook his head upon hearing Zhenyuanzi's suggestion. He'd rather be killed than lecture.
"You..." Zhenyuanzi shook his head, hearing Hongyun's words.
Qingfeng and Mingyue were two disciples Zhenyuanzi had enlightened not long ago.
"It seems Fellow Daoist, you won't be bored anymore." Zhenyuanzi suddenly looked towards Wuzhuang Temple and said with a smile.
"What, can I go out? Impossible, how could the three clans stop fighting at this time?" Hongyun looked at Zhenyuanzi with a bit of surprise.
Just as Zhenyuanzi was about to explain, two voices came from outside Wuzhuang Temple.
"Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, this humble Daoist Taichu and Minghe have come to visit." After a long journey, Taichu and Minghe finally arrived at Wuzhuang Temple.
"Hahaha, so it's Fellow Daoists Taichu and Minghe visiting! No wonder Zhenyuanzi said I wouldn't be bored." Taichu and Minghe didn't get Zhenyuanzi's reply; instead, they heard Hongyun's voice.
Minghe instinctively frowned upon hearing Hongyun's voice; the situation he least wanted to see had still occurred.
"Two Fellow Daoists, please come in." Zhenyuanzi waved his hand in the main hall of Wuzhuang Temple, unlocking the external formation.
Seeing the formation open, Taichu and Minghe instantly transformed into streaks of rainbow light and entered Wuzhuang Temple.
Upon entering Wuzhuang Temple, Taichu's first glance fell upon two exquisitely carved disciples standing in the main hall.
These two disciples were only at the True Immortal Realm, indicating that they hadn't been enlightened by Zhenyuanzi for long. As for their origins, Taichu immediately recognized them as being enlightened from two sections of the top-tier Innate Spiritual Root, the Ginseng Fruit tree's branches.
As Taichu observed Qingfeng and Mingyue, they, too, were curiously observing Taichu and Minghe.
"You two are Zhenyuanzi's disciples, aren't you?" Taichu asked Qingfeng and Mingyue with a smile.
"Hahaha, that's right, these two little ones are the disciples Zhenyuanzi enlightened some time ago." Before Qingfeng and Mingyue could answer, Hongyun's figure appeared behind them.
Hongyun couldn't wait and went directly to the entrance of the main hall to welcome Taichu and Minghe.
And standing beside Hongyun was Zhenyuanzi, wearing a helpless expression.
"Qingfeng, Mingyue, Fellow Daoist Taichu and Fellow Daoist Minghe are good friends of your master. You may address them as Junior Martial Uncle." Zhenyuanzi looked at Qingfeng and Mingyue and introduced them.
"Greetings, two Junior Martial Uncles." Qingfeng and Mingyue suppressed the curiosity in their eyes upon hearing Zhenyuanzi's words and bowed to Taichu and Minghe.
"Not bad. Since you call us brothers Junior Martial Uncle, we naturally won't be stingy with rewards."
Taichu casually took out two spiritual fruits. Both spiritual fruits were from Medium Grade Spiritual Roots.
It wasn't that Taichu was unwilling to give Qingfeng and Mingyue fruits from High Grade Spiritual Roots; it was just that Qingfeng and Mingyue were only at the True Immortal Realm and couldn't withstand the spiritual fruits of High Grade Spiritual Roots.
"These are mine." Minghe, seeing the spiritual fruits Taichu took out, also waved his hand and produced two Low Grade Innate Spirit Treasures. Although these two Spirit Treasures were only Low Grade Spirit Treasures, they were rare combination Spirit Treasures. When combined, they were no weaker than a Medium Grade Innate Spirit Treasure.
"This..." Qingfeng and Mingyue looked at the treasures before them and didn't immediately take them, instead looking at Zhenyuanzi in unison.
"Take them. Your two Junior Martial Uncles are very wealthy; you don't need to be polite with them."
"Thank you, Junior Martial Uncles Taichu and Minghe." Qingfeng and Mingyue only accepted the treasures given by Taichu and Minghe after hearing Zhenyuanzi's words.
"Let's go, we shouldn't stand outside the hall. We can discuss anything inside." Zhenyuanzi invited Taichu and Minghe.
"Alright." Taichu and Minghe nodded and then entered the main hall.
Before entering, Zhenyuanzi looked at Qingfeng and Mingyue and said, "You two come in as well."
"Yes, Master." Qingfeng and Mingyue nodded and followed them into the main hall.
Upon entering the main hall, everyone took their seats, while Qingfeng and Mingyue stood on either side of Zhenyuanzi.
"It has been ten Yuanhui since our last farewell, hasn't it?" Zhenyuanzi said with a hint of emotion.
"Yes, it has. You two fellows said you would visit me in my Fire Cloud Cave, but I waited and waited and never received your visit." Hongyun complained to Taichu and Minghe after hearing Zhenyuanzi's words.
"Fellow Daoist Hongyun, that's a bit unreasonable of you. I know that you've been traveling almost everywhere in the Great Desolation these past years. I'm afraid you haven't spent as much time in Fire Cloud Cave as you have in Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi's Wuzhuang Temple. How can you have the nerve to say you were waiting for us brothers in Fire Cloud Cave?" Taichu retorted upon hearing Hongyun's words.
"Fellow Daoist Taichu, you're seeing through it but not saying it. If you do that, we can't be friends anymore." Hongyun also felt a bit awkward upon hearing Taichu's words.
"Fellow Daoist Hongyun still cares about these things?" Taichu glared at Hongyun, annoyed.
"You..."
Hongyun was about to speak again when Zhenyuanzi interrupted him.
"Alright, Hongyun, say less. Fellow Daoists Taichu and Minghe have come a long way; do not be so rude."
"Hmph..." Hongyun snorted, feigning anger, upon hearing Zhenyuanzi's words.
Zhenyuanzi and Taichu looked at Hongyun with amusement, then the three of them completely ignored the "angry" Hongyun and began to converse among themselves.
And the "angry" Hongyun, realizing that everyone else was ignoring him, didn't last long before breaking character and joining in the conversation.
"Fellow Daoist, the Great Desolation is in chaos now. It's unlikely that Two Fellow Daoists' visit at this time is so simple," Zhenyuanzi asked, looking at Taichu and the other.
Any living being in the Great Desolation knew the current situation. Almost all living beings unrelated to the three clans chose to stay in their Daoist temple and not go out, so Zhenyuanzi guessed that Taichu and the other had other purposes for coming.
"Taichu, do you need our help with anything? Just say it, and we will definitely help you as long as we can." Before Taichu could speak, Hongyun readily agreed on behalf of Zhenyuanzi.
"Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, my brother and I have come this time because we want to borrow a Spirit Treasure from Fellow Daoist."
"Oh, what kind of Spirit Treasure do Two Fellow Daoists wish to borrow?"
"Fellow Daoist's companion Spirit Treasure, the Earth Book."
"This…" Zhenyuanzi's eyes showed a hint of hesitation after hearing Taichu's words.
The Earth Book was a top-tier Innate Spirit Treasure formed from the Earth Placenta of the Great Desolation, and it could connect to the entire Great Desolation's Earth Veins.
Of course, it could only connect to the Earth Veins and had no way to control the entire Great Desolation's Earth Veins. If it could control the entire Great Desolation's Earth Veins, then the Earth Book would not just be a top-tier Innate Spirit Treasure.
And the reason for Zhenyuanzi's hesitation was not because the Earth Book was a top-tier Spirit Treasure, but because the grand formation in Wuzhuang Temple was set up with the Earth Book and the top-tier Innate Spiritual Root, the Ginseng Fruit Tree, as its formation eyes.
And because of the Earth Book's existence, this grand formation was the Great Desolation's number one "Moral Kidnapping Grand Formation." As long as he was threatened and forced to a point of no return by a living being, Zhenyuanzi could even use the Earth Book as a medium to severely damage the entire Great Desolation's Earth Veins.
However, Zhenyuanzi would not do this unless absolutely necessary, because once the Great Desolation's Earth Veins were severely damaged, both the enemy and Zhenyuanzi would suffer immense Karma. That Karma was something even a Saint could not bear; it was Zhenyuanzi's last resort.
Of course, only Zhenyuanzi knew this; even Hongyun was unaware.
Taichu also knew this because of his past life memories.
Once the Earth Book was lent to Taichu, the power of the grand formation in Wuzhuang Temple would be greatly diminished. Moreover, his last trump card would also be handed over to Taichu.
Furthermore, with the three clans currently engaged in a chaotic war in the Great Desolation, even a Grand Unity Golden Immortal could not fully protect himself.
And Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun's strength, like Taichu's, was only at the Taiyi Golden Immortal Perfected Realm Realm. They also needed the protection of Wuzhuang Temple's grand formation to protect themselves.
That's why Zhenyuanzi was so hesitant after hearing that Taichu wanted to borrow the Earth Book, and even Hongyun, after hearing that Taichu wanted to borrow the Earth Book, sat quietly to the side without interrupting.
"May I ask Fellow Daoist, for what purpose do you wish to borrow the Earth Book?" Zhenyuanzi asked Taichu after a period of contemplation.
"Fellow Daoist, the specific reason involves a Hunyuan Golden Immortal, so I cannot disclose it. However, I can assure Fellow Daoist that I am not borrowing the Earth Book to seize Fellow Daoist's Earth Book.
On the contrary, I am bringing Fellow Daoist an Opportunity. If Fellow Daoist is uneasy, I can make a Heavenly Dao oath. If I violate the oath, this humble Daoist will never enter the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Realm for the rest of his life," Taichu solemnly promised Zhenyuanzi.
"It concerns a Hunyuan Golden Immortal!?" Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun both looked at Taichu in surprise when they heard him mention a Hunyuan Golden Immortal.
Even though they were not weak in the Great Desolation now, compared to a Hunyuan Golden Immortal, there was a world of difference.
Zhenyuanzi and the other had never even seen a Hunyuan Golden Immortal, yet Taichu now claimed that their borrowing of the Earth Book was related to a Hunyuan Golden Immortal. How could this not surprise Zhenyuanzi and the other?
"Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, moreover, I can promise Fellow Daoist that you only need to lend me the Earth Book; I will handle everything else, and I guarantee that Fellow Daoist will gain a massive amount of Karma power this time," Taichu continued to persuade, seeing the hesitation in Zhenyuanzi's eyes.
"Fellow Daoist's explanation is too simple; I do not understand the reasons behind it. Therefore, I regret that I cannot hand over the Earth Book to Two Fellow Daoists." After some thought, Zhenyuanzi shook his head.
Taichu's words made Zhenyuanzi even more cautious about lending out the Earth Book. He did not want to face one or even possibly multiple Hunyuan Golden Immortals. The risk was too great for him, so Zhenyuanzi ultimately decided to refuse Taichu's request to borrow the Earth Book.
"It seems I need to risk revealing a part of the plan to Zhenyuanzi to borrow the Earth Book," Taichu sighed inwardly.
The reason he didn't want to reveal the plan wasn't that he didn't trust Zhenyuanzi and the other, but because he was worried that once he revealed the plan, Luo Hou would detect it, which would be troublesome then.
But now, if he didn't reveal a part of the plan, Zhenyuanzi would likely not lend out the Earth Book.
"Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi…" Taichu selectively told Zhenyuanzi his plan.
After hearing Taichu's explanation, Zhenyuanzi's eyes were filled with struggle. "Good, if Fellow Daoist's words are true, I will lend the Earth Book to Fellow Daoist, and there is no need for Fellow Daoist to make a Heavenly Dao oath."
Zhenyuanzi gritted his teeth and agreed to Taichu's request.
"Then I thank Fellow Daoist." Taichu breathed a huge sigh of relief when he heard Zhenyuanzi finally agree.
The Earth Book was a crucial part of his plan; without it, his plan would be greatly compromised.
"I was right; this Zhenyuanzi truly is the Immortal of Morality in the Great Desolation," Taichu thought with emotion after hearing Zhenyuanzi agree.
"Fellow Daoist, there's no need for that. My action is merely lending you the Earth Book and not much help, and Fellow Daoist promised I could obtain a massive amount of Karma, which is not a loss for me. I just hope this action can truly protect the Great Desolation." Zhenyuanzi shook his head after hearing Taichu's words, then summoned the Earth Book and sent it before Taichu and the other.
"This is the Earth Book?" Taichu looked at the ancient diagram before him, which contained a rich power of the earth.
"Yes, this is my companion Spirit Treasure, the Earth Book. It is now handed over to Fellow Daoist," Zhenyuanzi said, nodding at Taichu.
"May I open this Earth Book and look at its contents?" Taichu asked curiously, looking at the Earth Book before him.
"No problem." Zhenyuanzi smiled and shook his head when he heard Taichu's request.
After receiving Zhenyuanzi's permission, Taichu opened the Earth Book. As Taichu opened the Earth Book, he saw that it was a map of the Great Desolation, and the map almost covered the entire geography of the Great Desolation's mountains and rivers.
"Isn't this just a map? I didn't expect the legendary Earth Book to be a map of the Great Desolation." Taichu was momentarily speechless, looking at the down-to-earth Earth Book.
"Two Fellow Daoists, this matter is urgent, so I will not linger too long in Fellow Daoist's Daoist temple." Taichu proposed to leave, seeing that his objective for this trip had been achieved.
Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun nodded upon hearing Taichu's words.
Taichu and Ming He transformed into a rainbow light and disappeared into Wuzhuang Temple.
After Taichu and the other left, Hongyun curiously looked at Zhenyuanzi, "Fellow Daoist, do you think what Fellow Daoist Taichu just said is true?"
"You also have some understanding of the character of Fellow Daoists Taichu and Ming He; it should not be false. It's just, when will this Great Desolation finally calm down?" Zhenyuanzi sighed, thinking of the current Great Desolation
After Taichu and Minghe left Wuzhuang Temple, they used the Earth Book's ability to enter the Honghuang Earth Meridian.
"Is this the Honghuang Earth Meridian? It's truly magical," Taichu murmured, looking at the ethereal yellowish Qi flow before him.
Without the help of the Earth Book, even a Grand Unity Golden Immortal could only sense the existence of the Earth Meridian but could not enter it. Therefore, even though many beings in Honghuang knew of the Earth Meridian's existence, almost no one had truly touched it.
"Brother, let's go. Our time is urgent, and we don't have time to delay here." Taichu held the Earth Book in his right hand and beckoned Minghe to walk with him into the Western Earth Meridian.
Taichu's purpose in borrowing the Earth Book from Zhenyuanzi this time was naturally to change the fate of the Western Earth Meridian from being destroyed by Luo Hou.
Of course, while Taichu's action stemmed from a reluctance to see the Honghuang Earth Meridian shattered, leading to the decline of Spiritual Qi in the West, his primary motivation was his current bond with Hongjun. This act of preventing the Western Earth Meridian's destruction would not only yield a massive amount of Karma but also repay his Karma to Hongjun.
Moreover, if this venture succeeded, the Karma gained would be truly terrifying. One must understand that before Luo Hou destroyed the Western Earth Meridian, the development of Honghuang was relatively balanced. However, after the Western Earth Meridian was destroyed, the West never recovered.
If it weren't for the unremitting efforts of Zhunti and Jieyin later, the West would likely never have had any hope of development.
Therefore, Taichu actually admired the Western Two Sages a bit. These two resorted to any means for the West, completely disregarding their reputation. This was very rare in Honghuang, a world that valued reputation above all else.
Countless novels in his previous life depicted the Western Two Sages as enemies of the protagonist, yet none denied their contributions to the West.
However, even with the Western Two Sages' efforts, they still couldn't compare to the East, only experiencing a brief century of glory during the Journey to the West period.
"We've arrived. From here on, this is where the Western Earth Meridian is located. Brother, later your Blood God Clone will follow my Karma Clone," Taichu said to Minghe, looking at the Earth Book in his right hand.
"Alright," Minghe nodded.
Subsequently, countless specks of light appeared on their bodies. These specks of light were the Clones prepared by the two brothers for this plan.
"Go!" As Taichu spoke, these Clones flew to various parts of the Earth Meridian according to the Earth Book in Taichu's hand.
"Sure enough, the Western Earth Meridian had already been ravaged by Luo Hou. No wonder Luo Hou, a Quasi-Saint, could destroy the entire Honghuang Western Earth Meridian with his final desperate counterattack. It turns out the Western Earth Meridian had already been overdrawn by Luo Hou," Taichu's Clone sighed after entering the Western Earth Meridian.
At this time, the Western Spiritual Vein was already "gilded outside but rotten within." These Earth Meridians appeared fine on the surface, but the power within them had long since vanished.
It was now just an empty shell, which explained why Luo Hou could ultimately destroy the entire Western Earth Meridian.
"However, at least the foundation of the current Western Earth Meridian is still there. It's just that the power within has been overdrawn. As long as I preserve the Earth Meridian, there is still hope for the West to recover to its previous level." Although the situation differed from his expectations, Taichu still chose not to give up.
Taichu stayed in the Earth Meridian for tens of thousands of years. During these years, Taichu had to continuously deduce the nodes of the Earth Meridian according to the positions on the Earth Book, and also combine these nodes with the Western Earth Meridian to create a grand formation. Only then could there be hope of preserving the Western Earth Meridian.
During these ten thousand years, Taichu's deduction ability was fully unleashed. Once he got tired, he would use the enlightenment tea tree to sustain himself.
"Only this last step remains, but this step cannot be achieved yet. It can only be completed at the very last moment of the decisive battle between Hongjun and Luo Hou," Taichu said, staggering a step. Fortunately, Minghe, who had been watching, supported him.
"How is it?" Minghe asked, looking at Taichu with concern.
"Currently, only Mount Sumeru and its surrounding Earth Meridians haven't had our Clones placed. However, I have already prepared Clones in the surrounding area. As soon as the time is right, those Clones will move to the designated positions according to my deductions," Taichu replied somewhat weakly.
"Will this really work? And are you sure the Western Earth Meridian will have problems? If what you expect doesn't happen in the end, our losses this time will be considerable," Minghe looked at Taichu worriedly.
In truth, Minghe's understanding of Taichu's plan wasn't much greater than Zhenyuanzi's. The reason he helped Taichu wasn't to protect the Western Earth Meridian; he only knew that this was something his brother Taichu wanted to do. As for what could be gained from this matter, it was not within Minghe's consideration.
The current Minghe had undergone earth-shattering changes compared to the Minghe Taichu knew in his previous life and the Minghe from when he was first born. Although the current Minghe was still arrogant and not good with words, he was completely different from the Minghe who killed everything in Taichu's previous life.
If the Minghe of the previous life was a sharp sword that always maintained its edge, then in this life, this sword gained a scabbard. This scabbard was not a restraint on Minghe but a protection for him.
"Brother, let's go. It's time for us to leave. As for whether it's useful, you'll know later." Taichu chose not to explain.
The figures of the two disappeared within the Western Earth Meridian.
...
Just as Taichu and Minghe were setting up in the Earth Meridian, the battle of the Three Clans in Honghuang also entered a heated phase, with the main forces of the Three Clans converging towards Mount Buzhou in Honghuang.
The lowest cultivation level among these Three Clan members was Profound Immortal, and these Profound Immortals were merely the foot soldiers of the Three Clans. The number of such foot soldiers in the Three Clans was no less than hundreds of billions. Among them, only Taiyi Golden Immortals held a certain status, but even Taiyi Golden Immortals numbered no less than a million in the Three Clans. As for Grand Unity Golden Immortal-level existences, there were openly over a hundred in the Three Clans.
However, among the Three Clans, there were still only three Hunyuan Golden Immortals: Zu Long, Yuan Feng, and Ancestral Qilin.
And beside the Three Clans were countless affiliated races. Their strength was naturally inferior to the Three Clans, but they had many Taiyi Golden Immortals, and even a considerable number of Grand Unity Golden Immortals.
Countless beings gathered together, forming a murderous Qi that made the entire Void Realm incredibly oppressive.
Just then, all the members of the Dragon Clan looked up at the Void Realm above.
Above the Dragon Clan, a nine-clawed Golden Dragon appeared, its body stretching for a million li. Its scales shimmered with a metallic luster, each as large as a millstone, tightly arranged. This was Zu Long, the strongest of the Dragon Clan and also its creator.
"Yuan Feng, Ancestral Qilin, Two Fellow Daoists, are you still not planning to come out and meet?" Zu Long stood in the Void Realm and roared towards the direction of the Phoenix Clan and Qilin Clan.
As Zu Long's voice resounded, the Dragon Clan below began to cheer.