Chapter 489
: The Second Lecture at Zixiao Palace Sparks a Feud! The Eastern King Duke Kneels and Beg
Now that the second lecture has begun, it is rumored that it will involve a more profound Dao, pointing directly to the realm of Hunyuan!
For all cultivators who aspire to reach higher realms, this is nothing short of a beacon in the darkness!
In an instant, the primordial world was in turmoil, with countless newly broken through Great Luo Golden Immortals.
Regardless of their origins or where they were, they all put down everything they had and, with the heart of a pilgrim, rode in the light of escape, rode in magical treasures, or tore through the void, all heading towards the depths of chaos!
The entire destiny of the primordial world was subtly converging towards the Purple Cloud Palace.
The Ten Thousand Mountains, a hidden valley heavily shrouded in natural malevolent energy and restrictions.
Di Jun and Tai Yi sat facing each other, their auras deep and profound, even more so than before, yet their brows carried an inescapable heaviness.
Although the demon race was able to catch its breath, the ten-thousand-year period hung like a sword over their heads, and the threat from the witch race was never far away.
"Brother, the second lecture at Zixiao Palace may be the only turning point for our demon race."
Taiyi said in a deep voice, the Chaos Golden Bell floating in his palm, radiating an aura that suppressed all heavens.
"If one can glean the secrets of primordial chaos from this, or find a way to subdue the witch clan..."
Di Jun nodded slowly, his gaze piercing through the valley's restrictions, as if he could see the Dao Palace deep within the chaos.
"Indeed. The Dao Ancestor's teachings contain supreme mysteries. This is a glimmer of hope given to all living beings by the Heavenly Dao; how can our demon race miss it?"
He stood up, his voice resolute.
"Bai Ze!"
"Chen is here!"
Bai Ze appeared silently at the entrance of the valley. His aura was restrained, but his eyes were even more wise and profound.
Over the years, he has devoted himself to managing the internal affairs of the demon race, and his cultivation has improved considerably.
"Taiyi and I need to go to Zixiao Palace."
Di Jun's gaze fell on Bai Ze.
"You will temporarily take full charge of the affairs of the demon race. Conceal your whereabouts, recuperate, and do not act rashly unless it is a matter of life and death!"
Bai Ze bowed respectfully, his expression solemn.
"Your Majesty, rest assured! Your subject will do everything in his power to protect my demon race! I wish Your Majesty and the Eastern Emperor a successful journey and enlightenment!"
Di Jun and Tai Yi said no more. The two brothers were surrounded by light, which instantly transformed into two barely perceptible golden streams of light. They silently pierced through the layers of restrictions, merged into the void, and sped towards the depths of chaos.
At the summit of Kunlun Mountain, clouds and mist swirl, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Lao Tzu and Yuan Shi stood side by side, their auras becoming increasingly ethereal and lofty, already at the peak of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm.
Tongtian sat cross-legged on a blue stone not far away, with an ancient longsword lying across his knees. The sword was plain, yet it faintly exuded a sharp edge capable of cutting through anything.
His sword aura was restrained, yet it seemed as if he could tear the sky apart at any moment.
"Third brother, the second lecture at Zixiao Palace is about to begin. The Dao Ancestor will be expounding on the Great Dao of Hunyuan. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we cannot miss."
Yuanshi looked at Tongtian, his voice gentle yet undeniably authoritative.
"Come with me and my elder brother."
Tongtian slowly opened his eyes, a flash of sword light seemingly appearing in them. He gently stroked the long sword in front of his knee, his voice calm yet firm.
"Eldest brother, second brother, go ahead. My path lies in the sword. The way of the sword is mine alone, sincere and ultimate. Listening to the ways of others may be of some use, but it may also shake my own heart. I want to use the sword in my hand to carve out my own path of primordial chaos."
Yuan Shi frowned slightly.
“Third brother, you are too stubborn! The Dao Ancestor is the first sage of the primordial world. The Great Dao he expounded encompasses everything and is infinitely profound. Only by learning from the sage's way can we avoid detours and attain the Dao more quickly! To shut oneself away and reinvent the wheel is not the way of a wise man.”
Tongtian shook his head, his gaze clear and unwavering.
"The way of others is ultimately their way. My sword only recognizes my own way. If listening to other people's ways makes my mind wander and my sword's heart becomes tarnished, it will not be beautiful."
"you!"
Yuan Shi's face showed displeasure.
"Such stubbornness and inflexibility! Do you intend to emulate the demonic Rahu and sever yourself from the Heavenly Way? If this continues, it may bring shame upon the Three Pure Ones!"
"Second brother!"
Lao Tzu spoke calmly, interrupting Yuan Shi.
He looked at Tongtian with deep eyes, as if he could see through his sword heart.
“There are countless paths to enlightenment, each with its own destiny. Since my third brother has already realized his true nature and is determined to pursue the sword, let him be. Forcing it will only lead to a lower level of enlightenment.”
He paused for a moment, then said to Yuanshi.
"The time is approaching, we should set off."
Seeing Tongtian's unmoved expression, and then looking at Laozi's indifferent demeanor, Yuanshi could only snort coldly and turn away with a flick of his sleeve.
Laozi nodded slightly to Tongtian, and then he and Yuanshi transformed into two beams of clear light, soaring straight into the clouds and disappearing from sight.
On the blue stone, Tongtian slowly closed his eyes, and the long sword in front of his knees emitted a clear and melodious ringing sound, as if responding to its master's Dao heart.
In the Eastern Sea, Penglai, the celestial realm is filled with auspicious energy, and thousands of auspicious lights shine forth.
The Eastern King was dressed in a magnificent purple-gold Taoist robe, and his whole body was filled with precious light, all of which were innate spiritual treasures!
His aura was vast and powerful, clearly indicating that he had already reached the late stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm!
Clearly, his cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years thanks to the fortune and resources of the Celestial Court.
"Welcome, Immortal Lord!"
Below, led by Ao Lie, dozens of powerful figures bowed in respect, several of whom had even reached the early stage of the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm!
Over the years, the Celestial Court has recruited members from all directions, and its strength has indeed grown considerably.
The Eastern King Duke's gaze swept across the area below, his expression one of restraint and majesty.
"The Second Lecture at Zixiao Palace is a grand event in the primordial world. As the master of the Celestial Court, I should naturally go to listen to the sacred words of the Dao Ancestor. Your accompanying me is also a great fortune."
"I will obey the Immortal Lord's decree!"
All the immortals responded in unison.
The Eastern King nodded slightly, and with a wave of his sleeve, a magnificent carriage pulled by nine dragons and inlaid with countless bright jewels and jade appeared out of thin air.
He stepped onto the chariot, followed by dozens of Grand Luo Golden Immortals and numerous Golden Immortal attendants, some riding clouds, some riding beasts, and some wielding treasures, surrounding the chariot in a grand and imposing procession towards the Chaos.
Wherever they went, celestial music filled the air and the sky was ablaze with rosy light, attracting the attention of cultivators along the way.
At the summit of Mount Sumeru, demonic energy surged, yet a strange tranquility prevailed.
Rahu and the Azure Lotus Boy were already prepared, their auras harmonious and subtle, even more refined and profound than before they listened to the sermon last time.
"Di Jun! The time has come, what are you dawdling for?"
Luo Hou's scarlet eyes looked at the figure fishing on the cliff edge, his tone impatient.
"We both benefited greatly from the last lecture. This second lecture on the Great Dao of Primordial Chaos may just be the opportunity for us to break through our limitations! Let's set off immediately!"
Qinglian Boy also smiled.
"Yes, Fellow Daoist Dijun. The Dao Ancestor's sermon is a rare opportunity that should not be missed."
At the edge of the cliff, Di Jun (his clone) held a fishing rod made of condensed chaotic energy, the fishing line dangling into the churning abyss of demonic energy below, as if he were fishing for something.
His calm demeanor created a strange harmony with the eerie, demonic Mount Sumeru.
Hearing the urging, he slowly reeled in his fishing rod, only to find the end of the fishing line, which was formed from condensed chaotic energy, empty.
He stood up, his gaze fixed on the depths of chaos, as if piercing through endless space to see the majestic Dao Palace.
Just as he was about to respond to Luo Hou— [Ding! Detected that the host is about to participate in the second sermon at Zixiao Palace. This is a crucial juncture in the primordial world, with far-reaching implications.]
[Option 1: Actively participate and fully comprehend the Primordial Chaos Dao as expounded by the Dao Ancestor. Reward: 30% increase in understanding of the Primordial Chaos Dao.]
[Option Two: Respond passively, detach yourself from worldly affairs, and do not actively seek enlightenment. Reward: Primordial Purple Qi Clue Fragment (1/7).]
The cold system notification echoed deep within Di Jun's (avatar's) mind, and three options, like three completely different paths, were laid out before him.
Going to listen to the teachings can deepen one's understanding of the primordial chaos and greatly benefit one's spiritual practice.
Disrupting a sermon carries enormous risks, but the reward of fragments of chaotic magical mystic arts is equally tempting.
By remaining a bystander, seemingly doing nothing, one can obtain a special item called "The Voice of the Great Dao".
Di Jun's gaze lingered for a moment on the description of the "Sound of the Great Dao".
This object is neither a treasure nor a tool, but a strange energy containing the rhythm of the Great Dao, which can help people achieve enlightenment three times. The effects are unknown, but it is marked with the words "layout".
Planning... A sharp glint appeared deep in Di Jun's eyes.
What he needs most now is not a temporary improvement in his cultivation, but to plant a hidden piece in this intricate and complex prehistoric chess game that could change the course of events!
This "voice of the Great Way" may be the key!
"I choose three and will remain an observer."
Di Jun silently recited in his heart.
[Confirm selection. Reward issued: Special item "Voice of the Great Dao" (Uses: 3).]
A tiny, formless point of light, yet containing an extremely profound rhythm, quietly merged into the depths of Di Jun's primordial spirit.
With a slight thought, he could sense the strange power contained within the point of light, a power that seemed to resonate with the heavens and earth.
“Fellow Daoist Luo Hou, Fellow Daoist Qinglian,” Di Jun turned around and looked at Luo Hou, who had been waiting impatiently, and Qinglian, who looked puzzled, with a profound smile on his face.
"I will not be attending the second lecture at Zixiao Palace this time."
"what?"
Rahu's crimson eyes narrowed instantly, and demonic energy surged.
"You're not going? Di Jun, do you know what an opportunity this is? The Primordial Dao! If you miss this chance, who knows when you'll be able to hear the sacred words again!"
The Green Lotus Boy also looked puzzled.
"Fellow Daoist Di Jun, why is this? We both benefited greatly from the last lecture. This lecture concerns the Primordial Chaos Realm, and it is of utmost importance!"
Di Jun stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the depths of chaos, as if he could pierce through the endless void and see the scene inside that majestic Dao Palace.
His voice was calm, yet carried an indescribable certainty.
"The opportunity may be good, but it may not be suitable for me at this time. Besides... I have a new plan, and I want to take advantage of this opportunity to make a move."
The Purple Cloud Palace is a gathering place for the Dao, where all beings converge and fortunes intertwine—the perfect opportunity to stir up trouble and sow seeds of discord. Rather than listening to the profound pronouncements of the Great Dao, it's better to…be the one who holds the chess piece.”
"A new layout?"
A red glint flashed in Luo Hou's eyes; he had become interested.
"Tell me about it? Who are you plotting against this time? Hongjun? Or those barbarians from the Wu tribe?"
Di Jun smiled mysteriously, a wisp of chaotic energy swirling around his fingertips, as if he were manipulating invisible threads.
"Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. The time is not yet ripe, so do not speak lightly. Fellow Daoists, please go and listen to the Dao. Perhaps... you will soon witness the ripples caused by my hidden pawn."
Luo Hou and Qinglian Tongzi exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and curiosity in each other's eyes.
Di Jun is a man of deep thoughts, and his plans often turn out unexpectedly.
Since he says he has a new plan and is so certain about it, it must be something extraordinary.
Luo Hou snorted coldly.
"Hmph! Playing coy! Fine, I'll see what tricks you have up your sleeve! Qinglian, let's go!"
Having said that, he swirled with demonic energy and transformed into two streaks of light with the Azure Lotus Child, instantly disappearing into the chaos.
Di Jun watched the direction they disappeared in, the smile on his lips deepening.
He opened his palm, and an invisible halo flowed in the center of his palm, which was the "Sound of the Great Dao".
He muttered to himself.
"Let's start our strategy from Zixiao Palace."
Deep within the chaos, the Purple Cloud Palace stands majestically, its Taoist aura permeating the air.
The palace gates were wide open, and the three thousand prayer mats were already arranged in the same positions as when they last listened to the sermon.
At the top of the steps, six prayer cushions still hung suspended in mid-air.
At this moment, the palace was already teeming with people, with three thousand Purple Cloud Guests gathered!
Compared to last time, there were many new faces, all newly promoted Great Luo Golden Immortals, each with an extraordinary aura, their eyes filled with longing and awe for the Primordial Dao.
Whispers and discussions echoed in the empty Taoist temple.
“Look! Those six seats at the very top are still empty! 'Three Heavens,' Three Pure Ones, and those two…”
"Huh? Why are only two of the Three Pure Ones here? Where is the Sage Tongtian, who is famous for his swordsmanship?"
"I've heard that the Sage Tongtian insists on his own way and refuses to come and listen to lectures. He's truly... eccentric!"
"'Three days' hasn't even arrived yet? Last time they were the first to arrive."
"Hmph, so what if it's only 'three days'? Last time, they just had an advantage. In terms of lineage and foundation, how can they compare to the Three Pure Ones, the true lineage of Pangu?"
In my opinion, the Three Pure Ones are the true contenders for the Primordial Chaos realm! Although Fellow Daoist Tongtian has not yet arrived, his swordsmanship is divine, and may not be inferior to that of Tingdao!
Shh! Keep your voice down! The Three Pure Ones are just ahead!
Amid the discussions, some subtly compared the "Three Heavens" (Di Jun, Tai Yi, Dong Wang Gong, and west Wang Mu) with the Three Pure Ones. Some even bluntly stated that the "Three Heavens" were inferior to the Three Pure Ones, and even implied that although Tongtian had not yet arrived, his steadfastness in his Daoist heart was even greater.
These words pierced Yuan Shi's ears.
Yuanshi sat upright on the futon, his face already gloomy due to Tongtian's absence.
Hearing these comments now, especially the statement "it's not necessarily worse than listening to the sermon," is like adding fuel to the fire!
He, Yuanshi, always considered himself the true descendant of Pangu, regarded the unity of the Three Pure Ones as the highest honor, and valued face the most.
Tongtian's stubbornness and refusal to come made him feel ashamed before the Three Pure Ones.
These ants dare to speak ill of the Three Pure Ones, even subtly elevating Tongtian and belittling their choice to come and listen to the Dao, and even comparing the "Three Heavens" to them. This is simply a trampling on his primordial dignity!
"Noisy!"
Yuanshi suddenly opened his eyes, and a vast and majestic, terrifying pressure, carrying the awe-inspiring might of heaven, suddenly erupted, like an invisible mountain, pressing down fiercely on the discussing cultivators!
Pfft!Pfft!
Instantly, dozens of newly promoted Great Luo Golden Immortals near the back row were struck as if by a giant hammer. Their faces turned ashen, their blood and qi surged, and some even knelt on the ground, their bones groaning!
The entire Zixiao Palace fell into complete silence; you could hear a pin drop!
All the cultivators looked at Yuanshi in terror, falling silent as if trembling in fear.
"The Purple Cloud Sacred Land is where the Dao Ancestor preached. How dare you ants presume to speak of the Holy One and make such a racket?"
The voice of the Primordial One was as cold as ice that had stood for millennia, carrying an unquestionable majesty.
"If you dare to spout nonsense again, don't blame me for expelling you from this monastery!"
A terrifying pressure enveloped the entire area, and no one dared to utter a single word.
However, in the midst of this deathly silence, a voice carrying a hint of laziness and mockery suddenly rang out, breaking the silence.
"Oh? Fellow Daoist Yuanshi, you are quite impressive."
At the top of the steps, the Eastern King Duke was already seated on his prayer mat. (End of Chapter)