Primitive Age of Xianxia (Honghuang style xianxia story)

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Their departure from the east sea was done relatively unceremoniously. The dragons left Yingzhou and stayed for a time within the turtle's territory before ultimately leaving northwards. It was during their stay that Yinglong and Qinglong met Gui Daiyu.

The princess had a wilful but kind disposition. She was also incredibly talented in the arts of cultivation and management. It was no wonder Zulong trusted her to take care of his city.

"Here, keep these with you," Zulong said just before they had left. He handed a small bag to Gui Daiyu. Contained within are some of the talismans Da Hai had given him as well as a bag of mulberry fruits from the Fusang tree.

"These can help you form the flower crowns," the dragon reassured.

Gui Daiyu took the bag with a small frown, "Do you have so little faith in my ability?"

"I will never dare," Zulong laughed. "Just a small assurance, even if you don't need them then at least give them to your family or whatever promising talent pops up." The golden dragon looked very sad when the time to depart came.

"Do you really have to go?" Gui Daiyu had asked him shortly after accepting the gifts.

"I have to," Zulong admitted. "But I will back, it won't be long, I promise."

"You better," the princess said playfully punching Zulong's shoulder. Zulong grunted and held his shoulder in mock pain. "Should I be worried if little old me can hurt you?" She said.

"Haha, only you Yu'er, only you," Zulong replied.

"Heavens, is this really big brother?" Yinglong exclaimed in wonder as he watched the scene. Qinglong standing beside him was also gaping. The youngest dragon couldn't even fathom what he was seeing.

"Perhaps we're still on Yingzhou, master's illusions are very potent," Qinglong suggested. "Or perhaps I'm so drunk that I'm still dreaming."

"Quite right brother," Yinglong faced the azure dragon and pointed at his cheek. "Give me your best shot," he said.

"Enough out of you two," Zulong scolded. He smacked both dragons on the back of their horned heads while Gui Daiyu chuckled behind him. Zulong's cheeks were flushed at his brother's behaviour.

"We'll settle things when I get back. Take care Yu'er," Zulong said with a bright smile but embarrassed. He grabbed the scuffs of his brother's robes, "Come on you rascals."

The brothers travelled northwards, bypassing a lot of water. They had picked this direction because of the relative obscurity of the north sea.

This body of water had remained largely a mystery to the rest of the world. After the Shenni war, there had not been much if any news at all. Most modern cultivators considered the north sea a ghost town.

Zulong wagered that his master probably knew the ongoings of the north sea. At his realm of power, not much can be hidden. Da Hai could very easily peer through the view of the Heavenly Dao and uncover secrets Zulong was not aware of.

The northwestern borders of the east sea was a desolate place. Very few hints of civilisation were present. Zulong was saddened when he saw the empty waters. A strong sense of loneliness permitted this place. Zulong didn't like it.

"Let's pass into the north sea," Qinglong said in anticipation when the trio reached the border. It didn't take much effort to pass through. The dragons very easily reached the northernmost oceans of the primitive world.

The dragons were met with misty black waters when they passed through. It was very cold here, much too cold for mortal life to occur. The waters were rich with Yin energy, gathered from the long years of war.

"The north continent was said to be ravaged by Shenni," Yinglong recounted. "Records say that the north continent is a desolate cold hellscape devoid of meaningful life. A continent filled with misery." The winged dragon sighed.

"Aiya, tsk tsk, to think just the north sea is like this. I dread to think of the mainland," Qinglong said feeling deeply uncomfortable. For the lively azure dragon, this ghostly world was an experience which he did not appreciate.

"Be that as it may, we must press on," Zulong announced. He waved his arm in a wide arc. The dragon in a flashy display of power wiped out the mist. He blew away the Yin energy making his brother uncomfortable with a sneer. "The audacity to make my brother uncomfortable," he spat.

Zulong's feat touched ice cold water. His shoes began collecting ice. Zulong snorted, he heated the cup of his feat and melted the ice. The waters were almost supernaturally cold.

"The water here is special," Qinglong said when he too touched the ocean surface. "The coldness did not originate from the north sea itself."

"I expected so," Zulong replied. "Qinglong, do you think the three brilliance sacred water may be the cause of this?"

"No brother, the three brilliance sacred water is a life giving force. This is something else entirely," Qinglong said. He was intimately familiar with some of his master's treasures and had encountered the three brilliance sacred water plenty of times. In fact, he had even swam in it during his stay in Wangshu's palace.

"This is likely a diluted variant elder brother," Yinglong said. "The source must be much more extreme. We must be careful, this could potentially even hurt us," he advised.

Zulong nodded, "Let's move on, the north holds much mysteries and I want them all found." The next few years were spent wandering the north sea. The icy climate did not change, not in a year, not in a decade, not in a century.

The dragons spent over a hundred years exploring. They found very few treasures, often poor low rank xiantian treasures scattered about on some corpse of a godfiend. Or broken fragments of better treasures lying alongside deceased Taiyi Golden Immortals.

"These are our forefathers," Zulong said solemnly. The trio stood admits a mountain made of corpses. Each one appeared distinct and alien. Each one carried the oppressive might of Taiyi Golden Immortal. Chaos godfiends, long fallen, left to rot in the waters of the blackened north sea.

Yinglong walked out from beside the ancestral dragon and placed a small incense holder. He placed it on a small auspicious cloud while Qinglong placed some incense on it.

"They should've at least been offered a funeral," Zulong said as they paid their respects. He transformed into a gigantic golden dragon and dived into the sea. With his claws, he dug a massive grave and placed the corpses within.

"Proud godfiends deserves this at least," he muttered solemnly.

"Us younger generation innate gods are lucky," Qinglong said. "Did master live through this massacre?"

"What an idiotic thing to say, master fought in the war, of course he would've lived through it," Zulong scolded. The ancestral dragon created more and more auspicious clouds. He fouled them into a solid shrine with serpentine dragon statues protecting them. "There, now they at least have some dignity."

This was not the last gravesite they discovered. The north sea was littered with them. Hundreds of ancient godfiends who were born in the north and did not join Shenni. Each one died like dogs, thrown into the waves. Their treasures were smashed apart as Shenni considered them filth born of Pangu.

"So many years and yet no life," Qinglong wondered out loud. "Is the north sea truly desolate?"

"Master once said that the north sea was part of Si Hai's empire. I doubt it's lifeless," Yinglong replied. "The ocean is a vast place. The population density should be much smaller than the east."

"Spread out and find some. I want to take a look at my future subjects," Zulong commanded. He threw them both bags of talismans. "Defend yourselves if you must, but try to make peaceful contact first."

"Of course brother," Yinglong and Qinglong said respectfully. Suddenly, their eyes snapped to the side. A fast figure blitzed across the water with lightning speeds.

"Villains, DIE!" A fish man wielding a halberd swung at Zulong. Zulong raised an eyebrow in amusement. He held up his hand and effortlessly caught the blade between his fingers.

"Greetings innate creature, who might you be?" He asked with curiosity. He motioned his brothers to not attack, he was not about to waste his only source of information.

"GRR, just die already," the fish man struggled. He let go of the handle and drew a saber. He swung it in an arc, catching the icy water in a fast circulation of power. The saber's edge became ice cold as he swung at Zulong's arm.

Zulong made no attempts to dodge. The saber slashed across the dragon's forearm with a screech. Vague scaly outlines could be seen beneath Zulong's ripped sleeve.

Zulong frowned and thought, 'This blade could tear the moth fairies silk?' He squinted his eyes, closely examining the blade. 'That's not metal at all!' He blinked in surprise.

The fish man, undaunted, returned with another attack. This time he aimed for Zulong's neck. However, just like last time, the blade slid across the dragon's skin with a screech. The fish man looked at his blade nervously.

"It's dull?" He exclaimed in surprise. Before he could react, Zulong's hand was already gripping his face. The fish man screamed in pain as the dragon's fingers dug into his skull.

"A Profound Immortal small fry dares attack me even after I greeted you politely? What is the world coming to, tsk tsk," he snorted. With one eye, he discerned the fish man's cultivation and age.

This cultivator was tens of thousands of years old. Much older than even Zulong. But he was also much weaker than Gui Daiyu. Zulong grabbed hold of the saber and closely examined it etching each and every little detail into his mind.

"A blade of ice resembling steel. Cold to the touch, sharp enough to cut through most things. Even the shells the primordial turtles are so proud of will be pierced by this blade. Unfortunately, those shells were like paper to steel in comparison to Zulong's scales.

"What is this material?" Yinglong said in wonder as he took hold of the blade.

"Definitely not of the north sea, normal sea water can never form something this profound," Qinglong said.

"Talk, my brothers are asking," Zulong said tightening his grip before loosening.

"Just kill me, I will never speak to you abominations," the fish man howled in agony. He screamed profanities in the godfiend language's rather colourful insults. Zulong tightened his grip, he was careful not to kill the fish man but was very willing to hurt him.

"Insult me again, I dare you," Zulong threatened. "You are making this very difficult for me. Just do us both a favour and tell me. I'll release you immediately." As a sign of goodwill, Zulong let go of the fish man.

"Foolish bastards," the fish man leapt into action aiming for Zulong's abdomen. However, the dragon's iron fist rammed into his skull. The thunderous sound of a Profound Immortal's skull cracking could be heard.

"That wouldn't have killed and it was light tap, I could do a lot worse," Zulong threatened.

"Fuck off," the fish man seeing he had no chance turned tail and darted in extreme speeds across the water. However, he couldn't even make it one step before auspicious clouds restrained him.

"Damn it," he screamed in frustration as he struggled. Despite their flimsy appearance, the clouds held firm. They were like celestial ropes, not allowing the fish man to move at all.

"Can we kill him?" Qinglong asked in annoyance. "He's clearly not co-operating."

Zulong sighed, his fist lit up in golden light. "You leave me no choice, I will ask for forgiveness at the violation. But you don't deserve my kindness," he said.

Zulong gripped the fish man's head and began reading his mind. He broke all mental defences effortlessly and tore out every information he could find. The dragon's frown deepened as he continued reading.

"I feel sorry for you. But you are my enemy," he said before crushing the fisherman's skull. The Profound Immortal's head was splattered to bits of brain matter floating in the water. The body was strong enough to not rot but it couldn't resist the water's departure. It froze to ice almost instantaneously.

Zulong waved his hand and disintegrated the corpse. "Come on, I know where their city is," he said motioning for his brothers to follow.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Within a damaged underwater fort, a talisman displaying the image of a fisherman shattered to pieces. The resounding explosion caught the attention of a fisherman caretaker at the True Immortal realm.

"Oh no!" He cried out in fright and rushed out of the fort. He swam past the dozen or so posted guards in a hurry. In his hysteria, he didn't properly defend against the cold. The edges of his robes began collecting ice.

However, he ignored it in favour in rushing to the commanding elder. His merman clan did not have much manpower. The death of anyone was big news. The higher ups must know.

"Big news, big news!" He called out.

"Halt," a burly fish man roared. He raised his palm and forcefully stopped the hysterical fish man. "What is it that have you so panicked?" He asked.

"Elder Bao, big news, big and terrible news," the fish man caretaker made out between huffs. "Elder Ri, who ventured out earlier had perished," he said solemnly.

"Impossible! Brother Ri is one of our premier experts just a hairs breath away from the Heavenly Immortal realm. He wields one of the great sabers of our clan, it is impossible for him to just die," elder Bao said in disbelief.

"But it is the truth, elder Ri's life binding talisman shattered," the fish man said sadly. His air of depression was shared by elder Bao.

"Oh this is terrible, the annual sealing of the monstrous evil is coming soon," elder Bao moaned depressingly. "Who will take his place?" He hung his head in defeat.

"Perhaps we should call for the emperor to come deal with the evil," the fish man suggested.

"Absolutely not!" Elder Dao roared. "Have you forgotten what they did to us? Those filthy innate gods cannot be trusted. They are animals who prey on our kind."

"Of course I have not forgotten elder Bao," the fish man said. "But think logically, what other choice do we have?"

"We'll fight," elder Bao said with great conviction. "We've suppressed the great evil for generations and will continue to do so. We have prevented his coming so it should be weak. With the patriarch's help, we can kill it."

Elder Bao turned to the fish man caretaker. "Notify, the rest of the elders. We must prepare ourselves." He took note of the fish man's trembling figure and sighed. Their history was long, their entire clan had existed for many tens of thousands of years.

Elder Bao could still remember those whimsical days. Those peaceful periods when thousands of races posed up. Peace didn't last for very long as they were all enslaved. Fed to primordial beasts and innate gods alike.

Now they were the only ones left. The few left to take care of the north sea. To prevent the rise of another innate god like Shenni.

Elder Bao swam into the edge of an underwater lake. Mighty chains were constructed atop it forming a massive platform where a half dozen Heavenly Immortal masters sat crossed legged. They looked extremely ragged, fatigued from years of activity.

"Elder Bao, you're early this year," an old female tired voice called out. "Quickly, join the seal formation, we cannot allow it to weaken anymore. The cracks are already beginning to form."

"Not so elder Yan, I bring grave news," he replied. He explained what the caretaker had explained to him. Immediately the mood shifted. These experts all carried deep frowns.

"It seems our last stand is here," a depressed elder laughed self deprecatingly. "If only we weren't born innate creatures, at least then we'd have a chance to thrive."

"Don't say that old thing. Have you no pride?" Another retaliated angrily. "Be proud of our heritage. Be proud that we as innate creatures born of the world are capable of kindness, capable of empathy."

"Hah, what's the use? Born into a nightmare under a villain. Then when the nightmare was just over another villain took his place," another elder sighed. "Then our numbers were massacred and we thought everything was fine. Such a pitiful dream."

"Too right, I have long forgotten what children looked like. Even the place we live hates us. Too cold for anything beyond immortals to survive. And now another villain wants to be born?" An angry elder gritted her teeth. "I say we kill it, the least outcome is us dying in the fight."

The depressed elders were all extraordinarily angry. They could sense the rest of the elders approaching. Several Heavenly Immortals followed by a few dozen Profound Immortals. They each drew their ice bladed weapons.

Their bloodlust eyes gazed down at the underwater lake. Years of hatred surfaced, years of torment gave way to rage.

The ocean began shaking before they knew it. The frozen seafloor rumbled and the chilling waters of the north splashed about. Like a living typhoon, a creature of incredible size burrowed out from beneath the seafloor.

A long serpentine monstrosity adorned with pure white scales. A large wide jaw of jagged teeth. Its face was lit by a lantern, like an angular fish except far larger. It had tendrils each adorned with jewel like glowing orbs embedded.

"Primordial beats?" elder Bao barely made out as the monster attacked. It tore into their ranks instantly killing an unprepared immortal elder.

"Why is it here? They normally don't leave the mysterious island," the northern sea creatures were thrown into disarray. They hurriedly fled from the platform which cracked as the beast rested on it.

"Oh no, the seal is breaking!" A penguin stammered in anguish.

…

Zulong flew with leisured haste. His brothers trailed behind him with keen expectation. The information the elder dragon had torn from the fish man's mind was very useful in allowing them to navigate the north sea. It had also allowed them to learn much of the north's history.

"Up ahead should be their village," Zulong reminded them. The details he'd gotten was that the village was built near the centre of the north sea. It was one of the first settlements built long before their birth.

It was subsequently abandoned then resettled during and after the events of the Shenni war. It was also the site of a new discovery.

In the aftermath of the war, when the new yuanhui came. An underground lake formed near the village. It was a lake of chilling water, born from the excessive Yin energy that permeated the north sea.

The existence of this lake drastically lowered the temperature of the north rendering it nigh uninhabitable for anything that was not already an immortal. Generations of newborns died just like that.

This event and in conjunction with Si Hai's 'pacififying' of the north led to a tiny population overall. It wasn't even the clan system employed by the rest of the primitive world. This was quite literally just a camp of various survivors.

"I wonder who this suppressed evil is," Qinglong wondered out loud.

"Likely an innate god like us," Yinglong said. "What else is there? If it was an innate creature then it wouldn't need so many immortals to suppress it. Though why would they even consider it evil if it had yet to be born?"

"It isn't," Zulong said. "Whoever fellow daoist is was never their concern. Only his birth status as an innate god." Zulogn sighed solemnly. "Their rage is understandable, seeing Shenni's actions is different from hearing about them."

A single individual had forever changed the climate of an entire region of the primitive world. The north was a wasteland, it was by far the harshest place to live in the modern world. It was also one of the few places where primordial beasts still existed.

Though extremely rare and largely extinct, a few primordial beasts had managed to survive up until now. They are few in number but are the strongest of the elites. Remnants of Shenni's reign.

"Whatever the case, the north is an intriguing place for resources. This special water has its own unique properties. I wonder what applications we can use it for," Yinglong said.

"Rich in Yin, extremely cold, hmm perhaps…Hm?" Zulong's wondering was abruptly halted as his antlered head snapped towards the village's direction. "A battle?" He said having felt the employment of Qi.

"Intriguing, let's see what's going on," Zulogn guided his brothers towards the commotion. Their high cultivations allowed for them to easily reach their destination. The cold water parted ways for them as the three dragons swam. They resembled torpedos in the empty waves.

"You are excited?" Yinglong asked Qinglong when he saw the younger dragon's facial expression.

"Of course, this will be our first time seeing a primordial beast. A creature before our time. Does it not fascinate you?" He replied.

"Only in how long it'll last against me."

"Heh, you won't even get a chance, just stay safe behind me."

"Why you little…"

"Enough brothers, we're here," Zulong announced haunting midway. The primordial beast slithered across the water sustaining blasts upon blasts with no damage. Its gaping maw was bloody with the blood and essence of immortal innate creatures.

The beasts took note of the trio and roared its horrifying screech. The immortals near it gripped their heads in pain. Weaker Profound Immortals had their eardrums burst, they gripped their bleeding heads unable to dodge as the beast's great white tail crushed them.

The beast blasted through the water biting at the dragons. Zulong smirked and was about to make a move but stopped. Seeing his brothers about to take action he decided to stop.

Qinglong was the first to react. Before the beast had done any damage, it was already knocked upwards. The humanoid azure dragon had sent an uppercut at the beast, it couldn't resist the terrifying strength of the dragon.

"Primordial beast, let me play with you," Qinglong chased after the creature and began brawling with it. The dragon casually danced around the lumbering creature. Each of his blows heavily bruised the monster broke its bones, forced it to spill out blood.

"Yinglong, go see if those innate creatures are alright," Zulong said.

"At once brother," Yinglong descended towards the underwater lake.

"Innate gods? Damn it," a frail looking Heavenly Immortal resembling a sunfish with a human's body gripped his sword made of ice. "You kind isn't welcome here, die," he charged at the winged dragon.

Yinglong caught the blade and shattered the ice by exerting his strength. "Such good quality material but so poorly made," he idly commented.

"Do not mock our culture, what would a fiend like you know," an old woman followed by three men jumped at Yinglong. Dozens of cultivators also attacked with renewed vigour.

"Please fellow daoists, I am not here to fight," Yinglong attempted to say. However, he was met by a stream of accusations. The winged dragon felt his blood boil at the stream of words calling him a liar, a villain, a fiend among other profanities.

'This is getting absurd,' he thought as he was struck again and again. Of course, he took no damage at all and merely held his hand up. He wasn't even flaring his power, just standing there.

"Do not be afraid comrades," the old woman said. "We will die fighting, but we will take him down with us." She was met with cries of agreement.

"Yinglong!" Zulong's voice sounded in his head. The winged dragon realised that this was a voice transmission.

"What is it brother?" He replied.

"Prepare for engagement, that snake is not the only primordial beast in the vicinity," Zulong said.

"Got it," Yinglong waved his hand and froze all the innate creatures. "Fellow daoists, I am not here to fight, I will ask you to take cover while I deal more primordial beasts."

The frozen old woman spat at him. "To hell with your lies, you will not break our spirit." Yinglong ignored her, he bound them in auspicious clouds chains and walked to the edge of the lake with interest.

Behind him, a massive leviathan with two heads and a thousand tails sprung up from the soil. Another massive bird with no feathers dived into the water narrowly missing Zulong. These creatures appeared to be salivating at the lake.

"So the leakage of power attracted them," Yinglong concluded. Two massive feathery wings sprouted from his back.

"Comrades, it seems this is it," the old woman sighed sadly. The leviathan was looking to be eating their entire group in one gulp. However this group did not yield, they bravely starred down the primordial beast.

However, death never came. A massive creature they did not recognise crushed the leviathan's left head and severed the right. Its head was like a crocodile with antlers of a deer. It was long like a serpent, clothed in yellow scales. Its whiskers were that of a catfish, long and elegant.

Yinglong had unleashed his true form. In but an instant, he killed both primordial beasts. He was quick and efficient, unlike Qinglong who had opted to play around.

The azure dragon meanwhile had returned with the head of the snake angler fish hybrid. "What did I miss?" He asked. Zulong silently transmitted the recent events to him.

The immortals who were tied up were still glaring at Yinglong who removed their chains. "There, I'm not here to fight. If I wanted to I could've killed you all with ease," he stated.

"You think we'd believe that. Your kind are a blight on this world, lowliest of scum. You'll torture us for your amusement, eat our children and force us to make more to fill the bellies of your pets!" The old woman screamed in a frenzied rage.

"The audacity to accuse us," Yinglong's eyes narrowed in anger. He had been patient but patience had its limits. He will not tolerate such behaviour.

"We are not Shenni," Zulong said calmly landing with Qinglong beside Yinglong.

"All innate gods are the same, merciless scum," another immortal said.

"The only difference between innate gods and innate creatures is that we're born Golden Immortals," Zulong said. "Do not confuse us for the chaos godfiends who made your lives a misery."

"So what? You want the exact same thing. I can see it in your eyes," the old woman spat.

"Yes, I wish to rule as your emperor, not as your slaver," Zulong said. "I can offer the north sea much. I can bring you peace, I can bring you prosperity. I can grant you resources to help you cultivate. I can guide you all to Golden Immortals."

Zulong waved his hand easily healing all their injuries. "I am not your enemy, I never was and I don't have to be. I can swear an oath under the Heavenly Dao that my intentions are not to use you as a food source. I am Zulong, the primordial celestial dragon, not the beast emperor."

The people listening had quieted down as if debating their options. "We already have an emperor, Si Hai rules these waters," one immortal said.

"And where is he? What has Si Hai done for you?" Zulong asked. He was met with silence and looks of sorrow and rage. Zulong took out many bottles of medicinal herbs from his inter spacial ring.

"Gifts to help you all," he said leaving the bottles down. He also took out various treasures and left them on the sea floor as well before stepping back.

"Brother, the seal is disappearing," Yinglong said. Zulong nodded, "Then it is time we meet fellow daoist beneath this lake."

Deep within the underwater lake. Admits the ice cold water, a gargantuan tortoise with a snake coiling around its body slept. A sleep bubble expanded and contracted on its nose. Suddenly, it popped.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The centre of the north sea began rumbling. The underwater lake splashed its contents releasing a transparent milky white liquid, Yinglong held out his hand at the substance before immediately retracting it.

"What is it brother?" Zulong asked.

"It's the same material that made the saber, just more pure. Very cold," Yinglong said while showing his brother his palm. His gleaming scales were coated in a thin veil of ice and had lost some of their lustre. "It hurt me," he said.

Zulong narrowed his eyes. "How did you lot manage to mould this into weapons?" He asked.

"Why should we tell you?" One of the trapped north sea cultivators spat. Many of his comrades nodded in agreement while some appeared reluctant.

'Seems I've gotten through,' Zulong thought with satisfaction. However, he could not stroke his own ego at the moment. The dragon was unconcerned by the shaking but he was curious about the ice weapons.

"Should we tell him?" One of the bound cultivators asked.

"Are you insane? He's an innate god, their kind cannot and should not be trusted," The same old woman spat.

"But have you heard his offer? No innate gods had ever made something like that before."

"All innate gods are the same, they don't change," the old woman looked angrily at her comrades. "Have you forgotten what they've done to us, that they killed our young and enslaved us again and again for their own pleasure? That they turned our beautiful ocean into a frozen uninhabitable hellscape?"

"Uh," the north sea cultivators looked extremely unsure of what to do. They looked nervously at the dragon trio. Then they looked at the pile of gifts offered and couldn't help but feel conflicted.

"We diluted it happy?" A cultivator who grew frustrated at the silence said. He was promptly glared at by several others. "What's the worst that could happen anyway?" He challenged those glaring.

"I know you diluted it but the question is how? You cannot possibly touch the water without freezing to death," Zulong said hovering a droplet in his hand. The small droplet of water contained enough power to freeze an entire spiritual mountain range of the primitive world natural defences be damned.

Normally, mountains in the primitive world were large gathering spots of Qi. This results in incredibly high durability and resistance towards outside forces. Famed mountains like Yujing, Sumeru, Kunlun, and Yingzhou were all capable of withstanding alot of supernatural forces. This was why they made for amazing bases.

"Don't you dare sell our secrets," the old woman demanded. However, the cultivator who answered sighed.

"I think it's worth hearing this man out," he said.

"No innate gods can be trusted," the woman screeched.

Zulong frowned and said, "I said it once and I will say it again. The only difference between innate gods and you lot is that we're born Golden Immortals. I can help you all reach that realm." He patted his interspatial ring indicating that there were more than what he'd offered.

"Brother, the shaking has gotten violent," Yinglong called out.

"Deal with it yourselves," Zulong said.

"Alright then… wait Qinglong where are you jumping?" Zulong promptly ignored the two dragons in favour of hearing the cultivator's explanation.

"There is a crucible, made from the bones of a dead god. We crafted made it in hopes of creating a weapon strong enough to kill innate gods," he began

"Shut up fool," the old woman screeched. Zulong waved his hand and isolated her in a barrier preventing any sound from leaking through. "Continue," he said.

"Turns out, the corpse we made it from was very in tune with the cold. The lake was previously a forbidden zone but with the crucible, we can extract small portions of Pure Yin Pale water."

"Pure Yin Pale water?" Zulong interrupted.

"That's what we named it, after its colour and properties yes. Anyway, the crucible could only extract a small amount else it too risks destruction. The amount we could extract is about one tenth of what you're holding. We had to add it to a large basin of superheated sea water that's been cultivated by spiritual fire for over ten thousand years," he explained.

"So that's why you have so few of these," Zulong muttered rubbing his chin. He'd have to ask his master on how to deal with this water. However he knew he'd struck a goldmine, something needs to be done to hide it.

Elsewhere, Yinglong was freaking out as his younger brother just jumped into the underwater lake. Qinglong was immediately forced into his true form. The azure dragon grimaced as he felt an intense chilling force surround his body.

The underwater lake was much larger than the surface implied. It was like its own separate universe connected by a small hole. It was not only extremely cold but also filled with the screaming wails of ghosts.

However the dragon's physique cannot be underestimated. Qinglong could resist the water but there were difficulties.

"Who on earth would cultivate down here?" He wondered. His senses were bombarded by the screaming wails of the deceased forcing a grimace out of the dragon. Qinglong opened his mouth and roared forcing the wails back.

His cry rumbled through the lake to middling effect. He could also sense his own limit approaching. He could not dive any deeper than this and he doubts his brothers could do better. Perhaps Zulong can go further in but Qinglong couldn't for long.

The dragon gritted his teeth and looked around. He utilised the full might of his cultivation and forced himself forwards. He briefly caught sight of a coffin in the distance.

His sight was hazy and obscured by milky colour. But he could make out the rectangular shape of a coffin. It gave him a feeling of grave danger. The image of a Chinese crown was engraved on the coffin and some characters that were too obscured to see.

"What is that?" He wondered before forcefully shutting his eyes. He was assaulted by a chilling force, unlike anything he'd ever seen. The dragon immediately began retreating. However, he felt incredibly sluggish.

"Shit, perhaps I was a little too arrogant," he said in regret. His body felt sore and his scales were dim. The dragon felt his consciousness slipping.

"Oh dear," a worried voice called out. Qinglong could barely register this voice, nor did he feel the strong force pulling him up. "What are you doing down here?" The worried voice asked.

The dragon felt a wave of power wash over him. His clouded mind could not register it properly but this power formed a black barrier that blocked out the Pure Yin Pale water.

"Who are you?" Yinglong's enraged voice said admits gurgling water.

"Ah fellow daoist, I am Xuanwu. I found this fellow daoist while I was waking up," the same worried voice said. They seemed entered into a conversation that Qinglong could barely understand. His mind was still very sluggish.

"Here, let me look at him," Zulong's voice said. Qinglong felt a strong force enter his body.

"What the!" Qinglong exclaimed and gripped his head in pain. "Heavens, what was that?" He said in pain.

Zulong knelt beside him with silk talisman in hand. He put the silk talisman away and helped his brother up. "What were you thinking?" He lectured.

"I thought I could handle it," Qinglong said.

"And now we had to waste one of master's talismans, well done. Be careful next time. Investigate and plan before charging in head on," Zulong lectured before turning to Yinglong. "I would criticise you but I too am at fault for not paying enough attention."

"Thank you fellow daoist for rescuing my brother, what may I offer in return," Zulong said cupping his hands and saluting to Xuanwu. It was then that Qinglong finally noticed a fourth individual standing nearby.

It was an androgynous looking man dressed in all black with light green hair like algae. He was either an extremely feminine male or a boyish female. Either way, Qinglong felt an instinctive connection with him. Almost as if they were brothers.

"Greetings fellow daoist, I am Xuanwu," he said amicably. "There is no need to thank me. I saw you in need of aid and helped you. There was not anterior motives."

"Is that so?" Zulong said narrowing his eyes.

"Indeed, I was sleeping when I felt a very, let's say familiar feeling that I couldn't quite put my finger on," Xuanwu said tapping his chin. "Either way, I would've helped, I desire nothing in return."

"I trust his word brother," Qinglong said. "Believe me when I say this, fellow daoist Xuanwu's words hold no falsehood."

"If you say so brother," Zulong said with a nod. "You say you were sleeping? Inside that lake?" The elder dragon asked Xuanwu.

"Indeed, soon after my birth, I found this cool refreshing lake and thought I'd take a nap. It was a good sleep," Xuanwu added.

"Impossible, we would've noticed if an innate god snuck in," a chained cultivator said. "We were sure you were a newborn about to take form."

"No one was here when I came," Xuanwu said. "Though I must thank you, your seal was a very soothing addition to my nap."

"Soothing? You weren't trapped?" An old Heavenly Immortal gasped.

"Trapped? Should I be?" Xuanwu asked confused. He looked around his body for any oddities but found none. He shrugged with an unbothered attitude.

"Fellow daoist is very carefree," Qinglong said.

"And lazy," Yinglong added. "Who sleeps for tens of thousands of years? Why not cultivate to a higher realm?"

"But I did cultivate!" Xuanwu exclaimed. "Look, I'm a Taiyi Golden Immortal as well," he said much to the surprise of Yinglong.

"It makes sense, he could resist the underwater lake," Qinglong said before being interrupted by Zulong's "Pure Yin, Pale water."

"What he said, anyway thank you fellow daoist for your help," Qinglong cupped his hands and saluted in respect. He and Xuanwu began talking as if both individuals knew each other their whole lives.

"What's going to happen now?" A trapped cultivator said. As soon as he said that the cloud chains dissipated.

"Now you go free, I told you we meant no harm," Zulong said. The formerly trapped cultivators nodded except for a few who were itching for their weapons led by the old woman.

"I Zulong shall return and when I do it will be the establishment of my empire. I trust you'd join?" He asked with a smile.

"There is still emperor Si Hai to consider," the cultivators said.

"I'll take care of him eventually," Zulong said. "My master repelled him once. It is only natural for the disciple to get rid of him for good."

Far away, at the farthest edge of the north sea, where water met endless void. In a land filled with thick cloudy mist, Da Hai sat on a floating cushion of water observing the events. The head moth fairy hovered beside him wearing a thick woolly coat.

They were beside a titanic structure many billions of kilometres tall and many billions of kilometres wide. An unimaginably big island that even Da Hai could hardly comprehend. It was covered in thick fog that obscured all but its ruff shape.

"Hm, they sure handled things alright," Da Hai said with a small smile while stroking his beard.

"Yes, the young lord was quite impressive," the moth fairy stuttered through shivers. "How long would we have to stay here old lord?" She asked.

"Until they choose to depart, you can use this time to train your cold resistance," Da Hai said and continued observing the dragon's movements.

"Aren't you paranoid?" A deep rumbling sound asked him through the mist.

"It is natural for a master to monitor his disciple's progress," Da Hai answered.

"To stalk them across the world? You are a very benevolent master to your disciples," the deep voice rumbled. Da Hai frowned.

"Keep your comments to yourself Ao," he reminded.

"Heh heh heh, you can't trick me," the deep voice laughed amused.

"You barely know me," Da Hai said.

"It is obvious on your face," the deep voice replied. "Little fairy, why don't you come and live on my back? Your master seems to be getting a little grouchy."

"No thank you lord Ao, I will accompany my lord till the end," the head moth fairy said. "Besides, such an environment is good to train my fleshy body," she said.

"Heh heh, suit yourself. Don't waste away your life away, live freely and explore the wide world out there. Not like me," the deep voice said amused yet sad. The thick fog was brushed away to reveal a massive turtle head. Ao, the most primordial turtle and one of the ancient chaos godfiends of old. A survivor cursed with a fate worse than death. Unable to move from his stationary location. Unable to do anything but stay in the north most corner of the north sea.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

For someone whose cultivation was as high as Zulong, restoring those cultivators of the frigid desolate north sea was but a simple matter. Despite what his detractors said, he never harmed them once.

In order to build further goodwill, Zulong used his powers to drive out the frigid cold from a subsection of the north sea. It wasn't a large area but enough to accommodate those present until a more permanent solution can be created.

"The cold will be an issue, a very large one," Zulong mused unhappily. He had set up five point pentagram as a barrier but it was already weakening. "We'll cover the underground lake, hopefully that'll insulate the cold," he instructed.

"Right/Elder brother is wise," Qinglong and Yinglong said in unison. The two dragons retreated back to the underground lake and got to work. Pulling together their powers they began enclosing the lake with their power.

"This is not good," Yinglong said. "We can use the soil present but it is too weak to hold."

Zulong joined the duo in their attempts while contemplating. "Fellow daoist Xuanwu, you are a native, do you have any ideas?" He asked.

"To be fair, I've spent most of my life asleep," Xuanwu said looking somewhat embarrassed. "Perhaps you could put a treasure over it? A sufficiently powerful xiantian spiritual treasure should do the trick."

Zulong frowned, he did not wish to part with either of his top grade xiantian treasures. "What do you guys think of solidifying our Qi," he asked.

"What like spiritual ore veins?" The others asked. Zulong nodded, the principle of what he proposed is similar just lacking in terms of preexisting raw material.

"A solidified chunk of Qi will not be permanent, as time goes on it will erode much faster than a cover forged from ores," Yinglong said.

"Do not discount me fellow daoist," Xuanwu said. "The north sea is my home, I can stay and reinforce the barrier."

"With all due respect daoist Xuanwu, your cultivation is not strong enough to reinforce the barrier," Yinglong said without any malice. "Even with us four, it is still a struggle to seal this lake shut."

"It's fine, with our cultivation it'll last long enough. When we return we'd come up with a more permanent solution," Zulong said. "On my signal," he ordered.

The three dragons in unison revealed their true forms. Three massive serpentine figures appeared within the north sea depths. The dragons roared in unison, unleashing their profound cultivation and Qi.

Xuanwu did a similar action. His handsome/beautiful features faded away to a gargantuan ovoid creature. He was a tortoise with a solid shell with engravings of clouds and waves. He was black with outlines of luminescent blue.

Xuanwu's head was angular and big. His limbs were wide and steady. His shell was thick and strong, resembling a mountain made of pentagonal pyramids. He truly looked like an auspicious beast fit to stand beside a dragon. His most distinguishing feature however was his tail.

Instead of a short tortoise's tail, Xuanwu's was much long longer and not a true tail at all. It was another beast entirely, a serpent resembling a viper whose breath unleashed cold mist. It was red in colour contrasting Xuanwu's black and blue body, scaly and sleek.

Behind Xuanwu, the bright image of the water star mercury with all it's watery mysterious might shone. It showcased Xuanwu's deep understanding of the Dao and its profound mysteries. The black tortoise did not lose out to the dragons.

'This person is not simple,' Zulong thought to himself as they got to work. He noticed that Xuanwu's power could be a very useful asset to him for his talent was equal to his brothers.

What was more astonishing was how well he coordinated with Qinglong. It was as if they were born to fight side by side, brothers from a foreign family. Their Qi complemented each other in ways that even he nor Yinglong could.

'But there also appears to be something missing,' Zulong thought after more observation. 'Like two parts of an even greater whole.'

By now, a solid jade platform with four colours of bright gold, dull yellow, azure blue, and pitch black. It held firm against the cold air permeating from the underwater lake. However, this steadiness will not last for long.

"Water's getting warmer," Qinglong idly commented waving his arm around the water. The change could be felt immediately. Although it was still very cold, it was not as extreme as before.

"It'll take some time before the sea temperature drops back to an acceptable level. The barrier protecting the north sea denizens should let them live comfortable lives," Zulong said.

They returned to where they left the north sea cultivators. Many of them still bore unhappy looks but equally as many bore grateful looks. "Thank you," they said.

"The environment should be enough for your young to survive," Zulong said. "I've left you with enough resources nobles from the east sea can obtain. Use it wisely," he said.

"Thank you," the cultivator who originally took that leap of faith said. "Sadly, Shenni's reign has permanently damaged the north's vitality, innate creatures will never appear again. Even so, we will recover as best as we can," he said.

"What is your name fellow daoist?" Zulong asked.

"This one is named Xie Chun. One of the few remaining Great Crabs in the north," he said.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Xie Chun, I will see you when I return," Zulong said turning to leave.

"Actually, fellow daoist, if it is not too much to ask," Xie Chun called out. "I'm afraid the north sea will not truly prosper again until something else is felt with."

Zulong narrowed his eyes. This crab was is overreaching. Or perhaps he has a strong enough grasp of Zulong's personality to dare ask something of him.

"Speak away," Zulong said.

"Aside from the cold, the north sea is also frequented by primordial beasts. You have already encountered some of them," Xie Chun said. "The fact is that primordial beasts still do frequent the northern part of the great wilderness. They gather at the mysterious island at the northmost corner of the world. If fellow daoist wishes for a true stable kingdom, they'll have to be eliminated."

Zulong nodded, primordial beasts according to ancient records were a pest. They were the first blight on the world that deserved to be eliminated.

"What say you brothers?" He asked Qinglong and Yinglong. The two dragons nodded in agreement and agreed to the request. It was not too much of a big deal.

"Xuanwu, wanna come with us?" Qinglong asked the black tortoise.

"I would love to, I have not seen primordial beasts with my own eyes," he said in agreement.

The group of four took off towards the north most point of the north sea.

"Do you think I made the right choice?" Xie Chun suddenly said after the group of deities were gone.

"Good or bad, it won't change much," a cultivator behind him said. "It sounded almost like a dream."

"Hmph," the old woman snorted with contempt. "A mistake if I ever saw one. Would've been better to go out fighting. My Lin'er would've wanted that at least."

"You are too consumed by the past," Xie Chun said with a sigh. "Whatever the case, we have walked out of this tribulation with some gains. That Zulong, something about him just screamed out to me."

"Falling for an innate god of all things? Guess I never knew you," the old woman scoffed.

"I don't think he lied," another cultivator said. "He sounded serious, nothing about him spelt deceit. Just promise."

"Empty promise I'm sure," the naysayers said. Xie Chun however maintained his hopeful disposition. He had a feeling that something big will change about the seas. Something relating to the dragon who just left. A feeling that sprung up from the moment the dragons appeared.

…

At the northernmost point of the north sea. At the misty oceans in which the continent on Ao's back was located. The great tortoise Ao and Da Hai awaited Zulong's group.

"Did you foresee they would clear out my infestation problem? Was that why you took no action?" Ao said in his rumbling voice.

"It was a likely scenario," Da Hai admitted. "Though if they had left beforehand I would've cleared them out for you."

"Heh heh, how shrewd fellow daoist, how shrewd indeed," Ao laughed. "It was entertaining watching them fight themselves on my back, I senjoyed it while it lasted."

"You do not mind their presence? Even though they gnaw at your flesh?" Da Hai asked.

"I regenerate faster than they could eat. It never mattered anyway. No worse than a small itch," Ao said. The colossal creature had not moved one inch since the dawn of time. He could only perceive the world by way of divination.

Da Hai nodded, Ao's choices were of no concern to him. Seeing Zulong and the other's approach he began concealing both himself and the head moth fairy.

"The beast here are not like those driven out into the larger north sea and continent. The amount of vitality they gained by eating a chaos godfiend is extraordinary. let's see how well the dragons can deal with them," Da Hai murmured in expectation.

He was not disappointed. Zulong, Qinglong, Yinglong, and Xuanwu immediately got to work upon arriving at the 'mysterious island' shrowed in mist. Because Ao had opted not to speak they could not tell that this was a living creature at all.

Yinglong dived in from the air. He controlled the clouds and rain and thunder to magnificent efficiency. He blasted, whipped and clawed at a vast assortment of primordial beasts clearing their number with little effort.

His wings carried him smoothly across the clouds as he gracefully fight against his foes. The dragon of the clouds manipulated the clouds themselves as weapons. They were his shield and sword.

Qinglong and Xuanwu displayed their starry might. The dragon and tortoise smashed the primordial beasts to bits. Their stellar constructs burned them alive. Xuanwu's snake head also unleashed its own frosty breath.

Zulong meanwhile observed their performance with happiness. Neither his brothers nor the newcomer were weak by any stretch of the imagination. Strength and talent was something Zulong heavily valued.

The ancestral dragon soon joined the fray. His golden magnificence dominated the battlefield with a mixture of physical power and water manipulation.

"Admits the raging waves, the dragon rises from the sea, soaring above the clouds," Zulong chanted as he thought. As he chanted golden light glimmered along the surface of his scales. However they did not have any real effects other then visual.

Da Hai narrowed his eyes. 'His in the process of inventing a new spell,' he thought. Live combat was a very good learning experience. It allows the spontaneous development of ideas for spells and cultivation.

'I shall see where this new art goes,' Da Hai thought with expectation. The group had made good progress clearing out the initial waves. However primordial beast lacked a sense of danger and kept pouring out.

'Some of the inner beasts have been devouring Ao for a long time. I wonder how they'll stack up against Zulong?' He thought. From the looks of it, Ao's anticipation was roused as well. The turtle was watching the battle with interest.

Among the hordes on Ao's back. Those special monsters who'd evolved past their weaker kin roused. Their attentions were turned to the invading dragons and tortoise.

North Continent Shore

A large crowd of primordial beasts were gathered on one beach gorging on the remains of an ancient chaos godfiend long deceased. A dignified antlered man watched from afar with a small smile.

He held up a diagram. It glimmered with power before flashing with mysterious lights. The effect was immediate. The eyes of the primordial beasts glazed over and their bodies stilled.

"The old man wasn't lying, this does work," the dignified man, Zulin, said. The ancestral Qilin rubbed the diagram gently. Its scroll was made from the skin of the beast emperor himself. A piece his benefactor claimed to have sliced off eons ago during the war.

"With this, I am one step closer to controlling the north continent," Zulin said with a smile. "It's a shame the sea turned out the way it did. Si Hai can have that wasteland," he said with a dismissing snort.

"All that's left is to achieve the Da Luo," Zulin said while guiding the army of primordial beasts. Only in the north can you find this army of monsters. Only in the north have they survived.

"Hm? What's this?" Zulin's nosed twitched. His head flickered northwards and sniffed the air.

"Such a good smell, very good smell," his curiosity roused, the innate god shed his human form and assumed his horselike quadrupedal body with a long tail and draconic features. The Qilin sniffed the air and his hairs glowed. His whiskers blew in the wind and faint golden flecks drew towards him.

"Such a strong smell, how could someone have so much karmic luck?" Zulin lifted one hoof and step on a magic golden cloud. All four of his hoofs were lifted into the air.

"You lot shall join up with the others in Shenni's cave," he ordered his newly captured primordial beasts. The innate god proceeded to dash northwards hoping to catch whatever was giving off so much karmic luck before it disappears.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

A fierce battle raged on the back of Ao. The gargantuan tortoise's back shell was once a continent of black mountains and flora but had been reduced to a wasteland. Splinters of trees and uprooted mountains lay in a collateral heap resembling a landfill.

A monstrous figure standing easily over a hundred thousand kilometres tall resembling a praying mantis stood opposing the group of three dragons and one black tortoise.

"This is new," Qinglong said idly from a fair distance away from the mantis. Surrounding him were mountains of corpses ripped to shreds. The azure dragon had been busy as had his comrades.

The mantis screeched into the wind. Its cry was powerful enough to create distortions in reality. The fierce gust of wind generated atop Ao was a testament to its power.

"It's eyeing us as if we're prey," Xuanwu said. His snake and main head alike looked tense at the primordial beast. It was easily the largest living creature he'd ever encountered.

The mantis screeched once more and charged at the group. It smashed into the corpses with enough force to kick up its primordial beast brethren into the air. It was raining corpses.

It turned and swiped at Yinglong who curled up. The pincers were lined with rows of spiked protrusions resembling the teeth of a shark. It scraped against Yinglong's scaled body ripping rows of yellow scales out of his side.

Zulong not taking any chances charged in and smashed into the mantis throwing it off its feet. The golden dragon ducked out of the way of a retaliated swing before grabbing ahold of its head with his hind legs and tossed the creature onto the ground.

Qinglong and Xuanwu flew in and began a bombardment of miniature stars. It was like a shower of comets if each comet were bombs. The light of the Jupiter and Mercury stars spun in the air.

Qinglong and Xuanwu smirked at each other. Their energies mixed together and shot out like an arrow. It pierced at the mantis' abdomen.

However, the creature slammed its pincers on the ground with enough force to flip into the air and landed back onto its feet. It swung down at the two gods.

"Allow me," Xuanwu said retracting his snake head. His shell projected the image of a massive turtle shell carved from ice. It resisted the strike albeit with difficulties. The mantis began repeatedly bashing on the shield.

"It's unlike the others, its strength is easily within the realm of Taiyi Golden Immortals!" Yinglong exclaimed, "I thought master said no primordial beasts ever surpassed the Golden Immortal realm."

"Different eras brother," Zulong replied. He had gotten behind the mantis and grabbed hold of its left shoulder. "Help me," he ordered.

With a flap of his mighty wings. Yinglong was at the mantis' right side in an instant. The two dragons pulled the primordial beast away from Xuanwu.

With the pressure relieved, the scale head of Xuanwu reappeared and opened its mouth. Qinglong opened his mouth as well. The two unleashed their combined attack landing a direct hit on the monstrous mantis.

This time it impacted the creature easily punching a hole through its body. The side of its injuries showcased signs of frostbite and burn marks. The two dragons holding it in place punched with their claws denting its skull.

"This thing's tough," Yinglong commented in the aftermath of his strike.

The mantis inspite of its injuries began rampaging. It was as if it didn't even feel it. It battered the distracted Yinglong aside with a single strike and stomped at Xuanwu and Qinglong.

The two innate gods easily got out of the way and met its oncoming right hook with their bodies. The strike rocked them to their very core as they were pushed back and thrown into the air.

Zulong narrowed his eyes and charged. "You nothing but brute strength," he said as a matter of fact. He raised his claws and both the pincers of the mantis in a head on clash. The dragon and primordial beast met in a statement on Ao's back kicking up a hurricane's worth of fierce wind rippling into the distance.

"There is no mysticism about you, no Dao of any kind, no Qi of any kind. You're like an aberration in the primitive world," Zulong stated. His muscles bulged, his grip tightened.

"Indeed, you are very strong physically," he said idly. "However you are only physical strength. And even in that, you are subpar before me."

Zulong raised his strength. With a sharp movement of his nine digit claws, he broke the mantis' carapace on both pincers. With an extension of his claws, he tore the right limb of the mantis from its body.

The mantis fell onto its side. It rolled over and began to get up completely ignoring its injuries.

"Master's records speak true, they really do lack survival instincts," Yinglong said observing the primordial beast.

"Be that as it may, I bore of this exchange," Zulong said. The dragon raised one claw and prepared to deal a final blow. Golden light gathered on his claws, the tips turned black and pulsated with power.

"Nine clawed killing!" Zulong chanted. He threw down his slow. The massive dragon claw projected the image of a gargantuan dragon claw that blanketed the continent on Ao's back. The dragon was gold and black, his eyes shone with mysterious royal lights that dominated the heavens.

The claw descended and entrapped the mantis in nine directions. Zulong smirked satisfactorily, his new magical technique was working just as intended. Its effects were also very good.

The claw closed in on the mantis preparing to kill. Blood would draw any minute now.

Suddenly, Yinglong, Qinglong, and Xuanwu turned their heads. Zulong was the last to turn around and just barely missed a fast movement of clouds heading in his direction.

He prepared to stop the cloud but it missed him entirely. No, it was more accurate to say that it never aimed for him in the first place. It went onto the mantis and expanded rapidly into a massive auspicious cloudy shield.

'Similar to our clouds,' Zulong thought. 'No, this cloud is very different. Its auspicious in nature but whereas ours carries the good fortune of rain and Yang Qi, this cloud is…' Zulong rubbed his chin in contemplation examining the cloud.

A figure appeared above Ao's continent after the dragon claw disappeared. It was horse like and scaled creature and bore a heavy resemblance to dragons. In fact, Zulong mistook him for a dragon for a moment.

However that was clearly a silly thought. This creature who stood upon golden clouds pulsating with blue flames had gleaming blue scales of darker shade near his back and lighter blue towards his hoofs.

His legs were long and muscular and blue. His hoofs were red in colour and had a tuff of red fur that resembled flames. This tuff of red hair also appeared on his neck like a mane and along his spine. This horse looked like it was on fire. His antlers were huge, even bigger than Zulong's and his head was identical to that of a dragons complete with catfish whiskers.

"Cease for your emperor has arrived," the horse announced.

"My emperor?" Zulong laughed in amusement and annoyance. "How amusing horse, you make quite a jester," the dragon laughed much to the newcomer's irritation.

"How bold of you," the horse said. "You dare copy my appearance and laugh in my presence? You are but another ignorant fool." A hail of light rays descended like the lightning of god smiting the mortals below.

"Brother look out," Yinglong said sending the danger of the attack.

"Stay out my way," Zulong commanded in his royal voice. He keeled his head back and drew a long breath. When the light rays neared him, the dragon roared.

For a moment, the universe held still. All sound disappeared, all matter disappeared. In this void, there was only him. The supreme king who stood above all others. A long serpentine god emperor hung above the primitive world appearing like his own personal table.

The horse dragon stood above a cloud in this world, infinitely smaller then the dragon. He was but another subject to the emperor's will.

Zulin blinked, and the world was back to normal. His attack had disappeared, dispelled. His knees were slightly bent, unlike the high straight position he had them. His golden cloud was dimmer than before.

'What just?' The ancestral qilin thought in confusion before his eyes sharpened in anger. "The audacity!" He roared facing the dragon who had risen to look him in the eye on equal level. No, Zulong had raised himself to be above him.

The continent of Ao shook as two gargantuan auras descended. Two majestic royal auras clashed splitting the cloudy heavens. Two enormous Daos were clashing against each other. Two titanic cosmic trees with the outlines of a Dao fruit were facing each other.

"So much karmic luck," Zulin said sniffing the air. "Hand it over to your emperor and I may just spare your life."

"To dare covet my goodwill? To dare steal my, Zulong's face and prance around like a king of the primitive world? How pretentious," Zulong said in visible rage. "Just who do you think you are to demand anything of your emperor?"

Zulin raised one hoof and stomped at Zulong. His hoof catches karmic fire. His flames showed the images of dancing deities singing in praise of good fortune.

Zulin was born as the beast of good fortune. His mere presence draws in karmic luck allowing him to run unhindered in the world. He could sense the luck of others and obtain the luck of others forcefully if need be.

Zulong met hoof with claw. The two emperors clashed with such force that the two titans resembled nascent Da Luo Golden Immortals. The two flashed and reappeared a second later a fifty thousand kilometres apart

In but an instant, over a thousand exchanges were met. Zulong, in his full length curled around himself with a bloodthirsty look. His scales and fur were ruffled but otherwise, he was uninjured.

Zulin who appeared on the other side of him easily stood several thousand kilometres tall. His long scaly tail whipped through the air with a small tuff of red fur at the end. He too was uninjured.

"That was a good warmup," Zulong taunted. Zulin grunted in response, he whipped his tail smacking the much larger mantis in the face knocking out the creature who had recovered.

"What do you want with the primordial beast?" Zulong inquired as golden clouds covered the beast and shrunk. Zulin opted not to answer the dragon.

"I asked a question," Zulong stretched his upper body out. "And you WILL answer," the dragon commanded as he leapt at the qilin.

"And why would the actions of an emperor be a concern to a lowly subject?" Zuling mocked and dodged the dragon. He kicked with his hind legs hitting Zulong's body.

The dragon showed no indication of receiving any injury and twirled around to scratch at Zulin. The qilin leapt into the air standing atop golden clouds. He opened his mouth and swallowed the mantis.

Zulong's claws grabbed onto the edge of the golden cloud Zuling stood on. He pulled and raised another claw to grab the qilin's himself.

Sensing danger, the qilin leapt off the cloud and smashed down with his own tail. Zulong however anticipated this and grabbed hold of that tail with his hind legs and pulled the qilin along with him.

The dragon swung his opponent around like a ragdoll. He slammed Zulin into a multitude of mountains before lifting the qilin high into the air.

"You dare!" Zulin yelled out.

"I dare!" Zulong replied and chopped with his tail. His body was covered in gold and black lights. He resembled a chakram pulsating with immortal might. The art he used was supposed to be applied to treasures, turning them into deadly wheels of destruction like Da Hai had done to the white lotus years ago.

Zulogn applied the technique to his own body. He transformed into a massive hoop shape and slammed into Zulin's back. His scales became steel, his hairs became blades. He was like a beyblade of destruction that grinded into Zulin's scaly back.

"AHG!" Zulin called out in pain. His hoofs landed onto the ground. His scales could not resist and were ripped off. His flesh was cut and bled and he felt humiliated at every moment.

No longer able to resist, he lowered his body creating just enough space to rolled out of the way. A scroll wrapped in skin appeared before him and unrolled unleashing a wave of spectral fire.

Zulong's body reappeared and in his right claw was a shining azure pearl. It unleashed a million dragon projections and clashed against the wave of spectral fire.

The two treasures were evenly matched bringing slight surprise to Zulong. However, he was not undeterred. His right claw gripped a chain of beads with a calming effect. In an instant, the tides were turned. A wave of heavenly water barred down at the ancestral qilin washing away the scroll.

Qinglong, Yinglong, and Xuznwu leapt into the sky to avoid the battle. They couldn't believe how strong both opponents were. If Zulong had been giving his all then that mantis would've died in moments.

Zulin gritted his teeth in frustration. He charged at the dragon with his antlers. His body glowed in a torrent of karmic fire. With a mighty stamp of his hoofs, he charged at the wave. His flames burned away at the water and tore a path through it.

Karmic flames when used offensively was a dangerous foe. The golden flames of luck generated by the excessive usage of karmic luck struck everywhere. It rose and fell with Zulin turning the tides back into his favour.

Zulong saw the danger and retreated. Twirling in the air, he threw down a wave of power using both xiantian treasures. The dragon pearl and the twenty four sea calming beads forced Zulin to return his scroll onto his person. However they could not do anything but somewhat slow down the karmic fire.

Not willing to retreat. Zulong roared for all the world to hear and charged towards Zulin. His radiant light glowed in gold and black, colours of the royal heavens. Antlers met antlers as both gods clashed in the centre of Ao's back.

RUMBLE!

The skies split. Fire met light. Dragon met qilin. An unstoppable force met another unstoppable force. Both combatants gritted their teeth.

Zulong winced under the heat. 'Damnit I need to disengage,' he thought feeling the danger of karmic fire. The sheer power of such flames was beyond his expectations. His scales were slowly getting charred.

Then he had another idea. Zulong grinned and opened his draconic mouth.

What was heard next could only be described as the fierce roar of the king of all beasts. Or was it a royal decree from the emperor to his subjects? Or perhaps the motivating battle cries of a conquering general? Either way, the objective was achieved.

Zulin felt his heart skip a beat when Zulong roared. He felt his muscles loosen against his will. He felt his own determination wavering. He felt his concentration break and the sudden loss of strength along with it.

He was pushed back but tried to hold firm. The innate god born in the north tried to unleash his full might against the dragon of the east but the advantage was lost. His karmic flames briefly receded following Zulong's roar. His hoofs trembled facing the strength of the dragon.

The roar of the celestial dragon was a terrifying thing. It was a special ability that only the dragons possessed and were among their most unique of abilities. A single cry to command to heavens, a single cry to tame the seas, a single cry to dominate the land.

"I Zulin will never yield to you," Zulin roared in fury. The fire reignited around him to burn away at Zulong's own golden black lights. But too little too late, the qilin had long been forced to the point where he was a moment away from losing balance. He could barely apply any pressure to the dragon.

"Say that when you're not getting your ass kicked," Zulong replied with a haughty chuckle. His body began being covered by auspicious clouds. He raised his head breaking the clash and throwing Zulin onto his hind legs.

Zulong raised his right claw at the qilin's face. Zulin widened his eyes in shock and fear. The clouds around Zulong's claw were like ominous flames. They resembled a nine digit claw of a demon in the eyes of Zulin. They merged into a single long blade with deadly intent, merging the power of nine into one.

The impact came next. Zulong landed a hard blow on Zulin's face. The qilin retreated quickly disengaging from the dragon. His face was bleeding with a deep scar running from his eye to the bridge of his nostrils.

Zulin felt extremely humiliated. He glared at the dragon with contempt and some acknowledged respect. He knew at that moment that he was not looking at a senior of the previous generation like that purple clothed old man, nor a timid rabbit like so many innate creatures were. This was a god of the same generation as him. A fellow emperor. A competitor. Someone he had to remove.

Zulin as a last resort summoned forth massive amounts of karmic flames, rapidly burning through his own karma in the process. However, with his own talent, it wasn't a permanent loss. He directed those flames into several laser beams at the dragon.

Zulong stopped as the lasers were fired. He too could recognise Zulin as a factor that had to be removed. One emperor can recognise another and Zulong had long recognised who Zulin was, who he could be.

The dragon called forth a massive tsunami that focused into torrents of water that answered Zulin's barrage. Zulong hastily leapt and dodged and weaved around the rest. Karmic fire can bypass all his defences, if they didn't cost a hefty amount of his luck then he'd use it himself.

His water didn't last long, but they didn't have to. Zulong just had to make sure he wasn't hit.

Zulin opened his mouth to fire a concentrated blast which Zulong twirled around with his slender body. No flames were permitted to touch him.

The dragon unleashed spells after spells to slow the fire down taking care to never be struck directly. He weaved around the figure of Zulin who dodged to the side. And turned around in a hurry.

Zulong by now had raised his claw and struck down in a second display of 'nine clawed killing'. The golden black dragon claw descended towards Zulin who fired the rest of the flames at the claw in the shape of a giant qilin.

Zulong could sense his reserves of Qi depleting rapidly but chose to fire off a second claw with his unused left claw.

Zulin's expression was fierce as he jumped high, avoiding the claw that was going horizontally slashing at him.

"Ha! You missed," he gloated.

"Fool," Zulong retorted. "Unlike my master's version, nine clawed killing isn't a one step move. It's a two step one," he said smirking.

The open nine digit claw turned on the surface of Ao's back like a hand stretching out to grab something. The nine claws were like sharp pillars bathed in black light. They closed in like a flytrap on the figure of Zulin. It was as lit Zulong was closing his fists on an annoying insect, crushing its contents.

Zulin's expression was grim and he closed his eyes. Zulong looked gleeful in response. His claw closed with a loud 'BOOM' that radiated throughout the continent.

"So that's the highest level of combat in the world," Xuanwu said in wonder as he watched the dragon and qilin duel.

"No friend," Qinlong shook his head. "This is nothing compared to our master."

Xuanwu suddenly felt very inadequate. "To think such beings still exists in the world," he murmured.

Zulong looked in satisfactory when he opened his claw. The dragon looked very tired but was otherwise fine. His reserves of Qi will restore itself automatically without any prompt. Immortals in general possessed infinite energy but only in the sense that their limited reserves will continuously fill up from the world.

Suddenly, Zulong's head snapped to the sky at where his claw had closed in on. There standing ragged was the ruffled looking Zulin.

"You missed," Zulin said between huffs. Zulong however looked very startled. Zulin took this chance to dash away.

Yinglong and Qinglong broke out of their shock first and tried to catch the fleeing innate god. However, they recoiled when karmic fire ignited around Zulin and retreated.

Zulong quickly turned around to give chase. However, it was as if the world was working against Zulong. Zulin was unnaturally fast, unnaturally good at dodging all attacks Zulong threw at him.

No, it was more accurate to say that Zulong's attacks all missed. Every single one missed their target. Bolts of energy, water torrents, even another nine claw killing that drained Zulong even further. All missed without exception.

Zulong could only watch helplessly tired as Zulin got further and further away. He only heard the words "you missed" ring out in his head over and over.

"I missed," Zulong said back in his human form. "Or you just got lucky," he said between realisation and clenched teeth.

Away from prying eyes. Da Hai, who had held up a trembling hand out at Zulin before lowering it.

"It's a sin to kill a son of heaven," he said with angry contempt mixed with regret and sat back down on a pile of a dozen corpses. Primordial beasts he removed beforehand discreetly. Beasts that had been munching on Ao's flesh for so long that they grew to be at the strength of Da Luo Golden Immortals. Beings that would've killed his disciples should they have ganged up on them.

---

End note: Here's the first meeting between future rivals which will later become a threeway rivalry. With this chapter I tried to showcase the physicality of Zulong and how he would fight in his true form. His limbs are actually fairly long like the dragon from 'Black Myth Wukong'.

Each of the three emperors also come with their own inborn special power outside of super high levels of strength and talent for cultivation. Zulong's is his roar which functions sorta like conquerer's Haki from one piece. I got this idea from HN1F whose dragons had a similar ability as their bloodline. Essentially he can bend reality to his will to a limited degree, shakes or ignites the moral of men, makes others see him as their emperor. It's not especially strong against those at his or even somewhat below his level but a surprise like what he just pulled is effective as a hidden trump card.

Qinglong and Yinglong are capable of the same skill though to a far lesser degree than Zulong.

Zulin's on the other hand is the manipulation of karmic luck. He can easily smell luck and absorb it. This is how he tracked Zulong who has a very high natural luck value. Of course, those with high cultivation can resist this but a location or item can have its luck drained by Zulin. This is why Zulin didn't hesitate to use some extremely costly abilities such as karmic fire and causality manipulation. He knows he can gain them back easily.

Fun fact, Zulin's end bit at the last chapter took place during Zulong's journey through the north sea during chapter 51. It took Zulin quite a while to reach the dragon.

Zufeng's should be pretty easy to guess. It's not exactly chinese in origin but it's a pretty cool ability. That and the five colour lights her son uses is currently tied to Huoyun's and not Zufeng. that being said expect her to get it at some point cause Kong Xuan is not Kong Xuan without those lights.

Xianxia is kinda that once someone gets strong enough all hax abilities can be resisted/nullified. Any of the emepror's special abilities can be blocked with sufficient cultivation.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Crunch!

Zulong bit into a mulberry fruit and grunted in pleasure as his body succumbed to a sudden rush of power primordial Qi. It invigorated him and restored him to good health.

It hadn't been long since Zulin fled. Only a few minutes had past and the dragon had opted to recuperate. Hence he sat down and began consuming his supply of the Fusang tree's mulberry fruits.

Xuanwu stood at the side and looked at the berry in wonder and amazement. Such a treasure was incredibly rare in the primitive world and would be a definite asset to any immortal in possession of one. Yet here Zulong is devouring three in a row and still had a bag full.

"Take these and heal up," Zulong said after he was finished. He tossed the sack to Yinglong to share with Qinglong and Xuanwu.

"Is it really alright for me to…" Xuanwu began to say before Zulong held his hand up.

"You've proven yourself our friend. Consider us brothers and just accept it," he said with a friendly smile.

"He's right Xuanwu, we're already brothers in arms so just accept one," Qinglong said with an arm around the beautiful human form of the black tortoise. He held up a mulberry fruit which Xuanwu humbly accepted.

The azure dragon and black tortoise chat along wonderfully after that. Under the watchful eye of Yinglong and Zulong, Ao had been cleared of primordial beasts.

"Still, why did you not give chase brother? If you used master's talismans then that horse would've been obliterated," Yinglong asked. Zulong looked back with an uncomfortable look.

"Those are for emergency uses against foes far greater than us, that fake emperor was well within my power to defeat," the dragon said.

"But what about as he was fleeing? Master's attack would've hit and killed him," Yinglong asked.

"Would've been embarrassing," Zulong whispered so low that Yinglong did not hear him.

"Sorry I didn't quite catch that," Yinglong said.

"I said that whatever ability that horse used made it impossible to hit him no matter how accurate I aimed. What's to say master's talismans won't suffer the same results?" The ancestral dragon responded.

"Yes quite right," Yinglong said with a nod. "What do you think that was?" He asked.

"Judging by his fire and clouds, something to do with luck," Zulong said with contempt. "Fucking moron, burning through your luck like that will have disastrous effects especially for one claiming to be emperor," he snorted just at the memory of Zulin's retreating figure.

"Forget him," Zulong said. "Without great amounts of karmic luck, that fake emperor's future is doomed anyway."

"Rest up for now, we will return to report our success after daybreak," Zulong said. He reached into his inter spacial ring and brought out a large map and unfurled it on his lap.

'Let's see,' he thought tracing his finger along the northern regions of the map. It was a map that Da Hai had given him beforehand to navigate the primitive world. It contained locations that Da Hai had been to in the past but also locations from rumours and legends.

"Quite a long trek to the west sea," Yinglong said looking over his elder brother's shoulder. "West sea, another region we hear nothing about," the winged dragon said grimly.

"Master warned us to be wary of that place above all others," Zulond said with a nod. "It's close to the west continent, the holy ground for the devilish Dao."

"Devilish Dao, I've never met any from their sect before," Zulong mused. "Master told us to be wary and to retreat immediately if they make any significant movements during our stay. From my observation, it looked as if even master is afraid of them."

"Master was afraid?" Yinglong exclaimed in shock. "I guess it makes sense. We know of at least five seniors of master's generation working within the devilish Dao. I think it is wise to retreat if anything major happens."

Zulong nodded in agreement taking his eyes off the map. He saw Qinglong and Xuanwu discussing their Daos. He occasionally caught a few words describing the concept of stars and seasons.

"You are right to be wary of the west," Ao's rumbling voice said in acknowledgement. It was so shocking that the innate gods on Ao's continent all stood up and braced themselves.

"Oh no need to be dramatic," Ao said in amusement. "I mean you lot no harm."

"Who is speaking," Zulong demanded eyeing his surroundings.

"You want to know who's speaking? Know that I am a god from your master's generation. I am in front of you, below you, behind you. I am all of this land, every piece of ground you stand upon is me," Ao's rumbling voice announced quaking the earth itself.

"The land itself?" Xuanwu said in nervous shock. "But that would mean."

"We're not on an island," Qinglong concluded. He looked at the ground in amazement. "If what I think is true then we've been standing on a creature."

Zulong clapped his hands and dispersed the clouds. For millions of kilometres, the sky was bright blue. The continent of Ao that was once shrouded in mist was revealed to the greater north sea.

Zulong from his position on a stone slab could see clearly around him for the first time since reaching Ao. He looked downwards and saw the shape of a mindbogglingly massive head in the distance. So large was it that Zulong struggled to comprehend Ao's size.

"What are you?" Zulong said. He could feel vast power emanating from the great tortoise. It easily eclipsed anything he'd felt before. Even his master was likely inferior loathed as he was to even think that.

However, the head made no movements. Ao made no indication that he'd heard them. There was no movement at all, not even the slightest twitch of muscle. It was almost as if he wasn't even alive at all.

"Have I not explained already young ones?" Ao said. "I am Ao, a godfiend of the chaos period reincarnated into… well not quite an innate god."

"You're a piece of land," Xuanwu said in realisation. "You're both a living creature as well as the environment."

"Stuck somewhere in between," Qinglong said in realisation as well placing his held on the ground in a kneeling position. "Unable to move, you're trapped," he stated.

"Quite right young ones," Ao answered in his deep rumbling voice. "But it's not all bad, I get to… to… to…" and then there was a long stretch of silence. "Anyway, it was quite an impressive battle you were having."

"It was nothing much senior," Zulong said humbly.

"Oh but it is, you are already a step into the Da Luo realm, a very powerful one at that. I suspect that when you breakthrough you will be among the top of experts at the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm," Ao praised.

"Quite right senior, my big brother is the foremost talent in the world," Qinglong said with reverence with Yinglong nodding. Even Xuanwu couldn't help but agree after witnessing everything that's happened.

"Fellow daoist Da Hai truly knows how to pick good disciples," Ao said in agreement.

"You know master?" Zulong's attention snapped to Ao along with his brothers.

"Not well but you can consider us acquaintances," Ao said.

"Then it is an honour to meet uncle master," the three dragons cupped their hands and bowed politely.

"Haha, since you showed me so much respect then I naturally have to reward you," Ao said cheerfully. "It's not much but since you cleared my itch you may have some of my special soil. It's blessed with the primal chaos of creation itself and anything grown on it will yield much better results."

From deep within the earth, a ball of rich soil that resembled ash flew up. It came out of a small crack on Ao's continent and appeared before Zulong.

"Many thanks," Zulong said storing away the soil.

"As for you Xuanwu," Ao said catching the black tortoise's attention. "How about becoming my disciple?"

"What?" Xuanwu said in surprise. "You really mean it?"

"Heh of course. Seeing fellow daoist Da Hai and his ilk got me interested. So how about it kid? From one tortoise to another?" Ao said.

"Accept it Xuanwu, mentorship from a senior of the chaos period is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Qinglong said. "Your cultivation will soar leaps and bounds, I know mine did."

"Well if you think so," Xuanwu said and after some reservations, flew to the top of Ao's head. "Disciple greets you master," he said and proceeded to perform the discipleship ceremony.

"Good, very good, then from this day forth our destinies are intertwined," Ao said. A stream of ancient mantras flowed into Xuanwu's head. "These are the introductory lessons to my cultivation arts, memorise them well," the living continent instructed.

Zulong and his brothers stayed and recuperated on Ao after that. Around a week after, they left along with Xuanwu to report the good news.

Xie Chun and those in his camp were nearly brought to tears when the dragons honestly completed their task. Zulong had not deceived them and had kept his word.

"Xuanwu, how about joining our empire?" Zulong proposed when they were about to leave. "You are already familiar with us and we've helped each other out. I promise you that we'd treat you very well."

Xuanwu scratched his chin in thought. "Well, you're certainly better than that Zulin fellow. Alright, I can join as an elder. But not now, I still have much to learn under master Ao."

"No problem, the establishment of my empire is still far off in the future. May I ask you to guard the north sea until then?" He said.

"The north sea is my home. You don't have to worry about it," Xuanwu reassured. "Though if Zulin comes looking for trouble I will not hesitate to flee," he said. "That fellow daoist is a little too high above my weight class."

"I wouldn't expect you to," Zulong said. "You're an asset now, preserve your own life above all else for now," he ordered.

"As you wish, your majesty," Xuanwu replied with a bow of courtesy. "Safe travels," he offered before leaving when Zulong gave him the signal.

"This trip's been very enlightening," Qinglong said after bidding Xuanwu farewell. "There are so many things in the primitive world that master never even told us about. Who knew there was a living continent in the shape of a tortoise or a giant pool of super cold water underneath the north sea."

"It is, the north will need a lot of work. Thankfully, the east is resource rich enough to send relief aid," Zulong said with a nod. "Well then brothers, let us move westwards."

"Agreed," the two dragons answered following after the senior dragon. The western border was a distance away but the trio could afford to fly leisurely. The north sea was very depopulated and empty of dangers.

…

The former personal abode of Shenni was long since been in a state of disrepair. With no one remaining to care for it, this cave palace had long since been abandoned.

Zulin, the ancestral qilin lay on the floor of the cave licking his wounds. His encounter with Zulong had both enraged yet also humbled him. He thought himself weary enough having had accounted for the appearance of the ancient godfiends. But who knew someone from his generation could beat him so badly.

The qilin hissed in pained annoyance as the scar on his face stung. Zulong's attack damaged his vitality and it was unlikely it'd fade. The qilin got up from his resting spot and moved deeper into the cave.

He strolled down a set of stairs to deep beneath the mountain. His hoofs clipped and clopped against the dusty slabs of stone. His destination was just before him.

An entire underground storehouse containing millions of primordial beasts. Shenni once controlled these creatures using his own mysterious methods. Legends say he'd amassed an army in the billions, perhaps even trillions.

In this day and age, primordial beasts were hard to come by in any place other than the north continent. Much of Shenni's store houses still remained.

Zulin pulled out his scroll. It was a gift given to him by his benefactor in exchange for a place in his government. It was a simple exchange, that old man had good precognitive abilities and knew of his destiny.

Zulin opened his draconic mouth and released the piece of luck cloud. He winced at seeing his own pool of karmic luck. It had decreased until it was a small dry well.

The cloud disappeared releasing the mutilated mantis. Zulin smiled when he saw the creature. Its physical strength was extraordinary. It may be crippled but the physiology of primordial beasts allowed it to recover eventually.

Illusionary red and green chains flew down from the roof of the storage chamber. They dangled from an elephant chess board hanging from the roof. They wrapped around the struggling mantis and held it up.

It was a valuable treasure he came across a very long time ago. Since he acquired it, he'd also cultivated it to the level of a top grade xiantian spiritual treasure by feeding it large amounts of luck, treasures, and souls.

"Primordial beasts grow stronger by devouring those with powerful Qi," Zulin murmured. "How did you grow so strong, this warrants more investigating," Zulin said shaking his head.

The innate god held up the scroll and set about the binding mechanisms. Hit was a longer process than usual but successful in the end. The mantis fell under his control.

"Now I need to regain my luck," Zulin grumbled. The ancestral qilin left the chamber and continued to lay low. For now, he'd need to fully heal, then find some good spots to siphon more luck.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Nan Dao Chen was a coastal city located just off western shore of the west continent. It was a cultural hub that was widely considered the gateway between the wider west sea and the west continent proper. As such it was a well known rest stop for travellers.

The massive city was a sprawling metropolis and was nominally considered under the rule of Si Hai's empire consisting of the wider ocean. In practice however, the devilish Dao effectively ran the place.

It was a day to day occurrence to see disciples of the devilish Dao walking through the city, buying and selling wares, as well as competing in competitions. The pale skinned youths were considered local celebrities and often recruited from the area as well.

"Ash Raven sect is in town again this year," a local townsman said watching the marching troupe of immortals pass by. There were low ranking disciples as well as high status elders present as well. Cultivators ranging from pre immortal tribulation to even Immortals.

"Oh yeah, it is time for recruitment," the townsman's drinking buddy said raising a glass. "Is your son gonna participate?"

"Probably, I've been trying to convince him otherwise but you know how kids are," he replied.

"Why bother? Don't you know the benefits of getting into a sect of the devilish Dao? Way better than the ocean sects," the drinking buddy said.

"Yeah, but don't you know how high the mortality rates are?" The townsman emphasised with his arms raised. "Old Qin and old San's families had a total of twenty five youths who went last time. Only little Xi came back alive and she didn't even get in."

"That bad huh," the man said taking a sip of his drink.

"Make way! Make way!"

The folks on the street's attention were drawn to the pale skinned devils forming a line. A massive elephant acting as a sedan carried a skinny bird like man wearing a large feather coat. He had a hook nose resembling a beak and a near skeletal body with visible ribs adorning his shirtless chest.

"Make way for young lord Blood Raven," an elder announced.

"What, lord Blood Raven is here to attend the recruitment?"

"Heavens, we have lord Blood Raven in town."

The city was sent into a frenzy. A person with as big of a name as Blood Raven had arrived in town to personally oversee the recruitment of new disciples for the Ash Raven sect. This man was the only son of patriarch Ash Raven and a talented figure. Everyone knew to respect this man.

Atop his elephant, Blood Raven looked in satisfaction as crowds cheered his arrival.

In a nearby restaurant, three antlered brothers sat around a table. The dragons had arrived in Nan Dao Chen days ago and were deeply troubled.

The black robbed Zulong frowned in irritation as he read a thick book of various symbols. "This is utter bullshit," he growled.

"What did you expect," Yinglong said reading an unfamiliar menu trying to make heads or tails of the text. "The west is so far removed from the east and under the control of another faction. Of course, they'd develop differently."

"Those old geezers are still godfiends, they speak chaos godfiend, they write in chaos script," Zulong said pointing at his book which was evidently a dictionary. "Why do you need a new language when everybody already spoke the same thing."

"I mean different clans in the east used different writing systems," Qinglong offered trying to read his own menu.

"But they still all speak godfiend," Zulong said gripping his forehead. "Even the west's spoken language is vaguely familiar at best. It's like someone took a bunch of languages and mashed them together. I only recognise seven sounds tops."

"Um, may I take your order?" A nervous serving girl called out. She looked visibly intimidated at the trio of men.

"What's she saying?" Zulong asked Yinglong. The winged dragon put down his menu and turned towards the girl.

"We'd use a chicken stick meat and a vegetable bowl," Yinglong said in broken devilnese. He wasn't sure what to call the local language as they were never given a name.

"So a plate of chicken sticks and salad?" She asked. The three dragons looked at each other and nodded in unison. It was better to get the headache inducing conversation out of the way first.

"Remind me again why we can't just rip the knowledge out of someone's head?" Qinglong asked.

"Because someone will notice if someone mysteriously blacks out with missing memories," Zulong said. "And that we arrived without realising the language barrier. That and of course the sentries will notice if we tried something." Zulong pointed in the direction of the mayor's office and city guards.

Amazingly, there were at least three Taiyi Golden Immortals in Nan Dao Chen. The mayor, the captain of the guard and another person who just arrived. Zulong was certain he can easily beat all three at once but he wasn't exactly the greatest in stealth nor his brothers. The cultivation gap was small enough for their actions to be noticed.

For now, the dragons actively suppressed their cultivation and have not done anything of note. All the talismans they had on hand were effectively bombs and not for stealth.

'I really need to learn pellucid divine water,' Zulong idly thought. To date Da hai had not imparted the divine water to the brothers. However, it was an incredibly useful tool to add to his arsenal.

"So it's learning a language the old fashion way," Zulong grunted and kept reading his dictionary as the food arrived. The waitress soon brought them the food along with a bowl of curry.

"What spice is this?" Qinglong said tasting the substance.

"Heard someone call it curry," Yinglong said. "Unique local dish I'd think."

"Probably from the continent proper," Zulong pointed out. "You don't get many spices like these from the ocean herbs and what little we do get is imported from the east continent proper," he added.

"Experience from your trading town?" Qinglong asked and Zulong nodded. They dug into the food enjoying the good taste.

As the dragons were eating they took notice of the large parade outside. Of the nearly a hundred cultivators from the Ash crow sect, many stood at the Earth Immortal realm with several exceptional ones at the True Immortal realm.

Zulong can sense from their bones that their true ages were fairly young. These pale skinned men and women hovered around seven to nine hundred.

"Exceptional," he heard Yinglong comment. Every single of them were talented in their own right. The entire turtle clan as a whole would have very few individuals on par with them.

"They're a sect right," Zulong said in confirmation. "Then their talent pool is probably larger than that of a single clan," he clarified.

"Why don't we take a look?" Qinglong asked. "We'd get a better idea of the western regions and see what their selection process is like." Zulong and Yinglong nodded.

"Not a bad idea little brother, from the looks of things they just arrived. They may take a few days to actually begin the process," Zulong said.

The three got up and got to leave.

"Um, the payment," the same waitress from before began. Before she could finish Zulong tossed her a sack of immortal spirit stones and went on his way.

The west was very developed in comparison to the north. In fact, Zulong dared to say that they were more developed than the east. The west had long stopped trading with energy rich spiritual stones and had instead begun trading proper money.

Spiritual stones were still accepted of course but there was a proper coin system in place. Zulong found the system quite peculiar. The coins were evidently not spiritually active at all nor did they possess any magical properties but were yet seen with value even by immortal cultivators.

"Hey brother, check out those mounts," Qinglong pointed at the use of bestial mounts by the Ash Raven sect. Large elephants and tigers were used as steads by the disciples.

"Their fellow innate creatures," Zulong said in observation. It was not a practice he was unfamiliar with. Plenty of cultivators in the east tamed their defeated opponents as mounts upon their defeat. It was seen as an impressive display of strength. A cultural remnant from the chaos godfiends.

The brothers resumed chatting as the parade went on. Not just Ash Raven elders and disciples came through, but servants as well. All in all the entire troupe easily contained several hundreds of men and women.

"Let's retire for the night brothers," Zulong said as a gruff looking young man with white hair and silvery armour walked out of a nearby building with a barrel of alcohol. He had a medium length sword on his belt.

Aside from his armour, this white haired young also wore a coat of fur around his waist and a cape made of fur with the character '王'. This young man's attention instantly snapped to the three dragons when he heard them chatting.

"Was that the language of chaos godfiends? Someone here knows how to speak it?" He wondered in western language. His curiosity piqued, he decided to follow the three dragons.

'People of the west all speak the tongue taught by the devilish Dao, even the wider ocean clans,' the white haired stranger thought. 'The only ones who still remember the chaos godsend's language are the oldest of ancestors and those clans from the central west sea region.'

Zulong narrowed his eyes as he and his brothers were walking. His eyeballs rolled to look at who was behind him.

"Feel him?" He asked by sending a voice transmission to Qinglong and Yinglong. His brothers nodded.

"That's the same guy who walked out of that alcohol store earlier right?" Qinglong asked. Zulong nodded in response.

"Probably shouldn't have spoken so inconspicuously," Yinglong said.

"What other options are there? Just stand there silently? Better to pretend to be travellers from the north," Qinglong retaliated.

"Heads up brothers, he's closing in," Zulong said. "That alley to our left, we'll confront him there."

As the white haired stranger rounded the street into the alley, he was greeted with the three dragons folding their arms. "What do you want?" Zulong asked. He observed the white hair man before him.

This gruff looking person had a short moustache and a stubble. He looked to be a fierce warrior and it showed in his stance. He looked confident and relaxed but was yet ready to pounce at any time.

"Heard you all speaking chaos godfiend," he said in the same language.

"And? People outside the west all speak chaos godfiend, what's your point," Zulong retorted. He narrowed his eyes when he saw the white haired man's pale blue iris flash into a deep yellow colour.

"You're too rich to be from the north, not after all that's been done there," the white haired man concluded. "You're all looked to be ocean folk, I can see the origin of water on you. You from the south or west sea?"

"Could be born in a lake on the continent," Zulong countered with interest. He could tell that this young man had a special ability that had to do with sight.

"I can tell fresh from salt water, they're fairly distinct," the white haired man said. "And you didn't answer my question," He said with an arm resting on the sword handle. However he didn't look like he was going to draw it.

"For what purpose do you stop us?" Zulong asked once more.

"We can play this for a long while but fine," the white haired man said. "Everyone on the continent follows Luohu's teachings, everyone is a devil including those who're within the ocean empire. You are distinctly not devils."

"You can tell?" Yinglong exclaimed in surprise.

"You hide your cultivations and appear like inconspicuous mortals, but you move like a superior being. You have none of the telltale signs of those who follow the devilish Dao. You also speak the chaos godfiend language which leads me to think you're from the south," he said nonchalantly. "I'm just curious what you're all here for?"

"Not from the south," Zulong said much to Yinglong and Qinglong's shock. "You're not a devil either," Zulong said pointing at the man.

"Indeed I am not," the man confirmed. "I am of the west though, how can you tell?"

"I haven't been around devils for long but they do carry a fairly distinct aura," Zulong explained. "You're cloaking yourself well but I can smell the faint energy of yours. They're more along the lines of an innate creature, one who didn't follow any specific teachings but their own path." Zulong looked closely at the young man before continuing.

"I can also sense a familiar primal origin within you," Zulong said looking at Qinglong and the memory of Xuanwu. "You're an innate god aren't you. An independent one."

"Correct," the white haired man admitted. "You still haven't answered my question."

"Explorers from the east," Zulong stated.

"Explorers?" The white haired man said. "East you say, I've never met anyone from the east before."

"Who are you?" Zulong asked.

"Can't give you my name right now, trying to lay low," the white haired said. "But for the time being you can call me Bai Jian," he said turning around to leave.

"Leaving already?" Zulong asked.

"You situated my curiosity, I have no more reason to be here," Bai Jian said. Bai Jian disappeared back into the crowd on the main road.

"He felt just like Xuanwu didn't he," Zulong suddenly said to Qinglong. The azure dragon nodded.

"Thought so, his senses are sharp, very sharp," Zulong said.

"You looking to recruit him?" Yinglong asked.

"Of course, an independent is prime recruitment material," Zulong said with a laugh.

"Then why'd you let him leave?" Yinglong asked.

"We'll see it again," Zulong said. "A guy like that doesn't stay out of trouble for long," he said. The most senior of the dragons turned around and lead his brothers away.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Within a week, many cultivators were gathered just outside the walls of Nan Dao Chen. Most of them were young hopefuls who wished to enter the Ash Raven sect. Following the crowd, the dragons discreetly stood amongst the crowd as well.

"The devilish Dao is very popular," Yinglong mused watching the procedure beginning to take place. A podium was set up with the young Blood Raven daoist at the helm.

The devil gave a few words of introduction, a small motivational speech about how anyone could join and be devils. Zulong tuned out the speech, he couldn't grasp everything being said, only every couple of words and certain phrases confused him. From appearance however, it was evident that this was a disingenuous attempt as Blood Raven seemed bored throughout. The devil looked very impatient to complete the task.

Despite his boring approach, the hopefuls were not deterred. Blood Raven did not have to try too hard to get them excited. The reputation of the devilish Dao established through tens of thousands of years had long since paid off.

As an established path of myriads of branches, techniques, and methods, the devilish Dao had grown from a single cultivation lineage into an entire cultivation lifestyle. It was in many ways a culture as well as a path to immortality.

Zulong scanned the city again and again taking note of the devilish Dao's presence. 'There is unity in this,' he thought with an appreciative look.

Thinking back, the dragon could recall that once upon a time, Da Hai had guided the denizens of the east sea in cultivation. He however never fully capitalised on it having not established a sect. In fact, Da Hai had not even passed his own Dao down, merely taught immortal techniques.

In contrast, the devilish Dao freely distributed the Dao of seven emotions six desires. All of Luohu's insights were given away in readily available tomes. All sects and even shops in Nan Dao Chen had these in storage. Of course the former had modified theirs to fit their style, they were at heart, merely a deviation of Luohu's Dao.

"I wonder why that is," Zulong mused. Why had Da Hai not done what Luohu did? In fact, why was Luohu seemingly the only godfiend to have done this?

"Why was what?" Qinglong responded to his musing.

Zulong shook his head and replied, "it was nothing brother." He broke away from his thoughts to pay attention to Blood Raven's actions upon the podium.

The devil had opened up a portal to a pocket dimension and pulled all those who wished to have a chance in. Zulong looked curiously at the technique and stored it in his mind.

Ash Raven's dimension was not big. It was a square world measured at a 500km by 500km dimension. But it got the job done. The devil released a horde of shadow constructs into the dimension.

"There are one hundred slots available in our Ash Raven sect," he said. "Only those with the most impressive performance are permitted to enter. Prove to us that you seek true freedom above all else, that seek seven emotions six desires above all else." He waved his hand and closed the gate trapping thousands within.

"That is very vague," Yinglong said with a frown. "So what, does he expect a free for all massacre? Dao debates? Contests? What could impressive performance even entail?"

"Seeking true freedom? Seven emotion six desires?" Qinglong contemplated the meaning of those worlds. He could sense that Blood Raven's commands carried the weight of the Dao. His words carried the meaning of the devilish Dao's core principles. Of Luohu's Dao's core principles.

Even though the two parties spoke completely separate languages, Zulong understood everything being said. As the Dao was universal across all forms of communication, the dragons understood all of Blood Raven's words.

"A fucking hoax is all it is," a familiar voice replied. Qinglong turned around and saw the approaching figure of Bai Jian. The white haired swordsmen looked impressive and ferocious as ever. His footsteps spoke of a predator in wait.

The swordsman was also surprisingly stealthy. He was able to approach the trio without them noticing and he moved through the crowd without touching anyone.

"Bai Jian, nice to see you again," Qinglong said saluting the swordsman. "What do you mean by your words?"

"Exactly as I said, this whole spiel about freedom is all a hoax," Bai Jian said gesturing at the pocket dimension. "A fucking lie that tricked the entire western world. There's no freedom to be had here."

"Is that so," Qinglong replied. "So it's all propaganda then? To be honest I expected them to be mere words of promotion for their sect."

"Oh it runs far deeper than that friend, even I nearly missed it if it wasn't for my…the point is that what they're selling, this established path that ensures success at cultivation is a blatant lie," he said with disgust evident on his face.

"That's interesting," Zulong suddenly said turning towards the two. "Mind elaborating?"

"Well it's…" before Bai Jian could start Yinglong unintentionally interrupted.

"Heavens," the winged dragon grimaced loudly. A few screams in the crowd was also heard. Some families broke down crying while Blood Raven watched desensitised.

Within the pocket dimension, cultivators were being torn apart left and right. Shadow beasts ripped them to shreds, some sacrificed others to get away while others massacred everyone to prove their might.

"He said those with the most impressive performance can enter right?" The cultivator massacring both shadow beasts and cultivators alike said with a twisted look. "Well here's what I can do," he yelled leaping into battle.

Blood Raven stroked his chin with a small satisfied look. Even from the distance, Zulong, Qinglong, and Yinglong could recognise the look of approval at those words.

"Not used to the violence?" Bai Jian chimed in.

"It's not that," Qinglong replied. "Why was all the killing necessary? Seems kinda extreme."

"Master will call it wasteful, I do too," Yinglong said nodding.

"In the east sea, youths are tested in combat but there are ways to simulate stress tests without actual death risks," Zulong said with a disapproving look. "What is the point of this?"

"In the words of the devil ancestor, only the best of the best of the best of the best may enter my devilish Dao," Bai Jian quoted. "The rest are discarded however they choose, Blood Raven's just an asshole."

With a gush of blood, another person died. Then another was torn apart. More and more families wept around them while others clenched their hands in worry.

"I can't watch this," Qinglong was the first to begin moving. But before he could get far, Bai Jian grabbed his shoulders.

"You don't want to do this, touch Blood Raven and you'd draw the attention of Ash Raven," he warned.

"You think we're scared of some bird in this backwards dump?" Zulong said angrily while Qinglong glared.

"No, Ash Raven isn't the problem, it's his master that is," Bai Jian continued. "Ash Raven is a favoured disciple of ancestor Taotie, touch Ash Raven and you draw Taotie's wrath."

"Taotie? That gluttonous pig?" The dragons exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, that same gluten has taken many disciples and is one of the foremost experts of living by excess in the world," Bai Jian said with a grimace. "Disgusting reputation aside, he's no joke."

Zulong reevaluated their chances in the west. It was a place they weren't totally safe in. In fact, Da Hai had stressed that even he wasn't totally safe there either. But then again, the distance between the central west continent and the shore was very big.

"How big's the distance between here and Taotie?" He asked.

"Taotie doesn't leave his abode often, so a few years away," Bai Jian stated.

Zulong nodded, he touched his inter spacial ring and pulled out a set of masks. He put them on and his antlers disappeared. "Put these on," he ordered his brothers.

"You're not afraid of being tracked?" Bai Jian asked.

"We have protection," Zulong assured. He tilted his head expectedly. In an instant, Qinglong disappeared in a mad dash. The ancestral dragon however stood still before the white swordsman.

"Who are you really? A former disciple of the devilish Dao?" Zulong asked. Bai Jian nodded, he did not bother hiding that info.

"So you're a traitor to their sect hiding here?" He asked for confirmation. Bai Jian again nodded.

"I would've appreciated it if you didn't make a commotion here, especially not at this time," Bai Jian said with a sigh.

"You're talking about the xiantian treasure gestating that way?" Zulong asked pointing towards the ocean. "Don't give me that look, if you noticed it they why wouldn't I? Besides, they're probably here for the same reason." Zulong gestured to the Ash Raven cultivators who had engaged Qinglong and Yinglong.

"You're pretty arrogant aren't you," Bai Jian said.

"And you're not?" Zulong countered.

"I'm no different, planned to kill those fuckers later, guess my schedule will have to be changed," Bai Jian said holding the handle of his sheathed sword. Unnoticeable energy was swirling around Bai Jian.

Zulong could feel bloodlust oozing from the swordsman. However, none of it was directed at him. Zulong smiled.

"What do you think of joining me?" He announced.

"What teaming up? I'm afraid not, I was willing to help introduce you to the west but teaming up to go after a treasure is a bit much. Sorry, but I can't risk it," Bai Jian replied.

"Not that, xiantian treasures matter little to me," Zulong said nonchalantly to Bai Jian's surprise. "I'm establishing a faction of my own. An empire if you will and I'd like for you to be part of it."

"Do I look like a fucking bureaucrat to you?" Bai Jian said gesturing at himself.

"I was thinking general," Zulong said. "You look like the type I wouldn't want anywhere near my office." Bai Jian threw his head back and laughed loudly.

"An empire, you're funny my friend. In this world, what would small fries like you be able to make?" Bai Jian turned around to leave. "You seem smart so I'll let you know now, don't try it friend. I speak from experience when I say that some forces in this world are insurmountable."

…

Blood Raven growled when an azure fist struck into his abdomen. The masked man before him was simply too strong.

"Who the hell are you?" He growled narrowly dodging another hit. He drew forth his sickle for another strike but the masked man jumped back.

"A pissed of adventurer," Qinlong's distorted voice replied. Of course Blood Raven had no way of knowing that this was Qinglong or who Qinglong even was.

Qinglong forced Blood Raven back with another punch. The devil's blood constructs could do nothing to the dragon. Qinglong broke the spears shot by Blood Raven and chopped another blade into pieces.

"Young master!" One of Blood Raven's retainers disengaged from Yinglong to help Blood Raven. Blood Raven quickly retreated and drank a vial of blood.

Qinglong lit both hands in blue light. They resembled burning stars. Qinglong's body glowed transparently. He looked like a living galaxy filled to the brim with stars.

"What is this?" Blood Raven cried out in shock at the pressure he felt. He didn't even know Taiyi Golden Immortals were capable of such might.

Qinglong blasted a massive wave of stellar energy. Blood Raven quickly drew forth a fountain of blood to form a shield. Feathers began appearing all over his body as he struggled.

His retainer, a fellow cultivator at the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm jumped in to hit Qinglong. The dragon tilted his head and kicked the man in the stomach. Qinglong's foot was like a comet, he kicked right through the stomach of the immortal.

"Grah!" The retainer was fell from the air landing on the ground. His body transformed into that of a massive rat.

"You're gonna regret that," Blood Raven growled. His foot began talons, his hands became wings. His head grew a beak and he transformed into a massive black raven a kilometre wide. Fresh blood was drawn forth from the rat corpse flowing into Blood Raven.

"How fitting," Qinglong commented continuing to engage the devil. A sword of stars appeared in Qinglong's hand as he swung sideways into Blood Raven's wing.

Blood Raven met the blade with an enhanced claw. The two were better matched now that Blood Raven had absorbed his retainer's vitality.

Qinglong frowned and formed a vibrant green and punched the enhanced devil in the face. Blood Raven cried out in pain and retreated.

Qinglong moved forwards and slashed drawing more and more blood. Blood Raven psychically gripped his own blood and formed needles out of them to hit the dragon. However, they could not penetrate Qinglong's skin.

"Fuck, just who are you?" Blood Raven nervously looked to the side and saw a horrifying scene. His other retainer and the city lord were both defeated by the similarly masked Yinglong. Both are bound by auspicious clouds.

"Hey pay attention," Qinglong's voice called out. Blood Raven barely had enough time to dodge. Yet still, his left leg was cleaved clean off by Qinglong.

Blood Raven felt miserable. His pocket dimension was broken and its occupants freed. Yinglong did not struggle to destroy all the shadow beasts and restrain the cultivators within.

Blood Raven did not expect this small expedition to cause him so much trouble. It was so simple, collect the new xiantian treasure discovered by their scouts, stop by to pick a few new recruits and maybe get some clues of the steel swordsman. Why did it all come to this?

'I need to flee,' Blood Raven desperately flapped his wings. The blood around him became a cloud of red mist. The aim was to obscure the dragon's senses.

Qinglong raised his eyebrows looking at Blood Raven who was quickly disappearing behind the cloud. 'Wait, he's not looking at me,' Blood Raven suddenly realised tracing Qinglong's line of sight.

"Finally noticed didn't ya?" The voice Blood Raven heard chilled him to the bone. He barely turned his head before suddenly feeling much lighter.

Bai Jian grabbed Blood Raven's severed head with a furry black and white tail while his left hand blasted the body to ashes

Zulong walked up to Bai Jian and said, "You said Ash Raven can tract his son, how long before he gets here?"

"Give him a few hours, Ash Raven sect isn't that far from here. He already knows his son's dead," Bai Jian replied. "You know, I didn't want to fight in the city. Would've been easier to meet them in the open ocean."

"For my purposes, it will be better to kill him here," Zulong said. He looked down to see the blood cloud split in two as Qinglong and Yinglong flew up. The observers of the battle looked in utter shock and confusion. The mayor of Nan Dao Chen looked in horror.

"You really are serious aren't you?" Bai Jian said in shock. "You're fucking insane."

"I have to be," Zulong answered with a smile. "You are right, the ancestors of the previous generation are monstrous. But so am I," Zulong said with conviction and held a hand out. "They are not insurmountable, not invincible, not infallible, so how about it Bai Jian? Join me and see my dream to fruition."

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The dragons and the white haired swordsman landed with a soft thud. The head of Blood Raven was still warm in Bai Jian's tail's grasp, shrunken to a manageable size. The onlookers were stunned struggling to comprehend what just happened.

Zulong grimaced at the course of events. The aftermath will be most troublesome to deal with. If the devil's popularity were any indication then they will likely be chased out by a mob.

"What have you done!" The injured mayor roared. "Do you have any idea, any idea at all what you have unleashed? Do you have any idea who that was you killed?"

"Another devil trash," Bai Jian responded tossing Blood Raven's head onto the ground. The mayor desperately leapt at the head and clutched it gently. He desperately searched for any signs of life desperately hoping that the devil wasn't dead.

"No, no, no, no, NO! This cannot be happening," the mayor cried. Tears poured down his face as he glared at the dragons. "You've doomed us all," he said.

Zulong frowned, he lifted his right hand faster than the mayor could react.

Tap!

Zulong's index finger touched the immortal's head with a soft glow. The knowledge to properly speak the western language flowed into the dragon's head. Two extra sparks shot out of Zulong's hand and into Yinglong and Qinglong's heads.

"You condone a roughness massacre of your own citizens?" The dragon asked. The mayor stood up and glared at the dragon in fury.

"It is the universal way, it is the way his most holy devil ancestor decreed for all who tied the path of cultivation," the mayor said. Zulong saw the truth in the man's eyes, or at least what he believed to be the truth.

"Really? And your cultivation requires you to mindless throw youths to their deaths?" Zulong asked. Behind him, Bai Jian whispered a faint, "what a joke".

"What would you know of cultivation? Cultivation accepts only the best of the best of the best. Only the most excellent deserves to tread the path of cultivation," the mayor said with fervour. "We are devils, this is our way."

"I see," Zulong said. "You only tread the path made for you by your ancestor?" The dragon asked raising his eyebrow.

"It is the true way to immortality," a voice of a cultivator in the crowd yelled.

"Yes, yes, yes, it is the right way," another agreed. Then another as well. The dragons saw the faces of the enraged cultivator community of Nan Dao Chen.

"Such a narrow mindset," Qinglong whispered. Bai Jian nodded in agreement.

"What did you expect?" The swordsman said. "It's all they know, the devilish Dao isn't just a cultivation sect. To them, it is their identity. They are devils, mortals or not, cultivators or not," he explained with a mocking look of disgust. "Just a bunch of ignorant trapped pigs."

"Why do you say that?" Qinglong asked. "Why hold the entire path to such contempt?"

"Right, such things aren't obvious unless you're already on the inside," Bai Jian said with sadness. "The mechanisms of the devil ancestor is terrifying indeed. With a show of kindness, he prevented all prospective challengers. The devil is a being of freedom, but there can only ever be one devil."

"One devil?" Qinglong's eyes widened slightly. Zulong who was listening in frowned, he could already formulate what Bai Jian had meant.

"Oh, what would you know," the mayor suddenly turned his attention to Bai Jian. "Don't think I don't recognise you. A bloody heretic is what you are."

"What did you just say?" Ire drawn, Bai Jian stepped forth drawing his sword. "Say that again," he growled.

"You think me scared heretic? You who only knows betrayal and murder?" Before the mayor could continue, a golden hand struck his sternum knocking him back onto the platform. That same hand pushed Bai Jian's sword back into its sheath.

"That is enough," Zulong said. "I will not have such uncouth behaviour displayed before me," he said placing both hands behind his back.

"Apologies," Bai Jian and the mayor apologised but suddenly scratched their heads. 'Why did I do that?' They both thought.

Down below, some surviving cultivators had returned to the embrace of their families who cried tears of joy. They seemed to be ignoring the events happening on the platform. Onlookers still had yet to move, unsure of what to do.

However, one youth stood up and cupped his hands and bowed. "Many thanks to seniors for saving my life," he said gratefully. After his example, many others followed.

"What are you all doing?" The mayor screamed. "Don't you realise what's happened? Ash Raven will be here soon."

"Yes, we did realise that," Zulong interrupted. "Don't worry, I'll take of him when the time comes."

"Deal? How? You're not even," the mayor stuttered. He felt his legs go weak. He was not very impressive for a Taiyi Golden Immortal. He hadn't even formed a proper Dao yet unlike the legendary Ash Raven. That beast was said to have competed with the Green Ape devil of the ancient past.

"Does that man seriously intend to fight patriarch Ash Raven?" The citizens below suddenly buckled at Zulong's words. "Fuck it, let's get out of here. Nan Dao Chen is already lost."

"My love, flee the city, I'll run home and get our essentials." "Shit gotta get my money then I'm outta here."

The common consensus was to simply flee. Zulong silently agreed. For mortals, getting caught up in the fight of immortals, much less Golden Immortals would be fatal.

"Seniors, why aren't you scared?" The same young man from earlier asked suddenly. "Don't you know how strong of a devil Ash Raven is?"

"It was us that got involved in this mess. It shall be us that resolves this," Zulong said. "You should leave with your parents child. Staying here is unwise."

"But why? Why risk yourself for us in the first place? Why bother saving us?" He said. "We knew the risks going in, why would a fellow devil like you go against the… well…um." He stumbled a bit on his wording, it wasn't a written down rule or tradition. It was just common sense.

"Well I'm not a devil aren't I?" Zulong said.

Suddenly, those few words shocked everyone. Not a devil? That was strange for the devilish Dao path was the only sure way of cultivation. Even the strange sea creatures further west agreed.

"Then what are you?" The young man asked.

"A dragon child, I am a dragon," Zulong said.

"How do I become a dragon?" He asked again. This caught Zulong off guard. He was born as he was, a dragon of the sea. How would one go about becoming a dragon?

"Brother," Yinglong called out. Zulong's eyes flicked eastward and he frowned. The sky had darkened somewhat and an ominous feeling could be felt. "That guy is fast," he said.

"I killed his son," Bai Jian said. "He's sect isn't far from here in the first place, he can get here in record time." The swordsman turned to the dragon, "Can you really handle him?"

'Who do you think you're talking to?" Zulong said in amusement. "Only another emperor can challenge an emperor," he said slowly floating up into the sky.

"Child, I'll be going now, don't get caught in the crossfire," Zulong said from high above the ground. "Do not worry citizens of Nan Dao Chen. I Zulong extend my protection to you all."

"What a fool," the mayor snorted turning around to leave.

"Where're you going?" Yinglong asked the man.

"Not here," the mayor said. His human features began morphing. Scales appeared on his person and his robes morphed as well fading into his body. His form elongated into a large eel.

"You're from the sea?" Yinglong asked.

"West ocean tribesman born and raised," the mayor said. "You just cost our clan everything we've worked towards," he said with anger.

"We'll compensate you in the future," the winged dragon said.

"Future? What future?" The mayor snorted before jumping and diving into the distant ocean.

The sky began darkening more and more. The silhouette of a large avian creature appeared. He descended from the skies in a burst of hot ash cloud. That cloud washed all over Nan Dao Chen burying it in a thick layer of ash. At least that was what was supposed to happen.

The reality was however a whole lot different. Nan Dao Chen remained covered by a barrier of auspicious white clouds. None of the ash even came near them.

"What?" The bird muttered. His ash burned so hot that the land began melting. Small pools of magma began appearing as well. Yet still the clouds did not disperse.

"Hmph, murderer of my son, don't think you're all that," Ash Raven growled with cool rage. His ash flowed up into a spiralling drill and slammed into the cloud. The territory around Nan Dao Chen shook.

"Oi, don't target the innocents," a royal voice called for Ash Raven's attention. "They have nothing to do with your son's death."

"All are sinners in my eyes," Ash Raven responded with an attack on Zulong. The devil did not care for anything other than total destruction. In a sense, he was simply venting.

The devil's aura of power was suffocating even to fellow Taiyi Golden Immortals. His Dao appeared as a reddish grey Dao fruit outline on his inner cosmic tree. The tree was all wood and had no leaves, a very distinct look from Zulong's own tree.

"Impressive," Zulong clapped his hands before opening them in a square shape. A column of wind tore Ash Raven's attack apart and scattered the clouds of ash.

The devil frowned narrowing his eyes. Wings raised, Ash Raven flew forward. Each flap generated more and more ash, thick clouds of red hot ash.

Zulong waved his arms creating golden black dragons. These constructs struck and dispersed the clouds of ash further frustrating Ash Raven.

The avian devils' claws shone with red hot energy. He flew overhead and clawed at the comparatively tiny form of Zulong.

The dragon slightly tilted his head and dodged the attack. "You're far weaker then Zulin. Your cultivation had reached a similar summit as ours but in terms of abilities, you're far inferior," he said as if commenting on the weather.

"Don't take me lightly stranger," Ash Raven growled. The swirling energy around him grew more and more. The Skys darkened as well as if an angry ward had descended. It was as if Ash Raven's wrath had taken physical form.

Grey lightning descended from the heavens. Zulong raised his arm and blocked the attack despite being pushed down somewhat. Excess electricity scattered from the first bolt landed on the ground blowing up like bombs. They rented the landscape apart.

Zulong raised his hands. The earth sprouted rocky dragon claws that grabbed at Ash Raven. The devil simply flew to the side and kicked the claws to pieces.

Zulong smiled and swung his left arm. A gargantuan arc of water rose up like a scythe travelling incredibly fast. Ash Raven barely had time to widen his eyes before his left wing was punctured.

"He got through my Ancient Devil physique?" Ash Raven was mystified. He wasn't the best at physical body techniques but his durability was no joke. He picked up speed, utilising his strong suit as more and more slashes of water was delivered.

Zulong jumped in the air propelling himself at Ash Raven. A large sphere of water was already gathered before the dragon. It morphed into a wrecking ball which was thrown at the distant Raven.

"Hmph!" Ash Raven closed up his wings before opening them. He released an intense wave of heat at Zulong. The dragon held up his hand blocking the wave with his scales. He grimaced at the heat.

The water on the other hand was reduced to steam clouds. They were extremely thick and obscured vision. However, this did not bother Zulong. He could easily see Ash Raven within the clouds.

Reaching out, Zulogn took hold of the steam mist and transformed it. Around Ash Raven, the clouds took shape and constricted.

"What is this?" Ash Raven gasped in surprise before his body was tightly wrapped in the body of steam cloud dragon construct. The beast gripped his body and roared at his face. Ash Raven opened his beak and shot a ray of hot energy.

The cloud dragon's head merely shifted away from the blast while the real Zulong approached. His fist shone in black and golden light. His skin was textured like rough scales. The dragon threw out a fierce punch at the devil's face.

BOOM!

Ash Raven's head snapped sharply to one side. His neck nearly snapped with a single punch. He couldn't help but spit out swaths of blood. His face was broken in so many places that he couldn't even begin to count.

Ash Raven attempted to struggle but Zulong tightened the construct's grip. The steam cloud dragon had turned fully black and exerted much greater strength than it was supposed to. Ash Raven could feel his own bones breaking.

Opening his mouth again, Ash Raven blasted Zulong point black in a beam of fire. The dragon frowned and kicked the devil's lower beak clean off. However, a gaseous being had already flown out.

"Abandoning your body so easily?" Zulong sent out his claw. His nine digit dragon claw spread out wide. So big it was that it looked like it could've held the entire world in its palms.

Ash Raven's nascent soul screeched in horror as the dragon claw enclosed itself. A small poof could be heard and the devilish presence faded.

Down in Nan Dao Chen, those spectating looked in disbelief. One of the devil overlords of the west was killed just like that?

…

Da Hai stood in an empty hallway and sighed in relief. Thank gods that Luohu was still in secluded cultivation. In his hand, a dark talisman shattered without anyone's notice.

The sleeping Taotie next room over didn't even notice. Not even the maid of this temple noticed anything when Da Hai placed a fake talisman on the shelf.

"Great lord's technique is simply ingenious," the head moth fairy praised at Da Hai's side. She waved her thin snow white arm at the working maid's face and got no response.

"A magnificent yet terrifying ability of my Dao," Da Hai whispered. "Come, I don't want to find out if anyone can detect me."

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

"I can't believe this," a young man looked in awe at the distant death of Ash Raven. "Not a devil but still a cultivator? Able to easily kill devils? Are devils even supreme anymore?"

"Delan, let's go," Lei Delan's mother called out. "Patriarch Ash Raven will be here soon and we have to leave!"

"Mom," Lei Delan pointed at the distant sky. His mother looked up and gasped in shock. "How?" He uttered.

"I wonder, how do I become a dragon?" The young man muttered softly.

…

"Well that was easy," Qinglong said after the fact only to be punched in the face by Bai Jian then kicked by Zulong.

"WHY?" The downed dragon howled.

"Don't tempt fate brother/my friend," they said. Zulong could already feel the headaches he suffered during his tenure as city lord while Bai Jian felt his scars itch.

Splash!

The dragons and swordsman turned their heads as a massive eel slithered back into the city. The eel curled up and transformed into the mayor of Nan Dao Chen and looked around in shock.

"What are you?" He barely made out the words in shock.

"A dragon and your emperor," Zulong said confidently.

"Damned fool, I'd like to see you say that to Luohu," the eel man scoffed. "You don't seem to be from around these parts so let me give you some advice. Stay out of the devilish Dao's way, go back to where you came from and live peacefully. Don't try anything, it's not worth the danger."

The eel man surveyed the city again. "Looks like I'm gonna have to rebuild again someplace else. You can have this city."

"Wait, eel daoist," Yinglong suddenly called out. "Why do this? Why bother to warn us?"

"Well, you did kinda save my life there. No way I was fast enough to get away," the former mayor awkwardly said. "But you also ruined any chances of me joining the devilish Dao."

"Do you denizens of the west sea really want to join up with the mainland?" Bai Jian suddenly asked. "I know there's a bleed in effect there but aren't you under the jurisdiction of that sea emperor?"

"Right, the west sea is still ruled by emperor Si Hai," Qinglong nodded along with Yinglong.

"Piss on that, what has that fat turd ever done for us? Sit on his tentacle ass all day, not even so much as a visit, nothing," the eel man turned around and walked away.

"He truly doesn't even visit?" Zulong couldn't help but ask. "I'll admit, I don't have the most up to date information about him. What has he been up to if not ruling?"

"No idea, the bastard's never left his palace in the south seas since whatever it was he tried in the east," the eel man admitted.

"The east? This should be several tens of thousands of years ago yes?" Zulong asked for confirmation.

"Near the beginning of this yuanhui yes, don't know much about it but seems he tried to invade the east but got repelled. Don't really get much news from the east," the eel man said.

"You should be careful, with Ash Raven dead Taotie probably knows as well. For all our sakes, we should run as far as we can," with that said the former mayor flashed away without waiting for a reply.

"Taotie," Zulong frowned. He was kicking himself in that moment. He hadn't thought of Taotie, his recklessness had caught up to him.

"Don't worry about Taotie," Da Hai's voice suddenly disrupted the dragon's thoughts.

"Master?" Zulong, Qinglong, and Yinglong looked around as soon as they heard the voice. Bai Jian stood around confused wondering what the dragons were doing. Da Hai had only communicated with the three after all.

"Let me handle the devil's upper echelons, but take heed of the eel's warning. Do not enter the west continent," Da Hai said in a grave tone. The dragon brothers nodded.

"Understood master," the three of them mentally replied and Da Hai's presence faded from their minds.

"Taotie's taken care of," Qinglong informed Bai Jian.

"How did you…"

"Our master has taken care of him," Zulong cut him off confidently.

"Your faith is astounding," Bai Jian said. "A person's more likely to leave you to die in this situation."

"Our master is not just anyone," Qinglong said. "He's the greatest powerhouse of the east sea."

"Greatest? I would like to meet a man like that," Bai Jian said smiling. "Just what kind of balls must he have to challenge the devilish Dao."

"More than you kitty," Qinglong joked laughing. Bai Jian then realised his tail was still out and curled it back into his armour. His fluffy black and white tail did resemble a feline very much.

"Why are you trying to hide it Bai Jian?" Qinglong asked.

"It's called keeping a low profile," Bai Jian said.

"I don't think you know what that means," Qinglong said. "Everyone we've come across recognised you on first contact. You didn't even change your face."

"Commoners don't," Bai Jian countered. "And I refuse to change this handsome face," he snarked.

"Suit yourself," Qinglong said with a smile. Bai Jian's face also broke into a small smile.

By the next day, the news had already broken out in Nan Dao Chen. Ash Raven was dead, slain by Zulong in a quick battle. Slain before anyone had even noticed his arrival.

"Well fuck," Zulong muttered as he observed the agitated city from the manse of the former city lord. The key problem was the succession crisis.

The eel man had no children nor wives and had jumped ship due to the devilish Dao. It turns out, Nan Dao Chen was an elaborate scheme by the west sea's Gleaming Eel clan to curry favour to the local devil overlords. They had aimed to showcase their administrative abilities and economic skills and gain positions as governors under the devil's watch.

The west continent was fully within the grasp of the devilish Dao. Everything from somewhat traced back to them in some way shape or form. Cultivation especially held the devilish Dao as an integral core.

From the texts analysed from Nan Dao Chen's mayor's private library. Even the creation of one's own Dao centred around the devilish Dao. The core understandings of seven emotions six desires were present within Dao itself.

"All devils had been successful immortals," Zulong muttered. "They kill off all the ones unable to ascend, they teach one path for cultivation in the guise of many," he frowned as he remembered some of the sutras he read the previous evening.

"Big brother, the civilian representative is here to see you now," Yinglong said from outside the eel man's office. Zulong put down a scroll and walked out. He would think more on the subject later.

"Yinlong," Zulong called out as the two were walking down the hallway. "How are the prisoner's doing?"

"Same as yesterday, intimidated and in denial," the winged dragon replied. "An expected reaction, their exalted devil overlord was casually killed and their famed supreme devil is still not here even after a full day despite the absurd speed of Daluo Golden Immortals."

"West continent's supreme devils, the former four evils of old and the demon king of the sixth heaven," Zulong recounted. "It's distressing knowing that there are so many superpowers so close to us."

"Makes you wonder doesn't it?" Yinglong said. "Where did all the rest of the old seniors go after the war?"

"Worry about them later, for now, let us deal with the present situation," Zulong said ending the conversation. He pressed both hands on the heavy wooden door and pushed it open revealing the meeting room stacked with a few seats and tables and cups of drinks.

Several people were already present. Bai Jian and Qinglong who looked bored and uninterested, and the civilian rep who sat nervously across them. Zulong took his place at the main seat. He took note of the rep's cultivation. She was already a Heavenly Immortal which probably factored into why she was chosen.

Nan Dao Chen was a city that intersected between the west continent proper and the west sea. As such, despite the devil heavy influence, a large portion of inhabitants were from the west sea.

Previously, Ash Raven sect's fighters were captured and imprisoned. Their cultivations were sealed and their bodies chained by bindings of auspicious clouds. This retinue included Immortals and even some Golden Immortals.

The majority of the civilians had various levels of lower cultivation with the majority below the immortal realms making them mortals. However, as a cultivation heavy settlement, there were a large portion of immortals.

This woman was one of the more famed members of the latter. A carp cultivator named Teng Ya. She was known to be a capable combatant and a talent who migrated from the west sea.

"So Ms Teng, what do you wish to ask?" Zulong began.

"Ah, well lord Zulong," the woman gulped. "We of Nan Dao Chen would like to know what is to be done with us? With the death of Ash Raven and the disappearance of the mayor, many of us are worried about repercussions from the devilish Dao. We're not exactly a small unknown village."

"Yes, I understand your plight," Zulong said displaying genuine empathy. "From my understanding, you are all devils. Would the devilish Dao truly senselessly destroy you all?"

"For a no name devil? No. But you killed Ash Raven, one of the few Da Luo Golden Immortal hopefuls. He's too big for this to be ignored for long," Teng Ya said.

She understood that from her position, she cannot truly demand anything of Zulong else risking his ire. Experts on his level were known to be fickle. The strong ruled over the weak, why else was she nominated to lead?

Karmic ties of cause and effect only went so far. It was only in extreme cases would the Heavenly Dao directly intervene. The use of karmic ties with Zulong was there but it was nowhere near enough to force him to stay. The dragon's positive karma already far outweighs what he had to pay.

"I have heard your words, Ms Teng, I Zulong am not an ungracious sort. I will figure something out. You have my word," Zulong said.

Teng Ya smile softly. "Thank you lord Zulong. We of Nan Dao Chen are thankful of you no matter what some say. The losses of our children were always harsh especially for us from the west sea."

Zulong inwardly smiled knowing he'd made a positive impact. "Does the west sea truly wish to follow the devilish Dao?" He asked.

Teng Ya was slightly taken aback by the sudden question. "Yes, my lord," she answered. "Despite all their misgivings, the devilish Dao is the best option in the world. Their cultivation method is a guaranteed success, it's just that their admission comes at high risks."

The woman took a brief breath of irritation, "It's not like his majesty would do anything about it."

"You refer to emperor Si Hai," Zulong confirmed and Teng Ya nodded.

"His majesty declared us his property and never looked back. I remember my parents once saying that they'd only seen him once and they were nobles of my home clan," Teng Ya said.

"The people of Nan Dao Chen know what Si Hai is like. The devilish Dao for all their risks are competent leaders. But now that they're likely against us as well…" she trailed off.

"I see," Zulong said rubbing his bare chin in contemplation. "I have heard your pleas. You may return and assure your fellow civilians. I am not going anywhere."

Teng Ya bowed to the dragon and headed off leaving the dragons and swordsman by themselves.

"Why did you promise her?" Yinglong sighed. "Now we're stuck here for who knows how long. That was most unwise brother."

"We are responsible for their current plight. Would you want others to talk about us dragons as troublemakers bringing disaster to all we interact with?" Zulong growled in annoyance.

"Of course not brother," Yinglong doubled back. "But we are now in a land far from home, unfamiliar and dangerous. We can afford the karma cost to leave and still retain a large positive overall pool."

"Brothers please," Qinglong's guilty voice interrupted. "It was my fault in the first place. I volunteer to remain to guard them."

"Absolutely not!" Both older dragons retorted. "Family don't leave each other behind," Zulong reminded.

"But if it means big brother would not be tied down, I Qinglong am willing," the azure dragon insisted.

Bai Jian who was only watching felt moved. The closeness of the dragons triggered a sense of longing in his chest. Distant memories of a lone tiger of black and white aimlessly wandering the jungles surfaced to mind.

"You all," Bai Jian interrupted the dragons. "I'm already an enemy of the devils in the first place. I have no issues in staying to help out."

"No fellow daoist, this is our problem. I cannot just ask an outsider to get involved," Zulong said. "Unless you're suggesting joining my empire," the dragon suggested with a devious smirk.

"What?" Before Bai Jian could respond however Zulong chuckled.

"I jest, I refuse to use to manipulate you," the dragon pridefully said. "I have another solution in mind."

"Oh?" The dragons and Bai Jian's attention turned to Zulong who rubbed his inter spacial ring. A crude crystal appeared in the palm of his hand.

"What is that?" The younger dragons and Bai Jian asked.

"Experimental tools," Zulong said and crushed the crystal. A small light flew out and disappeared.

"Was that supposed to do something?" Qinglong asked.

"Give it a few days. If I'm right master shouldn't be too far so this should reach him," Zulong said.

"So a sort of communication device?" Yinglong asked.

"Yes, mental message compressed into a small signal released by the destruction of the crystal which acts as both storage and launcher. They're designed to search for a specific receiver," Zulong said. "Yu'er wanted to fund it and I obliged. Master's got one as a gift."

"Oh, amazing," the dragons praised.

---

To expand on that last bit. Zulong can't actually track Da Hai hence why he can't reach out himself. He was able to extrapolate Da Hai's location based on last chapter's events and deem that the distance was close enough for the communication crystal to work. Waiting for Da Hai to reach him would take too long so he opted to catch his attention this way.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The week following was a quiet one. The feeling of dread had not left Nan Dao Chen. During this intervening period, the dragons assumed the former mayor's role. Zulong took this as an opportunity to train his siblings in administrative duties.

Nearly two weeks of waiting went by before a watery splash occurred in the mayor's mansion. Formed from the mass of water was the middle aged spongey blond haired form of Da Hai and besides him the snow white moth fairy who assumed her duties as the head maid of Yingzhou.

The dragons were the only ones who detected him and immediately abandoned everything to pay their respects.

"Master," the dragons greeted Da Hai with a bow. The ancient godfiend smiled softly with satisfaction. He couldn't stop the warmth in his chest.

"Stand disciples," Da Hai instructed. "I have received your message Zulong. What do you need help with?"

The eldest dragon embarrassingly scratched his cheek. Truth be told he had to swallow his pride to call for aid. The previous week had caught him in a pickle.

Zulong explained the situation to Da Hai in great detail. Although he surmised that the greater immortal likely already knew simply based on deduction through passive divination. Either that or he was following them the entire time.

Da Luo Golden Immortals were fast but they weren't quite that fast. Crossing the entire wilderness from east to west will still take years. In Zulong's mind, the most likely event was that his master was following him from the beginning.

"Tying yourself to karma greatly limits one's aspirations," Da Hai said with a sigh. "You were reckless in your proclamation. As a follower of the Dao, your path cannot be halted partway through."

"I will never back down from responsibility master, I made that choice knowingly," Zulong retorted. "I am a ruler by choice. It was bound to happen sooner than later."

"Choice huh?" Da Hai mused quietly.

"It still does not mitigate the danger. You are right where no less then five Da Luo Golden Immortals can reach you. Some of them are probably already at the Hunyuan stage, perhaps even Hunyuan Da Luo," Da Hai said angrily.

"Master, it was my fault," Qinglong called out. "Do not think harshly on big brother. It was my reckless actions that put us in danger in the first place."

"Qinglong," Da Hai began. "While I admire your sense of justice, understand that actions have consequences. I'm sure you understand pragmatism?"

"I do master. But to see so much senseless slaughter did not sit well with me," Qinglong said with Zulong nodding slightly as well.

"Just be careful next time," Da Hai said finally. "The west is full of enemies. Zulong, remember this well."

The group walked into a conference hall where they sat down again. This time Da Hai took the main seat whereas Zulong sat at the side. Not long after, the moth fairy came back with drinks acquired from somewhere.

Da Hai glanced out at the city through a nearby window taking in the sights. Nan Dao Chen was a dead man walking. News hadn't gotten out yet but it will in time.

The most Da Hai did was delay the inevitable for a few more years. Taotie was simple to deal with, even Qiong Qi wasn't too hard. Go higher however and things get complicated.

The prospects of recruiting others to help had crossed his mind many times. However, many of the modern godfiends are missing or dead. Shen Feng was out of the question, Qiankun preferred to be isolated, Si Hai was hostile, the others were missing.

"Zulong, Qinglong, Yinglong, this is what I can do," Da Hai began. "With my power, I can transport Nan Dao Chen to the east. I shall settle them in your territory. The sudden relocation may be tough on them though so that will be your problem to deal with."

"Understood master," Zulong acknowledged. "But I am still in the midst of my journey. I cannot break away from it now."

"Not to worry disciple. Nan Dao Chen's inhabitants have low cultivations," Da Hai assured. "I shall freeze them in spacetime until you return. Is that acceptable with you all?"

"Yes," the group of immortals agreed. The casual suggestion of such a feat had surprised them. Was the gap between Taiyi and Da Luo truly so large? Or was Da Hai perhaps even above Da Luo Golden Immortals?

"Definitely not a small fry," Bai Jian muttered. Freezing spacetime with the current stability of the primitive world required a lot of power. Power most immortals simply did not have.

Da Hai nodded. He raised a palm and squeezed it into a fist. Before anyone noticed what was happening. The dragons and swordsmen were floating midair. The room they were in was simply gone.

Looking around, they realised that what surrounded them was merely a crater. The entire city was missing, Nan Dao Chen had vanished in an instant.

Da Hai coughed grabbing their attention. They noticed that within the sea god's palm was a miniature dome shaped island with a city occupying most of the land. It was the former hub of Nan Dao Chen, frozen still and miniaturised.

"If nothing else, I will take my leave," Da Hai said. He stored the city in another dimension and turned around. "Make haste on your decisions and don't stay for too long. I will distract the major forces for as long as I can."

With a second motion, Da Hai tore the fabric of reality and entered the spatial crack created. He disappeared from the wilderness as if he never existed in the first place with the moth fairy trailing behind him. The woman gave them a soft smile and waved goodbye as she went.

"Strong," Bai Jian was the first to break the silence. The dragons agreed. Rarely does Da Hai ever showcase his power. Rarely does he come off as anything other than a normal person. Of course, those with high cultivation can see latent power within, but it was different between noticing and seeing firsthand.

"I would love to see a battle on his calibre," Bai Jian said slowly.

"In all my years, I have only seen one such battle," Zulong said. "And even then I was barely conscious, barely able to perceive my surroundings." The group took a few moments to grasp their surroundings.

"Well, since further inwards is a no go. Let's head into the open ocean," Qinglong said energetically. "There's still that treasure we need to see."

"Agreed brother," Yinglong nodded. "There is little for us here now. Master also warned us just now, departing quickly is a sound plan."

Zulong nodded and turned to Bai Jian. "Are you coming?" He offered.

"Might as well," Bai Jian said. "I was going that way to begin with. The signals I'm picking up tells me this is at least high grade xiantian. Expect some tough competition."

"As is all cases of xiantian treasures, especially high grade," Zulong agreed. The group flew further westwards in anticipation. The fact of who gets the treasure was left unsaid. It was good to break down friendships so quickly with such a topic.

…

Da Hai stood in a colourless void between worlds completely invisible. He stared uneasily at the west continent and the pale eye projection looking around in confusion.

The self proclaimed demon king Mara was actively scanning the west continent for signs of Da Hai. Well, to be specific it wasn't Da Hai he was looking for.

Mara was trying to see which Da Luo Golden Immortal had acted in the west. A distraction to take their eyes off of the dragons until they crossed deep enough into the west sea.

The trail left by and activated by Da Hai just now crosses around the west continent, zigzagging towards the south and central continents. Mara was still following the windy paths as Zulong's group travelled.

"The young lord will be fine," the moth fairy assured. "He and the others are already transcendent among Taiyi Golden Immortals. Nothing short of a true Da Luo Golden Immortal can stop them."

"Da Luo Golden Immortals are strong," Da Hai replied. "But even they are still insects to higher powers. Hunyuan, Hunyuan Da Luo, Hunyuan Wuji Luo. They may substages of Da Luo Golden Immortal, but they might as well be realms in and of themselves."

"This servant was ignorant, I thank the great lord for sharing his wisdom," the moth fairy bowed.

"Take heed of it and don't be arrogant," Da Hai said. "Continue practising. Only when one reaches the higher realms can they truly make a difference."

Moth fairy raised an eyebrow. She felt that Da Hai wasn't really speaking to her. In fact, he seemed to be paying less and less attention to her.

…

"MHMM!" A blacked haired woman with messy hair and tattered red and yellow dress screeched through her bindings. She glared bloody murder at her kidnappers. Her gaze was so venomous that if she were free, these men would be paste.

"Dishonourable cur, I'll tear you to pieces," she said, though her voice came out in muffled sounds.

"You sure we can't just kill her?" An angry man who'd been viciously damaged said. He still bore bloody burning scars. Bits of his skin was blackened with burns.

"No, her life binding talisman will activate and that bitch will know," the leader, a man in better condition replied. He looked very uneasy at the moment. His entire army had been slaughtered until the merger dozens before him. However, the trap was successfully deployed.

Formations were powerful things in this world. A mighty enough formation allowed even an army of Heavenly Immortals, Profound Immortals, and True Immortals to take down a Taiyi Golden Immortal.

Their leader was merely a Golden Immortal. Yet he wielded a legendary artefact salvaged during the Shenni war. The Kunwu sword.

A clever formation allowed for the deployment of the visage of the Kunwu god in his heyday. An insurmountable figure able to match their target in combat. This followed by the usage of the cosmic rope allowed for the capture of the sister of the supreme king of birds.

"Prime minister Sha said to bring her alive," the leader replied.

"But general Chi, she killed…"

"I know who she killed soldier. But orders are orders," general Chi said. "For the betterment of the four seas empire, we need her alive."

To the side, Zhuque seethed in both embarrassment and rage. A stroll, followed by a rumour of a new treasure in the west, followed by an ambush by a bunch of lesser beings. 'What ridiculous day,' she thought.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Massive amounts of seawater swirled, twisting the surface of the ocean into rippling whirlpools. Primordial Qi was extremely rich in this environment, almost suffocating. Any weaker lifeforms have long since fled from the region.

"Even though we are still a distance away, we can already feel such powerful phenomenons," Yinglong said in wonder as the group of dragons and rogue cultivator passed through the ocean. "Are we sure this is only a high grade treasure?"

"At this rate? Probably not," Zulong stated with agreement from Bai Jian. This amount of supernatural phenomenons and in such power was on its way of eclipsing what a high grade xiantian treasure could produce.

Yinglong dodged to the side avoiding a large wave kicked up by the commotion. "How much further?" He asked.

"I don't think we're far," Zulong said before frowning. "It's hard to tell with so much disturbance, I can barely get any read on the signals."

The sky of the west sea had long since darkened into a storm. The dragons turned their gaze upwards at the luminous clouds. It was extremely similar to the event which birthed them and the two treasures Zulong carries.

"Bai Jian, what about you?" Qinglong asked.

"I can subtlety feel it. But Zulong is right, there are so much primordial Qi in the area that it's hard to tell what is what anymore. It's like a million voices screaming at once," the white haired swordsman said in annoyance.

The waters raged and raged. The sky rumbled and howled. Lightning was beginning to descend with booming thunder. A subtle cry was somewhat heard admist the storm.

Zulong frowned, were they mistaken. Instead of a new treasure, was this a new lifeform instead? An innate god like himself and his brothers? The possibility was very likely.

"Let's check this out, brothers be careful," Zulong instructed and strolled forwards. His footsteps echoed through the air suppressing the winds and waves coming towards him. He was not touching solid ground, but rather using a form of spell that created a similar effect.

With each step, he paved the way and others followed. A stable path devoid of danger. Assured and steady.

The storm was beginning to get more violent. The west sea itself was also tossing and turning. Out of the corner of his eye, Zulong could see some cultivators fleeing from the eye of the storm. He nodded silently, it was wise to leave if one did not possess the power to be here.

"The build up is reaching a crescendo," Bai Jian said. His eyes glowed a pale blue scanning far into the distance. He narrowed his eyes concentrating his supernatural vision. "That way," he said pointing southwest of their current location.

Zulong nodded and led the charge. As they moved further and further, the storm became stronger and stronger. A unanimous thought surfaced among the group. This was no longer just a simple treasure.

A month passed as the group travelled to the epicentre. For the dragons and rogue cultivator, it was not a journey that was too difficult. However, they couldn't shake a certain feeling of dread.

Qinglong observed the waters below him and narrowed his eyes. His sixth sense has been going off for the past month and he couldn't quite grasp what it was. Besides him, Bai Jian was also experiencing the same thing. It was almost irritating.

…

"Hold steady," the Golden Immortal general Chi commanded his remaining troops. The treasure ship that was the prison facility currently transporting his prisoner had been caught roughly by the violent waves.

Water was almost second nature for seafood like general Chi but even a storm such as this can be overbearing to deal with. 'We were lucky reinforcements arrived,' the general thought.

If the emperor of the four seas had not had the foresight to send more troupes after his departure, they would've been unable to hold Zhuque. This mere act was beginning to restore the general's faith in the emperor.

The general had sighed in relief when the twenty-sixth army arrived. They were one of the new legions formed after the disastrous war that was the eastern war and were filled with immortal soldiers of great strength. A sizeable portion had even crossed into the True Immortal realm.

Si Hai's prime minister Sha was much more liberal in the use of cultivation resources than the emperor himself. Perhaps that's why the poor man had died.

General Chi had only gotten the news from a fellow soldier when the reinforcements arrived with the ship. The emperor had come out of seclusion sometime ago and the first act of his agenda was to behead the prime minister. Although he'd miss the man, he didn't think too much about it, Si Hai's temper wasn't something he'd want to risk.

High grade xiantian treasure, the universe traversing boat. General Chi wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. He'd use this ship to get home first and report. He looked nervously across the deck, the muscular figure of Si Hai sat lazily on a makeshift throne eating and drinking away. He was oozing with arrogance and contempt.

Words needn't be exchanged for the message to be sent. General Chi was a swordfish, he should have no trouble with the sea.

Si Hai yawned in boredom. He looked northwest with anticipation and interest. He'd take his new treasure first, then take care of the east sea's Da Hai. Finally, that rebellious chicken on the mainland will be dealt with.

'So much to do so little time,' Si Hai idly thought. 'Pitiful illusions won't be a problem anymore. Pathetic of you Da Hai, honestly, relying on illusions to fight, how the mighty have fallen.'

The emperor of the sea tapped his armrest watching as his incompetent generals steered the ship. He was half a mind to disintegrate them for it. However, that one swordfish named Chi had reached the Golden Immortal realm. Something very few innate creatures can claim.

His mood was slowly improving, having to be woken up to find more then half his vault missing was maddening. Waking up to find a scurrying rat using his things was maddening. Waking up to find a couple of tiny chickens claiming to be emperor was rage inducing.

He had half a mind to eat the bird Chi had captured right now. But he decided it was more fitting of a punishment to eat her infant of her sister. That would be much more satisfying.

Said prisoner was silently meditating. Zhuque looked like a statue completely still. She made no movements nor sound and was quite unnerving for those guarding her. However, she was no longer bound. Her ropes were removed and the only thing holding her back were weak steel bars. A subtle message from her captor.

The vermillion bird opened a sliver of her eye. The arrogance of Si Hai was well known to her. He had not bothered to seal her cultivation. As such, she was able to detect her surroundings with accuracy.

'A chaos godfiend forefather,' she thought grimly. The prospects of getting away were not good. She'd long since calmed down from her initial defeat but she was still very much uneasy. Waiting for a good opportunity just got a lot harder.

A bolt of immortal lightning struck the sea in an explosion that tossed the ship along the waves. The tussling water disturbed Si Hai who slammed his fist into his armrest forcefully calming the waves.

Another bolt of lightning struck out. In fact, the storm had gotten very wild. General Chi drew the Kunwu sword and slashed a bolt apart. He cast a look at his men and immediately went to rescue the weaker ones.

Between Immortals and mortals, the former can somewhat take care of themselves in this storm. The current bolts of lighting had reached a stage where they were genuine threats to Heavenly Immortals. Only Golden immortals like general Chi was safe.

Several thousand kilometres away, Zulong and his group defended themselves from the assaulting lightning. The golden lightning bounced harmlessly off of the dragon's scales while Bai Jian seemed to not be affected at all.

"Something is happening," Bai Jian said. His blue eyes shone brightly in the dark sky. The dragons each nodded and braced themselves.

As if on signal, the water around them all exploded in a fountain of power. Erupting from deep within the earth was a geyser of raw primordial Qi. It shot high into the sky connecting with the heavens above.

The sight of the three hundred sixty five stars was even visible beyond the pillar. It was as if a ladder was being constructed that reached the stars themselves.

'Such a terrifying natural phenomenon,' Zulong thought as the dark clouds were blasted apart. He shielded his eyes at the ensuing light. Even Si Hai was forced to look away and wait for the light to settle.

When it did, an island had appeared in its place. A landmass stretching on for at least fifty thousand kilometres and reassembled a continent in and of itself. It was an extremely beautiful location, one filled with soft forests and shining rivers.

It's most notable feature was a tall thick tree with a purple trunk and dark green leaves. Its bark had the texture of an elm tree and on its branches gre yellow wrinkly fruits resembling jujubes.

The tree sat comfortably on a hill beside a river leading up to it. Its trunk was so tall that it touched the sky. A small opening at the peak of the trunk revealed a small opening into the starry sky itself. Its branches radiated with stellar Qi absorbed from the stars which in turn empowered the tree.

"No doubt about it, this is on par with the Fusang tree at least," Zulong said feeling overwhelmed. The sudden rapid buildup was beyond his expectations. It was like a giant had suddenly awoken, taking the place of a much less significant event.

The prospects of it scarred Zulong. This tree was connected to the starry sky. From the looks of it, it was rooted in place. Cutting it down will not be simple, nor easy. The dragon looked at the roots, they seemed irrelevant when put in comparison to the trunk but they too were hiding something.

Zulong looked at the land below and spotted a glimmering light. It condensed into a small lantern shaped like a lotus. It was green in colour and shimmered with immortal power. Evidently, it was a high grade xiantian treasure.

"Looks like this is it," Bai Jian said. He folded his arm and looks somewhat disappointed. He was hoping for a new weapon to wield in combat, preferable a sword. As such his disappointment was understandable.

The group descended near the tree and took in the sights around them. The river leading up to the tree was crystal clear. The water was sparkling and very beautiful. Zulong took a small drink and smiled in amazement. The life giving power of the water was astounding, it was better than any longevity pill he'd tried, second only to the Fusang tree's mulberry fruits.

Upon further inspection, the water was directly flowing from the tree. It was the plant that was probably the source of the life-force.

'Wait no, that's not it either,' Zulogn thought.

"Come out," Bai Jian suddenly announced. His booming voice rippled the water. Zulong raised his eyebrow, had Bai Jian seen something he didn't?

In response to the rogue cultivator's command, the water rippled. Something cloaked in white fur swam to the surface. It was a creature brimming with power, an innate god of the Golden Immortal realm.

He resembled a fox with snow white fur. He had small horns protrusions lining his back. This deity also possessed a long flowing tail.

The fox creature swam up to the surface and walked up to the group. Its feat touched the grass softly and gracefully.

"Who are you supposed to be?" Bai Jian asked.

"Chenghuang," the fox said softly.

"You after the lantern?" The swordsman asked again.

"No," Chenghuang answered.

"Oh? Not interested in a weapon to supplement your strength?"

"No," Chenghuang answered softly.

"Ah, you know you can't win here," Bai Jian said in realisation.

"Yes."

"Not much of a talker is he?" Qinglong commented. Indeed, Chenghuang spoke softly and only in short words. He looked to be very mildly tempered.

Suddenly, the wind kicked up. Zulong narrowed his eyes. This feeling was very familiar, the exact same as an old enemy.

A sharp claw made of air swept the area. It flattened trees and carved the land. Zulong, Qinglong, Yinglong, and Bai Jian leapt out of the way immediately. Chenghuang had also followed their example and jumped out of the way, his flowing tail was very beautiful as he did so.

"Shen Feng," Zulong stated with no small amounts of contempt. The blade of wind clashed harmlessly along the tree but the effect was achieved. The ancestor of divine winds had appeared right next to the lantern and gripped the handle.

"This treasure is mine. On the account of your master, I'll show some mercy," Shen Feng claimed. He signalled for the dragons to leave. Zulong felt extremely conflicted, on one hand, Shen Feng was a Da Luo Golden Immortal. On another, the chaos godfiend wasn't particularly strong.

There was a real possibility Zulogn could win. But he quickly squashed that thought. The risk associated wasn't worth the trouble.

"Mere high grade isn't worth such efforts," Zulong said to his teammates.

"Just where did that guy come from?" Bai Jian asked grimly.

"He always shows up at the most inopportune of times," Qinglong growled. "Liken him to scavenger," he said.

"JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?" An arrogant voice boomed on the horizon. The shirtless Si Hai carrying his harpoon stood mid air looking at Shen Feng with unhidden contempt.


"I saw that first," the emperor of the four seas said. Shen Feng took a small step back. He was sweating since Si Hai first appeared. The previous storm made sensing anything difficult and Shen Feng couldn't feel the emperor at all.

Wordlessly, Shen Feng unleashed a hurricane. He kicked up a storm that engulfed the island uncaring of who he hit. He struck everywhere with his power and threw his wind blast at the emperor of the sea.

Si Hai scoffed and punched out at the wind.

Even Zulong took a minute to steady his footing and held his allies back. Chenghuang had bolted and ran behind the tree's massive roots to hide. His tiny size made such a task easy.

"Let's get out of here," Zulong instructed. Si Hai had already engaged Shen Feng, this was a very good opportunity.

As the wind kicked up, the sea rose to meet it. Wind and water clashed tearing the land apart. Chenghuang who was hidden looked enraged at seeing his birth place damaged so but remained out of sight and safe.

Beyond anyone's notice. A red bird flew out into the sky, she took one look at the battle and turned to leave.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

'Gotta run, gotta run, gotta run,' Zhuque chanted within her mind as she flew low on the ocean surface. She took care not to make herself too noticeable and as such did not ignite her flames. Even so, her gorgeous feathers and long tail feathers were very noticeable. She was like a peacock trying to hide its colours.

"Don't let her get away," general Chi commanded his army of hundred thousand. They drive the high grade xiantian treasure after Zhuque who looked back in annoyance.

"If not for that defensive treasure, I'll incinerate you!" She threatened. She flapped her wings and kicked a flying debris towards the boat. General Chi swung the kunwu sword in response.

"Getting chased by small fries, sister will be so angry," Zhuque said self deprecatingly. Her tail feathers shot out arrows of orange light in a shower of spears.

"Activate the defences," general Chi commanded. A grey dome manifested on the ship defending them against the attack. However, in order to do so, much power was diverted away from speed.

"General, the eleventh, sixteenth, eighth, and second regiments are out of power," a commanding soldier said.

"Get the next batch ready, we can't let her escape," general Chi ordered. He stabbed out with the kunwu sword with all his might. His artefact once belonged to a mighty chaos goldfield. The remnant will of the sword possessed terrifying might.

Chi stabbed the sword down at the sea. The waters answered the call, waves upon waves darkened into murky pillars of ice. They shot up at the unsuspecting Zhuque.

"What the?" Zhuque barely uttered out before her abdomen was smashed by the black ice. The vermillion bird gasped in pain and had to quickly steady herself. She looked back in annoyance.

"So persistent, are you looking to die?" Zhuque opened her beak and spewed forth waves of red hot fire. General Chi keeled back and tried to defend his men with the kunwu sword.

"Quickly, pool your strengths together, manifest the kunwu god," he commanded.

…

"Brother," Qinglong called out to Zulong. "Over there," he said pointing at the bird armoured figure of the kunwu god facing off against Zhuque.

"What is it Qinglong?" Zulong enquired looking over. He frowned and asked, "Were you not listening to master's warnings?"

"I have brother, but this…I have a feeling that I have to help that fellow daoist," Qinglong said. "Please, only good things will come," he begged.

"The same feeling you had with Xuanwu and Bai Jian," Zulong stated for confirmation. When the azure dragon nodded Zulong sighed. "Do what you must," he said.

Bai Jian also looked at Zhuque from a distance. The vermillion bird was not struggling with the kunwu god but she was tied down. He'd seen where she'd flown from and both he and the dragons could extrapolate theories.

A silent understanding came between both innate gods. They descended in a heartbeat. Between the two, Bai Jian had superior firepower whereas Qinglong had more mystical power.

The enormous image of the Venus star appeared behind Bai Jian, resembling a golden metal ball. Behind Qinglong appeared the Jupiter star, appearing like a wooden construct. Both celestial bodies empowered one another and sent a wave of power that washed over Zhuque and the kunwu god.

"What was that?" Both Bai Jian and Qinglong uttered. Instinctual knowledge appeared in their minds when they began their move. Zhuque seemed to have also benefited.

The avian's forehead glowed with a circular image of the Mars star in all its fiery glory.

"Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Mercury," Yinglong muttered in contemplation and looked at Zulong. Both dragons had concluded that something strange was going on between the four individuals who feared such planer powers.

"Qinglong born in the east holds Jupiter the wood star, Xuanwu of the north holding Mercury the water star, Bai Jian whom we still don't know his real name of the west holds Venus the gold star. Then there is this newcomer who holds Mars the fire star," Zulong said in deep thought.

"I've read master's library before, aunt master Wangshu had gifted stellar charts that corresponded with master's diagrams of the five elements. Each of those stars represents one of the elements," Yinglong concluded. "Could our little brother have inherited something from the late daoist of the five elements?"

Zhuque looked bewildered at the two men who appeared before her. They looked puny compared to her gargantuan bird form, mere specs of dust before her six thousand kilometre wingspan.

Distantly, the kunwu god stood aboard the universe traversing boat. It stood proud and tall at just shy of four thousand kilometres. It brimmed with the power of over a hundred thousand elite immortals in addition to a high grade and top grade xiantian spiritual treasure. Multiple lesser treasures on board were also used. Needless to say, the resulting titan was on par with a Taiyi Golden Immortal peak.

"Thank you fellow daoists for your assistance," Zhuque said genuinely. "You will be rewarded," she said with a sincere voice.

"There is no need," Qinglong said. "I…" the azure dragon was cut off when the kunwu god held out a rope. Zhuque scowled at the treasure, she flapped her wings to unleash a heatwave.

Bai Jian drew his sword and drew the heat wave into its tip. He then redirected all that power in a burst of red lightning straight through the kunwu god.

"No!" General Chi cried out as thousands of his men died on the spot.

Qinglong joined in as well, he swooped down transforming into a massive dragon and sending tendrils of water to batter the kunwu god around. He soared high into the air and sent a ball of wind right into the Kunwu god staggering him.

Bai Jian jumped in next. His sword glowed with a metallic sheen and he roared like a tiger. The symbol for king on his person flashed as he sliced off the other arm of the formation.

Qinglong's draconic form circled the formation clawing chunks out of it while Zhuque joined him and tearing the kunwu god apart. Their coordination generated waves of hot air.

Zhuque's talons lit aflame. In the presence of Qinglong, her talons elongated into swordlike claws even deadlier than what she was used to. Elated, Zhuque tore into the formation and grabbed with her left talon.

In an instant, she grabbed hold of general Chi and tore him out of the kunwu god. Tightening her grip, she pulverised all the bones in his body, beating him back into a swordfish.

Transforming into her Dao body, Zhuque's delicate hands held the swordfish general's throat with a crushing grip. "Should've given up when you had the chance," she spat igniting the fish. Her prize, the kunwu sword remained idle before flashing to her side.

Zhuque looked up at the azure dragon who simply said, "It's your prize." Nodding, Zhuque pricked her finger and allowed her blood to drop into the sword refining it.

"Thank you," she said smiling brightly. She couldn't explain it but something within her chest told her that she was among allies, among family. Qinglong and Bai Jian smiled as well. 'Now we're just missing one,' they both thought.

"Come, let's get out of here before both seniors realise what's going on," Qinglong said. Zhuque nodded and flew up with them.

"Yes, but first," Zhuque raised her hand. The universe traversing boat shrunk and flew into her palm. She held it out and flew right before Qinglong who'd assumed human form. She placed it in his hands much to his shock.

"I apologise," Zhuque said to Bai Jian. "I regret that I have nothing to gift you."

"No need, no need, it's only a small matter," Bai Jian said dismissively.

"No, no, no, I will find something," Zhuque insisted before Qinglong handed the boat back.

"I can't accept this, their grievances were with you. I am an irrelevant party," he said. "This should be your prize."

"The hell you are, just accept it," Zhuque insisted. This routine went back and forth for a bit before Qinglong relented when Bai Jian knocked both their heads and pointed at the battle of Da Luo Golden Immortals.

"Fine, but we should get going," the dragon said.

"I know a place where we'd be safe, it's in the south continent but it's on the main land," Zhuque replied.

"Very well," Qinglong said. "Brothers, let's go," he called out to Zulogn and Yinglong. The two dragons flew along with them and nodded.

"Looks like our time west is over, let's head south," Zulong said.

"These two are?" Zhuque began before Qinglong interrupted her.

"Introductions can wait, we should get away first," he said. The rest nodded in agreement and picked up speed. They flew by broken fragments of the island that were drifting away by the shockwaves. Looking back, everyone but Zulong could barely perceive what was going on.

Si Hai battle with Shen Feng had spiralled out of control. But the emperor of the four seas clearly held the advantage. His true form in all its grotesque glory laughed at Shen Feng. His razor like mouth grinned maniacally.

"Ah Sheng Feng, you've gotten worse," he tainted. Lashing out with his tentacles, he kicked the wind god square in the chest. He held the harpoon and stabbed at Sheng Feng.

However, the patriarch of divine wind's red eyes shot out beams of light that grazed Si Hai's scales. His smokey body lashed out like a spiral of blades made of wind. He was like a spinning top and grinder Si Hai until he could fly away.

"I could say the same for you Si Hai," Shen Feng taunted back. He chained his ball appendages into a large mace and smashed Si Hai across his face and thin neck.

Si Hai's shark face scowled. He punched a second blow away staggering Shen Feng and grabbed both his wings with his arms before ripping them off. His harpoon stabbed into Shen Feng's body. Bringing another fist down, he smashed Shen Feng's smokey body of air again and again.

"Ragh!" Shen Feng cried in pain and scattered into billions of streams of wind. He flew out of Si Hai's grasp and tried to reform.

The emperor of the sea swung his harpoon in a wide arc drawing up a long arch of water into the newly reformed Sheng Feng. "Bastard," Sheng Feng cried out.

"Hand over my lantern and I may spare your life," Si Hai offered.

"You want the lantern?" Shen Feng said amused. "Here it is!" Sheng Feng held up the lantern.

Si Hai reached out to grab the treasure before suddenly jumping back to dodge. "Shenni?" He cried as the emperor of beast's crimson hairy form snarled at him.

"Heh, so that's its special ability," Shen Feng smirked revealing a mouthful of jagged razor teeth. His pale blank eyes flashed in a dull coloured light. "What a coincidence I've prepared just for this scenario," he said.

Shenni charged at Si Hai but the emperor ignored him. He simply reached out to his left and grabbed a bundle of the spheres of air of Shen Feng that was coming up for a hit.

"How did you?" Shen Feng uttered while Shenni harmlessly passed through Si Hai. "A spell just for illusions?" The wind god suddenly realised. "And here I thought you were a dumb brute," he chuckled.

Si Hai growled, he swung Shen Feng into the air and back down into the ocean surface which hardened into solid ice.

CRASH!

Shen Feng impacted the ground hard. His body was bleeding Dao essence that flew off like fireflies. Si Hai repeated this action several times before raising his harpoon.

"Wait, wait, wait, Si Hai, wait a minute," Shen Feng called out. Si Hai was about to stab down unbothered by Shen Feng's words before stopping when the lantern appeared before him.

"You can't run Shen Feng," Si Hai sneered. "It's mine either way."

"What about your ship?" Shen Feng returned. Confused Si Hai twisted his neck and looked back. His eyes widened.

"No! Those useless grunts," he got off and immediately flew off. Shen Feng smirked, getting up he wasted no time to break the fabric of reality and fly off.

Within the void, Shen Feng made some good distance before halting. His crimson eyes widened in fright at the figure just arriving.

…

"Master, what's wrong?" Xuanwu said getting from his meditation position in a stone pillar. The stone like face of Ao appeared uneasy.

"A commotion is taking place in the west sea," Ao said.

"West sea? But isn't that where Qinglong and the others went?" Xuanwu said in a quick panic. "Are they involved?"

"Indeed," Ao's booming voice replied.

"Shit, I knew I should've gone with them," Xuanwu cursed. He turn and braced himself to fly off at max speed.

"Where are you going? You are nowhere near fast enough to get there without flying for another few centuries," Ao said stopping Xuanwu.

"I have to help them, master, can you help me get there?" Xuanwu asked. He got onto his knees and kowtowed before Ao.

"You lot were born to work as one, fate has decreed it so," Ao said. A tear in reality opened before Xuanwu revealing a portal. On the other side, Xuanwu could see a violent storm. "I've already imparted my cultivation style, go at your own peril."

Without hesitation, Xuanwu jumped through.

"Four innate gods, four stars, four elements, four symbols," Ao mused. "I wonder, your future, it is not bright," he sighed. "Da Hai, the ripples you've made, are they big enough for them to escape their fate?"

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

'Somehow, the storm's gotten worse,' Qinglong thought grimly. The group of five were flying as fast as they could but could not yet escape the storm. The shockwaves from the clash of two Da Luo Golden Immortals had disrupted natural order.

BOOM!

'Another one,' the azure dragon thought to himself. Whatever was happening was incredibly fierce. His divine sense was being scrambled beyond his control. It was as if millions of birds were shrieking into his ear while fire was being shoved into his eyes.

'Looks like they're experiencing the same thing,' Qinlong thought upon noticing the grimacing expressions on his comrades' faces. He'd felt stronger than ever with their presence but even so, it was difficult to observe that fight. Only Zulong remained calm.

'Wait not, why is big brother looking like that?'

Zulong's expression was one of anxiousness. He appeared incredibly twitching. Suddenly his eyes widened.

"Run!" "Those useless grunts!"

His brother's and the booming voice of a greater deity rumbled the heavens. Qinglong turned his neck to look back. His heart froze in a rare moment of fright.

Gargantuan, inconceivable, invincible. These were the only words he could describe the emperor of the four seas. A Da Luo Golden Immortal peak who'd long condensed the Dao fruit. A superior being beyond ordinary understanding.

His arm was raced and he was quickly gaining pace. He'd easily outside all five of them. Besides him, Zhuque looked back in shock and even Bai Jian had a rare frightened expression.

Si Hai's harpoon was raised high in the air. The giant moved unbelievably fast skirting across the surface of the water. His swing was so powerful, it looked as if it could've split the heavens.

Just looking at his movements alone were mesmerising. Qinglong couldn't tear his eyes away. It was both beautiful and frightening at the same time. There were so much packed into it, so much understanding into the Dao. How vicious the ocean was, how violent the storms were. How dangerous water was.

The sky distorted, his vision distorted. Si Hai's appearance was beginning to change. It was as if Qinglong was looking at an ocean storm barreling towards him. A storm formed from the four oceans of the world.

The voices he heard were murderous and zealous. Screaming for blood, screaming for food, screaming for prey. He felt hopeless as if the supreme deity was standing before him. An unstoppable wave that wished for his head.

BOOM!

'GAHGH!' Qinglong, Yinglong, Zhuque, and Bai Jian all cried out in pain.

A massive golden tail slammed into all four of them hard. They were all thrown dozens of kilometres before impacting the water pushing up geysers.

Stretching over ten thousand kilometres. The snarling face of the first dragon Zulong faced the much more powerful emperor Si Hai. His body was bent in a wide arc having moved his tail earlier. He'd managed to force his brothers and friends away in time while narrowly dodging the physical blow.

His size and glow were magnificent. Gleaming golden scales, a radiant imperial aura. His full might as a Taiyi Golden Immortal was on full display. However, the golden scales along his mid section were noticeably glowing less than the rest of his body.

'To think he didn't even make contact,' Zulogn thought. He was incredibly tired. It had taken a lot out of him to resist just the aftershock of the blow. The dragon looked downwards from his floating position. The ocean was split in two for as far as a hundred thousand kilometres at the minimum. It was probably longer by an order of magnitude.

As if fearing for their very existence. None of the water rushed to fill the gap. They were like peasants making way for the king. Cowering in fright, not even daring to meet his eye.

Si Hai's face resembling a cookie cutter shark looked perplexed. He narrowed his eyes and scanned the five Taiyi Golden Immortals and sneered.

"This generation is pathetic," he muttered but clearly intended for his voice to be heard. The insult ignited rage from all those present, sparked by wounded pride. Bai Jian was tempted to pounce with caution thrown to the wind but held himself back, stupidity had no place in this lifetime.

"Just a small slash and you're reduced to this," Si Hai sneered. Zulong had half a mind to yell out that he was an entire realm above him. He shouldn't be able to fight Si Hai.

"Should you really be bullying juniors," Zulong said. Now was not the time to throw his weight around. He needed to be very careful. "We want no part in this, we are merely bystanders with no stake in your dispute. Let us…"

"And yet you are already involved," Si Hai scoffed. He swung his harpoon around and pointed at the woman in red and yellow, Zhuque. She gave out a small gasp before tensing.

'Fuck! Plan B it is,' Zulong thought depressingly. "Out master is a great immortal of the east sea and a veteran of the Shenni war, ancestor Da Hai, I don't think you're willing to incur his wrath," Zulong stated.

The history between both sea gods was no secret in the east. Si Hai publicly got his as kicked by Da Hai and ran away with his tail between his legs. Da Hai's current location was unknown but he should still be in the west. A month wasn't long enough for him to cross the entire continent. Too bad the communication crystal prototype was used up.

"Da Hai? That coward?" Si Hai started chuckling before blowing up into full blown laughter. "You'd threaten me with that small fry? Ha! If not for that pile of rocks, he wouldn't dare fight me. He doesn't even dare come after me," he laughed.

Zulong was suddenly overtaken by an overwhelming feeling of rage. How dare this creature bad mouth his master, his teacher, foster father. He gritted his teeth and tightened his hold over the small bad in his gargantuan palm.

There were several Da Luo Golden Immortal attack talismans within. Zulong surmised that that should at least by sometime.

"I'll hold off!" He screamed through mental communications. The order was met with a collection of "What", and "are you insane?" But Zulong took no head. He released the talismans within without hesitation.

Qinglong and Yinglong looked bitterly as the first explosion rang off. The startled Si Hai was pushed off of his tentacles and landed on his back. His wings flapped backwards pushing him back up again but Zulong had already unleashed another.

The two dragons felt incredibly conflicted. Their big brother was putting his life on the line and expected them to just run? Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!

"You guys go," Qinglong said to Zhuque and Bai Jian and received a look Yinglong flashed him. They were thinking the same thing.

"I…" Zhuque muttered hesitantly. The kindest of others weren't things she took lightly. She too hesitated to leave, her sister would understand, right? Definite not, she'd say something like us, "Us phoenixes are the most precious things in the world". But she really wanted to help Qinglong.

Bai Jian too contemplated. He'd been running for a while now much to his own wounded pride. Yet he was also deeply jealous of the bonds the dragons shared. That sense of family that he'd briefly been a part of just now in their company. That sense that he'd found missing pieces of himself returned.

Qinglong and Yinglong were already flying back. The vermillion bird and rogue swordsman both sighed. "Chances of us realistically getting away from a Da Luo Golden Immortal no matter how delayed is nonexistent at best," they justified.

"The fuck are you lot doing?" Zulong yelled desperately avoiding an enraged slap from Si Hai. "GAGH!" He cried having received a graze. His cheek had its scales peeled off revealing exposed skin.

The dragon had been in combat for a very short period of time when he noticed his fellow siblings and two extras coming back. While it was deeply worrying and rage inducing, he'd also felt very thankful.

Yinglong and Qinglong both roared, transforming and unleashing incredibly powerful breath attacks resembling lightning at Si Hai. They landed harmlessly against the deity's chest.

"What fools," Si Hai scoffed.

"We came into this world together, we leave it together," Yinglong and Qinglong said.

"You two are just plain stupid," Zulong growled at Bai Jian and Zhuque. The vermillion bird had the decency to look away while Bai Jian muttered something like, "I don't like to be in someone's debt".

"We are all lacking in brain cells today," Zulong sighed. He gazed up at Si Hai. The emperor of the four seas sneered at the display.

"Then you can all die together," Si Hai's harpoon lit up. Navy blue light lit the tip of the blade. "All tremble before me, all be washed before me, all be consumed before me," he chanted.

Extending his arm, Si Hai swung his harpoon up into the sky. "Be swallowed by the fiercest of all waves, Mouth that Swallows the Land," he roared.

The bunch of Taiyi Golden Immortals became weary as the spell was deployed. An oncoming wave rose to a million kilometres tall. The tsunami was navy blue in colour. It resembled the maws of a terrifying beast. A fitting appearance for the spell.

Yinglong sighed and extended his wings, he rose up and spun in the air and outstretched his impressive feathered wings. "I am the clouds, I bring the rain, I am the god of this world that oversees the skies," auspicious clouds gathered along the dragon's wings spraying a myriad of water arrows.

Qinglong, Bai Jian, and Zhuque all smiled at each other. Beneath such pressure, their true forms were forced out. Qinglong, long and serpentine, majestic and wise, an azure dragon. Zhuque, red with a massive wingspan, radiant and beautiful, a vermillion bird. Bai Jian, coated in metallic white fur and black stripes, paws sharp with claws, a predator of the jungle, a white tiger.

At once their stars glowed together. Jupiter, Venus, and Mars appeared in sync, the winds blew, the temperature was hot, time was shortened and an aura of decay was felt. The wind picked up speed, the fire burned, and metallic substances appeared. Supernatural phenomenons formed the vague outline of the universe formed spinning like a wheel unleashing mysterious stellar power.

Immediately, the three knew something was wrong. Something was missing and that held back their full potential.

Zulong flew onto the surface of the sea. His muscles tensed and contracted and his body glowed. Yellow and black, imperial heavenly colours. "The dragon was born in the ocean," he chanted softly. "Rising to the surface," mighty power gathered around him engulfing his serpentine figure. "Lifting his head," the image of a dragon resembling Zulong, but many times bigger appeared. "Soaring above the clouds," the biggest dragon in all history so far flew into the air.

A hail of rain, a diagram of the universe, and a dragon flying into the sky. The three clashed against the wave of Si Hai.

"Hm?" Si Hai suddenly adopted a confused expression. "What?" He uttered when the most unexpected thing happened. With a burst of golden light, his wave to end all waves was broken.

As he felt the droplets of water splashing him, Si Hai looked bewildered. His cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "YOU DARE!" He roared beginning to throw his harpoon full force.

He was so fast that the spontaneous attack barely registered in the dragons' minds. He aimed directly at them, directly at Zulong's head. His defiance will not be tolerated.

As his Harpoon was about to leave his hand. Si Hai suddenly received a frightening feeling. In his heart, the murderous malevolent intent invaded his very being. Shaking his very core. Hurriedly, he diverted the attack just barely missing Zulong.

'What was that?' Si Hai looked around. Not long had passed since the battle began, less then half a minute in fact and no one else had entered the battlefield. Then he spread his divine sense and inferred the secrets of heaven. The truth was then revealed.

Looking at the sky in rage Si Hai seethed and snarled. "See if I care," he roared and prepared another swing. Suddenly, his thin neck was hit by something cold and hard.

"WHO DARES!" He roared twisting around catching a black spinning shell to the face. Stumbling back, he saw the shell fly up to Qinglong and sprout legs and two heads. One was a tortoise while the other was a snake.

"Another pest?" Si Hai growled in annoyance. Time and time again he was disturbed. It was as if the universe was working against him.

"Sorry for being late," Xuanwu hurriedly apologised.

"How did you?" Qinglong began asking.

"My master," Xuanwu stated. The azure dragon nodded in understanding.

"Wait, who is this?" Bai Jian asked gesturing at the massive turtle.

"Oh this is Xuanwu," Qinglong hurriedly said. "And Xuanwu, this is Bai Jia…"

"Bai Hu," Bai Jian interrupted. "My real name is Bai Hu, please address me by it," he said.

"This is Bai Hu and Zhuque," Qinglong completed. Xuanwu nodded. He gazed up at Si Hai who had begun racing up to them. He was nearly onto them when Zulong flew up attempting to meet him.

"Brother, you don't need to shield us," Qinglong said. His Qi connected with Xuanwu, Bai Hu, and Zhuque. Their powers unified and despite their comparatively low cultivation, a mystical formation was achieved.

The four divine beasts blinked in front of Zulong. Si Hai, harpoon raised struck a barrier unlike any other.

A circular diagram of the stars. Seven constellations on top resembling a turtle with a snake for a tail, seven on the left resembling a coiling dragon, seven on the right resembling a tiger lying in wait, seven on the bottom resembling a dancing bird.

An outflow of power pushed Si Hai back burning his scales off and hurting his skin. His tentacles thrashed wildly as the embarrassed emperor defended himself. His harpoon was dropped in the chaos.

Zulong looked in wonder at the display of power shown. It was beyond anything he'd ever seen.

The diagram of the stars spun larger and large entrapping Si Hai in its halls. Long stellar chains made of starlight chained all four of his arms. The constellations began bombarding the godfiend with monstrous power. Each shot was like a star exploding, and there were untold thousands of them.

Si Hai screamed. He'd never felt so humiliated in his life. This entire fight was nothing but a test of his patience. To think he'd be restricted like this? Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous and inconceivable. No one must know, no one was allowed to live.

Si Hai extended his strength. However he could feel himself weakening, these chains were even draining him to suppress him. Si Hai pulled hard and roared.

Stellar sickles game down and sliced into his flesh. Dao essence bled out of him like blood. A hammer smashed his face, he spat out more. Searing heat further eroded away his flesh.

"RAAAAAAGH!"

Up one chain ran razor sharp winds cutting into his skin. Another had a chilling cold gust wearing his hold. Another was like a bunch of swords pricking into his arm draining him of life. The last chain was a torrent of flames searing his flesh away.

The struggle between both forces were fierce. The emperor of the four seas refused to relent despite being trapped within the formation. His pale eyes looked around, scanning and studying the formation around him. "Enough of this," he growled admits the battle.

Si Hai stretched his neck out and turned to one side. He opened his maw and chomped down hard on one of his arms. His razor sharp teeth sank into his flesh tearing the arm off completely.

His stump wasn't useless however. Water quickly generated around the stump, stretching out into a whole new limb of ice. With this arm, Si Hai tore at another chain. His tentacles reached up and gripped on the chains. His harpoon as well flew up, it pierced at the base of the diagram.

"You can't hold me," Si Hai growled and pulled. The tight chains creaked under the pressure. The sheer strength on display was astounding. The light of the Dao fruit within Si Hai's core magnified. The very concept of Si Hai's Dao was pulling along with him.

From within the stars, painful grunting was heard. The chains were beginning to be pulled towards Si Hai. The emperor's pale eyes gleamed in murderous delight.

The chains tied to Qinglong, Xuanwu, Zhuque, and Bai Hu were pulled along. The four divine beasts pulled back as hard as they could but were quickly losing energy.

"Damn it, we were so close," Bai Hu cried in frustration.

"The gap in cultivation was simply too big," Zhuque sighed. "The Dao fruit makes so much difference."

"It's been an honour friends," Xuanwu sighed softly. "Sorry I couldn't do more."

"What are you so sad about Xuanwu?" Qinglong chuckled. "We did so well against a renowned peak Da Luo Golden Immortal as a couple of Taiyi Golden Immortal small fries. No small feat."

The star diagram cracked. Pieces of starlight began falling off and the formation crumbled apart.

"No!" Cried Zulong rushing up as the four divine beasts fell out of the formation. They looked completely exhausted and drained. They were bleeding from their mouths and looked incredibly weak.

"Heh," Si Hai chuckled in triumph. His tentacle held onto his harpoon and he stretched his neck back.

"You pay for humiliating me like this," Si Hai growled. He looked at his severe injuries in utter disgust. "You must all be so proud to injure me. But guest what, injuries are superfluous at best, I will heal as good as knew while you all will be dust."

The dreadful feeling invaded him again but Si Hai ignored it. He opened his mouth wide much to Zulong and the rest's dismay. "At least I'd get a good meal out of it." Behind the sea god, a spatial tear opened and a visibly pissed off Da Hai stepped out.

"Touch them again," Da Hai said from behind Si Hai. "I dare you."

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

For most people looking at him, Da Hai came off as unassuming. He was someone who blended into the background. Someone you'd brush off as unimportant. Sure he'd dress nicely and was well kept but the feeling he gave off was not extraordinary in any way.

Compared to the likes of Shenni, Si Hai, or even Wangshu who made an attempt to stand out, Da Hai was practically invisible. He'd contributed greatly to the Shenni war sure, but everyone else participating who survived was equally crucial.

His reputation didn't exceed others either. He'd hardly made any appearances outside of the east sea and barely any news reached the rest of the primitive world. As he spent all his time hauled up in Yingzhou, he was an afterthought to many powerhouses in the world. A name you remember but don't think much on.

But the current situation has changed. For all the years he'd known him, Zulong had seen many sides of Da Hai. He'd seen him amiable(mostly), deadpan(always), disappointed(sometimes), frustrated(a lot), happy(rarely). But he'd never seen his master as he was now.

Da Hai's facial expression could only be described as a chilling rage. His mouth did not move from that thin line it was in but his glare was positively apocalyptic. The air around the sea god had changed as well.

From the moment he stepped through the hole in reality. All things were silenced. The storm made no sound, the waves lay in wait, the wind stilled. Zulong felt a chill down his spine just from being near his master, and he wasn't even the one targeted.

Da Hai took one look at the barely alive four symbols divine beasts and took action. Although he didn't move, the effect of primordial Qi was felt. Bai Hu, Qinglong, Zhuque, and Xuanwu regained colour.

Si Hai stood on top of the ocean starring in somewhat of a disbelieving expression. "You actually came here?" He wondered as if he was looking at the dumbest man alive.

"You actually came here away from your island?" Si Hai's crooked mouth broke into a smirk. "Heh, heh heh, hahahahahahahaha. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The sea god exploded into full blown laughter ignoring all those around him.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, this is too funny," Si Hai laughed. "Da Hai, heh, I pegged you for a, heh, somewhat intelligent, haha, man. Not a smart one but at least not one this dumb," Si Hai made out between chuckles.

Da Hai tilted his head to one side and smirked. "The only fool here I see is you," he said softly.

"Haha, Da Hai you fool. You were safe on that island, save from me for the most part I'll admit," Si Hai smirked. "But that is all you are, a turtle who cannot fight anywhere else but from the comforts of your own home."

The sea got pointed his harpoon at Da Hai. "But even then, I no longer fear that place. You see, for the last ten thousand years I've tirelessly developed ways to counter your little mind tricks," he boasted. "Your illusions no longer affect me, you have lost all chance you've had of defeating me. But at least you were boosted in Yingzhou."

Si Hai sighed and shook his head, "To think you'd actually willingly leave. You realise that out here, you're weaker than ever right?"

"Heh, yeah, I am weaker outside of Yingzhou," Da Hai admitted. "But you seemed to have gotten the wrong impression Si Hai," Da Hai said holding bu Si Hai's bisected arm.

At first he was confused, then his mind caught up to him. Si Hai's pupilless eyes widened and looked down. One of his arms, the lower arm on his left side had been torn off. It took a few moments between his realisation for the pain to catch up to him.

"What?" He grunted. He looked back at Da Hai and couldn't help but be unnerved by his smile.

"Si Hai," Da Hai began. "If anything, you've proven yourself dumber than I thought." The ancestor of the great sea chuckled and threw the arm into the sea.

"Ten thousand years to figure spells to counter illusions. Ten thousand years in seclusion to study illusions. Ten thousand years of sitting on your ass and learning techniques," Da Hai repeated over and over. "Ten thousand years wasted."

Si Hai gritted his teeth and growled. He leapt into the air preparing to smash Da Hai to pieces. The full weight of his cultivation came barreling down. The sea quaked beneath him, the thunder and wind howled behind him. The storm clouds swirled with him as the epicentre.

"Tsk tsk Si Hai," Da Hai said not even moving. He looked up at the descending Si Hai. The emperor of the four seas was incredibly fast, but to Da Hai's eyes, he appeared very slow.

"You see, while you were busy studying spells, I've been enlightening myself on the Dao," Da Hai said. "In ten thousand years, I've made so many improvements that I've left you behind."

"Indeed, you were smart to figure spells to counter my greatest weapon. On earth you'd be like a gamer changing his loadout for a new boss fight," Da Hai said softly while Si Hai became confused upon hearing these words. What was Da Hai talking about?

"But Si Hai, while you did get stronger, you grew laterally," Da Hai said smiling brightly. "Whereas I grew vertically," he sighed and waved up.

In one motion, Si Hai had suffered a grievous cut that left his entire left side hanging by his waist. He bled out in shock, herculean amounts of blood like Dao essence leaked out like a fountain. The golden radiance showered the area.

"You've, to think you," Si Hai muttered in shock.

"Yes Si Hai, I've left you behind," Da Hai said smiling sadistically. "My Dao has long since left the realm of Da Luo," he said swiftly swinging his hand across.

Si Hai wasn't prepared to defend himself. But even if he was, he couldn't defend was he was bisected at the waist. Si Hai desperately lashed out with a punch. However, that blow never reached Da Hai as his fist was crushed and encased by water before tearing off.

Da Hai leisurely walked up to Si Hai still smiling. "You really have no shame do you Si Hai," Da Hai laughed. He shoved his hand, tiny in comparison, into the gargantuan Si Hai's chest. He made and gripping motion and tore out an ethereal construct of a Dao fruit.

Si Hai's eyes widened fearfully. "Wait Da Hai, wait, please wait a minute," he begged. "My kingdom, all my slaves, all my treasures, they're yours, I'll even serve you."

Da Hai tightened his grip. The sound of something succumbing to high pressure was heard as loud as day. All the while Si Hai begged.

"A slave, no a mount, I'll be your mount, don't do this," Si Hai begged helplessly. "Please Da Hai, as a fellow godfiend, as a cultivator, you know why this is wrong," he screamed as cracked began appearing on the Dao fruit.

"Si Hai" Da Hai said with venoming dripping contempt. "To think someone like you managed to forge a Dao. A toxic Dao I'm sure. To so willingly bully juniors, to hurt my s… to hurt those who belong to my sect. You really are trash."

"You do not deserve to be in the realm of Da Luo Golden Immortal. So I'll send you back to Taiyi, even the odds for a bit. Pretty fair wouldn't you say?" He snarled.

"Or maybe I'll break your unity, and send you tumbling back to Golden Immortal. Give you a taste of your own medicine," he said. "Not a bad idea actually. I'd deposit you on the south continent where the empress of birds would love to see you," he said taking a brief look at the amazed yet scared Zhuque.

Those spectating the battle didn't know what to feel. Sure, they were immensely thankful to Da Hai. They wanted to all bow in respect and revere him. Zhuque wanted to convince her sister to build a shrine for him.

But there was something intrinsically wrong with what Da Hai was doing. An intrinsic feeling that they all dreaded. The Dao was precious. It was something fundamentally a part of you. As Taiyi Golden Immortals who'd found their Dao, they all understood the importance of such.

"What an emperor of the four seas," Da Hai scoffed. "I showed you mercy last time, but you dare scheme behind my back. No wonder you followed Shenni, you two are so alike."

Radiant Dao essence broke away from the Dao fruit of emperor Si Hai. He could feel his cultivation becoming unstable. His power was plummeting. His current state was miserable.

"Da Hai, don't think you'd get away with this!" SI Hai roared. "I am a valuable ally to the devil ancestor, you really think he'd let you get away with this?"

"The same tactic? Really?" Da Hai raised an eyebrow in amusement. He crushed his fist tearing off have the Dao fruit. He completely pulverised fifty percent of Si Hai's Dao. The emperor of the seas fell back in pain. He was barely able to maintain his stature and desperately tried to crawl away.

"Ah, ah, ah," Da Hai sang teleporting before him. He gripped the other half of the Dao fruit taking his sweat time torturing Si Hai. "Let's take this nice and slow."

Si Hai looked utterly miserable. He felt extremely depressed right now. How had Da Hai reached the Hunyuan Golden Immortal realm? He'd completely surpassed him in every way. Based on the way he'd fought, he wasn't new to the realm. Da Hai's cultivation was very stable.

Si Hai looked in petrified fear. He'd never felt so weak before in his life. So helpless as he gazed up the phantom image of eight hissing serpents. Their manes were glowing menacingly.

Above the clouds, violet light gathered and an old man in purple robes appeared. His hands were placed firmly behind his back. He looked down at the dark clouds in curiosity.

"What happened while I was gone?" He muttered. He took a brief look eastwards towards the mainland before tearing his eyes away. Luohu shouldn't care too much about the ocean anyway.

Descending towards the ocean surface, the old man observed the panicked look of Da Hai and the half dead Si Hai. "Oh, well isn't this interesting," he muttered.

"Hongjun," Da Hai whispered letting go of Si Hai giving the old man, Hongjun his full attention.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

First there was Hongjun, then there was heaven. One phrase that dictated the world. The mystery of mysteries saint who embodied the great balance of the universe prior to the splitting heaven and earth. That was to say, Hongjun predated the heavens.

Da Hai's mind swirled with old memories of a world he'd barely dwelled on. Truth be told earth or terra or whatever you'd call it rarely entered his mind unless he wanted to remember mythological trivia. In this time period however, barely any was useful.

But no matter what source, no matter which text, no matter which description. One consistent thought was universal. Do not fuck with Hongjun.

Yet right now, all Da Hai could think about were the last few conversations with Huoyun. Those memories tens of thousands of years old. Memories that remained vivid throughout all his time cultivating and instructing.

"Wait a second," Da Hai had said. "You vitality Huoyun, you're severely injured. Are you really going to fight in this state?"

"Hm? What other choice do I have," Huoyun answered flying with equal pace with Da Hai. "Our home is being threatened by a madman drunk on revenge. Just abandoning everything and leaving is not an option."

"Except it is, you once taught me to not be too benevolent less I be taken advantage of. To be wary of strangers, to not pick fights I cannot win," Da Hai said.

"I did," Huoyun sighed. "But right now, things are bigger then just you and me. I cannot let something as big as this go."

The daoist of the five elements closed his eyes in tired sadness. "This world is still in its infant stage. Hongjun and Luohu, their desire for control, their desire to cultivate this world. The bodies of our brethren they'll leave in their wake will be catastrophic."

"You've already told me," Da Hai stated. "Hongjun injured you so?"

"I wish it were not so, else I'd be at 100% for the fight," Huoyun sighed. "Who knew the grass cricket will grow so strong so fast. I know he incarnated early but to already…Hai, I don't know if he'd pursue me or not but…" he shook his head. "The past is the past, we can only look to the future, work with what we've got."

"Stay safe alright," Da Hai said. "We'll come out of this war fine."

'How idealistic I was,' Da Hai thought retching himself out of his memories. 'Hongjun, I blame you. I hate you,' the sea god closed his eyes to suppress his rage from showing.

"Fellow daoist," Hongjun approached steadily, not too fast nor too slow. A steady past with firm steps and a strong posture. He appeared old but not frail, not simple. Just looking at him gave off a feeling of vast mysteries, deep enlightenment into Dao.

"Daoist Hongjun, greetings," Da Hai said evenly. He discretely motioned with his fingers facing away from Hongjun for Zulong to move away.

The old man took a side glance at Zulong and the four divine beasts. His eyes got a brief look of relief. In fact he'd also looked incredibly happy.

'Right, Zufeng exhibited an aura similar to Hongjun. There is a high probability he'd gotten to the Qilin as well,' Da Hai thought while observing Zhuque for any reactions. 'No reaction, she doesn't recognise him. Approached from a false identity perhaps?'

"It is Da Hai correct?" Hongjun asked and Da Hai nodded. "Well, I haven't seen you in ages. I believe this is the second time we've met."

"Yes," Da Hai said. "But the last time could hardly be called a meeting," he said taking a deep breath.

"You are troubled fellow daoist?" Hongjun asked appearing concerned. "What ails you friend?"

"A lot of things," Da Hai admitted. "But I must say, your appearance here was unexpected."

"It was merely a quiet stroll," Hongjun sounded very friendly when he talked. "It's not good to stay cooped up for too long. Cultivating can get quite boring."

'Likely story,' Da Hai thought. 'What could he be after? He took zero interest in Si Hai, but a lot in me and Zulong. Zulong I understand, but I am just a background character.'

"Haha, when I first met you, I thought you were an oddity," Hongjun said smiling. "So like Da Hai but so different in your aura, you were like a completely new person. Tell me, do you still go by Da Hai?"

"Yeah, I do," Da Hai nodded. It was no secret that all three thousand chaos godfiends knew each other at least to the degree of an acquaintance. Hongjun had seen the original Da Hai and spoken to him plenty of times. It was only natural considering how many yuanhai passed in the chaos sea.

The chaos godfiend civilisation brought to extinction by Pangu had been around for many cosmic years. Around 313 or so, that was to say 313 Yuanhai went by before Pangu executed the godfiends. Translated to the time flow of the primitive world, that was 40,377,000 years. Plenty of time for the main three thousand to meet.

"Wonderful, fellow daoist Da Hai, it truly brings this old man joy to see how much progress you've made. Truly I am envious," he said jovially. At the same time, a seniority was established. Yet Hongjun is acknowledging Da Hai, attempting to play to his ego.

"How can I help you fellow daoist," Da Hai finally asked. "I stand by the justice I've dealt to Si Hai."

"So such small issue," Hongjun said. "I was merely appraising you," the old man walked up to Da Hai and suddenly appeared very serious.

"The truth is, this world is in danger," Hongjun said sadly. "The Heavenly Dao is in danger of assimilation by a terrifying demon."

"Luohu," Da Hai whispered. Hongjun nodded.

"I see you're already aware," he said stroking his long white beard. "Truth is, I am gathering allies. An alliance of the strongest cultivators to combat him." 'A sales pitch huh?'

Hongjun sighed in sadness appearing very tired and distraught. "Already we are losing this war. Many comrades had fallen over the years. Even the mighty godfiends like patriarch Kunwu. Even one of our greatest, daoist Huoyun was tragically assassinated by Luohu," he said with a grief stricken face. No falsehoods could be found in his voice. 'The fuck did you just say?'

"Alas, a tragedy, struck down before his time. Luohu is a man who'd do anything to win," he said. 'You hypocrite.'

'How dare you!' "Yes, it was. Most tragic loss," Da Hai gritted his teeth and clenched his fist. His blood boiled like magma and it was only through years of controlling his emotions that none were leaked out.

"You were familiar with the late daoist Huoyun?" Hongjun said with a hint of surprise. "Indeed, it was a tragic day when he perished. Luohu snuffed out a very kind soul. Inspire of his fearsome reputation, daoist Huoyun was not like others of his rank," the old man smiled sadly. 'You despicable lying piece of shit.'

"Fellow daoist, you are quite possibly one of the strongest immortals that exists in this world. Please help me avenge daoist Huoyun," Hongjun pleaded. 'What utter nonsense.'

'I wish you dead,' Da Hai thought trying to keep a perfect poker face. Then he twitched, and twitched again, then again. "What a load of bullshit," he whispered.

"Hm?" Hongjun grunted tilting his head. 'What am I doing?'

"Tell me Hongjun, does your goal not equal that of Luohu?" Da Hai snarled. "Do you not admit your involvement in brother Huoyun's death? Do you not admit your true intentions?" 'I am making a mistake.'

"What?" Hongjun raised an eyebrow. 'But right now…'

"I think there's been a bit of a misunderstanding fellow daoist," Hongjun said evenly. 'As I stand before you…'

"I am working for the betterment of all living beings," Hongjun admitted. "You must understand the gravity of the situation. I cannot be lax in my judgement. Are you with me?" 'I just don't CARE!'

"Fellow daoist, you are making a mistake," Hongjun sighed. "You do NOT want this fight."

The world exploded in a flash of light before Zulong's eyes. He couldn't open his eyes he was thrown back. He tumbled across the ocean slamming into an island, shattering the island and continuing in his trajectory.

Tensing his claws, he gripped the fabric of reality to steady himself. The dragon slid for millions upon millions of kilometres before managing to somewhat steady himself. He raised his head and immediately looked away.

The assault to his senses was too much. The sky sang, the ocean rejoiced, the lightning danced. Bridges of immortal marine gods were beating their drums of war, blowing on their trumpets, announcing the offensive.

Reality distorted and tore apart. Two titanic auras washed over the dragon making him question what was real or not.

Water rose up and clashed against celestial clouds. A javelin of ice landed somewhere close to Zulong. A massive explosion threatened to rupture his eardrums.

Da Hai, 12th grade white lotus spun in one hand, each of its soft lotus leaves were like steel blades, desperate for blood. In his other hand was a large flag swirling with dense water, the xuanyuan water control flag.

Hongjun grunted in surprise as he leaned back to avoid a swing of the flag. Then he raised his arm to block a torrent of water the force of which cracked reality and slipped into the void before doubling back for another hit.

Hongjun closed his eyes and sat crossed legged mid air. He clasped his palms and breathed out. The water splashed harmlessly over him and returned to the ocean. The grinding power of white lotus did not reach him.

Hongjun slowly opened his eyes which glowed purple.

"ARGH!" Da Hai flew back having been struck by a fierce blast of immortal power. The white lotus appeared behind him in support. Its nursing energies empowered the sea god. The flag at this side was raised and the ocean along with it.

At least 30% of the west sea rose into the air transforming into a mighty serpent. It stretched on for tens of millions of kilometres long. The serpent lurched forward and Hongjun.

The old man sighed, he clasped his hands and chanted. The maw of the serpent bit down at Hongjun before exploding into uncountable amounts of droplets. Hongjun sat mid air looking disappointed.

"Last chance fellow daoist, with me?" He asked.

The droplets in the air froze into sharp edges the size of a pocket knife. They bombarded Hongjun in a hail. The old man opened his palm and slapped the air. A massive wave of wind obliterated every single droplet in existence.

Da Hai snarled in rage and drew his sword. In a wide arch slashed at Hongjun. The sea parted in his wake and the heavens split.

CLANG!

Between Hongjun's index and middle finger, he held the edge of the teardrop sword. He sent his other palm out at Da Hai's stomach.

A massive wave of purple light radiated from the impact point spanning vertically in a circular shape like a disc. The eight headed serpentine form of Da Hai impacted the ocean floor below. Eight pairs of eyes glared at Hongjun hatefully.

With those eyes, sixteen beams of laser shot into the heavens carving at Hongjun. The old man opened both his palms and held them open before him, one up and one down. He twisted them around.

The two extremities of black and white met forming a diagram of the Taijitu. The spinning wheel of two extremities gave rise to the spinning wheel, perfectly balanced harmony. Bleeding into each other, they gave rise to five aspects of creation, four surrounding a fifth. Eight images appeared beyond forming a perfect balance of the cosmos.

The Taiji painting, a piece of Pangu's axe that split off after the primitive world was opened. It appeared in Hongjun's hands and spun. All things in this world exists in harmony, the process defined on the painting detailed the change from primordial heaven to early heaven with the oncoming rise of latter heaven.

Da Hai ultimately failed to land a single blow on Hongjun. And as the wild winds of the primitive world blew. Da Hai rose to face the ancestor of the great balance.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Incredibly long, monstrous, ferocious and furious. This was the current state of Da Hai as he lunged at Hongjun. The divine water known as pellucid divine water flowed through the sea god's veins allowing him to avoid Hongjun's palm strikes.

The old man whirled his palms around and deflected one of Da Hai's heads into another head. The sea god flew up and wrapped his tail around Hongjun only to be prevented by a bubble.

"Hmph!" Hongjun snorted. The bubble exploded in a bright purple light. Golden radiant Dao essence bled profusely from Da Hai's remaining stump that was once his tail. Sixteen eyes narrowed as eight mouths opened blasting bolts of electricity in unison.

Hongjun pointed his index finger up. It glowed purple with swirling clouds surrounding it resembling a tunnel. A narrow laser shot out of his finger, its might eclipsing Da Hai's attacks. The lightning was shattered as the purple laser blasted through them all.

Da Hai's eyes widened. With impeccable reaction speed, his entire body melted into a stream of water phasing through the beam. Hongjun narrowed his eyes.

The great immortal clasped his hands and breathed out calmly. A small spec of purple energy appeared in his hand. With a quick motion, he threw it at the battery form of Da Hai.

BOOM!

What could only be described as an apocalyptic purple blast occurred in the largest explosion ever conceived in the history of the primitive world. Space and time were torn apart revealing a gaping black hole into the void between realms.

However, Da Hai in a pure water form still floated in the air. Slowly, the water receded as the sea god moved away warily. The distance between them was at least 43 million kilometres.

Hongjun frowned in irritation. The purple bomb had done more damage to the primitive world than Da Hai. The taiji painting appeared in his palm. The dual extremities of the black and white expanded and covered the surrounding area in an invisible dome.

Da Hai narrowed his eyes as the dome expanded faster than he could move. The hole into the void was also enveloped. The balancing effect of the taiji painting instantly took effect.

Space was locked down and this area was isolated from the outside world becoming its own separate universe. Like shards of glass, pieces of reality mended the hole restoring it to the blue cloudless sky. It was as if no damage was ever done.

Hongjun smiled in soft triumph. Purple lightning crackled in his eyes as orbs of immortal energy floated around him attacking Da Hai with long distance bombardment.

Da Hai gritted his teeth and flew away kiting the attacks. As he'd done so, his tail regenerated bit by bit. Da Hai swerved into the air abruptly flying up then turning again and again.

As one of the serpent heads looked back, Da Hai noticed the projectiles gaining ground. He narrowed his eyes and concentrated, pellucid divine water ran through his veins again.

'What if I…ok let's do this,' he strategised in his thoughts. As the energy blasts neared, Da Hai dived. He descended and flew above the ocean surface while pulling tendrils of water to intercept the blasts.

Hongjun waved his hand and the blasts swerved around him. Da Hai nodded in expectation, he ripped a huge portion of the water into a tsunami hoping to engulf the blasts. In response, Hongjun flexed both his arms out and pushed.

Without hesitation, the blasts shot through the tsunami wall nigh effortlessly. They continued chasing Da Hai as he dived deep underwater. But he couldn't continue running for long.

Hongjun looked pleased when they impacted in a massive explosion. Because of the sealed universe, collateral damage was also none existent beyond the ocean being kicked up a few million kilometres.

"Now how will I approach the dragon?" He stroked his. His eyes suddenly widened. Behind him, water conglomerated into the human form of Da Hai.

In his hands lay the xuanyuan water control flag. The actual flag was neatly wrapped around the pole. Above the flagpole, the 12th grade white lotus disengaged into a conglomerate of white steel petals. They attached themselves onto the top and built upon themselves until they became a coherent sharp blade.

Around the base of the blade, the cycling waves wheel manifested and became a hilt guard. The ancient looking ocean swallowing jug appeared and attached itself onto the pummel of the flagpole turned handle. Water rose out of the jug into the handle forming a long thick hilt of ice. The completed weapon heavily resembled a zambato.

With both hands, Da Hai held the fused treasure. The sheer power from combing two top grade xiantian treasures and 2 high grade xiantia treasures was incredible. The top grade treasures were notable as they provided the offensive power while the high grades merely stabilised it.

As he swung down, Da Hai did not make a peep. His eyes carried a look of bloodthirst rarely if ever seen on the man. The white blade glowed in transparent greyish light striking at the back of Hongjun's head. All of this took place in an instant.

Divine sense was an extremely useful tool at a cultivator's disposal able to detect foreign energies. They awakened early on during the development of the nascent soul and only grow exponentially more powerful from there. The only real way of defending from a sense was to forcefully block it or be lucky enough that the user doesn't have it on.

Hongjun was an experienced member of the chaos godfiend civilisation. He was no stranger to using divine sense and as such had a small passive sense active warning him of the danger of incoming attacks. Throughout the years he'd admittedly grown lax as he became confident in his position.

However, that wasn't to say he'd neglected divine sense entirely. As although he'd not actively used it after assuming he'd killed Da Hai in that blast, he was able to sense and react to an oncoming attack.

CLANG!

The white blade formed from the white lotus clashed against the flagpole of the Pangu banner. Hongjun had long since turned around and blocked Da Hai's strike with clear surprise in his eye.

"Today is just full of surprises," Hongjun muttered.

Sensing danger immediately disengaged and leapt back assuming a full form of pellucid divine water as a grey wave of power washed over his form. Hongjun's face twitched as Da Hai phased through his deadliest method of attack. The chaotic sword Qi had failed to reach Da Hai.

"I've already sealed dimensions, how is he doing that?" Hongjun raised and brought the Pangu banner down in a slash motion. He cleaved the oceans and skies apart in one stroke.

Loathed as he was to admit it, Da Hai was becoming somewhat enlightened from just watching the moves employed by Hongjun. He felt pellucid divine water drain away from him as he narrowly avoided the oncoming blow.

'This cannot go on forever,' he thought regretfully. His moment of raw rage is now costing him dearly. He quickly bought his weapon up to block a casual swing by Hongjun. 'He's not even taking this seriously.'

"Tell me, what other surprises have you've got," Hongjun asked. "And what was that technique just now. I'd love to trade pointers."

'This motherfu…' Da Hai raged as dodged and went for another swing only to be denied blood by the Pangu banner.

Hongjun smiled softly as the banner slid across the white lotus blade and slashed at Da Hai via the flag. Da Hai leaned back just barely dodging the blow and associated shockwave. Bits of his hair flew off as well as a small gash on his forehead.

Looking back Hongjun, with his banner raised, was generating a huge amount of chaotic sword Qi. It was formed into a blast.

'I cannot let that reach me,' Da Hai thought as Hongjun brought the banner down and unleashed the blast of grey. It sped and sped travelling for a very long time yet not at all.

"Great control of space," Hongjun complimented. The space between them was forcefully expanded yet the two still stood very close together. The distance travelled by the chaotic sword Qi continued to increase however.

"Sadly, chaotic sword Qi is very good at a few things. Most notably, destruction," he casually said. The grey wave of energy was like a gas of clouds. Reality suddenly twitched, Da Hai lurched back, and the chaotic sword Qi expanded in a deadly wave.

From within the pummel of Da Hai's blade. The ocean swallowing jug unleashed its stored contents. Years of pellucid divine water harvested and stored came gushing out meeting the wave of Qi.

"Hmph, were you not listening young man?" Hongjun spoke condescendingly. "Hai, this old man will teach you a lesson…hm?" Hongjun looked in confusion as after the water enveloped the Qi, it harmlessly travelled without affecting anything.

It was as if the Qi was right here, yet so far away that they couldn't cause harm. Da Hai huffed and puffed as he narrowly escaped with his life. Hongjun was not an opponent to take lightly at all.

"Okay," Hongjun finally relented in annoyance. "Guess I can't mess around anymore."

'Fuck,' was the singular thought running through Da Hai's head. He raised his weapon and blocked a single bash by the Pangu banner. With his free hand, Hongjun followed up with a palm slap. A slap Da Hai could not avoid.

BOOM!

Da Hai flew incredibly fast and incredibly disorientated. He slammed into the barrier isolating this dimension so hard that glass like fragments came off. His treasures were split and fell to his sides.

Da Hai looked up a gargantuan purple palm came at him. Immediately, the 12th grade white lotus appeared surrounding him. It wrapped Da Hai's body and expanded into a massive shield specialising in defence.

BOOM!

The lotus flower was pushed so hard that the barrier formed by the taiji painting was beginning to crack. Da Hai looked back at the wall, the teardrop sword appeared in his hands and he slammed it with full force into the barrier. His full cultivation struck with everything he had concentrated at a singular point. Combined with the force of Hongjun's own attack, a small crack opened through.

'Yes!,' with a single thought, Da Hai transformed into a stream of water. His treasures disappeared in flashes of light, fading into himself as he exited through the crack.

Watching this go down, Hogjun frowned in irritation. He spread out his arms dispelling the taiji painting. With his superior vision, he saw a severely injured Da Hai. He was bleeding everywhere, golden Dao essence was also coming off of him.

"It was entertaining at least," Hongjun muttered and prepared another attack. "Can't have a variable running around."

"MASTER!" A voice called out as a black and yellow light rocketed for Da Hai. Hongjun raised an eyebrow as a golden serpentine dragon wrapped around Da Hai's severely injured form.

"What is?… Zulong you fool. Get out of here," Da Hai screamed.

"No, I cannot obey you this time master," Zulong replied inspite of his own injuries. "I cannot allow you to die."

"You," Da Hai uttered. He clenched Zulong's body and pushed. "Get away from this place, you'll only find your own death," he said desperately showcasing more emotion than he'd ever done for many years.

Up above, Hongjun hesitated. 'Master and disciple? Shit,' he thought in anger. So that's where the dragon was this whole time. The phoenix and qilin were hard to track but he'd managed it. Only the dragon eluded him and it turns out, he'd already had a master.

'What's going on? I need more information,' Hongjun thought in a panic. He dispelled his next attack making sure to not accidentally do anything like killing Zulong. 'Hmph, well played,' he thought bitterly.

"But," he said aloud. "It's not like this is too much of a hindrance," he said coldly. Hongjun waved his arm in an arc, Zulong widened his eyes as he felt trapped. A purple outline enveloped the dragon.

"GRRRR, " Zulong attempted to resist but could not move. His body moved without his own input as he unwrapped Da Hai and flew involuntarily into the air.

"GAH!" The dragon roared as he was forcefully thrown away.

"ZULONG!" Da Hai called out.

Hongjun smiled as he raised to Pangu banner preparing to stab out.

BOOM!

Hongjun suddenly turned around and grabbed the forearm of a new arrival preventing a devastating palm strike. "Even you showed up?" He said to a furious Wangshu.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

I was once told that inhabitants of earth developed a taste for sunbathing. A method of relaxation deemed healthy for people. I have to agree, though my definition is probably a lot different of mortals. Only someone like me can float in space and bathe in the rays of a primordial star.

It also provides a good place for me to relax and think. To reminisce about the past. To all the ongoings of the world. A big difference from how I was in the past.

The earliest memories I had were a blank void. I don't know how long before I became accustomed to my surroundings. I couldn't see, couldn't speak, couldn't move, couldn't hear, couldn't feel. I simply existed in a void of nothingness.

"Oh?" But after a while of existing like that, I heard a voice. A deep gruff voice but one which spoke in a method beyond my understanding. Because truth be told, I couldn't understand anything at the time.

"This is new," that same voice had said. "What are you doing in there? What is your name?"

I didn't, couldn't answer him. I didn't know how to. But I wanted to. I wanted to know what he was, of what I am. There was so much I wanted to ask that I even surprised myself. Was I getting smarter because I couldn't remember knowing these things before nor how to even express them in words.

But somehow, on that day I suddenly understood language. Suddenly I spoke the same tongue as him. Well spoke is an exaggeration as I couldn't speak, but I did understand him.

"Not answering?" He sounded almost surprised. "Hm…Oh, I see. So you are the first."

First? I remember asking in my mind. First of what? What did that even mean? The sudden surge in my knowledge was still overwhelming me. I barely understood what he said.

"Hm, let's try this. Follow my instructions," he instructed. I accepted and followed along, after all, what else could I do?

"Feel that tug within you, that spark. No, no, no, not like that," he said. "Here, let me show you. Feel this," he said sending some sort of signal my way. I felt it, then I followed it as best I could.

"Yes, well done child," the voice said again. I could understand him better after that, in fact, I could almost see him. The vague outline of a man. In comparison to what I see daily nowadays, he was massive. Above all else, he was powerful.

He was massive, he was tall, he was gargantuan, so many words to describe him yet they are all synonyms of big or powerful. He seemed invincible in this world, more than something like me. It was then that I truly felt insignificant.

"Ha, ha, now you can see," he said. His face was blurry to my senses. But I could make out his features. He had a lot of hair, so much hair in fact that I'd liken it to a forest.

He had been holding up something, his arms outstretched and held high. Honestly, I couldn't see below his upper sternum. Whatever was below was obscured by a veil I couldn't penetrate. Or it was simply too far for me to see.

'Who are you?' I asked. At that time, I was incredibly excited. It was a break away from my norm. I was meeting with something completely new, someone new.

"Me? Well, I am Pangu of course," he answered. Pangu, what a strange name. Just the words alone spelt something super ancient. Older than me, quite possibly vastly older than me.

"What is your name?" He asked me. I couldn't answer him, I didn't know what I could be called. It was not like the current me, where I could definitively say who I was, what I was, what I like, what I do, or anything like that. I would say that I detested the form of being I once was.

"Don't know huh?" He said. I didn't know how he knew what I had been thinking. But thinking now, Pangu's cultivation was so high that he'd have no problem reading my mind, even as abstract as I was.

"I am sure one day you'll know my child," he said kindly. "One day, you'll find out for yourself, after all, you are the first xiantian lifeforms in my primitive world," he said with pride.

At the time I didn't know what a primitive world was. But I was curious, I wanted to ask what it was and where it was. Could I see it? Could I experience it? Was it as magical as learning as I'd done just moments prior?

"Well, the pri…Oh, I hadn't noticed," he said with some sadness. I was initially confused, but then I saw his presence fading. "I'm sorry my child, my time has come. Eighteen thousand years, such a short amount of time. I wonder what Vishnu will think of me now. Wonder how Ra's doing, is he still having beef with Apep? And how are that group calling themselves the protongenoi, I remember them starting a civilisation recently not unlike the chaos godfiends."

What? So many names, so many names that I was overwhelmed. What are you saying? Who are these people? Were there more like you? Like me? I wanted to meet them. I remember desperately asking for more as he faded.

"Hai, I wonder if it was the right choice," he didn't seem to be talking to me. "I am sorry for wiping out you all. Can you forgive me for my selfishness? Hai, the most I can do to repay you is to allow you to exist in my world."

Then he was gone. And I was enveloped in void again. I took a few moments, then I screamed. Where are you? Come back? Don't leave me! Don't leave me alone like this! What am I supposed to Do?

After how many years after I stopped weeping. I finally looked up and saw a sea of blinding stars. Massive celestial bodies in the far off distance, so far away from me. To alleviate my time, I started counting. One, two, three, and so on and so forth.

Sometimes I'd miscount and start again. It was tedious and annoying, I made progress only to restart again. But in actuality, I was intentionally making these mistakes. Because I didn't want this to end. If I finished counting, what else was I going to do? That space was so empty, so lonely aside from me and the stars. Just us in this black world.

Eventually, I started noticing the stars becoming fewer. They weren't disappearing, they were merging. I gasped in shock when I counted three hundred and sixty four before I'd noticed. There were once trillions of them, I'd regularly reach the billions before resetting. What now? There were only three hundred or so left.

I sat there for many more years. Now I truly had nothing. Why isn't anyone here? Why wasn't anyone talking to me?

"What do we have here?"

That voice changed my life forever. For the first time since forever. I looked away from the stars and turned my gaze downwards. I had been sitting on grass was the first thing I noticed. I was resting on roots was the second thing I noticed. The third thing I saw was a curious old man holding a horsetail whisk.

"Can you speak yet? Curious, you can see but you can't speak. You are already so powerful but you don't have form? What kind of godfiend are you?" He asked.

'Who are you?' I asked back. He didn't seem to be able to understand me. But he didn't leave. He sat down and closed his eyes in contemplation. So I waited, I waited for him for years.

He opened his eyes after a few thousand years had gone by. "Follow my instructions," he said. I accepted of course. Then he guided me.

First I felt energy, primordial Qi. Then I condensed it. I morphed it into shapes I desired. My helper was smiling as he instructed me. As he went on, I got better. He taught me how to make sounds, how to properly speak, how to project my thoughts outwards rather than simply thinking. He taught me how to harness the primordial stellar Qi. He even corrected me on the number of stars, turns out, there were three hundred and sixty five as I had neglected to count the one star I existed on.

"Well now, preparations should be complete. It's time for you to take form," he said kindly. I acknowledged him, so I began the process. Three flowers appeared mid air as storm clouds gathered above me. They struck me but I persisted, they weren't actually that tough after all.

Afterwards, I felt a tugging. Admits my assault by lightning, fire, wind, rain, ice, and a whole bunch of other things. I felt a tugging at the universe itself. So I pulled, and I ripped out a golden gas that flowed into me.

My first step into the world was a wobbly one. I actually fell and had to craw for a bit. My helper, the old man was laughing at my embarrassment as I pouted at him. He handed me a change of robes.

I raised my eyebrows, what were these for?

"Hai," he said. "You need to cover up your modesty," he said. I was a bit confused but I obeyed all the same. After I was done, I looked back and saw what once housed me. It was a laurel tree, the biggest one of its kind. Of course, back then it was the only one of its kind that I was aware of. It was a truly majestic sight to behold,, it was simply beautiful, but also powerful.

"So, what's your name?" He asked me.

"Wangshu," I answered him.

"Wangshu?" He asked for confirmation.

"Yes, I was once this tree so majestic that it must be the king of trees. So I am Wangshu," I said.

"Fine, I am Yang Mei," he replied. That was how I met my first friend. He was both my friend and my mentor. He taught me a lot of things, he told me about the chaos godfiends, about his old travel buddies, about his brothers in arms. Da Hai and Huoyun, there were so many stories about them that I wanted to meet them.

"They will show up, I'm sure of it," Yang Mei said sadly. He told me that he was one of the first to reincarnate so he wasn't aware of much. Apparently, the primitive world was a space that existed below where I am. That's why I couldn't find it, it was too far out of my range and in another dimension.

Yang Mei couldn't stay unfortunately, he had to go and travel. Sometimes I followed him. Sometimes I stayed behind. But he'd always come back once in a while and tell me stories. I travelled the primitive world too.

Unfortunately, back then that world was so empty. The only things I found were ferocious beasts constantly trying to eat me. I left soon after that, the primitive world seemed so boring. And then years passed just like that.

Then I finally met Da Hai. Or well, Yang Mei said he was Da Hai. Then he said he wasn't. I was honestly a bit confused at first. But, in that moment, I met my second friend in the world. We talked, drank, hung out.

Fought a war together as well. He was responsible for saving my life and I his. I even met Huoyun for the first time. Though meeting is a bit exaggerated as we only met briefly. But he was instrumental in saving my life as well.

Hongjun and Luohu. I remembered feeling fear for the first time when they turned to us. But I made it in the end. No one aside from Da Hai even really comes to the starry skies.

Oh Da Hai, you were so loyal, you made an excellent companion. Even though he's long since passed, you still wish to avenge him. But I worry about you. I could feel your hatred then and I could feel it now. It's not healthy withholding it for so long.

It's not like I don't understand. I want to help you as well. But your plan, it sounded a bit dumb. Training up the dragons and using them as your army? Then what, armies are useless in the face of a superior foe, I can fight the entire four seas by myself and win with both hands tied behind my back blindfolded.

I hate how you are right now. I hate how dishonest you are right now. Your current disposition is not good. Why must you keep doing this? I can see how this is all destroying you.

Truthfully, I don't think you know what you're going to do. I don't think you think that you could win. If what you told me about their legends are true, I don't think I'd win. If only Yang Mei will come back, I miss him.

But at least one good thing to come out of the current state of the world were the dragons. Qinglong looked so adorable running around the starry skies practising stellar arts. I wonder if I should take in a few disciples as well. Sadly, no one in the primitive world fits my requirements. Then again, I hadn't been looking that hard

I opened my eyes, the closest star shone brightly. It's the little things about life that counts. Constant vying for supremacy just isn't my style. Just relax and enjoy the world. I certainly hope Da Hai can understand this. I think he does, just that the hand he was felt was a shitty one.

I floated upright and looked behind me and smiled. Ever since I grew in power, my connection to the lunar star had strengthened. I can now move it with me everywhere. Of course, taking into the primitive world will cause a big commotion but here in the starry skies, it was fine.

Hm? What that? I looked at a small disturbance near me. It appears t be some kind of tree branch. Wait a minute. Is that a fucking hole in my starry skies?

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

"Wangshu," Da Hai said in surprise. Zulong who was suddenly released sighed in relief at the appearance of his aunt master. Wangshu tore her hand out of Hongjun's grasp and leapt back kicking at the immortal.

Hongjun leaned back avoiding the blow and frowned in displeasure. "Wangshu, are you declaring yourself an enemy of the world?" He lectured.

"Enemy? Heh, the only enemy I see is you," Wangshu spat. The goddess sent a blast of silver light at Hongjun. Narrowing his eyes, Hongjun unleashed the taiji painting forming a shield.

Looking to the side, Wangshu threw out a guard at Da Hai. "Take that," she said. Da Hai nodded unplugging the guard and drank its contents. It was filled with three brilliance divine water, filled with endless life giving energy that filled his vitality.

Da Hai's injuries were healing fast and very quickly recovered. The miraculous power of the three brilliance divine water was astounding. A guard full had restored the sea god to peak fighting condition.

Wangshu lashed out at Hongjun showing an incredible level of skill in martial arts. Hongjun twisted his head avoiding a palm strike before grabbing that hand. A fist encased in purple clouds struck Wangshu's abdomen hard.

The moon goddess had to steady herself. Her abdomen had gained a wooden texture. Wangshu's eyes glowed silver, her skin faded away, her divine features disappeared into a snarling wooden creature.

Assuming her true form gave Wangshu a power boost. Her limbs creaked as they moved. Her silver eyes shone in anger. Opening her mouth, she fired a blast of lunar energy,

Hongjun held out his right hand and stopped the blast. He raised his left and blocked Da Hai's concentrated laser. Hongjun growled in visible anger.

"This has gone on for long enough," he announced. His eyes darkened into a deep purple. The gas clouds around him quivered. The skies darkened in ominous wrath. Purple lightning danced admits the clouds and divine chanting could be heard.

The praise of daoist priests from across the cosmos was concentrated into the heavens above Hongjun. The chanting rejoiced in his teachings, thanked him for his benevolence, they chanted for his victory.

"Youths these days," Hongjun said looking almost condescending. "You should've been good little boys and girls and listen to your elders. Disobedience requires punishment."

In a flash of purple, Wangshu and Da Hai were both overwhelmed. Da Hai gritted his teeth plummeting into the ocean. Wangshu did much better as she was able to catch herself. The wooden goddess humphed at Hongjun triggering him.

The silver radiance of the moon clashed against divine retribution of the heavens. It was a sight worth seeing. It was as if the moon in all its grandeur was standing defiant against the heavens themselves. Hongjun resembled an absolute deity, his beard and robes fluttering in the wind.

He sighed in disappointment. "In the end, you refuse to accept my pitch? Wangshu, I thought you fought for the world, surely you will put aside petty grievances," he lectured.

"Petty? I could still remember your desire to kill us," Wangshu snarled. "Have you really forgotten all your involvement in Shenni?"

"Slandering me are we? Please at least pick something believable," Hongjun sighed condescendingly. "You really are naive, there are forces in play much larger than yourself. I thought you were smart as a direct descendent of Pangu."

"It is because I am smart that I recognise you for what you are," Wangshu retorted. Her arms tensed preparing to fight. Down below, Da Hai surfaced from the water holding the xuanyuan water control flag.

Hongjun looked down and said, "Such precious treasures does not deserve to be in your hands. The legacy of Pangu shall not be tarnished by a villain like you," he immortal said righteously.

"Yeah right," Da Hai scoffed waving the flag around. Perfect hydrokinesis on any scale. Too bad the bodies of Golden Immortal weren't flesh and blood else Da Hai would've made Hongjun explode from the inside.

The ocean rose as one for Da Hai. They charged and thought for Da Hai. They roared and challenged the heavens for Da Hai. The west sea's seawater rose in an all consuming wave intent on swallowing Hongjun.

On an island not far from the battlefield. Qinglong and the rest of his group recuperated from their earlier tussle. "Things are not looking good," the azure dragon said getting up. "Yinglong, we have to support master."

"What? Are you insane?" Bai Hu exclaimed in disbelief. "Do you not see the kind of battle going on? A start but of lightning will kill us."

"No, I don't think they will," Yinglong chimed in. "That senior, Hongjun, he deliberately chose not to kill us nor eldest brother," he explained. "We're valuable to him," he concluded.

From top and bottom, the sea and the moon clashed against the heavens. Purple gas clouds met against the horrifying might of the ocean pushing it back. It countered the radiance of the moon holding it in place.

"Da Hai," Wangshu called out mentally. "We are not gaining an advantage on him, not anytime soon."

"Get to the point," Da Hai respond forming a shield with the white lotus to block a bolt of purple lightning. He attacked with the flag and defended with the lotus allowing him to somewhat manage. However, he'd already sustained a few injuries from Hongjun's assault. Evidently, the great immortal was focusing more on Wangshu than himself.

"We need the lunar star, I can call it to us," she said.

"Then what's stopping you?" Da Hai replied back.

"The pressure is too much, I cannot extend enough concentration to call it to me," she admitted.

"Is it nearby at least?" Da Hai asked.

"Yes, just beyond the hole in the sky," she replied.

"Alright, I'll try to buy you some time," Da Hai said. He crossed both his arms as a pillar of purple slammed into him through the ocean. The sea god spat out his Dao infused blood and reared back. His forearms were bent in unnatural ways.

"Master," Da Hai turned his head to the side and witnessed to approaching forms of Yinglong and the four symbols. Suddenly an idea reached him. 'What luck,' he thought in relief.

"Qinglong, Bai Hu, Zhuque, Xuanwu, you can all hear me yes?"

"Yes master/senior," they responded instantly.

"Good, form the four symbols formation," he instructed. "Before you say anything, let me finish. I'll use my cultivation base to fuel it. You only need to build and guide it."

Wangshu struggled against chains of purple clouds and growled. She radiated silver light that tore apart myriad clouds. However, they just kept coming back. Hongjun pointed his fingertip at her and formed a thin laser beam.

ZOOM!

The beam fired for Wangshu. It travelled blindingly fast and packed enough energy to heavily injure, if not outright kill the moon goddess. Suddenly, that laser swerved out of the way missing Wangshu.

Hongjun narrowed his eyes, "I wonder how much karmic luck you can expend." Wangshu reached out and tugged at her chains. Roots came out of her body lashing out at Hongjun.

The great immortal slapped out at the tendrils. Each and every one of them was met with shockwave producing slaps. Hongjun raised his palm and unleashed a gargantuan purple palm. The pangu banner lay at his lap as he fought while supplementing him with hits destructive might.

Wangshu roared shaking the heavens. The image of the lunar star appeared behind her. On her head, a crown with embedded jewels manifested. The intense light was blinding but Hongjun only grunted in annoyance.

Wangshu proceeded to shatter her bindings and bring her arms to getter. She fired a blast that was a replica of her own monstrous face against Hongjun's palm.

Zulong had to shield his eyes at the explosion as he lay low on the ocean surface. He stepped on the water straddling to get up. "What power," he muttered before steeling his eyes. "One day, one day, I'll stand at that summit."

"Hm?" Hongjun suddenly looked downwards. A cosmic diagram of the universe brimming with starry might rose up at him. He looked back at the injured but a smirking Wangshu and humphed in distaste. Wangshu was missing a good chunk of her body, three of her arms had been severed and the left side of her head was missing.

The diagram of the universe turned, the ocean below it swirled with it. It lit up with twenty eight constellations in four quadrants acting out in unison.

The taiji painting manifested below Hongjun's feet expanding into a diagram of the taiji greater in size. The two forces clashed against each other. The harmonious power of existence against the heavenly bodies of the universe.

A titanic struggle began as Hongjun was deeply troubled. The four symbols formation formed by the four guardian beasts with support from Da Hai was exponentially stronger. What's more, all of Da Hai's xiantian spiritual treasures were placed into the formation.

"Damn it, obey me and break it apart," Hongjun growled at the taiji painting in frustration. He picked up the floating Pangu banner and smashed it downwards. The chaotic sword Qi that originally split the chaos sea descended in waves.

Absolute destruction clashed against the cosmic universe. Lightning of a wide assortment of colours littered the skies. Da Hai howled in rage mustering his Dao fruit to its absolute limit.

High up in the skies, Wangshu back in human form held her arm outstretched. "Come on, come on, travel faster," she begged. She pulled with her full might while taking brief glances below.


The cosmic universal diagram was beginning to crack. Under Hongjun's bombardment, even one of the most powerful formations in the world was beginning to break. Hongjun looked almost gleeful at his progress.

"No matter what, you cannot discount the gap in cultivation," Hongjun stated smashing down with the Pangu banner once more. The banner bearing the iconography of Pangu was once apart of a greater weapon, the Pangu axe.

After heaven was split from the earth and the primitive world was opened from the chaos sea. The Pangu axe exhausted all its power. After, it had cut apart the highest level of reality possible, a feat not even Dao realm ancestors could lightly achieve. In the wake of such an act, the axe split into three.

The axe head became a banner, the neck and eye became a bell, and the handle became a painting. These treasures were not simply xiantian spiritual treasures. The Pangu axe was an ultimate existence far beyond xiantian spiritual treasures. Unlike the 36th grade chaos green lotus which split into ten top grade xiantian spiritual treasures. The axe split into three chaos spiritual treasures.

Although they came from sources of similar level. The Pangu banner was far superior compared to the xuanyuan water control flag and the 12th grade white lotus.

Da Hai sucked in a deep breath and braced himself for the impact. He could only take solace in Hongjun's earlier words about imperfect control. The flag struck the surface of the formation damaging it like no other had before.

Da Hai spat out a mouthful of blood as the cracks became too much. The formation was destabilised, it was breaking. 'Wangshu, where is the lunar star?' Da Hai thought desperately.

On the ocean floor, the unconscious bodies of the four symbols floated in the water. Yinglong swerved trying to collect them. Hongjun had held back from killing them and was making an active effort to pull his punches while they were in the area.

In the sky, a visibly stressed Wangshu looking very haggard was pulling with both hands. The doorway at the summit of the Jianmu tree showed the lunar star on the other side. However, the doorway was too small.

"Fuck," Wangshu growled punching out. The sound of glass shattering was heard as reality was punched apart. Wangshu's attempt at widening the hole was met with some progress. However, the lunar star was simply too large.

Hongjun looked back at Wangshu. He felt the devastating power of the lunar star trying to descend into the great wilderness. The right eye of Pangu was an existence on the verge of Dao. It was nothing to scoff at. It was actually the primary reason Hongjun valued Wangshu and why he never fought her in the stars.

"Oh no you don't," he swung the pangu banner around sending a wave at the unsuspecting goddess.

Wangshu felt danger. She looked back just in time as the wave bisected her at the waist. "GAH!" She screamed in pain. Her Dao essence bled out and her nascent soul too sustained damage.

"Wangshu," Da Hai called out flying up with a combined zambato sword. Hongjun blocked the oncoming blade with his forearm. He clawed sideways with that same arm.

SPLATTER!

Da Hai's entire left side was torn away from his body. It was only connected to his body by his abdomen. 'Damn it,' Da Hai thought. 'Will things really end like this?'

Hongjun raised another palm intending to slap Da Hai to death. A mysterious golden light appeared on Da Hai's body. A miracle occurred in which Da Hai was whole. He dodged the palm strike of Hongjun and send a palm strike of his own.

Da Hai's palm was lit in the auspicious karmic fire. He slammed into Hongjun's waist with a heavy impact. The shockwave could be felt across the world.

"GRAH!" Hongjun growled in pain as his waist was burnt badly. Da Hai spun mid air and kicked Hongjun with a leg encased in karmic fire.

Hongjun flew into the sky while Da Hai assumed his true form. The eight heads spewed forth karmic fire in a concentrated stream of fire at Hongjun. Da Hai's own karmic luck was plummeting extremely quickly. His desperation had nearly cost him his entire stockpile.

Hongjun threw both hands down. The Pangu banner, the taiji painting, and the jade fortune disc appeared in unison. The greatest force of the universe, the karmic fire was successfully being blocked.

Zulong looked up in a panic. He was prepared to propel himself up to shield his master with a tail slap. But suddenly, space distorted beside him. Qiankun stepped out from the portal looking at the battle.

"Good, I made it in time," he said softly. It was then that Zulong noticed that in his hands, Qiankun held the dying body of another immortal, Ancestor Shangxia.

Qiankun himself looked scruffled. He had obviously been in a tough battle just now. "You're Da Hai's disciple right?" He asked to which Zulong nodded.

"Good, I owe a debt to your master," he explained dropping Shangxia's body. Cosmic rays condensed wrapping around Shangxia. Qiankun himself blasted high into the air.

"What a Hongjun," he scoffed. "After all these quite years, you finally make such a move. No matter, it's not like I have to fight you directly."

Qiankun's mastery over space was second to none. Even though his cultivation was currently inferior to Hongjun, his control was in reality much finer. With this, he was the fastest immortal cultivator in the world. Beating out Hongjun and Luohu.

Wangshu who held herself together in a blob of three brilliance sacred water was the first to notice Qiankun. "Why are you here?" She asked.

"I want to say that it was pure coincidence that I was in the area, but something else probably had something to do with it," he admitted. "To think this all started when I had a premonition a few decades ago to come west."

Hongjun spread out his arms dispelling the karmic fire. Da Hai looked extremely spent and lay mid air panting. "Using so much of my power to punish brats," he scowled. "To think so much usage was needed to put you down. Wait… this presence, Qiankun?"

Hongjun turned around and saw Qiankun standing tall. "Hongjun, you don't get murderous intent against me without repercussions," Qiankun said. "And you certainly don't try to assassinate me with a recruitment pitch. Don't underestimate the ancestor of the universe."

With one motion, Qiankun opened a gargantuan portal into the starry skies. A portal visible from the west continent where a black robed young man walked out alongside a silver haired young man. "What the hell is going on?" Luohu asked Mara who merely shook his head indicating he had little idea.

Hongjun looked nervously at the sky as the lunar star appeared in the primitive world for the first time in history. Wangshu smirked as her lower half was restored by the moonlight. Her eyes glowed and her crowned sung.

It sounded as if a million celestial fairies were celebrating. As if the stars themselves became royal servants laying out the carpet for their ruler. Wangshu breathed in and out feeling the power of the stars flow into her through the portal.

"Let's pull him into the starry skies," she informed Qiankun and Dai Hai.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

For the first time in a very long time, Hongjun felt panicked. Da Hai alone was not a problem. Da Hai plus Wangshu was mildly irritating but not beyond his reach. Da Hai, Wangshu, and Qiankun would be extremely difficult to properly face but his own victory is still guaranteed. However, the current situation represented the worst possible scenario.

All around the great wilderness, across the five continents four seas. Day switched into night. The sun disappeared from the sky. The stars were not visible. The only thing seen across the world was silvery lunar radiance all flowing westward.

Above the west sea, dwarfing everything by an order of magnitude. A celestial construct billions of kilometres in radius. The lunar star appeared in all its transcendent glory. Even after a yuanhai and a half since he'd died, Pangu's right eye still carried the terrifying might of Dao.

Although he never made the breakthrough into Dao. Pangu's understanding, his own Dao had already reached the rank of Dao realm. His fruit was already beginning to disappear had Pangu not halted it.

The memories of the chaos godfiends were still vivid. They could still remember facing Pangu, their arrogance in thinking they would win. No, it could've never been called a battle. It was the equivalent of pest control in its ease.

Today, that same presence was felt again in the great wilderness. The lunar star's presence brought back unpleasant memories for all those who were present before the heavens were opened.

Hongjun swallowed a lump of saliva. He brought his hands up catching a blast of pure lunar Qi. The energy washed over his hands freezing his skin, shaving away at his soul, gnawing away at his own being.

He heard soft singing from the lunar star, it was both haunting yet beautiful. He felt his mind go weak, his muscles softening. However, he instantly grabbed hold of himself once more.

The taiji painting below his feet stabilised him. The pangu banner in his hands swung up in a wave of chaotic sword Qi. The resulting blast split the lunar star's attack. Hongjun's glowing purple eyes met those of Wangshu's cold silver eyes.

As he was distracted by the attack. Da Hai had joined Wangshu and Qiankun's side in the sky. Hongjun scanned around noticing the lack of dragons and associated parties.

"Your disciples?" Wangshu asked.

"Gone, I flung them as far as I can," Da Hai said.

"Good, now we can press our advantage," Wangshu said. She brought both her hands together and chanted. She produced a hand seal in and in turn, the lunar star responded.

Hongjun sighed in embarrassed disappointment. Looking at the lunar star he felt extremely torn. Looking around, he relented. It was time to cut his losses. It was pointless to continue pressing the matter

The pangu banner was retracted and Hongjun waved his hand intending to open a hole into the void.

SHRINK!

Hongjun widened his eyes in surprise as the hole snapped shut. He looked up at Qiankun whose hands glowed in cosmic light and frowned. The lunar star's attack was already approaching him.

Hongjun tore into reality with both palms and excepted great strength. At the same time, Qiankun slammed both palms together stabilising spacetime. The two continued their tussle while lunar light descended.

Hongjun manifested the taiji painting to block Qiankun's attacks. At the same time, Qiankun pulled out the cosmic ruler and stabbed it into reality. White lightning sparked across the universe below the gaze of the lunar star. Hongjun was at this moment, feeling extremely pressured.

The cosmic ruler was dealing with taiji painting just fine. It was a treasure whose use primarily lay in attacking. Under Qiankun's hands, it could temporarily halt the taiji painting. But as the taiji painting continued to spin, Qiankun brought out his second treasure.

A small cauldron appeared in Qiankun's hands unleashing fire, water, wind, soil, and metal. The universal caldron appeared alongside the cosmic ruler. The universal cauldron, usually used for refining pills, was now used to seal away the space around Hongjun.

The ancestor of the great balance gritted his teeth as his time was cut short. Wangshu's lunar rays washed over him. 'Hm? It's not an attack?' Hongjun widened his eyes in shock as his body was involuntarily pulled upwards.

Realising what was going on, he grabbed hold of the pangu banner only to gasp in pain. Behind him, seawater rose in the form of a massive tendril that smashed into Hongjun's back. He glared at Da Hai who had his arms raised.

With the boost from the lunar star, Da Hai's powers were magnified. He struck Hongjun from behind while Qiankun struck from the front. Wangshu used this time to continuously pull Hongjun up higher and higher.

Hongjun's purple gas clouds had all but disappeared. The only hint of purple were those on his own person. The old man found it an extremely difficult struggle even as he pulled on his cultivation base.

Gritting his teeth, Hongjun unleashed the unrestricted pressure of a Hunyuan Da Luo Golden Immortal. His wave of power washed over the primitive world shocking those in hiding at just how high his cultivation base was.

Even though they still held the advantage, Wangshu, Da Hai, and Qiankun all felt extremely pressured as they fought. It was only due to the lunar star that they hadn't been reduced to kneeling before Hongjun.

Wangshu howled as she pulled with the lunar star. Hongjun struggled helplessly as the battlefield was leaving the west sea. "Wangshu, you do not want this, do not force my hand," Hongjun roared in warning.

"You've already forced our hand," Wangshu retorted dragging everyone up with her through Qiankun's portal. Already, she could feel herself growing in power as the starry skies neared. Qiankun was much the same and even Da Hai was absorbing unrestricted star energy.

"Press our advantage, don't relent," Da Hai said almost gleefully. The 12th grade white lotus floated menacingly behind him while the xuanyuan water control flag glimmered.

"Don't have to tell me twice," Wangshu said chuckling. An ice chain formed from the lunar star flew down. It wrapped itself around Hongjun's chest.

"Wangshu, I am willing to let bygone be bygones," Hongjun said tugging at the chain. "I am willing to absolve all grievances, I will not bother you again if you stop this now."

Wangshu's eyes went cold, "What do you think Da Hai? Qiankun?"

"Do you need to ask?" The sea god said.

"It'll be one more danger to my health gone," the cosmic deity said.

Smirking, Wangshu pulled with all her strength. The sudden surge in power caught Hongjun off guard. He flew uncontrollably through the portal into the world of stars.

Qiankun slammed his palms together shutting the portal forever. The sight of the great wilderness was gone in an instant. Da Hai scanned the area of space they appeared in and noticed the lack of the hole created by the Jianmu tree.

"We're still at the western quadrant," Wangshu quickly said. "But we are a fair distance from the west sea. Didn't want him to find the exit," he explained.

Once in the starry skies, everything stilled. Hongjun looked extremely insignificant in comparison to the lunar star and its pat of three. Wangshu, Da Hai, and Qiankun had all received the stellar construct's blessings. Their intent to fight was obvious.

Hongjun looked around himself as the chain holding him collapsed. He sneered and cracked his neck and joints. "Wangshu, Da Hai, Qiankun," he called out. "Remember that you were the ones who forced my hand."

The three innate gods tensed as a sudden explosion of pure aura washed the starry skies. They each took a step back as Hongjun released his full power. For the first time since creation, Hongjun was fighting with everything he's got.

Hongjun's three flower crowns floated above him, his Dao fruit appeared in his natal area looking full purple with decorations of clouds and divine iconography. What was more surprising was what sat on the flower crowns themselves.

On the left most flower sat an old man identical to Hongjun looking extremely human. The second flow in the middle sat an Oldman resembling Hongjun but more demonic with red lines adorning his face. The third was empty.

"He's already cut two corpses," Da Hai said startled. "His Dao is already nigh perfect. One more corpse cut and he'd reach Wuji," he said.

"Corpses? What are these corpses?" Qiankun asked in confusion. However even he felt afraid of Hongjun at this moment. Even he could tell the mystical might of Hongjun at this moment surpassed him even at his peak.

"In Daoism, there exists three demonic figures residing in the being. In philology, to transcend into an immortal, the expelling of all three are required. These are the three corpses, representing good intentions, evil intentions and obsession," Da Hai explained. "That is to say, this is Hongjun's Dao path."

"His Dao, it is so different than the one I remember," Qiankun said in interest. Although he didn't understand what Da Hai was talking about in the former portions, the latter part he understood perfectly. "It is a vast improvement," the ancestor of the universe said.

"If what I am detecting is accurate," Wangshu said. "Then we've grossly underestimated him," she sighed with a frown.

"No reason to give up," Da Hai interrupted. "We still have the advantage," he stepped forward gathering stellar Qi into himself. Wangshu raised her eyebrows and sighed joining him. Qiankun drew the cosmic ruler and stepped forward.

Three simultaneous transformations took place before the lunar star. They opposed the ancestor of the great balance, Hongjun who'd manifested an illusion of the purple empyrean. Hongjun sat at the helm, on a cushion at the centre of his divine palace among purple clouds. He looked wise beyond comprehension, exalted beyond gods, the absolute existence from the days of primordial heaven.

A swirling mass of stars and gas spiralling like a galaxy appeared and attacked Hongjun's empyrean. Qiankun's true form was that which resembled the milky way galaxy. At the centre lay the universal cauldron supporting him while the cosmic ruler flew in for attacks.

Wangshu too reverted back to her natural form. She stood tall resembling a tree with feminine features flowing silver with six arms and three faces. With the lunar star so close to her, Wangshu's combat prowess was superior to Qiankun and newly rivalled those of Hongjun.

Da Hai smiled as the battle began. He faded into existence and non existence standing on the 12th grade white lotus. He was titanic in size sporting eight serpentine heads each with spongy yellow manes. 'I have waited for this for so long, this has always been the way I understood most, whatever complex plan isn't necessary anymore,' he thought.

"In many ways, the starry skies is also an ocean," Da Hai announced. "I was born to embody the sea," Da Hai announced. "Be they a sea of water, mud, trees, or stars, it doesn't matter. The ocean is mine to command," Da Hai roared leading the pack to attack Hongjun.

…

'Nine months have already passed since his master disappeared into the starry skies,' Zulong thought looking at the western sky. He was currently sitting on the universe traversing boat travelling further eastward.

Looking around, Zulogn noticed his brothers were also in a bad mood. This was not uncommon these days. They were all worried about the wellbeing of their mentor. 'There still hadn't been any news,' he thought in frustration.

Their current route was taking them to the south continent. As Si Hai had long fled to recover, they were unbothered throughout the journey. Zhuque's control over the ship had been impeccably smooth.

The speed they were currently travelling was easily many times faster than when they'd been flying or swimming themselves. The ancestral dragon turned away from his gaze west and looked forward instead.

"Hey, chin up," he called out to Yinglong and Qinglong. "Have faith in master. He will not go down so easily, especially now with aunt master and that other senior with him."

"Hai, you're right," Yinglong said. "But I wish we could do more. I was the most useless of our group," he said self deprecatingly.

"What are you on about? You did the best you could," Zulong said.

"Yet I was the most helpless, you stood up to Si Hai and Qinglong contributed so much with the four symbols formation. Whereas I on the other hand? I could only spectate," the winged dragon sighed.

"Don't be hard on yourself brother," Qinglong called out. "If anything I was the screw up for not holding up the formation."

"Cheh, why are we all talking this depressing talk," Bai Hu said from across the deck. "Hold your heads high, your accomplishments are far greater than any Taiyi Golden Immortal myself included. Keep looking forward cause there's no point regretting the past."

"Have a heart Bai Hu, their master is still missing," Xuanwu said coming out from the cabin. "They worry is perfectly understandable."

"What? All I'm saying is to stop being so self defeating," Bai Hu retorted.

"Hey boys," Zhuque called out. "We're nearing the dimensional membrane. We'll officially cross into the south seas soon," she announced.

'The south, I wonder what'll wait for us there,' Zulong thought taking one last look west. 'Stay safe master Da Hai.'

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

'The ocean air of the south sea carried a much different feeling than that of the west or north,' Zulong idly thought. The sailing journey had been very smooth with very little interference aside from a few wannabe pirates. Of course with the group's power level, what pirate could possibly threaten them.

But if the dragon had to be honest, the journey had gotten incredibly dull. There was little to do and most people knew better than to approach a ridiculously fast ship carrying several powerful auras. Zulong concisely looked westward and opened his divine sense.

'Still nothing,' he thought sadly. He looked back at the sitting figures of the four symbols divine beasts. They sat in a formation representative of the four cardinal directions.

"Anything?" He asked with hope. Qinglong opened his eyes and shook his head. Zulong sighed at the implications.

"The starry skies is sealed," Qinglong said. "It's unusual for me to not even feel the power of the stars for such a long period of time."

"Right, it is strange. Almost like that constant companion that just one day disappeared," Xuanwu agreed with similar nods from the other two. "I don't think any more attempts of probing the starry skies will work friend."

"Zulong," Yinglong called out from the steering platform. "I'm sure master will contact us when he has returned. Don't stress too much."

"You say that like you're not stressed," Zulong retorted. He could see the same hopeful glint in Yinglong's eyes as he had. Yinglong's was a pretty good actor when he wanted to be. But nothing his brothers do can fool the eldest dragon.

"Whatever the case, probing the stars are useless," Zhuque said walking up the platform. "We cannot detect those seniors and even if we could, what can we do? It's not like any of us are strong enough to matter."

The vermillion bird took over from Yinglong as the helmsmen and steered the ship northwards. "I'm familiar with this region, used to explore here every day, still do actually. We should be seeing the mainland in a few hours."

"Wait, you explore these parts? I thought Si Hai had it out for you?" Bai Hu said. "Doesn't his men like, hunt you or anything? You're not exactly subtle."

"Oh please, that ugly turd hadn't gotten off his lazy ass since before I was born. His men can't ever hope to match me in a fair fight or even a normal ambush," Zhuque scoffed.

"Didn't they just do that shortly before we met?" Bai Hu snarked.

"That's why I said normal ambush. That was anything but normal," she said. "Pure happenstance and will never happen again."

"Right, of course it won't."

"Shut up Bai Hu," Zhuque said zapping the tiger with a stream of fire. "In other news, you guys are going to love the phoenix's roost. My sister's castle is the greatest fortress city in the world."

"Truly?" Qinglong challenged. "My brother's success in the east I nothing to scoff at either. They tout it as the trading center of the seas."

"I'm sure brother Zulong's city is impressive, but my sister is an emperor of the world. The crowned phoenix sovereign and direct descendent of Pangu," Zhuque said smugly.

She looked down at the conflicted gazes of Qinglong, Yinglong and Zulong. 'Hm? What's up with them?' She thought.

'This complicates things,' Zulong thought. He thought back to the last time he'd encountered a fellow emperor and wondered if this Zufeng he's meeting will be similar.

'Zulin exists in the north, my brother to the east, Zufeng in the south,' Yinglong pondered. 'Only the west is spared but are ruled by the devils. Three rivalling emperors of the primitive world, it's almost like the primitive world is gearing itself up for another conflict.'

The universe traversing boat continued to travel at a steady pace. The southern parts of the primitive world weren't known for conflict unlike the rest of the world. It was actually one of the quietest and most peaceful portions of the world.

During ancient times, many innate creatures who became refugees migrated here and set up their own clan compounds. These clans only had a handful of strong fighters left and over the years very few were produced. Over the years, the south had garnered a massive population that rivalled the thriving west continent and east sea. However, unlike the latter two, the south continent wasn't home to many powerhouses.

Zhuque looked up at the sunny bright sky in anticipation. She'd missed her home for the past several years now. Her sister must've been very worried for her.

"Who's that?" Bai Hu suddenly asked standing up.

Zhuque was only confused for a moment before sensing the approaching presence. She smiled softly and replied, "That's one of my sister's generals, Chongming."

"He's strong, I can feel it," Xuanwu complimented getting up and gazing at the distant flying bird. Chongming was massive, he was easily several thousand kilometres in wingspan.

"Chongming has been following my sister for a long time. He's an innate god of the east continent and one of my sister's most loyalist follower," Zhuque explained. "He's trustworthy, he's likely patrolling right now."

As Chongming got closer, the rest of the group got a better look at him. This bird deity was similar in build to Zhuque's true form. He was also red and orange with some golden feathers jutting out like flames. He resembled a skinny chicken and had two eyes. However, each of his eyes bore two pupils making four pupils in total.

Chongming was one of the most majestic bird's they've ever seen. Second only to Zhuque and far superior to the devil raven father and son duo. He was also pretty powerful at the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm.

Zulong suspects that he could fight Yinglong. Perhaps not win but could definitely hold his own for a time. Though this was only preliminary speculation. Chongming could be a support specialist for an alchemist with poor offensive capabilities for all he knows.

"Chongming, over here!" Zhuque called out to the massive avian.

"Princess," Chongming greeted descending from his position in the sky. His avian form shrunk until he was approximately six foot tall and took the form of a man. His hair remained red and yellow while his eyes possessed two pupils each.

"Princess, it is good that you've returned. Recent movements in the south seas have gotten her majesty worried," Chongming said looking around. "Who are your companions?"

"These are my new comrades Chongming," Zhuque said then introduced everyone on the ship. "They helped me get out of a trap and escape emperor Si Hai."

"What? Si Hai was spotted returning to the sea a little while ago. Did you have anything to do with that?" Chongming asked.

"What's there to say? We encountered him and had to fight him but managed to escape," Zhuque explained.

"I think we'd need more detail," Chongming replied.

"Yes, but I want to go home quickly, I'll let my sister know myself," Zhuque said calmly but with small amounts of excitement. "I have guests here as well and we were in a hurry. Please return and notify my sister of our arrival."

"Very well, greetings to you all," Chongming said nodding to the rest of the crew on the universe traversing boat. Then he suddenly had a thought, "My princess, when did you learn to sail?"

"Oh I don't, this ship is sailing itself. I'm just telling it where to go," Zhuque revealed.

"Wait, you mean to tell me that I didn't need to be steering?" Yinglong chimed in.

"Don't speak to the pri…" Chongming tried to say before he was interrupted by Zhuque's gesture.

"It's fine Chongming. As for you, well you never asked," the vermilion bird said.

"She's right Yinglong, you kinda just walked up there when she got down," Qinglong said smirking.

"But I thought ships… Sigh, treasure not ship," Yinglong sighed gripping his forehead. He walked away and sat down while the azure dragon laughed.

"Charming bunch," Chongming said slowly to which Zhuque nodded. " In any case, I shall be returning now. Princess, I shall send escorts for you immediately," he said.

Zhuque gestured for him to go and the innate god soon took flight and left. "The phoenix's roost is due 137 thousand kilometres offshore," she announced. "Prepare for the most amazing sight you'll ever see," she said giddily.

"We'll see about that," Qinglong retorted. Though deep down, he was also curious about his fellow divine beast's elder sister. This scenario was quite similar to his own family after all. He idly wondered if Zulin had any such siblings.

In just under three hours, the universe traversing boat arrived in a small bayside fort. It was one of the military bases set up to watch for movements from the south sea. Chongming's personal forces were already there waiting for them.

However, they were not the primary reason they were there. Due to Zufeng's ambition, tension was high between the continent and ocean. Normally, with Si Hai's presence, such insolence would be crushed. However, the emperor of the four seas had not made any moves in many generations. As such Zufeng's boldness had increased exponentially.

As such, the borders between both powers were rife with armies. Even Zulong was impressed by the squadrons of Immortals present. It would take an alliance of many clans in the east sea to gather this many forces that were present along the southern borders.

'It seems that I'm a bit late to the party,' Zulong thought stroking his chin. From what he'd understand and what Zhuque was telling them, Zufeng had been in power for quite some time. In fact, she was already building her empire when he was still in training.

'Meeting master held back my plans by a lot,' he mused in his thoughts. 'But I do not regret them, slow and steady shall win this race. I still have a lot of time,' the dragon said to himself and smiled. He admired the sights of the south continent, it had a charm to it that many places he'd been to lacked.

The south continent was not as dense with primordial Qi as the east nor west. It was densely populated but at the same time exuded a peaceful aura that was the exact opposite of the north. The south was dense with woodland areas and grass fields and very temperate. It was in many ways, the perfect place to cultivate life.

The group was treated to an army of servants who greeted them. Hundreds of maids and butlers readied chariots pulled by magical horses. Zulong idly pondered if these horses were rewarded for their services as mounts.

"My princess, this way please," the servants said bowing to Zhuque pointing towards a prepared chariot. Zulong and the rest followed after the vermillion bird collected the universe traversing boat. She'd also had the kunwu sword strapped to her side on full display making no attempts to hide its rank.

It was evident why she'd done so when the servants and soldiers she'd passed held fingering gazes of awe. Zulogn doubted that they've ever seen a top grade xiantian spiritual treasure in their lives. Low grade perhaps but higher grades were exponentially rarer.

When they were on board the carriage, various refreshments were brought in. Fruit juices, exotic fruits and meats. Overall, a universal standard treatment reserved for royalty. Zulong was not unused to this, he quite liked it.

Seeing Zulong nod in approval filled Zhuque with happiness. Once someone's gotten to know Zulong, they instinctively knew he was in charge. Among the four symbols, they were all fellow siblings born apart but united as one. They were a team with equal input and equal rank.

But Zulong had always been above the rest. Everyone trailed behind the dragon. Even strangers would hold themselves respectfully when meeting him. Her servants were also extremely polite and dutiful and the vermillion bird could tell that not all of it was simply following orders.

The dragon reminded her of her own sister. In many ways, that actually quite frightened her. The anxiety of what could come of it did not fill her with much hope. Free as she was, Zhuque loved her sister a lot for all her faults.

She prayed to the heavens that such a meeting would go well. The four symbols as a family depended on it.

…

"Taiyi Golden Immortals? All of them?" A woman dressed in long elaborate imperial robes decorated with fire and birds of all kinds and a crown of many jewels and beads hanging on the side. The appearance of her crown vaguely resembled that of a peacock's tail. She rested her hand on her knuckle on her right looking down.

This woman was exceedingly beautiful. Everything about her screamed beauty and power beyond even Wangshu. His eyes were orange with trails of fire. The light of the yin and yang were held in her pupils. Her power at the peak of Taiyi Golden Immortal was unquestionable. This was Zufeng, the phoenix sovereign.

"Such a large gathering of experts followed my sister?" The phoenix sovereign asked. The person she was addressing was Chongming. The innate god was kneeling at the foot of her throne rigidly.

"Yes your majesty," Chongming said. "All five of them were Taiyi Golden Immortals. It is a for sure guarantee that they've all found their Dao as well."

"Hm," Zufeng placed her index finger on her right cheek in thought. "Capable servants are rare to find. My sister deserves many rewards for her efforts."

"Your majesty," Chongming said. "I believe that is an incorrect assumption."

"Oh?" Zufeng gazed down. "What makes you say that? Do you believe my sister incapable of recruiting Taiyi Golden Immortals? Especially for the chance to serve under me?"

"With all due respect your majesty," Chongming began. "Taiyi Golden Immortals at theirs and my level won't submit for just a name."

"The audacity," Zufeng snarled igniting the room around her in a flurry of nanming divine fire. "You dare spout nonsense?"

"Not nonsense your majesty," the Chongming bird met the sovereign's gaze with his own. "I apologise if my words offend you, you may punish me anyway you wish. However, I stand by my opinion."

"Hmph, we'll see about that," Zufeng got up and stepped down from her throne. "You're lucky you're useful," she said walking past the kneeling innate god. Exiting her throne room leaving Chongming on his own, Zufeng spotted the ministers waiting outside.

"Prepare a banquet," she ordered. "We shall celebrate my sister's return."

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The famed location of the south continent known as the phoenix's roost is both a castle and a city. Rather, the name refers both to the palace of Zufeng and the surrounding city built around it. The towering structure of the imperial palace outlined by a statue of a phoenix spreading its wings was visible even at the coast.

Upon entering the city, the iconography of various birds subservient to the phoenix was depicted. Although he'd only been there once, Yinglong found the build philosophy to be similar to Zulong's city. That was to say, very egocentric.

However, whereas Zulong had a pragmatic side to him as evident to prioritising security, the phoenix's roost seemed to lack that. From a glance, Zulong's city can be identified as a death trap to attack for an army of immortals. But the phoenix roost was able to be besieged.

That wasn't to say that the avian's capital was defenceless. It certainly had formations drawn in place and powerful fighters stationed. It was obvious from the distinct auras of half a dozen Golden Immortals and three Taiyi Golden Immortals that it was a force to be reckoned with.

Seeing the concentration of fighting power, Yinglong thought it made sense why the avians were able to stand up to the south seas. If you ignore the presence of Si Hai, both sides had a similar amount of experts. In fact the avians likely had more.

The winged dragon studied the city while paying close attention to Zhuque's introductions as the journey continued. While his older brother had proven himself very observant, Yinglong thought it best to give him a second opinion.

"And just over that way is the market area. Foreign clans travel here often to make trades in cultivation and crafting resources from us. Our supply is the greatest in the south continent," Zhuque chatted merrily with her fellow divine beasts.

"That's impressive sister Zhuque," Xuanwu complimented. "Just how many people come here?"

"Oh I think minister Lu said there were about nine million people a month," Zhuque said. "Most of these are just the visitors, farmers or merchants conducting whatever business they're doing."

"Oh, so many people," Xuanwu felt dizzy. He was of a similar age to Zhuque and roughly knew there were a lot of people in the world. But to hear it being stated so casually was a little nauseating. Especially since he primarily resided in the north.

"Might sound like a lot, but it really isn't," Qinglong said. "The east sea where I'm from had tons of settlements with millions of people travelling to and between. It's not strange to see billions of movements on important days."

"Wow, same," Zhuque said. "I thought only the south was so populated."

"I've travelled more than my brothers so I've seen the continents from a distance," Qinglong explained. "The east continent is not that populated compared to the south but the east ocean is heavily populated."

"Wow, I'd love to visit there," Zhuque said in amazement. "But unfortunately my sister banned me from there. Said it was too dangerous or something like that."

"Really? How so?" Qinglong asked.

"Something about how it was a chaotic mess of clans vying for power. How there were Golden Immortals by the dozens in every few hundred thousand kilometres," the vermillion bird said.

"Hm, well big brother is more familiar with the situation than me but I can see that being the case," Qinglong said. "What's the current census of Golden Immortals?" He asked Zulong

"At least one per clan, extrapolate from there," Zulong replied.

"Heavens," Zhuque squeaked at the implications. If the east sea was anything like the south continent, then there were easily tens of thousands of clans. "How does one raise so many Golden Immortals?" She asked curiously,

"Advancement in methods," Zulong explained. "Everyone knows everyone in the east. It's not strange for cultivators to trade insight and recourses."

"But to develop so quickly," Zhuque mused in wonder.

"All thanks to our master," Qinglong smiled in pride. "Many years ago, he preached to the masses and upped the quality and quantity of cultivation techniques. Since then, the successes of cultivators had risen exponentially."

"Wait you mean the eastern preaching session actually happened? It's not a rumour?" Zhuque exclaimed. The there dragons all started chuckling at that.

"Hm, I wasn't sure either," Bai Hu said. "There were some rumours a while ago about a sect in the east but I never paid it any mind. You're saying your master accepted the entire east sea as disciples of his sect?"

"No, nothing like that. I wasn't born then but from what those who attended say, he gave lots of pointers and generic advice that enlightened everyone," Zulong corrected. "The east sea is indebted to master, without him, the secrets of immortality will be held back for ages. Even the continent proper had benefitted."

"Now that you mention it, I think we benefitted too," Zhuque said in realisation. "I always thought the progress was natural but it may have flowed from the east sea considering our interactions along the dimensional wall."

The conversation continued after that with both sides trading information casually. For Yinglong, it was a good time to prepare himself for meeting the famed phoenix sovereign. His advanced hearing picked up idle chatter from their escorts and from their description, she was quite a prideful person.

The group finally arrived at the palace compound. As their destination was reached, they exited the carriage and were greeted by the familiar Chongming and another individual of similar rank and power.

"General Chongming, minister Lu," Zhuque greeted the two.

"Welcome back princess," both innate gods greeted her back with a salute. "Her majesty is anxiously waiting for you in the main chamber."

"Of course," Zhuque nodded. "Come alone, I can show you the way," she said gesturing to Zulong and the rest.

What greeted them inside was a structure showcasing the colours of red, yellow, orange in every way they could without being jarring. The palace was built to be the lap of luxury and power with depictions of the phoenix. Most notable was a statue of the phoenix roosting above a multitude of birds below its feet.

The message was clear. The phoenix was the king of the world. She stood above all avians as the supreme king of birds.

When Zhuque led them into the throne room. Zulong's gaze met Zufeng's for the first time. In that moment, the world stood still. Roaring water met with burning fire. In that moment, two emperor's recognised each other despite never having met.

It was as if two swirling abyss of primordial power clashed. Both came from the same source. Both recognised each other as family. Yet at the same time, both detested each other for daring to impose themselves above the other.

There was an old saying, two tigers cannot share the same mountain. If one considered the primitive world to be a mountain, these emperors are tigers born to rule it. They knew from the get go that they were each other's adversaries.

From the moment they've locked eyes. Zulong felt almost nostalgic. Yet his eyes narrowed as he instinctively knew that the woman before him can never be his follower. No words needed to be exchanged for both parties to know this.

'Such is the clashing path of my destiny,' Zulong sighed in resignation. He felt very guilty at this moment. His little brother felt for the first time, truly complete, yet now that blissfulness may well be stripped away.

"Ng…Zu..ng…Lo…g…Zu… Zulong," Yinglong's soft voice snapped Zulong back to reality. He broke contact and looked to Yinglong.

"I'm sorry, what were you saying?" He asked.

"You were spacing out a bit there, things got a bit awkward," Yinglong whispered back. Looking forwards, Zulong also saw Zhuque repeating a similar action to a slightly stunned Zufeng.

"What's wrong sister?" Zhuque whispered. "This is very unlike you."

"That man," Zufeng gestured with her eyes at Zulong. "Who is he?"

"Hm? Don't tell me you're interested in Zulong?" Zhuque gasped. "Well he is easily the strongest of the group and very handsome."

"Stop," Zupfen snapped raising a finger. "That's not what I meant, give me a second." The phoenix snapped her eyes back to the rest of her audience.

Chongming and Lu were looking curiously at what was happening. Zufeng felt slightly embarrassed at her silence. She could see that the other guests, Xuanwu, Bai Hu, and Qinglong were getting slightly agitated at the silence.

"Greetings," Zufeng announced breaking the ice. "I welcome you all to my domain. It is my understanding that you aided my sister?"

"Yes, your uh…your majesty," Xuanwu and the others gave a respectful bow whereas Zulong only gave a respectful salute. Zufeng felt a sense of irritation aimed at the ancestral dragon.

'That's fine, they always are arrogant in the beginning,' she comforted herself in her heart. After all, Lu and Chongming's loyalties were among those she'd won through combat.

"Do you not bow before your sovereign?" Zufeng challenged.

"These legs don't kneel to any bar one," Zulong returned. The atmosphere became tense again. Both Zhuque and Qinglong could feel their hearts tighten.

"Ah, fellow daoists are all just awed by sister's beauty," Zhuque quickly came up with an excuse. Qinglong motioned to do the same but Zulong threw him a glaring look.

"You should already be able to guess why I won't and never will," Zulong said. Behind him, Chongming and Lu tightened their stances.

"Heh, hahaha," Zufeng chuckled before narrowing her eyes. "On the account of my sister, I shall forgive you. But I will not tolerate disrespect in my court."

"With all due respect your majesty," Bai Hu began. "We are not a part of your kingdom nor are our statuses inferior in any way to you. Expecting fellow daoists of similar standings is a bit presumptuous don't you think."

"You think yourself my equal?" Zufeng raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"Bai Hu, that's enough," Zhuque snapped. "Don't needlessly antagonise my family," she scolded. "Please, sis, spare them some leniency," she begged towards Zufeng.

"Fine," Zufeng huffed. "I shall permit this," after she'd said so, the room returned to normal temperature. An invisible pressure that did not affect those present but could be felt lifted.

"As thanks for aiding my sister, I have prepared a banquet for you all. That is to be held tomorrow evening. I trust you'll all attend?" Zufeng extended the invitation.

"What right do I have to refuse such a generous offer?" Zulong accepted. Seeing that everyone else had no objections once Zulong spoke Zufeng nodded.

"Very well then, I've also prepared rewards for you. Ten thousand kilograms of top grade spiritual herbs and ores as well as xiantian spiritual treasures. I will have minister Lu guide you to receive them." She announced.

"Very generous of you, your majesty," Zulong said.

"I spare no expenses when it comes to family," the phoenix sovereign retorted.

"Neither will I," the dragon mused softly. "I accept your proposals. We've only done what any good samaritans would've done. And as well, my brother and your sister belongs to the same family of divine beasts. It was only natural for us to help."

"Same family you say, inform me later," Zufeng whispered to Zhuque. "If that is all, then I shall extend my hospitality to you all. You will find my kingdom to be beyond expectations."

Taking the signal, the party turned to leave for the waiting minister Lu. However, before they left Zufeng Called out again.

"All experts are welcome in my empire, I hope you make the wise choice," she finished as the doors closed. Zulong narrowed his eyes but kept silent. He wordlessly sighed, he was right after all.

"Come, this way," minister Lu gestured for them to follow him.

'We can regret later,' Zulong said to his brothers through mental communication. 'Enjoy whatever time we have now.'

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

By the next day, phoenix's roost had become incredibly lively. Zufeng was not joking when she uttered the words 'spared no expense'. In under a day, the city was decorated, statues lit up in flames, and various ornaments were placed throughout the city.

Overnight, the busy city had transformed into one on festive mode. All on the whims of their divine ruler.

From his position at the window, Zulong observed the people below. His suite was one that allowed for easy viewing into the greater city. This was something he'd requested from minister Lu and granted with no resistance.

"Hm, these people know who's in charge, who they should worship," Zulong quietly mused. Yinglong who sat deeper in the room sorting through the collected treasures perked up.

"They practically have it all shoved in their face, it's quite pretentious if you ask me," Yinglong said before going back to his work.

"Yes, a bit too on the nose," Zulong agreed before diving into deep thinking. He reflected upon how he'd built his city and saw the startling amount of similarities. 'Perhaps I should tone done things in the future. It just looks like I'm overcompensating,' he pondered. 'I should ask Yu'er when I get back.'

Meanwhile, Yinglong moved a pile of ores rich in fire Qi into a small pouch. The enormous amount of material was shrunken down to make it manageable for such tasks. Yinglong had already gone through the collection of herbs sorted based on their elemental affinity.

Placing the fire ore pouch alongside the others he stretched his neck. "Their foundation is not shallow brother, the avians have rooted themselves into the south quite successfully," he said. "I wonder if Zulin had done the same in the north".

"Her head start is troubling but not unchallengeable. Once we return I can finally begin assuming power," Zulong said. "There are a few things I want to try first, however."

"Oh? May I ask what?" Yinglong enquired.

"Look at them," Zulong said pointing to the people below. "What do you notice?" Yinglong narrowed his eyes and observed. His divine sense shot out of the phoenix's roost and into the city below scanning the civilians.

These civilians consisted of both mortals and immortals in a nine to one ratio. However, even so, the mortals held varying degrees of cultivation at least above the Nascent Soul realm. Only the youngest of children were still below that and hence remained in their natural forms.

"They're all birds," Yinglong stated. "Or at least of avian descent, only a very minor few are not." The winged dragon turned towards his elder brother in thought. "That's odd, the beasts and sea folk who live here remain out of the way towards the outskirts."

"Zufeng is herself an avian," Zulong said. "She is the ruler of all birds in this world. I sense a separation going on between the avian and non avian members of her empire."

"Is that not a bit early to tell?"

"Above all else, the phoenix sovereign is arrogant and conceited. In the eyes of the supreme of all birds, she is first, that means the family she comes from, that is to say birds, come directly after her. Everyone else comes after that," Zulong said sitting down across from Yinglong. "I know this for the same reason you do brother. I am exactly the same in how I view ourselves."

"Or rather, how I viewed us dragons at the dawn of our inception," Zulong mused drinking his cup of juice that was on the table. "It does bring about an interesting fact though. Everyone below identifies themselves as avians, even the beasts. Hence there is a level of unity."

"Sounds similar to the devils," Yinglong said. "Except theirs was a cultivation method that evolved into the basis of an entire civilisation and way of life." The winged dragon suddenly perked up and said, "You're thinking of doing the same aren't you."

"It brings about a level of unity and stability. But how I do so will need to be different. I cannot be as wasteful of the devils in Nan Dao Chen had shown themselves to be," Zulong said. He reached into his inter spacial ring and pulled out a scroll and handed it to Yinglong.

"That's the silk sheet you were drawing on during our journey," Yinglong said in recognition. He took the scroll and began reading its contents.

"It is only in the prototype stages, I hope to infer with master once he returns," Zulong said with a sad look. "I hope he returns soon."

…

"Have you picked out what you're going to wear to the banquet?" Zhuque asked. She was sitting before a large table playing cards with the rest of the four symbol divine beasts. They were subsequently all dressed in plain guest robes except Zhuque.

"What? Why does it matter?" Bai Hu shrugged throwing down a five. "I'll just go as I always go, in my normal clothes."

"You kidding? You look like you're dressed for a hunt," Zhuque snorted. "If you want to look tough at least play up the warrior look and go in armour."

"My fur is my armour, unlike your soft feathers, they can take a hit without being plucked off," Bai Hu joked. "Sides, I look great."

"My sister thinks you're a barbarian," Zhuque replied flatly. "I don't want her to think my friends are barbarians," she sighed. "Xuanwu, Qinglong, you understand what I mean right?"

"This is my first time I'm attending something like this" Xuanwu said uneasily. "Truth be told I'm a bit clueless."

"Never really crossed my mind," Qinglong scratched the back of his head and chuckled. "You've met my brother, right? He doesn't really care much for these things."

Zhuque sighed, "Just make sure to dress nicely. In fact, I'll get the servants to bring us matching robes. We're a set of divine beasts, we need to look the part of divine beasts."

"You're really stressed about this," Xuanwu said. "I don't know much so I can't guarantee anything but I promise to do the best I can." Bai Hu and Qinglong nodded along with the black tortoise.

"That's all I can ask for," Zhuque sighed. "My sister expects great things from all of you. You mustn't disappoint her, she's a bit prideful but I promise that she's a good person."

"Prideful's putting it lightly," Bai Hu snorted only to receive the vermillion bird's glare. "Alright, alright, I'll concede," he put his hands up in mock surrender. "It's been a while since I've been to a gathering like this. Some of the major provincial leaders on the west continent hold similar events."

"Oh trust me, we avians take clothing very seriously. Nothing in the world compares to us, you have not seen anything," Zhuque insisted. "Beauty is intrinsically ingrained into southern culture."

The other three divine beasts nodded. "Alright, the servants will show you where all the noble outfits are. If you really can't decide, then I'll pick one for you," she stated with finality. The divine beasts could only nod in agreement.

…

That evening, the banquet hall of the palace was littered with esteemed nobles. Powerful cultivators, ministers, and generals alike gathered under the orders of their phoenix sovereign.

Tables were aligned along the room. Rare spiritual fruits were adorned upon plates. Herbal dishes as well as the meat of immortal beasts were also served. Dishes of carefully cultivated worms were lined upon colourful dishes decorated with images of flowers and feathers.

Banquets were not an unfamiliar sight to Zulong. The sheer extravagance of what is being served was also not strange for the eldest dragon. What was new however was the dress codes for the participants.

Zulong himself had opted for his preferred colours of yellow and black. His given outfit was one made of plums of feathers embedded with jewels. He honestly found it gaudy and unbefitting of his royal visage.

He scanned the room and found groups of Heavenly Immortal and Golden Immortals. Clearly, the upper echelons had shown up. Perhaps not all the sum total of Zufeng's forces had arrived but a good majority had. Zulong thinks it's likely due to distance.

Already, the guests were chatting merrily. The major players had also arrived. Zulong easily found minister Yu who'd guided him a day ago. The man was a bit of an enigma to the dragon. He was very dutiful and disciplined. However, he was also not very talkative nor sociable.

Chongming had not arrived yet but Zulong guessed that he may be with Zufeng. At least one powerhouse should accompany the sovereign as her guard if only for appearance's sake.

"Is this everyone?" He heard Qinglong ask Zhuque. The vermillion bird began to shake her head but stopped and made a so-so gesture instead.

"Kinda? Minister Changfu should be here and if not, he'd likely accompany my sister. But otherwise, all the important people are here," Zhuque said.

"Changfu? I guess he's the third Taiyi Golden Immortal after Yu and Chongming," Bai Hu chimed in.

"Indeed, the three primary immortals under the phoenix sovereign involve myself, brother Chongming, and brother Changfu," minister Yu spoke up calmly for the first time. "We serve as the direct servants of her majesty."

"I see," Zulong mused. "How did you meet the phoenix sovereign if you don't mind me asking? How did you come under her employ?"

"Is that a question?" Minister Yu asked with a raised eyebrow. He was a burly man bigger than Chongming. In fact, he looked to be the sort that'll be a soldier rather than a simple minister. He'd also worn a nose ring like a bull.

"Her majesty is the supreme king of all avians in the world, it is only natural we follow," minister Yu said. "It is only a matter of time before all come under her rule."

"That so?" Zulong grinned. "You sure about that? I hear that many hidden powers exists in the primitive world. The supreme bird is not the supreme of all living creatures after all."

"Be that as it may, all shall accept their place as avians," minister Yu stated looking blankly at Zulong. "You will learn as well fellow daoist, as I have."

BANG!

The doors swung open with an entourage of servants. They announced the entrance of Zufeng. Chongming and another smaller man wearing puffy feathered clothing trailed behind her. Zulong could distinctly sense their auras as mighty Taiyi Golden Immortals.

'That should be Changfu,' Zulong pondered. 'These three are not second rate, they're all innate gods, I can feel it.'

Zufeng marched until she reached the main seat above all others and at the centre of the main table. Zulong sat a few places to her right along with his brothers and three of the four symbols.

He looked up feeling Zufeng's gaze bear down upon him. He frowned slightly. He'd long considered himself a sovereign of the world just like Zufeng. At this moment, he felt a bit peeved at his placement. It was like he was being treated as an afterthought.

He should at least be placed on equal to Zufeng seeing but seeing as he was only a guest, he could accept things for now. The dancers were trickling in along with other performers.

Zufeng smiled at the banquet. She raised her voice and announced the commencement of the celebration. Immediately, the room was flooded with her power. Her Qi was felt bearing down upon all beings.

To Zulong, this power was vastly different from his own origin within the seas. Zufeng's origin was that of harmony between yin and yang, of the five elements born in between. All the transformations of the five elements were keenly sensed by Zulong and he gasped in wonder.

Zufeng's attire was a royal dress decorated like a peacock. Behind her were a train of tail feathers lit up in brilliant colours resembling the peacock. A divine aura hovered around her that reminded the dragon of both himself and Zulin.

"Today we gather upon the successful return of my dear sister, your princess Zhuque," Zufeng announced. "She'd done great work dealing both a fatal blow to our fierce enemy, Si Hai of the four seas."

"She'd also done great aid to our divine nation by bringing in additional help against our foe. May I present immortals Zulong, Yinglong, Qinglong, Xuanwu, and Baihu."

Zulong narrowed his eyes. He hoped this ordeal will be over soon. There was only so much he could take.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Sitting here, in this banquet hall, being served fruits and worms. Zulong felt extremely uncomfortable and unsatisfied. Keeping his thoughts to himself was never something he'd found challenging up till now. But currently, the dragon was itching to start something.

Zulong looked to the side and saw his little brother and Zhuque happily chatting and sighed. He'd bear with things a little longer. After all, some petty slights aren't the priority. Instead, Zulong defaulted back to his standard behaviour when in an unknown environment.

The ancestral dragon silently observed those around him, taking in as much as he could. The hall had a jovial atmosphere yet there was a clear air of pride exuded by those present. Zufeng was trying to court the four symbols and himself to her side and it was aggravating.

Personally, Zulong found the decorations to be gaudy. Too much flashy gems, too much flashy iconographies of the phoenix. But once voiced, Yinglong will call him a hypocrite. His own master would just give him a blank stare with the same meaning.

Zulong drunk down a glass of spiritual fruit juice and grumbled. 'Some wine would've been better,' he thought. He began contemplating about spreading his master's creation to all corners of the world. It will be something that'll make events like this slightly more bearable.

"Ng…Zu…g…Zulong," the dragon's attention snapped to his second brother beside him. The winged dragon had been calling out to him for a bit trying to get his attention.

"What is it brother?" Zulong whispered back.

"The royal party is beginning to get agitated," Yinglong warned and Zulong realised his mistake. He'd been scanning the various noble guests and the banquet hall but had neglected the hostess herself and her entourage.

Turning his gaze over, he saw the calculating yet disapproving looks the three Taiyi Golden Immortals at Zufeng's side. Her seating position at his superior still bugged him but she showed an expression of clear annoyance. Not to the degree of outright anger but enough to know that she is displeased.

Zulong put on a small smile and made a compliment to ease the situation. "Your generosity knows no bounds," he said. "To spend so much on such short notice speaks volumes of your character."

"Obviously, as civilised people, it is only natural that lead by example," Zufeng spoke pridefully. Zulong frowned a little within, there wasn't even a hint of humbleness that was common in social interactions.

"It is from my understanding that you came from the east?" The phoenix sovereign suddenly asked. Those around her silenced themselves as she spoke intending to listen in. Placed on the spot, Zulong sighed in his heart and began answering.

"Indeed, I originated in the western portions of the east sea," Zulong answered truthfully.

"Sea? I am only familiar with the east continent," Zufeng admitted. "I hear it is a brutal place of power struggles between rivalling factions."

"There is some truth to that," Zulong said. "But there are mutual rules obeyed by all. Rules for engagement between the various kingdoms."

Zufeng scoffed, "Say what you want about that abominable Si Hai, but at least he brought order to the seas and the lesser beings." The phoenix sighed, "Unfortunately, the east cannot be like the south. It must be hard living in such a barbaric place."

Zulong had to physically hold himself still less he lose his temper. What was this woman trying to do? Purposefully antagonise him? Instead he decided to probe for more information, "You seem very knowledgeable of the east."

"Of course, the continent at least is famed for being home to ancient experts. Who hasn't heard of mystical Mt. Yujing, fire cloud cave, or the mysterious Mt. Kunlun," the phoenix said.

"The east sea is also a place for experts," Zulong reputed. "Yingzhou mountain's ancestor Da Hai, not to mention the host of Taiyi Golden Immortal leaders of the sea folk clans."

"Yes, a most chaotic place," Zufeng nodded. "Not to worry, it is only a matter of time before I ascend to a higher realm. I shall bring order to your home and put an end to the fighting," the phoenix assured sincerely.

Qinglong turned away from a slightly nervous Zhuque and frowned deeply. Yinglong slowly put down his glass as well. Around them, the rest of the four symbols also somewhat frowned. They were not overly familiar of the east sea but they still felt cross due to their friendships.

Zulong leaned back and took a deep breath. "I would suggest taking that back," the dragon said. "The east sea does not appreciate such dismissal of us."

Zufeng raised an eyebrow. "You think I speak falsehoods?" She inquired. "The waters of the east exhibit none of the harmony I have brought. Mosasaur, Plesiosaur, Colossal Shark, primordial turtle, and so many sea clans vying for power. Whereas I have united all the avian clans and even beast clans recognise me as sovereign."

"The east sea is vastly superior to your measly territory in every conceivable way," Zulong began. "You do not have a right to rule our waters. Less so before I."

"Hmph, amusing dragon. You believe yourself my equal?" The phoenix sovereign taunted. "I have an established kingdom. I am a sovereign recognised by the Heavenly Dao. What do you have in comparison? A measly city?"

Zulong perked up in surprise. "I figured it out," Zufeng said. "I've heard of a famous trading city in the east sea shaped like a nine digit claw. Goods from that place came here as well." She leaned forward and sneered.

"When I met you, I felt the imperial destiny that you and I shared. But after all this time, what have you to show for it? You're not even a monarch, just a rogue cultivator, a cit lord at best. A bunch of primitive fishes," the phoenix sovereign laughed a mocking tune. "You should to the smart move and join me. I can put your muscle to good use."

"How dare you!" Qinglong jumped up and pointed Zufeng. "Is this how the avians act towards their guests?" Yinglong roared jumping up. "Such uncouth behaviour, as expected of barbarians," he threw back the insult.

"Ignorant worms," Changfu got up and began flexing his power. "You should speak with respect when speaking to her majesty," he growled.

"And what would a feathered pig like you know of respect," Yinglong bit back revealing his wings. Changfu humphed and sprouted three wings from his back.

"Wait, perhaps we should calm down a bit," Zhuque stood up trying to appease both sides. However, Chongming held his arm out and nudged her back. "Princess, get back, these are dangerous individuals," he insisted.

"No, they're my friends," the vermillion bird tried to say only for her eldest sister to stand up as well silencing her.

"You're still young and naive," Zufeng said. "These foreign dragons are ignorant. I shall teach them why they should not stand against the phoenix."

"But sister!" Zhuque began. "Silence!" Zufeng commanded washing the room in a wave of heat. The harmonious fire of the nanming divine fire glowed along with her figure. Numerous brilliant tail feathers rose up behind her spreading outwards like a peacock.

"You were foolish and deserve to be punished as such," Zufeng announced. "But I am a gracious ruler, you still have a chance to join my ranks."

"Stop your drivel, it's killing my brain just listening to you talk," Zulong growled. "Peacock, you will regret declaring me as your enemy," the dragon replied in equal pride.

"What did you just call me?" Zufeng frowned. Her aura flared outwards shaking her palace. The various guests took this as the opportunity to begin running. Not even Golden Immortals can survive her full fury without proper protection.

Chongming, Lu, and Changfu took stances behind their sovereign. Bai Hu materialised his sword and moved to stand alongside Qinglong and Xuanwu. The trio looked in apologetic regret at Zhuque who remained by Zufeng's side with a horrified expression.

"I am the celestial phoenix worm, sovereign of all avians. You will treat me with proper respect," Zufeng growled flaring her aura even more. An invisible Dao fruit manifested behind her and glowed in five coloured radiance. Her eyes flashed with the light of the yin and yang.

Zulong scoffed and flared his own aura. "I am the celestial dragon peacock. First disciple of ancestor Da Hai of Yingzhou, chief disciple of Yingzhou, sovereign of the seas. I shall treat you however I please peacock," he responded back. Black and yellow light appeared around the dragon countering Zufeng's own.

Both sides glared as they rose into the air. The cries of a dragon and that of a phoenix could be heard. To the outside observer, the phoenix sang a harmonious song, it made them want to kneel down and revel in her glory, to follow her to the ends of the earth.

The dragon's roar however manifested an imperial might. It made observers shiver in awe and respect. It made them want to kowtow and bestow the title of rightful emperor upon his head.

The heavens above darkened. Storm clouds rumbled and an ominous presence could be felt for many kilometres.

Both sovereigns shed their Dao bodies and assumed their true forms. Zulong stretched ten thousand kilometres in length covered in glistening golden scales. Although the injuries of yesteryear were still visible on his body, he still looked magnificent.

The phoenix who appeared was both fresh and much smaller. Her body was only a thousand kilometre from head to the base of her tail. Her head was green with a crown of feathers, her neck was white with a metallic sheen, the back and wings were crimson red, her chest was covered in black feathers. Her legs and claws were of a yellow colour.

Zufeng looked like a beautiful male peacock. Her tail was much longer though and stretched for many kilometres, vastly longer than her body and wingspan. The king of all birds appeared majestic alongside the celestial dragon.

Below both monarchs, the others took to their true forms as well. The azure dragon, winged dragon, white tiger, and black tortoise appeared combating against Chongming, Lu, and Changfu.

Chongming was a Herculean chicken with polycoria. His red feathers clashed against Qinglong's fierce blows without losing out. However, Qinglong managed to effortlessly dance around the bird and strike from behind. During this engagement, Chongming had to admit that Qinglong was the superior fighter. However, while he was not able to win, he was able to tie Qinglong down for a time.

Changfu was much more hideous. He was a pheasant with three heads, three wings, and three sets of legs. He was fanatical in his fight and engaged Yinglong in a brutal struggle.

Lu was perhaps the most unenthusiastic of the three. Unlike the two birds, Lu was not wholly birdlike. His head was that of an ox, his body was that of a reptilian fish complete with small fins. On his back were birdlike wings and flapped to defend him.

Bai Hu and Xuanwu together was overkill though as Lu struggled with the pressure. So much so that he disengaged and flew back.

Above them, nanming divine fire flashed in many directions. This particular divine flame was generated from the harmony between the five elements and the dual yin and yang. It is perhaps the most stable substance in the primitive world while giving off an all encompassing energy.

Zufeng was by all accounts an incredibly skilled fighter. She had no reservations against going all out from the get go. Arrogant she may be, but she was far from incompetent.

In contrast to the dragon's invincible physique. The phoenix kited Zulong, blasting him from a distance. The ancestral dragon narrowed his eyes and unleashed a blast of lightning from his mouth.

Zufeng's body glowed in myriad lights. Her body unleashed a wave of glittering radiance that seemed to calm Zulong's raging attack before dissipating it.

"Hmph," Zulong's body glowed before his aura expanded into a massive dragon hundreds of thousands of kilometres in length. "The dragon emerged from the sea, soaring above the clouds," he chanted.

Zufeng grimaced in panic flapping her wings fiercely, she backed away as quickly as she can when the attack was fired. A massive burst of light made up of five different colours emerged from the phoenix's body.

Both sides clashed producing heaven splitting rainbow lights. Zufeng pushed hard, she unleashed the nanming divine fire in conjunction to her rays of lights. However, her opponent was Zulong, he was like a brick wall that refused to move.

Zulong grabbed hold of the energy wave coming at him and held it back with his claws. Growling, he stretched out his right claw releasing the dragon pearl. The treasure was deployed like a hammer.

Zulong smashed Zufeng's attack to pieces with a strike that could only be described as a universe full of endless ocean condensed into a tiny orb used for bludging.

"Gah!" Zufeng was pushed back spitting out a mouthful of blood. The phoenix looked astonished at the dragon who despite his previous injuries held the distinct advantage in this battle.

The phoenix sovereign was barely able to stabilise herself before being hit by a fatal swipe of Zulong's claw. Her body was paper in comparison to Zulong and could not withstand the blow. Her chest and side bled profusely as her innards spewed out and much of her gorgeous feathers were fell.

"Your majesty!" Chongming cried out attempting to gain altitude only for Qinglong to grab the bird by his talon and smashed him back down onto the ground. Chongming's attic of tying down Qinglong had turned into Qinglong timing down Chongming.

"No!" Changfu opened all three of his beaks to breathe fire at Yinglong. The winged dragon flew up in an arc avoiding the flames. His auspicious clouds generated rain putting out the flames enraging Changfu.

"Get out of my way," Changfu jumped to attack with his claw. His attempt was met by Yinglong's own claw strikes. His pecks were slapped aside by the dragon's tail.

Crashing down onto the ground, Chongming and Changfu raised their heads to look at both dragon brothers hatefully. The disdain from the dragons was evident in their gaze,

On the other hand, Lu continued to put minimum effort into his battle. Bai Hu and Xuanwu as well did not give their all. There was no point in wasting energy when the dragons had everything handled. Knowing Zulong's pride, he'd hate for them to interfere anyway.

In the sky, Zufeng engulfed herself in an eruption of flames pushing the surprised Zulong back. The brilliant nanming divine fire flashed in rainbow light spreading out in a radiation of divine fire. Phoenix's roost was bathed in this fire knocking down buildings and statues.

From out the fire, Zufeng emerged looking as if no damage had been dealt. However, her disposition was noticeably different. The phoenix was slightly pale. He narrowed her eyes into a glare. Zulong met her gaze with equal contempt.

Neither was willing to back down. Both wanted the other dead. Perhaps this innate dislike was why Zufeng purposefully antagonised Zulong. Either way, there was no way they could tolerate the other living.

"Wait, stop this. Please, just stop this already," Zhuque's panicked scream suddenly rang throughout phoenix's roost. The vermillion bird blitzed into the sky. "Just stop fighting already!" Zhuque's cry was like a sonic boom.

The Taiyi Golden Immortal unleashed a sound wave that caught the attention of the dragons and avians. Her red and yellow avian stature spread out her wings coming in between Zulong and Zufeng.

"Please, just stop fighting," she begged.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The presence of the vermillion bird lit up the sky in a new colour. Zhuque's radiance was one of extreme heat originating from the mars star. It was a flame that burned much hotter than the nanming divine flame. In this regard, Zhuque's fire was much more destructive than Zufeng's.

The vermillion bird's wings forcibly separated the ancestral dragon from the phoenix sovereign. Both fighters were briefly stunned and Zhuque took this moment to cast divine winds. They forcibly pushed both Taiyi Golden Immortals back.

"Please sister, brother Zulong, stop this madness," she pleaded. Her physical size dwarfed the phoenix but her presence felt vastly lesser. Zhuque narrowed her eyes in hesitation once her sister was in the way.

"Please see reason, we're all friends here. Stop this before things get out of hand," Zhuque cried out. The divine flame of summer flared around her, fuelled by the full weight of her cultivation base.

"This is an order," Zufeng commanded. "Move out of my way and assist our experts."

"But please just list…" Zhuque tried to say.

"One warning," Zulong growled. "Move aside." His glare was carried both a look of regret but also one of venomous rage. The dragon's demeanour was far worse than what Zhuque was familiar with.

His sharp claws, his fanged mouth, his narrowed glare. Even his catfish whiskers that normally invoked a look of wisdom now waved menacingly in the air. Just his presence gave the vermillion bird a bone chilling frightened feeling.

However, Zhuque steeled her resolve. "Please just listen. You do not need to fight like this. This is all a misunderstanding, lets go back down and work things out."

"You don't understand," Zufeng said coldly. "There could never be peace between us. It was never an option." Zulong merely closed his eyes and gave the softest of sighs.

Zhuque flinched back. 'No, I can't give up yet,' she thought and moved to please her case. However, she saw Zufeng's eyes widened in shock and rage. Then she felt a tugging force.

Turning her head back, Zhuque felt her body being battered aside. Zulong's left claw slammed into her body before she could register his actions. The vermillion bird was battered aside while sending the ancestral dragon and surprised yet disappointed look.

"I did warn you," Zulong replied regretfully before moving to engage the Phoenix sovereign.

Zhuque's world lit up in a hail of rainbow explosions as she hit the ground. The earth shook violently at her descent cracking like spiderwebs. Buildings were toppled over and the city was in full evacuation mode.

The vermillion bird craned her head up and got onto her feet. Looking below her, she looked horrified at rows of crushed people. Looking back up, the battle between Zulong and Zufeng had raged to the point of spilling out of control.

The two seemed to be completely ignoring all the ongoings around them. Their only focus were on how to kill each other. Although their battlefield was high in the sky, their shockwaves affected the land as well.

Zhuque spread out her wings manifesting two golden wings covering the entire city. A herculean shockwave consisting of black light and divine flames smashed into her impromptu shield. "Gah," she grunted.

"FUCK," she cried out. "Why won't they listen. Zulong is very honourable and caring. But it's like he's a completely different person. I can get through to sister, I know it. But I can't if brother Zulong is in the way."

The vermillion bird opened her beak and breathed a fog of red gas that cloaked hundreds of thousands of powerless civilians. With a had turn, she threw them into the distance before taking flight herself.

BOOM!

Explosions from impacts rang throughout the sky. The gargantuan form of the dragon chased the much smaller phoenix who pelted him with blasts of power. The dragon would fire back and attempt claw strikes while gliding through the air.

Zulong's attacks were so sharp in fact that reality suffered tears into he void between worlds. In turn, Zhuque's smaller form glided above Zulong's claw and kicked his body with her claws. Her talons too tore into Zulong's scales drawing blood.

The dragon answered back with his hind limbs. He pulled the phoenix off of him and began crushing her with his body. Zefeng retorted with a burst of five colour light. The force of the primaeval life giving force ripped into Zulong's body forcing him to relent.

The two deities tangled brutally. Blood was drawn from both sides as both parties went to a bloodthirsty frenzy. The dragon's scales resisted a lot of damage while the phoenix consecutively restored herself with the nanming divine flames.

Both were incredibly skilled and experienced fighters. Zulong from his long years battling across the east sea and later on, his journey around the world. Zufeng from forcing native innate gods and experts intro submission.

As they fought, Zulong winded his head back and opened his mouth. The roar he unleashed was so loud that heaven and earth shook. Fleeing civilians instantly went onto their knees and kowtowed, many had also lost consciousness, unable to bask in Zulong's presence.

Chongming and Changfu could barely hold on under the twin dragon's pressure. Both avian experts were forced onto the retreat unable to bring their hundred percent under these circumstances. 'This is bad,' both thoughts as the azure dragon and winged dragon carried on towards them with claws ready.

Zulong's cry had affected even Zufeng. The phoenix felt her heart stop and the urge to submit. However, she was not one to give up easily. She looked up in defiance only to see the tail of Zulong barrel down full force.

SPLOOSH!

The phoenix's body was reduced to meat paste, exploding mid air into pieces of feather and gore. Zhuque looked onwards in horror, her brain stopping to comprehend what she was seeing.

The bits of gore surrounded Zulong who sneered. He was ready to finish off the rest of the avians when he noticed the presence of Zufeng. 'She's not dead,' he realised.

The pieces around him caught fire. Multi coloured fire that flashed with divine light converging upon a single spot. They lit a huge bonfire so bright that Zulong shut his eyes.

Massive beautiful tail feathers emerged from the fire. They stretched into the sky before revealing the full appearance of the ancestral phoenix. Zufeng emerged with a fully reconstructed body showcasing no injuries. However, there was one noticeable difference.

Her strength had dropped considerably. Her cultivation at the peak of Taiyi Golden Immortal had fallen. Her Dao was still present but her cosmic tree had changed considerably. Instead of a full structure, it appeared to only be adolescent.

"Hmph," Zulong snorted turning to attack once more. Zufeng grimaced flying at full speed to avoid a claw strike that ripped into the void. She took this chance to dive into the void between worlds. Her abrupt departure angered the dragon.

"Come back here," he roared tunnelling his way out of the great wilderness. His tear into the fabric of reality split space apart like glass. It was as if the world was a mirror that had just had a hole blown through it.

Wild currents washed into the great wilderness. Chongming and Changfu took this chance to follow the suction force into the void to pursue their sovereign.

Lu's cow face looked complicated. He glanced back at Bai Hu and Xuanwu wondering what they wanted to do while contemplating his next course of action. He sighed before choosing to follow into the void.

On one hand, if Zufeng lived then he'd done his job of assisting his sovereign. Not he other, the void provided easy escape opportunities, it was endless and invisible unless he opened up portals into the great wilderness.

Zhuque sighed in relief in the moments after her sister's resurrection. Tracking the combatants remaining in the great wilderness, she quickly bolted for the dragons.

Qinglong and Yinglong were about to head into the void with Bai Hu and Xuanwu when the vermillion bird caught up. Yinglong immediately took a hostile stance but Qinglong flew up front.

"Qinglong, you have to help me," Zhuque cried. "Stop them from fighting. Only you can convince Zulong."

"Things have progressed too far Zhuque," Qinglong sighed regretfully. "I am sorry but as of this moment, I cannot…I...I cannot think of you as a friend." The azure dragon flinched when he saw the hurt look on Zhuque's face. Bai Hu and Xuanwu both grimaced, they've both put their eggs in Zulong's basket long ago but now they felt extremely conflicted.

"Qinglong please," Zhuque began. "I cannot let my sister die," she said flaring up her aura and took a deep breath.

"And I can't let any harm come to my brother," Qinglong said taking a big gulp. The vermillion bird's power washed over the four innate gods. The mars star hovered behind her meaningly bracing to charge. His posture became more defeated as time went on.

The small moment of silence felt like it stretched on for eternity for Qinglong. Yinglong was already charging in for an attack against Zhuque. 'This is all kinds of fucked up,' Qinglong screamed in his heart. He glanced quickly at Xuanwu who met his gaze in understanding.

CLANG!

Yinglong yelped in surprise when Xuanwu's shell appeared before him blocking his call strike. "Xuanwu, what is the meaning of this," he cried.

"Deescalating the situation," the black tortoise responded without hesitation. Yinglong looked back, he saw Zhuque follow Qinglong into the void along with Bai Hu and Xuanwu. With the support of the other two, Qinglong and Zhuque's speed gained unprecedented heights. They were out of Yinglong's reach within moments.

The formation of the four symbols formation was nearly instantaneous. The four were already experienced with working together and their natural instincts aligned perfectly. They were heavily pressed for time but luckily, Zulong and Zufeng did not travel far.

The diagram of the cosmic skipped past the three Taiyi Golden Immortals of the avians and reached the chase between Zulong and Zufeng. The phoenix was looking much worse than before. Her loss in cultivation hurt and she likely would've suffered a second death if the four symbols formation had not formed.

Faster than both fighters could react, they were sucked into the formation. This was a construct that nearly struck down a Da Luo Golden Immortal. Despite the powers of both Zulong and Zufeng, they were hurled into an endless void of stars, restrained by chains of starlight.

"What the?" "What is the meaning of this?" Both innate gods cried out once separated.

The seven constellations on the east and south descended towards them. They consolidated into the azure dragon Qinglong and the vermillion bird Zhuque. "Brother/sister," they said.

"Qinglong, let me go this instant," Zulong ordered. His voice rumbled throughout the formation shaking the azure dragon's resolve. Qinglong shared a look with Zhuque and hovered forward.

"Enough is enough brother," the azure dragon said. "It's not worth pursuing petty insults. The battle has already spiralled out of control and in a heavily populated place. Let's just leave."

"Sister, please just listen to me. You had no reason to escalate things as they've had. Let's just let all this go and repair phoenix's roost. Too many have perished already," Zhuque said.

"You do not understand sister. As long as he exists, my rule will forever be challenged. Battle was inevitable, we cannot be friends," Zufeng retaliated. "Zhuque, these are our enemies. Be a good girl and let your big sis handle this."

"Then at least for my sake," Zhuque pleaded. "I will follow all your instructions from now on. I will never disobey you again. Please, don't you see the condition you're in."

"Zulong please," Qinglong joined in as well. "Zhuque is my sister in all but blood. Just this once, let this matter go. Let's just go home and rest. There is no point in staying to fight anymore."

Zulong and Zufeng gave their respective siblings a complicated look. Sharing a look together, they both glared with hatred. Two tigers can never exist on the same mountain. Zulong and Zufeng could never live in the same world. If Zulin was here, he'd agree as well.

The ying and yang Qi of Pangu. Although they both emerged from the same source separated by distance. They hated each other instinctively. Yet in this moment, they both agreed on the same thing.

Wordlessly, Zulong and Zufeng relented. The chains around them disappeared. Zhuque breathed a sigh of relief. The formation disappeared as well now that it was no longer needed.

As both parties faced off, Lu, Chongming, and Changfu arrived beside Zufeng. The phoenix sovereign raised her hand and halted their advance. They realised immediately that the fighting was over.

As the group wordlessly reentered the great wilderness above the ruined phoenix's roost, Yinglong joined them. They shared one last look.

"You know what this means right," Zulong asked the four symbols. Three out of the four symbols all looked regretfully at Zhuque. The sovereigns, natural born rulers of the primitive world. Why did there have to be more than one? Why was heaven so unfair?

As the two parties departed, Zhuque sighed depressingly. 'Why did things have to end like this?'

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Flying high above fertile grasslands and gentle streams. The group of dragons plus divine beasts fled in silence. The gentle natural view of the southern lands were lost to their depressing mood. Dark storm clouds were generated in the wake of their flight.

Zulong did not speak to Qinglong and vice versa. In fact, no one spoke at all. The azure dragon could see clear anger in his brother's posture. Yet at the same time, Qinglong was also furious at him.

The bond the four divine beasts shared was a sacred one. It transcends words and is deeply tied to their existence. Separating from Zhuque hurt Qinglong, just as it had hurt Bai Hu and Xuanwu.

Although if you'd asked them for their personal opinion. Bai Hu, Xuanwu, and Qinglong would've said they made the right choice in following Zulong over Zufeng. However, that did nothing to stop the hurt they felt. The four symbols that were completed so recently had been shattered.

After fifty six days of non-stop slight, Qinglong finally spoke up. "Did things really have to end like this?" He asked, voicing his frustrations. The other two divine beasts couldn't help but listen in as well.

"The avians had declared themselves our enemy. They are a threat to big brother and must be elimi…" Yinglong began to say.

"I wasn't asking you," Qinglong abruptly cut his winged brother off. "Zulong, I support you wholeheartedly, but…why did you have to…"

"Little brother, I am sorry for your loss," Zulong said. "But understand this. In no universe would that peacock, that horse, and me exist merrily together. After meeting with that peacock, I finally understood."

"Was there really no other way brother? Why did you let her get to you?" Qinglong growled.

"If it wasn't Zhuque, would you have cared?" Zulong retorted. Qinglong gave a brief look of surprise before shaking his head. "My ambition is the same as that of that peacock and the north's horsey. When I met them I finally understood. We are diametrically opposed, our very existence clash. Peace was never an option."

"Is it? Or is it because she insulted your pride," Qinglong accused.

"The fact that she insulted me is part of the reason yes," Zulong admitted calmly. "But were you so far in paradise that you forgot how she insulted our home and master as well?" He growled.

"I…"

"I admit that my own rage overtook me. But Qinglong, where is your anger at her insults? Will you just let some stranger slander the good name of the east sea and master?" Zulong accused. The azure dragon went silent.

"I will freely admit," Zulong said. "I am naturally extremely arrogant. I don't take insults lightly and I will kill for far less. I am sorry for breaking the bonds you share, blame me if you must."

"Just know that what's done has been done. Zufeng and I are on a collision course. You may have stopped the battle now but the conflict will get far worse in the future," Zulong said. "You can feel it can't you."

The two silent divine beasts nodded along with Qinglong. The feeling they've received when they saw the dragon and the phoenix fighting. The same one Xuanwu felt faintly when Zulong met Zulin. The same destiny that was innate between all three.

The heavenly Dao was trending towards conflict. It was almost like it wished for war.

"I'm sorry brother," Qinglong apologised.

"Don't be, I get your frustration," Zulong comforted. "The heavens were unfair to you. This brother of yours has failed you."

"No, you were right brother. I am just too frustrated over how things ended up. But what's done is done," Qinglong relented. "Though I hope to repair this relationship in the future, I cannot if Zufeng remains in the picture. What say you two?" He asked Bai Hu and Xuanwu.

"I think I speak for Xuanwu when I say we've both thrown our all in with your lot," the white tiger answered. "I will not say I am pleased with the result. Zhuque was as important to us as you…Zulong I'll be frank with you, I understand wholeheartedly why you lashed out and in your position, I would've done much the same. I think you are more worthy then Zufeng but I cannot deny the blame I've placed on you."

"Whatever the case, it is too late to go back now," Xuanwu sighed with regret. "Personally found Zufeng a bit distasteful. I trust you more then I do her for your deeds in the north so. So we can only move on from here. What's the plan boss?"

"For now? We return to the east sea and rest," Zulong said. "I have several ideas that needs to be proven before I am fully confident in declaring myself sovereign. While I do that, we stay vigilant and wait for master's return."

"Alright," Yinglong, Qinglong, Bai Hu, and Xuanwu nodded. The four followed Zulong's lead as they flew through the dimensional wall.

In the years to come, their journey would remain peaceful. Around another seventy nine years later, the group finally reached Zulong's city.

…

In the shadows of the Jianmu tree, the stairway to heaven, Chenghuang woke up from his self induced hibernation. More than a hundred years spent healing an injury that was caused by stray shots during the fierce battle that took place here so long ago.

The foxlike innate god got out of his hiding spot admits the roots and wandered off. He silently looked in sadness at the environment around him. Much of the initial island had been shaved off and what remained was but a tiny portion of the original. Barely a tenth remained.

However, Chenghuang could also see distant islands that were once apart of the same mini continent he'd been born on. He sighed in relief knowing that chunks weren't outright destroyed. He still had sentimental value on his place of birth after all.

'I need to improve my cultivation,' the innate god pondered with determination. His witnessing of the power possessed by Taiyi Golden Immortals and Da Luo Golden Immortals had shaken him to his very core. He was not a violent person nor a fighter by nature yet he recognised the need to improve his strength.

'How should I progress now?' He pondered silently. Chenghuang sat on his hind on one of the many hills on the yet unnamed island. The innate god slowly attempted to map out his progress. However, without accurate knowledge about the primitive world, he was struggling.

THOOM!

'Hm? What was that?' Chenghuang silently stood up and looked around. He closed his eyes and proceeded to sense the disturbance around him before taking off for the shore.

His white paws landed gently on the beach making tiny indents. The foxlike creature narrowed his gaze across the water to a nearby island. It was actually a new landmass created by the impact of several chunks smashing together.

Chenghuang dashed rapidly across the surface of the open ocean. Each step he took was one of elegance and grace. His long luscious tail fluttered behind him.

Foom!

Chenghuang landed softly on the larger island. Immediately, he felt the extremely dense amount of primordial Qi in the area. This will be useful to his cultivation.

The Jianmu tree had boundless starlight leaking through constantly. But Chenghuang will be the first to admit that he wasn't suited for it. He much preferred this second island.

The innate god began investigating around looking for the source of that sound. He sniffed around the air and jumped high into the sky giving himself a huge vantage point.

'There,' he thought dashing out of the clouds. He landed gracefully on the opposite end of the island on another beach. He walked over slowly seeing with his own eyes, a body lying in the sand. This being had evidently washed up just now impacting the nearby rocks.

Chenghuang noted how tough this man was. The waves were still quite violent as an after-effect from the battle over a century ago. This man was carried by the waves quite violently and looked nearly dead. In fact, Chenghuang could barely feel his life signals.

Getting closer, Chenghuang got closer to him. As he did so, he caught a sense of vertical. Suddenly, he could not register what direction he was going in. Up became down, forwards became backwards, left became right, and on and on the effects went.

'Focus,' Chenghuang berated himself. He shook his head violently and sent a burst of Qi outwards before enclosing himself in a thick veil of one. With this defence, he could just barely stop the nauseous effects.

'This one is powerful,' Chenghuang concluded. It was hard to judge given the distance between him and Si Hai not to mention the nearly deceased state of this man. But Chenghuang likened them both to be of similar rank, Da Luo Golden Immortals.

Chenghuang circled around the body studying it. He could already feel the extremely potent Qi leaking off of him. His Dao was an established one and felt eldritch to the Golden Immortal. He stopped when he saw the man's open eye staring weakly at him.

'He's alive,' Chenghuang thought. 'No, he's barely alive, dying from the looks of it.' The innate god examined this man closer. His injuries became much more obvious when examined using divine sense.

Immortals could look fully healthy with no ailments appearing on their person. But looking at them from a spiritual lens will often tell you just how injured they truly are. For Da Luo Golden Immortals, their body was to an extent expendable. It would hurt their combat prowess and vitality but they can survive it.

This man on the other hand. His internal structures were collapsing. His nascent soul was nearly dissipated. His Dao was already fading.

Chenghuang idly wondered what happened as he sat down. He met the gaze of this dying god silently and did not speak a word.

"Are you not going to say anything?" The dying god heaved out with great effort. "Not going to ask why or how or who I am?"

"Who are you?" Chenghuang asked softly. He was not one who liked speaking but if he needed to then he'd comply.

"Don't feel compelled to," the dying god laughed weakly. "I was merely curious. It is nice to not die alone after all, heh heh."

"To be honest, I do not like this ending. I did not survive battling Shenni only to die at the hands of an old friend. Hai, he didn't even stay for my final moments," the dying god said regretfully.

"But I didn't have a choice. The world is already setting itself up for the next great war. The three beast sovereigns birthed from Pangu are not the central characters. They are merely second fiddle to the true chess masters," he said much to Chenghuang's confusion. Who were these sovereigns he was speaking of?

"We all felt it you know. Every single one of us old fogeys felt it the day they were born. We didn't know their location but we did know they existed. It's one of the privileges of reaching Da Luo Golden Immortal realm. Not much can be hidden from you," he said.

"Most of us didn't really care. I don't think Si Hai even noticed given how obsessed he was. But Hongjun knew, that old schemer knew he was losing a race," the dying god sighed.

"What choice did we have? Between Hongjun and Luohu, the former wants the Heavenly Dao but the latter wants this world. One can at least see us all surviving but the other will grind us all to dust," the dying god said. "I am pathetic, I took the coward's way out. Living as a puppet or as fuel to someone else is not how I wanted things to go. But they are both so far above us, there was never another option. Getting Qiankun to kill me was the best way put right?"

"This world is young still. But it is already so much better than living in the chaos sea. It is so much more beautiful, so much more peaceful," he said with a small smile. "After all these years, I can't say I fully forgive Pangu. But I genuinely appreciate his efforts."

"My name is Shangxia little one. I once mastered the Dao of myriad directions and distorted the sense. Don't forget me," he said before stopping.

Chenghuang neared the man. But he'd already drawn his last breath. His primordial Qi left his body rapidly. His corpse was left behind, completely fresh, looking like a living person. However, his lack of moment nor presence was very telling.

Immortals did not rot. If they passed peacefully like this, they will leave behind a fully intact corpse that was itself a powerful weapon. Shangxia had been holding on for over a hundred and thirty odd years. His death came slowly but no further harm was done to him that would result in a mutilated corpse.

Chenghuang hung his head low in respect. He did not know this senior well if at all. He'd have to perform some divinations to learn more. But he felt it appropriate to give him a proper funeral.

The fox chose a forest clearing closer inland. He constructed a crude shrine for Shangxia made of stone. Then he plucked several tail hair and transformed them into incense sticks.

"Farewell senior," Chenghuang said. He'd benefited greatly from this. Just being close the Shangxia gave inspirations and revelations. Chenghuang felt that his progress will be much smoother.

Around Chenghuang's feet, white lines of primordial Qi surged outwards. They flowed throughout the island catching the innate god's curiosity. These lines touched all over the island, across rivers, plains, and woodland.

From these lines, people sprouted. Elegant, graceful, beautiful people. Their skin was white as snow, their hair was long and elegant just like Chenghuang's tail. A new innate creature tribe had formed.

"White," Chenghuang commented. These people, these men and women prancing in the nude. They were all so white, so much like snow, so much like his own white fur. These white people were blessed beneath the aura of Shangxia and Chenghuang.

By being born in the land filled with such rich primordial Qi, they possessed very long lifespans in comparison to mortals of a similar cultivation level.

"Baimin," Chenghuang whispered after observing for several years. "I will call you Baimin," he said.

"You all look so much like me," Chenghuang said softly. "You also have bits of myself in you. So, I will protect you. This land is your home as it is mine. So consider me your guardian deity," Chenghuang told the Baimin people. Afterwards, he lay down and quietly began cultivating, the Baimin people followed his example.

…

"What have you found?" Luohu asked lounging on a couch in his personal palace. Hundun who sat opposing him slid a scroll across the table.

"We suspect that Hongjun will not return for quite some time," Hundun said. "Will you be moving our forces?"

"Hm, it is the perfect time to attack and destroy Mt Yujing," Luohu said smirking. "Mara, muster our forces," he commanded.

"Should we get the Taowu as well?" Mara asked.

"No, those beasts are still too hard to control," Luohu denied. "Just get my army ready and we'll move out as soon as we can."

"Understood, it'll take some time considering how sudden this is. Will you be going ahead of us?" Mara asked. "We don't have a clear idea on Hongjun's forces."

"I suspect that old man likely placed traps around Mt Yujing. I'm also unsure what allies he'd gathered during my retreat. But I am willing to take the risk," Luohu said. "Meet me at the western borders and we'll move out as a unit."

"Very well, my lord devil," Mara and Hundun said in unison.

"Oh and someone wake up taotie, that fool's been sleeping way too long," Luohu reminded before walking out.

Unbeknown to them, a small ripple appeared above Mt Sumeru.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The flaw with Pangu was that he never saw the whole picture. He was never aware of the flaw in the Heavenly Dao. Da Hai, who was fully aware of the myths, began explaining to Pangu every detail he knew of.

"So you're saying, that my work will become the catalyst to that ant Hongjun's ascension to Dao?" Da Hai nodded at the confirmation. Pangu sighed in defeat, "So what are his intentions then? It seems from your description Hongjun becomes the Heavenly Dao itself."

"At the end of his third sermon, Hongjun bequeaths the Dao of the Three Corpses to many ancestors. He bestowed thousands of spiritual treasures as well. Chief amongst them being the remnants of your divine axe. Hongjun used his own Dao to complete the Heavenly Dao, fusing with it and becoming a part of the world itself," Da Hai explained.

"This is why he is referred to as the Dao ancestor, he is the progenitor of Daoism. The ancestor who sacrificed himself for the benefit of the world and gave away all he had."

Pangu's statue scoffed, "Bullshit, Heavenly Dao was born from me. My Dao was already more than complete, I simply decided not to break through further. No actions like completing the Heavenly Dao was ever needed."

"How can you be so sure?" Da Hai asked curiously. He trusted Pangu's words far more than Hongjun but Pangu had not been a part of the world since its inception.

"My flesh did not reach as high, but my understanding of Dao was already at the Dao realm, the supreme stage after the stage of Da Luo Golden Immortal. The world created from me will be an order of magnitude greater than naturally forming universes. The Heavenly Dao born from me will be perfect, with the entirety of my understanding of the Great Dao behind it. There was never a need to complete it." he stated surely.

Da Hai pondered, the Heavenly Dao had purposefully sent him here, so it did not seem wholly pleased with Hongjun and Luohu attaching themselves to it. Seeing Da Hai's confused look Pangu elaborated on what he knew.

"Listen, the Heavenly Dao is fundamentally the will of the world to survive and improve. It is harsh but fair, impartial to any one side, be they good or evil. Heavenly Dao will only act against forces that threaten the world or when the evolution of the world is necessary."

"The Heavenly Dao most probably sent you down here for a reason, Da Hai. What you described is a violation of Heavenly Dao. Hongjun and Luohu essentially injected personality and autonomous thoughts into it. If this is true, the Heavenly Dao should be in turmoil with itself," Pangu said.

"Can we stop them? Restore the the Heavenly Dao to the way it was?" Da Hai asked.

"Unless you want to annihilate the world and start again," Pangu sighed in defeat. "It is likely that the Heavenly Dao has already incorporated this change, it is still young and all its defences have not yet fully-formed. It would've swallowed anything that it deemed beneficial to it."

"Prime example being power from another powerful being, " Da Hai finished. The statue hummed in agreement.

"I can guess what happened afterwards. You were struck fiercely before even getting close to the Heavenly Dao right? The likely scenario is that it upped its guard against any and all things after it realised the changes happening within it." Pangu explained.

"Can anything be done, at all?" Da Hai asked desperately.

"I guess you could find some way to establish an impartial system that can be incorporated by the Heavenly Dao, and have it become strong enough to overtake the influences of those ants Hongjun and Luohu. Otherwise, you have to live with it," Pangu said.

"Man, that would feel like living under Big Brother," Da Hai rubbed his temples. He felt really fatigued with the conversation.

Pangu chuckled, "Yes exactly like Big Brother, though less mechanical and more mystical, and far more absolute." Evidently Pangu was also aware of some pop culture of Earth.

Da Hai felt very overwhelmed at what he was learning. He walked up to one of the seats and looked at the statue. Pangu didn't mind so he sat down and held his head in his hands.

Various thoughts came and went through Da Hai's mind for a time. He sighed in frustration, 'If only I was born earlier." Hongjun and Luohu had a very early start, far longer than Da Hai. If Da Hai was born at the head of the generation, he could've done something.

'And Huoyun wouldn't have died,' Da Hai closed his eyes and clenched his fists until they drew blood. Looking at the dripping blood on his palms, they faded them out of existence by his will, so as to not dirty the sacred Pangu Temple.

He leaned back on the chair displaying the characters of calm water, looking defeated. This life has been one bad thing after the other, and now his friend is dead, even the Heavenly Dao is compromised. Then a theory popped into Da Hai's mind.

"Done brooding?" Pangu asked as he saw Da Hai get up from his thinking pose. Da Hai looked very serious when he began speaking again.

"Great god, why would Hongjun do all this? What motivates him to complete a supposed destiny from some mortal's mind?"

"I do not know," Pangu replied.

"Another question, are you sure there is no realm above the Great Dao?"

"I am unsure, however the Great Dao is supreme, the beginning and the end. What could possibly exist above it?"

"Well I'm sure you are aware of my world's entertainment media, correct?"

"Yes?" Pangu replied, "What does this have to do with anything?"

"Well in a genre based on Chinese philosophy, called Xianxia, there is often a phrase thrown around, Transcendence. I've read quite a few books where the main character transcends the Dao and leaves for an even higher plane of existence," he explained.

Suddenly Pangu began laughing, "What? You would believe the prattling of fiction writers? This is real life, not something from a book you found off the internet." He said unbelievingly.

"But what if, master? The possibility is always there."

"Suppose I believe you. How will Hongjun or Luohu even accomplish this? At most, merging with my primitive world will only let them control the world, and possibly push their cultivation to the Dao realm. It'll make them virtually invincible but not push them into some make-believe realm," Pangu scoffed.

"In the future, the primitive world will transform into the three realms. Many supreme powerhouses exist, bound to the Heavenly Dao's orders within the Heavenly Court, not to mention the six saints who suppresses the world," Da Hai said.

"The saints were described as the ultimate existence where all beneath them are ants. They're likened to the Dao realm of the Chaos Sea with only the restriction of being under the control of the Heavenly Dao," Da Hai explained.

"All that'll do is provide the Heavenly Dao with extra muscle. I can see why it'll work with them in the scenario, but not the crack-pot theory of yours," Pangu disagreed.

"What if they believe that with enough power on their side they can forcefully break through into the Dao realm. Saints are pseudo-Dao realms themselves, plus the Heavenly Dao of yours which is already in the complete Dao-Birth realm, added on by the Heavenly Lords. Stellar Sovereigns, Rulers of the Mountains and Seas, Ancestral Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The combination of all these factors cannot be simple," Da Hai waved his arms around excitedly.

"All these powers put together should easily be above a Dao realm being. Even multiple Dao-realm characters might fall if they challenge it. It'll be an unprecedented power," Pangu concluded before he too began realising something.

"The only Dao ancestor is Yuanling, he is a lofty figure who does nothing. All other candidates have already perished at my hands. No one has ever attempted to open a world before as a Dao ancestor. Theoretically speaking a Dao realm expert's Dao is the same as the Grand Dao," Pangu said in wonder.

"Dao realm beings should all have unique Daos no matter how similar they appear on the surface. What you have described, direct passage of one's Dao for the study of others who intern base their Dao realm cultivation upon it. Hongjun from your myths essentially made so everyone was following in his footsteps, his Dap. Hence no matter what they did they could never achieve Dao, only Saint of the Great Dao.

"Meaning there is a possibility Hongjun and Luohu, whichever one wins, can make the three realms into a chaos world that'll replace the Chaos Sea. The Heavenly Dao will be the new Great Dao, and as the being that personifies the Heavenly Dao Hongjun or Luohu will have the highest chance of transcendence with no obstacles to bother them," Da Hai continued.

"Thus he prevents the appearance of a second Dao realm being while retaining a combat force that could rival one. Enslavement of living beings followed by forceful takeover of the established order, followed by more enslavement. How wonderful," Pangu concluded in anger.

After a while of silence the two had come to terms with what they've learned from each other.

"Disciple, can I ask you a favour?" Pangu asked.

"You are already my master, you don't need to ask."

"Please, find a way to thwart them. My creation should never be desecrated like this," he said slowly. Da Hai was also in thought, morally what Hongjun and Luohu was attempting to do was wrong.

However Da Hai had the mind of a godfiend with only some influence from a human. Desire for progression to the next realm was inherent in all of them. What Hongjun and Luohu were doing wasn't really wrong from a fellow godfiend's point of view.

Pangu wanted them stopped because he couldn't bear to see his creation and his own sacrifice being taken advantage of so blatantly like this. Da Hai's true goal was vengeance.

"I already have enough motivation to do so master," Da Hai said determinedly. He had already decided to do this long before meeting Pangu. "All that's left is the how," he stated.

"I'm sure you can find a lot of help, nobody likes being controlled. But most crucial thing is your strength. You need to improve your Dao realm, the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm is not like lower realms. The gulf between it and Dao is so massive that we came up with subdivisions to describe major milestones. Da Hai, you must perfect your Dao to the Hunyuan Wuji level. If possible, figure out the Great Dao and reach the Dao realm, that is my request as your master."

Da Hai cupped his hands and bowed, "As you wish master."

"As a master I guess I should bequeath something to you but unfortunately I have no treasures on me," Pangu stated sadly.

Just then merits golden light descended from above the temple. This light reached into the building and manifested several things. A flag depicting waves, a cauldron with the image of Wuji, a wheel laced in gold, a sword with water dripping from it, and finally a tree sap.

Da Hai recognised all of them as high grade Xiantian spiritual treasures with the exception of the flag, which was a top grade treasure. This flag's name was also something he recognised, the Xuanyuan Water Control Flag, one of the leaves of the 36th grade Chaos Lotus, and of the same origin as the 12th grade White Lotus.

"Well, I guess the Heavenly Dao agrees with you," Pangu said amused.

"Heavenly Dao want's what is best for the world. If Hongjun or Luohu proved they're more beneficial to it, it will take action against me. If I prove beneficial, it will go against them," Da Hai said as he stored the treasures away.

"The Heavenly Dao owes me too much for its existence. It owes me an un-repayable debt. You have my blessings, disciple, the Heavenly Dao will always be partial to you," Pangu wished him luck.

"And one last favour if I may," Pangu suddenly brought up. Da Hai nodded, and Pangu continued on.

"Those blood pools outside, they're my blood. The beings born from them will be the closest thing to my children. Can you look after them for me?" He requested.

"I will, master," Da Hai bowed to Pangu one last time.

"Haha, good, good, too good, I can finally die in peace," Pangu's words became more and more slurred until eventually, it faded. Da Hai sighed and bowed once more. He then materialised some incense and placed them into a small jar at the front of Pangu's statue. Small amounts of merit descended at this action.

Walking outside Da Hai sighed looking very tired, the excitement was over. "What a long day," he muttered.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

In the day of primal heaven, when the world existed in muddled chaos. Two extraordinary opposing forces defined by black and white combined yet remained separate. They formed a seamless balance which together generated many other concepts that brought the world into being.

Hongjun was the ancestor of the great balance. His Dao was one that represented the primal heavens. The balance which appeared before creation. His purple clouds are a symbol to his deific might.

When his two corpses appeared over a century ago. The starry skies lit up in an ocean of violet energies. The celestial stars themselves began trembling. The primitive location which will one day become the heavens became the staging grounds of the biggest battle in primitive history.

Hongjun sat in a lotus position calmly. His breath was steady and his appearance was one of calm superiority. However the robes he wore still bore cuts and damages received many years ago. His hair wasn't neatly tied and flowed freely.

As of this moment, the western portion of the starry skies was a mess of purple clouds, stellar lights, explosions, and constant fighting. The gargantuan form of the lunar star positioned itself opposite of Hongjun, taking its place among the western quadrant.

The sheer presence of the lunar star was a sight to behold. Its power was used to augment the three innate gods who regularly fought Hongjun to a standstill. A testimate of its might as it was once an eye of Pangu.

In any other scenario, its opponent would've been crushed. However, Hongjun was not like any other opponent. Whence he finally decided to hold nothing back, there was little that could stop him. His Dao was such a powerful one that even those who'd stepped on the path of Wuji would not challenge him.

Qiankun, Wangshu, and Da Hai had to all work together with assistance from the lunar star to tie against Hongjun. If they could drag him into the lunar star itself, they could kill him. But how impossible of a task was that? Despite their best efforts, this battle was a tie with neither side gaining an advantage.

Or at least that was the case for moments at a time. As the battle waged on for decades on end. The side consisting of Qiankun, Wangshu, and Da Hai began taking breaks. Not that they needed to rest as that was wholly unnecessary.

The true reason was for the individual 'resting' to experiment and try to find ways to invent new ways of attacking. One of three will break away for half a decade or so and this before rejoining the other two when the pressure became too big.

However, Hongjun was extraordinarily powerful. Without the presence of the third, Hongjun will start gaining ground very quickly and would eventually break all their defences in as little as three years. As such, Da Hai, Wangshu, and Qiankun could only take a few years off individually while the other two fought their hardest.

A few years was really too short to overcome Hongjun. Any small improvement Da Hai had made no difference against the purple clouds of Hongjun. Already, a palace had appeared among Hongjun's clouds mocking the sea god with the image of a safe and unbothered Hongjun.

With a continuous wave of palm strikes, Hongjun finally scored a direct hit on Wangshu and Qiankun. Both deities recoiled back in agony as their defences were finally broken after half a decade of nonstop assault. Wangshu's quickly waved her hand forming a temporary silver tree that just managed to block a strike of the pangu banner's flag.

Hongjun pressed the advantage. Purple clouds surged outwards towards the panting duo. Their presence was both divine and menacing, awe yet dread inducing. They glowed in trillions of divine lights that resembled singing gods and dancing fairies.

It was then that a blue light blasted out of the lunar star. A wave of water illuminated by trillions of specs resembling stars surged into the purple heavens. Both forces washed over each other making Hongjun frown in irritation. Da Hai had rejoined the battle.

It grated on Da Hai as he moved to join Qiankun and Wangshu in the fight. Despite the constant fighting improving his ability in active combat. They've in reality made little progress in actually defeating Hongjun much less killing him.

"HAH!" Da Hai roared as he opened with a downward slash using the merged form of all his treasures. The zambato like blade cleaved across spacetime smashing into the purple clouds. Empowered by the stars, they shaved off large volumes of purple clouds.

"Hmph," Hongjun grunted releasing a palm strike that repelled Da Hai's attack. The aftershock of the collision shook the fabric of reality. Da Hai had put everything into that attack and reeled back for more strikes.

Hongjun in retaliation sent another palm strike. Wangshu's wooden face snarled, she moved alongside Qiankun and together deployed the universal cauldron to block the attack.

BOOM!

An even bigger explosion rocked the western starry skies. Celestial bodies were physically moved out of their regular trajectory. Reality itself started bending and tearing. Were it not for the balancing act of the purple heavens and the lunar star, a hole would've been blown out of the starry skies decades ago.

Hongjun concentrated his might and placed both his palms together in a single strike. His two corpses above him repeated a similar motion. The resulting attack hurled through towards the trio on the lunar star.

In unison, Qiankun deployed the universal cauldron, Wangshu the lunar crown, Da Hai the 12th grade white lotus. The three ancestors formed a massive trigram meeting Hongjun's strike head on.

"Gah!" All three grunted in pain being forced back. However, they did manage to dispel Hongjun's strongest strike. Hongjun himself frowned, he'd been preparing that one for a while and would need to prepare for a second one.

Qiankun and Da Hai retreated back as Wangshu sent a wave of moonlight. Any injuries they sustained in that fierce flash was instantly restored. Da Hai snarled, his mouth was one of jagged fangs and a forked tongue. His normal short spongey hair was now long snake heads coiling around him. All seven of them snarled in frustration.

The petals of the 12th grade white lotus circled before Da Hai. With the xuanyuan water control flag in hand, he unleashed a sharp blast at Hongjun.

Seeing this action, Qiankun followed as well. The cosmic ruler at his side struck out with its full might. Both parties released some of their greatest techniques hoping to gain an offensive advantage.

Scoffing, Hongjun deployed the defensively superior taiji painting. The diagram of the yin and yang before the old man circled before separating. The conjoined attack by Da Hai and Qiankun was torn apart into billions of particles until they too disappeared were splintered and destroyed.

The back and forth continued on as all three reached a stalemate once again. They had not managed to hurt Hongjun but they had not suffered at all. An eternal stalemate was reached once again.

"We cannot go on like this," Wangshu grunted out while parrying a one of Hongjun's palm strike. She kicked with a root like appendage only for the pangu banner to slice it and the following kick into bits.

"Agreed," Qiankun said raising the cosmic ruler. The edge of the ruler smashed into Hongjun's oncoming attacks driving them back. A second successive strike forced out the taiji painting to defend. Qiankun spun his galaxy like true form sending spirals of fire, water, lighting, and wind out to harass Hongjun. "We need a new plan of action. I for one am sick and tired of fighting," he said.

"We cannot," Da Hai growled back. "We have an advantage here, continue attacking. We'll breakthrough his defences eventually and he'll be vulnerable."

"Da Hai," Wangshu said in anger. "Look around you, does it look like we have the advantage?" She raised her arms summing tendrils of silver roots that ripped apart a construct of purple clouds. She lashed out with slaps of her own.

"She is right fellow daoist Da Hai," Qiankun said. "We've been stuck here for far too long. We should disengage and get away, he can't track us with my methods."

"And abandon out position?" Da Hai questioned in disbelief. "We've got him on the ropes for the first time since the dawn of the primitive world. We can't give it up now, not when I'm this close."

" Da Hai listen to yourself. This battle will never end," Wangshu retorted back sounding very exhausted. "I don't know about you but I do not want to spend the rest of my life in constant fighting."

"We just have to push a little harder. All out efforts in one spot, then we rip through and attack," Da Hai said.

"Like what we tried twenty years ago? Or the time thirty one years ago? Or that other time fifty nine years ago?" Qiankun grunted while repelling another attack. "This is not working, even with the stars on our side, we're not gaining any ground."

Da Hai gritted his teeth and roared in frustration. He cannot refute their claims nor will he agree with them. The snake heads around him unleashed breath attacks in geysers of water pushing back against Hongjun's fist formed from clouds. The sea god uncharacteristically leapt forward howling in rage.

"Qiankun," Wangshu said softly. The swirling vortex of stars that was Qiankun merged back into an old man holding the cosmic ruler in one hand who nodded. "I have an idea," she suggested as she raised her hands to support Da Hai.

The sea god swung his merged blade at the heavenly projection of Hongjun. The old man within smirked forming a titanic celestial general holding the pangu banner. transformed into a halberd. It clashed against Da Hai's own attack.

A swirling mass of stellar water punted the general pushing it back. Hongjun brought a fist forward and punched in retaliation obliterating the block of water. The force of his blow ploughed into Da Hai who hastily stabbed his blade down to block the blow.

Space tore at the soles of his feet as the sea god slid back. He quickly regained his footing and battled against a projected army created by Hongjun. Waves of purple soldiers were torn apart as Da Hai fought with the fierceness of an out of control beast.

Heavy lightning and celestial fire struck the sea god at his back. Da Hai grunted turning around to defend while controlling waves of water to harass the enemy.

Beams of stellar light shot past Da Hai as Qiankun's rocketed over cosmic ruler in hand. He smashed chunks of the purple heaven apart tearing his way across the battlefield.

"Hai, get off," Hongjun sighed clapping his palms. The magical force transformed into a tidal wave of dust clouds containing an uncountable amount of purple lightning bolts. They tore at the fabric of reality as they went along.

Grunting, Qiankun slammed the universal cauldron onto the surface of the clouds forming an image of the universe. Wangshu also flew over with a luminescent glow that lit up the western sky with bright moonlight. Her presence directed moonlight at the two gods rejuvenating them.

"Coming in here again? When will you guys learn," Hongjun sighed shaking his head in disappointment. "No matter the variation of tricks you try, they never work." Hongjun's performed several motions and released a surge of power. They transformed into various elements to drive the trio back.

Wangshu smirked and raised her hand and pulled. The lunar star that previously stood still began moving. It hurled its way towards the heavens created by Hongjun.

The old man raised an eyebrow. "Smashing the star into me again? Same old same old," he sighed moving back. The purple heavens followed after him as he retreated from the lunar star.

"Qiankun," Wangshu cried. Da Hai turned around with confusion on his face when Qiankun raised the cosmic ruler. The ancestor of the universe leapt high above and smashed into the fabric of reality.

Hongjun looked up in surprise. "Attacking reality instead of stabilising it? What are you planing?" He shot out a purple beam of lightning at Qiankun.

Wangshu acted with haste, she flew into the way of the attack. The image of the lunar crown appeared before her resisting the lightning. "Open the gate," she commanded and Qiankun nodded.

The ancestor of the universe took a lotus position and summoned the universal cauldron. The gap opened by him expanded into a full portal into the void.

"Finally running away I see," Hongjun said. "Wise of you indeed, now quit wasting my time."

"What are you two doing?" Da Hai roared in disbelief. "You're going to waste all out years of progress."

"Connect us Qiankun," Wangshu commanded. Qiankun nodded and folded his hands in several motions. He opened his eyes which glowed in cosmic light.

Hongjun threw aside Da Hai with a slap and looked towards the portal only to raise his eyebrow. "The great wilderness?" He said in confusion. He was wondering why they opened a portal into the very world where tracking them would be so much easier.

Qiankun gripped the portal and pulled, ripping it into a massive hole in the sky. With this amount of visibility, Hongjun recognised the land through it. "West continent," he said.

"RAHG," Wangshu roared as she pulled. Hongjun turned around horridly right into the approaching lunar star. He had been distracted by the Wangshu and Qiankun's actins that the lunar star had reached him.

"Damn it," he said raising both palms. With all his might, he pushed against the lunar star. The sudden hit pushed him back. The lunar star was moving quickly towards the portal.

Unable to gain his footing in time, Hongjun flew through the portal right into the sky above the west continent. "Why would they?" He began saying.

"No!" Da Hai howled. He ran forwards only Wangshu to appear beside him and kick him away as Qiankun sealed the hole shut.

"Damn it, you let him get away," Da Hai raged.

In the west continent, Hongjun looked around in confusion. He stopped moments later when he came face to face with an equally surprised and equally appalled Luohu standing right below him with a marching army.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

"NOOOOO!" Da Hai roared furiously. The portal into the great wilderness' west continent slammed shut, back into real space just as Da Hai swung a massive water blade down. It instead ripped into the void.

"Hey, stop damaging the fabric of reality," Wangshu growled back.

Da Hai instead of listening reached out with his hands and pulled. He tore into the void attempting to open another portal. However, Qiankun slammed his palms down against shutting down each and every one of his attempts.

"Qiankun open another portal now," Da Hai demanded.

"Watch your tone with me," Qiankun retorted angrily. "There will be no gateways to the west. Let Hongjun be Luohu's problem."

"You squandered the perfect chance to end them," Da Hai growled back. The seven snake heads around him hissed menacingly.

"Don't antagonise me Da Hai," Qiankun warned. The cosmic ruler in his palm began glowing.

"Fine, if you won't help me then I'll do it myself," Da Hai said turning around and drawing the teardrop sword. He gathered a huge amount of stellar water onto the surface of his blade and made to strike into the void.

CLANG!

Da Hai's blow clashed against the outstretched form of the cosmic ruler.

"What is the meaning of this?" Da Hai demanded.

"Going after them now is the equivalent to committing suicide," Wangshu roared at the sea god. Da Hai swirled around to glare at the moon goddess who returned with a glare of her own.

"I'm not about to let you walk to your own death," she said snapping her fingers. In a flash of light, silver chains bound Da Hai from head to toe. The sea god tensed to break the chains but they held firm.

"Release me Wangshu," Da Hai growled.

"Not until you calm down," she replied.

"I am perfectly calm."

"You are irrational," Wangshu shouted suddenly surprising Da Hai. "You have allowed your rage cloud your judgement. Analyse the battle, we were barely tying him down. Follow him into the west and the only thing you'll find is your death. Do you really desire to seek your own death?"

The starry skies rumbled in accordance with Wagshu's voice. It was as if the stars themselves echoed her rage. The stars themselves shouted in unison along with her.

"But we were so close," Da Hai argued. "Closer than we've ever been in years. Closer than we ever will have."

"Did that look close to you?" Qiankun said stepping forward in anger. "Hongjun was on his own and yet he stopped all three of us with the lunar star's support. What if Destiny Demon god had shown up?"

"What?" Da Hai turned in surprise. "He's allied with Destiny Demon god?"

"The ancestor of time Sichen and the ancestor of yin and yang as well. Shangxia told me in his recruitment pitch," Qiankun said surpassing the feeling of regret.

"Then it would've been all the more reason to go all in," Da Hai tried to argue. "He was without his greatest allies."

"I underestimated Hongjun as well. I thought we could take him when allied, I was wrong," Qiankun said shaking his head. "Frankly I do not see a possibility of fighting him and winning. Even at my peak I still would've lost. At Da Hai's peak, you still would've lost."

"How can you be so sure. He couldn't gain any ground on us. Eventually, we would've managed to corner him."

"Don't speak to me about battle experiences boy," Qiankun growled angrily. " I have a dozen yuanhui's worth of experience in combat and there was no beating Hongjun. The gaps taken to figure out new techniques was too short to make any meaningful breakthroughs."

"They would've added up over time."

"That's not how cultivation works and you know it," Wangshu scoffed. "We lacked the raw power to hurt him but he still could hurt us. Face it, we simply lacked methods to beat him much less kill him."

"So we should just give up?" Da Hai yelled. The chains binding him started quaking much to Wangshu's shock. "I refuse to spit on brother Huoyun's memory. Hongjun needs to pay, both him and Luohu."

"And now you want to fight both of them? Are you insane?" Qiankun said shaking his head. "I thought you a lot more rational than this."

"Like master like disciple," Wangshu muttered messaging her nose bridge. "Your single minded obsession will be the death of you," she accused.

"It is not an obsession, it is justice," Da Hai cried.

"Do you hear yourself?" Wangshus scoffed. "If not for your naturally non confrontational personality you would be long dead."

"I for one do not wish to walk to my death," Qiankun said with a humph. He turned around and casually ripped a hole into the void. "I will be entering secluded cultivation. Do not try to find me," he said stepping through closing the gateway behind him.

"Damn it," Da Hai growled in frustration. Qiankun sudden refusal to help will negatively impact his progress. He hadn't made any major progress in years and his own lack of power frustrated him to no end.

'Zulong still exists,' Da Hai pondered. 'He's already nearing Da Luo Golden Immortal and it'll only be a matter of time before he can properly assist him. By then the dragons should be set up and I can call upon support from around the world.'

'Wangshu in the stars, Zulong in the seas. I'll have Hongjun and Luohu cornered,' he pondered taking a brief look at Wangshu. However, he only found her displeased gaze looking right back at him.

"Qiankun has a point," Wangshu said. "If Hongjun is already so strong, how terrifying is Luohu? Best let them both deal with each other," she said breaking Da Hai away from his thoughts.

"I am sorry," he managed to say. "But I will not stop on this path," he said. "Huoyun can't have died for nothing. You were there, you know what happened. You are the legacy of Pangu, it is your duty to protect this world. So will you help me or not?"

PAH!

The chains shattered around Da Hai as he staggered back from the sudden burst of pain on his cheek. Wangshu's glare was one that frankly frightened the sea god.

"Guilt tripping me? You embarrass yourself in your delusions," Wangshu said disappointingly.

"And you shame his memory," Da Hai said glaring at the goddess. "He saved your life, he saved my life. He was instrumental in saving the world. His killers, those who ploted and schemed against us are still out there having the time of their lives. How dare you stand there like nothing's wrong?

"How dare I?" Wangshu said in startling disbelief.

"Yes, do you care nothing for brother Huoyun at all?" Da Hai accused. "You should be leading the fight against them. Youn Qiankun, Shangxia and all those who know the truth."

"I care nothing for daoist five elements." Wangshu, visibly hurt and pissed off, gave off a chilling aura. "The only reason I went along with you, the only reason I offered my aid was because of you. Because I saw you as my friend."

"You've become so obsessed that you start seeing everyone around you as another tool to use," Wangshu scoffed. "The current you is no different from either of those two. Hiding behind a justifiable cause for your own hatred. Using others for your own revenge. Pushing those close to you away and fencing yourself."

She gripped her fists tightly. The pale light of the lunar star had never shown so menacingly. The light of the moon was a peaceful one. Yet in this instance, it appeared furious.

"I genuinely prayed that that was not the case. But it seems you are consumed down to your very essence," Wangshu sighed in disappointment. "Go back to Yingzhou, you are no longer welcomed here."

"I." Not giving Da Hai a chance to speak. Wangshu struck Da Hai with a powerful kinetic blow. The goddess hurled the sea god away from her, deep into space, into the void, towards the east sea.

At that moment, Da Hai stood still in a trance. He wore an expression of shock even as Wangshi forcibly hurled him across the fabric of reality. Though he could easily resist, he did nothing as he plummeted for the great wilderness.

Those words hit Da Hai harder than any blow he'd been felt before. The tidal wave of guilt settled in at the same time. His rage had given way to clarity and horror.

SPLASH!

Da Hai crashed into the east sea. For a time, he simply floated there unnoticed. His snake heads had long faded into his body. The sea god remained motionless for a long period of time.

Many thoughts raced through his mind. Memories from the time he broke Huoyun's seal to his confrontation against Hongjun. The scenes played within his mind over and over again.

His middle aged appearance suddenly appeared very tired. He did not look like he had any strength to move at all. There was an air of loss surrounding him.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, months into years. All the while Da Hai lay in a blanket of despair contemplating his choices until now. Was Wangshu right? Was he truly so consumed in wrath that it had become an obsession?

He thought about his disciples. Originally accepted with the intention of producing powerful pawns. Then he thought about his commitment to that plan. 'Just what had I been thinking at the time,' he pondered.

Aimless, clueless, hopeless. The emotions the sea god felt were ones he'd suppressed for nearly half a yuanhui. He thought about Zulong and the other sovereigns he'd observed. The lessons he'd tried to teach, to steer the dragons into a certain direction.

Abou the result he wanted to achieve. About the contradictory claims he'd made and contradictory actions he'd taken.

'I guess I wasn't thinking at all. Deep down, I had long realised how impossible of a foe I face. How aimless I was. How I was drifting from half baked idea to half baked idea. Acting in bad faith to myself and those around me.'

Looking up at the moonlit night sky, Da Hai sighed depressingly. "I really am trash."

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Tap, tap, tap. Da Hai's soft footsteps touched down upon the beach around Yingzhou's shore. The sea god sighed before heading up the main pathway. He'd been away for quite some time, nearly a thousand years but even so, Yingzhou did not look any different

Not a single bush was out of place, not a single but of weed. The trees were well maintained and the decorations showed regular signs of polish. The various statues and his own palace did not look any different, well maintained and clean.

"I'm home," Da Hai muttered to himself. He walked steadily up the trail leading up to his palace. The trail was quiet and peaceful, Da Hai immediately noticed new vegetation added. The end result was a beautiful trek through nature.

"When did?" He looked around confused. Yingzhou had excellent natural beauty but it seemed between the time he was gone and now, more had been added. There were thousand year old spiritual trees and gourd trees and this wasn't even the dedicated farm.

These trees didn't use to be here. The sea god calculates that these were likely planted several centuries ago. Either by the head moth fairies as decoration to liven up the place or by the dragons for the same goal. Either way, the trees flourished under the rich environment of Yingzhou.

Looking around, Da Hai admired the beauty of the flora around him. He'd never partaken in such actions before, even Yingzhou was little more than a good base for him up until now. He took a gourd and took a bite out of the fruit.

"It's good," he said smiling softly. He tilted his head hearing soft footsteps. Coming through from a path that led to the spiritual farms, a group of the moth fairies maids passed through. They immediately noticed Da Hai and made to prostrate themselves.

"Welcome back great lord," The surprised voices of three of the moth fairies called out. They were carrying baskets that were filled with various types of plants and fruits. It made sense to Da Hai, these spiritual fruits looked to be ripe for usage.

"This is wonderful news, the young lords will be very pleased," the moth fairies exclaimed excitedly. "Big sister was so worried when the young lords returned with you gone. We've been without news for a very long time."

"It's fine, inform them of my safe return," Da Hai instructed. He gestured for them to leave.

"My lord, I shall prepare a banquet for you," one of the fairies enthusiastically said. However, Da Hai raised his hand and stopped her.

"No, there is no need for that," he said. "I admire your enthusiasm but celebrations for such small things are unnecessary."

"Uh, if you're sure," she managed to say shyly. Da Hai instructed her to follow her sisters then proceeded to make his own way up.

Watching them leave, Da Hai sighed. "I don't deserve this," he muttered. He looked down at the trails of golden light in the palm of his hand. "I don't even believe in your cause, I don't even really care about you," he said lowering his hand. What little amounts of karmic luck that remained disappeared back into him.

Strolling up the pathway, he stopped as the figures of two of his disciples came to view.

"Master!" Qinglong and Yinglong called out in unison rushing down, barely stopping themselves. They bowed respectfully to the sea god and made joyous faces.

"You all," Da Hai didn't know what to say.

"Master, it is good to see you safe," Qinglong said joyfully. "How did the battle go? Has that old villain been vanquished?"

"I…" Da Hai sighed and shook his head. At his air of depression, the dragons' expressions fell. "Do not worry about that matter. That is something for I, your master to deal with," Da Hai assured. "Focus on your own cultivation and do not worry over it."

"But master, he threatened you. That is more than enough reason for…" Yinglong began saying before Da Hai stopped him.

"That person is an ancestor before even my time. Let me handle things for now and when you all reach the realm of Da Luo, I will properly brief you," Da Hai promised.

"Heh, in that case, master you'd better prepare for that debriefing soon," Qinglong said smirking.

"That confident in reaching Da Luo?" Da Hai said raising his eyebrow. "Ha, I expect you to follow through with such a claim," he said with a small warm smile.

The two dragons were slightly stunned at Da Hai's more amiable behaviour but gave it no mind. The most important knot in their hearts had untied.

"We will not disappoint master," they proclaimed. The ancient sea god felt no small amounts of pride, this time he did not suppress it. Within his heart, he sighed with disappointment and regret directed at himself.

"Where is your senior brother?" Da Hai inquired. "I do not feel his presence on Yingzhou. In fact, where is the Yi Feier? Her presence is also missing." Yi Feier was the given name of the head moth fairy. Da Hai had bestowed rather uncreative names on all of them when they became fully sentient.

"Oh! Big brother and the ms Feier are tending to Nan Dao Chen as we speak," Yinglong explained. "The city has been allocated within the primordial turtle clan's territory for now."

"I see, so she made it safely back after all," Da Hai sighed with relief. One of the first actions he made before confronting Si Hai was to punt the head moth fairy across the void. He aimed her directly at the east sea with instructions to deliver Nan Dao Chen back to Yingzhou.

Normally, it could take tens of thousands of years for her to travel on foot. The head moth fairy had sailed across the void with speeds unfathomable to her. She reached the east sea after a few decades but had to trudge her way back.

Thankfully, she received no trouble due to her identity. All residents of Yingzhou carried a unique energy signature placed there by Da Hai. It was something most experts of the east sea recognised. According to Yinglong, she met up with the dragons sometime after they returned to the east and they carried her with them.

To Da Hai, this was great news. Yi Feier had been a good assistant and had been equally steadfast in her loyalty. Though Da Hai had never paid her too much attention until now. 'Perhaps I should upgrade her status to a proper disciple,' he pondered.

Pushing his thought aside, Da Hai turned back to the two dragons. "Inform them of my return but don't rush them back, I will want to see their progress myself," he instructed.

"It shall be done," they said bowing.

…

THOOM!

A chain of mountains collapsed into rubble. Resting around the edges of the dimensional wall towards the central continent, large continents of devil soldiers sat nursing their wounds.

The cataclysmic clash of several ancestor level figures had unintentionally caught many high ranking devils in the crossfire. The resulting losses were quite severe for the devilish Dao.

"Well that was a disaster," Mara snarked taking a seat beside a frowning Luohu. The demon king was missing his entire left side and one of his legs was encased in ice. Not far from them, the gargantuan form of Qiong Qi lay motionless mid air within a bubble.

Mara reached out to interact with the time bubble before pulling back. "Fascinating," he said. "Now that I'm out of combat, this technique is quite sophisticated. It's not quite of Shiva's level but it's par beyond anything from the devas."

"What the fuck were they doing here?" Luohu growled.

"You recruited us into your sect, are you really surprised Hongjun would do the same?" Mara said placing his right arm on his knee. "What do you think Hundun?" He asked the faceless god.

Hundun floated nearby facing the time bubble. His six skinny arms were stretching outperforming some sort of magical ritual. The godfiend was in actuality trying to undo the time bubble trapping his fellow evil beast.

"Yinyang was expected but nothing to worry about, Sichen was a surprise and a threat but nothing we can't handle," Hundun said smoothly. "But the destiny demon god presents a problem," he admitted.

"How the fuck did that old fool gain the loyalty of the destiny demon god much less find him?" Luohu growled. "His whole shtick prevents others from tracing him."

"He does present quite a conundrum doesn't he," Mara sighed.

"Alone he is a difficult opponent," Luohu admitted. "I can't beat him easily and he can escape anytime he so chooses and I'd be unable to stop him. But him and Hongjun together are not a match I can handle," the devil ancestor gripped the shaft of his god killing spear so tightly that a creaking sound was heard.

Silver and blacklight hovered around the devil ancestor and all those around him skirted a wide breadth. Only those such as Hundun and Mara could remain within his presence.

"We need another edge," Mara said. "I will be frank with you when I say we should've attacked sooner, your lack of confidence costed us the advantage." Luohu remained motionless but hesitantly nodded. His expression was the ugliest Mara had ever seen.

"The ideal choice is to recruit more godfiends to our side," Mara concluded. "Who else is still alive?" He mused.

"The starry skies' guardian, empress Wangshu, the ancestor of the universe, great immortal Qiankun, and the hermit of the seas, Da Hai, the mysterious vertigo immortal Shangxia,. Then we have emperor Si Hai of the four seas, and the scavenger Shen Feng," Hundun listed one after the other.

"Of these, the former likely hold a grudge after the last war. The latter is more amiable but their power level is too low to make a meaningful difference," the faceless godfiend said.

"Doesn't Si Hai have a deal with us?" Taotie asked approaching the trio. "He's indebted to us."

"He's a moron who doesn't recognise that fact," Luohu scoffed. "Even back during the chaos days, that moron was always too arrogant for his own good. I sometimes wonder how he survived so long without getting killed."

"But the pressing matter remains. We could still approach those experts and try to win them over. However, Wangshu is the only one we know the definite location of. We'll approach her and try to win her over. Hopefully, she doesn't hold too much of a grudge," Luohu pressed his hands on his chin in thought.

"Fuck, things are not looking good," Luohu tapped his lip. A million thoughts raced through his mind.

"Perhaps we should look into the new era innate gods," Mara suggested. "Hundun, do you have any news on them?"

"This generation is a slippery bunch," Hundun said. "Most are smart enough to remain in hiding or pretend to be a member of an innate creature clan. However, we do have news of one calling herself phoenix sovereign."

"Oh? Do tell," Luohu spoke up, his interest piqued.

"She's an expert on the south continent and maintains a large territory near. Her cultivation though should still be in the Taiyi Golden Immortal level," Hundun reported.

"That's a shame, Taiyi is much too low," Luohu frowned. "We need a weapon, relying on another expert is too unreliable."

"You want to craft another treasure?" Mara asked.

"No, unless we're dealing with a bonafide Dao artefact, another treasure won't add much. My destruction mill and god killing spear are equal to what Hongjun can pull out. Fuck he really lucked out grabbing Pangu's stuff," Luohu cursed. Why did Hongjun have such good luck whereas he had to hunt for treasures in the chaos sea.

"Give me some time to think about it," Luohu said getting up. "I'll be entering secluded cultivation. You two, get the devilish Dao up and running again," he instructed before disappearing in a haze of light.

…

A portal opened up within Zixiao palace. The palace of purple clouds rested peacefully atop Mt Yujing in a sea of soft purple clouds. Its lustrous walls hummed with divine chanting and immortal insight.

Hongjun stepped through the portal frowning. A deep gash ran down his wrinkly face and red stains were on his beard.

The hulking monstrosity that was the destiny demon god followed after him. His yellow eyes slanted in an ugly glare. Sichen chose to remain silent while Yinyang wisely skirted to the side.

"Explain yourself," the destiny demon god's deep voice rumbled. His unsatisfactory feelings were on full display.

"I made a tactical retreat, it is not the right time to face Luohu," Hongjun explained calmly wiping the blood off his body with a few gestures.

The destiny demon god lacked a proper human form. His emotions could not be easily read based on his expression. However, the air around him was permitted with irritation.

"Then why did you initiate the battle?" The destiny demon god asked slowly. Every word was said with power and dissatisfaction. His very presence made even Hongjun slightly uncomfortable.

The ancestor of time, Sichen leaned on a pillar remaining silent. He too was surprised that the battle Hongjun. Though, unlike the destiny demon god, he was not that upset at having to retreat.

"It was…an unfortunate accident," Hongjun said. "Luohu detected me while I was in the area hence the initiation. Luckily, we were able to deal him a humiliating blow."

"Improve your hiding ability Hongjun," destiny demon god growled. "Only contact me, when the real battle begins," he said. With a loud crack of thunder, the hulking form of the godfiend vanished.

"I take it Shangxia's dead?" Hongjun asked after a few moments.

"His life bound crystal shattered," Sichen said.

"Shame, do we know where his corpse fell?" Hongjun inquired.

"Only that it's somewhere in the west sea. But now Luohu will be paying more attention. I don't think we should go there," the god of time said. Hongjun nodded as well, he strolled forwards and took a seat on a meditation cushion at the middle back of the hall. He appeared both imposing and grand.

"Very well, you should all improve your cultivation," Hongjun advised. "We still need to prepare."

"Just remember your promise Hongjun," Sichen and Yinyang said.

"I will uphold my end of the bargain. Your Daos will no longer be of use to the heavenly Dao once the earlier heavens are set in motion. By then, you'll be free to progress once more," Hongjun said smiling kindly. 'After all, you lot have no place in the world to come,' he added in his mind.

"I'll hold you to that," Sichen said narrowing his eyes before splitting open the void and teleporting away. Yinyang followed soo afterwards.

Left on his lonesome, Hongjun massaged his temples. His face was flushed with embarrassment and a solid cloud of red anger radiated from him. "How dare they," he said softly but angrily.

"This humiliation, I'll pay it back a thousand folds," he promised.