Primitive Age of Xianxia (Honghuang style xianxia story)

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Gui Daiyu stepped onto the balcony of Zulong's palace with some hesitance. She found the royally dressed dragon standing in excitement before her. Smiling softly, the princess approached him.

"What's got you so riled up this morning?" She asked. Zulong tilted his head at her and smiled.

"I've gotten news from Yingzhou," the dragon said smiling. "Master has finally returned safely."

"This…this is wonderful news," Gui Daiyu gasped. Upon studying Zulong's face she asked, "Is his excellency coming here?"

"Yes, he wants to check in on my progress," Zulong said turning around. "I can't disappoint him. I have to show him what I've been working in for the past few centuries."

"Are you sure it's ready?" Gui Daiyu questioned. "This kind of project has never been done before. You still haven't even tested its credibility."

Zulong sighed and shook his head. "Yeah, it is much harder then I expected to create a new cultivation path. But I am confident that it'll impress. After all, I worked on it."

"Wow, I think your overconfidence is getting to your head," she joked. Zulong chuckled in response. "But in all honesty, if you're sure then go ahead. I've seen how hard you've been mulling over it so you should show it off. But I'll just say I told you so."

"All the more reason to," Zulong said walking inside the bedroom. "Master can give me suggestions and directions. His cultivation is still much higher than mine, he can surely catch things I've missed."

Zulong held Gui Daiyu's hand and offered her a kiss. "I am lucky to have met you. One more reason to be thankful," he said softly. He suddenly snapped his head to the side and smiled.

"He's here," he announced. "Let's not keep him waiting." The dragon guided Gui Daiyu out of the room. The two made their way through the palace towards the front steps passing by many servants who bowed their heads in reverence.

The current Zulong was not another rogue expert known for his combat prowess. The dragon now held a very high status as the inheritor of the saint of Yingzhou, Da Hai.

To the sea folk of the east sea, Da Hai's name was synonyms with ancestor. He was the cultivation ancestor of the east sea and their most venerated god. His temples were everywhere along with palates depicting his quotes.

As they walked, Gui Daiyu fidgeted uneasily. Zulong took notice in realisation of this and held her hand softly. "Don't be nervous," he said. "Master is not as grandiose as you may think."

"Easy for you to say," Gui Daiyu snapped back. "You didn't grow up attending festivals and ceremonies with his statue looming over you. This is our god for heaven's sake, I used to play around the foot of his statue with my cousins and siblings."

"I see what you mean," Zulong nodded. "But master honestly doesn't care much for formalities. He just comes and goes and talks like any regular person. He's not that bad, I promise. Besides, haven't you already met him?"

"Only at a distance and he barely acknowledged me," the princess cried. "Oh heavens, what if he finds out about the time I spilt juice onto his statue? I mean, I did clean it out and nobody found out but…"

"Ok Yu'er, calm down," Zulong said placating his partner. "It'll be fine, master already thinks highly of you. In fact, I think he thinks you're better than me." The dragon's reassuring smile calmed the turtle princess.

Unnoticed by both of them, Da Hai had already caught the entire conversation. As such it was quite weird when he suddenly burst out laughing while drinking beverages served by the servants in this guest room.

"This is so strange," Gui Daiyu whispered as she and Zulong entered the room. Da Hai sat on the main seat. Yi Feier had already arrived and sat down rather than taking the position of a servant.

"This small one greets you honoured exalted one/Hello master," they said in unison. The vast difference in tone was palpable. While they were both very respectful, Zulong was noticeably more casual and intimate. Gui Daiyu on the other hand carried a fear of rejection yet awe.

"Good disciple, it is good to see you again," Da Hai praised clapping Zulong's shoulders. Zulong was briefly surprised but thought nothing much of it. But he did note that Da Hai had become noticeably warmer compared to their previous interaction.

"And you must be my disciple's Dao companion," the famed sea god said turning towards Gui Daiyu stunning the girl. The princess flushed and looked away unable to meet his eyes.

"Truth be told I did not expect this development when I first sent you over," Da Hai said to Zulong. "Nevertheless, I believe she is good for tempering your more undesirable qualities," he praised Gui Daiyu while dissing Zulong.

"Hey," Zulong called out in embarrassment. "The follies of my youth are long over, I am not a child anymore master," he said.

"Of course not, you are this universes premier talent, above all else you are my disciple," Da Hai praised. He led Zulong and Gui Daiyu to take a seat and drank with them.

It surprised how openly friendly his master was being but it was not an unwelcome change. Da Hai had always had a more warm side beneath that cold exterior. Zulong never did know why his master was the way he is and he never pried. However, he felt his master was in a better place now compared to before.

Very quickly, Gui Daiyu left her nervous persona behind. The atmosphere became a lot more lively and the princess felt a lot more comfortable talking. She told all sorts of stories about Zulong and vice versa.

The head moth fairy sat a little further behind. She nevertheless smiled softly at the scene. For her, Yingzhou mountain was the most important place in the world. It was much better when their lord and master got along joyfully.

Yi Feier and her sister were not born on Yingzhou. But for them, they might as well be. Their earliest memories as themselves were as silkworms on Yingzhou. Their whole lives had been on that island whether they be cultivating or working.

Da Hai was not a bad person to work under. In fact, he was basically a teacher and parent to all of them. Cold and distant as he may be most of the time, he also spared no expense in providing for those under him.

"Here, this is for you," Da Hai said taking an object wrapped in cloth out of his pocket dimension. It was revealed to a pair of earrings pulsating with primordial Qi. Gui Daiyu's eyes widened when she realised that this was a xiantian spiritual treasure.

"A…a…a mid grade xiantian spiritual treasure?" She uttered. "I can't possibly accept this," she held the treasure in her hands like it was the most precious thing in the world.

Xiantian spiritual treasures of any grade were hard to come by. Even low grades were seldom seen and treated as national treasures. Yet here was Da Hai randomly giving out a mid grade like it was nothing.

In truth, part of the reason Xiantian spiritual treasures were so rare was because they were hoarded by the most ancient of experts who were there first. Da Hai might not be the most sociably of people but he does leave Yingzhou and nearly always comes back with treasures he picked up. Many seniors of his generation were pretty similar.

Da Hai stored most things on him while others like Hongjun stored them on their home abodes. Luohu was unique in that he funnelled his wealth into the devilish Dao.

"Accept it, it's a gift," Da Hai said smiling softly. "For all the things you've done for me, you deserve it."

"But I," the princess was momentarily speechless.

"Just think of this as an early dowry for Zulong then," Da Hai added.

'Wait, shouldn't that be the other way around?' said dragon thought gaining a weird expression on his face.

"Uh," Gui Daiyu managed to say utterly bewildered yet embarrassed. She could only accept Da Hai's gift.

"Good, good," Da Hai laughed in satisfaction. "You have potential, I can sense it. It is only a matter of time before you break off all chains in this world and step into the realm of Golden Immortal. Perhaps not now, but definitely by the end of this Yuanhai."

The princess smiled happily at the praise. With the recognition from the greatest god of the east sea came a desire to meet that expectation. Zulong smiled at the praise she's gotten, he silently vowed to reach Da Luo Golden Immortal as soon as possible as well.

Later that day, in a more private study. Zulogn entered the room with eagerness. "This way master," he said eagerly leading Da Hai in. He hurried to the drawer and pulled out a collection of scrolls and lay them on the study table.

Da Hai chuckled at the dragon's antics, only in a private setting could he be like this. "What is it that made you so eager Zulong?" He asked. He looked around the room.

Da Hai had always preferred to keep things where they can be easily be found. That wasn't to say he was the neatest person ever, just that he preferred a certain level of neatness that he imparted to the dragons over the years.

Zulong's private study was a mess of papers and models. Random diagrams and test tubes scattered about. Pictures of anatomy, plants, models of the cosmos and various other diagrams are scattered about.

From a first glance, all these things had nothing to do with each other. They were easily different fields of study even for cultivators. However, Da Hai had an inkling to what Zulong wanted to show. After all, this era was famed for a reason.

During the era of the three beasts, there existed the phoenix, the qilin, and the dragon. Among the three, the qilin and the dragon had numerous descendants forming massive clans. The phoenix was the only exception having only two children in her lifetime.

Although the dragon clan consisted of millions upon millions of members. The current world only consisted of three male dragons. What's more, the ancestral dragon was only ever recorded to have had nine sons in legends.

When Zulong grabbed one particular scroll and unfurled it for Da Hai to see. Things started to make sense. Da Hai held that contained a large summary of unique principles in his hand while Zulong gathered several others for him to see.

"How ambitious," Da Hai said in wonder. "I'm impressed Zulong, is this what you have been working on for the last several centuries I've been away?"

"Yes master," Zulong nodded. "I've had this idea brewing in my mind since I first touched down on the west continent. My further analysis of the north, west, and south has led me to a conclusion of how I want my empire to turn out."

The dragon held up a scroll containing a set of steps followed by an image of the dragon. "I believe this will be the ideal step to achieve this."

"Smart idea, unifying everyone of the four seas under the singular communal cultivation path. I can see where the inspiration for this came from," Da Hai praised handing back the scroll he held. "Do you have a name for it?"

"Yes master," Zulong said. "I plan to call this the path of the celestial dragon. or simply the draconic Dao."

"Very well, draconic Dao it is," Da Hai said nodding. "But I must warn you Zulong. This path like all others can only lead to the Golden Immortal realm."

Zulong looked slightly alarmed, "Wouldn't it be more beneficial to go into the higher realms? Cultivation is about progress right and enlightenment after all."

"Yes, and that is precisely why there can never be a path that goes beyond Golden Immortal," Da Hai said grimly. "Ponder on this as you create this path. I'm sure you can figure it out on your own." He took another scroll into his hands and frowned slightly.

"This will be a lot harder to achieve," he admitted. He eyed a nervous Zulong who nodded in agreement. "The creation of an entire race of innate creatures," the sea god mused. "It is very doable and considering your presence, a guarantee."

"I sense a but," Zulong said.

"But you lack key ingredients," Da Hai said. "The basis of life relies on the five elements. However, this is the easiest material to gather. The primitive world is rich in the five elements, even the winds, the grass, the water, and land are rich with it. Specialised materials like the five element soil are not needed."

"However, the other component is the three brilliance sacred water. This is where it gets tricky," Da Hai said frowning.

"I understand master, this is why I was planning to leave and scour the world for some," Zulong said.

"Already?" Da Hai frowned. "It has not been long since you returned. I can see how badly Gui Daiyu wants you here."

"I know, it's not anytime soon. I still have to work on my cultivation," the dragon replied. Da Hai stroked his chin in thought. 'The amends I need to make,' he pondered.

"Do not worry about three brilliance sacred water," Da Hai announced much to Zulong's surprise. "I will secure it for you."

"What? But master, Yingzhou for all its riches does not possess the quantity I need," Zulong cried out.

"Do not worry about that," Da Hai retorted sharply. "Worry about your own cultivation and your administration. Besides, it is a master's duty to support their disciple."

At this moment, Zulong felt extremely emotional. He was a xiantian lifeforms, whole from the moment of birth. Unlike innate creatures, he did not have parents. Da Hai was the closest thing to a father he has.

"Of course, master. I'm already close to a breakthrough. Within a hundred years I will ascend to the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm," Zulong announced.

"Hm, very well. I shall await you until then," Da Hai said smiling proudly. 'Yes, this is a good feeling,' he thought.

…

"Sister, why are we here?" Zhuque asked following behind Zufeng. The pair of sisters had sneaked away from phoenix's roost and discreetly entered the east continent.

"You should be in secluded cultivation to restore your strength," the vermillion bird urged. Her elder sister shook her head gloomily.

"No sister, I have to do this first," the phoenix sovereign said. She lead her sister into a cliff face overlooking a large valley. The two flew down until they reached the entrance of a cave emanating with power.

A robed old man with the head of a vulture awaited them. "So you've come after all," he said slowly.

"Yes old man, now where is it?" Zufeng demanded. She was loathed to be here but her self confidence had been shaken. Any extra power was good in this scenario.

"Such impatience, hai, how good it is to be young," the old man said chuckling.

"Enough of this, show me where this five element light is," Zufeng demanded with strength. The ground beneath her shook and dark clouds swirled above her.

"No rush, no rush," the old man gestured into the cave. "This way, you'll understand once you enter," he said.

"Wait outside," Zufeng informed her reluctant sister. "If he tries something, kill him." She boldly walked into the cave.

This same cave accepted her entrance. In fact, to the phoenix, it was almost as if she found kin. Strong red clouds guided her deeper and deeper into the cave. The golden rays of destiny were now more visible than ever.

"It's true," Zufeng whispered. She spread her arms that transformed into beautiful wings. He neck elongated and her face gained a beak. The illustrious form of the phoenix was revealed in all her glory.

She reached the centre of a cave where a large gathering of power sat. A small incense bowl lay beneath her but she paid it no mind. "This'll do nicely," she said excitedly. Five coloured lights began rapidly entering her body. Zufeng took deep breathes and felt her body strengthen like never before.

"Old senior of the previous era, thank you for this gift," she said when the lights finally dimmed. The multi coloured aura of the five coloured divine light shone in her head. This legacy she gained was one that was beyond her own expectations.

"Ancestor of fire clouds, a true monster of the chaos sea," she whispered. She withdrew several instances and paid her respects before abruptly leaving, after all, her beloved sister was still waiting outside.

Watching the two avian goddesses leave, the old man smiled. "Thank you for your sacrifice old friend," he said looking up at the sign displaying the proud words 'Fire Cloud Cave'. His birdlike features faded to reveal a happy Hongjun.

"The stage is slowly being set," he said stroking his beard. "Shame I couldn't get the dragon but no big loss. Now I just need to find that piece of Jade. Then my future is fully secured."

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

"It's finally happening," Da Hai mused looking up into the sky. Above Yingzhou, the heavens lit up in a shower of golden light. Singing and dancing, images of gods manifested welcoming the descent of an ancestral deity.

Yinglong, Qinglong, Bai Hu, and Xuanwu looked up from their perch on Yingzhou in equal amazement at the magnificent sight above them. Raw primordial Qi gathered in radiant bursts, shining as they rose up into the sky.

The serpentine form stretching over ten thousand kilometres long danced admits the clouds. Zulong soared in the heavens, his golden scales glistened and gleamed as they shed divine light.

Around the seas, various experts gathered to watch the spectacle of Zulong's breakthrough. The high level experts who'd reached the Taiyi Golden Immortal stage gazed in amazement and wonder and a strong sense of longing. For those lower, below the Heavenly Immortal realm, they struggled to comprehend the dragon dancing above them.

For many with low cultivation, they could not even perceive Zulong's existence. Even immortals struggled to comprehend what they were seeing. The sheer concept of the Dao emanating off of Zulong was both awe inspiring yet so out of this world that they could not comprehend it.

"You know, hearing about this is one thing. But to actually see this with my own eyes," a strong raspy voice said. This was the plesiosaur ancestor.

"Quite right old long neck. Guess I shouldn't be surprised he'd be the first one of our generation to reach that realm," Plesiosaur's longtime rival, mosasaur ancestor said. "I guess it's inevitable now."

"Indeed," Colossal shark and plesiosaur replied together. "I'll move my troops away and you do yours. Our new sovereign won't like his subjects fighting that's for sure."

"Haha, who knew that kid from all those years ago will follow through with his words," Plesiosaur laughed and sighed in resignation.

"What kid? That kid kicked your, mine, and every else ass before he was taken in," Colossal shark huffed. "It was only a matter of time anyway, the only thing he needed was the honoured exalted saint's approval."

As Zulong pushed open the boundaries between Taiyi Golden Immortal and Da Luo Golden Immortal, he'd felt as if he entered a whole new world. The sheer clarity of which he could view the cosmos astounded him. He felt as if he'd been blind all this time and only now learned to see.

"So this is how master sees the world?" He mused. His eyes appears to be glazed over as golden strings of destiny flew by him. The winds of fate originating from the heavenly Dao, the winds that set the trend of heaven became visible to him. Zulong slightly narrowed his eyes.

"I see," he mused. His body twirled in the air floating millions of kilometres above sea level. He took a deep breath and released the culmination of his cultivation. He bathed the east sea in rich Dao essence so much so that some people had an instant breakthrough.

"The dragon was born admits the waves, he rises from the sea, flying into the sky, soaring above the clouds," Da Hai mused watching Zulong dance in the air. Even he felt admiration towards the dragon. His current cultivation was absurd, his accumulation was incredibly high even compared to the godfiends of the ancient past.

"Without Pangu, even I would be inferior," Da Hai mused with a look of pride. "I truly don't deserve this."

Zulong descended in a flurry of wind. He was wreathed in auspicious clouds that cloaked him, shrinking down until he restored his human Dao body. He was immediately glomped by Gui Daiyu.

"You did it, you did it!" She laughed joyfully. "You finally reached that realm. Now you're the first expert beneath the honoured saint."

"Of course I can do it, who do you think I am?" Zulong responded joyfully swinging the girl around.

The primordial turtle ancestor looked a little uneasy at such a public display. He nervously looked towards Da Hai and sighed in relief when he saw the sea god smile. He'd been lucky to have been allowed to stand on Yingzhou, everyone else including the top three east sea superpowers either sat in the ocean or in the air.

"Yes, with this big brother will be one step closer," Qinglong smiled with excitement. "The time of coronation should be soon."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Yinglong retorted. "Big brother has already stated he doesn't want to rush things like that peacock from the south. He's already told us breaking through was only one of three situations that must occur before he's crowned."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Qinglong said. "But this is no less joyous."

"That we can agree on," Yinglong nodded.

…

Several thousand years after Zulong's breakthrough, news reached the east sea. The south continent had lit up in a hail of five coloured light and the cry of the king of birds reached all corners of the world.

Almost overnight, all avian species across the five continent four seas began a pilgrimage. In unison, birds from all over the world marched for the south continent. Many were slain during the trek but many made it as well.

Then the news arrived, the phoenix sovereign had risen. The first of the three to be crowned, the illustrious king of all birds finally appeared and announced herself to the world. This Da Luo Golden Immortal expert overthrew all other powers of the south continent in the span of ten years and quickly assumed total control.

The geopolitical situation between the south content and sea had shifted completely. It was only through a lack of interest in the waters that spared Si Hai's forces not that he's ever admitted it himself.

The worldwide announcement of the phoenix sovereign had also shaken the hearts of two individuals. The qilin and the dragon suddenly felt the urge to challenge back in defiance and fury. However, the dragons quashed that notion down quickly.

"You're really not doing it?" Gui Daiyu asked her lover in bed.

"No, the territory I want is much much much larger than what that peacock has got. Personal power doesn't matter at that distance," Zulong shook his head. "But don't worry, the draconic Dao has reached a major breakthrough."

"You're leaving for Yingzhou again right?" Gui Daiyu asked sounding almost disappointed. Her hand touched her abdomen causing Zulong to falter.

"I'm afraid so, but don't worry, it'll only be a quick visit," the dragon promised.

"You should stay there longer, you'd get more time to work with honoured saint. I'll just enter secluded cultivation," Gui Daiyu stated much to the dragon's surprise.

"Hm? Well, alright then. You are close to a breakthrough yes?" Zulong asked for clarification.

The turtle princess sighed, "How can it be so easy to enter the Golden Immortal realm? I can see the gateway but I suspect I am still a few thousand years off."

"Why not come to Yingzhou with me?" Zulong suggested. "The Dao rich environment there is extremely suitable for cultivation."

"Would I even be allowed? That's the holy land and…" she began only for Zulong to place a finger on her lip.

"You're not a foreigner anymore Yu'er," Zulong said smiling softly. "You're family and master considers you one of us. You don't have to be so nervous around him all the time. I'll put one of your brothers in charge of Nan Dao Chen and Long Chen and we'd be set."

"Alright then, if you're sure," Gui Daiyu relented. The duo left for Yingzhou. With Zulong's newfound strength they reached the mystical island in hours. The difference between Taiyi Golden Immortal and Da Luo Golden Immortal was like heaven and earth. The current Zulong could casually squish the old Zulong like a worm.

The loving pair was greeted by Bai Hu and Yi Feier. For the past few thousand years, the white tiger had stayed on Yingzhou as a guest whereas the black tortoise had returned north for cultivation under Ao. As such Zulong was not surprised to see these two here.

"Let master and my brothers know I've returned," he told them. While doing so he examined the two's cultivation. The moth fairy has already reached the summit of Heavenly Immortal while the white tiger was close to Da Luo Golden Immortal like he was so long ago. 'Looks like the foundation will get even stronger,' the dragon thought.

"This way young lord," Yi Feier gestured. Da Hai had already been expecting Zulong for several centuries now. The sea god awaited them in the main hall of his palace cultivating in a lotus position.

"Zulong, Daiyu, it is good to see you both again," Da Hai greeted. Zulong and Gui Daiyu saluted him in turn. "I suppose you're here to discuss the draconic Dao again aren't you?" Zulong nodded in response.

When the two immortals began speaking on the subject, Gui Daiyu could no longer understand them. The concepts they spoke of was so all encompassing yet transcendent that she could not follow along at all. Her cultivation was simply too low to follow their discussion.

A discussion on the Dao between high level experts would always seem like nonsense to lower tier experts. Between two apex existences like Zulong and Da Hai, this fact was magnified. Nevertheless, Gui Daiyu maintained a stiff polite position if only to not be rude.

'It's not even like they're speaking another language, it's like they're just making weird sounds,' she thought in admiration. 'I wonder how they see the world compared to me. It was so confusing even when Zulong explained it to me.'

"And for the final portion, connecting all the roots into one singular gateway which acts as the tribulation instead of the heavenly tribulation. This dragon's gate will serve as the culmination of the transformation into a true dragon," Zulong explained to Da Hai showing him a holographic diagram projected from his palms.

"Thus recreating your own physique but on a lesser scale. Then there is the potential for growth into your true physique that is to say the body of the immemorial celestial dragon," Da Hai confirmed nodding.

"Those branching paths, they all lead back to this one source," Da Hai said adding his own projections. "Ao many starting points with similarities only in that they're dragons, all leading back to the immemorial celestial dragon, you. Brilliantly done Zulong," he praised.

"Yes, there are still some kinks and the process needs to be streamlined for ease of access but the foundations are almost done," the dragon said.

"And you also leave room for others to build upon this, the branching starting points are things each individual can create and make their own lineage of the draconic Dao," the sea god smiled in satisfaction. "I suppose you've also figured out why a cultivation sutra should not exceed the Golden Immortal realm correct?"

"Yes master, it was perplexing at first but as I worked on the pathways I had an inkling to it. Will master confirm for this disciple?" Zulong asked to which Da Hai nodded.

"Then, I suspect it is due to the Dao itself. Golden Immortal represents the breaking away from the universe, breaking away from the river of destinies and obtaining true freedom from the world. Progressing from there requires the creation of one's own Dao, one's own understanding to obtain enlightenment."

"But that is the key fact, everyone must have their own Dao. To copy someone else's Dao is to walk their path. But one's own Dao only reaches to the creator's level, and the creator themself holds the apex position. As such no one can ever supersede them. Only when they perish or abandon their path can another take their place but this cycle repeats."

"Master, the devilish Dao is a trap, isn't it? No one can ever surpass the devil ancestor, not unless he perishes. No one can ever progress past a certain point," the dragon outlined. He locked eyes with Da Hai asking for confirmation and approval.

"Well done Zulong," Da Hai clapped his hands smiling. "Well done indeed, yes, that is indeed why no sutra can ever supersede the Golden Immortal realm. To do so is cruelty of the utmost degree. Remember, you must never do so, understand?"

"I understand master," Zulong said. "It would be unfair to all those who'd follow me, unfair to all creatures who'd cultivate under me."

"It's good that you do, I suppose you'd want to enter the testing phase soon yes?" Da Hai asked.

"Yes, and I have the perfect test subject in mind," the dragon said smiling. Da hai looked curiously as the dragon got to work.

…

On the back gardens of Yingzhou, a pond lay in a beautiful garden. Several dozens of carps lived there peacefully. They were spiritual beasts captured years ago by Da Hai and brought here as decorations, as such they had yet to gain true sentience.

Zulong walked into the back garden holding a finished book. He gazed into the pond and looked around stroking his chin. "You'll do," he said pointing at the runt swimming about.

With a gesture, he captured the carp in a bubble of water and brought it to him. "Okay fish, this is the draconic manual, read it, memorise it, cultivate it," he instructed. The carp looked at him for a moment then swam around the bubble.

"I'm going to inject it into your mind now fish," Zulong warned. "Good luck," he said pushing the entire manual into the carp's mind before dumping it back in the water

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

"You know, reflecting back on a lot of things through this eternal lifetime of mine. I've come to regret many things. I am selfish, cruel, blind, I thought myself an intelligent schemer when all I was was but an ignorant fool. I was a horrible friend."

Sitting beneath the moonlight, Da Hai drank small sips of fruit wine. The aromatic taste of the alcohol carried with it extremely potent primordial Qi. Any mortal who drank a fraction of a droplet would become a strong cultivator, any who drank more than that would burn to ash. After all, the fruit of the Fusang tree was used to brew it.

"Hai," Da Hai sighed looking up at the moon. "Old friend, I hope you can forgive me. I realise now that for the sake of my disciples I would. Hai, I really am shameless."

Da Hai sat on his wooden rocking chair and sighed again. Reminiscing about the past often brought nothing but pain and regret and this was no different. "I want to fix things between us," he admitted.

The moon hummed hauntingly sending a shiver down Da Hai's spine. "So you are listening," he said in confirmation. As soon as he said that, a faint feeling he'd been experiencing, one that resembled the frigid north dissipated.

"Still, Zulong needs three brilliance sacred water. This is the only way," Da Hai sighed taking a big drink. "I can only hope you don't think me too shameless. If it were me, I know I'd cut myself in two on the spot, but you were always the better person. Just like Huoyun was."

…

"Remarkable progress," Zulong mused jolting down notes. His observation of the carp was going along better then smoothly. In three hundred years, it had already formed a nascent soul and was steadily progressing towards

"Based on his performance here, perhaps I can add…" he further mused toying with the ideas in his mind. His recent progress had been much greater than the ten thousand years he'd spent on this project beforehand.

"Was this what Luohu was like when he made the devilish Dao?" Zulong idly asked. Naturally, no one answered him but it was a rhetorical question in the first place. He jolted down the formation of the dragon soul within the carp.

"Next should be the formation of the bones, followed by organs, flesh, scales, then dragon gate should open allowing for true dragon blood," Zulong racked his mind for any other muses. "Hm, strong naturally occurring phenomenons could help this process, blood of other dragons as well. Preferably blood as that'll be easier to obtain."

Zulong stroked his chin, "Hm, would Qinglong be willing to donate?" He quickly squashed the thought and retrieved a knife. "But as big brother, I should take the fall instead," he grumbled letting loose a small droplet of blood for the carp.

"You better be grateful fish, that's royal dragon blood you're tasting," he roared pointing at the carp who merely swam away. "To spill the blood of a dragon, how humiliating," he grumbled.

Just then, loud footsteps caught his attention. The sliding door several hundred metres away was abruptly slid open and Yinglong ran out. "Big brother, urgent news," he cried catching the elder dragon's attention. Normally Yinglong was not one to be so energetic, that was Qinglong's job.

"Slow down brother," Zulong instructed. His tone immediately changed and the serious nature of this confrontation was palpable. "Tell me what's going on?"

"Emergency voice transmission from brother Xuanwu, the north sea is being invaded by an army of these insect like primordial beasts," Yinglong reported.

Zulong widened his eyes in surprise before narrowing them in anger. "Zulin?" He asked to which his younger brother nodded grimly. "Has Xuanwu engaged that horse?"

"No, Xuanwu reported immediately when he sensed Zulin enter the sea," Yinglong said. "From the delay of the message, this event should've taken place several months ago, they may have already started battling."

"Xuanwu has uncle master Ao's protection, he can last for a few decades, perhaps even a century. We need to hurry," Zulong said. "Grab Qinglong, I'll be going ahead," the dragon said flying away.

The prototype communication crystals Zulong had used over ten thousand years ago was now reached a stage where they can be easily used to message others over long distance. Zulong's own extremely high cultivation allowed for the device to cross world boundaries in record time.

At the speed Da Luo Golden Immortals were capable of traveling at, several years was all it took to reach the north sea as opposed to the centuries to millennia it'll take a Taiyi Golden Immortal. The golden black ray of light Zulong transformed into bolted into the void skipping straight for the north sea.

"Master, Yu'er I'll be going out," he informed both individuals as he left Yingzhou. Gui Daiyu looked up at the disappearing ray of light and frowned slightly. She turned to look at Da Hai who'd been instructing her.

The sea god was pinching his fingers and performing divination. His eyes glowed in a soft greyish blue before frowning slightly. "He's just taking care of some pest, don't worry, Zulong can take care of himself."

"I know, it's just. I can't help but worry," the princess admitted. "I wish I was there for him, fight by his side. Please help me, most honoured exalted saint of Yingzhou."

"As I have told you and as Zulong has told you, you do not have to call me that," Da Hai sighed. "Very well, I will impart some insight upon you. Listen carefully."

…

Void turbulence, violent spatial tides that pushes and pulls in all direction within the void between worlds. Such things meant nothing to a Da Luo Golden Immortal as Zulong rocketed at top speed.

"After all these years, you finally come out of hiding," Zulong scoffed. His claws tore at the fabric of reality ripping a hole into the skies above the north sea.

The sight that greeted the dragon was one of chaos. Thousands of monstrous insects hacking away at a creature the size of a continent. A creature resembling a tortoise and a snake, the true form of the great god Xuanwu.

Not far away, Zulin stood on a cloud. He was in his human form and looked rather nonchalant about the whole ordeal. However, when the hole into the void was ripped open, he looked up and grinned.

"So you're here," Zulin said smirking. He looked tiny compared to the gargantuan dragon. However, his aura did not lose out. The qilin glared at the dragon. "I predicted you'd come," he announced to the floating dragon.

Admits the clouds, Zulong scoffed. His voice alone generated divine winds that instantly shredded thousands of insect like beasts relieving Xuanwu. The tortoise did not appear harmed at all, in fact, he seemed more worried about Zulin.

In truth, the entire skirish was merely Xuanwu resisting Zulin. With his Da Luo Golden Immortal cultivation base, no one except the qilin could've harmed him.

"You know, those took time to make," Zulin said in irritation.

"Since when did you start breeding primordial beasts?" Zulong growled. The air pressure around him strengthened viciously.

"Since I realised emperor Shenni never lived up to his potential," Zulin sneered. "Now get out of my territory."

"Your territory?" Zulong laughed. "What a Joke. What gall you must have to come back here after the beating I gave you. I am in admiration," he mocked.

Zulin stopped smiling. "What do you care? You don't even live here. Scurry back to your east sea, the north is my kingdom," he proclaimed.

"The oceans are my kingdom," Zulong scoffed. Both parties glared each other in a standoff. The immense auras of two very powerful Da Luo Golden Immortals erupted. They clashed with each other creating two separate heavens.

A divine court of the land dwelled by myriad beasts stood behind Zulin. The cries of billions of monsters roared in unison. Behind Zulong was a divine court of the ocean, a royal throne trailed by majestic crab soldiers and turtle ministers.

The seas rumbled in anticipation of their clash. Xuanwu retreated, he unravelled his body revealing the hiding forms of what remained of the north sea seafolk. Many of them looked uneasily at both destined sovereigns.

"He's actually back," the giant crab Xie Chun said in awe at the dragon. Zulong's visage was even more profound than before. The Heavenly immortal felt he'd go blind if he looked at the dragon for too long.

Two more gashes opened up in the sky. The winding bodies of Qinglong and Yinglong flew out accompanied by the white tiger Bai Hu.

Zulin narrowed his eyes. "Using numbers, have you no honour?" He sneered.

"As if the likes of you deserve any," Zulong scoffed. "The ocean is my domain and I alone am enough to deal with the likes of you," he grinned with a bloodthirsty look.

"Hmph, domain? You aren't even a proper king," Zulin scoffed. "I on the other am a true sovereign in this world. Hear me heavenly Dao, I Zulin, the ancestral qilin declare myself sovereign of the primitive world. I am the rightful ruler of the land and the myriad beasts within," he declared.

The skies rumbled, an immense amount of karmic luck descended. They drifted into the qilin admits purple lightning and golden clouds of merit. Zulong narrowed his eyes.

Golden light condensed around Zulin forming an imperial dress. The crown with twelve strings of beads on both ends formed atop his head. A staff with the head of a qilin appeared in his hands.

"You stand in the presence of a sovereign," Zulin declared. "Why are you not bowing?" He threatened. "This sovereign remembers past crimes you have committed. But this sovereign is merciful and can overlook your crimes if you apologise and enter my court to receive proper punishment."

"Fat chance," Qinglong roared beginning to rush forward. Zulin scoffed and sent a wave of energy out at the dragon.

"Such insolence deserves death," he declared. Spacetime warped as a deadly ray of light blasted at the dragon. Qinglong gritted his teeth and readied his defences.

"Don't you dare touch my brother," Zulong howled untangling his massive body. In an instant, the golden dragon's tail whipped around, smacking the ray of light into bits. Zulong laughed in the face of the attack.

"This is all the Qilin Sovereign amounts to?" He taunted.

"Brother Zulong," Xuanwu called out mentally. "The safety of the seafolk, they mustn't be caught up in such a battle, they would not be able to survive," he warned. Zulong narrowed his eyes in anger momentarily frightening the black tortoise.

Then he took a moment and calmed himself. 'He's right, I can't escalate without collateral damage,' he thought grimly. Simply him and Zulin flexing their powers had been enough for the dragon to make some simulations in his head.

Zulong scowled at what he was about to do. It was extremely aggravating to the point where he wanted to snap at his subordinates. At full strength, something he'd need to guarantee a kill on Zulin, even Xuanwu's impeccable defence would have to be focused on himself to survive.

"Not at all worm," Zulin said raising his arm. A massive chessboard appeared behind the sovereign. Its pieces send down beams of light releasing an army of ridiculous proportions. Primordial beasts appeared in such numbers that it was frankly ridiculous.

A virtual ocean of hideous bodies appeared. Hundreds of millions, possibly billions of primordial beasts comparable to Golden Immortals, thousands of the same ones comparable to Taiyi Golden Immortals. Zulin lifted his arms and smiled.

"Behold, years of experimentation and breeding. These are no longer like the primitive primordial beasts that roamed mindlessly in these lands. These are living weapons. I call them Gu worms. What do you think?" He challenged.

"Numbers do you no favours here," Zulong retorted. "What is an army of weak immortals against several Da Luo Golden Immortals?"

Zulin frowned and clicked his fingers. The chessboard shone with even more light and a beast skin scroll appeared in Zulin's hands. Millions of beasts climbed atop each other and melted into each other forming truly massive grotesque titans. Many others also combined in weapons for these titans to hold.

"Throwing themselves at you aren't the only thing they can do," Zulin smirked.

Zulong braced himself and gritted his teeth. "Xuanwu, move to into the void with the north sea seafolk," he instructed saying forwards.

Just then, everything stopped. Daylight became moonlight. Despite the open daytime all this took place in, suddenly the world was shunted into the night. The entirety of the north sea had changed in an instant.

"Aunt master?" Zulong called out in shock. Zulin frowned at the sudden appearance of an illusionary moon among the night sky.

"Honoured senior, though I respect you, you should not get involved in my matters," he ordered. The moon above him hung menacingly, emanating a dangerous aura, an aura that far surpasses everyone present.

Zulin felt his courage waver. He subconsciously took a step back. He glared at the celestial construct only the frown angrily. "So this is your stance?" He asked. "Very well then, you better be careful star emperor," he threatened before turning around. His body and his army transformed in a beam of light and flashed away.

"Just like that?" Bai Hu asked walking forwards. Zulong nodded and said, "Despite our current rank of power, the ancestors of the previous generations are still supreme."

"Sovereign or not, we must still respect them," the dragon concluded. "But the gap is also getting smaller. Sooner or latter, we'd be equals," he said.

Before the dragons, a tear opened up and out stepped Da Hai. His hands were tied behind his back and around his waist was a gourd. "Come on, finish your businesses here first, then we'd return," he instructed.

"Master, is that?" Zulong asked pointing at the gourd. He could feel the rich life giving force from within the bottle. Pretty much what he'd need to create the dragon clan.

Da Hai nodded. "I had to clear some stuff up with Wangshu but I managed to get some of what you need.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Space distorted as Da Hai emerged from a portal. Stepping into the void between worlds, Da Hai was momentarily assaulted by chaotic energies. He quickly shook off the effect and strolled forwards.

"Finally here," he whispered to himself. Another ten thousand years had passed since he'd last been to the starry skies. More than ten thousand years spent working with Zulong, Qinglong, and Yinglong to improve their cultivation.

Gui Daiyu had entered secluded cultivation to tackle the Golden Immortal realm head on. As such Da Hai left Yingzhou at the hands of Yi Feier. "I've procrastinated long enough," he said.

Stepping forwards, Da Hai utilised his divine sense to feel the direction of the starry skies. His footsteps touched nothing as he walked through the void. Very quickly, his destination was within reach.

The world of the void was vast and itself a colourless empty gap that existed between the many dimensions of the primitive world. If the primitive world was a cake where each layer was a world such as the vast wilderness and the starry skies, then the void was the box that contained the cake and all the space in between.

Immediately, Da hai stopped at the edges outside the starry skies. He felt the membranous fabric that separated the void and the world of the stars.

"Strengthened to this degree, you really don't want anyone in do you?" He mused. Instead of forcing his way in, Da Hai sat down cross legged.

"I'm here to…I'm sorry for everything I said," he explained. He retrieved a barrel of spiritual wine and pushed it forwards towards the starry skies. "A peace offering if you will, made from the essence of the Fusang tree itself."

"Hai, who am I kidding? You wouldn't care about any of that. It's one of the reasons I admire you," Da Hai admitted. "You have so little greed nor ambition in this universe that calls for both and yet you thrive."

"I am sorry for how I treated you. I never heeded your advice nor did I bother to see your warnings. I thought of you and everyone else as tools and it left me hollow."

"I tried to justify itself to me. I lied to Pangu to his face. I desecrated the sacred bond of a master and disciple. These days I wonder why Huoyun saved me out of anyone else. Why did he remain my brother?"

"Hai, even so, I've never accomplished anything meaningful. Even if I'd left Zulong and the others to their own devices they'd still have reached Da Luo Golden Immortal in record time. Still accomplished all they did."

"I am really sorry, deeply sorry. I hope you can forgive me even though we'll never be friends again…"

"Why are you really here?" Wangshu's cold voice stopped Da Hai.

"I am here to apologise, properly this time," Da Hai said.

"Why are you really here?" The goddess asked again.

"Like I said, to apologise," Da Hai said.

"Not for three brilliance sacred water?" Wangshu's cold chuckle rang throughout Da Hai's ear like frosty needles prickling his skin.

"No, I had intentions of asking you at first but I realised how wrong that'll be," Da Hai admitted. "There are other places which could potentially spawn three brilliance sacred water, sites where innate creatures first appeared. Sites teeming with life, kunlun, Mt Tai, Mt Nongli. I had planned to travel to these places to look."

"Even when it'll place you in great danger?" Wangshu scoffed. "You do realise you're on Hongjun's radar now. Those places are all on the east continent. Heading to these places would be a deathtrap."

"I've got no choice," Da Hai said. "Three brilliance sacred water spawns living beings, places with them would have yet to spawn any and the Qi rich location that is the east continent which is also sparsely populated is bound to have it in droves."

"You…you're actually…you're serious," Wangshu's voice seemed to be getting closer unexpectedly. Da Hai felt space warp around him in surprise. His surroundings warped and distorted into nine rings spinning faster and faster.

Da Hai did not feel panicked however. If Wangshu attacked him then so be it, he had no real intention to fight in the first place. Besides, this was not an attack, this was a forced teleportation.

Da Hai's surroundings rematerialised themselves into a grassy field. He was just outside the celestial moon palace on the lunar star, in front of the laurel tree. Wangshu sat leaning against the tree below two large hanging fruits.

"You really are a top talent," Da Hai commented in wonder. Wangshu in the past was at least relative to his level. But although Da Hai was an incredibly powerful Hunyuan Golden Immortal, Wangshu had already left that realm behind.

The goddess' eyes glowed in nine rings. Her aura wasn't so much silvery as they were starry. They resembled actual stars rather than the lunar star. Her Dao had evidently evolved to another level.

"Greetings to the most exalted great god venerable," Da Hai saluted.

In the chaos godfiend civilisation, those who achieve the apex of cultivation, that is to say the completion of a Dao path, were unanimously named great god venerable.

The ancestor of the king of trees, Wangshu now stood at the same pedestal as those figures. Ten thousand years really made a lot of difference.

"Don't praise me yet," Wangshu said. "I've only recently entered this realm and only with the help of the laurel tree. I would be nothing without Pangu's inheritance."

"Neither would I," Da Hai admitted sadly. He gazed up at the two large hanging fruits curiously.

"The next generation," Wangshu said simply. "The sovereigns will be crowned before this yuanhai ends. Then this intermediate phase will end." She pointed at the two fruits and sent waves of nursing starlight into them.

"They appeared a few thousand years ago, still got a long way to go until they mature and take form," she said.

"Xihe and Changxi," Da Hai said watching the two.

"Is that what they'd be called? Interesting."

"Yes, the gods of china before Daoism came into existence. The solar goddess and mother of the ten suns Xihe and the goddess of the moon Changxi," Da Hai described. "They were the generation directly preceding the investiture of the gods."

"I take it they didn't end well?" Wangshu asked.

"Who knows, accounts are confusing at best," Da Hai admitted. "After the death of the nine suns, Xihe just fades from history. Changxi as well though she was probably conflated with Chang'e. The moon lord by the time of journey to the west was Chang'e after all."

"I see, hm," a long pause occurred in between the both of them. The awkward silence lasted for quite a while until Wangshu retrieved the barrel Da Hai had gifted. She lifted a glass and drank it.

"I never understood why you like this stuff, tears at the throat," she complained. She tipped a droplet out and watched in fascination as the soil disintegrated at the touch.

"It helps me deal with everything going on," Da Hai sighed.

"Not a very good method."

"No, it was not."

"…So my nephew wishes for three brilliance sacred water," Wangshu finally said.

"You don't have to. Like I said, I will be retrieving them myself…"

"Abababababa! No, this water is not for you," Wangshu held out her hand stopping the sea god. "This is for my nephew Zulong. This is my gift to him, it has nothing to do with you," she said.

"So I'm only the delivery boy?" Da Hai joked.

"Yes, that's exactly what you are," Wangshu laughed. "Besides, I have to take care of those two," she pointed up at the gestating deities. "They are my responsibility just as Zulong, Yinglong, and Qinglong are yours."

"So you're planning to?"

"Yes, since you have some I thought I may as well acquire some for my own. And these girls prove the perfect candidate," Wangshu said chuckling.

"Well be careful, disciples can be quite a handful," Da Hai joked.

"Hah! Don't you know it."

The two ancient gods began chatting like old friends. Slowly the frosty atmosphere became a lot warmer. Though the trust would never restore to what it once was, Da Hai felt satisfied. No matter the result, he would've accomplished what he set out to do.

…

Below the laurel tree, Wangshu smiled a happy expression. Before her, she held a gourd containing gallons of three brilliance sacred water. One of the richest sources of life in existence.

"I suppose Zulong will be getting crowned soon," she commented. "And married, heavens so much has happened. The world as we know it is changing into its next phase."

"It will be a brutal one, one that decides our fates as we know it," Da Hai said.

"Does it? Will everything really come to pass as you say?"

"I cannot say for certain if events will follow exactly as I think. But I'm sure you too can sense the trend of heaven," he stated to which the moon goddess nodded sadly.

"Why does the heavenly Dao seek conflict? Why does it seek misery on living beings?" She grunted.

"It is Hongjun and Luohu who wants this to occur. The chaos created by the three sovereigns will open the world for new opportunities. One where they can finally realise their ambitions," Da Hai said.

"And that is?" Wangshu asked almost accusatory. "What do they actually want. Why go through such a convoluted scheme? It doesn't make logical sense."

"Who knows. They've gleamed the future as have I. It's probably the only way they think it can go," Da Hai admitted. "The heavenly Dao is a mysterious thing that not even I understand. Right now, the source of the conflict is a shadow war to win favour with it. Whoever wins shall be the path the heavenly Dao follows."

"How disturbing!" Wangshu gasped. "You'd think the heavenly Dao would think for itself. Choose a path rather than this farce."

"It's already compromised in the first place," Da Hai explained. "Either Luohu or Hongjun would overpower it in time and subsume it. I don't know what happens after that. For now, all that will do is lead to indecision."

"I see," Wangshu sighed and massaged her temples. "Things just keep getting worse and worse…I suppose you're leaving now."

"Yes, I don't want to impose, especially not after…well I'll go now," Da Hai stood up with the gourd Wangshu gave him. "Do you want me to say anything to Zulong, Qinglong, or Yinglong for you?"

"Just tell them their aunt wishes them well," Wangshu said taking a side look only to frown slightly. "Ohya? They seem to have run into a slight problem."

"Problem?" Da Hai cast his own divine sense into the great wilderness. He scanned the north see and immediately was angered. Upon seeing Da Hai's reaction Wangshu smiled slightly.

"Not to worry, I'll drive that brat away," Wangshu said. She began directing her power into the great wilderness. "The Jianmu tree was good for one thing, it made it easier for me to reach the five continents four seas."

"It seems I am in your debt once again," Da Hai said thankfully.

"What debt? I'm their aunt master, it's only natural I help them out," Wangshu smirked.

"Thank you," Da Hai said one final time before turning away and leaving back into the void. Wangshu watched him leave and sighed.

"You can come out now," she said coldly. Her posture tightened and a frigid aura emanated from her body.

From behind the laurel tree, a handsome young man dressed in black robes walked out calmly. He looked amiable but gave off a deadly feeling like one was standing beside a pit of endless horrifying power.

Luohu, the devil ancestor was standing on the lunar star, mere inches away from Wangshu.

"So that's what became of the ancestor of the great sea," Luohu's silky smooth voice said in curiosity. "He truly has changed to last I saw him. Stronger, wiser, he's certainly interesting now."

"Just because I extended hospitality to you does not mean you can eavesdrop on my conversations," Wangshu retorted. She faced the devil ancestor eye to eye. Both of their cultivation was even and currently, Wangshu had the home-field advantage. Yet the goddess still felt slight fear.

"Easy, no need to be upset. I didn't hear anything," Luohu said. "I know you distrust me but I am not the type of man who breaks his word. I will not pry into your privacy."

Wangshu snorted, "You should go."

"Naturally, I've been here too long anyway," Luohu agreed. "Just think about my offer okay? Great god Pangu's legacy shouldn't end with you." He clapped Wangshu's shoulder before walking off in the direction of the Jianmu tree.

Seeing the terrifying man leave, Wangshu shivered and released a sigh of relief. "What should I do?"

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

In order to prevent another invasion by Zulin into the north sea, Bai Hu remained while the dragons returned. With two of the four symbols together, even the Qilin sovereign cannot easily defeat them. However, this was not a permanent, to guard against such a powerful threat will recover more than them.

Zulong followed behind Da Hai in eagerness. Around his waist was the gourd which contained gallons of three brilliance sacred water. The dragon had a bright excited smile as he walked.

"Zulong, do you understand the full process?" Da Hai asked. The air around the greater deity was extremely calm. The cloud they all rode on travelled in such speeds that even the dragons were hard pressed to replicate.

"Yes master," Zulong nodded. "I've been preparing a long time for this. Presiding over a trading hub has its uses," he complimented tapping his inter spacial ring.

"Indeed, you'd think people will put more value in natural phenomenons but they get traded around so casually it's honestly shocking," Da Hai said in agreement.

"That's because only specialists like alchemists or artificers know of their importance," Zulong said smiling. "I mean, even three brilliance sacred water is pretty useless in an actual fight."

"Don't forget the current environment as well," Da Hai added. "The sheer density of primordial Qi and Dao laws does not necessitate the need for these things. Simply resting a mantra and training is enough to gain power in the primaeval heavens."

"Master, correct me if I'm wrong but you say that like that'll change," Yinglong asked. The confusion was evident on his face and it was evident he was trying to work out the sea god's words.

Da Hai chuckled amused. "Sometimes I forget the primitive world is not a regular chaos world," he mused. "You've lived all your lives in this universe, all your lives in Pangu's world that you know very little about the chaos sea beyond."

"The chaos sea," Zulong mused. "I've never really thought about that place before."

"What was it like master?" Qinglong abruptly asked. "You're a chaos godfiend like all the other ancestors and lived during the chaos period right? What was it like roaming and living in the chaos sea?…If you don't mind me asking of course"

Zulong and Yinglong looked curiously too. Da Hai momentarily paused and thought about things a little. "I've actually never been to the chaos sea," he admitted with a little embarrassment.

"What?" All three dragons exclaimed in shock. "But…How?"

"Bit of a misconception," Da Hai explained exasperatedly. "I am not the Da Hai of the chaos sea but I did inherit everything from him. Consider me a pseudo reincarnation if you will. I know many things about the chaos sea and the chaos godfiends precisely because of those memories I inherited but I've never personally been there myself."

"I see," the dragons said.

"To answer your question, the chaos sea is the ultimate world behind our own. It is the supreme multiverse in which all chaos worlds or universes as we call them exists," Da Hai explained. "Every once in a while, a universe will come into existence either naturally or through outside means. These universes typically age and die within a single Yuanhui."

"A single?" Yinglong exclaimed and proceeded to calculate with his fingers. "Then this means…we've only got several tens of thousands of years left until the apocalypse?"

"No, that is wrong," Da Hai corrected. "Pangu's primitive world is not ending anytime soon if at all so don't worry about that," he placated his disciples. "The principle this universe is built on is likely the most powerful and stable ever seen in all creation. The sacrifices used to make this world essentially made a…um… a second chaos sea if you will."

"That is fascinating master but what does that have to do with your earlier statement?" Zulong asked bringing back the original topic.

"Oh, you mean the cultivation issue. You must understand that like an ordinary chaos world in the chaos sea, our universe goes through development cycles as well. All of this is centred around the heavenly Dao which acts as the central will of the universe and guides it along. We are currently still in the infancy stages," Da Hai elaborated.

"So the heavenly Dao is not complete?" Yinglong asked for confirmation.

"Indeed," Da Hai nodded. "It exists and is fully functioning but it yet lies immature. Its suppression is weak and the barriers that stop ordinary beings from sensing Dao is nigh nonexistent. Even the most common of rats can sense the Dao and cultivate to immortality. All one has to do is sit in a cave and they'll see some success."

"But that will not be for forever. Eventually, the world will develop to a point where so many immortals are not desirable. Dao will become scarce and cultivation becomes hard. Natural phenomenons such as three brilliance sacred water, five element soil, pure yang sun fire, nanming divine fire, even my own pellucid divine water will become extremely desirable for consumption," Da Hai said.

"To think the future will become so tough," the dragons mused in disappointment.

"Don't feel down, that future is very far away. At least millions years, likely after several dozen dozen yuanhuis or so. Even then, cultivation is not impossible, it is merely harder and requires more effort," Da Hai comforted them. "Don't think too much about them, you won't have to deal with those times for a long time."

Zulong nodded in understanding. He tapped the gourd bottle on his hip and sighed in relief that he was born so early. The current world was rife with opportunities and cultivation was still simple. Even cultivating the Dao sounded much easier than the eventual future.

…

Returning to Yingzhou, Zulong immediately got to work. He checked up on the carp before going to see Gui Daiyu. The turtle princess was still in secluded cultivation hence the dragon returned to Long Chen in advance

His personally founded city Long Chen served as Zulong's main place of residence these days. With Zulong's status, the amount of traffic the city got was a magnitude higher than other similar nature cities.

Zulong stayed there collecting and experimenting for a time. Little by little, a thousand years had passed since he returned.

"I want her to be here with me when I begin," Zulong said disappointingly starring at the gourd of three brilliance sacred water. "But I really can't wait," he mused.

He'd been working on sending traders to all corners of the world for the last few years and the news he'd gotten made him nervous. Zufeng's hold on the southern continent had gotten stronger and it seemed her battle techniques had improved. There were rumours she clashed with Taotie of the devilish Dao three hundred years ago and she beat him black and blue.

Zulong rubbed his chin in impatience. "She'll understand right?" He murmured. He closed his eyes in his office and debated for a day and night before leaving for Yingzhou.

Da Hai who was doing some calligraphy at the time looked up in surprise when Zulong suddenly appeared on Yingzhou. "Zulong, what are you doing back here so soon?"

"Master, I need some advice," Zulong started. "I wish to commence the creation process. But I also want Gui Daiyu to be there with me. We promised to be together after all but…"

"But the current geopolitical situation does not allow you to wait," Da Hai interrupted with a sigh. 'Romance, why is he coming to me for this kind of advice. He does realise I've never been in a relationship right?' He pondered.

"Uh," Da Hai stammered. He glanced at Yi Fei'e standing in the corner who looked just as clueless as he. The head moth fairy shrugged in response.

"Well…I'm afraid I cannot give you much advice on that front Zulong. If this is a big moment you promised her you'd do together then you'd probably end up hurting her but it's nothing permanent. However, I believe you should follow through, your time window is getting awfully tight as is," the sea god suggested.

Zulong nodded hesitantly. "Thank you master," he said before turning around to leave. Da Hai remained seated and sighed. "I am the wrong person to ask this of," he said while Yi Fei'e only laughed at his expense.

Da Hai sent the moth a look silencing her. "Since this is the case then I'll," he closed his eyes and gathered his insight. Feeling the rich Dao laws within his body Da Hai punted all of that in the direction of Gui Daiyu's room.

"That'll help her form the third flower," he mused. "Once she exits secluded cultivation, send her to Zulong," he instructed Yi Fei'e.

"Of course my lord," the moth fairy bowed.

"By the by, how do you and your sister feel about Yingzhou?" Da Hai suddenly asked.

"Hm? What do you mean? We love it, living here at Yingzhou," the moth said.

"No, I meant your current status in life. Are you satisfied?"

"Uh, I mean there is not much else we'd want. We have everything we need. May I ask why you're asking this, my lord?" She asked curiously.

"What do you think about becoming full disciples under me" Da Hai said.

"Huh? Uh, what brought this on my lord? My sisters and I are very content serving Yingzhou and have never desired anything more. What's more who will perform our duties if we do accept?" Yi Fei'e stammered having been caught off guard for once in her long life.

"It is a natural evolution of events. Your talents are not bad and your current duties already coincide with disciples under a master," Da Hai said with slight bewilderment. Truthfully he expected her to accept right away. Call him arrogant but discipleship beneath a venerated ancestor such as himself will always be a lucrative prospect.

"Oh! Um, in that case of course we'd accept. If master is willing to take us. This moth is dull so my accomplishments will never compare to senior brothers but this I will try my best," Yi Fei'e immediately said getting onto her knees and beginning to kowtow.

"Hm," Da Hai nodded. "Call your sisters over, I will name you Yi Fei'e my fourth official disciple. Your sisters will henceforth be my named disciples," he said. "I shall present you with my personal spells once the ceremony is over."

On that day, Yingzhou gained several more disciples to its lineage yet lost several servants. However, very soon the island will be swarmed with servants courtesy of Zulong.

…

"Alright, let's begin," Zulong whispered holding his arm out. His two brothers stood behind him in anticipation. They kept themselves restrained behind their elder brother and future sovereign.

They stood upon a cliff face overlooking the east sea close to the location of their birth. This place was one of nostalgia bringing forth many memories of them trio overcoming the Golden Immortal tribulation an aeon ago.

Beside Zulong's feat, the gourd of three brilliance sacred water sat waiting to be called forth. Around him lay other barrels containing every unique or strange naturally occurring spiritual materials. The only exceptions were those supremely rare substances such as Nanming divine fire.

"My blood, the royal blood of the dragon shall set forth the creation of the dragon clan," Zulong declared. He raised his right hand transforming into a razor sharp claw and cut deep into his left elbow.

Pools of blood leapt out of the dragon's arm draining from his true form. Rich essence belonging to the dragon flew into the air in the shape of a crimson dragon. It flew and twisted in the air reaching a size of thousands of metres.

Zulong slightly bent over and gasped his breath. He felt large portions of his own vitality leave him as he made the sacrifice. "Still within expectations," he said to the worried faces of Yinglong and Qinglong.

He lifted his arms and unleashed the seals on the barrels around him. An instant explosion of natural phenomenons rose into the air. Various types of materials rose high up into the sky combining with the crimson blood dragon seamlessly.

"It's working," Zulong smiled. He grabbed hold of the gourd and unsealed it unleashing a stream of the life giving water. Wangshu had kept her promise, this gourd contained authentic three brilliance sacred water with all its effects in large volumes.

The stream rose up like a geyser shooting directly into the mixture the crimson blood dragon had become. As it did so a change occurred. The heavenly Dao itself began to stir.

The sky above the east sea lit up in a golden glow. A divine aura settled upon the ocean grabbing the attention of all living creatures. A shockwave was unleashed that could be felt across the world.

Zulong smiled brightly. "Hahaha! Yes, come my children," he roared. His royal voice of the supreme king carried its full effects in washing over the east sea and beyond. In conjunction with his cultivation of Da Luo Golden Immortal, the effects were magnified.

Across the land, various sea folk knelt down welcoming the new clan that will be joining them. The living creatures of the continent also began kneeling though they were confused as to their reasons in doing so.

Within the throne room of phoenix's roost, Zufeng sat resting her head upon her palm. Her eyes were now extremely powerful, able to perceive events around the world. Unhindered by the heavenly Dao, Zufeng saw into the east sea. She sneered as she saw Zulong's actions.

"Creating his own innate creature clan? How droll," she said. "What's the point of creating a race in after yourself? All you're doing is diminishing your uniqueness. Hai, but that's to be expected from a mere worm."

Within a field filled with insect like beasts, Zuling turned his attention eastward towards the vast phenomenon occurring. His mighty eyes narrowed at the sight.

"So much karmic merit, the amount of luck is insane," Zulin spoke in wonder and jealously. "Creating his own race. Hm, this idea has merit."

Across the world, experts from all over took attention. They all suddenly all took a step back when a powerful roar rumbled throughout the heavens.

A gargantuan golden dragon circled the skies. He stretched ten thousand kilometres long and looked incredibly majestic. His long catfish whiskers portrayed wisdom beyond his years, his claws were sharp and ready to destroy his enemies.

"I am Zulong, from this day I declare the formation of the primordial celestial dragon clan," he declared. His words carried such weight that across the world, the land rumbled.

Millions of shadows erupted from the bellow of the crimson blood dragon. Millions of serpentine dragons of all sorts of colours flew into the open air above the east sea.

Yinglong and Qinglong took looks at each other and smiled. They leapt into the air transforming into gargantuan dragons following their elder brother.

"You are children of my clan, from this day, no matter what type, you are all dragons," Zulong declared.

"We greet lord patriarch," millions of voices called out. These dragons were formed from all types of materials. Spiritual flames created fire dragons, spiritual clouds created cloud dragons, spiritual water created sea dragons, shadows created illusionary dragons etc.

Across the east sea, all folks knelt down and kowtowed. "We greet ancestral dragon, they declared."

The beastly face of Zulong smiled. He scanned around him and bought the sight of a small bout. He smiled as he saw the individuals present.

Gui Daiyu stood at the forefront and waved at him all smiles. Behind her, Da Hai had a strong look of pride while all seven of the moth fairies gave him applause.

"Well done Zulong," Da Hai said. "From this day onwards, your path truly begins.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

"Lord Bai Hu," Xie Chun greeted as the white haired man walked up to him. Despite the last nine thousand years, the crab man was still terrified of the innate god. There was just something about him that invoked a sense of primal fear.

"May I ask what you're doing here?" He inquired.

"Just checking up on the seal," Bai Hu said walking past the crab and hopped onto the crystal platform covering the underground lake that was the source of so much of the north sea's problems.

"Oh and you should probably get out of here, for your own safety don't stay near the barrier," the white tiger reminded before disappearing out of sight.

Nodding, Xie Chun hopped away from the platform. Despite its reputation, he liked to come here to think. It was an isolated area where he doesn't need to deal with his fellow elders. Besides, the cold here hadn't been that big of a problem in many years.

Xie Chun sighed thinking about the lake. Even with the seal in place things still weren't as good as things were during ancient times. But at least their population had expanded again.

The current north sea still consisted of one village but it was a very safe village. With the presence of two Da Luo Golden Immortals, the small population of elites in the north sea were able to thrive peacefully. They've now expanded from the scattered few hundreds to a stable fifteen thousand members.

Of course, despite Xuanwu and Bai Hu's assistance, it was still an incredibly tough environment to live in. Several Profound Immortal elders had also succumbed to age and perished joining their forefathers in wherever the dead went.

Xie Chun sighed and sat down at a nearby iceberg. 'Heavens, who expected lofty Da Luo Golden Immortals of all things to assist us,' he thought with reverence. Da Luo Golden Immortal was a mythical realm. Even he, a premier expert was only a three crowned Heavenly Immortal.

However, Xie Chun had heard about the great wilderness beyond the seas. Of the five continents and four seas, a world of many experts. Some say Golden Immortals existed by the millions there and every clan was presided by a Taiyi Golden Immortal.

"To think the lofty realm of ancestral godfiends could be reached by us," he mused softly. Even he was nearing the time for his Golden Immortal tribulation. He wanted to do it soon, before his age caught up to him.

Even Heavenly Immortals aren't resistant to the test of time. While on paper they are ageless their souls were not. Heavenly Immortal stretches their lifespans to the limit of possibility, of one yuanhui and then their souls dissipate. Only the greatest of physical body refiners can leave an intact corpse behind when such an event happens.

Living here in the north sea was tough especially. The intense environment weakened everyone's vitality. With such a loss, their own lifespans decreased. Even Xie Chun does not expect himself to survive a full 129,600 years.

THOOM!

Xie Chun abruptly looked up in surprise. The crystal platform shook bouncing up and down for what seemed like an eternity. The crab nervously stepped forwards.

"What's going…" he barely made up before being thrown back by a sudden burst of frosty yin energy.

"Gah!" He screamed being forced into his true form. The arthropod crashed into the ice cold soil struggling to get up. "So cold," he shuddered bringing his pincers up to shield himself.

"What happened?" He thought with fear as the crystal platform disintegrated into colourful particles.

"NO! THE BARRIER!," he yelled trying to catch the particles in desperation only to be forced back. He scrambled to do something but only managed to achieve nothing except barely clinging to life.

'No! This is a disaster, I have to reform it,' Xie Chun thought in panicked frustration. He feared what would happen to the children with low cultivation back home. He feared what would happen to all his children and grandchildren.

ROAR!

The crab's train of thought was suddenly stopped by the bombastic cry of a fearsome tiger. The arthropod's eyes looked up catching the sight of a gargantuan tiger many thousands of kilometres in size facing down the lake.

With his presence, the icy waves of water was being suppressed and forced back. The bleak chilling atmosphere was being forced back to whence it came.

"Lord Bai Hu, what happened to the seal?" Xie Chun called out.

The white tiger looked at him stunned. "Didn't I tell you to leave?" He exclaimed. "Hai, dammit, listen when you're warned moron," he growled smashing both his white furry paws down.

The fierce iron sword energy pressed down hard on the cold air. Xie Chun watched in awe as the Venus star made its appearance. The celestial body created waves of metallic energy containing the cold air.

However, Xie Chun realised something. "Lord Bai Hu, why aren't you reforming the barrier? It should be well within your capabilities," then his mind turned to a horrific thought. "Did you destroy the barrier? Was it all a lie after all?"

"Oh for the love of, if you had just left you wouldn't notice a damn thing," the innate god growled back. "We're not destroying the barrier, we're replacing it with something better," he said looking up.

Following his line of sight, Xie Chun saw shadows above the water. His enhanced eyes struggled to see the distance on the ocean surface but he could see a massive shape rapidly descending.

"Stand back," Bai Hu commanded. "And this time, listen to my orders."

Accepting them, Xie Chun immediately swam as far away as possible. "You didn't specify how far I had to go," he grumbled in dissatisfaction. However from the looks of things, Bai Hu heard him as the tiger turned his eyes at him with a growl.

THOOM!

Xie Chun's travels were broken when the water parted. A massive circular structure many times the size of the underwater lake descended. Xie Chun immediately picked up speed and swam even faster than before.

However, no matter how fast he went, he was still beneath the enormous construct's shadow. Even his full Heavenly Immortal peak cultivation couldn't help him much.

"Is this how it all ends?" He thought sombrely. He sighed, at least the dragon hadn't lied, they've indeed helped his north sea seafolk as promised.

"Got ya," a youthful voice said. Xie Chun suddenly found himself being held by a pair of scaled claws.

"Hey, you really weren't supposed to be there," Xie Chun looked up towards the voice. What greeted him was the similar looking draconic face of a dragon. The same as those three from all those years ago.

However, this dragon was considerably smaller and weaker. He was only a Golden Immortal after all.

"What?" The crab man could only say as the dragon dragged him out from beneath the circular construct. It was only then that Xie Chun saw what lay atop it.

The circle was in reality a large stone platform carrying a massive palace. A castle that was bigger than anything he'd ever seen. It was tens of thousands of kilometres in size and many thousands of kilometres high. Held up by massive pillars with coiling dragons, giant statues of guardian beasts.

The most eye catching thing was the centre. The main palace building was a large squarish shape looking temple in an elevated position with a large staircase leading up to massive gates with the carvings of a crowned dragon. Above was a sign with massive inscribed words.

Xie Chun read the words carefully and memorised them.

The in bold letters read:

'NORTH SEA DRAGON PALACE'

Glancing around, Xie Chun noticed that the cold energy had all but disappeared. The palace had completely sealed the lake shut, he couldn't even feel the chilling air anymore.

What was more awe inspiring was the azure serpentine form of Qinglong. The dragon wasn't alone however, he was surrounded by an army of dragons. Xie Chun's eyes counted at least a million dragons. Of them, there were also the auras of tens of thousands of Golden Immortals, a number that frankly boggled his mind.

…

"Got word from little brother, operation up north went well," Yinglong reported to his eldest brother before him.

Standing tall at the head of a flying battleship, Zulong wore armour instead of his usual black robes. He appeared like a general heading into battle.

Behind him was also a massive fleet travelling incredibly quickly. Far quicker than it'll take for immortals of lower cultivation to travel otherwise.

Several million dragons had followed Zulong along with millions of cultivators from the various sea clans. They stood on the ship standing in anticipation as they travelled.

"I see," Zulong said smiling. "Then the north is secured. Soon the south will follow," he said. The dragon's eyes brimmed with immortal power. His fingers rubbed the dragon pearl in anticipation.

"Tell me," Zulong said. "How much resistance can we expect."

"With Si Hai's reputation? A lot will throw themselves at us simply because of fear," Yinglong said. "However, if we replace him. No one will care. They will celebrate our arrival."

"Yes, I expected as much," Zulong nodded. "How far are we?"

"Minutes," Yinglong admitted pointing at a collapsing palace in the distance. "That should be his castle."

Zulong frowned and looked at the run down shack in shock. "That's his palace? What in heaven has he been doing?" The place was a disaster. Zulong had hoped he could save resources and just occupy Si Hai's castle as his own with some renovations but this looks like he'd have to start from scratch.

Looking closer, he also saw burn marks on the palace. "Hey brother, do the reports say anything about that peacock attacking this place?" He asked.

"Yes, the phoenix sovereign struck emperor Si Hai's stronghold several centuries ago. She was however repelled though reports say emperor Si Hai suffered heavy losses," the winged dragon replied.

"I'll say, this place looks terrible," Gui Daiyu said walking up to the deck. The dragons parted making way for the primordial turtle.

In the thousands of years since the dragon clan's creation, Gui Daiyu had reached the Golden Immortal realm. Her strength rose exponentially and she was considered among the top experts among Golden Immortals. She'd also been accepted as the matriarch of the dragon clan.

"Think Si Hai will show?" She taunted.

"His pride demands it," Zulong said walking forwards. He stepped onto the air with the confidence of an emperor. "But even so, he's nothing in front of me."

As if right on cue, the massive deity of ancient days appeared. Si Hai's monstrous form broke the surface of the water holding a cracked harpoon. His blank eyes and razor sharp teeth appeared downright murderous.

"You, how dare you cross into my domain," Si Hai roared. "You who dare copy the visage of my fellow emperor chaos sky dragon."

"I don't know who you're talking about and frankly I don't care. But see here's the thing," Zulong said. "The south sea is my domain now. For you my hated rival, there are two options. You can save me a lot of time by killing yourself now. Alternatively, I will be forced to expend some effort to kill you thereby wasting everyone's time," he announced.

"How dare you," Si Hai growled. "You little worm, do you have any idea who I am? I am emperor Si Hai of the chaos godfiends. I was a mighty powerhouse before you were even conceived. No one dared cross me."

"Yet here you are, bullied around by everyone. How deluded are you?" Zulong mocked. Si hai answered him with a charge.

Although Si Hai appeared monstrously powerful, Zulong could see through the facade. The godfiend was on the verge of death already. He was only barely holding on to life.

Zulong gripped his fist and punched out. His blow connected with the sea god hard punting into the distance.

With his other hand, Zulong created a claw of water from the ocean that grabbed hold of the god. "Your time is long over Si Hai," Zulong said shaking his head laughing. "Today, I, Ao Zulong am the ruler of the four seas."

"To think a disciple of that nobody will," Si Hai uttered weakly glaring at Zulong.

The dragon sliced sideways with his arm decapitating Si Hai. The godfiend of the past died instantly, his soul dissipating into nothingness.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Da Luo Golden Immortals were supposed to be grand existences. Ultimate lifeforms who reigned invincible in this world. Unstoppable and unopposed, they did whatever they wanted.

One of them died just like that.

Si Hai's corpse fell into the waves drifting about like a floaty. Zulong starred at the corpse and detached head with contempt. Ever since his journey ended, Zulong has felt nothing but anger and contempt for the godfiend.

'How deserving,' he mocked in his mind. He unleashed a wave of immortal power that washed over the ocean. Zulong's fierce attack resembled the surge of a tsunami. It engulfed every inch of Si Hai's body disintegrating it to the last atom.

When he was done, not a single trace of Si Hai remained. The only thing of note was a damaged harpoon with burn marks. Zulong held out his hand and retrieved the weapon before storing it away.

"How tragic," Da Hai's melodious voice said as the primaeval sea god stepped through the void and into the sky. Zulong acknowledged his master with a salute.

"Why do you say that master?" Zulong asked curiously. "I thought you hated him based on your two histories."

"I felt an intense uncontrollable rage for what he did to you," Da Hai revealed. "But I can't say I truly hated him. Ever since our meeting all those years ago on Yingzhou, I've only ever held him in low opinion. He was an overconfident overreaching man who couldn't let go of his glory days."

"He was scum," the dragon stated.

Da Hai nodded. "Indeed he was, he has truly fallen far from his time as a chaos godfiend. He was once a great expert proficient in battles. He partook in all conflicts among the chaos godfiends. Once he was an exalted figure that even the likes of the original Da Hai acknowledged. However, now he's been reduced to nothing but a school bully."

Da Hai sighed, "For all my grudges against him, it is still sad to see a great immortal fall like that. Goes to show you, that even the most lofty of figures can be dragged down to mud. Humbling thought isn't it?"

"I will remember this teaching," Zulong said bowing in respect. He turned towards his fleet and ushered them forward. All of those dragons and sea clans had kowtowed when Da Hai appeared but now stood up and began driving.

"How are the new sky barges?" Da Hai asked the dragon.

"Very powerful," Zulong admitted. "Those stones we gathered holds portions of primordial chaos gust. The propelling strength is over a dozen times faster then anything we've had before."

Primordial chaos gust was similar to pure yang sun fire or nanming divine fire in that is was a natural phenomenon that generates in the wilds. This type of wind came from the extreme gusts generated by Pangu opening the heavens. After that storm dissipated, remnants were absorbed into objects across the world giving them the capability to hold this wind.

Da Hai nodded in understanding. "Remember, those stones are rare so use them with care. You may be a person of great karmic luck but that doesn't mean you should wantonly waste things."

"This disciple understands," Zulong nodded. "Let's go men," he ordered.

It was an awe inspiring sight. Millions of dragons descended in unison. Millions of serpentine beasts supported by millions of various sea creatures entered the south seas.

Their cultivation dwarfed anything the south sea could've thrown at them. The first generation dragons Zulong created were all geniuses in their own right. As it stands, there existed millions of Heavenly Immortals among them and tens of thousands of Golden Immortals.

Nine thousand years was a short time for cultivation. However, Zulong used this time wisely to increase the power of the dragon clan by leaps and bounds. No power in the east sea could challenge them not to mention the south sea.

Along with the dragons, mighty experts of the sea also joined in the fray. Ancestral beings who listened to Da Hai's lecture who'd since risen to the stage of Taiyi Golden Immortals served as powerful generals.

Against this onslaught, the south sea sea clans gave up without a fight. They opened the doors for them and had decided to even before Si Hai had confronted Zulong.

In an instant, Zulong had claimed a territory that dwarfed the combined total of Zufeng and Zulin's empires. He was fast and immediately got to work constructing the south sea dragon palace.

Unlike the north sea palace, it didn't need to be specially built to seal a powerful natural phenomenon like the underground lake and pure yin pale water.

Because of the ease of this conquest, Zulong hurriedly moved on. He left behind three hundred thousand dragons and a million east sea troops to guard and construct the south sea dragon palace before heading westward.

…

In a dark ritualistic room, two men were present. One was working extensively on various diagrams and slags of metal and jewels. The other was a silver haired man with glowing eyes and six arms.

They were naturally the devil ancestor Luohu and the demon king of the sixth heaven, Mara.

"Should we stop them?" Mara asked Luohu who continued to work.

"No, ignore them," Luohu denied. "We need the heavenly Dao on our side not against us. It's the trend of heaven for the three sovereigns to come to power. It'll be in our disinterest to attack them now."

"But would that not cultivate more unnecessary enemies for us?" Mara inquired.

"Again, no. The sovereigns are destined to have their little lovers spat and when the final battle occurs, we'll make our move. By then they will no longer have the heavenly Dao's protection and be easy picking," Luohu said picking up a sword handle examining it.

"Inform our devil sects to pull out of the west sea. From now on the west continent will be sealed from the rest of the world," Luohu instructed.

"Alright," Mara nodded.

"By the by, how are those two talents doing?" Luohu suddenly inquired.

The two talents he was referring to were the two new rising geniuses int he devilish Dao. Their names were Heart Devil and Sky Demon King respectively. These two appeared out of nowhere and joined the devilish Dao several thousands years ago and were already Taiyi Golden Immortals.

"Very well, their potential remains the highest of all we've seen," Mara said. "Heart Devil especially has been quite taken with leading roles in our sect. His efforts saw the rise of a new batch taowu beats,"

Luohu nodded in satisfaction. The devilish Dao had long been studying complex alchemy and sciences. After the Shenni war, they managed to recover some of Taowu's essence and create an innate clan out of it through extremely evil energies.

It also acted as a great way to cleanse the sin gathered by the land by funnelling them into a new race. In this way, the devilish Dao did not lose karmic luck.

…

Like the south sea, the west sea did not have anything that could stand against the dragon's march. The ancestral dragon personally made an appearance with his dragons and formed a new branch there.

His extremely high cultivation allowed for him to effortlessly defeat all the warring clans of the west sea. What was more was that this sea was the most bountiful aside form the east sea. It suffered no ravages unlike the north and south.

Zulong landed softly on a beach flexing his shoulders. In the sky dangled the defeated bodies of all the south sea ancestors who tried to challenge him.

Sixty eight Taiyi Golden Immortals fought him at once yet still lost miserably. But that was to be expected against a Da Luo Golden Immortal. These west sea seafolk could not even land a single hit while Zulong merely played with them.

"We greet your majesty," the defeated experts said. Their supporting experts took this moment to kowtow in defeat. Any plans of retaliation was shattered by Zulong's victory.

The strength of a Da Luo Golden Immortal was simply too much. They couldn't do a single thing even if they wanted to.

Zulong nodded and accepted their surrender. He proceeded to ignore them for now and headed deeper into the island. He had chosen to stop here as he recognised this place from afar.

Each step he took was the equivalent of a billion mortal steps. Zulong appeared instantly to where he wanted to go in a few steps. Looking up at the Jianmu tree towering above him and the stars beyond, he sighed in wonder.

"Hm, looks like aunt master put up a gate up there," he said after some observation. His eyes casually saw billions of kilometres into the air, up high into the peak of the Jianmu tree. A gateway had indeed been constructed there that filled the whole space.

"The Starry skies are aunt master's private residence," Zulong hummed. "I should send guards and servants up there to assist her," he decided.

The dragon suddenly jerked his head sideways. The fox like figure of Chenghuang stood on a root of the celestial tree observing him. Zulong narrowed his eyes in wonder as he saw the power of his fellow innate god had reached the latter stages of Taiyi Golden Immortal realm.

"Twenty thousand years to reach this level, very impressive" he complimented.

"Thank you," Chenghuang answered softly.

"Still not much of a talker aren't you?" He teased. Chenghuang merely shook his head. "So, as you know, I am in charge now," Zulong said gesturing at the sea of kowtowing experts.

"What do you say of joining?" Zulong inquired.

Chenghuang looked contemplative. "You…" he seemed to hesitate before turning around. Zulong looked curiously as Chenghoung flickered his tail indicating the dragon to follow.

Zulong shrugged and flew after his fellow innate god.

The snow white Chenghuang leapt and ran across the wind. He easily crossed several kilometres and led the dragon towards a nearby island.

Zulong followed along leisurely. Seeing their patriarch depart, several dragon elders at the Golden Immortal realm followed after them.

"Patriarch!" They called out. However, Zulong merely signalled them to be silent. He did not object to them following however. He found the younger dragon's eagerness to please quite endearing actually.

"What do you want to show me?" Zulong asked curiously starring at an utterly barren island. However, he squinted his eyes noticing some oddities. However, no matter how he looked he couldn't see past the vast emptiness. But he did know something was wrong.

Just as he was about to forcefully break whatever was affecting him, Chenghuang called out.

"Noticed?" He asked softly. Zulong got the distinct feeling the white foxlike creature was amused.

"Okay, this is remarkable," Zulong complimented. Chenghuang took this moment to wave his tail. The illusion disrupting all senses was instantly dispelled revealing what was hiding underneath.

What greeted the dragon was perhaps one of the most beautiful places he'd ever laid eyes on. A country covered by fluffy snows and beautiful blossom trees and red roses. The water was clear and filled with beautiful crystal like water.

Numerous humanlike inhabitants resided here. They had pale skin and white hair. They all had red markings and were extremely beautiful be they man, woman, or child.

"White nation, protection," Chenghuang said. Zulong nodded in understanding. These people were weak by the standards of the primitive world. They did not have a single Golden Immortal presiding over them and lacked many meaningful fighters.

"All subjects are under my protection," Zulong stated. "My scales are their shield and my claws their swords."

Chenghuang nodded sensing the promise in Zulong's voice. He felt awed as Zulong spoke no doubt due to the unique power of the dragon's roar.

"Your majesty," Chenghuang knelt down on his four limbs mimicking a kowtow. Zulong nodded in understanding and satisfaction.

"Then the white nation show become part of my dragon empire. They too are my people and under my protection," Zulong stated. "This is my promise and my oath."

The heavens rumbled in confirmation with Zulong's words. The dragon nodded. "It's done," he muttered closing his eyes and floating into the air.

Zulong was extremely sensitive to the changes of heaven and earth. He could feel large convergences of mysterious energies from across the world. 'Karmic merit,' he thought.

Karmic merit was good karma attributed to those with great accomplishments that aided in the heavens. It was the same energy that gave either good fortune or bad fortune. It was and karmic luck was essentially one and the same.

As a Da Luo Golden Immortal, Zulong's senses were heightened to the extreme. He could easily identify the movements of karmic luck when he put his mind to it.

'There's so much,' he thought in surprise. He had not been paying attention to his own luck for a while. As such he was pleasantly surprised when he sensed an onslaught of great fortune centred around him.

"The luck of a sovereign," Zulong mused. "And what's more, I haven't even officially announced myself yet," he said in anticipation.

"Just how much would my luck multiply?" He contemplated. "Only time will tell. Men, let's get a move on," he commanded the floating dragons.

…

Meeting up with the submissive western sea clan leaders, he asked for places with rich primordial Qi. After all, places with a lot of Qi was ideal for constructing his west sea palace. They presented excellent cultivation spots and places to lay down formations.

Natural spiritual veins were interlocking laylines that highlighted places of immense concentration of primordial Qi. Zulong was searching for one with the aid of those overly familiar with the west sea.

With their aid, the west sea dragon palace was soon under construction at a well of primordial Qi located towards the central areas of the west sea. Zulong nodded satisfactorily at the construction process.

"Ao Yan," he called out to one of his dragon generals. "Any movements from the west continent?"

"No lord patriarch," the dragon said. "Our scouts said there have been no movements past the shore. In fact, several coastal cities were abandoned and left empty."

Zulong rubbed his chin and debated his next actions carefully. "We weren't exactly quiet about things yet Luohu just let me do whatever I want?"

"My understanding of the devilish Dao is deeper than most. They can definitely fend me off even with all my forces. But they didn't even try," he frowned.

"It seems neither the devilish Dao, the peacock, nor the horsey are too interested in the seas right now," he contemplated. "Fine, I'll head south to guard against the peacock for now."

"Ao Yan, take over command of the west sea dragon palace and the 3.4 millions dragons we brought with us. Hold fort unless the devilish Dao invades. The sky barges are fast enough for you to escape," the dragon instructed. "Relay the same order to the sea clans."

The younger dragon nodded and left. Zulong departed for his personal sky barge leaving his fleet behind in the process. All the while, he struggled to contain his own excitement.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The east continent was in an uproar. The news of the three sovereigns took the world by storm. Three separate fifty Da Luo Golden Immortals had taken the opportunity to carve out large chunks of the world up into their own private territories.

The status quo as the primitive world had known it had been utterly shattered. In this day and age, various innate clans debated whether they should join one of these forces. Some also debated whether they would set their eyes on the east continent next.

All of this however, was meaningless to Hongjun. The ancestor of the great balance sat like a statue within Zixiao palace silently cultivating. He ignored the ongoings of the world as if nothing bothered him sitting on his purple prayer cushion.

Purple clouds swirled around him. Hongjun appeared extremely peaceful. A soft humming along with chanting could be heard. Inaudible for mortals and only understandable for the extraordinary.

Profound mysteries were created and disappeared within the same breath. Entire lineages of cultivation were thought up and discarded with but a thought. Primordial Qi circulate his body while his understanding towards the Dao continued to grow.

Hongjun slowly opened his eyes. The three flower crowns appeared above his head spinning with divine authority. Hongjun's eyes glowed with intense divine purple lights. His very essence was divinity of the highest order.

Two mysterious figures appeared on the left and right flower crowns. Two old men heavily resembling Hongjun sat upon the splendours like an immortal would a lotus seat.

They sat with hands clasped chanting softly cultivating just like Hongjun. They possessed the same level of insight but distinct feels. They could be recognised as Hongjun if one looked but that detail can often be overlooked.

Hongjun raised his right hand above his head.

"CUT!" He roared slicing down with his arm. His hall lit in vast purple light. They were like a wave of cosmic starlight illuminating the heavens like the heavenly river flowing through the nine heavens.

An intense Burts of energy erupted forth slamming and shaking the Zixiao palace to its foundation. The radiant force of a Da Luo Golden Immortal who has achieved a completed Dao path and thereby reached the great principle of primal chaos spread irradiated like a bright star.

In this instance, even Golden Immortals would be smited on accident by this energy pressure. Hongjun's forceful actions if done anywhere but within Zixiao palace would massacre living beings by the billions.

Then nothing happened.

Hongjun hunched his back frowning outwardly. He closed his eyes and recited several sutras before calming down from his disappointment.

"Forget it, these things take time," he sighed. "My progress is already too extraordinary as is." He manifested a tea set and boiled himself some spiritual tea before taking a small sip. He revelled in the taste and sighed in content.

"The path of Wuji is mysterious. But this era is still starting, we have another yuanhui before things really get serious," he comforted himself.

Taking another sip of tea, he began some divination into the status of the three sovereigns. When he got no results he didn't seem disappointed, rather he seemed to have expected this.

"Destined individuals are naturally protected after all," he said.

The key reason he couldn't track Da Hai, Zulong, or even Luohu and vice versa was because they were all protected by the Heavenly Dao. Da Hai even more so as he lived on Yingzhou which was a separate universe in and of itself being a chaos fragment.

Hongjun had personally gotten down and dirty and did detective work to work out the locations of Zufeng and Zulin. He followed rumours, sightings, and spiritual energies in order to find their location before tagging them.

He could never accomplish the same with Zulong as by then he had already begun living full time on Yingzhou and was thus out of reach. What's more, the east sea for the longest time was shrouded by the heavenly Dao which Hongjun wasn't willing to offend.

"To locate my obsession… Maybe I should," he mused simulating various possibilities in his head. This was the standard process for cultivators trying to break through, performing simulations before live experimentations. Most cultivators learned about what recourses they needed through this process.

Thankfully, the current world was still in a state where recourses weren't really necessary for cultivation outside of developing affinities or crafting. Hongjun silently went back to secluded cultivation after his short break.

…

Luohu tinkered away within his workshop. He neither sat nor meditated unlike Hongjun. Instead, he continuously worked on his new weapons, swords from their appearance. The devil ancestor was humming a cheerful tune that completely seemed out of place within his dark dungeon.

Occasionally he would pull a chained innate creature from their cage and experiment on them before moving on. He was energetic, proactive, and completely dead to the world.

Like Hongjun, Luohu ignored everything in the world except himself and the things he worked on. All the while, he circulated Qi and contemplated on the Dao. His body was on autopilot moving under instructions on any insights he gleamed.

This was how Luohu liked to cultivate. He would sit down and meditate but he also liked to work at the same time. Especially so now that he was inspired to create.

His recent battle with Hongjun had been embarrassing to him. While offensively he held the distinct advantage, defensively he was far inferior.

His offence while powerful, was not at a level where it could reliably pierce Hongjun's taiji painting. Hongjun's pangu banner on the other hand can reliably damage him and force him to retreat.

They may be neck and neck in cultivation realm and insight but in terms of battle power, Hongjun was the superior of the two. As such, Luohu wanted to rectify this.

The devil ancestor poured years upon years of work and was making steady progress. He had always been talented in bloodshed and things that caused such and this was no different.

Luohu was fully honest with himself. He would kill when he wanted to. He would teach who he wanted to. He would do whatever he wanted to do even if others disagreed with him. He would follow his own desires until the very end, indulge in whatever he wanted and live however he wanted.

Right now, the only thing Luohu wanted was to kill Hongjun. If he can't make it happen then he will do something to make it happen.

"Alright, let's test this," Luohu mused grabbing hold of a standard looking sword. The metal was dark grey and jewels embedded themselves on the handle.

Luohu turned towards a chained wolf looking at him with fear.

"Wai…" the wolf barely made out before Luohu slashed at him unflinchingly. He bisected the innate creature in one stroke and frowned. He tossed the sword aside and went back to his bench.

"The trapping effect didn't even activate," Luohu mused. He immediately got the work refining another slag of metal. Let none say Luohu was a quitter.

"No matter, there's still 49,000 other possibilities I have still yet to test," he said while moulding a new sword.

"Ah, Wuji oh Wuji. The great principle without limit. The paramount force without limit. Oh great Wuji," he sang. His progress wasn't fast but it was smooth. Hunyuan Wuji Luo Golden Immortal was an eventuality that he had long vowed to reach. He just never thought this would be how he does so.

…

Wangshu walked down a set of stairs down a dark stairway lit by torches containing mini suns. She looked incredibly uncertain at this process but nevertheless trudged on.

Her feet tapped against the dusty stone with soft taps. Yet the space was so empty that each of her footsteps made noticeable tapping sounds.

Wangshu arrived before a hidden study and walked into a small cultivation room complete with hanging calligraphy works and a prayer cushion. She walked past all of that wand punched into the brick wall.

Pulling across the wall revealed another hallway. The goddess obliterated the wall and stepped through. As she did so, more torches lit following her along.

Wangshu grimaces arriving at the final door. She pushed it open into an empty room. It was pure silver and contained nothing that could be seen. Nothing that could be sensed.

The only object was a floating wisp.

"Oh? Little girl, you back?" A mature woman's voice asked.

"Yeah," Wangshu replied. "Things have changed since last we spoke."

"Heh," the wisp chuckled. "And here I thought you wouldn't come around."

"Oh don't mistake me seeking your help as me liking you. I detest everything about your society," Wangshu sneered. "But the current world order necessitates me seeking your aid."

"Hmph, in the end, you're still the one seeking my aid. Ask away little girl, what is it you seek," the wisp relented.

"The path to Wuji," Wangshu revealed. She was met with silence as the wisp glanced at her in shock.

"Wu…Wuji? WUJI? You, you've actually… How the hell did you reach Hunyuan Da Luo so fast?" She practically screamed. Wangshu looked at the wisp unimpressed, she folded her arms and tapped her fingers waiting for her answer.

"Hai, youngsters," the wisp sighed. "I thought my generation was talented. No chaos life forms were ever quite like us. But to think a goddess from a chaos world utterly smashed out records."

"Cease your reminiscing Moon Demon god, I don't want to be here longer than necessary," Wangshu sneered.

"Heh fine," the wisp revealed to be Moon Demon god said. Wangshu could feel the wisp smirking at her even though it lacked any facial details.

The wisp's true identity was the Moon Demon god of the three thousand chaos godfiends. In the distant past, she was the moon lord of the celestial lunar temple, a major power among the godfiends society.

She was the counterpart of the Sun Demon god Lu Ya and worked alongside the sun deity as part of a larger alliance of godfiends. Together they were the supreme chaos lords of five planets seven stars.

After Pangu split the chaos apart and created the primitive world. Moon Demon god perished alongside her brethren. However, she ultimately failed to reincarnate and remained as a remnant spirit dwelling within the core of the lunar star's moon palace.

Her counterpart, Lu Ya had managed to survive but sadly perished as well in the early days.

"Very well, Moon Star lord," Moon Demon god said. Her sudden shift in tone indicated her change of topic. Wangshu was typically called little girl by her due to her carefree attitude.

Currently, Moon Demon god decided to refer to Wangshu as her proper position as Moon star lord. Technically speaking, as the highest authority among the stars, Wangshu's title could also be Heavenly Sovereign of the Highest Moon Palace.

"The path to Wuji is the path to Grand Dao," Moon Demon god stated. "The path to finding Wuji is simple but nigh impossible. Unlike the process of Dao creation, it is universal across all seekers of the Dao."

"By completing your Dao, you had already refined it to the highest level. Achieved the absolute realm of the supreme ultimate Taiji. But Wuji is not Taiji, it is the without limit ultimate that exists before Taiji," Moon Demon god explained.

"Get to the point, I already know this," Wangshu said impatiently. She was very unlike her usual self. Then again, she did not like dealing with the Moon Demon god.

"To achieve Wuji, you must work out the processes in which Wuji became Taiji. The grand principles of zero to one to two to three," Moon Demon god explained. "Any one of these principles when understood would elevate you to Wuji."

"That's it?" Wangshu asked slightly confused.

"Expecting something more?" Moon Demon god sounded amused. "Wuji is after all, a bridging realm to Dao. But it is still functionally still a Da Luo Golden Immortal. The great principle you seek is merely superior."

"I see," Wangshu said turning around to leave.

"Tell me Moon star lord," Moon Demon god's wisp said. "Would you finally be carving out your rightful destiny?"

"I am not your successor," Wangshu all but growled. "I refuse to conquer and enslave as you would have it."

"Hai, such a waste of potential," Moon Demon god scoffed. "Even so, you are still the sovereign of the stars. My title is one you own, Moon star lord."

"I don't care," Wangshu scoffed walking out of the room.

"You should. I named you a sovereign of the stars after all. Extreme Yin Primordial Sovereign, Holy Queen of the Highest Moon Palace," Moon Demon chanted. "You can be so much more than you are."

Wangshu ignored all that was said and sealed the room once more. She restored the brick and walked out no longer interested in staying.

"Wuji, the path is unclear but I have to reach it if only so that I have a chance to survive," she murmured.

Appearing on the balcony overlooking the starry sky, Wangshu starred in the distant great wilderness. "Good luck Da Hai, may you too see success on your path," she said. Turning away, Wangshu entered secluded cultivation.

…

Da Hai placed the letter he was reading down. Zulong had opted to remain in the south sea as deterrence against Zufeng until the dragon palaces are finished construction.

Progress was slowed down by a few thousand years due to the abrupt need to gather rich materials and laying down intricate formations. Si Hai's palace was damaged to the point where it was little better than a broken down shack.

The ancestor of the great sea rubbed his chin in thought. "The world's moving so fast," he mused. Yi Fei'e had challenged and successfully passed the Golden Immortal tribulation ascending to that illustrious realm that was slowly becoming more and more common.

The power standard was becoming higher and higher. Previously, Heavenly immortals were overlords while Golden Immortals were absolute gods. Nowadays, Golden Immortals were dime a dozen while Taiyi Golden Immortals were true experts

However, with the emergence of the three sovereigns, this was bound to change again. Da Luo Golden Immortals are the new overlord realm while everyone else were booted down the totem pole.

Da Hai contemplated his own cultivation. He was still stuck at the Hunyuan level of Da Luo Golden Immortal. His Dao has still yet to evolve beyond the level of primal chaos and it had bugged him to no end.

The Dao of distant seas has been expanded in all the ways Da Hai had thought of. He'd developed it to the absolute peak yet it still wasn't enough. The sea portion was already fully understood and the distant portion was nearly done.

Distant inherently meant far away. But also implies a degree of visibility. Da Hai understood this and created pellucid divine water, a substance that allowed for one to be unreachable yet close. It was also an Dao that excelled in remaining unnoticeable. He picked up a brush as he contemplated and began doing calligraphy, it was an activity he adopted that soothed him these days.

Da Hai was still contemplating when he heard a knocking sound. "Come in," he said.

"Master," Yi Fei'e greeted the sea god. "New letter from eldest senior brother," she said. Senior brother here referred to Zulong. Her term of reference has now changed with her status.

Picking up the letter, Da Hai read:

P.S. Forgot to write this part but I've also decided that after the palace's construction, I will hold my coronation in the East Sea Dragon Palace. Expect to see a massive influx of people in the coming years.

It was very short and concise. Da Hai frowned slightly as he thought about the dragon's situation.

"Dragon sovereign," he mused. He was incredibly proud of his disciples. However, he could not shake off that instinctive sense of fear. Not fear at his disciples, but fear at their destinies.

Doing so brought Da Hai back to when he first met them. To a time where he still desired to use them as his vanguard. A time where he was falling into an abyss of rage he hadn't even noticed.

"He will succeed in the end, right?" He questioned. Yi Fei'e looked curiously as her master's face slowly contorted to one of unsure fear.

'So many factors in this world, can Zulong stand against all stacked against him. The Phoenix, the Qilin, the Dragon are all pawns of the heavenly Dao destined to develop the world into the next era,' Da Hai thought with no small horror.

'Can I, let him do this?'

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Da Hai sat on his watching chair staring out into the night sky. These past few millennia have been some of the most exciting news in the primitive world's history. Yet for this great god of the early heavens, it was a trying time.

It can not be denied how proud Da Hai was of Zulong's rise to power. That dragon had in the span of ten thousand years, built his own clan with an incredibly stable foundation. Expanded that clan's population with the help of very energetic male and female dragons. Raise that clan to one with innumerable experts. Then sweeping across the four seas.

They had been incredibly fast taking mere half a dozen years to reach and take both the north and south seas. Then used a few more to take the west. Most of that time was travel time as no opponent could triumph against the ancestral dragon.

Most of the experts Zulong raised didn't even have to do anything but stand there and look tough. Though they were very effective at looking tough. After all, the sight of millions of dragons each ten thousand metres long at the smallest blanketing out the sky was quite intimidating.

Da Hai drank a small sip of wine and looked towards a piece of paper he'd been writing on. Notes about things he remembers about mythology and the development of the world.

It was not that he needed to do this as immortals possessed eidetic memories. Rather, it was very helpful in aiding him to think.

"Three beast sovereigns, three beast sovereigns," Da Hai mused depressingly. "Things have already progressed so far."

He looked at a nearby bowl of water. On it were projections of both Zufeng and Zulin. Both figures were recent renditions of their status. They no longer appeared like rogue cultivators like they were in the past but as actual royal rulers.

It was not especially hard to get information nowadays from east, south and north due to how connected the continents are. Of the three the south was undoubtedly the most populated. The north still suffered from the sinful actions of Shenni while the east was its own beast entirely.

The seas Willa always be larger and more populated than the continents. This domain Zulong had claimed will also be the most spread out and hardest to defend. He was bordered by both his rivals who were consequently a distance away from his primary base of operations.

"I can't kill them without arousing trouble I can't cope with," Da Hai thought with irritation. The jade brush in his hand started creaking with the amount of force the sea god was using.

Da Hai checked his own karmic luck before calculating his losses before feeling a chill. "Can't even think about that, what bullshit," he complained angrily.

Da Hai may consider himself an ally of the heavenly Dao, but let it not be said that sometimes he really hated that cosmic force.

"I can't let that happen," Da Hai mused covering his frown with his legs hand in a thinking pose. "I can't allow him to die. You most certainly cannot stop me."

Almost immediately, a flash of thunder rumbled in the distance prompting Da Hai to look out the window once more. "He's my disciple, my son and inheritor. Right now, he is the priority for me," he said out loud.

Some movement of the clouds outside his room seemed to indicate a level of understanding. But Da Hai got the feeling that his greatest ally didn't really agree with that last sentiment.

"I understand, the constant waging war inside you is painful," Da Hai admitted. "The battle between the Devil and Dao ancestors are inevitable. You can be sure that I will fight for you. But right now, something else takes precedence."

No responsive sound was heard. Da Hai sighed in relief. Normally, he didn't really want the world to turn against him. In truth, he quite liked the Heavenly Dao. It was tenacious and decisive. It knew what it wanted and it wanted to live. But it was also open to ideas and willing to heed others.

Just that the idea Hongjun, Luohu, and to an extent himself had fed into it proved to be one that was too lucrative to pass up.

If the era of the three beast sovereigns can be defined by anything it was the amount of experts they had. In this era, the primitive world was connected closely to the chaos sea. Sensing the Dao was easy and anyone could cultivate. The sheer number of Golden Immortals this era held was easily in the hundred millions, possibly even low billions.

So when the great tribulation happened, the power of these experts fed and empowered the heavenly Dao to obscene heights.

"This era is just starting but so many things are already set in stone. I…I am at fault as well," Da Hai sighed thinking more and more about Zulong's situation.

No matter what, even if Zulong was unambitious nor wished to fight, he will be forced to. Zufeng and Zulin will never let him rest. He would not be able to withstand their continuous pushes and will have to go to war himself.

Da Hai had no doubt Zulong can beat them but in the end, he too will be afflicted by the tribulation as a part of the war. His end will not be pretty. WHat's more, Hongjun and Luohu might even use this as an excuse to finish him off.

Da Hai looked at a portrait of his disciples hanging on the wall. It was taken thousands of years ago when Zulong crossed into the realm of Da Luo Golden Immortal and obtained the great principle of the Dao.

Zulong's Dao was one of royal authority. It symbolised his desire to rule as sovereign of the world. Despite how outwardly merciful and kind as the dragon was, he can be just as pragmatic and cruel if need be. There was a high chance he might implicate himself without knowing.

"The path of a sovereign is not a kind one," Da Hai mused. Suddenly he had an epiphany. His eyes widened in realisation.

"He hasn't announced himself yet," Da Hai uttered in realisation. "He's annexed territory but that's no different to a sect taking a mountain. He's not proclaimed himself as a candidate to rule the world. He hasn't connected to the dragon's karmic merit, not fully."

Da Hai adopted a thinking pose as he said, "There is still hope. Zulong cannot be allowed to become sovereign."

FLASH!

Da Hai faded out of existence, teleporting across Yingzhou towards the moth fairies. As residents of Yingzhou, even if they possessed strong cultivations, Da Hai can find them with no difficulty.

Yi Fei'e, Er Fei'e, San Fei'e, Si Fei'e, Wu'Fei'e, Liu Fei'e, and Chi Fei'e had in the time since coming to Yingzhou, all reached the Golden Immortal realm. They were all well on track to Taiyi Golden Immortal.

Though they don't really leave Yingzhou aside from errands for Da Hai, they've garnered a reputation as the Seven Illusionary Fairies. This was because they were all weirdly talented at illusion type spells. Spells Da Hai himself knew a lot about simply from living in Yingzhou.

The lot of women were sitting and eating a basket of homegrown spiritual fruits when Da Hai abruptly popped into said garden. It was one of many planted on Yingzhou by the moths who'd long been given free reign on this topic.

Da Hai's sudden appearance did not register to the minds of the fairies at first. After all, his brand of teleportation involved slipping in and out of existence rendering him completely untraceable.

"Hey try this one sis," San Fei'e said picking up a specially grown spiritual fruit for Yi Fei'e.

"Hope it's better than that last attempt, that one was just terrible," the head moth fairy said in good jest taking the fruit.

"Ahem!" Da Hai cleared his throat.

"Oh master," Er Fei'e said looking back briefly before turning back to her sisters. "MASTER!" only to immediately realise who was standing then and got up to greet him along with the rest of her sisters in a ninety degree bow.

Aside from Yi Fei'e, all the fairies were in name disciples. This means that while Da Hai taught them spells and the Dao, they did not inherit much from the sea god. Yi Fei'e on the other hand received personal defensive treasures and guidance on cultivation and Dao.

Yi Fei'e had received just as much guidance as her senior brothers before her and more so than her sisters and as such exceeded them by a wide degree. She was also one of the most trusted of all of Da Hai's subordinates.

"What is it master requires of us?" They asked.

"Deliver a message to Zulong for me," Da Hai said. "It doesn't matter how you do it, just as long as he receives it."

"What message does master wish to send?" Yi Fei'e inquired.

"I want to talk with him, privately on Yingzhou," Da Hai said before fading out of existence.

After a few moments, Yi Fei'e flicked her wrist packing away the tables and fruit baskets into her sleeve. "Right, break's over," she announced clapping her soft hands lightly.

"I guess I'll, you know what sisters. You lot barely leave the island as is. You six go out and tell senior brother," Yi Fei'e said smirking at their shocked faces.

"Eh? What? But it's so comfortable here. Besides big sister is so experienced with these errands and we're afraid we might mess it up," they tried to say.

"Which is why you all should get experience," Yi Fei'e suggested. "Well, we can't keep master waiting. Take one of the spare sky barges and go."

And so six of the seven moth fairies departed Yingzhou for the first time in twenty to thirty thousand years. They travelled to meet the dragon who was darting between the west, south, and east these days to oversee construction as well as to guard against Zufeng as most of the Da Luo powerhouses were up north to guard against Zulin.

…

Yi Fei'e wandered the gardens Yingzhou silently. Now that her sisters were gone, it was actually quite lonely. Her master Da Hai wasn't really one to make social calls and what's more, had entered secluded cultivation until her senior brother returned.

'Senior brother, how odd to refer to him like that,' Yi Fei'e thought wordlessly. They used to be a distance of lord and servant but now they were fellow disciples beneath Da Hai. They were essentially siblings of the same lineage.

Her strength had also improved by an order of magnitude. Her usage of weapons and spells had been improved though she hoped to test them in an actual fight one day. Sitting and reading about war and battle can only take you so far.

Some live practice was necessary especially when in this aspect of cultivation. This was why the moth decided to try using the new spell Da Hai taught her. Yi Fei'e readied herself and activated her spell. She faded out of existence similar to Da Hai and appeared in another section of Yingzhou.

This was the 'Distant Flash' spell that was a movement technique that allowed one to motionlessly fade in and out of existence. It was derived from Da Hai's Dao of distant seas. Da Hai figured out this spell by studying his own Dao and imparted it freely to all his disciples as it was a very strong survival skill.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much opportunity to use it. Zulong and the dragons being so overwhelmingly powerful and the moths having barely experienced any conflict.

Yi Fei'e took in the sight of a peaceful garden that appeared as she faded into view. "This is the koi pond garden," she realised. Her aim had been off, she was aiming for Yingzhou's fourth mountain peak.

She walked up to the pond and saw a colourful assortment of carps swimming about. Their colourful scales glistened in the crystal clear water and bright sunlight.

"Their cultivation is already quite high," Yi Fei'e mused. She watched as hundreds of carps came near the edge of the pond eager for a treat. These carps were really gluttonous.

In truth, although they acted as decorations, each and every one of these fishes were legitimate cultivators. Some had even crossed into the True Immortal realm and beyond over the years having fed of fish feed made of some of the best herbs available.

These fishes would all qualify as experts if they roamed outside. However since their treatment here was so good, they just remained as decorations. It wasn't as if Da Hai cared if they left or not. Yi Fei'e thought them pretty smart, no work yet reap all the benefits.

The size of the koi pond was massive. It was easily hundreds of metres in width and flowed into a river that led into a waterfall somewhere down the garden.

Seeing the carps giving her a pitiful look, Yi Fei'e sighed helplessly. She retrieved a bag from her sleeve and watched in amusement as the eyes of these hundreds of fishes lit up in gold.

What happened next was a carnage of battle as Yi Fei'e emptied the bag into the pond and watched in fascination as factions of carps assaulted each other for the food.

It was highly likely that there was an actual society of carps a little deeper into the pond. The moth simply never checked as it wasn't important and this place was only really interesting to her eldest senior brother.

"Those tactics that group is using though," Yi Fei'e watched in fascination as a mini war went on. An army of carps had attacked in a pincer formation and trapped another before forcing them into a cage while they got the food.

War wasn't a subject people associated with Yi Fei'e due to her dainty fragile appearance. It also wasn't something she shared with people nor something she talked about nor kept notes on. But it was something she found interesting and liked to read about in her free time. That and romance novels, the creativity of east sea seafolk with too much time on their hands were extraordinary.

ROOM!

"Hm?" Yi Fei'e curiously turned her head. A sudden shift in temperature was felt as the ground shook slightly. Strangely, it was a familiar energy signature.

"This feeling?" Yi Fei'e mused. "Senior brother? No, too weak. Not any of the dragons either, this one feels new."

Yi Fei'e stepped forwards crossing thousands of steps in a single step. She followed the river leading out of the koi pond for quite a distance until she reached a waterfall.

This place was connected to the main koi pond but none of the carps liked to come here. In fact, Zulong's pet project had picked this place to be his cave abode for secluded cultivation.

Yi Fei'e gazed curiously at the waterfall. She looked up and saw dark clouds teeming with lightning, fire, and ice. A large amount of heavenly energies was gathering.

"Someone here is undergoing the Immortal tribulation," she said. The waterfall was hitting the surface of the river harshly. Some droplets went up to the moth fairy only to fade past her as if she was never there.

Yi Fei'e watched in fascination as instead of striking down, heavenly wind, heavenly fire, heavenly water, and heavenly lightning descended in unison converging on the waterfall.

It was a first in history as a gateway morphed just before the waterfall nearly touching it. Yi Fei'e could feel an oppressive force behind this gate. The gravitational force must be horrendously strong. Though it was all focused on the other side behind the waterfall, Yi Fei'e could still feel strong energy coming from it.

The moth fairy retreated a hundred steps not wanting to be caught up in this tribulation. It wouldn't really affect her at all but she didn't want to dirty herself.

This heavenly gate was adorned by dragons on all sides. It was unlike any Immortal tribulation Yi Fei'e had ever seen in her life. More unique and mysterious than even her own which itself was quite powerful.

RUMBLE!

The gateway groaned. A shadow was visible on the other side of the waterfall. On the other side of the gateway struggling. Yi Fei'e had a distinct feeling she knew who it was.

Only one cultivation manual can possibly generate this. She hadn't worked on the project herself but she has read it and memorised it herself. She'd also seen the dragon clan cultivating it for themselves as well. Though no one else had tried other than dragons as this method was tailor made for dragons.

RUMBLE!

RUMBLE!

RUMBLE!

The shadow on the other side struggled, it swished and swooshed struggling to move. Yi Fei'e tilted her he'd curious if it'll succeed. Her senior brother had staked a lot on this fish after all.

RUMBLE!

RUMBLE!

RUMBLE!

The fierce heavenly wind erupted from the gate blowing against the grass and trees. Yi Fei'e herself was unaffected but she could sense the carps nearby had gone deep underwater.

"What the hell is going on?" One of the carp elders screeched. He was a Profound Immortal senior yet was clueless.

"Could it be that runt fellow?" Another immortal carp asked.

There was panicked discussion among them as this tribulation scared the Profound Immortals and the one Heavenly Immortal elder they had. Yi Fei'e wordlessly formed a spatial barrier over the koi pond. It won't do if they all died under her watch.

Tap!

Da Hai's soft footstep landed beside Yi Fei'e. The sea god looked sharply at the gateway grinning. "Working as intended," he mused.

"Master," Yi Fei'e greeted.

"Hm," Da Hai acknowledged.

The two watched in silence as the shadow became bigger and bigger. The shaking was getting more and more intense. Even the gate was quivering as the shadow approached the surface.

"He's coming," Da Hai stated.

BOOM!

The waterfall erupted and the gateway smashed to bits. A gargantuan serpentine figure erupted from both destroying and absorbing the gateway into his long scaly body.

This being was once a carp fish living in the pond. He had decent talent but was small and weak for his group. His parents were near the end of their lives and had all but given up on him.

One day, he received a manual from the owners. These beings saw to their care with enriching food and a safe environment. Children like him would often hear stories from their forefathers about how scary the outside was and that they should appreciate the owners.

After that event, this carp fish cultivated hard. He reforged his bones according to the manual, he reforged his organs, his flesh, his tendons, his veins, and soul. He followed the manual as he crossed the gateway and obtained true dragon blood transforming his body entirely.

He entered the trial on one side of the waterfall as a small carp and exited as a long, powerful, and wise dragon. He measured over ten thousand metres in length with a crocodilian head, a lion's mane, catfish whiskers, muscular bull like limbs, long sharp claws, and a snake's body.

His scales felt invincible and his power was unlike anything he'd felt before. He felt as if he could fight dozens of carp Profound Immortals and win soundly.

"History is made today," Yi Fei'e said smiling brightly. She was genuinely happy and couldn't wait to tell her senior brother on his success.

"Yes, yes it was," Da Hai said frowning. He did not show it to Yi Fei'e but he secretly didn't want this to happen. 'Now Zulong will be even sure of himself. He'd be one step closer to his demise,' Da Hai thought gripping his fist.

As Yi Fei'e clapped in celebration, the only thought crossing Da Hai's mind was, 'I can't allow that to happen.'

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Managing four separate estates was a pain. This was even more so when these estates were massive palaces that were in charge of four of the largest territories of the entire universe, surrounded by enemies, still in construction, and years apart even in the fastest travel time.

Zulong, for all his power, could not be everywhere at once. He could not possibly manage the west, south, north, and east seas as well as focusing on his own cultivation and projects. But he had known this for over fifty thousand years.

Three of the four symbols guard the north with 2.3 million dragons moving in. That population was expected to grow and already the first batch of eggs numbered in the hundred thousands. They would be able to defend against a possible invasion by Zulin long enough for Zulong to receive news and arrive to help.

Yinglong guards the south along with 5.9 million dragons adding on hundreds of millions of experts from the east sea as well as the newly ascended Da Luo Golden Immortals Mosasaur and Plesiosaur ancestor.

The west had Chenghuang who was soon to reach Da Luo, 3.4 million dragons and the Colossal Shark ancestor. Though due to the movements, or lack there off, the west sea was deemed low priority for the experts under him.

Zulong himself remained in the east and cycled between the rest of the four seas to oversee constructions. Four massive formations were being constructed along with the palaces and these were tantamount to the defences of his headquarters.

Thousands of years ago, Zulong had devised with Da Hai a powerful formation that could defend as well as keep itself hidden from unwanted visitors. Using Da Hai's Dao of Ever Distant Seas and Zulong's Imperial Rule Dao, a formation was crafted.

This was the Overbearing Nine Claws Suppression Formation. It was able to repel attacks by Da Luo Golden Immortals and entrap foes with senses distorting illusions. At the same time, it generated overbearing pressure that threatened to crush the enemy.

However, though it was, it needed exceptionally powerful spiritual veins to be laid in place as well as extremely powerful artefacts. For this purpose, Zulong crafted four dragon pearls that were of the high grade xiantian spiritual treasure quality.

These dragon pearls were designed for the sole purpose of maintaining these formations. They however did absolutely nothing else and were useless other than being in a formation.

Currently, Zulong was within the east sea. The construction of the North Sea Dragon Palace was long completed and the other seas were nearing completion as well. This proud dragon was naturally in a great mood.

Because of the situation, the north sea took priority and had extra formations in place to trap the Pure Yin Pale Water. Reports from dragons studying that place also indicated some other forces beyond the lake that Zulong wasn't sure about.

However, those investigations can be put on the back burner for now. The ancestral dragon had other pressing matters to attend to.

Zulong sat within a meeting room with a horde of ministers. Powerful Golden Immortals served as guards and stood on all sides. These were some of the dragon elites who'd denied managing roles.

The ministers were made up of an ensemble of sea creatures from shrimps, to stingrays, sharks, crabs, and most importantly turtles. Much of the primordial turtle clan and their subsidiary's bureaucracy was absorbed into the dragon's proto-government.

"And that concludes the census for the Misty Jade Sea province. Now the Red Pearl Sea province has seen some growth in…" and on and on it went as a turtle minister went over little changes in the east sea. Zulong listened attentively in the main seat. His orders are absolute but he preferred to have advisers and people more experienced than he in these topics.

This was why the Primordial Turtle King was sitting beside him chiming in whenever it became necessary. A second opinion from a fellow ruler was always welcome. It was a big leap to change from city lord to monarch after all.

Hours past as the topics of buildings and infrastructure was discussed. The income of recourses the dragons were collecting was frankly insane. Zulong normally used these recourses to continuously produce powerful fighters as well as develop cities with powerful formations. Yet still, they have leftovers that can be exchanged with clans from the continents proper.

"Your majesty, the bulk of Yellow Earth Granite has arrived. We can begin construction on the ceremonial platform soon," a turtle minister said.

"I see, and what of the Jade Heavenly Blaze? Has the torches made of Silver Treasured Birch arrived yet?" Zulong asked.

"Unfortunately your majesty, the baboon clans who control the silver forests are still yet to send out what we ordered. But the transaction has already been made and they should be here by the decade."

"Very well, and the rest of the ceremonial decorations?" Zulong asked scanning around the room.

"Of course your majesty," the ministers quickly handed over the list of things that were ready and those that were not.

"Hm, it seems we are ahead of schedule," Zulong nodded satisfyingly. "Turtle King, how fast do you think the south and west sea Dragon Palaces can be completed based on the trajectory of materials harvested?"

"Based on the amazing success we've been seeing in our mines and forest farms, perhaps nineteen more years will see to the South Sea Dragon Palace's completion. This is of course without factoring in what the south sea has harvested," the Turtle King said.

"The west sea due to its distance will take a little longer. The Celestial Steel Wood, Cloud Rain Wood and Aquatic Prismatic Ore are only found in the east after all," he added. "The extensions to the original plans have halted the construction somewhat but we should see completion by the end of this century."

"Very well, it seems all things are progressing smoothly," Zulong said.

"It is all thanks to your majesty's hard work. The sheer amount of karmic luck has positively affected our gains and elevated our productivity by at least 500%," a crab minister praised.

What this crab said was true. Zulong's past actions had garnered a lot of merit from the Heavenly Dao and through that gained a tremendous amount of karmic luck. This allowed the dragon to see too many fortunes successes to count in his short tenure as a ruler.

The meeting went on for a little while longer with Zulong ordering for more alchemical pills for the dragons and rising talents from other clans as well as the opening of more farms for herbs needed for said pills.

"If nothing else is urgent…dismissed," Zulong concluded. "Return to your stations and make the glory of the four seas known," he commanded.

"Yes your majesty," the ministers kowtowed in reverence before leaving. They left the room one after the other after Zulong's decree returning to whatever other jobs they had. This left the Primordial Turtle King alone with the dragon

"Now then father-in-law, where has Yu'er gone? I haven't seen her this morning," Zulong asked. "Normally she would be here for court but instead she sent pill master Bao Yanzi instead."

"Yes, it was a bit strange she wasn't there. I haven't seen Yu'er since yesterday when she retired with you," the turtle kind replied. "I'm sure she's fine though. Probably too busy conducting alchemical experiments."

"Hm," Zulong rubbed his chin. His ears, powerful as they were, could pick up all the sounds in the palace. It wasn't that hard for him to overhear what he wanted.

"Pill tower? She's consulting Ao Jin?" Zulong frowned.

"The physician?" The turtle king said worriedly. "Hai, I knew she shouldn't have been working so hard."

"I suppose I'll drop by and see how she's doing. Her condition isn't too ideal for working after all," Zulong said beginning to make his way towards the resident pill tower.

"I concur, I don't know why she insists on working so hard even though she's now with child," the turtle king grumbled. "Hai, she's always been too stubborn."

"We need to hurry in case this is an emergency," Zulong commanded.

The path to the pill tower was a long one. It was built in close proximity to the barracks. This was because the tower served a double purpose as a hospital as alchemists and physicians walked hand in hand.

The Pill tower itself was a massive building. It was easily several kilometres in length and width and at least a thousand kilometres high. It was a grand building that had a lot of input from the turtles as they were skilled alchemists in general.

The two entered the pill tower and walked past all the working alchemists before arriving at the top. They skipped past floors upon floors of alchemists hard at work concocting pills and materials for other pills.

Alchemy was a gruelling process and a single batch of pills can often take weeks to months to years to process. This was also with very skilled alchemists. The difficulty only goes up as the quality and the level of pills goes up.

The former princess had grown very powerful over the years. With the aid of Da Hai and Zulong, she formed her primal unity and ascended to the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm astoundingly quick for postnatal creatures. Even her father fell behind her in terms of prowess.

Throughout the years since, she'd also taken to a managing duty. Because Zulong supervised all corners of the vast ocean, Gui Daiyu managed the east sea for him just as Yinglong is doing now with the south. She was an integral part of the empire and one of the government's inner circle.

"That girl is putting too much stress on herself," the turtle king sighed. Zulong nodded in agreement as well. Yet he chose to follow her wishes.

Zulong opened the door to the top of the spill tower. His wife and confidant Gui Daiyu sat inside with a dragon physician checking over her body.

While the pill tower was normally a place for alchemical resources, it also dubbed as a hospital. Alchemists were also physicians specialising in both medical and cultivation pills.

Gui Daiyu was herself an exceptional alchemist being skilled in pill making. It was quite common to find her working and training the dragons in this field. Even Zulong has to admit defeat to her in this field.

Gui Daiyu has always been beautiful even among the denizens of the east sea and innate gods of the primitive world. Even now after forty thousand or so years, she was still a charming woman. However now the most notable aspect of the dragon empress was her slightly bulging belly.

"It seems to have formed an eg…Hm? Oh, greetings lord patriarch, greetings your excellency," the dragon physician checking Gui Daiyu over kowtowed towards Zulong and the turtle king in reverence.

"Get up Ao Jin," Zulong said. "Yu'er, how are you holding up," he said tenderly to his wife. His arrogant demeanour receded back into his body.

"Zulong, you don't have to treat me so fragilely," Gui Daiyu smirked. "I'm perfectly capable of any activity. I'm simply here for a second opinion, nothing more."

Zulong smiled and looked down in some embarrassment. He'd neglected a court meeting today when he heard his wife had gone here. After all, his child was a source of his worry these days and one of the reasons he hasn't left the east sea in decades.

"I know, but this is a first for me," Zulong complained. "We're not even sure if you're laying an egg or doing a live birth." The turtle king beside him also nodded energetically.

"That's right Yu'er, the mixture of such powerful bloodlines is guaranteed to produce a powerful child but also a tough birth. Bringing powerful beings into existence has historically been harsh on the mother," the turtle king reminded.

"Hai, Zulong go back to work," Gui Daiyu scolded. "And you father, don't encourage him. I'm a Taiyi Golden Immortal as well. All those examples you're thinking of were mortal mothers and immortal fathers, of course incidents might happen."

"Besides, Ao Jin and I are pretty sure I'm laying an egg. Dragons and turtles both lay eggs so no reason I won't," she said. She hurried Zulong out of the room. "The empire needs you more than me, paperwork won't sign themselves, orders won't give themselves, dreams don't see themselves into fruition."

"Okay, okay, it's just a small checkup," Zulong smiled bashfully. Any other creature will be utterly astounded by this interaction as it was incredibly out of character. Even his own brothers were confused by it when they first met the Guy Daiyu.

"Come on turtle king, as my wife says, we have work to do," Zulong announced bringing his father-in-law away with him.

THOOM!

"Hm?" Zulong quickly looked around tensing for a fight. The turtle king, Gui Daiyu and Ao Jin also tensed. However he sensed nothing hostile nor foreign is he calmed down.

"What was that?" Gui Daiyu asked. Her senses were not as advanced as the dragons but it was strong. But even she did not sense anything.

"It was only a physical aftermath, whatever caused that as quite a distance away," Zulong murmured. He flexed all his senses and caught the tail end of a sound.

A familiar roar that reminded him of his own and the ones of his brethren. "Dragon's roar?" He said star ringing out a nearby window and into the sky. "Signs of a Heavenly Tribulation, a strong one by the looks of it," he said recognising the movement of heavenly energies.

"Could it be?" Zulong mused. "Has that fish crossed the Heavenly Tribulation already?"

"Huh, I guess your cultivation method works for non dragons after all," Gui Daiyu said beside him.

"Heh, haha, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Zulong laughed joyously. "This is wonderful news."

"I guess we should schedule your coronation properly now," his wife chimed in. "As soon as the palace construction finishes?"

"Yes as soon as they finish," Zulong nodded. "We should send invites all across the world. All the continents and all the seas. Let them see the glory that is us the dragons. I see it Yu'er, one nation, one people, all united beneath the name dragon."

"I'll admit, it is a smart way to get everyone to identify as dragon," Gui Daiyu nodded. "I guess I'll begin initiating the advertisement campaign."

"We'll announce it at my coronation," Zulong said. "I'll contact master and get him to send that fish over. A live example visible is always better than things said on paper."

'Hmph, what Phoenix Sovereign? What Qilin Sovereign? Nothing can stand against me and my dragons,' Zulong thought viciously.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

A long time ago, Zulong vowed to become sovereign of the universe. At the time, he thought he could do so with overwhelming strength and charisma. He committed himself to years of training within the east sea. However, he discovered no one was willing to follow him inspite of his strength and mercy.

Years later, he returned and gained great reputation as a successful city lord. He had a good reputation and strong backing that to the people of the east sea made him the successor of their god.

After that, the dragon became wise and cautious. He wished for an unshakable foundation and studied the situation of the world through personal travels. He learned and understood the nature of the places he wanted to rule. He learned and adopted ideas from outside.

The vision he foresaw was a world united under one banner. Dragons, the supreme clan of the empire. This word will not represent just the Primordial Celestial Dragon Clan, it represented all inhabitants of the seas. It was cultivation, it was a culture, it was everyone.

Zulong chuckled merrily toasting himself. The event had set in and the sun star was no longer in view. The watchful gaze of the lunar star now illuminated the world as the ancestral dragon poured himself a cup of spiritual wine.

"Ah! Life is great," he cheered. His celebratory mood could not be ruined at this point. He was essentially done with the preparatory steps and had made such progress that he'd overtaken the avians and the beasts for sure.

"What Phoenix? What Qilin? Just a peacock and a horsey overreaching their place," Zulong snorted with contempt. "Just a slap of my tail already sent them both packing. Hmph, just a bunch of small fries."

Zulong chugged down the drink with eagerness. "Ah, nothing like master's homebrew wine," he winced at the singing from his throat. The chaotic energy from the void harvested and mixed into the drink could tear apart even the bodies of Golden Immortals.

Only top tier powerhouses like Zulong can casually drink this wine without decapitating themselves in the process. The dragon quite liked the buzz it gave him.

"Zulong, do you think you should be gloating so early?" Gui Daiyu asked worriedly. "After all, those two are still incredibly powerful existences."

"And? I've beaten both of them easily and if it wasn't for some tricks they would've been dead," the dragon sneered at the memory. "That horsey is lucky he has such a useful gift. Trust me Yu'er, once I have him cornered, I'll take his head."

"Just be cautious, those tricks you've mentioned are still incredibly dangerous. I mean causality manipulation and instant recovery? Even you can't manage that," Gui Daiyu sighed taking a sip of her own cup. Her glass was filled with fruit juices instead of wine.

"Hmph, horsey's luck will run out eventually. He's stupid to waste his karmic luck like that. I can do the exact same thing he did for an even longer period of time. But that's just wasting the luck of my nation," Zulong said.

"If he was so confident to use it all without hesitation, then he must have some way to replenish them," Gui Daiyu said cautiously. "It's not that I don't know you're stronger, but those two, especially the northern Qilin seem to have a lot more hidden."

"Unless he goes around being a good samaritan every second of his life, that kind of luck usage isn't something he can replenish," Zulong scoffed. "There won't be a next time Yu'er. You should be more concerned about your own wellbeing and our child's not some nobodies who can do nothing but run."

Gui Daiyu smiled softly, her earrings glistening along with her. "I suppose I should. He's coming along very healthy."

"His? You divined it already?"

"Just a feeling," the turtle said. "He'd be a strong one. Neither of us were weak when we conceived. He'd be born an immortal at the very least."

"He better be, he's the son of Zulong," the proud dragon said triumphantly. "As the son of the dragon, of course he'd grow up to be a powerhouse."

"Don't you mean because he's the son of Guy Daiyu?" His wife smirked.

"Of course, it'll be because of both of us," Zulong said smiling brightly along with his wife. He felt nothing in this world could stop him now. He had a family he could count on, powerful subordinates, an indestructible foundation, and enough luck to choke on. What could possibly halt this dragon's march?

"By the way, would lord Da Hai be coming here soon?" Gui Daiyu asked.

"Of course, I sent the invitation letter myself," Zulong said with mock hurt. "Master deserves the best invitation. No mere message crystal would ever suffice, especially not for this occasion."

"Hm, it seems only yesterday when we were still planning how best to take the other three seas," Gui Daiyu mused smiling fondly at the memory. "You thought it'll take another five thousand years, not less than a hundred. Now only a few hundred years later, you're ready to crown yourself." She raised her cup forward.

"What can I say? The heavens favour me," Zulong raised his wine cup and toasted her. "So further successes and great fortune."

"To further successes and great fortune," Gui Daiyu replied.

…

The golden light of merit hovered over Zulong's eye. He'd been observing his own karmic luck and even though this was probably the hundredth time he probed himself, the amount still astounded him.

"Naturally of course" he mused smiling giddily. He could sense some amount of luck had been diminished no doubt due to the good fortune he'd been experiencing. But he also felt it increasing to fill out the gap.

Zulong's source of luck was like a burning star in comparison to the torches everyone else held. He was incomparable to even the most fortunate of individuals.

Only the other sovereigns could in theory rival Zulong's own luck. He couldn't be sure of theirs as their location was not only too far but their cultivation would bar even his senses. But he was sure they were combined, still less than a fraction of his own.

"It is only natural as it is me," he mused giddily. With so much fortune at his fingertips, he was practically invincible. His dragon empire is bound to continuously grow to an unrivalled state.

What Phoenix Sovereign? What Qilin Sovereign? What Devil Ancestor? Can all three of them even compare to the mighty dragon and his seas? This was the continuous thought running through Zulong's mind.

Zulong stood on the highest balcony of the east sea dragon palace overlooking the east sea. His celestial eyes oversaw the ocean in all directions. The east sea capital, Xuanlong Cheng was a marvel. Thousands of times larger than his first city and equipped with a farm stronger formation.

"Your majesty?" A voice called out.

Zulong turned his head slowly and glared at annoyance. He'd been peacefully marvelling at his work. To be snapped out of it was simply rude.

"What is it Ao Hu?" He asked in annoyance. The dragon he was speaking to was one of the stronger dragons with special status within the palace. He was a fairly powerful Taiyi Golden Immortal.

"A thousand apologies your majesty but special guests have arrived," the dragon said apologetically. Zulong in his bout of annoyance had unwittingly released a surge of powerful energy. Even this Taiyi Golden Immortal couldn't help but feel an intrinsic fear of dealing with a vastly superior being.

The chasm between both members of the dragon race was immense. Despite Ao Hu being functionally similar to Zulong with no lesser disadvantages in terms of the dragon bloodline, he was still a mere ant in comparison to Zulong's star.

"Ladies Er Fei'e, San Fei'e, Si Fei'e, Wu Fei'e, Liu Fei'e, and Chi Fei'e are here," he quickly said.

"My junior sisters are here? That was fast, the letter was only sent out days ago," Zulong contemplated. The location of the East Sea Dragon Palace wasn't that close to Yingzhou. Then again, Yingzhou could shift its location even though Da Hai never really used that ability.

"When did they arrive?" The dragon patriarch asked calming down.

"Moments ago your majesty. The exalted ladies arrived at the city edges and were immediately invited here," Ao Hu stated.

Nodding in understanding, Zulong said, "Invite them over to the largest guest hall on the right wing. I shall meet them there." He turned around and teleported out of view fading out of existence similar to all others in Yingzhou's lineage.

Zulng reappeared at the designated guest hall and sat down at the main seat. He sat there for around ten minutes before servants began coming in with sets of tea and snacks imported from the east continent. They were picking up popularity among the inhabitants among the sea and dragon clans.

Zulong didn't have to wait long. Only about an hour passed before six of the seven moth fairies arrived. They were all stunningly beautiful resembling snow women with hints of illusionary prowess.

"Junior apprentice sisters, welcome to my domain," Zulong greeted.

"We sisters greet eldest senior brother," the moth fairies said in unison saluting him before taking their seats. They were served plenty of tea and snacks as a show of good faith from the elder dragon.

"Haha, no need to stand on occasion, we've all known each other for too long for that," Zulong said jollily. "Take a seat and try some of these delicacies."

"Thank you senior brother." "Ooooh, what are these?" Er Fei'e and Liu Fei'e said together.

"Commodities from the east continent," Zulong said. "Nothing much, but they are quite good."

The dragon sat back and watched as the sapient moth cultivators tried all sorts of snacks. They were surprisingly good at appraising them. Zulong curiously wondered what they've been up to since being promoted to in name disciples.

"So, what brought you all here?" He asked. He'd initially assumed they arrived due to his invitation letter to his upcoming coronation. However, that event was still a few decades off.

Da Hai was also not present and he knew his master will come to such an event. What's more telling was that they arrived here so soon which probably meant they left Yingzhou way before he sent that letter out.

Even Zulong needed a month or so to get to Yingzhou, less if he exhausts himself to his limits but doing so would be hazardous to his health and unnecessary. As such he concluded they were likely here for another matter.

"Oh right," Liu Fei'e yelped while Er and San Fei'e sighed shrugging. Er Fei'e quickly cleared her throat and began declaring her message.

"Actually, master sent us," she said. "Master what's you to return to Yingzhou for a meeting."

"A meeting?" Zulong raised his eyebrow curiously. "What would master want?"

"Unfortunately I have no idea," Er Fei'e said. "He only told us to fetch you and little else."

"Might have to do with the new dragon," Wu Fei'e chimed in. "It was a pretty big commotion. Rocked the whole island and everything."

"Hm, how is he? How strong I mean," Zulong asked about the carp turned dragon.

"Very strong, he broke through to Profound Immortal directly after ascending," Er Fei'e reported. "Surprised us as well, we didn't even know that was possible."

"Right, right, He directly mastered the water element and ascended to Profound Immortal. Though I don't think he's tested his power yet, at least not when we were still there," she added.

"I see," Zulong rubbed his chin. "That's joyous news. Hahahahahaha!" the dragon laughed joyously. "Your's truly's Draconic Dao is a top tier method after all."

"Yes, senior brother's invention was terrifying. I'm a Heavenly Immortal and even I don't think I can pierce that carp dragon's scales," San Fei'e clapped her hands and complimented.

"Heh, little sisters must practise hard. You're all talented and Golden Immortal is not that hard to reach," Zulong praised.

"Very well, if master desires to speak with me then I shall head out in haste," he declared. He stood up and fixed up his black robes. "Will you all be returning with me?" He asked the moths.

"Hm, master didn't give any instructions about that," Er Fei'e placed a finger on her chin in thought. "Can we stay here? We hardly ever leave Yingzhou."

"Sure, I'll settle you all down. Yu'er will love the company," Zulong said. His mood was astonishingly good and has been for many years now. Things could only continue to go up for this dragon.

…

Days later, Zulong notified Gui Daiyu and various ministers. He settled his junior sisters down in royal guest chambers and entrusted the ruling of the east sea to his father-in-law the Primordial Turtle King.

"Take care Yu'er," he informed his wife. "I'll be seeing master now. It probably won't be too long, a couple of months at most."

"Of course, stay safe husband," Gui Daiyu smiled.

"And I you wife," Zulong gave her a passionate kiss.

Gui Daiyu has been pregnant for half a dozen years now. For immortals, it wasn't that strange for them to carry their children for years on end. In Gui Daiyu's case, she was carrying an egg that will itself have an incubation period.

With the immense power of Zulong and Gui Daiyu. The approximate birth of their first child won't be for several hundred to a thousand years. Ten thousand years was also possible if calculated on the higher spectrum of things.

The talent of that child was also expected to be incredibly high. Zulong was hopeful for them to be born a Heavenly Immortal. Perhaps even a Golden Immortal if he was extremely lucky. That was on the same level as first generation innate creatures and innate gods, the highest form of xiantian lifeforms.

"Alright, take care," Zulong announced before departing in a blaze of yellow and black light. His titanic body unfurled beneath the waves. He shot like a torpedo eastward directly for Yingzhou.

PLOOM!

Zulong broke out of the ocean surface ascending for the clouds. He flew as high as he can without punching into the void laughing joyfully. Looking down upon the world, the dragon performed twirls and hoops mid air.

Zulong felt like the top of the world. He couldn't wait to see and report to Da Hai once again. For the past years, he'd only communicated through messages but never face to face.

Now faced with the prospects of reporting his successes face to face. Zulong simply couldn't contain his excitement. He was unlike a regal monarch and more like a child who just won his first competition.

Clouds danced around the serpentine dragon's body resembling carriages hurrying the dragon along. His speed with his current cultivation was far higher than 99.99% of living creatures within the primitive world.

"Yingzhou, here I come," he announced in the air. For someone who's lived most of their life on that island, Zulong was incredibly familiar with the celestial mountain. What's more, he was one of the few capable of tracking it despite its natural disposition.

After two months of flight, Zulong finally detected the mystical energies of Yingzhou. This celestial mountain was one of the best in the world. Its environment was incredibly suitable for cultivation, more so then the East Sea Dragon Palace.

Zulong felt that his master deserved nothing less. This same great ancestor who produced the Sovereign of the Sea, Patriarch of Dragons, and Ancestor of the Draconic Dao.

Zulong entered the illusionary Barries of Yingzhou, crossing the brief areas of chaos that lied between. Yingzhou was an island that was simultaneously within the primitive world yet simultaneously not. It was perpetually out of reach if iso desired. Perpetually distant if you will.

The astronomical size of the dragon shifted back into his handsome human form. Zulong was incredibly handsome by human standards and appeared to be a young man in his mid-twenties. His black and yellow robes were elaborate depicting his vast wealth and power.

"Master, I am here," Zulong announced triumphantly with a salute. He strolled up the path leading up to Da Hai's palace brimming with confidence.

Da Hai's resident was a grand place, well maintained and regularly updated by his disciples over the years. Over time, it became grander than originally intended. Zulong, Yinglong, Yi Fei'e etc all had a good eye for architectural design after all.

"Junior sister," Zulong greeted Yi Fei'e who was awaiting him. Beside her stood a young man appearing sixteen years old with long hair and dragon antlers. "Fish, I didn't even recognise you," he said.

"Senior brother," Yi Fei'e returned the greeting. "It is good to see you visit again. I assume my sisters are staying in the East Sea Dragon Palace?"

"Yes, they said they didn't spend much time outside so why not?" Zulong shrugged

"Indeed, it will do them well to gain some experience. I just hope they won't make trouble for senior brother," Yi Fei'e said.

"Master," the carp dragon bowed to Zulong at a stiff ninety degree. "I still have not thanked master for granting me the Draconic Dao."

"Hm, I guess that will make you an apprentice of mine. Do you have a name?" Zulong asked.

"This one was named Shao Koi by my mother," the newly arisen dragon said.

"Small Koi? That won't do, you need a powerful name," Zulong scratched his chin in thought. "You preserved hard to reach this state, so how about Jian Koilong?"

"Persevere Koi dragon? Thank you for granting me this name," Jian Koilong said.

"Of course, you are a member of my Primordial Celestial Dragon clan now, not some fish living in a pond," Zulong waved. "You'll join me in the East Sea Dragon Palace once I return."

"Of course," Jian Koilong accepted. He had never really fit in with the carps raised on Yingzhou in the first place and he'd already scarred most of them half to death. Might as well find a new future.

Yi Fei'e stood on the side and opened the door for Zulong. The massive doors swing open into a massive empty hall held up by sturdy pillars.

Da Hai's hall was decorated with statues of corals, pots, and weapons such as spears, swords, and halberds. The floor tiles were navy blue with the pillars being hugged by flairs of yellow, red, green, and light blue.

Da Hai sat meditating on the Dao in a lotus position upon the 12th grade white lotus at the elevated platform. Despite being in human form, he appeared to be thousands of metres tall and filled up the hall like a buddha statue at a temple.

Da Hai opened his eyes smiling softly, "You've come."

"Of course, master commands and disciple obeys," Zulong said kowtowing to Da Hai respectfully.

Da Hai's massive form disappeared into a middle aged man with yellow hair standing just above 1.7 metres tall. He was shorter than Zulong but had a presence that felt even larger.

The disparages in cultivation was put full on display. Da Hai's understanding into the Dao made him far more mystical than Zulong. Though despite this, in terms of combat ability, the two were more comparable than one would expect.

"It is good to see you in good health disciple," Da Hai smiled softly. "I've been watching from afar from all these years and I couldn't be prouder."

"Haha, nothing much master, nothing much. I merely got lucky after all," Zulong smiled.

"Yes, congratulations by the way," Da Hai said.

"How did you?" Zulong asked before slapping his forehead. 'Of course, master knows everything.'

"Yes, Yu'er is carrying our child. With the empire on the rise, my subordinates getting stronger, my successes are too many to name. Soon, master, soon my dream will be accomplished," Zulong said. "Then I'll deal with master's enemies too, devilish Dao and that Hongjun."

"Zulong…" Da Hai tried to interrupt.

"Do not worry master, I've been extremely careful. My foundations are already set and I'm ready to take the next step. After I announce myself the Heavenly Dao will offer its protection as well and my power will evolve even further," Zulong promised.

"No Zulong, that is," Da Hai grimaced uncomfortably.

"I know, tough opponents. But I know my limits. I can surpass them in time. In time, we can eliminate all threats to us," Zulong said. "My luck is also superb, no misfortune can befall us, you can be assured of that."

"That's the thing Zulong," Da Ha sighed. "I…I don't think you should be sovereign."

'What?' Was Zulong's only startled thought.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The great hall of the ancestor of the great sea was completely still. Silence permeated both men who stood opposing one another. So quiet that the sound of the drop of a pin would blanket the entire hall.

Da Hai's posture was one of resignation. He did not smile nor did he seem happy at what was said. However, his eyes carried a look of conviction. The great immortal observed his disciple who seemed to be taken aback.

For the first time in aeons, the ancestral dragon was taken aback. He looked utterly confused at what just came out of his master's mouth. His handsome face seemed to be struggling to grasp those words.

'I don't think you should be sovereign.'

For a Da Luo Golden Immortal, their minds could casually move far beyond the speed of light. A mind boggling amount of simulations could race through their minds in the span of a second.

Yet Zulong was completely taken aback for more than a minute. For sixty entire seconds he did not respond. He merely kept that confused look, his mind struggling to keep up.

"Zu…" Da Hai began before his disciple broke out into a hearty laugh. He laughed as if he heard the greatest joke in the world.

"AAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Zulong laughed uncontrollably. Eventually the humorous sound got slower and slower while he held a hand over his stomach until it stopped. "Ah, thank you master, I needed that."

"You know, I hadn't heard such a good joke in…well since ever. You really got me there," Zulong wiped a tear from his eye. "Never knew you could joke so well, I always thought aunt master was the funny one. Guess you learn something new every day."

"Zulong," Da Hai said seriously standing confidently straight. In contrast, Zulong's relaxed posture was still spasming with laughter.

"So what did you want to talk to me about?" Zulong asked smiling.

"Zulong I'm serious here," Da Hai said. His face was one that meant seriousness. No hint of joke nor jest was found.

"Seriously though master, quite it with the jest," Zulong sighed. However, his smile stiffened. "If it's anything important, we really should…should…"

Zulong gradually stopped smiling. His expression of happiness gave way to one that was neither smiling nor frowning. His mouth was merely a flat line.

"You're serious," Zulong said slowly as if questioning his every word. "You're being fully serious," he mused straightening his back and leaning back slightly.

"Fuck, you're serious," Zulong took half a step back. He took a few breathes to recompose himself whispering, "You're serious," again and again. All this while Da Hai sighed in defeat as well.

"Yes disciple, I believe it would for the best if you relinquish this goal of sovereignty," Da Hai said strongly.

Zulong starred at his master with a look of confusion. "Wha…Why?" He uttered. "If you haven't noticed, I'm doing great out there. Living beings in eight directions praise my name. They sing my name and worship my rule."

"My enemies dare not cross me. My enemies have never triumphed over me. Even a godfiend ancestor of the previous era fell by my hands like a farmer killing chickens," Zulong said in a tone that spoke of how obvious it all was.

"If you're worried about my arrogance then it's easily manageable," Zulogn continued not letting Da Hai get a word in. "I've made precautions against that. My brothers know when to obey and disobey. My wife can work around my more egotistical moments. I can correct any mistakes if you see any," he tried with a hint of desperation.

Da Hai shook his head, "You don't understand, it's much more complicated than that." The sea god sighed.

"Complicated how? Hm?" Zulong folded his arms giving Da Hai a disbelieving look. "Do you not believe in me anymore? Not even after all I've done to prove myself?"

"There are mechanisms in place in this world, mechanisms that will see to it for you to die. Destiny itself is against you Zulong. No matter how much success you're seeing now, eventually, the dragons will fall. Your descendants cursed with an unplayable debt of sin," Da Hai said.

"So what, you divined some horrible fate awaited me?" Zulong scoffed. "Master you know as well as I do that the future is never set in stone. Divination only takes you so far and no future is ever guaranteed."

"This is not divination, it is the future Zulong. I have seen it," Da Hai begged. "Trust in your master. If you follow through with this path you will only bring yourself ruin. No ambition is worth your life."

"Do you even hear yourself?" Zulong was flabbergasted. "You…I…master, you can't seriously believe this…this…bullshit you're spouting."

"Every word Zulong. Your enemies are the least of your worries. The dragon, phoenix, qilin are all doomed to this fate. Years from now, your endless battles will cause a disaster unlike any other which will set this world on fire. One which you will not survive," Da Hai argued. "Please Zulong, return to Yingzhou. Abandoning this path is for the best."

"FUCK THAT!" Zulong roared startling Da Hai who flinched back. "You can't expect me the just follow through with that. I have come so far, SO FAR. I cannot…No, I REFUSE to quit."

The great hall flared up with an apocalyptic draconic might. The floor tiles cracked, the pillars trembled. As if responding to his rage, the great hall which once held many aspiring cultivators of the east sea quivered.

"I don't care what future you think you saw or what's gotten into your head. But I have come too far to turn my back now," Zulong declared sending Da Hai an enraged look. "And frankly, I don't care. I decided I am the Dragon Sovereign and that is who I will be."

"STOP!" Da Hai shouted back ceasing the rumbling. "I did not teach you to mindlessly throw your life away. I am trying to save your life. The path of a sovereign will only end in tragedy."

"Rich coming from you," Zulong scoffed.

"What?" The aged master said. "Zulong understand what I'm saying. The Heavenly Dao picked out this path for you from the moment you were born. Your desire to become sovereign is a preset desire programmed into you and will only lead to your and your family's deaths. Your thirst for power will make this world bleed and in turn, it will kill you and curse your people."

"Do you hear yourself master? Teaching me? Do you think I'm stupid? Do you think me blind? From the moment I entered your sect you've been preparing me for this path. Administration? Warfare? Logistics? Kingship? Even if that is true, YOU WERE THE ONE WHO WAS PUSHING ME FOR THIS," Zulong roared pointing accusingly at Da Hai.

Da Hai was shocked silent. He was completely taken aback and did not know how to respond. Zulong took a deep breath to calm down. "So don't tell me that bullshit master," the dragon said.

The look Zulong gave was one of utter disappointment. He shook his head and sighed. "I apologise, my rage got to me," he muttered. "But I will not back down master. I will never leave this path."

Da Hai narrowed his gaze in frustration. "I can't let you die," he said. In an instant, the power of a Hunyuan Golden Immortal flooded the great hall. This time, it was a calm restraining aura.

Zulong widened his eyes in betrayal. He wordlessly questioned Da Hai on his stance. The dragon gripped his fists hard, veins popped out blaring in rage.

"This is for your own good. Let Zufeng and Zulin kill each other over this world. Don't let the Heavenly Dao or anyone else manipulate you to your doom. You don't have to follow the script, get out while you still can," Da Hai urged.

Zulong merely shook his head. His muscles tensed, he opened his eyes and glared at his master, his mentor for nearly fifty thousand years, his father in all but blood. "You hypocrite," he said.

Da Hai was taken aback as an equally majestic aura washed over the room. Zulong unleashed his immortal might pushing Da Hai's back freeing himself. However, the dragon made no other movements.

"For a while now, I knew. You're not nearly as subtle as you think. I worked it out," Zulong stated calmly. "But I never cared, I was grateful to you for showing me the way. So I'm only going to ask you for confirmation."

Da Hai widened his eyes completely taken aback. The look Zulong sent was a clam look of anger mixed with betrayal. This look cut deeply into the ancient sea god.

"You intended to use me, my brothers, and now I guess my empire for your own means. You wanted us to be your allies…no, your fodder against your enemies. The ancestors Luohu and Hongjun," Zulong said.

Da Hai opened his mouth only to close it again. He wordlessly nodded.

"You saw us as pawns for your own schemes cause you alone was not strong enough. You desired to use me and I'm guessing the other two as well. From the beginning, we were your cannon fodder," Zulong said.

Da Hai nodded once again.

"I suppose you also saw aunt master the same?" The dragon added.

"I'm trying to make amends," Da Hai said looking utterly defeated. His aura had completely receded into himself while Zulong's remained bare. "You are all important to me, I don't want you to meet that fate."

"I failed brother Huoyun in the past," Da Hai began shedding tears as he said so. "I saw my brother die helplessly and I was consumed by the thirst for vengeance. But all that ended up doing was push everyone else away. I didn't see what was in front of me until it was too late."

The image of the moon goddess and the ancestor of the universe appeared in Da Hai's mind. Although the latter wasn't as close with him, Qiankun was still a friend of sorts.

"Please Zulong, I don't want you to die. Not you, not Yinglong, not Qinglong, not Wangshu, not Yi Fei'e, not Er Fei'e, not, San Fei'e, not Si Fei'e, not Wu Fei'e, not Qi Fei'e," Da Hai sent Zulong a pleading look.

"No one decided for me," Zulong said meeting Da Hai eye to eye. "I chose this path for myself. Perhaps due to self entitlement at first. But I have grown a genuine desire to do so. I am the leader of the east sea. I am the monarch in the hearts of my dragons."

"Yes master, when I was young I believed that I as a being born from Pangu's Yang Qi that it was my god given right to stand as sovereign of the world. But you changed that and I will always be grateful to you as my master," Zulong said sadly.

"Without you, I'd never have realised the error of my ways. Never have met Yu'er. Never seen so much success in my life," Zulong gave a soft sad smile. "Never have gathered so many who'd wish to follow me without beating them over the heads. East sea, south sea, north sea, west sea, non of them would've gone down without a drawn out war."

His foot shifted and he turned his back on the sea god. "But now I truly want to be the sovereign so many already see me as. I will fight for sovereignty whether you're with me or against me."

He took one step, then another, then another. Zulong, the proud ancestral dragon began steadily walking away from Da Hai. The old sea god merely stood silently watching his eldest and most precious disciple leave.

"Zulong," Da Hai called out. However, the dragon ignored him and kept going. Da Hai did not move from his spot, he watched as the dragon closed in on the door.

Zulong could feel tears running down his cheek. He could not describe everything he was feeling as of this moment. But what he did know was that he needed to see Gui Daiyu.

Suddenly, Zulong felt a force pulse into his mind. He whirled around to defend only to feel no malicious intent. Instead, he felt memories flow into his mind.

Texts upon texts, stories upon stories, theories upon theories. Each covered by their own biases and differing events. But all followed the same outline. Then other information flowed in, events of the past, figures Zulong had never seen before only heard of.

He saw figures battling through the cosmos. Of the beings who most likely inspired his appearance. That titanic Chaos Sky Dragon among the chaos godfiends. He saw the original godfiend named Da Hai and his travels with Yang Mei and Huoyun.

He saw the events leading up to the Shenni war. Of the pathetic being that grew to become his master. Of how that being struggled to find himself. Of how he found his true self and grew in strength. Of the helplessness he felt when Huoyun fell inspite of all he gained.

He saw the man the ancestor of the five elements was. How kind yet hardened he was. How wise and strong he was. Zulong felt his heart move as the memories flowed into him.

He turned his head around and met Da Hai's gaze. A level of understanding was reached wordlessly. However, Zulong's expression did not change. Then he turned back and exited the great hall.

…

"Senior brother! What was that?" Yi Fei'e's panicking figure was the first thing that came into Zulong's view.

When he saw her, Zulong felt like kicking himself for recklessly blowing up like that. His junior sister was not strong enough to resist him if he truly unleashed. Luckily the great palace was in the way.

Zulong glanced back and saw the dishevelled appearance of Da Hai's palace. Cracks were everywhere and the building looked like it might collapse anytime.

"Why was going on in there?" Yi Fei'e urgently asked. "The doors wouldn't open no matter what I did and…and… Is master alright? Were you two attacked?"

"He's fine," Zulong said wiping his face of his tears. "Master just needs some space."

"Are you okay?" The moth immortal asked stepping closer worriedly. Zulong instantly knew why. His appearance probably wasn't in the best state to meet people in.

"I am, just had to get some things off my chest. A bit of a disagreement is all," he dismissed. He began walking past the moth and up to Jian Koilong who was hugging himself in a metal position.

"Get up, you make a mockery of dragons with that attitude," Zulong commanded.

"Huh? Uh yes master," Jian Koilong hurriedly said but Zulong held up his palm.

"I am not your master, I am your patriarch as you are a member of my Primordial Celestial Dragon Clan," he corrected. "Follow me, we're heading back."

"O…Okay," Jian Koilong obeyed getting up. He looked back at Yi Fei'e before deciding to obey the dragon's instructions.

Yi Fei'e starred at Zulong's back contemplatively. "Will you be coming back?" She asked.

"Unlikely," Zulong said without stopping.

"I'll always be here for you. We fellow disciples," she said hopefully.

"Yes," Zulong said glancing back. "We're all fellow disciples beneath the ancestor of the great sea." He turned back around and guided Koilong away from Yingzhou. He didn't plan on coming back.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Silence, the only way to describe the return trip was melancholic silence. An uncomfortably awkward melancholic silence. Jian Koilong was too nervous to start a conversation and Zulong was all but ignoring his existence.

No extra movements were made, no attempts to flex their abilities. As a Da Luo Golden Immortal, Zulong's very movements would bring enlightenment onto ascended beings and drive mortals insane. His very presence when unrestricted would bathe entire islands for the primitive world with mysterious phenomenons.

However, none of that was shone. No elaborate aura, no beautiful clouds, not even a dancing dragon. Just a man riding a cloud with his hands behind his straight back accompanied by a visibly uncomfortable teenager.

Jian coiling found his interactions with his patriarch to be deeply unnerving. Zulong did not even spare him one look, only looking ahead. In fact, the ascended dragon dare say he wasn't even looking ahead or in any direction.

Jian Koilong grew up the runt of his school. He was the one carp everyone ignored. The one who got the least. But he was also the most observant one.

Zulong had a very good poker face. So good in fact, that Jian Koilong could not discern his feeling. But years of experience gave him a feeling that indicated to the ancestral dragon's feelings.

If Jian Koilong had to describe it with one word, it would be chaotic.

It was deeply concerning. However, the lesser dragon did not dare bring it up. The earlier shaking of Yingzhou taught him just how far apart they were. They weren't even in the same dimension of power.

The trip passed like this for a month. At a speed Jian Koilong didn't think possible, Zulong crossed the ocean on a ride of clouds. After a little over two months, Jian Koilong yelped in surprise as Zulong abruptly dropped them both into the sea.

The sudden influx of salt Walter assaulted the ascended dragon who was experiencing such different water in such quantities for the first time in his life. However, he got used to it quickly after the initial shock.

The east sea was truly vast. The sea floor wasn't even visible from Jian Koiling's position. Millions of small lights floated in the distance, rising mountains filled with corals and sea grass. The ocean made Jian Koilong feel infinitely small.

"Come on, we have a schedule to keep," Zulong said coldly. He motioned for Jian Koilong to follow him then disappeared in a burst of speed leaving a torrent in his wake.

"Wait for me," Jian Koilong hurriedly followed after the dragon. His element infused body was tailored for such an environment due to him tackling the Heavenly Water Qi first. His speed was significantly slower though and it took him half an hour before he saw Zulong again.

The dragon appeared incredibly impatient. He raised his right hand and Jian Koilong felt an instant tug on his person. He lost all control as Zulong dragged him at impossible speeds down into the depths of the ocean.

As they went, Jian Koilong sensed more and more. Millions, no billions of living beings existed below. The amount of natural primordial Qi flowing through this place was also incredibly high. Not as high as Yingzhou but it was definitely the largest he'd felt since leaving.

'Must be one of those spiritual veins I've heard about,' he realised. A spiritual vein was a natural phenomenon that was essentially a layline running beneath the primitive world. They were gathering spots for large amounts of primordial Qi, perfect places for setting up a base.

'No wonder he'd set it up here,' Jian Koilong thought when the city came into view. It was built along two mountains and a valley and was enormous in scale.

The East Sea Dragon Palace itself was situated at an elevated hill and was a city in and of itself. It was truly larger than even Da Hai's palace and represented the definition of the word 'Power'.

"This is Kailong Chen," Zulong said without looking back. "This will be your home from now on. The Primordial Celestial Dragon clan compounds are within the East Sea Dragon Palace. That will be your future residence."

"Yes patriarch," Jian Koilong said bowing.

"As I will soon be taking the next step in my ascension. You will address me as your majesty when in public. Though in private among other dragons, you may call me patriarch or ancestor," Zulong instructed.

"Understood, your majesty," Jian Koilong replied.

Zulong nodded and proceeded to take them both into the East Sea Dragon Palace. He directly blitzed over the city deciding Jian Koilong can explore it at his own leisure. It was more important to introduce him to the dragon higher ups after all.

When he touched down gently on the courtyard of the royal palace, Zulong couldn't help but feel how empty it was. Not in the sense of people, there were plenty here. But just that many of those he knew personally and were close to were not here.

His wife remained in the east as well as his father-in-law. However, he was never that close with the latter beyond an awkward tutor. His brothers and closest allies were also spread across the four seas.

No one had noticed him yet as Zulong was very restrained. His regal presence was not felt nor noticed. He simply touched down on the stone floor as fast as possible and too fast for anyone to catch with their eyes.

"Ao Ping, get over here," Zulong called out through mental transmission. The elder dragon he called was one of the first generation powerhouses who reached Taiyi Golden Immortal.

It was barely a few seconds before Ao Ping appeared and kowtowed before Zulong. "Welcome back your majesty," he announced.

It was then that the many servants coming about noticed Zulong's arrival. They immediately went down on their knees and kowtowed for forgiveness in not noticing their ruler's descent.

Zulong shook his head, "Ao Ping, this is Jian Koilong, the first ascendant dragon. Take him and inaugurate him into the clan."

"Yes your majesty," Ao Ping said. "Nice to meet you Jian Koilong. I am Ao Ping, a grand elder of the Primordial Celestial Dragon clan."

"Uh yeah, nice to meet you," Jian Koilong returned awkwardly. He looked around and saw that his escort, Zulong was already gone.

"Let's go, the clan compound is this way," Ao Ping said bringing Jian Koilong away. "Get back to work," he commanded the servants still on their knees before leaving.

…

Gui Daiyu looked out her window curiously. One of the dragon elders had sped out in a burst of power towards the central courtyard. The former turtle princess noticed this and looked out to see what was going on.

Her empress palace was situated towards the back, behind the Central Heavenly Supreme Palace. However, her room was tall enough to overlook many buildings. Her enhanced eyes could also catch everything in the front entrance.

"What's going on?" He thought curiously, her book of alchemy forgotten. A sudden flash snapped her attention back to her bedroom. Zulong stood there appearing very downcast, very unlike his usual self.

"Husband? You're back already?" Gui Daiyu began saying before she was enveloped in a hug. "Ah, what a surprise," she uttered smiling but noticed his mood. "Is something wrong?"

Zulong sighed hugging her tighter. He began kissing her neck causing her to yelp in shock. "Well, I guess you missed me a lot more than I thought you would," Gui Daiyu joked. What followed was a long night of passion.

…

"Now are you going to tell me what is wrong?" Gui Daiyu asked leaning back in her large bed. Zulong cuddled next to her and sighed. "Zulong, I'm not dumb. What's bothering you?"

"I never thought you were," the dragon said. "Just…some things are hard to say."

"What happened on Yingzhou?" She asked seriously. "You're acting way out of character and not in a good way."

"Revelations," Zulong said depressingly. "Revelations about master, about me, about my role, about this world and the past. The future as well, believe it or not. Some things that put a new shine on my perspective, not necessarily a good one."

"I don't follow," Gui Daiyu said in contemplation. "You not implying the exalted lord is our enemy are you?" She gasped in shock.

"No, and he never will be," Zulong shook his head cuddling closer. "But we can count on him to defend us. But we can't count on him to help us."

"What? But he's your master. He's the backing of our four seas empire and the Primordial Dragon Clan," she listed.

"Yes, he's my greatest backer. But I don't think he'd be willing to be my empire's backer," Zulong said. "But that doesn't matter." The dragon looked lovingly at his wife.

"I am the dragon. I am all the backer this empire needs," he promised.

"Tall order, there are beings in this world more powerful than you," Gui Daiyu said.

"I'll grow to surpass them. I'll continue to refine my strength. Continue to improve. I'll show master I won't bend over for fate," he said gripping his fist.

"This future," Gui Daiyu said. "Is it truly so bad?"

Zulong leaned close to Gui Daiyu. His forehead touched hers and he began sharing what he'd seen. Everything that had to do with the path of heavenly destiny. He'd left out all of Da Hai's private details though, it would've been disrespectful otherwise.

Gui Daiyu shuddered after the transfer of memories was over. She looked fearfully at Zulong and clutched her slightly bulging stomach.

"We'll have to be careful," Zulong said. "From now on, we'd have to be extra careful in how we do things. Our karmic luck must not be allowed to fall. We must not allow our negative karma to exceed our positive karma."

"I understand," his wife replied gently. "In that case, I assume you'd still follow through with your coronation."

"The preparations should be done in a few decades. Probably even less. But yes, I will crown myself for all the world to see. Let the Heavenly Dao witness me in all my glory," Zulong promised. "I will fight for my goal. But Yu'er, I will not die and leave you behind, this I vow above all else."

"I'll hold you to that," the primordial turtle said giving the dragon a kiss.

…

Sitting upon an elaborate throne of made of smooth azure stone. The emperor of beasts, Zulin sat with his head leaning on his knuckle. His royal palace was located high up in the mountains, above the clouds on the highest peak of the north continent.

"Your majesty, reports on the northern borders," a lion minister said handing over a scroll.

Zulin hovered the scroll before him and read it twice. "Hmph, let them have that desolate water hole. The true riches of the north have long since dissipated into the continent proper," he dismissed.

"Your majesty, are we to continue pushing southwards?" The lion minister asked. Zulin sent him a look of annoyance as if he just said the dumbest thing in the world.

"What do you think," Zulin sneered. The lion realising his mistake immediately began apologising, however, Zulin merely tuned him out.

"I tire of this session. Court dismissed," Zulin ordered sending the thousands of ministers out of his Grand Heavenly Palace. All except one.

This young minister appeared very young, only around twelve years old. However, he had an intelligent look to him that made him stand out.

This boy was exceptionally handsome lacking any fat. He was lean and fit and appeared very effeminate with no facial hair unlike Zulin's beard. What's more, he heavily resembled Zulin and had antlers of his own.

"Emperor father, you shouldn't bully around our vassals too much," the boy criticised. "They are important assets to our empire and their loyalties are necessary."

"What do you understand boy? In front of the main force, these vassals are merely decorations," Zulin said in dismissal. "You should be cultivating like the rest of your siblings. Your old man can deal with the court."

"I like playing in the court," the boy said mischievously.

"Qi An, don't make me discipline you," Zulin warned playfully.

"Of course not emperor father," Qi An shook his head. "I bring peace to the court. I have no intention of bothering you. My purpose here is merely to help you."

"Hmph, good boy, you did a good job with the Savage Eagles," Zulin praised. "I don't know if any of your siblings could match up with you."

"They were plotting behind your back emperor father. It was natural for me to dispose of them," Qi An smiled brightly.

"Speaking off, are you really going to ignore the dragons?" Qi An asked.

"The central continent provides a rare opportunity for us," Zuling said. "It is far more important than a mere north sea. Besides, you have clean eyesight, don't you see how fat the pig's becoming?"

"Too fat in my opinion. I don't think even top grade xiantian spiritual treasures can old all that down," Qi An said. "Does make me wonder, are they purposefully luring you in?"

"They shouldn't have any idea what I can do," Zulin dismissed. "My speciality isn't like the dragons nor the phoenix's down south. Don't worry your little head over this son. I'll handle everything."

"Of course emperor father, I have every faith in you," Qi An nodded smiling brightly. In fact, his smile was almost creepy with how wide it was.

"That's my boy, much better than those second hand wastes Zulong produced," Zulin sneered. "Run along now, I want to see you breakthrough in the next thousand years."

"Of course emperor father, have a nice day," Qi An waved goodbye childishly transforming into a beautiful red qilin and sprinting out of the palace on his four hoofs.

Similar to Zulong, Zulin had created his own clan, The Heavenly Qilin Clan. This imperial clan was formed from what life giving recourses Zulin had found over the years that allowed him to create them.

Zulong's actions have merit. Having one's own clan was much better than mindless drones that were bug beasts and the inferior specimens that were the common creatures.

Unlike Zulong, Zulin could not create millions of living beings. He simply did not have that kind of resource. Instead, he used what little he could, mixed with the merits of heaven to create a small but powerful clan of mighty beings.

The ancestral qilin gave birth to a thousand children. These children were all Heavenly Immortals at birth. Nearly all of them had also ascended to the Golden Immortal realm. The son he was most proud of, Qi An, the pacifying prince was a Taiyi Golden Immortal realm expert.

'Oh how lucky I am,' Zulin would often contemplate. He looked eastward in the direction of the East Sea Dragon Palace and sneered.

"You won't even know what hit you," he declared.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

'Where did it all go so wrong?'

Da Hai stood before the Fusang tree alone. He had no other company with him at this moment, merely him and the all powerful life giving tree that acted as the heart of Yingzhou. However, he preferred it this way.

Yi Fei'e was for a lack of better terms, upset. She'd entered secluded cultivation to make her frustrations known. She told Da Hai that she'd be attempting to form the primal unity.

Da Hai did not doubt her. Though he also knew she was partly using cultivation as a distraction.

"Why do I keep fucking up?" Da Hai asked no one in particular. He gazed up at the mystical Fusang tree in anxiety. "Zulong is too set in his way, Qinglong and Yinglong follow him out of love and loyalty but will never deter him."
"I failed as a master," he murmured. "I desecrated all over the duties of a master and disciple and committed the taboo of betrayal. How do I make things right?" He touched the bark of the titanic tree.

"How do I save Zulong if he would not turn away from this path?" Da Hai asked out loud.

The Fusang tree rustled in the wind. It was almost as if it wanted to bend down and comfort its master. The supernatural fruits hanging from its branches, immature yet mystically powerful, glistened beneath the light of the sun star.

Da Hai stood there for an uncertain amount of time. He did nothing except reminisce about the past. It was in these moments that years of regret would pile up once again.

"What can I do?" Da Hai whispered. He'd long stopped cultivating. In truth, all of his 'cultivation' time was spent merely on divination. Peering into the stream of time for beings as strong as Zulong, Wangshu, Hongjun, and Luohu was nigh impossible. Even after so many years, Da Hai had gained nothing.

After so many years, he couldn't make any breakthroughs in his cultivation path. His power had not improved one bit since his fight against Hongjun thousands of years ago.

Da Hai sat down on the meadow and leaned back resting upon the Fusang tree. He closed his eyes and felt the warmth of the celestial tree's pulsing power. Even after so many years, it still surprised him to feel first hand just how much potential energy the Fusang tree has.

"Too bad you can't leave Yingzhou, and Yingzhou can't leave the east sea," he mused disappointingly. "I sometimes wonder, am I only delaying the inevitable? Is the world truly set on a path?"

"Or is it that I unknowingly set the world on the path it'll follow," Da Hai sighed. He rested beside the Fusang tree quietly letting the day pass by.

"Zulong was right about one thing. His karmic luck is extremely high. All these deeds from helping the north sea, the west sea, the south sea, and the east sea. His accomplishments as leader and creator of an entire race. All this contributed to his merit," Da Hai contemplated.

"According to the original timeline, the ancestral dragon never did any of these things. He appeared in the east sea and conquered the four seas with the dragon clan through strength and war. By announcing himself as sovereign, the ancestral dragon gained enormous merit as an investment from the Heavenly Dao."

"However, the dragon, phoenix, and qilin alike squandered this merit. They bathed the primitive world in blood in their three way war invigorated by nothing except a desire for more. Their luck ran dry before they noticed and they were punished."

"The dragon dived back to his place of birth and became the sea eye. His clan forever dutiful in maintaining the sea eye, the greatest source of sin concentrated into a whirlpool that if unleashed will send forth a flood that brings about the apocalypse."

"The phoenix's body and consciousness were all but destroyed. Trapped within the undead volcano in the south sea forbidden an eruption that'll bring about the apocalypse. Phoenixes as a race became scarcely limited to only a few remaining members. They'd all get arrested over time and the phoenix clan itself becomes defunct."

"The qilin disappeared from the world entirely. Reduced to nothing but servants of heaven appearing only when they're commanded. Of the three, the dragons at least were the most well off and maintained a powerbase no matter how depleted they were."

"But they remained miserable, unable to ever rise again and remained as minor figures pushed around by everyone. Their one solace was that their image was immortalised as the imperial symbol."

Da Hai broke out of his musing and gazed eastwards. "In the end, it all comes down to karmic luck," he rubbed his chin in contemplation.

"Zulong has plenty of luck, much more than he should've. This quantity would magnify when he announces himself. Is it enough for him to avoid the tribulation?" He wondered out loud.

"Thinking back, the Supreme Pure One's lineage, Jie school fell due to a similar reason to the dragons. Their negative karma overcame their positive causing them to fall one after the other. But grandmaster Tongtian never mishandled the sect."

Da Hai rubbed his forehead in thought. "Jie school lacked a solid treasure to suppress their luck allowing for their good fortune to escape overtime. But Zulong has the twenty four sea calming pearls and the dragon pearl. He isn't lacking in treasures."

"The sea suppression pearls can suppress luck in the dragon pearl's place," he calmed down after that. He brought his finger up and drew some images in the air. His experiments helped him calculate the amount of karma and the effectiveness of suppression.

Da Hai was intimately familiar with the twenty four sea calming pearls. These little jewels Zulong owned were top tier xiantian spiritual treasures specialising in a variety of abilities from defence, to support, to trapping. It was just that Zulong always preferred to fight in physical combat using his powerful body.

"Wait a second," Da Hai frowned looking at the models in front of him. He took a look eastward towards the East Sea Dragon Palace and changed the numbers slightly. Then he observed the Heavenly Dao, then towards the other two sovereign's auras of karmic luck.

His eyes narrowed as he squinted hard. Crossing continents at this distance was hard even for Da Hai. He strained his eyesight yet only received blurry images. Yet these images did give him a semi-accurate diagram.

Da Hai sat there crosslegged drawing more models in the air. These hovering 3D diagrams depicted a pool of luck and twenty four spheres above them acting as a cage. Da Hai had no doubt Zulong would use the pearls for this, he just wasn't sure it was enough.

"Hmmm," Da Hai frowned deeply at his projections. "If only the twenty four were one. No, that won't help much either, if only they were in their mature forms."

The twenty four sea calming pearls were famous in Chinese mythology. This was because these pearls were nascent universes. At the end of the investiture of the gods, these twenty four pearls would join the nine heavens becoming the complete thirty three heavens.

Together with the three clear heavens, they become a total of thirty six heavens that make up the Heavenly Realm. It was said that each of these heavens were entire universes ruled by a ruling emperor. At the thirty third heaven, the Great Overreaching Heaven sat the Numinous Sky Palace and the Jade Emperor.

It was not until the Dipankara Ancient Buddha received these pearls did they fully mature. Da Hai despite the years he'd spent with Zulong never felt them react like legends described. He doubts they would be anywhere near as powerful.

"Luck is good, but too much luck becomes a burden," Da Hai gazed intently at the model. Zulong's future was practically overflowing with luck. So much luck in fact that nothing would be able to suppress it. It'll Leake out over time leaving much of it wasted on miscellaneous things.

"He'd need something specialised into suppressing his luck. Else he risks losing his fortune," Da Hai gripped his head thinking of how to approach this problem.

He'd held countless xiantian spiritual treasures over time but they were mostly low rank with some mid rank. None of them were anywhere near powerful enough to do what was needed.

Da Hai leaned back on the Fusang tree again. He contemplated what kind of treasure he'd need to find. Preferable it'll be a treasure hyper specialised into the workings of merit.

"The Jade fortune disc is in the hands of Hongjun. My 12th grade white lotus is a flower of defence and healing. If only the location of the 12th grade golden lotus is known," he frowned in frustration.

The ancient treasure, the 36th grade chaos green lotus broke after Pangu opened the world. It split into five flags and five seeds. Da Hai holds two of those treasures while the rest were largely unknown.

White, black, red, green, and gold, these were all the lotuses in the world. White belonged to him, black to Luohu, red likely sits at the dormant underworld, green will not bloom for many yuanhui.

"But the golden lotus doesn't officially appear until Hongjun gifts it to Jieyin," Da Hai sighed. "It's very likely that old villain has it in storage incubating somewhere. The others are not suited for the workings of karmic luck."

He opened his eyes gazing at the massive branches and leaves above him. The sturdy wood of the Fusang tree rustled in the wind. Nevertheless, it gave excellent shade for the sea god.

"I wouldn't suppose you'd know what to do," he asked the Fusang tree. Naturally, he received no answer.

The sea god banged his head on the bark of the Fusang tree trying to jolt out some ideas. However, he could not think of any save for storming Mt Yujing and pray Hongjun is not there and that the golden lotus was in fact there.

The story wood withstood Da Hai's attack with no problem which was to be expected. The Fusan tree was almost supernaturally tough. It had never actually been damaged before.

"Wait a second," Da Hai suddenly stood up and looked back. Gazing at the Fusang tree then at his hand.

BOOM!

With a swift motion, Da Hai sliced at the Fusang tree. The very foundations of Yingzhou was shaking. Yet the Fusang tree took no damage.

In an instant, a massive snake head with a maw of razor like fangs bit at the Fusang tree. After eight consecutive strikes, Da Hai left a faint mark along the bark of the tree.

"The branches should be easier but still incredibly strong," Da Hai touched the bark and felt the tree healing itself. "Good thing you don't have a will. But you're too perfect for this."

The way of suppressing karmic luck was to either have a treasure that can manipulate it such as the 12th grade golden lotus. Or a treasure supernaturally tough enough to press it down like most other supreme treasures.

Da Hai smiled looking at the Fusang tree. "If I can't find a treasure to suppress Zulong's luck then I'll just make one," he declared.

Leaping up hundreds of thousands of kilometres. Da Hai reached a branching portion of the Fusang tree. He unleashed his teardrop sword and sliced down with full power at the branch.

CHOOM!

CRACK!

Da Hai landed on the branch which now sported a thin light mark. His arm was shaking from the power he just unleashed. "This won't do," Da Hai said in frustration.

"This sword is simply too weak to cut into the Fusang tree," he said looking down at the teardrop sword which now sported a noticeable crack on its blade.

"The only thing that could cut this is likely the sharpest force in the world. The chaotic sword Qi utilised by Pangu should fill this requirement," Da Hai mused. Then he frowned remembering just who possessed the item capable of producing chaotic sword Qi.

"No, there are two," Da Hai suddenly said looking eastward. The far off temple he still remembers having visited before this yuanhui began.

"It's been too long master," Da Hai said fading out of existence. He couldn't afford to waste time. He had to consult Pangu on the subject of chaotic sword Qi, there was no other way.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The central continent, an absolute wasteland.

This was not a description one would associate with what is spiritually the most powerful of the five continents. If one was to compare the cultivation environment of the central continent to the there four continents in the world. Well, there actually wasn't a comparison, it was leagues superior.

All four continents bordering the central continent generated massive amounts of primordial Qi. They were perfect environments for those who walk the path of the Celestial Immortal to live and thrive. The strongest locations were centred on sites with powerful natural spiritual veins.

Other locations would be significantly weaker. It was places like these that allowed for a mortal population to live and thrive. Environments dense with primordial Qi were places of extreme pressure.

Not in terms of natural features, places like Mt Yujjing, Kunlun, or Mt Tai were teeming with greenery. Mortals and weaker cultivators simply cannot handle the pressure put on by so much Qi. This was why unintelligent animals were never found there, they would simply be crushed, suffocated, go insane etc.

When Zulong was building Kailong Chen, he extended the East Sea Dragon Palace's formations to cover the city. These formations also dubbed as a source of protection against the dense spiritual vein. In this way, mortal beings and weaker creatures could exist in his capital without becoming a smear on the pavement.

The central continent itself was one giant spiritual vein. It was the overall densest place in the world. While other continents have selectively dense locations, the central continent as a whole was dense with primordial Qi.

In this era, only Golden Immortals could exist here without dying. Perhaps the most elite of triple crown Heavenly Immortals could do so. Then again, triple crowned Heavenly Immortals were on the verge of becoming Golden Immortals.

A long time ago, this was not the case. Innate creatures did use to dwell here. However, after the devastating Shenni war, things changed.

The Heavenly Dao's epicentre was located here. A side effect was the further strengthening of the central continent. Where once True Immortals could walk here unrestricted was now a desolate location where only those who'd transcended the universe could traverse.

But back to the main point. The central continent was simply a brown wasteland. Cracked earth and sand. Very little in the way of greenery grew here. The environment was too strong even for spiritual herbs. This amount of raw uncultivated primordial Qi was detrimental much against the contemporary beliefs for spiritual farming.

Although exceptions do exist, those plants were one of a kind super beings. The Jianmu tree, the Fusang tree, the Human Ginseng fruit, or Huangzhongli could easily grow here.

This was the same environment Da Hai ran through.

In a stream of water shutting forth like a comet. Da Hai blitzed across the continents at top speed. Unlike lesser beings, he was wholly unaffected by the highly pressurised environment.

Moving undetected had practically become an art for Da Hai. He was so used to it that he was probably the foremost expert in the ways of undetected travels though he may argue against it.

Even without divine protection from the Heavenly Dao. Da Hai's own Dao of ever distant seas was able to distort the truth and makes it seem as if its creator was too far out of reach even if he is beside you.

It was also as luck would have it, Hongjun was in deep retreat and did not feel him rocketing past. In Da Hai's case, even a superior immortal had to really pay close attention to find him.

In a little over a year of leaving, Da Hai crossed into the central continent. Although he hadn't been here in so many years, he still remembered this place like the back of his mind.

In many ways, the central continent was the most important location of his life. It was where so many major events happened to him. Where he first acquired his most powerful xiantian spiritual treasure, where he fought a war, where the chaos godfiends made their last stand.

Da Hai didn't have to even look to see his destination. How could he miss it?

Mt Buzhou was massive. That was the only word to describe it. In fact, it was even bigger than before.

This celestial mountain was the lynchpin of the cosmos. It separated the heavens from the earth. Prevented the apocalypse by way of total annihilation. Stabilised the primitive world, and acted as the seat for the Heavenly Dao.

Massive, grand, majestic, these were the only way to describe it. Many quintillions of kilometres in size, far beyond comprehension. Most of the central continent was in fact, Mt Buzhou.

Tap!

Da Hai came to a halt at a cliff face overlooking the base of the celestial mountain. He admired the view before him. Even after all these years, even after having seen it so many times. Mt Buzhou still fails to not impress.

"It should be…this way," Da Hai jumped down and ran forth. Mt Buzhou was enormous, so enormous that finding a specific location on that mountain was like a needle in an ocean. Especially if said place was not only well hidden but cloaked.

"Now that I'm trying to get in, it is a lot more confusing then I thought," Da Hai stopped and scratched his head.

Even tracing his steps from so long ago made him question himself. He was highly tempted to give up and leave. Better than to waste time searching for what doesn't exist.

"No, that's not me," Da Hai shook his head. At the same time he shook off the effects of a mystical curse that was grasping onto him.

Da Hai felt a slight chill upon his person. He gazed upwards in response. "Hai, your displeasure is known. But I'm not changing my stance," Da Hai said.

He promptly ignored the gaze from the heavens and walked deeper into Mt Buzhou. The greenery tossed and turned as he walked. It was as if they were unsure what to make of him.

Mt Buzhou was the only location in the central continent where plant life grew. It was special in its own way as these were just normal grass and trees. Very unlike what one would expect of the celestial mountain.

"Master, disciple is here to see you," Da Hai announced. He did not shout nor broadcast his voice. Rather, he simply spoke as how one would in a normal conversation.

But he knew Pangu would've heard him. No matter how diminished, no matter how far past his expiration date, a Dao realm existence was a Dao realm existence. His body and soul may not have reached it, but his comprehension did and in the end, that was all that mattered.

"He couldn't have actually bit it right?" Da Hai mused feeling a little unsure. After all, half a yuanhui had passed since he last saw Pangu and back then he was already really weak.

"Fuck, if he's actually dead then…"

"Your mother, who's dead?" An angry voice responded startling Da hai out of his train of thought.

"Oh, master," Da Hai performed a salute with his fist on his palm. "You didn't answer and I assumed the worst."

"Hmph, you caught me by surprise is all," Pangu snarked back. "Didn't expect you back after all these years. Especially since you've never visited once nor even contacted me."

"Apologies master, I was caught up," Da Hai sighed. One of the many relationships he'd neglected. One more fuck up to add to the boatload known as Da Hai.

"Stop that, I don't like the whole moping attitude you've got going. didn't work for Ouranos and won't work for you. Come inside, you must be here for something," Pangu said.

Suddenly, Da hai felt a clear rough feeling brush past him. He began walking in a certain direction that was both familiar yet strange. He didn't resist and cooperated, following along the designated pathway.

He climbed for forty million kilometres before reaching a cave. He crossed that cave after a week of non stop walking. Then he descended the hill down the other end.

When he emerged from the foliage, he saw the family structure of the Pangu Temple once again.

The temple had not changed at all. It was still the simplest yet most impressive sight he'd seen since his existence came into being.

The only changes to this location was that the twelve blood pools were noticeably larger. Specifically, three of them had grown astronomically in size while the other nine remained at a stable place.

"If I am correct, these should be ancestral Wu Di Jiang, Zhu Jiuying, and lady Houtu," Da Hai mused. It was honestly quite surreal to see the embryonic forms of the gods his human half once worshipped.

"Though only Houtu's the one with meaningful worship," he sighed. The endings these ancient beings received weren't the most ideal. It was much in the same vein as the qilins, dragons or phoenixes.

Though, according to their depictions, Wu were known to be simple minded and lived fighting. Da Hai wasn't sure they even minded the ending they got. They all went out fighting after all, the ideal warrior's death.

Similarly, their names were all recorded down in history and recorded in the Classics of Mountains and Seas. Their youngest and most treasured family member Houtu ascended as the Earth Queen of Daoism's Four Heavenly Ministers. Not a bad legacy if you asked Da Hai.

"Are you going to keep me waiting in anticipation?" Pangu asked from within the Pangu Temple.

"Apologies," Da Hai said marching past the blood pools and into the temple proper.

As soon as he entered, he breathed a sigh of wonder at the rich energies surrounding him. It was chaotic yet orderly, mystical yet ordinary, energetic yet still, it felt like an instant yet an eternity at the same time.

Da Hai made his way across the great hall towards the statue of Pangu at the very back. The ancient super being looked as profound as he was many years ago. Though Da Hai could tell the signs of diminished vitality.

In truth, Pangu was already on borrowed time. His spirit was merely grasping hold of the last bit of vitality he could. Here in the Pangu Temple, he could exist and live for a little while longer.

"Master," Da Hai kowtowed. "This one is unworthy of being your disciple," he apologised.

"Hmph, that was obvious from the start. But it isn't like there's much of a choice," Pangu humphed. "So, you're after a new sword?"

If Da Hai was surprised he didn't show it. Pangu was a super existence far beyond the chaos godfiends in every conceivable way. Even being nearly dead, Da Hai doubted there was anything he didn't know within the primitive world.

"Saw your little attempt at chopping the Fusang tree," Pangu said sounding a little impressed. "You should've known that wasn't going to do much."

"It gave me an estimation," Da Hai said standing up. "I'm not looking to chop the tree down. Merely harvest a portion of it."

"Still, your offensive power with an incomplete Dao was quite impressive. I wasn't wrong about your talent," Pangu mused. "I take it you've already figured what you need yes?"

"Indeed," Da Hai nodded. "A supernaturally powerful blade or chaotic sword Qi. The latter will be more ideal and more manageable."

"Exactly, swords as powerful as what you'd need don't come by often. The requirements of forging one is far beyond your reach, only those most fortuitous could craft those," Pangu said in agreement. "Chaotic sword Qi on the other hand is much more doable."

"Then, may I inquire to the method of producing such," Da Hai asked.

"Oh? Not going to ask me of a treasure?" Pangu asked.

"I didn't wish to take advantage of you," Da Hai said feeling ashamed.

"Hm," Pangu seemed to be contemplating. "Well, no matter. I suppose I will tell you about chaotic sword Qi. So…"

"Wait not conditions?" Da Hai gasped in surprise.

"What's the point? You're my main disciple so it's natural for me to pass on my techniques to you. Now don't disrupt me," Pangu said.

"Apologies master," Da Hai said.

"Hm, now chaotic sword Qi is in actuality a creation of mine. It didn't actually exist until I forged my axe. Back then, the axe head was one of the sharpest tools in existence. But I was searching for ways to further increase its lethality. This is where chaotic sword Qi was first birthed," Pangu explained.

The statue of Pangu glowed, casting the world into an illusion only Da Hai could see. Da Hai nodded, sitting down cross legged. A meditation cushion manifested before his bottom.

He could almost feel Pangu smiling as he said, "Now then, let's begin the lesson."

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Chaos, boundless chaos, disorder before order, muddle confusion existing beyond the confines of this universe and all universe across the multiverse.

The chaos sea was what it was commonly known by. A universal name to describe the chaotic energies that was existence. A literal sea of chaotic energy that had the potential to transform into anything.

Pangu's explanation of the chaos sea was one Da Hai already knew both intrinsically as an innate god born at the Golden Immortal realm and also as an inheritor of the original Da Hai's memories.

However, he sat there on his cushion silently being enlightened on the nature of the chaos sea. Though inwardly he wondered what was the point.

Pangu spoke at length about various energies found in the chaos sea. Rather, he spoke of how all things originate from the same source and are fundamentally the same. They were merely expressed in different ways.

He spoke of various experts manifesting their Dao. How the path of the Dao as essentially emulating the chaos sea. To create the origin of all things.

"Hm? Oh don't give me that look. This is all important details," Pangu said noticing Da Hai's mood.

"You have a pretty good poker face. But I've been alive too long to not notice," Pangu laughed heartily.

"Now, extra details aside. Chaotic sword Qi is as its name implies, chaotic. It's muddled confused energy acting to tear apart its target which is what makes it so dangerous in the first place," Pangu finally explained.

Da Hai nodded along mentally taking notes of this conversation and sorting them away in the recesses of his mind.

"The Dao is defined by the desperation of the origin. From nothing comes something, from something back to nothing, this change separates into five elements to eight trigrams to ten thousand things," Pangu said.

"Chaotic sword Qi is this exact principle. It is a product of my Dao just as pellucid divine water is a product of yours. It is a domineering force aiming to split apart something into more things," Pangu explained.

"All of which is recorded in my Pangu's Nine Revolutions Origin Heaven Splitting Mantra," Pangu said. "I have not spoken about my cultivation mantra to you at all. But with your necessity of chaotic sword Qi, it will be imperative I pass it down to you."

"I take it Hongjun understands this Dao as well?" Da Hai asked.

"Yes, he obtained my Jade Fortune disc which contains my Dao. If you have such an item, it is not that difficult to grasp it," Pangu sighed. "Now quiet down, you want to learn how to make chaotic sword Qi? I'm going to teach you how."

"First draw strength from the chaotic source. The essence of the chaotic sea is a part of all things, we are merely transformations of it. Mould this energy into chaotic sword Qi. The emphasis you must realise first is split…" and so he spoke. For days on end, Pangu talked and talked without stopping.

Teaching someone was not something Pangu did often. He was a warrior, an adventurer, a thrill seeker who more often than not, preferred to punch his way out.

But that did not mean he couldn't explain. Rather, he was quite adept at it.

Powerful cultivators were naturally drawn to each other. No matter how large the chaos sea was, it was quite common for these figures to encounter one another.

In such an event, they would exchange pleasantries. They would speak on length of the Dao and contemplate each other seeking to improve through each other.

In other words, they fight.

A Dao discussion is as much a debate as it was a fight. Each spell, each technique, each minute movement of these great immortals were like essays upon essays on the Dao.

Sometimes this was to the death. Other times they depart on amicable terms. Though if a treasure was involved, especially a very powerful or suitable one, to the death was more often than not the result.

That being said, being a graceful loser was a key component to a successful cultivator of the Dao. If not, how could Pangu have made so many acquaintances and vice versa for all his friends.

Those overly greedy lot while more common were always the first to go. They didn't last long at all, they merely spawned more often.

Pangu's words were complex, even to Da Hai who had a profound cultivation base. It was likened to listening to a lesson conducted in a language you only half understood.

However, the basic gist was messaged across successfully. Da Hai had already begun formulating simulations in his mind.

Within his mindscape, the dual extremities of yin and yang circulated each other. They existed in perfect harmony bleeding into and becoming the other.

Da Hai stood before this circular wheel with his palm raised above his head vertically.

"CUT!"

He slashed down separating the two extremities.

In the real world, a circular sphere mimicking the taijitu appeared before Da Hai. He raised his palm to cut at it.

His palm was like a blade cutting through hot butter. It easily sliced into and through the sphere.

However, this sphere merely merged back together and returned to the perfect state of harmony it was at.

"To create chaotic sword Qi is to figure out the state of disharmony, of disunity. You are not cutting into it, you are forcefully separating it and transforming the one into the two, not two ones," Pangu lectured.

"Aim to break apart that very thing entirely until what remains is fundamentally different from the first," he encouraged.

"Master, chaotic sword Qi destroys all things. Not transform something into something else entirely," Da Hai said in frustration.

"Chaotic sword Qi is this same principle. The transformation is merely based upon one change. Existence to non existence, a blast that erases the point it hits. It is a chaotic gas that simply destroys, no more, no less," Pangu reprimanded.

"Understood master," Da Hai said slightly embarrassed.

The great god of the sea felt extremely weirded out to be in this position. He was not used to being the student and even his inherited memories told him nothing of this experience.

Even the schooling of earth had been quite different from this. He wasn't one among thirty odd boys told to jot down notes within an hour.

Da Hai wisely quieted down and listened carefully reflecting on his mistakes. He began simulating more and more models according to Pangu's instructions.

'Not mere severing, but also annihilation on a conceptual scale,' Da Hai murmured within his mind. His hands motioned into two open palms facing each other.

The image of an illusionary ball of water manifested. It was murky and grey and resembled a ball of smoke more so than water.

Da Hai repeated his act of cutting with his right hand while his left hand held the ball. He remained in this position and concentrated, reviewing the various concepts Pangu lectured on.

He did not bother keeping time nor was he able to as his full concentration was needed.

Greyish smoke emerged from his right palm's edge. Da Hai opened his eyes into slits observing the emerging smoke.

"Cut!"

This time, a different resit emerged. The ball of water was split into two.

However, the point of impact. The point where Da Hai's palm's edge hit, that three centimetre gap was simply gone.

No trace remained, not even the smallest of molecules remained.

"Not bad," Pangu complimented. "But now you should also see that issue with chaotic sword Qi right?"

"Yes master," Da Hai said frowning observing his right hand. The aftermath had left it a mangled mess.

Despite only generating a small bit of the chaotic energy into chaotic sword Qi, the backlash was enormous.

Da Hai's immortal physique was incredibly durable. Chaos worlds, entire universes can explode in his face and nothing would happen to him. Yet this smidgen of smoke reduced the flesh of his hands by a quarter.

"It's too much, too ferocious," Da Hai grunted.

"Indeed, which is why I always channeled it with my axe," Pangu said agreeably.

"And now that axe head is in the hands of Hongjun," Da Hai sighed.

"And Luohu," Pangu said. "Not the axe of course. But all my treasures had a built in function to channel chaotic sword Qi. Luohu's god killing spear was originally the stem of my 36th grade chaos green lotus after all."

"That's worse," Da Hai said channelling primordial Qi into his palm. He recreated the rest of his palm that way.

"Your body won't last if you use chaotic sword Qi like that. I suggest forging a new treasure for that purpose," Pangu said.

"That was part of the plan in the first place," Da Hai nodded pinching his fingers and performed some divination. "Hm, it's so hard to infer anything about Zulong. Twenty, maybe thirty years? At any rate his coronation should be within the next few decades, no more than a century."

"Hm, now that you mention it, a large chunk of my world's karmic luck has been flowing eastward," Pangu said. If he had a body he would've been stroking his chin. "Your worries are not unfounded, that does seem to be a little too unmanageable."

Meanwhile, Da Hai was planning his next course of action. Gathering materials needed for his next creation would be though. As such he'd dive into his own savings instead.

Da Hai's personal wealth was much higher then regular inhabitants of the primitive world. If he wished to craft a top grade xiantian spiritual treasure like one which he'd need, he'd need to exhaust at least 70% of what he currently owned.

"Hey, what are your plans for dealing with our world situation?" Pangu suddenly asked.

Da Hai perked up in surprise. Then he looked a little unsure looking upwards.

"Don't worry, Heavenly Dao may be the overall governing force of this world but it's not all powerful. It can't penetrate the defences I've set up," Pangu said sounding very curious.

Nodding, Da Hai informed him of the ideas he made.

"Haha, oh it's gonna hate you for this," Pangu laughed. "You really about that?"

"Yes," Da Hai nodded. "Besides, I'm 90% sure this plan will work for the best."

Pangu silently contemplated what Da Hai told him. "Hm, fate really does work in mysterious ways," he mused. "If you manage it, it'll be too funny."

The ancient deity laughed heartily just thinking about it.

"I'm glad you find it amusing master. If there's nothing else, I should go," Da Hai bowed and turned around.

"Wait, wait, there's something else," Pangu called out.

Da Hai paused and turned back around. However, something else was within his sight.

An illusionary jade butterfly floated beside the statue of Pangu. It was extremely beautiful, elegant, yet haunting at the same time. Da hai felt as if he was peering into the embodiment of the Grand Dao.

It was suffocating and terrifying. This butterfly was not like Pangu. Although it too carried the same near death aura as Pangu, it did not bother hiding its power at all. Nothing was restrained, even a near death state did not take away from its presence.

"What is?" Da Hai uttered in surprise. The jade butterfly had appeared out of nowhere. He didn't even get any warnings at all.

"Oh that's right, you've never met. This here is the treasure spirit of my Jade Fortune Disc, Illusionary Butterfly," Pangu introduced.

"Greetings, Illusionary Butterfly," Da Hai greeted. While treasures normally did have a will of their own, they were merely simply instinct. For such a developed intelligence to exist speaks volumes of the Jade Fortune Disc's age and power.

"He's also your uncle master," Pangu said. "This here was my brother in arms a very long time ago. Sadly he perished in combat. However, I managed to salvage what I could and reincarnate him into my Dao artefact."

Dao artefact, those words shook Da Hai to his core. Yet at the same time, it didn't surprise him. Of course Pangu had Dao realm spiritual treasures. Though Pangu himself never reached the Dao realm, it wasn't impossible to forge one with the help of another Dao realm supreme being.

"May I ask what you've need of me?" Da Hai inquired politely.

"Since you're in need of a new treasure, and seeing how you're my one and only disciple and most importantly for telling me that plan of yours. I figured I'd reward you. Don't you agree?" Pangu said towards the butterfly.

The flying insect nodded enthusiastically.

"See, Illusionary Butterfly is about to kick the bucket. He doesn't have the benefits of my heart that I possess. So we figured might as well do something with him so he doesn't fizzle out alone and decrepit," Pangu said.

"You're saying," Da Hai was suddenly taken aback by the implications. It seems luck has not left him yet.

"My Jade Fortune Disc broke as it was never really a defensive nor offensive treasure to begin with. However, it was still a Dao artefact fitted by the original spirit. Hence its pieces remain," Pangu said.

"It actually broke into several fragments but I suspect Hongjun likely claimed them all due to his close proximity to me," Pangu sighed. "The largest of which you're already aware of, the chaos ranked spiritual form of the Jade Fortune Disc. Another was deposited at Kunlun for my inheritors."

"The last piece is right here," Pangu said smiling through his voice.

"But isn't that inheritance for the Wu?" Da Hai frowned feeling very awkward. While he too was tempted, it felt wrong to take something left for someone else. It was incredibly rude and disrespectful in Da Hai's opinion.

"Actually no, you of all people should know why," Pangu sighed. "The twelve is already inheriting this place and my cultivation anyway. They have no use for a spiritual treasure."

"Alright then," Da Hai nodded in understanding. The guilt he felt disappeared. "So where do I retrieve it?"

"Right here," Pangu said. His statue suddenly glowed bright green. It lifted itself into the air hovering in a mass of jade liquid. It flowed towards Da Hai hands.

The Illusionary Butterfly flapped its wings. It disappeared in a haze of green shifting into the mass of Jade liquid.

"I don't know what to say," Da Hai said emotionally looking at the jade substance morphing in his hands. "I can never repay you for this. You've given me more than you were obligated to."

"Meh, I have no use for it. It's a better end for my friend, Illusionary Butterfly can be reborn into a new weapon instead of rotting away here," Pangu said. "Besides, you're the only one who'd even think of visiting me," he sighed.

"Despite all the wrong things you've done. You're a good person Da Hai. That's very rare among those who tread the immortal path," Pangu's spirit appeared in a hazy figure of smoke. He appeared noticeably weaker than before, may even fade earlier than before.

"I don't feel like one. Because of me, your death date has also been shortened," Da Hai said feeling extremely complex. Even the fragment of the Jade Fortune Disc in his hands was somewhat ignored.

"Exactly," Pangu smiled. "Now go, make your sword, axe, saber, knife, or whatever you were gonna make. Don't waste any more time here. You have your own disciple to save."

"Thank you master," Da Hai knelt down and kowtowed nine times to Pangu. "You will never be forgotten."

He raised his hand, the jade liquid floated up in response. It shifted and shifted and morphed. Da Hai grimaced and unleashed the full power of his cultivation base.

A Da Luo Golden Immortal who'd achieved the knowledge of primal chaos as was Da Hai worked his magic. He refined the liquid before him and began working.

He took advantage of the environment of the Pangu Temple. Of the majestically dense and powerful natural primordial Qi in the area.

His hands burned in spiritual fire as they touched upon the surface of the liquid. He sat down and brought out a cauldron emitting vast chaotic energy.

His high grade xiantian spiritual treasure, the chaos cauldron was used for the smelting. Da Hai clasped his palms and concentrated.

FOOM!

After ten years, the cauldron cracked and the temple shook. Pangu looked curiously at the result as grey smoke arose from within the cauldron.

"Chaotic energies designed to channel chaotic sword Qi," he murmured impressed. He was reminded of his time crafting his natal axe treasure. The sharpness of the head was the same as the blade emerging from the cauldron.

Outside the temple, dark clouds appeared over Mt Buzhou. Mysterious golden light descended from these clouds showering the celestial mountain in waves of supernatural phenomenon.

Da Hai slowly opened his eyes. He reached into his heavily damaged cauldron and grasped a hot smooth handle.

A sword emerged from the cauldron. Incredibly thin yet incredibly strong. Its blade was flat and metallic white in colour.

This sword had no guard and was one piece from blade to pummel. Da Hai observed the blade in his hand which was only 82cm long. Not a very large weapon, but one that was especially vicious due to what was built into it.

"I'll be going now," Da Hai said thanking Pangu one last time.

In an explosion of water, Da Hai rocketed away, disappearing into the distant horizon.

"I wish you luck, you're gonna need it," Pangu's spirit said.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Roving clouds broke apart in the wake of his movement. Reality distorted with every footstep. If one were to look into the sky of the great wilderness, they would see the flickering figure traversing across the sky.

He'd flicker in and out of existence forever out of reach. Yet sometimes he was visible and others too far away to see.

But even if he was seen, he'd still be nothing but a blur if even that at all. For Da Hai simply moved too fast for even immortals to properly perceive him.

Since leaving Pangu Temple, the ancestor of the great sea has not slowed down even once. He utilised his own movement technique to invisibly traverse the great wilderness yet at the same time maintain an incredible amount of speed.

'Have to hurry, have to hurry,' this was the sole thought channelling through Da Hai's mind. Nothing else was important to him.

He flew with such haste that small ripples into the void were split open as aftershocks from his movement. Though fortunately, these small rifts closed on their own quickly enough.

The sword strapped to his side lay quietly still. It watched as its new master blitzed across the sky and sighed in its own way.

'Clumsy,' the Illusionary Butterfly thought. He as a being enlightened in the Dao had watched Da Hai more so then even Pangu had.

The current Da Hai was a little negligent in his untraceable attempts. Though the sword spirit excused it due to his objective.

Illusionary Butterfly greatly admired Da Hai. In many ways, he was greatly in over his head and outmatched from all sides. His only real advantage was how low key and hidden he was.

Subtlety, the Illusionary Butterfly's reborn self deployed some of its tricks that it retained. After all, its current form, though vastly different, was once the Jade Fortune Disc.

Da Hai was momentarily halted when he felt a faint jade aura encompass his whole body. His eyes traced down towards the sword at his side.

His body was wreathed in a thin layer of clouds. Greyish clouds that acted as an isolating barrier to the outside world. It had no defensive capabilities beside blocking divination inferences.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"My pleasure, my master," the sword responded in his mind. For a treasure spirit, endearing themselves to their owner was habitual. Otherwise, their owners might abandon them.

Of course the Illusionary Butterfly had little concerns on that front. He was too valuable and too powerful for Da Hai to ever abandon. Though instinctual habit was instinctual habit.

After this was done, Da Hai placed more effort on his cloaking spells. He stabilised space around him and forbade disturbances into the void.

So much callous reality warping was sure to catch the attention of various experts in the world. These were things Da Hai most definitely did not want right now. Even with his new sword, his cultivation was still a little low to fight on that scale.

'If only they'd come to Yingzhou,' Da Hai idly pondered as his mind went back to his enemies. Victory will be significantly bolstered if they assaulted Yingzhou itself.

'Doesn't matter, Zulong comes first,' he dismissed. He gained more speed while taking care to maintain secrecy.

Soon enough, he crossed the central continent into the east continent. The average density of primordial Qi was significantly lowered though it was still extremely high.

The east continent was much more beautiful compared to the central continent. It was a lush land full of rivers, meadows, mountains, and forests. It was like something out of an ancient Chinese painting.

However, Da Hai did not linger long. The east continent may look beautiful on the surface but it was filled with just as much conflict as the rest of the world.

In some ways it was probably worse now compared to the rest of the world. All continents except the east had proper rulers. No matter their reputation or personalities, one cannot deny they brought a sense of stability to their territories.

Hongjun's approach to his territory seemed to be just ignoring it entirely. In fact, Da Hai had not received any news regarding the ancestor of the great balance. He seemed to be content to stay on Mt Yujing.

As Da Hai neared the eastern coast of the east continent. He kept his eyes open for signs of any attacks on his person. Specifically, his eyes were gazing in the direction of Mt Yujing.

Although immortals couldn't sense it, Da Hai could sense the convergence of mysterious energies gathering upon the celestial mountain. It was very reminiscent of the raw chaotic nature of primordial Qi in the central continent.

"Is he trying to break into Wuji?" Da Hai grimaced. His bottleneck couldn't bring him more frustration then it's currently doing.

…

"OMMMMM!"

"OMMMMM!"

"OMMMM!M"

Hongjun sat peacefully resembling an enlightened deity in all purple. His pondering upon the Dao had reached an extremely profound level.

The Jade Fortune Disc floated around him sending streams of jade light into him. As they neared they covered into purple beams.

This chaos spiritual treasure had finally submitted beneath Hongjun after many years of work. Now that the last traces of its treasure spirit has been removed, its true uses had been unlocked.

The insight of 3000 completed Great Daos flowed into Hongjun, the insight of 108,000 incomplete Lesser Daos flowed into Hongjun. These insights were the fundamental building blocks of the primitive world.

With Pangu's Dao realm level transcendent Dao at its core, they formed the core of the primitive world in which all things including the Heavenly Dao spawn from.

"OMMMMM…Hm?" Hongjun jerked his head sideways looking around. His eyes glowed purple as he did so.

"Was I mistaken?" He murmured before shrugging and returning to meditation.

…

On the mystical island that was Yingzhou, the Fusang tree stood millions of kilometres tall. It was imposing and awe inspiring. Its many ripe fruits hung off of its branches brimming with rich spiritual power.

A gigantic moth perched upon one such branch. This creature was the true form of Yi Fei'e, fourth disciple of Da Hai. She was a pale white insect with radiant blue compound eyes and large transparent wings.

She was easy a kilometre in length yet she seemed insignificant before the Fusang tree.

On one of her six legs, Yi Fei'e carried a large basket containing several mulberry fruits. With another two limbs, she worked on harvesting a fourth fruit to add to her basket.

"Harvest is good this season," she murmured. Now that her sisters were out of the mountain, she had to harvest the latest batch all by herself.

Suddenly, a change occurred in Yingzhou's atmosphere.

"Hm?" Yi Fei'e turned her head noticing the familiar aura of her master returning to Yingzhou.

"Ah!" She exclaimed quickly shifting back to human form and moved to greet him.

"Move away from the Fusang tree," Da Hai ordered her over before she could say anything.

Yi Fei'e was slightly confused at first. Though she nevertheless obeyed him. Jumping down, she leapt to the edge of the meadow just outside the garden the Fusang tree is kept.

She looked curiously as Da Hai arrived before the ancient super tree. Curiously, he had a new treasure strapped to his side. A short metal sword that appeared completely ordinary yet carried a sense of unparalleled sharpness.

'What is master planning?' She wondered.

Da Hai stood in the clear blue sky looking at the Fusang tree below him. The celestial tree looked stood tall brimming with so much energy that it'll put Hunyuan Da Luo Golden Immortals to shame.

"I'm sorry old friend," Da Hai said. He was about to mutilate one of his longest companions. Even if that companion wasn't sentient, it was still a depressing moment he knew he'd regret.

Da Hai's right hand grasped the handle of his new sword and drew it forth. The short blade slid elegantly into the air, its edge so sharp that it was practically invisible when observed vertically.

Da Hai raised it in front of him and activated this treasure. He felt the strong pulse of raw chaotic energies and the faint image of the Illusionary Butterfly briefly appearing.

"Let's do this," he grasped the handle with both hands. The metallic white blade began glowing more and more radiantly.

The air around Da Hai swirled in a hurricane of chaotic forces. Transformation of all kinds occurred in this isolated universe. Da Hai concentrated on the creation of chaotic sword Qi.

Across the sky, large quantities of primordial Qi stemming from Yingzhou flowed towards Da Hai. These mysterious profound natural forces resembled white clouds as they gathered around towards the sword.

Like an insatiable maw, the sword swallowed the clouds it attracted. It swallowed them and gathered more. Like the eye of a storm, the sword continued to swallow large amounts of primordial Qi in accordance to Da Hai's instructions.

"We're going to end this in one strike. Fei'e, move as far away as possible, you'll have to defend yourself from the backlash," Da Hai warned the woman below him.

Yi Fei'e nodded and promptly took off. Thankfully, she had ascended to Taiyi Golden Immortal and was the sole inhabitant of Yingzhou, she would be able to stay safe.

Da Hai continued to gather power as Yi Fei'e moved away from the epicentre. Despite Yingzhou's size, Yi Fei'e was able to fly all the way to the shore as per Da Hai's wishes. This all took a little over an hour for her to accomplish.

The swirling of gathered clouds finally disappeared into the sword. It was cloaked in a pulsing aura of greyish gas clouds. Da Hai could feel the sword shaking from all the power it contained.

"It's not as natural of a process as the Pangu Banner," Da Hai sighed remembering the flag Hongjun wielded. "Pangu's work is much better than my own, there wasn't any wind up needed for it."

He raised the sword high above his head and began descending to one of the largest branches he could find.

"I don't intend to destroy you, but I do require your sturdiest branch. So, apologies old friend," Da Hai grimaces as he rapidly descended for a strike.

In a blinding flash of grey light, the arc of Da Hai's sword descended upon the largest branch of one of the sturdiest existences in the entire primitive world.

SHINK!

FOOM!

The massive branch of the Fusang tree toppled onto the meadow below the celestial tree. The groaning of the Fusang tree was brought to Da Hai's ears and he sighed in sadness.

The brilliant light radiating like the sun which the Fusang tree once gave off dimmed. Although the life giving power of the tree was profound, it will never be as strong as it once was.

The wound of the tree, cauterised by chaotic sword Qi shrunk into the Fusang tree. Unable to heal that branch, the celestial tree instead removed traces that that branch ever existed in the first place.

Da Hai landed on top of the fallen branch. He caressed the surface of the wood and nodded satisfyingly. "Magnificent, it hasn't lost an inch of power," he praised.

The branch was retrieved by Da Hai and tucked into his pocket dimension for further refining. He however brought his sword up to eye level.

The blade appeared as pristine as ever, no sign of the destruction it just performed was present at all. It appeared like just any other short sword.

"I haven't named you yet have I?" He mused and began thinking. "Gathering clouds, hm. Well, you were once the celestial disc accompanying Pangu and held the insights into the heavens themselves. I guess I'll call you Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword."

The treasure spirit within the sword glowed in happiness. It accepted the new name and subsequently, the carvings of four characters for Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword manifested along the blade.

"Wait a minute," Da Hai suddenly widened his eyes in realisation in what he'd just said. "Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword, it's just a coincidence right?"

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Kailong Chen, the dragon city of opening and capital of the four seas was rolling in activity. The city that normally sported a population in the billions now had visitors that went into the trillions. Most of which was camped outside of course, even this city can't possibly contain that many.

The festivities had been going on for half a decade now. The people who arrived in advance of Zulong's big day waited anxiously.

Outside the East Sea Dragon Palace, a massive elevated platform made from the most beautiful and expensive of carved stone and jewels was constructed along with titanic statues depicting the dragon's power.

Across the city, it was as if Chinese new year had come. The streets were covered in colours of yellow and black. Banners of dragons were hung across rooftops and poles.

Across the streets, visitors roamed excitedly exploring the sites. Kailong Chen was being heavily regulated by the dragons for the past few years as to stop streets from being heavily clogged. As such a limited quota was placed on how many can be in the city at once discounting citizens of course.

As such, mighty dragons hung around the waters above the city constantly keeping vigil. Below them, visitors from all across the primitive world arrived.

There were members of the sea clans from all across the four seas. Members of the avian and beast clans from the east and south continents arrived. Even beast clansmen from the north continent dropped by for the dragon's coronation.

This occasion was far larger than the phoenix and the qilin's coronation. Those attempts were rather isolated in comparison to this global event.

In this vein, Zulong had already impressed others far more than his contemporaries had. His image was visually everywhere outside of the west continent. His name was known even in backwater villages.

The East Sea Dragon Palace itself was also full. Powerful guests had arrived and were given guest lodgings within the royal palace of the dragons. These guests included Taiyi Golden Immortal elders, Golden Immortal elites and their clansmen.

Over the past few decades since Zulong left Yingzhou, Kailong Chen was becoming very overcrowded. Over the years, Yinglong and Qinglong had also returned bringing with them various higher ups of the dragons and sea clans.

Zulong stood smiling warmly in a special chamber deep within his private residence. The Central Grand pavilion in which he lived also housed this chamber which was without a doubt the most important room ever.

Gui Daiyu also stood next to him smiling warmly. Before the couple, a pedestal surrounded by an arena of various powerful spiritual herbs lay around in a formation resembling a nest.

Upon the pedestal was a single large egg about ten metres tall. It was shipped like an oval and was brimming with live energy.

"Incubation is going well, my son will take the world by storm," Zulong couldn't help but praise. His wife had recently laid the egg and proper incubation methods had to be applied.

Of course, Zulong was long aware of the possibility and prepared for this the moment Gui Daiyu fell pregnant.

"Well, based on his level of power, he'd probably make it to Heavenly Immortal at birth," Gui Daiyu started rubbing her chin.

"Aren't you underestimating him? I say Golden Immortal, my bloodline will naturally reach into the limits of the Heavenly Dao," Zulong puffed his chest up in pride.

"I just think you need to be more realistic. Every generation no matter how talented are always born weaker than their parents. But he will no doubt surpass me very quickly," the turtle empress sighed sounding a bit miffed.

Among the higher ups of the four seas, Gu Daiyu ranked towards the bottom. Many of Zulong's first generation dragons had already stepped into Taiyi Golden Immortal and long surpassed her. Many elder generation sea clan members were also looking to break into the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Overall, the current primitive world's average power level was being raised. Immortals were becoming so common that you'd see one every couple of kilometres. Golden Immortals resided by the dozens in every city and Taiyi golden Immortals ruled large settlements.

Da Luo Golden Immortals from both innate creatures and connate lifeforms had also popped up here and there though still uncommon. Rumour had it that some had entered into the services of Zulin while others remained independent.

Zulong himself had only successfully recruited Chenghuang who's shown very high potential to reach Da Luo Golden Immortal in record time.

One of his greatest talents, Leishen the thunder dragon had also stepped into the great prestigious realm of Da Luo Golden Immortal. He was a rising star who'd taken far less time than it did for the first three dragons.

The Primordial Celestial Dragon clan was becoming obscenely powerful. Throw in all their vassals and they stood unchallenged by all except the Devilish Dao.

"I'll never get tired of watching," Gui Daiyu mused. Zulong nodded beside her. The product of their love seemed to also revel in their gaze.

Zulong tilted his head to one side appearing very contemplative.

"What's wrong?" Gui Daiyu asked.

"Nothing's wrong, Yinglong was merely asking for me," Zulogn assured her. "The ceremony's about to start in ten minutes."

"I see, it seems we really lost track of time," Gui Daiyu chuckled. "Come on, you don't wanna be late for your own big day," she said dragging Zulong out.

…

Yinglong stood on the ceremonial platform overlooking the city. On this day, Kailong Chen was crowded like never before. The aura of a trillion immortals blanketed the celestial city in a monstrous wave.

The winged dragon couldn't help but feel slightly anxious. It was as if the entire world had arrived.

Yinglong scanned the people present several more times. He did so as to identify any would be assassins.

While many elders were doing the same, Yinglong felt the need to do so himself if only or more assurance.

He walked back towards the centre of the platform to meet up with the other higher up officials. A collection of no less than a hundred clan esteemed leaders and elders from both the sea clans and dragon clans.

Yinglong saluted them acknowledging their position and joined them in sitting down in the second seat right below where Zulong will ascend to sit. At which point, this platform will merge itself into the throne room of the East Sea Dragon Palace.

The seating arrangements were not in order of cultivation levels but rather in status. Hence Yinglong and Qinglong sat at the second positions followed by the important advisers such as Primordial Turtle King or Colossal Shark ancestor.

Below them were powerful elders with leading positions like Leishen and Chenghuang. This was followed by guardian elites who had no real roles in the government like Xuanwu and Baihu or the moth fairies. However, everyone present was at least at the peak of Taiyi Golden Immortal or those who'd stepped into Da Luo Golden Immortal.

"Finally," Qinlong whispered across from him. Yinglong couldn't help but nod in agreement. This day was long in waiting, in fact, it was far later than Zulong had intended when he proclaimed his desire all those years ago.

"Ceremony's about to start," the deep voice of the Colossal Shark ancestor grumbled. "His majesty should be here soon right?"

"My brother will be here when he's here. Do not question his integrity," Yinglong growled back.

"My apologies, it was not my intention to question his majesty. I was just making sure we're on time," the shark cultivator apologised.

"The right time is when my brother arrives, no more no less," Yinglong said. He wasn't too fond of the shark to be honest. However, he was not only powerful but also shared blood with his brother's wife.

Yinglong silently tapped his armrest and pondered on their next move. All the preparations were laid out and only requires careful development to develop a truly invincible army.

There was still some growing needed to be done in the other three seas after all. The north sea especially requires heavy amounts of work to fully realise its potential.

At the same time, he wondered what had occurred between his master and his elder brother. The signs were odd as when he visited Yingzhou, Da Hai was not there. Yi Fei'e had informed him he'd left years ago.

At the same time, Zulogn was keeping silent and rare spoke on their master. Yinglong couldn't help but feel extremely worried at this development.

If Da Hai abandoned them, that will be a terrible outcome. Although they were all to properly stand on their own two feet, Da Hai was their pillar support and father figure. The notion that something went on between two of the most important people in his life terrified the winged dragon.

Of course, forcing the issue will not help matters. Da Hai may be amicable to listen but his brother was not only extremely stubborn but also arrogant.

Though thankfully, not a lot of people seemed to be aware of this recent divide. Da Hai allowed his disciples a lot of freedom in the first place and hardy ever oversaw them aside from occasional check ups and advices.

Their master was overall, very hands off in regards to his disciples' personal activities. As such, outside of immediate family, no one else was aware of this divide.

Yinglong suspects that not even the moth fairies aside from Yi Fei'e knew. They seemed to be preoccupied with playing more then anything else these days.

Speaking of Yi Fei'e, Yinglong began wondering where his fourth junior sister was. As far as he was aware, Yi Fei'e should also be here. An empty seat was also reserved for her after all.

"Brother," Qinglong called out through their mental connection. "When's elder brother arriving? The ceremony is literally half fifteen minutes away."

"Don't rush our brother, he'll be here when he is here," Yinglong retorted. "I have full faith he'd be here."

"Cutting it a bit close don't you think?" Qinglogn grumbled. "It'll be pretty embarrassing if he can't make it on time."

"Elder brother will be here, just be a little more patient."

"Oh come on, we both know he's not perfect. He probably got caught up in something. Probably seeing our nephew like he's been doing for the past month. Just check up on him," Qinglong begged.

Yinglong sighed mentally caving in. He reached out to Zulong through mental transmissions. It took a few seconds but he tracked the elder dragon to the incubation room in the Central Grand Pavillon.

"Big brother," he called out.

"Hm? What is it Yinglong, I'm kinda busy here," Zulong quickly responded.

"Sorry to interrupt your work brother, but your coronation ceremony is about to start shortly. Qinglong was worried and the other ministers are getting angsty without your presence," he dutifully reported.

"What? Already? Let me just…alright, we'll be up there shortly," Zulong said before cutting off the connection.

Yinglong glanced sideways towards Qinglong who was looking at him expectantly. The winged dragon sighed and nodded.

The azure dragon raised an eyebrow and threw him an 'I told you so' look. He leaned back appearing much more relaxed. Yinglong quickly composed himself as well with his back straight.

A few minutes passed before a burst of water swirled before those sitting. Zulong and Gui Daiyu appeared side by side. Wordlessly, they smiled at each other and Gui Daiyu joined Yinglong and Qinglong at the highest position seats.

Zulong meanwhile acknowledged those sitting present. He then turned towards the masses far below and walked forwards. His body began glowing in radiant light, so much so that the east sea began glowing despite how deep underwater they were.

'Go, address them my love,' Gui Daiyu thought blissfully.

'It is time, claim your rightful place,' Yinglong and Qinglogn both appeared proud and joyful.

In a distant continent, Zulin couldn't help but giggle.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

A flood of spectators watched as a gargantuan yellow black light manifested high above them upon the platform. All several hundreds of trillions of living beings who made it personally. At the same time, countless quintillion's watched on from around the world.

The image of the Celestial Dragon appeared, broadcasting for all to see. In the most driest of deserts, frigid of tundras, desolate of mountains, or the most isolated of forests, a projection of Kailong Chen came into view.

This event was planned millennia in advance. Supreme materials and xiantian spiritual treasures were used to construct a massive broadcasting spell that was intended for all to gaze upon Zulong's glory.

A signal to all in the world, a herald to his coming. The dragon didn't just want the seas to witness his rise, he wanted the world to know. The sheer arrogance of this creature was heaven defying.

Many mighty beings around the world silently sneered at this audacious display. Oh sure, they were aware of how strong this Da Luo Golden Immortal expert was. But they too had either reached that realm or were closing in as well.

This was even more so for the innate gods currently cultivating in seclusion. They felt vindicated at the disruption caused by the broadcast. Some aggressive deities even wanted to travel to the east sea and teach the dragon a lesson.

Then Zulong manifested.

Upon the stage, the image of the Celestial Dragon closed in, transforming in a swirl of primordial Qi. Incredible amounts of refined chaotic energies twisted and contorted in a display of fierce power.

The images of rising pagodas, dancing goddesses, singing celestial birds, wise monkeys, invincible divine soldiers and so on appeared. All to herald the descent of Zulong.

He appeared from within the illusionary manifestations standing on the edge of the platform. The heavenly phenomenons generated by him unleashing his power washed over Kailong Chen and beyond.

Even those observing from afar could feel dangerous power emanating from the east. A supreme force both terrifying yet awe inspiring.

The phoenix sitting in her throne room dressed in an elaborate five coloured dress sneered.

The devil forging his swords ceased his actions. He emerged from his cave and joined his six armed brother in observing the ceremony.

The mysterious sage on Mt Yujing stopped cultivating and looked eastwards. He smiled expectantly.

"Welcome, citizens of the four seas world. Welcome to Kailong Chen," Zulong began. The trillions of spectators physically here could feel an almighty gaze bearing down upon them. It made even the strongest of Taiyi Golden Immortals feel small.

"You are all here today, to bear witness to history. To commemorate our flourishing present and to a glorious future," Zulong declared. "I am Zulong, supreme patriarch of the Primordial Celestial Dragon clan, ruler of the four seas."

"I was born from the primordial Yang Qi of Pangu, most venerable lord of water and the imperial heaven. Today, I shall assume my inheritance and fight for rulership over this world. Today, I establish the empire of dragons."

"But before I do so," Zulong paused. "Allow me to clear a few things first."

"When I spawned into this world. I arrived in a time of strife, a time where cultivation clans ran prosperous vying for power. Across the entire world from the five continents to four seas, war was abundant. Immortals stood everywhere dominating each other for territory and resources."

Around Zulong, many patriarchs and warriors of their own respective clans silently nodded. This wasn't news to them, merely a fact of life. For many places, immortals weren't expected to live their maximum lifespans.

"Fortunately, my brothers and I spawned in the east sea, perhaps the most peaceful of the four seas. We were rich and prosperous, there were certain rules to engagements. There wasn't any natural phenomenon threatening our lives nor a violent dictator treating us as food," Zulong said appearing to be reminiscing.

The ancestral dragon's two brothers smiled faintly in nostalgia. In hindsight, they were extremely lucky in comparison to many in the world. They didn't even suffer one bit in comparison to many immortals among the crowd.

Zulong's descriptive words invoked a great sense of superiority from those native to the east sea. A strong sense of superiority they felt they had over the rest of the seas. At the same time, the south and north sea wallowed in their jealousy while the west sea denizens grumbled.

"But that is not to say the other seas are behind. Tragedy may have occurred, but they also bred incredible heroes, heroes who aided me and in my cause," Zulong glanced back.

Xie Chun who sat among the ministers nodded in acknowledgement along with several elders from the north and south seas. They were both shocked and overjoyed at the praise.

"Throughout it all, I have witnessed all four seas and their people. I have watched and read of how each civilisation came to be. I have studied on the cultures of all living beings across the primitive world be they of the mountains or seas."

"And I have come to a conclusion."

"All beings in this world strive for longevity, to pursue the Dao. But cultivation is difficult, it requires enormous recourses, rare resources. As such brutal wars are waged, the strong prey on and exterminate the weak."

"We only help ourselves and our families while ignoring the outside as if they never existed. We separate ourselves purposefully birthing different cultivation ideologies. We are all divided in our own spheres of civilisation."

"As innate creatures, you've all struggled to improve your bloodlines in order to break through to a level in which you could reasonably cultivate the Dao. Living beings without the foundation of innate gods fumble their way in the dark, they all struggle to create cultivation sutras."

Zulong reached into his inter spacial ring and pulled out a book. "But that doesn't have to be the case. This can be the first step towards true unity, a singular system that is capable of taking you all to true immortality. A system that will prepare you the ultimate physique for cultivating the Dao."

PAH!

Zulong slapped his right index finger on the book he held in his left hand. "This is the Draconic Dao, a cultivation path which will give you the body of an innate god. Based upon my own. A supreme physique that can resist divine lightning, celestial fire, demonic wind, and heavenly water. A perfect foundation for the Dao."

"Witness it, Ao Jianlong," Zulong called out.

From one of the seats on the platform, the carp turned dragon, Jianlong flew forth and saluted his patriarch. His cultivation stood gloriously at the Heavenly Immortal level with a singular flower crown. Yet at the same time, his body exuded the vitality matching, even surpassing triple crown Heavenly Immortals.

"Ao Jianlong is an ascendant dragon. He has transcended mortality and will soon break free from the heavens. The Draconic Dao is not a lie. This is my gift to all of you."

Zulong's declaration brought about an enormous amount of cheering. Especially for weak races with weak foundations, they clapped enthusiastically. For them, their sutras were underdeveloped and extremely weak. A proven system will make their path much easier.

Colossal Shark ancestor glanced around at Yinglong and Qinglong. The old shark pondered on Zulong's words. It was fairly obvious to figure out his intentions.

A singular cultivation path becoming a singular identity. The whole world united under the banner of dragons. This will not just be in name, but in a literal sense where all beings are transformed into dragons. They refer to themselves as dragons and will only be dragons.

'It's like he's trying to erase all of us. How arrogant do you have to be? Do you think us all second class compared to dragons?' This was the common thought among the strongest of creatures. Those who'd reached Da Luo Golden Immortal or the summit of Taiyi Golden immortal about to breakthrough.

However, they did not dare speak this thought aloud. They knew perfectly well what Zulong was capable of. He was the epitome of might makes right.

…

"Humph," Zufeng grunted nestled on her throne drinking a glass of grape wine. "Making a whole clan in your image, naming them Ao, then this stunt. How up your ass do you have to be?" She snorted in contempt.

However, after a moment, she paused. "A singular cultivation identity," she rubbed her chin. "All roads lead to the phoenix. This could have merit."

…

Zulong rambled on for longer. He spoke passionately about his vision, his desire as sovereign of the world. His voice carried across the primitive world, broadcasting for all under heaven to hear.

As he spoke, golden light emitted from deep beneath the earth. Strong primordial Qi, so strong that they were indistinguishable from the chaos sea flowed eastwards.

In a convergence of destiny, the world itself directed mountain loads of power towards Kailong Chen. The dragons who were elevated to Golden Immortality smiled at this event.

Zulong himself grinned. He had miscalculated, this amount was even larger than anticipated. He wondered if his introduction of the Draconic Dao helped.

What was happening was the convergence of destiny. The gathering of primordial Qi through natural spiritual veins being funnelled into the location where a great power is being born.

A special extra scenario was the birth of a nation. Kingdoms and empires alike are factions of great destiny by nature. They were rightful rulers of the world and as such are protected by the Heaven Dao.

This was the truth among all chaos worlds. This was also why beings such as gods or demons never personally attacked a kingdom. Doing will easily draw forth divine retribution. Only another kingdom can challenge a kingdom.

Of course, there were ways to get around this. Corruption in government, manipulations, political disasters, maniacal schemes all served to destabilise a national power will drastically weaken a nation's destiny thus leaving them vulnerable.

Such convergence of primordial Qi was only the beginning however. This gathering merely signalled the gift of power by the heavens.

"I am humbled you think me worthy," Zulong said closing his eyes, feeling the wellspring of power pulsing through Kailong Chen. The spiritual vein the city was built on was expanding to unimaginable levels.

"HEAR ME HEAVENLY DAO," Zulong roared into the heavens. "I AM AO ZULONG, PRIMEVAL YANG GIVEN FORM. I BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD THE DRAGON RACE, I BROUGHT INTO THIS WORLD THE DRACONIC DAO. ON THIS DAY, I DECLARE THE FORMATION OF THE DRAGON EMPIRE."

"RECOGNISE MY RIGHT TO FIGHT FOR SUPREMACY. TODAY, I ASSUME MY BIRTHRIGHT AND I SHALL LEAD MY PEOPLE FORTH INTO A GOLDEN PERIOD. RECOGNISE ME AS DRAGON SOVEREIGN."

And the Heavenly Dao responded.

A virtual world of merit descended. The golden light of karmic luck recognised their master. The celestial dragon who commands great luck in the world and who rules the greatest empire in the world.

In recognition of such, another event took place. If such a being held the enormous luck of the world. Then he shall be the symbol of luck.

And thus, karmic luck condensed into a physical form. The sea of luck Qi gathered in streams and formed up. They twisted and twirled from the clouds into the sky and into the sea.

The construct reached into the ocean and rose into the sky. It roared and danced and displayed its majestic might. A true dragon of ultimate proportions.

A golden dragon so radiant, it blinded the world. A dragon of pure good fortune Qi. A dragon formed of karmic luck. A dragon stretching quintillions of kilometres long.

It was so big, it could be seen from the west continent.

Around the world, similar dragons formed. What was once gas clouds of karmic luck that symbolised the Avian empire and Qilin empire, dragons formed. Both sovereigns gritted their teeth jealously as the image of the dragon became the avatar of destiny.

"If you think me worthy, then I shall name you the Qi Dragon of Luck," Zulong said. A soft humming far above him symbolised the recognition of this name.

A crown appeared on Zulong's head, twelve strings of beads swung before shifting still as they rested upon his crown. His robes transformed into a giant elaborate set of imperial dragon robe, yellow and black in colour.

"All hail the Dragon Sovereign, long may he reign, long may he reign," trillions declared. They knelt down and kowtowed before the platform where Zulong stood raising his arms. He appears as if he was welcoming the world.

He smiled as he sat down on his throne. The platform exploded in a blinding explosion of light before merging into the East Sea Dragon Palace. Zulogn sat at the central hall of the highest palace upon a throne above all others.

His brothers and wife sat below him while others now stood in place.

"I am the Dragon Sovereign, I am responsible for representing all beings in my domain," Zulong began saying. "As such, I shall retire from my position as patriarch of the Primordial Celestial Dragon clan."

"In my place, Ao Yinglong shall succeed me as patriarch. He shall henceforth be named Dragon King of the four seas, lord of all dragons. Ao Qinglong, my little brother, you are the guardian, I name you Saint Guardian of the four seas."

"I hear and accept your majesty's proposal," both dragons said.

"Henceforth, my wife, Gui Daiyu is the supreme matriarch of my domain. She shall henceforth be the Empress of the four seas," Zulong finished. He sat back and sighed in relief.

The first of his main goals were accomplished. He was here, the grand sovereign. Now all that was left was to claim the world.

However, he couldn't help but feel the prevailing echo of sadness in his heart. One person he wanted to be here was not here. Even after several decades.

His master had not arrived. A fact which greatly bothered him.

'Was that really the end of our master-disciple relationship?' He pondered.

High above him, the golden Qi Dragon of Luck brimmed in power. From its original pure golden colour, it took on portions of purple. They mixed into each other and came out as a golden purple Qi Dragon of Luck.

This wasn't a bad thing however, in fact, this was fantastic. The pure golden colour was merely a broad light from the Heavenly Dao. The dragon's current appearance was to signal it completing its descent.

Across the world, various Qi Dragons of Luck also took on different colours. Each colour represented different levels of luck. From white to blue to green to red to black to gold to purple to finally Zulong's mixed golden purple dragon.

It was a magnificent sight. The dragon roared with an imperial authority never seen before in this world.

Then it cracked.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

A sound that went unnoticed at first. After all, the Dragon Qi of luck was so massive that a small crack would barely register in the minds of most immortals.

Below the golden-purple dragon, people were still in a celebratory spirit. Drinks were thrown around, people laughing and cheering for the Dragon Sovereign.

A minute crack on the tail end of this dragon was simply too small and too far away. As such for a time it went unnoticed.

CHINK!

Then the crack grew bigger. Then it got even bigger. Like a spider web crack, the cracks began spreading on the dragon.

Starting from the base end of the tail, the cracks travelled along the body. It started small and slow but then began picking up speed. In a small span of time, the cracks spread along the tail and closed in on the base of the dragon's rear.

That was when Zulong opened his eyes. He had been resting after his declaration, content to revel in his new status. The recognition of heaven had elevated him to even further beyond his previous power level.

The power of karmic luck was extremely beneficial to cultivation. It reveals the hidden intricacies of Dao and bolsters foundations. With the extreme amount Zulong attained, he was able to begin some small breakthroughs.

Besides him, all the higher ups and even low ranking officials received the benefits from karmic luck. They too began gaining new insight into their cultivation.

As such, even the normally very observant Zulong failed to notice his Dragon Qi of luck's damages. That was until it became too big and his concentration was disturbed.

CHINK!

'What the?' Zulong was immediately alarmed. His eyes pierced through the ocean surface unto the sky. The entire dragon was fully visible to him.

The Qi Dragon of luck floated completely still. However, its face contorted in a slight expression of pained discomfort. Zulong's scan immediately took him to the sight of the damage.

'What? How?' In the span of 0.0001 second, Zulong's mind raced through all sorts of possibilities. The Qi Dragon of luck was the strongest construct of destiny. Manifestation of the dragon's destiny in this world. It should not've been damaged.

The only way such an event was to happen was if his empire was steeped in sin. If his people were degenerates indulging in cruel behaviour, if his court was bathed in corruption, if his people were suffering from the government's rule. Only in such an event would his Qi Dragon of luck become damaged.

No, even in such an event, Zulong wagered that it will be a degrading process. What was occurring to his Qi Dragon appeared like a direct attack.

CHINK!

A loud puffing sound echoes across the world as bits of golden light leaked from the Qi Dragon.

BOOM!

Zulong's armrest exploded from his arms slamming down as his rose to his feat.

"WHO DARES?" He roared. His voice travelled across the entire ocean quaking Kailong Chen and the surrounding islands in a massive radiation of visible rage.

Experts around the world instantly caught on to the dragon's anger. They too began noticing the changes in the Qi Dragon of luck.

The reason for the Dragon Sovereign's rage was instantly extrapolated. This wasn't the degradation of destiny, this was an attack.

"Come out this instant!" Zulong commanded flashing high up above the ocean surface. He scanned around the east sea but didn't see any results.

His divine sense washed over this entire region of the primitive world to the limits of what he could accomplish. His desperation could also be seen on his face.

In the time he began thoroughly searching and demanding. The cracks had grown tremendously. The Qi Dragon of luck had lost its previous luster and was littered in cracks from its chest to its tail.

Golden gas clouds leaked out non stop. The very foundation of the dragon empire's destiny was leaving.

"Stop!" Zulong flew forward. He tried to grab hold of the leaking golden gas clouds. His hands glowed with supernatural power as he held back a large volume of golden light. However, even more Luck leaked through.

"Brother/Your majesty!" Several more mighty figures appeared in the sky.

The mighty Da Luo Golden Immortals of the dragon empire appeared to support Zulong. Their reactions were slower but they nevertheless displayed their loyalty.

"What the hell is happening?" Qinglong roared in rage. The fruit of their hard work was disappearing before their very eyes. The Qi Dragon of luck roared in pain.

"Who is doing this?" Zulong demanded though none can give him an answer. Such a thing, to strike at the destiny of an empire shouldn't be possible.

"Brother, the luck, it's escaping," Yinglong pointed urgently.

Getting his bearings together, Zulong did not hesitate to bring out his treasures. Dozens upon dozens of magical swords, axes, bowls, clams, and bells appeared. Xiantian spiritual treasures of lower ranking.

In Zulong's left and right hands, a string of twenty four beads appeared along with a single large azure pearl. These were the Twenty Four Sea Calming Pearls and the Dragon Pearl.

Zulong threw both top grade xiantian spiritual treasures out. They impacted the now massive cloud of luck Qi. Their suppression force immediately took effect acting to hold back the Qi.

A massive azure pearl with the icon of the coiling celestial dragon formed out of the dragon pearl. It pressed down upon the Qi Dragon of luck.

Twenty four interlocking universes appeared from the Twenty Four Sea Calming Pearls. They acted as chains to prevent the dragon from breaking apart, utilising their strength to add a level of stability.

"Use your treasures, do not let them escape," Zulong commanded.

"Yes your majesty," the ministers of the four seas obeyed. Suddenly, nearly a hundred low grade xiantian spiritual treasure flew in the open air. They lent support to the two top grade treasures Zulong used.

Whatever help was appreciated. Even as Zulong fought on, hundreds to thousands of experts appeared to lend support.

However, Zulong did not have time to dwell on them. The bigger issue of leaking luck Qi was progressing badly. The cloud had grown larger, even with Zulong holding them back, he could feel the luck Qi driving against him.

By now, tens of thousands of Golden Immortals and above experts appeared above the ocean surface. Many, hoping to gain favour with the Dragon Sovereign, willingly lent their aid. However, the higher-ups couldn't help but feel betrayed that more hadn't shown up.

"What the fuck are you doing? I am your sovereign," he called out to no avail. His arms strained beneath the pressure. "Damn it, I can't let my nation fall."

The Qi Dragon of luck groaned in pain. Its previously majestic draconic face was cracked. Its colours were shifting, losing its golden hue and returning to pure purple. It had also shrunk in size as more luck Qi. Leaked out.

"Your majesty," Chenghuang called out. He stood at the ocean surface raising his voice for the first time in history.

"What?" Zulong growled back in irritation.

"Seafloor," Chenghuang pointed downwards with a panicked look in his eyes.

Zulong's attention followed along to the ocean floor. He gasped in shock and terror.

A maelstrom had formed. He was so focused on the Qi Dragon of luck that he didn't even notice the chaos going on below. This wasn't a single assault, this was a two pronged attack.

On the east sea's ocean floor, very close to Kailong Chen in fact, a massive gap in the earth opened up. It was circular in appearance resembling a gaping eye. It was like a maw swallowing trillions upon trillions of litres of water.

It was also sucking in nearby living beings. It was in fact so strong that Heavenly Immortals were helpless. Zulong could only gape in shock a few hundred single crown Heavenly Immortals fell in and perished.

"What is that?" He uttered in disbelief.

Now he could also see the activation go Kailong Chen's defensive formation. Billions of living beings were funnelled in with Gui Daiyu at the helm. She and a few dragon elders had taken command of the city formation to save as many as they could.

With so many experts busy in the sky, very few remained to deal with this Sea Eye. Zulong felt a pit in his stomach just looking at the hole. It was as if he was watching the foulest thing in existence.

The newly formed Sea Eye wasn't just swallowing everything. It was also deeply drenched in sin. There was so much negative karma oozing out of it that it wasn't even funny.

'How, how, how, how, how, how, how!' Zulong was desperate for answers. But as soon as he loosened his hold on the Qi Dragon, a strong force of Qi immediately threatened to blow him away.

The maw that was the Sea Eye groaned. It was so contaminated with the dark force of sin that its malevolent intent frightened the strongest of individuals.

This was a construct threatening to swallow the world. It was the manifestation of divine punishment for indulging in all the evils of the world.

'Fuck, why is everything going so wrong?' He cursed in this mind. 'I did everything right, why is this happening. Why is this happening? Who betrayed me?'

Zulong's conclusion was such. Someone must've been corrupting his work without his notice. Someone who did so much wrong that divine retribution was called forth. The Heavenly Dao's automated punishment system was set down upon the dragon empire. The only thing missing was punishment lightning striking down.

For the first time in a very long time. Zulong felt uncertainty. Zulong felt fear. Zulong was panicked. The current him was vastly different from the past. He was invincible in this world, how could a tribulation like this have happened.

"Where is this negative karma coming from?" He cursed. He could see how much struggle everyone was putting in. "Was it my arrogance? Was I too confident?" He questioned. "Was I wrong?"

"Master already warned me, yet I still didn't see this coming," he felt as if he was on the verge of tears. The worst of all possibilities has occurred

Yinglong and Qinglong along with dozens of other Da Luo Golden Immortals cried out as they lost their footing. Many were blown back though some held their ground.

Two gargantuan dragons appeared along with an enormous tortoise with a snake for a tail, a white tiger, a massive great white shark, a plesiosaur etc. the core fighting force of the dragons were putting their all in.

ROAR!

The Qi Dragon of luck lurched its head back and roared in pain. The bindings of the Twenty Four Sea Calming Pearls threatened to snap at any time. The Dragon Pearl was being pushed up despite its best efforts.

Down below, Kailong Chen had sealed its gates. The defence formation formed nine pillars of light and a massive spiritual dragon. It fought against the ocean tides threatening to swallow them.

Trillions had made it in and now crowded the city. They sat down crosslegged and in a team effort never seen before, lended aid to the formation.

Gui Daiyu wearing a phoenix crown supported by six of the seven moth fairies accompanied by hundreds of dragon elders desperately tried to operate the city's formation. But without the presence of the Da Luo Golden Immortals, it became extremely difficult.

However, trillions that were left outside didn't have this protection. The power of sin rolled over them and they were swallowed by the Sea Eye.

…

"Master! Somethings going on with senior brother!" Yi Fei'e bursted into Da Hai's personal chamber. She appeared frantic and very stressed.

Da Hai had locked down Yingzhou preventing anyone from getting in or out without notice. Though Yi Fei'e didn't argue against it, the current situation was different.

She could feel the bone chilling air of sin even from Yingzhou's alternate universe. It was a deeply uncomfortably evil feeling that made even the most evil individuals shiver.

As such Yi Fei'e did not hesitate busting Da Hai's door down. She frowned when she saw Da Hai sitting crossed legged with a long staff on his lap.

"You're refining a treasure? Now of all times?" Yi Fei'e screamed in anger. "Do you have any idea what's happening? Do you care at all?"

"I just need another moment," Da Hai's strained voice answered her. It was then that she noticed trails of sweat streaming down Da Hai's face.

His palms gripped the ends of the staff tightly. Rays of immortal light streamed down the staff breaking away excess wood and smoothening out the process. The room crackled in lightning as Da Hai worked.

A suffocating presence was felt by Yi Fei'e as she watched the process up close.

"Have faith in me," Da Hai begged. "I will not fail Zulong. I refuse to."

"Please hurry," Yi Fei'e urged. A few moments passed in silence. Every second felt like an eternity. Yi Fei'e felt both helpless and useless. In the end, a Taiyi Golden Immortal turned out to be nothing but a small fry. Even Da Luo Golden Immortals were proving to be useless.

"Just one more moment," Da Hai said gritting his teeth. "The wood, so tough," he groaned. His palms at the ends of the staff dug in deep. His nails cracked and his palms drew blood like Dao essence.

Ten minutes passed before a burst of golden power washed over Yingzhou.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

"Emperor father, was it really necessary?" Qi An asked the sitting older man sitting on his massive throne.

Zulin had changed very little over the years. He was still tall and handsome conveying a sense of awe and power. He was intelligent and powerful and wrestled the north continent into his complete control.

The only odd thing about him was the faint scar funning across his face. Something he refused to speak to anyone about. Qi An had seen one of his siblings ask about it centuries ago, the Qilin Sovereign never deigned to answer.

"Billions are dying over there father," Qi An murmured.

"Trillions," Zulin corrected. "Sacrifices for our empire. They have only themselves to blame for siding with the dragons. And what's with that emperor father bullshit? We're alone, just call me dad."

"Em…of course dad," Qi An stuttered. "I do not question your intentions. But surely a more cleaner method could've been used. The cycle of karma can be a punishing thing."

"At times I forget, you're still only a child," Zulin chuckled. "Our enemies deserve non of our mercies. They are not like our misbehaving lords, best to annihilate their foundation," the Qilin Sovereign sneered.

"Besides, we are in control over the cycle of karma. My child, you need not worry about such trivial things," Zulin dismissed. "Take this as a learning opportunity. The flow of karmic luck is a complex subject, glean as much insight from this as you can."

"Of course, em…dad," Qi An replied politely.

The Primordial Qilin clan were creatures of luck. They sought out places of great luck and can perceive the both positive and negative karma.

Qilins, the children of the Qilin Sovereign though few in number were exceptionally powerful. The average qilin was stronger than the average dragon. Each individual was nurtured and developed accordingly unlike the dragons who had many lesser members ignored for the most part.

At the Golden Immortal realm, the qilin unlocks their unique ability. Karmic luck manipulation, the ability to move karmic luck by the force of their own will. This was extraordinarily difficult but can have great results.

In a sinful place like the north continent, this talent was crucial to their survival as well as control over their vassals. After all, karmic luck was something that could make or break a cultivator.

"Relax son and enjoy the fruits of our labour," Zulin reassured. He conjured up an image of a mountainous region. A region belonging to the north continent.

"The insects are already celebrating as we speak. The north continent is no longer the sinful rotting corpse it once was. Thanks to my efforts, it shall be restored to a superior land to even the east continent," he bragged.

"But oceans, that Sea Eye will suck it all dry," Qi An grimaced. "I liked the view from beeches."

"So what? There's nothing good to be gained from those waters in the first place. Besides, those old ancestors in hiding won't let it remain. One of them will solve the issue for us," Zulin waved in a dismissive way.

"Remember son, we didn't cause this. The dragons simply had too much negative karma," the Qilin Sovereign smirked.

"Of course em…dad, the dragons are a sinful lot and deserves heavenly punishment," Qi An replied smiling back.

'Life is difficult, the clans of the north are used to brutal struggles and cannot be trusted. We are born poor and our lands damaged. Father is only doing the best he can,' Qi An reminded himself. 'Dragon Sovereign, apologies for your losses. But you only have yourself to blame.'

The north continent was a deeply damaged land. A fact originating from Shenni all those years ago. The mighty beast emperor callously drenched the very essence of this land in sin. What would he care if the world was destroyed anyway?

Zulin was born into a sinful world. Luckily, his natural talent gave him the opportunity to rise into the Qilin Sovereign. This scheme against Zulong was merely another boon to his goal.

Zulong was too successful. He had too much luck and was granted too much merit. What's more, the dragons lacked a treasure able to properly regulate this much luck, unable to suppress it all.

It was childsplay to draw it all to the north continent. In addition to the forced movement of negative karma to Kailong Chen, it was simply too easy for Zulin. To put it simply, the dragon was too fat.

'Finally, I am rid of you,' Zulin toasted in his mind.

The transferring of karma took an immense amount of preparation. Many tens of thousands of years worth of recourses were pulled into his palace in order to bolster his own strength to the level where Zulin could both give and take karma on this scale and distance.

The north continent was deeply infected by negative karma courtesy of its previous ruler while the east sea was thriving in enormous amounts of positive karma. So bloated the east sea was that it was incredibly unstable.

The dragons lacked treasures capable of regulating so much luck, unlike the qilin whose natural talents negated this necessity. From there it was a simple matter of taking the positive karma, something Zulin had done so many times in the past in other areas, and offloading the negative karma.

"Zulong, ah Zulong, take this as a lesson. You flew too close to the sun," Zulin mused with a smirk. "You crossed someone you should never have. Now you must pay the price. With you out of the way, the qilin can truly rise."

…

ROAR!

The cry of a true celestial dragon contained many unique properties. It was the cry of a ruler, a leader, an instructor. It was essentially an instruction given to obey the will of the dragon.

With the immense pressure brought on by two catastrophic events. Zulong did not hesitate using this ability. His handsome facial features snarled in rage at the devastation going on around him.

The east sea was covered in storm. Uncontrollable lightning struck every corner of his domain. The sea twisted and turned, rising up into massive tsunamis millions of kilometres tall. All while the sea eye sucked in everything it could get its hands on.

Where the sea eye lead to? No one knows. The ocean of sin on the other side was so thick that even Da Luo Golden Immortals couldn't penetrate it with their gaze. Nor would they want to either.

Zulong's roar sundered the heavens and quaked the earth. He could be heard from all corners of the world. The fierce winds and roaring tides reversed themselves beneath his wake and returned to calm.

Though this was only a moment of calm before a second storm. The Sea Eye was wholly undeterred by Zulong's command. It certainly felt it as evident of it slowing down somewhat, but then it sped up again.

The mass of golden Qi clouds also shrunk slightly before rising back up to push outwards. Zulong was struck silent at this event, he had given his all in that last roar, even further enhancing it with an enormous amount of his power yet it still wasn't enough.

The Dragon Pearl shook beneath the force of golden luck Qi. It trembled despite its best attempts.

"It can't be, the negative karma is so huge that xiantian spiritual treasures of the highest tier are failing. Even our positive karma wants to get away," the Primordial Turtle king moaned in despair at the sight.

Zulong deeply wished to smash something to vent his rage. Just where did this sleeping giant come from? Who has the power to do so much damage despite the four seas' best attempts?

"Brother, the rejection force, it's getting too strong," Qinglong called out. The azure dragon's voice was strained in obvious pain.

"Can you, Baihu and Xuanwu form the four symbols formation and suppress this?" Zulong asked hopefully.

Qinglong shook his head. "Without sister Zhuque, such an action is impossible," he said.

"Our powers are intrinsically linked. Even without sister Zhuque present, we are still amplified. However, as you can see, we still aren't of much assistance," Xuanwu chimed in. His beautiful androgynous features were marred by a depressed frown.

"Your majesty, the force is getting too much. We can't hold on," Mosasaur ancestor who'd also been forced into his true form cried out in pain.

Various Da Luo Golden Immortals from the Calamity Snail god to Plesiosaur ancestor to even the western Blue Whale god nodded in agreement. When the pressure becomes too great, these mighty figures could not maintain their Dao bodies and transformed into their bestial original forms.

"Are you all suggesting we retreat now," Zulong spat angrily. He could not let things go as it was now, he'd come too far to abandon everything.

"No your majesty, merely a temporary regrouping to get our bearings together. We can figure something out once later," Mosasaur ancestor clarified.

Zulong gritted his teeth in frustration. If they'd all just left then there would be nothing to stop his Qi Dragon of luck from imploding and leaving. His own treasures needed him to be close in order to give accurate commands and function at full power.

The ancestral dragon raced to think of something. He scanned around the battlefield and grimaced at the ocean of sin surrounding him.

'Yu'er,' he suddenly remembered and concentrated his divine sense downwards. 'Kailong Chen should still be able to hold in this current,' he thought depressingly mentally kicking himself.

"Regroup in Kailong Chen," Zulong ordered. "We'll use the formation there to save as much as we can."

It deeply pained him to abandon his luck Qi but Zulong hardened his heart. After all, luck can be regained with enough merit.

The host of Da Luo Golden Immortals dived into the sin infested waters. Under Zulong's lead, they teleported into Kailong Chen quickly easily resisting the Sea Eye's pull.

Above the ocean, the Dragon Pearl and Twenty Four Sea Calming Pearls lost much of their lustre. While they held on for now, this won't be for luck. In a few minutes, their restrictions will break apart completely.

Zulong touched upon palace grounds along with the rest of the Da Luo Golden Immortals and Taiyi Golden Immortal higher ups. He immediately saw Gui Daiyu standing admits a crowd.

His wife was holding their egg protectively in her arms and appeared very anxious.

"He probably would've been safer in the vault," Zulong sighed when he approached her.

"Probably," Gui Daiyu murmured before being embraced by the Dragon Sovereign.

"I'm glad you're safe," Zulong said.

"I would not be much of an empress if I couldn't keep my city safe. But trillions have already perished outside," Gui Daiyu grimaced.

"I'll find who did this and make them pay, for now we have more pressing matters," Zulong let go of her and reached out with his mind.

Kailong Chen's defence formation answered him almost immediately. Zulong assumed control from Gui Daiyu and immediately, the barrier surrounding the underwater city strengthened to unprecedented levels.

Zulong's gaze snapped upwards towards withered Qi Dragon of luck.

"Ministers, aid me," Zulong ordered.

"Yes your majesty!"

Kailong Chen's formation was one designed for defence against external foes and to trap them in for a counter attack. However, it simply did not have the range needed to affect the Qi Dragon of luck.

Nevertheless, the energy it provided Zulong allowed him to reach up and pull slivers of his karmic luck towards him. This was a final gamble, he can't salvage everything but he could still take what he could.

A massive dragon claw formed from Zulong's immortal energy shot into the sky. It stretched out, reaching, hoping to grab hold of what it can.

Zulong sighed and mused to himself, 'We'll have to find a new place to call home after this.'

…

"Oh no you don't," Zulin sneered.

…

A malevolent force slammed into the dragon claw. It was a dark pillar shaped like a hoof. It kicked at the dragon claw which was built thin to allow for maximum range with such great force that the forearm bent in an unnatural way, snapping the claw.

"Who dares!" Zulong roared. The dragon had just about enough of the whole ordeal. He identified the goof and immediately made several guesses.

"Villain, show yourself this instant," the Dragon Sovereign demanded. His voice though fatigued still carried royal authority.

The heavens despite being covered by a raging storm rumbled. The clouds trembled in fear and the lightning hit anywhere but here.

"Hmph, dumber than I thought," Zulin's voice registering in Zulong's ear was all the confirmation he needed.

The dragon's human face could only be described as ferocious at this moment. If looks could kill, the entire universe would've ceased to exist.

"You, I should've killed you all those years ago," Zulong roared. He burst out of the water uncaring for the protection Kailong Chen gave him.

In the wake of his sudden leave, Yinglong assumed total control over Kailong Chen's formation. The surprised ministers called out for Zulong though he ignored them.

"DIE!" Zulong punched out with his right fist.

Reality caved beneath the pressure. Time and space distorted, shattering like glass. The void outside the east sea was thrown into chaos with hundreds of spacial tides generating from Zulong's enraged blow.

The hoof made out of malicious negative karmic luck shattered into a million shards that all fell into the east sea.

"Heh, heh, thank you, saved me some work transferring that load into the water," Zulin mocked from a voice projection. An illusionary figure of the Qilin Sovereign appeared floating in the air wearing an infuriating smirk.

"You failed Dragon Sovereign," Zulin said, every world dripping in contempt. "Your empire is crumbling as we speak. The heavens have already deemed it a blight. Though tell you what, I can tell you of a method to save them."

Zulong wordlessly swiped his palm obliterating the illusionary projection in a single blow.

"Wow what a temper," Zulin's image reformed in the same space the original was destroyed. "Nice try but I'm not actually here, are you too dumb to figure that out too?"

"Zulin," Zulong snarled before his face morphed into a mocking smirk. "I see you appreciated my gift, you're certainly much more handsome than before," he mockingly said pointing at his own cheek. It corresponded to the scar running along Zulin's face.

"Very funny worm, very funny. Even in such dire times you can still joke," Zulin chuckled. "I was gonna leave you to your fate but for humouring me so, I'll tell you how to quell the sea eye."

Zulong frowned as the thunder storm raged on around him. He was not worried about Kailong Chen at the moment. The amount of Da Luo Golden Immortals below could easily hold the city safe.

"The Sea Eye is the pit of sinful karma. It sucks the world in and obliterates it into nothingness for the very land itself is sinful. It's bad news for everyone," Zulin said. "But you, my friend, is also a great being of karma. So the one way you can offset this is by jumping in."

"Use your essence, your very being to offset the karma and quell the Sea Eye," Zulin suggested.

"Do you take me for a fool horsey?" Zulong spat. "What I possess can never quell something like that."

"Oh I know," Zulin smirked. "But you could say, use your body to seal it up. You're very strong, your physique is easily able to plug that hole for several Yuanhui thereby earning yourself great merit. Gives quite a bit of karmic luck that action will do."

"Don't do it your majesty," trillions of voices yelled out from Kailong Chen interrupting them.

"Don't let him trick you. Throwing yourself in there will be the equivalent of suicide," Xuanwu said with vigour. "I've studied the underwater lake for thousands of years and the Sea Eye is only a more malicious version of that. It'll be a fate worse than death."

"Don't do it brother," Qinglong said. "If you need a sacrifice then I'll do it." Dozens of volunteers appeared while Zulong frowned more and more.

To seal the Sea Eye, one's physique needed to be incredibly powerful. Zulong was the ideal candidate, he could fight over a dozen Da Luo Golden Immortals with his body alone and win.

But if another Da Luo Golden Immortal like the Calamity Snail God or Colossal Shark jumped in, they'll be torn apart. What's more, Zulong will have the Dragon Pearl and Twenty Four Sea Calming Pearls with him.

"You devious little shit," Zulong spat.

"You should never have crossed me in the first place," Zulin responded with equal venom. "Go on. Take the plunge. Oh glorious Dragon Sovereign."

Zulong slapped the illusionary body into smoke before turning to face the Sea Eye in the distance. He appeared very hesitant and even more unwilling.

The ancestral dragon stood there among the storm for a few minutes appearing very unsure of what to do. Zulin who reformed behind him merely chuckled.

Without his notice, Baihu, Xuanwu, and Qinglong had already jumped out of Kailong Chen along with a whole slew of others yelling at him to stop.

"My clan is a strong one. Their foundation is deep and powerful," Zulong said to Qinglong.

Zulin perked up and smiled while the members of the four seas had a look of horror dawning on their faces.

"Your majesty, we need you. We can't just lose you now," Colossal Shark screamed. "Who will protect the four seas with you gone. There are still two sovereigns out there."

"The sea clans and the Primordial Celestial Dragon clan are the protectors of the Sea Eye. Non would dare," Zulong sighed.

"Zulong!" Gui Daiyu escorted by her father appeared in the sky. Her Taiyi Golden Immortal physique appeared insignificant admits the storm. "You can't just decide to do this. We can find somewhere else to start again."

"Yu'er," Zulong's resolve crumbled when his wife appeared.

"What of our son?" Gui Daiyu tearfully said. Seeing his wife in tears, Zulong began to step away from the direction of the Sea Eye.

CRACK!

Zulong snapped in the direction of the Qi Dragon of luck. The Twenty Four Sea Calming Pearl's chains all snapped and the chain of beads fell into the ocean. The Dragon Pearl was thrown into the sky and shrunk back to its normal size.

The Qi Dragon of luck screamed in agony as cracks appeared all over its body.

"Now or never," Zulin sang while receiving murderous glares by everyone. With the Dragon's sudden deterioration, the Sea Eye grew even stronger

"I'm sorry everyone," Zulong quickly said before bolting towards the Sea Eye. He did not dare look back else his resolve may crumble again.

In a flash, his ten thousand kilometres long body appeared. Zulong flew full speed directly towards the Sea Eye. "Yinglong, I leave the four seas to you. Take care of my wife and child."

"Zulong! NO!" Yinglong called out. He directed primordial Qi into a whip hoping to catch his elder brother.

"Get back here!" The likes of Xuanwu, Colossal Shark, Mosasaur, Primordial Dolphin, Qinglong, Gui Daiyu, Primordial Turtle, Calmity Snail and many others tried to chase after the ancestral dragon.

But Zulong was simply too fast and too strong. He blew past everyone with ease and had his eyes set on the Sea Eye.

"Finally," Zulin smirked watching the spectacle.

"Sea Eye, let you be SEALED!" Zulong roared diving forward.

BOOM!

"GAH!" Zulong cried out in pain having suddenly been hit in the face by a solid white surface.

'Lotus?' Zulong thought in realisation as his momentum was completely halted. 'Master?' He jerked around to see the human form of Da Hai with his hand stretched out.

"Moron," Da Hai spat. He spun the 12th grade White Lotus generating a whirlpool of white petals pushing Zulong back.

"Master why?" Zulong barely uttered before Yinglong's whip caught his body. He was pulled away from the sea and was unable to stop himself from hitting the ocean surface.

Not far away, Yingzhou had shimmered into existence merely moments before Zulong reached the Sea Eye. Its sudden appearance brought everyone's morals up.

"Exalted Saint is here," The earliest generation of experts all smiled.

Da Hai grimaced at the scene around him. "Fuck, I was nearly too late" he spat.

"Master, I won't let you stop me," Zulong whipped his body around breaking Yinglong's hold on him. He swam forwards only for Da Hai's hand to grab him by his neck. Da Hai was puny next to Zulong, a man a little over 1.7 metres tall next to a ten thousand kilometres dragon.

"And I can't submit you to that fate," Da Hai argued back dragging Zulong out of the east sea into the sky. Zulong struggled against his master's grip but couldn't break it at all despite the enormous size difference.

"You're stronger, you broke through?" Zulong said startled.

"In a manner of speaking," Da Hai replied maintaining his hold on his disciple. 

Zulin sneered at the exchange. "Senior Da Hai, the Sea Eye is not a force you can resolve that easily."

"Silence you degenerate mongrel," Da Hai commanded. His sudden burst of anger caused Zulin to pause, his illusionary body began suffering from static before breaking down.

…

In the north content, Zulin gripped his chest in fright. His concentration broken.

"What's wrong father?" Qi An immediately went to his side.

"The old monsters of this world aren't simple," was the only reply he got

…

"Master, unhand me," Zulong yelled urgently. "The Sea Eye is growing stronger as we speak. I can still salvage this."

"No, you're not getting anywhere near the Sea Eye," Da Hai said throwing Zulong away. He turned his attention towards the dying Qi Dragon of luck. "So big, no wonder Qilin Sovereign was able to do this. Poke a hole in the balloon and the Qi will come rushing out."

CRACK!



CRACK!



CRACK!



BOOM!

In mere moments, the purple golden dragon imploded into a titanic mass of golden gas clouds. The pure essence of karmic luck. They immediately began funnelling northwestwards towards the north continent.

"NO!" Zulong cried out having recovered from Da Hai's throw.

"Oh no you don't," Da Hai said to the clouds of karmic luck. He raised his right hand like a baseball pitcher. The small red needle he held in his right hand glistened under the light from rampaging lightning.

"YAH!" Da Hai threw with everything he had tossing out the only treasure that could save the day.

A long red staff that kept growing.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

In times immemorial, chaotic energies converged to form both living creatures, titanic landmasses, mystical treasures, and chaos worlds. Four types of special existences formed from pure chaotic primal Qi.

When Pangu split apart the chaos sea and opened up the primitive world, a whirling vortex of chaotic landmasses merged into the burgeoning universes creating special areas where Qi was most raw and primal. These areas were cultivation wonderlands.

Kunlun, Sumeru, Yujing, Tai, Fangzhang, Penglei, these were all special areas transformed from those same chaotic landmasses that were absorbed into the primitive world. Places that were the closes to the chaos sea and the Grand Dao.

These places would also be the site of mysterious yet supremely powerful substances. The Fusang tree was but one of several such existences within the primitive world.

It was the life giving tree with incredible rejuvenation powers as well as profound toughness and strength. Among the many congenital plants in the universe, it was among the top ten strongest and definitely among the top three hardest.

Although Da Hai had cleaved off a branch of the tree using a universe shattering power, the Fusang tree still held strong. Its vitality may have been weakened, its foundation damaged and its overall magical properties lessened. But it was still strong.

This same quality was also present in the severed branch. It was cut off from its source and thus lost much of its magical qualities. It wasn't like the mulberry fruits and lacked any form of spirituality on its own.

What it did have was an unnatural toughness and sturdiness. It was nigh unbreakable in its raw form. So strong it was that Da Hai struggled to make something of it for many years.

In the end, he settled for crudely shaping the into a functional form as well as applying enchantments. For a being like Da Hai, working with this material was a challenge in and of itself.

The time crunch was brutal on the innate god. Zulong had declared himself far before Da Hai had even expected. Many extra abilities had to be scrapped in order to get the staff ready in time.

Over a decade of non stop work by a man desperate to finish in time and he barely made it. Da Hai had felt the Sea Eye forming as he was working and that thing horrified even him.

Even he had not sensed it until mere moments before it formed and that was mostly because of the sudden burst of negative karma intruding into the east sea. No amounts of divination had informed him of this, he truly had no clue such a disaster would occur.

The timing was too perfect. Though perhaps this was fate, a sign from the Heavenly Dao to punish Zulong's overconfidence. Or it could be a sign for Da Hai to hurry up. Either way, the sea god rushed to completion.

Either way, Da Hai wouldn't know. For all his personal feelings against him, Zulin was a son of heaven. The Qilin Sovereign was protected by the universe against beings of the older generation such as Da Hai himself.

Zulin, Zufeng, and Zulong were all immune to divination and couldn't be killed without drawing in divine retribution. Otherwise, Da Hai would've assassinated Zufeng and Zulin decades ago.

From out of Da Hai's hands shot the reformed branch of the Fusang tree. Its wooden texture had long given way to a metallic crimson hue. The result of continuous refining into a true xiantian spiritual treasure.

What started out as a mere needle shrunken for the sake of transport quickly grew. This was an inborn quality of spiritual treasures everywhere. Size wasn't really a set thing, what really mattered was the strength of the treasure.

In several breathes, trillions looked on as an insignificant red needle magnified. Growing and growing until it exceeded a kilometre in length. It didn't stop and kept growing as it kept gaining altitude.

"What is that?" Zulin who had recomposed himself and reformed his illusionary body watched on in curiosity. He couldn't detect much spirituality from the treasure and wasn't sure where to rank it on the totem of treasures.

This red stick definitely wasn't normal. There was this supernatural quality to it that made it impossible to assume it was just your average run of the mill stick. Yet at the same time, it lacked the telltale signs of xiantian spiritual treasures.

If Zulin didn't know any better, he'd rate it as a simple immortal spiritual treasure that were so common to see these days. But since Da Hai was the one who threw it, it can't be simple.

Zulin was tempted to interfere with it. Whatever it was, it could very well jeopardise his plan. He had paid a deep cost to set things into motion and things had already come too far. He had already offended Da Hai from the looks of things so stopping the stick wouldn't hurt him.

Yet at the same time, he lacked any real way to stop it.

The Qilin Sovereign was never actually here in the east sea. This illusionary body was a mere incarnation of his will formed to observe and interact with Zulong. It held very little power.

As such, Zulin stood back and watched as the stick sailed into the sky. He silently prayed for it to fail whatever it was that it was trying to do. Luck was still on his side, the massive gas clouds were still moving fast.

The crimson stick continued to grow and elevate its position. It reached upwards like a pillar intent on holding up the heavens. It grew and it grew until its length exceeded ten thousand kilometres.

Da Hai watched tensely as the staff shot high into the heavens. He too was praying for it to work. Truthfully, he'd have preferred to spend more time on it, ideally a few hundred more years and but the current stick was satisfactory.

Its basic structure and qualities were already in place and that was what was really needed in the first place. Now all that was needed was for the stick to prove itself.

Using his mental connections with the treasure. Da Hai commanded it to fly beyond the gas cloud. Closing the Sea Eye was important and more help was appreciated. This method would also salvage a lot of Zulong's luck.

When the stick skipped over the mass of luck Qi, it had grown exponentially reaching an astounding length of 18 trillion kilometres. The tip flew over the clouds followed by its mid until the tail end reached the same elevation.

Zulin sucked his breath in in anticipation. 'Perhaps he isn't interested in the luck Qi at all?' He hoped.

Zulong narrowed his eyes at the red stick. "Hai, I trust you master," he said putting his complete faith in the sea god. Despite whatever grievances both parties may have, Zulong will always respect Da Hai.

"HAIYAH!" Da Hai roared. His fingers angled down and telekinetically controlled the crimson stick.

FWOOSH!

Like the move a certain monkey will be infamous for in the far future. The crimson stick bashed down with great force supported by its enormous weight.

BOOM!

It slammed into the gigantic mass of luck Qi so hard that the impact could be heard across the entire world. Even the void between realms was not safe from it and neither was the starry skies.

A certain moon goddess glanced curiously in the direction of the great wilderness for a few moments before returning to her cultivation.

On the east continent, on Mt Yujing, Hongjun opened his eyes for the first time in many years. He glanced eastwards catching up with world events.

Far west, on Mt Sumeru, Luohu stepped out of his cave adobe with mild interest.

FOOM!

Zulin watched in horror as 70% of the luck Qi cloud broke off from the original. An enormous amount of luck Qi clouds bent beneath the staff's weight and tumbled downwards along with the crimson stick.

The treasure had righted itself above the golden clouds. It had turned 180 degrees and now descended with the luck Qi in tow.

"How? How is the luck Qi following it? It should've phased through," Zulin gasped in shock. It wasn't like luck Qi was a physical object, it was gas, spiritual gas.

The Qilin Sovereign's incarnation glanced at Da Hai's way in anger. "This is the matter of Sovereigns, senior shouldn't interfere," he yelled.

"The Sea Eye is a disaster that affects all living beings," Da Hai simply said without looking back.

With a slap of his tail, Zulogn obliterated Zulin's incarnation again and flew up to his master. He transformed back into his human Dao body and appeared very fatigued. He was huffing and his face sported a few bruises.

"If I benefit the dragons in the process, well that's just sheer coincidence," Da Hai said smirking at another of Zulin's reformed incarnation.

"The shamelessness," Zulin gritted his teeth.

"Pot calling kettle black," Da Hai scoffed much to Zulin's confusion at the expression.

FOOM!

The cloud attached itself around the crimson rid like a coating of solid gold. They descended together directly towards the east sea, directly above the Sea Eye.

"Will it work?" Zulong glanced a tired look at Da Hai.

"I hope so," Da Hai replied watching the rapid descent of the stick. "Whatever happens, you can always return to Yingzhou."

"My people needs me."

"I know, but you will always have a place there."

Zulong nodded gratefully. "I apolo…"

"Don't," Da Hai held out his hand. "You were never at fault."

The pair of master and disciple watched side by side as history was made. In the future, this tale will be largely forgotten by the continents but the seas will always remember. The dragons will never allow it to be lost in time.

FOOM!

Cloud and stick slammed into the wild ocean surface kicking up an even bigger tsunami than there were previously. They rose like a ripple only on a much larger scale where waves could swallow stars wholesale.

Below the ocean, water parted beneath the pressure, unable to halt the rapid descent of the crimson stick. Like a torpedo, it broke the waves and parted the currents.

The suction of the Sea Eye was sudden suppressed under an enormous pressure. The crimson stick barrelled downwards with no signs of stopping. It carried with it the true essence of luck built over many tens of thousands of years.

Sensing this, the Sea Eye, unwilling to stop and repulsed by the positive karma, lashed out with all its might. A horrifying maroon pillar of fire shot through the water. The damning cries of an incalculable number of souls screeched from within the flames.

Two mighty forces, golden and maroon. One descending from the heavens and one rising from the pit met admits the waters.

BOOM!

Da Hai raised his hand to shield himself from the force of the impact. Others followed his examples while those who didn't were blown away for trillions of kilometres or even into the void.

Ripples of golden maroon light radiated from the east sea. In a circular radiation of opposing forces, they travelled across the world showcasing the aftereffects of the struggle.

Da Luo Golden Immortals across the world silently gulped at the power. What had happened was a bit too terrifying even for them. The chances of them surviving a direct blow like that was impossible.

Da Hai narrowed his eyes as a thick gale of Avici Divine wind was kicked up. This was no doubt generated as a result of the violent clash between the crimson stick and the Sea Eye.

The nightmarish wind of hell. The demonic winds that tore apart the world. Avici Divine was pretty supposed to pre pretty rare in this stage of the world. But world defying catastrophes like this seemed like the perfect spawning grounds for it.

Despite Da Hai's thoughts on the wind, it was only a minor issue. This natural phenomenon was raw and untamed, it kicked up and just as quickly vanished as the dust settled.

The crimson stick was undeterred from its descent. The pillar of fire was nowhere to be seen as the treasure continued on its way much to Zulin's horror.

"As expected from the divine tree," Da Hai complimented smiling brightly. He could stop worrying now with this, at least for now that is. It would seem his role here was just about done.

Golden tipped, crimson in colour, unstoppable in its descent. The Sea Eye lay helplessly as the crimson stick rammed headfirst into the pit.

It plunged into the Sea Eye plugging it shut from the world at large. It was almost anticlimactic after the fierce struggle earlier. The Sea Eye was resigned to its fate as its feeding frenzy was stopped.

With the crimson stick acting as an unbreakable seal in addition to the luck Qi used to offset it. The Sea Eye disappeared from the world replaced by an 18 trillion kilometres tall pillar standing where it once was.

Its crimson finish pulsated with power as what little golden luck Qi remained wrapped itself around the stick turned pillar. It was a blessed phenomenon as the very essence of luck was burned into the treasure that saved the four seas.

Da Hai nodded in satisfaction as the skies began clearing.

With the disruptive force of the Sea Eye gone, the day was saved. The oceans began calming as the dark clouds parted. Purple lightning faded and the world seemed to be returning to normal.

Though the landscape of the east sea had dramatically rearranged itself, especially around the core regions. Overall, the damage was not too bad. The Sea Eye had not existed for too long before it was stopped.

From the heavens, golden descended. Merit from the heavens at the great deed that was done today. Da Hai raised his head as the radiant golden light descended onto both himself and the pillar suppressing the Sea Eye.

"Hai," he sighed and shook his head. With a flick of his hand, the merit flowed away from him and onto a very surprised Zulong beside him.

"Why the look? You're going to need it more than me," he said.

"But master," Zulong was at a lost for words. "I can't accept this. You saved us, you've earned it."

"It's yours, that is final," Da Hai declared and shoved all the merit into Zulong's body.

"Master," Zulong watched uneasily as the merit transformed into karmic luck.

"Reform the Qi Dragon of luck, you're still Dragon Sovereign."

"Disciple obeys," Zulong cupped his hands and bowed.

"Disciple, no wonder," Zulin sneered jealously. "To think I thought you were like me." Without another word, Zulin's incarnation collapsed, disappearing from the east sea entirely.

The light luck wasn't over however, for a transformation was taking place upon the crimson stick. The Golden Qi of luck was invoking a change of its own.

From top to bottom, the stick shone a metallic hue. No trace of its previous wooden texture could be seen. It was as if it had always been made of metal.

On both ends of the stick, golden Qi concentrated. They looped and wrapped around the crimson stick and merged inwards. In a burst of light, they merged into one.

Now on both ends of the metallic pillar, golden bands wrapped around the structure. Gold and red, two brilliant colours. But it wasn't over.

Golden lightning arced across the surface of the pillar, edging golden characters into the crimson surface. Carving deep into the metal into a phrase, a name.

Da Hai widened his eyes in recognition. With each character's completion, he slowly read out;

"With."

"Meaning."

"Golden."

"Banded."

"Cudgel."

"Heh, without meaning to, I've unwittingly created the very mythology I've read as a boy. Though is it really mythology if I'm living it? No, this is history. Ruyi Golden Cudgel, how fitting."

"Master?" Zulong asked appearing slightly concerned at Da Hai's bemused face.

"Ha ha, who would've guessed," Da Hai chuckled. "Zulong, this pillar is yours to do with as you please. It shall serve as your luck suppression treasure."

"I see," Zulong nodded. "Ruyi Golden Cudgel, very well. Since this pillar suppresses the Sea Eye, then I shall name it Sea Suppression Divine Needle."

"Oh? Not going with the name engraved?" Da Hai asked curiously.

"A name given by the heavens but a name given by yours truly. Since it is mine then I shall name it," Zulong declared.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Da Hai smiled. 'Crisis averted,' he sighed in relief.

"Master, big brother," Yinglong and Qinglong flew over and cupped their hands saluting their master.

"Do not pull that stunt again," they roared at Zulong. Behind them, Gui Daiyu rushed over with he others in tow.

POW!

Zulong flinched at the slap delivered by his wife. "Yu'er," he murmured at the furious look she gave him. Then she embraced him.

"Don't ever," she whispered in his ear. Zulong hugged her back and rubbed her back in comfort. "I won't," he whispered back.

"Your majesty," countless ministers and civilians rose out of the sea, all with concerned looks on their faces. Zulong softened at the attention he was receiving.

'What a mess,' he sighed thinking back to the quick turn of events. Who would've guessed a world ending catastrophe would occur on his coronation ceremony.

"Senior Da Hai/Exalted Saint of Yingzhou!" Zulong's subordinates all turned and greeted. Who could forget the east sea's own ancestor of cultivation? He was equally important in this event.

Da Hai nodded in response. "It is good that you're all alright. Though I was still too late."

"Your excellency does not need to worry, we shall avenge our fallen brethren," Mosasaur ancestor declared vigorously.

"Yes, yes, those responsible must pay," Plesiosaur ancestor and a slew of others spouted agreement.

"Be that as it may, the east sea has been hurt greatly by this event," Da Hai sighed. "The land will take time to heal and your vital luck will not be as strong as before."

"We thank Exalted Saint for the advice," they bowed.

"Heh, Exalted Saint," Zulong smirked much to Da Hai's embarrassment. "I don't think that title quite suits you anymore."

"Oh?" Da Hai looked quizzingly at Zulong. "What do you mean?"

"Master, you are the teacher of the seas. The cultivation ancestor of myriad life forms. What's more, you saved us by suppressing the sea eye. You shall always be venerated and worshipped by the four seas," Zulong declared.

The thunderous cries of agreement cued Da Hai in to Zulong's intention. He sighed and shook his head.

"As thanks, I as Dragon Sovereign honour my master with the name Primeval Oceanic Suppression Lord in Eight Directions Grand Heavenly Lord," Zulong declared.

"We greet your excellency, Primeval Oceanic Suppression Lord in Eight Directions Grand Heavenly Lord," trillions of voices declared in unison.

"Hai," you really have a flare for theatrics," Da Hai said helplessly.

"At least now we have a proper name to put on your statues," Zulong grumbled. "I'm tired of hearing fifty thousand different variants on what you should be called."

"Very well, I shall accept this title."

"Thank you master," Zulong smiled, then his lips curled downwards. "You should know things can't end like this right?"

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Da Hai smiled softly. He'd expected that, after all, Zulong will not be Zulong if that wasn't the first thing on his mind.

Da Hai turned his head to look in the northwestern direction. His smile became a mocking one. The newly christened Heavenly Lord nodded.

"I didn't expect he'd have the balls to so daringly attack," he mused. "I guess my impression of him was wrong."

"Doesn't matter now," Zulong sent Da Hai a determined look. "He crossed a line. The four seas will never rest until this enmity is settled."

Da Hai closed his eyes for a few seconds. "I suppose you'll be leading the charge."

Zulong's silence was a very obvious sign. Da Hai nodded in understanding. 'On this path, you've made many enemies. I've already sworn to do so but I will support you wholeheartedly,' he promised in his heart.

"As a chosen of heaven, Zulin receives divine protection that places him out of my reach," Da Hai said. "I cannot attack without severe repercussions nor can I guarantee a success."

"I don't need you to fight my battles for me," Zulong crossed his arms appearing slightly annoyed.

"And I won't," Da Hai admitted. His gaze tracked the distant fleeing luck Qi. He held out his right arm and made a tearing motion. His arm then made a gripping motion.

Reality distorted, space twisted and tore into a hole. The other side was a blank void of violent currents. In fact, reality around the east sea and beyond began cracking on a macro scale.

Multi coloured lights from the most vibrant of reds to the most dull of blacks blanketed large portions of the primitive world. They swirled and twisted and converged eastwards and northwards.

The commotion was so big that experts who were about to go back into seclusion after the Sea Eye fiasco came back out again to see what in the world was happening.

Da Hai stood before the hole that grew to a massive size reaching a hundred million kilometres in radius. His arm was outstretched his face was constricted to a serious strained expression.

The primal chaotic energies whipped and lashed out in all directions yet they were not permitted to reach below the waves. As such, the Da Luo and Taiyi Golden Immortal realm experts who could resist such energies remained floating in the air starring in wonder at Da Hai's work of magic.

"Exalted Saint's mastery in Spacetime Dao laws are so high," Primordial Turtle King gazed in wonder. It was rare to see Da Hai do anything these days so whenever he worked his magic, it was a sight to see.

Many who thought they had closed the gap by reaching the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm suddenly felt very inadequate. The gap between them and Da Hai seemed to be even larger than before.

What they didn't know was that although Da Luo Golden Immortal was effectively the final realm of cultivation. It was also the most diverse realm in terms of power. It was very possible for one Da Luo Golden Immortal to be an ant before another one.

Da Hai had long ago, reached the Da Luo realm. Since then his Dao had evolved to the level of primordial chaos. That and fundamentally, the Dao of Ever Distant Seas was closely linked to the concepts of space and time. Added on to Pangu's own insights he'd listened to and the result was a manipulation of reality on a macro scale.

The only weakness of such an ability was that it was very noticeable. Da Hai can't wantonly link two places of such distance that were separated by dimensional barriers without causing a huge light show.

"Due to the recent disaster, the void between realms is in a chaotic flux. Even a Da Luo Golden Immortal would get swept away if they're not careful. Travelling through the void, though shorter will be more difficult then travelling overland," Da Hai mused.

"But travelling overland will also take a few years. Luckily, I've learned quite a few things since we last talked." Da Hai shook his head bemused. "That was if you didn't have me."

The portal changed. It shone in grey lights swirling into the abyss. A watery texture overcame the portal and condensed into a mirror like construct. The cracks in reality faded and the lights condensed into the mirror.

Da Hai lowered his arms and breathed a long sigh of exhaustion.

Zulong raised his eyebrow at Da Hai's action. "I thought the Heavenly Dao prevented action from seniors against us Sovereigns? And when can you manipulate spacetime so well?"

"What? This old man can't learn any new tricks? And besides, what action? I'm just a doorman," Da Hai smirked at Zulong.

"Heh, just a doorman," Zulong smirked back. He glanced back at his entourage.

The Sea Eye was still fresh on their minds. Trillions were reeling from the losses of the other trillions who perished. Everyone had lost someone and were still for the most part in a state of shock.

Even Immortals felt overwhelmed by grief. It wasn't just their own feelings in the matter, but also the aftereffects by the invasion of negative karma. Not many even had the will to fight at the moment.

Although the Sea Eye had been offset by the Heavenly Sea Suppression Needle, the negative karma hadn't gone away. In fact, any qilin will identify that the battle of karma was ever continuous. In terms of the matter of luck, the Sea Eye is the most active in the primitive world.

But Da Luo Golden Immortals weren't ordinary people. They were rare, one in a hundred trillion. For every cultivator who makes it to this realm, countless will fail. Each and every single one of them were mentally strong, extremely talented, and resourceful individuals.

Throughout his tenure, Zulong had recruited quite a number of them. Many were surviving seniors from the earliest generation of postnatal lifeforms, then referred to as innate creatures. These connate lifeforms represented the apex of the primitive world.

And they were all PISSED!

The Dragon Saint Guardian Qinglong, Dragon King of the Four Seas Yinglong, Primordial Turtle King, Mosasaur Ancestor, Plesiosaur Ancestor, Colossal Shark Ancestor, Calamity Snail God, Primordial White Dolphin Ancestor, Unbreakable Crab Patriarch, etc. Over two dozen Da Luo Golden immortals had been present.

And they all looked positively apocalyptic.

"Father-in-law," Zulong said contained fury. "Protect Kailong Chen with Yu'er."

Primordial Turtle King nodded cupping his hands and bowing. "This minister obeys."

"Be safe," Gui Daiyu murmured.

"This is just a small fry," Zulong smirked. "I'll present you his skull personally."

Then he stepped through the mirror.

…

The colossal change in the world stupefied many experts around the world no matter how brief. While the coming of the three sovereigns were big news, they weren't enough for ancient experts to come out of seclusion.

However, the abrupt appearance of the Sea Eye caused the surviving chaos godfiends to awaken and come out of hiding after eons of cultivation.

No matter how brief its appearance, the Sea Eye had irreversibly changed the world.

The ancestor of divine winds, Shen Feng floated in the air stroking his goatee.

"Damn, it's over already?" The godfiend frowning opening at the change of air. His detection airflows told him of the Sea Eye the moment its incredibly suction force appeared, then in under half an hour it disappeared.

"There goes my chance. Che, to think they resolved it that quickly. And here I was hoping to get some benefits, oh well," he shrugged picking up a satchel from a floating corpse.

All around Shen Feng, the bodies of several birds floated. They were incredibly brutalised, some having been torn into pieces while others were contorted into unnatural positions.

"To think I missed such an opportunity," he grumbled while searching through the ring. "Man, avians make such good hunting targets."

After retrieving the goods he found including a few decent spiritual herbs and some rare ores, Shen Feng began planning his next course of action.

The great god of wind pinched his fingers and held them before him. His delving into the secrets of the Heavenly Dao was still much restricted due to the three sovereigns. However, his personal power allowed for some leeway in this aspect.

CRACK!

FWOOOSH!

"Hm?" A sudden disturbance made Shen Feng pause momentarily. "Something's gonna happen…in….north? East?"

Massive cracks in reality appeared in the distance along with a myriad of lights. The immense vortex of primordial Qi was frankly astounding to the wind god.

The man turned his head northwards. His senses saw past quintillions of kilometres with aid by airstreams. His current location at the edges of the north continent was a little too far for him to accurately see what was going on.

But he felt the massive distortions of space as clear as day. Shen Feng contemplated what he should do. His movement techniques had gotten a lot better since the early days.

Making up his mind, he quickly grabbed hold of one of the fading cracks and traced its destination. Then he dived in.

…

Hongjun stroked his long white beard in contemplation. He stood on his balcony observing the fierce changes in the great wilderness with great concern.

"Things are needlessly heating up," he grumbled.

His purple eyes shone with immortal light. With a few glances, he casually saw through the mysteries of the Heavenly Dao.

"Hm, the east sea is still shrouded but the restrictions are a lot less than last time. Sea Eye perhaps? Hm…although," He looked northwards sensing the distortions in spacetime that were clearly visible from his vantage point.

Examining the ongoings of the primitive world had become incredibly difficult these days. Luo Hu was his equal and hence near impossible to calculate. The three sovereigns were invisible from divination and the other surviving godfiends had their own methods.

Thank heavens for the trackers he left on them.

In order to contact his allies, he'd need some time. To be honest, Hongjun doubted wether they would return to the wilderness. They were more concerned with their own cultivation at the moment and only something as serious as the Sea Eye going out of control will catch their attention.

For the first time, he was starting to regret not starting an all encompassing sect like Luo Hu had preemptively done.

"How can I spin this?" He wondered aloud.

…

Zhuque breathed a massive sigh of relief when the Sea Eye incident passed. Even here in the heart of the south, she could feel the malice emanating from it. Though the reemergence of spatial distortions did startle her.

The Vermillion Bird glanced at her elder sister who had her eyes closed resting in her knuckle. She was likely calculating her next course of action.

In a way, her loss against Zulong had been helpful. Zufeng was a lot calmer now and many times wiser. Even the avian higher ups were praising her as a more competent ruler.

"Enter," Zufeng's voice broker Zhuque out of her musing. The empty throne room echoed her voice and the doors were pushed open.

Zhuque realised that someone outside must've asked for permission via mental transmissions.

She frowned when she saw the old vulture headed adviser walk in unsteadily.

"Your majesty, I am honoured by your glorious presence," he praised kowtowing on the fur carpet.

Zhuque didn't like the vulture immortal but she had to admit, he was a good minister. He gave good advice and had earned her sister's good graces. Yet still she couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"It is rare for you to leave seclusion. I believe the last time we properly spoke was nearly nine thousand years ago. Speak, why do you wish for this audience," Zufeng opened her phoenix eyes into slits. His gaze alone was as if the highest heaven's lord of all encompassing light bore down on a single person.

Yet the vulture shrugged the gaze off and smiled getting on to his feet leaning on his staff for support.

"This minister wishes to report, big changes are going on in the world. The dragons are about to make a move," he said.

"Things that I already know. If you're here to waste my time repeating information to me then get out," Zufeng retorted harshly. Zhuque grimaced, her sister had been in a bad mood since the Dragon Sovereign announced himself.

"Ah but I do have important news. It would seem that with the opening of the spatial distortions, a portal was opened up heading northwards. Your rival Qilin Sovereign is about to be attacked," the vulture said.

Zufeng raised her eyebrow. "Why should I care what that luck sacking horse is up to?"

"Forgive this minister's audacity but can your majesty honestly say the avian's are a match for the dragons?"

The atmosphere instantly changed. Zhuque gasped at the audacity of this man. Zufeng's fury was palpable, the pillars of her throne room was lit ablaze.

Her left armrest was pulverised when she gripped her fist. Zufeng glared at the vulture for several breathes of time before sighing.

"Continue," she ordered.

"I believe it would be most prudent for your majesty to join the Qilin Sovereign in the battle to come. Alone, you will be unable to resist the dragons," the vulture said.

"The north continent is at the heart of the north in a location unknown to me. Not any of my spies had ever made it out of there alive nor have they sent back information," Zufeng said. "How do you expect me to cross that distance in time and to have the right coordinates?"

The vulture smiled. "Not to worry your majesty," he reached into his own pocket dimension and pulled out a mirror. It was antique looking but retained a noble quality.

"This is the Vast Heavens Mirror," the vulture said. "it reveals the location of all things and is capable of reaching anywhere in the world. With aid from Imperial Princess's Universe Traversing Boat, it would be paltry to reach the north continent."

"How convenient," Zhuque snorted. "You've had that for all this time and never said anything. Sister, don't listen to his drivel, it's likely a trap to besiege you."

Zufeng closed her eyes in contemplation. "Why did you keep such a treasure hidden from me," she commanded.

"I exist only to help you rule your lands," the vulture headed elder said calmly. "I exist to keep the balance of the world and stop all evils. I work not for your benefit or anyone else's."

"But, should the Qilin Sovereign fall. This world will fall into a state of chaos. The dragons will trample over all living beings bringing misery on an unimaginable scale," the vulture sighed.

"Your majesty, please see reason," he offered up the Vast Heavens Mirror with a pleading look.

Zufeng stroked her chin and closed her eyes in contemplation. Many simulations ran in her mind before she finally opened them again. "Even if we're optimistic, we would still take a few years to reach there. What you're suggesting is impossible," she said.

The vulture headed immortal signed. 'I need to salvage this. If Zufeng isn't willing to go there then she must at least be willing to take a stance,' he had been careless and he knew it. He had invested too much time in cultivation that so many big events had gone over his head.

This vulture body was merely a lesser aspect of Hongjun, sent here to aid the phoenix. A similar body aids the qilin. However, they had all gone dormant for many years now.

He knew he was being too optimistic. But in all his years, he had not anticipated so many factors will go off course. Hongjun was deeply troubled and the more he thought about it, the more he came to realise his position was not secured at all. Luohu wasn't his only opponent, others were competing as well.

'Damn it. It's too soon. I should've kept a closer eye on Zulin,' he cursed. Even bringing out the Vast Heavens had not convinced his charge. 'I can't let the qilin be wiped out like this, there has to be another way.'

Deciding to change tactics he made a different proposal.

…

"DAMN IT!"

Zulin slammed his fist into a pillar leaving the stone structure. Qi An grimaced standing far away from his venting father.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck. It was perfect, perfectly executed. But that fucker just had to fuck it up," he roared. His unrestricted aura shook the entire palace and mountain.

"Emperor-father calm down," Qi An urged. "You'll level this place at this rate."

Zulin glared at his most accomplished son in irritation. He humphed and returned to his throne with a huff.

"Father, we didn't lose this," he attempted to placate the elder qilin.

"Our source of karmic luck had risen by over 1000% and the dragons had lost much of their luck. What's left is being used to suppress the Sea Eye. Ultimately, we still won," Qi An said.

"It's not a victory until he's dead," Zulin growled. His ugly scar burned even now in phantom pains. Though in his heart, Zulin accepted Qi An's words.

His sons words were true. Ultimately, they had succeeded in their original goal. Zulong's death would've been icing on the cake. But now the north continent can truly heal.

Their central spiritual veins were already filling up with vigorous Qi and the very ambience of the land was improving. In time, the north continent will surpass the others.

Taking a bit of luck from here, a bit of luck from there, a bit of luck everywhere. Zulin worked tirelessly to improve the north continent. Whether it be central, east, south, or the seas, he had taken karmic luck from all those places.

"Fine, we'll take this time to develop. Let's see the dragons catch up now," he sneered.

Then the world shook.

"Emperor-father," Qi An's startled voice was heard but ignored.

Zulin stood from his throne weirded out. "The Sea Eye's been suppressed. What is happening?"

Zulin could sense the distortion of spacetime. He could even see the cracks forming outside. But he didn't fully understand the changes going on. His mastery of such Dao laws was nonexistent.

CRACK!

A slit opened up, sucking in cracks and light. The mountain shook uncontrollably. Zulin could feel a tangible nervousness rolling out of him.

"What is," he frowned when a portal resembling a mirror opened it directly above his palace. Rather, it was directly above where his karmic luck had landed and where his Dragon Qi of luck representing his empire's destiny was condensed.

"Spacetime distortion on this scale," a wisened old voice was heard as a new figure shimmered into existence.

"Old benefactor," Zulin frowned. "Do you know what is happening?" Qi An also saluted the new figure.

The person he was addressing was a wisened figure in all black. He resembled a demon with a wrinkled bull like face. Though if one was familiar with Hongjun, they can spot some similarities between that old man and this figure.

"You majesty, this minister has some theories," the demon said stroking his beard.

"Speak your mind, you have never led me astray."

"This is a spatial distortion, a worm whole that connects two places perfectly. Reality was ripped asunder and remoulded into a doorway," he said.

"Strictly speaking, this is a move that requires two prerequisites. One of which is the power to destabilise reality and fragment it into pieces. Then one must posses the understanding of spacetime to open a universal doorway that connects two places at once," he added.

"At such distance?" Zulin grimaced. What ugly demon had said were things he'd already been aware of. But he was also aware of difficulty of it.

"I only know one person with enough mastery over space to do this," Hongjun's avatar said. "But Qiankun had long gone into hiding, what could've led him to showing up now?"

Then all of a sudden things stopped. There was a long silence as the cracks all disappeared leaving the portal on its own. Zulin tensed glancing back to Qi An.

"Go to your siblings, you'll be useless for what comes next," he ordered. At the same time, he sent mental transmissions to his own Da Luo Golden Immortal subordinates who resided at his capital below the mountain.

"Yes emperor-father," his son obeyed and ran out of the main hall.

Looking at his old adviser, Zulin felt somewhat nostalgic. This man had helped and guided him in the past but rarely showed himself otherwise. If not for him, he may've never reached his current position.

"You disapprove?" He asked.

"You were hasty," Hongjun's avatar signed turning away. "Such a act of theft at such a scale is threatening to many figures. You've made many enemies unnecessarily."

"With this pool of luck, nothing can touch me," Zulin argued back.

"Luck can only take you so far," Hongjun's demonic avatar snarled. "Miracles must still exist in the realm of possibility. You've grown overconfident, you put too much stock in karmic luck."

Zulin was silent as his old benefactor ranted. Though he did not know his true identity, he theorised that this was one of the old chaos godfiends. "Hmph," Zulin snorted. "You came from a time where karmic luck nonexistent, of course you would not understand."

Hongjun's bull like face gritted his teeth. "Do not speak on things you don't understand. You know nothing of the chaos sea." He abruptly turned around and began walking away. Disappointment was evident within him.

"The destiny of you sovereigns prevents us seniors from acting. I'll try to stop them as best I can," he said.

"That is all I can ask," Zulin nodded.

There were several more moments of silence. Zulin stood alone in his throne room in anticipation. The Qilin Sovereign sighed.

"It doesn't matter, I have all the luck in the world. By right I am protected. I have committed not crime in the eyes of heaven, I merely swapped things around a little. Besides, things solved themselves didn't they?"

Then he heard the most hated voice in the world.

"HORSEY, ROLL OUT HERE FOR YOUR SOVEREIGN!"

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The void was in chaos. Ripples emitted in all directions, fragments of realities shattered like glass when they impacted the stable barrier of the great wilderness. It was a scene of utter destruction.

Above the north continent, within the chaotic void. The demonic looking Hongjun stepped out. He scanned the area with his divine sense and gritted his teeth.

"I thought he was Qiankun, who knew it'll be you," he said. Another figure stepped out into the void.

This man stood around 1.7 metres tall and had short spongey blond hair. He held a short sword in one hand and had a jug of water dangling from his sash. He wore a form fitting wealthy black robe.

"Your improvements are astounding fellow daoist Da Hai," Hongjun's avatar rubbed his chin.

"You are…Hongjun corpse of evil," Da Hai concluded with a look of contempt.

"Cease this nonsense at once," Hongjun's corpse of evil ordered. "The incident's already over, there is no need to drag things out."

"You sound ridiculous when you say that," Da Hai snorted. "The world nearly ended, by right we should all smite that piece of shit down there." He pointed his sword at Hongjun.

"The business of sovereign's aren't for us to decide," Hongjun argued.

"Exactly," Da Hai agreed. "Thst's why you won't do anything," he remained in an aggressive stance but otherwise made no moves. Such restraint bothered Hongjun, he'd half expected to be brawling right now.

"Be that as it may, you directly interfered by causing this new mess. The Heavenly Dao won't stand for that."

"What are you talking about?" Da Hai looked bemused with a suppressed smirk. "All I did was open a door."

At that moment, never had Hongjun felt more irritated in his life.
…

Located on the highest peak of the Cloudy Shadow mountain ranges. The Qilin Grand Empyrean Palace was the command centre of the Qilin empire. It stood lofty, high above the clouds and the imperial capital below and contained the entirety of the Primordial Qilin clan as well as Da Luo Golden Immortal higher ups.

Built thousands of years ago, this palace also stored an immensely powerful defensive formation known as the Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation. Generated from the ancient chessboard, this formation was more then a match against most invasions.

Due to its excellent location as well as natural defences. Zulin never feared anyone invading since the time of its inception. After all, in addition to his own protection, the Heavenly Dao and the natural karmic winds made the palace invisible to those he doesn't wish to see.

In this manner, it was quite similar to the legendary three immortal mountain islands. An untraceable fortress that was also the ideal battleground for Zulin.

When Zulong first emerged from the gateway, he did not hesitate. Directly challenging Zulin to come out so as to leave him no way to escape else suffer a wounded reputation.

He did not stop to admire his enemy's home nor did he take his time. He only cast a single look at the foggy clouds obscuring his vision and the faint lines of karmic luck that once belonged to him.

Although his connection to it had been severed, he could still see and identify them. It wasn't hard to guess where Zulin could be. So as another dozen or so Da Luo Golden Immortals emerged behind him, he roared out.

"HORSEY, ROLL OUT HERE FOR YOUR SOVEREIGN!"

The dragon's imperial command tendered the heavens and shook the earth. Billions of inhabitants around the mountain range and the imperial capital felt suffocated. Mortals and cultivators alike lost their nerves many perished on the spot. Their eardrums could not handle the sound and bursted into bloody smears.

Immortals collapsed onto the pavement feeling weak and helpless. They felt their drive weaken to the point of insignificance, their desire for anything but to obey reduced ashes.

Golden Immortals and Taiyi Golden Immortals felt suffocated. Only the strongest of wills could even stand but they couldn't even move beyond that. Their very bodies had betrayed them, unwilling to listen.

The resident Da Luo Golden Immortals nervously gulped when they heard the challenge. A massive nine headed tiger growled as it observed the emerging dragon and sea experts.

"Kaimingshou, prepare for battle," a massive snake called out to the nine headed tiger. This was Erfu, another servant of Zulin. He was accompanied by his longtime friend Wei, a Da Luo Golden Immortal who resembled a shirtless giant wearing a red loin cloth.

Yinglong noticed the squadron of Da Luo Golden Immortals gathering below. He glanced up at his elder brother who seemed content in ignoring them for now.

It made sense to the winged dragon, Zulong was here for the Qilin Sovereign. Everyone else was but a side character.

"Hmph," an abhorrent voice assaulted the dragon's ears. The same voice they and the sea clan experts had heard mere minutes ago.

"You were a fool to come here," the clouds dispersed with grandiose poise. Zulin, dressed in the robes of an emperor complete with his crown stepped out into the front courtyard of his Grand Empyrean Palace. He appeared no less dignified then the crowned Zulong.

"You should've just accepted your loss worm, better to stay in your corner," Zulin sighed disappointingly with his palm on his face. "Then again, you were never really that smart."

His goading received no reply. Well, no word reply at least. Zulong did not deign to banter with Zulin at all. As the Qilin Soverieng continued speaking, Zulong arranged his right fist back.

In the motion of an outstretched claw, he threw that limb out in a flurry of black and yellow light.

Nine Claw Killing!

The dragon's claw sealed across the air spreading into a gigantic black and golden claw. It was sharp, strong, and ferocious. It tore apart all things in its way.

Zulin immediately pointed upwards. Seeing as exchanging words were pointless, he activated his guardian formation. The tiles of an archaic elephant chess board appeared below his feat. Above his head, the image of karma manifested.

BOOM!

The impact was titanic, an explosion that rocked the foundation of the world. Fiery aura danced on both sides as they regained their bearings.

Zulin frowned, Zulong couldn't have grown that much more powerful right? He flipped his hand and an ancient scroll made of animal leather appeared.

"Fight my pets," he commanded.

From beneath Cloudy Shadow mountain, billions of lifeforms began pouring out. Billions of insect like creatures that were abhorrent to look at.

The four seas expert gasped in revulsion at the monstrosities crawling out. These soulless creatures made glittering noises that disturbed them greatly.

"Never in my years would I wish to see them again," Xuanwu grimaced.

"Those are the bug beasts?" A fellow Da Luo Golden Immortal asked the tortoise. He only nodded in silence.

"Your majesty, what do you require of us," the nine headed Kaimingshou leading half dozen Da Luo Golden Immortals soared into the sky. In an instant they jumped into the formation and stood alongside Zulin.

Zulin smiled, "My loyal warriors, we are besieged by the most despicable of enemies. They have denied my mercy and opted to attack us. We must not let them through."

"Yes your majesty," they responded.

"Billions of mobs and a few elites," Baihu snorted. "Doesn't seem too hard."

"Trillions," Yinglong corrected. "There's just so many that they've run out of space to stand on the surface."

"So what?" Colossal Shark laughed. "The strongest are only Taiyi Golden Immortals in physical strength."

"But they can prove to be an annoying hinderance," Zulong said raising up the Dragon Pearl. His muscles bulged as he brought the orb down at breakneck speed.

Zulin hurriedly prepared for a counterattack but Zulong's strike never came. Instead of assaulting the mountain, he smashed right into the army of bug beasts instantly pulverising billions of them.

However, within seconds, more had poured out of the ground replacing their lost numbers.

"Colossal Shark, you and the symbols shall deal with the pests below us. Rest of you, join me in assaulting this fortress," Zulong commanded.

"Yes your majesty," they chorussed and followed his command.

To attack a defensive formation, casually stepping inside was tantamount to suicide. As such, for the initial battle, Zulong chose to assault from the outside.

He besieged the unique formation that defended the Grand Empyrean palace. Zulong snorted at even the mention of such a name. 'Doesn't matter, I'll tear it down soo enough'.

The dragon's titanic body scratched and clawed. His serpentine physique would twist and turn avoiding many attacks Zulin would launch.

At the same time, squads of Da Luo Golden Immortals numbering nearly two dozen would also assault the formation with their immense power. It was a first in history for the primitive world.

Previous conflicts never involved so many Da Luo Golden Immortals before. Yet even under all this, Zulin held firm, bolstered by his Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation, he was empowered.

Although there were only seven on his side, Zulin could withstand the pressure brought on by Zulong's small army.

Explosions of light rocked the continent. Roars and screams and strikes of thunder clashed against each other. Zulong will fire off more claw strikes and create tsunamis while Zulin with marshal up the earth, stone pillars and bolts of lightning and fire.

This was a battle for survival. Neither side cared for their surroundings as they fought. The surrounding environment was torn asunder. Chunks of rubbled flew in all directions while corpses of bug beasts littered the ground.

Hours of combat turned into days, days turned into weeks. Before anyone knew it, three weeks of nonstop fighting had occurred. The ancestral dragon had only became more and more angrier as time passed.

The more he fought, the more familiar with the Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation he became. Strictly speaking, it was a standard defensive formation. However it had another extra feature. This formation could absorb the power of karmic luck to further enhance its capabilities.

"It's hopeless worm," Zulin taunted from his end. "This Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation is invincible. Powered by the very luck of the land itself. You can never break it."

He had hoped those words would deter the dragon. After all, after three consecutive weeks of assault, they had still remained in a stalemate.

Da Luo Golden Immortals did not tire nor did they run out of Qi. They can fight for eternity if they so wished. In order to break the stalemate, Zulong would need to do more.

Trillions of bug beasts now lay dead and the endless tide Zulin had stored up had shrivelled. Zulong's full force had in these weeks began assaulting Zulin's palace with even higher vigour.

The land was blanketed by ice curtesy of Xuanwu. Corpses frozen like sculptures. Others were pierced by wooden stakes. It was a sight of carnage, Colossal Shark had gluttonously devoured many bug beasts while the symbols utilised their unique powers to eradicate trillions of bug beasts.

As the symbols and Colossal Shark rejoined Zulong, the situation turned against Zulin. Three heavenly stars floated, surrounding Grand Empyrean Palace. The interlocking of Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury formed a trifecta that was hard to overcome.

Zulong roared, his voice erupting with all the authority of a celestial dragon emperor. His roar split the heavens and crushed the earth. His roar caused the surface of the Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation to ripple.

"Feed more into it," Zulin urgently stomped his hoofs into the pavement. He had long assumed his true form during the battle. "More karma, kill, kill that dragon."

The qilin's maddened frenzy was a sight to see. He formed quite a contrasting image with the golden light of luck. But the power he possessed cannot be denied.

Karma was a fundamental part of the universe. It was given and taken by the Heavenly Dao and formed a system of cause and effect. It was perhaps the strongest celestial force within creation.

Zulin roared, his blue scaled body lit in golden flames. Mysterious occurrences were visible within his pupils. Profound mysterious displayed images of destiny and fate along his scales each glistening like mirrors.

His spell created a vast burst of karmic fire that enveloped the sky. Like a meteor, it shot outwards towards Zulong. A focus fire attack aimed at eliminating the dragon early.

Its trajectory was like that of a comet. Shooting forth like a bullet. Zulong growled at the attack. How could he not when he recognised its source.

When he formed the Qi Dragon of luck all those weeks ago, he had formed an intrinsic connection with his luck Qi. He could recognise it anywhere.

"How dare you! How dare you! How dare you!" Zulong roared in fury. His rage affected his roar and at the same time, many Da Luo Golden Immortals felt the same anguished rage.

"You left me with no choice," Zulin argued. The qilin also appeared very unwilling. He didn't go out of his way to take all that luck Qi only to use it up. They were meant to develop the north continent, not be wasted away like this. Recovering this loss would be unlike harder then anything he'd ever done.

"AAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!" Zulong screamed in fury. A tsunami billions of kilometres high came from behind in like the maw of an enormous beast. It crashed against the blast of karmic fire in a duel of fire and water.

White lightning zigzagged around Zulong's arms and body. They illuminated his eyes beneath the dark clouds. The dragon's expression was one that promised death by the most excruciating of pain.

"DIE!" His cry rumbled along with a massive burst of lightning. Zulin gritted his teeth at Zulong's maddened attacks. His karmic fire was overcome and the lightning impacted his barriers on all sides.

Zulong floated admits a thunderstorm of uncontrollable rain, lightning, wind and fury. Even his own subordinates were shocked at the brutal display of power.

"Is he, is he burning his nascent soul?" Yinglong gasped. The others who had at this point felt like extras all gasped, was his majesty really so reckless.

Reeling his head back, Zulong slammed his skull onto the surface of the barrier. The karmic symbol that formed to intercept cracked and shattered beneath the pressure.

"Die invader," a Da Luo Golden Immortal resembling a rhino charged at Zulong. Empowered by the formation, he felt confident to push to dragon back.

Wordlessly, Zulong grabbed the rhino's horn. His body weaved around the beast and grabbed hold of his back.

In a scene that shocked the world, Zulong tore the beast in two. "Just how strong is this guy?" Zulin's followers gulped in fear. The formation was supposed to enhance them. How on earth did this dragon kill one of them so easily.

The north continent was long united underneath the banner of the qilin. The qilin's ability to seek out and bring good fortune had ensured their continued survival throughout this age. As such, for all the Qilin Sovereign's disdainful attitude, they did hold respect for him.

But at this moment, they felt their resolves waver. Could Zulin actually win this?

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

In the wake of Zulong's brutal attack, the four sea experts felt invigorated. The opposite was true for Zulin's subordinates. The sudden increase in pressure was unlike anything they'd felt before.

BOOM!

CRACK!

BOOM!
CRACK!

"Your majesty," the giant god Erfu asked nervously.

"The barrier holds firm," Zulin growled back. "Combine your powers, strengthen the formation and counterattack."

"But your majesty, we've been doing that since the beginning," Wei said.

"Silence you incompetent fool, go out there and fight," Zulin ordered. In truth he too was feeling heavily pressured.

Zulong was already strong, but the further enhancements brought about by the burning of one's nascent soul magnified his strength to ludicrous levels. But to do so was also a detriment to one's own health, it was one's own life force. There was a reason why the act of burning a nascent soul was considered a suicide gambit.

He was like a wild animal, not speaking nor communicating. He only acted to attack and attack and attack. His teeth appeared razor like, even more so then usual. His claws here extended like knives. His tail was like a baton and even his whiskers were like spears as they skewered forwards.

Zulong's entire body was like a living weapon. An incarnation of primal fury that was so unlike the regal creature he was supposed to be. It made wonder if the dragon had fully given in to rage.

"You majesty, he's gaining ground, we can't damage him more than he can damage us," the great snake Erfu warned.

Zulin clenched his teeth. He didn't want to admit it but Erfu was right. Zulong's crew was at an advantageous position. They skilfully kited his tracks and struck back hard.

They had mobility while he was stationary. He could only fire off attacks and withstand theirs. While powerful the Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation's core enhancement was stronger within than outside.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

Zulong relentlessly bashed the formation heavily damaging its outer membrane. At this rate, it'll be torn apart and the formation may even collapse from the backlash.

Others such as Xuanwu blew frozen air before ramming his shell against them. Baihu would viciously attack with his metallic claws and bludgeon them with his steel tail. Even Colossal Shark used his razor sharp teeth to cut into the formation.

'Fuck, our strongest attacks can only be used on the inside,' Zulin contemplated his next move. He didn't want Zulong in for fear of being losing that battle. If anything the dragon had proven himself far more capable of such a feat than the qilin.

'A risk, everything is a risk. I took a risk for luck Qi. Seems I'll have to gamble again,' making up his mind, Zulin stood up straight. "Prepare yourselves," he sent orders to the minds of his men.

"Since you want in so much then why don't come in and have a look," Zulin roared, stomping his hoofs. His plan was simple, get the dragon in, trap him and besiege him from all sides thereby killing him.

It was risky but it could pay off big time. After all, Zulin was no stranger to risks, luck was on his side today.

Zulong had been charging forwards for another attack. His body was cloaked in electricity, water, and demonic winds. The very fabric of reality distorted, destroyed beneath Zulong's advance. His maddened look made the regal dragon appear like a maniac.

The impact of Zulong's attack never came. Zulin put his plan into motion and opened a hole for Zulong. Thankfully, Zulong had flown in close for the attack while others were either out of range or attacking from another side. Choosing this moment was the wisest move Zulin could make.

Zulong's momentum carried him forwards. His eyeballs rolled back as he passed from the exterior of the barrier to the interior thus entering the airspace above Grand Empyrean Palace.

For the dragon, in that small split second, the atmosphere changed drastically. It felt suffocating in here, difficult to formulate thoughts, difficult to command his muscles. His spirit was drowsy and his mind distracted itself with all sorts of compromising ideas.

For a brief moment, Zulong appeared unfocused much to Zulin's joy. He wasted no time in commanding the hole to shut. At the same time, he leapt up in a flurry of karmic fire. His antlers glowed with mysterious golden light, the righteous horns of good fortune.

"Heh," Zulong snorted. In a very short span of time, his pupils regained focus. The azure pearl he held in his fore claws glowed in soft light. The calming roar of the celestial dragon emanated within his mind.

All treacherous thoughts were purged from his mind. His body regained control and his mind became clear. Zulong's attention snapped to the closing hole. He had to hurry.

The dragon had worn a chain of beads across his broad neck. These weren't any ordinary beads, in fact, they were the Twenty Four Sea Calming Pearls. A mystical collection of pearls that made up a top grade Xiantian Spiritual Treasure.

His claw reached up for the string holding the beads. "Fly, become a new world," he commanded throwing them back towards the outside.

Zulin narrowed his eyes at Zulong's actions. 'What is he doing?' He thought in confusion.

POP!

Twenty four circular discs overlaying each other appeared through the barrier. A bridge formed through these discs connecting to the outside world, twenty four universes that bridged each other together yet remained separate entities at the same time.

Very quickly, these discs merged into one big universe. By the time Zulin realised what was happening, the change was complete.

Zulong arched his neck back and twirled around Zulong, careful to avoid any flames. Touching any karmic fire was severely detrimental to his health after all. Looking back, he smirked in satisfaction.

"Those I messaged, join me inside," Zulong called out while twisting his tail around to slap Zulin.

"A new universe existing between the inside and outside world," Zulin's horselike features grimaced. He did not need to tilt his head to dodge Zulong's strike. "Do you think my formation so weak?"

As Xuanwu, Baihu, Qinglong, and a dozen others entered following Zulong's command, the elder dragon shook his head.

As if on cue, the new universe dimmed. It cracked in all places like a broken piece of glass. In the next instant, it disappeared, separating into twenty four pearls flying in different directions. It couldn't even last five seconds.

"Your luck is extraordinary, for a universe to destabilise and collapse so quickly," Zulong snorted. "Can you do anything without luck?"

Zulin did not deign to retort. He got to work throwing all sorts of distracting illusions at the four sea experts who made it through. "Attack, we hold the advantage in here, kill them," he commanded.

"Yes your majesty!"

"I don't think so," Zulong opened his gaping maw and unleashed a roar. His dragon's roar erupted in a deafening cry that threatened to burst the eardrums of those too close to him.

Zulin's subordinates felt their hearts wavering. They felt their doubts rise and fear grow. Their knees felt weak and a heavy desire to kneel was present in their hearts.

On the flip side, Zulong's subordinates felt great. Their spirits ignited in a burning desire for revenge. Their will to fight grew tremendously like a pool of oil being lit on fire.

It was a sudden drastic change. The abilities of Zulin within the formation allowed for him to infect his opponents with negative karma, distract them with dark thoughts, make them careless. At the same time, Zulong's roar invigorated their spirits to fight and dampened Zulin's magic.

The flow of karmic luck was reluctant to move forwards and urged themselves to turn away. Zulong's roar may not have worked on the insane amounts that were escaping from him earlier but it could work on a much smaller scale.

The celestial command went against the flow of destiny. Outnumbered but not outgunned, Zulin ordered his men to attack. He was simply put, furious. Anger at Zulong, anger at himself.

The minds of Da Luo Golden Immortals were extremely quick. It didn't take long for him to work out what happened in hindsight whilst he clashed against his fellow sovereign.

He'd underestimated the dragon's intelligence. Zulong's rage was not faked, his maniac assault carried his true feelings on the matter. But for one to also remain rational enough in that state astounded the qilin.

But it did happen, Zulong planned around his own outburst. The effects of the Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation infected his mind and triggered his own defences. He returned to a sound state of mind and immediately acted to bring his personnel in.

Then stage two began. For every one of Zulin's ilk, two of Zulong besieged them along with the support of a third who'd come and go. The dragon's roar cleared them of any ill effects and at the same time caused the hearts of their opponents to waver.

But another powerful force was inside as well. Three of the four symbols were present, they manifested their stars bringing forth endless divine power. The stellar light of the stars enveloped their comrades further giving them a boost.

With the interior forces distracted, Yinglong led the outside forces. His expansive feathered wings stretched outwards like an angel from the bible. They flapped with such force that twin hurricanes made up of divine winds drilled into barrier outside.

The battles within had led to the lowering of concentration on the battle outside. Where before Yinglong's attacks would've been shrugged off, they now dented the barrier, threatening the formation severely.

"Push on!" Yinglong roared, his yellow scales glistened as he flew into the air. "I bring the rain," he chanted and danced. The responsive created massive storm clouds from beneath his wings.

They were not as furious as Zulong's thunderstorm but they possessed a terrifying inevitable quality of their own. An ominous storm that was always on the horizon drifting forwards ever so slightly. An ever present storm.

Trillions upon trillions of droplets of rainwater fell like a hail of arrows. They were both heavy, sharp and corrosive at the same time. A corrosive attack that ate away at the solid surface of the Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation.

The assault outside the barrier also disturbed those within. Kaimingshou who fought the ferocious Baihu retreated, just narrowly dodging and furious strike that destroyed the pavement.

With another leap, the white tiger shrugged off a hurricane of fire. His iron like teeth bit into Kaimingshou's throat. Behind him, a swordfish cut into the deity's side while Baihu tore out one of Kaimingshou's eight throats.

'This is bad,' the nine headed tiger urgently ran away. "Erfu, Wei, lord Shi…," he called out. "Help me!" He cried out. It was chaos, Zulin's men were collapsing.

"Things are not good," Erfu slithered away from Calamity Snail. He spat back hitting the mollusc in the face before retreating. "Friends, much as I hate to say this but we are unable to match them."

"ARGH!" All of a sudden, one of Zulin's Da Luo Golden Immortals toppled over. His chest was blown apart as the combined assault of three Da Luo Golden Immortals allowed Colossal Shark to rip him apart.

The hungry shark gave a bloody smirk of nothing but teeth towards the four remaining immortals.

On Zulong's side, Zuling actually met the elder dragon blow for blow. Zulong had not burned his essence soul. As such he relied on nothing but his mastery of magic and martial skill to battle. In doing so, he rivalled even Zulin who was empowered by the fortune of his formation.

SWOOSH!

Zulong's tail strike missed its mark, the dragon abruptly flew up to avoid a pillar of karmic fire. He circled back and unleashed a claw strike breaking a storehouse.

Zulin leapt away avoiding more and more of Zulong's rapid attacks. His horns lit up and shot beams of concentrated fire to which Zulong arced his body around gracefully dodging.

Both opponents gritted their teeth in both nervousness and frustration. If things went on any longer, Zulin will truly be forced to exhaust his luck Qi to either fight back or run away.

Zulong threw out the Dragon Pearl. It was wreathed in myriad lights and formed into the glaring image of the celestial dragon.

In retaliation, Zulin retrieved an antique looking chessboard that struck the pearl. They were like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. Zulong commanded his pearl back to his claw and leapt forwards to smash the board himself.

The two impacted while Zulin charged the board adding his own momentum to the strike. The duo clashed resulting in a shockwave that destabilised the world within the barrier. An act that was counterproductive to Zulin.

"Attack, attack from all sides, destroy this formation," Zulong ordered. The dragon brought both claws down at Zulin narrowly missing. Another strike broke the ground, another broke a pillar, another store a statue apart.

Zulogn rampaged after Zuling systematically destroying Grand Empyrean Palace in the process.

"You, stop this now," Zulin yelled. The qilin flew into the air kicking Zulong back with his hoofs. The dragon was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered and went back on the offensive.

"I'll give back your luck Qi, cease this madness at once," Zulin urged. Of course, he didn't specify how much luck he was going to give back.

His words fell on deaf ears. Zulong truly had no desire to talk aside from sharing his own opinions on the matter. "The only thing I want from you is your head," he growled in response. Luck he can claim, Zulin's life was more important.

"Arg, don't take things too far," Zulin dodged a strike that destroyed his favourite collection of statues. He stomped the ground kicking up a dust storm that blinded Zulong before kicking the dragon.

The force has his strike forced the dragon to skirt back, ripping up the ground with his claws. Zulong opened his mouth and shot out a blast of electricity. Zulin answered with his own breath of fire.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

CLANG!

The outside barrier shimmered. Its cracked shell shattered like glass. Piece disintegrated into wind as Yinglong tore down the barrier from the outside.

Zulin was still caught in a tussle with Zulong when another of his men perished. With the fall of a third Da Luo Golden Immortal, the three symbols struck at the formation from the inside.

Zulin was unable to concentrate as the Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation collapsed around. He was simply too preoccupied with Zulong. At the same time, he could feel himself weakening drastically.

Zulong was now both faster and stronger. Zulong exhausted his luck further to avoid further strikes. His repeated flame attacks were avoided and his kicks did nothing. His spells were countered and now his biggest advantage was gone.

The environment shimmered, it changed back to the way it was. All unique defensive qualities quickly faded with the collapse of the formation. Buildings became more fragile and suddenly, the peak they fought on shock dangerously.

'Have to get away, have to get away!' Zulin turned tail to run. He whipped out a wave of karmic fire before running in the direction of his main hall. 'Have to collect my children. You'll pay for this dragon,' he promised in his mind.

"Don't let him escape, besiege him," Zulong cried out standing atop a wave of water. It washed over the karmic fire battling against the cosmic force while simultaneously flooding the mountain.

Yinglong and others heeded Zulong's command. He flew in with several others forcing Zulin to leap back. The qilin was forced to do so again when Qinglong and Xuanwu charged in on a cloud of ice.

The qilin sprayed out columns of karmic fire then flew up. Then he was abruptly halted. Turning his gaze down, Zulin met Zulong eye for eye, his claw clutching the qilin's tail.

"You," Zulin snarled as Zulong threw the qilin back down with all his strength. Hongjun's words from earlier, "Miracles can only happen within the realm of possibility" echoed in his mind.

The qilin slammed into his own palace into his mountain. Avalanches of rock and soil tabled down as the foundations of the mountain were broken. The entire mountain range could feel Zulin's fall and collapsed upon his impact.

Minutes later, the entire mountain range where the qilin once called home, collapsed into rubble.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The worst case scenario had happened. This was the sole conclusion the strongest son of Zulin as well as his assistant/shadow, Qi An concluded.

The young Taiyi Golden Immortal held an orb in hand, a miniature small world which contained his siblings. He himself was wrapped in a fur coat harvested from a now deceased avian cultivator who specialised in stealth.

His hold on the tree he stood on, thousands of kilometres away from the core battlefield was secure for now. A bit too close for his liking but he wanted to witness the events with his own eyes.

"Father, your ambition doomed you," he whispered closing his eyes and praying. He debated stepping forwards to help but shook his head. Voices from within the small world was urging him.

"Going there is suicide brothers and sisters," he said towards his siblings. However, in truth he too wished to aid his father as well.

Qi An cannot claim to like his father. His was arrogant, entitled, overconfident and brutal. He wasn't exactly the kindest of rulers.

He sighed and turned around and flew away.

…

Drip, drip, drip. Droplets of blood leaked from Zulong's mouth onto his claw. The dragon gazed down at his own blood and sighed. His shoulders slagged slightly and he descended from his high altitude.

"Brother, that was reckless of you," Yinglong lectured flying down to meet the elder dragon.

"Master taught us many years ago that nascent souls are once in a lifetime treasures. You shouldn't recklessly burn them."

"It worked didn't it?" Zulong snorted. "He let us in and allowed us to attack from two fronts."

"It's a miracle we didn't suffer any losses from that assault," the winged dragon frowned.

"You overthink things too much," Zulong defended himself. "The gamble payed off and victory is in our hands, now we just need take back what is ours."

Zulong gazed around the collapsed mountain and sighed. "It's a shame we won't be able to totally recoup our losses." His gaze traced downwards towards where Zulin would've fallen.

The rubble shifted. Stone and sand moved out of the way as a fatigued quadruped qilin stood amidst the rubble. He glared hatefully at the dragon floating above.

"Men, surround him. Besiege him, give him no chance to escape," Zulong ordered. His serpentine body straitened out and dived down as well.

The mighty Qilin Sovereign was surrounded from all fronts. In all directions, massive monstrous sea creatures dived for him. More then two dozen Da Luo Golden Immortals.

Gritting his teeth, Zulin roared. An explosion of red hot light expanded out in all directions. It was an impact that eradicated everything in a several kilometre area.

Holding his claw up, Zulong forcefully held the blast back. It bounced harmlessly across his scales. His brothers were much the same, being capable of resisting the attack.

In a blinding flash of light, Zulin jumped out like a rocket. His target wasn't any of the more powerful figures but a weaker immortal. It was a a cultivator who resembled a squid.

Sensing imminent danger, the squid Da Luo Golden Immortal unleashed a fog of ink. His tentacles shifted into spears of light striking at the qilin.

Zulin snorted at the display. He'd give credit where its due, this squid had some ability. The qilin blew out a strong gust of wind dispelling the fog of ink. He proceeded shrugged off the light spears and ascended in a straight line.

"No!" The squid barely uttered before Zulin effortlessly pierced his defences. His eyes bulged as he died.

"Damn it," Qinglong who had been the closest to the squid charged for the qilin. His azure claws pierced the side of the sovereign.

Zulin screeched in pain. He raised his fore hoof and slammed Qinglong on the crown of his skull.

Tossing the dragon aside he turned his attention to five others who'd arrived admits the commotion. His speedy attack had ended and he was quickly surrounded.

Battling against multiple opponents was already something that was extraordinarily difficult. This was especially the case for so many immortals of similar rank. Zulin battered aside the dolphin, the stingray, the mackerel, but was blindsided by the shark.

He was dragged down and pummelled by the White Tiger. He was crushed beneath the massive snail. Catching himself, the qilin got up and threw the snail off and kicked the tiger away.

Xuanwu spun in and bashed Zulin across his face. His snake tail inhaled a gallon of air and unleashed a blizzard of frost and snow.

The qilin growled in furry and shot out flares of karmic fire forcing the others away. But amidst this, Zulong came behind him. His claw gripped Zulin by the back of his head and slammed his face into the ground, shaking the earth.

"We should flee," Erfu said to Wei and Kaimingshou. The only three to survive the previous battle and were now watching their ruler getting pummelled into the ground.

"He is besieged from all sides," Wei added. The three shared a look and got up from their positions on the ruined mountain. They transformed into three flashes of lights and fled.

"Ignore them, focus fire on Zulin. Give that horse no chances to escape," Zulong ordered his men. With his command, they charged in with a barrage of strikes.

Bolts of magical fire, water, lightning, and air blasted the qilin. Everywhere he turned he met opposition, harassment from all sides, from a distance or up close.

Zulin will return attacks of his own, karmic fire, and lasers of light, raise boulders the size of mountains. He fought ferociously and his antlers dripped with the blood of his enemies.

But the four seas experts had gotten more careful. They fought in groups of four and five. They attacked in all directions and left no openings.

Zulin could dodge all he wanted, attacks would fly over him. But he was trapped with no chances to break out.

Yinglong had created a massive storm over the area. It constantly rained and flooded the lands. He stayed in the outskirts harassing the qilin from a great distance.

"RAGH!" Zulong's latest claw strike eradicated much of the land creating another of thousands of creators that now littered the area. Blows so strong they threatened to punch directly into the void.

Yet again, Zulin narrowly rolled out of the way. His blue scales just barely dodging subsequent strikes from Zulong's whiskers, hind legs, and tail.

Desperation was felt by the north continent sovereign. He was burning luck like no tomorrow. Taking all chances he could to avoid death, to look for openings. Killing that squid had done little to make this possible.

He flew away from Zulong firing massive waves of karmic fire much to the dragon's anger.

There were no words to describe Zulong's rage. Despite the besiegement, Zulin would not give up. He was burning through his stockpile of luck Qi to avoid his fate. A stockpile that rightfully belonged to the dragon.

Zulong fought in desperation. His long body attacked from all sides. He struck and got struck from all sides. His scales were cracked in some places and he was bruised beneath his skin.

Zulin screamed in pain as Colossal Shark bit into his tail. The qilin turned and returned fire causing the shark to quickly let go. Zulin then turned and knocked away the stingray from before.

Zulong charged up with Qinglong and Baihu. The two celestial bodies were met with the ancient chessboard while Zulong broke through the blockade.

"No!" Zulin's luck returned. He narrowly avoided a charging Zulong who's claw drew blood from the qilin's chin.

Falling back, the qilin flew in another direction. He would've made it if he was not tackled by a colossal eel. The divine beast coiled around the qilin and forced him back onto the floor.

"Damn you!" He screeched in fury. His muscle convulsed and he tore his way out of the eel's grip. He slammed his head into the eel's face dazing the creature.

"Die!" He stomped his front hoof down on top of the immortal's face crushing his skull in an instant.

"GAH!" Zulin fell forwards away from the corpse having been struck by Yinglong's claw. The winged dragon breathed a stream of lightning and forced Zulin to skirt across the ground kicking up a wave of soil.

Crashing roughly onto the ground, Zulin groaned in pain. He stood up unsteadily catching a glimpse of a charging Zulong.

"Fuck you," he cursed and began running at the dragon. His body was one engulfed with karmic fire. A pullet of luck flames that met the vast storm of seawater brought by Zulong.

BOOM!

The two clashed against each other rocking horns like they'd done thousands of years ago on Ao. An event that marked the first meeting between future sovereigns.

Zulong sneered at the qilin, he swayed his head aside and slammed Zulin into the ground with terrifying force. His claws stabbed into the qilin's spin, sheering his scales and flesh off.

"You think you could get away with stealing from me?" Zulong laughed taking pleasure in Zulin's screaming. He smashed the qilin again and again into the ground bloodying the celestial beast.

The rest of his Da Luo Golden Immortals stopped on the outskirts watching their sovereign brutalise the qilin.

Zulong's claw tore into Zulin's face, tearing out his flesh. His other claw ripped into his throat. His regal golden scales were bloodied with the blood of Zulin.

Throughout this, the qilin strengthened his body as best as he could. Karma flowed through his skin creating a divine physique incredibly resistant to damage. But this could only do so much against the dragon's brutal physical strength.

Zulong clawed into Zulin's flesh. Light wounds were dug deeper and deeper. Zulong's own claws became like sedated knives specialised for killing.

"You want your luck so much?" Zulin wheezed with contempt. He gazed difantly at a confused Zulong's eyes. "Then have it."

In Zulin's eyes, his pupils flashed with gold. The golden light of karma flashed all over his body. The image of the Qi Dragon of luck flashed into existence outside of Zulin's body.

It floated for a split second before assuming a new form. One doused completed in flames.

"You wouldn't dare," Zulong growl.

"You pushed things too far," Zulin growled back.

Whereas before, Zulin was incredibly hesitant to use up the stockpile of luck he took from Zulong, now he decided to deploy it. What was the point of luck if you weren't alive to use it?

'To hell with you,' Zulin thought darkly. 'You'll gain nothing here,' he chuckled weakly as the dragon exploded in a titanic explosion of karmic fire.

It engulfed the world in a bright dome that was visible from across the world. A controlled dome of detonated karmic fire that covered a radius of a trillion kilometres in all directions.

All things were eradicated. No life remained from the suicide attack. Trees, soil, living beings alike were burnt out of existence.

The great wilderness now sported a massive hole in the north continent. A hole filled with chaotic energies of the void. A chuck of reality was just missing.

Zulin floated in the void. He was incredibly weak and his vitality drained to the point of near death. He too had been burning his own nascent soul to fight without aid from the Unlimited Karmic Slaying formation for so long, now it had taken its tole.

He glanced around catching the sight of figures made of translucent grey water.

"Oh you've got to me fucking kidding me," Zulin sighed.

Zulong's entire body was a pool of Pellucid Divine Water. He possessed no flesh, no bones, no arteries, no organs. He was just a massive construct of water who's glowing eyes glared at Zulin with hatred.

In the seconds before the luck dragon detonated, Zulong opted to grab as many as he could. He was confident in eventually breaking Zulin's defences but that wouldn't stop the explosion. As such he grabbed all he could reach and assumed one of his master's strongest spells.

Zulong's liquid body enveloped his brothers, the other two symbols, and other people who were lucky enough to make it in.

All in all, thirteen Da Luo Golden Immortals were rescued by Zulong including the bulk of the elites. A devastating loss but not one he couldn't recover from.

As Zulong recovered his normal scaled form, he appeared beside Zulin. He exchanged no words with the sovereign. His glowing eyes only flashed with contempt.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Hongjun's corpse of evil and Da Hai abruptly felt their surroundings change. One minute they were at a standoff in the void and suddenly an explosion had shaken the void between realms.

In the time both individuals got their bearings together, a massive hole was punctured in the great wilderness. A pit leading to the void. Reality was broken and all the damage sustained was visible from the eye of these two deities.

Hongjun sighed and walked forwards. The destination he was aiming for was the core of the pit. The location where Zulong and Zulin were located at.

Zulong was the first to catch Hongjun's movement. Faster than he can properly react, something he'd never experienced before, Hongjun already stood before him.

"Dragon Sovereign," Hongjun began. "Too much death has occurred already. The world has already suffered so much tragedy. Why don't we just let things go. Qilin Sovereign has sinned greatly with his actions, I'll personally make sure he makes up for."

This demonic looking man resembling an oni from Japanese myths spoke in a calm yet dominating tone. He demanded attention and gave off the aura of the supreme deity under heaven.

He reached out to grab towards Zulin with full intention of pulling the qilin away.

Zulong struggled to move. He couldn't process his thoughts properly and for the first time in a very long time, he realised this man was no simple opponent. In fact, he recognised him.

Zulin sighed in relief. It seemed fortune was still on his side, he wasn't out of luck yet. He wondered why his old benefactor hadn't acted until now but placed that train of thought away, hope was still on his side.

SWISH!

Hongjun leaned back retracting his hand. A few white hairs were lopped off by the Heavenly Cloud Gathering sword held firmly in Da Hai's hand.

The sea god had only been a step behind Hongjun. He did not hesitate to swing again forcing the senior immortal to take a few steps back.

'That sword is dangerous,' Hongjun's corpse of evil realised.

"Step away from my disciple," Da Hai commanded swinging a third time followed by a fourth.

With each swing swaths of mysterious sword Qi cut into the abyss. They weren't Chaotic Sword Qi but simply gusts of winds. Yet each swing obliterated the void, distorting the fragments of reality and throwing everything into chaos.

Hongjun's corpse of evil stomped his foot. In an instant, everything had returned to normal in an orderly fashion. The distortions ended and the pieces of reality stilled.

A pseudo balance was achieved in which the destruction wrought by Zulin continued to be chaotic while pieces of reality reached a level of stability. An equilibrium between both sides was achieved.

"Yin-Yang harmony, the change from being to unbeing, restore this world," Hongjun commended.

In a miraculous twist of events, the chaotic debris that littered the gapping pit disappeared. They were replaced by a calm flow of void energies that had little turbulence behind slight movement.

The immortals present gasped in awe at the casual display of a miraculous spell.

"Neat trick," Da Hai complimented. He did not stop his aggressive stance nor did he retreat.

Hongjun frowned. If his true body was here, things would be simpler. But he was just an avatar formed from the corpse of evil. He wouldn't be a match for Da Hai if he chose to interfere now.

"Fellow daoist," Hongjun grumbled unhappily. "Just what do you think you're doing?"

"Speak for yourself," Da Hai retorted with a sneer.

Hongjun flushed with both embarrassment and anger. Meanwhile Da Hai appeared more amused than anything, underneath that however lay simmering rage.

"Be reasonable, would it not be better for his majesty to serve his penance? He should repay the damages he caused, the qilin are gifted creatures and children of the Heavenly Dao. Let the Heavenly Dao decide his fate," Hongjun urged.

Da Hai's lips curled. Then he chuckled. Then he broke into an outright laughing fit full of mockery. A rare sight for the Heavenly Lord but one that genuinely disturbed the immortals of the east sea.

The look Da Hai sent Hongjun wordlessly converted how ridiculous the elder deity sounded. Both parties knew it.

Hongjun had hoped for a sign, or some form of divine intervention. Despite all that has happened, technically speaking, Zulin hadn't incurred the wrath of the Heavenly Dao, likely due to his immense good luck and his exalted status. However, he saw no such intervention on his behalf.

"It's not the right time for him to die," Hongjun admitted. "Destiny has set a course, to kill him now is to go against the trend of heavens."

Da Hai smirked. What trend of heavens? What course of destiny? Such words were mere bullshit. There was no plan in the Heavenly Dao's design, there was barely a design at all. Things happen, opportunities for good fortune and disaster can both occur, as long as the world profits, that's all the Heavenly Dao cares about.

"Oi," Zulong's call out caught the attention of both godfiends. They'd been ignoring him for the few seconds they've taken to conversing but the dragon's voice had snapped their attention back to him.

"You seem to be forgetting something," Zulong spat. "This mongrel may or may not have offended the heavens. But he certainly offended me."

Hongjun sighed while Da Hai chuckled.

"I must implore you Dragon Sovereign," Hongjun warned. "You're making a mistake."

Zulong smirked, "Here's what I think of my mistake."

Zulin's eye widened in abject fear. Then they narrowed in resignation, he had very little strength to spare anyway. Neither did he have anything he wanted to say.

Thousands of years of hard work gone down the drain. The Qilin Sovereign had been terribly wrong. He wasn't as invincible as he'd assumed.

In hindsight, perhaps his first loss against the dragon on Ao should've been a warning. But at the time, he'd chalked things up to him not reaching his full potential.

Zulong's maw widened and descended like a guillotine. No hesitation, no reluctance, no second thoughts, no guilt.

CRUNCH!

"Hai," Zulin's severed head sighed. "You win, Dragon Sovereign," the light faded from his eye as Zulong's claw gripped his antlers.

The dragon raised the head of his spiritual brother and lifted it for Hongjun to see. The godfiend wore a deep frown. His look was one of disapproval.

Zulong glared defiantly back. "The only authority I respect in this heaven and earth is my master. You have no RIGHT to command me, ancient godfiend or not."

Around the dragon, mystical changes erupted in a frenzy of soft colourful lights. They flew, giving off an eerie chilling feeling that flowed into the primitive world.

Over on that side, the sky above the north continent had descended into a thunderstorm. Not the aggressive ones the dragons summoned but a natural storm that covered the land.

Rivers dried up and healthy trees faded to withered aged snags. Living beings around the world felt a certain wrongness in the wind, like something had gone missing. Strange natural phenomenons that signalled the fall of a Da Luo Golden Immortal of great magnitude.

Within the void, Hongjun appeared a little helpless. His awkwardness was caught on by Da Hai who shot him a mocking look, one which found joy in his position. Hongjun levelled Da Hai with a glare of his own, he met the Heavenly Lord's challenging gaze with one of his own.

"Don't needlessly antagonise me fellow daoist," Hongjun snorted towards the sea god. "You win this round. Are you satisfied?"

"This was never about me," Da Hai shook his head and pointed at Hongjun's corpse of evil. "My grievances with you are not something a war of juniors will resolve."

"I have only ever met you twice," Hongjun said flatly. "I do not wish to be your enemy nor do I have reason to. Yet it seems fate has put us on a collision with each other, shame."

Zulong glanced towards his master with a questioning look. Objectively speaking, he knew his forces were depleted. However, he was prepared to support Da Hai at a moments notice, all that was needed was the signal.

The tension was broken when the human form of the strongest mollusc of the seas flew up to Zulong. He'd since retracted his true form and held within his hands a man, no a boy.

"Your majesty," Calamity Snail greeted.

"What's this?" Zulong looked down at the child. His bone age was easily identifiable as just shy of ten thousand years. His strength was a Taiyi Golden Immortal but the most damning aspect was the familiar blood of…

"Qilin!" Zulong growled.

"This minister reports, I found this one roaming the outskirts just a short while ago. This minister is dull and is unsure how to deal with him," Calamity Snail said subserviently.

He had indeed found Qi An trying to flee. The senses of the Da Luo Golden Immortal had detected him shortly after the explosion. His position had been exposed and his cloaking destroyed. Capturing him was but a matter of time. Though in truth, Calamity Snail just wanted to win some browny points with Zulong.

"Qilin," Zulong stared at Qi An who glared back at him. "You are the son of Zulin. That is a small world on you, carrying the other qilins are you not?"

"Gloating will do you no good. You won't dare exterminate all of us. There are many innocents among our numbers," Qi An spat half-heartedly. He looked towards Hongjun's and Da Hai's direction.

Hongjun's eyes flashed with what appeared to be joy. He made to step forwards only for Da Hai to step in his way. "Let the juniors handle this," he threatened.

"Qilin's are dangerous, their ability to manipulate karmic luck is too much," Zulong looked towards the other immortals who'd followed him. They seemed to all nod in agreement.

"Who knew the dragons were such despicable beings. Slaughtering the innocent for the crimes of their father? What ridiculous amoral beings," Qi An spat.

"Kill them," Zulong commanded Calamity Snail who nodded.

Purple miasma began emanating from Hongjun. Each step he took caused the void to shake and distort on a scale Da Luo Golden Immortals simply weren't able to. He pulled his right fist back and took a stance, the symbol of taijitu appeared behind him, glowing like a radiant sun.

It turned and churned and spun. The inky black took hold of the white and transformed into the dark disc. The white merged back to being a minute aspect while the black portrayed horrifying might.

Grey clouds began gathering around Da Hai. The sound of the sea churning could be heard and the Heavenly Lord of the great sea readied himself. The Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword glowed with a waterline texture resembling water.

The image of a single headed serpent appeared around Da Hai's body. It was like a river and a living creature at the same time. Its fangs were long and sharp, bathed in the power to rend all things apart.

The sudden surge of colliding energies rippled throughout the pi causing Calamity Snail to hold off from attacking in order to right himself.

Da Hai stepped forwards and swung his sword at Hongjun. In response, the godfiend punched with his fist.

"Extremity in destruction, balance in unity. Harmonious fist!"

"The wave of calamity Heavenly Clouds Gathers, single kill!"

CLANG!

SPLATTER!

The explosion of purple and grey rocked the void and the north continent beyond. The ever expanding residue of power uprooted entire landmasses and kicked up tsunamis, created thunderstorms and destabilised the void currents.

Hongjun recoiled back holding the split form of his right hand. From the knuckle to the elbow, his arm had been cleaning split in two. Blood like Dao essence oozed out of his wound.

He eyed the sword in Da Hai's hand in shock. "Chaotic Sword Qi," he murmured. He vomited some more blood while Da Hai took a deep breathe to recollect himself.

At this moment, an elegant mirror appeared in open space. A woman appeared in the void. Her colourful feather robes complimented her crown making her one of the world's most beautiful women. The Phoenix Sovereign Zufeng.

She took a look around her immediate surroundings and noticed the clashing godfiends. Then she took note of the corpse of the Qilin Sovereign.

"Wow, so that was all he amounted to in the end," Zufeng's soft feminine voice flowed through the calm void. Her elegant figure manifested as a third party neither near nor far from the rest.

"Zufeng," Zulong was startled to see the phoenix again after so many years. Hearsay could only inform you so much but from a single glance, he could the bird had changed.

She shared his acknowledgement but otherwise paid no more attention to the dragon, something which irked his pride.

"Your majesty," Hongjun greeted politely, his injuries ignored.

"Phoenix Sovereign," Da Hai saluted with politeness.

"Seniors," Zufeng returned.

"What are you doing here Phoenix Sovereign," Zulong craned his long neck to look the avian in the eye. The woman appeared tiny next to the gargantuan dragon but her presence was no less formidable.

After his bout with Zulin, Zulong appeared a little withered. His lips had red streaks of blood flowing down them and his majestic body sported injuries. Though he made no show of weakness nor and signs he was even injured aside from visuals.

Yet a second look will tell you that the gentlest breeze from Zulong will obliterate the Zufeng who stood before him. After all, this woman was only a hastily formed incarnation.

"I didn't know you could cross three continents worth of space with your incarnation arts," Zulong quipped.

"I can't," Zufeng admitted with full clarity. "I must thank senior Hongjun for allowing this sovereign to borrow his Vast Sky Mirror. Or do you prefer Elder Immortal Vulture?"

"Either works," Hongjun's corpse of evil said.

"Why are you really here Zufeng?" Zulong questioned.

The Phoenix Sovereign turned her gaze towards Qi An. During the confusion, he'd managed to get out of Calamity Snail's hold but it was impossible to get away. Zufeng smiled.

"Although you are not an avian, this sovereign is willing to take you in and offer you protection as long as you vow to the Heavenly Dao to serve me as my vassal," She said to Qi An who widened his eyes.

Swear by the Heavenly Dao, an unbreakable vow that will cause divine retribution if broken. If Zulin had been alive he'd have never agreed. Why should he of a royal sovereign clan serve another?

But Qi An was not Zulin.

"YES, I Qi An am willing to swear," the young qilin prince said almost immediately much to Zulong's utter shock.

He then roared out "We qilin swear to uphold the Heavenly Dao's order and justice. To serve the magnificent force of the heavens in the name of the Heavenly Dao for eternity. We shall become servants of the heavens to right all wrongs we've caused."

Now it was Zufeng who widened her eyes in shock. 'This shrewd little shit,' she swore in her mind.

Above them, a gargantuan eye made of Qi manifested. The world quieted down as a mysterious pact was formed. It seemed to be smiling joyfully at the result.

All of a sudden, it became sin to touch the qilin. Yet at the same time, the qilin realised they could never touch the individuals present. Beneath the gaze of the Heavenly Dao, they could not take revenge nor argue against them.

'It's fine,' Qi An told himself. 'At least we have a secured future this way.'

Looking upwards, Da Hai sighed. "Throwing away your freedom for survival. Well, I can't fault you, at least now you won't be in danger ever again."

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

The eye of the Heavenly Dao, a physical manifestation of the divine force which drives the world. It held a myriad of colours denoting extraordinary changes. Power beyond any immortal was ever present and simply looking at it drove lesser beings insane.

The swirling vortexes of three thousand completed Dao paths were visible for all to see. The lesser vortexes of a hundred and eight thousand lesser Daos were also visible for all to see.

It was very different from the infant will found atop Mt Buzhou so many years ago. To invade the current Heavenly Dao would be tantamount to suicide.

The profound eye groaned. Celestial light descended from the heavens and enveloped Qi An and the remaining qilin in the small world.

"Brother, what have you done?" A surge of voices, some angry, some willing, some indifferent bursted out from the small world.

"Peace brothers and sisters, this would've been the only way," he sighed. As the current head of the Primordial Qilin clan, such decisions were up to him now.

The light touched the qilin and instinctively, they knew they were inducted. As a positive, any negative karma they had was washed away, they gained protection and privileges from the Heavenly Dao. As a negative, they've essentially lost all free will.

Qi An turned to look at the mighty figures surrounding him. The two elder godfiends appeared contemplative. Though the Great Sea Heavenly Lord appeared more intrigued by the Heavenly Dao's eye, Hongjun on the other hand focused more on him.

It made the qilin slightly uneasy.

The two sovereigns on the other hand were visibly displeased. The dragon had made his stance clear but the phoenix equally wore an ugly expression.

Qi An knew what he was doing. Putting his clan, a lineage equal to the dragon and phoenixes, into their care was an insult upon them. In the same vein, he also did not wish to be exterminated.

As such, it was very convenient for him that the Heavenly Dao had functions like this. If his father hadn't been so close with Hongjun, he wouldn't have even known.

"We shall be taking our leave," the former prince said saluting the four powers present.

"You have a lot of gall," Zufeng said. Her voice was both chilling yet soothing, an unintended effect of her song. The disparagement produces an aura that chilled Qi An's spine.

The woman might just be an incarnation, something actually very beatable for Qi An, but it wouldn't be an easy fight.

"Apologies your majesty," Qi An said. "Your offer was a most gracious one. But as a comparable lineage, I cannot accept."

"You dare think yourself equal to a phoenix such as I?" Zufeng sneered. Off to the side, Zulong snorted but made no further comment.

"From this moment, the qilin will retreat from the primitive world. We shall make our home in the mountains until such a time where we are needed," Qi An declared.

The Heavenly Dao produced a bridge of light leading into a portal. Qi An walked through without hesitation. Soon, all traces of the qilin was gone from this world.

In an instant, a mighty power had simply vanished.

"Waste, hmph," Zufeng took a deep breath to calm herself. After recomposing herself, she turned towards the remaining powers.

"Why are you still here?" Zulong demanded. "Unconcerned busybodies should leave immediately."

Zufeng snorted. Then in the next instant, her figure and that of the mirror disappeared.

Hongjun's corpse of evil sighed in exasperation. Seeing as there was nothing left here, he spoke one final time. "If that is all, I shall be taking my leave," he promptly turned to walk away.

"Hold it!"

However, Hongjun was called back by Da Hai. The arms he folded on his back loosened back to his side as the godfiend turned to look as Da Hai.

"Do you really wish to escalate things?" he asked. He stretched out his arms.

Two bursts of light flew into them, an ancient chessboard and a scroll made of beast skin. Former treasures that belonged to Zulin.

As Hongjun began growing to an exponential size, a world cloaked in darkness manifested below him. This deity sprouted two extra arms and his limbs grew long and feral.

"Let's get this over with," he said.

"Your master will take of this," Da Hai said to Zulong before leaving. As he walked, his hair elongated until they split into seven branches. Each branch became their own snake head complete with yellow manes.

He held the Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword on his right hand and the Ocean Swallowing Jug on his left. Behind him, the 12th grade white lotus floated like the suns you see behind a buddha.

Zulong took a step back to regroup with his men whilst the two titans began brawling. He arrived alongside the likes of Calamity Snail, Colossal Shark, Ancestral Dolphin, Mosasaur, and others.

The sky lit up in a clash of divine light as he greeted them.

Though he was their sovereign ruler and they too held loyalty to him. These Da Luo Golden Immortals couldn't help but be captivated by the battle between Da Hai and Hongjun's corpse of evil. Both deities vastly exceeded them in power and status.

"Hm, terrifying aren't they," Zulong murmured.

"Your majesty?" They were surprised he'd admit to being afraid.

"Do not worry too much. If you continue on the path of the Dao, one day you too will reach their level. As will I and all those who strive for it," he encouraged.

The losses this time around had been harsh. Around twelve Da Luo Golden Immortals had perished. These were also some of the oldest kings and chieftains of the four seas. A pained loss that would be heavily felt.

The void lit up with more and more clashes. These Da Luo Golden Immortals were reduced to a peanut gallery as the battle waged on. In their minds, this was less a battle between fighters and more two universes clashing against one another.

"I am sorry your majesty," Calamity Snail suddenly said. "This minister was incompetent. I couldn't finish them in time."

"Hai," Zulong sighed. "The losses this time was harsh and while we eliminated a dangerous foe who threatened our borders. We've also failed to completely annihilate any chances of revenge."

"But do not disparage too much. Just as we cannot touch them, they too cannot touch us. We too are favoured by the heavens," Zulong said.

"Karma has been sowed," one of Zulong's Da Luo Golden Immortals said.

"And karma has been settled," Qinglong chimed in. "Cause and effect dictated as such and we fulfilled the effect. The Heavenly Dao is above such stations, from now on, we are just strangers."

"Hm," Zulong rubbed his chin taking his younger brother's words to mind. In terms of enlightenment, even he had to concede defeat to Qinglong. Perhaps it was his connection to Jupiter, or just raw talent, but the azure dragon held a higher Dao realm compared to him.

"Say brother, what can you infer the qilin now that their empire is gone?" Zulong asked out of idle curiosity.

"No, they're now servants of the Heavenly Dao. Using divination on them is like using divination on the Heavenly Dao itself," Qinglong shook his head. "The difficulty and risks doesn't outright the rewards."

As they discussed, the battle through the void raged on. Unlike the earlier exchange of moves, this time, Hongjun held nothing back.

This current body of his was not his original, otherwise Da Hai would've had to run. This was an avatar, a second body created from the shaved off corpse of evil.

Because of this, Da Hai was fully assured of his capabilities. A high level avatar he may be, but he was too much inferior than the original.

The three corpses were fundamental elements of Hongjun's Dao path. Three distinct manifestations within a person's body that represented their good intentions, evil intentions, and obsessions. He predicted that the shaving off of all three will open one up to true enlightenment.

All of Hongjun's negative thoughts, all evil intentions he had held were thrusted into this body. It manifested as a demonic old man with brutal powers for him to pilot.

But Da Hai wasn't simple either. Without any extraordinary means, the sea god was untouchable. His offensive power was also incredibly high and the though he may not be the most competent swordsman, he was able to display the Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword's might.

The void was once again shattered into a stormy chaos. Waves of chaotic energy flowed chaotically in all directions. They became like a complex maze of airwaves.

RUMBLE!

After an exchange that lasted for twenty six million clashes and forty million moves total, an event that took another month to settle, the battle drew to a close.

The clash between them was like a Dao discussion. Both fighters could infer each others techniques and may even invent new ones on the spot. But the end result was all the same.

Hongjun's world disintegrated, his black suns broke apart and his myriad manifestations faded from existence.

Da Hai's sword cleaved through Hongjun's body from head to groin. The cut was so clean that both pieces could still seamlessly fit together.

"Your victory fellow daoist," Hongjun congratulated. He fell backwards amidst the chaos. The treasures in his hands fell out as well, into the chaotic waves.

Da Hai remained silent watching the avatar slowly die. He watched with a mix of glee and concern as the corpse of evil broke apart.

Hongjun's eyes met Da Hai's gaze. His body split into two perfect halves as his life finally faded.

"Fellow daoist Da Hai, there is no turning back now. I had thought you ignorant and naive, an annoyance at best. But time and again you've proven yourself otherwise. Do not think the protection of the heavens can save you," Hongjun's voice called out before fading.

"I look forward to that day," Da Hai responded. "I do not regret this path, let us clash when the time comes."

Da Hai looked towards the corpse of Hongjun. The airwaves was still very turbulent. It was only due to their strength that he and the rest could remain stable.

He stretched out his hand and invoked divine fire. Heavenly flames shot out from Da Hai's hands burning the body of Hongjun. Within several hours, Da Hai completed the process of cremating the body.

With another action, he held out his other hand trying to draw the former treasures of Hongjun forwards. Though nothing ever came.

'What? No satchels and no xiantian spiritual treasures?' He wondered. The airwaves were still very turbulent to his divine senses were pretty scrambled. But upon concentrating, Da Hai sensed something.

"Ah, Shen Feng," he murmured. He concluded the little scavenger must've hidden within the void's airwaves and snuck in during the chaos of his battle. If that fiend was good anything, it was running away, his speed was something other stronger beings admired.

"No loot?" Zulong called out.

Da Hai descended towards Zulong. "No, a certain scavenger got them while I wasn't looking…You're all still here?" He asked.

"How can we leave when master was still here?" Zulong, Yinglong, and Qinglong said.

"Magnificently done your excellency," the other immortals bowed.

"Hm, now that this is all over with. We can finally all rest," Da Hai sagged his shoulders. "How are your injuries Zulong?"

The dragon shrunk back into an antlered man. He wiped the blood off his lips and fixed up his robes. "I am fine master," he said whilst taking hold of and shrinking Zulin's head. The qilin's body had long been crushed to bits by Zulong.

"I cannot say we fully achieved victory here," Zulong sighed. His urge to crush Zulin's head to smithereens like the rest of his body, but he wanted to present it to his wife first.

His hatred for the qilin had returned in full force. Yet he held himself back, devolving back into a feral animal frothing at the mouth would be unbecoming of him.

Da Hai nodded, "You should be careful in how you handle your luck. The Heavenly Dao is as forgiving as it is vengeful, it is best to have it hold you at high regards."

"Understood master," Zulong reached out his hand and called forth. Zulin had detonated much of his stored luck Qi in a massive explosion that wiped out a large chunk of the land. But there were still some bits remaining.

Soon, golden luck Qi rejoined Zulong's outstretched hand. They connected into a small flood dragon that purred and nuzzled the elder dragon.

Zulong looked at the creature in disappointment. This was a mere consolation prize compared to what he had lost. Sure, the Heavenly Sea Suppression Needle had recovered much of his luck, but that portion now must battle with the Sea Eye.

What Zulong actually could use, was much lesser in comparison. He calculated that his current Qi Dragon of Luck would only be 35% the size of what he had originally held. This was adding what he recovered into what the Heavens and Da Hai provided.

If Da Hai was a more selfish man, Zulong's Qi Dragon would've been even smaller. Now, his empire's destiny, while still superior to the avians, wasn't impossible for them to catch up it.

As both had protection from the heavens, directly provoking each other would be difficult. 'Doesn't matter,' he shook his head. After all, he was confident in their ability in continuing to develop over time.

"It has been a trying day, let's return," Zulong said. He felt bad for those who died. After the fire, there weren't even bodies left to bury.

Da Hai nodded and worked to create another door. Zulong had been gone too long and the four seas were still in shambles.

With this business concluded, Zulong sent the other Da Luo Golden Immortals home. He commanded them and the bulk of his ministers into repairing duties. The oceans needed much healing.

The Dragon Sovereign himself retreated to the East Sea Dragon Palace. After presenting Zulin's head to Gui Daiyu, he mounted it upon his palace walls. A warning to any future enemies.

As for Da Hai, he remained in the east sea's skies. Since his role in this event had concluded, it was time to execute his next plan.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Da Hai starred into the night sky. The primitive heavens was vastly different from the ones humans saw. A black black void that was itself, a reflection of the starry skies. The sea god appreciated the beauty the three hundred and sixty five celestial bodies brought, they always made for an amazing sight.

Turning around, Da Hai examined his own luck with the world. His partnership with the Heavenly Dao was at this point, rocky at best. Even the Sea Eye was treated more as the dragon's job than his own.

In truth, the will of the world was quite frustrated with Da Hai at this point in time. It wasn't overly optimistic about his chances.

Currently, its situation was that two opposing wills existed inside it. If both grow to a point where they overwhelm it, it will be at their mercy.

At the current enlightenment levels of the Dao and Devil ancestors, this seemed more and more like an inevitability.

"Hello, how are you this evening," Da Hai suddenly said.

He stood alone in the air, no one was near him. The waves beneath him was gentle. The time since the Sea Eye's formation and the death of Zulin was enough for the turbulent waves to restore to a stable liveable environment.

Da Hai's gaze slanted sideways as to his immediate left. A circular whirl of energy manifested to his left. It formed the vague shape of a man whose features were unidentifiable.

"Not going to form any features?" Da Hai asked.

The man, if it could even be called that, lacked any indication of age or gender beyond the masculine muscle and bone features. It lacked genitalia and nipples, which along with the missing facial features made it all the more disturbing.

Standing side by side with this being, this construct of the Heavenly Dao, Da Hai couldn't help but feel small. The primordial Qi that this being possessed couldn't be measured by him. It was an enormous void of infinity that was beyond his infinity.

The Heavenly Lord quickly calmed himself and allowed non of those feelings to show. He turned to address the Heavenly Dao.

"My friend, I seek a favour," he said.

The construct tilted its head and crossed its arms. It appeared as it was very unimpressed with Da Hai's words.

"You are displeased, I understand," Da Hai said gently. Using words such as immature, or impatient or even explaining himself was useless. It wouldn't care nor would it listen, placates are the only route to go.

"I am willing to give back much of the karma I earned to you. The incense merit can also go to you, I have no need of it. But in return I wish for you to help me find someone…no something," Da Hai bargained.

The construct of the Heavenly Dao adopted a thinking position. Its fingers tapped the bottom of its featureless face's chin. No extra movement was made as it delved into contemplation.

Da Hai silently waited for the Heavenly Dao. If he was being honest with himself, he did not think the Heavenly Dao will go along with his plan, at least not initially.

It was both incredibly possessive and self centred. Its personality was a strange one, Da Hai would compare it to a child. Easy to placate and equally easy to displease.

The Heavenly Dao's construct placed both arms behind its back and nodded. Seems it has accepted Da Hai's plea. This was good, this means Da Hai could move along his schedule.

The Heavenly Dao's construct faced Da Hai. Although its expression could not be discerned, Da Hai could tell it was waiting for him to tell it what he wanted.

"Can you help me locate this," Da Hai holding out his right hand. An image of a circular piece of jade appeared in his palm hovering mere inches above.

The construct was taken aback. It questioned Da Hai about the necessity of the jade. Its questions were reasonable and understandable for Da Hai, hence he answered.

"As I am now, direct conflict with Hongjun is inevitable. With my personality, then Luohu eventually as well. This is a precaution, in the event I fuck up along the way and lose, then this will be my inside man," Da Hai replied.

The Heavenly Dao appeared conflicted. It was very unsure of what to do. This was his among most prized possessions, his avatar in the flesh. But at the same time, Da Hai was offering back the merit he took.

The Heavenly Dao examined the Heavenly Lord before him. As a superior being, the sea god can and most likely had hid things from him. But he had proven somewhat trustworthy so far. He did fix the Sea Eye very quickly after all.

He'd also trained one of the sovereigns to an exceptional level. The dragon was proving to be very beneficial for the world. At least for now, the dragon is someone he wanted to keep.

Could the Heavenly Lord produce something similar? If so, then this would be a worthy investment.

It knew Pangu's knowledge in its totality and Hongjun's as well from hat it'd glimpsed. Luohu's seemed to contradict somewhat but not enough to differentiate from the path prophesied.

Though it didn't know Da Hai's stance on those events, it did agree with Hongjun's view of them. They were a necessity that went on to create the ideal world in which it could thrive. An unchallengeable army, a race of unlimited potential, supreme deities under its command. By the end, it had never been stronger. Even the most powerful of would be rebels was subdued and converted into a monk.

The construct nodded. It held out its palm and pushed the information into Da Hai. This man could definitely do it. If it can empower its chosen son and set him on the right path, then Hongjun's puppeteering act will inevitably fail.

"Thank you," Da Hai said. He cupped his hands and saluted the construct. His show of respect pleased it greatly. It waved its hand as a, "You may go", gesture.

Da Hai nodded and walked away. Under the cloak of night and his own water movement techniques, Da Hai became a stream of liquid that moved into the distance. The Heavenly Dao construct dispelled as the Heavenly Lord left, no longer interested nor paying attention.

…

Da Hai moved quickly, with his current strength, it only took him a week to see the beach. His watery form was devoid of reflections of any kind. He moved as if he belonged to another dimension of space entirely.

To use a modern analogy, it was as if he was an image crudely photoshopped into another background. Something about him just didn't belong.

Yet at the same time, contradictory to the previously mentioned effect, Da Hai was like a natural part of the world. A stream that was a fundamental part of the universe that could not be separated from it without damaging the foundation of creation.

"Hm?"

Da Hai materialised mid air. He was right in front of the east continent shore which was his destination. Currently, he stood slightly atop the water without touching the waves.

"What a saturated fiendish aura," Da Hai muttered. His senses were going haywire. The power he was picking up was someone he was hostile towards yet hadn't had much interaction until now.

"Devil Ancestor," Da Hai's gaze met another figure who was standing on the beach.

Luohu was as handsome as when he'd first seen him all those years ago. His blatant dismissal of him was still vivid in his memories.

But to Da Hai, his physical appearance didn't matter. It was his divine sense that was seeing him for what he truly was.

Luohu was to put it simply, the epitome of the Dao. The head of the Dao or just simply that which all things branch from. He could sense laws of fire, water, wind, sword, axe, mind, soul, heart, formation, destruction, space etc.

He was like an all encompassing celestial being whose work were the origins that all things arose from. It was unlike Hongjun who felt more like a transcendent Dao that was on the cusp of expanding into all encompassing creation.

Luohu's Dao was like a Dao that's been pushed into the all encompassing state by an incalculable amount of others.

"Devil Ancestor," Da Hai greeted coldly.

"Hm?" Luohu seemed to take notice of Da Hai at this exact moment. "Ah, daoist Da Hai, long time no see," he smirked.

"I was just wondering about how to approach the east sea, divination is so scrambled around these parts. wasn't even aware they had a sovereign until the whole incident, heh," he said jovially.

'Oi, aren't you a bit too familiar?' Da Hai felt the urge to punch the man to smithereens. He then pondered the godsend's words. It made sense, godfiends are ancient creatures with an infinite lifespan. Their sense of time is a bit warped compared to mortal creatures.

To a godfiend, even ten thousand years would be a short nap.

"What's with that look?" Luohu raised his eyebrow. "This is the first time we're properly talking if I recall. And I do have a pretty good memory."

"Why are you here?" Da Hai all but growled. His nails dug into his fingers so as to control himself. His breath became very regulated almost like he was a mortal beginning the path of cultivation again.

"Not much, saw the whole shebang with you and the old fart. Was funny seeing him humiliated like this. Did you know he's throwing a tantrum in the north right now?" He chuckled.

"You did good annihilating his avatar like that," Luohu praised clapping.

"Why are you here?" Da Hai demanded.

"Like I said, not much, merely debating how to explore the east sea," the Devil Ancestor shrugged.

"I'll rephrase that question, what are you doing here?" Da Hai demanded. His Qi flared up making his hair float. The water in the distance began rolling in a violent manner.

Contrary to expectations, Luohu smirked and held his hands up to surrender. "Not here to fight. As for why I'm here? Well I simply wanted to meet you."

"I won't beat around the bush. Da Hai or whatever you liked you call yourself, you're clearly not the Da Hai I knew. But, I can say that you're stronger," Luohu said stroking his chin.

"You praise me too much, senior Da Hai was someone who completed the Dao and reached the great principle of primal chaos," Da Hai said shaking his head.

"Yet he would've lost to Hongjun's corps of evil. This is an avatar of mine, my Avatar of Seven Emotions. Its strength is comparable to any of Hongjun's corpses. And I am fully confident in beating Da Hai, you less so," he said.

Da Hai glared at Luohu who appeared merely genuine in his praise. The sea god relaxed slightly but kept his guard up. The Devil Ancestor continued to talk, it was like he was obsessed with his own voice.

"See, now that you've entered Hongjun's shit list, he'll be after you. Trust me, I've known the guy for many Yuanhui and he's the vindictive sort. What's more, he's already got a few high tier godfiends under his employ. So as his natural enemy, I'll extend my courtesies. Bottom line is, I want you in my sect," Luohu said.

"No!" Da Hai said flatly.

"Not even a moment of consideration?" Luohu raised his eyebrow. "I can see your Dao is one you've built from scratch, I can offer some guidance as a show of good faith."

"You have nothing worth listening to," Da Hai made to walk away but Luohu stood in his way.

"Have I offended you somehow fellow daoist?" He said sounding almost confused.

Da Hai stopped. His blond hair swayed over his face. His pupils constricted and he glared at Luohu. The image of his friend's body, skewered on this man's spear came to mind.

Sensing danger, Luohu backed away from Da Hai leaving a trail in the sand. The sea god's hand was outstretched at where Luohu's body used to be.

"We've never had any enmity between us," Luohu said in a warning tone. "Is this how you treat those who approach you with courtesy?"

"What would you know of courtesy? Murderer!" Da Hai spat. His right hand grabbed the air, forming a sword of water in his hand. He slashed at Luohu who flew into the sky and landed on the grass on the hill beyond the beach.

"Murderer? I am unfamiliar with the term," Luohu confessed.

Da Hai's nostril's flared. He was about to attack again before stopping himself. He'd slipped into English by accident. That's right, the godsend's language didn't have a term for murderer.

"Hongyun, my brother in all but blood. The greatest friend a man could ever know," Da Hai spat pointing the water blade at Luohu. "You killed him."

The Devil Ancestor looked genuinely confused. He tilted his head as if he was trying to wrap his mind around what Da Hai was saying. "Yes, I killed him," he said.

But he didn't mean it in a, "so what", way. Rather, he was just stating a fact. It was as if he was just talking about the weather and not the murder of another.

"Are you angry about that?" Luohu asked. "Why? He wasn't your Dao companion was he?"

"No," Da Hai shook his head. "He was my friend, and you killed him."

Now Luohu appeared more confused than ever. It was only with his Dao did he began to comprehend Da Hai's speech's meaning. "That's a very mortal way of thinking," he deadpanned.

"He was in my way," Luohu defended. "For my Dao to continue he had to be removed. You know this, you're a fucking godfiend," he said incredulously.

"And you're more fiend then god," Da Hai spat.

"I do not understand what you're playing at fellow daoist," Luohu said. "But the offer still stands, the Devilish Dao will welcome you anytime. I'll be on this beach waiting for your answer. Don't take too long though, when the old fart comes back, I'll have to leave."

Da Hai scoffed and shook his head. He turned his back on Luohu and walked away. "It's a waste of breath just talking to you," he muttered.

He left the godfiend on his lonesome and walked away. Each of his steps crossed millions of kilometres and he never looked back. He'd nearly started another war before he was ready. Being attacked from two sides will not bode well for his current situation.

He'd have to call in Zulong for backup and he didn't want to trouble the dragon with his own issues.

Da Hai looked up at a rising cliff he'd reached. He stood at the bottom and looked up. He jumped and floated to around the middle of the natural feature.

He ran his hand along the rough rocks feeling the rich Primordial Qi within. Then he started digging.

 

[Daoist Dreamwalker]

Perhaps I was a little too hasty, just readily deciding to wait and all that. While sitting on the beachfront was a novel, if unremarkable, experience, it had gotten old really fast.

Starring at the sand, I began making sculptures to relieve my boredom. On the other end of my soul, my main body scoffed. Da Hai was bit disrespectful to me, if I were not a bit desperate, I would not do this.

Well, not that desperate. It's just that the Devilish Dao needs some new blood. I know he'd never commit to my cultivation style, any godfiend will say no unless absolutely forced to. But his presence will not only support me in the face of the old bastard as well as inspire new branches to be birthed.

Yes, I made the right decision. I was never the most talented of my batch. Not like Hongjun had been, damn bastard he was, but his commitment to taking me on is something I'd always be grateful for.

Fat load of good that friendship did. Ten Yuanhui worth of friendship and now we're on opposing ends. Destined to clash for the fate of the world and all that. But so is the way of chaos godfiend, the true path of the Dao as was taught in Tai Chu temple.

I raised my hand and formed a structure. I wasn't intentionally doing it, merely an action unconsciously done by instinct. No matter where I am, I will always remember that place.

The miniature temple I constructed was both a mysterious and sacred place. Though it likely no longer exists given Pangu's actions, it will always hold a sacred place in my heart.

Tai Chu temple, the palace of grand beginnings. The birthplace of all godfiends. The site of equals as many deaths as potential chaos godfiends.

A few dolls manifested by my will. They began clashing against each other to my enjoyment, puppets of my will. These were but a mere reminder of the events that transpired during my time in Tai Chu temple.

"We are brothers, the legacy of senior Tai Chu. Henceforth, you are no longer connate chaos lifeforms, but chaos godfiends."

I remembered the Destiny Demon God's words like the back of my hand. Fucker was a true bastard and a cruel cunt. But I will always remember him for being the man who inducted us.

That's right, I was a proud chaos godfiend. The ideal godfiend, more so then Hongjun could ever hope to be. I will surpass even Tai Chu and push into the Dao realm, a task no godfiend has ever been able to accomplish.

Breaking out of my musing, I checked the time. The information of the cosmos as well as the quaking anger of the Heavenly Dao flowed through me. Heh, as if you can do anything about it. A mere world will can never amount to anything.

The Heavenly Dao wasn't that special in the grand scheme of things. It was worthless to me, I have ground million of universes to dust for materials. All those other Heavenly Dao that tried to resist all perished in the end.

The only thing this Heavenly Dao has going for it was its relation to Pangu and the primitive world. The theoretical power it could draw would be immense if the world continues on its current trajectory.

As such, Hongjun cannot be allowed to absorb it. The Heavenly Dao may be worthless to me but I cannot let the old fool obtain it. My goal of the ultimate physique cannot be compromised by him.

Yet at the same time, it has also done a decent job in managing the world. Within a single Yuanhui, this universe has already surpassed 99.9% of universes in the chaos sea.

What a magnificent fool Pangu had been to achieve this. Magnificent, but still foolish. Even though I saw it coming, I still do not know why he would do this. Why swing that axe and exhaust his own life? Why did he not breakthrough and ensure his survival?

But the will of a deadman don't matter to me. His deed allowed me the chance to reach Grand Dao, that was what mattered in the end.

As the data flowed through me, I stood up and stretched my body. Before I knew it, a few months had already gone by. I quickly scanned the east continent for signs of Hongjun's return.

Hm, he hadn't yet, guess he was still chasing Sheng Feng. Honestly, you've gotta admire the wind fiend, he was the bravest little shit you would ever meet. Opportunistic and dumb, but his sheer audacity was something to be admired. Made for a good laugh too.

Props to Da Hai for catalysing that event. He deserves my friendship just for that.

Speaking of Da Hai, I looked around. Where had he gone? He seemed to still be at that cliff face he raced off to. Now he seemed to be cultivating. Wonder what he's doing.

Strange bloke that one. He's disappointingly not at all acting like a godfiend. It was most vexing as I could clearly sense he was both an inheritor as well as a reincarnation of the ancestor of the great sea.

His way of acting was oddly mundane. From interacting with him I would've just assumed he was a mortal. That was if I didn't know any better.

But his strength cannot be denied. His Dao also, can not be denied. Both of which can really help me in this contest. But sadly, he'd turned out to be quite antagonistic.

I rubbed my chin in thought. That man, I hope to bring him into the fold, otherwise I'd have to kill him. He lives in the east sea and this place is so well defended against divination that even I'm practically blind.

Say what you want about the Heavenly Dao, but it's defences weren't meant to be trifled with.

I waved my hand and disintegrated the sand constructs I was playing with. The entertainment had gone stale. My true body still hadn't stopped working and my other avatar is busy with another induction exam.

"Hm?" I was briefly startled. The ground had suddenly begun shaking. The wind around me picked up speed and wired high into the air. My long haired swayed as I looked around in confusion.

"What is?" I held my hand out towards floating specs of grey light. They were like a pollen cloud, travelling in every direction. They were in extreme quantities too. Already, they had enveloped ten million kilometres of the east continent coast.

I released my tongue and tasted the spec I caught. "Dao essence," I muttered. My vision went slack and my footing became unstable. I couldn't help but wobble on my feet.

I narrowed my eyes despite the sudden nausea. Digging my foot into the sand for support, I gathered myself and looked around for attackers.

"No, not an attack," I realised. The grey specs were not an attack or spell of any kind. In fact, they did not do harm aside from bringing forth Dao. "This is a byproduct."

So much essence, this Dao essence. It's…it's…it's… marvellous. Just what is going on?

My mind felt dizzy. Throughout my consciousness, I felt the enlightened thoughts of such magnitudes, that I struggled to grasp what was being said.

A staff appeared in my right hand and shot into the sand as I supported myself. "So…Many…Ideas," I gasped.

So many ways, so many mysteries, so many possibilities. It was hard to describe. Even my Dao, as apex as it was, felt like a bucket beside a lake.

Someone, someone had understood. A fundamental truth of the universe that I hadn't thought of. The visions of the future never told me how I'd achieve Dao and while I had inklings, much was still shrouded.

Yet now, for the first time in years, I felt a clue.

Tai Chu was the ancestor of godfiends and the one who started the chaos godfiend civilisation. He was also the closest being to the Dao that we know of. But he was also a mythical being who disappeared long ago and the knowledge to reach such heights was gone.

The knowledge of cultivation taught us how to form the Dao. During my youth, Hongjun and I constantly obsessed over his scriptures, hoping for a clue. But Tai Chu never left behind knowledge of a path after Hunyuan Da Luo Golden Immortal.

The end of the our Dao was the end of the Dao. We didn't know how to reach true Dao resonance, true enlightenment.

But now it was different.

These specs, these specs, these specs.

They didn't speak of Dao. They spoke of DAO.

A higher order concept. The supreme existence that is without limit. The name Tai Chu spoke of but never divulged of. The great principle of primal chaos that is without limit. The clue to reaching true Dao realm.

I, I finally, I finally had a clue. For the first time, my path was no longer hazy, any uncertainty was washed away. I see now what I must do. What I must comprehend.

"You!"

That voice, Da Hai?

"You dare! You are unworthy," the voice spoke of intense rage and immense power. A power that forced the world to quake. The oceans rose and the lands cracked. The sky darkened and spacetime distorted.

One moment was stretched to a thousand lifetimes and another became instantaneous. Each grain of sand before me seemed like they were so far away, forever out of reach. Yet at the same time, fully visible and revealed to me.

My arms, my very palms. These limbs connected to me felt foreign, alien, the sensation to move them was not there. My mind was not my own, I could not perceive things accurately anymore.

"DIE!"

…

My eyes snapped eastwards. Floating swords dropped onto the stone floor as I dashed for Mt Sumeru's peak.

THUD!

Mara landed by my side startled. "What's going on?" The silver haired man said.

"I…my avatar's senses are not advanced enough," I responded on impulse. "I couldn't tell."

The golden clouded sky above Sumeru appeared peaceful and majestic. I narrowed my eyes feeling something was off. Yes, something was off.

"You feel that?" I said sensing a colossal amount of Qi coming at my direction.

"Feel that? I think I can see that," Mara pointed at the distance. Beside Mt Buzhou's shadow, a wave of power travelled. I couldn't help but feel sweat drip from my back.

"This presence, so similar to him," I gasped. "But Pangu is dead," I said.

I opened my left hand, the 12th Grade Black Lotus appeared spinning. The Mill of Destruction appeared behind me while the God Slaying Spear appeared in my right.

"Step back, this is beyond you," I told Mara.

"Beyond? I have stood in the presence of the destroyer," he sounded almost insulted.

"Didn't mean any offence. But do you think you can stop that?" I gave him a look. Mara shook his head and took a step back.

"Don't die, you still have to help me with my revenge," he said. I nodded.

Stepping onto the sky, I braced myself. My robes fluttered more and more violently as the wave approached. My strongest treasures defended my front, two top grade xiantian spiritual treasures and a single chaos spiritual treasure.

The rich primordial Qi of Mt Sumeru also pumped into my veins. The very core of the west continent was on my side.

The wave of grey was like an attack like no other. It reminded me of Pangu's axe swing so long ago, an attack that annihilated anything that stood in its wake.

At the same time, it resembled a tidal wave. An all consuming water that swallowed everything, washing them away to oblivion.

"Come at me!" I declared.

It was horrible, I have never felt so pressured since coming into power. Not even Destiny Demon God could've achieved something like this. I knew how strong I was now just as I know how strong the top four chaos godfiends were.

I knew I can easily tangle with all four of them. Be they Yang Mei, Huoyun, Si Chen, or Demon Ape. Not even Destiny Demon God at his peak can walk away from me without heavy losses.

But this was different. My true form was revealed, forced into the open. My handsome features stripped away. My great demon face resembling a lion on my belly roared in pain. My draconic upper head gritted my teeth. Resistance was difficult but not impossible, especially so in such short notice.

My four arms strained. My eight tails and two large leathery wings struggled. I roared defiantly as I continued to resist as the attack washed over me, devastating the countryside.

As I crashed into Mt Sumeru's side exhausted, I could only think of one possibility. A congratulation and a curse.

"Congratulations fellow daoist Da Hai for achieving what no godfiend has done before. You have truly earned my admiration for discovering the way of Wuji," I sighed.

"But know this. Today and for eternity, you have made I, Luohu your enemy. This enmity shall only be settled with one of us dead," I growled.