Chapter Nineteen: The Array of Shadow and Light

The Dao talismans of the Gate of Death, the Gate of Illusion, and the Gate of Annihilation within the Two Forms Microdust Array had shattered, signifying that the Supreme Elder and Primordial Heavenly Lord had broken through three formations. Only three remain—the Gate of Life, the Gate of Darkness, and the Gate of Light; if these are breached, the Two Forms Microdust Array shall fall.

The combination of these gates within the grand array now wielded power several times greater than before. Although time was not lacking in this place, both the Supreme Elder and Primordial Heavenly Lord were anxious, for they knew nothing of Tongtian’s situation.

“Elder brother, if we tackle the array one by one, who knows how long it will take. Would it not be better for us to face a gate together? That way, we could save time. If danger arises, we can withdraw at once.” Primordial Heavenly Lord knew this array posed no harm to his brother, and thus spoke so.

The Supreme Elder nodded gently, saying, “Very well. I shall attempt the Gate of Life, and you the Gate of Darkness. Should danger arise, withdraw immediately.”

Concern for Tongtian had left them with no retreat; only by pressing forward might they find a glimmer of hope.

“Elder brother, perhaps I should try the Gate of Life?” Seeing the innate pure energy drifting from the Gate of Life, Primordial Heavenly Lord knew that the greater the benefit, the greater the challenge.

The Three Pure Ones were born of Pangu’s primordial spirit and innate pure energy; thus, this energy held no harm for them. Yet, great hope often brings great disappointment.

“No matter. I wish to see what powers the Gate of Life holds,” replied the Supreme Elder, ignoring his brother’s counsel and stepping before the gate.

Gazing at the Gate of Life and its thick aura of innate pure energy, the Supreme Elder advanced step by step, his body absorbing the energy as he walked. For the Three Pure Ones, such energy was nourishment.

Upon entering the realm of life, the Supreme Elder was astonished by the rich, dense innate pure energy—why had no living beings formed here?

The deeper he ventured, the thicker the energy grew, bringing overwhelming pressure and force that made him gasp for breath. The pressure increased relentlessly; even if he paused, the energy enveloped him like a heavy cloak, impossible to shake off. His primordial spirit trembled; struggling, he maintained himself with magic, yet the pressure was like weight, unyielding.

But then, the Supreme Elder’s protective Linglong Tower appeared, swallowing all the innate pure energy like a whale, and storing it within the tower as power.

The Linglong Tower, forged by the merit of creation, contained within it a world capable of guarding all things. For the innate pure energy, the tower was its nemesis.

Seeing the tower appear, the Supreme Elder sighed in relief—it had been a close call.

Above the array, Ancestor Hongjun watched the Linglong Tower and thought, “I had not expected such a move.”

When the Supreme Elder looked around again, the surroundings had changed.

There was no life, no light, only endless darkness. Chaotic storms of primordial energy raged throughout the space, with larger storms devouring smaller ones—a battlefield of gods and demons.

The scene felt familiar, but he could not recall what place this was.

“No living beings, no spiritual energy, only chaotic storms—could this be the world of Chaos?” The Supreme Elder was incredulous. What array could recreate the Chaos world?

As the Supreme Elder stepped through the Gate of Life, Primordial Heavenly Lord entered the Gate of Darkness.

There was no spiritual energy to resist him, so Primordial Heavenly Lord passed through easily.

Lush mountains and clear waters greeted him, no different from the realm of illusion. A vague shadow approached from afar.

This was the first creature Primordial Heavenly Lord had seen in the array, aside from the Supreme Elder.

As the figure drew near, he recognized his younger brother, Little Lingbao.

Seeing Tongtian approach, Primordial Heavenly Lord breathed a deep sigh of relief; Little Lingbao was unharmed.

But Tongtian’s face was clouded, devoid of vitality. He looked at Primordial Heavenly Lord and cursed, “You dare show yourself to me?”

Tongtian seemed unharmed, but upon closer inspection with spiritual sense, disaster struck.

No body remained—only a wisp of spiritual consciousness. No wonder Primordial Heavenly Lord had erred; he saw Tongtian approach but failed to discern the truth.

“Why have you become like this? Who did this? Who?” After countless millennia of brotherhood, the emotion ran deep; now someone had beaten his brother to such a state.

“Who else but you!” Tongtian replied angrily.

“What have I done?” Though Tongtian thus flayed him, Primordial Heavenly Lord still sought answers.

“You dare ask? Seeing our elder brother and I gain treasures, you broke the precept of attachment; hearing me say the array held treasures, you rushed without pause, breaking the precept of greed; upon obtaining the treasure, you asked if we wanted it, acting for appearances and breaking the precept of anger—” Tongtian vented his fury.

Primordial Heavenly Lord was already in tears, crying out, “Say no more, say no more.”

“I broke the three precepts. My magic and Dao brought ruin upon you, and for that you suffered. I am wrong, so wrong.” Tears streamed from his eyes; Primordial Heavenly Lord recognized his own weakness—he always thought only of himself, never of others.

He grieved, then suddenly opened his eyes and declared, “I was wrong; when I leave, I will avenge you!”

Tongtian was gone. The Gate of Darkness had shown him his own shortcomings, so that he might not lose himself upon the Dao, Primordial Heavenly Lord realized.

The scenery began to blur; as with the Supreme Elder, chaotic space offered no life, no light, only endless darkness and storms of primordial energy.

In that place, the Supreme Elder and Primordial Heavenly Lord moved cautiously, not daring to take a step, while the storms occasionally surged at them.

Helpless, they could only summon their treasures for protection.

It was like the Chaos world, where three thousand demon gods were born and fought Pangu the Great, who in the end transformed into the floodplain, and the world emerged.

Upon seeing Pangu the Great, the Supreme Elder and Primordial Heavenly Lord were overcome with emotion, rejoicing, “Behold, our father god.”

But when Pangu perished, doubt entered their hearts: “How could Father, after attaining the Ultimate Dao, still die?”

A secret resurfaced: The Great Dao retired; Heaven’s Way gained authority.

No matter how mighty one’s magic, it cannot defy fate. Clearly, Heaven’s intent is the true path. Primordial Heavenly Lord gazed at the demon gods turned to ash, full of feeling.

At last, he was free of all bonds—except family and the Dao, nothing could impede his progress.

With a knowing smile, Primordial Heavenly Lord realized he had finally found his own path.

The same events befell different people, yet their perspectives varied.

The Supreme Elder, unlike Primordial Heavenly Lord, believed that while Heaven’s intent matters, there remains a sliver of hope—one’s own path is the most perfect.

The array was utterly broken; Primordial Heavenly Lord spotted the Supreme Elder nearby and rushed to him, saying, “Elder brother, I have found my Dao—Heaven’s intent is my path. Ha ha!” He laughed heartily, not noticing that the Supreme Elder’s face bore no joy.

“Practicality is best; the grand trend cannot be changed, but the minor can,” replied the Supreme Elder, worried that his brother might stray and offering counsel.

Primordial Heavenly Lord appeared unconcerned, for he knew well the merits of his own Dao—though he could not say so aloud.

Together, the Supreme Elder and Primordial Heavenly Lord looked up toward the mountain, where Ancestor Hongjun stood.

Sensing their gaze, Hongjun descended lightly and spoke, “Will you become my disciples?”

The Supreme Elder and Primordial Heavenly Lord knelt as one, declaring, “Greetings, teacher.”

Hongjun laughed heartily.

Joy filled their hearts; “The day when the Three Pure Ones reunite is not far off.”