Chapter Seven: Kunlun Descends from the Mountains

Seeing the concern in the eyes of the Elder and the Prime Origin, Tongtian made up his mind that in his future pursuit of the Dao, he would often remind himself to walk his own path. After all, no matter how formidable one is, endlessly chasing after another’s path will only lead to becoming no more than an imitator, reaching only the heights already attained by those he mimics. In learning about all things, blind imitation leads to the loss of one’s true self.

It seemed necessary to explore the space within the Nine-Petal Purple Lotus treasure. His mind gradually sank into the lotus, reaching its depths, where the vast aura of merit permeated the air. Here, Tongtian felt his cultivation at the peak of the Mysterious Immortal realm loosening once again.

In the center, a lotus flower quietly bloomed, radiating its stunning beauty, dazzling and pleasing to the eye. Suddenly, a human form began to take shape atop the purple lotus, and Tongtian could hardly believe his eyes—how could this be possible? He could not help but call out, “Are you… are you the Great Pangu?”

The figure gently nodded. “I am Pangu.”

The rough, powerful voice filled the entire space, causing even the Nine-Petal Purple Lotus to tremble slightly.

“How is it that—” In the vast world of the Primordial Era, few dared to impersonate the Great Pangu; Tongtian chose to believe, and his words unconsciously carried a hint of respect.

“You rascal, still harboring such crooked thoughts! Beware lest I give you trouble,” Pangu said with feigned anger, casually addressing Tongtian.

Tongtian chuckled and quickly changed the subject. “How are you here? Haven’t you already become one with the primordial world? How—”

Facing Tongtian’s question, Pangu began recounting his tragic experience. “When I split the heavens, cleaving three thousand demon gods, I thought my tribulation had ended. Who would have expected that the Wheel of Heaven, in front of the Great Dao, would slander me, forcing me to open the heavens and become one with the primordial world.

I was furious at the time, but then came up with a plan. Beneath the Chaos Green Lotus, I fused my blood essence into one of its petals, to accompany you. What you see is my blood essence; in truth, I have long since perished and faded from the Dao.

I know not how long I must wait to be reborn, but just now, your ‘Dao De Jing’ resounded throughout my primordial world, bringing forth the boundless aura of merit from the Great Dao. Your cultivation is still low; the merit was too great, so the petal of the Chaos Green Lotus and I absorbed that merit, thus becoming what you see now.”

As he spoke of the past, even the Great Pangu could not help but feel sorrow, his resentment toward the Wheel of Heaven lingering.

Hearing Pangu’s explanation, Tongtian was relieved; Pangu was no longer truly Pangu, and though the appearance was similar, he was not the Great Pangu himself.

After the two conversed for a while, Tongtian withdrew from the space within the Nine-Petal Purple Lotus.

“How was it?” The Elder was the first to ask.

“This is a lotus seed from the Chaos Green Lotus, the supreme treasure of the Hongmeng Era. Because it absorbed the boundless merit, its color turned purple,” Tongtian explained as he watched the Elder and Prime Origin’s expressions—one’s face grew more radiant, while the other seemed lost in thought.

“Both you and the Elder have spiritual treasures from the Great Pangu’s soul, yet I alone have nothing to protect myself,” Prime Origin turned away, full of sorrow, and left Tongtian’s cultivation chamber.

Seeing this, both the Elder and Tongtian felt a pang in their hearts.

It was then that Tongtian remembered his question for Pangu regarding the great formation that troubled the Three Pure Ones.

“There is a treasure there, suitable for you. With your current strength, why not retrieve it?” After Pangu spoke, he returned to the depths of the purple lotus, and no matter how Tongtian called, he would not appear again.

“Elder, Prime Origin, let us see what power that formation holds. With our strength today, we should be able to break through it—perhaps there are treasures within!” Tongtian sent a message to the Elder and to Prime Origin, who had already stepped outside.

The Elder stroked his beard and nodded. “So be it.”

Prime Origin, hearing this, swiftly employed his escape technique and flew toward the great formation. The Elder and Tongtian also formed their own seals and sped toward the formation.

Outside the formation, the three looked upon the surging primordial energy, afraid to advance.

Previously, the Elder and Prime Origin had tried entering, but their magic became unstable as soon as they stepped inside, leaving them immobilized, unable to move. The chaotic energy within triggered their own powers, preventing them from controlling their magic, and thus, they could not perform any spells.

In the end, Tongtian had quickly called upon his “friends,” who together formed a rope. Tongtian went in alone, grabbed the Elder and Prime Origin, and his friends pulled them out bit by bit.

To this day, the Elder and Prime Origin still suffered aftereffects from that ordeal.

Tongtian took the lead and entered the formation. The chaotic energy surged like a river, swirling everywhere.

“Brothers, please combine your pure energies with mine!” Tongtian said, the three standing back-to-back.

Without much thought, the Elder and Prime Origin released their pure energies, merging with the others’.

Gradually, they found the turbulent chaotic energy growing thinner. Then, the three increased their power, and the energy vanished without a trace.

At the heart of the formation, a box floated quietly.

Tongtian turned to Prime Origin and said, “Second brother, now that among the three of us, only you lack a protective treasure, you should take this box.” He nodded to the Elder as well.

“Hurry and take it,” the Elder said with a smile.

“Elder, Tongtian, you—ah, well, this time I shall accept it,” Prime Origin said, a bit embarrassed. Originally, the treasures were to be shared among the three, but now he alone received it. So be it.

Looking at the box in his hands, Prime Origin said, “Since this box can release chaotic energy, let it be called the Chaos Origin Box.”

Tongtian’s heart skipped a beat—was this not the treasured box of Bixiao among the Three Sisters? So it was here all along.

The Elder and Tongtian walked to Prime Origin’s side, simultaneously displaying the Exquisite Tower of Heaven and Earth and the Nine-Petal Purple Lotus, and said to Prime Origin, “We Three Pure Ones are inseparable; whoever violates this shall perish!”

Prime Origin, deeply moved, replied, “Let it be so, let it be so.”

In the Crystal Palace of the Eastern Sea, a middle-aged man wearing a robe adorned with nine dragons sat solemnly upon the throne, his face filled with rage.

“What is the meaning of this? You cannot even find the one blessed by merit. Are your divine powers merely for feeding yourselves?” This was the Ancestor Dragon, leader of the dragon clan, berating his clansmen and subordinates below.

The elders and subordinates of the dragon clan bowed their proud heads, not daring to meet his gaze.

“Brother, as we searched, the other two clans were also seeking him. To avoid trouble, we did not search their territory,” said the Ancestor Dragon's brother, the Turbid Dragon.

“What does the conduct of our dragon clan have to do with them? Increase the search, and ensure we find him before the other clans. If he refuses to submit, destroy him and seize his fortune!” With that, the Ancestor Dragon transformed into a streak of light and vanished from sight.