Chapter Eight: The Three Clans Mobilize

At the same time, similar scenes to those in the Crystal Palace of the East Sea were unfolding in the Qilin Cave of Mount Buzhou and the Southern Immortal Mountain. They all understood that to survive in this world, one needed not only personal strength but also the power of allies.

Compared to those solitary cultivators, seeking refuge with the Three Clans was akin to securing a trove of treasures, for these great forces possessed the essences of the Five Elements. The essence of the Five Elements was essential for forging magical objects, making the Three Clans a veritable paradise for lone cultivators.

Since Kunlun Mountain lay within the Qilin Clan’s territory, and their numbers were few, the safety of the Three Pure Ones was still assured. In search of the Three Pure Ones’ traces, the patriarchs of the Three Clans began to contest within the River of Time and Space.

Now, the patriarchs' strength was truly formidable. The Dragon Ancestor had reached the mid-stage of Golden Immortal of the Great Dao—a quasi-saint—while the Qilin and Phoenix Ancestors had reached the early stage of Golden Immortal of the Great Dao. At such a level, so long as they did not lose their foundational essence, they were virtually immortal. Even if their forms were destroyed, they could slowly regenerate from their origin, rendering their power unrivaled in the primordial world.

Unable to find their targets in the open, they had no choice but to search within the River of Time and Space. But what, after all, was the River of Time and Space? It was a place where all a person's deeds, fate, and fortune were revealed—a manifestation of destiny itself.

Arriving at the entrance of that vast river, they could only enter with their spiritual consciousness; the physical body could not follow. Moreover, only those with the cultivation of Golden Immortal of the Great Dao could enter—otherwise, the chaotic storms outside would obliterate their spirit, leaving their true bodies as little more than soulless husks in the world.

This was the privilege of the Golden Immortal of the Great Dao—the mark of supreme power. Imagine meeting someone for the first time, and that person could lay bare all your secrets. If they were a friend, perhaps it would not matter, but if it were an enemy, it could mean certain death.

“Today I must discover your origins!” declared the Dragon Ancestor. The “shrimp soldiers and crab generals” of the Dragon Clan were adequate in battle, but hopeless at gathering intelligence. Thus, the Dragon Ancestor had no choice but to personally enter the River of Time and Space.

He plunged headlong into the river. Soon after, two more figures materialized at the entrance. “The Dragon Ancestor has already gone in. It seems we are a step late,” said the Qilin Ancestor.

Without another word, the Phoenix Ancestor dove into the river, the Qilin Ancestor following close behind.

“So that’s how it is! Ha ha ha!” The Dragon Ancestor’s laughter echoed in the river—he had uncovered the truth. The one they sought was none other than Tongtian, the Lord of Spiritual Treasure, one of the Three Pure Ones.

“Hurry, stop him!” The Phoenix and Qilin Ancestors, realizing the situation, shouted in alarm. Together they attacked, catching the Dragon Ancestor off guard and injuring him. The Dragon Ancestor, proud as he was, cared for nothing in his rage and fought back, plunging the three into a fierce battle.

Noble dragon transformations, phoenix dances across the nine heavens, the mighty arrogance of the qilin—various secret arts and divine techniques clashed in dazzling succession. The battle was intense and unrelenting.

Gradually, the three sensed their spiritual consciousness growing dim. In that instant, they understood the peril: if they tarried in the River of Time and Space, they would risk becoming mere shells, lost to the world—a danger too great to ignore.

Simultaneously, they ceased fighting and sped toward the exit.

But at that moment, a cloud of black mist surged toward them. Unwittingly brushing its edge, all three were gravely wounded—it was an aura of death and annihilation. Yet, even then, their mutual enmity did not abate; one’s own unleashed treasure had now turned upon its master—a bitter irony.

Just then, a swirl of gray mist assaulted the black mist, and the two began to struggle against each other. Seizing the opportunity, the three patriarchs hastily left the River of Time and Space, returning to their bodies.

The gray mist swiftly condensed into a middle-aged man in a black robe, murderous intent etched across his face as he stared at the gray mist. The gray mist coalesced into an old man in gray robes, who gazed back calmly.

“Who are you, and why do you hinder my actions?” The black-robed elder, keenly aware of his opponent's equal strength, dared not act rashly; otherwise, he would have struck without a word.

“Who I am is unimportant. What matters is that now is not the time to destroy the patriarchs of the Three Clans,” replied the gray-robed elder, his demeanor aged but his words carrying an unmistakable authority.

With a furious shout, the black-robed elder turned and left the River of Time and Space.

The gray-robed elder remained, murmuring, “It seems that all living beings cannot escape this great calamity. Can I stop him?” Before him appeared a jade disc. Gazing upon it, the old man steeled himself with resolve—he must stop this disaster.

Back at the Crystal Palace, the Dragon Ancestor’s consciousness returned in a rage. Never before had the Dragon Clan been bullied by others, let alone shamed so thoroughly. Seething, he rang the Golden Dragon Bell to summon his kin for a council of war.

When the clan gathered in the great hall and saw the Dragon Ancestor so weakened, they were shocked. Never had their clan suffered such humiliation—they swore blood for blood, vengeance for humiliation. All were furious.

“Brother, what happened—who was it? Who?” roared the Turbid Dragon, his temper flaring at the sight of his brother in such a state.

“It was those two, of course! But I did learn the identity of the one blessed by merit. He resides in East Kunlun. Remember, you must extend a proper invitation. I’m going to rest now.” With a wave of his hand, the Dragon Ancestor dismissed them.

“Brother, you—” Turbid Dragon hesitated, but the Dragon Ancestor waved him away in annoyance. Sighing, Turbid Dragon buried his hatred against the other two clans. Competing with me for the chosen one of merit? You will all pay for this. He left the hall, gathering his forces.

“Qilin, Phoenix—ha ha!” The Dragon Ancestor laughed aloud.

At the same time, the Qilin and Phoenix Ancestors issued orders for strict surveillance of the Dragon Clan’s every move.

As all the forces of the primordial world scoured for people and treasures, a gray-robed elder emerged from his cave, looked up at the sky, and said, “I must meet with my three disciples ahead of time.”

Mounting a cloud, he flew toward East Kunlun as the Dragon Clan mobilized their vast host in the same direction. Behind them, countless strongmen from the other two clans followed, and further behind, other solitary cultivators trailed, hoping for a share of the spoils.

Meanwhile, Tongtian and his brothers, Laozi and Yuanshi, were still gathering spiritual treasures, all manner of rare herbs and divine materials, storing them in the Nine-Petaled Purple Lotus.

Seeing this, Laozi and Yuanshi were moved to do the same, and soon East Kunlun was swept clean, ushering in a long winter.

The gathering went smoothly, and Tongtian was filled with joy each day. With their hearts unburdened, the Three Pure Ones’ state of mind reached new heights.

But how would they face the crisis that was fast approaching?