Chapter 529: Fusion and Breakthrough, Creating the Method to Attain Dao

With mountains as verdant as kohl and resembling silkworm eyebrows in their repose, this is Meishan. If the main continent of Primordial Hill is considered a face, then Meishan would be its beautiful eyebrows.

In the Meishan mountain range, the spiritual energy index in most areas exceeds 40,000. Any single peak from here, if moved to an ancient kingdom, could serve as its sacred place for imperial rituals. Since the first ten epochs of the Desolate Realm, the Ancient Heavenly Demon Kingdom has sent massive ceremonial entourages to visit Meishan on multiple occasions. They even offered an exorbitant price of billions of contribution points, just to request a mountain peak from Meishan to be enshrined as a spiritual mountain; however, the Meishan Venerable rejected them every time.

Zhao Xing and Lushan Jun glided through various territories, passed through several hollow tunnels, and changed their Divine Subterranean Ships a few times before entering a red-bed landform characterized by steep cliffs and slopes. This marked their arrival in the Meishan region. Upon reaching the surface and ascending to high altitude, the red gradually diminished. Looking down, a mixture of green, red, and gold colors intertwined. Meishan’s abundant Nanmu wood varieties are excellent materials for boundary ship components, and are also frequently used for defensive structures, teleportation array layouts, and spiritual gathering arrays for personal cultivation.

After flying for a while longer with Venerable Lushan, many demon beasts began to appear, both in the air and on the ground. Some were adults, but the vast majority were young. They frolicked in the mountains and forests. Far from being alarmed by humans, they would actively greet them.

“Those are Primordial Demon Beasts,” Lushan Jun introduced. “Some are native to this area, while others were sent by demon kingdoms.”

“If you travel seven great mountain ranges further west, you’ll find two high-end Life Underworld Palaces: one called the ‘Heavenly Demon Palace’ and the other the ‘Myriad Demon Palace’.”

“These are exclusively for the use of the two great ancient demon kingdoms.”

In fact, Zhao Xing already knew about these two Underworld Palaces, even without Venerable Lushan’s introduction. In his previous life, he had also raised young demon beasts with powerful bloodlines. Purchasing the breeding rights for these two palaces cost 1 million contribution points. This was merely for a thirty-year stay; after thirty years, continued residence required additional fees. Besides contribution points, they also accepted Xuanling ancient coins and Five Emperor coins, all at exorbitant prices—astronomically expensive.

“I heard that 150 years ago, the Myriad Demon Lord brought up the old matter again, wanting to purchase a mountain peak to relocate it?” Zhao Xing asked.

“Indeed,” Venerable Lushan chuckled. “That fellow truly never gives up. No matter how many times he’s been reprimanded, he still hasn’t abandoned the idea.”

“Last time, he arrived with a pile of gifts. The Meishan Venerable received him, and after he subtly expressed his intention, he was thoroughly scolded.”

“He didn’t get angry.”

“Angry? The Myriad Demon Lord had to smile and listen until the Meishan Venerable finished scolding him.”

Zhao Xing smiled upon hearing this. Normally, the Meishan Venerable’s status was slightly higher than the Myriad Demon Lord’s, but not by such a significant margin, as their strengths were not vastly different. Yet, even if the Meishan Venerable pointed at and cursed the Demon Lord, he had to endure it. It wasn’t just him; the Heavenly Demon Lord was the same. The demon beasts still had to constantly find new ways to curry favor with Primordial Hill.

Why was this the case? The earth, with its profound virtue, nurtures all living beings, but life born in certain places is exceptionally powerful. Primordial Hill’s ancient earth veins had a particularly significant enhancing effect on the descendants of demon beasts. Regardless of whether they were born from dampness, a womb, an egg, or through transformation, as long as they were born within the Three Realms and Twelve Mountains of Primordial Hill and spent their infancy there—upon reaching adulthood, that demon beast’s talent, comprehension, and bloodline growth rate would be far superior to those born elsewhere.

As early as the Five Emperors Era, there were legends among the Ten Great Demon Kingdoms about making pilgrimages to Primordial Hill. Primordial Hill also had a tradition: every so often, it would open its gates wide to adopt some demon beast offspring. Nowadays, the Ten Great Demon Kingdoms would periodically send young beasts or adult demon beast couples to be carefully nurtured there.

In the early stages of developing the Moon Desolate Realm, demon beasts attacked the Scarlet Star Empire, the Ancient Desolate Kingdom, and even the Primeval Celestial Palace and the Samsara Divine Hall. However, they rarely encroached upon the ancient path project led by Primordial Hill; any such instances involved only ignorant minor demons. Zhao Xing had once been involved in a karmic battle, which attracted the attention of the Demon God Hall. But the Demon God Hall had no intention of harming Zhao Xing; they were merely curious. Even later, when they were exploited in the World-Transmitting Tower due to Zhao Xing’s affairs, no demon beasts ever came to trouble Zhao Xing afterwards. Even with the appearance of Venerable Bormon this time from the Primeval Celestial Palace, it was merely a mild form of competition, and the one dispatched was Bormon, who also possessed a twelfth-tier cultivation.

The reason for this wasn't because the demon beasts feared the Scarlet Star Empire, nor was it due to Zhao Xing’s status as a genius from the Primal Realm. Instead, it was because Zhao Xing was a genius from Primordial Hill, one who had learned the Life Underworld Palace methods, studied under the Meishan Venerable, and received teachings from Venerable Lanshan! Furthermore, Zhao Xing’s dharma theories were prevalent in the Ancient Heavenly Demon Kingdom, and the establishment of the Boundary Mountain Society and the Vanishing Star Society was all done out of respect for Primordial Hill. “The propagation of demon beasts is not easy,” Venerable Lushan remarked, looking at the cute young beasts below. “As cosmic laws change through different stages, demon beasts with high bloodline talents are increasingly prone to premature death in their youth, and maintaining strong bloodlines becomes more difficult.”

Zhao Xing nodded. Throughout the history of life, plants, animals, and even newly formed minor worlds have seen their sizes and qualities decrease from large to small, from high to low. As cosmic laws change over time, entering different stages of demise, it becomes increasingly difficult for naturally powerful races to emerge. Some races may even naturally perish. For instance, the 'Horned Abyss Serpent' Zhao Xing once encountered probably numbers no more than a hundred across the entire Xuanling Starfield. Without a suitable environment, powerful races will weaken or even become extinct.

The Three Realms and Twelve Mountains of Primordial Hill have preserved the earth veins from the Archaean Eon, the Ancient Eon, and the Dao Manifestation Eon. This means Primordial Hill retains an environment suitable for nurturing powerful life forms. Generation after generation of demon beasts were sent here, and over time, those with such experiences gradually acquired a special designation: Primordial Demon Beasts.

“Among the demon kingdoms, the Ancient Heavenly Demon Kingdom has the most quotas for demon beasts to grow up in Primordial Hill, followed by the Myriad River Demon Kingdom,” Venerable Lushan informed Zhao Xing. “The other eight great demon kingdoms have significantly fewer quotas, so it’s inevitable they feel jealous and criticize the two major demon kingdoms.” However, the Ancient Heavenly Demon Kingdom and the Myriad River Demon Kingdom paid no mind to this. Currying favor with Primordial Hill was akin to currying favor with the Great Mother Earth; what was there to criticize about that? Moreover, the title 'Primordial Demon Beast' was so resounding and majestic! It could be said that this group of demon beasts completely disregarded external comments, both physically and mentally; instead, they took pride in becoming Primordial Demon Beasts.

“Look, another little one is about to transform!” As they chatted, Venerable Lushan suddenly pointed downwards.

On a small mountain peak, a spotted grey-furred wolf cub leaped onto a tree trunk.

“Awoo!”

As a mighty howl rang out, the sky around the tree suddenly darkened. The mountain peak suddenly exuded a large amount of Earth spiritual energy, forming clouds, and a full moon appeared within them. Soon, the spotted grey wolf cub began to shed its fur and stood upright.

“This is a Silvermoon Skywolf,” Venerable Lushan observed, pausing. “In Primordial Hill, the essential skill for these demon beasts is the Earth Transformation Art, which allows them to transform into human form.”

Zhao Xing also watched with great interest. The essence of the Earth Transformation Art and the Marquis Transformation Art was actually the same: both caused life to undergo drastic changes in a very short time, borrowing power from heaven and earth. However, the Heaven's Opportunity faction and the Earth's Advantage faction relied on different sources of power. Comparatively, the Earth Transformation Art was not as difficult as the Marquis Transformation Art; its transformation risk curve was relatively smoother, and it wasn't as dangerous as the Heaven's Opportunity faction's Marquis Transformation Art. Of course, the transformation into human form through the Earth Transformation Art was purely a form of cultural education by the human race of Primordial Hill for the demon beasts. With this aspect, the Primordial Demon Beasts’ sense of identification with the human race would also be stronger.

“Awoo!”

There were three more mighty howls in succession. By the fourth howl, its vocal cords began to change.

“Ah~~ This young master has finally succeeded! Hahahaha!”

The voice was very childish, clearly expressing immense joy. After transforming into human form, the Silvermoon Skywolf began to dance and behave wildly.

“Oh, wow~ It’s done, it’s done~”

Venerable Lushan couldn't help but laugh, but Zhao Xing’s expression was peculiar. This was because the appearance of the fellow below, after transformation, was eighty to ninety percent similar to his own, though the demeanor wasn't as mature.

“Senior, what’s going on?” “Perhaps the little fellow is a relative of yours,” Venerable Lushan joked like an old prankster.

Zhao Xing’s face darkened.

“Hahahaha,” Venerable Lushan burst into laughter. “What else could it be? Of course, it’s because you, Lord Zhao, are so famous.”

“Hehe, back then, Primordial Hill helped you convene dharma assemblies to promote your dharma theories, and most of the new generation of Primordial Demon Beast young grew up reading your dharma theories.”

“Many demon beasts, after hearing much about your deeds, came to admire you. So, when they transform using the Earth Transformation Art, naturally your template is the first choice.”

Zhao Xing was speechless. He just felt it was somehow strange. He wouldn’t be seeing many demon beasts walking around Primordial Hill with his face, would he?

“Don’t worry, this little fellow is just playing around,” Venerable Lushan said. “It’s fine for young demon beasts to secretly assume your appearance, but if an adult transforms into you, they will be punished by Primordial Hill.”

“You are a Demigod, and your status in Primordial Hill is not low. How could we casually allow others to defile your image?”

Zhao Xing nodded. There were strict regulations regarding transformation through the Earth Transformation Art: the three aspects of Mind Image, Dao Image, and Divine Image. It was very dangerous to arbitrarily assume the form of a Demigod Venerable without corresponding authorization or a Life Dao Diagram. This little fellow was merely at the Dao Establishment Realm, only at the Mind Image level. Unless he obtained his Life Dao Diagram—for example, if he cultivated a complete practice like the 'Nine Marshes God'—the wolf demon would not reach the Dao Image or Divine Image levels. Even if it reached the Dao Image or Divine Image realms, Zhao Xing would still feel a karmic resonance when the wolf demon transformed.

“Thinking about it this way, what Old Qing did in the past timeline was not only daring but also quite a technical feat,” Zhao Xing mused.

The two paused for only a moment before quickly departing the area.

As they continued forward, the number of casual passersby gradually decreased. About two days later, they entered the main peak area.

“Meishan has seventy-two main peaks, a few more than my own Lushan,” Venerable Lushan said.

“The competition for Chief Mountain Head will first involve an internal selection process within the Twelve Mountains.”

“Zhao Xing, the current situation is special. The Gods of the Three Realms have decided to open the Twelve Mountains Dharma Assembly earlier to select a new Chief Mountain Head.”

“If you wish to participate in the Chief Mountain Head competition, you must first distinguish yourself from within Meishan, and then compete with masters from the other mountains.”

Lushan Jun and Zhao Xing emerged from underground, appearing beneath a towering gate pillar of the mountain. Clouds swirled around them, and radiant mists shimmered. The peaks, half-hidden in the clouds, appeared and disappeared, exuding extraordinary divine charm.

“I’ll take you no further than this. You should know how to enter the rest of the way.”

“Thank you for guiding the way,” Zhao Xing replied. He could already clearly sense the presence of his sub-soul. Gradually receiving memories from his sub-soul, he naturally knew where to go.

“No need to be polite off the field,” Lushan Jun said with a bearded smile. “But if we meet on the field, don’t hold back against me.”

Lushan Jun was also a Demigod, and he would certainly represent Lushan in the Chief Mountain Head competition. Zhao Xing smiled and cupped his hands. “I certainly won’t.”

“Go now~”

Lushan Jun’s figure shrank, like a wisp of green smoke, burrowing into the ground. In a blink, his aura quickly vanished into the distance.

“Lushan Jun’s escape art is also very exquisite, far more refined than what I learned during my Dao Domain Realm period.”

“I wonder how much my sub-soul has learned during these three thousand years.”

Zhao Xing closed his eyes and meditated for a moment. When he opened them again, he already knew how to activate the Meishan mountain gate’s barrier. Forming hand seals, the mountain gate barrier immediately opened a small aperture. Zhao Xing burrowed through the ground, heading towards Meishan’s highest peak.

Meishan’s highest peak was named Qingling Peak. Zhao Xing glided unimpeded all the way to the main hall at the summit. At this time, disciples and spirit beasts passing by stopped and bowed upon seeing Zhao Xing’s appearance.

“Greetings, Martial Uncle.”

“Greetings, Senior Brother.”

“Greetings, Martial Grand-Uncle.”

“Greetings, Divine Palace Emissary.”

Zhao Xing also returned their greetings with a smile. His sub-soul had cultivated here for three thousand years, accumulating multiple changes in identity. Initially, he was guided by Emperor Hongshan and considered a disciple of the Hongshan lineage. However, Emperor Hongshan’s guidance at the time was merely routine; he had the substance of a Dao Master but not the title. Later, Zhao Xing wrote the 'Earth Transformation Theory of the Dao Manifestation Eon' and convened numerous dharma assemblies. At that time, Demigods specifically decreed that Zhao Xing’s status should be elevated. When Lushan Jun came to teach, he too had the substance of a Dao Master but not the title. It wasn't until the Tanxing Dharma Assembly was convened that his cultivation clone went to Meishan. However, the Meishan Venerable only taught him, without establishing a formal master-disciple relationship with Zhao Xing. It was only when Venerable Lanshan intervened that Zhao Xing’s first official Dao Master was confirmed to be Venerable Lanshan. In other words, he was now considered the Meishan Venerable’s youngest junior brother.

Of course, seniority wasn't that important in Primordial Hill; scholarship had no set order, and those who achieved mastery were teachers. Only Dao Masters who had undergone formal ceremonies were considered a truly significant identity and relationship. More relevant to benefits were the various official positions within Primordial Hill. These included the Earth Treasury Division, Underworld Palace Division, Earth Link Division, Profound Earth Division, Mountain and Sea Division, mountain temples, palace treasuries, major Daoist academies, Fengyuan Dao, and the great earth channel emissaries of Xinghai Dao, among others. Primordial Hill's internal structure was vast and complex. The Twelve Mountains were like twelve ancient kingdoms, with the 'Peak Master' holding the highest status. These twelve Peak Masters, in turn, had a universally respected 'Chief Mountain Head' who wielded supreme authority over Primordial Hill’s secular affairs. The Gods of the Three Realms—the Primordial Realm, the Ancient Realm, and the Dao Manifestation Realm—did not interfere in secular matters; becoming entangled in karma was a troublesome affair for divine beings. In this regard, the Scarlet Star Empire, the Primal Realm, and Primordial Hill were similar. In the Primal Realm, Gullo River was the highest authority. However, long ago, Gullo River’s status had already become equivalent to a divine being, and he had delegated many powers to Wu Du, Zuo Qiyu, and others.

Zhao Xing’s main body was visiting for the first time, but his sub-soul had been here for over three thousand years. Therefore, these disciples were accustomed to Zhao Xing’s appearance and resumed their activities after bowing. Among these titles, the one with the most significant weight for Zhao Xing was 'Divine Palace Emissary,' a position he held in Meishan. To facilitate Zhao Xing’s cultivation, the Meishan Venerable promoted his sub-soul to Divine Palace Emissary after it completed several tasks. This position involved managing the cultivation in the underground palaces that suppressed innate demon gods, overseeing the operation of earth veins, and identifying and rectifying deficiencies.

Zhao Xing’s main body stepped into the great hall, which contained many doors leading to different areas. Opening one of them, Zhao Xing found himself in a space filled with floating rocks and flowing lava, where he met the Meishan Venerable.

“Divine Palace Emissary Zhao Xing pays respects to the Chief Mountain Head!”

The Meishan Venerable was currently above a miniature continent. He had tens of thousands of earth vein avatars, all circulating around the glowing miniature continent—capturing, receiving, and analyzing the emanating fluctuations. This was a type of the Yaoguang Earth Link Art. However, the Meishan Venerable’s cultivation was clearly profound. Zhao Xing noticed that more than half of his avatars contained strong temporal fluctuations. Just by observing his avatars, Zhao Xing felt a sense of temporal disorder within his own biological clock.

“Zhao Xing, you’ve arrived,” the Meishan Venerable’s main body said, extending a finger.

The miniature continent’s light immediately dimmed, its overall shape shifted, and its edges rose, closing like flower petals. In a blink, it formed the shape of an iceberg. Then it rapidly shrunk, landing in the Meishan Venerable’s palm. Zhao Xing no longer felt the temporal disorder in his heart.

“Do you still recognize this treasure?” the Meishan Venerable asked.

“I do,” Zhao Xing nodded. “This is ‘Yuanji Mountain,’ one of Primordial Hill’s divine artifacts.”

The divine artifact Yuanji Mountain was refined from the essences of all spiritual mountains and earth veins from the Archaean Eon to the Desolate Realm Epoch. It was a divine artifact that grew stronger with each generation of Chief Mountain Heads who continuously supplemented it. The Meishan Venerable nodded. “One of Yuanji Mountain’s most important functions is its ability to cast the ‘Space-Time Earth Link Art’ through it.”

“Because this divine artifact contains the essence of a certain spiritual mountain and earth vein from every era, wielding Yuanji Mountain and casting the Space-Time Earth Link Art allows one to communicate with countless space-times.”

“The spiritual mountains from which earth vein essences were extracted are like spatial-temporal anchor points left by Primordial Hill’s ancestors through generations.”

“The Earth Link Art can receive and transmit messages through the mountains existing in these space-times.”

“Theoretically, this divine artifact can allow one to traverse space-time.”

Traverse space-time? Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised. So, Primordial Hill also possessed such a means.

“Of course, that’s only in theory,” the Meishan Venerable said with a sigh. “As a super-power, our sect’s historical records state that very ancient Chief Mountain Heads could use it to traverse space-time.”

“However, due to continuous refinement through generations, this divine artifact has become increasingly powerful. Even my master cannot activate this function.”

“My own power as Chief Mountain Head is even more limited. Not only can I not fully comprehend it, but I’ve also been affected by the Lord of Cold Food, causing Yuanji Mountain to lose connection with more than a dozen spatial-temporal anchor points—”

The Meishan Venerable sighed with some self-reproach. “The Cold Food Divine King, with just one avatar, is so powerful.”

“Although the Gods of the Three Realms haven’t blamed me, this has always been a humiliation in my heart.”

“I have decided to resign as Chief Mountain Head prematurely and ascend the temporal currents through a space-time channel to a certain secret place for a breakthrough.”

“After I resign, the new round of Chief Mountain Head competition will commence.”

The Meishan Venerable looked at Zhao Xing expectantly. “Junior Brother, when you win this position of Chief Mountain Head, you must help your Senior Brother repair this influence.”

Zhao Xing said with some trepidation, “I will certainly do my best to participate in the dharma assembly, but my cultivation is still shallow, and I fear I might disappoint your expectations.”

The Meishan Venerable chuckled, “Junior Brother, you haven’t merged with your sub-soul yet, have you? Such worries are normal.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t think that way after you merge with your sub-soul.”

Zhao Xing indeed had not yet merged with his sub-soul. Through remote sensing, he had only received some less important memories for now. Cultivation memories, containing the essence of the Dao, could only be fully accessed after merging the sub-soul with the main body.

The Meishan Venerable waved his hand, and a door appeared in the void. “Five hundred years after you came to Primordial Hill, I had nothing more to teach you.”

“For the subsequent two thousand six hundred years, your sub-soul remained in the Ancient Realm, cultivating within master’s divine domain.”

“After your return, you couldn’t recall your sub-soul and your senses were blurry for this very reason.”

“Now that you’re here, go and merge.”

“Master is waiting for you.”

“Yes, Senior Brother.”

Zhao Xing took a deep breath and flew into the door. Beyond the door lay a different world; Zhao Xing felt as if everything had changed. The sky became clearer, the earth heavier. Although the spiritual energy concentration hadn't significantly increased, all sorts of Great Dao essences seemed to have strengthened severalfold. At this moment, the coordinates on his panel indicated that he had entered Venerable Lanshan’s divine domain in the Ancient Realm.

“So the Lanshan Divine Official I met in the historical timeline of the Xuanhuang Realm was indeed the current Venerable Lanshan.”

“The Ancient Realm… Is this the Ancient Realm? I feel that once I adapt to this environment, my strength will quickly become much greater.”

The Ancient Realm largely preserved the early environment of the cosmic origin. The environment for comprehending and cultivating the Dao improved; even doing nothing, simply living and adapting there would make one stronger, and the hope of cultivating the origin to become a god would also increase. No wonder evil gods wished to escape to past timelines. This was merely the Ancient Realm; if one were truly situated in the deep past, they probably wouldn’t bear to return.

Just as Zhao Xing was musing, a palace emerged from the depths of the grey, hazy earth. Venerable Lanshan and Zhao Xing’s sub-soul walked out of the palace together and onto the steps. Venerable Lanshan wore a grey robe, a pair of straw sandals, and his hair was tied up with a white jade hairpin, presenting a very simple appearance. He appeared as a middle-aged man, with no divine or mystical manifestations around him. His appearance was consistent with what Zhao Xing had seen before.

“Zhao Xing, long time no see,” Lanshan said, smiling at Zhao Xing’s main body.

“Whoosh~” Zhao Xing immediately descended and bowed. “Disciple Zhao Xing pays his respects to the Divine Venerable.”

“No need for formalities,” Lanshan waved his hand. “The Chief Mountain Head competition is imminent, and you don’t have much time left to prepare. As for some matters, I have already explained them to your sub-soul.”

“You will naturally know once you merge with your sub-soul. Go, take your sub-soul and merge outside.”

“Yes, thank you, Divine Venerable.” Zhao Xing gestured, and his straw man sub-soul was taken away. The reason for merging outside the Ancient Realm was that its origin differed significantly from the outside world. While the sub-soul had adapted, the main body had not yet. Merging outside would allow for comprehension through comparison.

Meishan’s underground 30th layer, Flowing Lake City, Nanshan Estate. For three thousand years, if Zhao Xing’s sub-soul body had stayed outside, it would have resided in Nanshan Estate. Meishan’s underground had multiple layers of space; the first thirty layers were living and cultivation areas, featuring numerous spectacular thousand-earth wonders for contemplation. Below the 30th layer, down to the 99th layer, were the places where demon god descendants were imprisoned. The final layer held the subterranean demon gods. Innate divine beings born underground, whose intellects were affected by chaotic qi, were all tyrannical, bloodthirsty divine beings with strong destructive tendencies, hence they were called demon gods.

“Boom!”

As Zhao Xing merged with his sub-soul, the surrounding earth veins began to vibrate, and the various origins of Five Elements, Wind, Thunder, Yin, and Yang began to merge with the origins within his main body.

“It has begun,” vast cultivation memories emerged in Zhao Xing’s mind. The most vivid and cultivation-related memories were, of course, the tribulation transcending scenes. Zhao Xing first saw the ninth True Spirit Tribulation, which took place at the summit of Qingling Peak, 352 years after his sub-soul arrived. The Meishan Venerable was beside him, safeguarding his cultivation.

“Junior Brother, your Primordial Clone lacks the Extreme Land Art and can only transcend the tribulation relying solely on your spiritual power and the Earth's Advantage Art.”

“The ninth True Spirit Tribulation is crucial for becoming a Demigod and still carries some danger. I will guard your path.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother.”

With that, he proactively triggered the tribulation, and the ninth True Spirit Tribulation immediately descended. This time, the tangible tribulation did not descend from the heavens; instead, it surged forth from underground. The ground beneath his feet suddenly cracked open, and earth vein fire rapidly surged out, engulfing his