Chapter 113: The Return of Kong Xuan

In the depths of the nether blood sea, where crimson waves churned under the shroud of a grand formation, Taoist Yuantu sat cross-legged upon a dark red island. With his eyes closed, he meditated, processing the gains from his recent fierce battle against Ancestor Binghe, Di Jun, and the others.

Suddenly, the space above the blood sea distorted, forming a black hole vortex. From it stepped Ancestor Qiankun, clad in dark cyan robes, causing Yuantu to open his eyes.

"Master, you have arrived quite swiftly!" Yuantu said, a rare smile gracing his otherwise cold face.

Ancestor Qiankun shook his head with a trace of helplessness. "You are truly reckless. Now, look at you—Ancestor Minghe has shaken the entire Primordial World. What a spectacle you’ve made!"

"I had little choice!" Yuantu retorted with a shrug. "I ended up with the Primordial Violet Qi, a hot potato that burns the hands. If I didn't stir up a grand commotion to show the great powers of the world my strength, I would never know a moment's peace."

"That is true," Qiankun conceded, nodding slightly before asking, "Tell me, has that Primordial Violet Qi aided your cultivation?"

Yuantu’s expression darkened. "It is indeed profound; it allows me to perceive the mysteries of the Dao with startling clarity. With its help, reaching the Hunyuan stage would surely be easier. However, the Qi is bizarre. Once it merged with my primordial spirit, it became impossible to extract. I am completely helpless against it."

"Then it is a ticking time bomb," Qiankun murmured, his brows furrowing. "I suspect Hongjun had no good intentions. For now, I have no solution as we do not understand this energy. But since it resides within your spirit, study it slowly. If it helps you comprehend the Dao, that is a benefit. Perhaps once you reach the Hunyuan stage, you will find a way to remove it."

Yuantu sighed. "I hope so. By the way, Master, I obtained a treasure at the Treasure-Dividing Rock that is perfect for your virtuous corpse incarnation, Daoist Qianyuan."

"Oh? What is it?" Curious, Qiankun watched as Yuantu waved his hand, revealing twenty-four flickering spirit beads that caused the surrounding space to tremble. Qiankun’s eyes widened. "The Sea-Calming Pearls?"

After his initial shock, Qiankun chuckled. "Indeed, a fine treasure—perfect for Daoist Qianyuan."

"It is a treasure indeed!" Yuantu remarked. "Each of the twenty-four is a mid-grade innate spiritual treasure. Combined, their power reaches the level of a top-grade innate spiritual treasure, and of exceptional quality at that. If it weren't unsuitable for me, I wouldn't have handed them over!"

Qiankun smiled, stored the pearls, and after a brief exchange, tore through space and departed.

Back at the Qiankun Hall on Fangzhang Island, a black hole vortex rippled. As Qiankun stepped through, the cold voice of the system echoed in his mind: "Treasure obtained at the Treasure-Dividing Rock; evil corpse incarnation acquired the foundation of the Dao, the Primordial Violet Qi; killed the sub-saint Ancestor Binghe; battled the Demon Emperor and the Demon Master; shook the Primordial World—a bountiful harvest. Reward: 5,000 system points."

"Seriously? A 'bountiful harvest' and only this many points? Stingy system," Qiankun muttered to himself.

Following the chaos caused by Yuantu, the conflict between the Sorcerer and Demon clans intensified, marking the official beginning of the Great Tribulation. While the two clans clashed, the top powers of the world, including Ancestor Qiankun, chose to remain in seclusion, digesting the Hunyuan Dao they had heard at Zixiao Palace.

Centuries passed in relative tranquility, save for the skirmishes between the Sorcerer and Demon clans. On Fangzhang Island, Ancestor Qiankun remained immersed in his comprehension of the Dao of Space, while his virtuous corpse, Daoist Qianyuan, handled administrative matters and guided the Fairy of Green Lotus. His self-corpse, Daoist Yangmei, had long since left the island to wander the world, observing the natural order to temper his Dao heart.

One day, while meditating, Qiankun sensed a ripple in his heart. He opened his eyes, his brow furrowing as he realized Kong Xuan had returned.

Moments later, Kong Xuan entered the hall and knelt in excitement. "Disciple greets Master!"

Qiankun raised a hand, signaling him to rise. He looked at Kong Xuan, who had matured significantly and reached the peak of the Taiyi Golden Immortal realm, only a step away from the Daluo stage. Pleased, he chided with a smile, "You brat, you’ve been gone for ten thousand years without a word. I thought you had forgotten your master!"

"I would never dare!" Kong Xuan replied hurriedly. "I have been wandering, and it was inconvenient to return. Besides, knowing you were in seclusion, I did not wish to disturb you."

"So, it is my fault then?" Qiankun teased, watching Kong Xuan’s flustered expression. "I am only joking. It is good to have you back. At least you aren't as heartless as your senior brother, who has forgotten me entirely since becoming a Demon Saint."

Kong Xuan hesitated before saying, "Master, I actually met Senior Brother Baize during my travels. I could tell he misses you. It is only because he is now one of the ten Demon Saints—and knows you prefer a quiet, low-profile life—that he fears disturbing you and bringing you unwanted attention."

"That Baize..." Qiankun sighed, his expression complex. After a silence, he added, "I may dislike trouble, but there is no reason for me to avoid my own disciples. If you see him again, tell him he need not worry. If he wishes to visit, he is welcome. I have missed him."

"Yes, Master! I shall pass on your words," Kong Xuan promised, his eyes brightening.

Qiankun smiled warmly. "Now that you are back, tell me of your cultivation difficulties and your experiences over these years."

Kong Xuan began to recount his travels. Though he had faced dangers, the treasures Qiankun had bestowed upon him, combined with his natural speed and his identity as the son of the Heavenly Phoenix, allowed him to overcome every trial. With his innate talent for treasure hunting, he had evolved from a novice into a formidable cultivator with a wealth of experience and resources.