Forging Immortality through the Dao Seed

"Is this the Tao Intent fused from thirty-six basic Daos? Why does it look so... ordinary?"

His eyes swiftly swept over the unfamiliar Tao Intent before him.

Zhang Jing subconsciously raised his eyebrows.

This was completely different from what he had expected.

He didn't expect it to be earth-shaking when it was born, but there should be at least some anomalies.

This was a fusion of powerful Tao Intents such as the Five Elements, Yin and Yang, and the Universe.

Although these Tao Intents only contained a slight sense of the corresponding Great Dao, they were at least somewhat related.

The next instant.

Zhang Jing's heart moved.

The Tao Intent that had fused before him slowly returned to his body.

In an instant.

A vast and ancient mood filled his heart, making him feel as if he could vaguely see the grand spectacle of the birth and evolution of the universe.

However, this vision only appeared for an instant, and then it was immediately gone.

Is this…

Zhang Jing's eyes flickered unsteadily.

The true meaning of the Primitive Genesis's legacy?

No! It feels more like the mood of the Primordial Immortal Light.

No, it isn't.

This unfamiliar Tao Intent was similar to the Primordial Immortal Light in that both carried a sense of 'one'.

But fundamentally.

It gave Zhang Jing a completely different feeling.

He didn't know how to describe the difference between the two.

Or to put it another way.

The Primordial Immortal Light is focused on creation, while this unfamiliar Tao Intent leans more towards existence, giving him a sense of the origin of all things.

The simplicity of the universe and the earth being chaotic before creation is called Taiyi.

A saying from his previous life, he didn't remember where he saw it, suddenly flashed into Zhang Jing's mind. It seemed like the best explanation for this unfamiliar Tao Intent.

"So I might as well call it Taiyi Dao Intent."

He thought to himself.

Then.

As if realizing something.

A look of contemplation flashed in Zhang Jing's eyes.

Taiyi, also known as Taiyi.

Among the 365 basic Tao Intents of the Boundless Taiyi Taoist Gate, which matched the number of days in a year, thirty-six of them could be fused into Taiyi Dao Intent.

What's even more coincidental is.

These thirty-six attributes of Tao Intent are all required to master when advancing to the Golden Core Realm through the Dao inherited from the Primitive Genesis's derivative world.

Furthermore.

If he remembers correctly.

When he was in the Dao Institute in the Lower Realm, the Academy Principal once mentioned that the Pure Yuan Na Breath Visualization Method is the most widely spread basic cultivation method among many Dao Institutes.

And the Pure Yuan Na Breath Visualization Method has a subtle connection with the legacy of the Primitive Genesis.

Could all of these be mere coincidences?

Zhang Jing didn't believe it at all.

"Could it be that the Dao of the derivative world of the Primitive Genesis is more than just a simple lineage?"

...

His thoughts returned to reality.

Zhang Jing forcefully suppressed the doubts in his heart, then turned to look at the blazing Human Path True Flame around him.

The huge bronze fighting platform under his feet was on the verge of collapse.

Opposite him.

Ji Changyu's face still had that confident look, arrogance filling his eyebrows.

Noticing Zhang Jing's gaze.

He couldn't help but smile slightly, asking:

"My friend, how have you considered the proposal I just made? If we do not end this quickly, I'm afraid the first place in this Jiaoyun Secret Realm will really be taken by the foreigners? Not to mention, this first place is also related to the Innate Divine Ability of Jiaoyang Qingyun."

Seeing Zhang Jing unmoved.

Ji Changyu thought for a moment, then said again:

"How about this, Brother Zhang Jing, as long as you concede and give up, all the luck movement I obtained in this secret realm will belong to you, how about it?"

Upon hearing this.

Zhang Jing looked at the other party in surprise.

A billion luck movements to be given to someone just like that? Indeed worthy of a prince from the Emperor's Way, his riches are frightening.

However…

What the other party said does make some sense.

It's not because he's afraid that Chang Jin will benefit from their fight.

Instead, Zhang Jing purely felt.

There was indeed no need for this battle to continue any longer.

With a sigh.

A faint smile flashed across Zhang Jing's face as he said warmly:

"What Brother Ji said is right, there's really no point in dragging this on, we should finish it quickly."

As soon as his words fell.

He pointed gently.

Mana emerged in tiny dots.

The Taiyi Dao Intent that had just condensed was suddenly mobilized and twined around his fingertip.

In an instant.

A dot of spirit light crossed the sky, flying straight towards Ji Changyu.

A terrifying mood that seemed to want to return all the Daos and things in heaven and earth to the state of Taiyi's chaos spread instantly along the path.

Where the spirit light passed.

The previously unruly Human Path True Flame, which had seemed to burn everything, now seemed to have completely lost its resistance and was extinguished.

Across from him.

As soon as he heard Zhang Jing's words.

An extremely excited smile appeared on Ji Changyu's face, and the corners of his mouth almost reached the roots of his ears.

"Haha, Brother Zhang Jing indeed thinks highly of our Human Race's righteousness. Please rest assured, my friend, when we leave the secret realm, all the luck movement will be—"

His words came to a sudden stop.

As if he'd noticed something.

Ji Changyu suddenly lifted his head, and his pupils contracted slightly. He felt a chill rush from his tailbone to the top of his head.

In his sight.

A flickering spirit light was getting closer and closer.

Within this spirit light.

He smelled a strong scent of death.

In just an instant.

The spirit light was already near his brow.

A white fairy light appeared.

"I shouldn't have been careless. If I had watched Zhang Jing the whole time, or if I had gone all out from the beginning, I would be the one standing on the fighting platform!"

A regretful thought occurred to Ji Changyu.

His figure disappeared instantly.

The next moment.

Boom——

Accompanied by a deafening noise.

The brilliance wrapped in Taiyi Dao Intent relentlessly crashed directly onto the bronze battle stage behind the opponent.

Ka, ka!

The continuous sound of shattering ensued.

The battle stage, riddled with holes, ultimately could not hold up against the onslaught and cracked into two.

A gigantic shadow loomed and crashed down.

It felt like a fragment of the sky had fallen.

At this moment.

Everything became eerily quiet in the vicinity.

Zhang Jing floated mid-air at the place where the battle transpired, his calm gaze lightly sweeping over the collapsed stage before looking directly at the sky.

[Jia One · Chang Jin, Wins: 97]

[Yi One · Zhang Jing, Wins: 97]

[Bing One · Ji Changyu, Wins: 96]

[Jia Two · Qu Junhou, Wins: 95]

...

...

Before long.

Zhang Jing withdrew his gaze.

"I still have a round each with Brother Qu, Qu Junhou, and Chang Jin. Judging by the style of the Secret Realm's spirit, the round with Chang Jin will most likely be at... the end!"

It seemed he found something amusing.

A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.

...

At this moment.

Up on the battle stage, and in various spots around Renjie Island.

Many gazes—either filled with disbelief or awe—softly landed on Zhang Jing.

"Impossible!"

"Ji Changyu seemed to be stronger! His red-gold flame Divine Skill is unstoppable."

"Ha! Ridiculous! How dare anyone declare who is stronger?"

"Even though everyone is in the Foundation Establishment Realm, can the strength of those three be merely judged by our eyes? Even the mighty Secret Realm's spirit must set up a battle stage."

"That's right."

"Don't forget. Brother Zhang Jing used thirty-six perfected Dao Intents in this battle! With such a terrifying gift, isn't it expected for him to win?"

"Hiss-- Terrifying!"

...

At a particular location on Renjie Island.

"Imperial Brother, are...are you okay?"

Ji Jiulin inquired Ji Changyu, who was a bit disheveled, with utmost caution.

While speaking.

His gaze unconsciously landed on Zhang Jing floating in mid-air.

Shock flashed through his eyes.

That his Imperial Brother, who had lit the first fire and forged the Sask Array Dao Foundation, could lose to a cultivator in the same Foundation Establishment Realm!

And moreover, if it wasn't for the protection of the Secret Realm's spirit…

Ji Jiulin shook his head.

He instantly felt as if he was living in a dream, an uncanny sensation.

However, at this moment.

"I'm fine!"

Ji Changyu slowly rose to his feet and declared with a regretful look, "I was too careless this time around and wasn't on guard against Zhang Jing's sneak attack. Otherwise, I would have inevitably been the last one standing!"

Upon finishing.

A look of contemplation crossed Ji Changyu's face as he analyzed, "However... losing this match doesn't mean that I don't have a chance at the first place and the Innate Divine Ability, Jiao Yang."

"As long as I beat Chang Jin in the upcoming battle, and Chang Jin then defeats Zhang Jing, we'll all be tied."

Behind him.

Upon hearing this.

An odd look surfaced on Ji Jiulin's face.

He wanted to say something but swallowed his words.

He felt it was better not to interrupt his Imperial Brother in his current state.

...

"Teacher, we started cultivating almost at the same time and had your guidance, so why is there such a huge gap between Brother Zhang and me?"

"And it seems to be growing wider."

"Can someone's talent really be that strong?"

The slightly dejected and even desperate voice of Qu Junhou abruptly sounded in his mind.

The scene of Zhang Jing beating Ji Changyu played over and over again in his mind.

An incredibly complicated expression surfaced on Qu Junhou's face.

He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Logically speaking.

He should be happy for Zhang Jing.

But he couldn't muster a smile whenever he recalled how powerless he felt in front of Ji Changyu.

My disciple, don't compare yourself to that little monster at the Foundation Establishment Realm and even the Golden Core Realm, both of which heavily rely on talent. It's humiliating. His talent far exceeds your imagination," an old and incomplete figure quietly appeared in his spiritual sea and spoke in a deep voice.

However, after reaching the Dharma Phase Realm, many factors will influence one's strength, and you cannot lack talent, opportunity, or luck. That will be your time to catch up with him and even surpass him."

"I know of a few places with major opportunities. After you reach the Golden Core Realm, you can attempt to visit one of them and undergo a transformation there."

"Thank you, teacher!"

Upon hearing this.

Qu Junhou gratefully responded.

"Rest assured, my dear disciple. As my pupil, you will not be inferior to anyone. Focusing on these trivial matters is of no use. Your goal should be to achieve the Xiaoyao Immortal Tao Fruit, or even the Dao Fruit of the Undying Golden Immortal."

"I understand, thank you for your reminder, teacher!"

After listening to his teacher's words.

A glimmer of enthusiasm flashed across Qu Junhou's eyes.

The despondency and despair that had lingered in his heart.

Now disappeared without a trace.

...

Time slowly passed.

As if noticing something.

In mid-air.

Zhang Jing, who had been resting with his eyes shut, abruptly opened his eyes and gazed directly at a battle stage not too far away.

Two numbers slowly surfaced.

Yi One! Jia Two!

"Jia Two, Brother Qu! As expected."

Zhang Jing gave a wry smile.

Subsequently, he averted his gaze to the adjacent battle stage.

Jia One! Bing One!