“Phew…”
Inside the quiet chamber, Wu Ming exhaled a long breath, sensing the changes brought by accepting the position of Dao Sovereign.
“To share longevity with heaven and earth, to rest with the sun and moon, to merge with the essence of the world, so that every movement can summon the power of the entire world… Is this the power of divinity?”
Just as he was about to continue experimenting, a Taoist apprentice’s panicked voice suddenly came from outside: “M-Master, something’s wrong! The Sky Observing Mirror is warning us; the Dragon Transformation Pond… something has happened to it!”
“Oh? Come with me to see!”
Wu Ming knew exactly what had occurred, though he could not reveal the heavenly secrets at this moment. With a flick of his wide sleeve, he gracefully rose into the air, followed by the Taoist apprentice, heading toward a terrace at the back of the Daoist temple.
“Greetings to Master!”
Before the white jade steps, another young Taoist apprentice dressed in Daoist robes with three topknots stood waiting. Upon seeing Wu Ming approach, he hurriedly bowed.
“Xiao Mingyue, what anomaly has the Sky Observing Mirror detected?”
Wu Ming recognized this Taoist apprentice. Like Qingfeng, who had previously reported to him, both were originally spiritual beings of other forms who had been enlightened and accepted as nominal disciples by Dao Sovereign Zi Luo.
“Reporting to Master, the Sky Observing Mirror suddenly began to hum without reason, displaying colorful anomalies. Due to our limited cultivation, we barely dared to look, as it caused dizziness and vertigo,” both Qingfeng and Mingyue replied simultaneously.
“This Sky Observing Mirror can peer into the Three Realms and grasp the Dao of Heaven, observing the ways of Heaven. Now that it shows anomalies, even the two of you cannot discern its meaning clearly. There may be much turmoil coming to the human world…”
Wu Ming walked forward calmly, ascending the terrace.
The terrace was entirely white and jade-like, square in shape, ninety-nine feet high. At its summit, amidst gently blowing winds and swirling clouds and mist, there was nothing except a golden circular mirror suspended in midair, currently vibrating and emitting five-colored lights.
Wu Ming remained silent for a moment, then cast a magical incantation into the mirror.
Buzzing!
The Sky Observing Mirror vibrated continuously, its five-colored lights swirling, suddenly transforming into a blood-red pillar that shot straight into the sky, exuding a terrifying aura of slaughter.
“So it truly is a great calamity of Heaven and Earth, bringing disaster upon all immortals!”
Wu Ming stroked his beard: “Earlier, while meditating, I had a premonition. Now it proves to be exactly as I sensed!”
“Master, what is this great calamity of Heaven and Earth?”
Both Qingfeng and Mingyue shuddered slightly.
In this world, the immortals originated from the teachings of the Five Sects. Although they usually lived carefree lives, there were also minor calamities every hundred years and major ones every thousand. Surviving them meant significant progress in magical powers and prolonged life, while failure meant destruction, reduced to ashes with both form and spirit obliterated.
However, a great calamity involving Heaven and Earth was something unheard of!
“When Heaven unleashes destruction, stars shift their positions; when Earth unleashes destruction, dragons and snakes rise from the land; when humans unleash destruction, heaven and earth are overturned… Previously, these immortal calamities were merely disasters from Heaven and Earth, but now they are compounded by human calamities, with the three forces combining to determine all transformations…”
Wu Ming spoke indifferently.
“Master’s words suggest that this great calamity of Heaven and Earth will spare no cultivators within the Three Realms, and it will originate from the human realm?”
The two apprentices felt anxious, as this directly concerned their fates, so they naturally asked with great concern.
Unfortunately, Wu Ming merely smiled without answering, and instead walked directly to the edge of the terrace.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
White mist swirled around them, like surging waves, vaguely forming the shape of a pond.
Within the pond, countless white currents formed tiny algae and shrimp-like specks, chased and devoured by finger-sized white fish.
Among the pure white, several red carp darted about recklessly, voraciously devouring the small fish and shrimp around them.
At the very center of the pond, there was a golden carp about half a person in length, a veritable giant, lazily floating up and down, moving about casually, while the red carps respectfully kept their distance, not daring to compete.
“This Dragon Transformation Pond was condensed by Master with supreme magical power, capable of revealing the fate of the human world…”
Qingfeng and Mingyue hurriedly observed carefully: “That golden carp must undoubtedly represent the imperial dragon qi of the Great Zhou Dynasty! Since this nation established its foundation under the Li family’s ancestral dragon power, after a hundred years it has finally reached its zenith, with the four seas submitting and myriad nations paying tribute, hailed as the Celestial Kingdom. Indeed, its dragon qi is supreme!”
But at this moment, a sudden change occurred in the pond!
A golden-backed red carp, its body resembling crimson jade with a golden line along its back, suddenly appeared from somewhere and charged fiercely toward the golden carp.
Splash!
The clouds and mist churned violently. With a single flick of its tail, the golden carp stirred the Dragon Transformation Pond into chaos, causing many aquatic creatures to flee for their lives. Several stout red carps, led by the golden-backed red carp, surged toward the golden carp, eager and ready for action.
“Naughty creature!”
Wu Ming chuckled and scolded, then flicked his horsetail whisk.
Puchi!
A thread as white as jade, seemingly imbued with sentience, shot through the air and straight into the golden-backed carp. With a sudden yank!
Splash!
Though the thread appeared extremely thin, it was incredibly tough, as if carrying an incomparable mighty force, instantly pulling the golden-backed carp out of the Dragon Transformation Pond.
Boom!
At the very moment the carp left the Dragon Transformation Pond, the heavens and earth changed color, winds and rains gathered like fury, and thunder roared, transforming into countless dancing electric serpents.
“Roar! Roar!”
The golden-backed carp roared furiously, suddenly transforming its shape, becoming a crimson dragon with two claws and four horns. A golden line ran along its back, and its eyes bore hues of blue and purple. With a shake of its head and a swish of its tail, it vanished into the clouds in an instant.
Once the troublemaker was gone, the Dragon Transformation Pond gradually returned to calm. However, several scales on the golden carp had shattered. The surrounding red carps, now somewhat calmed, took the opportunity to devour a few fragments of fish scales and blood, their eyes now carrying a hint of gold.
“The dragon qi of the human world has changed!”
Qingfeng and Mingyue exchanged glances, their foreheads dripping with cold sweat.
“Qingfeng! Prepare the scene! Mingyue! Ring the bell!”
Wu Ming calmly waved his horsetail whisk: “This old gentleman is about to give another discourse on the Dao!”
“Understood!”
The two Taoist apprentices withdrew. Not long after, on the sacred mountain outside, an ancient golden bell resounded loudly.
Dang! Dang!! Dang!!!
The bell’s tone was melodious and profound, as if echoing throughout the Three Realms. The overseas immortals, who had been waiting anxiously, were overjoyed upon hearing it: “Is Dao Sovereign Zi Luo delivering a discourse on the Dao?”
Whoosh! Whoosh!
In an instant, hundreds of beams of light could be seen rushing in from various places overseas, some riding the wind and wielding swords, others riding spiritual beasts. All the arrivals were dressed in golden-threaded jade robes, accompanied by fragrant carriages and canopies, with celestial maidens and mighty warriors clearing the way—an impressive scene of celestial splendor.
Buzzing!
The radiance of Miao Qing Temple shone brilliantly, suddenly transforming into a nine-layered palace. Inside were deep gardens and courtyards, with a grand hall glowing brightly.
The immortals entered one after another, paying homage to Dao Sovereign Zi Luo seated on a cloud bed and a futon in the center: “Greetings to Dao Sovereign!”
Wu Ming’s expression remained calm. Seeing that the time had come, he waved his hand, and the entire sacred mountain was once again veiled in mist and clouds, causing late-arriving cultivators to beat their chests in frustration.
The sound of bells and chimes resounded through the hall as celestial melodies filled the air. The immortals listened intently to the serene voice of Dao Sovereign Zi Luo, who sat cross-legged upon a meditation cushion: “When Pangu first separated heaven and earth, there was a purple dragon…”
His voice, though calm, contained the ultimate principles of heaven and earth. All the immortals inside the hall listened in rapture, feeling their cultivation had greatly improved.
However, halfway through the Dao discourse, Wu Ming shifted the topic and began to speak about the great calamity of Heaven and Earth.
His grim prophecy of the Age of Dharma Decline, where heaven and earth would be overturned and immortals would fall into ruin, caused the overseas immortals’ expressions to change repeatedly.
“Dao Sovereign! Waaah…”
At this moment, a Taoist figure seated at the end stood up, stepping forward while weeping and kowtowing: “I sincerely beg Dao Sovereign, have mercy on us who have painstakingly attained spiritual awareness and cultivated for hundreds and thousands of years. Please save us!”
“Difficult! Difficult!! Difficult!!!”
Wu Ming sighed repeatedly: “Even though we Dao Sovereigns are immune to destruction through countless calamities, we still must enter the mortal world and act accordingly to fulfill the destined trials!”
“Even Dao Sovereigns and ancient deities cannot escape this?!”
The Taoist was stunned, as if someone had peeled open his celestial crown and poured a torrent of icy water over him, causing his entire body to tremble.
“The path of calamity is such that each calamity brings an opportunity; when adversity reaches its peak, fortune follows. The subtlety of its application lies in one’s own heart…”
Wu Ming did not continue answering but instead began to explain methods of surviving the calamity.
This was a matter of life and death, so the immortals immediately perked up their ears, fearing they might miss a single word.
No one knew how long had passed when a bell rang out, awakening the enraptured immortals.
“Today’s Dao discourse has concluded. I will dismiss my disciples and seal Miao Qing Temple for a hundred years. You should all go forth, face your destined trials, and whatever fortune or misfortune you encounter will be unrelated to Miao Qing Temple…”
Wu Ming waved his hand.
“Master! Reverend Father!”
Qingfeng and Mingyue were greatly alarmed, kneeling on the ground and repeatedly kowtowing: “We beg Reverend Father to show mercy and save us!”
“Ai… Poor children, in the great calamity of Heaven and Earth, who can escape?”
Wu Ming sighed outwardly but inwardly laughed heartily: “Well then! Your master shall bestow upon you two protective treasures. After entering the mortal world, you must speak cautiously and act carefully, silently reciting the Huang Ting Sutra every day, and under no circumstances should you interfere in others’ calamities!”
He immediately took out a white jade folding fan and an ancient inkstone, bestowing them upon the apprentices.
“Thank you, Master, for granting us treasures!”
Qingfeng and Mingyue reluctantly stopped their tears and stood aside.
Seeing their expressions, the Taoist figure from earlier had a sudden idea and also knelt forward: “Reverend Father, have mercy! I possess nothing valuable. When calamity strikes in the future, I may not have a capable protective treasure. I humbly request…”
As soon as these words were spoken, many immortals showed disdain on their faces, while others displayed thoughtful expressions.
“Hmm?”
Wu Ming secretly chuckled. This Taoist was also destined to be a supporting character in the upcoming calamity. He immediately nodded happily: “Well then!”
He took the purple-red gourd from his waist and, under the Taoist’s astonished and delighted gaze, shook it. From the mouth of the gourd flew out a small golden gourd, landing in the Taoist’s hand.
“This Yuan Ci Qi Sha Gourd was crafted by me using the power of the Seven Killing Stars from the heavens, the finest metals from deep underground, and mixed with Yuan Ci. I bestow it upon you for protection!”
“Thank you, Dao Sovereign! Thank you, Dao Sovereign!”
Seeing that Zi Luo Dao Sovereign did not bestow the purple-red gourd upon him, the Taoist felt slightly disappointed but concealed it well, displaying only a grateful expression as he repeatedly kowtowed.
“What a simpleton…”
At that moment, envious and jealous gazes shot toward the Taoist like fire, almost ready to ignite him, with some wishing to rush forward and snatch the gourd away.
Quick-witted ones immediately knelt down too: “Reverend Father, have mercy! We also lack protective treasures. In the coming great calamity, we fear we will be reduced to ashes…”
At that moment, their weeping and wailing were truly heartfelt. However, not everyone was worthy of being Wu Ming’s tool.
He coldly smiled, waved his hand, and the entire Miao Qing Temple vanished without a trace. In an instant, all the immortals were transported to the vast ocean outside, staring at each other in bewilderment.
A few individuals fixed their eyes on the Taoist who had received the treasure, their gazes brimming with sinister intent.
Realizing this, the Taoist felt a chill run through him. He quickly retracted the gourd and transformed into a red beam of light, swiftly fleeing.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage