Flood: I, the Nine Turns of the Golden Pillar, all want to eat me!
Chapter 13 - Yujing blessed land, Hongjun master ancestor

Chapter 13: Yujing blessed land, Hongjun master ancestor

Over the years of cultivation, during their spare time, Laozi and the others had often informed Xuanqing of the general knowledge of the Flood, as well as past events of interest. Tongtian, in particular, enjoyed recounting stories, especially those concerning their past. It was through these tales that Xuanqing had learned about the custom of worshiping the master. Long ago, the Three Qing had once paid homage to Hongjun.

Beyond that, Tongtian had also spoken of the Dao-Devil Controversy, describing how they had followed Hongjun into battle against the Devil Sect and paid a great price for victory. However, Tongtian had never revealed the exact cost, and Xuanqing had chosen not to ask.

Since the conclusion of the struggle between Dao and the Devil, Hongjun had secluded himself in cultivation. He had even informed Laozi and the others that he would soon witness the Dao.

Hundreds of years later, Laozi and his group arrived at a particular place within the Flood Plains.

Though this place was not far from Kunlun, the Flood Wilderness was vast, and the distance was still considerable. Here, a shallow mountain range was concealed by a great formation, making it difficult to enter. However, upon the arrival of the Three Qing, the formation automatically receded, as if welcoming them.

“Apprentice son… this is your Master Ancestor’s dojo—Yujing Blessed Land. The spiritual qi here is dense and abundant, no less than Kunlun’s,” Laozi said, stroking his beard as he surveyed the surroundings with familiarity.

Yuan Shi Tianzun and Tongtian shared a similar expression, as though recalling memories of the place. Xuanqing observed his surroundings, sensing that this land was indeed extraordinary. The spiritual energy here was not only richer than Kunlun’s but also purer.

As he was taking in the scene, a small Daoist child came running toward them, holding a duster. “Master Sanqing, you have arrived!”

The Daoist child appeared cheerful and familiar with the Three Qing.

Laozi nodded, a slight smile flickering in his eyes. “Little Haotian, where is the teacher?”

“Master is in the Great Hall of Enlightenment,” Little Haotian answered without hesitation. His wide, innocent eyes briefly examined the Three Qing before settling on Xuanqing, curiosity evident in his gaze.

Xuanqing also studied Haotian, knowing him to be Hongjun’s Dao child and the future Jade Emperor. Yet, compared to the sovereign he would become, today’s Haotian was merely a child. Their gazes met, and an unspoken amusement passed between them.

Tongtian chuckled and placed a hand on Haotian’s shoulder. “Come, let us pay respects to the teacher.”

With that, the Three Qing ascended into the sky, heading toward the Great Hall of Enlightenment.

The Great Hall of Enlightenment stood at the heart of Yujing’s Blessed Land, suffused with profound Dao rhythms. It was a place of unmistakable transcendence.

Upon entering the hall, one could see an old Daoist seated cross-legged. He wore a purple Daoist robe and held a duster in hand. Though his presence was felt, his form seemed almost imperceptible.

“Laozi pays his respects to the teacher.”

“Yuanshi pays his respects to the teacher.”

“Tongtian pays his respects to the teacher.”

The Three Qing bowed deeply, their expressions solemn, reverence in their voices.

Xuanqing, observing their gestures, followed suit without hesitation. “Apprentice grandson Xuanqing pays respects to Master Ancestor.”

His youthful voice carried across the vast hall, adding a sense of vitality to the solemn atmosphere.

Hongjun remained motionless, seemingly lost in enlightenment. He did not open his eyes.

After a long moment, he gently flicked his duster. Then, his eyes opened, emanating a serene Daoist radiance. “You have all come… very good, very good…”

As he spoke, his gaze fell upon Xuanqing. Though his expression remained unreadable, the scrutiny sent a shiver down Xuanqing’s spine.

Zi Yun, is this truly Hongjun, the future Dao Ancestor? Xuanqing felt a trace of unease.

「Do not worry. This old man, Hongjun, cannot perceive the truth. Unless he can gaze into the River of Fate itself and possesses the power of the Great Dao, he will not see through you.」 Zi Yun’s voice held a note of pride as if she had no concerns whatsoever.

Hongjun examined Xuanqing for a moment longer before nodding in apparent satisfaction. “Not bad, not bad… Taking the body of an elixir and transforming into a human is a rare fortune.”

“Teacher… Xuanqing was unintentionally refined by me,” Laozi explained, a small smile appearing on his face. “By chance, he transformed into a human. As he is fated with me, I took him as my disciple.”

“Since you refined him, it is only natural for you to become his teacher. This apprentice grandson—I approve.” Hongjun stroked his beard, his gaze on Xuanqing now mild and detached.

“Many thanks, teacher,” Laozi said warmly.

Though Xuanqing was still puzzled, he immediately bowed again. “Xuanqing thanks the teacher.”

Hongjun gave a slight nod before waving his sleeve. “Tong’er, take little Xuanqing outside to play.”

Little Haotian nodded. “Understood, Master.”

Xuanqing knew that Hongjun was about to discuss something in private with the Three Qing. He exchanged a glance with Little Haotian, then the two left the Great Hall of Enlightenment together.

As they departed, the Three Qing shared a look, a trace of doubt in their eyes, before turning back to Hongjun.

“Teacher… your current realm…” Laozi was the first to break the silence, curiosity evident in his tone.

“I will refine the Heavenly Dao Origin and become a Heavenly Dao Saint,” Hongjun replied calmly, withholding nothing.

“Teacher, you had already reached the Mixed Yuan Realm during the Dao-Devil Controversy. Why take the path of the Heavenly Dao Saint?” Yuanshi Tianzun asked, his brows furrowed.

“You do not understand yet. When you reach my level, you will comprehend,” Hongjun replied, stroking his beard, his tone carrying an air of mystery.

The Three Qing exchanged glances but ultimately chose silence.

“This matter is already decided and cannot be changed. Before I refine the Heavenly Dao Origin, there are things I must explain to you. Once I become part of the Heavenly Dao, even if I desire to favor you, my will shall be bound by its laws,” Hongjun said, his expression carrying a trace of emotion.

Laozi and the others slowly nodded, understanding the gravity of their master’s words.

Meanwhile, outside the Great Hall, Little Haotian led Xuanqing through the Yujing Blessed Land.

Xuanqing’s eyes landed on a peculiar tree, its branches laden with peaches. “Peaches?”

Little Haotian nodded proudly. “Yes, this is an Innate Spiritual Root— the Peach Tree. Master planted it here long ago.”

Xuanqing glanced at him. “Haotian… can we eat them?”

“Of course. Yaochi and I eat these peaches often. Many spiritual fruits in the Blessed Land can be eaten freely,” Haotian answered nonchalantly.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Xuanqing grinned.

Without hesitation, Little Haotian flicked his duster, plucking a few peaches and handing one to Xuanqing before taking one for himself.

The two of them sat beneath the ancient tree, enjoying the sweet taste of the celestial fruit, the weight of fate still distant in their hearts.

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