Just then, Yuan Tong interjected, "Actually, fellow Daoist, there's no need to worry."
His voice was calm and gentle.
Then Yuan Tong smiled slightly and continued, "Now I have a method that can not only help Fellow Daoist Hongjun escape his predicament, but also eliminate the primordial spirit that Fellow Daoist has residing in the Heavenly Dao, so that Fellow Daoist can be free and at ease."
Lao Tzu's eyes suddenly lit up, and he asked eagerly, "May I ask, fellow Daoist, what method is this?"
Yuan Tong's answer was concise and powerful: "Refine a Primordial Treasure!"
Laozi also looked puzzled upon hearing this, though he did know about the Chaos Treasure.
However, he had never heard of the Primordial Treasure.
Upon seeing this, Yuan Tong continued.
"The Primordial Treasure is the ultimate artifact, containing terrifying power to destroy the universe."
"With the power of the Primordial Treasure, eliminating your primordial spirit entrusted to the Heavenly Dao would be an easy matter!"
Then Yuan Tong continued, "Now this Primordial Treasure only needs the Taiji Diagram in your possession, the Southern Flame Banner, the Taiyi Whisk, and the Twelve-Petaled Golden Lotus of Merit to be successfully refined."
Then Hou Yuantong looked at the hesitant Laozi and asked softly, "I wonder if my friend can give it up?"
These words struck Lao Tzu's heart like a heavy hammer.
His heart was instantly torn apart by two completely opposite forces: on the one hand, the cherishing and reluctance to part with these treasures, and on the other hand, the worry for his own safety.
Yuan Zhexian watched Laozi with a complicated expression, clearly extremely reluctant to part with those treasures.
Just then, Yuan Zhexian spoke without hesitation: "If you, fellow Daoist, still feel even a little reluctant to part with this treasure..."
He paused slightly, then continued, "So, I wonder if this item will help you make up your mind?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Yuan Zhexian waved his arm lightly, and a small portion of the Xuanhuang Qi he had acquired appeared in his palm.
This primordial energy emitted a faint yet undeniable light, as if it contained endless mysteries and power.
Upon seeing this, Lao Tzu couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "The Qi of Xuanhuang!"
His voice revealed an undisguised shock and astonishment.
Yuan Zhexian smiled slightly and explained slowly, "Fellow Daoist, this Xuanhuang Qi is no ordinary thing. It is descended by the Great Dao, and it is worlds apart from the Xuanhuang Qi descended by your Heavenly Dao."
His tone was calm and confident, as if he was fully aware of the value of this primordial energy.
"With this primordial energy, you will not only be able to refine another innate treasure, but you may even be able to refine a peerless treasure like a primordial treasure."
Yuan Zhexian's words struck Laozi's heart like a heavy hammer.
Lao Tzu's body trembled violently, as if struck by lightning.
The initial shock in his eyes was instantly replaced by fervor, an intense desire and anticipation for this primordial energy.
After a moment of silence, Lao Tzu finally came to his senses.
He took a deep breath, and then without hesitation, flicked his sleeve.
The Taiji diagram, the Southern Flame Banner, and the Taiyi whisk instantly floated in mid-air.
Upon seeing this, Yuan Zhexian's lips curled up slightly, revealing a satisfied smile.
Without the slightest hesitation, he quickly absorbed the three treasures into his sea of consciousness.
This series of movements was as smooth as flowing water, without the slightest hesitation.
Then Yuan Zhexian looked at Laozi, and gently pushed the Xuanhuang Qi in his hand, sending it in front of Laozi.
Lao Tzu accepted the Xuanhuang Qi without the slightest hesitation.
Seeing that the three treasures had been successfully acquired, Yuan Zhexian felt somewhat relieved.
At this moment, Yuan Zhexian also spoke up, saying, "Now all that's missing is the twelfth-grade golden lotus of merit in the hands of the guide."
After careful consideration, Lao Tzu ultimately decided to stand on the side of Yuan Zhexian.
He immediately said, "The doctrines of Buddhism and Taoism are different. As the saying goes, those who follow different paths cannot make plans together."
"If you have any needs, I will naturally help you."
He bowed with one hand to Yuan Zhexian, indicating his willingness to help.
Upon seeing this, Yuan Zhexian quickly returned the greeting, saying, "Then I will stay here and thank you, fellow Daoist."
Lao Tzu then took the opportunity to propose inviting Yuan Shi and Yuan Tong, wanting to discuss the Dao with them.
During the discussion, Yuan Zhexian remained silent, sitting quietly to the side and listening.
He carefully pondered the insights and truths spoken by Lao Tzu, Yuan Shi, and Yuan Tong, his mind seemingly deep with thought.
The Dao of non-action taught by Lao Tzu greatly benefited Yuan Zhexian.
He grasped a state of mind that is natural and non-forced, which is crucial for practitioners.
The Dao spoken of by Yuanshi and Yuantong was even more profound and unfathomable, which enlightened Yuan Zhexian and greatly amazed him.
And so, time passed by unnoticed, and Yuan Zhexian's cultivation level gradually improved as he listened to the three discussing the Dao.
Time flies, and five hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye.
During these five hundred years, the four were immersed in the world of philosophical discussions, forgetting the passage of time.
However, suddenly, a deep and majestic voice rang in their ears like a booming bell, instantly waking them from their deep contemplation of the Dao.
"An immeasurable calamity has begun; you must all come to Zixiao Palace immediately to discuss this!"
The voice seemed to come from the heavens above, carrying boundless majesty and indifference, making it impossible to ignore.
Upon hearing this, the four exchanged glances, all seeing surprise in each other's eyes.
Yuan Zhexian spoke first, saying, "This incomparably cold voice must undoubtedly be the Heavenly Dao!"
"It seems that the Heavenly Dao has now taken control of the body, and the Dao Ancestor has probably fallen into endless darkness once again."
Then Yuanshi stood up and spoke.
"Let's go, and see what the Heavenly Dao plans for in this immeasurable calamity!"
As they spoke, Yuan Tong, Yuan Zhe Xian, and Lao Zi also stood up, and the four of them withdrew from the space of the Source Seal of All Beings.
They then disappeared from the Eight Views Palace and sped off towards the Purple Cloud Palace.
Zixiao Palace.
The Heavenly Dao, occupying the main body, sat upright in the very center. His face was as cold and majestic as ten thousand years of ice, making people dare not look directly at him.
Below him were seven cloud formations.
At this moment, Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti were already seated on it, waiting for the arrival of the other saints.
As the figures of Yuan Zhexian, Yuanshi, Yuantong, and Laozi appeared in Zixiao Palace, the atmosphere in the entire palace became solemn.
Both Jieyin and Zhunti were beaming with excitement.
After all, this immeasurable eon is closely related to them!
Therefore, as the Investiture of the Gods was about to end, they were already fully aware of the immeasurable calamity that was about to occur, and were filled with anticipation.
At that moment, the all-seeing gaze of the Heavenly Dao slowly fell upon Yuan Zhexian.
A faint hint of killing intent even flashed in those icy eyes.
Yuan Zhexian ignored this and sat on the cloud with Yuanshi, Yuantong, and Laozi.
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