176: Chapter 176 The Seed of Dao Sprouts, A Storm is Brewing

In the meditation chamber, time seemed to freeze.

Lin Wan sat cross-legged as dao rhyme flowed around his body. The embryonic forms of the four supreme dao rhymes—Chaos, Reincarnation, existence, and the end—drifted above his head, sometimes repelling and sometimes blending with each other, forming a strange balance.

He was no longer in a hurry to forcibly fuse the four dao rhymes, but instead, like a patient sculptor, first meticulously carved the texture of each piece of jade, letting them become familiar with each other and searching for a point of compatibility.

His comprehension of 'existence' and 'the end' was the deepest. Under the guidance of his mind, these two opposing yet unified dao rhymes rotated slowly like the Yin and Yang fish in a Taiji diagram. The repulsive force grew weaker, and the blending portions grew larger. Although they were still far from true Fusion, they could already coexist without conflict, and even carried a faint hint of complementing each other.

Next, he attempted to bring the combination of 'existence and the end' that had reached a preliminary 'reconciliation' into contact with the 'Reincarnation' dao rhyme. Reincarnation ran through the beginning and the end, connecting existence and the end. As the light orb of 'existence and the end' drew close to the gray vortex of Reincarnation, the power of Reincarnation seemed to find its home, slowly encompassing 'existence' and 'the end' to form a more complex and mysterious cyclical structure. existence is born, undergoes Reincarnation, and ultimately returns to the end, while within the nothingness of the end, a new existence seemed to be conceived... A Concept of endless, cyclical recurrence gradually manifested.

This step of Fusion was slightly smoother than before, but the overbearing nature of 'Reincarnation' trying to dominate everything still clashed significantly with the independence of 'existence' and 'the end.' Lin Wan was extremely cautious, as if walking a tightrope, maintaining the fragile balance among the three.

Finally, it was the turn of the most fundamental and overbearing 'Chaos' dao rhyme.

Chaos encompassed all and evolved all things; it was the starting point of the Universe and the destination of everything. When that Chaos-colored light orb slowly approached the cyclical structure preliminarily constructed by 'existence, the end, and Reincarnation,' an unprecedentedly violent repulsion occurred.

Chaos wanted to devour and assimilate everything, returning everything to Chaos. On the other hand, the cycle constructed by the other three dao rhymes instinctively resisted this 'reset to zero,' as they represented process, change, and order.

*Buzz—!*

The embryonic forms of the four dao rhymes shook violently. Lin Wan's entire body shuddered, his face instantly turned pale, and blood spilled from the corner of his mouth once more. This clash was more violent than any before. Had it not been for his powerful Divine Sense and his deep comprehension of all four dao rhymes, he would have likely been severely injured by the backlash in an instant.

'As expected, the hardest part is integrating Chaos into this system, or rather, letting this system coexist harmoniously under the envelopment of Chaos...' Lin Wan realized in his heart. Chaos was the foundation, the background, the stage, while existence, Reincarnation, and the end were the plays performed upon this stage. One could not devour the other; rather, one must envelop while the other performed.

Adjusting his strategy, he no longer tried to 'knead' the four dao rhymes together. Instead, using 'Chaos' as the foundation and background, he placed the cycle constructed by 'existence, Reincarnation, and the end' within Chaos. Chaos enveloped and carried them, but did not forcibly change the laws of their operation. Meanwhile, the cycle of 'existence, Reincarnation, and the end,' against the backdrop of Chaos, played out the process from birth to annihilation, and then to rebirth.

'Chaos as the foundation, evolving time and space, encompassing all things. existence as the beginning, defining reality, anchoring the baseline. Reincarnation as the guide, running through the beginning and the end, cycling endlessly. the end as nothingness, returning to silence, conceiving new life...'

Mysterious comprehensions flowed in Lin Wan's heart. The violent conflict between the embryonic forms of the four dao rhymes began to gradually weaken. The light of Chaos grew gentle, no longer devouring overbearingly but, like a mother's womb, wrapping and carrying the cycle of the other three dao rhymes. Enveloped by Chaos, the cycle of 'existence, Reincarnation, and the end' also seemed to become more stable and agile, as if forming a world of its own within the ocean of Chaos, performing the ultimate principles of birth and destruction.

Gradually, above Lin Wan's head, a blurry, hazy phantom—inside of which there seemed to be a cycle of birth and death of a tiny Universe—slowly condensed and took shape. This phantom was extremely unstable, flickering in and out of existence as if it might disperse at any moment, but it had indeed appeared!

'A Dao Seed... embryonic form?' Lin Wan's heart trembled, and a wave of immense joy surged within him. Although it was only an extremely blurry and unstable phantom, still a hundred thousand miles away from a true 'Dao Seed,' this meant that his path of fusing the four supreme dao rhymes was in the correct direction! He had already taken the most crucial and difficult step!

'As long as there is an embryonic form, that is enough! If I just continue down this path, constantly comprehending and strengthening the four dao rhymes to make them more harmonious, this embryonic form will steadily solidify, eventually conceiving a true 'Chaos Reincarnation Dao Seed'!' A firm light flickered in Lin Wan's eyes. He knew that the hardest beginning had been overcome; what remained was slow, meticulous work, and the accumulation of vast amounts of resources.

He slowly withdrew his dao rhyme, and the phantom above his head dispersed. The prolonged, high-intensity comprehension and Fusion attempts of the dao rhymes had heavily depleted his mind, but his spirit was exceptionally excited. He took a few Spirit-Nourishing Pills and regulated his breathing to recover.

'After several months of secluded cultivation, my cultivation has broken through to the Late Stage of the Earth Immortal Realm. My comprehension of the four dao rhymes has deepened, and I have even preliminarily fused them to form the phantom of a Dao Seed. The harvest is immense.' Lin Wan felt the changes within himself and was quite satisfied. 'However, my resources are also mostly depleted. The mind-clearing incense is finished, and the body-refining pills, earth origin pills, and Spirit-Nourishing Pills are nearly gone as well. Furthermore, to continue strengthening the four dao rhymes, especially to solidify the phantom of the Dao Seed, I need more and higher-grade resources. Relying solely on bitter cultivation is too slow.'

'It is time to end my seclusion, see if there are any suitable missions, or look for other ways to obtain resources.' Lin Wan stood up and stretched his muscles and bones. A series of crisp popping sounds echoed from his body; his blood surged, his immortal essence was abundant, and his state had reached its Peak.

He changed into a clean green robe, removed the Immortal Cave's Restrictions, and walked out.

Outside the Immortal Cave, the sunlight was bright, and the Spiritual Qi was dense. Lin Wan took a deep breath of the air filled with Spiritual Qi, feeling completely refreshed.

'True Disciple Lin, you have ended your seclusion?' A respectful voice sounded. It was Steward Zhao, who had been waiting outside all this time. Emissary Shen Lian had arranged for him to handle Lin Wan's daily affairs, and he was indeed diligent and responsible.

'Yes, after several months of secluded cultivation, I have made some slight progress.' Lin Wan nodded. 'Steward Zhao, has anything happened within the Immortal Palace recently?'

'Replying to True Disciple, everything is as usual. It's just...' Steward Zhao hesitated to speak.

'Just what? Feel free to speak.' Lin Wan asked.

'It's just that recently, there seem to be some rumors about you, True Disciple, circulating outside.' Steward Zhao lowered his voice. 'Some say that you, True Disciple, obtained the complete Legacy of an ancient mighty figure in the Donghua Secret Realm, which is why your cultivation has progressed by leaps and bounds. Others say that you possess an earth-shattering secret and might even carry a supreme treasure, allowing you to counter-kill three Late Stage Earth Immortals as a Middle Stage Earth Immortal. There are also rumors that the three major forces—the Xuan Yin Sect, the Tian Sha Sect, and the Black Flame Valley—hate you to the bone and are secretly plotting to act against you. Even... the Hehuan Sect seems to have some unusual movements.'

Hearing this, Lin Wan's expression remained unchanged, but his heart shuddered. Sure enough, what was bound to come had come. A tree that stands out in the forest will surely be destroyed by the wind. Having cleared the ninth floor of the Ascension Tower and joined the Tianshu Immortal Palace as a core True Disciple, he had long become a target for all. The matter of the Donghua Secret Realm had pushed him even further to the forefront of the storm. Forces like the Xuan Yin Sect would not let things go, and the Hehuan Sect had likely targeted him as well due to the matter of the Yin-Yang Sha Puppets.

'Rumors stop at the wise,' Lin Wan said calmly. 'My cultivation was achieved through step-by-step bitter cultivation, and what I obtained in the Secret Realm has long been handed over to the Immortal Palace. As for those petty scoundrels, if they dare to invade, I will simply slay them.'

Seeing Lin Wan's calm tone yet inherent, awe-inspiring majesty, Steward Zhao's reverence grew even deeper, and he hurriedly said, 'What True Disciple says is extremely true. It is safe inside the Immortal Palace; they dare not act recklessly. If you wish to go out, True Disciple, you still need to be extra cautious. Elder Shen also instructed previously that you should try not to go far from the Immortal City for the time being, True Disciple.'

'Yes, I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Steward Zhao.' Lin Wan nodded. Both Emissary Shen Lian and Elder Qin had warned him; it seemed the wind outside was indeed very tight.

'By the way, True Disciple, Elder Shen sent a message a few days ago, saying that if you have ended your seclusion, you should visit his Immortal Cave. It seems he has something to discuss,' Steward Zhao added.

'Oh? Elder Shen is looking for me?' Lin Wan's heart stirred. 'I will head over right away.'

Bidding farewell to Steward Zhao, Lin Wan rode his escape light and flew toward Emissary Shen Lian's Immortal Cave. As the Elder who had brought him into the Immortal Palace, Emissary Shen Lian had always taken good care of him. He did not know what this summons was about.

Emissary Shen Lian's Immortal Cave was located halfway up the Main Peak, where the Spiritual Qi was even denser. After announcing his arrival, Lin Wan was quickly led inside.

Inside the Immortal Cave, Emissary Shen Lian was brewing tea. Seeing Lin Wan enter, he smiled and said, 'Nephew Lin, after several months of secluded cultivation, your aura has become increasingly condensed. It seems you have gained quite a lot. Sit.'

'Thank you, Elder.' Lin Wan sat down as told. 'I wonder what instructions Elder has for summoning me?'

'No need for such formality.' Emissary Shen Lian poured a cup of tea for Lin Wan, his expression slightly solemn. 'I called you over for two things. First, it is about the Luoxia Town mission you completed last time.'

Lin Wan's heart stirred, and he quietly listened to what followed.

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"The Enforcement Hall has verified the 'Yin-Yang Hehuan Refining Sha Technique' and the Hehuan Sect Disciple token you handed over. That woman in black was indeed an outer sect steward of the Hehuan Sect named 'Meiji.' That valley was a secret stronghold for the Hehuan Sect to refine 'Yin-Yang Sha Puppet's. The Sha Puppet you destroyed was refined over decades by slaughtering thousands of living beings, intended to assist the Hehuan Sect Master in cultivating an evil technique called the 'Nine Yin Profound Sha Physique.' You ruined their plans and took the key 'Profound Yin Spirit Soul,' so the Hehuan Sect has listed you as a target for assassination," Emissary Shen Lian said in a deep voice.

"As expected." Lin Wan was not surprised.

"The Hehuan Sect has always acted in secretive and vicious ways, and they are vindictive. Now that they have targeted you, you must be careful. They dare not act openly within the Tianshu Immortal Palace's sphere of influence, but their underhanded methods are impossible to guard against. The Hehuan Sect is particularly adept at seduction, dual cultivation plundering, poisoning, and assassination; you must remain vigilant at all times," Emissary Shen Lian warned.

"This Junior understands." Lin Wan nodded. He was no longer a novice just entering the Immortal Realm and knew well the sinister nature of the human heart.

"The second matter," Emissary Shen Lian changed the subject, a glint flashing in his eyes, "concerns your cultivation. You are now at the Earth Immortal Late Stage. The next step is to condense a Dao Seed and push toward the Heavenly Immortal Realm. Do you have any leads?"

Lin Wan pondered for a moment and said, "I will not hide it from you, Elder. This Junior has some understanding of Dao Seed condensation, but the path ahead is difficult and still requires exploration."

Emissary Shen Lian glanced at Lin Wan, seemingly sensing the deeper dao rhyme fluctuations on him that did not quite match the Earth Immortal Late Stage, and a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes. "Since you were able to clear the ninth level of the Ascension Tower, the Dao Seed you condense will surely be extraordinary. Ordinary methods for condensing a Dao Seed will likely be useless to you. However, the Immortal Palace has a long Legacy, and the Dao Treasury Pavilion may contain texts that can inspire you. You still have one free access permission for the Dao Treasury Pavilion, right?"

"Yes, the Palace Master granted me three permissions, and this Junior has already used two," Lin Wan said.

"Hmm, the first four levels of the Dao Treasury Pavilion may have limited use for you. But above the fifth level, it houses the true core Legacy of our Tianshu Immortal Palace, as well as some ancient secrets and incomplete supreme immortal techniques; there may be records regarding the condensation of special, powerful Dao Seeds," Emissary Shen Lian said slowly. "However, to enter above the fifth level, you need sufficient Karma points, or you must have performed a great service for the Immortal Palace."

Lin Wan's eyes brightened. Above the fifth level of the Dao Treasury Pavilion! Perhaps the things he needed were truly there!

"I ask for your guidance, Elder: how can I enter above the fifth level?" Lin Wan asked.

"There are two ways." Emissary Shen Lian held up two fingers. "First, accumulate a massive amount of Karma points. Entering the fifth level requires 100,000 Karma points per visit; the sixth level, 500,000; the seventh level, one million; the eighth level, five million; and the ninth level cannot be entered without a great service or the special permission of the Palace Master."

Lin Wan gasped. 100,000 Karma points per visit? His entire net worth combined was less than 20,000 Karma points (remaining after exchanging for resources), so this gap was simply too large. As for 500,000 or one million... just thinking about it made his scalp tingle.

"Second, perform a great service for the Immortal Palace. For example, completing high-difficulty missions, seizing important resources for the Immortal Palace, or performing a great service in conflicts with other forces. The specific magnitude of the merit is determined by the Council of Elders and can be converted into Karma points or directly granted as permission to enter the higher levels of the Dao Treasury Pavilion," Emissary Shen Lian continued. "Right now, there is an Opportunity."

"Oh? What Opportunity?" Lin Wan perked up.

"Three months from now, the 'Five Elements Small World,' an auxiliary Secret Realm of the 'Donghua Secret Realm,' will open," Emissary Shen Lian said.

"Five Elements Small World?" It was the first time Lin Wan had heard of it.

"Yes, the Five Elements Small World is an independent Small World attached to the Donghua Secret Realm that opens once every hundred years. It is rich in Five Elements Spiritual Qi and has nurtured many Heaven And Earth Treasures with Five Elements attributes; there may even be treasures like 'Five Elements Essence' and 'Innate Five Elements Qi' appearing. More importantly, deep within the Five Elements Small World, there is a 'Five Elements Dao Derivation Platform,' which is a relic from ancient times. Sitting upon it can help one comprehend the Five Elements Great Dao, which is of great benefit for condensing a Five Elements attribute Dao Seed," Emissary Shen Lian explained.

"Five Elements Dao Derivation Platform?" Lin Wan's heart stirred. The Five Elements Great Dao, while not as high as the four supreme dao rhymes he pursued, was one of the foundational Great Daos that constituted the world. Moreover, Chaos evolves into all things and inherently contains the Five Elements. If he could comprehend the Five Elements Great Dao and draw inferences, it might also help him comprehend Chaos and strengthen the prototypes of the four dao rhymes.

"When the Five Elements Small World opens, major forces in the Donghua Immortal Domain, including our Tianshu Immortal Palace, will send Disciples inside to vie for opportunities. Each opening is a fierce struggle." Emissary Shen Lian looked at Lin Wan. "The Palace Master and the Council of Elders have decided that I will lead the team this time, taking a group of Core Disciples and True Disciples at the Earth Immortal Realm inside. If you wish to go, I can secure a spot for you. However, although the Five Elements Small World has treasures, it is also fraught with danger. Not only are there the dangerous lands and Yao Beasts of the Realm itself, but you must also be vigilant against Cultivators from other forces. Especially since you are currently targeted by multiple factions, once you enter the Five Elements Small World and lose the protection of the Immortal Palace, they are very likely to take action against you."

"Danger and Opportunity coexist." A trace of determination flashed in Lin Wan's eyes. "This Junior wishes to go!"

He urgently needed resources and needed to comprehend the Five Elements Great Dao to draw inferences, and even more, he needed an Opportunity like the "Five Elements Dao Derivation Platform" to accelerate the solidification of his Dao Seed phantom. As for the danger... the path of cultivation is inherently one of defying heaven; struggling against heaven and fighting with people, how could he be timid and fearful?

"Good! You have courage!" Emissary Shen Lian nodded in approval. "With your current strength, as long as you don't encounter those old monsters at the Earth Immortal Peak, self-preservation should be no problem. Moreover, the Five Elements Small World restricts Heavenly Immortal and higher Cultivators from entering, which is also an Opportunity for you. Go back and prepare; three months from now, depart with the team. During this time, try not to leave the Tianshu World, consolidate your cultivation well, and prepare some life-saving items."

"Yes, thank you, Elder!" Lin Wan cupped his hands.

Leaving Emissary Shen Lian's Immortal Cave, Lin Wan already had a plan in his mind. In three months, he needed to further improve his strength, especially by cultivating some practical Divine Abilities and preparing some treasures for life-saving and escape. The trip to the Five Elements Small World would certainly not be peaceful.

He did not return to his Immortal Cave but instead came to the Merit Hall again. He still had over 10,000 Karma points on hand and needed to exchange them for useful things.

"The Five Elements Small World is rich in Five Elements Spiritual Qi, so there may be places that require Five Elements attribute treasures. I Cultivate Chaos Immortal Energy and do not specialize in the Five Elements, but the Five Elements generate and overcome each other and contain the profound principles of the Great Dao. Preparing some Five Elements attribute Talismans and Formations might be useful." Lin Wan browsed in front of the crystal wall.

In the end, he spent 8,000 Karma points to exchange for a set of "Five Elements Sealing Talismans" (which can briefly seal the Five Elements Spiritual Qi of a region, having miraculous effects against Cultivators who rely on Five Elements Spells), a set of "Small Five Elements Formation Flags" (which can set up a small Five Elements trapping Formation, combining offense and defense), and several bottles of Medicinal Pills for healing, detoxification, and recovering immortal essence. He kept the remaining Karma points for backup.

Carrying the exchanged supplies, Lin Wan returned to his Immortal Cave and went into seclusion again. This time, he did not focus on dao rhyme Fusion but began to Cultivate Divine Abilities and familiarize himself with the newly acquired Talismans and Formation Flags, while also repeatedly deducing the "Universe Birth and Death Finger" in his mind.

Although the "Universe Birth and Death Finger" was powerful, its consumption was also high, and it currently had only one form, which was too simplistic. He needed to develop more and more flexible applications. For example, could he only draw upon the "existence" dao rhyme to cast a "Finger of existence" to stabilize himself, or briefly "define" the opponent's "existence"? Could he only draw upon the "the end" dao rhyme to cast a "Finger of the end" to accelerate the enemy's decay? Could he draw upon the "Reincarnation" dao rhyme to cast a "Finger of Reincarnation" to interfere with the opponent's Divine Soul or even drag them into a Reincarnation illusion?

These ideas kept appearing and being deduced in his mind. Although truly creating new Divine Abilities was by no means easy, this was a direction. The deeper his comprehension of the four dao rhymes, the more means he would have to use in the future.

Besides cultivation, Lin Wan also secretly kept an eye on the rumors within the Immortal Palace. As expected, all sorts of rumors about him were rampant; some said he had obtained an ancient Legacy, some said he carried great treasures, and others said he was targeted by several major forces and would not live long. Lin Wan could even faintly feel several malicious gazes watching him from the shadows. However, within the Tianshu World, under the rules of the Immortal Palace, no one dared to act openly.

Lin Wan did not care about this at all and focused on preparing. He knew that the real test lay in the Five Elements Small World.

Time passed day by day in intense preparation.

Meanwhile, in the outside world, the undercurrents targeting Lin Wan became increasingly turbulent.

The Xuan Yin Sect, Tian Sha Sect, and Black Flame Valley, the three major forces, had already reached a secret agreement to join forces to surround and kill Lin Wan in the Five Elements Small World. They had even each dispatched an Elder at the Earth Immortal Peak, carrying heavy treasures, prepared to kill him in the Five Elements Small World at any cost.

On the Hehuan Sect's side, upon learning that Lin Wan would enter the Five Elements Small World, they also secretly dispatched experts. Their goal was not just revenge; more importantly, it was the "Profound Yin Spirit Soul" on Lin Wan, and Lin Wan himself! The Hehuan Sect Master had developed a strong "interest" in Lin Wan's "Physique."

Even some other forces in the Donghua Immortal Domain had designs on Lin Wan, this "moving Treasure Trove." The rewards from the ninth level of the Ascension Tower and the rumors of an ancient Legacy were enough to make people take risks.

An invisible net had already been quietly cast, just waiting for Lin Wan to enter the Five Elements Small World.

A storm was brewing.