32: The birth of red cloud

Outside Wuzhuang Temple, Zhen Yuanzi planned to go out again.

Although the great calamity had already descended, the Primordial World seemed to have a Sword of Damocles hanging over it.

However, the aura of calamity had not yet reached its most intense point, and it was still far from the most tragic phase of the Ferocious Beast Calamity.

For Zhen Yuanzi, this was not enough to make him retreat or deliberately avoid it.

He had ended his seclusion and stepped out of the Five Villages Taoist Temple Cave Heaven because, during his seclusion, he had sensed that a Innate God and Demon had come to visit.

This person was Hongyun from the Hongyun Mountain Range, the famous good-natured old man in the Primordial World—Ancestor Hongyun.

In Zhen Yuanzi’s understanding, this person was his destined friend, and now that he had finally been born and even came to visit, it made Zhen Yuanzi feel quite emotional.

However, at that time, he was at a critical moment of refining several supreme treasures and it was inconvenient for him to come out, and the two little girls beside him were also in seclusion for cultivation, so he did not want to disturb them, and temporarily did not let Hongyun in.

Now, he could just go and visit, as Hongyun’s character and background truly made him a worthy close friend.

Zhen Yuanzi’s figure flashed, like a streak of light across the sky, speeding towards the Hongyun Mountain Range.

He arrived above the Hongyun Mountain Range and gently released a wisp of his aura.

This wisp of aura, like a nimble spirit, instantly traversed between heaven and earth, accurately heading towards Hongyun Grotto-Heaven.

Inside Hongyun Grotto-Heaven, Ancestor Hongyun was cultivating with his eyes closed when suddenly, his eyes snapped open, and a flash of pleasant surprise gleamed within them.

“This aura… could it be a distinguished guest?” he muttered to himself, his figure moving instantly, transforming into a red light and flying out of the Grotto-Heaven.

When he saw Zhen Yuanzi’s majestic figure, a radiant smile immediately appeared on his face, and he laughed heartily, “Haha, I didn’t expect such a distinguished guest to arrive today, and it’s even a senior mighty figure from Longevity Mountain! It truly makes me, Hongyun, feel extremely fortunate!”

Zhen Yuanzi subtly observed Ancestor Hongyun before him; he saw that his figure was tall, surrounded by swirling masses of brilliant red clouds, which danced freely around him like agile flames.

His face was kind and approachable, and his eyes held an innate kindness and magnanimity.

At this time, Ancestor Hongyun’s cultivation was at the late Taiyi Golden Immortal realm; although his strength was not top-tier in the Primordial World, his unique temperament made people instinctively feel good about him.

Moreover, Ancestor Hongyun had just been born, and his background should be at the middle-grade Innate God and Demon level, so it was quite normal for him to already have late-stage cultivation.

The fact that he possessed such powerful strength now was not only because his current background and aptitude were stronger, and not just because he had taken human form earlier, but also due to the system, which had granted him numerous heaven-defying opportunities.

Of course, the advantage of taking human form early could not be erased no matter what.

Otherwise, even if he had the system, if he hadn't taken human form early, he wouldn't have achieved such accomplishments.

Seeing this, Zhen Yuanzi also laughed heartily and said, “This humble Daoist, Zhen Yuanzi, merely came into being a few epoch cycles earlier than fellow Daoist. You can simply call me fellow Daoist; there’s no need to address me as senior.”

Ancestor Hongyun was already magnanimous and didn't dwell on this; he smiled faintly, revealing a gentle expression, and respectfully said, “Greetings, Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi.”

Zhen Yuanzi also cupped his hands in return: “Greetings, Fellow Daoist Hongyun.”

Subsequently, Ancestor Hongyun warmly invited, “Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi’s esteemed presence truly brightens my Hongyun Grotto-Heaven. Please, fellow Daoist, come inside for a chat, and allow me to host you properly.”

Zhen Yuanzi nodded in agreement and followed Ancestor Hongyun into Hongyun Grotto-Heaven.

Inside this Hongyun Grotto-Heaven, clouds and mist swirled, and the spiritual energy was so dense it seemed almost tangible; various exotic flowers and plants bloomed in profusion, exuding captivating fragrances.

The arrangement within the grotto-mansion was simple yet elegant, with stone tables and chairs neatly placed, and everything exuded an aura of tranquility and peace.

The two sat opposite each other, and Zhen Yuanzi’s gaze showed a hint of appreciation as he said, “Fellow Daoist Hongyun, this Grotto-Heaven of yours is arranged with a unique charm.”

Ancestor Hongyun’s face beamed with a proud smile as he said, “You flatter me, fellow Daoist. This is merely a casual arrangement of mine; I hope you don’t mind.”

Next, the two opened up their conversation, discussing the ancient and modern times of the Primordial World, the myriad races, and the ultimate principles of the Heavenly Dao.

They talked from Pangu’s grand feat of creating heaven and earth to the tragic Ferocious Beast Calamity.

From the rise and fall of various innate races, they discussed the operating laws of the Heavenly Dao.

On every topic, both had unique insights, and their thoughts sparked brilliant fire during their exchange, as if they were old friends meeting for the first time, enjoying their conversation immensely.

Ancestor Hongyun was awestruck by Zhen Yuanzi’s many experiences traveling the Primordial World and his vast knowledge, his eyes filled with admiration.

He continuously asked Zhen Yuanzi various questions, and Zhen Yuanzi also unreservedly shared his observations, experiences, and thoughts.

During their conversation, Zhen Yuanzi waved his hand, and six crystal-clear ginseng fruits exuding an enticing aroma, along with six innate dragon elephant fruits radiating a powerful aura, appeared on the stone table.

As soon as these spiritual fruits appeared, the spiritual energy within the entire Hongyun Grotto-Heaven became even denser, as if it was about to liquefy into spiritual liquid.

Ancestor Hongyun’s eyes instantly widened when he saw these supreme grade primordial spiritual fruits, and his face was filled with shock.

He stammered, “These… these are actually two kinds of supreme grade primordial spiritual fruits! Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, how… how can this be? I truly feel unworthy of receiving them! I have nothing good to entertain you with, yet I am to taste your spiritual fruits.”

Zhen Yuanzi waved his hand and said with a smile, “Fellow Daoist, you flatter me. These are merely some gains from my travels in the Primordial World.”

“These ginseng fruits are produced by my accompanying spiritual root, and those congenital dragon elephant fruits were obtained by chance. Since we meet today, let us share these spiritual fruits together.”

Ancestor Hongyun was deeply moved; he carefully picked up a ginseng fruit and put it into his mouth.

In an instant, a surging wave of magical power poured into his body, and his physical strength was continuously being enhanced.

He felt his realm rapidly breaking through, and his previously stagnant cultivation seemed to be pushed by a powerful force, constantly climbing.

By the time he had completely refined these spiritual fruits, his realm had directly advanced to the Taiyi Golden Immortal Perfected stage.

Ancestor Hongyun was overjoyed, his eyes sparkling with excitement; he quickly stood up and bowed deeply to Zhen Yuanzi, saying, “Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, words cannot express my gratitude for this great kindness! These spiritual fruits are like a timely help in the snow for me. If not for you, I fear I would not know how long I would have lingered at this realm.”

Zhen Yuanzi quickly helped Ancestor Hongyun up and said, “Fellow Daoist, there’s no need to be so polite. Since we have met, it is by fate, so there’s no need to be so formal.”

Subsequently, the two continued to talk about everything under the sun, from cultivation insights to future prospects, and from the situation of the Primordial World to the fate of all beings.

Time passed imperceptibly; in the blink of an eye, many days had gone by.

Zhen Yuanzi slowly stood up, his expression becoming serious and solemn. He looked at Ancestor Hongyun and earnestly admonished him, “Fellow Daoist Hongyun, the great calamity has now descended upon the Primordial World, and the shadow of the Ferocious Beast Calamity already envelops this heaven and earth.”

“During this period, dangers will surely lurk everywhere in the Primordial World, with undercurrents surging. It is best for you not to easily venture out into the Primordial World. Even if you must go out, never leave the Hongyun Mountain Range too far.”

“Cultivating peacefully within this Grotto-Heaven is the safest choice, as it can minimize the chance of encountering unnecessary crises. The power of this Ferocious Beast Calamity far exceeds our imagination; a slight carelessness could lead to eternal damnation.”

Upon hearing this, Ancestor Hongyun’s expression became stern, and he nodded solemnly, saying, “Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi’s admonition, I will certainly keep it in mind. I will be careful and cultivate diligently within this Grotto-Heaven, not venturing out easily to cause trouble.”

Seeing his sincere attitude, Zhen Yuanzi felt slightly relieved. He nodded slightly and said, “That is good. Fellow Daoist Hongyun, I have enjoyed our conversation greatly this time, but it is getting late, and I should take my leave.”

Ancestor Hongyun’s eyes were filled with reluctance as he said, “Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, after today’s farewell, I don’t know when we will meet again. I hope you will come to visit often when you have time.”

Zhen Yuanzi’s face once again showed a gentle smile as he said, “Certainly, certainly. Take care, fellow Daoist.”

With that, Zhen Yuanzi’s figure flashed, transforming into a streak of light and disappearing into the horizon.

Ancestor Hongyun looked in the direction Zhen Yuanzi departed, his heart filled with admiration and gratitude for Zhen Yuanzi.