The child was taken back to the mountain to cultivate under the tutelage of an elderly Daoist. This old Daoist’s Daoist name was Doilng. He practiced his cultivation on Easming Mountain, located outside the Heaven of the Feno capital. This mountain sect was not grand in scale, yet it held significant historical weight.

  Legend held that a Taikyoku once preached here in ancient times, an event marked by purple qi emanating from the East. Easming Mountain was named for this auspicious occurrence, and its founding patriarch was said to have listened to a Taikyoku deliver teachings on this very peak.

  The child was officially accepted as a disciple of Easming Mountain.

  Daoist Doilng bestowed upon him a Daoist name.

  "From this moment forward, you shall cultivate alongside me. Your Daoist name shall be Darind."

  "Disciple understands."

  Darind was overjoyed.

  His mind was still somewhat bewildered, burdened with too many complexities to fully process, but one thing remained clear and good: he had officially embarked upon the path of cultivation.

  Cultivation.

  This word, for humanity, had once represented a distant, utterly unattainable aspiration.

  Darind took out the white chess piece clutched tightly within his embrace and looked at it, unable to hold back his curiosity. "Master, your disciple has certain questions he wishes to have clarified. I sincerely hope you can resolve these doubts for me."

  "Follow me in our cultivation practice. We shall discuss these matters later."

  Daoist Doilng was unaware of the profound destiny Darind carried, but if the disciple’s words were true, he must have encountered truly magnificent divine powers and cultivation methods.

  In an instant, seas could transform into mulberry fields, and constellations could shift their positions.

  How formidable must such transcendent methods be?

  If Darind desired to unravel his confusions, it would require an immeasurable span of effort. This was not knowledge that could be imparted in a brief moment. Daoist Doilng found he could not clarify much for him directly.

  He could only wait for Darind to achieve success in his cultivation and uncover the truth through his own experience.

  Cultivation knows no regard for years.

  In the profound quiet.

  Twenty years flashed by.

  Darind had diligently practiced his arts on Easming Mountain. In two decades, he acquired numerous Daoist methodologies. During his intervals of leisure, he would pore over ancient texts and seek counsel from his elders, senior brothers, and sisters.

  Occasionally, he would even descend the mountain to explore the wider realms.

  Thus,

  He finally achieved a clear comprehension of the present reality.

  However,

  The clearer his understanding of the current situation became, the more incredulous Darind grew, simply because he was now separated by an indiscernible gulf of time from the very moment of his birth.

  Currently, humanity was flourishing, an absolute dominant race across the world. While there were many monstrous spirits and Yaos, they were not easily encountered.

  Many people now dismissed tales of Yao demons and monsters as mere rural superstitions. Compared to the era of the great wilderness, this could truly be called a clear and peaceful epoch. No Yao monster dared to be so arrogant and unbridled now.

  The world had fundamentally changed.

  It was rumored that Easming Mountain's patriarch once heard a Taikyoku preach here. That must have been an extremely distant antiquity, yet it left surprisingly few records for Easming Mountain.

  The outcome of the struggle between the Yao race and the three major sects remained unknown. At least for the present, the Yao race had not been entirely wiped out, nor had the disciples of the three sects suffered a great defeat.

  However,

  The Yao race no longer dared to display the arrogance of the past, choosing instead to remain in hiding. Perhaps in other remote regions, Yao spirits still established their own sects, but near the Heavenly Capital, they were utterly absent.

  The earliest documented events within Easming Mountain marked the rise of humanity: it was recounted that a Xuan Bird descended from heaven, giving birth to the Xyrin Dynasty, humanity's inaugural dynasty.

  From that moment forward, humanity began to defy heaven and alter its preordained fate.

  In the late Xyrin Dynasty, the monarch grew tyrannical, and powerful vassals vied for supreme authority. This precipitated another great Calamity, referred to as Apotheosis. The disciples of the three sects all emerged, some aligning with King Xyrin and others aiding the vassals.

  This Calamity, named Apotheosis, threw the world into profound disorder. The Taikyoku, after careful deliberation, decreed the establishment of the Heavenly Court to govern the world's order. Those who perished during the Calamity left behind residual traces of their souls within the Heavenly Court.

  From that point onward, these residual souls served the Heavenly Court.

  Ultimately,

  The lingering spirits of the deceased became gods. Although they could attain divinity and wield authority, they lost the vast majority of their former cultivation prowess. Another cadre of defeated individuals was entirely different.

  Though vanquished, they did not die, preserving their full cultivation and divine methods. They entered the Heavenly Court to assume divine offices—a turn of fortune amidst misfortune. Following Apotheosis, with the establishment of the Heavenly Court, the world finally attained structure.

  The Heavenly Court dictated the world's order, a command issued by the Taikyoku. No being dared disobey. Consequently, all powerful entities thereafter retreated into seclusion to cultivate, no longer interfering with the mortal realm.

  Even Yao monsters were compelled to maintain a low profile.

  There were even scattered records indicating that the Xyrin Dynasty existed over three thousand years ago. Darind found this span difficult to fully accept. How much of it was factual truth, he could not ascertain. Now, the Taikyoku remained absent, and powerful transcendent beings did not manifest.

  Only the Heavenly Court appeared to be genuinely operational.

  Darind had never personally witnessed anyone from the Heavenly Court. However, during his study of Daoist techniques, he found methods for directly appealing to heaven, invoking gods for necessary things like rain. This confirmed the tangible reality of the Heavenly Court.

  ...

  In the preceding era, during the conflict between the Yao race and the three sects, following the Calamity, the prosperity of the Yao race vanished. The twelve Yao armies were dispersed; some were destroyed, but at least their lineage survived.

  A contingent of Great Yaos, under the guidance of Reverend Primnity's efforts, even managed to join the Evasion of Unity sect, finding protection under Spirit Void Celestial Venerable. They successfully bypassed this sweeping Calamity.

  Gradually,

  The ancient Yao race completely dissolved and ceased to exist as a distinct entity, loosely merging into the structure of the three sects. Some Yaos successively became disciples within the three sects. Notably, the Western Sect absorbed numerous Great Yaos, fueling its own subsequent rise in power.

  Later,

  The Apotheosis Calamity transpired.

  Disciples from the three sects all ascended to the Heavenly Court, taking up divine assignments. Among these appointees were many former Great Yaos of the Yao race, though they were no longer formally identified as such.

  After all, Innate beings were almost exclusively derived from Yao spirits and monsters; "Yao race" was merely a self-proclaimed designation for that specific configuration of power. With the official dissolution of the Yao race, such a term became redundant.

  By the Taikyoku's decree,

  The Heavenly Court was established.

  Because the vast majority of participants in the Apotheosis Calamity were disciples of the three sects—and the three sects were fundamentally Daoist—the overwhelming majority of immortals and gods within the Heavenly Court were disciples of the Daoist path.

  Precisely for this reason,

  The Daoist school's influence—its incense and popular offerings—flourished among the populace.

  Easming Mountain's Daoist sect was not considered a top institution within the Feno Dynasty, but it maintained a crucial foothold. The patriarch who listened to a Taikyoku preach and subsequently journeyed east held considerable prestige and status within the broader Daoist school.

  After understanding all this context,

  Znggan felt this world was truly unfathomable and couldn't help but exclaim in awe, "Apotheosis Calamity, Heavenly Court! This world possesses incredible depth!"

  No wonder the first phase of the Advancement Mission required them to join a sect first. This world genuinely appeared to house the mythical immortals and gods of legend!

  After experiencing several mission worlds, he now truly possessed the strength of a Tier 3 Void Wanderer. According to Hyperdimensional Space's evaluation, a Tier 3 Void Wanderer had the capacity to initiate world-level warfare, and their individual combat power could easily obliterate a large modernized city.

  In short, they were essentially walking humanoid nuclear deterrents.

  But that strength was relative to the world. Discussing nuclear bombs in a setting filled with soaring immortals was simply absurd. Znggan had initially assumed this was merely a Tier 2 to Tier 3 Advancement Mission world, never anticipating such a high-level cosmological background.

  Immediately, his own strength felt inadequate.

  Xming's eyes lit up: "This is also an excellent opportunity. If we can learn some divine powers and true magic here, it would be a massive gain."

  "Let's see if we earn that chance."

  Znggan, hearing this, was also filled with burgeoning anticipation. They had successfully passed the examination set by their Easming Mountain elders and were now learning Daoist arts and methods under the guidance of Darind.

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  Thus,

  Ten years elapsed.

  During this time,

  The two diligently cultivated Daoist arts at Easming Mountain. After repeatedly petitioning the Heavenly Court for necessary resources like rain and favorable winds through established Daoist rites, they finally became thoroughly convinced of the Heavenly Court's tangible existence.

  Ceteng Mountain harbored a Yao monster that had occupied the peak and reigned for many years, causing significant distress to the surrounding populace. Upon learning of this menace, Darind immediately led Znggan and Xming to subdue the Yao and eliminate the scourge.

  In the era of the great wilderness, humanity had suffered grievously under Yao demon tyranny. Darind deeply empathized. He could not stand by and watch Yao monsters commit acts of evil. As long as he possessed the capability, he was bound to subdue Yaos.

  Over the past decade, Znggan and Xming had achieved considerable success in their studies, having followed Darind to quell several Yao demon uprisings and subdue numerous Great Yaos, thereby completing Phase Two of the Advancement Mission.

  Unfortunately,

  These opponents were all Yao monsters lacking significant backing or influence.

  All were slain.

  ...

  Below Ceteng Mountain,

  The continuous mountain ranges stretching further were largely desolate, with even experienced hunters hesitant to ascend. Gazing into the peaks, one could sense the chilling Yin wind carrying soaring Yao qi.

  This mountain lay relatively distant from the Heavenly Capital, and no Daoist cultivators were active nearby. The Yao monsters within the mountain inflicted harm and chaos with no authority to restrain them. This time, someone had dispatched an emissary to Easming Mountain seeking aid, and only then did Darind learn of the situation.

  Within the mountain range, a Daoist figure cloaked in green robes was spotted.

  It was Mei.

  She produced the Weak Water Jar from her sleeve. After years of intense immersion, the numerous Great Yaos residing at the bottom of the Weak Water had all finally turned to ash and vanished, as anticipated.

  Only Bang survived until the very end.

  She brushed her hand lightly over the jar's mouth.

  A figure flew out from the precious bottle. Bang materialized in an extremely dishevelled state, kneeling instantly on the ground, his golden armor completely corroded by the Weak Water.

  The Primal Chaos Parasol, held above his head, had provided Bang complete protection throughout these years. Even after such an ordeal, his fierce temperament remained utterly unchanged. The moment he saw Mei, his face twisted into an expression of savage madness.

  "How is it, are you finally helpless against me?"

  Mei offered quiet praise:

  "Your mindset remains truly remarkable."

  With that acknowledgment,

  A simple mace of red and gold materialized in her hand. During the Apotheosis, quite a few fascinating magical artifacts appeared. Their power was in no way inferior to the innate magical artifacts of the previous era, and this Dragon's Mace was one such item.

  When Mei watched the unfolding scene, she often conveniently acquired the magical artifacts of her defeated foes.

  This item—the Dragon's Mace—could strike both people and magical artifacts. When striking artifacts, unlike the Scarlet Coin, it wouldn't cause direct damage, but it would forcefully knock the opponent's magical artifact away.

  It was excellent for swift disarmament.

  It also possessed other capabilities, such as subduing Yao monsters and taming them for use as mounts.

  As her words fell,

  Mei swung the Dragon's Mace in her hand. One strike sent the Primal Chaos Parasol protecting Bang flying. The second strike dislodged another protective magical artifact directly from his soul.

  Bang, having endured immersion at the bottom of the Weak Water for many years, was already physically and mentally depleted. He possessed no residual strength left to dodge, only an expression of stark surprise, and finally, a heavy sigh.

  "Ultimately, I still couldn't escape this fate..."

  The third strike,

  Instantly annihilated Bang.

  Thus,

  The elimination mission was finally declared complete.

  【Elimination Mission · Completed】

  【Points Acquired: 2 trillion】

  【Remaining Points: 2,150,001,378,100】

  Two trillion.

  This marked Mei’s most lucrative elimination mission to date. There were several dozen Transcenders within that Yao army, plus Bang, the supreme commander of Decussate Star this time. All were completely eradicated by Mei.

  Bang perished.

  His treasures dropped one after another.

  【Item Acquired: Primal Chaos Parasol】

  【Item Acquired: Scarlet Coin】

  Mei collected them all.

  Subsequently,

  She waved her sleeve, instantly shifting her appearance to that of a man, a hunter clad in animal skins. Before long, three figures arrived upon the wind. Seeing a hunter still near Ceteng Mountain,

  They descended.

  Mei’s eyes widened in alarm, her expression blanking over.

  "Immortals?!!"

  "Brave one, fear not. We are Dao cultivators, not immortals."

  Darind reassured him, then immediately inquired, "Brave one, do you happen to know if there are Yao monsters causing harm to the four directions within this Ceteng Mountain?"

  "Of course, I do! They are right there in the mountains!"

  Mei hastily nodded, turning to point towards a peak within Ceteng Mountain, the location radiating the densest Yao qi.

  Znggan looked suspiciously at Mei, assessing him up and down.

  "Knowing there are Yao monsters in the mountains, yet you still brave mortal peril to hunt there?"

  Mei could only reveal a sorrowful expression.

  "Alas, my family is poor. If I don't venture to hunt in the mountains, I'm afraid we'll starve to death before the Yao monsters consume us. I have no other recourse. My entire family is starving."

  Darind appeared puzzled.

  "What manner of Yao monster holds dominion upon that peak?"

  Mei, at this moment, was overflowing with potent emotion. He stated, "I heard it is a fox spirit. For these past years, every wild chicken in the mountains and every fowl in the village has been completely devoured!"

  A fox?

  Xming continued to press, "Do you know that Yao monster's specific title?"

  "It seems to be called something like Yellwin Great Immortal."

  These Yao monsters that occupied peaks and terrorized the countryside were not exceptionally mighty, yet their arrogance was significant. Each dared to style themselves a "Great Immortal."

  Mei deliberately prompted the visitors:

  "Are you Immortal Elders perhaps heading out to subdue Yaos?"

  "Precisely so."

  "Then you must proceed with caution. I have heard from other hunters that Yellwin Great Immortal possesses an exceedingly potent magical artifact. Many immortal elders who came to subdue him have tragically fallen into his grasp."

  "Thank you, brave one, for the timely warning!"

  Darind's expression grew serious upon hearing the news. This Yao monster even possessed a magical artifact. It appeared they could not afford complacency. After exchanging a few more words, they followed the wind's direction and headed into the mountains.

  Mei watched their retreating figures intently.

  Then vanished without a trace.

  Znggan was more circumspect, keeping a watchful eye: "Senior Brother, how is it that we happen to encounter this hunter deep within the mountains? Be wary; this could be a calculated trap."

  "Mm."

  Darind acknowledged: "You two remain alert. Do not allow that Yellwin Great Immortal to plot against you. Whether it's a dragon's lair or a tiger's den, we will ascertain the situation once we arrive. If the conditions prove unfavorable, we will withdraw."

  Over the past decade, the few of them had confronted numerous Yao monsters and never dared to let their guard down.

  The deeper they ventured into Ceteng Mountain, the more astonishing the Yao qi became. This Yellwin Great Immortal had been a spirit for an unrecorded number of years, ceaselessly constructing his cave dwelling here and recruiting many minor Yaos.

  Thus, his influence was considerable.

  Clang!

  A gong sound echoed through the mountain forest. A minor Yao swaggered about patrolling the mountain, two flags stuck to its back, much like an old general upon a stage.

  "Huh?"

  But upon spotting three figures sweeping in, it was immediately startled and panicked. Before the minor Yao could even shout, Xming manifested a flying sword and swiftly beheaded it.

  A flash of light.

  The green blade returned to its sheath.

  Darind focused intently and spotted a cave dwelling not far ahead. Xming cast out a luminous green night-pearl to illuminate the path, and the trio decisively followed.

  Clap!

  Znggan slapped a talisman onto his palm. He stomped his right foot repeatedly on the ground, then raised two fingers before him, softly calling out for the patriarch to possess his body. His spirit immediately trembled slightly.

  His and Xming's areas of expertise were clearly divergent. Xming excelled with items and magical artifacts, whereas Znggan always focused on self-cultivation, thus honing talismans and divine powers.

  Inside the cave dwelling,

  A fox, in a semi-human form, reclined on a sovereign's chair, devouring a roasted chicken with grease dripping from its mouth, while sipping fine wine cup after cup.

  Truly blissful contentment.

  "Sigh."

  Eating with great satisfaction, Yellwin Great Immortal nevertheless sighed, feeling increasingly displeased with his dilapidated cave dwelling. "It's pleasant to remain here on Ceteng Mountain, but I don't know for how long."

  A minor Yao beside him refilled his wine.

  Flatteringly, it declared, "The Great King's cultivation is profound, and his methods are even more formidable. Even the gods in heaven cannot compare to the Great King. Where can the Great King not venture?"

  "Sigh."

  Yellwin Great Immortal merely glanced toward the depths of the cave dwelling, losing his appetite for flattery. Clutching the roasted chicken, he gnawed at it as he walked deeper into the cavern.

  At the very end of the cave, high upon the cliff face, a golden sealing talisman was visible. Its inscriptions, flowing like dragons and serpents, exuded a majestic aura of glorious heavenly might and righteous energy.

  Behind the sealing talisman, in the even deeper recesses, was a disheveled figure. The person's hair was wild, and iron chains pierced through the flesh and bone of their two hands, two feet, and two shoulders, completely binding them.

  They could not take half a step from this location.

  Yellwin Great Immortal's face darkened, and he couldn't help but begin cursing this person: "How many years has it been? Why are you still not deceased? If you don't perish, I fear I’ll be stuck staring at you for my entire life here."

  Clatter.

  The sound of chains.

  The person said nothing, merely raising their head. The boundless, fierce energy in their eyes terrified Yellwin Great Immortal, making his scalp tingle. Yellwin Great Immortal instinctively retreated two steps.

  He closed his eyes, sneeringly seeking amusement.

  "No matter how savage you are, you cannot escape this place."

  The person ignored him once more.

  "Great King!"

  A sudden shout startled Yellwin Great Immortal. Turning, he saw a terrified minor Yao running toward him, yelling urgently.

  "Three barbarians have breached our defenses from outside! Our subordinates cannot stop them!"

  "Useless trash!"

  Yellwin Great Immortal roared in anger, hastily moving to confront the enemy. Before he had taken two steps, he encountered Darind and his two companions, who were already slaughtering the minor Yaos, causing them to scream in panic.

  Witnessing such a tragic scene,

  Yellwin Great Immortal was instantly enraged. He seized a minor Yao with one hand and brandished a great saber: "It’s you barbarians again! Watch me tear you limb from limb!"

  "Be careful!"

  Darind shouted softly, then unleashed a Daoist lightning spell with a palm strike, sending Yellwin Great Immortal flying directly away. He was struck until his yellow fur was scorched black and smoking.

  "Ouch!"

  Unexpectedly, this yellow-skinned creature was more imposing in appearance than in actual power. A single palm strike of lightning magic sent him sprawling to the ground, even his great saber flying from his grasp.

  Znggan and Xming exchanged glances, hastily warning the minor Yaos fighting within the cave. Although Yellwin Great Immortal seemed easily defeated, this was only because Darind's Daoist methodologies were profound.

  Yellwin Great Immortal was not necessarily weaker than them.

  Darind, usually concise, upon seeing the yellow-skinned creature, immediately intended to deliver a killing blow. Yellwin Great Immortal's soul chilled. He narrowly evaded a fatal strike.

  In his haste, he pulled an item from his waist. It was a lotus-shaped lamp he held in his hand—the Nine Lotus Lantern, Yellwin Great Immortal's magical artifact.

  Paying no heed to anything else,

  Yellwin Great Immortal hastily activated the precious lamp, unleashing fierce lightning. Caught completely off guard, Darind was instantly at a disadvantage, forced back by the lamp's lightning discharge.

  Darind frowned.

  "What a powerful magical artifact!"

  "Heh heh."

  With his magical artifact to rely on, Yellwin Great Immortal grew bolder, arrogantly chuckling, "Mere Daoist lightning, how can it contend with my magical artifact's nine-heavenly divine thunder!"

  With that declaration,

  Yellwin Great Immortal was about to use his magical artifact to summon more nine-heavenly divine thunder, but in an instant, Darind conjured a white chess piece. The chess piece moved like lightning, directly knocking the Nine Lotus Lantern from Yellwin Great Immortal's hand.

  The lantern flew from his grasp.

  Yellwin Great Immortal's expression froze.

  "My treasure!"

  In his panic, he lunged to retrieve the lantern, but the two allies beside him had already seized the moment. They struck him in unison, sending him flying. Znggan moved to seize the lantern, while Xming's flying sword aimed directly for the yellow-skinned creature's head.

  Yellwin Great Immortal was startled and had no choice but to make a critical decision. He pulled his head back, dodging the flying sword, then scrambled on all fours, like a wisp of smoke, disappearing into the depths of the cave.

  "Pursue!"

  Darind retrieved the white chess piece. The three followed the yellow-skinned creature into the cavern's recess. The remaining minor Yaos, witnessing their Great King defeated, immediately scattered.

  "The Great King is vanquished!!"

  "Flee!"

  This shout acted as a death knell. The yellow-skinned creature, running at the forefront, fled even faster after hearing it, until he reached the very end of the cave. He desperately bypassed the golden sealing talisman, plunging into the deepest part of the cavern.

  Darind and his two companions pursued.

  However, just as they were about to cross the golden sealing talisman, it suddenly erupted with brilliant lightning, blocking the three pursuers. Only then did Darind clearly see the golden sealing talisman.

  He was instantly stunned.

  "Thunder Division Talisman?!"