When Yuanshi learned that his elder brother and Tong Tian were going out, he felt relieved. After all, he had also divined that there was indeed something destined for the three brothers.
Recently, Tong Tian had been quietly staying on Kunlun Mountain without going anywhere. Although he had seemed a bit strange before, he had finally returned to normal now…
Of course, if only he weren’t in such a hurry.
It felt as if Tong Tian was rushing forward like a madman. Yuanshi really wanted to know why his younger brother was in such a hurry. According to their divination, the Magical Treasure had not yet fully matured.
They could have waited a little longer.
Yuanshi found it increasingly difficult to understand his younger brother. Just like when Tong Tian had suddenly thrown a tantrum with him before, in Yuanshi’s eyes, Tong Tian was still young and their youngest brother. Occasional rebellious phases were understandable.
But it was too much when Tong Tian pretended not to hear him when he spoke!
For example…
“Tong Tian, the Magical Treasure hasn’t fully matured yet. Why are you in such a hurry?”
Looking at Tong Tian, who remained silent and focused on rushing ahead, Yuanshi couldn’t help but turn to glance at his elder brother. His relationship with Tong Tian was already delicate, and he didn’t want to cause further friction over trivial matters. So, he decided to ask Laozi to help mediate.
But when he turned around, he found Laozi observing various flowers and plants by the roadside. Then, taking advantage of their distraction, Laozi dug them up and took them away.
Yuanshi: …
What are you doing? What are you both doing!?
Scraping the earth bare!
But then it occurred to him that Laozi loved Alchemy, so it was only natural for him to feel an itch to collect these things when he encountered them on the road. The next moment, however, he saw Laozi eyeing a nearby animal that hadn’t yet bloomed.
Yuanshi: …
Since when did Alchemy require animals?
It was only at this moment that Tong Tian, who had been single-mindedly rushing ahead, turned back to wait for Laozi. He even walked over to Laozi’s side and said, “A bit too fat.”
Laozi: ?
“Really? I think it’s just right.”
Everyone had their own opinions.
Tong Tian glanced expressionlessly at Laozi. As a father, he felt it was indeed a bit too fat. The book said eating overly fatty things wasn’t good.
He let out a light snort.
Laozi understood Tong Tian’s meaning, but he remained firm. There was nothing wrong with children eating more meat.
Yuanshi: ??
Why did he feel like he was the only one out of sync with his two brothers? He couldn’t help but look at Tong Tian and ask, “Are you two hiding something from me?”
At this moment, Tong Tian didn’t respond to him at all. Then, he looked at Laozi and found that Laozi’s mind wasn’t on him either. Like Tong Tian, Laozi was unconsciously speeding up his pace.
They seemed eager to take everything they saw on the road while rushing to the destination as quickly as possible.
Was something happening in a place he didn’t know about?
“Um, actually, I think we should discuss the innate spiritual treasure that’s about to emerge first?” After all, it was obvious that many would be destined for this Spiritual Treasure. In a world where Great Luo Golden Immortals were everywhere, it was always better to be cautious. Yuanshi gritted his teeth, still trying to regain their attention, only to find that Tong Tian and Laozi completely ignored him. The two were even seriously conversing with each other.
"Tong Tian, look at those immortal herbs over there."
"Probably not, last time we overdid it with the supplements."
"True."
Laozi also agreed with this point; on this matter, they could still reach a consensus fairly easily.
"Let's keep searching a bit more." It was rare to venture out. Kunlun Mountain had everything, except for ingredients, and now that they were finally out…
At this moment, Laozi had no desire for Spiritual Treasures at all.
Only the search for ingredients remained…
Tong Tian also felt no longing for Spiritual Treasures, as he had possessed them in his previous life, and they were of little use anyway. Now, he was more concerned about what good things Laozi might find.
Yuanshi: …
He was starting to feel angry. What were these two thinking? Didn't they know how perilous it was to wander the Primordial World?
Tong Tian: Not really. I've roamed the Primordial World for who knows how many years, and the only time I ever stumbled was at the hands of my two older brothers.
In truth, Tong Tian was genuinely a bit irritable. He didn't know why he felt this way. While he was pleased to see Laozi so focused on preparing supplementary food, he was also annoyed that Laozi kept searching for such things, slowing down their progress. He was even troubled by why they had to go out now to find Spiritual Treasures. Back when they went before, the treasures lacked sufficient Spiritual Energy, causing the last one to never fully mature. He also wondered how the child was faring alone on Kunlun Mountain.
Like every parent stepping out, their minds were now completely filled with thoughts of the child.
Especially since he felt the child looked so fragile—any delay would likely leave them hungry. Who else could take care of that child besides him?
Could it be that useless demon beast, who was even less capable than him?
It couldn't even care for its own offspring, far inferior to him.
A cold sneer.
Really, what was the difference between this and leaving home without putting out food and water for a cat?
The parents already wanted to return home instead of going out.
Now, they were beginning to vaguely regret not thinking to bring the child along…
If not for the mindset of "since we're already out," Tong Tian would have turned back immediately. Seeing this, Yuanshi grew even more furious. He felt Tong Tian not only no longer wanted to listen to him but was also far too relaxed about their surroundings. What could possibly be making him so distracted?
"Elder brother, look at Tong Tian."
He turned to complain, only to find Laozi also somewhat absent-minded.
"There's really no need to be so anxious. The Magical Treasure isn't mature yet…" What they needed was to conserve their strength and wait. Moreover, it was still unknown whether others might be guarding the treasure nearby. Taking their time wasn't necessarily a bad idea.
Laozi: … Stop rambling. I share the same anxiety about not having left food out and worrying the child might go hungry. It's exactly the same.
As a result, only Yuanshi was preoccupied with the new Spiritual Treasure, even earnestly suggesting they shouldn't rush and should proceed cautiously.
After a moment of thought, Tong Tian decisively said, "Let's go quickly and return soon."
What caution? Just charge ahead.
He no longer had the heart to go after any Magical Treasure. The child might be lonely and crying right now without his care.
Laozi seconded, "Mhm, mhm."
Yuanshi: …
What's wrong with you two?!
…
Meanwhile
A handsome young man dressed in white robes, along with his elder brother, looked somewhat surprised at the newcomers. Two Daoists who claimed to be from the Western Paradise, accompanied by an ordinary-looking young man, appeared before them.
"Greetings to both of you. You must be the renowned Great Powers, Di Jun and Tai Yi."
Upon hearing this, the white-robed young man courteously clasped his hands in greeting. His golden hair and heterochromatic eyes, though giving off a scholarly and refined aura, seemed as dazzling as a blazing sun hanging high in the sky.
In the current stage of the Primordial World, Great Powers tended to be extremely polite when meeting, especially when the other party's strength was unclear.
Tai Yi and Di Jun exchanged a glance. They hadn’t expected the person before them to be capable of deducing to such an extent. It seemed they were also here for the Spiritual Treasure. At this time, the Demon Race was far from as dominant as it would be in the future, having not yet established the Celestial Court. For now, they were merely among the many Cultivators. Thus, upon learning that the other party had deduced this much, they became even more courteous.
After all, very few at this time could deduce the workings of fate or knew about the two brothers. Moreover, they couldn’t discern the true form of the other party, making this Lin Fan seem even more mysterious.
At this moment, Lin Fan inwardly sighed in relief.
He hadn’t been mistaken. Although he had never met these legendary figures in the future, their appearances matched closely enough.
It truly felt like holding a script in hand. "May I ask who this fellow Daoist is?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Fan immediately wore a perfectly measured smile. "I am Lin Fan, merely a Rogue Cultivator. The two beside me are Zhunti Daoren and Jieyin Daoren from the Western Paradise."
Di Jun and Tai Yi glanced over and noticed that the two looked somewhat sorrowful, which struck them as odd. Although no one in the Primordial World cared much about appearances after taking human form, being this indifferent seemed a bit excessive.
Zhunti sighed, "We apologize. It’s truly because the Western Paradise is impoverished."
He then took the opportunity to compliment the two before him, "Naturally, we cannot compare to fellow Daoists Tai Yi and Di Jun, who appear so dashing and heroic."
Di Jun and Tai Yi: "…Alright then."
Cultivators generally didn’t care much about appearances, and since the other party began flattering them upon meeting, they weren’t the arrogant type. The two Great Powers, born of the Demon Race, didn’t harbor much ill will.
Although it didn’t seem like they would clash openly, it was clear that the appearance of these three was no coincidence. After exchanging a glance, Tai Yi immediately added, "What brings the three of you here?"
At this, Lin Fan grew excited. The reason he was here today was to secure a unique Magical Treasure that was about to emerge.
He recalled that in the original Primordial World, Tai Yi and Nüwa had obtained the treasure. Now that he was in this world, he naturally had to take a share.
Especially since the Secret Treasure closely tied to him required the Spiritual Energy of this Magical Treasure for nourishment.
He was now somewhat deeply bound to the Two Sages of the West. To demonstrate his capabilities, he naturally had to provide corresponding value.
What better gift could there be than helping someone obtain a Magical Treasure unrelated to oneself right after meeting?
Thinking of this, the smile on Lin Fan's face deepened. He then turned his gaze to Tai Yi and Di Jun. Looking at these two handsome men before him, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly—truly worthy of being incarnations of the Demon Race, the future Heavenly Emperor and Donghuang. Their looks and temperament were indeed exceptional.
If even the two emperors of the Demon Race were so outstanding, he wondered just how beautiful goddesses like Chang Xi would be. Alas, he hadn't yet had the chance to meet these goddesses. If an opportunity arose, perhaps he could even win the favor of these fair ladies.
Especially when they faced the great calamity of the Demon Race, he might even be able to take in those widows and orphans.
After all, since he had come to the Primordial World, if he didn't step in to save these pitiable women, who else could help these beauties?
If he could receive the service of the two sisters, Chang Xi, that would be even more wonderful.
However, although his mind was filled with thoughts of Di Jun's future wife, the most important thing right now was the Magical Treasure. With the Three Pure Ones yet to arrive, as long as they secured the treasure first, no one could argue against it.
Opportunities naturally belonged to those who arrived first. Thinking this, he immediately cupped his hands and said, "Naturally, I am heading there for the same reason as you two—for that Magical Treasure."
At this moment, both Di Jun and Tai Yi showed somewhat surprised expressions. Lin Fan continued, "Oh, do the two of you not yet know that a great opportunity is about to emerge?"
He said meaningfully, "I would like to form a good relationship with the two of you over that Magical Treasure."
Author's Note:
I've had a new idea recently—I really want to write a hilarious and shameless novel.
I'll think about it.