Flood: I, the Nine Turns of the Golden Pillar, all want to eat me!
Chapter 19 - Hongjun Becomes a Saint, Four Layers of the Vault of Heaven

Chapter 19: Hongjun Becomes a Saint, Four Layers of the Vault of Heaven

The Innate Gourd Vine was extraordinary, producing eight gourds, each containing a distinct Dao path. This peculiarity made it a rare and valuable treasure.

“Master, what about this gourd?” Xuan Qing turned to Laozi for guidance.

Laozi stroked his beard and replied, “This gourd—you must refine it properly. By relying on the Purification Avatar, you can refine yourself.”

Xuan Qing nodded in understanding. “Master, disciple understands. Our Xuan Sect’s cultivation centers on purity.”

He was well aware of Laozi’s teachings, which emphasized that cultivation was a process of qualitative transformation—an endeavor to make oneself completely untainted, akin to an exiled immortal. This was the Xuan Sect’s method of achieving immortality.

In time, Laozi and the others continued refining the Kunlun Blessed Land. Since the land had only recently been established, it required further improvement. Meanwhile, Xuan Qing placed the Purification Gourd within his body and began refining it. He then watered the Innate Gourd Vine with water from the Pool of Creation, incorporating the Green Lotus Seeds gifted to him by Yao Chi. He infused as much of the Creation Origin as possible into the vine, seeking to restore it and cultivate a ninth gourd.

Although consuming so many Green Lotus Seeds was regrettable, restoring the Innate Gourd Vine ensured a steady supply of gourds in the future. Furthermore, Xuan Qing had an abundance of Green Lotuses, as numerous such lotuses were cultivated within the Pool of Creation—some originating from first-generation seeds, others from evolved second-generation seeds, and so forth.

Just as he finished tending to the gourd vine, Tongtian seized him and insisted he observe the formation techniques being set up. Among the Three Qing, Tongtian’s expertise lay in formations and the sword path—domains Xuan Qing had yet to fully grasp. Thus, Tongtian took it upon himself to instruct him.

Time passed swiftly.

Rather than secluding themselves in cultivation, Laozi and the others dedicated themselves to teaching Xuan Qing. Yet, this proved arduous for him. Laozi’s lessons on Dao philosophy were relentless, while the First Heavenly Father instructed him in weapon refinement and the mysteries of the stars. Tongtian, in turn, focused on formation techniques and swordsmanship. Through these teachings, Xuan Qing’s understanding deepened significantly.

One day, the heavens and earth suddenly became unpredictable, an inexplicable pressure emerging from the void.

A vast purple aura spread across the Flood Wilderness, covering the sky and dimming the sun. Faint immortal sounds echoed, permeating the realm. The entire Flood Wilderness seemed to celebrate, nature itself reacting to the event.

At the same time, an immense pressure descended, sweeping over all living beings as if the heavens themselves had cast judgment.

“Master, what is happening?” Xuan Qing asked, a suspicion forming in his mind.

Laozi, his expression complex, bowed deeply and spoke in a solemn tone. “Congratulations, Master Teacher, on your ascension to the rank of Heavenly Dao Saint.”

The First Heavenly Father followed suit. “Congratulations, Master.”

Tongtian likewise bowed. “Congratulations, Master.”

Realization dawned upon Xuan Qing. These celestial phenomena signified Hongjun’s attainment of sainthood.

“Apprentice-grandson Xuan Qing offers congratulations to Master Ancestor on achieving sagehood.”

As they offered their respects, the heavens responded—sun and moon intertwining, their radiance merging. A vast, divine sound reverberated through the Flood Wilderness.

“I am Hongjun. I have now attained the Dao. Observing the beings of the Flood Wilderness, I see ignorance and a lack of understanding in cultivating the Dao. In a thousand years, I shall preach in the Chaos Layer at the Purple Sky Palace. Those with destiny may come and listen.”

Hongjun’s proclamation, imbued with the will of the Heavenly Dao, spread across the Flood Wilderness, ensuring all beings heard his decree.

The news sent shockwaves through the cultivation world. Excitement spread among the countless beings and cultivators who had long sought guidance. Despite the multitude of cultivators, complete inheritances of the Dao were rare. Many had been stuck at bottlenecks, unable to progress. Now, with Hongjun preparing to reveal the grand path of the Flood Wilderness, anticipation soared.

In the blink of an eye, countless cultivators took to the skies, heading toward the Chaos Layer in search of the legendary Purple Sky Palace.

While the Flood Wilderness was in a frenzy, Laozi and the others in Kunlun remained composed.

Laozi sighed. “Master Teacher has finally chosen this path.”

The First Heavenly Father nodded. “It is his decision. Now that Master Teacher is to preach at the Purple Sky Palace, we should make the journey there.”

Tongtian murmured, “Since Master Teacher is delivering a sermon, it is only natural for us disciples to attend.”

Xuan Qing, still confused, had the distinct feeling that something was amiss. From Laozi’s words, it seemed as though Hongjun’s sainthood was not necessarily a cause for celebration. Yet, he lacked the context to fully grasp why.

Laozi did not elaborate further. “Disciple, let us go. We shall head to the Purple Sky Palace to listen to the Dao.”

With that, Laozi enveloped Xuan Qing in his aura, and together with Yuan Shi Tian Zun and Tongtian, they ascended toward the Vault of Heaven.

The Vault of Heaven was vast beyond measure. After a long flight, they approached its outer reaches, where a special barrier marked the boundary.

“Master, what is this barrier?” Xuan Qing asked, puzzled.

Laozi stroked his beard and explained, “Apprentice, this is the Big Dipper Layer, considered the First Vault of the Flood Wilderness.”

“The First Vault? Are there multiple layers of the heavens?” Xuan Qing inquired further.

The First Heavenly Father nodded. “Indeed, there are four layers:

• • The First Layer: The Big Dipper Layer, closest to the earth, also known as the Thirty-Six Big Dipper Stars. It contains immense Big Dipper Qi and is perilous to traverse.

• • The Second Layer is the Colorful Cloud Layer, situated above the Big Dipper and beneath the stars. Composed of vast clouds, it conceals countless mysteries and intercepts starlight, making it an ideal location for cultivation. Some cultivators even establish their caves here.

• • The Third Layer: The Star Layer, where endless celestial bodies form the flood’s third dome. Starlight here serves as a powerful energy source for cultivation.

• • The Fourth Layer is the Layer of Emptiness, situated above the stars and below the Flood Diaphragm. It is a desolate void filled with violent, chaotic energy.”

“The Flood Diaphragm? What is that?” Xuan Qing asked curiously.

“It marks the boundary of the sky,” the First Heavenly Father explained. “A special barrier that protects the Flood Wilderness from the corrosive power of Chaotic Qi. It has existed since the birth of the Flood.”

Though Xuan Qing absorbed their words, much of it remained beyond his comprehension. However, the First Heavenly Father did not elaborate further, leaving him to ponder on his own.

After a long journey, they passed through the Big Dipper Layer and entered the Colorful Cloud Layer. Here, thick clouds swirled—many of them innately divine, interspersed with starlight and star essences.

Beyond the Colorful Cloud Layer lay the Star Layer, where vast celestial bodies shone brilliantly, radiating potent energy.

Finally, they entered the Layer of Emptiness. A silent, gray expanse stretched endlessly, turbulent energy flowing in chaotic streams.

Laozi flicked his sleeve, summoning a golden pagoda to shield Xuan Qing. “Apprentice, the energies here are remnants of Chaotic Qi, highly volatile. Do not attempt to absorb them.”

“Disciple understands,” Xuan Qing acknowledged, sensing the danger.

Their journey toward the Purple Sky Palace continued.