Flood: I, the Nine Turns of the Golden Pillar, all want to eat me!
Chapter 20 - Flood Diaphragm, Purple Sky Stairs

Chapter 20: Flood Diaphragm, Purple Sky Stairs

Within the Void Layer, the aura had always been extremely violent. Xuan Qing, possessing a keen sense of energy, was well aware of the dangers it posed. With his current cultivation, if he had entered recklessly, his physical body would have been obliterated.

Fortunately, Laozi had protected him, summoning the Xuanhuang Pagoda. The drooping Xuanhuang Qi radiated a profound mystery, shielding Xuan Qing completely. It was the first time he had ever seen the Xuanhuang Pagoda in action.

This treasure, known as the Flood’s strongest defensive artifact, was forged from condensed Xuanhuang Qi and merit. With it, even the most corrosive energies struggled to penetrate. Protected by its might, Xuan Qing and Laozi flew for what felt like a thousand years before finally approaching the Flood Diaphragm.

Yuan Shi Tianzun had long spoken of this boundary, and now, Xuan Qing saw it with his own eyes. The diaphragm appeared like a translucent barrier, shielding the Flood from the raging Chaos outside.

As they arrived, numerous Daoists were already gathered. Xuan Qing had no idea how they had learned of the Purple Heavenly Palace’s location, but clearly, they had. However, none dared to advance. The chaotic energy beyond the barrier was far from ordinary—those who carelessly stepped forward were instantly consumed and assimilated. More than a few Daoists had already met their end.

Protected by the Xuanhuang Pagoda, Xuan Qing observed their demise in shock. “Is this the Chaotic Qi? It is terrifying.”

“These are merely weakened traces of the original Chaos,” Yuan Shi Tianzun explained, his expression solemn. “Even so, they are highly potent. Chaotic Qi possesses an assimilation property, capable of merging with innate energy and breaking down countless substances.

“Flood-born Innate Gods are no exception. They, too, are formed from innate energy. When exposed to Chaotic Qi, they are inevitably assimilated—unless they are Chaos Demon Gods or have cultivated to the level of Chaos Beings. Only at that stage can one absorb and refine Chaotic Qi without perishing.”

Understanding dawned upon Xuan Qing, his expression tightening. “Then, for the beings of the Flood, Chaotic Qi is akin to a deadly poison.”

“That is a fitting comparison.” Tongtian nodded, his gaze fixed on the roiling chaos. “Unless one attains a certain level of cultivation or transforms into a Chaos Demon God, absorbing Chaotic Qi is impossible.”

For a long time, the gathered Innate Great Gods stood before the Flood Diaphragm, hesitant to advance. They had all seen where the Purple Heavenly Palace was hidden, yet none dared to move through the deadly chaos.

“Eldest Brother… what do we do? Do we just wait?” Tongtian inquired, growing restless.

“With Eldest Brother’s Xuanhuang Pagoda, we could resist the corrosion of Chaotic Qi,” Yuan Shi Tianzun murmured, glancing toward Laozi.

Laozi stroked his beard in contemplation. “In the Flood, only a few treasures can withstand Chaotic Qi. Even if we force our way through, how many could follow? The master must have already arranged a solution.”

Xuan Qing pondered this. He, too, had considered that Hongjun’s sermon would not exclude so many Innate Gods simply due to the danger. If that were the case, most would retreat, making the gathering meaningless.

A thousand years passed, and many Innate Great Gods had already abandoned their pursuit. Then, a voice resonated through the heavens:

「Those who seek the Dao, step onto the Violet Heavenly Stairs. Those with destiny may enter the Purple Heavenly Palace. Those without shall return to the Flood.」

A vast, radiant staircase suddenly emerged, extending from the Purple Heavenly Palace to the Flood Diaphragm. The remaining Innate Gods, witnessing this miraculous sight, were overcome with excitement and stepped forward eagerly.

The moment they ascended, waves of Dao resonance surged through them, as though testing their very existence.

Observing the staircase, Laozi stroked his beard and spoke calmly, “As expected, Master has prepared a path for those who are destined. Let us proceed.”

Without hesitation, he led Xuan Qing onto the Purple Heavenly Stairs. Along the way, many cultivators faltered, trapped within illusionary realms that tested their Dao Hearts. Those who wavered were ultimately repatriated, their qualifications revoked.

However, Laozi’s group ascended effortlessly, facing no trials. Perhaps it was favoritism—after all, the Three Purities had long since become disciples of Hongjun. If their passage was slightly easier, it was to be expected.

Xuan Qing, too, encountered no obstacles and arrived smoothly at the entrance of the Purple Heavenly Palace.

After a thousand years of travel, they finally stood before the legendary Purple Heavenly Palace.

Inside, it was vast—an entire floating continent suspended within Chaos. At its core lay an enormous grand hall.

“So that is how it is.” Yuan Shi Tianzun, a master of refining, studied the surroundings and murmured, “Master has used the entirety of the Jade Capital Blessed Land as material to forge this palace.”

Tongtian exhaled in admiration. “Master is truly extravagant. To use an entire blessed land for a single palace…”

Laozi, unfazed, simply said, “Let us enter.” He led Xuan Qing inside without hesitation.

The great hall was empty, and their group had arrived first. At the center stood a lotus platform, surrounded by seven futons.

Xuan Qing’s heart pounded as he gazed at them. It was clear—these futons represented the division of holy positions. Soon, those who sat upon them would determine the future of the Flood.

He clenched his fists, countless thoughts stirring in his mind.

Laozi, Yuan Shi Tianzun, and Tongtian approached the futons, exchanging complex glances. Xuan Qing observed their expressions, puzzled by their hesitation. Clearly, they understood something he did not.

Suddenly, two familiar Daoist children appeared—Little Yaochi and Little Haotian. The latter blinked in surprise upon seeing Xuan Qing, as if reunited with an old friend.

“Elders Sanqing,” Little Haotian announced, “Elder Hongjun has ordered you to take your seats on the futons.”

Laozi’s expression flickered. “Haotian… Master truly said this?”

“Yes, those were his exact words.” Little Haotian tilted his head, puzzled. “It is just a seat—why hesitate?”

“Alas…” Yuan Shi Tianzun sighed, exchanging a meaningful glance with Laozi.

Laozi eventually nodded. “It must be so. Take your seats.”

With that, he chose the first futon. Yuan Shi Tianzun took the second, and with a soft sigh, Tongtian sat upon the third.

Xuan Qing, watching closely, felt a growing sense of unease. Why had his Master and senior uncles been so reluctant? What did these futons truly signify?

He hesitated, then finally asked, “Senior, I—”

“You will stand behind me,” Laozi interrupted firmly. “These futons bear immense karma. You must not touch them.”

With a sweep of his whisk, he pulled Xuan Qing behind him, shielding him as though from an unseen danger.