Volume One: The Lich's Cataclysm The Five Elements Peak Emerges, Kong Xuan's Departure and Return

As the primordial Five Elements spiritual energy in the sky thickened to a critical point, the multicolored peacock soaring through the heavens gradually shed its feathered form, transforming directly into a handsome young man with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes.

“I am the first peacock in all creation, named Kong Xuan!”

As the youth took shape, a sudden sensation stirred within him, prompting him to speak with a hint of arrogance in his tone.

“A fine name, a noble ambition!”

At that moment, Tong Tian, hearing Kong Xuan’s words, couldn’t help but praise him greatly.

Upon hearing Tong Tian’s compliment, Kong Xuan reined in the lingering aura he had not yet fully concealed and turned to look at Tong Tian.

“Who are you, Daoist? Why do you appear here?”

“I am Daoist Tong Tian of Mount Kunlun, a disciple of the Dao Ancestor. Today, sensing an extraordinary innate talent and an exceptional being born here, I came specially to see you. I wish to take you as my disciple. Tell me, are you willing?”

Seeing Kong Xuan’s puzzled expression, Tong Tian seized the moment and answered straightforwardly.

Yet, nearby, Zhunti hesitated, pondering what to do.

Suddenly, Zhunti devised a plan.

“What a handsome young lad! I see you possess uncommon talent, a sage’s potential. Moreover, I, too, share a great destiny with you. If you wish, come with me to the West, where you shall become my most cherished disciple!”

Just as Zhunti finished speaking, a light shout rang out from above. It was the demon clan’s Ghost Chariot Demon Saint, accompanied by a host of demon kings.

“Shameless Zhunti Daoist, this Kong Xuan is of my Phoenix clan’s bloodline. As the first peacock in all creation, he naturally belongs to the Demon Lord’s Heavenly Court!”

“Besides, everyone knows the West is barren. If you send him there, how could such a talent be nurtured without resources?”

Ghost Chariot’s arrival brought forth a scornful laugh directed mercilessly at Zhunti.

Zhunti’s face flushed with anger and embarrassment.

“You! The West is no longer the barren wasteland it once was! Now, whether it’s spiritual energy or heavenly treasures, it’s no worse than the East! Don’t spout nonsense and make yourself detestable!”

“Moreover, you’ve joined the demon clan, your bloodline is mixed and no longer belongs to the Phoenix clan. How dare you still claim that identity?”

Zhunti’s retort was sharp enough to exasperate anyone.

Ghost Chariot turned red with suppressed fury, unwilling yet unable to lash out.

However, Zhunti’s words had a good effect. After hearing them, regardless of Kong Xuan’s thoughts, he grew deeply disgusted with Ghost Chariot.

“Kong Xuan, boy, have you not yet answered whether you will accept me as your master?”

Perhaps recalling the Supreme One’s admonitions, Tong Tian asked kindly, despite his strong desire to take Kong Xuan as a disciple.

At this moment, all the great beings present turned to look at Kong Xuan, curious about his choice.

Though newly born, Kong Xuan had already reached the pinnacle of Golden Immortal cultivation and was ready to step into the Taiyi realm.

Everyone was eager to see how he would respond.

To their surprise, Kong Xuan merely glanced at the Five Elements Peak and firmly shook his head.

Someone noticed his gesture and asked,

“Are you sensing a hidden great power within this mountain? Even so, it should not compare to a future saint and teacher like Daoist Tong Tian!”

Many expressed their curiosity.

Just as the question was posed, a figure appeared once more.

“Ah, Daoist Ao Qing! Could it be you have come for Kong Xuan as well?”

Tong Tian and the others tensed upon seeing Ao Qing, quickly inquiring.

Ao Qing represented Mount Buzhou, the most mysterious presence in the primordial age. Almost every great being instinctively associated the name with the revered Daoist Qīngxuán of Mount Buzhou.

Though many might not know his full title, they had heard from elders of his mystery and might.

Though hidden from the world, his fame was widespread.

Tong Tian and company saw Ao Qing first shake his head, relieving their tension, then nod without further words.

They wished to ask more but held back.

At that moment, Kong Xuan shook his head at Tong Tian.

“Kong Xuan, boy, do you have a better choice?”

Kong Xuan nodded, then shook his head again.

“What’s going on? Is this a riddle or a challenge?”

Tong Tian watched as Kong Xuan pointed toward the Five Elements Peak.

Upon closer inspection, Tong Tian’s heart grew heavy with surprise.

“Ha ha, I understand! Since we are not destined as master and disciple, if you come to Kunlun in the future, you can visit me at the Shangqing Peak.”

Laughing heartily, Tong Tian gave Kong Xuan a few parting words before returning to Kunlun.

Then, many great beings finally heard Ao Qing address Kong Xuan directly.

“Kong Xuan, will you come with me to cultivate at Mount Buzhou?”

Straightforward and unadorned, the question seemed impossible to refuse.

Yet Kong Xuan’s reply baffled everyone.

“May I choose to remain here to cultivate? I feel this place suits me best.”

What no one knew was that when Ao Qing arrived, Kong Xuan sensed a faint but familiar aura from him.

Ao Qing frowned briefly, thought deeply, then nodded to Kong Xuan.

This left many puzzled.

It seemed Ao Qing was not here simply as a representative of Mount Buzhou.

Could they have been mistaken? Weren’t the Dragon and Phoenix clans mortal enemies? Didn’t the three clans wage a cataclysmic war in ancient times? Was that not history?

“If you wish to stay here, that is acceptable. But if you need help, you may seek assistance from Mount Buzhou.”

Now, the great beings understood their chances were all but gone.

After a final glance at Five Elements Peak and finding nothing, they departed swiftly, including Zhunti and Ghost Chariot.

Ghost Chariot’s gaze at Kong Xuan as he left was laden with complex emotions, none good.

It seemed to say, “Even my demon clan extended an olive branch to you, yet you scorned it. Beware lest you fall into our hands.”

Once all had gone, Ao Qing looked at Kong Xuan, then produced an object and waved it toward Five Elements Peak, causing numerous seals to envelop the mountain.

He then handed it to Kong Xuan along with some pills and spiritual fruits for cultivation.

After giving Kong Xuan some advice, Ao Qing departed directly.