Chapter 109: Those Destined Within My Gate - Nine

Let’s focus on Duan Wenxuan for now. After creating the Kunlun Dao, there were still numerous tasks to complete subsequently. Occasionally, he would recall mythological novels from the “Love Apartment” world, and this time, his approach in the Lanruo Temple World was inspired by their concept of ‘Great Desolate Evolution’.

Drawing upon the comprehensive worldview presented in these novels from another realm saved Duan Wenxuan considerable effort; all that remained was making minor adjustments to suit the details here.

After preaching the Dao for forty-nine days, proclaiming the emergence of Taiyi, nine more days passed during which Duan Wenxuan continued refining various aspects. On this day, feeling the timing was right, he waved his hand, conjuring a narrow cloud staircase leading directly down from Kunlun Mountain. Now towering high into the clouds, the mountain would be nearly inaccessible to ordinary mortals.

“I have witnessed both life and death, obtaining enlightenment herein. It is thus my duty to share the Dao with all living beings. The moment has arrived; you two, go forth and welcome our guests.”

Upon hearing this, Jin Li and Yin Li, who had transformed into dragons under Duan Wenxuan’s command, swiftly stepped forward and bowed, saying, “As per Zun Laozu’s decree.” With that, they employed their flight techniques and rushed towards the base of the cloud ladder.

At the foot of Kunlun Mountain,

Hu Dali and Hu Xiaoli, the two tigers, anxiously looked up and around. They had never encountered such a towering peak before and were unsure how to climb it. Attempting brute force by leaping several dozen meters high only provoked intense gales from Kunlun Mountain, causing them excruciating pain and making it difficult to maintain their humanoid forms with even the slightest misstep.

Unable to ascend, Hu Dali and the second tiger paced restlessly back and forth. Apart from them, surprisingly, there were about a dozen nearby monsters gathered at the base. All eager to reach the mountain summit, yet deterred by the fierce winds, they dared not recklessly attempt further ascension.

Just as Hu Dali and these other creatures began grumbling, they suddenly spotted a narrow cloud ladder descending from the sky. The ladder was so slim that it could accommodate only one person at a time, making side-by-side ascent impossible.

These monsters were accustomed to rampant disorder and frequent battles for dominance. Initially restrained, upon seeing the opportunity to vie for being first, they immediately prepared to engage in violent conflict.

However, just as someone made their move, a slightly youthful yet discernibly displeased hum resonated. Despite its tender quality, the voice carried an unmistakable aura of authority.

“Creatures with scales and armor, dare you misbehave at our patriarch’s sacred grounds!”

Including Hu Dali and his fellow tiger, every monster present felt their hearts skip a beat. Their innate sense of danger left them trembling on the spot. Regaining their composure, Hu Dali cautiously lifted his head to see two youths, around fifteen or sixteen years old, descending swiftly from the cloud ladder.

The pair, one boy and one girl, possessed exceptional beauty, radiating an aura of nobility that clearly marked them as no ordinary youngsters. Yet despite their striking appearance, both wore childlike hairstyles, indicating they likely served as gatekeepers under some influential figure.

“You two were about to fight here just now,” the youth scolded. “With such volatile tempers, I won’t let you sully the patriarch’s premises.” With a wave of his hand, a robust middle-aged man with partially manifested horns and a creature resembling a tree demon instantly screamed in agony. Their cultivation bases rapidly dissipated as they reverted to their true forms.

A mountain goat and a morning glory vine emerged before them. The goat bleated a few times, then leisurely grazed and wandered away, leaving the morning glory to grow ordinarily once more. Having lost this chance, it would be immensely difficult for them to attain monstrous transformation again.

“Jin Li,” Yin Li sighed. Despite criticizing others for being temperamental, Jin Li himself was rather impulsive too; such a disposition could lead to trouble sooner or later.

In essence, they were merely gatekeeping attendants for the patriarch. Although these monsters weren’t significant yet, both attendants knew that the patriarch intended to accept disciples. If any of them were fortunate enough to become one, even these attendants might have to address them respectfully someday. Why risk offending them excessively?

Unfazed, Jin Li continued, pulling Yin Li along, “Alright, the patriarch has lowered the Heaven-Piercing Stairs. Those destined may ascend.”

Having witnessed the lesson just meted out to their fellow beasts, none dared to push forward recklessly.

Hu Dali and his brother were tiger spirits, commanding respect among woodland creatures; other monsters naturally feared them. Consequently, they stepped aside, allowing the brothers to be the first to ascend.

Hu Dali didn’t hesitate, but as he moved forward, an unexpected event unfolded.

A sudden flash of white streaked across, revealing a weary-looking middle-aged Daoist landing at the entrance of the Heaven-Piercing Stairs. His face bore signs of hardship, clothes and hair disheveled. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than Dongmen Hong.

Dongmen Hong had observed the situation from afar, so upon arrival, he courteously bowed with clasped hands towards Jin Li and Yin Li, smiling, “Honored sirs, this humble Daoist comes from Qingzhou Prefecture, hundreds of kilometers away. Hearing about a renowned master preaching, I’ve specially journeyed here to pay my respects.”

As he spoke, Dongmen Hong promptly produced a rectangular box and offered it forth. The box itself was intricately carved; even without knowing its contents, it clearly held significant value.

Contrary to claims that cultivators abstain from worldly possessions, renowned Daoist temples like Baiyun and Changchun exist within Qingzhou Prefecture precisely because even spiritual leaders require material resources for their cultivation.

Dongmen Hong was no fool; whenever someone in Qingzhou Prefecture sought his blessings, they would invariably offer him payment. Now, as he arrived to listen to the teachings, Dongmen Hong hastily prepared several gifts before departing.

Upon seeing these offerings, Golden Carp scoffed, “What value do mundane earthly items hold? They’re no different than mere dust. You should keep them instead.”

Despite this response, Dongmen Hong showed not a hint of embarrassment. Instead, he bowed respectfully again, displaying utmost humility.

This pleased Golden Carp greatly. With a slight gesture towards the cloud stairs, he said, “Go ahead, human. The patriarch’s teachings are primarily meant for your kind, who can better comprehend them. Otherwise, allowing those still bound by bestial nature to lead might only tarnish the sanctity of Kunlun Mountain.”

Delighted, Dongmen Hong swiftly waved aside Hu Dali and Erhu, darting up the cloud stairs himself. Though slightly disgruntled, Hu Dali and Erhu dared not show any resentment. Mimicking Dongmen Hong, they bowed courteously to Golden Carp and followed suit onto the cloud stairs. Behind them, the remaining spirits jostled briefly before gradually ascending one after another.

On Kunlun Mountain, within a grand hall adorned with nine golden lotuses serving as meditation cushions, Wu Shi sat solemnly. Despite this serene appearance, his inner thoughts were still unsettled. Just over half a year ago, he was a frail old man nearing the end of his life, yet now, he had become the foremost disciple of the Kunlun Dao Lineage.

While Wu Shi’s mind remained agitated, Duan Wenxuan gazed through the clouds towards the Heavenly Stairs. These stairs were exceptionally narrow, and Duan Wenxuan had intentionally incorporated two trials: Astral Wind and Dao Inquiry.

The Astral Wind intensified as climbers approached Kunlun Mountain, not only causing bitter chill but also risking them being swept off the stairs to their death if they lost balance - a test of willpower. The Dao Inquiry involved sending paper figurines, examining each aspirant’s mindset; those with excessively malevolent intentions would succumb to confusion and fall from the Heavenly Stairs.

During his sermon, Duan Wenxuan ensured that his voice resonated throughout the entire world, allowing all beings to hear his ‘Dao’. However, seating within the grand hall was limited, with greater benefits naturally available closer to Kunlun Mountain.

Duan Wenxuan was currently utilizing the gate symbols to analyze the essential origins of various phenomena. The concept of ‘karma’ itself is also one such essential origin. His aim now was to follow certain predetermined fates and karmic connections, observing their outcomes. Once fully comprehended, he could then manipulate these elements akin to ‘destiny’, ‘karma’, and ‘laws’ with ease, just as the previous powerful individual had done - creating or erasing any substance within the universe at will.

In this controlled experiment by Duan Wenxuan, the element of ‘fortune’ played a significant role. He wished to observe who, under the influence of destiny and opportunity, would emerge as part of the new generation in this world.

Upon the Heavenly Stairs, fierce winds began to howl.

Dongmen Hong cast a protective talisman with both hands, yet despite this, the gale chilled him to the bone. Looking down from the towering height amidst clouds, most would feel unnerved by the dizzying sight, but Dongmen Hong remained unshaken. After years of cultivation, his resolve was strong enough to withstand such fears.

Following this, Dongmen Hong faced the Dao Inquiry trial unprepared, nearly succumbing to fantasies of becoming an immortal ancestor. Fortunately, Hu Dali’s roar behind him jolted Dongmen Hong back to reality, clearing his mind instantly. Overcoming his initial trepidation, Dongmen Hong encountered no further hindrance from the Heavenly Stairs. He transformed into a white streak and soared directly towards Kunlun Mountain.

Hu Dali and Hu Xiaoli also struggled with the Dao Inquiry challenge, trapped within a nightmare where they lost all magical abilities and became mere wild tigers. In their dream, relentless hunters pursued them, igniting feelings of anger, frustration, hatred, and fury in the two tigers, causing them to become disoriented.

Within the nightmare, as the hunters cornered them, the tigers fell into a trap, expecting certain death. Suddenly, they heard a young voice proclaiming that every living being possesses inherent goodness; these tigers had never harmed humans, so why should they be driven to such a fate?

Upon closer inspection, the two tigers saw a youthful face peering over the edge of the trap. A moment of clarity washed over them - this young man was the one who had recognized them when they were hiding among humans in the village with their mother. Instantly, memories flooded back, awakening them from the nightmare. With newfound determination, Hu Dali and Hu Xiaoli ascended Kunlun Mountain alongside Dongmen Hong.

In the blink of two days, visitors finally arrived at the grand hall within Kunlun.

The first to enter was Dongmen Hong, weary and chilled by the relentless gales. Upon descending the Heavenly Stairs, he beheld a white jade palace seemingly floating amidst Kunlun Mountain, enveloped in ethereal mist that exuded both a subtle chill and an aura of profound immortality.

Dongmen Hong paid his respects from outside before cautiously proceeding along the path into the hall. There, he spotted the golden lotuses arranged within.

Had anyone not already occupied one, Dongmen Hong would have dared not sit. However, seeing someone present, he respectfully bowed with clasped hands and asked, “Fellow Daoist, may this humble servant take a seat here?”

Wu Shi opened his eyes, glanced briefly, and nodded slightly. Sensing Wu Shi’s demeanor, Dongmen Hong didn’t dare speak further, quickly finding another lotus flower to sit upon.