Penglai West, on Golden Turtle Island, Chen Shi recalled once putting his head beneath the axe, and couldn’t help but feel a wave of fear.

Without humanity, he was unafraid.

But once he had humanity, fear and reluctance emerged, and he learned to be scared.

His demonic nature and human nature have always coexisted, both parts of him, but in an absolute demonic state, he dared to bet that the Jade Emperor wouldn’t dare to chop off his head. Yet, in a human state, he wouldn’t dare to take that gamble.

Winning the bet brought secret delight and the thought of cursing the Heavenly Venerate as cowardly, but losing would cost him his life.

"Did you truly leave no loopholes in the Primordial Talisman?"

Little Dun Fairy came searching and asked, "Grandfather is very worried about this, afraid you’ll turn into another Mr. Huaiyi."

Chen Shi laughed, "Of course not. Grandfather left precisely because he knew I left no loopholes. You can rest assured; there are absolutely no loopholes in your Primordial Talisman."

Little Dun Fairy laughed, "You and I are one; I naturally trust you. It’s just that while observing the Primordial Talismans you taught your disciples, there are some runes that differ from what you taught me, hence my concern."

Chen Shi responded softly, "You need only know of this matter, and not speak of it."

Suddenly, Little Dun Fairy felt a chill rising from her marrow, sending shivers down her spine, her head buzzing.

Chen Shi maintained his expression, "You’ve misunderstood. The differences are real, without any loopholes; it’s just that I’ve received wisdom from the Heavenly Dao Intelligent Brain and Fifth Uncle recently, improving the Primordial Talisman significantly. Don’t let your imagination run wild. After this teaching, your Primordial Talisman also needs some improvements."

"I see."

Little Dun Fairy finally felt relieved, laughing, "I thought you had hidden loopholes in all the Primordial Talismans."

Chen Shi laughed, "I’m going to become a Daoist Ancestor; how could I be so cunning? That would make me no different from a demon! Madam, I’m a bit tired, I need to close my eyes and restore my spirit for a while."

Understanding his exhaustion, Little Dun Fairy departed.

Chen Shi sat upright, closed his eyes, and nurtured his spirit. After a moment, he opened his eyes, his mind chaotic, unable to calm his Heart Spirit.

"Ah—"

He exhaled deeply, hands behind his back as he walked to the window, gazing at the scenery outside.

"The absence of humanity feels so liberating; being human invites indecision. But what’s the joy in not being human?"

He muttered to himself, "I don’t want to become a Great Demon, don’t force me..."

After a long time, he finally calmed his Heart Spirit.

Recently, using the Heavenly Dao Intelligent Brain while entering the demonic path, he significantly improved the Primordial Talisman and has progressed considerably in cultivation and Daoist practice. In the demonic path, his sensitivity to the Dao was not as fine as it is now; entering stillness this time, Chen Shi immediately sensed the Dao Ruins, Well Demon Domain, and Heavenly Immortal Realm far across the Dark Sea, each with their perfect Great Dao Phenomena.

The Dao Images are not the true Dao, but phenomena presented by the Great Dao, representations of the Dao.

Heavenly Immortal Realm Harmonization, True Immortal Realm opening Dao Realm, Golden Immortal Realm refining the Great Dao’s manifestations, perfecting Dao Image.

Reaching Taiyi Golden Immortal Realm perfects Dao Image, attaining Creation, uniting Dao Image into the flower of the Great Dao.

Chen Shi perceived that his first Dao Flower was about to form.

At this moment, strands and wisps of Great Dao Qi emerged from the void, converging within his body, merging within him.

This Great Dao Qi originates from the Great Dao Phenomena in his three Dao Realms, transforming into Dao Qi, his physical body acting like a grand furnace, refining into one Qi.

Currently, the convergence of Dao Qi within him is not pronounced, likely due to insufficient cultivation level.

However, over the past ten days, the convergence of Dao Qi became gradually noticeable.

"On the first layer of Taiyi Golden Immortal Realm, there’s only one Dao Flower, reaching the sixth layer allows the third Dao Flower to bloom, known as Three Flowers on the Top. But I have three Dao Realms; won’t each generate a Dao Flower?"

Chen Shi furrowed his brows slightly, carefully sensing the Dao Qi within.

His three Dao Realms, though his own Great Dao, each accentuates different aspects.

The Well Demon Domain focuses on the Demon Path, the Dao Ruins focus on the Outer Dao, the Heavenly Immortal Realm merges Outer Dao and Immortal Dao.

The differing Dao Realms mean the Dao Images are not entirely similar, thus the Dao Flowers may differ among these realms.

"If I simultaneously bloom three Dao Flowers, won’t others mistakenly think I’m already at Taiyi Golden Immortal Peak?"

In addition, there’s the constant flow of Extraordinary Power from Incense Fire Qi. The incense fire is far denser than before, an inherently remarkable force, but it carries the thoughts of believers, which can interfere with his mind.

If the method to refine Extraordinary Power is lacking, this interference persists and intensifies.

"Regrettably, Grandfather took the Heavenly Dao Intelligent Brain with him; had I been able to use it for theorizing, I could quickly develop a powerful cultivation method for divinity!"

Without the Heavenly Dao Intelligent Brain, Chen Shi had to theorize on his own.

Despite his exceptional talents, he was beginning to explore Divine Dao cultivation method, creating several, none fully satisfactory.

"If I sealed my humanity, using Absolute Divinity to theorize Divine Dao cultivation method, progress would be swift!"

Chen Shi hesitated, refrained from sealing his humanity.

At this time, someone came to report from outside the palace, saying, "Teaching Venerable, King Li seeks audience."

Chen Shi’s heart moved slightly, "King Li? Isn’t he monitoring the Heavenly Venerate, what’s he doing here?"

"Summon him!"

"By the mandate!"

...

This time, King Li arrived without encountering ambushes, smoothly reaching Penglai West.