Myth Beyond Heaven

Tao Hong was surprised. He couldn't understand why a True God would want to know about the Primordial Gods.

"Primordial Gods?" Tao Hong repeated, his voice laced with surprise. "Why do you seek knowledge of them, Young Friend Yun?"

He paused, his gaze searching Yun Lintian. "Surely, a True God such as yourself already possesses a vast understanding of the cosmos and its origins."

Yun Lintian considered his words for a moment. He knew that Tao Hong was testing him, trying to discern his true intentions. He decided to continue with his fabricated tale, hoping to gain Tao Hong's trust.

"Senior Tao," Yun Lintian began, his voice calm and steady, "I have been in seclusion for countless years, cultivating in isolation, seeking enlightenment and mastery over my powers. During that time, I have lost touch with the outside world. I am unfamiliar with the current state of affairs, and I have much to learn about the Primordial Gods and their influence on the present era."

Tao Hong went silent for a long time.

Yun Lintian's heart pounded with anticipation. He knew that his words were being carefully considered, his intentions scrutinized. He remained calm, his expression unchanged, his gaze unwavering.

Finally, Tao Hong spoke, his voice thoughtful. "Young Friend Yun," he began, his voice low and measured, "your words are intriguing. It is true that this world has not been as peaceful as it once was."

He sighed, his gaze drifting towards the plum blossoms, their delicate petals swaying gently in the breeze. "The Primordial Gods, once revered and respected, have become distant figures, their presence felt less and less in the affairs of the world."

He paused, his gaze turning back to Yun Lintian. "Perhaps you have noticed, Young Friend Yun, that the God Realm is not as harmonious as it may seem. There are conflicts, there is strife, there is a growing sense of unease that permeates the air."

"This unease," he continued, his voice laced with a hint of melancholy, "has been growing for thousands of years. The Primordial Gods, who once guided and protected us, seem to have withdrawn, their attention focused elsewhere."

Yun Lintian raised his brow slightly. This was indeed a piece of important information. He felt like this was the calm before storm. It might be the prelude of the Primordial War.

Tao Hong's gaze turned serious. "I have heard whispers, rumors of a growing darkness, a rising tide of chaos that threatens to engulf the realms. The Primordial Gods, it is said, are aware of this threat, but they have not yet taken action."

He paused, his eyes gleaming with a hint of caution. "Tell me, Young Friend Yun, what do you know of this darkness?"

Yun Lintian met Tao Hong's gaze, his expression calm and steady. He knew that the Plum Blossom Valley God was testing him again.

"I have heard whispers," Yun Lintian replied, his voice low and thoughtful. "Whispers of a growing chaos, a rising darkness. But I have not witnessed it firsthand. I have been in seclusion for too long."

Tao Hong nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed. It would seem you have emerged into a world much different from the one you once knew."

He continued, his eyes gleaming with a hint of caution. "But tell me, Young Friend Yun, what are your intentions? What do you seek to achieve by learning about the Primordial Gods?"

Yun Lintian thought for a moment and said, "Senior, this God Realm is supervised by the Primordial Gods. Now that they seem to distance themselves from the world, I want to find out the reason behind it. There must be something attracting their attention."

Tao Hong nodded slowly. "But this is going to be a difficult task. And you might step on people's toes doing so."

"I'm not afraid," Yun Lintian smiled faintly.

Tao Hong took a deep look at Yun Lintian and said gently, "Honestly, I don't know much about their current situation. What I know is superficial."

Yun Lintian said cautiously, "No problem, Senior. But can you tell me about their territory and their closest subordinates?"

"I can share what little I know." Tao Hong said after a short ponder.

He paused, his gaze shifting towards the plum blossoms, their delicate petals swirling gently in the breeze. "The Primordial Gods, as you know, are beings of immense power, their domains vast and far-reaching. Their territories are not easily defined, for they transcend the boundaries of mortal realms. However, I can provide you with a general overview of their known locations."

He reached into his sleeve and produced a jade slip, its surface smooth and cool to the touch. "This jade slip," he said, handing it to Yun Lintian, "contains a rudimentary map of the God Realm, marking the general locations of the Primordial Gods' domains."

Yun Lintian accepted the jade slip, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched onto its surface. He could feel the faint energy emanating from it, a subtle hum of power that resonated with his own.

"Thank you, Senior Tao," Yun Lintian said, his voice sincere. "This is invaluable."

Tao Hong smiled gently. "It is but a small token. But I hope it will aid you on your journey."

He paused, his gaze shifting towards the setting sun, its golden rays casting long shadows across the valley.

"The journey you embark upon is fraught with peril," he continued, his voice laced with a hint of warning. "The Primordial Gods are not beings to be trifled with. Their power is beyond comprehension, their motives often inscrutable."

"But I sense a great destiny within you, Young Friend Yun," he said, his eyes gleaming with a hint of hope. "A destiny that may shape the fate of the realms. Be careful, be wise, and never lose sight of your own path."

Yun Lintian nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Senior. I will heed your warnings."

Tao Hong smiled, his eyes filled with a gentle warmth. "Then let us rest for the night. You will need your strength for the journey ahead. Enjoy the tranquility, the peace that this place offers. It may be a while before you find such respite again."

Yun Lintian nodded, his heart filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Senior. I accept your hospitality."

***

The next morning, Yun Lintian prepared to depart. He stood before Tao Hong and Tang Jian, his expression calm and composed.

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Tao, Brother Tang," Yun Lintian said, his voice sincere. "I have enjoyed my stay in your valley, but I must continue on my journey."

Tao Hong smiled gently. "May your path be filled with light, Young Friend Yun," he said. "And may you find the answers you seek."