Ruyi Jingu Bang

In times immemorial, chaotic energies converged to form both living creatures, titanic landmasses, mystical treasures, and chaos worlds. Four types of special existences formed from pure chaotic primal Qi.

When Pangu split apart the chaos sea and opened up the primitive world, a whirling vortex of chaotic landmasses merged into the burgeoning universes creating special areas where Qi was most raw and primal. These areas were cultivation wonderlands.

Kunlun, Sumeru, Yujing, Tai, Fangzhang, Penglei, these were all special areas transformed from those same chaotic landmasses that were absorbed into the primitive world. Places that were the closes to the chaos sea and the Grand Dao.

These places would also be the site of mysterious yet supremely powerful substances. The Fusang tree was but one of several such existences within the primitive world.

It was the life giving tree with incredible rejuvenation powers as well as profound toughness and strength. Among the many congenital plants in the universe, it was among the top ten strongest and definitely among the top three hardest.

Although Da Hai had cleaved off a branch of the tree using a universe shattering power, the Fusang tree still held strong. Its vitality may have been weakened, its foundation damaged and its overall magical properties lessened. But it was still strong.

This same quality was also present in the severed branch. It was cut off from its source and thus lost much of its magical qualities. It wasn't like the mulberry fruits and lacked any form of spirituality on its own.

What it did have was an unnatural toughness and sturdiness. It was nigh unbreakable in its raw form. So strong it was that Da Hai struggled to make something of it for many years.

In the end, he settled for crudely shaping the into a functional form as well as applying enchantments. For a being like Da Hai, working with this material was a challenge in and of itself.

The time crunch was brutal on the innate god. Zulong had declared himself far before Da Hai had even expected. Many extra abilities had to be scrapped in order to get the staff ready in time.

Over a decade of non stop work by a man desperate to finish in time and he barely made it. Da Hai had felt the Sea Eye forming as he was working and that thing horrified even him.

Even he had not sensed it until mere moments before it formed and that was mostly because of the sudden burst of negative karma intruding into the east sea. No amounts of divination had informed him of this, he truly had no clue such a disaster would occur.

The timing was too perfect. Though perhaps this was fate, a sign from the Heavenly Dao to punish Zulong's overconfidence. Or it could be a sign for Da Hai to hurry up. Either way, the sea god rushed to completion.

Either way, Da Hai wouldn't know. For all his personal feelings against him, Zulin was a son of heaven. The Qilin Sovereign was protected by the universe against beings of the older generation such as Da Hai himself.

Zulin, Zufeng, and Zulong were all immune to divination and couldn't be killed without drawing in divine retribution. Otherwise, Da Hai would've assassinated Zufeng and Zulin decades ago.

From out of Da Hai's hands shot the reformed branch of the Fusang tree. Its wooden texture had long given way to a metallic crimson hue. The result of continuous refining into a true xiantian spiritual treasure.

What started out as a mere needle shrunken for the sake of transport quickly grew. This was an inborn quality of spiritual treasures everywhere. Size wasn't really a set thing, what really mattered was the strength of the treasure.

In several breathes, trillions looked on as an insignificant red needle magnified. Growing and growing until it exceeded a kilometre in length. It didn't stop and kept growing as it kept gaining altitude.

"What is that?" Zulin who had recomposed himself and reformed his illusionary body watched on in curiosity. He couldn't detect much spirituality from the treasure and wasn't sure where to rank it on the totem of treasures.

This red stick definitely wasn't normal. There was this supernatural quality to it that made it impossible to assume it was just your average run of the mill stick. Yet at the same time, it lacked the telltale signs of xiantian spiritual treasures.

If Zulin didn't know any better, he'd rate it as a simple immortal spiritual treasure that were so common to see these days. But since Da Hai was the one who threw it, it can't be simple.

Zulin was tempted to interfere with it. Whatever it was, it could very well jeopardise his plan. He had paid a deep cost to set things into motion and things had already come too far. He had already offended Da Hai from the looks of things so stopping the stick wouldn't hurt him.

Yet at the same time, he lacked any real way to stop it.

The Qilin Sovereign was never actually here in the east sea. This illusionary body was a mere incarnation of his will formed to observe and interact with Zulong. It held very little power.

As such, Zulin stood back and watched as the stick sailed into the sky. He silently prayed for it to fail whatever it was that it was trying to do. Luck was still on his side, the massive gas clouds were still moving fast.

The crimson stick continued to grow and elevate its position. It reached upwards like a pillar intent on holding up the heavens. It grew and it grew until its length exceeded ten thousand kilometres.

Da Hai watched tensely as the staff shot high into the heavens. He too was praying for it to work. Truthfully, he'd have preferred to spend more time on it, ideally a few hundred more years and but the current stick was satisfactory.

Its basic structure and qualities were already in place and that was what was really needed in the first place. Now all that was needed was for the stick to prove itself.

Using his mental connections with the treasure. Da Hai commanded it to fly beyond the gas cloud. Closing the Sea Eye was important and more help was appreciated. This method would also salvage a lot of Zulong's luck.

When the stick skipped over the mass of luck Qi, it had grown exponentially reaching an astounding length of 18 trillion kilometres. The tip flew over the clouds followed by its mid until the tail end reached the same elevation.

Zulin sucked his breath in in anticipation. 'Perhaps he isn't interested in the luck Qi at all?' He hoped.

Zulong narrowed his eyes at the red stick. "Hai, I trust you master," he said putting his complete faith in the sea god. Despite whatever grievances both parties may have, Zulong will always respect Da Hai.

"HAIYAH!" Da Hai roared. His fingers angled down and telekinetically controlled the crimson stick.

FWOOSH!

Like the move a certain monkey will be infamous for in the far future. The crimson stick bashed down with great force supported by its enormous weight.

BOOM!

It slammed into the gigantic mass of luck Qi so hard that the impact could be heard across the entire world. Even the void between realms was not safe from it and neither was the starry skies.

A certain moon goddess glanced curiously in the direction of the great wilderness for a few moments before returning to her cultivation.

On the east continent, on Mt Yujing, Hongjun opened his eyes for the first time in many years. He glanced eastwards catching up with world events.

Far west, on Mt Sumeru, Luohu stepped out of his cave adobe with mild interest.

FOOM!

Zulin watched in horror as 70% of the luck Qi cloud broke off from the original. An enormous amount of luck Qi clouds bent beneath the staff's weight and tumbled downwards along with the crimson stick.

The treasure had righted itself above the golden clouds. It had turned 180 degrees and now descended with the luck Qi in tow.

"How? How is the luck Qi following it? It should've phased through," Zulin gasped in shock. It wasn't like luck Qi was a physical object, it was gas, spiritual gas.

The Qilin Sovereign's incarnation glanced at Da Hai's way in anger. "This is the matter of Sovereigns, senior shouldn't interfere," he yelled.

"The Sea Eye is a disaster that affects all living beings," Da Hai simply said without looking back.

With a slap of his tail, Zulogn obliterated Zulin's incarnation again and flew up to his master. He transformed back into his human Dao body and appeared very fatigued. He was huffing and his face sported a few bruises.

"If I benefit the dragons in the process, well that's just sheer coincidence," Da Hai said smirking at another of Zulin's reformed incarnation.

"The shamelessness," Zulin gritted his teeth.

"Pot calling kettle black," Da Hai scoffed much to Zulin's confusion at the expression.

FOOM!

The cloud attached itself around the crimson rid like a coating of solid gold. They descended together directly towards the east sea, directly above the Sea Eye.

"Will it work?" Zulong glanced a tired look at Da Hai.

"I hope so," Da Hai replied watching the rapid descent of the stick. "Whatever happens, you can always return to Yingzhou."

"My people needs me."

"I know, but you will always have a place there."

Zulong nodded gratefully. "I apolo…"

"Don't," Da Hai held out his hand. "You were never at fault."

The pair of master and disciple watched side by side as history was made. In the future, this tale will be largely forgotten by the continents but the seas will always remember. The dragons will never allow it to be lost in time.

FOOM!

Cloud and stick slammed into the wild ocean surface kicking up an even bigger tsunami than there were previously. They rose like a ripple only on a much larger scale where waves could swallow stars wholesale.

Below the ocean, water parted beneath the pressure, unable to halt the rapid descent of the crimson stick. Like a torpedo, it broke the waves and parted the currents.

The suction of the Sea Eye was sudden suppressed under an enormous pressure. The crimson stick barrelled downwards with no signs of stopping. It carried with it the true essence of luck built over many tens of thousands of years.

Sensing this, the Sea Eye, unwilling to stop and repulsed by the positive karma, lashed out with all its might. A horrifying maroon pillar of fire shot through the water. The damning cries of an incalculable number of souls screeched from within the flames.

Two mighty forces, golden and maroon. One descending from the heavens and one rising from the pit met admits the waters.

BOOM!

Da Hai raised his hand to shield himself from the force of the impact. Others followed his examples while those who didn't were blown away for trillions of kilometres or even into the void.

Ripples of golden maroon light radiated from the east sea. In a circular radiation of opposing forces, they travelled across the world showcasing the aftereffects of the struggle.

Chaos Immortals across the world silently gulped at the power. What had happened was a bit too terrifying even for them. The chances of them surviving a direct blow like that was impossible.

Da Hai narrowed his eyes as a thick gale of Avici Divine wind was kicked up. This was no doubt generated as a result of the violent clash between the crimson stick and the Sea Eye.

The nightmarish wind of hell. The demonic winds that had the potential to tear apart the world. Avici Divine was pretty supposed to pre pretty rare in this stage of the world. But world defying catastrophes like this seemed like the perfect spawning grounds for it.

Despite Da Hai's thoughts on the wind, it was only a minor issue. This natural phenomenon was raw and untamed, it kicked up and just as quickly vanished as the dust settled.

The crimson stick was undeterred from its descent. The pillar of fire was nowhere to be seen as the treasure continued on its way much to Zulin's horror.

"As expected from the divine tree," Da Hai complimented smiling brightly. He could stop worrying now with this, at least for now that is. It would seem his role here was just about done.

Golden tipped, crimson in colour, unstoppable in its descent. The Sea Eye lay helplessly as the crimson stick rammed headfirst into the pit.

It plunged into the Sea Eye plugging it shut from the world at large. It was almost anticlimactic after the fierce struggle earlier. The Sea Eye was resigned to its fate as its feeding frenzy was stopped.

With the crimson stick acting as an unbreakable seal in addition to the luck Qi used to offset it. The Sea Eye disappeared from the world replaced by an 18 trillion kilometres tall pillar standing where it once was.

Its crimson finish pulsated with power as what little golden luck Qi remained wrapped itself around the stick turned pillar. It was a blessed phenomenon as the very essence of luck was burned into the treasure that saved the four seas.

Da Hai nodded in satisfaction as the skies began clearing.

With the disruptive force of the Sea Eye gone, the day was saved. The oceans began calming as the dark clouds parted. Purple lightning faded and the world seemed to be returning to normal.

Though the landscape of the east sea had dramatically rearranged itself, especially around the core regions. Overall, the damage was not too bad. The Sea Eye had not existed for too long before it was stopped.

From the heavens, golden descended. Merit from the heavens at the great deed that was done today. Da Hai raised his head as the radiant golden light descended onto both himself and the pillar suppressing the Sea Eye.

"Hai," he sighed and shook his head. With a flick of his hand, the merit flowed away from him and onto a very surprised Zulong beside him.

"Why the look? You're going to need it more than me," he said.

"But master," Zulong was at a lost for words. "I can't accept this. You saved us, you've earned it."

"It's yours, that is final," Da Hai declared and shoved all the merit into Zulong's body.

"Master," Zulong watched uneasily as the merit transformed into karmic luck.

"Reform the Qi Dragon of luck, you're still Dragon Sovereign."

"Disciple obeys," Zulong cupped his hands and bowed.

"Disciple, no wonder," Zulin sneered jealously. "To think I thought you were like me." Without another word, Zulin's incarnation collapsed, disappearing from the east sea entirely.

The light luck wasn't over however, for a transformation was taking place upon the crimson stick. The Golden Qi of luck was invoking a change of its own.

From top to bottom, the stick shone a metallic hue. No trace of its previous wooden texture could be seen. It was as if it had always been made of metal.

On both ends of the stick, golden Qi concentrated. They looped and wrapped around the crimson stick and merged inwards. In a burst of light, they merged into one.

Now on both ends of the metallic pillar, golden bands wrapped around the structure. Gold and red, two brilliant colours. But it wasn't over.

Golden lightning arced across the surface of the pillar, edging golden characters into the crimson surface. Carving deep into the metal into a phrase, a name.

Da Hai widened his eyes in recognition. With each character's completion, he slowly read out;

"With."

"Meaning."

"Golden."

"Banded."

"Cudgel."

"Heh, without meaning to, I've unwittingly created the very mythology I've read as a boy. Though is it really mythology if I'm living it? No, this is history. Ruyi Golden Cudgel, how fitting."

"Master?" Zulong asked appearing slightly concerned at Da Hai's bemused face.

"Ha ha, who would've guessed," Da Hai chuckled. "Zulong, this pillar is yours to do with as you please. It shall serve as your luck suppression treasure."

"I see," Zulong nodded. "Ruyi Golden Cudgel, very well. Since this pillar suppresses the Sea Eye, then I shall name it Sea Suppression Divine Needle."

"Oh? Not going with the name engraved?" Da Hai asked curiously.

"A name given by the heavens but a name given by yours truly. Since it is mine then I shall name it," Zulong declared.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Da Hai smiled. 'Crisis averted,' he sighed in relief.

"Master, big brother," Yinglong and Qinglong flew over and cupped their hands saluting their master.

"Do not pull that stunt again," they roared at Zulong. Behind them, Gui Daiyu rushed over with he others in tow.

POW!

Zulong flinched at the slap delivered by his wife. "Yu'er," he murmured at the furious look she gave him. Then she embraced him.

"Don't ever," she whispered in his ear. Zulong hugged her back and rubbed her back in comfort. "I won't," he whispered back.

"Your majesty," countless ministers and civilians rose out of the sea, all with concerned looks on their faces. Zulong softened at the attention he was receiving.

'What a mess,' he sighed thinking back to the quick turn of events. Who would've guessed a world ending catastrophe would occur on his coronation ceremony.

"Senior Da Hai/Exalted Saint of Yingzhou!" Zulong's subordinates all turned and greeted. Who could forget the east sea's own ancestor of cultivation? He was equally important in this event.

Da Hai nodded in response. "It is good that you're all alright. Though I was still too late."

"Your excellency does not need to worry, we shall avenge our fallen brethren," Mosasaur ancestor declared vigorously.

"Yes, yes, those responsible must pay," Plesiosaur ancestor and a slew of others spouted agreement.

"Be that as it may, the east sea has been hurt greatly by this event," Da Hai sighed. "The land will take time to heal and your vital luck will not be as strong as before."

"We thank Exalted Saint for the advice," they bowed.

"Heh, Exalted Saint," Zulong smirked much to Da Hai's embarrassment. "I don't think that title quite suits you anymore."

"Oh?" Da Hai looked quizzingly at Zulong. "What do you mean?"

"Master, you are the teacher of the seas. The cultivation ancestor of myriad life forms. What's more, you saved us by suppressing the sea eye. You shall always be venerated and worshipped by the four seas," Zulong declared.

The thunderous cries of agreement cued Da Hai in to Zulong's intention. He sighed and shook his head.

"As thanks, I as Dragon Sovereign honour my master with the name Primeval Oceanic Suppression Lord in Eight Directions Grand Heavenly Lord," Zulong declared.

"We greet your excellency, Primeval Oceanic Suppression Lord in Eight Directions Grand Heavenly Lord," trillions of voices declared in unison.

"Hai," you really have a flare for theatrics," Da Hai said helplessly.

"At least now we have a proper name to put on your statues," Zulong grumbled. "I'm tired of hearing fifty thousand different variants on what you should be called."

"Very well, I shall accept this title."

"Thank you master," Zulong smiled, then his lips curled downwards. "You should know things can't end like this right?"