Sect Master Tongtian was very satisfied with Lingbao Tianzun's performance. The Steadiness Sutra and The Actor's Self-Cultivation he had left him must have greatly improved his thinking.
He possessed an incomparably strong thirst for power, which benefited his plans.
"Hand it over." Lingbao Tianzun appeared and immediately held out his hand, utterly unceremonious, his face full of grievance.
"Alright, it's just the two of us. Stop acting.
This is the essence of Red Lotus Karmic Fire and the source of chaos. Study them when you have time.
Also, take a look at what's recorded in this jade slip." Sect Master Tongtian handed over two sources of origin fire, along with a jade slip.
Lingbao Tianzun furrowed his brows tightly. After putting away the two sources of origin fire, he swept the jade slip with his divine sense, and his expression changed drastically.
He had thought it contained a method for cultivating origin flames. Instead, it held a bold plan.
"Are you serious? You and I are originally one. Only by severing the evil corpse and merging the three into one can we achieve the Primordial Origin." Lingbao Tianzun's face had never been so solemn, and his tone carried an extra note of coldness.
The plan inside was far too insane.
Tongtian intended for him to inherit the Saint's position someday in the future, then sever their connection and let him become an independent existence.
He had gone completely mad!
He, Lingbao Tianzun, represented Tongtian's goodness. If Tongtian abandoned that part of himself, could he still remain whole?
Sect Master Tongtian smiled at his words and patiently explained, "Good and evil are things born of conscience. My nature is already complete; goodness merely fills in the final piece.
The reason you and I could not merge in the past was entirely because new goodness had already arisen within me, fundamentally conflicting with you.
Even if I severed my evil corpse, it still would not be able to merge back.
This path is wrong.
And look at my elder brother and me. Father God's primordial spirit was divided into three, and we became independent living beings.
The same goes for you. Since you have emerged, you are an independent existence.
Do not think inheriting this Saint's position is so simple. There is a trap here. Though one may be undying and indestructible within the Heavenly Dao, one will be controlled by the Heavenly Dao in the future."
Lingbao Tianzun fell silent. The jade slip had explained everything. If he refused to accept this Saint's position, Tongtian would sever his evil corpse and have it bear the position instead.
Crack—
"I'll handle this matter. Since you know the path of proving the Dao through the Three Corpses will not work, then do not sever your evil corpse." Lingbao Tianzun crushed the jade slip and spoke indifferently, determination glinting in his eyes.
"Rest assured. As long as you study properly and condense more of the Merit Golden Body, you will be able to free yourself then as well." Sect Master Tongtian spoke seriously, wisdom flashing through his eyes.
Ever since he had asked Li Er about proving the Dao through the Three Corpses, he had formulated a plan based on his own circumstances.
A crazy plan.
He would strip away the imprint left within the Heavenly Dao and have Lingbao Tianzun inherit it, then sever the karmic connection between himself and Lingbao Tianzun, allowing him to become an independent new existence.
Li Er had told him that once goodness and evil were severed, they became independent existences and were very difficult to merge together again, because the original self would naturally give birth to new goodness and evil.
The two would conflict. One careless mistake could throw one's primordial spirit into chaos and condemn one to eternal ruin.
If one had already severed goodness and evil by accident, then one should sever the karmic ties between them and allow them to exist independently.
Li Er's reasoning was that even Pangu's primordial spirit could divide into three and form independent existences.
Then the goodness and evil they severed could likewise become independent existences.
Because the definition of a living being was known: possessing independent thought and independent wisdom.
"Heh, once I become a Saint, just wait." Lingbao Tianzun said coldly, excitement flashing in his eyes.
When that time came, his strength would definitely suppress that bastard Tongtian. He had to beat him up at least once.
"Tch. When the time comes, this Daoist will pin you down with one hand." Sect Master Tongtian said disdainfully, confidence flashing in his eyes.
He had Li Er, and Li Er was now walking an entirely new path. He could follow along.
Now that he had also mastered the Chaos Bell, even after Lingbao Tianzun became a Saint, he still would not be able to do anything to him.
"Heh."
Nüwa Palace.
After returning to her cold, silent palace, Nüwa lay idly on a reclining chair and casually took out the pills Tongtian had given her.
She held the jade slip and read the descriptions written on it.
"Passion Pill: Stirs one's emotions, ignites passion, and drives one to fight with all one's strength.
Side effect: Loss of reason."
"One-Inch Wonder Pill: Turns desire into a beast and has special effects for breakthroughs.
Side effect: Loss of reason."
"Primordial Origin Dao Pill: Recovery pill. No side effects."
"Explosion Pill: So delicious it explodes. A must-have for desperate fighters.
Side effect: Can explode when thrown. Those with weak constitutions should use with caution."
After reading the pill descriptions, Nüwa's interest was immediately piqued. Just the names alone made her want to try them.
"Let's try this Passion Pill. I'll start with two."
Nüwa directly tossed two pills into her mouth. They melted upon contact, and a gentle medicinal power instantly wrapped around her entire body. A tingling, numbing sensation invaded her primordial spirit.
"Interesting, though the medicinal effect is average. My face feels a little hot, though." Nüwa evaluated them seriously, then casually ate two One-Inch Wonder Pills. Anticipation appeared in her eyes. She had begun to like that tingling sensation.
They melted upon entering her mouth.
Another numb, tingling sensation arose.
She continued taking the Primordial Origin Pill and Explosion Pill.
"They really are delicious enough to explode. They are indeed nice as snacks, and there is no pill toxicity at all.
Wait—why am I getting hotter and hotter? Why is the mana inside my body boiling? Th-this... my mana can actually be condensed.
These pills are forming a special divine pattern and constantly striking—"
Nüwa was stunned. She only felt burning heat throughout her body, as though something within her had to be released. Her feet could not help rubbing against the reclining chair, as if that might solve it.
No wonder the pills were said not to be taken in excess, and could serve as life-saving pills for ordinary Great Luo Golden Immortals.
Nüwa could no longer endure it. With a wave of her hand, she sealed off Nüwa Palace, then cried out loudly, "Th-this—ah, Tongtian—ah!
Senior Brother Tongtian, your junior sister was wrong—but you're so bad—"
Demon Court in the sky.
Under Taiyi's watchful gaze, Dijun swallowed a Passion Pill before Taiyi could react.
Dijun vanished with a whoosh, leaving behind only a voice.
"Little brother—don't eat it lightly—"
Taiyi's face gained a trace of confusion at his words. Wasn't Dijun headed toward his sister-in-law's residence?
"Since the Passion Pill cannot be taken, then I'll try this One-Inch Wonder Pill."
In an instant.
Taiyi threw back his head and sighed. "The pill is good, but the side effects—"
Then he headed for his own palace. He needed to vent the fire.
Mount Buzhou Secret Realm.
Sect Master Tongtian had just returned and had not even found his footing.
Black Dog rushed over at once, his expression tense. "Master, this is bad.
I feel like someone has their eyes on us.
The opponent is too powerful. I can't find where they are."
Sect Master Tongtian frowned deeply at his words. That should not have been possible. Even the Heavenly Dao might not be able to find this place, much less anyone else.
But he trusted Black Dog's divine ability.
"What did Li Er say?"
"Little Master said we should move, but he requested that this time there be a river." Black Dog spoke seriously, confusion flashing in his eyes as he handed Sect Master Tongtian a special array disc.
Little Master's request was rather strange.
"Fine, then we'll move." Sect Master Tongtian did not ask further. Instead, he sensed the array disc in his hand, and amazement flashed in his eyes.
Good heavens.
It had turned this secret realm into a movable small world and refined an array disc that controlled the secret realm. Carrying the disc meant carrying the secret realm small world.
He then brought Black Dog outside the secret realm, controlled the secret realm small world, and tore through space to leave.
Elsewhere.
Yuanshi Tianzun immediately grew anxious.
"Big Brother, hurry and chase them. They've run away."
Grand Pure Saint slowly opened his eyes and said calmly, "They cannot escape. I have already locked onto the fluctuation of their secret realm's laws. I must thank Third Brother's layered array for allowing me to comprehend it.
As long as they remain in the Primordial World, they cannot escape my lock unless they flee into chaos."
Yuanshi Tianzun revealed a look of admiration. Big Brother had comprehended it in such a short time. As expected, he was formidable.
"Big Brother, when should we go find them?"
"No rush. Let us first thoroughly comprehend these two methods. Haven't you noticed that some of their foundations bear traces of our methods?" Grand Pure Saint said calmly, wisdom flashing in his eyes and a smile on his face.
Yuanshi Tianzun's eyes gleamed as he probed, "Big Brother, you mean this person used our methods as a foundation to create them?
Then this person may have been discovered when Third Brother took in disciples? He triggered Third Brother's sliver of vitality, causing the Heavenly Dao to stir, and you even stepped in to help at the time."
Grand Pure Saint nodded in agreement. "That's right. It should be so. After he founded the Interception Sect, he immediately came to us for things.
And Third Brother feared something might happen to this person, believing the fewer people who came into contact with him, the better."
"Hmph? Are we two outsiders? He distrusts us that much? He truly deserves a beating!" Yuanshi Tianzun's face showed anger, his tone filled with dissatisfaction.
"He fears it—" Grand Pure Saint said calmly, pointing toward the sky.
"Then... should we continue?" Yuanshi Tianzun said helplessly, relief flashing in his eyes.
Being watched by the Heavenly Dao was indeed no good thing.
"Wait for a while. Black Dog's strange abilities are difficult to deal with. Once our array has reached minor accomplishment and can conceal us better, we'll go find them.
Besides, don't you find it remarkable? The more one studies this person's conduct and Third Brother's recent way of doing things, the more reasonable they seem.
Act with a low profile. Be cautious and careful."
Yuanshi Tianzun made a speechless expression and complained, "Shouldn't that be called cowardice?"
"Heh. Second Brother, are you invincible in the Primordial World now? If you have the ability, go clear out the Chaos Demon God forbidden zone.
One must remain low-key and maintain a reverent heart." Grand Pure Saint said coldly, displeasure flashing in his eyes.
Second Brother was simply too arrogant and conceited. He really ought to learn from Third Brother's current cautious mindset.
Yuanshi Tianzun froze for a moment, then cupped his hands. "Big Brother, I have learned from your teaching."
"Hurry and comprehend this array. It bears traces of the Nine-Nine Mystic Art..."
A valley on Mount Buzhou.
A river ran through the entire valley.
"Well, Li Er? This place is nice, isn't it?"
"It's really nice. Third Brother Pan, check if anyone is still watching us." Li Er spoke seriously, satisfaction filling his eyes.
He casually cast his line. To him, this place was simply perfect.
"I haven't found anything.
By the way, why are you suppressing Old Kong and refusing to let him come out? And you're also suppressing Sixth Crow's transformation.
Is there some reason for that?" Sect Master Tongtian asked curiously. He raised his hand, reeled in the rod, and caught a fish.
Black Dog revealed an envious expression beside him. Why was it so easy for Master to catch fish while he could not catch any?
They were clearly using the same bait. If Little Master had not required them not to use spells or divine abilities, he would have wanted to see what these fish were thinking below.
Fortunately, Little Master was just like him.
Li Er took out his lure rod and said blandly, "Their foundations are important. There is no need to rush. Also, once I can freely control my Purple Firmament Divine Lightning later, I'll strike them with it first.
I'm almost able to refine lightning into threads now."
Black Dog: ...
Sect Master Tongtian remained silent and could only continue casting his rod and catching fish.
That was too discouraging. Mastering Purple Firmament Divine Lightning was already freakish enough.
And he wanted to refine lightning into threads? Then strike them with it first? Was he sure they could withstand it?
"Third Brother, have you obtained any good things recently? Last time, I wanted to refine a treasure to suppress luck.
Who would have thought I'd refine this damned thing instead.
This time, with Purple Firmament Divine Lightning, I can definitely refine a supreme treasure." Li Er looked at Sect Master Tongtian continuously hooking fish, and the corner of his eye twitched. This was too unfair.
Even using a lure rod now, he could not catch anything. What exactly was going wrong? It was not as though there were no fish.
"Oh, recently I robbed—ptui, picked up a bell. See if you can find a way to refine it." Sect Master Tongtian said blandly and casually tossed the Chaos Bell to Li Er.
Li Er examined the Chaos Bell with his divine sense, surprise flashing in his eyes. This little bell had thirty-six innate restrictions. It was a top-tier supreme treasure.
Whom had he robbed to get this from?
Something was wrong!
This was a bell??
Thirty-six innate restrictions???
Was this the Chaos Bell? The Eastern Emperor Bell?
But the war between witches and demons had not begun yet. By all rights, this thing should be in Taiyi's hands. How had it appeared here?
And could Third Brother Pan rob Taiyi??
"What's wrong? Can't you refine it?" Sect Master Tongtian asked curiously. After all, Qingping Sword had been refined as soon as Li Er said it could be.
The Chaos Bell should not have been a problem.
Strangely enough, he, a dignified Saint, could only achieve preliminary refinement—merely refining three restrictions.
"No, I can refine it.
Third Brother Pan, tell me honestly, where did this thing come from?" Li Er mobilized the power of the golden core within his body and continuously broke through the forty-nine innate divine restrictions. He quickly completed the refinement.
However, his golden core had shrunk by a circle, which pained him terribly.
"I picked it up. That isn't important. You refined it?" Sect Master Tongtian sensed the inside of the Chaos Bell. The restrictions he had refined had vanished, and he asked curiously.
"This is very important. This bell might be the Chaos Bell.
I can't use it. It consumes too much golden core mana."
"Use this one instead. Send your primordial spirit directly inside, and I'll bind it to you," Li Er said solemnly, a trace of worry flashing through his eyes.
The Chaos Bell had originally been part of his plan—to pick up the spoils after the war between the witches and demons.
Sect Master Tongtian's primordial spirit power covered the Chaos Bell. It was soon drawn in by a force and instantly arrived at the Chaos Bell's core, refining it completely moments later.
Sect Master Tongtian said with satisfaction, "It's not that important. As long as it belongs to us now, and can serve as an object to suppress our fortune, that's enough.
"Besides, wasn't the Chaos Bell in Taiyi's hands?"
Hearing this, Li Er stroked his chin, finding it reasonable. He said with feeling, "It seems that all things in the world exist as yin and yang.
"The Chaos Bell is no exception to this principle."
Hearing this, Sect Master Tongtian asked curiously, "What do you mean?"
"The Chaos Bell comes in a male and female pair. The one you picked up is the female Chaos Bell."
Sect Master Tongtian: ...
"Little Master, why isn't ours the male one?"
Before you continue