Debating Primordial Lord of Heaven, Becoming Sect Master Tongtian's Disciple!

Xuanwei felt like a tiny ant caught between two invisible mountains, its immortal qi core almost crushed into two dimensions! On one side was Sect Master Tongtian's lazy, playful intent, as if watching a show. On the other was the newly arrived, majestic, displeased intent of the Jade Pure Primordial Lord of Heaven, locking directly onto him!

"Brother, what brings you to my humble abode today?" Sect Master Tongtian's voice was still casual, but beneath the laziness, a subtle sharpness had emerged.

"Hmph!" The Primordial Lord of Heaven's intent let out a cold snort, like shattering ice, causing the temperature of the entire hall to plummet. "If I didn't come, how would I know that this tranquil place of yours harbors such creatures born of moisture and hatching, covered in fur and wearing horns! And one with such shallow origins, an innate turbid qi of unknown provenance!"

Born of moisture and hatching! Covered in fur and wearing horns! Innate turbid qi!

These words struck Xuanwei's fragile self-esteem like cold daggers. While it was true that it was currently just a wisp of qi, it was, after all, the First Strand of Innate Immortal Qi! Its origins were pure! How could it be called "turbid qi" in the elder's mouth? And of unknown provenance? Wasn't its path forged by the ruffians and madmen of the Primordial World!

It grumbled furiously in its mind, but outwardly... it didn't dare to utter a single word (though it couldn't anyway). It could only try to shrink itself into a ball, pretending to be an innocuous wisp of background spiritual mist.

"Brother, you are too harsh," Sect Master Tongtian's intent was as calm as ever. "This is the First Strand of Innate Immortal Qi, its origins are pure, how can there be talk of 'turbid qi'? As for its provenance, it was merely a chance encounter that led it here."

"Immortal qi? Eloquent but deceitful!" The Primordial Lord of Heaven's intent was filled with undisguised disdain. "Even if it is immortal qi, it is tainted by post-natal turbidity, its foundation shallow, its intellect dim! Such origins are unworthy of creation! How can it be fit to enter our Saint's Dojo, to defile this pure land? Third Brother, quickly scatter its spiritual consciousness and return it to its origin, lest it bring ruin upon itself!"

Scatter its spiritual consciousness?! Return it to its origin?! Wasn't that utter annihilation of body and soul?!

Xuanwei's spirit scattered (literally), almost performing an act of immortal qi evaporation on the spot. This Primordial Lord of Heaven was too ruthless! It was just a tiny ant that had stumbled into your backyard, did you really need to bring out the insecticide?!

[Emergency Quest Triggered: Debate the Dao Before the Saints!]

[Quest Description: Under the pressure of the Jade Pure Primordial Lord of Heaven, expound upon your own value and Daoist ideals, striving for the approval and protection of the Supreme Pure Sect Master Tongtian.]

[Quest Objective: Change the Primordial Lord of Heaven's judgment of the host being "unworthy of creation," or at least make Sect Master Tongtian believe the host is "worth keeping."]

[Quest Reward: ??? (Depends on completion)]

[Failure Penalty: High probability of being casually erased by the Primordial Lord of Heaven, low probability of being reforged by Sect Master Tongtian.]

The system's prompt sounded like a death knell, but it also gave Xuanwei a sliver of hope. Debate the Dao? Expound upon its value?

Just as its mind was racing, contemplating whether to grovel for mercy or argue its case (though it felt it had no grounds), Sect Master Tongtian's voice, tinged with amusement, echoed again, this time seemingly directed at it:

"Little one, did you hear? My second brother values origins and background above all else. If you believe you are not 'unworthy of creation,' perhaps you can tell me, what is special about you? Or rather, what are your thoughts on this 'destiny of origins'?"

An opportunity! This was Sect Master Tongtian giving it a chance to speak! And clearly, he wanted to see it "clash" with the Primordial Lord of Heaven!

Xuanwei's heart (its core of intent) pounded wildly. It knew this was a matter of life and death. Begging for mercy would be useless; the Primordial Lord of Heaven wouldn't buy it. It had to demonstrate its "value," or rather, a trait that would make Sect Master Tongtian find it "interesting" or "useful"!

It took a deep "breath" (though it didn't need to), forcefully suppressed its fear, and condensed its intent. No longer cowering meekly, it attempted to respond to the two saintly intents, which were like blazing suns, with a posture of neither subservience nor arrogance (at least outwardly).

"Junior Xuanwei pays respects to the Jade Pure Saint," it first politely addressed the direction of the Primordial Lord of Heaven, then changed its tone. "The Saint says my origins are shallow and unworthy of creation. Junior dares not fully agree."

"Oh?" The Primordial Lord of Heaven's intent revealed a cold surprise, seemingly not expecting this ant to dare to refute.

Sect Master Tongtian's intent conveyed even greater interest, as if saying, "Go on, tell me more, let me see the show."

Xuanwei went all out, mobilizing the eloquence (and bullshitting) skills honed from its past life as a corporate slave, combining its half-baked understanding of Primordial World lore with modern thinking, and began its "performance":

"May the Saint permit me. Junior is indeed formed from a strand of innate immortal qi. In terms of origins, naturally, I cannot compare to the Saints or those innate deities. However, all things in heaven and earth are born from chaos and evolve in the Primordial World. There is no absolute hierarchy."

It paused, feeling the Primordial Lord of Heaven's pressure momentarily stagnate, and quickly continued:

"Great God Pangu opened the heavens and the earth, and his body became all things. All beings in the Primordial World, whether innate gods and demons or post-natal creatures, if traced back to their roots, are not all beneficiaries of Great God Pangu's legacy? If origins determine destiny, then are all beings other than Pangu's direct descendants 'unworthy of creation' and deserving of annihilation?"

"Presumptuous!" The Primordial Lord of Heaven's intent suddenly became sharp, like the wrath of heaven!

Xuanwei felt its immortal qi core fluctuate violently, almost being shattered by the reprimand! But it gritted its teeth and held on, knowing that backing down now would truly be the end!

"Junior dares not!" it immediately added. "Junior merely believes that the Great Dao has fifty principles, and Heaven's evolution has forty-nine, with one escaping. This one that escapes is the variable, the opportunity for all beings to transcend! If all things are determined by their origins, then where does this one that escapes come from? What is the struggle for when all beings cultivate and strive against heaven for their lives?"

It had subtly shifted the concept, leading the "origins" and "destiny" valued by the Primordial Lord of Heaven to "variables" and "transcendence for all beings." This coincidentally and subtly aligned with Sect Master Tongtian's doctrine of "intercepting a sliver of life"!

As expected, a clear trace of appreciation came from Sect Master Tongtian's intent: "Well said! Continue!"

With encouragement from the "referee," Xuanwei's courage grew, even incorporating a touch of the rogueishness it had when arguing (debating) with people in its past life:

"Furthermore, although Junior's origins are shallow, I dare say my intellect is not dulled, and my heart's desire for the Dao is firm! To seek a path to survival, I dare to enter the dragon's den; to resist powerful enemies, I use both wisdom and courage! Can this heart and this ambition be easily negated by mere words of 'origins'?"

Its words were a mix of classical and modern colloquialisms, sounding somewhat awkward, but the meaning was clear: I may have a bad background, but I'm smart, brave, and persistent! You can't just dismiss me!

"Eloquent but specious, heretical reasoning!" The Primordial Lord of Heaven's intent remained cold, but the killing intent seemed to... weaken slightly? Perhaps it disdained to waste any more words with this "babbling" ant, or perhaps Sect Master Tongtian's attitude made it hesitant.

"Hahahaha!" Sect Master Tongtian suddenly burst into hearty laughter, filled with unruliness and satisfaction. "Well said, 'The Great Dao has fifty principles, and Heaven's evolution has forty-nine, with one escaping'! Well said, 'This heart and this ambition cannot be negated by origins'! Little one, your words deeply resonate with me!"

His laughter ceased, and his tone became solemn and majestic as he addressed the Primordial Lord of Heaven. "Second Brother, this child has a connection with me, and moreover, possesses extraordinary intelligence and a tenacious disposition, fitting well with my Intercepting Sect's teachings. Today, I shall accept him as a disciple, a nominal one, what do you say?"

Nominal disciple?! A Saint's disciple?!

Xuanwei felt like it had been hit by a giant meat pie! Although it was just a nominal disciple, it was still a nominal disciple of a Saint! From now on, it would have backing, a position! No longer would it be a pushover that anyone could pinch!

The Primordial Lord of Heaven's intent fell silent for a moment, clearly displeased with Sect Master Tongtian's "hasty" decision. However, it seemed to realize that its third brother's mind was made up, and further argument would be futile.

"Hmph! Since it is your choice, I shall say no more. However, this child's origins are unclear, and he is entangled with anomalies. If he causes trouble in the future, do not regret it!" The Primordial Lord of Heaven coldly uttered these words, and its immense intent receded like a tide, vanishing instantly without a trace.

In the great hall, only Sect Master Tongtian's amused intent remained, along with Xuanwei, still caught between bewilderment and ecstatic joy.

"Little one, aren't you going to pay your respects?" Sect Master Tongtian's voice was playful.

Xuanwei jolted, snapping back to reality. Its immortal qi body immediately simulated a posture of bowing, and with the most respectful, most excited intent, it cried out:

"Disciple Xuanwei pays respects to Master! May Master live eternally!"

"Mm." Sect Master Tongtian responded, officially acknowledging its identity. "Since you have entered my tutelage, you should know the teachings of my Intercepting Sect, to intercept a sliver of life for all beings. I hope you cultivate diligently and do not disappoint today's... 'specious reasoning'."

Xuanwei: "..." Master, are you praising me or mocking me?

"Your foundation is still shallow, so remain here in this hall to cultivate. Here is the introductory chapter of the Supreme Pure Immortal Method for you to comprehend. If you have any questions, you may come ask me." A stream of pure light entered Xuanwei's consciousness, the fundamental cultivation method of the Intercepting Sect.

"Thank you, Master!" Xuanwei was overjoyed. This was a genuine cultivation method directly passed down from a Saint! It was far superior to the system techniques and Kirin secret arts he had been fumbling with on his own!

"As for that little secret of yours..." Tongtian Sect Master's voice drew out as he glanced meaningfully into the depths of Xuanwei's consciousness. "Keep it for now; it's somewhat interesting. However, now that you have entered my tutelage, you must prioritize the Intercepting Sect. Do not stray from the path, or else..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the awe-inspiring Saintly might made Xuanwei understand instantly—though the great master might be unconventional, he still had his bottom line!

"This disciple respectfully obeys Master's teachings!" Xuanwei quickly pledged his loyalty.

"Mm, go on. There's a futon in that corner over there. You will cultivate there from now on." Tongtian Sect Master seemed a little weary, his divine sense slowly retracting.

Xuanwei respectfully "retreated" to the futon in the corner of the great hall, which exuded a pure aura. He felt the dense Innate Dao rhythm surrounding him and the Supreme Pure Immortal Method in his hands (or rather, in his consciousness), still feeling as if he were in a dream.

He... had actually become a Saint's disciple? Although the process had been thrilling and he had almost been wiped out as trash by his Uncle-Master Primordial Lord of Heaven, the outcome... seemed pretty good?

He happily began to study the Supreme Pure Immortal Method, feeling that his future was bright.

However, just as he settled down, ready to experience the joy of cultivating with proper backing—

[Ding! Host has officially joined the core force of the Primordial World: Intercepting Sect.]

[Main Quest Updated: Change the Fate of the Intercepting Sect!]

[Quest Description: In the future Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods, reverse the tragic end where the Intercepting Sect, despite having myriad immortals flocking to it, is ultimately annihilated!]

[Quest Stage One: Before the Investiture of the Gods by the Three Sects, raise your own strength to the Golden Immortal realm and gain the recognition and support of at least three core disciples of the Intercepting Sect.]

[Quest Reward: Unlock subsequent chapters of the Chaos Heaven-Opening Art and special permissions based on completion.]

[Failure Penalty: Suffer the tribulation alongside the Intercepting Sect, perish, and have your true spirit inscribed on the Investiture of the Gods list!]

Xuanwei: "!!!"

You just gave me a stable job, and now you're telling me the bowl is about to break?! And you want me, a tiny shrimp, to fix it?! This kind of fortune... can I please not have it?!