Outside Three Immortal Island, Jade Purity Immortal Light became like a sharp sword, attempting to pierce the invisible protective barrier of the Innate Array Formation, causing the clouds and mist around the entire island to tremble faintly.
Yun Xiao's face was frosty as the phantom of the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper flashed behind her. She said coldly, "Lingxiao? You have quite the nerve, daring to barge into our Three Immortal Island!"
Lingxiao's voice came from beyond the island, carrying suppressed fury. "Fellow Daoist Yun Xiao, forgive me! I did not intend to breach the array. I merely sensed the aura of Xuanwei, the traitor who stole an opportunity from my Chan Sect, here. I came to find him and settle this karma!"
He had directly slapped the labels of "opportunity thief" and "traitor" onto Xuanwei, his tone aggressive and overbearing.
Bi Xiao immediately bristled, and the Golden Flood Dragon Scissors turned into a streak of golden light, ready to shoot forth. "Bullshit! Lingxiao, stop spouting slander! That Spiritual Root Seed was ownerless; opportunities belong to whoever obtains them. Since when did it become property of your Chan Sect? Junior Brother Xuanwei is a direct disciple of our Interception Sect. How is he a traitor?!"
Qiong Xiao also furrowed her delicate brows, her gentle voice firm. "Fellow Daoist Lingxiao, please watch your words. Junior Brother Xuanwei was personally accepted by our master. That is beyond dispute."
Xuanwei heard everything clearly from within the island, and anger surged in his heart. Lingxiao truly haunted him like a ghost. His ability to twist black into white was first-rate! Yet he knew this was not the time to show himself, or the situation would only become more chaotic.
Yun Xiao raised a hand to stop the impulsive Bi Xiao. Her voice remained cool, yet it carried unquestionable authority. "Lingxiao, this is Three Immortal Island, not your Yuxu Palace. Xuanwei is a disciple of our Interception Sect and is recuperating here. That is a matter for us sisters, and it has nothing to do with you. Leave at once, or do not blame my Primal Chaos Golden Dipper for showing no mercy!"
As her words fell, the phantom of the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper (imitation) manifested outside the island, scattering countless rays of golden light that firmly blocked the Jade Purity Immortal Light. It even faintly pressed back against it! The Innate Array Formation of Three Immortal Island also rumbled, releasing an even more terrifying pressure.
Lingxiao outside the island clearly had not expected Yun Xiao to be so resolute. He was even more wary of the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper's power, even if it was only an imitation. After a moment of silence, he finally snorted unwillingly. "Fine! What a Three Immortal Island! I will remember this! Xuanwei, you can hide for a while, but not forever!"
Having left behind those harsh words, the Jade Purity Immortal Light finally withdrew in frustration.
Yet the atmosphere within the island did not become much more relaxed.
Bi Xiao said indignantly, "That Lingxiao is getting more and more outrageous! If Big Sister had not stopped me, I would have used the Golden Flood Dragon Scissors to cut out that hateful tongue of his!"
Qiong Xiao looked at Xuanwei with concern. "Junior Brother Xuanwei, this has completely offended Lingxiao. He is narrow-minded, so I fear he will not let this rest in the future."
Xuanwei felt grateful and bowed. "Thank you, Senior Sisters, for defending me. This matter arose because of me, and I have dragged you into it. My injuries are no longer serious, so I should return to Golden Ao Island now, lest I bring more trouble to Three Immortal Island."
Yun Xiao glanced at him and said blandly, "It is nothing. Why should disciples of our Interception Sect fear people from the Chan Sect? Since you have recovered, it is fine for you to return. After this incident, you have gained some renown within the sect as well... Once you return, cultivate diligently and do not tarnish the prestige of our Interception Sect."
Her words carried deeper meaning. Xuanwei had first displayed astonishing talent with Spiritual Plants during the preparations for the Myriad Immortals Gathering. Then he had escaped alive from a Grand Unity Golden Immortal, received personal treatment from the San Xiao, and now even drew Lingxiao to their doorstep... With all these matters piling up, it would be hard for him not to become famous.
"This disciple will remember Senior Sister's teachings." Xuanwei answered solemnly.
After bidding farewell to the San Xiao, Xuanwei mounted his escape light and left this overseas immortal island that had left such a deep impression on him. Looking back, Three Immortal Island flickered in and out of sight amid the clouds and mist. The figures of his three Senior Sisters were faintly visible, especially Yun Xiao's cool gaze, which seemed to follow him as he departed.
"Three Immortal Island... Three Senior Sisters..." A trace of warmth and inexplicable emotion rose in Xuanwei's heart, only to be replaced by urgency. Strength! He still lacked strength! If he had sufficient power, why would he need his Senior Sisters to protect him? Why would he fear Lingxiao coming to provoke him?
The journey back to Golden Ao Island was unusually smooth. Along the way, the Interception Sect disciples he encountered, whether outer or inner disciples, all looked at him differently. Curiosity, scrutiny, admiration, and even a hint of reverence? Many disciples took the initiative to greet him, their attitudes friendly.
"Junior Brother Xuanwei is back?"
"I heard Junior Brother made a spectacular showing on Liubo Immortal Island and even obtained a great opportunity?"
"Even the San Xiao personally treated your injuries. Junior Brother, your fortune is truly profound!"
Xuanwei responded politely to each of them. He understood that he had finally gained a foothold within the Interception Sect. He was no longer the insignificant, frequently questioned "well-connected newcomer" he had been at the beginning.
When he returned to the Medicine Garden in the back mountains, he found it in perfect order. The Vermillion Fruit and Jade Marrow Grapes were growing exceptionally well. Clearly, Senior Brother Ma Sui had helped tend them while he was away. Xuanwei felt even more grateful.
He immediately checked the Void Spirit Drawing Array. Since he had cut off its energy supply when he left, the array had stopped operating, and the Origin Particle of Space serving as its core had not been greatly depleted. He reactivated the array and felt spiritual qi gradually gathering once more before flowing into the Chaos Bead, which put his mind somewhat at ease.
Afterward, he immediately threw himself into frenzied cultivation and task grinding.
With the healing experience on Three Immortal Island and the feedback from the Remnant Seed of Jianmu, his recovery proceeded twice as fast with half the effort. Coupled with the foundation he had gained from the Immortal Nourishing Pool and discussing the Dao with the San Xiao, the cultivation bottleneck that had stalled him for so long shattered after just half a month!
[Energy level breakthrough: 50%! Cultivation advanced to the early Heavenly Immortal stage!] [Supreme Pure Immortal Method comprehension deepened! Azure Emperor Longevity Art (fragment) initially mastered!] [Chaos Bead (fragment) restoration progress has reached 1.5%! Spatial range slightly expanded to a diameter of three and a half li.]
Advancing to the Heavenly Immortal stage! This was a qualitative leap! Xuanwei felt that his immortal qi foundation had become more condensed. His perception and control of the spiritual qi of heaven and earth had improved dramatically, while the range of his divine sense had expanded severalfold! More importantly, he could finally begin cultivating truly powerful divine abilities and spells!
He first chose the Supreme Pure Divine Thunder recorded within the Supreme Pure Immortal Method. This Lightning Magic was fierce and domineering, containing the power to destroy evil and slay demons. It was perfectly suited to his current need for self-defense and combat.
At the same time, he did not neglect his old trade. After advancing to the Heavenly Immortal stage, his control over Wutu Source and Wood Element Vitality became even more refined, further improving both the efficiency and quality of his cultivation of Spiritual Plants! He even attempted to merge an almost imperceptible strand of Chaos Qi into the process. Although the consumption was immense, the Spiritual Plants he cultivated far surpassed others of the same kind in quality, faintly carrying a trace of Innate Dao Rhyme!
This made his reputation as a "Spiritual Plant Master" within the Interception Sect even more resounding. Disciples seeking to reserve spirit herbs or cooperate with him came in an endless stream, including several highly respected core disciples. His Contribution Points began accumulating rapidly once again.
One day, after completing a difficult task to cultivate Thousand-Year Blood Coral and receiving generous compensation, he was preparing to visit the Scripture Pavilion to exchange for a new divine ability when Senior Brother Ma Sui came looking for him again, full of excitement.
"Junior Brother Xuanwei! Great news! Wonderful news!" Ma Sui looked as he always did, but the delight on his face was even stronger than before.
"Senior Brother Ma Sui, what is it?" Xuanwei asked with a smile. Seeing this plump Senior Brother now always put him in a good mood.
"It is Master! In three days, Master will expound the Supreme Pure Great Dao at Biyou Palace! And he has specifically stated that all disciples may attend this sermon!" Ma Sui's plump face flushed red with excitement.
Sect Master Tongtian was giving a sermon?!
Xuanwei's heart jolted as well! This was a saint personally expounding the Dao, no trivial matter! It was far beyond Primordial Lord of Heaven's sermon, which had carried the undertone of a warning. For any cultivator, this was a tremendous opportunity!
"And," Ma Sui lowered his voice, speaking mysteriously, "I heard that Master will test the cultivation of his disciples during this sermon. If anyone performs exceptionally, he may bestow a magical treasure upon them or even accept them as a direct disciple!"
Bestow magical treasures! Accept direct disciples!
Those two phrases made Xuanwei's heart beat wildly! How could a treasure bestowed by a saint possibly be ordinary? If he could become a direct disciple, his status within the Interception Sect would become completely different!
He knew this was an opportunity—an opportunity to truly display his worth before Sect Master Tongtian and establish his position! It was also an opportunity... to possibly obtain a powerful magical treasure and strengthen himself!
"Thank you for informing me, Senior Brother! For such a grand occasion, this disciple will certainly prepare diligently and attend the sermon!" Xuanwei said solemnly.
After seeing Ma Sui off, Xuanwei's heart surged with excitement. He immediately adjusted his condition, consolidating his cultivation at the peak of the early Heavenly Immortal stage. At the same time, he repeatedly pondered the Supreme Pure Immortal Method and the Azure Emperor Longevity Art, striving to gain insight and perform well during the sermon.
Three days later, countless immortals gathered in the enormous plaza before Biyou Palace!
Compared to the scene at Yuxu Palace before, this was a true gathering of myriad immortals! Countless Interception Sect disciples had returned from all directions. Their cultivation levels varied, and their forms differed, but without exception, every face was filled with excitement and devotion. Immortal cranes soared overhead, auspicious qi stretched in countless streams, and Dao Rhyme filled the air.
Following the crowd, Xuanwei found a place in the middle of the plaza and sat down in midair. He could feel countless gazes landing upon him, more complicated than ever before. There was curiosity, anticipation, scrutiny, and even... hostility that pricked his back like needles.
He did not need to look to know that the source of that hostility was Lingxiao. The Chan Sect must have learned of Sect Master Tongtian's sermon as well, and Lingxiao had surely come.
Sure enough, within the area occupied by Chan Sect disciples, Lingxiao was staring at him coldly, the killing intent in his eyes almost undisguised.
Xuanwei sneered inwardly, though his expression remained calm. Today, his goal was to listen to the Dao and distinguish himself. There was no need to entangle himself with such a petty man.
Suddenly, the entire plaza fell silent.
A vast, inclusive saintly might carrying the supreme intent of seizing from heaven and earth a sliver of life for all living beings quietly enveloped the whole plaza like spring rain and gentle wind. It lacked the cold majesty of Yuxu Palace, yet inspired even greater reverence and closeness.
Sect Master Tongtian had descended.
He did not manifest his true form. Only a stream of azure Dao light containing endless sword intent and vitality hung high above the cloud dais.
"Today, I shall expound the Supreme Pure Great Dao. I teach without distinction, seizing for you all a sliver of heavenly opportunity..."
Sect Master Tongtian's clear, powerful Dao voice rang out like a great bell, striking the hearts and minds of every listener. The Dao he expounded encompassed all things, yet pointed directly to the source. He explained the doctrines of the Interception Sect, elucidated wondrous divine abilities and methods, and analyzed the ultimate principles of heaven and earth.
Xuanwei was instantly immersed in it!
Unlike the rigid rules of the Jade Pure Immortal Method and its emphasis on heavenly mandate, the Supreme Pure Great Dao placed greater importance on change and struggle. It emphasized one's own efforts, seizing vitality from desperate circumstances! This perfectly aligned with his experiences, his system, his Chaos Bead, and even his anomalous soul!
He listened with complete absorption, and many past doubts in his cultivation suddenly became clear! Numerous barriers within the Supreme Pure Immortal Method and the Azure Emperor Longevity Art were connected at this moment! The immortal qi within his body, Wutu Source, Wood Element Vitality, and even that trace of Chaos Qi all began circulating on their own with the Dao voice, becoming more harmonious and complete!
He could even feel the Chaos Bead fragment within his sea of consciousness trembling faintly as it absorbed this Supreme Pure Dao Rhyme. Its restoration progress of 1.5% seemed to show the slightest sign of loosening!
[Immersed in a saint's sermon, Dao realm enhanced! Supreme Pure Immortal Method proficiency greatly increased! Azure Emperor Longevity Art comprehension deepened!] [Chaos Bead has absorbed Supreme Pure Dao Rhyme, producing an unknown beneficial change... Analyzing...]
No one knew how much time passed before the sermon temporarily came to an end.
Sect Master Tongtian's vast consciousness swept over the countless disciples below. Finally, it lingered briefly upon several disciples whose auras were especially outstanding, among whom Xuanwei was conspicuously included!
"Have you gained anything from hearing the Dao?" Sect Master Tongtian's voice carried a hint of examination.
Immediately, several highly cultivated disciples rose and explained their insights, drawing resonances of Dao Rhyme and showers of heavenly flowers.
Xuanwei's thoughts raced. He knew his chance to stand out had come! He took a deep breath and did not rise. Instead, he combined his understanding of The One That Escapes, of defying heaven to seize his fate, and of the infinite vitality contained in the growth and wither of plants and the Cycle of Life and Death with the profound principles of the Supreme Pure Immortal Method and the Azure Emperor Longevity Art. He transformed them into a pure intent overflowing with vitality and slowly released it!
This intent was not the strongest, but it was exceptionally unique. It contained the purity of Innate Immortal Qi, the solidity of Wutu Source, the vigor of Wood Element Vitality, and even a trace of the inclusiveness of chaos and the true meaning of change. It perfectly matched the essential teachings of Sect Master Tongtian's Interception Sect!
In an instant, azure, yellow, and chaotic light flowed naturally around him, his Dao Rhyme seeming born of heaven itself. He resembled a strange Spiritual Root breaking through chaos and growing tenaciously!
The entire plaza fell slightly still!
Even the azure Dao light suspended above the cloud dais seemed to ripple.
Sect Master Tongtian's consciousness rang out, carrying a trace of surprise and appreciation. "Good! Xuanwei, you can perceive the vitality of the Great Dao within the growth and wither of plants, comprehend the opportunity of change from your own foundation, and carry within your heart the thought of a single line of hope. Not bad. It accords greatly with my will!"
A saint had personally praised him!
A low commotion immediately rose through the plaza! Countless gazes focused upon Xuanwei once more. This time, admiration, jealousy, disbelief... all kinds of emotions intertwined.
Lingxiao's face instantly darkened as though water could drip from it!
However, just as Xuanwei felt a flicker of delight and thought he might receive some reward, Sect Master Tongtian's next words made his heart suddenly sink.
"Yet the Great Dao is arduous, and tribulations are ever-present. You bear an unusual treasure and are entangled in far-reaching karma. Your fortune and misfortune are difficult to predict. Today, I shall grant you a trial..."
Before his words had even faded, a peerlessly sharp and terrifying sword intent, seemingly capable of severing karma and splitting time and space, descended like a river of stars pouring down from the nine heavens. It did not strike at Xuanwei. Instead, it directly locked onto the Chaos Bead fragment deep within his sea of consciousness!
Xuanwei's pupils constricted! Master Tongtian... had he known all along?! And what was he going to do?!
Before you continue