Golden Ao Island Gains Renown, Undercurrents Surge Anew

Outside Three Immortal Island, Jade Purity Immortal Light shot out like sharp swords, attempting to pierce the invisible innate array's protective shield, causing the surrounding clouds and mist of the entire island to tremble slightly.

Yunxiao's face was frosty. The illusion of the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper flashed behind her and vanished. She said coldly, "Lingxiao? How dare you trespass on my Three Immortal Island!"

Lingxiao's voice, laced with suppressed anger, echoed from outside the island: "Fellow Daoist Yunxiao, please forgive me! This humble Taoist did not intend to break the formation. I merely sensed the aura of that traitor Xuanwei, who stole our Heavenly Origin Sect's fortune, here. I have come to settle this karma!"

He directly pinned the labels of "fortune stealer" and "traitor" on Xuanwei, his tone aggressive.

Upon hearing this, Bixiao immediately bristled. The Golden Flood Dragon Scissors transformed into a golden light, ready to charge out. "Nonsense! Lingxiao, stop your slander! That Spiritual Root Seed was ownerless; it was a matter of opportunity for all. When did it become something of your Heavenly Origin Sect? Junior Brother Xuanwei is a direct disciple of our Intercepting Sect, how can he be called a traitor?!"

Qiongxiao also furrowed her delicate brows, her voice soft yet firm: "Fellow Daoist Lingxiao, please choose your words carefully. Junior Brother Xuanwei was personally accepted by our Master. This matter is not to be doubted."

Xuanwei, listening clearly from within the island, felt his anger surge. This Lingxiao was truly a persistent nuisance, and his ability to twist facts was first-rate! However, he knew it was not the right time for him to appear, as it would only further complicate the situation.

Yunxiao raised her hand to stop the impulsive Bixiao, her voice still clear and cold, but carrying an undeniable power: "Lingxiao, this is Three Immortal Island, not your Yuxu Palace. Xuanwei is a disciple of our Intercepting Sect, recuperating here. This is our sisters' affair and has nothing to do with you. Retreat quickly, or do not blame my Primal Chaos Golden Dipper for its ruthlessness!"

As her voice fell, the phantom of the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper (replica) manifested outside the island, casting ten thousand rays of golden light that firmly blocked the Jade Purity Immortal Light, even showing signs of suppressing it! The innate array formation of Three Immortal Island also rumbled, emitting an even more terrifying pressure.

Lingxiao outside the island clearly had not expected Yunxiao's attitude to be so resolute, and he was also wary of the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper's power (even as a replica). After a moment of silence, he let out an unwilling cold snort: "Fine! Well done, Three Immortal Island! I have noted this matter! Xuanwei, you can hide for a while, but you cannot hide forever!"

After uttering his threat, the Jade Purity Immortal Light finally retreated in frustration.

Inside the island, however, the atmosphere did not ease much.

Bixiao said indignantly, "This Lingxiao is getting more and more presumptuous! If Big Sister hadn't stopped me, I would have used my Golden Flood Dragon Scissors to cut off his annoying tongue!"

Qiongxiao looked at Xuanwei with concern: "Junior Brother Xuanwei, you have completely offended Lingxiao this time. He is narrow-minded and I fear he will not let this matter rest."

Xuanwei felt grateful. He bowed and said, "Thank you, my three senior sisters, for your protection. This matter started because of me, and I have implicated you. My injuries are no longer serious. I will return to Golden Ao Island now to avoid causing further trouble for Three Immortal Island."

Yunxiao glanced at him and said calmly, "It's nothing. As disciples of our Intercepting Sect, why should we fear those from the Heavenly Origin Sect? Since you have recovered, it is good for you to return. After this incident, your reputation within the sect... has also grown. When you return, you should cultivate diligently and not tarnish the prestige of our Intercepting Sect."

Her words held deeper meaning. Xuanwei had first displayed astonishing talent in spiritual plants during the preparations for the Myriad Immortals Gathering, then escaped from a Grand Unity Golden Immortal and was personally treated by the San Xiao. Now, he had even drawn Lingxiao to their doorstep... With these events accumulating, it was hard not to gain fame.

"This disciple remembers Senior Sister's teachings," Xuanwei replied solemnly.

After bidding farewell to the San Xiao, Xuanwei took flight (immortal qi swirling) and left the overseas immortal island that had left a deep impression on him. Looking back, Three Immortal Island appeared and disappeared amidst the clouds and mist, the figures of the three senior sisters faintly visible, especially Yunxiao's cool gaze, which seemed to follow him as he departed.

"Three Immortal Island... my three senior sisters..." A warmth and inexplicable emotion stirred within Xuanwei's heart, only to be replaced by a sense of urgency. Strength! He still lacked sufficient strength! If he had enough power, why would he need his senior sisters' protection? Why would he fear Lingxiao's provocations?

The journey back to Golden Ao Island was exceptionally smooth. Along the way, the Intercepting Sect disciples he encountered, whether outer or inner disciples, looked at him with noticeably different eyes. Curiosity, scrutiny, admiration, and even a hint of reverence? Many disciples greeted him proactively with friendly attitudes.

"Junior Brother Xuanwei is back?"

"I heard Junior Brother showed great skill on Liubo Immortal Island and obtained a great opportunity?"

"Even the San Xiao sisters personally treated your injuries, Junior Brother. You truly have profound fortune!"

Xuanwei responded politely to each, understanding that within the Intercepting Sect, he had initially established a foothold. He was no longer the insignificant, doubt-ridden "connected person" he once was.

Upon returning to the medicine garden in the back mountain, he found it meticulously organized. The Vermillion Fruits and Jade Marrow Grapes were growing exceptionally well, clearly tended to by Senior Brother Ma Sui during his absence. His gratitude deepened.

His first action was to check the Void Spirit Drawing Array. Since the energy supply had been cut off when he left, the array had stopped operating, and the Origin Particle of Space at its core had not been significantly consumed. He reactivated the array and felt the spiritual energy slowly gathering again, flowing into the Chaos Bead, bringing him some peace of mind.

Afterward, he immediately threw himself into intense cultivation and "task grinding."

With the healing experience on Three Immortal Island and the feedback from the Remnant Seed of Jianmu, his recovery was twice as effective. Coupled with the Immortal Nourishing Pool and the insights gained from discussing the Dao with the San Xiao, in just half a month, his long-stagnant cultivation bottleneck shattered!

[Energy level breakthrough 50%! Cultivation advanced to early Heavenly Immortal!]

[Supreme Pure Immortal Method comprehension deepened! Azure Emperor Longevity Art (incomplete) preliminary mastery achieved!]

[Chaos Bead (fragment) repair progress reached 1.5%! Spatial range slightly expanded to a diameter of three and a half li.]

Advancing to Heavenly Immortal was a qualitative leap! Xuanwei felt his immortal qi body become more condensed, his perception and control over worldly spiritual energy greatly enhanced, and his divine sense range expanded severalfold! More importantly, he could finally begin cultivating truly powerful divine abilities and spells!

He first chose a lightning technique recorded in the Supreme Pure Immortal Method, "Supreme Pure Divine Thunder." This lightning method was fierce and overbearing, imbued with the power to dispel evil and slay demons, perfectly suiting his current needs for self-defense and combat.

At the same time, he did not abandon his "old profession." After ascending to Heavenly Immortal, his control over Wutu Source and Wood Element Vitality became even more refined, further improving the efficiency and quality of cultivating spiritual plants! He even attempted to infuse a barely perceptible trace of chaotic energy into the cultivation process. Although it consumed a great deal of energy, the quality of the spiritual plants cultivated far surpassed their peers, faintly carrying a hint of innate Dao Rhyme!

This further solidified his reputation as a "Spiritual Plant Master" within the Intercepting Sect. Disciples seeking to pre-order spirit grass or collaborate with him came in a continuous stream, including several core disciples of esteemed status. His Contribution Points rapidly accumulated once more.

One day, after completing a challenging task of cultivating "Thousand-Year Blood Coral" and receiving generous rewards, he was preparing to go to the Scripture Pavilion to exchange for a new divine ability when Senior Brother Ma Sui excitedly sought him out again.

"Junior Brother Xuanwei! Great news! Tremendous news!" Ma Sui still looked the same, but the joy on his face was even more pronounced than last time.

"Senior Brother Ma Sui, what is it?" Xuanwei asked with a smile, feeling quite pleased whenever he saw the plump senior brother now.

"It's Master! Our venerable Master will be lecturing on the Supreme Pure Great Law at Biyou Palace in three days! And he specifically mentioned that all disciples may attend this lecture!" Ma Sui's plump face turned red with excitement.

Sect Master Tongtian lecturing?!

Xuanwei's heart also trembled! This was a lecture personally given by a Saint, a matter of great importance! It was far beyond the lecture given by Primordial Lord of Heaven earlier, which carried a tone of admonishment! For any cultivator, this was a heaven-sent opportunity!

"Moreover," Ma Sui lowered his voice, speaking mysteriously, "it is rumored that during this lecture, Master will also test the disciples' cultivation. If anyone excels, they might be bestowed with a magic treasure or even accepted as a personal disciple!"

Bestowed with a magic treasure! Accepted as a personal disciple!

These two phrases made Xuanwei's heart pound uncontrollably! A treasure bestowed by a Saint, how could it be ordinary? If he could become a personal disciple, his status within the Intercepting Sect would be entirely different!

He knew this was an opportunity, a chance to truly showcase his value before Sect Master Tongtian and establish his position! It was also an opportunity... to potentially obtain a powerful magic treasure and enhance his own strength!

"Thank you, Senior Brother, for informing me! Such a grand occasion, this disciple will definitely prepare diligently and attend the lecture!" Xuanwei said solemnly.

After seeing Ma Sui off, Xuanwei's mind was in turmoil. He immediately adjusted his state, consolidating his cultivation at the peak of early Heavenly Immortal, while repeatedly pondering the Supreme Pure Immortal Method and Azure Emperor Longevity Art, striving to gain insights and perform exceptionally during the lecture.

Three days later, on the vast plaza in front of Biyou Palace, myriads of immortals gathered!

Compared to the scene at Yuxu Palace before, this place was a true "gathering of ten thousand immortals"! Countless disciples of the Intercepting Sect, returning from various places, of varying cultivation levels and diverse appearances, but without exception, their faces held excitement and piety. Cranes soared in the sky above the plaza, auspicious energy flowed in myriad streams, and Dao Rhyme permeated the air.

Xuanwei found a spot in the middle of the plaza and sat down (hovering) amidst the crowd. He could feel countless gazes on him, more complex than ever before. There was curiosity, anticipation, scrutiny, and… a hostility that made his back prickle.

He knew without looking that the source of the hostility was Lingxiao. It was likely that the Heavenly Origin Sect had also heard the news of Tongtian's sermon, and Lingxiao must have come as well.

As expected, in the area where the Heavenly Origin Sect disciples gathered, Lingxiao was staring at him coldly, his murderous intent almost undisguised.

Xuanwei scoffed inwardly, but his expression remained calm. Today, his goal was to listen to the sermon and perform well; there was no need to get entangled with this petty individual.

Suddenly, the plaza fell silent.

A grand, encompassing, supreme aura, like spring wind and rain, that could sever heaven and earth and snatch a sliver of life for all beings, quietly enveloped the entire plaza. It lacked the icy majesty of Yuxu Palace, yet it inspired more reverence and closeness.

Sect Master Tongtian had arrived.

He did not manifest his true form, only a beam of azure light filled with infinite sword intent and vitality, hovering high above a cloud bed.

"Today, I shall expound upon the Supreme Pure Great Dao, teaching all without discrimination, to grant you all a chance at heavenly secrets..."

Sect Master Tongtian's clear and powerful Dao voice resonated like a great bell, striking the minds of every listener. The Dao he spoke of was all-encompassing, yet it pointed directly to the origin, expounding the doctrines of the Intercepting Sect, explaining wondrous spiritual powers, and dissecting the ultimate principles of heaven and earth.

Xuanwei was instantly immersed!

Unlike the rigid and methodical Jade Pure Immortal Method, which emphasized destiny, the Supreme Pure Great Dao placed more importance on "change" and "struggle," emphasizing personal effort and snatching life from desperate situations! This resonated perfectly with his experiences, his System, his Chaos Bead, and even his anomalous soul!

He listened with rapt attention, and many of his past cultivation doubts suddenly became clear! The bottlenecks in the Supreme Pure Immortal Method and the Azure Emperor Longevity Art were now connected! The Immortal Qi within his body, the Wutu Source, the Wood Element Vitality, and even that trace of chaotic energy, all circulated autonomously with the Dao voice, becoming more harmonious and integrated!

He could even feel the fragment of the Chaos Bead in his sea of consciousness trembling slightly, absorbing this Supreme Pure Dao Rhyme. The 1.5% repair progress seemed to show signs of loosening!

[Immersed in the Saint's sermon, Dao realm has improved! Proficiency in Supreme Pure Immortal Method greatly increased! Comprehension of Azure Emperor Longevity Art deepened!]

[Chaos Bead absorbed Supreme Pure Dao Rhyme, causing unknown beneficial changes… Analyzing…]

After an unknown amount of time, the sermon temporarily concluded.

Sect Master Tongtian's grand consciousness swept over the myriad disciples below, finally lingering for a moment on a few disciples with particularly outstanding auras, among whom was Xuanwei!

"You who have listened to the sermon, what have you gained?" Sect Master Tongtian's voice carried a hint of examination.

Immediately, several disciples with profound cultivation rose and expounded on their insights, causing Dao Rhyme to resonate and heavenly flowers to rain down.

Xuanwei's mind raced, knowing that his chance to perform had arrived! He took a deep breath, did not rise, but instead combined his understanding of "The One That Escapes," "defying heaven to fight for fate," and "the infinite vitality contained within the growth and decay of plants, and the cycle of life and death," with the profound meanings of the Supreme Pure Immortal Method and the Azure Emperor Longevity Art, transforming it into a pure and vital intention, which he slowly released!

This intention was not the strongest, but it was extremely unique, containing the purity of Innate Immortal Qi, the solidity of the Wutu Source, the vigor of Wood Element Vitality, and even a trace of chaos's inclusiveness and the true meaning of change, perfectly embodying the essence of Sect Master Tongtian's Intercepting Sect!

In an instant, azure, yellow, and chaotic tricolor light naturally flowed around him, Dao Rhyme formed naturally, as if he were a peculiar spiritual root breaking through chaos and growing tenaciously!

The entire plaza quieted slightly!

Even the azure beam of light hovering above the cloud bed seemed to ripple.

Sect Master Tongtian's intention, tinged with surprise and appreciation, sounded: "Good! Xuanwei, you can see the Dao's vitality within the growth and decay of plants, comprehend the opportunity for change within your own origins, and moreover, you harbor the thought of a single chance. Well done, you greatly please me!"

Praise from a Saint!

The plaza immediately erupted in a low murmur! Countless gazes refocused on Xuanwei, this time filled with envy, jealousy, disbelief… a mixture of emotions.

Lingxiao's face instantly turned so dark it looked like it could drip water!

However, just as Xuanwei was inwardly pleased, expecting some reward, Sect Master Tongtian's next words made his heart sink sharply.

"However, the Great Dao is arduous, and calamities are frequent. You carry a wondrous treasure, which involves much, and your fortune and misfortune are unpredictable. Today, I shall bestow upon you a trial..."

Before he finished speaking, a sharp and unparalleled terrifying sword intent, as if capable of severing karma and breaking through time and space, descended like a silver river from the nine heavens. It did not strike Xuanwei, but directly locked onto the fragment of the Chaos Bead deep within his sea of consciousness!

Xuanwei's pupils contracted violently! Master Tongtian… he knew all along?! And what was he about to do?!