Secret Talks at Biyou Palace, the Saint's Heart Was Unfathomable

The miniature phantom of an array above the Light Cocoon, fused with Chaos Qi and Heaven-Severing Sword Intent, existed for only an instant. Yet it struck the hearts of every "person" present, aside from the Light Cocoon itself, like a bolt of lightning.

For the first time, clear cracks appeared on Daoist Duobao's timelessly ancient face—cracks called "shock." As the Interception Sect's chief disciple, overseeing sect affairs, his understanding of arrays ranked second only to Sect Master Tongtian's. How could he fail to see that, though the phantom was immature and crude, its core Dao Rhyme had genuinely captured a trace of the Myriad Immortals Array's essence: "seizing a sliver of life" and "evolving all things"! This was absolutely not something an "egg" whose intelligence had only just awakened should have displayed! Such learning ability and comprehension were simply heaven-defying!

The San Xiao sisters exchanged looks, each seeing the disbelief in the others' eyes. Bi Xiao opened her mouth to say something, only for Yun Xiao to stop her with a glance. Qiong Xiao gently tugged Bi Xiao's sleeve, signaling for her not to disturb Xuanwei and the Light Cocoon, who seemed to be in some sort of "communication" state.

Xuanwei himself was dumbfounded. He felt like a chick farmer who had accidentally picked up an egg, only to discover after hatching it that it was a nuclear bomb—and that nuclear bomb was performing calculus in front of him. Other than what the fuck, all he felt was deep anxiety about the future. The more formidable this Light Cocoon ancestor became, the more advanced the "nutrition" it would surely require in the future. His meager savings might well get sucked dry of immortal qi.

"Hungry... tired... sleep..."

That hazy thought came again, carrying a drowsy sense of contentment. Having shown off to its heart's content, the Light Cocoon withdrew all its radiance. The Dao patterns on its surface resumed their slow circulation as it gradually sank back into the cavern it had burst out of, leaving behind nothing but devastation and Xuanwei, whose body had been hollowed out of immortal qi and Chaos Qi.

The scene fell silent.

After several breaths, Daoist Duobao slowly let out a breath. His gaze was complicated as he looked at Xuanwei, whose complexion had turned pale from dimmed immortal qi. His tone carried an indescribable meaning. "Xuanwei... take care of yourself."

He truly did not know how to evaluate this junior brother. Calling him blessed with deep fortune was fair enough, but his ability to cause trouble—or rather, have trouble come looking for him—was also first-rate. Calling him a troublemaker was fair too, yet every time he caused a stir, he seemed to gain some unexpected benefit—or an even more troublesome burden. The Light Cocoon's existence had already exceeded the bounds of an ordinary opportunity. Even he could not foresee its future.

"This disciple... understands." Xuanwei responded weakly, feeling like an overworked office drone who had pulled three straight months of overtime, his soul nearly leaving his body. He hurriedly took out a handful of Restoration Pills and fed them into his body, then drew upon the vitality of the Remnant Seed of Jianmu to nourish himself slowly. Only then did he begin to feel a little better.

"This matter is concluded. I must report the abnormality here to Master." Daoist Duobao gave the spot where the Light Cocoon had sunk one last deep look. With a flash, he vanished from where he stood.

Xuanwei and the San Xiao sisters were left staring at one another.

"Junior Brother..." Bi Xiao leaned closer and curiously poked Xuanwei's immortal qi. "What exactly is this treasure you picked up? Why does it feel like it can cause even more trouble than Eldest Sister's Primal Chaos Golden Dipper?"

Xuanwei smiled bitterly. "Senior Sister, please stop teasing me. I only hope it sleeps peacefully and doesn't pull any more nonsense on me." He looked at the nearly ruined Medicine Garden and the underground cavern that needed to be sealed and reinforced again—mainly to prevent its aura from leaking out or being stimulated again—and felt his head ache. Rebuilding his home required Contribution Points. Feeding three Black Tortoise Eggs and one Light Cocoon required enormous amounts of Chaos Qi and Wood Element Vitality... Poor. One word: poor!

Qiong Xiao comforted him gently. "Junior Brother, there is no need to worry excessively. Though this thing may bring considerable future trouble, its potential is limitless. If properly guided, it may become a great aid to you in the future. As for resources, they can be gathered gradually."

Yun Xiao nodded slightly as well. "Blessing and misfortune depend on each other. Grasp the present. Since you have already received Master's personal teachings, you are qualified to draw upon more of the sect's resources. Your most urgent task is to stabilize your cultivation and raise your strength. Only then can you face the changes to come."

The three senior sisters offered Xuanwei a few more words of comfort. They also promised to keep an eye out for missions that could quickly earn Contribution Points, as well as spiritual materials containing Chaos and Wood Element attributes, before they finally departed.

After seeing the San Xiao sisters off, Xuanwei looked at the devastated Medicine Garden, sighed, and resignedly began cleaning up the mess. He first sorted out the rampaging earth veins and repaired the damaged Spirit Fields. Then, spending a considerable amount of immortal qi and materials, he combined his newly acquired rudimentary understanding of the Black Tortoise Prison Suppressing Pattern to set up a sturdier, more concealed sealing array at the entrance of the underground cavern. Its main purpose was to strengthen the isolation of aura fluctuations inside and outside.

After finishing all that, he felt that the little energy he had just recovered was nearly depleted again. He collapsed in thought beside the newly repaired Spirit Field and began seriously considering a plan to get rich.

Relying solely on missions to earn Contribution Points was far too inefficient, and high-grade resources were often unavailable even at a price. Pill refinement? He did not know how. Artifact refinement? He had no time to learn. Talisman crafting? He knew nothing at all.

"Could it be... I really have to return to my old trade and make my fortune by 'accelerating the growth' of Spiritual Plants?" Xuanwei pondered. With the Remnant Seed of Jianmu and Chaos Qi he now possessed, his efficiency in cultivating high-age Spiritual Plants would definitely surpass anyone in the Interception Sect. But it still would not bring in money quickly enough, and it was too conspicuous. People would easily set their eyes on him.

"Or... sell 'technology'?" His eyes lit up. Couldn't the Chaos Bead simulate auras? Could he simulate the medicinal fluctuations of a particular high-grade pill and fool—no, "help"—those disciples stuck at bottlenecks find an opportunity to break through? Or simulate the Dao Rhyme of some top-tier artifact-refining material and help others increase their success rate when refining artifacts?

It was a bold idea, and an extremely reckless one. If exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable. But the profits would also be immense. It would definitely be a wildly lucrative business.

Just as his thoughts ran wild and he repeatedly danced along the edge of disaster, a clear sword cry came from the horizon!

Whoosh!

A condensed streak of azure light, radiating pure Supreme Pure Sword Intent, ignored the layers of restrictions Xuanwei had just set up. As though passing through empty space, it halted directly before him! The light faded, revealing an ancient token that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with the character "Tong"!

A summons token from Master Tongtian?!

Xuanwei jolted, nearly leaping up from the ground—at least mentally! He had only just settled the Light Cocoon's mess. Senior Brother Duobao had barely left, and Master was already summoning him? Was this to settle accounts afterward, or... was there another arrangement?

He did not dare delay. He hurriedly tidied up his immortal qi body and respectfully accepted the token radiating solemn saintly might. The token felt slightly cool in his hand, and a clear thought entered his mind:

"Come to the rear hall of Biyou Palace at once."

Brief and to the point—Sect Master Tongtian's usual style.

Xuanwei's heart was in turmoil, as if he were carrying a rabbit in his chest—one transformed from a Black Tortoise Egg, at that. He glanced underground, where the Light Cocoon was temporarily peaceful. Then he checked the Mustard Seed Space, where the three Black Tortoise Eggs were obediently absorbing Chaos Qi. Only then did he steady himself somewhat, raise his escape light, and fly toward the core region of Biyou Palace with the grim feeling of heading to an execution ground.

Passing through layers of immortal mist and restrictions, he arrived at the rear hall of Biyou Palace. It was even more secluded than the front hall, and its Dao Rhyme was richer and purer. Sect Master Tongtian had not manifested his true form. Only that azure Dao light, containing boundless vitality and sharpness, floated above the hall's sole cloud couch.

"This disciple Xuanwei greets Master!" Xuanwei landed while hovering and performed a grand bow.

The azure Dao light rippled slightly, and Sect Master Tongtian's clear yet imposing voice sounded, skipping all pleasantries. "Duobao has reported to me concerning the chaotic object underground and the Western Teachings' plot in the Eastern Sea."

Xuanwei's heart tightened. Here it came!

"You carry unusual treasures and possess deep fortune, but tribulations also follow you." Sect Master Tongtian's tone revealed neither joy nor anger. "Though that Chaos Bead fragment can conceal heavenly secrets, it is not omnipotent. When a Saint has a sudden impulse, they will naturally sense something. The two Saints of the West have already noticed you."

Xuanwei's scalp went numb! The two Western Saints! Zhunti and Jieyin! They were superpowers of the same generation as the Dao Ancestor! He had already been noticed by Saints?!

"Mas... Master... this disciple..." Even his voice trembled.

"Do not panic." Sect Master Tongtian interrupted him. "Since you have entered my sect, you are a member of the Interception Sect. My sword remains sharp enough to protect my disciples."

His words were calm, yet they carried an overbearing determination capable of severing everything apart. Xuanwei immediately felt much more at ease. That was right, he belonged to an organization now! His boss—his Master—was a fierce figure who could stand against four Saints head-on!

"Thank you, Master!" Xuanwei sincerely bowed again in gratitude.

"However, external strength may be borrowed, but not relied upon." Sect Master Tongtian changed the subject. "The Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods is about to begin. This is the great trend of the Heavenly Dao, and also the time for internal reckoning within our Profound Sect. Tribulation qi will spread, and heavenly secrets will become chaotic. Even Saints will find it difficult to grasp the whole situation. You must raise your strength quickly, so that you may fight for a sliver of life in the tribulation."

The Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods! Was it finally coming?! Xuanwei's heart went cold.

"That chaotic object and the descendants of the Black Tortoise are burdens, but they are also opportunities. Raise them well, and they may help you survive the tribulation." Sect Master Tongtian continued. "I have observed your cultivation. It is broad but lacking in refinement. Though the Chaos Bead harmonizes it, your foundation must still be strengthened. I summoned you here today to grant you an opportunity."

A thread of incomparably pure Supreme Pure immortal light separated from the azure Dao light and entered Xuanwei's glabella.

"This is the token for the Supreme Pure Dao Comprehension Pool. With it, you may cultivate within the pool for three months. Its waters were condensed by compressing the clear qi gathered by me at the dawn of chaos. They contain supreme Dao Rhyme and have extraordinary effects in comprehending the Great Dao, solidifying one's foundation, and tempering one's origin. I hope you will cherish this opportunity."

The Supreme Pure Dao Comprehension Pool! Xuanwei was ecstatic! This was one of the Interception Sect's highest-grade sacred cultivation grounds! It was said that one day of cultivation within was equivalent to a year outside! Moreover, it greatly enhanced one's comprehension of the Great Dao! Master was truly investing heavily in his cultivation!

"This disciple kowtows in thanks for Master's generous gift! I will cultivate diligently without cease and never disappoint Master's grace!" Xuanwei was so excited that even his immortal qi rippled.

"Go." Sect Master Tongtian's voice carried a trace of weariness. "Remember: before the tribulation begins, Golden Immortal is the foundation for standing firm."

With a flash of azure light, Sect Master Tongtian's aura had already vanished.

Holding the warm token for the Supreme Pure Dao Comprehension Pool, Xuanwei's heart was filled with gratitude and urgency.

Golden Immortal! He had to break through to the Golden Immortal realm before the Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods officially began! Otherwise, he would not even be qualified to serve as cannon fodder!

He looked at the sleeping Light Cocoon underground, then sensed the three Black Tortoise Eggs in the Mustard Seed Space. His gaze became resolute.

Seclusion! Charge for the Golden Immortal realm!

However, just as he was preparing to immediately enter seclusion at the Supreme Pure Dao Comprehension Pool, the communication jade talisman from Duobao in his robes began flashing again at the most inconvenient moment!

Xuanwei frowned and sent his divine sense inside.

Daoist Duobao's thought, carrying a trace of strange amusement, came through:

"Xuanwei, come to the Outer Sect Affairs Hall at once. A little fellow claiming to be the descendant of an 'old acquaintance' of yours has come to Golden Ao Island carrying your 'token'... to ask you to take them as a disciple."

A descendant of an old acquaintance? A token? Asking to become his disciple?

Xuanwei was completely baffled. Where in the Primordial World did he have any old acquaintances? And descendants, at that? He had arrived in this world as a wisp of qi. All his relatives and friends were in another world!

What kind of immortal was coming to scam him now?!