Taishang looked at the gazes of the others, stroked his beard with a light smile, and said, "Second Brother, Third Brother, why do you think I agreed?"
Yuanshi Tianzun was inherently proud, and having recently heard of the various events unfolding in the Primordial Wilderness, he held East Prince Gong in even lower regard.
He pondered for a moment, then let out a disdainful snort:
"Big Brother, that Purple Mansion Immortal Court of East Prince Gong is nothing but a gathering of useless gluttons and drunkards. Those with great foundations and rare opportunities wouldn't deign to join it."
"Besides, the Purple Mansion Immortal Court is clearly gearing up for war with the Demon Heavenly Court. This Myriad Immortals Assembly is nothing more than an attempt to rope us in!"
"Could it be that Big Brother intends to use this opportunity to declare outright that we Three Pure Ones won't meddle in their conflict?"
Taishang didn't answer, instead turning his gaze to Tongtian.
Tongtian gave a carefree smile, shook his head casually, and answered with even more simplicity: "I don't know!"
Hearing Tongtian's reply, Yuanshi Tianzun scolded:
"Third Brother, we Three Pure Ones are the transformation of Father God Pangu's Primordial Spirit. Every word and action must follow propriety. Look at the state you're in now."
"Lazy and undisciplined—you're worse than your own disciples!"
"If those disciples see you like this, they'll surely imitate you. When they go out into the Primordial Wilderness, it'll be our Three Pure Ones' reputation that suffers!"
Niu Ben heard this and sighed inwardly.
Yuanshi Tianzun's pride was etched into his very bones.
Tongtian, on the other hand, was free-spirited and unbound by trivialities. When the two came together, friction was inevitable.
Tongtian couldn't care less; he'd long grown used to his Second Brother's attitude. He'd argued before, but each time, his Second Brother used his seniority to suppress him, accusing him of disrespecting his elder brother.
Over time, he'd stopped bothering to argue and simply did as he pleased.
He directly changed the subject, turning to ask, "Big Brother, what's the real reason?"
Taishang's voice was gentle as he said, "No matter how unworthy East Prince Gong may be, he is still the Head of Male Immortals appointed by our teacher. We don't need to show East Prince Gong any face, but for the sake of our teacher's face, we must make the trip."
Hearing this answer.
Yuanshi Tianzun and Tongtian both nodded instinctively.
They hadn't thought of it from that angle before.
The truth was, East Prince Gong's recent actions had made him thoroughly detestable. Many beings in the Primordial Wilderness were dissatisfied with him, and if not for the fear of his status, he'd have been attacked long ago.
The two asked no further questions.
Seeing that the three had fallen silent, Niu Ben's eyes darted around, and he sidled up with a grin: "Master!"
Taishang tilted his head slightly, his eyes full of amusement: "What is it?"
Others might not know, but Niu Ben understood that the most protective of his own wasn't actually Yuanshi Tianzun—it was Taishang. Throughout the entire Great Tribulation of Investiture of the Gods, who dared to touch Xuandu?
Both the Jie Teachings and the Chan Teachings had people on the Investiture of the Gods, but the Human Teachings had not a single one.
At the time, the two sides were locked in a bloody conflict, yet whenever they encountered someone from the Human Teachings, they had to show restraint.
Niu Ben grinned and said, "Master, in a thousand years, could I follow you to Purple Mansion Prefecture to see the world?"
"This Myriad Immortals Assembly sounds impressive. Maybe all the Great Experts will gather there. It'd be a chance to put my face out there. If I ever offend someone while traveling the Primordial Wilderness, they might hold back for the sake of your and my two Martial Uncles' faces!"
Taishang laughed, thinking Niu Ben had something serious to say, but it turned out to be this trivial matter.
He shook his head with a smile: "You, always thinking about stirring up trouble, aren't you?"
There was affection hidden in his words.
This mount was practically his disciple, even closer than a disciple. He'd also heard about what happened earlier—Third Brother had been a bit too light with the beating.
Niu Ben chuckled.
"Granted!" Taishang agreed.
Just then, Tongtian suddenly let out a surprised exclamation.
Then he said in astonishment: "Your cultivation has actually reached the late stage of Primordial Unity Golden Immortal?"
At these words, Yuanshi Tianzun gave a slight probe and sensed Niu Ben's true cultivation level.
Earlier, their attention had been on the envoy from the Purple Mansion Immortal Court, curious about why he'd come, so they hadn't carefully examined Niu Ben.
And now, in such a short time, Niu Ben's cultivation had actually advanced again.
Seeing their surprised looks, Niu Ben felt a bit smug.
He said modestly, "I had a sudden insight, and I also returned to my clan for a bit, where I obtained a small stroke of luck."
Yuanshi Tianzun and Tongtian, however, felt a twinge of envy.
Look at him—just Big Brother's mount, and his cultivation keeps shooting up.
Then think about their own disciples.
Usually strutting around with arrogance, and now they can't even match Big Brother's mount.
The two exchanged a glance, and for the first time, their thoughts aligned with an unprecedented understanding.
Once they returned, they would have to rigorously train their disciples.
Otherwise, it would truly be a disgrace!
The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other's intent.
They had already begun thinking about how to train their disciples, and it had to be harsh discipline.
If the disciples under their command knew that Niu Ben's cultivation breakthrough was about to bring disaster upon them, they'd probably want to eat him alive.
Niu Ben left the hall.
Zhao Gongming was still waiting outside, curiosity burning in his heart.
Seeing Niu Ben emerge, he immediately stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "Senior Brother, what did the Purple Mansion envoy want?"
"Nothing much, just inviting the three Masters to a gathering at the Purple Mansion."
Niu Ben replied casually.
Zhao Gongming nodded and didn't press further.
Those Great Experts occasionally gathered to discuss the Dao—such meetings were common.
Niu Ben went straight back to his cave dwelling.
His heart was already racing with anticipation. Having made his choice, he definitely wanted to draw the lottery.
He couldn't do it in front of the Three Pure Ones.
Once back in his cave, he removed the finest spiritual spring water, using it only to wash his hands, hoping to improve his luck.
He knew it was just a psychological trick, but it still affected what reward he might get.
"System, let me draw!"
As his thought fell.
A light screen appeared before him, displaying a slot machine.
The corner of Niu Ben's mouth twitched slightly—this thing looked utterly unreliable.
Then, four items appeared on the slot machine.
He looked them over one by one.
The first slot showed a single drop of blood. He read its detailed description carefully.
The moment he saw its contents, his heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.
"Damn!"
"It's that all-purpose treasure!"
In his past life, he'd read countless Primordial Wilderness novels—every protagonist got this item.
And this was none other than Pangu's Essence Blood!
The uses of Pangu's Essence Blood needed no explanation. If he managed to draw it, just taking it out would make all the Great Experts fight tooth and nail over it.
Though it was an all-purpose item, it was truly a supreme treasure.
He remembered clearly that in every Primordial Wilderness novel, not a single protagonist failed to obtain this item. It was said that Pangu's Essence Blood contained the Great Dao of Strength.
Calming his excitement—just appearing on the screen didn't mean he'd draw it.
Now he turned his gaze to the second slot!
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