Gifting

Bai Jin pointed to the side, and a large tree instantly appeared on the open ground next to him. Its roots were deeply planted in the ground, as if it had always been there. The leaves emitted wisps of mist and a fresh fragrance. It was the Big Red Robe Mother Tree he had obtained from Mount Wuyi earlier.

Bai Jin floated up and circled the tea tree. A cluster of tender buds fell from the tree and danced with Bai Jin.

Bai Jin landed lightly on the ground, radiating heat. He slowly raised his hands, took a step, and raised his shoulders, practicing Taiji Boxing. The tea leaves and buds transformed into a divine dragon that circled his body. As his hands moved, the tea-leaf dragon weaved between them, gradually forming a Taiji Diagram. Under the high temperature, the Taiji Diagram slowly turned from verdant green to withered yellow.

Taishang's eyes lit up. He didn't know the profundity of these leaves for now, but this set of boxing was complete and integrated, with Yin and Yang in harmony. It deeply resonated with his own Dao. It seemed this little fellow had indeed learned something from him. He couldn't help but stroke his beard, revealing a satisfied expression. He was teachable!

A moment later, Bai Jin exhaled and finished his movements. He lifted one hand, and a spinning brown Taiji Diagram hovered above his palm.

A jade bottle appeared in his other hand. The Taiji tea leaves then flowed into the jade bottle like a stream of water, all entering it.

Bai Jin walked to the table with the jade bottle, bowed respectfully, and offered it, saying, "First Martial Uncle, this is the gift tea my disciple has brought for you."

Tongtian asked curiously, "What is this tea for?"

"It's a beverage!"

Tongtian said grumpily, "If it's a beverage, then go boil it."

Bai Jin chuckled sheepishly and said, "Boiling tea requires good water and good fire. I have neither."

Yuanshi produced a bottle and threw it over, saying, "Here is the Three Lights Divine Water. Take it and use it!"

Second Martial Uncle is so generous! Bai Jin quickly took the bottle and bowed in thanks, exclaiming in surprise, "Thank you, Second Martial Uncle, for the water."

Yuanshi's eyelids twitched. "For the water?" When did I say I was giving it to you? I meant you have to return it after using it. But upon careful consideration, if it can be understood as giving water, it's not entirely wrong.

Yuanshi, who valued his reputation, couldn't possibly take back his words in front of everyone. He could only haughtily grunt in response, though his heart ached terribly. My Three Lights Divine Water!

Taishang extended his hand, and a flame appeared between his fingers. He said, "I bestow this Samadhi True Fire upon you."

Bai Jin quickly bowed in thanks, happily saying, "Thank you, First Martial Uncle."

Tongtian said grumpily, "Aren't you going to boil the tea yet?"

"Yes! Your disciple will go now." Bai Jin put away the Three Lights Divine Water and the Samadhi True Fire and ran off. Fire dragons danced on the mountaintop, and steam rose like clouds.

A moment later, Bai Jin returned with a tray. On the tray were six jade cups and a jade pot.

Bai Jin walked to the table, cupped each jade cup in his hands, and placed them before the six future Saints. He then picked up the jade pot and poured water into the jade cups. The dried brown tea leaves inside instantly unfurled upon contact with the hot water, releasing wisps of ethereal mist.

Within the small cups, starlight shone brightly. Emerald green tea leaves floated amidst the starlight, resembling a great tree standing in the starry sky.

Bai Jin explained, "When I was still in the wilderness, I heard that there was a tea tree on Mount Wuyi, a treasure of the world, favored by the heavens. So, when I descended the mountain this time, my first stop was Mount Wuyi. I endured countless hardships and finally reached Mount Wuyi to find the Big Red Robe Mother Tree and bring it back as a gift for Martial Uncle."

Taishang picked up his teacup and took a sip. A mellow fragrance bloomed between his lips and teeth. Through his tongue, he could feel the vastness of the starry sky and the beauty of the mountains and rivers. The fragrance was pure and far-reaching, bringing tranquility and peace.

Taishang's eyes lit up, and he praised, "Good tea! You have a kind heart."

Yuanshi couldn't help but nod, "Indeed, it's good tea."

Jieyin opened his eyes and sighed, "The mountains and rivers of heaven and earth in a cup of tea; life is like a dream. The way of tea is no less than that of wine."

Taishang nodded and took another sip.

Seeing his disciple praised, Tongtian's eyes flashed with a hint of pride. However, he reprimanded, "You neglect cultivation and enlightenment all day, instead focusing on these luxurious items. What achievements can you possibly make in the future?"

Bai Jin quickly lowered his head and said, "Master, your scolding is justified! Your disciple will definitely cultivate diligently from now on."

Near the distant waterfall, Daoist Duobao watched Bai Jin fawning over the Three Pure Ones. A flicker of displeasure flashed in his eyes. He was of inferior talent and had no Dao heart, merely a sycophant who only knew how to flatter and please.

The other disciples of Qingfeng Peak also watched Bai Jin, and their perception of him instantly deepened. This senior brother didn't seem like an ordinary Outer Sect Disciple!

Ksitigarbha transmitted his voice, "Medicine Master, what is he up to?"

Medicine Master calmly transmitted back, "Wait."

Bai Jin looked at Yuanshi and smiled, "Second Martial Uncle, during my recent trial, I also visited the East Sea and befriended the Dragon Race there. I obtained a treasure from them and have brought it to present to you."

A satisfied look flashed in Yuanshi's eyes. He was also receiving a gift, and the annoyance of being blackmailed for the Three Lights Divine Water instantly disappeared. Regardless of the gift's value, his thoughtfulness was rare. He said with a hint of anticipation, "What treasure is it?"

Bai Jin pointed to the side, and with a "dong~" sound, the Nine Dragon Agarwood Carriage appeared, situated next to the tea tree. It radiated brilliant auspicious energy, magnificent and luxurious, grand and majestic.

Primordial Lord of Heaven's eyes flashed with joy. This carriage immediately touched his heart. He was very satisfied. How could he not be satisfied? This was originally his destined mount, or rather, his fated mount.

Bai Jin respectfully said, "Martial Uncle, this is the Nine Dragon Agarwood Carriage. It was originally a carriage crafted by the myriad scaled creatures for the Ancestral Dragon.

However, as soon as this carriage was completed, the Dragon-Han Tribulation broke out, and the Ancestral Dragon also died in battle. Therefore, although this carriage is nominally the Ancestral Dragon's mount, no one has ever ridden it.

The moment I saw this carriage, I felt a surge of emotion. Only you, Second Martial Uncle, are worthy of this carriage in the world. That's why I risked taking it."

Yuanshi raised his eyebrows and said, "Risked?"

Bai Jin respectfully replied, "At that time, the Demon Race was also pressuring the Dragon Race to hand over this carriage, but the Dragon King gave the Nine Dragon Agarwood Carriage to my disciple first. Later, when I left with the carriage, I was pursued by demon gods. If not for the protective magical treasures bestowed by my two Martial Uncles, I fear I would not have returned. I have also incurred karma with the Demon Race because of this."

Yuanshi's expression turned grim, and he sneered, "Demon Race!" He directly stated, "I accept this gift, and I will also accept this karma."

Bai Jin said gratefully, "Thank you, Second Martial Uncle."

Yuanshi looked at the Nine Dragon Agarwood Carriage, becoming more satisfied the more he looked at it. His affection for Bai Jin greatly increased. He decided that in the future, he would definitely take in a disciple like Bai Jin, or at least a Daoist boy. Even if the White Crane clan had poor aptitude, they were filial!