Duobao and Bai Jin's Exchange

Bai Jin pressed for details, asking, "What Way of Combat?"

Daoist Duobao's eyes snapped open. He floated up and said displeased, "Junior Brother, are you questioning your Senior Brother?"

Bai Jin calmly replied, "I wouldn't dare! It's just that as soon as the rules were set, someone broke them. How will I manage the Outer Sect in the future? If there's no explanation, I'll have to seek judgment from Master."

Over a dozen Outer Sect Disciples all got to their feet, a flicker of panic in their eyes. If they went to see Master, the two Senior Brothers would surely be fine, but their own fates were uncertain.

Daoist Duobao said, "I was indeed imparting the Dao to them just now."

"What Dao?"

Daoist Duobao smiled. "Junior Brother, why don't you experience it yourself?"

Daoist Duobao's expression turned serious. He brought one hand to his chest, then slowly pushed it forward, saying, "This is a palm technique I've recently comprehended. Junior Brother, please enlighten me!"

Hummm~ A massive, jade-green palm materialized, pushing towards Bai Jin like a mountain wall.

Bai Jin's expression shifted. This palm technique looked so familiar. A Daoist version of the Great Sun Tathagata Palm? Without further thought, Bai Jin spun his hands in front of him. Hummm~ A colossal Taiji Diagram appeared. The spinning Taiji was much larger than the immense palm print, but size didn't necessarily mean strength.

Dong~ The palm print struck the Taiji Diagram, emitting a thunderous boom. The Taiji Diagram instantly faltered as the massive green palm pushed it back.

Bai Jin pushed the Taiji Diagram backward, his expression grim. The gap in their cultivation was too vast; a single divine ability couldn't bridge it. He couldn't block it.

A thought suddenly flashed through Bai Jin's mind. I can't block it? But why should I block it? Isn't my goal to get rid of my position as Head Outer Sect Disciple? This is perfect! The Taiji Diagram flashed and suddenly vanished.

The giant green palm print surged forward, striking Bai Jin with a dong and sending him flying backward.

Daoist Duobao's expression changed. He instantly redirected the giant palm, sending it shooting towards the sky, piercing the clouds and leaving a massive palm print on the sky.

Bai Jin had already been sent a thousand meters away, crashing through a patch of large trees with a crackling sound, looking thoroughly disheveled.

Bai Jin flipped over and stood up from the ground, his clothes tattered. He raised a finger and said, "First Martial Uncle has marvelous divine abilities. Junior Brother has learned much."

Daoist Duobao's face darkened. He roared, "Bai Jin, what scheme are you plotting now? Why did you suddenly stop defending?"

Bai Jin tidied his clothes and shook his head. "I didn't stop. I was simply outmatched."

Daoist Duobao's expression grew gloomy. "Do you think I can't see that? What exactly are you plotting?"

Bai Jin turned and walked away, his voice echoing back, "Since Senior Brother wishes to personally guide them, I will no longer interfere. I hope Senior Brother does not lead them astray."

As Bai Jin walked out of the valley, he saw the group of junior disciples waiting outside. He smiled and nodded, then continued walking out, showing no signs of dejection from defeat.

The Outer Sect Disciples exchanged glances. Several of them began to have second thoughts. This Senior Brother seems quite weak! He couldn't even block one move from Senior Brother Duobao.

Once he was in a secluded spot, Bai Jin quickly shook his hands, wincing. Senior Brother's palm technique is truly too forceful! Even with Taiji Boxing to diffuse the force, my arms are still numb.

Bai Jin paid his respects to the First Martial Uncle and the Second Martial Uncle. He had a casual chat with the Grand Martial Uncle Taishang. Second Martial Uncle Yuanshi had not yet emerged from seclusion. He also slipped two gifts to Bai He the Attendant, who happily called him "Senior Brother" over and over.

Finally, Bai Jin entered Shangqing Palace and knelt on a futon, bowing his head. "Disciple greets Master. I wish Master a prosperous Dao lineage, countless immortals arriving, harmonious disciples, and a peaceful realm."

Tongtian chuckled. "This isn't a greeting; it's a complaint."

Bai Jin rose and sat on the futon, his face dusty and looking wronged. "Master, look how badly Senior Brother beat me! Please quickly remove me from the position of Head Outer Sect Disciple! I was beaten half to death by Senior Brother on the first day. If I continue, I'll lose my life."

Tongtian looked at Bai Jin with a half-smile. "Was it really Duobao who hit you?"

Bai Jin nodded repeatedly. "Yes! Master, you didn't see it. That palm was as big as a small mountain! It came straight for my face. If I hadn't been lucky, I might never have seen you again."

Tongtian asked, "Why didn't you use the Five Elements Great Escape I taught you? Why didn't you use the Heaven-Opening Sword? Why did the Taiji Diagram suddenly collapse?"

Bai Jin stiffened, his eyes darting around. He quickly replied, "I haven't mastered the Five Elements Great Escape yet, and I was afraid I'd get stuck underground. Also, it happened so suddenly, and I forgot about the Heaven-Opening Sword. The Taiji Diagram collapsed because Senior Brother attacked too fiercely! Master, you must uphold justice for me! I really can't be the Head Outer Sect Disciple anymore!"

"Silence!" Tongtian roared.

"Gulp~" Bai Jin immediately fell silent, looking at Tongtian with a wronged expression.

Tongtian, amused and exasperated, said, "I made you the Head Outer Sect Disciple, and you're still wronged?"

Bai Jin subconsciously nodded, then quickly shook his head, whispering, "Master, you know me. I'm just a little clever, but my aptitude is low, and I'm not suited for great responsibility. I have no grand ambitions to become famous throughout the Great Desolation and shake the universe. I only wish to serve by Master's side forever."

Tongtian's gaze softened. He said in annoyance, "Look at your ambition. Whether you want to be the Head Outer Sect Disciple or not, you will be."

Bai Jin sat slumped on the futon, dejected. His meticulously planned abdication plan had failed again. As expected, I'm just too outstanding.

Bai Jin looked up at Tongtian. "Fine, I'll be the Head Outer Sect Disciple. But how will you deal with this matter of Senior Brother?"

Tongtian said calmly, "Don't meddle."

Bai Jin was speechless. "Master, you made me the Head Outer Sect Disciple, but you won't let me meddle? You're too biased!"

"Do your own job well, cultivate diligently, and don't concern yourself with other matters. Everyone has their own destiny."

Bai Jin lowered his head and reluctantly replied, "Yes! Disciple understands." He got up and walked out. There was no other way; he could only accept this identity for now. But he wouldn't give up. One day, he would abdicate and recommend a worthy successor. Hmm~ Senior Brother Duobao seems very suitable!

Inside Shangqing Palace, Tongtian mused, "The Dao of 'I Alone Am Honored.' Duobao, let me see how far you can go." A hint of expectation flickered in his eyes.