Duobao Shows the Way

Duobao straightened up, his broad frame held erect, his expression solemn, earnest, and brimming with confidence. He said, "First Martial Uncle, I have carefully considered Empress Nuwa's path to sainthood. Empress Nuwa comprehended the Great Dao of Creation and created a race, earning Heaven and Earth's recognition and thus becoming a saint.

I thought, if First Martial Uncle refined an unprecedented kind of pill, could you likewise earn Heaven and Earth's recognition and become a saint on the spot? This pill could be called the Saint Pill."

The smile vanished from Taishang's face as he murmured, "Saint Pill, Saint Pill..."

Regarding sainthood, Taishang, Yuanshi, and Tongtian had always explored the paths of the Great Dao, never once considering methodology. Now, Taishang asked himself and found that his Dao heart was already clear, that he had reached the peak of the Great Dao, yet he had long been unable to prove his Dao. Perhaps he lacked precisely such a method. Junior Sister Nuwa could create humans to demonstrate her Dao to Heaven and Earth and become a saint—so why could he not refine a Saint Pill?

Duobao respectfully said, "First Martial Uncle, that is this disciple-nephew's humble opinion."

Taishang said, "Though it takes a side path and shortcut, it is indeed a path to proving the Dao. Duobao, return for now and let your martial uncle think it over carefully."

Duobao bowed deeply and said, "This disciple takes his leave!" Then he rose and walked outside.

As he exited Taiqing Hall, its doors slammed shut with a rumble. A stream of Taiqing immortal light shone across them, sealing Taiqing Palace completely.

Duobao fought back the urge to throw his head back and laugh wildly, but the excitement in his eyes could not be concealed. If Bai Jin could do it, so could I. He could guide Empress Nuwa to sainthood, and I could guide Master and my martial uncles to sainthood. How would he compete with me after that?!

Standing atop an Auspicious Cloud, Duobao flew toward Yuqing Peak. Landing before Yuqing Palace, he cupped his hands in salute and said, "This disciple Duobao requests an audience with Second Martial Uncle."

The gates of Yuqing Palace slowly opened, revealing a handsome, bright-eyed attendant standing inside.

Bai He the Attendant stepped aside and said with a smile, "Senior Disciple Brother, please enter!"

Duobao nodded amicably and walked into the palace. Inside, Yuanshi sat high in the seat of honor, his eyes slightly closed as he radiated a solemn and majestic aura.

In the past, Duobao had been least willing to deal with this Second Martial Uncle of his. He was far too rigid and severe. But now, the more Duobao looked at Second Martial Uncle, the more agreeable he seemed. From now on, we're on the same side. Bai Jin is nothing.

Duobao walked before a prayer cushion, knelt, and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Martial Uncle."

Yuanshi nodded and asked expressionlessly, "Duobao, why have you come?"

Duobao respectfully replied, "This disciple has come regarding the matter of proving the Dao."

"Proving the Dao?"

"Since returning from Nuwa Palace, this disciple has pondered it deeply. Empress Nuwa proved her Dao by comprehending the Great Dao of Creation and creating a race, earning Heaven and Earth's recognition and becoming a saint. Why could Master and Martial Uncle not use the same method?"

"A method?" Yuanshi shook his head, disappointment rising in his heart. He said calmly, "Their Great Daos differ. How could they follow the same road?"

Duobao straightened his back and said, "Martial Uncle Nuwa has already proven that this path can be walked. Why is Martial Uncle unwilling to try?" After hesitating briefly, he added, "The two martial uncles of the West will likely attempt this path as well. What if they succeed?"

Yuanshi frowned. He had not wished to imitate Junior Sister Nuwa; even if he became a saint, he would be lower than Nuwa for no reason. Yet Duobao's words made sense. If those two from the West followed this path and became saints first, while the Three Pure Ones, Pangu's rightful lineage, remained unable to attain sainthood, then they would lose all face. A sense of urgency immediately rose in his heart.

Yuanshi said, "Duobao, what insight do you have?"

A flash of delight passed through Duobao's eyes as he immediately said, "Martial Uncle's path of artifact refinement is unrivaled throughout the primordial world. This disciple believes that if Martial Uncle can refine the first Saint Artifact since the opening of Heaven and Earth, you will surely be able to become a saint through it."

"Saint Artifact!" Yuanshi murmured. One thought after another flashed through his mind. Using the Primordial Violet Qi and the foundation of his own Great Dao to refine an artifact, fusing them together in a single furnace—once the artifact was complete, the saintly rank would be complete as well. It might truly be worth trying. Though it would seem he had drawn inspiration from Junior Sister Nuwa, it was an entirely different kind of creation. Unconsciously, an image emerged in his mind of himself becoming a saint, with the heavens celebrating in congratulations.

Yuanshi smiled and said, "Duobao, return for now. Your martial uncle must consider this carefully."

"Yes!" Duobao rose and headed outside.

Bai He the Attendant stood at the entrance and watched Duobao leave, curling his lips. Senior Brother Bai Jin is still better. He just gave me another fun thing. This Senior Disciple Brother is so stingy.

Yuanshi called out, "Bai He!"

Bai He immediately came back to himself and hurriedly replied, "What are your orders, Master?"

"I intend to enter seclusion. Go outside, and do not allow anyone to disturb me."

"Yes!" Bai He the Attendant lowered his head in acknowledgment and walked out of Yuqing Hall. The palace doors rumbled shut behind him, and Yuqing immortal light flickered over them.

Bai He the Attendant looked over the silent Yuqing Peak, then rose on a cloud and flew toward Shangqing Peak. Yuqing Peak is so deserted. I'll go play with Senior Brother Bai Jin. Last time, Senior Brother Bai Jin said I could visit Shangqing Peak.

Duobao traveled all the way to Shangqing Peak. Unlike his two martial uncles, he held immense confidence in his own master. He would certainly be able to persuade Master to try his method.

Before Shangqing Palace, Holy Mother Jinling sat cross-legged beneath a tree, bored out of her mind.

An Auspicious Cloud drifted down. When it dispersed, Duobao stood on the ground and started toward Shangqing Palace.

Holy Mother Jinling cried out in delight, "Senior Disciple Brother!"

Duobao halted and turned toward the tree, asking in surprise, "Junior Sister Jinling, why are you here?"

Jinling smiled. "Senior Disciple Brother, what are you thinking about? You didn't even notice me here."

Duobao smiled and said, "A minor doubt in cultivation. Junior Sister, are you here to seek an audience with Master as well?"

Jinling nodded. "Yes!"

Duobao asked in confusion, "Then why are you waiting here instead of going inside?"

Jinling said helplessly, "Senior Brother Bai Jin is inside paying his respects, so I can only wait outside for now."

Duobao's heart skipped a beat. Bai Jin is here too? He wouldn't have already revealed the path to proving the Dao to Master, would he? It's not like he couldn't do something like that. For a moment, unease filled his heart.

Jinling looked at Duobao in confusion. What was wrong with Senior Disciple Brother today? Why did he seem so distracted?

Duobao turned to Jinling and asked, "Junior Sister, do you know what Bai Jin and Master are discussing?"

After hesitating, Jinling said, "When I came to request an audience just now, I think I heard something about artifact refinement. I'm not sure of the details; I only caught a few scattered words."

Artifact refinement? Duobao relaxed inwardly. Good. Bai Jin probably hasn't yet realized the key to Master and the two martial uncles proving the Dao.

Duobao immediately walked beneath the tree and sat cross-legged beside Jinling. Smiling, he said, "Junior Sister, I have something important to report to Master. When the time comes, could you let me go in first?"

Jinling nodded with a grin. "Sure!"

"Thank you, Junior Sister!"