Laozi Demands Treasure, Bestowed the Sea Calming Pearl

"Third Brother~"

Just then, the presiding Laozi seemed to recall something, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "I remember you obtained the twenty-four Sea Calming Pearls at the Treasure Distribution Cliff, correct?"

"That is indeed the case."

A brief pause, and Sect Master Tongtian was surprised by Laozi's sudden inquiry.

Yet he did not deny it, instead replying calmly, "This treasure is indeed in my possession. Individually, they are Mid-grade Innate Spirit Treasures, but when the twenty-four Sea Calming Pearls are used together, their power can rival that of a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure."

"Mm."

Nodding, Laozi stopped beating around the bush and pointed at Li Yun. "The Top Three of the Grand Competition are to be granted treasures by the three of us respectively. Since Second Brother's gift of the Yin Yang Mirror does not count as part of the reward, could Third Brother bestow the Sea Calming Pearls upon my disciple?"

"This item also shares some karmic connection with him."

At these words, Li Yun immediately looked at Tongtian with anticipation.

The Twenty-Four Sea Calming Pearls!

He desired this treasure more than anything.

Though they were Mid-grade Innate Spirit Treasures individually, and their combined use rivaled a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, he knew their true purpose all too well.

The Twenty-Four Sea Calming Pearls.

If he could obtain the Universe Ruler in Randeng's possession and refine them together—

Then he could open up the complete Twenty-Four Heavens, twenty-four Small Thousand Worlds constructed with full rules and laws of power. Once activated, they would mobilize the power of all heavens to empower the user.

This power of the heavens was inferior to the Heavenly Dao, and even lesser than the Primordial World's might.

Yet it was second only to those two. In the original story, Randeng used Lu Ya's methods during the Investiture of the Gods Era to kill Zhao Gongming and seize the Sea Calming Pearls.

After joining the Western Teachings, Randeng directly used the Sea Calming Pearls and the Universe Ruler to evolve the Twenty-Four Heavens, leaping to the peak of Quasi-Saint combat power. He became the Past Buddha of the Western Teachings, his status and identity undergoing a magnificent transformation—one of the strongest figures in an era where Saints no longer appeared.

"No problem~"

Nodding, Tongtian was somewhat surprised.

But since Laozi had already spoken, how could he refuse?

Besides, while the Sea Calming Pearls were powerful, they were ultimately only Mid-grade Innate Spirit Treasures, still inferior to High-Grade Innate Spirit Treasures.

More importantly, this treasure had a karmic connection with Li Yun.

Though he didn't know the specifics, he didn't believe Laozi would deceive him.

With that thought, Tongtian wasted no more words. With a thought, the twenty-four Sea Calming Pearls appeared before him.

Instantly, three burning gazes shot forth from the crowd.

The first was naturally Li Yun—this treasure was what he had longed for.

The second was Zhao Gongming. Though he didn't know why, he felt a connection to this treasure. But unfortunately, it no longer belonged to him and was about to be granted to Li Yun by Tongtian.

The third was Randeng, the Deputy Sect Leader of the Chan Teachings, standing at the edge of the square.

The moment the twenty-four Sea Calming Pearls appeared, one of his Accompanying Spirit Treasures in his Sea of Consciousness—the Universe Ruler—trembled violently, sending an overwhelming desire into his mind.

"This treasure is fated for me!"

"This is my Enlightenment Treasure!"

For a moment, Randeng's heart burned with greed, aching to claim the twenty-four Sea Calming Pearls.

But he knew full well that this treasure was beyond his reach for now. Suppressing his fervor and agitation, he glanced toward Li Yun and muttered inwardly, "Li Yun of the Human Teachings' inner sect—I will obtain this treasure no matter what."

Tongtian paid no attention to any of this. With a wave of his hand, he declared, "Since Big Brother has spoken, I shall bestow the reward for first place in this Combat Tournament ahead of schedule."

If you find this book enjoyable, to avoid losing track next time, remember to add it to your bookshelf.

"These twenty-four Sea Calming Pearls, when used together, rival a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. Though they are Mid-grade Innate Spirit Treasures themselves, their value is immense, and they suit your status as the Golden Immortal Realm's first place in this Grand Competition!"

The next second, the twenty-four Sea Calming Pearls appeared before Li Yun.

"Thank you, Third Martial Uncle~"

Gazing at the Sea Calming Pearls before him, Li Yun excitedly collected them. Without hesitation, he strode out of the square and walked directly to Laozi's area.

Then, ignoring the stares of the disciples from the other two sects, he bowed to Laozi and said, "Master, this disciple will first refine and bind them~"

"Mm."

Nodding, Laozi waved his hand, and a barrier enveloped Li Yun. "Refine in peace—no one will disturb you."

"Thank you, Master~"

His smile widening, Li Yun wasted no more time. He sat cross-legged, opened his mouth, and spat a mouthful of essence blood onto the twenty-four Sea Calming Pearls.

After doing this, he said nothing further. Closing his eyes, he channeled his divine sense and Magical Power into the pearls, beginning the process of binding and refining them.

Only then did the disciples of the Chan and Jie Sects snap back to reality.

One by one, they cast envious glances at Li Yun, jealousy burning in their eyes.

A treasure rivaling a Supreme Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Li Yun's first-place reward was already so formidable and powerful—and on top of that, Yuanshi Tianzun had gifted him an extra High-Grade Innate Spirit Treasure.

This was equivalent to Li Yun obtaining first place's reward—the prize alone was something the combined rewards of everyone else couldn't even compare to.

Yu Ding, Gui Ling, and the other losers were fine.

But Guang Chengzi and Duobao were now torn between hope and regret.

Though they knew full well they were no match for Li Yun, what if? If they hadn't given up earlier, would this treasure have been theirs?

"Enough."

Just then, Yuanshi Tianzun and Sect Master Tongtian suddenly spoke in unison: "Next, the Chan Teachings (Jie Teachings) will first determine a victor internally, and the two victors will then face off for second and third place."

"Likewise, Li Yun does not occupy a spot among the top ten. The Chan and Jie Sects each have five slots, and then they will fight to determine the rankings!"

As they spoke, Yuanshi Tianzun and Sect Master Tongtian waved their hands sharply.

The next second, the power of Saints swept across the square.

Except for Guang Chengzi and Duobao, all the other Golden Immortal Realm disciples of the two sects were enveloped.

Immediately after, their injuries and magical power could be seen rapidly restoring.

In just a few breaths, everyone had recovered completely, even reaching a state of full magical power.

"This~"

Seeing this, Guang Chengzi and Duobao were dumbfounded.

They never imagined Yuanshi Tianzun and Sect Master Tongtian would pull such a move.

By directly restoring everyone else's condition like this, hadn't the advantage they'd gained by cunningly conceding been wiped clean?

Most importantly, they could now feel their Master's anger.

Though not explicitly expressed, this action already showed the Master's dissatisfaction with them, and even...

"Damn it, I shouldn't have conceded just now."

"Damn it, how could I have done something so stupid just now?"

At this moment, Guang Chengzi and Duobao's hearts were ashen. They stood there with fists clenched, their minds churning with turbulent waves—mostly unease, panic, fear, and other emotions~

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