Xuan Wazi calmly accepted Tongtian's bow, carrying himself with the composure of the first listener at Zixiao Palace. Looking at Tongtian, whose aura had stabilized at the peak of Hunyuan Golden Immortal and whose sword intent was incomparably pure, his gaze deepened, as though he could see a more distant future through the man before him.
After pondering for a moment, as if weighing something, he finally seemed to make up his mind and slowly said, "However, Fellow Daoist Tongtian, now that you have comprehended the opportunity to establish a sect and wish to teach without distinction, to seize a thread of vitality for all beings—your ambition is commendable, and your heart is worthy of respect. Yet founding a sect is no trivial matter, especially one like yours that seeks to accept countless beings. Its fortune may flourish for a time, but it is like duckweed without roots—easy to gather and easy to scatter. Without a supreme treasure to suppress it..."
He paused, watching Tongtian's thoughtful expression, then continued, "Though the Qingping Sword in your hand is a sharp weapon of slaughter, it is not a treasure meant to suppress fortune. Should your sect's fortune fluctuate or it encounter a great calamity, there may be danger of ruin. When that time comes, if the lineages of billions of disciples are severed, would that not betray your original intent in founding the sect today? Fellow Daoist Laozi possesses the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Yellow Exquisite Pagoda, while Fellow Daoist Yuanshi possesses the Pangu Banner. Both are supreme treasures for suppressing fortune. Only you, Fellow Daoist..."
Tongtian frowned slightly. He had been wholly focused on comprehending the Dao before this and truly had not considered this matter deeply. Now that Xuan Wazi had pointed it out, he immediately realized that these words struck at the heart of the issue. Though he was confident that the Way of the Sword could sever all laws, a sect's fortune needed a powerful treasure to suppress it if its inheritance was to endure in proper order rather than die midway. Yet after searching through all he possessed, apart from the Qingping Sword and a few ordinary spirit treasures, he truly had nothing capable of bearing such a responsibility. Though the Three Pure Ones were one, their treasures belonged to their respective owners. Laozi and Yuanshi's supreme treasures could not possibly be lent to him to suppress the fortune of the Interception Sect.
Seeing Tongtian's troubled expression, Xuan Wazi secretly laughed, knowing the timing was about right. His face showed both "heartache" and "resolve," as though he had made an exceedingly difficult decision. He reached into the void, and a chaotic streak of light flew out from his sleeve. At first, it was only palm-sized, but it swiftly expanded in the wind, transforming into a simple, ancient little cauldron with three legs and two handles, floating above his palm.
Though the little cauldron appeared plain, it emanated a supreme Dao rhythm capable of suppressing the heavens and stabilizing Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. Faint innate divine patterns flowed across its body, as if it bore the ultimate principles of heaven and earth. An innate aura spread outward, causing even Hong Yun, Zhen Yuanzi, and Fuxi to turn their eyes toward it!
"This item is called the Qiankun Cauldron." Xuan Wazi's voice carried a trace of "reluctance," yet his tone possessed the generosity of an elder brother looking after his junior. "It is an Innate Supreme Treasure. It can return all things to their origin and refine all creation, while also possessing the supreme wondrous use of suppressing fortune. Today, I shall give it to Fellow Daoist Tongtian to help you suppress the fortune of the Interception Sect, safeguard the enduring inheritance of your Dao, and prevent its decline through the loss of fortune!"
As soon as he said this, not only Tongtian, but Hong Yun, Zhen Yuanzi, and Fuxi as well were utterly stunned!
An Innate Supreme Treasure! It was an existence on the same level as the Pangu Banner and the Taiji Diagram, something that could be counted on one's fingers throughout the entire Primordial World! Xuan Wazi was actually giving it away so casually? Though he and the Three Pure Ones were old acquaintances, and he had been the first listener at Zixiao Palace, making him, in a sense, the "eldest senior brother" among these travelers of the mortal world, this was still far too extravagant!
Tongtian was even more shocked into speechlessness. Looking at the Qiankun Cauldron floating above Xuan Wazi's palm and radiating an aura that made his heart tremble, his throat went dry. "Brother... Brother Wazi, this... this is far too precious! What virtue or ability does Tongtian possess to accept such a treasure? This is a treasure for Brother Dao's protection. Tongtian absolutely cannot accept it!" Even the way he addressed Xuan Wazi had instinctively changed from the more distant "Fellow Daoist" to the more intimate "Brother Dao."
"Hey!" Xuan Wazi waved a hand, looking as though his decision had been made. With a tone that allowed no doubt, he shamelessly said, "Junior Brother Tongtian, there is no need to refuse! No matter how good a treasure is, it must be used where it matters most! You are about to establish your sect, and now is precisely the time you need this item! I am alone and have long been accustomed to carefree wandering. This treasure for suppressing fortune would be of little use to me; keeping it would only be like burying a pearl in dust. Since you call me Brother Dao, then as your elder brother, how could I stand by and do nothing when my junior brother has the foundation to attain the Dao but lacks a treasure to protect it? If I can help you accomplish your great undertaking, stabilize your Dao lineage, and give the beings of the Primordial World another chance to transcend, then this treasure will have been put to its proper use, and its merit will be boundless! If you keep refusing, you will be looking down on my sincerity!"
His words were lofty and righteous, filled with deep feeling. By calling himself an "elder brother," he elevated the gift of this treasure into an act of fellowship and care for a junior. Yet inwardly, he thought, An investment! A strategic investment! With the Qiankun Cauldron to suppress its fortune, the Interception Sect can endure longer and better restrain Laozi and Yuanshi's Exposition Sect, giving Hongjun more headaches! And after giving him such a huge favor and cementing my position as the "eldest senior brother," will he have the nerve to refuse when I ask him to help deal with the other "junior brothers" later? One Innate Supreme Treasure in exchange for a powerful fighter and shield, while also delaying Hongjun's union with the Dao—this deal is worth it!
[Ding! The host shamelessly bestowed the Innate Supreme Treasure "Qiankun Cauldron" in the identity of the "eldest senior brother," successfully binding enormous karma with Tongtian and the future Interception Sect! This is a model example of "thinking big"! Unfilial Points +! Note: Though the host is routinely Not Being a Person, he unexpectedly plays the role of a reliable eldest senior brother without the slightest incongruity!]
Hearing the system notification, Xuan Wazi became even more certain.
Tongtian looked at Xuan Wazi's "sincere" yet "unrefusable" gaze, listened to his earnest words as an elder brother, and felt both the Qiankun Cauldron's immense suppressive power and his own responsibility to establish a sect and protect its Dao lineage. After struggling inwardly for a moment, all his emotions finally became a long sigh. He once more bowed deeply to Xuan Wazi. This bow was even more solemn than the last, carrying a trace of reverence for an "elder brother." "Brother Dao's righteousness is lofty, and I cannot repay such a generous gift! Tongtian... shall accept it in shame! This kindness is akin to remaking me. The entire Interception Sect shall never forget it for all eternity! Tongtian shall forever engrave Brother Xuan Wazi's kindness in his heart!"
He extended both hands with utmost solemnity and carefully accepted the Qiankun Cauldron, which appeared small yet weighed as heavily as the mountains of the Primordial World. The moment the treasure cauldron entered his hands, it formed a mysterious connection with his own fortune. A steady, heavy, enduring force of fortune faintly blessed him, giving him several more measures of confidence in founding his sect in the future! At the same time, an even closer karmic connection between him and Xuan Wazi silently took shape.
Seeing this, Xuan Wazi felt thoroughly reassured, and a smile returned to his face. Yet inwardly, he thought, All right, the nail has been driven in! Tongtian's side is completely secure now. The title of "eldest senior brother" and this favor have both been delivered, and an enormous karma has been bound. Next, it is time to properly "look after" the other "junior brothers"!
Just as Tongtian's aura completely stabilized at the peak of Hunyuan Golden Immortal, as he felt the mysteries of the Qiankun Cauldron and his face overflowed with the joy of attaining the Dao and gratitude, the familiar and eagerly anticipated system prompt rang out in Xuan Wazi's mind right on time, like heavenly music.
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