Chapter 14

"If he had returned sooner, how could I have fallen from the Golden Immortal realm? How could I have been forced into the early Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm and ended up like this?!"

Duobao looked utterly deranged, his eyes bloodshot.

Tai Cang had seized the Sun Moon Essence for him, yet he took it for granted. He stubbornly believed that Tai Cang had delayed his best chance to heal in order to curry favor with the Golden Crow Prince.

"Senior Brother, you actually..."

Zhao Gongming and the others were dumbfounded.

They had never expected Duobao to be capable of such unreasonable logic.

What was even more ironic was that Duobao's recovered cultivation, and even his breakthrough into the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, had all depended on Tai Cang. Tai Cang was clearly his lifesaver, yet he repaid kindness with enmity and placed all the blame on Tai Cang. It was utterly absurd.

"Duobao!"

Tai Cang stepped out from the ruins of the wooden hut, his expression dark as water.

Fortunately, he had not been condensing the Supreme Water Qi. Otherwise, Duobao's disturbance might have damaged the foundation of his Five Qi. Even so, the fury in his chest was difficult to quell.

He had heard every word of the exchange between Zhao Gongming and Duobao just now. That only made his anger burn hotter.

If he had not acted, Zhao Gongming and the others would never have been Lu Ya's match. Even if Sect Master Tongtian had ultimately obtained the Sun Moon Essence, it would have taken far longer. Yet now Duobao placed all the blame on him, showing just how deep his resentment ran.

Even stranger, how had Duobao learned the details of what happened on the Sun Star?

There was only one possibility—someone had been sowing discord in secret.

This person not only harbored sinister intentions, but had also twisted Tai Cang's dealings with the Golden Crow Prince into shameless flattery. Clearly, this person was deeply calculating and bore immense hostility toward Tai Cang.

"I must root this person out!"

A cold glint flashed through Tai Cang's eyes.

Since he was in the Jie Sect, such a hidden danger had to be eliminated. If this person could hate out of jealousy and provoke Duobao, they would certainly stir up more trouble in the future.

"Tai Cang!"

Duobao stood in the air, forming a hand seal with his left hand as Upper Clarity Divine Thunder gathered in his palm. He shouted coldly, "Fight me! If you win, this matter ends here. If you lose, get out of the Jie Sect!"

His aura was violent, and his hatred was unmistakable.

"You overestimate yourself."

Tai Cang sneered.

Even now, Duobao still acted high and mighty. He did not realize that the Jie Sect direct disciples had already distinguished right from wrong. How could they be deceived by him again?

As thoughts raced through his mind, Tai Cang formed the Primordial Clarity hand seal. In an instant, dark clouds pressed down from above, and destructive lightning locked onto Duobao.

The moment his opponent made a move, he would strike back with thunderous force.

Whether Duobao had been used by someone or knowingly persisted despite the provocation, Tai Cang would no longer tolerate him.

So what if he were expelled from the Jie Sect?

When that time came, the Human Sect and the Chan Sect would naturally compete to recruit him.

The situation had already been decided. I had long regarded Duobao as the key to reclaiming Pangu's Destiny. How could I give up so easily?

The atmosphere in the area immediately turned tense.

Though Zhao Gongming and the others in the distance wanted to intervene, they did not dare step forward rashly.

They could all see the conflict between Tai Cang and Duobao. Today's matter would likely be difficult to settle peacefully.

"Stop!"

"Senior Brother Duobao, Senior Brother Tai Cang, please stop!"

Suddenly, urgent shouts rang out.

The Water-Fire Boy came rushing over on a cloud.

Seeing that the two had not truly begun fighting, the Water-Fire Boy sighed in relief and said to Duobao and Tai Cang, "Senior Brother Duobao!"

"Senior Brother Tai Cang!"

"Master orders you to proceed to the Upper Clarity Palace at once."

He then turned to Zhao Gongming and the others. "Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, Master has also summoned you to come along."

"Yes, Master."

Zhao Gongming and the others felt as though a burden had been lifted.

Sect Master Tongtian's intervention was the best possible outcome. If Tai Cang and Duobao truly fought, infighting within the Jie Sect would become unavoidable, and one of them would certainly be expelled from the sect.

In their eyes, the person expelled would most likely be Tai Cang.

Tongtian's attitude over the years had been obvious. He had taught Duobao everything he knew, yet he had always remained lukewarm toward Tai Cang.

Duobao was the first to yield.

He sensed that the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder controlled by Tai Cang actually posed a threat to him.

Compared with eight hundred years ago, Tai Cang's progress was unbelievable. Even Duobao, who had already broken through to the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, was not certain he could win.

Tai Cang then dispersed the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder in his hand.

Since Duobao had already stopped, it would not be appropriate for him to continue.

But this matter could not end here. As a direct disciple, Duobao would be difficult to shake in the short term, but those secretly sowing discord had to be removed.

Tai Cang looked at Duobao and thought to himself, Duobao, after the Investiture of the Gods, I will make sure you die on the spot.

According to the records:

After the Investiture of the Gods, Duobao would betray the sect and become the Western Buddhist Patriarch.

That would be the best time to take his life.

Originally, he had not cared much about the Jie Sect and had even considered leaving, but Duobao's actions had thoroughly enraged him.

Want to control the Jie Sect?

First ask whether I, Tai Cang, agree.

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao came to Tai Cang's side.

"Senior Brothers, Senior Sisters."

When he saw the four of them, a sharp gleam flashed through Tai Cang's eyes.

Since he had decided to establish himself in the Jie Sect, he had to expand his strength as quickly as possible. Winning over the direct disciples was crucial.

There were twelve direct disciples under Tongtian.

Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao occupied four of those positions. If he could win them over, he could gain a firm foothold before gradually drawing in the other direct disciples.

Once the majority of the direct disciples were loyal to him, Duobao, the chief senior brother, would exist in name only. With his greedy nature, he would surely make mistake after mistake, perhaps even...

"Junior Brother."

Zhao Gongming spoke. "Senior Brother Duobao went too far."

"You defeated the Golden Crow Prince and retrieved the Sun Moon Essence for him. Not only was he ungrateful, he acted like this instead. It truly chills the heart."

"Rest assured, Junior Brother. When we reach the Upper Clarity Palace, we will certainly testify for you. We will never allow Duobao to cover the sky with one hand."

Tai Cang looked at Zhao Gongming in surprise.

Tai Cang was puzzled. Although he had previously explained the key points of the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art to Zhao Gongming and the other three, Zhao Gongming's temperament should not have made him so impulsive. Could he truly be willing to completely oppose Duobao for Tai Cang's sake? Or did Zhao Gongming have other plans?

"Thank you, Senior Brother!" Suppressing his thoughts, Tai Cang cupped his hands. "In that case, I will have to trouble you and the three Senior Sisters."

"Let's go to the Upper Clarity Palace."

"Alright!"

The five of them did not delay any longer. They mounted clouds and headed straight for the Upper Clarity Palace.

Inside the Upper Clarity Palace, Duobao and the other direct disciples were already standing quietly within. The inner disciples and registered disciples had also gathered there. Yet what surprised Tai Cang was that Duobao's expression was calm, without the slightest unease over his earlier attack.

"Strange..." Tai Cang thought to himself. "Could something have changed over these past few centuries?"

Upon entering the hall, the five bowed to Tongtian together. "Greetings, Master!"

"Mm." Tongtian's gaze swept over everyone as he said blandly, "Take your places. I summoned you here today because of the Three Sects Competition."

"The Three Sects Competition?!"

Tai Cang's pupils contracted slightly, while Zhao Gongming and the other direct disciples also showed shock. In the past, the conflict between Tai Cang and Duobao had enraged Tongtian, who punished them severely. But now Duobao had openly provoked him, and Tongtian acted as if he had seen nothing?

"Master!" Zhao Gongming could not help stepping forward. "Senior Brother Duobao, he—"

"Silence!" Tongtian interrupted with a sweep of his sleeve. "As the Jie Sect's chief disciple, Duobao is responsible for testing his junior brothers' cultivation. This authority was granted by me."

The entire hall fell silent. Zhao Gongming retreated speechlessly, while everyone looked at Duobao with greater wariness. Tongtian's words were undoubtedly a declaration that Duobao would truly take control of the Jie Sect's authority. Even direct disciples did not dare openly confront this chief senior brother.

"So that's how it is..." Tai Cang's gaze turned sharp. "Duobao, this is what you rely on!"

He suddenly understood—the difference in status was the key. If he were a direct disciple, Duobao would still need to show restraint. But as an inner disciple, even if Duobao knew he had been provoked by someone, he still dared to strike so brazenly.

With Tongtian's tacit approval, Duobao's actions both intimidated the cultivators and announced to the entire Jie Sect that no matter how strong Tai Cang was, he could never surpass the rank of a direct disciple. The disciples in the hall looked at Duobao with increasing awe, while quietly distancing themselves from Tai Cang. Even the direct disciples were no exception.

"Tongtian... what exactly are you planning?" Tai Cang glanced at Tongtian from the corner of his eye, lowered his head, and replied, "This disciple obeys."

Tai Cang said nothing more and turned toward the area where the inner disciples stood.

The surrounding inner disciples all moved aside, deliberately keeping their distance from him as if drawing a clear boundary. Tai Cang did not care in the slightest. He only wanted to understand Tongtian's intentions. As for everyone else, he could not be bothered with them at all.

Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao returned to their ranks, their expressions complicated and their minds heavy with concern.

"Enough!" Sect Master Tongtian's voice came from the main seat. "The Three Sects Competition is about to begin. As disciples of the Jie Sect, you should bring glory to the Jie Sect." With a wave of his hand, jade talismans flew into the hands of Tai Cang and the others.

"The Three Sects Competition is exceedingly dangerous. Whether to participate is entirely voluntary. If you do not wish to participate, set down your jade talisman. If you wish to participate, infuse it with your mana."

"Master, this disciple is willing to go!" Daoist Duobao was the first to step forward, decisively pouring mana into his jade talisman. It immediately shone brilliantly, hummed, and flew back to Tongtian's side.

"I am willing to participate as well!"

"Master, count me in!"

The direct disciples responded one after another, and glowing jade talismans flew toward Tongtian in succession. Afterward, some inner disciples and registered disciples at the Golden Immortal realm also began pouring mana into their talismans.

In the blink of an eye, jade talismans flew throughout the hall, piling up like a mountain beside Tongtian.

What should I choose? Tai Cang frowned deeply. In the past, he would have participated without hesitation, since the system mission required him to claim first place in the Three Sects Competition. But what had happened today made him hesitate.

Tongtian's favoritism toward Duobao chilled his heart. Again and again, he had felt that Tongtian intended to elevate him into a direct disciple, only to abandon the idea in the end. More importantly, Tongtian had tacitly allowed Duobao to suppress him.

If he could bring glory to the Jie Sect in this discussion of Dao, or even claim first place, perhaps he could become a direct disciple. Then he could carry out his plans, win allies, isolate Duobao, and wash away his humiliation.

But at this moment, Tai Cang wavered. Tongtian's attitude disappointed him. With the system, why should he continue bowing and scraping before this Saint?

Crack!

A crisp shattering sound broke the silence in the hall. The disciples all turned to look, only to see Tai Cang slowly open his palm. The jade talisman had already turned to powder and scattered in the wind.

"This..."

Everyone was stunned. The jade talisman had shattered! Tai Cang had actually refused to participate in the Three Sects Competition?

"Junior Brother Tai Cang..." Yunxiao hesitated, wanting to speak.

Zhao Gongming caught her sleeve and gently shook his head. Yunxiao looked at Tai Cang, then at her elder brother. In the end, she sighed and silently returned to her place.

Yunxiao ultimately chose to advance and retreat with Zhao Gongming. Even Bixiao and Qiongxiao stood with him. At Tai Cang's actions, a sharp glint flashed through Duobao's eyes as he sternly demanded, "This jade talisman was bestowed by Master, yet you dare destroy it. Do you still have any respect for Master?"

His words were like a boulder cast into water, stirring up countless waves. Many disciples immediately began criticizing him. "Senior Brother Tai Cang, as a member of the Jie Sect, how can you disregard the sect's reputation? How can you treat something bestowed by Master with such disrespect?"

The direct disciples also spoke in succession. "Junior Brother, you are being too impulsive. This concerns the Jie Sect's honor. How can you act out of spite? Senior Brother Duobao was merely testing your cultivation earlier. Why hold such a grudge?"

As he listened to everyone's accusations, Tai Cang's gaze grew colder and colder. At last, he saw it clearly: the so-called fellowship between sect members was nothing but an illusion. Even the Three Pure Ones would split apart, much less fellow disciples with no blood ties. Before profit, nothing was worth mentioning.

Such a Jie Sect could perish for all he cared! Tai Cang took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed to Tongtian. "Master, this disciple gained some insight after fighting Duobao and has decided to enter secluded cultivation. I withdraw from the Three Sects Competition. I trust my fellow disciples will surely prevail. This disciple will take his leave first." With that, he turned and walked away.