The Nineteenth Chapter

After speaking, as if remembering something, Guangchengzi looked at Tai Cang: "Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, the Intercepting Sect is asking you to refine artifacts. Will you return?"

At these words, Taiyi and the others' expressions tightened slightly.

The acquired spiritual treasures Tai Cang refined were extraordinary in power. If he helped the Intercepting Sect refine them, the Twelve Golden Immortals' advantage would be greatly reduced.

"No need."

Tai Cang waved his hand indifferently: "I wish to visit the Grand Clarity Palace."

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

At this moment, he only wanted to defeat Cang Du as quickly as possible to complete his mission. With two full-level permissions in hand, he might be able to improve his Grand Clarity Alchemy Technique and Primordial Clarity artifact forging skills.

"The Grand Clarity Palace!"

"Indeed, a superior choice."

Guangchengzi and the others didn't understand the reason, only thinking that Tai Cang wanted to avoid entanglement with the Intercepting Sect.

Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning was about to convene a meeting. As Tai Cang was from an external sect, it was inconvenient for him to go to the Primordial Clarity Palace, nor was it suitable to return to the Intercepting Sect's base. Only the Grand Clarity Palace could be a temporary refuge.

Recalling that Laozi had summoned Tai Cang, Guangchengzi and the others cupped their hands and said: "Since that is the case, we shall take our leave first."

"We'll meet again at the banquet!"

Tai Cang nodded.

After watching everyone leave, he immediately rode the clouds straight to the Grand Clarity Palace.

As soon as he reached the territory of the Grand Clarity Palace, he suddenly heard a call: "Senior Brother Tai Cang!"

He saw two young Daoist boys with single horns on their heads riding clouds towards him, one gold and one silver, exceptionally striking.

"Kinkaku!"

"Silver Horn!"

Tai Cang's gaze flickered slightly.

These two were the attendants of Laozi. After the Investiture of the Gods, they followed Laozi's good corpse to reside in the Doushuai Palace, and they also appeared during the Journey to the West.

"Senior Brother Tai Cang."

The two boys approached and bowed: "Master invites Senior Brother to enter the palace for a chat."

"A Sage's summons!"

Tai Cang was slightly surprised, not expecting Laozi to meet him personally.

Thinking of Pangu's Destiny, he immediately understood: "Thank you, two Junior Brothers."

As he spoke, he took out a few Sun Star Spirit Fruits as gifts: "A few spirit fruits, just as a snack."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

The two boys happily accepted, eating as they said: "Senior Brother, hurry back to the palace with us, don't keep Master waiting."

"Naturally."

Tai Cang smiled slightly and no longer hesitated, immediately riding the clouds to the Grand Clarity Palace.

Stepping into the main hall, he couldn't see Laozi's figure. Just as he was wondering, Laozi's voice sounded in his ear, "Come to the alchemy room."

"The alchemy room?"

Tai Cang's eyes flickered, and he turned to look at the passage on the side of the main hall. He could vaguely hear the fluctuation of fire-elemental mana from there, clearly indicating the location of the alchemy room.

"Yes!"

He responded and Tai Cang quickly walked towards the alchemy room.

Pushing the door open, he saw Laozi sitting in the room, the furnace fire blazing, and the aroma of elixirs filling the air. Tai Cang stepped forward to pay his respects, then quietly sat to the side, silently observing Laozi refine elixirs, while simultaneously cross-referencing it with the Grand Clarity Alchemy Technique in his mind.

About a quarter of an hour later, Kinkaku and Silver Horn hopped in, made faces at Tai Cang, then ran to the side of the alchemy furnace, picked up the banana fan on the ground, and began fanning the fire.

"Wind Fire Banana Fan!"

A trace of envy flashed in Tai Cang's eyes. This was the work of the Grand Clarity Sage. Two high-grade innate spiritual treasures were actually used to fan the fire. Not only that, but the Purple Gold Gourd, Seven Stars Sword, Golden Rope, Jade Bottle, and others displayed in the alchemy room were all rare treasures.

"Tai Cang!"

Laozi slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling on Tai Cang: "Do you resent your master?"

"This..."

Tai Cang was stunned, not expecting Laozi to be so direct. He pondered for a moment and said frankly: "I do not resent him. I am merely an inner disciple, not a personal disciple. Naturally, I cannot compare to Senior Brother Duobao and the others. My master teaching me the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art is already a debt of gratitude. How could I dare to be dissatisfied?"

These words came from the bottom of his heart. He joined the Intercepting Sect to awaken the System and never expected more. His previous unwillingness was only because he had sincerely wanted to change the fate of the Intercepting Sect and avoid the calamity of the Investiture of the Gods. However, the attitudes of Tongtian and Duobao made him understand that ants could not shake the will of a Sage.

"Good."

Laozi nodded slightly. As a Sage, he could discern truth from falsehood. He continued: "Do you know why your master favors Duobao?"

"I do not know." Tai Cang shook his head. The situation had been favorable to him before, and Tongtian even intended to accept him as a personal disciple. However, after Duobao recovered, everything changed, leaving him bewildered.

"Duobao's origins have been upgraded to a top-tier innate divine being," Laozi said calmly. "He will surely become a Quasi-Saint in the future, and may even have a chance to glimpse the Saint realm."

"So that's how it is!"

Tai Cang had an epiphany. With his improved foundation, his value naturally increased. Tongtian cultivated Duobao for no other reason than to groom a true leader for the Intercepting Sect. As Duobao had said, a great sect eventually needed someone to manage it on behalf of a Sage.

Without a doubt, Duobao was the best candidate at this moment. Sect Master Tongtian would undoubtedly support him wholeheartedly, even if it meant suppressing Tai Cang's development. After all, Tai Cang was merely an inner disciple.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Uncle!"

Tai Cang took a deep breath and bowed respectfully to Laozi. As the knot in his heart unraveled, the bottleneck that had been hindering his breakthrough instantly vanished. Mana surged within him, and his cultivation climbed steadily: he broke through from the early stage of Grand Unity Golden Immortal all the way to the middle stage, and finally reached the late stage.

He broke through!

Late stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal!

Kinkaku and Ginkaku, who were adding fuel in the distance, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise upon seeing this. Tai Cang's breakthrough this time was truly astonishing. Not only did he enter the realm of Grand Unity Golden Immortal in one go, but he also advanced two major stages to reach the late stage. Such an achievement was already on par with Senior Brother Cang Du.

"Well done, Tai Cang!"

A sharp light flashed in Laozi's eyes, and he couldn't help but praise him aloud. What surprised him even more was that Tai Cang's foundation had been elevated from a low-grade innate divine being to a middle-grade one, with signs of further improvement.

Laozi pondered inwardly, My junior brother, you've truly misjudged this one. Originally, Tai Cang's achievements would have been limited due to his foundation and aptitude. But now that his foundation has transformed, his future achievements will be limitless, perhaps even surpassing Daoist Duobao.

Late stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal!

Tai Cang slowly opened his eyes, feeling the surging mana within him. He was first taken aback, then ecstatic. He never imagined that after Laozi's guidance, he would achieve such a breakthrough.

"Thank you for your cultivation, Senior Uncle!"

Laozi waved his hand and said, "This is your own fortune. Your foundation, why did it improve?"

Tai Cang hesitated slightly and replied truthfully, "It's all thanks to the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body. My cultivation has now reached the third stage, the Blood Refining Realm. While circulating, it continuously purifies my bloodline, thus improving my foundation."

Laozi suddenly understood upon hearing this. After a moment of deduction, he said, "This is indeed your opportunity. You were originally a stubborn stone stained with Pangu's essence blood. After purification, the thin Pangu bloodline within you has become increasingly refined. At this rate, becoming a top-grade innate divine being is just a matter of time, and your Pangu bloodline will be purer than that of the Witch Clan."

At this point, Laozi's gaze was intense. The Witch Clan enjoyed great destiny due to their Pangu essence blood, but if Tai Cang could cultivate a pure bloodline, its significance would be extraordinary.

This way, when they reclaimed Pangu's Destiny in the future, it would be justified and proceed smoothly.

Laozi's mind stirred, and with a wave of his sleeve, a jade slip and a banner appeared out of thin air. Without hesitation, he tossed the two treasures to Tai Cang and said loudly, "This jade slip records the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill, an supreme art that can lead to enlightenment and sainthood, far superior to the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art you are currently cultivating."

"This banner is called the True Martial Black Eagle Banner. It is a top-grade innate spiritual treasure that can conceal heavenly secrets, ward off all evil, and make all spells ineffective."

"Today, I bestow these two treasures upon you. From this moment on, you are the Second Generation of Cang Gate. Although you still belong to the Intercepting Sect, this identity is jointly recognized by the Cang Gate lineage."

Instantly, Tai Cang felt enveloped by the profound aura of Cang Gate. His spiritual platform became clear as if clouds had parted to reveal the sun, his future path became even more determined, and he felt the protection of this power.

"Cang Gate?"

"Senior Brother, why is this?"

In the Primordial Clarity Palace, Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning, who was discussing matters with the Twelve Golden Immortals, suddenly looked up and stared in disbelief in the direction of the Grand Clarity Palace. Although the position of Cang Gate had been established long ago, it had never been granted to anyone. Gaining the approval of the Three Pure Ones was already difficult, let alone obtaining the consent of Dao Ancestor Hongjun.

"Master, what happened?" Guangchengzi and the others asked upon seeing his reaction.

Yuan Shi retracted his gaze and said solemnly, "Tai Cang has gained the approval of your Senior Uncle and has now been conferred the title of Cang Gate. From now on, his status within the Three Sects will be equivalent to that of a personal disciple."

"What!"

"Cang Gate?"

"Status equivalent to a personal disciple of the Three Sects!"

The Twelve Golden Immortals were all shocked, and then their faces lit up with joy. "That's great! Now the people from the Intercepting Sect can no longer bully fellow Daoist Tai Cang."

"Exactly! Those personal disciples of the Intercepting Sect used to suppress fellow Daoist Tai Cang with their status. Now let's see if they dare to be presumptuous!"

Laozi's lips curved slightly, and he mused inwardly, This move is even more beneficial to my Heavenly Origin Sect. Junior Brother, you pushed him out yourself. It will be difficult for Tai Cang and the Intercepting Sect to mend their relationship.

He coughed lightly and continued to assign tasks for the Three Sects.

"Senior Brother!"

"Why are you treating me like this!"

In the Upper Clarity Palace, Sect Master Tongtian's face was grim. He never expected Laozi to approve of Tai Cang, let alone directly establish him as Cang Gate, surpassing them, and even obtaining the Dao Ancestor's consent.

This was not good news for Tongtian at all. Although Tai Cang originated from the Intercepting Sect, due to his previous favoritism towards Duobao, he had completely fallen out with the personal disciples. Even Zhao Gongming and San Xiao, with whom he had been on good terms, now harbored resentment.

"Master, what happened?" Duobao and the other personal disciples sensed something was amiss and inquired one after another.

Tongtian sighed deeply, his gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Duobao. He mused inwardly, Did I truly make the wrong choice?

He quickly calmed his emotions and said sternly, "From this day forward, Tai Cang is conferred the title of Cang Gate. His status within the Three Sects is equivalent to that of a personal disciple. None of you are to offend him again!"

The expressions of everyone present changed drastically, their pupils contracting sharply.

Daoist Duobao clenched his fists, his face terrifyingly grim, and a monstrous rage churned within him. The status of Cang Gate was actually comparable to that of a personal disciple, meaning he could no longer suppress Tai Cang with his own status. What was even more unacceptable was that the noble status of Cang Gate even surpassed that of an ordinary personal disciple in some aspects.

The expressions of the other personal disciples were equally stiff. They had sided with Daoist Duobao to kick Tai Cang while he was down, and now, looking back, they felt awkward. Among the crowd, only the San Xiao Fairies showed smiles, but Zhao Gongming, standing beside them, had an unpredictable expression.

This news struck everyone like a thunderclap, shaking their minds. Those inner disciples and registered disciples turned ashen, trembling and unable to speak. Although the personal disciples could maintain their composure, these ordinary disciples were filled with dread—if Tai Cang decided to settle old scores, none of them would escape punishment.

"Thank you, Senior Uncle!"

Tai Cang, oblivious to everyone's reactions, respectfully accepted the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill and the True Martial Black Eagle Banner. Compared to the empty title of Cang Gate, these two treasures were clearly more practical—the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill directly led to the realm of a Sage, and the True Martial Black Eagle Banner was a rare top-grade innate spiritual treasure.

Laozi nodded slightly, "Go. As a member of Cang Gate, you may choose any location in the Kunlun Mountains to cultivate. It's even permissible to build a dwelling near the Grand Clarity Palace."

Tai Cang bowed and took his leave, not planning to find a new residence for the time being. He got along well with Yuding and the others, so he decided to return to his original spot. After leaving the Grand Clarity Palace, he immediately used his divine sense to search for Cang Du's whereabouts. The main purpose of this trip was to spar with Cang Du to complete a mission and obtain system permissions.

Unfortunately, his search yielded no results. It was clear that Cang Du was in seclusion, deliberately isolating himself from external perception.

Looks like there will be another delay. Tai Cang sighed inwardly and rode the clouds back to his residence. The newly acquired magic treasure and acquired spiritual treasure both required dedicated comprehension, especially the profound mysteries of the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill, which filled him with longing.

Upon returning to the valley, he built a new wooden cabin, set up a barrier, and began cultivating the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill.

Seven days later, a system notification chimed: Ding! Congratulations to the host for mastering the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill!

After completing the first turn of cultivation, Tai Cang clearly felt his mana becoming even more refined, and even his Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body had shown some improvement.