Chapter 18

After saying this, as if recalling something, Guangchengzi looked at Tai Cang. "Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, the Jie Sect disciples asked you to refine artifacts for them. Will you be returning?"

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

The acquired spiritual treasures Tai Cang refined possessed extraordinary power. If he helped the Jie Sect forge artifacts, the Twelve Golden Immortals' advantage would surely be greatly reduced.

"No need."

Tai Cang waved his hand calmly. "I intend to make a trip to the Grand Clarity Palace."

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

At that moment, he only wanted to defeat Cang Du as soon as possible and complete the task. With two full-level permissions in hand, he might be able to improve the Grand Clarity Alchemy Technique and the Primordial Clarity artifact-forging path.

The Grand Clarity Palace!

It truly was the best choice.

Guangchengzi and the others did not understand the reason and merely assumed Tai Cang wanted to avoid the Jie Sect's entanglement.

Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning was about to convene them. As an outsider disciple, Tai Cang could not accompany them to the Primordial Clarity Palace, nor was it suitable for him to return to the Jie Sect's residence. Only the Grand Clarity Palace offered a temporary place to stay.

Remembering that Laozi had once summoned Tai Cang, Guangchengzi and the others cupped their hands. "In that case, we shall take our leave first."

"Until we meet again at the banquet!"

Tai Cang nodded.

After watching everyone depart, he immediately rode the clouds straight toward the Grand Clarity Palace.

The moment he reached the territory of the Grand Clarity Palace, he suddenly heard someone call out, "Senior Brother Tai Cang!"

Two Daoist boys with single horns atop their heads came riding over on clouds, one gold and one silver, exceptionally conspicuous.

Golden Horn!

Silver Horn!

Tai Cang's gaze shifted slightly.

These two were Laozi's attendant boys. After the Investiture of the Gods, they followed Laozi's good corpse to the Tusita Palace, and they also appeared during the Journey to the West.

"Senior Brother Tai Cang."

The two boys approached and bowed. "The master invites Senior Brother into the palace for a talk."

A Sage had summoned him!

Tai Cang was somewhat surprised. He had not expected Laozi to meet him personally.

Then he thought of Pangu's Destiny and immediately understood. "Many thanks, Junior Brothers."

As he spoke, he took out several Sun Star spirit fruits and gave them to the pair. "Just a few spirit fruits for snacks."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

The two boys happily accepted them and said while eating, "Senior Brother, hurry back to the palace with us. Do not keep the master waiting long."

"Of course."

Tai Cang smiled faintly. Without further hesitation, he immediately rode the clouds toward the Grand Clarity Palace.

Upon entering the main hall, he found no trace of Laozi. Just as he was wondering about it, Laozi's voice sounded beside his ear. "Come to the Alchemy Room."

The Alchemy Room?

Tai Cang's eyes flashed. He turned toward the passage at the side of the hall, where faint fluctuations of fire-element mana could be felt. That was clearly where the Alchemy Room was located.

"Yes!"

After responding, Tai Cang strode quickly toward the Alchemy Room.

Pushing open the door, he saw Laozi seated inside. The furnace flames blazed fiercely, and the fragrance of pills filled the air. Tai Cang stepped forward to pay his respects, then quietly sat to one side, silently observing Laozi's alchemy while comparing it with the Grand Clarity Alchemy Technique in his mind.

About a quarter of an hour later, Golden Horn and Silver Horn skipped inside. They made faces at Tai Cang, then ran to the pill furnace, grabbed the banana fans on the ground, and began fanning the flames.

"The Wind Fire Banana Fans!"

A trace of envy flashed in Tai Cang's eyes. This was the handiwork of the Grand Clarity Sage. Two high-grade innate spiritual treasures were actually being used to fan a fire. Moreover, the Purple Gold Gourd, Seven Stars Sword, Golden Rope, Jade Bottle, and other items displayed in the Alchemy Room were all peerless treasures.

"Tai Cang!"

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

"This..."

Tai Cang froze, not expecting Laozi to be so direct. After pondering briefly, he answered honestly, "I do not. I am merely an inner disciple, not among the direct disciples. Naturally, I cannot compare to Senior Brother Duo Bao and the others. My master taught me the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art, which was already a kindness akin to remaking me. How could I dare harbor dissatisfaction?"

Those words came from his heart. He had joined the Jie Sect only to awaken the system and had never hoped for more. His earlier resentment had only arisen because he had sincerely wanted to change the Jie Sect's fate and avert the calamity of the Investiture of the Gods. Yet Tongtian's and Duobao's attitudes had made him understand that ants could never shake a Sage's will.

"Good."

Laozi nodded slightly. A Sage could naturally distinguish truth from falsehood. He continued, "Do you know why your master favors Duobao?"

"I do not." Tai Cang shook his head. The previous situation had favored him, and Tongtian had even intended to accept him as a direct disciple. Yet after Duobao recovered, everything had abruptly changed, leaving him deeply puzzled.

"Duobao's foundation has already risen to that of a top-tier innate divine being," Laozi said calmly. "In the future, he will surely become a Quasi-Sage and may even have a chance to glimpse the realm of Sainthood."

So that was why!

Tai Cang suddenly understood. Once one's foundation improved, one's value naturally rose as well. Tongtian's cultivation of Duobao was nothing more than preparing a true helmsman for the Jie Sect. Just as Duobao had said, a great sect would eventually need someone to govern it on the Sage's behalf.

Without question, Duobao was now the best choice. Sect Master Tongtian would certainly support him with all his strength, even if that suppressed Tai Cang's growth. After all, Tai Cang was merely an inner disciple.

"Thank you for your guidance, Eldest Uncle-Master!"

Tai Cang took a deep breath and respectfully bowed to Laozi. As the knot in his heart came undone, the bottleneck obstructing his breakthrough instantly vanished. Mana surged through his body, and his cultivation climbed continuously, breaking from the early stage of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm into the middle stage, before finally reaching the late stage.

He had broken through!

Late-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal!

Golden Horn and Silver Horn, who were tending the fire in the distance, could not help crying out in surprise. Tai Cang's breakthrough was truly astonishing. Not only had he entered the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm in one stroke, but he had also broken through two stages in succession to reach the late stage. Such an achievement was no less impressive than Senior Brother Cang Du's.

"What an excellent Tai Cang!"

A sharp light flickered in Laozi's eyes, and he could not help praising him aloud. What surprised him even more was that Tai Cang's foundation had risen from a low-grade innate divine being to a middle-grade one, with signs that it would continue improving.

Laozi thought to himself, Junior Brother, you truly misjudged him this time. Tai Cang had originally been limited by his foundation and talent, so his accomplishments would inevitably have been limited. But now that his foundation has transformed, his future achievements will be immeasurable. He may even surpass Daoist Duobao.

Late-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal!

Tai Cang slowly opened his eyes. Feeling the surging mana within him, he was stunned at first, then overjoyed. He had never imagined that Laozi's guidance would grant him such a tremendous breakthrough.

Thank you for your cultivation, Eldest Uncle-Master!

Laozi waved his hand. "This is your own fortune." Then his tone shifted. "Why has your foundation been able to improve?"

Tai Cang hesitated slightly before answering truthfully, "It is all due to the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body. I have now cultivated it to the third stage, the Blood Refinement Realm. As it operates, it continuously purifies my bloodline, allowing my foundation to improve."

Laozi came to a realization upon hearing this. After deducing for a moment, he said, "This truly is your opportunity. You were originally a stubborn stone stained with Pangu pure blood. After purification, the thin Pangu bloodline within you has steadily become more refined. At this rate, attaining the foundation of a top-tier innate divine being is only a matter of time. By then, your Pangu bloodline will be purer than that of the Witch Clan."

At this point, Laozi's eyes gleamed. The Witch Clan enjoyed great destiny because they possessed Pangu pure blood, but if Tai Cang could cultivate a pure bloodline, its significance would be extraordinary.

In that case, when they reclaimed Pangu's Destiny in the future, it would be fully justified and naturally accomplished.

With a thought from Laozi, his sleeve flicked lightly, and a jade slip and a banner appeared out of thin air. Without hesitation, he threw both treasures toward Tai Cang and declared, "This jade slip records the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill, a supreme art capable of attaining the Dao and becoming a Sage. It far surpasses the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art you currently cultivate."

"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 resist countless techniques."

"Today, I bestow these two treasures upon you. From this day onward, you are a Second Generation of Cang Gate. Though you still belong to the Jie Sect, this status is recognized by the entire Cang Gate lineage."

In an instant, Tai Cang felt himself enveloped by the aura of Cang Miao. His spiritual platform became clear, as though clouds had parted to reveal the sun. His resolve toward his future Dao path grew firmer, and he could also sense the protection of that power.

Cang Gate lineage!

"Eldest Brother, why have you treated me this way?"

Within the Primordial Clarity Palace, Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning, who had been discussing matters with the Twelve Golden Immortals, suddenly raised his head and stared toward the Grand Clarity Palace in disbelief. The position of Second Generation of Cang Gate had existed for a long time, yet it had never been granted to anyone. Obtaining the recognition of the Three Pure Ones was already difficult enough; one also needed the Dao Ancestor Hongjun's approval.

"Master, what has happened?" Seeing this, Guangchengzi and the others all asked.

Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning withdrew his gaze and said in a deep voice, "Tai Cang has gained your Eldest Uncle-Master's recognition and has now been granted the title of Second Generation of Cang Gate. Henceforth, his status among the three sects is equivalent to that of a direct disciple."

"What!"

"Second Generation of Cang Gate!"

"His status is equal to that of the three sects' direct disciples!"

The Twelve Golden Immortals were all shocked, but then delight appeared on their faces. "Wonderful! Now the Jie Sect people can no longer bully Fellow Daoist Tai Cang."

"Exactly! Those Jie Sect direct disciples used to suppress Fellow Daoist Tai Cang by relying on their status. Let us see if they still dare act so arrogantly now!"

The corner of Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning's mouth lifted slightly as he thought, This is even more beneficial to my Chan Sect. Third Brother, you personally pushed him away. It will be even harder for Tai Cang and the Jie Sect to repair their relationship now.

He cleared his throat and continued arranging the affairs of the three sects.

"Eldest Brother!"

"Why have you treated me this way?"

Inside the Upper Clarity Palace, Sect Master Tongtian's face was dark. He had never expected Laozi to recognize Tai Cang, much less bypass them and directly establish Tai Cang as a Second Generation of Cang Gate with the Dao Ancestor's approval.

This was absolutely not good news for Tongtian. Though Tai Cang came from the Jie Sect, he had already completely fallen out with the direct disciples because Tongtian had previously favored Duobao. Even Zhao Gongming and San Xiao, who had once been close to him, had now developed a rift with him.

"Master, what has happened?" Duobao and the other direct disciples sensed that something was wrong and asked in succession.

Tongtian sighed deeply. His gaze swept over everyone before finally stopping on Duobao, and he thought, Could I truly have made the wrong choice?

He quickly calmed himself and said solemnly, "From this day onward, Tai Cang has been granted the title of Second Generation of Cang Gate. His status among the three sects is equivalent to that of a direct disciple. None of you may offend him again!"

Everyone's expressions changed drastically, their pupils shrinking sharply.

Daoist Duobao clenched his fists, his face dark enough to inspire fear as monstrous fury churned within him. The status of Second Generation of Cang Gate was actually equal to that of a direct disciple. This meant he could no longer suppress Tai Cang by relying on his status. What he found even harder to accept was that the noble identity of Second Generation of Cang Gate surpassed that of ordinary direct disciples in certain respects.

The other direct disciples' expressions were equally stiff. They had sided with Daoist Duobao and kicked Tai Cang while he was down. Thinking about it now, they could not help feeling awkward. Among the crowd, only the San Xiao fairies wore smiles, while Zhao Gongming, standing beside them, had an uncertain expression.

This news was like a bolt from the blue, shaking everyone to their core. Those inner disciples and registered disciples were even paler than death, trembling so hard that they could not speak. While the direct disciples could still remain composed, these ordinary disciples were consumed by fear—if Tai Cang pursued their old grievances, none of them could escape punishment.

"Thank you, Eldest Uncle-Master!"

Tai Cang was entirely unaware of everyone's reactions. He respectfully accepted the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill and the True Martial Black Eagle Banner. Compared to the empty title of Second Generation of Cang Gate, these two treasures were clearly more practical—the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill pointed directly toward the realm of Sainthood, while the True Martial Black Eagle Banner was an exceedingly rare top-grade innate spiritual treasure.

Laozi nodded slightly. "Go. As a Second Generation of Cang Gate, you may choose any place on Kunlun Mountains to cultivate. Even building a cave abode near the Grand Clarity Palace would be fine."

Tai Cang bowed and took his leave, having no plans to find another residence for the time being. He got along well with Yuding and the others, so he decided to return to his original place first. After leaving the Grand Clarity Palace, he immediately spread out his divine sense to search for Cang Du. The main purpose of this trip had been to compete with Cang Du, complete the task, and obtain system permissions.

Unfortunately, he found nothing after searching everywhere. Cang Du was clearly in seclusion and had deliberately cut himself off from outside perception.

It seems this will be delayed again. Tai Cang sighed inwardly and rode the clouds back to his residence. The newly acquired art and spiritual treasure both required careful study, especially the profundity of the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill, which deeply captivated him.

After returning to the valley, he built a new wooden hut, set down a barrier, and began cultivating the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill.

Seven days later, the System Notification sounded: Ding! Congratulations, Host, for mastering the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill!

After completing the first revolution of cultivation, Tai Cang clearly felt his mana becoming increasingly pure, while the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body had also improved.