The Intercepted Grand Pure One

Sensing the sudden shift in the atmosphere, a hint of solemnity flashed in Tai Cang's eyes.

Only now did Tai Cang truly realize the weight of the Cang Gate identity. If his cultivation could rival the great divine abilities present, it would be one thing, but he was merely a junior cultivator.

What made him realize everything was the wondrous aura he'd felt when he first became a Cang Gate disciple—it turned out to be the blessing of the Cang Gate's destiny. Though faint, this destiny was real and continuous, an invaluable treasure for any cultivator.

"Everyone!"

Laozi, taking in everyone's reactions, stepped forward and said, "Tai Cang's identity as a Cang Gate disciple was established by this humble one after reporting to Dao Ancestor Hongjun."

"He not only has the approval of us Three Pure Ones but also the consent of the Dao Ancestor, who bestowed upon him the protection of the Cang Gate's destiny. Though he may seem immature now, he will surely achieve greatness in time. I hope all fellow Daoists will offer him extra care."

Saying this, he gestured to Tai Cang, "Tai Cang, why don't you pay your respects to these seniors?"

"As you command."

Tai Cang cast a grateful glance at Laozi. Although the latter intended to use him to reclaim Pangu's Destiny, the protection offered at this moment was genuinely heartfelt. Compared to Tongtian, Laozi clearly cared for him more.

With this thought, Tai Cang stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Cang Gate's Tai Cang pays his respects to all seniors!"

Zhen Yuanzi and the others were secretly surprised. It was clearly the Intercepting Sect, yet Grand Clarity Laozi had stepped forward to protect him, which was truly peculiar. Especially considering Laozi's words clearly placed Tai Cang under his wing.

What was so special about this child?

A disciple of the Intercepting Sect actually receiving Grand Clarity's protection...

Though filled with doubts, the assembled immortals maintained their etiquette and returned the bow, saying, "Young friend Tai Cang is too polite."

"With your talent, young friend, you will undoubtedly be capable of fulfilling the duties of the Cang Gate in the future."

With Laozi's support, no one dared to question Tai Cang's identity any further.

The Three Sects' reactions to this turn of events were varied. Cang Du and the Heavenly Origin Sect's immortals could accept it, as Tai Cang's new identity did not affect their interests. However, it was different for the Intercepting Sect members, especially Daoist Duobao—the top disciple of the Intercepting Sect had been full of confidence, and after gaining Tongtian's favor, he had suppressed Tai Cang at every turn.

Who would have thought that in the blink of an eye, that inner disciple had transformed into a Cang Gate disciple, not only gaining recognition from all sides but also the backing of the Grand Clarity Sage. What was even more troublesome was their deep-seated animosity. With Tai Cang's current status, if he were to seek revenge in the future...

Duobao and the Intercepting Sect cultivators who had kicked him while he was down were now ashen-faced.

Suddenly, a phoenix's cry echoed through the heavens. Nuwa arrived on a Golden Phoenix, and the Western Two Sages, Jieyin and Zhunti, also arrived with several Grand Unity Golden Immortals radiating Buddhist light.

"The Sages have arrived."

The cultivators in the hall suddenly grew solemn.

The Three Pure Ones, seated in the main seats, also toned down their casual demeanor.

Although Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa held slightly lower positions, they were Sages nonetheless and could not be underestimated.

Three figures floated over and, upon landing, cupped their hands towards the Three Pure Ones, "Greetings, Senior Brother Laozi!"

"Greetings, Senior Brother Yuan Shi!"

"Greetings, Senior Brother Tongtian."

The Three Pure Ones returned the bow, "Junior Brother Jieyin, you are well."

"Junior Brother Zhunti, all is well."

"Junior Sister Nuwa, it has been a while."

After the pleasantries, the surrounding cultivators shouted in unison, "Welcome, Sage Jieyin!"

"Welcome, Sage Zhunti!"

"Welcome, Sage Nuwa!"

After the greetings, the three newly arrived Sages moved to stand beside the Three Pure Ones.

As the six Sages took their seats, Laozi waved his sleeve at Tai Cang and said, "You may withdraw for now."

"I respectfully obey the decree of the Eldest Senior Uncle."

Tai Cang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The Sages' might was like a prison, putting him under immense pressure.

He bowed deeply to the six Sages and turned to head towards the area of the Three Sects.

"Brother Tai Cang!"

The Golden Crow Princes' calls came from not far away. Di Yi and the others were excitedly waving.

After a slight hesitation, Tai Cang turned and walked towards the Ten Golden Crow Princes.

This scene caused an uproar among the assembled guests.

The top disciple of the Cang Gate was actually associating with the Demon Race princes. Could it be that the Three Sects were planning to join forces with the Demon Race?

Great figures like Zhen Yuanzi secretly speculated. The Three Sects, in particular, frowned. They had received their masters' orders long ago to stay away from the Witch and Demon races, and Tai Cang's actions were truly inappropriate.

However, the Intercepting Sect's personal disciples secretly rejoiced. In Duobao's and others' eyes, Tai Cang had defied the Sages' will, and even as the top disciple of the Cang Gate, he would not escape punishment.

Tai Cang, unaware of the stir he had caused, had already reached the Golden Crow Princes. He bowed and said, "Greetings, fellow Daoists."

"Brother Tai Cang, you are too polite!"

Di Yi and the others solemnly returned the bow.

Then, a Golden Crow Prince asked curiously, "Brother, how did you become the top disciple of the Cang Gate?"

"My father once said that this position is blessed by the Cang Gate's destiny, and is not for ordinary cultivators."

"It is rumored that the Cang Gate's destiny is incredibly wondrous, capable of aiding one's cultivation and enlightenment..."

Hearing the barrage of questions, Tai Cang smiled helplessly. The position of the Cang Gate's first disciple had come too suddenly; he hadn't even had time to react.

Compared to the ethereal destiny, he valued tangible gains more—the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill and the True Martial Black Eagle Banner were the real opportunities.

"I am deeply grateful for the Grand Clarity Elder Uncle's favor, Tai Cang thanks you endlessly."

Upon hearing this, the Golden Crow Princes all looked thoughtful.

The Grand Clarity's favor?

This matter was entirely orchestrated by the Grand Clarity.

However, Tai Cang being from the Intercepting Sect made people ponder.

Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!

Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, let us drink this cup together!

Indeed, congratulations to Fellow Daoist for assuming an important position in the Cang Gate!

Di Yi and the others quickly recovered from their shock, ceasing their inquiries. They raised their cups to invite Tai Cang, pulling him to the seats for a hearty drink.

Tai Cang readily agreed, engaging in pleasantries with the Ten Golden Crow Princes.

Time flew by. After the Six Sages and various powerful beings exchanged pleasantries, the grand event of the Three Sects officially commenced.

"Three Sects, heed my command!"

Laozi, seated at the main seat, slowly rose. With a wave of his sleeve, the space within the hall distorted, revealing the outline of a great thousand world.

The world appeared picturesque, with spiritual energy permeating the air and treasures scattered everywhere. Even more striking was the countless number of exotic beasts inhabiting it—Flood Dragons were caught by ten-thousand-foot White Apes while hunting prey; Vermilion Birds cried out in the sky, their flames scorching the heavens; Taoties, Chaos Beasts, and other ferocious creatures roamed freely, many possessing the cultivation of a Grand Unity Golden Immortal.

The legendary Beast Realm!

The Eldest Senior Brother actually found this place!

The Sages all rose, gazing at the world, unable to hide their shock. The powerful beings present also erupted in exclamations. Someone solemnly stated, "In the early days of the Primordial World, ferocious beasts reigned supreme, and we innate deities were their prey. It was only after the combined efforts of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin tribes and the Dao Ancestor that the Beast Emperor Shenni was slain. Legend has it that Shenni, upon his death, transformed the world and transferred all the surviving ferocious beasts..."

Ferocious and exotic beasts had become nearly extinct in the Primordial World, and even pure-blooded Dragons and Phoenixes were rare. Even Sage Nuwa used the Golden Phoenix, a princess of the Phoenix tribe, as her mount. Now, with the appearance of the Beast Realm, the pure-blooded exotic beasts within made the powerful beings' hearts yearn for them.

The Beast Realm...

Tai Cang gazed at the world, his heart trembling. Although he had seen records of the ferocious beast era in ancient texts, it had been too long ago. Now, Laozi had opened this realm as the venue for the Three Sects Competition—with ferocious beasts everywhere and Grand Unity cultivators rampant, wouldn't they be in danger?

He had initially thought it would be a normal competition, but he never expected it to be like this.

As everyone's expressions varied, Laozi calmly smiled, "But this is merely a corner of the Beast Realm."

"Back then, the Beast Emperor Shenni was only one step away from achieving physical sainthood. After his demise, he used his lifeblood, cultivation, and over ten fragments of the Jade Disc of Creation to open up the Beast Realm, making it a realm that surpassed even the great thousand worlds."

"Although I have obtained the key to enter some areas of the Beast Realm, I have been unable to explore it deeply. The strongest ferocious and exotic beasts in this region are at most Grand Unity Golden Immortals, making it suitable as a venue for the Three Sects Competition."

As his words fell, the entire hall was astonished.

The powerful beings of the Primordial World were shocked by Laozi's words, while the disciples of the Three Sects fell into a panic.

To compete in the Beast Realm? Facing so many ferocious beasts at the Grand Unity Golden Immortal level, how could they possibly cope? Moreover, these pure-blooded exotic beasts were invincible among their peers. To rashly enter would be no different from seeking death.

Hong Yun's wine cup fell to the ground as he suddenly stood up, "Fellow Daoist Laozi, do you truly intend to have the Three Sects compete in the Beast Realm?"

"That is a perilous land that surpasses even a great thousand world. Even a Quasi-Saint would not dare claim they could retreat unscathed!"

As these words were spoken, the powerful beings present echoed their agreement.

"Indeed, although the exotic beasts seen so far are only at the Grand Unity Golden Immortal level, the combat power of pure-blooded exotic beasts is comparable to that of Quasi-Saints. Moreover, the Beast Realm is like a miniature Primordial World; how could it not have Quasi-Saint level existences?"

"Laozi actually wants the Three Sects to risk their lives, it's practically gambling with their lives."

This is bad!

The cultivators of the Three Sects turned ashen.

Who would have thought the competition would take place in the legendary Beast Realm, and they would have to face Grand Unity Golden Immortals and even stronger beings? With the slightest mistake, they would perish within.

Cang Du and the Twelve Golden Immortals remained relatively calm, believing their master would not let them face such danger. However, Duobao and other disciples of the Intercepting Sect were already burning with anxiety, especially those Golden Immortals among the inner disciples and registered disciples; this journey would be fraught with peril.

"Eldest Brother!"

Yuan Shi and Tongtian spoke simultaneously.

They had not expected the competition to be so perilous. Their disciples might be annihilated, how could they not be anxious?

"Your concerns are not without reason."

Laozi surveyed everyone, calmly waving his hand, "With the Six Sages present, protecting this area with the power of a Sage should not be a problem."

"Even if Quasi-Saint level exotic beasts appear, they will be immediately dealt with by us, and will not endanger the competition grounds."

"Furthermore, I have comprehended some of the Beast Realm's rules and can refine protective jade talismans. When in danger, crush the talisman, and the disciples will be instantly teleported out."

Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly understood.

Yuan Shi and Tongtian breathed a sigh of relief. Since Laozi had made preparations, this matter should be fine.

The two exchanged a glance and cupped their hands towards Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa, "We trouble the three Fellow Daoists."

Upon hearing this, Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa's expressions shifted slightly.

This matter was entirely beyond their expectations, a unilateral assertion by Laozi. Yet, they couldn't refuse at this moment, especially with the gods of the Primordial World present. More importantly, they had also begun to develop an interest in the Beast Realm—a miniature Primordial World that existed outside the Heavenly Dao. If they could control it, they would gain a continuous stream of destiny blessings, greatly benefiting their Saint cultivation.

"We shall do our best!"

After exchanging glances, the three responded in unison: "We will do our utmost to assist our three Daoist brothers."

Seeing this, Yuan Shi and Tongtian finally relaxed. They cast a meaningful glance at Laozi before returning to their respective seats.

"No danger to life!"

"Not truly fallen!"

The Three Sects breathed a collective sigh of relief. Since there was no life-threatening crisis, their worries naturally dissipated. What further excited them was the abundant resources the Beast Realm contained; even acquiring a small portion of them...

At this thought, everyone's breathing quickened, their eyes gleaming with fervent light, wishing they could enter it immediately.

"A miscalculation."

Tai Cang frowned secretly amidst the assembled guests. He too yearned to explore the Beast Realm, not to contend for the leadership of the Three Sects, nor to complete a mission, but purely to uncover its mysteries. That world, existing outside the Primordial World, was rumored to hide more than ten fragments of the Jade Disc of Creation. Such a treasure was difficult for even a Saint to resist, let alone him?

More importantly, since the Beast Realm existed, did it imply that there were more unknown worlds beyond the Primordial World? Three thousand Great Thousand Worlds? Endless dimensional universes? Or even the Primordial Chaos World, which legends said surpassed the Primordial World?

Tai Cang suddenly realized that the Primordial World he had transmigrated into seemed to be a strengthened Three Sects... Was he prepared?

Laozi's voice pulled everyone's thoughts back to reality. Cang Du, the Twelve Golden Immortals, and the disciples of the Intercepting Sect immediately stepped forward and bowed: "We await your command!"

Since there was no danger to life, Duobao and the others naturally had no fear. Even if they failed, it wouldn't matter; if they could gain something, the trip would absolutely be worthwhile.

Laozi nodded with satisfaction and, with a wave of his hand, countless jade talismans flew towards the Three Sects. Then, as if remembering something, he took out another jade talisman and tossed it to Tai Cang: "Tai Cang, although you are not part of the Three Sects, as you belong to Cang Gate, you may also participate in the trial."

"What?!"