Chapter 20

Tai Cang sensed the sudden change in the atmosphere around him, and a trace of gravity flashed through his eyes.

Only now did Tai Cang truly realize the weight carried by the identity of Cang Gate. It would have been one thing if his cultivation matched the great powers present, but he was merely a junior cultivator.

What truly enlightened him was the Cang Miao aura he had sensed when he became Cang Gate back then—it turned out to be the blessing of Cang Gate's destiny. Though faint, this destiny truly existed and flowed without end. To cultivators, it was an invaluable treasure.

Everyone!

Laozi took in everyone's reactions and stepped forward. "Tai Cang's identity as Cang Gate was established after I reported it to Dao Ancestor Hongjun.

"Not only has he gained the recognition of our Three Pure Ones, but he has also received the Dao Ancestor's approval and the protection of Cang Gate's destiny. Though he is still immature, given time, he will surely become someone remarkable. I hope my fellow Daoists will look after him."

As he spoke, he signaled to Tai Cang. "Tai Cang, why do you not come greet your seniors?"

"Yes."

Tai Cang gave Laozi a grateful look. Though Laozi intended to use him to reclaim Pangu's Destiny, the protection he showed now was sincere. Compared to Tongtian, Laozi was clearly far more protective of him.

With that thought, Tai Cang stepped forward and bowed. "Tai Cang of Cang Gate greets all seniors!"

Zhen Yuanzi and the others were secretly astonished. Tai Cang was clearly from the Jie Sect, yet Grand Clarity Laozi had stepped forward to defend him. It was truly strange. More importantly, Laozi's words clearly placed Tai Cang beneath his own protection.

What was so special about this child?

A member of the Jie Sect was actually being protected by Grand Clarity...

Though the immortals were filled with doubts, they did not neglect courtesy and returned the greeting one after another. "Little Friend Tai Cang, you are too polite."

"With your talent, you will surely be able to shoulder the duties of Cang Gate in the future."

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

The Three Sects wore varying expressions at this sight. Cang Du and the immortals of the Chan Sect could still accept it, since Tai Cang's new identity did not affect their interests. But the Jie Sect disciples were different, especially Daoist Duobao—this chief disciple of the Jie Sect had once been full of confidence and had suppressed Tai Cang at every turn after gaining Tongtian's favor.

Who would have expected that in the blink of an eye, that inner disciple would transform into Cang Gate's chief disciple? Not only had he gained recognition from all sides, but he also had the Grand Clarity Sage backing him. Worse still, the grudge between them ran deep. Given Tai Cang's current status, if he sought revenge in the future...

Duobao and the Jie Sect cultivators who had once kicked Tai Cang while he was down all turned pale.

Suddenly, a phoenix cry resounded through the clouds. Nuwa arrived at Kunlun riding the Golden Phoenix, while the Western Two Sages, Jieyin and Zhunti, also descended gracefully with several Grand Unity Golden Immortals surrounded by Buddhist light.

"The Sages have arrived."

The expressions of the cultivators in the hall immediately grew solemn.

The Three Pure Ones sat high in the seats of honor, and even they put away some of their casual demeanor.

Though Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa ranked slightly below them, they were still Sages and could not be slighted.

The three figures drifted down and cupped their hands toward the Three Pure Ones after landing. "Greetings, Senior Brother Laozi!"

"Greetings, Senior Brother Yuan Shi!"

"Greetings, Senior Brother Tongtian."

The Three Pure Ones returned the greeting. "Greetings, Junior Brother Jieyin."

"I trust you have been well, Junior Brother Zhunti."

"Junior Sister Nuwa, it has been a long time."

Once the greetings were exchanged, the surrounding cultivators spoke in unison. "Welcome, Sage Jieyin!"

"Welcome, Sage Zhunti!"

"Welcome, Sage Nuwa!"

After the pleasantries, the three newly arrived Sages moved to the side of the Three Pure Ones.

Once the six Sages were seated, Laozi waved his sleeve at Tai Cang. "You may withdraw for now."

"I obey the decree of Eldest Martial Uncle."

Tai Cang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The pressure of six Sages felt like an endless prison, weighing heavily on him.

After bowing deeply to the six Sages, he turned and prepared to head toward the Three Sects.

"Brother Tai Cang!"

The Golden Crow Princes called out from not far away. Di Yi and the others were waving excitedly at him.

After a brief hesitation, Tai Cang turned and walked toward the Ten Golden Crow Princes.

This scene caused an uproar throughout the hall.

Cang Gate's chief disciple was actually acquainted with the Demon Race princes. Could it be that the Three Sects intended to join forces with the Demon Race?

Zhen Yuanzi and the other great powers secretly speculated, while the Three Sects frowned deeply. They had long received their masters' orders to stay away from the Witch and Demon Races. Tai Cang's actions were truly inappropriate.

The Jie Sect direct disciples, however, rejoiced in secret. In Duobao's eyes, Tai Cang had defied the Sage's will. Even as Cang Gate's chief disciple, he would not escape punishment.

Tai Cang noticed nothing unusual. Upon reaching the Golden Crow Princes, he performed a formal salute. "Greetings, fellow Daoists."

"Greetings, Brother Tai Cang!"

Di Yi and the others solemnly returned the salute.

Then one Golden Crow Prince asked curiously, "Brother, how did you become Cang Gate's chief disciple?"

"Our father once said that this position could receive the blessing of Cang Gate's destiny. It was not a place an ordinary cultivator could occupy."

"It is said that Cang Gate's destiny is extraordinarily wondrous and can aid cultivation and comprehension of the Dao..."

Listening to their overlapping questions, Tai Cang smiled helplessly. His position as Cang Gate's chief disciple had come too suddenly, and he had not yet had time to process it.

Compared to intangible destiny, he valued what he had actually gained more—the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill and the True Martial Black Eagle Banner were the genuine opportunities.

"I have merely received Eldest Martial Uncle's favor. Tai Cang is deeply grateful."

The Golden Crow Princes all revealed thoughtful expressions upon hearing this.

Laozi's favor?

This matter had been pushed through entirely by Laozi.

Yet Tai Cang was a member of the Jie Sect, so it was hard not to read more into it.

"Come! Come! Come!"

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

"Indeed, congratulations on obtaining the important post of Cang Gate!"

Di Yi and the others quickly recovered and stopped asking questions. They raised their cups in invitation, pulling Tai Cang into the banquet to drink freely.

Tai Cang gladly agreed and conversed merrily with the Ten Golden Crow Princes.

Time flew by. After the six Sages and the great powers had exchanged pleasantries, the grand event of the Three Sects officially began.

"Disciples of the Three Sects, heed my command!"

Laozi slowly rose from the seat of honor. With a light wave of his sleeve, the space within the hall twisted, revealing the outline of a vast world.

That world was a landscape of mountains and rivers, suffused with spiritual energy and filled with heavenly treasures. Even more striking were the countless strange beasts dwelling within—flood dragons devoured prey only to be seized by white apes ten thousand feet tall; Vermilion Birds cried across the skies as blazing flames scorched the heavens; ferocious beasts such as Taotie and Hundun roamed freely, and quite a few possessed the cultivation of Grand Unity Golden Immortals.

The legendary Beast Realm!

Eldest Senior Brother had actually found this place!

The Sages all rose to their feet and looked toward that world, unable to hide their shock. The great powers present also erupted in discussion. Someone said solemnly, "When the Primordial World first opened, ferocious beasts reigned supreme, while we innate deities were instead their food. Only later, when the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans joined forces with the Dao Ancestor, was Beast Emperor Shenni slain. It is said that before Shenni died, he transformed into a world and transferred all the surviving ferocious beasts within..."

Ferocious and strange beasts had nearly vanished from the Primordial World. Even pure-blooded dragons and phoenixes were rare. Even Lady Nuwa used the Golden Phoenix, a princess of the Phoenix Clan, as her mount. Now that the Beast Realm had appeared, the pure-blooded strange beasts within made the great powers' hearts burn with desire.

The Beast Realm...

Tai Cang stared at that world, his heart shaken. He had read records of the era of ferocious beasts in ancient texts, but that age had been far too distant. Yet Laozi had actually opened this realm as the site of the Three Sects Competition—ferocious beasts covered the land, and Grand Unity Golden Immortals roamed freely. Would they not be in grave danger?

He had thought it would be an ordinary contest, never expecting such a situation.

Everyone wore different expressions as Laozi smiled calmly. "But this is merely one corner of the Beast Realm."

"Back then, Beast Emperor Shenni stood only one step away from achieving bodily sainthood. After his fall, he used his lifelong essence blood, cultivation, and more than ten fragments of the Jade Disc of Creation to open the Beast Realm, making it an existence that surpassed a vast world."

"Though I have obtained a key to enter part of the Beast Realm, it is difficult for me to explore deeper. The strongest ferocious and strange beasts in this region are only Grand Unity Golden Immortals, making it ideal as the location for the Three Sects Competition."

When those words fell, the entire hall was stunned.

The great powers of the Primordial World were deeply shaken by Laozi's words, while the Three Sects descended into panic.

They were entering the Beast Realm to compete? How could they deal with so many ferocious beasts at the level of Grand Unity Golden Immortals? Not to mention that these pure-blooded strange beasts were invincible among those of the same realm. Rushing in recklessly was no different from seeking death.

The wine cup in Hong Yun's hand fell to the floor. He abruptly rose to his feet. "Fellow Daoist Laozi, do you truly intend to send the Three Sects into the Beast Realm for competition?"

"That is a dangerous land beyond a vast world. Even Quasi-Sages would not dare claim they could leave unharmed!"

At those words, the great powers present all voiced their agreement.

Indeed, though the strange beasts currently visible were only at the level of Grand Unity Golden Immortals, pure-blooded strange beasts possessed combat power comparable to Quasi-Sages. Moreover, the Beast Realm was comparable to a miniature Primordial World. How could there be no Quasi-Sage-level beings within it?

Laozi wanted the Three Sects to risk their lives there. He was practically gambling with their lives.

This was bad!

The Three Sects cultivators turned ashen.

Who could have imagined that the competition would take place in the legendary Beast Realm, where they would face Grand Unity Golden Immortals and perhaps even stronger existences? One careless mistake would cost them their lives.

Cang Du and the Twelve Golden Immortals remained relatively calm, trusting that their master would not send them into danger. But Duobao and the other Jie Sect disciples were frantic, especially the inner and nominal disciples at the Golden Immortal realm. For them, this journey was practically a death sentence.

"Eldest Brother!"

Yuan Shi and Tongtian spoke at the same time.

They had not expected the competition to be so dangerous. Their disciples might be wiped out completely. How could they not be anxious?

"Your concerns are not without reason."

Laozi swept his gaze across the crowd and waved dismissively. "However, with the six Sages present, protecting this region with the power of Sages will not be difficult."

"Even if Quasi-Sage-level strange beasts appear, we will immediately deal with them. They will not threaten the competition grounds."

"Furthermore, I have comprehended part of the Beast Realm's laws and can refine protective jade talismans. If danger arises, crush the talisman, and you will be teleported out immediately."

Hearing this, everyone suddenly understood.

Yuan Shi and Tongtian breathed sighs of relief. Since Laozi had prepared in advance, there was nothing to worry about.

The two exchanged a glance, then cupped their hands toward Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa. "We will have to trouble you three fellow Daoists."

At those words, Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa's expressions shifted slightly.

This matter had completely caught them off guard. It was entirely Laozi's unilateral proposal. Yet they could not refuse now, especially before the gods of the Primordial World. More importantly, they had begun to take an interest in the Beast Realm as well—it was a miniature Primordial World existing beyond the Heavenly Dao. If they could gain control over it, they would receive an endless stream of destiny blessings, greatly benefiting their Sage cultivation.

"Of course, we shall do our utmost!"

After exchanging glances, the three spoke in unison. "We will fully assist our three senior brothers."

Seeing this, Yuan Shi and Tongtian finally relaxed. They gave Laozi meaningful looks before returning to their respective seats.

Their lives were safe!

They would not truly perish!

The Three Sects disciples all breathed sighs of relief. Since there was no threat of death, their concerns naturally vanished. What excited them even more was the abundant resources within the Beast Realm. Even if they obtained only a small portion of them...

At that thought, their breathing quickened, and fiery light flashed in their eyes. They could not wait to enter.

I miscalculated.

Tai Cang frowned inwardly at the banquet. He also longed to explore the Beast Realm, not to compete for the top position in the Three Sects Competition, nor to complete any task, but simply to uncover its mysteries. That world beyond the Primordial World was said to contain more than ten fragments of the Jade Disc of Creation. Even Sages could hardly resist such an opportunity, much less him.

More importantly, if the Beast Realm existed, did that mean there were even more unknown worlds beyond the Primordial World? Three thousand vast worlds? Endless dimensional universes? Perhaps even the legendary Primordial Chaos World that surpassed the Primordial World?

Tai Cang suddenly realized that this Primordial World he had transmigrated into seemed to be an enhanced version of the Three Sects—

"Are you prepared?"

Laozi's voice pulled everyone's thoughts back to reality. Cang Du, the Twelve Golden Immortals, and the Jie Sect disciples immediately stepped forward to salute. "We are ready at any time!"

Since their lives were no longer in danger, Duobao and the others naturally feared nothing. Failure did not matter. If they could gain something, the trip would be worthwhile.

Laozi nodded in satisfaction. With a wave of his hand, countless jade talismans flew toward the Three Sects disciples. Then, as though recalling something, he took out another jade talisman and tossed it toward Tai Cang. "Tai Cang, though you are not a disciple of the Three Sects, you belong to Cang Gate and may also participate in the trial."

"What?!"