Chapter 25

What first disciple of the Jie Sect? Since he had willingly fallen so low, why should we show him mercy?

Taiyi immediately echoed, "Exactly! Such a despicable wretch has utterly disgraced the Three Pure Ones' lineage."

Tai Cang could only smile bitterly.

How could he not want to personally kill Duobao?

But the situation was unusual. Sect Master Tongtian was secretly observing the battle, and more importantly, Laozi was planning to reclaim Pangu's Destiny. This matter required the cooperation of many parties: the Human Sect had Cang Du, the Chan Sect relied on the Twelve Golden Immortals, while Duobao possessed the highest cultivation in the Jie Sect. If Duobao were killed now, not only would Tongtian certainly intervene, but even Laozi might act to stop him. Before such a grand undertaking concerning Pangu's Destiny, personal grudges were not worth mentioning.

Suddenly, a clear hum rang out.

The communication jade talisman in Yuding's robes trembled slightly.

It was an urgent message from Senior Brother Guangchengzi!

Yuding's expression turned grave, and he immediately activated the jade talisman with his mana. Amid shimmering streams of light came Guangchengzi's hurried voice: "Junior Brother Yuding, come at once! There is a tremendous opportunity here!" Before his words faded, the jade talisman projected a detailed map clearly marking Guangchengzi and the others' location.

Taiyi and Yuding exchanged glances.

What kind of opportunity could make Guangchengzi so anxious?

The two of them turned to Tai Cang in unison. "Fellow Daoist, would you like to come with us? It may be a fortune left behind by Beast Emperor Shenni."

Tai Cang's expression became solemn.

Before Shen Ni's death, he had already touched the threshold of sainthood. What he left behind was indeed worth taking seriously. After a brief moment of thought, Tai Cang nodded. "Of course I will go. However, the previous battle consumed a great deal of mana. I must first recover."

The three immediately sat down and began meditating.

Shen Ni's inheritance?!

The great experts of the Primordial World watching from outside were all stirred.

At that moment, everyone's attention was focused on another scene. At the entrance of a deep, shadowy gorge, Cang Du, Guangchengzi, Zhao Gongming, and more than a dozen others were blocked by a massive black stone stele engraved with mysterious characters, unable to advance even a single step.

The gods stared at the mysterious writing on the stele, their eyes filled with confusion and shock.

Why were these characters so unfamiliar?

Moreover, even from so far away, they could sense the terrifying power contained within the writing. Could these be the legendary Chaos characters?

The gods in the hall discussed it animatedly, all their attention fixed upon the strange stone stele.

"Brother!"

"What exactly is that?"

Seated above, Yuanshi and Tongtian frowned deeply as they turned to Laozi for an answer.

At those words, Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa also cast questioning looks his way. Even the great experts outside the hall looked toward Laozi. After all, he had opened the entrance to the beast realm, so perhaps he could decipher those mysterious symbols.

"I cannot recognize them either."

Laozi shook his head and said gravely, "But one thing is certain: this stone stele most likely came from that world. There must be a great secret hidden within the gorge."

"However, we cannot enter rashly. Otherwise, we may alert that world's will and even be rejected by it."

"Now we can only place our hopes on Tai Cang and the others and see whether they can uncover its mysteries."

Hearing this, Yuanshi and the others frowned even more deeply. Even Laozi could not comprehend it. Did that mean danger might be lurking behind this opportunity? If so, would the gathering of the three sects not be fraught with peril?

"There is no need to worry."

Sensing Yuanshi and Tongtian's concerns, Laozi said calmly, "With us Saints watching over them, even if we cannot remain there for long, ensuring their safe return will not be difficult."

Only then did Yuanshi and Tongtian relax. As long as their lives were not in danger, nothing else mattered. They said no more and instead focused on the stone stele appearing in the mirror, constantly calculating with their fingers and even attempting to peer into the River of Destiny for its secrets.

As time passed, Tai Cang and the other two in the valley had fully recovered their mana.

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, let us set out!"

Taiyi and Yuding exchanged glances, rose to their feet, and spoke to Tai Cang. They were both filled with anticipation for the immortal opportunity Guangchengzi had mentioned and could not wait to investigate it.

Tai Cang nodded in agreement. He was also curious about this so-called immortal opportunity. For it to make Guangchengzi go to such lengths and even send a special message to Yuding and Taiyi, it had to be extraordinary.

The three dispelled their barrier and began swiftly moving through the dense forest. They were especially cautious this time, as their encounter with a Grand Unity Golden Immortal-level beast still lingered vividly in their minds. Whenever they encountered beasts along the way, they avoided them if possible. If they could not, they joined forces to kill them quickly before immediately withdrawing.

The inner cores they obtained were divided equally among the three. Since they were close friends, there had never been any disputes. They took one each in turn, and the quality of their cores depended entirely on the level of the beasts they encountered.

After half a month of travel, Tai Cang and the other two finally arrived at the coordinates Guangchengzi had given them.

"It is just ahead."

After passing through the forest, Yuding and Taiyi pointed at the distant gorge. "Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, let us pick up speed. There is no cover here. If the beasts discover us, the consequences will be disastrous."

"Understood!"

Tai Cang answered and accelerated his sword flight. The three sped across the wasteland and finally reached the entrance of the gorge.

"Junior Brother Yuding!"

"Senior Brother Taiyi!"

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang!"

When Guangchengzi and the others saw the three arrive, delight appeared on their faces, and they all rose to greet them.

"What a rare sight!"

"The direct disciples of the three sects have gathered here."

A sharp glint flashed through Tai Cang's eyes as his fighting spirit began to rise.

The Chan Sect's direct disciples had already been defeated by him, but he had yet to fight Cang Du of the Human Sect, Zhao Gongming of the Jie Sect, and San Xiao. If he could defeat them, he would gain two more max-level privileges.

Ding! Mission triggered: Obtain Shen Ni's inheritance!

Mission reward: One max-level privilege.

Shen Ni's inheritance!

Tai Cang's pupils contracted, and his breathing stalled.

It was not merely because a mission had appeared, but because its contents were so shocking. Beast Emperor Shenni's inheritance was truly hidden in this gorge. The inheritance of that supreme being who had come infinitely close to sainthood was enough to let one soar to the heavens in a single step.

"Senior Brother Guangchengzi."

"Senior Brother Cang Du."

Yuding and Taiyi stepped forward and saluted respectfully. However, they acted as though Zhao Gongming and San Xiao did not exist.

They had never held much fondness for Jie Sect cultivators to begin with, and after hearing that they had besieged Tai Cang, their prejudice had only deepened.

"This..."

Zhao Gongming and San Xiao exchanged glances.

Yuding and Taiyi's indifference was undisguised, leaving them both confused and embarrassed. They had no idea why they were being treated so coldly.

"Junior Brother, what happened?"

Guangchengzi frowned, pulled Taiyi aside, and asked quietly.

Everyone's attention was drawn over, and Cang Du, Zhao Gongming, and the others also looked on.

"Well..."

Taiyi hesitated slightly.

Some things were inconvenient to say in front of Zhao Gongming and the others. After all, it was Duobao and his group who had attacked Tai Cang, not the four before them.

"If Junior Brother Taiyi finds it inconvenient to speak, I will explain."

Yuding stepped forward. He had never liked San Xiao to begin with.

He still vividly remembered how they had forced their way into the valley back then, demanding that Tai Cang refine artifacts for them.

Thus, Yuding spoke bluntly and revealed how Duobao had led others in besieging Tai Cang.

"What?!"

"Duobao actually did something like that?!"

"The Jie Sect's conduct is truly despicable!"

Guangchengzi and the other Chan Sect disciples flew into a rage upon hearing this.

They were on good terms with Tai Cang, and many of their Lingbao had come from his hands. How could they not be furious after hearing that he had been attacked?

The way everyone looked at Zhao Gongming and San Xiao immediately turned sharp.

Even Cang Du frowned.

He had long been acquainted with Tai Cang, and the Jie Sect's actions had indeed gone too far.

"This..."

Zhao Gongming and San Xiao stood frozen in place.

They had never imagined Duobao would do such a thing, much less that Tai Cang was so close to Guangchengzi and the others.

Facing everyone's furious glares, unease gradually rose in their hearts.

They were all Grand Unity Golden Immortals. If a fight truly broke out, they would be no match for the other side.

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Zhao Gongming unconsciously looked toward Tai Cang in the distance and hurriedly said, "Duobao was the one who attacked you. It has nothing to do with us siblings."

"Junior Brother, given our friendship, how could we possibly attack you? How could we become your enemies?"

Tai Cang seemed to awaken from a dream upon hearing this.

He swept his gaze over the two sides, who were at each other's throats, and quickly understood the situation.

Then his gaze settled on Zhao Gongming and San Xiao. After a brief pause, he slowly spoke. "Senior Brother Zhao."

"Three Senior Sisters!"

"Come at me together!"

Before his words had even faded, Tai Cang moved his thoughts, and the Yinghuo Sword appeared in his hand as he stepped forward.

Since he had decided to slap Sect Master Tongtian in the face, he would not hesitate.

Though he had a decent relationship with San Xiao, Tai Cang would not hesitate in the slightest for the sake of completing the mission and obtaining the One-Click Max Level Privilege.

More importantly, back in Upper Clarity Palace, Zhao Gongming had stopped Yunxiao from speaking up for him. It was clear that Zhao Gongming had never truly treated him sincerely.

"Junior Brother, are you truly going to do this?"

Zhao Gongming's expression changed drastically as he stared coldly at Tai Cang.

He had thought Tai Cang would let the matter rest, but he had not expected him to truly attack them siblings. Worse, Tai Cang arrogantly wanted to face all four alone. Zhao Gongming could no longer endure it.

Taking one step forward, the mana of an early-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal surged around Zhao Gongming. With a wave of his right hand, a fly whisk appeared in his grasp. Clearly, he no longer wished to say another word.

"Big Brother!"

"Junior Brother!"

Seeing this, Yunxiao and her two sisters wore complicated expressions.

At this point, they understood that the matter could not be peacefully resolved.

The three women exchanged glances, then walked to Zhao Gongming's side. Mana surged around them as they locked onto Tai Cang. "Junior Brother, we do not wish to fight you. Let us stop here."

"Junior Brother Tai Cang, Duobao was the one targeting you. You have already defeated him, so why continue?"

"Junior Brother Tai Cang, it is not too late to turn back. We are all from the Jie Sect and should live in harmony."

"Live in harmony?"

What ironic words.

Tai Cang shook his head and chuckled, completely ignoring San Xiao's persuasion.

The three women might not wish to fight, but as long as Zhao Gongming stood against him, they would support him without condition.

Therefore, their persuasion had been meaningless from the very beginning.

"No need for more words."

Tai Cang took a deep breath and flicked the Yinghuo Sword in his hand. "Come at me together!"

"Do not say I did not give you a chance."

"Arrogant!"

Zhao Gongming's face turned livid, and San Xiao also looked displeased.

Tai Cang's actions clearly left them no room to save face. He was determined to make this matter worse.

More importantly, Guangchengzi and the others' earlier attitude had made it clear that they fully supported Tai Cang.

If everyone joined forces to attack them, the four siblings would have no power to resist.

"Three sisters."

Zhao Gongming made his decision at once. "Attack together and subdue Tai Cang. Today, we must defeat him."

San Xiao answered in unison.

Since it could not be avoided, they did not fear a battle.

In an instant, San Xiao formed hand seals, and Upper Clarity Divine Thunder surged forth. Zhao Gongming swept his fly whisk, and its three thousand silver threads shot toward Tai Cang like sharp blades, sealing off his retreat.

"Is that all?"

A trace of disdain flashed through Tai Cang's eyes. The Yinghuo Sword swept out horizontally, and several fierce streaks of sword qi instantly shredded the incoming fly-whisk threads.

In the blink of an eye, he had flashed before Zhao Gongming.

Sword light flashed, and blood splattered. A vicious wound burst open across Zhao Gongming's chest. He groaned and crashed heavily to the ground.

"Big Brother!"

San Xiao's eyes nearly split with rage. They had never imagined Tai Cang would strike so ruthlessly. Though that sword had not taken Zhao Gongming's life, it had already left him seriously injured.

The three women were furious and formed seals at the same time, summoning Upper Clarity Divine Thunder.

Boom! Boom!

Three bolts of azure lightning tore through the sky and struck straight toward Tai Cang's head.

"Trifling tricks."

Tai Cang sneered and formed a hand seal with his left hand, gathering a streak of purple lightning in his palm. With a lift of his hand, all three bolts of azure lightning were drawn into his palm.

Amid crackling currents, the Upper Clarity Divine Thunder was completely devoured by the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder.

"This is impossible!"