Chapter 28

Zhen Yuanzi and the others' eagerness suited him perfectly.

The deeper they explored, the greater his gains would be.

Once he confirmed that the Beast Realm was safe, he could even replace this realm's will and take control of heaven and earth.

"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Laozi!"

"Thank you, Grand Clarity Sage!"

The others did not know what Laozi was plotting. Seeing him agree, they were immediately overjoyed. They secretly decided to nurture trusted subordinates after returning, even using secret arts to control them and prevent their disciples from concealing anything after attaining the Dao.

"Silence."

Laozi raised a hand to suppress the clamor.

His expression turned solemn as he said, "The matter of the Beast Realm has been settled for now. Next, we shall tally the gains of the three sects."

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

A Sage's dignity could not be offended. Besides, they had come for the contest between the three sects in the first place. The immortals' gazes all turned toward Tai Cang—it was certain that he was the champion of this trial.

"Tai Cang, you go first."

Laozi lightly flicked his sleeve. "Take out all the inner cores you obtained."

"Yes."

With a thought from Tai Cang, inner cores instantly appeared in heaps, piled into a mountain.

Laozi nodded, then looked toward Cang Du and the others. "You should present your gains as well."

The three sects did not dare delay and took out their respective harvests. Cang Du alone had obtained nearly a hundred, most of them Golden Immortal-level, with several Grand Unity Golden Immortal inner cores mixed in. The Chan Sect had only a dozen or so, all at the Golden Immortal level. As for the Jie Sect, Zhao Gongming and the others had empty hands, while Yunxiao alone produced dozens, including several Grand Unity Golden Immortal-level inner cores.

"This..."

The Twelve Golden Immortals frowned at the sight.

Yunxiao's gains were clearly unusual. Coupled with Zhao Gongming and his siblings having gained nothing, it was obvious that they had handed all the inner cores to Yunxiao. This was unfair—after all, everyone was supposed to fight independently.

The Three Pure Ones exchanged glances before Laozi announced loudly, "The champion of this contest between the three sects is Tai Cang."

"Second place, Cang Du."

"Third place, Guangchengzi."

"Fourth place, Yunxiao!"

"Fifth place, Yuding!"

"Sixth place, Taiyi!"

"Seventh place, Chijingzi!"

"Eighth place, Huanglong!"

"Ninth place, Daoxing!"

"Tenth place, Wudang!"

Although Wudang of the Jie Sect had been defeated by Tai Cang early on, she still entered the top ten through her abundant haul of inner cores.

Had Tai Cang not intercepted her midway, her ranking would certainly have been even higher.

**Ding! Mission completed. Obtained One-Click Max Level Privilege.**

The System Notification rang out, and the corners of Tai Cang's mouth rose slightly.

With another max-level privilege added to the one he had received for defeating the Jie Sect direct disciples, he had now accumulated two uses.

"Tai Cang!"

Laozi sat in the main seat and called out in a deep voice.

"Present."

Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Tai Cang stepped forward and saluted.

"Very good."

Laozi nodded, then flipped his palm and tossed out a jade talisman. "This talisman contains the Thirty-Six Transformations I created after comprehending Pangu inheritance. I hope you cultivate it diligently."

Thirty-Six Transformations!

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

This art contained thirty-six divine abilities. If he could master it, his combat strength would soar. What stirred him even more was the "Golden Light of Earth Traversal" escape art within it, which could perfectly compensate for his weakness.

"Thank you, Eldest Uncle-Master, for bestowing this art!"

Tai Cang accepted the jade talisman, unable to hide his delight. Just as he was about to withdraw, Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning's voice suddenly rang out. "Since you are the champion, you should receive gifts from all Three Pure Ones. Eldest Brother has given you a transformation art, so I shall grant you a weapon—"

With a sweep of his sleeve, a treasure sword gleaming with icy light appeared in the air. Innate qi coiled around it. It was unmistakably a high-grade innate spiritual treasure!

"This sword is called the 'Yin Yang.' I hope you will wield it to protect the Cang Sect's lineage."

Yuan Shi gently pushed the hilt, and the treasure sword turned into a streak of light that flew toward Tai Cang. The cultivators watching the ceremony were all filled with envy—a high-grade innate spiritual treasure was a supreme treasure that countless people dreamed of obtaining!

Clang!

The moment he gripped the sword, Tai Cang was inwardly startled. With this divine weapon, my combat strength can reach another peak!

He immediately bowed solemnly. "I will not disappoint Second Uncle-Master's generous gift!"

Yuan Shi nodded faintly and glanced at Tongtian. "Third Brother, it is your turn."

Tongtian understood and stepped forward. "Tai Cang, you have won first place. Your master is greatly pleased."

"You already possess enough spells, divine abilities, and treasures. Remember, greed for too much brings no benefit. Today, I shall promote you to a direct disciple. What do you think?" Sect Master Tongtian spoke calmly beneath the glow of the setting sun.

Promoted to a direct disciple!

Hearing this, Tai Cang's brow twitched, and a trace of displeasure flashed through his eyes.

The position of a Jie Sect direct disciple.

In the past, it might have moved him.

But now, as a member of the Cang Sect, this direct disciple status held little meaning for him.

Tongtian's proposal sounded like a promotion, but it could not truly be considered a reward.

In Tai Cang's view, the title of direct disciple was not even as practical as a low-grade innate spiritual treasure.

The hall fell completely silent.

Tai Cang remained silent, and no one else dared speak.

Everyone understood that Tongtian was testing Tai Cang's attitude.

Only by accepting the position of direct disciple might Tongtian bestow him with a powerful treasure.

If he refused...

Not only would he receive no treasure, but he would also be completely excluded from the Jie Sect's core.

"I respectfully decline."

After about a quarter of an hour, Tai Cang slowly raised his head. "I am of the Cang Sect and cultivate the methods of the Human, Jie, and Chan Sects. If I accept the position of direct disciple, it would be unfair to the Jie Sect and disrespectful to my master."

"I respectfully ask Master to permit it."

After speaking, Tai Cang felt as though a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

With the system at his disposal, he no longer wished to bow and scrape.

Moreover, Tongtian's previous actions had already displeased him. He truly could not accept such an arrangement that so clearly distinguished between closeness and distance.

"Have you truly thought this through?"

Tongtian's expression darkened, and his gaze toward Tai Cang gained several traces of displeasure.

How could a Sage be wrong? Even if he were wrong, he could not tolerate such defiance.

Tai Cang clasped his hands solemnly. "My mind is made up."

"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave first."

Having said that, he spoke no further. After saluting Tongtian, he turned and left.

Since Tongtian had no intention of granting him a treasure, Tai Cang would not force the matter.

Besides, he already possessed the True Martial Black Eagle Banner and the Innate Yin Yang Sword. He did not care much for other items.

"Very good!"

Tongtian sat upright, making no effort to hide his dissatisfaction with Tai Cang.

Laozi and Yuan Shi both frowned slightly at the sight.

Jieyin and Zhunti, however, were secretly delighted.

Tai Cang's actions not only defied Tongtian, but also showed that he harbored misgivings toward the Jie Sect. If they took advantage of this opening...

The two stared intently at Tai Cang and secretly resolved to draw him into the Western Teachings.

"Cang Du."

Laozi suddenly spoke. "As the head of the Cang Sect, I shall grant you the Innate Five Elements Robe."

With a sweep of his sleeve, a Daoist robe flew toward Cang Du. Innate aura filled the air—it was unmistakably a top-grade innate spiritual treasure.

"A top-grade innate spiritual treasure!"

"It is actually such a supreme treasure!"

The hall immediately erupted into an uproar.

Countless burning gazes focused on the Daoist robe, and many great powers could not conceal their desire.

This was a top-grade innate spiritual treasure, enough to drive any cultivator mad.

"Thank you, Master!"

Cang Du accepted it joyfully. After saluting Laozi, he stepped aside and began refining it.

"Guangchengzi!"

Primeval Lord of Heaven rose from his seat, his gaze falling upon Guangchengzi. "You are my chief disciple and also claimed third place in the contest. Today, I grant you one of the Five Direction Banners—the Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner."

Before he had even finished speaking, Primeval Lord of Heaven swept his sleeve, and the top-grade innate spiritual treasure radiating earthen-yellow light flew toward Guangchengzi.

"Another top-grade innate spiritual treasure!"

"The Three Pure Ones truly have profound foundations."

"When will we be able to be so lavish?"

Waves of astonished exclamations came from outside. Envy flashed through the eyes of many Quasi-Sage experts. Even for them, such treasures were difficult to encounter, yet they were being bestowed one after another upon Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivators.

"Thank you, Master, for your grace!"

Guangchengzi saluted respectfully, accepted the Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner, and stepped aside to begin refining it.

"Yunxiao."

Sect Master Tongtian's voice suddenly rang out. He glanced at Tai Cang, who stood silently to one side, then raised his hand and brought out the Primordial Golden Dou. "You performed exceptionally this time and are among the finest of the Jie Sect direct disciples. Today, I grant you this treasure. I hope you will put it to good use."

The Primordial Golden Dou transformed into a streak of light and landed in Yunxiao's hands. Sect Master Tongtian gave Tai Cang a meaningful glance.

"Thank you, Master."

Yunxiao held the spiritual treasure and returned to Zhao Gongming and the others, who immediately gathered around her.

"Congratulations, Elder Sister, on obtaining such a powerful treasure!"

"Little Sister's path of cultivation will surely become much smoother in the future."

The group beamed with joy. This spiritual treasure meant that Yunxiao's status within the sect would rise another level. Even Senior Brother Duobao had never received such a generous gift, making its deeper meaning worthy of consideration.

Tai Cang watched coldly, turning a blind eye to Sect Master Tongtian's hint. Such preferential treatment only made him more certain that rejecting the position of direct disciple had been the right decision.

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang."

Di Yi suddenly approached and clasped his hands. "My father wishes to speak with you."

Following his gesture, Tai Cang saw Demon Sovereign Di Jun smiling and signaling to him. Though puzzled, Tai Cang still nodded. "Please lead the way."

As the two passed through the crowd, they immediately drew the attention of the great powers from every side. Zhen Yuanzi and the others seemed to realize something, and their expressions changed. "This is bad! Di Jun has seized the initiative!"

"Tai Cang has come into contact with the blood-red stele inscriptions several times. He must know secrets that we do not."

As soon as this thought arose, the great powers present could no longer remain seated.

If that was truly the case, then befriending Tai Cang became particularly important.

Even though Tai Cang was not a Jie Sect direct disciple, his status in the Cang Sect still prevented anyone from underestimating him.

"Greetings, Demon Emperor!"

"Greetings, Demon Sovereign!"

Tai Cang and Di Yi arrived before Di Jun and the others. After clasping their hands in salute, Tai Cang asked directly, "May I ask why the Demon Emperor summoned me here?"

"Little friend Tai Cang, there is no need for such formality."

Di Jun waved his hand. Rather than answering directly, he looked at Di Yi and said, "Di Yi, withdraw first."

"Yes, Father!"

Di Yi responded, glanced at Tai Cang, then quickly stepped aside.

After Di Yi left, Di Jun's expression became solemn. "Little friend Tai Cang, I invited you here to discuss something. Do you still remember the blood-red stele inscriptions?"

"I wish to know whether the matters recorded on the stele are true or false."

The moment he said this, Eastern Emperor Tai Yi, Kunpeng, the Ten Great Demon Marshals, and Fuxi all became solemn. The information contained in the blood-red stele inscriptions was of the utmost importance and might even concern their futures. No one dared take it lightly.

"It is true."

Tai Cang swept his gaze over the group, understanding why they were so nervous. The realm of the Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortal truly existed.

As a transmigrator, Tai Cang knew very well that in the higher-tier Primordial World, Grand Unity Golden Immortals were the true pinnacle—not the so-called Sages, Dao Ancestor, or Heavenly Dao.

As far as he knew, Grand Unity Golden Immortals were divided into four levels: ordinary Grand Unity Golden Immortals, Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortals, Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortals, and Primordial Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortals.

Most cultivators now remained only at the level of ordinary Grand Unity Golden Immortals. Even so-called Quasi-Sages were merely somewhat stronger Grand Unity Golden Immortals.

Sages should correspond to Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortals, while a realm like Hongjun's should correspond to Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortals. As for the even higher Primordial Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, perhaps only the great Pangu, who once created heaven and earth, had been able to touch it.

As for the Great Dao Realm above the Primordial Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, Pangu had attempted to break through to it in the past, only to fail.

"Is what you say true, little friend?!"

Di Jun and the others abruptly rose to their feet and swiftly surrounded Tai Cang. Eastern Emperor Tai Yi even brought out the Chaos Bell, cutting off outside observation.

Everyone stared intensely at Tai Cang, like hungry wolves eyeing prey.

"Absolutely true."