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Zhen Yuanzi and the others' eagerness was exactly what he wanted. The deeper the exploration, the greater his gains. Once he confirmed the Beast Realm was safe, he could even replace its will and control the universe.

Thank you, fellow Daoist Laozi!

Thank you, Grand Clarity Sage!

The crowd didn't know Laozi's intentions. Seeing him agree, their faces lit up with joy. They secretly decided to cultivate their trusted subordinates upon their return, even using secret arts to control them, lest they be kept in the dark by their disciples after achieving enlightenment.

Silence.

Laozi raised his hand to quell the clamor and said seriously, "The matter of the Beast Realm is temporarily settled. Now, let's tally the harvest of the Three Sects this time."

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent. A Sage's face could not be slighted, and this trip was precisely for the competition between the Three Sects. The eyes of the immortals all turned towards Tai Cang—he was undoubtedly the leader this time.

"Tai Cang, you first."

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

"As you command."

Tai Cang's mind stirred, and instantly, inner cores piled up like hills.

Laozi nodded, then looked at Cang Du and the others, "You all present your harvests as well."

The Three Sects dared not delay and brought out their respective gains. Cang Du alone obtained nearly a hundred, mostly Golden Immortal level, interspersed with a few Grand Unity Golden Immortal inner cores. The Heavenly Origin Sect had only a little over ten, all Golden Immortal level. In the Intercepting Sect, Zhao Gongming and the others were empty-handed, with only Yunxiao producing dozens, containing several Grand Unity Golden Immortal level inner cores.

"This..."

The Twelve Golden Immortals frowned upon seeing this. Yunxiao's gains were clearly abnormal, and coupled with Zhao Gongming and his sister's empty hands, it was evident that everyone had pooled their inner cores to Yunxiao. This action violated fairness—after all, everyone was supposed to fight for themselves.

The Three Pure Ones exchanged glances. Laozi announced loudly, "The leader of this competition for the Three Sects is Tai Cang."

"Second place, Cang Du."

"Third place, Guangchengzi."

"Fourth, Yunxiao!"

"Fifth, Yuding!"

"Sixth, Taiyi!"

"Seventh, Chijingzi!"

"Eighth, Huanglong!"

"Ninth, Daoxing!"

"Tenth, Wudang!"

Although Wudang of the Intercepting Sect had been defeated by Tai Cang early on, she still managed to enter the top ten with her abundant inner core harvest. If Tai Cang hadn't intercepted her midway, her ranking would have been even higher.

"Ding! Mission accomplished, obtained One-Click Max Level Privilege."

A System Notification sounded, and Tai Cang's lips curved slightly. With another Max Level Privilege, added to the ones obtained from defeating the Intercepting Sect's personal disciples, he now had two.

"Tai Cang!"

Laozi sat at the main seat and solemnly summoned.

"I am here."

Tai Cang suppressed his elation and stepped forward to pay his respects.

"Very good."

Laozi nodded, flipped his palm, and took out a jade talisman, tossing it out. "This talisman contains the 'Thirty-Six Transformations' I created by comprehending Pangu's legacy. I hope you will diligently practice it."

Thirty-Six Transformations!

Tai Cang's pupils contracted, and his breathing hitched. This technique contained thirty-six divine abilities. If he could master it, his combat power would skyrocket. What moved him even more was the "Soaring Earth Golden Light" escape technique within it, which perfectly compensated for his shortcomings.

"Thank you, Eldest Senior Uncle, for bestowing this technique!"

After receiving the jade talisman, Tai Cang couldn't hide his joy. Just as he was about to step down, Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning's voice suddenly came, "Since you are the leader, you should receive the blessings of the Three Pure Ones. Eldest Brother bestows upon you the art of transformation, and I shall grant you a weapon—"

With a wave of his sleeve, a sword of chilling radiance appeared in the air, enveloped by innate energy. It was clearly a high-grade innate spiritual treasure!

"This sword is named 'Yin Yang.' I hope you will wield it to protect the heritage of my Cang Gate."

Yuan Shi lightly pushed the sword hilt, and the sword turned into a stream of light, flying towards Tai Cang. The cultivators watching were all envious—a high-grade innate spiritual treasure, a supreme treasure many dreamed of!

"Clang!"

The moment he gripped the sword, Tai Cang was secretly startled. "With this divine weapon, my combat power can reach new heights!" He immediately bowed solemnly, "I will surely not fail the generous gift from Second Senior Uncle!"

Yuan Shi nodded slightly and turned to Tongtian, "Third Brother, it's your turn."

Tongtian understood and stepped forward, announcing loudly, "Tai Cang, I am very pleased that you have won the championship."

"You already have enough divine abilities and magic treasures. Remember, greed leads to no good. Today, I will promote you to a personal disciple. What do you say?" Under the setting sun, Sect Master Tongtian spoke calmly.

Promoted to personal disciple!

Upon hearing this, Tai Cang's brows twitched, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

The position of an Intercepting Sect personal disciple.

In the past, perhaps it would have tempted him.

But now, as a disciple of Cang Gate, this personal disciple status held little meaning.

Tongtian's offer at this moment, while ostensibly a promotion, was hardly a reward.

In Tai Cang's eyes, the title of personal disciple wasn't even as practical as a low-grade innate spiritual treasure.

Silence filled the hall.

Tai Cang remained silent, and the others dared not speak.

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

Only by accepting the position of personal disciple could Tongtian possibly bestow powerful treasures.

If he refused...

Not only would he not receive any treasures, but he would also be completely excluded from the core of the Intercepting Sect.

"I respectfully decline."

After about fifteen minutes, Tai Cang slowly raised his head: "I am a disciple of Cang Gate, cultivating methods from the Human, Intercepting, and Heavenly Origin Sects. If I were to accept the position of personal disciple, it would be unfair to the Intercepting Sect and disrespectful to my master. I humbly request my master's permission."

Upon finishing, Tai Cang felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders.

With the System on his side, he no longer wished to grovel.

Furthermore, Tongtian's previous actions had already displeased him; he found such preferential treatment difficult to accept.

"Have you truly thought this through?"

Tongtian's expression darkened, and a hint of displeasure entered his gaze as he looked at Tai Cang.

"How can a Sage be wrong? Even if they were, they would not tolerate such defiance."

Tai Cang solemnly clasped his fists: "My mind is made up. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

With that, he said no more, bowed to Tongtian, and turned to leave.

Since Tongtian had no intention of bestowing treasures, he wouldn't force the issue.

Besides, with the True Martial Black Eagle Banner and the Innate Yin Yang Sword already in hand, he didn't particularly care about other items.

"Very well!"

Tongtian sat down, no longer concealing 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 indicated his lingering resentment towards the Intercepting Sect. If they were to strike while the iron was hot...

The two gazed intently at Tai Cang, resolving to bring him into the Western Teachings.

Cang Du.

Laozi suddenly spoke: "You are the leader of the disciples, and as your master, I bestow upon you the Innate Five Elements Robe."

With a wave of his sleeve, a daoist robe flew towards Cang Du, emanating an innate aura. It was clearly a supreme-grade innate spiritual treasure.

"A supreme-grade innate spiritual treasure!"

"It's such a treasure!"

The hall erupted in a commotion.

Countless fervent gazes focused on the daoist robe, and many powerful figures could not conceal their longing.

This was a supreme-grade innate spiritual treasure, enough to drive any cultivator to madness.

"Thank you, Master!"

Cang Du joyfully accepted it, bowed to Laozi, and retreated to the side to begin refining it.

"Guangchengzi!"

Yuan Shi stood up from his seat, his gaze falling on Guangchengzi: "As my foremost disciple, and having secured third place in the competition, I bestow upon you the Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner, one of the Five Direction Banners."

Before his words had even finished, Yuan Shi waved his sleeve, and the supreme-grade innate spiritual treasure, radiating a yellow earthen light, flew towards Guangchengzi.

"Another supreme-grade innate spiritual treasure!"

"The Three Pure Ones truly have deep reserves."

"When will we be able to be this generous?"

Exclamations came from outside the hall, and many Quasi-Saint experts showed envy in their eyes. Such treasures were rarely seen, even by them, yet they were now being bestowed one after another upon disciples at the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm.

"Thank you, Master, for your benevolent gift!"

Guangchengzi respectfully bowed, accepted the Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner, and retreated to the side to begin refining it.

"Yunxiao."

Sect Master Tongtian's voice suddenly rang out. He glanced at Tai Cang, who stood quietly to the side, and raised his hand to unleash the Primordial Golden Dou. "Your performance this time has been outstanding, truly a standout among the Intercepting Sect's personal disciples. I bestow this treasure upon you today, and I hope you will make good use of it."

The Primordial Golden Dou transformed into a stream of light and fell into Yunxiao's hands. Sect Master Tongtian gave Tai Cang a meaningful look.

"I thank you, Master."

Yunxiao held the spiritual treasure and retreated to Zhao Gongming and the others. The siblings immediately gathered around her.

"Congratulations, Eldest Sister, on receiving this precious treasure!"

"Youngest Sister, your path ahead will surely be smoother."

They were all overjoyed. This spiritual treasure meant Yunxiao's status within the sect would be elevated. Even Eldest Senior Brother Duobao had not received such a generous gift, the deeper meaning of which was worth pondering.

Tai Cang watched from the sidelines, completely ignoring Sect Master Tongtian's hint. This kind of preferential treatment only strengthened his resolve to refuse the position of personal disciple.

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang."

Di Yi suddenly approached, cupping his hands. "My father wishes to speak with you."

Following Di Yi's gaze, Tai Cang saw Demon Emperor Di Jun beckoning with a smile. Despite his doubts, Tai Cang nodded in agreement. "Thank you for leading the way."

As the two walked through the crowd, they immediately drew the attention of various powerful figures. Zhen Yuanzi and others seemed to understand something, their expressions changing. "Not good! Di Jun has beaten us to it."

"Tai Cang has repeatedly interacted with the blood-colored stele, so he must know secrets we are unaware of."

As this thought arose, the powerful figures present became restless. If this were true, then befriending Tai Cang would become extremely important.

Even though Tai Cang was not a personal disciple of the Intercepting Sect, his identity as belonging to the Cang Gate meant that everyone still treated him with respect.

"Greetings, Demon Emperor!"

"Greetings, Demon Sovereign!"

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

"There's no need for formalities, Little Friend Tai Cang."

Di Jun waved his hand, not answering directly, but instead looking at Di Yi. "Di Yi, you may withdraw for now."

"As you command, Father Emperor!"

Di Yi responded, glanced at Tai Cang, and then quickly retreated to the side.

After Di Yi left, Di Jun's expression turned solemn. "Little Friend Tai Cang, I invited you here today to discuss a matter. Do you still remember that blood-colored inscription?"

"I want to know, is what is written on the inscription true or false?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Eastern Emperor Tai Yi, Kunpeng, the Ten Great Demon Marshals, and Fuxi all looked solemn. The information contained within the blood-colored inscription was crucial, even concerning their future. No one dared to take it lightly.

"It is true."

Tai Cang swept his gaze over everyone, knowing why they were so tense. The realm of Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortal indeed existed.

As a transmigrator, Tai Cang knew that in high-level Primordial World settings, Grand Unity Golden Immortals were the true peak, not the so-called Sages, Dao Ancestors, 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 today were only at the level of ordinary Grand Unity Golden Immortals. The so-called Quasi-Saints were merely slightly stronger Grand Unity Golden Immortals.

Sages corresponded to Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortals, Hongjun's level corresponded to Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortals, and the higher level of Primordial Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortals was likely only attainable by the great Pangu, who opened the heavens and earth in the past.

As for the Great Dao Realm, which was above Primordial Limitless Grand Unity Golden Immortals, Pangu's attempt to break through back then ended in failure.

"Little Friend, are you speaking the truth?!"

Di Jun and the others suddenly stood up, quickly surrounding Tai Cang. Eastern Emperor Tai Yi even unleashed the Chaos Bell, isolating them from outside observation.

Everyone stared at Tai Cang with burning gazes, like hungry wolves eyeing their prey.

"It is absolutely true."