The Eighth Layer

Though he said this, a chill began to stir in Tai Cang's heart. He secretly mused, Duobao, you've really cornered yourself.

Since that's the case, don't blame me for disrupting your plans.

He turned and smiled, calling out, "Senior Brother, Senior Sister, shall we go in as well?"

"Alright."

Seeing his calm demeanor, Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao felt relieved. The group then proceeded into the valley.

The scene within the valley was lively. Wudang, Jinling, Guiling, and several personal disciples were gathered, chatting and laughing. Duobao, acting as the host, seemed to foster a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

"Senior Brother Zhao Gongming is late, he must be punished with three cups of wine!"

"Junior Sister Yunxiao, Junior Sister Bixiao, Junior Sister Qiongxiao, come sit over here..."

When Tai Cang and the others arrived, several personal disciples stepped forward to greet them, but they all tacitly ignored Tai Cang's presence. As an inner disciple, Tai Cang was naturally insignificant in the eyes of these personal disciples of the Intercepting Sect.

Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao's expressions shifted slightly upon seeing this. They turned to Tai Cang and said, "Junior Brother, we..."

"Senior Brother and Sister, please do as you wish." Before they could finish, Tai Cang calmly replied, "I'll just wait here."

Seeing the personal disciples in the distance gesturing frequently, the four could only nod. "Then we'll head over first." With that, they walked towards the crowd.

Tai Cang stood alone under an ancient tree, lacking any interest in the gathering. His entire focus was on how to complete the task of defeating Duobao.

As the banquet drew to a close, Duobao suddenly stood up and surveyed everyone. "My fellow Junior Brothers and Sisters, we have been disciples for over a hundred years. As the Eldest Senior Brother, I have been constantly thinking about how to strengthen the Intercepting Sect. Today, I have some thoughts I wish to discuss with all of you."

Tai Cang, beneath the tree, suddenly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing within them. He stared at the smug Duobao, a cold laugh echoing in his heart: It's finally starting.

The personal disciples present understood his intentions and said in unison, "Please enlighten us, Eldest Senior Brother!"

Duobao smiled with satisfaction. "Although the Intercepting Sect currently only has us personal disciples and one inner disciple, it will surely prosper in the future. Our Master once said that despite the vast number of cultivators in the Primordial World, they lack proper guidance. Our sect should open its doors wide."

"As personal disciples, we should share our Master's burdens. I propose establishing a comprehensive system where personal disciples jointly manage new disciples, and then recommend one person to report to our Master. This will not only lighten our Master's load but also demonstrate our responsibility. What do you all think?"

The hall fell silent. Duobao's intentions were clear—though he seemed to be offering to share the burden with Sect Master Tongtian, he was actually trying to establish his position as the head of the personal disciples. If he succeeded, he would be equivalent to the Vice Sect Master of the Intercepting Sect.

"Eldest Senior Brother's insight is brilliant!"

"Senior Brother Duobao's words are most accurate!"

Several personal disciples immediately chimed in. The others, including Wudang and Guiling, had no choice but to nod. Even Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao failed to see through his scheme, merely thinking Duobao's loyalty was commendable.

Duobao was overjoyed. "Since no one has any objections, this matter is settled. As for the selection of the manager, does anyone have recommendations?"

The personal disciples said in unison, "Senior Brother Duobao should naturally bear this important responsibility!"

"Senior Brother Duobao, it would be most appropriate for you to report this."

"Senior Brother Duobao..."

Everyone echoed Duobao's proposal in unison.

As the initiator of this gathering and the Eldest Senior Brother, Duobao was naturally the most favored candidate.

"No!"

I absolutely cannot let him succeed!

A sharp glint flashed in Tai Cang's eyes, and he immediately transmitted a message to Zhao Gongming: "Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, please recommend me!"

Zhao Gongming, who was about to chime in, paused and instinctively turned to look at Tai Cang.

The moment their eyes met, Zhao Gongming sensed something unusual and quickly transmitted a message, asking, "Junior Brother, what do you mean by this?"

Tai Cang did not answer, but simply gazed at Zhao Gongming with determination, signaling him to recommend himself.

"This..."

Zhao Gongming understood that Tai Cang might be harboring resentment due to previous events. After a moment of hesitation, he gritted his teeth and declared loudly, "Everyone, I nominate Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Silence fell upon the entire hall at his words.

Duobao and the Intercepting Sect's personal disciples, who were about to speak, all turned to Zhao Gongming, their faces filled with disbelief.

"Tai Cang?"

Duobao's face darkened, and he suppressed his anger as he questioned, "Junior Brother Zhao Gongming actually wants to nominate an inner disciple?"

The surrounding personal disciples quickly tried to mediate:

"Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, please don't joke."

"Yes, such a joke cannot be made!"

The personal disciples had always respected Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao and did not wish to see them fall out with Duobao.

"My mind is made up!"

Zhao Gongming took a deep breath and looked directly at Duobao. "Eldest Senior Brother, I insist on nominating Junior Brother Tai Cang."

The atmosphere suddenly froze.

Duobao's face was as cold as frost, and the personal disciples frowned.

Qiongxiao's eyes lit up. She glanced thoughtfully at Tai Cang before announcing loudly, "I also nominate Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Yunxiao and Bixiao hesitated slightly. Supporting Tai Cang meant opposing Duobao. However, recalling Tai Cang's promise to share his insights on the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art, the two exchanged a look and said in unison:

"I nominate Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

"I nominate Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

With San Xiao's successive endorsements, the atmosphere in the valley became tense.

Duobao clenched his fists, staring intently at Zhao Gongming. He was convinced Zhao Gongming had deliberately put him in a difficult position by recommending Tai Cang—how could a mere inner disciple compare to a personal disciple?

"Zhao Gongming!"

"San Xiao!"

"I've noted this down!"

Duobao's sinister gaze shifted to Tai Cang, who stood beneath the trees. "Since Junior Brother Tai Cang has been nominated, what are your thoughts?"

The personal disciples present all turned their heads. Except for Zhao Gongming and San Xiao, who wore worried expressions, the rest looked displeased.

"Are you threatening me?"

"Duobao, do you think I'm afraid?"

Tai Cang calmly rose, ignoring Duobao's glare, and solemnly cupped his hands towards Zhao Gongming and San Xiao. "Thank you for your high regard, Senior Brothers and Sisters!"

"Although Tai Cang has just joined the Intercepting Sect, I am willing to contribute my best efforts."

"I am grateful for the trust of my Senior Brothers and Sisters, and Tai Cang will certainly give his all."

Before he could finish speaking, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly tensed.

Crack--

The wine cup in Duobao's hand shattered. He abruptly stood up and said coldly, "Your intention is commendable, Brother. I am very pleased."

"However, this concerns the future of the Intercepting Sect. Words alone are not enough to convince everyone; it requires proof of strength. Would you be willing to spar with me, Junior Brother?"

With this statement, all the personal disciples knew Duobao was enraged.

Everyone remained silent. Tai Cang was clearly the one nominated by Zhao Gongming and San Xiao. To openly declare support for either side now would be unwise.

"Eldest Brother!"

San Xiao's face was etched with worry. Just as they were about to speak, Zhao Gongming stopped them with a telepathic message.

After learning the reason, San Xiao's expression became complicated, and their gaze towards Tai Cang was tinged with concern.

"Good!"

Tai Cang accepted without hesitation.

He had intended to curb Duobao's arrogance and disrupt his plans. Now that his opponent had proactively challenged him, it was exactly what he wanted.

Tai Cang took a step forward, his early Golden Immortal mana surging. He looked directly at Duobao and said, "Please guide me, Senior Brother."

"Early Golden Immortal!"

All the personal disciples were astonished.

It had only been a short while since he became a disciple of Tongtian, yet Tai Cang had broken through from True Immortal of Grand Unity to Golden Immortal. Such talent and fortune were astounding.

Even though their cultivation was slightly higher, none dared to claim they could easily suppress Tai Cang.

For a moment, their gazes shifted between Tai Cang and Duobao as they pondered silently.

"Golden Immortal?"

"So, Junior Brother has already broken through."

A flicker of surprise crossed Duobao's eyes, which then turned grim. He leaped into the arena and said, "Unfortunately, as a newly advanced Golden Immortal, you are still no match for me."

"Today, I will let Junior Brother know who can be trusted and who cannot."

These words struck at the heart of the matter, directly implying Tai Cang was being manipulated by Zhao Gongming and subtly mocking the person behind him.

"Duobao!"

Zhao Gongming and San Xiao's faces turned cold, their wine cups crushed in their hands.

Although they understood Tai Cang's intentions, Duobao's veiled accusations were unbearable.

Qiongxiao, in particular, had the most fiery temper. She immediately stood up, intending to retaliate, but was held back by Yunxiao and Bixiao.

This scene played out before the eyes of the personal disciples, making the situation clear—Duobao and Zhao Gongming's factions were now in complete opposition.

The personal disciples of the Intercepting Sect could no longer unite. Everyone had to weigh their options: should they align with the Eldest Senior Brother Duobao, or should they befriend Zhao Gongming and San Xiao?

"It's done."

A slight smile touched Tai Cang's lips.

Seeing everyone lost in their own thoughts, Duobao's scheme to monopolize power had finally crumbled into dust.

Tai Cang's actions had finally avenged the humiliation he had suffered from Duobao. The next step was to completely defeat him, not only to complete the mission but also to shatter the authority of Duobao, the Eldest Senior Brother.

With this thought, Tai Cang spoke directly, "Senior Brother Duobao, no need for further words. Let's begin!"

"Let me see if this Eldest Senior Brother of yours is truly capable."

"Insolent!"

Duo Bao was furious.

Tai Cang's words were clearly questioning his status and strength.

More importantly, he had already noticed the subtle shift in the attitudes of the surrounding personal disciples of the Intercepting Sect. If he couldn't awe everyone with his absolute power, his plans would be ruined.

"Tai Cang!"

With a roar, Duo Bao waved his sleeve, and over ten flying swords shot out.

"Go!"

He formed a mudra with his hand, controlling the flying swords to strike directly at Tai Cang's throat and vital points.

"Sword Control Technique?"

Tai Cang's gaze sharpened. He hadn't expected Duo Bao to have such a skill.

But he showed no fear. His body moved like lightning, weaving and dodging amidst the barrage of flying swords, while simultaneously punching at their blades.

In just a few breaths, Tai Cang broke through the sword blockade and closed in on Duo Bao.

"Break!"

With a low shout, Tai Cang suddenly grabbed a flying sword, forcefully dispelled its mana, and slashed it back at Duo Bao.

"You're seeking death!"

Duo Bao's expression turned grim. He flipped his hand and summoned a dazzling treasure sword to meet the attack.

Clang--

The two swords collided, sparks flying. The clash of Golden Immortal-level power instantly swept through the entire valley, shaking the earth and cracking the rocks.

"Everyone, quickly form the array!"

Zhao Gongming saw this and immediately stood up and shouted.

The personal disciples of the Intercepting Sect responded in unison, dispersing to various parts of the valley. They formed mudras, and a barrier quickly rose, sealing the residual effects of the battle within.

Boom! Boom!

Amidst the earth-shattering roars, the valley was torn apart by the fierce battle.

Tai Cang and Duo Bao fought from the ground to the sky, and from the clouds back down to the ruins.

Even though Duo Bao had reached the peak Golden Immortal realm, he struggled to suppress Tai Cang. Instead, he gradually showed signs of weakness against the opponent's formidable physical strength.

"Junior Brother Tai Cang can actually fight Senior Brother Duo Bao to a standstill!"

Outside the barrier, Qiongxiao exclaimed in amazement, "And he seems to be getting stronger as the fight goes on, his mana hasn't diminished at all. Why is that?"

It wasn't just her; Guiling, Jinling, Wudang, and the others also wore solemn expressions.

This was too abnormal!

It was already shocking that Tai Cang, at the early Golden Immortal stage, could contend with a peak Golden Immortal. What was even more bizarre was that his mana was inexhaustible, and his aura was steadily rising.

"Upper Clarity Tongtian Art!"

Yunxiao suddenly realized and cried out, "Junior Brother Tai Cang has cultivated this art to the eighth layer, or even higher!"

"It is precisely because of this that his mana is inexhaustible and he grows stronger with each battle."

"The purity and depth of his Upper Clarity mana far surpass ours. Although Senior Brother Duo Bao has the advantage in realm, he finds it difficult to win."

What?!

Tai Cang's Upper Clarity Tongtian Art had reached the eighth layer? Wudang and the other personal disciples turned pale with shock, looking again at the figure in the battlefield, their eyes filled with awe and disbelief.

After all, how long had they possessed the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art?