Chapter 3

Though he spoke calmly, a chill had already risen in Tai Cang's heart.

Duobao, you've chosen a narrow path.

Since that was the case, he could not blame Tai Cang for ruining his plans.

He turned with a smile and called out, "Senior Brothers, Senior Sisters, let's go in as well."

"Alright."

Seeing that his expression remained normal, Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao relaxed. The group then entered the valley together.

The valley was lively. Wudang, Jinling, Guiling, and several direct disciples had gathered to chat and laugh. Duobao carried himself like the host, and the atmosphere appeared harmonious and cheerful.

"Senior Brother Zhao Gongming arrived late. You should be punished with three cups!"

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

When Tai Cang and the others arrived, several direct disciples came forward to exchange greetings.

Yet they all tacitly ignored Tai Cang's presence. As an inner disciple, Tai Cang was naturally insignificant in the eyes of these Jie Sect direct disciples.

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

"Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, please do as you wish." Before they could finish, Tai Cang calmly said, "I'll wait here."

Seeing the direct disciples in the distance repeatedly signaling to them, the four could only nod. "Then we'll head over first." With that, they walked toward the crowd.

Tai Cang went alone beneath an ancient tree, wholly uninterested in the gathering.

What occupied his mind was how to complete the task of defeating Duobao.

As the feast drew to an end, Duobao suddenly rose and swept his gaze across the crowd. "Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters, we have been disciples for over a hundred years. As the eldest senior brother, I have always considered how to strengthen the Jie Sect."

"Today, I have gained some insights and wish to discuss them with you all."

Beneath the tree, Tai Cang abruptly opened his eyes, a cold gleam flashing within them. He stared at the complacent Duobao and sneered inwardly. So it finally begins.

The direct disciples present understood immediately and spoke in unison, "Please enlighten us, Eldest Senior Brother!"

Duobao smiled with satisfaction. "Though the Jie Sect currently has only us direct disciples and one inner disciple, it will surely flourish in the future."

"Our master once said that though there are many cultivators in the primordial world, they lack guidance. Our sect should open its doors wide to all."

"As direct disciples, we should naturally share our master's burdens. I propose establishing a complete system, with the direct disciples jointly managing new entrants, then electing one person to report to our master."

"This will both lessen our master's burden and demonstrate our responsibility. What do you all think?"

The hall instantly fell silent. Duobao's intentions were obvious—on the surface, he claimed to be sharing Sect Master Tongtian's burdens, but in truth, he wanted to establish his position as the head of the direct disciples.

If he succeeded, he would effectively become the Jie Sect's deputy sect master.

"Eldest Senior Brother is wise!"

"Senior Brother Duobao speaks perfectly!"

Several direct disciples immediately echoed him.

The others, such as Wudang and Guiling, had no choice but to nod as well. Even Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao failed to see the scheme within it, merely thinking Duobao's loyalty was commendable.

Duobao was overjoyed. "Since none of you object, then it is settled."

"As for the person to manage matters, do any of you have a recommendation?"

The direct disciples spoke with one voice. "Naturally, Senior Brother Duobao should bear this responsibility!"

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

"Senior Brother Duobao..."

Everyone echoed Duobao's proposal without prior discussion.

As the organizer of this gathering and the eldest senior brother, Duobao naturally became the candidate everyone expected.

"No!"

I absolutely cannot let him succeed!

A sharp light flashed in Tai Cang's eyes. He immediately sent a voice transmission to Zhao Gongming. "Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, please recommend me!"

Zhao Gongming, who had been about to join in agreement, froze. He subconsciously turned to look at Tai Cang.

The instant their eyes met, Zhao Gongming immediately sensed that something was wrong. He hurriedly sent back, "Junior Brother, what do you mean?"

Tai Cang did not answer. He merely stared firmly at Zhao Gongming, signaling for him to recommend him.

"This..."

Zhao Gongming understood that Tai Cang might be dissatisfied over what had happened earlier.

After hesitating briefly, he gritted his teeth and shouted, "Everyone, I recommend Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

The entire venue fell silent at once.

Duobao, who had been about to speak, and the Jie Sect direct disciples all turned toward Zhao Gongming, their faces filled with disbelief.

"Tai Cang?"

Duobao's face darkened as he forcibly suppressed his anger. "Junior Brother Zhao Gongming, are you recommending an inner disciple?"

The surrounding direct disciples began trying to persuade him.

"Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, do not joke around."

"Yes, this is no joking matter!"

The direct 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 drew a deep breath and looked directly at Duobao. "Eldest Senior Brother, I insist on recommending Junior Brother Tai Cang."

The atmosphere instantly froze.

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

Qiongxiao's eyes suddenly lit up. She glanced thoughtfully at Tai Cang and declared, "I also recommend Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Yunxiao and Bixiao hesitated somewhat. Supporting Tai Cang meant opposing Duobao.

But when they recalled Tai Cang's promise to share his insights on the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art, they exchanged a glance and spoke in unison.

"I recommend Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

"I recommend Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

As the San Xiao stated their positions one after another, the atmosphere in the valley immediately became tense as drawn swords.

Duobao clenched his fists and stared viciously at Zhao Gongming, convinced that Zhao Gongming had deliberately put forward Tai Cang to oppose him.

How could a mere inner disciple possibly be mentioned in the same breath as a direct disciple?

"Zhao Gongming!"

"San Xiao!"

"I'll remember this!"

Duobao's icy gaze shifted toward Tai Cang beneath the tree. "Since Junior Brother Tai Cang has been recommended, what brilliant opinion do you have?"

The direct disciples all looked sideways at him.

Apart from Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao, who wore worried expressions, everyone else looked displeased.

Threatening me?

Duobao, do you think I'll fear you?

Tai Cang rose calmly, ignoring Duobao's furious glare. He solemnly cupped his hands toward Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao. "Thank you, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, for thinking so highly of me!"

"Though Tai Cang has only recently entered the Jie Sect, I am willing to contribute my strength to the sect."

"Thank you for your trust, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters. Tai Cang will certainly give it his all."

Before his words had even faded, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly tightened.

Crack—

The wine cup in Duobao's hand shattered. He abruptly stood and said coldly, "Junior Brother, I am greatly pleased that you possess such resolve."

"However, this concerns the future of the Jie Sect. Words alone cannot convince the masses; strength must still prove one's worth."

"Would Junior Brother be willing to exchange a few moves with me?"

The moment he said this, all the direct disciples knew that Duobao was truly angry.

Everyone remained silent. Tai Cang was clearly Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao's nominee, and rashly taking a side now would be unwise no matter whom they supported.

"Big Brother!"

The San Xiao looked worried and were about to speak, but Zhao Gongming stopped them through voice transmission.

After learning the reason, the San Xiao's expressions became complicated. The way they looked at Tai Cang was filled with concern.

"Alright!"

Tai Cang agreed without hesitation.

He had already intended to blunt Duobao's edge and ruin his plans. Now that the other party had taken the initiative to challenge him, it suited him perfectly.

Tai Cang stepped forward, early Golden Immortal power surging through him as he looked directly at Duobao. "Please instruct me, Senior Brother."

"Early Golden Immortal!"

All the direct disciples were shocked.

Tai Cang had only been Sect Master Tongtian's disciple for a short time, yet he had already broken through from a True Immortal of Grand Unity to a Golden Immortal. Such talent and fortune were astonishing.

Though their cultivation levels were slightly higher, none of them dared claim that they could easily suppress Tai Cang.

For a moment, everyone's gazes shifted between Tai Cang and Duobao as they silently weighed the situation.

"A Golden Immortal?"

"So Junior Brother has already broken through."

A trace of surprise flashed through Duobao's eyes before his face darkened. He leaped into the field and said, "Unfortunately, you have only just entered the Golden Immortal realm. You are still no match for me."

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

Those words struck at the heart, openly implying that Tai Cang was acting under Zhao Gongming's orders while secretly mocking those behind him.

"Duobao!"

Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao's expressions turned cold. They crushed the wine cups in their hands.

Though they understood Tai Cang's intentions, Duobao's insinuations were difficult for them to tolerate.

Qiongxiao in particular had the fiercest temper. She immediately rose, ready to lash out, but Yunxiao and Bixiao stopped her.

When the other direct disciples saw this, the situation became clear—the factions of Duobao and Zhao Gongming had completely turned against each other.

The Jie Sect direct disciples could no longer remain united. Everyone had no choice but to weigh whether they should attach themselves to Eldest Senior Brother Duobao or befriend Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao.

"It's done."

The corner of Tai Cang's mouth lifted slightly.

Seeing that everyone harbored their own thoughts, Duobao's scheme to monopolize authority had finally turned to foam.

Tai Cang had finally vented the resentment from Duobao's earlier oppression.

Next, he would completely defeat Duobao—not only to complete the task, but also to shatter the prestige of this eldest senior brother.

With that thought, Tai Cang spoke directly. "Senior Brother Duobao, there is no need for more words. Make your move!"

"Let me see whether you, the eldest senior brother, truly have any skill."

"Insolence!"

Duobao flew into a rage.

Tai Cang's words clearly questioned both his status and his strength.

More importantly, he had already noticed the subtle change in the attitudes of the surrounding Jie Sect direct disciples. If he could not intimidate everyone with absolute strength, his plans would surely come to nothing.

"Tai Cang!"

With an angry roar, Duobao swept his sleeve, and more than ten flying swords shot forth.

"Go!"

He formed a hand seal, controlling the flying swords as they flew straight toward Tai Cang's throat and vital points across his body.

"Sword Control Technique?"

Tai Cang's gaze sharpened. He had not expected Duobao to possess such a method.

But he showed no fear. His body moved like lightning, weaving and dodging amid the encircling flying swords while striking their blades with fierce punches.

In just a few breaths, Tai Cang broke through the flying swords' blockade and closed in on Duobao.

"Break!"

With a low shout, Tai Cang seized a flying sword, forcibly shattered the power within it, then swung it back toward Duobao.

"You're courting death!"

Duobao's face darkened. With a flip of his hand, he produced a dazzling treasure sword to meet the attack.

Clang—

The two swords collided, sparks flying. Golden Immortal-level power clashed and instantly swept across the entire valley. The ground trembled, and the mountainsides split apart.

"Everyone, quickly form an array!"

Seeing this, Zhao Gongming immediately rose and shouted.

The Jie Sect direct disciples moved at once, spreading throughout the valley and forming hand seals. A barrier rapidly rose, sealing the battle's aftershocks inside.

Boom! Boom!

Amid earth-shaking explosions, the valley was torn apart in the fierce battle.

Tai Cang and Duobao fought from the ground to the sky, then from the clouds back down into the ruins.

Though Duobao had already reached peak Golden Immortal, he found it difficult to suppress Tai Cang. Instead, he gradually fell into a disadvantage under Tai Cang's powerful physical strength.

"Junior Brother Tai Cang can actually fight Senior Brother Duobao to a draw!"

Outside the barrier, Qiongxiao exclaimed, "And he seems to be getting stronger the longer he fights. His power has not diminished in the slightest. Why is that?"

It was not only her. Guiling, Jinling, Wudang, and the others all wore solemn expressions.

It was far too abnormal!

Tai Cang's ability to contend against a peak Golden Immortal while only at early Golden Immortal was already shocking. Even stranger, his power seemed inexhaustible, while his aura steadily climbed.

"Supreme Pure Heaven-Connecting Art!"

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

"That is why his power never runs dry and why he grows braver the longer he fights."

"The purity and depth of his Upper Clarity power far surpass ours. Though Senior Brother Duobao holds an advantage in realm, he will find it difficult to win."

"What?!"

Tai Cang's Supreme Pure Heaven-Connecting Art had already reached the eighth layer? Wudang and the other direct disciples turned pale in shock. When they looked again toward the figure fighting in the battlefield, their eyes were filled with astonishment and disbelief.

After all, how long had they possessed the Supreme Pure Heaven-Connecting Art?