Chapter 30

Big Brother!

Tongtian pondered for a moment before stepping forward to ask, "How should we proceed?"

Most of the three sects had already reached the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, but advancing to the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm within ten thousand years was already difficult enough. Having them possess the combat power to contend with top-tier Great Witches was even harder.

Yuan Shi immediately agreed. "Indeed. Raising their cultivation is easy, but giving them strength comparable to top-tier Great Witches would be extremely difficult, even with the aid of top-grade innate spiritual treasures."

"You two need not worry."

Laozi smiled faintly and stopped being mysterious. With a flip of his hand, he produced a roulette wheel. "With this in hand, victory is assured."

"This is..."

Yuan Shi and Tongtian's pupils contracted sharply. Then realization dawned on them, and wild joy appeared on their faces.

The next moment, the hearty laughter of the two echoed through the Primordial Clarity Palace. "Hahaha! With such a divine treasure, this battle is certain to be won!"

"Pangu's Destiny belongs to us, the Three Pure Ones. How can we allow the Witch Clan to lay their hands on it?"

At the peak of Eastern Kunlun Mountain, Tai Cang and Cang Du arrived one after the other.

"Senior Brother Cang Du, why did you summon me?" Tai Cang asked bluntly.

Cang Du turned to stare at Tai Cang. A complicated look flickered in his eyes before being replaced by resolve. "Junior Brother Tai Cang, fight me! Let me see the gap between us!"

Before his words had faded, an innate spiritual sword appeared in Cang Du's palm. Grand Clarity sword qi suddenly erupted, its sharpness no weaker than the Shangqing Sword Art.

Sword Dao cultivation! Tai Cang's pupils narrowed slightly, and his heart trembled. He had never expected Cang Du to have concealed such attainment. Then he recalled the records in ancient texts: in the past, Laozi's attainments in the Sword Dao had surpassed even Tongtian's. Only after attaining the Dao and taking charge of the Taiji Diagram had he turned to cultivate the Dao of non-action.

Tai Cang immediately summoned the Yinghuo Sword. "Since Senior Brother wishes it, this junior brother will naturally oblige!"

Two heaven-shaking sword intents collided with a thunderous crash, and the entire mountain peak was ground away inch by inch amid the surging sword qi.

As sword lights crisscrossed, Shangqing and Grand Clarity sword qi clashed fiercely in the sky, their metallic ringing endless. After a hundred exchanges, Cang Du gradually fell into decline—Tai Cang had brought the Shangqing Sword Art to perfection, and his Sword Dao foundation was superior.

Blood sprayed as Cang Du was struck in the shoulder. While retreating rapidly, he swept out a skyful of Grand Clarity sword qi to block his opponent. Seeing that he could not prevail through the Sword Dao, he formed a hand seal with his left hand and invoked the Grand Clarity Divine Thunder. Countless bolts of lightning crashed down.

Tai Cang's figure flickered as he avoided its edge. The instant an opening appeared, he formed the Primordial Clarity Thunder Art with his hands, gathering destructive lightning in his palm. With a clear shout, he absorbed every last strand of the Grand Clarity Divine Thunder.

"So I was still a step behind..." Cang Du muttered.

A trace of helplessness flashed through Cang Du's eyes before being replaced by determination. He suddenly sheathed his sword and stared directly at Tai Cang. "Junior Brother, receive this final move of mine."

Before he finished speaking, Cang Du's ten fingers danced as he formed seals. His aura abruptly became violent, growing sharper with every change in the hand seals, until it faintly touched the Grand Unity realm.

"What terrifying power!"

Tai Cang's expression turned solemn. Though he did not recognize this technique, he knew that if Cang Du completed it, he would find it difficult to withstand.

I have to interrupt him!

As his thoughts raced, Tai Cang thrust out his left palm. The Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder transformed into a black thunder dragon and lunged at Cang Du with the force to destroy heaven and earth. This attack held nothing back, fully displaying the savage might of the divine thunder.

"Not good!"

Cang Du's hand seals accelerated. Just as the thunder dragon closed in, he suddenly completed the final seal. Golden light surged, and an ancient seal appeared in midair.

Grand Clarity Secret Art: Wuji Seal!

The golden Dharma seal expanded with the wind, becoming a colossal mountain tens of thousands of feet high in an instant as it crashed into the roaring thunder dragon.

Boom—

Amid the earth-shattering explosion, both of them drove their magical power to its limits. The thunder dragon roared, and the golden seal thundered. After an entire quarter-hour of stalemate, the sound of shattering finally rang out.

Crack!

The lightning scattered, and the golden seal shattered. Violent shockwaves swept outward. Blood spilled from the corners of both men's mouths, and their gazes held both wariness and admiration.

"As expected of Laozi's chief disciple. Your reputation is well deserved."

Tai Cang tightened his grip on the Yinghuo Sword, and his figure suddenly blurred. Sword qi burst forth across the heavens, forming a towering giant sword that shattered the remaining energy before piercing toward Cang Du in an instant.

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle—

As blood sprayed, countless sword wounds opened across Cang Du's body. A cold flash passed, and the Yinghuo Sword was already pressed against his throat. As the sword qi dispersed, Tai Cang's figure appeared.

"Senior Brother Cang Du, I concede."

Ding! Defeated a Human Sect direct disciple. Reward: one use of One-Click Max Level Privilege.

The System Notification made Tai Cang's smile deepen.

"I lost."

Cang Du stared at the blade against his neck and said with feeling, "Junior Brother Tai Cang truly is the foremost talent of our lineage. Master once said that your achievements would surpass mine. I still harbored doubts then, but today I finally understand that my vision was too narrow."

With that, he stepped back, took out a medicinal pill, and swallowed it. His wounds healed at a visible rate. In the blink of an eye, aside from his tattered clothes, there was no trace of injury left on him.

"The Dao of alchemy truly is essential for traveling the primordial world."

Tai Cang watched this scene with deep emotion and secretly resolved to diligently cultivate the Grand Clarity Alchemy Technique once he returned.

A single top-grade pill could instantly heal one's injuries, and this had only been a spar. In a life-or-death battle, such a pill would be enough to turn the tide.

Thinking this, Tai Cang returned the Yinghuo Sword to his sea of consciousness and cupped his hands toward Cang Du. "Senior Brother flatters me. You have inherited the true teachings of the Human Sect. How could I compare?"

"Besides, I see that Senior Brother's Sword Dao attainments have already reached perfection. Your foundation merely needs further tempering. If you can spare time every day to practice swordsmanship, then once your Sword Dao is complete, combined with Eldest Uncle-Master's Grand Clarity Sword Art, you will surely reach greater heights in the Sword Dao."

These were not empty pleasantries. Cang Du's Grand Clarity Sword Art was complete and flawless, even more profound than Tai Cang's Shangqing Sword Art. If Cang Du had not neglected his practice, while Tai Cang had relied on the system's power to bring the Shangqing Sword Art to perfection, the outcome would have been uncertain.

"Thank you for your guidance, Fellow Daoist!"

Cang Du felt as though he had been awakened from a dream. He solemnly returned the salute. "This elder brother truly has been lax in the past. From now on, I will certainly cultivate diligently."

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, I did not seek you out today merely to spar. I also came to tell you an important piece of news."

Tai Cang's spirits rose. Knowing that Cang Du was getting to the main point, he immediately listened intently.

Cang Du said directly, "Although your refusal of the Jie Sect direct disciple position seemed carefree, you will also miss out on a great opportunity."

"Master possesses a supreme treasure called the Time-Space Roulette."

"This treasure contains a special space. One day outside is equivalent to ten years within."

"With the ancestral witches challenging us to battle this time, Master will certainly discuss matters with the two uncle-masters and select ten people to enter and cultivate in seclusion. But since you gave up the position of Jie Sect direct disciple, I fear it will be difficult for you to obtain a slot."

"Master once said that he would reserve only one slot for me. The other nine will be given to Uncle-Master Yuan Shi and Uncle-Master Tongtian, so..."

Tai Cang's expression changed dramatically upon hearing this.

Cang Du did not need to finish. Tai Cang already understood the stakes.

The Time-Space Roulette!

One day outside, ten years inside. This was Laozi's ultimate trump card for seizing Pangu's Destiny.

One had to know that the agreed time limit with the Witch Clan was ten thousand years.

By this calculation, they could cultivate for 3.6 million years within the Time-Space Roulette. Three kalpas of time—enough for even those of mediocre aptitude to achieve the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, let alone the direct disciples of the three sects.

More importantly, the Three Pure Ones would personally lecture and guide them. After three kalpas, Cang Du and the others would surely reach the peak of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm.

No wonder Cang Du wanted to fight me!

If they had not fought now, there might never again be a chance for an equal contest.

Tai Cang took a deep breath and cupped his hands toward Cang Du. "Then I wish Fellow Daoist success."

Cang Du shook his head. "You misunderstand, Fellow Daoist. I did not come to show off. I came to advise you to soften your stance before Uncle-Master Tongtian. As long as you regain your position as a Jie Sect direct disciple, there will surely be a place for you among those slots."

Understanding flashed through Tai Cang's eyes. He finally understood Cang Du's painstaking intentions.

Cang Du wanted to secure Tai Cang a place in the Time-Space Roulette, which was why he had taken the risk of telling him the truth in advance.

Ten thousand years of secluded cultivation was equivalent to three kalpas. The temptation was indeed immense. With the Three Pure Ones' careful guidance, Tai Cang was confident that after ten thousand years of seclusion, he could at least reach the peak of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm.

But Tai Cang quickly calmed himself and cupped his hands toward Cang Du. "Thank you for your kindness, Fellow Daoist, but there is no room for discussion in this matter."

"I already refused before. Now, I am even less likely to compromise."

"Even if I miss this opportunity, I will never regret it."

Tai Cang's tone was resolute. With the system, advancing to the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm in ten thousand years would not be difficult. If he bowed his head to Tongtian and became a direct disciple, it would mean binding himself completely to the Jie Sect. The next great tribulation would be the Battle of the Investiture of the Gods, and the Jie Sect's destruction was already set in stone. The Tai Cang of the past might have wanted to defy fate and change his destiny, but after all he had experienced, he had become completely disappointed in the Jie Sect.

Becoming a direct disciple was absolutely impossible.

Compromising with Tongtian was even more wishful thinking.

At this moment, his only thought was to quickly increase his strength, complete more system missions, and obtain more One-Click Max Level Privileges.

"Fellow Daoist, you..."

Seeing Tai Cang's determined attitude, Cang Du anxiously wanted to persuade him further. At that moment, Golden Horn's call came from afar. "Young Master Cang Du, Master summons you back at once!"

Golden Horn arrived on a cloud, looking hurried. Tai Cang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, took a step back, and cupped his hands. "Fellow Daoist Cang Du, forgive me for not seeing you off."

"Eldest Uncle-Master has summoned you. Please go quickly."

Cang Du sighed deeply. Knowing that persuasion was futile, he could only return the salute. "In that case, take care, Fellow Daoist."

With that, he and Golden Horn headed for the Grand Clarity Palace.

Watching Cang Du leave, Tai Cang felt greatly relieved. He truly did not know how to respond to such goodwill. But one thing was clear to him: he had to act quickly. Only with sufficient strength could he handle every unforeseen change.

Having made up his mind, Tai Cang was about to leave when he stopped again. Yuding and the others had most likely also been summoned by Yuan Shi into the Time-Space Roulette. If he returned now, he would inevitably have to face more persuasion.

In that case...

I might as well cultivate in seclusion here first.

Tai Cang looked around and chose a valley rich in spiritual qi. After entering the valley, he set up a protective barrier and took out the gains from this trip: the Thirty-Six Transformations, the Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique, and the Innate Yin Yang Sword.

Setting aside the Innate Yin Yang Sword, Tai Cang focused on the Thirty-Six Transformations and the Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique. The former contained thirty-six divine abilities that would greatly enrich his combat methods once mastered. The latter was the evasive technique he urgently needed and would perfectly make up for his current weakness.

The Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique was the number one escape art of the primordial world and was extraordinarily precious. Back in the beast realm, Tai Cang had suffered greatly from lacking an escape technique. Although he had ultimately subdued a pure-blooded exotic beast, the process had been fraught with danger.

First, cultivate the Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique!

Then practice the Thirty-Six Transformations!

Finally, refine the Innate Yin Yang Sword!

After deciding on his cultivation order, Tai Cang waved a hand and summoned the exotic beast. "Guard outside the valley. Do not let anyone disturb me."

The exotic beast responded and leaped out of his embrace, disappearing at the valley entrance in the blink of an eye.

After seeing the exotic beast leave, Tai Cang sat cross-legged and devoted himself to comprehending the Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique. A quarter-hour later, he had memorized the essentials of the escape art and immediately began practicing it above the valley.

Golden light flashed as Tai Cang's figure appeared and vanished. From time to time, he crashed into the mountain walls, looking rather miserable. Yet he paid it no mind, trying again and again after every failure, adjusting his technique each time.

Ding! Congratulations to the host for mastering the Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique!

On this day, the System Notification finally rang out. Tai Cang drifted to the ground, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. "System, raise the Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique to max level!"

Ding! One Max Level Privilege consumed. The Golden Crow Transformation Rainbow Technique has reached its peak!

In an instant, an immense flood of insights surged into his sea of consciousness. In only a few breaths, Tai Cang felt that the technique had reached perfection. Though limited by his cultivation and unable to compare to the Demon Sovereign, his attainments already far surpassed those of the Golden Crow Prince at the same realm.

"Excellent!"

Tai Cang could not conceal his delight. With his escape art perfected, he had finally made up for his last weakness. Even if he encountered a powerful enemy, he could retreat calmly with this technique.

"It is time to cultivate the Thirty-Six Transformations."