The Grand Clarity Palace

He took out the jade talisman and immersed his divine sense within it. After a quarter of an hour, Tai Cang opened his eyes and murmured to himself, "The path of transformation lies in divine charm. The thirty-six divine abilities can be pursued gradually."

Light and shadow flowed within the valley. Tai Cang's form flickered, sometimes turning into rocks, sometimes into grass and trees. At one moment, he roared like a fierce tiger in the valley; the next, he soared like a hawk in the sky. Initially, it was merely a mimicry of form, but gradually he grasped the essence, and finally, even his origin aura became indistinguishable.

Ding! Congratulations to the host for mastering the Thirty-Six Transformations!

A sharp glint flashed in Tai Cang's eyes: "It's done!"

(Hearing the System's notification, a hint of joy flickered in Tai Cang's eyes.

Continuously using the Thirty-Six Transformations consumed a great deal of his magic power and mental energy. Now, he had finally completely mastered this divine ability. Simultaneously, information on the thirty-six divine abilities contained within the Thirty-Six Transformations appeared in his mind: Manipulate Creation, Invert Yin Yang, Shift Stars and Constellations, Return Heaven and Moon, Summon Wind and Rain, Shake Mountains and Earth, Ascend Clouds and Ride Mist, Cross Rivers to Form Land, Golden Light Across the Earth, Overturn Seas and Oceans, Turn Earth to Copper, Five Elements Escape, Six Jia Odd Gates, Foresee the Future, Move Mountains and Fill Seas, Raise the Dead, Fly and Leave Traces, Nine Breaths to Absorb Qi, Extract Primordial Yang, Subdue Dragons and Tame Tigers, Mend the Sun, Push Mountains and Fill Seas, Turn Stone into Gold, Stand Upright Without Shadow, Transform Fetus and Change Form, Size as Desired, Flowers Bloom Instantly, Wander Spirit and Control Qi, See Through Barriers, Return Wind and Reverse Fire, Master Five Thunders, Submerge Abyss and Shrink Earth, Flying Sand and Moving Stones, Carry Mountains and Cross Seas, Scatter Beans to Create Soldiers, Seven Arrows Nail Head.

Although these divine abilities were powerful, they required postnatal cultivation to master and were not automatically understood just by learning the Thirty-Six Transformations.

After reviewing them, Tai Cang said without hesitation, "System, upgrade the Thirty-Six Transformations to max level."

Ding! Consumed one max-level privilege. The Thirty-Six Transformations are now max level!

In an instant, the essence of the Thirty-Six Transformations surged into Tai Cang's mind, plunging him into a state of enlightenment. Not only did his transformation techniques rapidly improve, but he also began to quickly comprehend and master the thirty-six divine abilities.

After an unknown amount of time, Tai Cang slowly awoke.

Thirty-six divine abilities!

He had actually mastered them all.

Tai Cang could hardly conceal his surprise. He hadn't expected that max-level Thirty-Six Transformations would also lead to mastering all the associated divine abilities. Although it was only at the introductory stage, he could already perform them with ease. As long as he obtained more max-level privileges, he could elevate all these divine abilities to their peak.

After praising it three times, Tai Cang immediately took out the Innate Yin Yang Sword and began to refine it.

Pfft—

A mouthful of vital blood sprayed onto the sword. His divine sense and magic power were continuously injected. The sword body trembled slightly and quickly completed the master-recognition process. Tai Cang seized the opportunity and began to refine the innate restrictions within it.

Time flowed by as the innate restrictions were refined one by one: nine, eighteen, thirty-four!

When the last restriction was refined, Tai Cang opened his eyes and stood up, discovering that the outside world had undergone immense changes.

Five hundred years?

With a slight calculation, Tai Cang exclaimed in surprise, "This closed-door cultivation took five hundred years. Truly, cultivation has no sense of time."

He waved his hand, dispelling the valley's restrictions. From afar, a familiar roar could be heard. He saw the strange beast carrying a celestial deer and rushing over. After dropping its prey, it wagged its tail happily, seeking praise.

A celestial deer?

Looking at the spiritual beast on the ground, Tai Cang shook his head helplessly. "You've probably harmed quite a few celestial beasts in the Eastern Kunlun these past few years, haven't you? Fortunately, Eldest Senior Uncle is benevolent, or you would have met your end long ago."

Despite his words, his hands didn't stop. He skillfully processed the celestial deer and then started a fire to roast the venison.

The celestial deer meat was delicious, truly worthy of a celestial realm delicacy. Tai Cang and the strange beast beside him enjoyed the exquisite meal in the valley.

Suddenly, a sound of air-breaking came from afar.

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, I've finally waited for you to come out of seclusion."

Looking up, he saw Kinkaku arriving on clouds, and in a flash, he was close.

"Kinkaku?"

"It's him!"

A hint of surprise flashed in Tai Cang's eyes. Kinkaku, as Laozi's attendant, rarely went out. Yet today, he had come specifically to find him. Could it be...?

"Did he discover the matter of stealing Eastern Kunlun's celestial beasts?"

He glanced at the strange beast beside him, then raised his hand and gently tapped its head, laughing, "You greedy little fellow, from now on, I'll call you 'Little Glutton'."

With that, Tai Cang stood up to meet Kinkaku and asked, "Fellow Daoist Kinkaku, what important matter brings you here?"

"Greetings, Senior Brother Tai Cang."

Kinkaku bowed respectfully, not daring to be negligent. Tai Cang held a revered position within the Cang Gate, so he naturally wouldn't be rude.

"I am acting on Master's orders to invite Senior Brother to Grand Clarity Palace for a chat."

Laozi summoned him?

Not because of the strange beast?

Tai Cang frowned, filled with doubt. Cang Du had once said that Laozi would not allow him to cultivate within the Wheel of Time and Space. What was the purpose of this summons?

"Alright!"

Although he didn't understand the reason, Tai Cang didn't refuse. He waved his hand, putting Little Glutton into his sleeve, and flew towards Grand Clarity Palace with Kinkaku.

"Greetings, Eldest Senior Uncle!"

Inside Grand Clarity Palace, Tai Cang bowed respectfully to Laozi.

Laozi was still refining pills. Tai Cang stood quietly by, waiting patiently.

About a quarter of an hour later, Laozi stopped his actions, handed the pill furnace matters over to Kinkaku and Silver Horn to manage, and then turned to Tai Cang, "You're here. You must already know about that matter."

That matter?

Time Wheel?

Tai Cang pondered for a moment and nodded. "Reporting to Eldest Senior Uncle, I have indeed heard of it. May I ask what instructions you have for summoning me today?"

He didn't believe Laozi would summon him without reason. Since the Time Wheel was mentioned, Laozi clearly knew about his conversation with Cang Du.

"Mm."

Laozi nodded slightly and asked, "How is your progress with the Thirty-Six Transformations?"

Thirty-Six Transformations?

Tai Cang was taken aback. Although he didn't understand the meaning, he still answered truthfully, "I have mastered the Thirty-Six Transformations."

"Very good."

Laozi showed a satisfied expression, took out a jade talisman, and changed the subject. "I need you to go to the Witch Clan and deliver this to the Twelve Ancestral Witches. Are you willing?"

The Witch Clan? Meeting the Twelve Ancestral Witches?

Tai Cang's pupils contracted, and he was shocked.

The Witch Clan and the Three Pure Ones' lineage have always had friction. Hou Yi's previous visit to deliver a challenge letter had already strained their relationship further. Going to the Witch Clan to deliver a message at this time would be no easy task.

"Eldest Senior Uncle..."

Tai Cang couldn't help but ask, "What is contained within this jade talisman?"

However, Laozi did not answer, merely looking at him quietly.

Tai Cang calmly looked back at him, awaiting his reply.

This clearly leaves me no room to refuse.

Feeling helpless, Tai Cang said no more. He cupped his hands and replied, "Since it is Eldest Senior Uncle's command, Tai Cang will naturally obey."

Laozi smiled and nodded, tossing the jade talisman to Tai Cang. He then turned to gaze at the alchemy furnace and said slowly, "After you deliver this to the Ancestral Witches, I will teach you the Supreme Three Flowers Method.

You are already close to Grand Unity Golden Immortal completion. Although the Nine Tribulations have not manifested, Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown is just around the corner.

This method can allow you to go a step further beyond Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown, enabling you to contend with late-stage cultivators even upon entering Grand Unity.

The Supreme Three Flowers Method!

Tai Cang's eyes narrowed, and his breathing quickened.

He had previously practiced the Supreme Five Qi Method and knew well that it far surpassed ordinary Five Qi Towards Origin. If he also obtained this technique, his foundation would become even more solid.

"Thank you, Eldest Senior Uncle, for bestowing this method."

He bowed solemnly, his previous dissatisfaction long gone.

With such benefits at hand, Laozi's arrogant demeanor was insignificant. Tai Cang knew clearly that without value, how could he obtain opportunities from the Three Pure Ones?

Laozi waved his hand indifferently and said lightly, "Pay attention to the Witch Clan's Pangu Hall during this trip.

If the Ancestral Witches invite you inside, you may investigate whether any Pangu aura remains within."

After speaking, he said no more and focused on controlling the fire to refine the pill.

Pangu Hall! Pangu aura!

Tai Cang suddenly realized that this was Laozi's true intention.

Anyone could deliver a message, but when it came to prying into secrets, no one among the Three Sects could compare. No wonder Laozi had asked about his progress with the Thirty-Six Transformations; he intended to use him to probe the reality of the Witch Clan's sacred ground.

Upon understanding this, Tai Cang felt immense pressure.

Pangu Hall was where the Ancestral Witches resided, and rashly investigating it was extremely dangerous. However, the temptation of the Supreme Three Flowers Method was too great to resist.

He would have to act by opportunity.

He mused inwardly, bowed to Laozi, and took his leave. After leaving the Grand Clarity Palace, he took to his sword and flew directly out of Kunlun.

Although he was ordered to go to the Witch Clan, Tai Cang was not in a hurry to travel. He planned to use this opportunity to travel the Primordial World and sightsee.

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang!"

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Shortly after leaving Kunlun, he heard calls from behind him.

He turned his head and saw Cihang and Wudang chasing after him on clouds. They approached and cupped their hands, saying, "Fellow Daoist (Junior Brother), are you heading to the Witch Clan?"

Hmm?

Tai Cang's eyebrows twitched, and he wondered inwardly: How did they know?

Tai Cang frowned and asked doubtfully, "Are you also here on orders?"

"Precisely!"

Cihang and Wudang exchanged glances and replied in unison, "We are here on our Master's orders to deliver a message to the Witch Clan."

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang (Junior Brother), shall we travel together?"

The two, who were leaving Kunlun Mountains for the first time, chose to travel together despite their usual discord. Seeing Tai Cang here, they naturally did not want to miss this opportunity. After all, Tai Cang's strength was considered outstanding among the second generation disciples of the Three Sects. With him accompanying them, not only would they be safe, but the mission's successful completion would also be ensured.

So that's how it is!

After listening to the two's explanation, Tai Cang suddenly understood, but still had doubts in his heart. Laozi sent him to investigate the Pangu Hall, so why did Yuan Shi and Tongtian send Cihang and Wudang?

After pondering for a moment, Tai Cang said, "Since that's the case, let's go together."

Although he didn't know their true intentions, Tai Cang understood there must be hidden secrets. This was a good opportunity to investigate thoroughly.

"Excellent!"

Cihang and Wudang were overjoyed upon hearing this. With Tai Cang accompanying them, this trip would surely be twice as effective with half the effort. The three immediately took to the clouds and flew straight towards the Witch Clan. Tai Cang, who had originally planned to tour the Primordial World along the way, temporarily set aside his interest.

Below Buzhou Mountain, the territory of the Witch Clan.

As the three ventured deeper, the Witch Clan tribes on the ground gradually appeared. The tribes were bustling with activity; some returned triumphantly with prey, drawing cheers, while others carried the mangled bodies of their companions, eliciting cries of grief. This vibrant atmosphere of life filled Tai Cang with emotion.

If the Witch Clan were not born from turbid energy, perhaps the human race would not have been able to replace them. Unfortunately, fate is hard to defy, and such a scene will eventually disappear.

"Stop!"

A sharp shout suddenly rang out. On the hillside, the Great Witch Hou Yi drew his bow and nocked an arrow, its cold glint pointing directly at the three. The power contained within the arrow sent a shiver down their spines.

"It's Great Witch Hou Yi!"

"He's going to attack us?"

Cihang and Wudang immediately panicked. With their cultivation as Grand Unity Golden Immortals, they were no match for Hou Yi. The two hurriedly looked at Tai Cang: "Fellow Daoist Tai Cang (Junior Brother), what do we do now?"

Tai Cang secretly gave a wry smile, suddenly regretting traveling with these two. Seeing their performance, he truly didn't know why Yuan Shi and Tongtian had sent them here.

"Don't panic, both of you."

Taking a deep breath, Tai Cang said in a deep voice, "Let's wait and see what happens. Leave it to me to handle it."

Tai Cang said no more. His figure moved, and he appeared before Hou Yi, cupping his hands and saying, "Tai Cang of Cang Gate greets Great Witch Hou Yi."

"Tai Cang?"

Hou Yi stood on the hillside, slightly stunned. Then, as if remembering something, he immediately lowered his bow and arrow: "So it's Tai Cang of Cang Gate. And who are these two?" As he spoke, he unconsciously wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.