Chapter 31

Taking out the jade talisman, Tai Cang immersed his divine sense within it. A quarter-hour later, he opened his eyes and muttered, "The key to transformation lies in capturing its spirit. The Thirty-Six Transformations can be studied gradually."

Light and shadow flowed through the valley. Tai Cang's form shifted from rocks to vegetation; at times, he was like a fierce tiger roaring through the valley, and at others, like an eagle striking through the sky. At first, he merely resembled them in appearance. Gradually, he grasped their essence, until even their original aura became identical.

Ding! Congratulations, Host, for mastering the Thirty-Six Transformations!

A sharp gleam flashed in Tai Cang's eyes. "I did it!"

(Hearing the system notification, joy flickered through Tai Cang's eyes.

Continuously using the Thirty-Six Transformations consumed a tremendous amount of his mana and spiritual energy. Now, he had finally completely mastered this divine ability. At the same time, information about the thirty-six divine abilities contained within the Thirty-Six Transformations surfaced in his mind: Creation Manipulation, Yin-Yang Reversal, Star Shifting and Dipper Transposition, Sun Restoration and Moon Return, Wind Summoning and Rain Calling, Mountain Shaking and Earth Quaking, Cloud Soaring and Mist Riding, River Division into Land, Golden Light Ground Traversal, River Overturning and Sea Churning, Pointing at Earth to Turn It into Copper, Five Elements Escape Arts, Six Jia Arcane Gates, Future Foresight, Mountain Moving and Sea Filling, Resurrection of the Dead, Body Flight and Trace Support, Nine Breaths of Qi Absorption, Drawing Out Primordial Yang, Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming, Sun Mending, Mountain Pushing and Sea Filling, Turning Stone into Gold, Upright Shadowlessness, Womb Transformation and Shape Shifting, Size Alteration at Will, Instant Flower Blooming, Spirit Wandering and Qi Control, Seeing Through Walls, Returning Wind and Reigniting Fire, Mastering the Five Thunders, Diving Abysses and Shrinking Ground, Flying Sand and Moving Stones, Carrying Mountains Across Seas, Scattering Beans into Soldiers, and the Seven Arrows Book of Nailhead.

Though these divine abilities were powerful, they required later cultivation to master. Learning the Thirty-Six Transformations did not mean one would automatically comprehend them.

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

Ding! One max-level authorization consumed. The Thirty-Six Transformations have reached max level!

In an instant, the essence of the Thirty-Six Transformations flooded into Tai Cang's mind, sending him straight into a state of enlightenment. Not only did his transformation arts improve rapidly, but he also began swiftly comprehending and mastering all thirty-six divine abilities.

No one knew how much time passed before Tai Cang slowly awoke.

Thirty-six divine abilities!

He had actually mastered them all.

Tai Cang could barely contain his delight. He had never expected max-level Thirty-Six Transformations to grant him mastery of every divine ability as well. Though he had only reached the beginner stage, he could already use them freely. As long as he obtained more max-level authorizations, he could elevate all these divine abilities to their peak.

After praising it three times in succession, Tai Cang immediately took out the Innate Yin Yang Sword and began refining it.

Pfft—

A mouthful of essence blood sprayed onto the sword. His divine sense and mana poured into it without end. The sword trembled lightly, and its recognition of its master was quickly completed. Seizing the moment, Tai Cang began refining the innate restrictions within it.

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

When the final restriction was refined, Tai Cang opened his eyes and rose to his feet, only to discover that the outside world had changed beyond recognition.

Five hundred years?

After making a brief calculation, Tai Cang said in surprise, "This seclusion actually lasted five hundred years. Cultivation truly knows no passage of time."

With a wave of his hand, he removed the valley's restrictions. A familiar roar came from afar. The strange beast came charging over with an immortal deer clamped in its jaws. After dropping its prey, it wagged its tail eagerly, seeking praise.

An immortal deer?

Looking at the spirit beast on the ground, Tai Cang helplessly shook his head. "You must have harmed quite a few immortal beasts in East Kunlun over the years, huh? Luckily, Eldest Martial Uncle is magnanimous. Otherwise, you would have suffered tribulation long ago."

Though he said that, his hands did not stop moving. He swiftly dressed the immortal deer, started a fire, and roasted the venison.

The immortal deer's meat was delicious, worthy of being an item from the immortal realm. Tai Cang and the strange beast beside him enjoyed the feast in the valley.

Suddenly, the sound of something tearing through the air came from afar.

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, I finally waited for you to emerge from seclusion."

Looking up, Tai Cang saw Gold Horn riding a cloud toward him. In the blink of an eye, he had arrived nearby.

"Gold Horn?"

"It's actually him!"

A trace of surprise flashed through Tai Cang's eyes. As Laozi's attendant, Gold Horn rarely went out. Yet today, he had come specifically to find him. Could it be...

"Could the matter of stealing and eating East Kunlun's immortal beasts have been discovered?"

He glanced at the strange beast beside him, lightly tapped its head, and laughed. "You little glutton, from now on, I'll call you Little Glutton."

Having said that, Tai Cang rose and walked over to Gold Horn. "Fellow Daoist Gold Horn, what important matter brings you here?"

"Greetings, Senior Brother Tai Cang."

Gold Horn respectfully bowed, not daring to show any negligence. Tai Cang held an exalted position in Cang Gate, so naturally he did not dare be discourteous.

"By the master's order, I have come to invite Senior Brother to the Grand Clarity Palace for a discussion."

Laozi had summoned him?

It was not because of the strange beast?

Tai Cang frowned slightly, feeling doubtful. Cang Du had once said that Laozi would not allow him to enter the Time-Space Roulette for cultivation. What, then, was the purpose of this summons?

"Alright!"

Though he did not understand Laozi's intentions, Tai Cang did not refuse. With a wave of his hand, he tucked Little Glutton into his sleeve and flew with Gold Horn toward the Grand Clarity Palace.

"Greetings, Eldest Martial Uncle!"

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

Laozi was still refining pills. Tai Cang stood quietly to the side and waited patiently.

About a quarter-hour later, Laozi stopped what he was doing and handed the matters of the pill furnace over to Gold Horn and Silver Horn. Then he looked at Tai Cang. "You have come. You must already know about that matter."

That matter?

The Time-Space Roulette?

After thinking briefly, Tai Cang nodded. "In reply to Eldest Martial Uncle, I have indeed heard something of it. May I know why you summoned me today?"

He did not believe Laozi had summoned him without reason. Since Laozi had mentioned the Time-Space Roulette, he had clearly learned of Tai Cang's conversation with Cang Du.

"Mm."

Laozi nodded slightly and asked, "How is your cultivation of the Thirty-Six Transformations progressing?"

The Thirty-Six Transformations?

Tai Cang was taken aback. Though he did not understand Laozi's meaning, he still answered truthfully, "I have mastered the Thirty-Six Transformations."

"Very good."

A satisfied expression appeared on Laozi's face. He took out a jade talisman, then changed the subject. "I need you to go to the Witch Clan and deliver this item to the Twelve Ancestral Witches. Are you willing to go?"

The Witch Clan? Meet the Twelve Ancestral Witches?

Tai Cang's pupils contracted, and his heart shook with alarm.

The Witch Clan had always been at odds with the Three Pure Ones lineage. Hou Yi's earlier visit to deliver a challenge letter had only made the relationship between both sides more tense. Delivering a message to the Witch Clan at such a time would be no easy task.

"Eldest Martial Uncle..."

Tai Cang could not help asking, "May I know what this jade talisman contains?"

However, Laozi did not answer. He merely watched Tai Cang in silence.

Tai Cang calmly met his gaze and waited for his answer.

He clearly isn't allowing me to refuse.

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

Laozi nodded with a smile and tossed the jade talisman to Tai Cang. Turning back to stare at the pill furnace, he slowly said, "After you deliver this item to the Ancestral Witches, I will teach you the Supreme Three Flowers Method."

"You are already nearing the completion of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm. Though the Nine Tribulations have yet to appear, Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown is close at hand."

"This method will allow you to advance another step beyond Three Flowers Gathering at the Crown. Even upon first entering the Great Luo realm, you will be able to contend against late-stage cultivators."

The Supreme Three Flowers Method!

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

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

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

He bowed solemnly. His earlier dissatisfaction had already vanished without a trace.

When benefits were at stake, Laozi's arrogant attitude was not worth mentioning. Tai Cang understood this clearly: without any value to offer, how could he obtain opportunities from the Three Pure Ones?

Laozi waved his hand indifferently. "During this journey, pay close attention to the Witch Clan's Pangu Hall."

"If the Ancestral Witches invite you inside, investigate whether any of Pangu's aura remains there."

After saying that, he spoke no further and focused on controlling the fire to refine pills.

Pangu Hall! Pangu's aura!

Tai Cang suddenly understood. So this was Laozi's true objective.

Anyone could deliver a message, but when it came to secretly probing hidden matters, no one among the Three Teachings could surpass him. No wonder Laozi had asked about his progress with the Thirty-Six Transformations earlier. He intended to use Tai Cang's hand to investigate the sacred ground of the Witch Clan.

Once he understood this, Tai Cang immediately felt immense pressure.

Pangu Hall was guarded by the Ancestral Witches. Investigating it rashly would be extraordinarily dangerous. But the Supreme Three Flowers Method was simply too tempting to resist.

I can only adapt to the circumstances.

After pondering silently, he bowed to Laozi and took his leave. Upon leaving the Grand Clarity Palace, he mounted his sword and flew straight out of Kunlun.

Though he had been ordered to go to the Witch Clan, Tai Cang was in no rush to travel. He intended to use this opportunity to explore the primordial world and take in its sights.

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang!"

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Not long after leaving Kunlun, he suddenly heard voices calling from behind him.

Turning around, he saw Cihang and Wudang riding clouds in pursuit. When they drew near, they cupped their hands and asked, "Fellow Daoist—Junior Brother—are you going to the Witch Clan?"

Hm?

Tai Cang's brow twitched as he wondered in surprise, How do they know?

Tai Cang frowned slightly and asked doubtfully, "Were you also sent here on orders?"

"Indeed!"

Cihang and Wudang exchanged a glance before replying in unison, "We have been ordered by our masters to deliver a message to the Witch Clan."

"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang—Junior Brother Tai Cang—why don't we travel together?"

It was the first time the two had left the Kunlun Mountains. Though they usually did not get along, they had chosen to travel together now. Seeing Tai Cang here, they naturally did not wish to miss this opportunity. After all, Tai Cang's strength was among the best of the Three Teachings' second generation. With him accompanying them, not only would their safety be assured, but their mission would also be more likely to succeed.

So that was it!

After hearing their explanation, Tai Cang came to a realization, but doubts remained in his heart. Laozi had sent him to investigate Pangu Hall, but why had Yuan Shi and Tongtian sent Cihang and Wudang here?

After pondering for a moment, Tai Cang said, "In that case, let us go together."

Though he did not know their true purpose, Tai Cang understood there had to be something more behind it. This was a good opportunity to find out.

"Excellent!"

Cihang and Wudang were overjoyed at his answer. With Tai Cang traveling alongside them, this journey would surely yield twice the result with half the effort. The three immediately rose on clouds and headed straight for the Witch Clan. Tai Cang's original interest in sightseeing throughout the primordial world was temporarily set aside.

At the foot of Buzhou Mountain, the territory of the Witch Clan.

As the three ventured deeper, Witch Clan tribes gradually appeared across the land. The tribes were bustling with activity. Some returned triumphantly bearing prey on their shoulders, drawing waves of cheers; others carried back the mutilated remains of their companions, prompting bursts of grieving cries. Such vivid traces of life left Tai Cang deeply moved.

If the Witch Clan had not been formed from turbid qi, the human race might have found it difficult to replace them. Unfortunately, fate could not be defied. Such scenes would eventually vanish.

"Stop!"

A furious shout suddenly rang out. On the hillside, the Great Witch Hou Yi drew his bow and set an arrow to the string, its cold gleam aimed directly at the three. The power contained within that arrow sent chills down their spines.

"It's Great Witch Hou Yi!"

"Is he going to attack us?"

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

Tai Cang smiled bitterly to himself, suddenly regretting traveling with these two. Seeing their reaction, he truly did not know why Yuan Shi and Tongtian had sent them here.

"Do not panic, you two."

Taking a deep breath, Tai Cang said in a deep voice, "Let us observe the situation first. Leave this to me."

Tai Cang said no more. With a flash, he arrived before Hou Yi and cupped his hands. "Tai Cang of Cang Gate greets Great Witch Hou Yi."

"Tai Cang?"

Hou Yi stood on the hillside, momentarily stunned. Then, as though recalling something, he immediately lowered his bow and arrow. "So it is Tai Cang of Cang Gate. And these two are?" As he spoke, he unconsciously wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.