The Sect Master's Divine Ability

Even with extraordinary talent, everyone had only cultivated the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art to the fifth or sixth layer, with even Duobao only reaching the seventh layer.

Yet Tai Cang, a mere inner disciple, had cultivated it to the eighth layer. "Tai Cang!"

Within the valley, Duobao's furious roar shook the surroundings.

Unable to break through Tai Cang's defenses after a prolonged assault, he instead sensed Tai Cang growing stronger with each passing moment, his heart burning with jealousy.

He could clearly perceive that the purity of the Upper Clarity mana within Tai Cang far surpassed his own, meaning Tai Cang's comprehension of the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art was superior.

With this realization, Duobao could no longer suppress his envy and hatred. He formed hand seals, and a hundred flying swords erupted from the void, charging directly at Tai Cang!

"Sword Control Technique!"

"Duobao, you've exhausted your tricks!"

Tai Cang sneered. Facing the incoming swarm of flying swords without fear, he gripped the long sword he had seized, gave it a violent shake, and poured in a torrent of mana.

"Slash!"

With a low shout, a ferocious sword energy swept out, instantly repelling all the flying swords and smashing them into the already ruined valley, kicking up a storm of dust.

Crack--

After the blow, the long sword in Tai Cang's hand shattered.

Mere magic treasures couldn't withstand such pure Upper Clarity mana.

Duobao's flying swords also suffered heavy damage, scattering amidst the ruins and emitting mournful cries, no longer controllable.

"Tai Cang!"

Seeing this, killing intent surged in Duobao's eyes.

Tai Cang's strength shocked him, and his talent made him feel an unprecedented threat.

If this child were allowed to rise, Sect Master Tongtian would surely take him as a personal disciple. At that time, Zhao Gongming, San Xiao, and Tai Cang, the five of them working together, would be enough to shake his position and authority.

"Today, I will show you what it means to be an Upper Clarity personal disciple!"

Duobao gritted his teeth, formed a lightning seal, and sparks danced around him—he was about to unleash the Upper Clarity Divine Thunder!

"Senior Brother Duobao, no!"

"Stop him quickly!"

Zhao Gongming and the others watching from outside the barrier were greatly alarmed.

The Upper Clarity Divine Thunder's power was comparable to a divine ability, and with Tai Cang's cultivation, he could hardly resist it. A single mistake could cost him his life!

However, Duobao turned a deaf ear. Before anyone could rush into the barrier, he raised his hand, locked onto Tai Cang, and declared, "Receive my Upper Clarity Divine Thunder!"

Boom!

Thunder roared, and amidst churning dark clouds, a bolt of green lightning struck down.

"So fast!"

Tai Cang's pupils contracted sharply.

This divine thunder possessed terrifying might. If struck, he would be severely injured or killed. Duobao clearly intended to kill him!

"Since that's the case, don't blame me for being ruthless."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. Facing the incoming divine thunder, Tai Cang suddenly formed an incantation.

Crackling!

Black Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder suddenly coiled around his body, instantly engulfing the Upper Clarity Divine Thunder.

Immediately, the heavens and earth changed color, and the land for a thousand miles trembled violently.

Amidst the rampant black lightning, Tai Cang rose into the air, bathed in lightning like a descending thunder god.

"Hiss--"

Zhao Gongming and the others, who were about to rescue him, gasped.

The destructive aura emanating from that black divine thunder was even more terrifying than the Upper Clarity Divine Thunder!

In an instant, the black divine thunder swallowed Duobao. Tai Cang controlled this lightning, its power sufficient to destroy the entire area.

Not only would Duobao meet a grim fate, but Zhao Gongming and the others might also be affected.

Retreat quickly! Leave this place immediately!

Zhao Gongming and the others dared not hesitate, hastily retreating. That destructive divine thunder could heavily injure even a Grand Unity Golden Immortal. If they were touched by it, they would die or suffer grievous injuries.

Although they were retreating, their gazes remained fixed on Tai Cang. Looking at the figure controlling the lightning, they felt an unspeakable bitterness in their hearts. Even as personal disciples who had cultivated the Upper Clarity Divine Thunder, they were still no match for the power Tai Cang was currently displaying. What shocked them even more was that what Tai Cang was using was the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder.

Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder!

Duobao, lying on the ground, was stunned. Under the pressure of the widespread lightning, his legs went weak, and he knelt on the ground. Staring intently at the god-like Tai Cang, Duobao suddenly roared fiercely, "Tai Cang! As a disciple of the Intercepting Sect, you cultivate the methods of the Primordial Clarity. This is betraying your master and ancestors!"

"Master will never forgive you!"

"I am a personal disciple, how dare you touch me?!"

"Betraying the master and destroying the ancestors?"

"Ridiculous!"

Tai Cang let out a cold laugh. With a light wave of his left hand, a lightning snake shot towards Duobao. Although it wasn't the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder, this destructive lightning was still terrifying. As the lightning flashed, Duobao screamed and fell to the ground, his clothes in tatters, his body charred and twitching. The dignified Grand Perfection Golden Immortal was utterly defenseless against this lightning.

Ding! Duobao defeated, one-click max level authority obtained!

The System notification made Tai Cang pause.

He lost just like that? He glanced at the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder that was ready to be unleashed, shaking his head inwardly: I haven't even used my full strength yet.

"Enough!"

A majestic voice suddenly boomed. Sect Master Tongtian appeared in the valley. He looked up at the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder in the sky and flicked his finger, shattering it.

"Duobao, Tai Cang, all direct disciples, come to Upper Clarity Palace immediately!"

Before the voice faded, Tongtian's figure had already vanished.

This is the might of a Sage...

Tai Cang gazed at the clear sky stretching for miles, his heart filled with awe. He knew how terrifying the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder was, but before Tongtian, it was shattered as easily as a child's game.

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Zhao Gongming and San Xiao arrived swiftly. Behind them, Wudang and other direct disciples rushed to check on Duobao's condition.

"Greetings, Senior Brother, Senior Sister. Thank you for your earlier assistance."

Recovering his senses, Tai Cang calmed his aura and cupped his hands in greeting to Zhao Gongming and San Xiao.

If not for their combined efforts, he might not have had a legitimate reason to confront Duobao, let alone achieve his goal smoothly.

"There's no need for such politeness, Junior Brother."

Zhao Gongming and San Xiao exchanged glances, a complex look flashing in their eyes.

Although they had expected Tai Cang to intend to dampen Duobao's arrogance, they hadn't anticipated that he would actually be able to defeat him. If the Sect Master hadn't intervened, Duobao might have died on the spot today. Such strength was likely beyond even their ability to match.

"Junior Brother," Zhao Gongming asked in a deep voice, "what you used just now, was it truly the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder?"

Upon hearing this, San Xiao's expression also tensed. Although Duobao's words contained personal grievances, they had hit the nail on the head—the Intercepting Sect practicing the secret arts of the Heavenly Origin Sect was a grave taboo.

"It was," Tai Cang replied calmly. "The day before yesterday, I was discussing Dao with Senior Brother Cihang and obtained this technique by chance. I am not a direct disciple, so there is no impropriety in my learning it. Moreover, the Three Pure Ones originated from the same source; I believe Master will not blame me."

The four fell silent for a moment. While the reasoning was sound, the appearance of Primordial Clarity secret arts in the hands of an Intercepting Sect disciple, even if Sect Master Tongtian didn't pursue it, how could Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning simply stand by?

Wudang's voice called from the ground: "Senior Brother Zhao, it's time to move."

Duobao, supported by several direct disciples, managed to stand up, his face pale, and flew towards Upper Clarity Palace.

"Let's go," Zhao Gongming nodded in response, turning to Tai Cang. "Junior Brother, come with us. Let's hope Master is not angered."

"Indeed," Tai Cang knew this matter required an explanation. If Sect Master Tongtian were to punish him, he could always leave the sect and establish himself. Since he had awakened the System, why worry about the future?

Five streaks of light tore through the sky, heading straight for Upper Clarity Palace.

The pressure within the palace was heavy. Duobao knelt before the steps, trembling uncontrollably, while the other direct disciples held their breath. Seated on the main throne, besides Sect Master Tongtian, were the Sages Grand Clarity and Primordial Clarity—the battle that had shaken Golden Ao Island had, after all, alerted the three Sages to gather.

"Greetings, Master!"

"Greetings, Uncle-Master Grand Clarity!"

"Greetings, Uncle-Master Primordial Clarity!"

After Tai Cang and the others finished their salutations, Sect Master Tongtian waved his hand, signaling Zhao Gongming and the others to retreat to the sides. His deep gaze fell upon this registered disciple: "Tai Cang, do you still remember the admonishments when you joined the sect?"

"I remember," Tai Cang's heart settled slightly. Since he wasn't immediately punished, it meant there was still room for maneuver.

With a thought, Tai Cang stepped forward and cupped his hands towards Duobao. "How can fellow disciples harm each other!"

"I have always strictly followed Master's teachings. When I made my move just now, I deliberately changed the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder into ordinary lightning."

This explanation was something Tai Cang had already prepared.

After all, he hadn't truly unleashed the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder, and even a Sage couldn't pursue something that hadn't happened.

Tongtian's expression softened slightly.

He had seen the situation just now. Although Tai Cang had injured Duobao, he had indeed only used ordinary lightning.

"Tai Cang!"

Primordial suddenly spoke. "Where did you learn the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder?"

"And your mastery is so profound, it's no less than the realm we were in before becoming Sages."

As he spoke, Laozi, Tongtian, and a group of bewildered Intercepting Sect direct disciples all looked at Tai Cang.

Stealing the divine abilities of other sects was already improper, let alone practicing the methods of Primordial Beginning while under Tongtian's tutelage.

"This..."

Tai Cang hesitated for a moment and replied to Primordial. "Reporting to Uncle-Master, I won the method for the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder from Senior Brother Cihang in a bet."

"As for the cultivation process, I don't know why, but I suddenly had an epiphany while practicing. When I woke up, I found that the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder had turned black."

Enlightenment!

What kind of thing is this!

Everyone was shocked upon hearing this, and the direct disciples of the Intercepting Sect cast sideways glances, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Especially Zhao Gongming and San Xiao.

They remembered Tai Cang saying he had gained enlightenment and comprehended the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art.

Now, even the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder could be comprehended to this extent through enlightenment. Could enlightenment have become commonplace?

That's right!

Your fortune is indeed extraordinary.

Yuanshi glanced deeply at Tai Cang and asked no further questions.

Since it was enlightenment, it showed his high comprehension.

Moreover, the origin of the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder was clear. Continuing to question would only embarrass Cihang.

Tai Cang!

Tongtian came back to his senses and stared at Tai Cang, saying, "Since the Primordial Clarity Divine Thunder was won by you, I, your master, will not pursue it further.

However, fighting fellow disciples too harshly requires you to be punished by facing the wall at Siguo Cliff for five hundred years, and you are not allowed to leave the mountain without permission."

Face the wall and reflect on your mistakes!

Tongtian wants to smooth things over.

A flash of light flickered in Tai Cang's eyes. He hadn't expected his master to impose such a light punishment.

He had already prepared to leave the sect. Since Tongtian was not going to pursue the matter, he naturally didn't need to leave.

"Your command shall be obeyed," Tai Cang replied with a bow.

"Master!"

Duobao, who was on the ground, became anxious.

With Tongtian's handling of the situation, wasn't he implicitly acknowledging Tai Cang's status?

Given the talent Tai Cang had displayed, if he continued to stay in the sect, his position as the Senior Brother might be...

"Silence!"

Tongtian shouted sternly, "As the Senior Brother, you disregarded your status and fought privately with your junior brother.

Tai Cang is an inner disciple and doesn't understand the rules, but you, as a direct disciple, don't understand them either?

Effective immediately, Duobao will be confined to his residence for eight hundred years and is not allowed to take a single step outside."

Upon these words, the entire place fell silent.

Eight hundred years of facing the wall!

This punishment was heavier than what Tai Cang had to bear. Tongtian was clearly displeased with Duobao.

The direct disciples of the Intercepting Sect appeared calm on the surface, but their hearts were already turbulent.

The Senior Brother Duobao being punished had angered Tongtian. His position in the sect would surely be shaken in the future. Others might have a chance to replace him, so why should they continue to flatter him?

Especially Zhao Gongming, San Xiao, and Tai Cang, who were already at odds with Duobao. Now that Tai Cang had displayed astonishing talent, upon the completion of his reflection period, he might be promoted to a direct disciple. At that time...

"I shall obey my master's command!"

Duobao slumped to the ground, his face ashen.

He understood that he had thoroughly angered his master.

Worse still, his plans had fallen through. It would be incredibly difficult to control the direct disciples of the Intercepting Sect in the future. Tai Cang, Zhao Gongming, and others would likely seize the opportunity to rise.