The Gate of Opening

Although it was a reprimand, it was actually a cover-up for Chi You, hoping he would take Tai Cang and leave quickly to avoid being discovered by the Ancestral Witches.

"My brothers, there's no need to worry."

Chi You laughed heartily and pointed at Tai Cang, saying, "This is brother Tai Cang, the Bloodline Pill came from his hands. He also saved my brother Chi Yu this time. I've been ordered by the Ancestral Witches to bring him here to ask for your help in collecting the essence of earth."

After speaking, he introduced Tai Cang to the others, "Brother Tai Cang, these three are Zhou Yi, Rain Master, and Wind Master. They are all top Great Witches and have a deep friendship with me. They just speak their minds, so don't take offense."

Zhou Yi!

Wind Master!

Rain Master!

It was actually them.

A glint flashed in Tai Cang's eyes. These three would become Chi You's capable assistants in the future. It seemed their relationship was indeed intimate.

He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Greetings, Great Witch Zhou Yi!"

"Greetings, Great Witch Rain Master!"

"Greetings, Great Witch Wind Master!"

However, Zhou Yi and the other two stared at Tai Cang with fervent gazes. They pushed Chi You aside and exclaimed excitedly, "You are Tai Cang?"

"Did you really refine the Bloodline Pill?"

"I heard the Bloodline Pill is not only effective for Great Witches, but even we top Great Witches can benefit from it. Is that true?"

"Brother Tai Cang..."

Uh--

Faced with their enthusiasm, Tai Cang felt a little helpless.

He naturally understood their intentions. The allure of the Bloodline Pill for Great Witches and top Great Witches was undeniable.

But judging by the situation, Chi You and the others didn't seem entirely sure if the Bloodline Pill was effective for top Great Witches. It was clear that the Ancestral Witches had intentionally kept the news under wraps.

But why would the Ancestral Witches do that? Even with more top Great Witches, they couldn't compare to an Ancestral Witch. What were their plans?

"Everyone!"

Seeing that the three were about to continue their questioning, Tai Cang quickly raised his hand to stop them, "Regarding the Bloodline Pill, please wait for the Ancestral Witches to inform you personally!"

"One thing I can tell you in advance is that this Bloodline Pill can enhance the bloodline of all Witch Clan members below the Ancestral Witches."

As soon as Tai Cang finished speaking, not only did the expressions of Zhou Yi and the other two change drastically, but even Chi You's face sank.

If they were merely curious before, Tai Cang's answer now stirred a hint of displeasure in their hearts.

The reason was simple: since everyone below the Ancestral Witches could be enhanced, wouldn't they, as top Great Witches, also be able to take the Bloodline Pill to strengthen themselves?

But why did the Ancestral Witches only bestow the pills upon ordinary Great Witches? In terms of military achievements, loyalty, and strength, shouldn't they have been prioritized?

Silence fell upon the scene, and no one spoke.

"Chi You, so you were here. I finally found you."

A voice came from behind, breaking the silence.

Everyone turned to see Da Yi and Hou Yi walking over with their long bows on their backs.

They quickly approached and saw Chi You and the other three in a daze, a hint of confusion in their eyes.

Da Yi didn't ask further and turned to Tai Cang, "Brother Tai Cang, the Ancestral Witches have already issued an order. I've mobilized some Great Witches to begin the operation. Our clan members heard you needed the essence of earth and were very willing to help. However, we lack containers to collect the essence of earth, so we'll need you to provide them."

The operation had already begun?

Tai Cang frowned slightly, surprised.

The Ancestral Witches like Dijiang had clearly asked Chi You to assist him with this matter, so why had Da Yi and the others already taken the lead?

"No problem!"

Despite his doubts, Tai Cang didn't delay and immediately said, "I'll refine the containers now. Please wait a moment, Great Witches."

With that, he took out the Three-legged Cauldron and heavenly materials and earthly treasures and began to focus on refining the vessels for storing the essence of earth.

Seeing this, Da Yi and Hou Yi exchanged a look and breathed a sigh of relief.

They walked to Chi You's side and asked in a low voice, "Chi You, what's wrong with you all? You look so preoccupied, it's not like you."

Chi You and the other three snapped back to reality. They glanced at Tai Cang subconsciously and didn't mention what had just happened. Instead, they asked, "Da Yi, Hou Yi, didn't the Ancestral Witches say they would discuss it before acting? Why have you already started?"

"This..."

Da Yi was momentarily speechless, a troubled look on his face.

Hou Yi stepped forward and explained, "Four brothers, you may not know this, but the Ancestral Witches estimated that the amount of essence of earth Tai Cang needs is enormous. We're taking this opportunity to ask him to refine another batch of Bloodline Pills for our clan. The Ancestral Witches have already begun investigating the mastermind. Once the matter is resolved, they will have Tai Cang take action. At that time, our clan will be able to cultivate more top Great Witches."

So that's how it is!

Tai Cang sneered inwardly as he continued refining the artifacts.

He finally understood why the Ancestral Witches had suddenly become so enthusiastic – they wanted him to continue refining Bloodline Pills.

Even more ironically, the Ancestral Witches seemed indifferent to the fact that he had saved Chi Yu, as if the life and death of a top Great Witch were insignificant.

"Heh, the Witch Clan is this ruthless internally."

"With the Bloodline Pill out, the Twelve Ancestral Witches don't even care about the lives of their Great Witches."

Thinking this, a trace of disdain flashed in Tai Cang's eyes.

He truly couldn't agree with such a misguided approach.

The Witch Clan's dominance in the Primordial World wasn't solely due to their powerful bloodlines, but also the unity of their people. However, the Ancestral Witches' current disregard for the lives of top Great Witches showed that the appearance of the Bloodline Pill had already shaken the stability within the Witch Clan. If the Witch Clan were to truly unify the Primordial World, this rift would only widen, and the Ancestral Witches would likely become even more unscrupulous in consolidating their power.

So that's how it is! Chi You and the others suddenly understood, but their faces were filled with coldness. They knew very well that even if the Ancestral Witches refined the Bloodline Pill, it would only be used to cultivate ordinary Great Witches, and would never benefit them, the top Great Witches.

With a soft shout from Tai Cang, the Three-legged Cauldron emitted a dazzling light, and a row of vessels flew out from it, arranging themselves neatly on the ground. Tai Cang stood up and said to Da Yi, "These vessels are enough to hold the required essence of earth."

Da Yi put away the vessels and commanded, "Chi You, Wind Master, Rain Master, Zhou Yi, accompany me to collect the essence of earth. Hou Yi, you take Tai Cang to rest."

Chi You and the others took their orders and left. Although they were dissatisfied, they dared not disobey the Ancestral Witches' command. After everyone had left, as Hou Yi was about to lead the way, Tai Cang called out to him, "Great Witch Hou Yi, could you find twenty ordinary Great Witches for me to spar with? My physical body has reached the level of a Great Witch after refining the Ancestral Witch essence blood, and I wish to test my limits."

"You want to use your physical body against our Great Witches?" Hou Yi was full of surprise. The Witch Clan specialized in cultivating their physical bodies. Even if Tai Cang's physical body had improved, defeating a Great Witch still seemed like a wishful fantasy to him.

"My mind is made up." Tai Cang's gaze was firm. He was confident that with the Heaven and Earth Manifestation divine ability, he was fully capable of fighting a Great Witch. Seeing Tai Cang's persistence, Hou Yi could only agree, "Since you insist, then follow me."

Tai Cang was overjoyed to hear this, knowing his plan was progressing.

With that thought, Tai Cang immediately quickened his pace to follow.

Relying on Hou Yi's status as a top Great Witch, he enjoyed high prestige within the Witch Clan. Soon, twenty Great Witches were gathered.

"Everyone!"

Hou Yi got straight to the point, "I've gathered you all here today for a spar. He pointed to Tai Cang and introduced him, "This is fellow Daoist Tai Cang of Cang Gate. He wishes to spar with our Great Witches. I wonder if you dare to accept the challenge?"

Hou Yi did not mention that it would only be a physical body contest. In his opinion, if it were just a physical body contest, Tai Cang would undoubtedly lose; but if other means were allowed, perhaps there would be a chance to fight.

"What?"

"To spar with a cultivator?"

The Great Witches were all stunned upon hearing this, and they began to size up Tai Cang. Seeing that he was only at the peak of Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivation, not even having reached Grand Unity, they couldn't help but show confusion.

"I remember now!"

Suddenly, a Great Witch exclaimed, "He's the one who refined the Bloodline Pill!"

"He refined the Bloodline Pill?"

This news caused the Great Witches present to instantly boil. The Bloodline Pill was a treasure for Great Witches, with a ninety percent chance of promotion to a top Great Witch after consumption. Facing the creator of this pill, the Great Witches' attitude immediately changed.

"Since fellow Daoist Tai Cang wishes to spar, I will be the first to learn!" A Great Witch strode forward, turbid energy surging around him. "Fellow Daoist, please make the first move."

Tai Cang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he had refined the Bloodline Pill back then, otherwise, these Great Witches probably wouldn't have agreed to spar so easily, let alone complete the task.

He circulated his Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body, and his figure rapidly grew to over three meters tall. The surging Bloodline Power was actually no less than that of any Great Witch.

"This..."

The Great Witches were dumbfounded. It was unbelievable that a cultivator could cultivate their physical body to such a level.

"Incredible!"

Hou Yi couldn't hide his shock either. He had initially thought Tai Cang's claim of being able to contend with a Great Witch was an exaggeration, but he didn't expect it to be true, and even a bit stronger.

"Take this!"

Tai Cang didn't wait for the others to recover and stomped the ground, charging towards his opponent. Since it was a physical body spar, he didn't intend to use any other methods.

"Good!"

The Great Witch put away his surprise and met him head-on. The two figures instantly collided, erupting with dull thuds.

Fists and feet collided, and the attacks from both sides poured down like a torrential rain, neither giving way. The head-on clashes sent out waves of muffled roars.

In just a short moment, Tai Cang and the Great Witch had exchanged over a hundred blows. Bruises appeared on both of them, but they were not seriously injured.

"Again!"

The Great Witch's fighting spirit surged, and the innate turbid energy around him churned as he attacked Tai Cang with all his might.

"Just as I wish!"

Tai Cang showed no fear and met the punch with his own. The two were evenly matched, and the battle became even more intense. The Great Witches watching from the sidelines were filled with excitement and shouted loudly, "Brother Tai Cang is mighty!"

"Brother Gong Xin, go!"

The witches from the tribe heard the commotion and rushed over. Although they didn't recognize Tai Cang, they were captivated by the demeanor of the strong fighters and cheered.

"Fall!"

Tai Cang suddenly activated the space law and struck the Great Witch's chest with a heavy punch.

Gong Xin was sent flying backward, his chest a bloody mess, and he slammed heavily onto the ground, stirring up a sky full of turbid energy.

"Roar--"

With a heaven-shattering roar, Gong Xin suddenly leaped up. As his Blood Essence churned, he revealed his Great Witch true form. A giant tens of thousands of feet tall rose from the ground, and its colossal fist, wrapped in turbid energy, smashed down.

"Brother Tai Cang, dodge quickly!"

Hou Yi urgently warned, "Gong Xin, stop!"

The Great Witch's true form is the ultimate killing move, its power surging hundreds of times. This strike could cause great disaster.

The Great Witch's true form?

Tai Cang remained calm, formed a hand seal, and chuckled, "Perfect timing to test the improved Heaven and Earth Manifestation."

Before he finished speaking, his figure suddenly expanded, a colossal manifestation towering ten thousand feet. Under the astonished gazes of everyone present, the two giants' iron fists collided.

BOOM!

Amidst the earth-shattering explosion, shockwaves ravaged in all directions. Hou Yi's expression drastically changed. He instantly revealed his hundred-thousand-foot true form to protect his clansmen, shouting sternly, "All below Great Witch, retreat quickly!"

The Witch Clan members retreated in a panic, but their eyes burned with fervent battle intent as they gazed at the battlefield, murmuring, "This is the power of a Great Witch..."

"One day, I too will reach this realm!"

"The Great Witch's true form truly lives up to its reputation. Such power is truly awe-inspiring."

Tai Cang was completely unaware of this.

At this moment, he was fully focused on battling Gong Xin. The Heaven and Earth Manifestation, improved by Tongtian, could now rival the Great Witch's true form, though it consumed a vast amount of mana.

Seeing his opponent grow stronger with each passing moment, Tai Cang gritted his teeth, "It seems I must go all out."

He let out a low roar, controlling space with his left hand and time with his right, activating both laws simultaneously.

"Immobilize!"

With this soft cry, silver-white chains of time and space instantly wrapped around Gong Xin's massive body, rendering him unable to move.

Seizing this fleeting opportunity, Tai Cang's fist, imbued with the violent power of the spatial law, slammed heavily into Gong Xin's chest.

"Aaaah--"