Chapter 7

As long as he defeated him, he could gain another One-Click Max Level opportunity!

With a thought, Tai Cang flashed before Cang Du and cupped his hands with a smile. "Senior Brother Cang Du, I trust you have been well."

"Congratulations on overcoming the Three Calamities, Junior Brother. And congratulations on reaching the late Golden Immortal stage!"

Cang Du offered his sincere congratulations, though a trace of complexity flashed through his eyes. Even someone as strong as him had not achieved so much at that same realm back then.

Tai Cang's divine ability to dissolve the Three Calamities made even him feel a hint of pressure now.

"You flatter me, Senior Brother."

Tai Cang smiled faintly as he compared their strengths inwardly. At present, he was likely still no match for Cang Du.

The other party had already reached the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm and was most likely in its middle or late stage.

Furthermore, his only Wooden Sword had already been destroyed. Under such circumstances, defeating Cang Du would be far from easy.

It seemed he could only wait for another opportunity.

With that thought in mind, Tai Cang asked, "May I ask what brings you here, Senior Brother?"

He had seen the three sects gather earlier, yet only Cang Du remained now, which naturally made him curious.

"I came specifically to make your acquaintance, Junior Brother."

Cang Du smiled calmly, then took out a jade vial containing a Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir and offered it to him. "Master instructed me to give this to you. I hope you will put it to good use."

"What is this?"

Tai Cang's gaze flickered, and he looked somewhat surprised.

He had never expected Laozi to bestow something upon him.

After all, as a member of the Jie Sect, he should not have received a gift from the Ren Sect Leader.

"A Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir."

Cang Du said plainly, "Master personally refined this elixir. It is greatly beneficial to cultivators in the Golden Immortal realm."

"With Junior Brother's talent, refining it should allow your cultivation to rise another level."

"A Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir!"

Tai Cang's pupils contracted slightly, and his breathing caught.

Having inherited the Grand Clarity Alchemy Technique, he knew exactly how precious this elixir was.

A single pill contained enough vast spiritual power for a Golden Immortal at perfection to attempt a breakthrough into the Grand Unity realm.

Laozi's generous gift left him both delighted and puzzled.

Was Laozi repeatedly supporting him because he intended to recruit him into the Ren Sect?

At that thought, Tai Cang could not help feeling tempted.

Compared with the Jie Sect's future calamity, becoming a direct disciple of the Ren Sect was clearly much safer.

"Junior Brother?"

Seeing him lost in thought, Cang Du called softly, "This was bestowed by Master. Please accept it."

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Tai Cang accepted the jade vial and said solemnly, "Please convey to First Senior Uncle that Tai Cang will remember the kindness of this elixir."

Though he did not understand Laozi's intentions, he naturally had to seize such an opportunity.

"I will convey your words."

Cang Du nodded, then cupped his hands. "In that case, I shall take my leave first."

"Once Junior Brother leaves seclusion, we can meet again."

This time, he genuinely wished to befriend Tai Cang.

He had initially come at his master's command, but after witnessing Tai Cang's tribulation, he had developed a feeling of mutual appreciation.

"It's a deal."

Tai Cang agreed readily.

As the Ren Sect's foremost disciple, Cang Du was someone worth befriending. No matter what happened in the future, maintaining good relations with him could only be beneficial.

"Since that is the case, I shall take my leave."

Cang Du smiled calmly, cupped his hands in farewell, and departed on a cloud.

Watching Cang Du disappear into the distance, Tai Cang gripped the Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir and headed straight into the cave.

The Three Calamities had raged earlier, yet they had not affected this place in the slightest.

This was the Land of the Three Pure Ones' Manifestation, and its restrictions were extraordinarily powerful.

"The Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir."

Tai Cang sat cross-legged, gazing at the golden elixir in his hand. "Let's see just how much you can help me improve."

With that, he swallowed the elixir without hesitation.

As the elixir entered his stomach, the Supreme Pure Heaven-Connecting Art suddenly accelerated. In an instant, he felt his cultivation climbing steadily.

"It really works!"

Joy flashed through Tai Cang's eyes, and he immediately calmed his mind and devoted himself fully to refining the medicinal power.

More than three hundred years passed in the blink of an eye.

"Break!"

On this day, Tai Cang suddenly opened his eyes and shouted. Mana surged around him like a raging tide.

After completely absorbing the elixir's power, his cultivation had reached Golden Immortal perfection.

Tai Cang rose and flicked his sleeve, the corners of his lips lifting. "Golden Immortal perfection!"

"Only one step remains before the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm."

"Once I break through, I will surely stand out among the three sects. By then..."

Just as he was thinking, hurried footsteps sounded outside the cave.

A Daoist boy of seven or eight hurried inside and bowed respectfully. "Water-Fire greets Senior Brother Tai Cang."

"Master commands Senior Brother to proceed to the Upper Clarity Palace immediately!"

Water-Fire Boy!

Tongtian's attendant!

Tai Cang's eyes shifted slightly as he asked in surprise, "Master has summoned me? Do you know why?"

Logically, he should first have gone to the Grand Clarity Palace to report. Why had Tongtian suddenly summoned him?

"This..."

The Water-Fire Boy hesitated. After a moment, he lowered his voice and said, "To be honest, Senior Brother Duobao has met with an accident."

"Something happened to Duobao?"

A strange glint flashed through Tai Cang's eyes. He took out several spirit fruits and handed them over. "I would like to hear the details."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

The Water-Fire Boy accepted the spirit fruits, his expression becoming much friendlier.

As an attendant, his status in the Jie Sect was low. It was rare for him to receive such courtesy.

"Senior Brother Duobao forcibly attempted to break through to the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, but suffered a backlash from the Three Calamities."

"Fortunately, Master saved him, but his Dao foundation was damaged. Not only did he fail to break through, even his Golden Immortal perfection cultivation is now in danger."

Master went to see First Senior Uncle. According to First Senior Uncle, treating Senior Brother Duobao required pills refined from objects of utmost yin and utmost yang.

However, the object of utmost yang was located within Demon Race territory. Even as a Saint, Master could not simply seize it by force. Thus, it was agreed that his disciples would compete against the Demon Race's Ten Golden Crow Princes. Only by winning could they obtain the medicinal ingredients needed to treat Senior Brother Duobao.

So that was it. His breakthrough had failed.

His Dao foundation had been damaged.

Duobao's situation was truly dire.

Tai Cang's lips curled upward, not bothering to hide his delight. Everyone in the Jie Sect knew he and Duobao were on bad terms, and he was not worried that the Water-Fire Boy before him would report him.

"Senior Brother!"

The Water-Fire Boy took in Tai Cang's expression and gave a light cough as a reminder. "Master ordered me to invite Senior Brother to the Upper Clarity Palace. Please do not delay."

Though he was glad to see Duobao suffer a setback, he understood even better that Sect Master Tongtian valued unity within the sect. Duobao, as the foremost disciple, would never be abandoned. He had to remind Tai Cang not to be too obvious.

"I understand."

Tai Cang withdrew his thoughts and said to the Water-Fire Boy, "I'll trouble Junior Brother to lead the way."

With that, he and the Water-Fire Boy slowly made their way toward the Upper Clarity Palace.

When they arrived at the Upper Clarity Palace, many disciples had already gathered inside. Besides Zhao Gongming, the San Xiao, and the others who had entered the Jie Sect with him years ago, there were more than a dozen unfamiliar faces.

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Upon seeing Tai Cang arrive, Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao immediately greeted him. Had they not been in the Upper Clarity Palace, they would have gone forward to catch up with him.

"Greetings, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters."

Tai Cang cupped his hands in greeting, then walked directly over to Zhao Gongming and the San Xiao. He made no effort to befriend the other disciples. He had never wished to associate too closely with the Jie Sect's members, and he was only close to Zhao Gongming and the others because they got along well.

"Everyone is here."

Sect Master Tongtian's figure suddenly appeared at the seat of honor. His gaze swept over the crowd before pausing briefly on Tai Cang. "Golden Immortal perfection? Tai Cang, these five hundred years of reflection have truly brought you progress."

The moment he said this, the entire hall erupted in commotion.

"Junior Brother has actually reached Golden Immortal perfection?"

Qiongxiao could not conceal her shock. When Tai Cang underwent his tribulation three hundred years ago, he had only been at the middle Golden Immortal stage. Yet he had already reached this realm now—his cultivation speed was truly astonishing. Moreover, he had long condensed his Golden Immortal Dao Fruit. Given time to accumulate mana, he could attempt a breakthrough into the Grand Unity realm.

"Yes."

Tai Cang answered calmly and looked toward Tongtian on the high platform. "Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Though he did not say it aloud, he knew that if he had not been punished and sent to the Land of the Three Pure Ones' Manifestation, he would never have obtained the Three Pure Ones' Inheritance or made such a breakthrough in so short a time.

Tongtian nodded slightly, quite satisfied with Tai Cang's response. His ability to keep silent showed that his temperament was steady.

"Silence."

Tongtian swept his sleeve, and the hall immediately fell completely silent.

"I have gathered you here because in one hundred years, you will battle the Demon Race's Ten Golden Crow Princes on the Sun Star."

"You already know about Duobao. Only by defeating the Ten Golden Crow Princes will the Demon Emperor and Demon Sovereign grant us the essence of the Fusang Tree and Moon Laurel Tree. I hope you will make preparations early."

"Battle the Ten Golden Crow Princes?"

Hearing this, everyone in the hall was shocked. Aside from Tai Cang, Zhao Gongming, the San Xiao, and the other Jie Sect direct disciples all changed expressions.

Though the Golden Crow Princes possessed only Golden Immortal cultivation, they had been born only recently, and Solar True Fire surrounded their bodies. Even Grand Unity Golden Immortals could not claim certain victory against them. Having to face the Ten Golden Crow Princes now would be no easy task, especially when this matter had arisen because of Duobao.

Over the years, the Jie Sect direct disciples had long lost the innocence they possessed when they first entered Kunlun. Naturally, they understood Duobao's true intentions behind his invitation back then.

"Master!"

Zhao Gongming stepped forward and asked, "How is Senior Brother Duobao now? Is it truly this serious?"

Everyone turned their eyes toward Tongtian. They knew Duobao's situation was bad, but not the exact details.

"Duobao's condition is critical."

Tongtian looked over the crowd and said directly, "Though I have stabilized his Golden Immortal Dao Fruit, the collapse of his foundation is difficult to contain."

"Therefore, the battle one hundred years from now must be won. I gathered you today to expound the Dao and improve your cultivation, ensuring that you can defeat the Golden Crow Princes in one hundred years."

"Expound the Dao! Improve our cultivation!"

Upon hearing this, everyone became energized. They did not care much about Duobao's fate, but Tongtian expounding the Dao was a rare opportunity for them.

Whether they could defeat the Golden Crow Princes was not important. Improving their own cultivation was what truly mattered.

With that thought, Zhao Gongming and the others asked no further questions and answered in unison, "We obey Master's command. We will certainly do our utmost to defeat the Golden Crow Princes and obtain the Sun Moon Essence for Senior Brother Duobao."

Tongtian nodded slightly. As a Saint, he naturally saw through everyone's thoughts, yet he did not interfere. If Duobao's scheme had succeeded, so be it. Since it had failed, he naturally had to bear the consequences.

"Master."

Tai Cang suddenly stepped forward and bowed. "I have only just broken through and still need to stabilize my foundation. It would be unwise to forcibly raise my cultivation."

"First Senior Uncle instructed me to proceed to the Grand Clarity Palace after leaving seclusion. May I depart now?"

Though a Saint's exposition of the Dao was precious, Tai Cang understood his own condition even better. If he forcibly improved his cultivation, it would only harm him instead. Moreover, Tongtian's actions were clearly biased toward Duobao. Zhao Gongming and the others might increase their strength, but their foundations could be shaken, making the gain not worth the loss.

Tongtian pondered briefly, understood Tai Cang's concerns, and agreed. "Go to the Grand Clarity Palace, then."

"Return to the Upper Clarity Palace in one hundred years to gather with the others."

"Yes, Master."

Tai Cang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It was fortunate that Tongtian had not forced him to remain and listen to the Dao.

After bowing and taking his leave, Tai Cang turned and departed from the Upper Clarity Palace, riding a cloud directly toward the Grand Clarity Palace.

"Begin."

Watching Tai Cang depart, Tongtian said no more. With a wave of his hand, he had everyone take their seats, then began expounding the Dao.

Celestial flowers drifted through the Upper Clarity Palace, and golden lotuses floated in the air. The cultivation of Zhao Gongming, the San Xiao, and the other Jie Sect disciples began rising rapidly.

Before the Grand Clarity Palace, Tai Cang arrived on a cloud. Just as he stepped down, he heard a familiar voice call out, "Junior Brother Tai Cang, it has been many years. Your cultivation has grown increasingly refined."

Looking up, he saw Cang Du emerge from the hall with a smile. He approached at an unhurried pace, his expression sincere without seeming deliberate.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Cang Du."

Tai Cang solemnly returned the salute with cupped hands. "Senior Brother's cultivation surpasses even what it was before. This junior brother cannot compare."

"You are too modest, Junior Brother."

Cang Du laughed heartily, unable to hide the delight between his brows. Over these three hundred years, his cultivation had reached the late Grand Unity Golden Immortal stage.

"Master is waiting inside." Cang Du changed the subject. "After we finish our business, would Junior Brother be willing to share a few drinks with me?"

"Just what I was hoping for!"

Anticipation flashed through Tai Cang's eyes. Since beginning his cultivation, he had not tasted wine for a long time. Thinking of Duobao's situation, he felt even more that it was worth raising a cup in celebration.

"Since Senior Brother is treating, this junior brother will certainly drink his fill."

"It's a deal!"