The Seventh Chapter

If I defeat him, I'll get another chance at a one-click max level!

With a thought, Tai Cang flashed before Cang Du, cupping his hands and smiling, "Senior Brother Cang Du, it's been a while."

"Congratulations, Junior Brother, on overcoming the three tribulations, and even more so on stepping into the late Golden Immortal stage!"

Cang Du offered his sincere congratulations, though a complex look flashed in his eyes. Even someone as powerful as he hadn't achieved such accomplishments at this stage in his cultivation.

Cang Du's divine ability to overcome the three tribulations put him under pressure even now.

"You flatter me, Senior Brother."

Tai Cang smiled faintly, comparing their strengths. He suspected he wasn't Cang Du's match at the moment.

His opponent had already reached the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, likely in the mid-to-late stages.

Furthermore, his only Wooden Sword had been destroyed. In this situation, defeating Cang Du would not be easy.

It seems I'll have to find another opportunity.

He mused inwardly, then Tai Cang asked, "May I ask why you are here, Senior Brother?"

He had seen the Three Sects gather earlier, but now only Cang Du remained, sparking his curiosity.

"I've come to get acquainted with you, Junior Brother."

Cang Du smiled calmly, then produced a jade bottle containing the Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir and handed it over. "My master ordered me to give this to you, Junior Brother. I hope you make good use of it."

"This is?"

Tai Cang's gaze flickered, showing slight surprise.

It was truly unexpected that Laozi would bestow a gift upon him.

After all, as a member of the Intercepting Sect, he shouldn't logically be receiving a gift from the Ren Sect's leader.

"A Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir."

Cang Du stated plainly, "This elixir was personally refined by my master and is of great benefit to cultivators in the Golden Immortal realm."

"With your talent, Junior Brother, your cultivation should reach a higher level after refining it."

"Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir!"

Tai Cang's pupils contracted, and his breath hitched.

Having inherited the Grand Clarity's alchemy techniques, he knew the preciousness of this elixir.

A single one contained enough potent spiritual energy to help a Golden Immortal Grand Perfection stage cultivator break through to the Grand Unity realm.

Laozi's generous gift left him both pleased and bewildered.

Could such repeated support mean he intended to recruit him into the Ren Sect?

Thinking of this, Tai Cang couldn't help but be tempted.

Compared to the future tribulations of the Intercepting Sect, becoming a direct disciple of the Ren Sect seemed far more stable.

"Junior Brother?"

Seeing him lost in thought, Cang Du called out softly, "This is a gift from my master. Please accept it."

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Tai Cang took the jade bottle, solemnly saying, "Please convey my gratitude to Grand Uncle Master for this elixir. Tai Cang will remember this kindness."

Although he didn't understand Laozi's intentions, such an opportunity was not to be missed.

"I will certainly convey it."

Cang Du nodded, then cupped his hands, "Since that is the case, I shall take my leave. We can meet again after you emerge from seclusion."

This time, he genuinely wished to befriend Tai Cang.

He had initially come on his master's orders, but after witnessing Tai Cang's tribulation, he felt a sense of camaraderie.

"It's a deal."

Tai Cang agreed heartily.

Cang Du, as the Ren Sect's chief disciple, was someone whose friendship was worth cherishing. No matter what the future held, befriending him could only be beneficial.

"Since that's settled, I'll be taking my leave now."

Cang Du smiled faintly, bowed with cupped hands, and then rode away on the clouds.

Watching Cang Du depart, Tai Cang clutched the Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir and walked directly into the cave.

The previous three tribulations had raged, yet they hadn't affected this place at all.

This was the place where the Three Pure Ones had taken form, and its restrictions were extraordinarily powerful.

"Six-Revolutions Golden Elixir."

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

With that, he swallowed the elixir without hesitation.

After the Golden Elixir entered his abdomen, the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art's circulation suddenly accelerated, and in an instant, he felt his cultivation steadily rising.

"It really works!"

A flash of joy in his eyes, Tai Cang immediately calmed his mind and fully refined 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, let out a clear shout, and his mana surged like a tide.

After absorbing all the medicinal power of the Golden Elixir, his cultivation had reached the Grand Perfection of Golden Immortal.

Tai Cang stood up, flicked his sleeve, and the corners of his mouth curled up: "Grand Perfection of Golden Immortal!"

"Only one step away from Grand Unity Golden Immortal."

"Once I break through this realm, I will surely stand out among the Three Sects. At that time..."

As he was thinking, hurried footsteps could be heard from outside the cave.

A young Daoist boy, about seven or eight years old, quickly entered and bowed respectfully: "Water-Fire greets Senior Brother Tai Cang."

"Master has ordered Senior Brother to go to the Upper Clarity Palace immediately!"

Water-Fire Boy!

Tongtian's Daoist attendant!

Tai Cang's gaze shifted slightly, and he asked in surprise: "Master summons me? Do you know why?"

Logically, he should have reported to the Grand Clarity Palace first. Why would Tongtian summon him so suddenly?

"This..."

Water-Fire Boy hesitated, then whispered after a moment: "To be honest, Senior Brother Duobao has had an accident."

Duobao is in trouble?

A flicker of surprise flashed in Tai Cang's eyes. He took out a few spiritual fruits and handed them over: "I would like to hear the details."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Water-Fire Boy took the spiritual fruits, his expression becoming even more intimate.

As a Daoist attendant, his status in the Intercepting Sect was not high, and it was rare to receive such courteous treatment.

"Senior Brother Duobao forcefully attempted to break through to Grand Unity Golden Immortal but was backlashed by the Three Disasters."

"Fortunately, Master intervened, but his Dao Foundation was damaged. Not only did he fail to break through, but even his Grand Perfection of Golden Immortal cultivation is precarious."

"Master went to find Grand Uncle. According to Grand Uncle, to heal Senior Brother Duobao, one needs to find an object of extreme Yin and extreme Yang to refine a pill."

"However, that object of extreme Yang is located in the territory of the Demon Race. Even though Master is a Sage, it is inconvenient for him to forcibly take it. Therefore, it was agreed that disciples would compete with the Demon Race's Ten Golden Crow Princes. Only by winning can the medicinal ingredients to treat Senior Brother Duobao be obtained."

So that's how it is. He failed to break through.

His Dao Foundation was damaged.

Duobao's situation is worrying.

Tai Cang's lips curled up, and he didn't hide his inner joy at all. Everyone knew that he and Duobao were not on good terms in the Intercepting Sect, so he wasn't worried that the Water-Fire Boy in front of him would report him.

"Senior Brother!"

Water-Fire Boy took in Tai Cang's expression and coughed lightly to remind him: "Master ordered me to invite Senior Brother to the Upper Clarity Palace. Please don't delay, Senior Brother."

Although he was happy to see Duobao suffer setbacks, he understood better that Sect Master Tongtian valued unity within the sect. Duobao, as the chief disciple, would never be abandoned, so he had to remind Tai Cang not to be too ostentatious.

"Understood."

Tai Cang withdrew his thoughts and said to Water-Fire Boy: "Please lead the way, Junior Brother."

After speaking, he walked slowly towards the Upper Clarity Palace with Water-Fire Boy.

When they arrived at the Upper Clarity Palace, many disciples had already gathered in the hall. Besides Zhao Gongming, San Xiao, and others who had joined the Intercepting Sect together that year, there were more than ten unfamiliar faces.

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

Upon seeing Tai Cang arrive, Zhao Gongming and San Xiao immediately called out to him. If they weren't in the Upper Clarity Palace, they would have gone forward to catch up.

"Greetings, Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters."

Tai Cang cupped his hands in greeting and walked directly to stand beside Zhao Gongming and San Xiao. He did not deliberately try to befriend the other fellow disciples. He had always been unwilling to interact too much with the people of the Intercepting Sect. He was only close to Zhao Gongming and the others because of their similar personalities.

"Everyone is here."

Sect Master Tongtian's figure suddenly appeared on the main seat. His gaze swept over everyone, pausing on Tai Cang: "Grand Perfection of Golden Immortal? Tai Cang, this five hundred years of confinement has actually allowed you to make some progress."

As soon as he said this, the entire hall was in an uproar.

"Junior Brother has actually reached the Grand Perfection of Golden Immortal?"

Qiongxiao could not hide her surprise. Three hundred years ago, Tai Cang was only at the mid-stage of Golden Immortal when he underwent his tribulation. Now he had reached this realm. His cultivation speed was truly astonishing. Moreover, he had already condensed the Golden Immortal Dao Fruit. With time to accumulate mana, he could attempt to break through to the Grand Unity realm.

That's right.

Tai Cang replied calmly, looking up at Tongtian on the high platform, "Thank you, Master, for your cultivation."

Although not explicitly stated, he knew that if he hadn't been punished to the place where the Three Pure Ones manifested, he wouldn't have received the inheritance of the Three Pure Ones, nor would he have been able to make such a breakthrough in a short period of time.

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

Silence.

Tongtian waved his sleeve, and the hall immediately fell silent.

"I have summoned you here today because of the battle with the ten Golden Crow Princes of the Demon Race on the Sun Star in a hundred years."

"You already know about Duobao's situation. Only by defeating the ten Golden Crow Princes will the Demon Emperor and Demon Sovereign bestow the essence of the Fusang Tree and Moon Laurel Tree upon you. I hope you will prepare yourselves."

"Battle the ten Golden Crow Princes?"

Everyone in the hall was shocked. Apart from Tai Cang, Zhao Gongming, San Xiao, and other direct disciples of the Intercepting Sect, their faces turned pale.

Although the Golden Crow Princes were only at the Golden Immortal cultivation level, due to their short existence and the surrounding True Sun Fire, even a Grand Unity Golden Immortal could not guarantee victory. Forcing them to fight ten Golden Crow Princes now would be no easy task, especially since the matter originated from Duobao.

Over the years, the direct disciples of the Intercepting Sect had long lost the simplicity they had when they first entered Kunlun. They naturally understood the true intentions behind Duobao's invitation back then.

"Master!"

Zhao Gongming stepped forward and asked, "What is Senior Brother Duobao's current situation? Is it really that serious?"

Everyone's gaze turned to Tongtian. Although they knew Duobao was in trouble, they didn't know the specifics.

"Duobao's situation is critical."

Tongtian scanned everyone and said directly, "Although I have stabilized his Golden Immortal Dao Fruit, the erosion of his foundation is difficult to stop."

"Therefore, this battle in a hundred years must be won. I have summoned you here today to impart knowledge and improve your cultivation, ensuring that you can defeat the Golden Crow Princes in a hundred years."

"Impart knowledge! Improve cultivation!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's spirits were lifted. They didn't care about Duobao's fate, but Tongtian's lecture was a rare opportunity for them.

Whether they could defeat the Golden Crow Princes was not important; improving their own cultivation was the fundamental goal.

With this thought, Zhao Gongming and the others asked no further questions and responded in unison, "We obey your command, Master. We will do our best to defeat the Golden Crow Princes and obtain the Sun and Moon Essence for Senior Brother Duobao."

Tongtian nodded slightly. As a Sage, he naturally saw through everyone's thoughts but did not interfere. If Duobao's scheme had succeeded back then, it would have been fine. Since it failed, he had to bear the consequences.

"Master."

Tai Cang suddenly stepped forward and bowed, "I have just broken through my cultivation and need to consolidate my foundation. It is not suitable to force an increase in my cultivation. Senior Uncle-Master instructed me to go to the Grand Clarity Palace after leaving seclusion. May I depart now?"

While the Sage's lecture was precious, Tai Cang was clearer about his own condition. Forcing an increase in cultivation would be detrimental. Moreover, Tongtian's actions clearly favored Duobao. Although Zhao Gongming and the others could improve their strength, it might shake their foundation, leading to more loss than gain.

Tongtian pondered for a moment, understanding Tai Cang's concerns, and agreed, "You may go to the Grand Clarity Palace."

"Meet me back at the Upper Clarity Palace in a hundred years."

"Understood."

Tai Cang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It was fortunate that Tongtian did not force him to stay for the lecture.

After bowing and taking his leave, Tai Cang turned and left the Upper Clarity Palace, riding the clouds towards the Grand Clarity Palace.

"Let's begin."

Watching Tai Cang depart, Tongtian said no more. He waved his hand, signaling everyone to be seated, and then began his lecture.

In the Upper Clarity Palace, heavenly flowers rained down, and golden lotuses drifted. The cultivation of Zhao Gongming and the other disciples of the Intercepting Sect was rapidly increasing.

In front of the Grand Clarity Palace, Tai Cang arrived on the clouds. As soon as he descended from the clouds, he heard a familiar greeting: "Junior Brother Tai Cang, it's been many years. Your cultivation has become even more profound."

Looking up, he saw Cang Du emerging from the hall with a smile, walking towards him with ease, his expression sincere and not forced.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Cang Du."

Tai Cang solemnly cupped his fist in return, "Your cultivation is even greater than before, Junior Brother is far behind."

"Junior Brother is too modest."

Cang Du laughed heartily, unable to hide his joy. In the past three hundred years, his cultivation had reached the late Grand Unity Golden Immortal stage.

"Master is waiting in the hall." Cang Du changed the subject, "After I finish my affairs, would Junior Brother be willing to have a few drinks with me?"

"I was just thinking the same thing!"

A flicker of anticipation flashed in Tai Cang's eyes. Since he began cultivating, he hadn't tasted alcohol in a long time. Thinking about Duobao's situation, he felt it was even more reason to celebrate with a drink.

"Since Senior Brother is hosting, Junior Brother will definitely drink heartily."

"It's a deal!"