Chapter 8

Seeing Tai Cang agree, Cang Du's smile deepened. Chatting and laughing, the two entered the Grand Clarity Palace. Only when they reached Laozi's seat did they compose themselves and bow respectfully. "Greetings, Master! Greetings, Grand Uncle-Master!"

Laozi slowly opened his eyes, his gaze resting on Tai Cang for a moment. "Not bad. You did not rush to break through to the Taiyi realm. This shows that you understand the importance of a solid foundation."

By comparison, the members of the Severing Sect pursued nothing but greater cultivation, thereby falling to a lower level. Tai Cang, you have done well.

There was a deeper meaning behind those words. Because Duobao resented Tai Cang, he had disregarded his foundation and forcibly triggered the Three Calamities, hoping to step directly into the Taiyi realm. He had nearly died in the tribulation. Had Tongtian not intervened to save him, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Now, because of this matter, Tongtian had even made a battle pact with Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi, leading all his direct disciples out in force.

"Thank you for your guidance, Grand Uncle-Master."

Tai Cang understood the implication, but said no more. As a member of the Severing Sect, even if he was on poor terms with Duobao, it was inappropriate for him to speak rashly about his own sect.

Laozi nodded slightly, quite satisfied with Tai Cang's composure. "I summoned you here today to tell you three things."

"First, I will impart to you the Supreme Five Qi Method. If you master this art, you will be invincible among those of the same realm and may even fight across realms."

Supreme Five Qi Method!

Invincible among those of the same realm!

Tai Cang's breathing hitched. He had not expected Laozi to begin with such astonishing words. After steadying himself, he bowed solemnly. "Please enlighten me, Grand Uncle-Master."

What exactly was this Supreme Five Qi Method?

Cang Du, standing nearby, also looked surprised. As the Human Sect's first disciple, even when he had been at the Golden Immortal realm, he had never heard of such a secret art.

"The Supreme Five Qi is a step beyond Five Qi Towards Origin."

Laozi explained unhurriedly. "To cultivate this art, one must gather the innate qi of yin, yang, and the five elements, then fuse it into the five viscera and six bowels. Only then can Five Qi Towards Origin be elevated."

"This is a secret never passed down in the primordial world. Only we Three Purities learned of it through Pangu inheritance."

"When Cang Du reached peak Golden Immortal in the past, I had intended to teach it to him. Unfortunately, his temperament had not yet stabilized, and he rashly broke through to the Taiyi realm, missing this opportunity."

At those words, regret appeared on Cang Du's face.

He had never imagined that his haste to break through to Grand Unity Golden Immortal back then had caused him to miss such an opportunity.

A Pangu secret art!

The Supreme Five Qi Method originated from Pangu, yet he had let it slip through his fingers. It was truly painful to contemplate.

"Thank you, Grand Uncle-Master."

Tai Cang, however, was overjoyed.

He had never expected Laozi to teach him a secret art of Pangu. He had to condense the Supreme Five Qi. The prospect of becoming invincible among those of the same realm was simply too irresistible.

Although he was only at the Golden Immortal realm now, once his foundation was secure, when he later advanced to Grand Unity Golden Immortal, Grand Unity Golden Immortal, or even entered the Quasi-Sage realm, he might be able to crush cultivators of the same realm.

"Mm."

Laozi nodded faintly and flicked his finger, sending the Supreme Five Qi Method into Tai Cang's sea of consciousness. He said calmly, "This method requires the accumulation of yin, yang, and five-element qi. In a hundred years, when the Severing Sect battles the Golden Crow Prince, it may help speed your progress."

"Furthermore, there is another reason I summoned you here—to strengthen your physique."

As he spoke, Laozi withdrew a jade slip from his sleeve. "This jade slip records a body-tempering art called the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body, which I created by combining Pangu inheritance with the Ancestral Witch Body Tempering Art."

"This art is based on the Ancestral Witch Body Tempering Art, but after my refinements, it is better suited for cultivators. You were transformed from jade steeped in Pangu's blood. This method is exceptionally compatible with you and can rapidly enhance your physical body. You may even have a chance to rival an Ancestral Witch."

Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body!

A physical body rivaling an Ancestral Witch!

Tai Cang's breath caught, waves rising in his heart.

If Laozi's imparting of the Supreme Five Qi meant that he valued Tai Cang, then the appearance of the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body made him suspicious.

If this art truly possessed such power, Laozi could have taught it to Cang Du or selected another direct disciple to nurture.

Why had he chosen Tai Cang of all people?

He was merely an inner disciple of the Severing Sect. What had he done to deserve Laozi's attention?

"Do not overthink it."

Laozi seemed to see through his thoughts and spoke slowly. "I am giving you these things for the third matter—reclaiming Pangu's Destiny!"

What!

Reclaim Pangu's Destiny!

Tai Cang and Cang Du changed expression at the same time.

Pangu's Destiny was the foundation upon which the Three Purities stood in the primordial world.

Looking across heaven and earth, only the Three Purities and the Witch Clan, which had been transformed from Pangu pure blood, possessed such destiny.

Laozi's desire to reclaim Pangu's Destiny clearly meant he intended to act against the Witch Clan!

Thinking of the Supreme Five Qi and the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body, Tai Cang vaguely understood Laozi's intention.

"Grand Uncle-Master."

Tai Cang took a deep breath and bowed respectfully. "I am only a Golden Immortal, and I am not outstanding among the disciples of the Three Sects. Why entrust this matter to me?"

Cang Du likewise looked at Laozi in confusion.

In terms of cultivation, he was the foremost disciple of the Three Sects.

"Because your comprehension is exceptional."

Laozi spoke bluntly. "Among the many disciples of the Three Sects, some have cultivation higher than yours, and some have greater talent. But in terms of comprehension, none can stand beside you."

"Both the Supreme Five Qi and the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body require extremely high comprehension. That is why I chose you."

"Of course, you are not the only candidate. The Three Purities have already begun grooming our disciples in preparation for the final matter. Otherwise, why do you think Tongtian saved Duobao?"

"Though Duobao is a chief direct disciple, the flaws in his temperament are too great for him to accomplish major things. If not for the current need for manpower, he would have been doomed to perish beneath the Three Calamities."

Hiss—

Tai Cang and Cang Du could not help but draw sharp breaths.

Laozi's icy words made everyone present feel as though they had fallen into an ice pit, deeply realizing the Sage's ruthless indifference.

If Duobao had not still been of use, he would likely have died long ago.

Understood!

Tai Cang took a deep breath and bowed respectfully. "I will certainly not disappoint Grand Uncle-Master's high expectations."

"Very good."

Laozi nodded in satisfaction, bestowing the jade slip that recorded the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body upon Tai Cang. He then took out a jade talisman and tossed it toward Cang Du. "This is the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill, created by your master and my two junior brothers through their study of Pangu inheritance. Though it cannot strengthen the physical body, it can greatly enhance the primordial spirit and mana."

Once you master this art, unless you encounter someone who has condensed the Supreme Five Qi, you will scarcely find an opponent in the same realm.

Cang Du was overjoyed at those words.

The Nine Revolutions Cang Skill was precisely what he needed right now.

"Thank you for your gift, Master!"

Taking the jade talisman, Cang Du bowed solemnly. "I will not fail Master's cultivation."

"Go."

Laozi rose from his seat and walked straight toward the Alchemy Room.

"Understood."

Tai Cang and Cang Du answered in unison. After bowing toward Laozi's retreating back, they withdrew from the Grand Clarity Palace.

The two tacitly avoided mentioning what had happened earlier.

After returning to Cang Du's residence, they drank freely for three days and three nights before stopping. Cang Du then entered seclusion to study the Nine Revolutions Cang Skill, while Tai Cang rode a cloud back to his own cave abode.

The Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body truly was wondrous.

Inside the bamboo house, Tai Cang carefully studied the contents of the jade slip.

This art was divided into five realms: Body Tempering, Bone Forging, Blood Refining, Golden Body, and Bright Jade Body. The first three focused on consolidating one's foundation. Once the Golden Body was cultivated, one could rival a lesser witch of the Witch Clan.

Upon reaching the Bright Jade Body realm, one's physical strength would rival that of a Great Witch. There would even be hope of further advancement and an assault on the level of an Ancestral Witch.

Permissions! I need more max-level permissions!

Tai Cang clenched his fists, urgency flashing in his eyes.

This art held limitless potential. If he could max it out, his physical body would receive continuous enhancement, improving day by day just like the Upper Clarity Tongtian Art.

Ding! Task issued: Defeat the Ten Golden Crows. Reward: one max-level permission.

The System Notification sounded, and Tai Cang's face lit up with joy.

The opportunity had come!

Gazing up at the heavens, Tai Cang's eyes were resolute. First, I will master the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body. Once I complete the task and obtain the permission, I can directly max it out.

The discussion of Dao among the Three Sects would soon follow. It would be the perfect chance to acquire more permissions.

Having made up his mind, Tai Cang immediately began cultivating.

Time passed, and several decades vanished in the blink of an eye.

Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have successfully begun the Grand Clarity Bright Jade Body.

The System Notification awakened Tai Cang from meditation.

It was finally done.

Tai Cang's lips curled slightly. Soon, I'll make you max level.

"Junior Brother Tai Cang!"

A clear call came from outside the door.

Was that... Senior Sister Yun Xiao's voice?

Tai Cang raised his brow slightly, restrained his aura, and stepped out of the bamboo house. Yunxiao descended hastily on a cloud, her tone urgent. "Junior Brother, it is time to depart."

"Master has ordered everyone to assemble. We are setting out for the Sun Star immediately."

"Come with me and join the others."

Was it finally beginning?

A sharp glint flashed in Tai Cang's eyes. He cupped his hands. "Thank you for the trouble, Senior Sister Yun Xiao. Let us depart at once."

The two immediately rode clouds toward the Upper Clarity Palace. When they arrived, the disciples of the Severing Sect were already lined up and waiting.

Seeing Tai Cang and Yunxiao arrive, Tongtian wasted no more time. He shot into the air. "Disciples of the Severing Sect, depart with your master."

"Understood!"

The cultivators answered in unison, following Tongtian into the sky and racing toward the ancient star region above the nine heavens.

Amid the vast starry expanse, the Severing Sect members sped along behind Tongtian. Under the guidance of Demon Marshal Bai Ze, the group arrived smoothly at the Sun Star.

"Supreme Clarity Sage!"

"Fellow Daoist Tongtian!"

Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi led Kunpeng, Fuxi, and the other demon marshals forward to greet them. These dozen or so figures were all supreme powers of the primordial world. Other than the Witch Clan and the Sages, no one in the primordial world could make them wary.

"Greetings, Demon Emperor."

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Tai Yi."

Tongtian returned the greeting with cupped hands. Before the Demon Race, one of the overlords of the primordial world, even a Sage had to show some courtesy.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone followed Di Jun into the Sun Palace.

"Bring the wine!"

At Di Jun's command, maidservants filed in, presenting rare spirit fruits and fine jade nectar. Tongtian, Di Jun, and the others talked and drank merrily, while Tai Cang and the other disciples sat quietly at the edges, not daring to overstep in the slightest.

The Demon Race truly was at the height of its prosperity.

Tai Cang looked at Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi, who were chatting and laughing at the head seats, and felt deeply moved. Such a powerful force would actually perish together with the Witch Clan in the great tribulation, leaving only a handful of survivors.

"Who are you?"

"You look rather capable."

The sudden voice beside him drew Tai Cang's gaze back. Turning his head, he saw a young man who bore a seventy-percent resemblance to Di Jun studying him curiously.

A Golden Crow Prince?

Tai Cang understood at once. Someone able to walk freely here and so full of youthful vigor had to be a Golden Crow Prince.

"I am Tai Cang. Greetings, Fellow Daoist."

He rose and cupped his hands. "May I ask which prince you are?"

Di Jun had ten sons. This man possessed an extraordinary bearing and could see through Tai Cang's cultivation at a glance. He was surely no ordinary figure.

"I am the eldest prince, Di Yi."

The young man laughed heartily, his bright eyes fixed on Tai Cang. "Why does your Severing Sect wish to contend for Sun Moon Essence? It does not seem to be of much use to you."

Hearing this, Tai Cang's brow twitched. He looked at the composed Di Yi with faint surprise, secretly wondering whether this man was naturally forthright or had some other motive.

But after a brief thought, Tai Cang relaxed his brow and answered frankly, "To be honest, Sun Moon Essence is indeed greatly beneficial to cultivators like us. We have simply never had the chance to obtain it."

"Although we came this time to save our senior brother, if there is an opportunity, I would also like to take some for my own use."

This was no lie. The Supreme Five Qi Method required gathering the qi of yin, yang, and the five elements, while Sun Moon Essence contained the power of supreme yin and supreme yang, making it an excellent substitute.

"Saving someone is urgent." Di Yi nodded thoughtfully, his blazing gaze fixed on Tai Cang. "You want it too?"

"How about this? Do you dare accompany me somewhere? If you agree, I am willing to share some Sun Moon Essence with you."

Having said that, Di Yi spoke no further and turned to walk out of the hall.

Tai Cang hesitated for a moment. Di Yi's actions made him suspicious, but the condition he offered was truly tempting.