Exchange for the Plain-Colored Cloud-Realm Banner, Ambushed on the Road

After leaving Treasure-Dividing Cliff, Xiao Teng caught up to Queen Mother of the West.

"Queen Mother of the West, wait for me!"

Hearing Xiao Teng's voice, Queen Mother of the West stopped.

"Queen Mother of the West, you were walking far too quickly."

"I merely wished to return sooner. Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Xiao Teng, on obtaining the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi. Your ascension to sainthood is just around the corner," Queen Mother of the West congratulated him.

Xiao Teng gave a bitter smile. "With this Primordial Chaos Purple Qi in my hands, it may not necessarily be a good thing."

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

"The other six saints became disciples of Dao Ancestor Hongjun and thus gained protection, while I stand alone. A common man commits no crime, yet he is guilty for possessing jade. Having obtained something so important, I will naturally become an easy target."

Queen Mother of the West glanced around. Though she saw no one, she could faintly sense eyes watching them.

Her delicate brows furrowed slightly as she said softly, "In that case, Fellow Daoist Xiao Teng, I shall travel with you. If someone truly tries to intercept us, I can lend you some assistance."

Xiao Teng was somewhat surprised. Queen Mother of the West usually avoided trouble, yet she had now voluntarily offered to help him. Such goodwill was rare indeed.

Xiao Teng shook his head and declined. "Thank you for your kindness, Fellow Daoist. There is no need for you to risk yourself. The karma involved this time is too great; it would be best if you did not become entangled in it."

"However, if I can obtain the Plain-Colored Cloud-Realm Banner and gather all Five Directional Banners, I may be able to escape safely."

Queen Mother of the West frowned in thought for a moment. Then she raised her jade-like hand, and a streak of flowing light flashed as the Plain-Colored Cloud-Realm Banner appeared in her palm.

She handed it toward Xiao Teng and said warmly, "In that case, I shall lend this Plain-Colored Cloud-Realm Banner to you for the time being."

Xiao Teng accepted it and teased, "If I refuse to return it, would you not suffer a loss?"

Queen Mother of the West smiled faintly. "It is merely a magic treasure. If it can help you resolve your troubles, that will be its own providence. If you do not return it, it will simply let me see clearly that you are not someone worth befriending."

Seeing her generosity, Xiao Teng's expression turned solemn. "We agreed before that this would be an exchange. I will use an opportunity to become a saint in exchange with you."

With that, he activated the Plain-Colored Cloud-Realm Banner and set down a barrier that isolated spiritual power fluctuations and divine sense probing.

"This item is for you."

Xiao Teng took out the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi and handed it to Queen Mother of the West.

Queen Mother of the West was stunned. "What are you doing? You are giving this to me?"

Xiao Teng nodded. "Queen Mother of the West, you value loyalty and righteousness. Xiao Teng will remember it deeply. We agreed upon this exchange before, and I will not go back on my word."

"The opportunity for sainthood I mentioned before was this Primordial Chaos Purple Qi. It is of little use to me now, and we had already agreed upon it earlier, so it should rightfully belong to you."

"No, this item is far too precious. Its value vastly exceeds that of the Plain-Colored Cloud-Realm Banner."

Though the Plain-Colored Cloud-Realm Banner was precious, how could it compare to a place among the saints?

Queen Mother of the West tried to refuse, leaving Xiao Teng deeply astonished. Even he might not have been able to resist such temptation, yet Queen Mother of the West could reject it.

"It is fine. This was what we agreed upon before. The Primordial Chaos Purple Qi has limited use for me, so it should belong to you."

Xiao Teng guided the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi into Queen Mother of the West's body.

Queen Mother of the West was filled with confusion, unable to understand why Xiao Teng would give such an opportunity to her.

Once the transfer of the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi was complete, Xiao Teng withdrew the barrier and said, "This place is not suitable for a long stay. Queen Mother of the West, return to Kunlun Mountains quickly."

"Everyone currently believes that the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi is on me, so they will not trouble you. Once this storm has passed and the situation stabilizes somewhat, I will visit you at Kunlun Mountains."

With those words, Xiao Teng departed directly, the Calabash Kids following closely behind.

He planned to return to the Three Immortal Isles first.

When they reached the shores of the East Sea, the sea wind howled, carrying a salty, briny scent that rushed into their faces. Yet it could not disperse the murderous aura hanging overhead like black clouds.

Xiao Teng was surrounded by a group of people. They were none other than Di Jun and Taiyi.

Behind them stood more than twenty Zenith Heaven Golden Immortals of the Demon Race.

"Fellow Daoists, what is the meaning of this?" Xiao Teng feigned confusion.

Di Jun smiled as he spoke. "You Fellow Daoists possess extraordinary strength. The Demon Race is currently in need of capable people, so we have come to invite you to join us and accomplish great deeds together. In the future, inexhaustible glory, wealth, and supreme opportunities will all be yours to enjoy."

Xiao Teng sneered inwardly. This group from the Demon Race had calculated well. On the surface, they were offering recruitment, but in truth, they wanted to seize his treasure—and they made it sound so grand and righteous.

Yet Xiao Teng betrayed nothing on his face. He cupped his hands and smiled. "Fellow Daoist Di Jun, you flatter us. My children and I have grown accustomed to idling freely and have no intention of joining the Demon Race. I hope you will understand."

Di Jun's voice abruptly turned cold. "In that case, it seems we must have a proper 'discussion of the Dao' with you, Fellow Daoist."

Xiao Teng raised a brow, a mocking curve appearing on his lips. "I am all too familiar with Fellow Daoist Di Jun's phrase 'discussion of the Dao.' I heard that you previously sought Eastern King Duke for a 'discussion of the Dao,' and Eastern King Duke ended up losing his life. Coming to find me today, I fear you do not intend a simple sparring match either?"

Di Jun snorted coldly. "Since you know, hand over the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi obediently. Then I may yet spare your life."

"I am sorry, but the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi is not on me."

As though he had heard the greatest joke in the world, Di Jun threw back his head and roared with laughter. "Hahaha! It is not on you? You actually dare say that? We clearly saw you take it. Could it be that you immediately handed it to someone else?"

Xiao Teng truly wanted to say that he had indeed given the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi to someone else, but Di Jun would most likely not believe him.

"Are you fighting? I'll help!"

Just as the tension drew taut as a drawn bow, a clear voice cut through the stagnant air. White Lotus drifted gracefully over and landed beside Xiao Teng.

"Why are you here?"

"I was worried someone might covet your Primordial Chaos Purple Qi, so I secretly followed you. I did not expect it to be true—and there are quite a few of them too."

Seeing this, Di Jun asked sharply, "Fellow Daoist, do you also intend to oppose my Demon Race?"

White Lotus let out a disdainful laugh. "You are clearly using numbers to bully the few and trying to oppress my Fellow Daoist Xiao Teng. How has it become me opposing the Demon Race instead?"

"Since that is the case, then taste our power. We shall send all of you back to chaos together!"

Di Jun rapidly formed hand seals with both hands and summoned the River Diagram and Luo Writing. It wrapped the surrounding space layer upon layer, as though forging an invisible cage that left Xiao Teng and the others with no path of escape.

"Di Jun, are you certain you wish to provoke me? Do not regret it later!" Xiao Teng asked.

"So what if I provoke you? Once I obtain the Primordial Chaos Purple Qi, my Demon Race will dominate the Primordial World before long!"

Di Jun unleashed Solar True Fire at Xiao Teng.

Wu Wa stood before Xiao Teng and sprayed water to resist it. Water and fire collided, melting away one another.

Di Jun's eyes widened, his face full of shock. "How is this possible? My Solar True Fire is the strongest flame in the world, yet it was extinguished so easily. What kind of water is that?"

Wu Wa grinned, revealing two little tiger teeth. "This is my saliva. How does it taste?"

With that, Wu Wa opened his mouth again and sprayed even more water toward Di Jun.

Di Jun immediately twisted aside to dodge, secretly thinking, These Calabash Kids appear to have unimpressive cultivation, but their methods are so bizarre and troublesome. I underestimated them.

"All of you, attack together!" Di Jun ordered.

The Zenith Heaven Golden Immortals of the Demon Race moved at his command, swarming forward like hungry wolves pouncing on prey.

The Calabash Kids showed no fear. They each fought on their own—some breathed fire, some sprayed water, some turned invisible to launch surprise attacks—each one holding back two or three Zenith Heaven Golden Immortals alone.

For a time, the battlefield descended into utter chaos. The lights of spells crisscrossed in every direction, and the thunderous blasts rang without end.