"Now that's more like it."
Zhang Yuan nodded in satisfaction and drew the sword qi on his palm back into the [Lamp-Lighting Oil-Adding Pill]. In the end, he refrained from dealing the [Three Calamities Profound-End Gourd] a killing blow.
There was not much sword qi inside the [Lamp-Lighting Oil-Adding Pill]. Even if its reserves were enough to cleave the [Three Calamities Profound-End Gourd] apart, doing so would be a sheer waste. Better to save up more and use it against Xuan Chen, delivering a fatal strike at the critical moment.
Besides, the [Three Calamities Profound-End Gourd] was an immortal artifact, after all. His Celestial Person-level sword qi only had a chance of cleaving it apart; success was not guaranteed. If his judgment proved wrong, the [Three Calamities Profound-End Gourd] would surely run wild, and reining it in again would be difficult.
The [Three Calamities Profound-End Gourd] silently withdrew its three calamity pills, then lay motionless in Zhang Yuan's palm, playing dead.
"I'll grudgingly let you off this time, but let me remind you of a few things. I, Zhang Yuan, am a [Return to True Celestial Person] of the Azure Firmament Dust-Dyed Realm, the founding first disciple and final disciple under a True Lord. I know several True Lords, including True Lord [Grand White Edge], lord of all sword qi beneath heaven. If you disobey, I can ask someone to cut you down at any time."
Zhang Yuan pointed at the gourd and continued threatening it.
The gourd was behaving for now, but who knew what mischief it might stir up later? Better to heap on the threats early and make sure it stayed obedient.
Hearing this, the [Three Calamities Profound-End Gourd] determined that every word Zhang Yuan had spoken was true. Its body shifted slightly, as though nodding.
Zhang