Journey to the Heavenly Court

"Congratulations, host, on completing your choice. The second advancement gift package has been delivered."

Tongtian opened the so-called second advancement gift package within his Purple Mansion with practiced ease.

"Congratulations, host, on obtaining one weapon upgrade voucher."

"Congratulations, host, on obtaining ten drops of Pangu's Essence Blood."

"Congratulations, host, on obtaining one Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Three-Pointed Double-Edged Spear."

"Congratulations, host, on obtaining one perfected version of the Eight-Nine Arcane Art."

As the system notifications rang out, Tongtian remained calm. After all, the system had given him plenty of good things.

Seeing them so often had clearly built up his immunity.

Besides, the good things this time were obviously meant for Yang Jian.

They were no use to him at all, were they?

Without any hesitation, he read through the Eight-Nine Arcane Art. Only after seeing through the entire cultivation method did he point a finger at Yang Jian.

"From this day forth, I bestow upon you the Eight-Nine Arcane Art."

"In addition, I bestow upon you the Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Three-Pointed Double-Edged Spear."

"I hope you will guard against arrogance and impatience, and someday grow into the god of war of our Interception Sect."

After receiving the cultivation method and Spirit Treasure, Yang Jian's face naturally lit up with excitement.

He knew that from this day onward, he had a sect behind him and no longer needed to fear anyone.

With a cultivation method, he could truly become powerful.

Only after Yang Jian recovered from his delighted surprise did Tongtian smile and say, "We will discuss Yang Chan's cultivation later. For now, I haven't thought of anything suitable for her."

"As for going to the Heavenly Court, let me make a few arrangements, and we will leave right away."

"For now, let's wait until your master returns."

About two months passed. Tongtian finished making arrangements for Golden Ao Island, and Zhao Gongming guided his two disciples onto the proper path of cultivation.

Only then did Tongtian take Yang Jian straight to the Heavenly Court.

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

West Kunlun, the Jade Void Palace.

A stifling atmosphere hung over the entire hall, and everyone's expression was grim.

The Primordial Heavenly Venerable, seated high in the place of honor, also wore a dark expression. He was on the verge of exploding with rage.

He had never imagined that his disciples would prove so disappointing.

The Investiture Calamity had only just begun, yet their Chan Sect had already suffered two major setbacks.

They had been utterly defeated in the matter of Li Jing's son. The child of destiny they sought had been snatched away by the Interception Sect, and the Twelve True Immortals under him had become eleven Golden Immortals.

Taiyi Zhenren had perished utterly, his cultivation extinguished and his true spirit entering the Investiture of the Gods List.

Barely any time had passed, and now something had gone wrong on Yu Ding Zhenren's end as well.

Yang Jian, that child of destiny and the future god of war of the Chan Sect, had actually been lured away by the Interception Sect too.

What was going on?

Was their Chan Sect nothing but a pack of useless fools?

Moreover, the Interception Sect had sent out two groups in succession, and their fighting strength could practically thrash the strongest fighters the Chan Sect had to offer.

What did that prove?

The Interception Sect truly had experts as numerous as clouds. Whoever they sent out could stand a head above his Chan Sect.

Naturally, the face-conscious Yuanshi could not accept this.

Not to mention that he could now clearly sense how the Interception Sect's fortune had instantly surged after taking in Nezha, Yang Jian, and Yang Chan.

Furthermore, with the Eastern Emperor Bell now anchoring its fortune, the Interception Sect no longer suffered losses to its fortune over every little incident as it had in the past.

And what about the Chan Sect?

After two consecutive failures, its fortune had not increased at all. Instead, it had diminished considerably.

This left the Primordial Heavenly Venerable somewhat rattled.

He knew that if things continued like this, then perhaps, in this clash between the Chan Sect and the Interception Sect...

Perhaps when the Investiture Calamity ended, the Chan Sect would emerge as the greatest loser.

"What exactly happened this time?"

"First, things went wrong with Li Jing's third son, and now with Yang Jian. Why does the Interception Sect know so much about our Chan Sect's plans?"

"They snatch away our prize at the most critical moment every time. Would any of you believe there is nothing suspicious about this?"

At the Primordial Heavenly Venerable's words, everyone suddenly saw the light.

They had vaguely sensed that something was wrong before, but for a time, they had been unable to pinpoint exactly what it was.

Now, however, their minds were perfectly clear.

That was right!

How did the Interception Sect know their plans?

Almost without thinking, everyone understood.

There was a traitor!

But the crux of the problem was that almost everyone who knew such top-secret plans concerning the Interception Sect belonged to the highest ranks.

Who, then, was the traitor?

It had to be said that Yuanshi was truly extraordinary. While everyone else was immersed in anger, he had not allowed rage to cloud his reason. Instead, he had pierced straight through the fog to the heart of the matter.

The problem was that seeing through it was of little use.

They could not find the actual traitor.

After all, the Chan Sect's upper echelon consisted only of him and the eleven Golden Immortals before him. Even their deputy sect leader, Daoist Randeng, knew nothing of the plans.

They were all people he trusted. How was he supposed to investigate a traitor?

Just as they were agonizing over this, the Primordial Heavenly Venerable's expression suddenly changed drastically.

"This is bad! Tongtian has entered the Heavenly Court with Yang Jian and Yang Chan!"

"That bastard is entering the Heavenly Court at this critical juncture. It seems he knows my plans!"

"We cannot let them enter the Heavenly Court, or that brat Haotian will definitely join forces with Tongtian!"

At this point, Yuanshi could no longer sit still. He instantly transformed into a streak of light and shot toward the Heavenly Court.

He had to stop Tongtian.

Whatever means it took!

But with Yuanshi making his move, how could Tongtian possibly fail to sense it?

Without wasting a word, he immediately accelerated. Once he passed straight through the South Heaven Gate, he unleashed the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation, enveloping the entire Heavenly Court.

The Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation could only be broken by the Four Saints together.

He was rather curious how Yuanshi intended to force his way inside.

"Sect Master, this is..." Yang Jian was somewhat bewildered and could not help speaking up.

Tongtian gave a cold laugh and said calmly, "You're about to lay your cards on the table with your uncle, and someone can't bear to watch. He doesn't want it to happen."

"But don't worry. With me here, no one can hold you up."

"Come. I'll accompany you to see the Jade Emperor!"

Having said that, Tongtian spoke no further and led Yang Jian and Yang Chan straight to the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

He knew perfectly well that the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother were waiting for them there.

Indeed!

The Jade Emperor was a Quasi-Saint, after all. With Tongtian arriving with such fanfare, there was no way he could have failed to notice.

The Jade Emperor had not personally come forward because he also needed to preserve his imperial dignity.

After all, taking a hard line with a Saint would only invite trouble, while showing weakness would damage the Jade Emperor's dignity.

Thus, he could only wait.

Only after Tongtian entered on his own and the Jade Emperor learned why he had come could he tailor his response to the guest.

Before long.

Tongtian arrived at the Lingxiao Treasure Hall with Yang Chan and Yang Jian.

"I, Tongtian, greet the Jade Emperor."

"These two disciples of my Interception Sect have some private matters to discuss with you, so I brought them here."

"But it seems my second elder brother has arrived outside as well. I'll go speak with him for a while and leave your family to it."