Outside Kunlun Mountain.
Nether River and Eastern Duke spotted each other at the same time, and both their expressions turned grave.
"Who are you?"
Eastern Duke was the first to ask, his eyes full of wariness.
He could sense that the man before him was no weaker than himself.
Without a doubt, he was also an Innate Great Being!
If this person had emerged from Kunlun Mountain, he might even have assumed that he was the renowned Shangqing Tongtian.
Nether River also scrutinized Eastern Duke warily, but he introduced himself nonetheless. "I am Nether River of the Blood Sea!"
"I have come to Kunlun Mountain today to challenge Shangqing Tongtian."
"And you are?"
Eastern Duke looked somewhat surprised upon hearing this. It turned out that this man had also come for Shangqing Tongtian.
He had indeed heard of Nether River of the Blood Sea.
For someone capable of cultivating in the most foul and polluted place in the Primordial World, he clearly possessed some skill.
"Hahaha, I am not Shangqing Tongtian. I am Eastern Duke, and I too have come to challenge Tongtian!"
Eastern Duke threw back his head and laughed.
Nether River nodded slightly, thoughts immediately stirring in his mind. He said bluntly, "Since you have come to challenge Tongtian, do you know what abilities he possesses to have become famous throughout the Primordial World?"
Eastern Duke shook his head. "I do not know that, but I hope he is not someone with an undeserved reputation."
"Otherwise, this title of Pangu Sect Disciple would be far too worthless."
Nether River chuckled. "My thoughts exactly."
"Then how about the two of us go up the mountain together and call him out?"
Eastern Duke immediately nodded in agreement, and the two quickly arrived at the foot of Kunlun Mountain.
Eastern Duke circulated his mana and shouted aloud, "Is Shangqing Tongtian here?"
"I have come from afar. Come out and meet me at once!"
Tongtian was currently visiting West Kunlun, so naturally, no one answered them.
However, Laozi and Yuanshi, who were discussing the Dao within Three Pure Ones Hall, heard them.
The next moment, the two appeared outside Kunlun Mountain.
Looking at the two men before them, Laozi and Yuanshi could not help frowning. They did not recognize either of them.
"Why are you two looking for Tongtian?"
"He is not currently at Kunlun Mountain."
Yuanshi said in a deep voice.
Eastern Duke and Nether River were both astonished. Tongtian was not on Kunlun Mountain?
Did that not mean they had made the trip for nothing?
"Enough nonsense. We came for Tongtian."
"Who are you two? Do you know where Tongtian has gone, and when he will return?!"
Eastern Duke demanded arrogantly.
Such an overbearing attitude immediately displeased both Laozi and Yuanshi.
This fellow was definitely not a Primordial Golden Immortal. How dared a mere Grand Luo Golden Immortal act so arrogantly before them, Pangu Sect Disciples?
He truly did not know his place!
"We are Tongtian's elder brothers, and we too are Pangu Sect Disciples."
"If you have business, state it. If not, leave Kunlun Mountain at once. Outsiders are not welcome here."
Laozi said with an unpleasant expression.
Those words left both Nether River and Eastern Duke stunned for a moment.
"I thought you two were merely Daoist boys guarding the gate for Tongtian."
"You are actually Tongtian's elder brothers?"
"Then it seems Tongtian is nothing special!"
Eastern Duke shook his head, disappointment on his face.
He had thought that Tongtian, whose name shook the Primordial World, possessed some extraordinary ability. At the very least, his cultivation and bearing should have surpassed theirs somewhat.
Yet these two men before him claimed to be Tongtian's elder brothers, while their cultivation was equal to his and Nether River's.
By that logic, Tongtian could not be particularly capable either.
He had merely gained such great fame because the Innate Great Beings of the Primordial World had yet to emerge.
His reputation was clearly undeserved!
Nether River also sighed. "Who would have thought that Shangqing Tongtian was someone with an undeserved reputation?"
"What a disappointment. Had I known, I would not have made this trip."
"I have wasted my chance to meditate and comprehend the Dao for nothing."
These words thoroughly enraged Laozi and Yuanshi.
They trembled with rage!
It was one thing for seniors like Hongjun to think the two of them inferior to their third brother, but now these two arrogant fellows had come along and dared to look down on them as well?!
They were Pangu Sect Disciples, after all. They were not people just anyone could bully!
"You insolent madmen! You dare spout such nonsense before us Pangu Sect Disciples!"
"You are truly arrogant beyond measure!"
Yuanshi was furious. These two had clearly come looking for trouble.
If they did not teach them a lesson, would the Three Pure Ones' reputation not be utterly ruined?
No matter how much they envied or resented Tongtian, that was a matter between brothers.
What right did these outsiders have to pass judgment on them?!
Laozi's face was also ashen as he said coldly, "My third brother is renowned throughout the Primordial World and has an outstanding record. How dare you slander the reputation of us Pangu Sect Disciples?"
"Besides, why would my third brother need to personally deal with the likes of you two?"
"The two of us are more than enough!"
Eastern Duke and Nether River both looked disdainful at those words.
Pangu Sect Disciples—what an impressive title.
"Then do you dare spar with the two of us?"
"If you can defeat us, it will prove that the Pangu Sect Disciples live up to their name. But if the two of you are no match for us, then you are nothing but frauds with undeserved reputations."
Nether River directly challenged them.
With the arrow already on the string, Laozi and Yuanshi naturally could not back down.
Moreover, they had absolute confidence in their own strength.
Did these two Innate Great Beings truly think they could become their opponents just by appearing out of nowhere?
Today would be the day the two of them made their names known!
It was time for all living beings of the Primordial World to know that the Three Pure Ones were three brothers, not merely Shangqing Tongtian alone.
"Then we will play with you two first. I refuse to believe Tongtian will not show himself once we defeat you!"
Eastern Duke laughed loudly. The next moment, the cultivation of a peak Grand Luo Golden Immortal erupted from him.
Yuanshi snorted coldly at the sight. He was in a foul mood now!
He had to teach these two a ruthless lesson to vent this anger.
Thus, he immediately brought out the Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Three Treasures Jade Scepter.
Buzz!
The Three Treasures Jade Scepter shot through the air and reached Eastern Duke in an instant.
Eastern Duke looked disdainful. It was only a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure!
Did Yuanshi think that could defeat him?!
Since he had dared come to challenge Tongtian, he naturally had his own confidence.
The next moment, a staff appeared in his hand. It radiated astonishing power and was also a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure!
Eastern Duke raised the Herding Immortal Staff and smashed it directly against the Three Treasures Jade Scepter.
Rumble!
Ripples immediately spread through the void, like a stone cast into a pond and stirring up waves.
Yuanshi's pupils contracted slightly. He had not expected the other party to possess a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure as well.
No wonder he had been so arrogant!
However, before Yuanshi could think further, Eastern Duke formed another hand seal. White light abruptly appeared beneath him, followed by the emergence of the Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Twelfth Grade World Cleansing White Lotus.
This was also a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure!
One of the Twelve-Grade Lotus Platforms that combined offense and defense.
Whoosh!
Empowered by the Twelfth Grade World Cleansing White Lotus, Eastern Duke immediately swung the Herding Immortal Staff forward.
Boundless pressure transformed into howling gales, and Yuanshi directly unleashed Yuqing Celestial Light to resist it.
Yet beneath the might of a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the celestial light filling the sky was blasted into fragments.
Yuanshi's heart sank. He knew that today's battle would likely be a difficult one.
He could only hope his eldest brother would pull through and defeat Nether River soon. That way, even if he fought this man to a draw, it would still be enough to uphold the Three Pure Ones' prestige.
Laozi faced off against Nether River, the Coiled Dragon Cane in his hand containing terrifying power.
Every strike forced Nether River to retreat.
Laozi stroked his beard and said, "You do not possess a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. You are certainly no match for me."
"There is still time for you to retreat."
Nether River could not help laughing loudly upon hearing this. Of course he had Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures—he had three of them!
The only reason he had not brought them out immediately was because he had looked down on Laozi and Yuanshi.
"Then let me show you my foundation!"
Nether River shouted. The next moment, the Yuantu Sword and Abi Sword appeared in his palms.
Both swords contained astonishing killing intent, their murderous aura incomparably sharp!
This forced Laozi to take him seriously as well.
But that was not all. Nether River took a step forward, and a Twelve-Grade Lotus Platform appeared beneath his feet.
A Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Twelfth Grade Karma Fire Red Lotus!
"Three Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures! How does this fellow possess so many treasures?"
Laozi's heart shook. He was a Pangu Sect Disciple, yet he possessed only one Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure!
Meanwhile, the other party had three!
The situation was extremely unfavorable for him!
Still, he did not dwell on it. Wielding the Coiled Dragon Cane, he struck through the air ahead of him.
Nether River sneered. The Yuantu Sword and Abi Sword erupted with astonishing might and easily blocked Laozi's attack.
After casually parrying it, the Yuantu Sword and Abi Sword carried overwhelming power as they slashed toward Laozi.
Laozi could only hurriedly defend himself.
Their cultivation levels were equal. If he were struck by the opponent's two Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures, he would likely suffer serious injuries.
At that moment, he thought of the Heavenly Yellow Linglong Pagoda in Tongtian's possession.
If he had been the first to take form back then, that Innate Merit Treasure would have been his!
With that Innate Merit Treasure in hand, no matter how many Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures the other party possessed, he could never have defeated him.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The Yuantu Sword and Abi Sword unleashed endless sharp radiance. Combined with the power of the Twelfth Grade Karma Fire Red Lotus, they suppressed Laozi in an instant.
On West Kunlun.
Tongtian had already noticed the battle before Kunlun Mountain.
He had not expected Eastern Duke and Nether River to have come specifically to challenge him.
It seemed his current prominence in the Primordial World had drawn the attention of others.
"Fellow Daoist Tongtian, what is wrong?"
Sensing that Tongtian was preoccupied, Queen Mother of the West asked softly.
Tongtian smiled. "Nothing."
"It is only a trivial matter."
The combat strength of those two was indeed decent, but he had no intention of showing himself so soon.
In his eyes, both Eastern Duke and Nether River were far too weak.
If the two possessed Quasi-Sage cultivation, he would not mind sparring with them for amusement.
But they were merely Grand Luo Golden Immortals. There was no way they could be his opponents.
He might as well let Laozi and Yuanshi play with them first.
Rumble!
At this time, the battle between the four became increasingly intense, and the ripples it produced continuously spread through heaven and earth.
Queen Mother of the West also sensed something. Her beautiful eyes turned toward Kunlun with confusion.
Even Xihe and Changxi sensed it.
"Fellow Daoist Tongtian, could it be that someone has come up the mountain to cause trouble?"
Xihe took the initiative to ask.
Tongtian said calmly, "Indeed, someone has come up the mountain to issue a challenge. My two elder brothers are currently fighting them."
"If you are interested, we can watch the battle from afar."
Queen Mother of the West and the other two were all somewhat surprised upon hearing this. Given Tongtian's reputation in the Primordial World, there were still people who dared come to Kunlun Mountain and cause trouble?
Was he really coming here to court death?!
The three women naturally had no mind to continue discussing the Dao. They immediately went with Tongtian to the foot of West Kunlun, where they could watch the battle.
"Those two must also be rather renowned Innate Great Beings. They actually possess so many Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures."
Queen Mother of the West said solemnly.
Xihe and Changxi nodded in agreement, while Tongtian remained silent and continued watching the battle.
On the ground below.
The battle between the four of them made the surrounding mountain ranges tremble. Cracks of varying depths spread across the earth, a shocking sight to behold.
Laozi and Yuanshi each possessed only one Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, leaving them utterly unable to gain any advantage in the clash.
The pressure on the two of them immediately multiplied.
"Heh, is this the strength of the Pangu Sect Disciples?"
"Nothing impressive! In my view, that Tongtian probably does not have much ability either."
Eastern Duke suppressed Yuanshi, his face full of disdain.
Yuanshi was simply too weak. Eastern Duke had not even gone all out, yet he had already suppressed him with ease.
At those words, fury blazed within Yuanshi's eyes.
This was going too far!
He was truly going too far!
Though Yuanshi also felt some envy and jealousy toward Tongtian, they were both Pangu Sect Disciples and should stand united against outsiders.
"You insolent fool!"
"Defeat me first before you start boasting!"
Yuanshi let out a low shout, and the aura around him rapidly surged.
The Three Treasures Jade Scepter's attacks also became fiercer.
It floated at his side, repeatedly shattering the void as it launched sharp assaults.
Eastern Duke looked disdainful. The Twelfth Grade World Cleansing White Lotus shone brilliantly, blocking the Three Treasures Jade Scepter's attacks time and again.
Meanwhile, the Herding Immortal Staff in his hand mercilessly struck at Yuanshi's weak points.
Relying on his cultivation, Yuanshi could barely withstand it.
However, his physical body was nowhere near as formidable as Tongtian's, and he was completely at a disadvantage.
After fewer than a hundred exchanges, Eastern Duke caught an opening. Fortunately, Yuanshi noticed it in time and narrowly dodged the Herding Immortal Staff's strike.
Otherwise, he would certainly have suffered serious injuries.
Taking advantage of a brief respite, Yuanshi glanced at Laozi's battle in the distance.
The moment he looked, his expression darkened.
He had been waiting for Laozi to finish his battle, only to find that Laozi was also locked in a bitter struggle.
His opponent was even stronger than the man before Yuanshi, possessing three Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures!
"Yuqing Celestial Light!"
Yuanshi formed seals with both hands, and brilliant light burst from his eyes.
He directly unleashed his strongest divine ability.
Buzz!
The might of the Yuqing Celestial Light was beyond doubt. It was absolutely a top-tier divine ability.
Yet Eastern Duke possessed two Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures and did not take Yuanshi's attack seriously at all.
Mysterious power flowed across the Twelfth Grade World Cleansing White Lotus, and a vast tide of cleansing power surged forth.
The Yuqing Celestial Light's power was weakened severalfold. The remaining force was then easily dispersed by the Herding Immortal Staff.
Yuanshi's heart sank at the sight, but to avoid tarnishing the Pangu Sect Disciples' honor, he could only grit his teeth and continue battling Eastern Duke.
Eastern Duke became even more disdainful and immediately went all out.
He wanted to take Yuanshi down as quickly as possible.
Fortunately, although Yuanshi possessed no defensive spiritual treasure, his combat strength truly was not weak. Even while constantly at a disadvantage, he remained deadlocked with Eastern Duke.
Laozi's situation was no better. The Yuantu Sword and Abi Sword in Nether River's hands were both Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures!
Both swords contained boundless killing intent.
This made it exceedingly difficult for Laozi to fend them off, since he possessed only the Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Coiled Dragon Cane.
Fortunately, Nether River had not mastered any overly powerful divine abilities.
Thus, Laozi repeatedly cast the Taiqing Celestial Light and barely managed to contend with Nether River.
"Fellow Daoist, your two elder brothers are at a disadvantage because of their spiritual treasures. They are likely no match for those two."
"Do you need me to help?"
Queen Mother of the West's beautiful eyes flickered as she looked at Tongtian.
The Three Pure Ones were all Pangu Sect Disciples, and they were brothers.
If she could become Dao companions with Tongtian, then the two of them would also become her elder brothers.
Thus, if Tongtian spoke the word, she was still willing to lend a hand.
Tongtian shook his head. "No need! This is not a battle to the death, merely a spar."
"My two elder brothers do not have much combat experience. This is also an opportunity for them to temper themselves."
"If they are in danger, I will naturally step in."
"Besides, those two should be here to challenge me. I merely happened to be visiting you, Fellow Daoist, so they turned their attention to my two elder brothers instead."
After hearing Tongtian's words, Queen Mother of the West said nothing further.
She knew very well that although Eastern Duke and Nether River had displayed tremendous combat strength.
If Tongtian truly made a move, those two would certainly be no match for him.
After all, Tongtian had fought alone against the countless Demon Clan armies in the Western World and slaughtered them all.
Those two should be considered strong among Innate Great Beings, but compared to Tongtian, they were still far inferior.
Not to mention that Tongtian had now emerged from seclusion, and his combat strength was likely even more astonishing.
"It seems the Three Pure Ones do have some skill."
"But that is all!"
"You should just admit defeat. You are simply no match for the two of us."
At this moment, Eastern Duke was growing somewhat irritated. Yuanshi was clearly not his opponent.
Yet he showed no intention of admitting defeat and instead kept him tied down here.
Was he not willing to accept defeat?!
Besides, their target was Tongtian. Wasting time on these two was truly not worth it.
These words enraged Yuanshi. He had always been proud and arrogant; otherwise, he would not have considered parting ways because he could not catch up to Tongtian.
Now, not only was it his third brother—even two random Innate Great Beings who had appeared out of nowhere dared to act as though they stood above the three brothers?
How could he tolerate such a thing!
He immediately unleashed more methods, and the Three Treasures Jade Scepter erupted with its full power, turning into a streak of light that constantly darted through the void.
Eastern Duke snorted coldly, not taking his resistance seriously at all.
Nether River likewise did not wish to keep tangling with Laozi.
He said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist, if you still refuse to admit defeat."
"Then do not blame my swords for showing no mercy."
"My Yuantu Sword and Abi Sword are weapons of slaughter. If I go all out, I fear this matter will not end peacefully today."
A flash of anger crossed Laozi's eyes. What did this man mean?
They had fought to this point, yet he still dared to hold back.
Did he truly look down on him so much?!
However, he had also noticed Yuanshi's situation and knew clearly.
The two brothers lacked spiritual treasures. Defeating the two men before them was simply impossible.
Where has Third Brother gone? If he were here, how could he allow these two to continue acting so presumptuously!
If word of this spreads, would the Pangu Sect Disciples' reputation not be ruined?
Laozi thought to himself.
Tongtian's rapid progress had indeed left the two elder brothers feeling conflicted.
But the Three Pure Ones were one. These two had come to Kunlun Mountain to provoke them.
If they did not teach them a lesson, then all three of the Three Pure Ones would lose face!
This absolutely could not be tolerated!
Tongtian, who had been watching in secret, shook his head. He could see that Laozi and Yuanshi truly were no match for Eastern Duke and Nether River.
It was not that their cultivation was inferior; they simply possessed too few spiritual treasures, leaving their combat strength lacking.
If this continued, with his two elder brothers' pride, they would likely resort to any means necessary.
That would not be worth it.
Moreover, those two had come for him. It would be hard to justify not showing himself.
Thus, he took one step forward and headed from the mountains toward the battlefield.
Queen Mother of the West still had some worry between her brows. Though Tongtian had many accomplishments to his name, these two Innate Great Beings were no ordinary figures either.
"Do not worry. With Fellow Daoist Tongtian's abilities, those two will certainly be no match for him."
Xihe and Changxi, however, had great confidence in Tongtian.
They had witnessed Tongtian display his might many times.
What made those two powerful was not their combat strength, but the Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures in their hands.
Yet in that regard, Fellow Daoist Tongtian's advantage was clearly even greater!
On the battlefield.
Tongtian appeared and said with a smile, "Two elder brothers, have you been in seclusion for so long that you decided to find someone to stretch your limbs with?"
The moment his voice rang out, Laozi and Yuanshi were overjoyed.
Third Brother had come!
Let us see how these two could remain so arrogant now!
With Third Brother here, they would certainly be taught a harsh lesson.
Whoosh!
With the main figure appearing, Laozi and Yuanshi stopped their struggle and immediately arrived before Tongtian.
"Third Brother, these two are arrogant and reckless. They dared to look down on us Pangu Sect Disciples."
"Do not show them mercy. Make sure they learn the might of the Pangu Sect Disciples!"
Yuanshi said with a solemn expression.
Laozi also said in a deep voice, "It would be one thing if they had come seeking guidance."
"But these two repeatedly disparaged the Pangu Sect Disciples. Their offense is unforgivable!"
Tongtian had been observing in secret all along, so he naturally understood the situation.
At this moment, Eastern Duke and Nether River also fixed their gazes on Tongtian.
Yet after only one glance, mocking expressions returned to their faces.
The pressure emanating from him was not particularly noticeable. He seemed no different from Laozi and Yuanshi.
The famed Shangqing Tongtian of the Primordial World was just this?
Before you continue