Xiao Tian stopped standing on ceremony. At worst, once he grew strong enough, he would help the Gourd Vine through its tribulation. This could count as its advance investment in him.
Besides, the old Gourd Vine's character was beyond question. For the sake of a promise to its former master, it had guarded the Heaven Mending Pavilion from ancient times until now. That was the rarest quality of all.
A hand emerged from the gourd Xiao Tian had manifested, holding a Purple Crystal Treasure Gourd. Profound golden patterns of the Dao adorned it, naturally formed and close to the Dao itself. He collected all forty-nine drops of Divine Evolution Liquid from the Venerable into it.
The trap had been laid. Now they only had to invite their guests into the jar.
Meanwhile, the upper ranks of the Heaven Mending Pavilion were grief-stricken and began secretly evacuating their most promising disciples.
The old Gourd Vine remained utterly calm. Without this performance, those cautious fellows would only spy from afar, unwilling to act.
"Tell me, what exactly is going on with that old fellow? Hundreds of years ago, it already looked half-dead, yet an old friend from the Western Ridge ended up being lured into its trap and killed.
"Now it's putting on another show of nirvana and rebirth. Someone refused to believe it, and now they're dead."
A hundred thousand li away, a figure bathed in golden light stood upon a golden avenue. Exuding extraordinary power, he spoke through gritted teeth.
"I stand by my original judgment. The old fellow is bluffing this time. What reaches its peak must decline. I refuse to believe it can rekindle its divine flame." A gigantic Fierce Bird, pitch-black as a demon, carried black mist that blotted out the sun and sky. Demonic clouds