Daoist Competition

True Master Tao only took four days to refine Guo Monarch, but it took half a month to suppress the Heavenly Furnace’s fire and dispel its inner heat.

When the refined items were taken out from below, it was found that the Heavenly Demon’s husk had already turned into eight dark pieces of armor, neither gold nor wood, which clanged when struck.

However, the three Lifebound Primordial Pearls were not incinerated by the fire, only the Essence Blood inside had already dried up, leaving only the sturdy shell.

True Master Tao pointed at the armor pieces and said, "This was originally the husk of a Heavenly Demon, of excellent quality, and now further refined by earth fire, it is even rarer. Fellow Daoist Zhang, please keep it safe."

Zhang Yan shook his sleeve, separating four pieces of armor, and presented them to True Master Tao, earnestly saying, "If not for True Master’s assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to subdue this ten-thousand-year-old Heavenly Demon so smoothly, let alone obtain that Slaughter True Treasure with True Master’s help as well. I am truly indebted and hope you accept this."

True Master Tao pondered for a moment, sighed slightly, reached out and took one piece, then pushed the remaining pieces back, sincerely saying, "Thank you for your kindness, fellow Daoist. One piece is sufficient for me."

Zhang Yan rolled up his sleeve, collected all the armor pieces, and said with a smile, "Good, but next time I have matters, I will still trouble True Master."

True Master Tao replied with a smile, "I would be more than willing, just that when the time comes, you might not find my little skills worthwhile."

Zhang Yan also smiled and took out the Lifebound Primordial Pearl brought back from the heavens, inquiring, "Since this pearl can absorb Junyang Essence Qi, can it still be used in this manner?"

Compared to the Junyang Essence Qi within the Star Stones, it seemed less refined; however, it was still Essence Qi, and if obtainable, would undoubtedly benefit himself and the sect’s disciples greatly.

True Master Tao flicked a finger on the Primordial Pearl and said, "Do you see how this pearl is much smaller than the other Primordial Pearls?"

Zhang Yan nodded, saying, "At least reduced by half."

True Master Tao smiled, "You are not a Heavenly Demon, unable to attract with the Divine Soul, fearing it’s difficult to transport this item beyond the heavy sky. Even if you ask a sect elder to cast a spell and forcefully send it, don’t expect to absorb even a bit of Junyang Essence Qi."

Zhang Yan asked casually with little expectation, and hearing it’s not possible, he just smiled and put it away.

True Master Tao then said, "However, this thing was originally used by Heavenly Demons to avoid tribulation, and is inherently indestructible. Especially those five Primordial Pearls in your hand, they still contain Heavenly Demon Essence Blood, they can be considered rare strange treasures in the world. They might be refined into a powerful artifact, but this Earth Furnace, after one use, may need several decades before it can be used again."

Zhang Yan also understood that although Guo Monarch was refined this time, half of the Qingming Wood had already turned to ash, and he needed to find a way to replace them.

However, accumulating fire and collecting heat requires at least several decades before sacrificial refinement again; if longer, a century is possible, during which this Earth Furnace cannot be used.

At this moment, someone in the heavens spoke, "Why wait for days to do this? I can lend a hand to help Nephew Zhang, taking advantage of Kunyuan Fire’s presence to draw it up."

With the voice coming, a youth appeared in heaven, shoulder carrying a fishing rod, wearing a bamboo hat, stepping on Clear Qi, descending from the clouds.

True Master Tao was not surprised, smiling and greeting, "Master Shen, greetings from Qingyu Tao Zhenhong."

Shen Baishuang nodded at him, a gesture of returning courtesy, saying, "Sect Leader Tao, please understand. I still have a few words to say with Nephew Zhang, and ask fellow Daoist to give us a moment."

Although True Master Tao had opened his own sect after breaking away, he was still far outmatched by the likes of Mingcang, a colossal power. Shen Baishuang was further an esteemed Ascended True Master, disciple of Zhuo Yuming, thus Tao showed no displeasure, bowing deeply, "I have been away from the Mountain Gate for many days, and my heart misses it, so it’s time I return. Master Shen, fellow Daoist Zhang, I shall take my leave."

Zhang Yan knew Qingyu Sect and Carp Tribe are adjacent, making prolonged absence inconvenient, thus he did not insist further, raising a hand in salute, saying, "True Master, fare well."

True Master Tao flicked his Ruyi, and a streak of Green Light flew from heaven, entering his sleeve. Then he tossed out a Dharma Talisman, which transformed into a green phoenix upon landing. He mounted it, just settling in his seat, suddenly turned back and said, "Master Shen, fellow Daoist Zhang is here to find some Spiritual Medicine to refine into Nascent Soul. Previously, Zhongtai Sect helped greatly due to his favor. By scattering the Zheng Weixing dharma form, you might delay his cultivation."

Shen Baishuang replied loudly, "Thank you, fellow Daoist, for informing. Zhang Yan is a disciple of Mingcang, and I naturally have plans for him."

True Master Tao smiled, bowed deeply saying, "Farewell." The green phoenix cried clearly, spread its wings, and ascended into the clouds.