Taiyi Dao Fruit

By the Water Pavilion by the lake, a round mirror displayed the scene of a Flood Dragon collapsing and waves pouring down, with a scarlet arrow glow lingering in the mirror, long unfading.

In front of the mirror, a graceful woman with her hair styled in a cloud bun manipulated the mirror surface, reflecting a few figures on the Shooting Flood Dragon Platform, and softly said, "With such strength, even the Master Tianxuan might not withstand without using the Third Grade Dao Fruit. Elder sister, Jiang Li could be called fourth-rank supreme, and if his Master Tianxuan advanced to the third grade..."

The beauty's words weren't complete, but the persuasion within her words was evident.

The stronger Tianxuan's side became, the more disadvantageous it was for them.

The Immortal Queen naturally understood the woman's meaning, but she merely cast a calm glance at her and said indifferently, "The stronger they are, the higher the chance to eliminate Guanyin, and the smoother my path to advancement becomes."

"What if Tianxuan goes back on their word?" the beauty quickly advised again, "Now that the Heavenly Incarnation has been slain, the effect of the Oath of Heaven is much diminished. Even if Tianxuan were to go back on their word, I suppose the punishment wouldn't be severe..."

Before she finished speaking, a chill suddenly arose, causing the woman's body to tremble and stop her words.

The Immortal Queen, dressed in white, looked at the beauty with eyes glowing in a subtle blue light, and coldly inquired, "And how did you come to know the Heavenly Incarnation was slain? I never informed you of this."

Some things might not be secrets to the person concerned, but for others, even those who are fourth-rank, should not know.

The slaying of the Heavenly Incarnation was one of those things that should not be known.

The Immortal Queen fixed her gaze on the beauty, and the invisible chill penetrated as her gaze intensified, sending a coldness throughout the woman's body, even her Primordial Spirit seemed frozen, with her thoughts unable to move.

She almost thought her Divine Soul was frozen to death, but then the chill suddenly dispersed as the Immortal Queen looked away.

"Was it the Yin Law Department, or the Heavenly Monarch?"

The indifferent words carried a piercing clarity as the Immortal Queen continued, "You are King Shu's primary consort, possibly linked to the Yin Law Department. However, I lean towards believing King Shu is a subordinate of the Heavenly Monarch. He was severely injured by Jiang Li, yet he managed to ascend to the third grade, and in the battle of Liangzhou, King Shu aided the Taiping Sect to confront Jiang Li."

"Thus, King Shu became a man of the Heavenly Monarch, as did you."

As she spoke, the Immortal Queen flicked a wisp of white Qi into the round mirror, originally belonging to Yun Fei, but the Cloud Sea Sky Light Mirror was now under the Immortal Queen's control, reversing the scene until it stopped at the appearance of Yellow Cloud.

"The Heavenly Monarch descended his Divine Thought, wanting us observers to witness Jiang Li's prowess."

The Immortal Queen watched the scene in the mirror, her narrative tone unaffected by the Heavenly Monarch's actions.

If the Flood Dragon was not quickly eradicated, it would undoubtedly suggest a lack of strength, yet to demonstrate strength by dealing with the Flood Dragon would intimidate the court officials, making Jiang Li undoubtedly the best choice.

He is now the most powerful minister in the court, displaying formidable strength, complemented by his influence, capable of pressing down on hearts at once, eliminating the need to weed out dissenters at every court session.

Yet, by doing so, it would undoubtedly arouse the apprehension of some, such as the Immortal Queen.

She, temporarily an ally with Tianxuan, was destined to oppose, and conveniently, there was also a person of the Heavenly Monarch by her side—the Fourth Palace Master of Kunxu Immortal Palace, Yun Fei.

The Immortal Queen's gaze fell again on Yun Fei, causing her to tremble, the accumulated majesty over the years bubbling up, making her courage completely collapse as she honestly confessed, "At that time, when King Shu was aided by the Heavenly Monarch, I was present, and as King Shu was restrained, I too was subjected by the Heavenly Monarch, and thus submitted."

"Great Palace Master, pardon us."

Saying this, Yun Fei, a dignified fourth-rank master, was about to kneel on the spot.

But the Immortal Queen merely lifted a hand slightly, a gentle Qi Force propping her up, preventing this Fourth Palace Master from losing face.

"I wish to punish you, but the premise is that I can remove the constraints on you. Unfortunately, I cannot see them."

The Immortal Queen spoke unhurriedly, with a hint of melancholy, "This shows that I am incapable, not comparable to that Heavenly Monarch. An incapable person unable to protect their subordinates has no right to punish their subordinates. I shall penalize you after I advance further."

Yun Fei, previously filled with fear, thinking great disaster had befallen her, suddenly felt at ease as if spring returned to the earth upon hearing these words.

She gratefully expressed, "Thank you, elder sister."

At this moment, from behind a bamboo curtain in the Water Pavilion, another woman's voice emerged, "Elder sister, Yun Fei's words are not entirely unreasonable either. The stronger Jiang Li and Tianxuan become, the more variables your advancement will face; this cannot be ignored."

"To devise such a plan by the Heavenly Monarch, these mentor and disciple are certainly extraordinary," the Immortal Queen naturally understood this, "However, without collaborating with Tianxuan, ascension is distant. Ming Ji, in this world where power ultimately belongs to oneself, strength is fundamental, everything else is void. No matter how rugged the path ahead, I must forge a way, and I will not give Tianxuan the chance to renege."

The implication, naturally, was to wait.

Wait for Guanyin's downfall, wait for the path to advancement to be paved.

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On the other side, above Dragon Abyss Lake.

The Flood Dragon was shot down, the All Heaven Divine Sha destroyed the moves left by the Heavenly Monarch, and the lake water swept into the sky cascaded directly.

The Yinglong Dragon, manifested by the Primordial Lord Rain Master, leapt into the water, diving straight to the bottom of Dragon Abyss Lake, followed by intense tremors, large amounts of Essence Qi surging out, then being corrupted by the Five Vile Qi, the scene underwater showed Qi Mechanism sinking.

The once broken Cave Heaven Blessed Land had finally been destroyed, with part corrupted by the Five Vile Qi, and the remainder sinking into the Earth Veins, merging with it.

After a while, the Yinglong Dragon emerged from the water, landing on the Shooting Flood Dragon Platform, transforming into a graceful figure, nodding to the individuals on the platform, indicating that the idle piece left by the Heavenly Monarch was finally resolved.

"Without any extraneous movements, it seems they all chose to wait."

On the Shooting Flood Dragon Platform, Jiang Li watched the rain cascading like a waterfall, confirming the sound patience of both known and unknown enemies, with full recognition.

Everyone chose to wait, which is the best scenario.

Time is on Jiang Li's side.

Tianxuan also agreed, saying, "This is very good. In this way, I can safely return to the Sect as well."

"?"

The other three simultaneously looked at Tianxuan.

Wasn't it said that only Jiang Li and the Master of Rain would temporarily return to the Sect? Why is Tianxuan going back too?

Since Tianxuan is returning, should Gongsun Qingyue go back as well?

Facing everyone's gaze, Tianxuan replied calmly, "Without a third grade sitting in the Sect, it is ultimately inappropriate, and the situation here in the Divine Capital has already stabilized. Even if something happens, the Great Sacrificial Officer will not sit idly by. Therefore, after careful consideration, I decided to return to the Sect and also investigate if there are any hidden hands of the Heavenly Monarch within the Sect."

After the incident at the Treasure Extreme Cave Heaven, it is already clear that the Heavenly Monarch has a habit of leaving behind hidden pieces. There may well be such pieces within the Sect.

Tianxuan's words indeed made a lot of sense.

"Additionally, I can secretly advance within the Sect," Tianxuan added another reason.

Advancing in the Divine Capital might not escape the Immortal Queen's notice. If she learns that Tianxuan has truly advanced to third grade, she might develop some additional thoughts. To stabilize the Immortal Queen, it is indeed better to advance in secret.

With this reason given, the return to the Sect suddenly became justified and reasonable.

But are there really only these two reasons?

Perhaps not.

'She's anxious.'

Jiang Li glanced at the seemingly composed Old Demon and secretly smiled, but did not object.

With both Tianxuan and Gongsun Qingyue returning to the Sect, there's no need for her to overthink, and he can even seize the opportunity for a vigorous counterattack to regain the upper hand—just hoping not to create an Asura field.

He, Jiang Li, truly had no intention of letting three generations share the same bed!

As for the Divine Capital here, temporarily with Zhu Hui'an, the self-sustaining Palu, holding the fort, there's indeed no need to worry about losing control. In fact, for Zhu Hui'an, Jiang Li's attitude of delegating power in a laissez-faire manner allows him to fully showcase his talents, which delights him.

With all arrangements seemingly settled, the matter of returning to the Sect was naturally decided.

Thus, there was no need to continue guarding the Shooting Flood Dragon Platform anymore, and Jiang Li and the Primordial Lord Rain Master could relinquish their duty of guardianship. It's just...

The problem arose that the Primordial Lord Rain Master had no place to stay in the Divine Capital and would certainly have to stay temporarily at Tianxuan's residence. Tianxuan could not possibly say, "Uncle Master, please stay at an inn."

As for lodging in the wilderness, that's even more impossible.

Who would lodge in the wilderness when there's a place to stay?

So the Master of Rain could only go to Tianxuan's place.

Then where should Jiang Li go?

Return to Tianxuan's residence? No room was actually arranged for Jiang Li there; he ostensibly finds a random room to meditate, but in fact, he stays in Tianxuan's Jade Tower every day.

If he returns, Jiang Li would really just meditate anywhere.

That's no different from being punished to guard an empty bed, a result that Jiang cannot accept if he wants to reassert his spousal authority.

So...

"The Jiang Family Territory over there should be tidied up by now. Before returning to the Sect, I plan to visit the family land." Jiang Li provided a sufficient reason.

Then, he took Gongsun Qingyue's hand and, in front of Tianxuan, lightly patted her hand three times like showing affection and said, "Senior Sister, when we return from the Sect, I'll take you to see our future residence."

Although he's an affiliated son-in-law, Jiang Li is somewhat different from Feng Manlou.

Feng Manlou lives in the home of the Princess, which is akin to marrying in, while Jiang Li marries in and will live with Gongsun Qingyue on the Jiang side in the future.

After speaking, Jiang Li turned and left with his hands behind his back.

The series of actions seemed unremarkable but held a special meaning in Tianxuan's eyes.

Tonight at the third period of night, come see me.

The special communication method between master and disciple was used, and it was clear at a glance.

However, in the past, it was always Tianxuan who sent the signal. This time Jiang Li reversed the Heavenly Gang, using it on his master, which Tianxuan found quite amusing.

As far as she knew, this communication method was used by an ancient Immortal or Buddha to remind his disciple while learning, but in this master-disciple pair, it developed into this special use.

So, should I go?

Tianxuan looked at another disciple, her eyes flickering.