Chapter 842: The Fiery Elder
As Xiao Ze balanced cultivation with leisurely travels across the Tianluo Continent, he was joined not only by Xun'er but also Mandala, whom Xun'er convinced to come along.
In the eastern region of Tianluo Continent, amidst the enigmatic Seventy Two Mountain Ridges, Xiao Ze, Xun'er, and the others found themselves marveling at the breathtaking natural scenery.
"This intricate landscape is truly nature's masterpiece," Xiao Ze commented, his voice tinged with awe as he addressed Mandala. "I never thought you'd actually agree to join us on this trip."
Mandala, dressed in her signature black gown, rolled her eyes at him.
"You expect me to dedicate my entire existence to the Source Realm, with no time to relax? You won't even let me have this small reprieve?"
Xiao Ze chuckled heartily. "Haha, you know I didn't mean it like that."
Mandala snorted lightly. "It's a good thing I've mastered One Qi into Three Pure Ones. While I'm out here relaxing, my two avatars are taking care of everything in the Source Realm."
"True, it's a miraculous divine ability," Xiao Ze acknowledged. "But are you sure I didn't push you into learning it just so I could exploit you better?"
Mandala crossed her arms and glared at him. "I've thought about it, and you absolutely did! You wanted me to inherit this skill so you could make me work harder for you!"
"No way!" Xiao Ze protested, feigning indignation. "A divine ability like this should never be lost to time. The Heavenly Emperor entrusted it to you because it's a treasure of the Great Thousand World."
Despite his denial, Xiao Ze couldn't deny how useful Mandala's mastery of One Qi into Three Pure Ones had been. It allowed her to manage the Source Realm seamlessly, freeing Xiao Ze to focus on cultivation and other pursuits.
Mandala's Progress
"Speaking of which," Xiao Ze said, his tone turning curious, "didn't the Heavenly Emperor say there were cultivation insights about One Qi into Three Pure Ones stored in the Source Realm's Library Pavilion? Did you manage to retrieve them?"
Mandala nodded, her expression softening into a rare smile. "The Library Pavilion has a will of its own. Since I've provided it with divine abilities it didn't previously contain, it granted me access to the Heavenly Emperor's records without much trouble."
"Thanks to his insights, I've already advanced to the Three Integration Realm."
Xiao Ze raised his eyebrows, clearly impressed. "That's incredible progress! To reach the second stage of such a profound divine ability in such a short time… I didn't expect that."
Mandala smirked and lifted her chin slightly in a rare display of pride. "Surprised, are you?"
"Very much so," Xiao Ze admitted. "A divine ability of this level is extraordinary. For you to master it so quickly is truly impressive."
Mandala's smug expression softened as she continued. "But I owe much of it to the Heavenly Emperor's soul imprint and his detailed guidance in the Library Pavilion."
"The next stage, Three Divine Integration, was something even the Heavenly Emperor didn't master. From here, I'll have to rely on my own comprehension."
Xiao Ze nodded thoughtfully. "Even in the original tale, Mu Chen pushed the technique further than anyone else, reaching the Unity Realm. While that's an ambitious goal, aiming for the Three Divine Integration realm alone would already make a significant impact on your strength."
"Don't worry about pushing yourself too hard," he added. "I can't help much with a technique like this, but if there's anything else I can assist with "
"No need," Mandala interrupted, shaking her head. "You've done enough for me already. If I kept relying on you, I'd feel ashamed."
"Haha, don't say that," Xiao Ze said with a grin. "But speaking of help, I might be able to assist in a different way. There's a legendary pill known as the Sublimation Pill, crafted by an ancient alchemist called the Spirit Butterfly Immortal. It can elevate the comprehension of divine abilities by an entire level."
Mandala tilted her head, intrigued. "I've heard of that pill, but isn't it only effective on ordinary divine abilities? One Qi into Three Pure Ones is among the Thirty Six Peerless Divine Abilities. I doubt the Sublimation Pill would work on it."
"True," Xiao Ze admitted. "But I've developed a similar pill called the Divine Insight Pill. It significantly boosts comprehension for a short period, making it easier to advance divine abilities."
Mandala's golden eyes lit up with interest. Yet, recalling her earlier claim of self sufficiency, she hesitated, her expression awkward.
Xiao Ze laughed, pulling out a small jade bottle containing the pill. "Don't worry I've already prepared some for you."
He handed the bottle over with a smile. "These pills should help you reach the next stage more efficiently."
Mandala took the pills with a rare, genuine smile of gratitude.
A Serene Moment
As they climbed to the summit of the mountain ridges, the group paused to take in the view. From this vantage point, the layered peaks and vibrant natural aura stretched endlessly before them.
The breathtaking scenery filled their hearts with peace and wonder, allowing them to momentarily set aside the burdens of cultivation and responsibility.
A Mysterious Visitor
While Xiao Ze and his companions explored the continent, a visitor arrived at Tianluo City.
The elderly man, dressed in simple robes and carrying a bamboo staff, floated silently above the city. Numerous spirit projections many exuding the aura of Earth Sovereigns flitted around him, yet none detected his presence.
Unperturbed, the elder removed a red gourd from his waist, opened its lid, and took a swig of the fiery liquid inside. The molten substance, hotter than magma, didn't faze him in the slightest.
Just as he lowered the gourd, a white robed figure appeared before him one of Mandala's avatars.
"May I ask who you are?" Mandala inquired, her voice calm but firm.
The elder's eyes sparkled with amusement as he replied, "I am the Fiery Elder, a patrol envoy from the Tai Ling Ancient Clan."
Hearing this, Mandala's expression subtly shifted.
The Tai Ling Ancient Clan... One of the Five Great Divine Clans!
"May I ask what business the Tai Ling Ancient Clan has with the Source Realm?"
The Fiery Elder chuckled, his voice warm yet enigmatic. "I'm here to seek the Source Realm's master. I've come to request a particular pill."
(End of Chapter)
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