As Jiang Yi stepped into Taiming Hall, he felt as if he were in a vast, murky void, surrounded by absolute emptiness.

Moments later, strange lights began to flare up, gradually enveloping his body and transporting him to an unfamiliar world.

Below him lay majestic mountain ranges stretching for thousands of miles. Floating peaks and bizarre rock formations hung in the mid-air; some were connected, twisting and winding, while others were scattered about like a smattering of stars.

Jiang Yi opened his hand and made a grasping motion. The dense Spiritual Energy flowed through his palm, leaving behind brilliant motes like fine grains of sand.

He wrapped them in a bit of Magical Power, and the brilliant motes melted like snow, transforming into wisps of Purifying Qi. He then drew them into his Inner Mansion through his mouth and nose, nourishing the golden Daoist lotus within.

He raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

’This Spiritual Mechanism Qi is so pure, it’s almost comparable to the Spiritual Truth Lodge at the Everbright Sky-Lake.’

True Master Xuanmiao, curled up in his robes, poked his head out.

"The Ancestral Sect’s Chrono-Luminous Land... It’s been a long, long time since I was here."

The little cat, full of vigor, climbed onto Jiang Yi’s shoulder and carefully surveyed this world.

A lustrous radiance billowed and surged, spreading like auspicious clouds across the vast expanse.

"Worthy of a first-rate place of Cultivation, created by a Great Power like a Daoist Monarch."

True Master Xuanmiao remarked with a sigh.

The brilliant masses of light that filled the realm were called "Innate Grand Chrono Divine Light," which the Daoist Monarch founder had expended Great Magical Power to refine.

This was also why the Chrono-Luminous Land possessed the power to reverse Yin and Yang and toy with the universe itself.

Jiang Yi released his Divine Sense, swept the area, and found a temporary palace nearby. He then summoned a Profound Light and streaked across the sky like a trailing flame.

The temporary palace must have been built by a True Disciple who came here for secluded Cultivation. The surrounding vegetation was lush and verdant, and a river encircled it with rolling waves.

Jiang Yi retracted the Profound Light, entered the palace, and sat down to continue his comprehension of the "Tri-Odd Parting Yuan Art."

About a hundred days later, the Qi Mechanism around his body suddenly shifted. A supreme-grade True Qi surged outward, flickering in and out of existence, now visible, now gone.

True Master Xuanmiao’s fur stood on end as it shot its round, amber eyes wide open.

"How are there three... Xiao Jiangs?"

The Jiang Yi seated on the meditation cushion wore a serene expression, the corners of his lips upturned in a gentle smile.

Then, a Qi Mechanism rose to his left, drawing in Spiritual Energy from all directions like a tide. In an instant, it solidified into a tangible form.

It was another youth with clear, handsome features, also clad in an aqua-blue Daoist Robe.

True Master Xuanmiao scratched its whiskers. Even though it spent every day and night by Jiang Yi’s side, never leaving him, for a moment it couldn’t tell which was real and which was fake.

A hand landed on the Cat Master’s round head, stroking it gently.

True Master Xuanmiao turned its head to look. It was another Jiang Yi.

Within the temporary palace, three Xiao Jiangs had suddenly appeared!

The appearances, clothing, and dispositions of the three figures were all completely identical.

"I’ve finally succeeded."

Jiang Yi had successfully refined the bodies. A majestic Qi Mechanism shot across the sky like a pillar, causing heaven and earth to rumble. Vast clouds and mists rolled in, obscuring the palace inside and out.

About the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, the Qi Mechanism receded.

Instantly, the clouds and mist dispersed, revealing a clear sky.

True Master Xuanmiao lifted a paw and rubbed its eyes hard, but no matter how it looked, it couldn’t distinguish the real body from the false ones.

"Xiao Jiang?"

True Master Xuanmiao called out.

"Yes?"

The three figures smiled and replied in unison, making the little cat even more confused.

"So, which one of you is the real Xiao Jiang?"

Seeing True Master Xuanmiao’s utter confusion, Jiang Yi laughed heartily, feeling that this True Skill was well worth the effort.

He dispersed the two strands of True Qi condensed in his Inner Mansion, and the two external bodies vanished like smoke.

Only his original body remained seated, its aura as deep as the ocean. With every breath, it seemed he could rip the entire palace from its foundations and send it flying.

’So this Xiao Jiang is the real one.’

True Master Xuanmiao finally identified the original body and thought,

’Three bodies coexisting in the world. How truly wondrous.’

A glint flashed in Jiang Yi’s eyes. He once again circulated the two pellet-like Essences of True Qi, and the two external bodies reappeared out of thin air.

At his command, one waved its great sleeve, unleashing a wave of scorching Red Sky Void True Qi that could incinerate all things. The other formed hand seals, activating the Bingding Crimson Divine Light.

His original body, meanwhile, circulated the "Sun Lord’s Divine Art of Mixed Spirit-Glory Refining." A speck of golden flame leaped from between his brows, passed through the crown of his head, and transformed into a majestic deity.

’The Tri-Odd Art Body condenses two strands of ’Origin Qi.’ I just need to circulate the Origin Qi to manifest my external bodies.’

Jiang Yi’s Divine Sense was perfectly clear, allowing him to perceive his other two bodies with absolute clarity. Every detail was under his command.

Although maintaining this True Skill was incredibly draining, it provided a massive boost to his Magical Combat and Cultivation.

’Even for me, who gathered the Great Medicine of the Six Harmonies and condensed supreme-grade True Qi, I can only maintain this for the time it takes three incense sticks to burn. Any other Qi Cultivation Cultivator would probably have their Magical Power depleted in moments, unable to continue.’

A thought occurred to Jiang Yi. He commanded his two external bodies to sit in meditation, each comprehending a different Daoist Skill.

His Cultivation had progressed by leaps and bounds, and his Merit had risen in kind, but he felt he still lacked a certain degree of refinement.

Now that he was in the Chrono-Luminous Land, it was the perfect opportunity to sort through his progress and shore up any weaknesses.

’If this technique reaches Perfection, I can try my hand at alchemy, formation arts, restriction arts... all of them.’

...

...

「In the outside world, ten days passed in the blink of an eye.」

The Round-faced Steward waited outside Taiming Hall. He pinched his fingers to make a quick calculation; that Daoist Jiang should be coming out of seclusion soon.

He glanced toward the side hall, recalling that True Inheritance Pang of Dui Feng was still waiting there. His heart grew anxious, and he could only pray they wouldn’t start a conflict that might disturb the Sect Leader and the Elders.

Inside the side hall, Pang Zhongwang sat silently in meditation, regulating his Magical Power.

Jiang Yi had taken precedence in using the Chrono-Luminous Land, needlessly delaying him by ten days. The Heart Fire of his indignation was difficult to quell, and his chest was filled with frustration.

Ever since he was promoted to a True Inheritance Disciple, when had he ever suffered such a humiliation?

’One day...’

Pang Zhongwang’s face was grim, a cold light flickering in his eyes.

It is often said that the young are full of hot-blooded pride.

He cultivated [Water Virtue], and his core Daoist Technique was "Imperial Prosperity Water," which granted him long-lasting blessings and immense luck. His temperament was naturally bold and spirited.

If he were to yield in every matter and avoid every confrontation, this "Imperial Prosperity Water" would struggle to maintain its surging momentum.

That was why he had paid no heed to the earlier advice from Yuan Xiao of Zhen Feng.

Only by forging ahead boldly and relentlessly could he keep his "Imperial Prosperity Water" thundering and surging, which in turn would better nourish his Dao Foundation.

This was his path of Cultivation.

’We Cultivators have the Great Dao before us; there is only progress, never retreat. Yuan Xiao, Gu Changling... every one of them is intimidated by the mere title of Daoist, cowering and hesitant. How is someone like that worthy of seeking the Golden Position?’

As this wave of indignation surged within Pang Zhongwang, the "Imperial Prosperity Water" that nourished his Dao Foundation instantly began to churn and cascade like a flash flood.

He let out a small sigh of relief. During his earlier confrontation with Jiang Yi, his own luck had been suppressed, and it had nearly left a shadow over his heart.

By continuously cleansing his Divine Sense and steeling his resolve, he had finally managed to slay that stray thought—a thought that could have affected his path and birthed a Heart Demon.

’If I could just defeat him once...’

A chill rose in Pang Zhongwang’s eyes as he secretly wondered if he should persuade the clan elders to help him inflict a crushing defeat on Jiang Yi before he reached the Flying Foundation Establishment Realm.

That way, his core Daoist Technique, "Imperial Prosperity Water," would surely grow even more magnificent. It might even raise his Dao Foundation high enough for him to enter the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

The sound of a bell suddenly rang out, its tones echoing leisurely throughout Taiming Hall.

The Round-faced Steward quickly straightened up and ordered the palace maids to file inside.

Jiang Yi’s emergence from seclusion this time lacked the great fanfare of Yuan Xiao of Zhen Feng. On the contrary, his features seemed to have lost some of their sharpness, as if he were a Flying Sword with its edge sheathed, all its brilliance concealed.

"Daoist, please cleanse your hands."

The Round-faced Steward bowed deeply. Several lovely palace maids curtsied slightly, presenting a jade basin filled with warm, spiritual water before Jiang Yi.

Jiang Yi did not refuse. Although a Cultivator at the Qi Cultivation Twelfth Layer had long since shed their Mortal Body, such pageantry and ritual were, in fact, superficial formalities used to cultivate an air of authority and a dignified bearing.

As the saying goes, one’s station alters one’s air, and one’s nourishment alters one’s body.

External treatment shapes a person’s form, spirit, and disposition.

Since Jiang Yi was the Daoist of the Ancestral Sect, he could hardly act as a carefree wanderer who ignored such details and lived beyond worldly customs.

Cleansing his hands, washing his face, burning incense...

Once everything was done, Jiang Yi felt a sense of peace in body and mind. The loneliness accumulated from what felt like a hundred years in seclusion vanished like smoke.

"Daoist Jiang, you were on Qian Peak? No wonder I haven’t seen you at the Kan Water Palace these past few days."

Just as Jiang Yi was about to walk out, he heard a crisp, feminine voice. Qu Liu’er had stepped gracefully into Taiming Hall.

He replied with a gentle smile,

"I’ve long heard of the wonders of the Chrono-Luminous Grotto-Heaven, so I came to claim some time for my Cultivation."

Qu Liu’er blinked her large eyes and said,

"Then my timing is perfect, just in time to take over from you, Daoist. The Hongshui Dharma Assembly is in five days, and I was planning on some last-minute cramming to comprehend a few more Daoist Techniques."

’The Hongshui Dharma Assembly?’

Jiang Yi thought for a moment and recalled that this was a grand event organized by the sect to win the Talisman Decrees granting passage to the [Juku Continent].

Yuan Xiao, Pang Zhongwang, and now Qu Liu’er before him—they had all come to the Qian Peak grotto-heaven to expend their Dao Skill, most likely in preparation for this event.

"Then let me congratulate you on your success in advance, Senior Sister Qu."

Jiang Yi smiled and cupped his hands in a salute.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, another person crossed the threshold and stepped into Taiming Hall.

It was none other than Pang Zhongwang.

This True Inheritance Disciple of Dui Feng didn’t even glance at Jiang Yi, speaking directly to Qu Liu’er.

"I’m afraid you’re destined for disappointment, Senior Sister Qu. I’ve already wagered eighteen portions of Dao Skill to exchange for Cultivation time in the Chrono-Luminous Land."

A look of regret flickered in Qu Liu’er’s eyes. At the Hongshui Dharma Assembly in five days, disciples from the Taifu Sect would be attending, in addition to the Innate Sect’s own True Disciples.

She knew she didn’t have absolute confidence that she could stand out and win a Talisman Decree, which was why she had wanted to use the Chrono-Luminous Land to gain fifty years of time to focus on her Daoist Techniques.

"Since Junior Brother Pang has wagered eighteen portions of Dao Skill, I naturally cannot compete."

Qu Liu’er sighed softly and said,

"The spot for the Chrono-Luminous Land... I’ll yield it..."

"Wait a moment."

Jiang Yi smiled faintly. For some reason, whenever his destiny of a perfect Saint King encountered Pang Zhongwang, it stirred an urge to dominate and suppress him.

"Senior Sister, how much Dao Skill do you have?"

Qu Liu’er replied,

"I only have twelve portions of Dao Skill remaining, far less than Junior Brother Pang."

Without looking at the ashen-faced Pang Zhongwang, Jiang Yi said softly,

"I still have ten portions of Dao Skill remaining. I am willing to lend them to you, Senior Sister."

Qu Liu’er was quite surprised. Dao Skill was hard to come by; every great act of merit required one to brave life-or-death dangers.

"How could I possibly accept such a favor from you for no reason, Daoist..."

She was about to refuse, but Jiang Yi cut her off.

"Please, Senior Sister, just accept it. When the [Juku Continent] opens, I’ll be counting on you to keep me safe."

With that, Jiang Yi had the Round-faced Steward record the transaction, transferring all ten of his Dao Skill portions to Qu Liu’er.

"You... you’ve gone too far!"

Pang Zhongwang was so furious he felt he would explode. Killing intent surged in his chest as stormy waves erupted at his feet, threatening to swallow Jiang Yi whole.

"Junior Brother Pang, how dare you be so rude!"

Qu Liu’er’s bright eyes flashed. A watery light emanated from her body, like a waterfall descending from the heavens, and a powerful force sent Pang Zhongwang stumbling backward.

Jiang Yi calmly watched Pang Zhongwang’s ugly expression, feeling his own immense good fortune grow even stronger.

He grinned and said,

"So what if I’m bullying you? Don’t tell me True Inheritance Pang intends to commit insubordination and follow Luo Qingya’s old path?"

The name "Luo Qingya" made Pang Zhongwang shudder violently.

That’s right. He suddenly remembered that Jiang Yi had killed a Grand True Master at the Fifth Layer of Foundation Establishment.

Although Pang Zhongwang knew in his heart that such a terrifying ability must have its limits and that Jiang Yi couldn’t possibly use it at will... as a True Inheritance Disciple of the Ancestral Sect with a broad path and a brilliant future ahead of him, why should he be the one to test it?

"I... lost my composure for a moment. I beg the Daoist’s forgiveness."

In the flash of a thought, Pang Zhongwang slowly lowered his head. The "Imperial Prosperity Water" that had been surging and thundering moments before was instantly choked at its source, dwindling from a mighty river to a mere trickling brook.

"This Daoist is magnanimous. Don’t let it happen again."

Jiang Yi flicked his sleeve and turned to leave. Once outside Taiming Hall, he transformed into a streak of rainbow light and vanished into the sky.

PFFT!

After Jiang Yi was gone, Pang Zhongwang could no longer hold back. His vision went dark as he spat out a mouthful of Essence blood. He gnashed his teeth and seethed,

"How dare he humiliate me so! He’s damaged my Dao Foundation!"