In the midst of the eight-scenic palace, there is a separate palace.

    Zhong Liuyuan and Zhang Tianshi watched the live broadcast for a long time without speaking.

    Both deities had not expected that Chen Yun would have solved Zhang Tianshi's former steed, the black tiger, in this way.

    After a long while, Zhang Tianshi, with a wry smile on his face, said to Zhong Liquan, "Zhengyangzi, your disciple... your disciple..."

    For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

    Zhong Liquan also smiled bitterly and said: "To tell the truth, I have been living with this child for more than half a year. In the past, he was respectful to me in front of him, and he was generous in his loyalty as a disciple. I never expected... I never expected..."

    Yes, he was also rendered speechless by Chen Yun.

    Zhang Tianshi laughed loudly, "We cultivators must have such a fearless spirit. He didn't fear me as the Tianshi because of my status and still dared to speak the truth about my mistakes. Indeed, if I had not brought the black tiger to the paradise, I had a great private interest. However, this child respects facts and never spoke lies from the beginning to the end. Even until the end, he enlightened the black tiger and exposed my private interests, resolving the black tiger's grievances. Zhengyangzi, you have a good disciple."

    Zhong Liquan was still somewhat speechless, "This is quite different from what I intended to test his wisdom."

    Today, by having Chen Yun face the Black Tiger, he was meant to let Chen Yun understand how to accurately apply the concept of "momentum," while also testing his true fearless spirit.

    There are rules for humans and the heavens.

    The strength of the Black Tiger has far surpassed the ordinary world. According to the rules of the heavens, he cannot harm ordinary people.

    Therefore, when it first moved against Chen Yun, it was merely to drive him away, not causing the slightest harm to Chen Yun.

    Otherwise, Zhang Jiwen would not have repeatedly reminded the Black Tiger that its strength far exceeded his own, indicating through his words that this black tiger is bound by the rules of heaven.

    According to Zhong Liquan's plan, Chen Yun should have thought of this point and then continuously magnify this advantage, face his fear, be brave and fearless, and finally make the Black Tiger helpless and surrender. Only then can Chen Yun obtain the holy spring.

    Who knew that Chen Yun was shameless, and actually managed to resolve the issue easily by empathizing with the Black Tiger.

    Just speaking of which, Zhong Liquan had to admit that Chen Yun was truly intelligent. After only interacting with the Black Tiger for a moment, he managed to determine that it was Zhang Tianshi's mount, leading to the scene just now.

    Zhang Tianshi laughed and scolded, "Don't be cheap and take advantage. If I had received such an intelligent disciple, I would have been overjoyed."

    Zhong Liquan sighed, "This young one is truly intelligent. It is precisely because of this that I am very worried in my heart."

    Zhang Tianshi asked, "What are you worried about?"

    Zhong Liquan said, "If he uses his intelligence in the path of cultivation, that would be the best. I am afraid that he may have mixed thoughts. At that time, relying on his intelligence, what do you think will happen?"

    Zhang Tianshi thought for a moment and said, "If even you and I cannot predict this young man's future, why not consult my master?"

    Zhong Liquan instinctively turned to look to the left.

    Perhaps he had some intuition, a vague, almost intangible sound resonated from beyond, almost merging with the heavens and earth: "Not having but existing, not non-existing but non-existing, seeing it without form, hearing it without sound. The great way lies between profound existence and profound non-existence. Why delve into the depth of it?"

    Upon hearing this statement, both Zhong Liquan and Zhang Tianshi were greatly shaken within.

    They had never expected that the Supreme Taoist would give this answer.

    ...

    On the other side, Chen Yun and Zhang Jiwen were on their way up the "Heavenly Ladder."

    Unlike being directly transported to the eight-scenic palace by Zhang Tianshi, climbing the "Heavenly Ladder" allows for a clearer view of the scenery as one ascends to the paradise.

    Chen Yun and Zhang Jiwen had just passed the boundary between the heaven and the mortal world.

    This time, he truly saw the environment of the immortal city.

    This is an endless paradise, with no visible end.

    All of these don't matter.

    What matters is that Chen Yun suddenly saw the glow of the Buddha in the far west.

    Without thinking, he pointed to the glow of the Buddha in the far west and said, "Zhiji brother, is that the Buddhist glow?"

    Zhang Jiwen casually glanced over, "Hmm."

    Chen Yun was completely baffled, "The Immortal City is not a place where Taoist deities reside?"

    Zhang Jiwen laughed loudly, "Chong Yun brother, are you joking?"

    Chen Yun said, "What does that mean?"

    Zhang Jiwen carefully explained, "This heaven was created by the Primordial Taoist Lord, Lao Zai is its ruler. He once went to the Westernmost Pass to spread Taoism and became Buddha, although this Buddha is called Buddha, it is also a branch of Taoism. Or, this heaven is created by the Primordial Taoist Lord and this earth is taught by Lao Zai. All beings and creatures, including Buddhist deities, Confucian sages, legalists, diviners, strategists, farmers, and alchemists are all branches of Taoism. There are no Buddhist deities in the Immortal City. All kinds of schools of thought such as Confucianism, Legalism, Yin-Yang theory, Chuanqi culture, agriculture, and heterodox teachings are also present in the city. Even foreign deities that are not considered by mainstream cultures such as Yahweh from the M Cainites or Zeus from ancient Greece or Odin from Scandinavia are also present in the city. Everything in the world is under control of Daoism. The Dao is precious for life. Having tolerance is great. Nurturing all things and making them grow. Only the Dao lasts forever."

    Upon hearing this statement, Chen Yun was greatly shaken.

    After seventeen years in this world, at this moment, he truly understood what kind of world it was.

    This is a world of Taoist mythology!

    In the usual Taoist mythology, there are no Buddhism, Confucianism, Legalism, and foreign gods.

    But this world of Taoist mythology is a bit different, embracing all like a great sea, with Taoism being supreme. Under Taoism, thousands of schools and sects bloom together.

    It makes sense!

    It's no wonder that Guan Yu, who became the Buddha's guardian deity with a status comparable to Wei Tuo, still yearned to become a Taoist deity.

    It seems that this is a world where Taoist mythology is supreme, and all other myths are subsidiary to it.

    As this thought struck Chen Yun, a new question arose in his heart, "Zhiji brother, you just mentioned that the Primordial Taoist Lord created heaven and Lao Zai governed the universe. What about Taishang Daojun, one of the three supreme deities of the Three Purity Three Realm Three Treasures Heaven?"

    Mentioning the Lingbao Celestial Master, Zhang Jiwen spoke with reverence and awe, "The Taojun is the embodiment of the Great Dao. It is said that he has a form that cannot be approached and no form when it seems to exist. The Taojun is the essence of the Dao, understanding the origin of the Dao, being the Qi of the Dao. I have seen Lao Zai, and I have had the fortune to remotely view Yuan Shu Tianzun. Only Taishang Daodaolun, none in this world or sacred beings have seen his true form. However, he does exist truly, so we cannot question him."

    As he said this, it seems that he thought of something and added, "The Taojun has 36 transformations and 72 changes. People who wish to see him, follow his response, and he can be present in countless places."

    None in this world or sacred beings have seen the true form of the Taojun?

    For the first time, Chen Yun heard people in this world talk about the Lingbao Celestial Master, and his interest was piqued instantly.

    The two chatted their way back to the eight-scenic palace.

    ...

    As soon as Chen Yun stepped into the palace, he saw his master with a stern face and Zhang Tianshi with a smiling one.

    He sweated a bit, knowing that criticizing Zhang Tianshi's backstage behavior in the lower realm had made his master unhappy.

    Chen Yun was bold and kneel down on the ground with a splash, "Master, Tianshi, I previously tried to convince Master Xuan to follow me by speaking ill of Tianshi, which injured the harmony between Master and Tianshi. I am willing to accept punishment here."

    Zhong Liquan laughed in exasperation, "My friendship with Tianshi is not something that can be hurt by a few words behind his back. The reason I looked upset was because you, little rascal, are fond of taking shortcuts. You know that the Black Tiger is a transcendent being and, due to the laws of heaven, cannot harm the denizens of the mortal realm. Why didn't you deal with it by using that?"

    Chen Yun said, "There is a more direct method, why should I go around in circles?"

    Zhong Liquan was momentarily at a loss for words and couldn't respond.

    Zhang Tianshi laughed as he watched Zhong Liquan get outmaneuvered by his apprentice. "Zhengyangzi, you're pedantic. The Great Way has thirty thousand paths, but they all lead to the same destination. Chen Yun's method of obtaining the elixir spring is indeed simpler than what you said. Why not use it?"

    Zhong Liquan, of course, knew that Chen Yun's method was indeed more direct and convenient. However, he originally wanted to make Chen Yun understand how to use "power", and show his fearlessness and bravery. Now, he couldn't see any of that. Simply put, Chen Yun's every move was beyond his prediction, which naturally made him very frustrated.

    Eating a loss on his apprentice for the first time, Zhong Liquan began to think that teaching Chen Yun should not be done by following rules and regulations. Perhaps guiding him would be more suitable.

    As he was thinking this, Zhang Tianshi reached out and took the purple golden bowl, "Since the elixir spring has been retrieved, I will make elixir wine right away, so that you, Chen Yun, can take the three fire dates with the elixir wine."

    Chen Yun quickly said, "Thank you, Tianshi."

    As he said this, he was secretly pondering in his heart.

    The fire dates are one of the "legendary fragments" of the Great Perfection Elixir.

    How can he make sure not to swallow the three fire dates right now and keep one for later?

    This difficulty seems a bit high.

    After all, Zhang Tianshi only said to grant him the fire dates to eat, without saying he could leave with them.

    If he doesn't eat the fire dates, it would be a bit of disrespecting to take them without permission.

    The only thing that Chen Yun felt relieved about was that only one fire date was needed in the Great Perfection Elixir.

    He thought about whether he could make a point on this issue to keep one of the fire dates for himself.

    For example, after eating two, he could say he wanted to keep one as a souvenir.

    Just as he was thinking this, Zhang Tianshi pointed his finger, and the elixir spring in the purple golden bowl turned into a stream of water shooting into the refining furnace.

    Immediately afterward, the Master reached out with another gesture, and some celestial and earthroot herbs that Chen Yun did not recognize flew in from outside.

    These celestial and earthroot herbs were also shot into the refining furnace.

    When all preparations were ready, Zhang Tianshi blew a breath and exhaled a ball of immortal air.

    The ball of immortal air touched the refining furnace, and the furnace heated up without fire. In a moment, a column of white mist rose from the top.

    Seeing this, Zhong Liquan smiled, and subtly looked at Chen Yun as if he had thought of something happy.

    Maybe he saw that it was almost ready.

    Zhang Tianshi slowly spoke, "Jiwen, fetch the elixir."

    Zhang Jiwen bowed respectfully and said, "Yes, ancestor."

    After that, he ran over, pinched the seal with his hand, and the lid of the refining furnace floated up automatically.

    Zhang Jiwen reached out with his hand and a wine jar floated over from the shelf.

    He muttered something.

    Soon, a white stream flew out of the refining furnace.

    The white stream that flew out was clearly the freshly brewed elixir wine, yet it exuded a chilling frost when it left the furnace.

    Once the white stream had all entered the wine bottle, Zhang Jiwen turned around and approached the group in front of him. He placed the wine jar on a long table, "Ancestor, the elixir is ready."

    "Yes," Zhang Tianshi nodded slightly and looked to the side, "Zhengyangzi, it's your turn."

    "Good," Zhong Liquan answered, looking at his disciples and saying, "Chen Yun, take the fire dates and sit down to eat them."

    Finally, it's time to eat the fire dates?

    Chen Yun felt a faint excitement in his heart. Although he really wanted to keep one of the fire dates, he hadn't thought of an excuse yet. He knew that he would have to eat them down.

    However, he felt a bit strange in his heart. The fire dates are top-notch immortal fruits. According to legend, after consuming them, one can attain the rank of an immortal and achieve enlightenment immediately.

    He practiced the art of internal refining, although he also needed to borrow external objects, overall, it was still about self-cultivation, and external objects were just an auxiliary.

    Why would his master ask Zhang Tianshi for three to eat himself?

    Does the master think that my cultivation speed is too slow, and wants me to attain enlightenment immediately?

    Chen Yun didn't think so.

    These days, having spent time with his master, he knew that the master always believed in cultivating step by step and had never resorted to hastening the process.

    Therefore, he could immediately determine that after eating the fire dates, his cultivation should not suddenly increase by a huge margin.

    If that's the case, what is the function of the fire dates?

    Chen Yun couldn't make sense of it.

    However, he knew that his master wouldn't harm him, and he could figure it out after eating it.

    Alright, then, he would eat the three fire dates and see what effect they had.

    (Chapter ends)