Although they had never truly battled, everyone knew from the murderous means Tao Qian had displayed
that among the eighteen, even if he didn't rank in the top tier, he could still hover around tenth place.
What's most terrifying is that he's merely at the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Above him in Cultivation Realm, all seventeen were ahead of Tao Qian, and admiring his temperament, they all wanted to share their experiences of transcending mortality with him.
Just this sharing alone brought them all a shocking piece of news.
"Junior Tao, did you just say you chose the Third Method to refine your Dao Foundation?"
True Inheritor Yang Jie furrowed his brow and spoke in surprise.
The rest, upon hearing this, also showed similar expressions.
Brother Ma Yuan, who had once accompanied Tao Qian on Eight Immortals Island, now showed his three heads and six arms while nibbling on Longevity Immortal Peaches, and with a look of astonishment, he said,
"The Third Method? When I wished to transcend mortality, Master had mentioned this method to me too; its benefits are immense, but so are its dangers, and it's exceedingly troublesome, especially since I've heard that without the protection of the Ancestor God Forbidden Techniques, the Mortal World is undergoing a great struggle, fraught with tribulations and dangers everywhere... Junior Tao, you've been a bit reckless this time."
Brother Huang Zhen, who had become close with Tao Qian and had refined the Mao Ri Dharma Form, also added,
"I had guessed that, with Master Duobao's rich treasure vault, Junior Tao would be able to transcend mortality quickly and increase his combat power."
"Who could have expected? Junior Tao chose the most difficult Refining Dao Foundation Method and has to re-enter the Mortal World; that's truly troublesome, so troublesome."
"I was saying we should often come to your Ascending Immortal Arena for fun in the future, these peaches are delicious, and the scenery of Flame Mountain is also beautiful... but you're saying you're heading out on a long journey, so I will eat a few more peaches before you leave."
After these two had spoken, most of the true inheritors nodded in agreement.
But including Yang Jie, among the top five, although they were also surprised, after some thought, they all looked at him with admiration and respect.
Yang Jie recalled Tao Qian's experiences and seemed to have an epiphany, nodding and saying, "Junior Tao has a compassionate heart and a grand vision; indeed, he may well change the course of heaven."
Master Yu Chen also agreed, saying, "Junior Tao is certainly no ordinary person."
Golden Crow Fairy, Senior Sister Lu, gazed at Tao Qian with even brighter eyes, saying, "I used a celestial omen to refine my Dao Foundation, I cannot compare with Junior Tao. I wish for Junior Tao to achieve his desires soon."
Master Yan Demon, Brother Wei, remained his usual self, and now looking at Tao Qian, he casually nodded and said, "Junior Tao, not bad."
After these four had spoken, there was Master Taixuan, who was once missing an arm, True Master Xuu Xun, the big brother.
He also cast his gaze over and then very seriously said,
"Choices of the Dao Path depend on the individual, Junior Tao's selection following his heart is naturally top-notch and the most suitable for refining his practice."
"Junior Tao has astonishing talent, and his Divine Skills are not something ordinary people can compare to; if it were any other time, the Third Method wouldn't be difficult for Junior Tao, who would easily overcome and refine it."
"But now, the Mortal World is in its most chaotic state in two thousand years. Even someone like me, who cultivates in quiet within the Mountain Gate, has heard all kinds of things from my family's messengers; the forces involved now are countless, including Daoist Sects, Buddhist Temples, many heresies and heterodoxies, and secret Demon Sects... The Cultivation World can't avoid this tribulation and must become thoroughly involved."
"I hail from the Xuu Family, which is a millennia-old noble house. Some elders wanted to use my status to woo the Spirit Treasure Sect, but they miscalculated and were flatly refused by me."
"However, Junior Tao, if you need help on your journey to the Mortal World, simply send word, and your elder brother will definitely come to assist you."
After saying this, everyone at the meeting, including Tao Qian, changed their expressions.
It was clear to all that this was a promise.
No one expected that Master Taixuan would suddenly make such a significant commitment.
It's known he had also refused his own family's requests for help, but now he was promising that if Tao Qian sent for him, he would rush over to help.
Tao Qian's expression changed; he was just about to speak in reassurance.
But then he saw Xuu Xun raise a hand to stop him, continuing very seriously,
"Junior, don't say anything, what your elder brother desires is exactly this; how could you stop it?"
"The rest of you junior brothers and sisters needn't follow me; matters of cultivation are personal, and facing a Cultivation Tribulation is no small task."
"With the current surge of tribulation energy in the Mortal World, even if one or two Tribulation Immortals were to intervene, they would not avoid a fate of death and the extinguishing of their Dao."
"Not to mention you have only just transcended mortality; don't suddenly decide and then be unable to pay the price, vainly ruining your own Dao Path; don't forget the lessons learned from Senior Sister Lingji's past."
With that, Xuu Xun rarely displayed a stern expression.
These few words seemed to have truly convinced those true inheritors who wanted to casually promise to accompany Tao Qian.
The sound of Dao entered their ears, and everyone understood.
Perhaps Master Xuu Xun was offering this promise in return for a favor on Eight Immortals Island? Or might it be some other reason?
Regardless, the weight of this promise was too great.
Tao Qian thought for a moment, then merely held up a cup of Immortal Wine and thanked him, "Elder Brother has been considerate, younger brother is gratefully obliged."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Brother Ma Yuan, with a horse's head emerging from beneath a pile of Immortal Peaches, seemed to remember something; with three pairs of arms patting his three heads, he had a sudden realization,
"Junior Tao, since you've chosen the Third Method and are going into the world to face tribulations, you'll inevitably have dealings with the Imperial Family of the Longevity Heavenly Dynasty."
"Just recently, two princes and princesses have arrived within our Mountain Gate."
"The prince has been accepted by Junior Master Mingxiao."
"The princess has been taken in by Aunt Cai Yun."
"Both are considered to be our junior brothers and sisters, and today I saw them in the distance—they're here too. Why don't we invite them over to get acquainted first, so that when Junior Tao enters the Mortal World, it will be more convenient for your undertakings."