Taiyi Dao Fruit

In the sky dominated by golden-yellow, golden light illuminated everything, and yellow clouds drifted, creating an illusion of the Immortal Realm.

Gongsun Qi stood on a patch of auspicious clouds, slowly retracting a trace of his thoughts.

"Brother? It seems the Great Venerable can really humble himself, quite the mood," Gongsun Qi murmured as he recalled the message he had received.

This so-called brotherhood was not something formed overnight, but through long-term strategy. That is to say, the Great Venerable and Jiang Li had long referred to each other as brothers.

The first thing that came to Gongsun Qi's mind was an Affiliated Son-in-law closely associated with Jiang Li who had also revealed his identity as a member of the Feng Clan during the previous great battle.

Thus, Gongsun Qi commented on the Great Venerable's ability to humble himself and his good spirits. He had become an Affiliated Son-in-law; how could he not be in high spirits?

However, this notion of brotherhood could also be interpreted differently. For example, the alliance between the Ji Family and the Jiang Family in the past, which jointly controlled Jiangshan Mountain, was also called a Brotherhood Alliance.

Observing Jiang Li and the Great Venerable, Gongsun Qi believed, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance they had also made a similar pact, witnessed by Heaven itself. Only such a pact could bind even Supreme beings to its terms and conditions.

So, the question arose – why would Jiang Li say this?

Not to mention what Heaven might do in the future, for now, Gongsun Qi had the ability to evade oath constraints. Was there a hidden message in Jiang Li's words?

Was he suggesting a transaction?

"This is him being clever with me," Gongsun Qi thought, chuckling quietly.

He kept this possibility in mind and was about to take action when he suddenly looked ahead.

He saw a deep and obscure dark light appear in the sky which rapidly expanded. Yin energy surged like blazing flames, and three huge eyeballs appeared within the dark Yin Qi.

"Earth Uncle."

Gongsun Qi's smile faded to neutrality as he looked at the eyeballs arranged in a triangular formation, like molten lava, and said, "A sudden visit, what brings you here?"

The Fire Eye slowly turned, focusing on Gongsun Qi, and the old man's peaceful voice sounded, "There's no specific matter; I merely heard that the disciple of the Heavenly Monarch died at the hands of that Jiang youngster and came specially to offer condolences. After all, the timely rescue from my subordinates was lacking, and I ought to take responsibility."

Condolences?

It seemed more like he wanted to gather information about his own situation.

Gongsun Qi showed no signs of action regarding the disciple's death, treating him like a discarded pawn. Why he would treat his personally groomed disciple as a pawn was precisely what Earth Uncle wanted to know.

"It seems Junior Sister Tianxuan has told you something," Gongsun Qi lightly said.

"Nothing much," Earth Uncle laughed, "That young girl Yuan Xi is still as thoughtful as ever. Upon seeing me, she wanted to sow discord between me and the Heavenly Monarch, claiming the Heavenly Monarch is only showing weakness temporarily and will eventually turn against me. She even said that the Heavenly Monarch would influence my mind… Ha, that girl has a lot of cunning, yet it's a pity she uses it all on her clan."

"Junior Sister Tianxuan shouldn't have acted that way," Gongsun Qi said, shaking his head and slightly lifting his hand, a Jade Scroll appeared in his grasp, "But what she said isn't without reason. To prevent future conflicts, I am willing to share a part of the Yin Talisman Scripture with you as a gesture of sincerity."

Though Earth Uncle was only a projection from afar, in that instant, he felt a sudden rush in his breathing.

And Gongsun Qi saw right through it.

Earth Uncle's visit to offer condolences was false, and while there was some intention to test the waters, it wasn't the main purpose. His true motive lay in the Magic Door created by Gongsun Qi, especially the part in the Yin Talisman Scripture.

Earth Uncle might not truly believe Tianxuan's words, but he definitely coveted the Yin Talisman Scripture. He must be confident he wouldn't be counter-attacked by Gongsun Qi, but that didn't stop Earth Uncle from using it as a pretext to probe for the Yin Talisman Scripture.

Furthermore, if Gongsun Qi was willing to hand over the Yin Talisman Scripture, it also indicated that he was indeed in a position where it was difficult to make a move.

All of this Gongsun Qi saw clearly with no missed details.

"Ah, how could this be appropriate?"

Earth Uncle feigned reluctance: "This is fundamental to the Heavenly Monarch's standing; how could I accept it?"

"To avoid conflicts, this is the best solution," Gongsun Qi said sincerely, "And the Jade Scroll only contains parts of the Magic Door, related to Avoiding Tribulation and resisting the integration of Heavenly Will. If Earth Uncle could successfully cultivate it, it would help face any potential Heaven's Punishment that might occur. While you may not be completely free from bindings, it would still offer you substantial assurance."

"Furthermore, this can prevent the influence on your mind, letting Junior Sister Tianxuan's attempts to drive a wedge come to naught."

With these words, Earth Uncle had to admit, he was genuinely tempted.

Having faced Heaven's Punishment, he knew full well the severity; the last punishment had required him to recuperate for over a decade, only recovering by Gongsun Qi's help and absorbing the Residual Souls of the suffering living creatures in Liangzhou.

Given the standoff between the Yin Law Department and Jiang Li, he might soon face the Heavenly Thunder.

That naturally sinister Jiang youngster, full of cunning tricks, might not actively attack, but he could still fall victim to his schemes and face Heaven's Punishment.

Moreover, the Magic Door to resist the integration of Heavenly Will also precisely touched Earth Uncle's concerns.

Considering Gongsun Qi's ability, which was nearly deceptive even for a third-grade being, how could Earth Uncle not be cautious? If he could obtain this Magic Door, it indeed could make future collaborations less risky.

In sentiment and reason, in public and private, Earth Uncle found reasons to accept the Jade Scroll.