Chapter 211 - 122: Averting Tribulations, Cyan and Purple Pearl Fruit

Chapter 211: Chapter 122: Averting Tribulations, Cyan and Purple Pearl Fruit

The Immoral Taoist had now returned, making a grand and open appearance. It was clear there was no sinister plot afoot. Seeing an opportunity delivered right to his door, Xuzhuang felt he no longer needed to forcefully refuse. After a moment of thought, he brought up the item the two Zhenrens had mentioned. "Zhenren, what is this ’Cyan Tribulation Pearl Fruit’ you spoke of?"

"The Cyan Tribulation Pearl Fruit is the fruit borne by that Innate Spirit Root," the Immoral Taoist said, stroking his beard. "I’m guessing you haven’t seen much of the world, kid. But have you ever heard of the Purple Tribulation Pearl Fruit?"

"Purple Tribulation Pearl Fruit?" Xuzhuang pondered. "That fruit is indeed quite famous. It’s rumored to help one avoid calamities and pass through tribulations, making it an ultimate treasure for cultivators."

"That’s right." The Immoral Taoist smacked his lips. "Forget the rumors. I can tell you that a single Purple Tribulation Pearl Fruit allows a Primordial Spirit True Man to postpone the Three Calamities for three thousand six hundred years. This is completely different from those so-called Tribulation Avoidance Techniques. Postponing the Three Calamities by consuming a Purple Tribulation Pearl Fruit poses absolutely no hindrance to a Primordial Spirit True Man’s cultivation, travel, or even combat. It’s the real deal for avoiding calamities and tribulations!"

"I see." Xuzhuang’s eyelid twitched. He knew that although Primordial Spirit True Men enjoyed immense longevity, they still had to face the Three Calamities. There were Tribulation Avoidance Techniques, of course. Someone like True Master Xu Chen had lasted for ten thousand years, but the moment his Dharma Origin Grotto Heaven was breached, he could no longer escape his fate and had to rely on a True Form Treasure just to cling to life, let alone fight or cultivate. ’Although I don’t know the exact details,’ Xuzhuang thought, ’it can’t be without consequences. Otherwise, the Three Calamities wouldn’t be considered so terrifying.’

And yet, a Purple Tribulation Pearl Fruit could postpone the Three Calamities for a Primordial Spirit True Man without hindering their cultivation or combat at all. ’The implications are enormous. Just the unhindered cultivation alone would grant a True Man an extra three thousand six hundred years to advance their cultivation, or three thousand six hundred years to find an opportunity. Wouldn’t that dramatically increase their chances of ultimately overcoming the tribulation?’

Seeing that he had successfully stunned Xuzhuang, the Immoral Taoist stroked his beard in satisfaction. "The Innate Spirit Root passed down through my Yi Dao Lineage bears twelve fruits every three thousand six hundred years: one Purple Tribulation Pearl Fruit and eleven Cyan Tribulation Pearl Fruits. The Purple Tribulation Pearl Fruit can postpone tribulations for three thousand six hundred years, and the cyan one isn’t far behind, offering one thousand two hundred years of reprieve."

"As long as you’re willing to fight on my behalf, I guarantee you’ll get a Cyan Tribulation Pearl Fruit upon victory. Even though you haven’t reached the Primordial Spirit realm yet, it would be a fine thing to save for later or offer to an elder, wouldn’t it?" Here, the Immoral Taoist winked. "Worst case, you could take it yourself and extend your life by twelve hundred years. Wouldn’t that greatly increase your chances of reaching the Primordial Spirit realm? So? I’m not pulling your leg, am I? This is a true win-win."

Xuzhuang nodded and glanced at Daochen Zhenren. Seeing him sitting there, impassive and silent, a sudden inspiration struck Xuzhuang. He asked, "Zhenren, your original plan was to trade with my Tai Su Orthodox Sect, offering us one Cyan Tribulation Pearl Fruit? In that case, I..."

"Ahem..." The Immoral Taoist coughed, casting a suspicious glance between Daochen Zhenren and Xuzhuang. His beard bristled as he glared. "You kid... If you dare promise me you’ll take first place and win me that Purple Tribulation Pearl Fruit, I’ll give you two Cyan Tribulation Pearl Fruits. Do you dare?"

Xuzhuang smiled faintly. "You misunderstand, Zhenren. What I mean is, avoiding calamities and tribulations is still a rather distant concern for me. Besides the Cyan Tribulation Pearl Fruit, do you perhaps have any other rewards to offer?"

The Immoral Taoist said in annoyance, "You slippery little imp..."

Just when Xuzhuang thought the man was about to fly into a rage, he saw him rummaging in his sleeve. The Immoral Taoist pulled out a white handkerchief, shoved it into Xuzhuang’s hand, and exclaimed, "This is called the Five Qi Heroic Spirit Pouch. Activating it once can save your life. After each use, it must absorb the five Qis for fifty years before it can be used again. I’ll lend it to you... hmm, for three uses. After you’ve used it three times, it will return to me on its own."

Xuzhuang accepted the Five Qi Heroic Spirit Pouch, his heart faintly stirred. The Immoral Taoist, perhaps fearing Xuzhuang would push his luck, warned, "If you’re still not satisfied, I have no more goodies for you."

Xuzhuang smiled faintly, put away the Five Qi Heroic Spirit Pouch, and replied, "You misunderstand, Zhenren. I’m not an insatiable person. I accept the deal."

"Now that’s more like it," the Immoral Taoist said, satisfied. But then Xuzhuang’s tone shifted as he asked, "Zhenren, about what you said earlier... if I take first place, I get two Cyan Tribulation Pearl Fruits. Does that offer still stand?"

The Immoral Taoist rolled his eyes in exasperation and huffed, "It stands, of course it stands..." At this, he seemed to think of something and let out a sly chuckle. "Don’t get too excited, kid. Taking first place won’t be that easy."

"Rest assured, Zhenren. I will not take it lightly," Xuzhuang replied.

"You’d better not," the Immoral Taoist huffed. "Focus on practicing your Divine Techniques. When the time comes, I’ll come to the Tai Su sect to find you."

Xuzhuang hesitated. "I wonder, Zhenren, if you could give me a specific time? I have a few other things to take care of and might not be at the sect when the time comes."

"What?" The Immoral Taoist’s brow furrowed deeply. "Instead of preparing properly, where do you plan on gallivanting off to?"

Xuzhuang glanced at Daochen Zhenren. Only after seeing the latter give a slight nod did he say, "Senior, have you heard of the Celestial Waterfall Realm?"

"The Celestial Waterfall Realm?" The Immoral Taoist was startled. "What is your Tai Su Orthodox Sect doing, going all the way to... the Celestial Waterfall Realm?"

Xuzhuang raised an eyebrow, but the Immoral Taoist simply glanced at Daochen Zhenren, shook his head, and said, "Ah, forget it. It’s none of my business."

He mulled it over for a moment. "The Celestial Waterfall Realm... It’s not like I’m going there to stir up trouble; I’m allowed to go. In short, if I can’t find you at Tai Su when the time comes, I’ll just go find you in the Celestial Waterfall Realm." He then added, "There won’t be a third location, will there?"

Xuzhuang nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. I will await your message, Zhenren."

The Immoral Taoist grunted softly, then rose to his feet. He turned to Daochen Zhenren and said, "Well then, this old Daoist will take his leave. Thank you for your hospitality, Zhenren."

Daochen Zhenren smiled. "No need for such formalities, fellow Daoist. Attendant, see our guest out."

Hearing the summons, Zhi Xing entered the room and bowed to the Immoral Taoist. The Immoral Taoist gave another bow to Daochen Zhenren before following Zhi Xing out.

At this, Xuzhuang breathed a small sigh of relief. He was about to speak when Daochen Zhenren raised a hand, stopping him. "Junior Brother Xu," Daochen Zhenren said calmly, "you are aware that all Nascent Soul true disciples are now required to take up positions in the Three Halls, correct?"

Xuzhuang’s heart skipped a beat. "Yes," he replied, "I am aware."

Daochen Zhenren nodded. With a flick of his finger, a jade tablet floated down. "Whether they are in seclusion or traveling in the outer realms, all Nascent Soul true disciples must take up their posts in the Three Halls as soon as possible. You are no exception."

Xuzhuang accepted the jade tablet. "Yes. I will obey the Sect Leader’s command."

"Good," Daochen Zhenren stated. Then, his form blurred and vanished without a trace.

’Take up a post in the Three Halls... The Sect Leader already gave me permission to visit the Celestial Waterfall Realm again. Why is he now ordering me to take up my post so urgently? Could it be...?’ Xuzhuang put the jade tablet away, lost in thought. ’Furthermore, the Three Halls manage all the major affairs of the sect. The Sect Leader didn’t give me a chance to speak, but instead brought up taking this post... Is he implying that I should decide for myself?’

Xuzhuang carefully replayed the conversation with the Immoral Taoist and Daochen Zhenren in his mind, then sorted through his own original plans. He nodded thoughtfully, then left the side hall. Seeing that Zhi Xing wasn’t around, he headed outside on his own.

PS: 5400 is basically 6000, right? Nothing wrong with that.