Tao Qian had just been transferred over, and everyone looked at him in unison, with Duobao Daoist directly challenging him,
"Just now, I thought I heard someone speaking ill of Master behind his back; what a pity that Daoist painstakingly devised a plan, not minding offending Miraculous Tree Great Venerate, just to help his disobedient disciple achieve a more perfect Foundation Establishment."
"You ingrate, not only do you not appreciate my efforts, but you also accuse me of scheming behind my back—this is not something a good disciple should do."
After finishing his words, the Daoist immediately displayed an evil and fearsome expression.
Combined with his robust build and face, his intimidating presence was undeniable.
However, Tao Qian remained unfazed, and even retorted,
"Master never mentioned the Three Demon Immortals when he sent me to the Miraculous Tree, not even a hint, leaving me, a little cultivator naive to the ways of the world, to face the unwitting Miraculous Tree Demon Immortals who had fallen from grace. Had I not guessed Master's intentions, just one misstep could have fallen right into the demons' trap."
"Not only would your disciple die and vanish, but Master would also lose face."
As soon as Tao Qian finished speaking, Duobao Daoist's eyes, sharp as copper bells, stood up in feigned anger,
"You even thwarted Bai Qin's bald donkey's conspiracy, storing the Buddha Bird relics that were the key to his cultivation into your own treasure bag, and you still need me, your Master, to worry about a yellow aphid, a big black cicada, and a fluttering moth?"
"Now tell me, just how much did you gain this time? Without draining that Great Venerate's root dry, could you have filled your Taishang Treasure No-leak Body? Without those stinking bugs, could you have obtained the Spirit Treasure Immortal Binding Technique?"
Duobao had just spat out these words, not waiting to continue his reprimand.
Suddenly, Tao Qian's expression turned solemn, and he bowed formally with three kowtows to Duobao Daoist, before genuinely saying,
"Thank you, Master, for your meticulous planning. This time I was able to perfectly complete my Foundation Establishment and ascend a level on my Dao path, largely thanks to Master's Divine Skills, and it affirms that your disciple did not choose wrongly that day."
A flattering remark quickly brought the faux anger of Duobao Daoist to a smile.
However, he soon realized that while the flattery was one thing, the slick disciple had effectively confirmed his little schemes.
The lonely Daoist, who had been alone for many years, was then eager to engage in a verbal sparring with his disciple.
But at that moment, a series of glows started flashing outside the hall, and one after another, a variety of oddly dressed, distinctive looking Demon Immortals and Daoists, all radiating Divine Light and Immortal Qi, appeared in succession.
What had appeared to be an unnamed palace that had seemed vast and desolate, suddenly became filled with celestial music, suffused with a radiance of dawn, and rising mists, transforming the place as if it were a heavenly pavilion on high, where Immortals and True Masters would discuss Dao and watch the stars.
Leading the way was an unattractive Daoist with his chest bare, a treasure sword at his waist, and a Yellow Gourd on his back. He'd clearly overheard the conversation between the master and disciple outside the hall.
Upon entering, he immediately laughed and said, "This child's temperament and means are almost identical to those of our eldest brother in his youth, even with an even thicker skin, well suited to be your disciple."
As soon as the ugly Daoist finished speaking, a white-robed Immortal, his hair and skin also pallor white, clearly non-human, holding a pipa, nodded in agreement.
Approaching Tao Qian, he gave him a look-over and said,
"I am Bai Xie Daoist; you may call me Master Scorpion."
"My disciple couldn't restrain his greed and fell victim to the Three Demon Immortals; I'd face some difficulties if I took action myself, but luckily you handled those three fiends for me, and for that I must thank you."
"This object is called [Scorpion Immortal Stinger], a venomous needle sloughed from my true form. Though I've only rushed to refine it once, it's already sufficient for enemy encounters. Even a Cultivator of the Transcend Mortality Realm would instantly die upon a prick from this needle, while a loose cultivator would perish on the spot. A disciple from a Great Sect like the Taishang Dao might have the means to withstand it, but would still endure unbearable agony. At that point, you could deliver the killing blow."
Watching Master Scorpion walk up to him, Tao Qian felt no emotional fluctuation while receiving the thanks and being handed an object about a foot long, tapered at both ends, and with a chilling whitish-blue glow.
As the exchange continued, Tao Qian felt a cold killing intent emanate from the poison needle.
It was clear that Master Scorpion was ruthless, even considering Taishang Dao disciples as measuring sticks.
The first Foundation Establishment disciple who couldn't resist the secret harm of the Three Demon Immortals was Master Scorpion's own.
It was fortunate that Tao Qian had acted; one could hardly imagine the torment the Three Demon Immortals would have faced at his hands.
Bai Xie Daoist, thus setting a precedent.
As Tao Qian received the vicious Magical Treasure under the beaming encouragement of Duobao Daoist, the first ugly Daoist who had entered the hall slapped his greasy belly.
Reaching inside, he remarkably fetched out a slightly smaller Yellow Gourd.
While tossing it toward Tao Qian, he said,
"This item is called [Blood Demon Gourd], only a playful imitation of my great treasure, not for serious use."
"However, since you've acquired the Spirit Treasure Immortal Binding Technique, it pairs nicely. Once you've bound someone, use this gourd to collect them, and after shaking it thrice, within a few days, the enemy inside will dissolve into pus."
"Of course, if you don't wish to kill, just avoid shaking the gourd."
Taking the gourd, Tao Qian felt as if the term 'not for serious use' was being redefined for him.
After receiving the Scorpion Immortal Stinger and the Blood Demon Gourd, two malevolent Magical Treasures, he scarcely had time for reflection.
He saw Demon Immortals and Daoists, one after another, sizing him up seriously and nodding with smiles, subsequently throwing many more Magical Treasures, Elixirs, alien objects, and even Divine Power Skills, Exotic Skills, and the like his way.