487: Chapter 487 The Three Pure Ones Claim Kinship - Forced Recognition of Senior Uncle

Before long, the four arrived beneath a cliff. A figure already stood by the edge; looking closely, it was Minghe.

Upon seeing the group, Minghe's gaze swept over to Jiang Chen, and he immediately bowed his head: "I kowtow in thanks for Senior's great kindness!"

Jiang Chen waved his hand and spoke indifferently: "It's not really a kindness, just returning something to its original owner. If you had known the truth earlier, you would have probably regretted it deeply."

Minghe hurriedly replied: "I wouldn't dare! This junior has no regrets at all. This was originally Senior's opportunity; it's only right and natural!"

The Sanqing were confused, sensing that there was more to their words than met the ear—they must have met privately before, where Jiang Chen obtained what he wanted and Minghe received a treasure in compensation. As for who got the better deal, it was obvious to any observer: almost all the benefits had surely fallen into Jiang Chen's pocket, so why even ask?

"No need to be formal. Oh? Fellow Daoist, your fortune is profound to have encountered such treasures."

What Jiang Chen pointed to were the four Plantain Fans of Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire, each containing mysterious mechanisms and extraordinary power.

"You flatter this junior! Senior has a discerning eye; they should naturally belong to Senior. How would I dare overstep?" Minghe's words became increasingly cautious.

"Since you found them first, it is your destiny. Why decline? You pick first."

Hearing this, Minghe knew it was a god-given opportunity. Seeing Jiang Chen's determined expression, he felt that persisting in his refusal would be impolite or even annoy the senior. He quickly took the Wind Plantain Fan and respectfully invited Laozi to choose. Laozi then took the Fire Plantain Fan; the remaining Earth and Water fans naturally went to Jiang Chen, and the three had no objections.

Minghe then took his leave, and Jiang Chen did not ask him to stay.

After he had gone far, the four set off directly for Kunlun Mountain. The journey was without further incident, and they soon arrived at the mountain gate.

Jiang Chen already understood the Sanqing's intention in inviting him. Having accepted the sentiment of being a descendant of Pangu, how could he stand by and watch? The Sanqing also spoke solemnly in unison: "We implore Senior to show us the way; we hope you will grant our wish."

"Excellent. Although I have long attained the Dao, I have yet to settle the karma for the Pangu Bloodline. Today, I shall offer this as a sign of respect."

Having said that, Jiang Chen sat cross-legged on a prayer mat and began to explain the Great Dao he had comprehended, his words simple and sincere.

The Sanqing listened hungrily, focusing their minds and not daring to miss a single word. Such an opportunity was rare in a thousand years, especially since the preacher was a mighty being who had attained the Dao even before Hongjun; its weight was self-evident. They devoted all their heart and soul to pondering the deep meaning within.

Jiang Chen deliberately restrained his aura and did not use any magical power, preaching as if chatting casually, without any sign of a Saint descending upon the world.

A thousand years passed in a flash. The Sanqing slowly returned from their epiphany, feeling their minds were clear. The points they had found incomprehensible in the past were suddenly understood, and their cultivation levels rose steadily. Joy arose from their hearts, difficult to restrain.

The three looked at each other, their minds in sync, and they all knelt on the ground: "We kowtow in thanks to Senior Uncle for the grace of transformation!"

"Oh—no, you mustn't! Please get up quickly!" Jiang Chen had just finished his meditation and opened his eyes when he was startled by this display, waving his hands repeatedly. "Absolutely not! What virtue or ability do I have to bear such a title? Fellow Daoists, please do not speak nonsense!"

"Senior Uncle not only attained the Dao before our Master, but is also of the direct Great God Pangu lineage. Considering our origins, we are indeed descendants. Moreover, you are the sole successor of the heaven-opening brand; your status is honorable and perfectly legitimate!" Laozi hurriedly pulled Yuanshi and Tongtian. "Second Brother, Third Brother, don't you agree?"

Yuanshi and Tongtian understood immediately; how could they hesitate? Now that they had one Saint backing them, and could latch onto an even older supporter, their status would be more than just stable. Furthermore, as direct descendants of the Pangu Bloodline, it was only natural to honor him as a senior. In the Primordial World, the strong were always respected—if not for the fact that Jiang Chen's cultivation was unfathomable today, leaving the three with no room for doubt, how could such a scene have occurred?

Fortunately, Jiang Chen reacted quickly. Before he could agree, he suddenly felt something and looked into the distance: "They're here."

Indeed, a group arrived on the clouds. The leader made a deep bow: "Greetings, Sanqing Exalted Ones! The Demon Race's Celestial Emperor Dijun is to be wed to the Lunar Goddess Xi He. We sincerely invite the Sanqing Exalted Ones to attend the ceremony in person."

An abrupt voice broke the silence, dragging the Sanqing back to reality from their daze.

Success was nearly within reach, but now it felt like a red-hot iron ingot was pressing on their hearts, both burning and heavy. The Demon Race messenger stood there. The Sanqing didn't even lift their eyelids; only because etiquette had not been abandoned did they suppress their tempers and not storm off—nowadays, the Demon Race's power was skyrocketing. Even though they had suffered losses during their past struggle with the Witch Race, they had been recuperating all these years and had secretly filled their ranks; their hidden trump cards were likely impenetrable.

"I shall take my leave now. Fellow Daoists, please do as you wish." Jiang Chen moved as fast as the wind, wanting only to leave this place quickly.

Before he could finish, the Sanqing shouted in unison in front of Bai Ze: "Respectfully seeing off Senior Uncle!"

Just as he stepped out of the mountain gate, he froze in place, the veins on his temples throbbing—how did these three have the nerve to stab someone in the ribs with a blunt knife?

"You... you... are simply being unreasonable!"

"Senior Uncle, please understand! Our sincerity is absolute. We hope Senior Uncle will take pity on us and uphold justice!" Laozi held up the gold-stamped invitation with both hands, his waist bent as if it were about to break. Yuanshi and Tongtian stood solemnly with their hands down, their expressions respectful and flawless—especially in front of an outsider, not a single flaw could be found.

Bai Ze, as a Great Sage of the Demon Race, had long heard of Jiang Chen's name but had never met him. The person before him had an obscure aura and casual behavior; for a moment, he didn't recognize him, but was stunned by the Sanqing's respectful manner: who on earth was this sacred being?

Annoyance aside, a thought turned in Jiang Chen's mind, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly—if he really became their elder, then in the future, if he gave them attitude, scolded them, or slammed the table and smashed tea cups, wouldn't they have to stand and listen to his lecture? The dignified Sanqing Saints, unable to even blink after being scolded... just thinking about it made the tip of his tongue feel sweet.

The Sanqing felt their backs tighten for some reason, yet they couldn't say what was wrong. At this moment, they didn't even have the courage to look up, otherwise they would have seen the suspicious bit of drool at the corner of Jiang Chen's mouth—unfortunately, they had delivered themselves to his door. Escape? Too late.

" That's enough., I will reluctantly accept you three as my nephews," Jiang Chen waved his hand. "But don't come looking for me normally. If there's something, go directly to Ancestor Hongjun; he'll surely back you up. As for me... hehe, you go to the banquet with peace of mind. The wedding will be lively, so I won't join in the fun—I'm off!" Before his voice faded, his figure had already turned into a puff of green smoke, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

The Sanqing could only bow loudly again: "Respectfully seeing off Senior Uncle!"

After the figure vanished completely, the three turned to face Bai Ze, their expressions having returned to normal: "We will certainly arrive on time."

"We await the arrival of the three Exalted Ones!" Bai Ze bowed, his attitude becoming even more humble.

But Bai Ze did not move for a long time, and the Sanqing's brows knitted together. Tongtian, being the most impatient, stepped forward and said with a smile: "Does the messenger wish to stay on Kunlun Mountain for a few more days? To admire the sea of clouds and the pines? In my opinion, the jade buildings and rainbow mists of the Celestial Court are much better than the cold mountain scenery here."

How could Bai Ze not hear the underlying meaning? He had wanted to take the opportunity to get close to that mysterious expert, but since the Sanqing were determined to close their doors to guests, he could only bow and leave, his back showing a bit of resentment.

"Pah! Letting Senior Uncle go to congratulate an ant's wedding? Their skin is thick enough to build a city wall!" Tongtian spat as he watched Bai Ze leave. Rarely, Laozi and Yuanshi nodded at the same time, their eyes clearly saying: I think so too.

"Second Brother, Third Brother," Laozi said deeply, "the wedding date is still a hundred years away. Use this time to thoroughly digest and solidify the truths of the Great Dao that Senior Uncle taught. If something goes wrong and we lose face, and Senior Uncle turns against us, no one will plead for you."

The two nodded in agreement and immediately sat cross-legged in meditation, speaking no more.