Volume One: The Calamity of the Lich Chapter 154: Qingxuan's Proposal, the Choice of the Three Purities to Change Fate

In the end, Tongtian resolutely turned his gaze to Qingxuan, then spoke without hesitation.

“Senior, I still wish for the Sword of Slaughter. If I cannot witness the complete formation of the Immortal Execution Sword Array, there will be a flaw in my Dao heart. I am unwilling to accept this; I hope you will grant me this wish!”

Qingxuan seemed unsurprised, as if he had expected this all along.

Indeed, if Tongtian were so easily resigned, could he still be the proud and unyielding Tongtian?

“Very well. This item is of no use to me; keeping it serves no purpose. I see your swordsmanship has reached a profound realm. I do have an idea that could benefit you, though it comes with danger. Would you care to hear it?”

After speaking, Qingxuan looked at Tongtian.

“Please tell me, Senior. I would like to hear your words before making a decision.”

Tongtian understood from Qingxuan’s words that this might be an opportunity, but it could also bring irreversible consequences if not handled well.

“You three are still searching for items to sever your corporeal form, aren’t you? Actually, there are several treasures suitable for this purpose now.”

Upon hearing this, the three looked at Qingxuan in confusion.

“Senior, may we ask which ones you mean?”

Qingxuan smiled at them before replying.

“Have you forgotten what you acquired atop Kunlun Mountain?”

“Do you mean these three items?” The three produced the Coiling Dragon Cane, the Three Treasures Jade, and the Azure Lotus Sword.

“But Senior, we feel these three items are important to us.”

They looked at Qingxuan, puzzled.

“Important, indeed. But you three of the Three Purities were originally one. It depends on whether you can make the choice.”

“There are two ways to solve this.”

The trio looked at Qingxuan in doubt.

“May we ask what those solutions are?”

“The Three Purities were once one, and your fortunes are linked. The first method is simple and direct: one of you uses all three items to sever your corporeal form. This is effective but has its drawbacks; if handled poorly, it could harm your harmony.

The second method is far more complicated, yet greatly beneficial to you. Each of you uses one item to sever your corporeal form, but this requires your fortunes to be completely united. Each time you sever, your origins must merge, increasing the chance of ultimate success. The choice is yours.”

The three were deeply shaken and exchanged glances.

They understood well that both options had advantages and drawbacks. The first seemed straightforward but risked harming their bond, and was thus inadvisable.

The second would tie them together completely: they would prosper or suffer as one. But it would also forge a closer relationship.

After a long silence, Taiching took a deep breath and looked at Qingxuan.

“But Senior, we only have these three items of common origin now. And we have no idea how to proceed.”

“Indeed, the greatest difficulty lies in merging your origins and fortunes, which is extremely challenging. You must sever your corporeal forms together, merging your origins each time to increase the final chance of success.

Of course, if you have no thoughts on either method, you may follow your original plan.

As for Tongtian’s wish for the Sword of Slaughter, I can help you purge its baleful aura. Though it loses some power, it gains other marvels. All four swords can be used for severing, which is a unique way to prove your Dao.”

Finally, Qingxuan looked at the three, waiting for their choice.

“Senior, may we discuss among ourselves before giving you an answer?”

Taiching inquired.

“Certainly. Take your time. When you have decided, inform me.”

With that, Qingxuan waved them off without concern.

Once the three had left, Ao Qing curiously asked Qingxuan,

“Master, why do you treat them this way?”

Ao Qing, having followed Qingxuan the longest, understood him best.

Yet at this moment, he could not fathom Qingxuan’s intentions. Qingxuan clearly had no intention of revealing anything, merely instructing Ao Qing to arrange a quiet place for the three.

After everyone had departed, Ao Qing was unaware of the complex emotions flickering in Qingxuan’s eyes.

Meanwhile, with the Three Purities, Ao Qing soon took them to a resting place in the Dao Court, offering them spirit fruits and teas.

“Ah, Senior truly knows how to enjoy himself! These things, extinct in the outside world, are commonplace here.”

“What do you two think of Qingxuan’s proposal?”

The other two looked at Taiching and spoke in unison.

“We leave it to big brother.”

Once they finished, Taiching closed his eyes and began to ponder deeply.

Time passed before Taiching opened his eyes and saw his two brothers also lost in thought.

Taiching had reached a conclusion. Suddenly, as if inspired, he entered a mysterious state.

When Yuanshi and Tongtian awoke, they noticed Taiching in this special state and wisely did not disturb him, instead guarding him quietly.

When Taiching finally opened his eyes and saw his brothers beside him, he spoke directly.

“If I choose the second option, do you have anything to say?”

The Three Purities at this time had not yet developed differing views due to their respective Daos. With the suggestion coming from the eldest, both immediately shook their heads.

“Big brother, what are you saying? The three of us are one. This will only make us closer in the future!”

Qingxuan, unaware that his tentative suggestion would have such a profound impact, had nearly altered their fate entirely.

“Since that’s settled, let us go find Senior Qingxuan and tell him our decision!”

With that, the three headed to the great hall.

When they arrived at the Dao Court, Qingxuan saw them and said,

“So you’ve come. I take it you’ve decided. I wonder what you have chosen?”

“Senior, the three of us have chosen your second suggestion.”

None of them had expected they would select this method. In Qingxuan’s view, he believed they would either stick to their original ideas or choose nothing, never this path.

‘It seems I have influenced them greatly, though I don’t know how their thoughts were changed,’ Qingxuan mused.

“But Senior, what should we use to carry the three corporeal forms?”

They looked at Qingxuan in curiosity.

“You’ve forgotten the three gourds you obtained earlier. But I do not recommend you use them as vessels.

Since you followed my suggestion and made this choice, as your elder, I cannot let it go unrewarded.”

With these words, Qingxuan produced an item before them.