Chapter 1286: Tian Xu Returns (2)
"Indeed," the azure-robed figure replied with a smile. "With sheer luck, I returned and restored my essence. My true body has already recovered to the True Saint stage. Soon, I should be able to take the fourth step once more."
"The Other Shore of Samsara?" Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang exclaimed, his delayed reaction betraying his shock. His eyes widened as the implications sank in. "You've broken free from the shackles of a Dao Master? Then—!"
The thought struck him like lightning. Di Jiang's head snapped toward the distant light screen where the recording of white-robed figure looped repeatedly.
"Your guess is correct," the azure-robed projection confirmed. "Wu Yuan's qi refiner self has long been the Spacetime Dao Master. He took over the moment he stepped into eternity.
"Hou Tu, surely you can see that his qi refiner self has become the Spacetime Dao Master."
At this revelation, surprise flickered across both Eldritch Progenitors' faces.
"Yes, I did discern that," Hou Tu admitted, her brow furrowing slightly. "But I assumed it happened after his step into eternity." She shook her head in grudging admiration. "Thinking back now—you exploited the loophole of stepping into eternity to pass him the mantle of Dao Master in one stroke? As expected of Tian Xu! Truly impressive!"
She regarded him with newfound respect. "Those youngsters merely strive to Stow Away from Heaven’s eye. What you've done is tantamount to stowing a Dao Master away, using the Primordial essence to suppress the Great Dao's backlash."
"Haha, Hou Tu is indeed worthy of her reputation," the azure-robed projection laughed softly. "I merely gave you a hint, and you deduced the entire truth."
Hou Tu waved away the compliment. "Such realizations are hardly remarkable."
"You two, enough with the mutual flattery," Di Jiang interrupted. Though extraordinary in combat, he clearly lagged behind the others in strategic thinking.
"Tian Xu," Hou Tu asked, her tone growing serious, "now that you've returned, what of Mountain Daoist?"