Chapter 169: Waves Rise Again

Zhang Liusun looked at Mei Qing and continued, “At that time, I used this cauldron with a secret method to attach my primordial spirit to it. During your body formation, it was used to refine your physical body and nurture your primordial spirit. Throughout your cultivation process, it assisted you in forming the Infant Cauldron. I believe you are aware of the help you received.”

In truth, Mei Qing was utterly clueless. He had no clear understanding of how his body came to be, nor how this small cauldron ended up in the hands of the Incense Sect and eventually found its way into his own body.

However, when Zhang Liusun mentioned the Infant Cauldron, he was spot on. Although Mei Qing’s cultivation had progressed rapidly before, it was indeed the power of this cauldron that allowed him to reach the stage of forming the Infant Cauldron overnight.

Seeing that Mei Qing, though silent, seemed to agree, Zhang Liusun continued, “Before the Qi Refining stage, this cauldron was of great benefit to you. But after reaching the Qi Refining stage, it became almost useless. Once the Infant Cauldron is formed, the next step is to strive for the Void Return stage and the great challenge of ascension. At this point, the focus shifts to how to face the Heavenly Tribulation and condense the primordial spirit. No matter how strong your body becomes, can you truly achieve physical ascension? Conversely, if you could reach the level of physical ascension, the cauldron within you would become an obstacle.”

Mei Qing listened to Zhang Liusun’s explanation and observed Xu Fu’s expression. Combining this with his own knowledge, he silently calculated that Zhang Liusun’s reasoning was indeed sound.

At the Qi Refining stage, with the Infant Cauldron already formed, the next step was to refine the spirit. At this point, overly focusing on absorbing spiritual energy and strengthening the body had little significance. The tribulation of ascension was more about one’s mental state. After surviving the tribulation and achieving immortality, one would essentially need to practice in seclusion. Refining the physical body meant that this small cauldron had little use left.

Moreover, even if the cauldron still had some use for Mei Qing, being targeted by Xu Fu and Zhang Liuson made it a losing proposition. In that case, Mei Qing might as well give up the small cauldron to avoid disaster.

Seeing Mei Qing still hesitating, Zhang Liusun chuckled and added, “Of course, although it’s not very useful, this small cauldron still has significant value to you. However, if you had never come here, it would still be usable. But now that you’ve entered the mother cauldron, it’s hard to say whether it’s a blessing or a curse. Even if you wanted to keep the small cauldron, it wouldn’t bring you any benefit now.”

Mei Qing was startled and stared at Zhang Liusun, “What do you mean, sir?”

Zhang Liusun grinned, “Don’t forget we’re inside the mother cauldron. You felt the powerful connection between the mother and child cauldrons when you entered, didn’t you? If you had never come here, you could have remained free. But now that the child cauldron has returned to the mother’s belly, do you think you can leave so easily? Even though you just used the child cauldron’s power to enhance your cultivation, try leaving now! Even if you force your way out, the child cauldron will inevitably be drawn to the mother cauldron, causing chaos. And the mother cauldron is Xu Fu’s treasure. If he decides to scheme against you, well…”

Mei Qing glanced at Xu Fu, who indeed wore a look of inevitability. He realized that his understanding was lacking. If it weren’t for the fact that both men desired the child cauldron, this level of scheming would have been enough to cause him great harm. Especially Xu Fu, who knew all this yet still played along with him earlier. If he had succumbed and negotiated with them, he would have surely suffered a great loss.

Mei Qing’s expression turned grim, while Zhang Liusun turned to Xu Fu and said, “Xu Fu, I assume you had already figured this out, right? Now that I’ve laid it all out, Mei Qing won’t be fooled anymore. How about we make a deal?”

Xu Fu’s triangular eyes blinked a few times, his hatred for Zhang Liusun evident. He was well aware of the details regarding the child cauldron within Mei Qing. However, when Mei Qing intervened earlier, both he and Zhang Liusun had intended to scheme against Mei Qing, so neither had revealed the truth.

But later, Mei Qing’s strong stance and his firm control over the bronze man, along with his rapid recovery of true essence, put Zhang Liusun at a disadvantage. Zhang Liusun immediately revealed the secret, cutting off one of Xu Fu’s paths to scheme against Mei Qing and drawing Mei Qing closer to his side. Although the current situation didn’t allow them to join forces against Xu Fu, at least there was no animosity between them like there was with Xu Fu. Being inside Xu Fu’s cauldron, they were at a disadvantage, so it was necessary to strengthen their relationship.

Xu Fu understood Zhang Liusun’s calculations. However, this time Zhang Liusun, contrary to his usual scheming ways, spoke openly and honestly. Xu Fu, despite his hatred, couldn’t find fault and could only snort, “What deal is there to make? That child cauldron was originally mine, and you stole it from me last time. That’s no lie.”

Zhang Liusun smiled, “Xu Fu, that’s not entirely accurate. You know what happened last time. If we really want to settle accounts, shouldn’t I demand you return my physical body?”

Xu Fu was immediately silenced by Zhang Liusun’s words. In truth, Zhang Liusun had abandoned his physical body partly due to Xu Fu’s sneak attack, but also partly as a calculated move. However, now Zhang Liusun used this to argue his point. Xu Fu’s sneak attack wasn’t honorable, and with Mei Qing present, Xu Fu, as an ancient immortal, couldn’t bring himself to argue further.

Seeing Xu Fu silent, Zhang Liusun inwardly smiled and relaxed his tone, “Of course, since what’s done is done, there’s no point in dwelling on it. Xu Fu, I won’t demand you return my physical body. Just help me break the formation, and I’ll take the child cauldron with me. Once I’ve gathered my primordial spirit and reformed my body, I’ll return it to you. How about that?”

Xu Fu sneered, “Do you take me for a three-year-old? It’s easy to send you out, but once you’ve taken care of your own affairs, why would you return it to me? What a joke!”

Zhang Liusun shook his head, “Xu Fu, we’re both intelligent men. Let’s make a deal. This small cauldron, being born from your treasure cauldron, is a treasure in your hands but of little use to me. Why would I covet it? After I use the child cauldron to reform my body, I’ll return it to you. When I face the tribulation for ascension, I’ll borrow your cave for shelter. What do you think?”

Xu Fu pondered for a while, finding Zhang Liusun’s proposal quite appealing. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, and failure would harm both. As cultivators at their level, they valued long-term gains over short-term conflicts.

“Very well, I’ll trust you for now,” Xu Fu finally replied. “But there’s one more thing. I’ve been here long enough. When I send you out, I’ll need to exert all my power and won’t be able to move, so I can’t leave with you. Once you two are outside, you must help me break the formation again, and we’ll all leave together.”

Zhang Liusun thought for a moment and laughed, “Why not? It would be a great honor to roam the mortal world with you, Xu Fu.”

He quickly addressed Xu Fu as “brother.”

Xu Fu’s grim face showed a cold smile, “In that case, both of you should lift your restrictions, and I’ll send you out.”

Zhang Liusun smiled, “Since we’re inside your cauldron, Xu Fu, you’re the host. Please show some hospitality to ease my mind.”

Xu Fu stared at Zhang Liusun for a long time, but Zhang Liusun remained calm and composed. After some thought, Xu Fu snorted, “Fine. But boy, I warn you, don’t think that just because I’ve lifted the restrictions first, you can act treacherously. If you do, I’ll destroy the cauldron and turn you to dust!”

Zhang Liusun simply smiled, unfazed, and secretly transmitted a spell to Mei Qing, “Listen, when you leave the cauldron, the child cauldron will surely fluctuate. I’ll teach you a spell to suppress it.”

He then transmitted the spell to Mei Qing.

Mei Qing’s face remained calm, but his mind was racing. The child cauldron within him, now in the presence of the mother cauldron, would no longer obey him. Leaving the cauldron would surely be troublesome. Zhang Liusun’s spell was likely because he couldn’t protect Mei Qing himself and was relying on Mei Qing to resist the cauldron’s power.

However, Mei Qing was suspicious of Zhang Liusun’s true intentions. After much deliberation, he silently decided on a plan.

With their plans set, Xu Fu rose. The interior of the cauldron was filled with seawater, but the three of them had created a space with their restrictions. Xu Fu stood at the corner, his sleeves fluttering as he chanted. Beams of light gathered in his sleeves, and Mei Qing and Zhang Liusun felt the pressure around them lessen. Xu Fu had indeed lifted the restrictions.

Zhang Liusun smiled and, without further action, also chanted to lift his thunder restriction.

Both men looked at Mei Qing, and Xu Fu shouted, “Boy, what are you waiting for? Get moving!”

Mei Qing smiled, “Move how? You two have negotiated so amicably, but when did I agree to anything?”

Zhang Liusun smiled silently, while Xu Fu stepped forward, “Boy, what are you saying? Are you going back on your word?”

Mei Qing laughed, “Earlier, I did make a proposal, but neither of you agreed. Later, Mr. Zhang made a new proposal, but I neither opposed nor agreed to it. Yet, without consulting me, you two decided to divide my child cauldron. Isn’t that a bit unfair? Mr. Xu, don’t try to intimidate me. If it comes to a fight, although my cultivation isn’t high, I won’t make it easy for you.”

In truth, Mei Qing had no clue what Zhang was talking about. He barely understood how his body had come to be, nor did he know how the small cauldron had ended up in the Fragrant Sect before mysteriously entering his body.

However, Zhang’s words about the cauldron aiding in the formation of his Yuan Ying were spot on. Although Mei Qing had cultivated at an unusually rapid pace, the fact that he had broken through to the Yuan Ying stage in a single night was indeed due to the power of this cauldron.

Zhang Liusun looked at Mei Qing and continued, “At that time, I used this cauldron to attach my primordial spirit to it through a secret method. During your body formation, it was used to refine your physical body and nurture your primordial spirit. Throughout your cultivation process, it helped you form the infant cauldron. I believe you are aware of the assistance it provided.”

In reality, Mei Qing was completely clueless. He had no idea how his body came to be, nor did he understand how the small cauldron ended up in the hands of the Fragrance Sect and eventually found its way into his body.

However, when Zhang Liusun mentioned the infant cauldron, he was spot on. Although Mei Qing’s cultivation had progressed rapidly before, the fact that he reached the stage of forming the infant cauldron overnight was indeed due to the power of this cauldron.

Seeing that Mei Qing did not verbally acknowledge it but seemed to agree, Zhang Liusun continued, “Before the Qi Refining stage, this cauldron was of great benefit to you. But after reaching the Qi Refining stage, it became almost useless. Once the infant cauldron is formed, the next step is to strive for the Void Return stage and the great challenge of ascension. At this point, the focus shifts to dealing with heavenly tribulations and condensing the primordial spirit. No matter how strong your body is, can you truly achieve physical ascension? Conversely, if you could reach the level of physical ascension, the cauldron within you would become an obstacle.”

Mei Qing listened to Zhang Liusun’s explanation and observed Xu Fu’s expression. Combining what he knew, he silently calculated that Zhang Liusun’s reasoning was not without merit.

After reaching the Qi Refining stage and forming the infant cauldron, the next step was to refine the spirit. At this stage, focusing too much on absorbing spiritual energy and strengthening the body was no longer meaningful. The tribulation of ascension was more about one’s mental state. After overcoming the tribulation and achieving immortality, one would mostly rely on hidden transformations. Refining the physical body was no longer a priority, and the small cauldron indeed had little use.

Moreover, even if the cauldron still had some use for Mei Qing, being targeted by Xu Fu and Zhang Liusun was not worth the trouble. It might be better for Mei Qing to simply give up the small cauldron to avoid disaster.

Seeing Mei Qing still hesitating, Zhang Liusun chuckled and said, “Of course, although it’s not very useful, this small cauldron still has significant value for you. However, if you had never come here, it would still be usable. But now that you’ve entered the mother cauldron, it’s hard to say whether it’s a blessing or a curse. Even if you want to keep the small cauldron, it won’t bring you any benefits anymore.”

Mei Qing was startled and stared at Zhang Liusun, “What do you mean, sir?”

Zhang Liusun grinned, “Don’t forget we’re inside the mother cauldron. When you entered, you already felt the powerful attraction between the mother and child cauldrons, didn’t you? If you had never come here, you could have remained free. But now that the child cauldron has returned to the mother’s belly, do you think you can leave so easily? Even though you just used the child cauldron’s power to boost your cultivation, try leaving now! Even if you force your way out, the child cauldron will inevitably be drawn to the mother cauldron, causing chaos. And the mother cauldron is Xu Fu’s treasure. If he decides to scheme against you, well…”

Mei Qing glanced at Xu Fu, who indeed had a look of inevitability on his face. He realized that his lack of experience had put him at a disadvantage. If it weren’t for the fact that both Xu Fu and Zhang Liusun wanted the child cauldron, this scheme alone would have been enough to cause him trouble. Especially Xu Fu, who knew about this but still played along with Mei Qing regarding the child cauldron. If Mei Qing had been unable to resist and negotiated with them, he would have suffered a great loss.

Mei Qing’s expression turned grim, while Zhang Liusun turned to Xu Fu and said, “Xu Fu, I assume you’ve already calculated this, haven’t you? Now that I’ve revealed it, Mei Qing won’t be fooled anymore. How about we make a deal?”

Xu Fu’s triangular eyes blinked a few times, and he was naturally furious with Zhang Liusun. He was also aware of the details regarding the child cauldron within Mei Qing. However, when Mei Qing intervened earlier, both Xu Fu and Zhang Liusun had intended to scheme against him, so neither had revealed the truth.

But later, Mei Qing’s firm attitude and his control over the bronze man, along with his rapid recovery of true essence, put Zhang Liusun at a disadvantage. Zhang Liusun immediately revealed the secret, not only blocking Xu Fu’s path to scheming against Mei Qing but also drawing Mei Qing closer to his side. Although the current situation didn’t allow them to join forces against Xu Fu, at least there was no animosity between them like there was with Xu Fu. Being inside Xu Fu’s cauldron, they were at a disadvantage, so it was necessary to establish some rapport.

Xu Fu understood Zhang Liusun’s calculations. However, this time Zhang Liusun, contrary to his usual scheming ways, spoke openly and honestly. Xu Fu, despite his hatred, couldn’t find any fault and could only snort coldly, “What kind of deal can we make? That child cauldron originally belonged to me, and you forcibly took it from me last time. That’s not a lie, is it?”

Zhang Liusun smiled and said, “Xu Fu, that’s not entirely accurate. You know what happened last time. If we really want to settle accounts, shouldn’t I demand my body back from you?”

Xu Fu was immediately silenced by Zhang Liusun’s words. In truth, Zhang Liusun’s loss of his body was partly due to Xu Fu’s sneak attack, but it was also partly a calculated move. However, Zhang Liusun now used this to argue his point. Since Xu Fu’s sneak attack wasn’t something to be proud of, especially in front of Mei Qing, Xu Fu, who still had some pride as an ancient immortal, couldn’t bring himself to argue further.

Seeing Xu Fu silent, Zhang Liusun secretly smiled but softened his tone, “Of course, since the matter is in the past, there’s no point in dwelling on it. Xu Fu, I won’t demand my body back from you. Just help me break the formation, and I’ll take the child cauldron with me. Once I gather my primordial spirit and reform my body, I’ll return it to you. How about that?”

Xu Fu snorted, “Do you take me for a three-year-old child? It’s easy to send you out, but once you’ve taken care of your own affairs, why would you bother returning it to me? What a joke!”

Zhang Liusun shook his head, “Xu Fu, we’re both intelligent people. Let’s make a deal. This small cauldron, being born from your treasure cauldron, is a treasure in your hands but of little use to me. Why would I covet it? After I use the child cauldron to reform my body, I’ll return it to you. When I face my tribulation for ascension, I’ll borrow your cave for shelter. What do you think?”

Xu Fu pondered for a while and found Zhang Liusun’s proposal quite appealing. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, and failure would harm both. As cultivators at their level, they valued long-term benefits over short-term gains.

“In that case, I’ll temporarily trust you,” Xu Fu finally replied. “But there’s one more thing. I’ve been here long enough. When I send you out, I’ll need to exert all my power and won’t be able to move, so I can’t leave with you. Once you two are outside, you must help me break the formation again so we can all leave this place.”

Zhang Liusun thought for a moment and laughed, “Why not? It would be a great honor to roam the mortal world with you, Xu Fu.”

He quickly addressed Xu Fu as “brother.”

A cold smile appeared on Xu Fu’s face, “In that case, both of you should lift your restrictions so I can send you out.”

Zhang Liusun smiled, “Since we’re inside your cauldron, Xu Fu, you’re the host. Please show some hospitality to ease my mind.”

Xu Fu glared at Zhang Liusun for a while, but Zhang Liusun remained calm and composed. After some thought, Xu Fu snorted, “Fine. But boy, I warn you, don’t think that just because I lifted the restrictions first, you can act recklessly. If you try anything, I won’t hesitate to destroy the cauldron and turn you to dust!”

Zhang Liusun simply smiled, unfazed, but secretly transmitted a spell to Mei Qing, “Listen carefully. When you leave the cauldron, the child cauldron will inevitably fluctuate. I’ll teach you a spell to suppress it.”

He then passed the spell to Mei Qing.

Mei Qing remained calm on the surface but was deep in thought. Since the child cauldron within him had encountered the mother cauldron, it would no longer obey his commands. Leaving the cauldron would undoubtedly be troublesome. Zhang Liusun’s spell was likely because he was currently unable to protect Mei Qing himself, so he provided the spell for Mei Qing to resist the cauldron’s power.

However, Mei Qing was still suspicious of Zhang Liusun’s true intentions. After much deliberation, he silently made up his mind.

With their plans set, Xu Fu stood up. The interior of the cauldron was filled with seawater, but the three of them had created a space with their restrictions. Xu Fu stood at the corner, waved his sleeves, and chanted incantations. Beams of light were drawn into his sleeves, and Mei Qing and Zhang Liusun felt the pressure around them lessen. Xu Fu had indeed lifted the restrictions.

Zhang Liusun smiled and, without further action, also chanted to lift his thunder restrictions.

Both of them looked at Mei Qing, and Xu Fu shouted, “Boy, what are you waiting for? Hurry up!”

Mei Qing smiled, “What should I do? You two have discussed everything so amicably, but when did I agree to anything?”

Zhang Liusun remained silent, while Xu Fu stepped forward, “Boy, what are you saying? Are you going back on your word?”

Mei Qing laughed, “Earlier, I did make a proposal, but neither of you agreed. Later, Zhang Liusun made a new proposal, but I neither opposed nor agreed to it. You two didn’t even ask for my opinion before dividing my child cauldron. Isn’t that a bit unfair? Xu Fu, don’t try to intimidate me. If we really fight now, although my cultivation isn’t high, I won’t make it easy for you.”

After hearing Zhang’s explanation, and observing Xu Fu’s expression, Mei Qing began to consider everything he knew. He silently admitted that Zhang’s words made sense.

At the Qi Cultivation Stage with the Yuan Ying formed, the next step was refining the spirit. At this point, focusing too much on absorbing energy and strengthening the body was no longer meaningful. Ascension’s Tribulation mainly tested one’s inner nature. Surviving the Thunder Tribulation and attaining immortality would require a path of hidden transformation. In this case, refining the physical body and the cauldron within him had become largely irrelevant.

Even if the cauldron still held some use for Mei Qing, it was dangerous to keep it with both Xu Fu and Zhang Liusun eyeing it so greedily. In this case, Mei Qing might as well give up the cauldron to avoid trouble.

Seeing Mei Qing hesitate, Zhang chuckled and added, “Of course, while it may not be of much use now, it’s still a valuable treasure for you. But if you had never come here, you could have kept it without issue. Now that you’ve entered the mother cauldron’s domain, it’s hard to say whether this will bring fortune or misfortune. Even if you wanted to keep the cauldron, it wouldn’t bring you any benefit anymore.”

Mei Qing was startled and asked, “What do you mean, Master?”

Zhang grinned, “Don’t forget—we’re inside the belly of the mother cauldron. Earlier, when you entered, you already felt the power of the mother and child cauldrons attracting each other, right? If you had never come here, you could have continued on your merry way. But now that the child cauldron has returned to the mother’s womb, do you really think you can just walk out so easily? Don’t think that just because you used the child cauldron’s power to boost your techniques earlier, everything will go smoothly. Try leaving for a moment and see! Even if you force your way out, the child cauldron will inevitably be drawn back to the mother, causing all sorts of disruptions. And to top it off, the mother cauldron belongs to Old Monster Xu. If he decides to scheme against you…”

Mei Qing was alarmed and turned to Xu Fu, who indeed wore a smug expression. Only now did Mei Qing realize how naïve he had been. If not for the fact that both men coveted the cauldron, he would have already been tricked. Especially Xu Fu, who had known all along but still pretended to be friendly while they discussed the cauldron earlier. If Mei Qing had given in and bargained with him, he would have certainly suffered a major loss.

Mei Qing’s expression darkened. Zhang, however, turned to Xu Fu and said, “Old Monster Xu, you must have already figured this out earlier, right? Now that I’ve exposed it, Mei Qing won’t fall for your tricks anymore. How about we strike a deal instead?”

Xu Fu blinked his triangular eyes, silently cursing Zhang with every fiber of his being. Naturally, he knew all about the child cauldron inside Mei Qing. But earlier, both he and Zhang had wanted to scheme against Mei Qing, so neither had spoken up.

However, Mei Qing had proven stubborn, firmly controlling the bronze figure and recovering his energy faster than the other two. Seeing that the situation was turning against him, Zhang had decided to reveal the secret—blocking Xu Fu’s path to manipulate Mei Qing while also drawing Mei Qing closer to his side. Although the two couldn’t possibly team up against Xu Fu, at least there was no animosity between them. Being inside Xu Fu’s cauldron belly, they were at a disadvantage, so it was wise to strengthen their alliance.

Xu Fu understood Zhang’s intentions clearly. But this time, Zhang had acted openly and honestly, leaving Xu Fu with no grounds to retaliate. With no choice, Xu Fu merely snorted coldly, “What deal could there possibly be? That cauldron was originally mine. You stole it from me last time—can’t you at least admit that?”

Zhang smiled and replied, “Old Monster, you know the situation better than anyone. If we’re going to settle accounts, shouldn’t I ask you to return my body first?”

Xu Fu was momentarily speechless. In truth, Zhang had lost his body partly because of Xu Fu’s sneak attack, but also partly by choice, for his own schemes. However, now that Zhang brought it up, Xu Fu’s attack was hardly honorable. While the two of them were alone, it might have been easier to discuss, but now with Mei Qing present, Xu Fu couldn’t bring himself to argue further—he still had some pride as an ancient immortal.

Seeing Xu Fu fall silent, Zhang inwardly chuckled but softened his tone, “Of course, since the past is past, there’s no point in dwelling on it. Old Monster, I don’t want you to repay me for my lost body. Just help me break through the formation, and I’ll take the cauldron with me. Once I gather my Yuan Shen and reform my body, I’ll naturally return it to you. How does that sound?”

Xu Fu snorted, “You think I’m a child? It’s easy to send you out, but once you’ve taken care of your own affairs, what’s stopping you from keeping the cauldron? What a joke!”

Zhang shook his head, “Old Monster, we’re both reasonable men. Let’s make a deal. This cauldron is a treasure in your hands because it was born from your cauldron. But to me, it’s of little use. Why would I want to keep it? I’ll use it to reform my body, then return it to you. When I ascend and face the Tribulation, I’ll need to borrow your cave dwelling for shelter. How does that sound?”

Xu Fu considered this for a moment, his interest growing. Zhang’s words made sense—this was a mutually beneficial arrangement. If it failed, both would suffer. At their level of cultivation, pride was secondary to long-term gain.

“Fine,” Xu Fu finally said, “I’ll trust you—for now. But there’s one more condition. I’ve been stuck here long enough. When you send me out, I’ll have to use all my power, so I won’t be able to leave with you. Once you two reach the outside, you must help me break the formation again so all three of us can escape.”

Zhang pondered briefly, then laughed heartily, “Why not? If Brother Xu joins me in wandering the mortal world, it will be a joy for three lifetimes.”

He quickly addressed Xu Fu as “Brother,” showing his eagerness.

A faint, icy smile appeared on Xu Fu’s gloomy face. “Then let’s proceed. You two, remove your restrictions, and I’ll send you out.”

Zhang smiled and said, “This place is within your cauldron, after all. As the host, you should show us a bit of hospitality.”

Xu Fu glared at Zhang for a long moment, but Zhang simply smiled, calm and composed. After a pause, Xu Fu snorted, “Very well. But listen well, boy—I’m warning you. Don’t think I’ll hesitate to destroy my cauldron if you try anything suspicious. I’ll reduce you to dust.”

Zhang merely smiled, unfazed. But secretly, he sent a mental message to Mei Qing, “Listen carefully. When we leave the cauldron, the child cauldron will certainly react violently. I’ll teach you a technique to suppress it.”

With that, he transmitted a secret incantation to Mei Qing.

Mei Qing’s face remained calm, but his mind raced. With the child cauldron now reunited with its mother, it would no longer obey him. Leaving the cauldron would surely bring complications. Zhang’s incantation was likely because he himself was too weak to protect Mei Qing now. Mei Qing would have to rely on his own strength to resist the cauldron’s pull.

Still, Mei Qing couldn’t help but wonder how sincere Zhang’s intentions truly were. After much thought, he silently resolved his course of action.

As the two finalized their plans, Xu Fu suddenly rose. The cauldron’s belly was filled with seawater, but the three of them had used their powers to carve out a space. Xu Fu stood at a corner, his sleeves flaring as he chanted spells. Beams of light were drawn into his sleeves. Mei Qing and Zhang felt the pressure ease—they realized Xu Fu had already lifted his restrictions.

Zhang smiled and also began chanting, removing his own lightning barrier.

Both turned to Mei Qing. Xu Fu barked, “What are you waiting for, boy? Hurry up!”

Mei Qing smiled and replied, “Hurry what? You two elders discussed everything so harmoniously, but when did I ever agree to anything?”

Zhang merely smiled. Xu Fu’s eyes flared as he stepped forward, “What did you say? Are you going back on your word?”

Mei Qing laughed and said, “Earlier, I did propose something, but you both rejected it. Later, when Master Zhang made a new suggestion, I neither agreed nor disagreed. Yet you two elders divided my cauldron without even asking me. Isn’t that a bit underhanded? Master Xu, don’t try to intimidate me. If it comes to a fight, though my cultivation may be low, I won’t make it easy for you.”