Bai Jin pointed to the side, and a large tree suddenly appeared on the nearby empty ground, its roots deeply embedded in the soil, as if it had always been there. The tea leaves were rising with a light mist, emitting a fresh fragrance, precisely the Da Hong Pao Mother Tree that was previously obtained on Wuyi Mountain.
Bai Jin's body floated up, circling around the tea tree once, and a string of tender buds fell from the tree, following Bai Jin in flight.
Gently landing on the ground, Bai Jin radiated high temperatures, his hands slowly lifted, stepping and moving his shoulders to perform Tai Chi Boxing. The tea buds morphed into a string like a Divine Dragon dancing around his body, his hands slowly manipulating the leaves as the Dragon weaved between them, gradually forming a Tai Chi Diagram that turned from lush green to withered yellow under the high heat.
Taishang's eyes lit up upon seeing this, the mystery of the leaves was unknown, but this boxing technique was harmoniously integrated, with Yin and Yang complementing each other, deeply in line with his own Tao. It seemed that this little fellow had indeed learned something from him. Unable to help himself, he stroked his beard, showing a satisfied expression, "What a teachable young one!"
After a short while, Bai Jin exhaled and finished his movement, with one hand supporting upward, and above his palm a rotating brown Tai Chi Diagram appeared.
Another hand produced a Jade Bottle, and the Taiji Tea leaves flowed like a string of water into the bottle, all entering within.
Holding the Jade Bottle, Bai Jin walked to the table, bent over respectfully presenting the bottle, and said, "Eldest Uncle, this is the gift of tea your disciple offers you."
Tongtian asked curiously, "What's the use of this tea?"
"It's a kind of drink!"
Tongtian, unimpressed, said, "Since it's a drink, why not brew it now."
Bai Jin chuckled sheepishly and said, "To brew tea, one needs good water and good fire, both of which this disciple does not possess."
Primordial produced a bottle in his hand and tossed it out, saying, "This is Three Light Divine Water, take it and use it!"
Second Master, so generous! Bai Jin hurriedly caught the bottle, bowed in a saluting gesture, and said with surprise, "Thank you for the water, Second Master."
Primordial's eyelid twitched, bestow water? When did I say that? What I meant was that it should be returned after use, but when I think about it, understanding it as a bestowal isn't entirely unreasonable.
Proud Primordial, in front of everyone, would never take back his words; he could only reply arrogantly with a hum, while actually feeling a sting in his heart, "My Three Light Divine Water!"
Taishang extended a hand, and a flame appeared between his fingers, saying, "This Samadhi True Fire is bestowed upon you now."
Bai Jin immediately bowed and said joyfully, "Thank you, Eldest Uncle."
Tongtian, still unimpressed, said, "Go and brew the tea now!"
"Yes! Your disciple will do it now." Bai Jin gathered the Three Light Divine Water and the Samadhi True Fire and ran off to the side, atop the mountain a Fire Dragon was soaring, the atmosphere steaming with clouds and mist.
In a brief moment, Bai Jin returned, holding a tray, upon which there were six jade cups and a jade pot.
Bai Jin came to the table, holding each jade cup with both hands, placing them in front of the six future Saints, lifting the jade pot and pouring water into the cups. The brown and withered tea leaves inside the cups immediately unfolded upon meeting the hot water, raising a faint immortal mist.
Within the small cups, the starlight shone brilliantly, the green tea leaves floated amidst the stars, like a group of trees standing tall in the starry sky.
Bai Jin introduced, "When I was still in the wilderness, I heard that there was a tea tree on Wuyi Mountain, a rare treasure of this world, favored by the creations of Heaven and Earth. Therefore, on my descent from the mountain, my first destination was Wuyi Mountain. After enduring countless hard battles, I finally reached Wuyi Mountain and found the Big Red Robe to bring back as a gift for Master."
Taishang lifted the teacup and took a sip, a rich and fragrant aroma blooming between his lips and teeth, and through the tip of his tongue, one could sense the vastness of the stars, the beauty of mountains and rivers, with a fragrance that grew clearer with distance, tranquility leading to profundity.
Taishang's eyes brightened, and he appreciated, saying, "Excellent tea! You've put thought into this."
Primordial couldn't help but nod along, saying, "Indeed, it is excellent tea."
Referring Heaven opened his eyes, sighing and saying, "A cup of tea embodies heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers; life seems but a dream, the way of tea is not a bit less than wine."
Taishang nodded and continued to sip the tea.
When the disciple was praised, a hint of pride flashed in Tongtian's eyes, but instead, he rebuked, saying, "You neglect cultivation and enlightenment in favor of indulging in these enjoyments, what achievements can you attain in the future?"
Bai Jin quickly bowed his head, saying, "Master, you're right to scold! I will surely focus on my cultivation henceforth."
By the distant waterfall, as Bai Jin fawned before The Three Pure Ones, Duobao Taoist's eyes flashed with a barely concealed displeasure – a disciple with low aptitude and no Dao Heart, just a petty person skilled at flattering.
The other disciples from Upper Pure Peak also watched Bai Jin, and instantly, his standing in their hearts rose; this elder brother appeared to be no ordinary Outer Disciple!
Ksitigarbha transmitted, saying, "Pharmacist, what is he playing at?"
Calmly, Pharmacist transmitted back, saying, "Wait!"
Bai Jin turned to look at Primordial, smiling and saying, "Second Master, during my recent travels for experience, I also visited the East Sea and befriended the East Sea Dragon Clan. I received a treasure from the East Sea Dragon Clan's hands and have brought it especially for Second Master."
A pleased look flashed in Primordial's eyes; he too had a gift, and the slight frustration of being blackmailed with Three Light Divine Water vanished instantly. Regardless of the gift's nature, it was the thought that counted, so he asked with faint anticipation, "What treasure?"
Bai Jin stretched his hand toward the side, and with a thud, the Nine Dragons Incense Chariot appeared, situated next to the tea tree, gleaming with auspicious energy, grandeur, and majestic dignity.
Primordial Venerable's eyes gleamed with joy; he was deeply moved by the chariot, very satisfied indeed. How could he not be? It was originally destined to be his vehicle, or perhaps a fated one.
Respectfully, Bai Jin said, "Master, this is the Nine Dragons Incense Chariot, originally crafted by the myriad armored races for the Ancestor Dragon as his vehicle.
However, as soon as this vehicle was refined, the Ancestor Dragon perished in the Great Draconic Tribulation, and thus, although it was nominally his vehicle, it has never been ridden.
When I first laid eyes on this chariot, I felt a surge in my heart – only Second Master is worthy of this chariot in all of Heaven and Earth. That's why I took the risk to seize it."
Primordial raised his eyebrows, saying, "Risk?"
Reverently, Bai Jin said, "At that time, the Demon Clan was also pressuring the Dragon Clan to hand over the chariot, but the Dragon King preemptively gifted the Nine Dragons Incense Chariot to me. Afterwards, as I left with the chariot, I was pursued and attacked by a Demon God. If not for the Protective Dharma Treasures gifted by my two masters, I most likely would not have returned, and I have now incurred karmic ties with the Demon Clan."
Primordial's face darkened, and with a cold laugh, he said, "The Demon Clan!" He then directly said, "I accept this gift, and I will also take on this karma."
Gratefully, Bai Jin said, "Thank you, Second Master."
Primordial looked at the Nine Dragons Incense Chariot, his satisfaction growing as he observed it, his favorable impression of Bai Jin greatly increased. In the future, he must also accept a Bai He disciple; although the Bai He Clan might lack aptitude, they are filial! Even if he cannot make him a full disciple, having him as a Daoist Disciple would suffice.