The news of Taihao accepting the young patriarchs of the Four Clans – Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise – into his tutelage reached their respective clans, filling their patriarchs with immense joy. While they hadn't managed to become disciples of the Three Pure Ones, being under Kunlun's wing meant they were now connected to the six Sages of the Daoist sect. From now on, the Four Clans would have a powerful backing to rely on.
The patriarchs of the Four Clans simultaneously set off for Kunlun. It was only their children who had joined the Daoist sect; this did not signify their entire clans joining. Their journey to Kunlun was intended to officially integrate their entire clans into Kunlun. Although their Four Clans were powerful, their sparse populations made it difficult to contend with the myriad of other races. Thus, they sought a grand tree under which they could ensure the continuation of their bloodlines.
Upon their return to Kunlun Mountain, Tongtian immediately rushed to the Taiqing Palace. He had a multitude of questions for Taishang that he was eager to ask. He hadn't found a suitable opportunity during Shennong's wedding, and the journey back hadn't been conducive either, leaving him bursting with curiosity. Taishang, as if anticipating Tongtian's arrival, was already waiting for him at the entrance of the Taiqing Palace.
As soon as Tongtian saw Taishang, his curiosity got the better of him, and he was about to speak. However, Taishang raised his hand, signaling Tongtian to wait. Taishang spoke calmly, "Come in. And close the door behind you." With that, Taishang walked into the Taiqing Palace. Tongtian followed suit, dutifully closing the door and trailing Taishang into the main hall.
Taishang sat on his usual meditation cushion and slowly began, "Third Brother, speak. What is it you wish to ask?" Taishang's demeanor perplexed Tongtian. After a moment of stunned silence, he asked, "Big Brother! How did you know I was coming? And why were you waiting for me at the gate?" Taishang rolled his eyes and looked at Tongtian. "Why do you think I am your elder brother? Is it because I transformed before you? Or because I can suppress you?" Tongtian chuckled sheepishly. "Big Brother, I never said that! Besides, beating up a younger brother isn't exactly an honorable act, is it?" Taishang couldn't be bothered to look at Tongtian. "If you have nothing else, then leave. Your elder brother won't see you off." Tongtian became anxious upon hearing this. They were having a conversation, and now he was being asked to leave? "Don't! Big Brother, since when did you become so friendly with those two from the West? I saw you two chatting and laughing. I remember you were quite zealous when dealing with them!"
"Third Brother, remember this: there are no eternal enemies, only common interests." "The human race, if it continues to develop along its current trajectory, will inevitably advance westward. I am merely paving the way for them." "And Jieyin and Zhunti also intend to revitalize the West by leveraging the human race, so naturally, communication is possible." Tongtian looked at Taishang in disbelief. "That's it? You've buried the hatchet just like that?" "Yes, that's it! Otherwise, do you think I forced them with my Taiji Diagram held at their throats?" Tongtian was more inclined to believe that his elder brother had coerced them rather than that Taishang and Jieyin/Zhunti had genuinely reconciled. Tongtian even conjured an image in his mind: Taishang had beaten Jieyin and Zhunti soundly, and then told them that they could not obstruct the human race when they eventually reached the West. Taishang paid no mind to whether Tongtian believed him. That was the reality.
Taishang also noticed that his third brother was particularly simple-minded in front of him and Yuanshi, but became quite astute when he was away from them. He wondered if Tongtian was the problem or if he and Yuanshi were, as if the concept of "eight characters clashing" from his previous world was true. Seeing that Taishang had no intention of explaining further, Tongtian wisely refrained from asking further questions about that matter and instead asked, "Big Brother, what was that treasure Nuwa gave Shennong? I've scoured the Pangu legacy in my mind and couldn't find what treasure it was. I saw your expression of admiration and surprise, so you must recognize it, right?" Upon hearing this, Taishang beckoned, and a common stone from the open space outside the Taiqing Palace flew into his hand. Taishang tossed it to Tongtian without a word. Tongtian, bewildered by Taishang's peculiar action, asked, "Big Brother, have you had a cultivation mishap? I'm asking what treasure it was, why are you giving me this broken stone?" After speaking, Tongtian casually threw the stone Taishang had given him onto the ground. Taishang smiled at Tongtian. "Isn't this the treasure you were talking about?" Tongtian, unaware of Taishang's strange behavior, impatiently said, "Big Brother, stop teasing me. Tell me quickly what treasure it is. Is it a Chaos Spirit Treasure? If it is, I'll go snatch it right away. Chaos Spirit Treasures are rare!" Taishang was taken aback. "Snatch? Are you serious? A mere Sage going to snatch an ordinary stone from the human race?" Taishang was genuinely afraid that Tongtian would do something rash and try to snatch the stone, which would lead to a huge embarrassment. He quickly said, "It's just a regular stone! If you want one, I can give you hundreds. Don't go making a fool of yourself! You have plenty on your Shangqing Peak!" Tongtian looked unconvinced and retorted, "Then why were you so surprised and astonished, Big Brother?" Taishang shook his head and chuckled, but still explained, "My admiration stemmed from my unexpected realization that Daoist friend Nuwa could disregard fame and reputation. My cultivation of the Great Dao of Non-Action is far inferior to her accomplishment, hence my admiration." "My astonishment arose because I realized I had misjudged, and that Daoist Nuwa, a dignified Sage, could speak such falsehoods in front of all the Sages without batting an eye! Should that not be shocking?" Tongtian, still unconvinced, asked, "Big Brother, aren't you afraid I'll go and steal that treasure and disgrace the Three Pure Ones, so you're just trying to fool me? Don't worry, I'll go secretly, and no one will know it was me who stole it!" Taishang's face darkened. Why was this foolish boy's brain so active today? When had he ever lied to him?