It seemed that Thomas Jefferson had not faced much reproach; his expression was extremely calm. Upon seeing James Carter, he first showed a moment of instinctive fear. Having killed so many, the blood cloud around him had become so thick it could not be dispersed, naturally exuding an aura that made people’s hearts tremble. Even a true god of Thomas Jefferson’s level could not resist it.

However, Thomas Jefferson was still Thomas Jefferson; after just an instant of fear, he immediately returned to normal. His eyes widened, as if piercing straight through the blood cloud to see James Carter’s true form. After staring intently at James Carter for a while, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he asked earnestly, “Five elemental spiritual roots, both yin and yang complete, a rarity in ten thousand years. You are the best cultivator I have ever seen. To have such a fateful encounter before my death—are you interested in becoming my final disciple?”

To become Thomas Jefferson’s disciple? Even if it was right before his death, anyone could imagine the immense opportunity hidden within. Yet, in James Carter’s mind, the beautiful, despairing eyes of his master from his previous life suddenly flashed by, as well as the moment of happiness when she handed him the Mingguang Sword. Just these two images made James Carter’s slightly wavering heart instantly steady, and he made his decision.

“Thank you for your kindness, Old Lord, but I already have my master in this life. I will not take another as my teacher!” When James Carter calmly spoke these words, it felt as if his heart had broken free from some kind of restraint, becoming free and unburdened, as vast as the sea and sky. James Carter knew that from now on, no temptation, not even the allure of becoming Thomas Jefferson’s final disciple, could ever trouble him again. Unknowingly, James Carter had undergone a cleansing of the soul; before even beginning cultivation, his state of mind had already surpassed what it was before his rebirth.

“Alas, it seems we are ultimately not fated!” Thomas Jefferson sighed softly, as if he too could see James Carter’s transcendence. After a sigh, his tone returned to normal: “Very well, to meet at the moment of death is fate in itself. Although I cannot take you as my disciple, judging by your appearance, you will surely cultivate in the future. I will give you two of my most treasured techniques—choose for yourself!” The Old Lord had already heard what James Carter had said earlier, so he naturally knew what he intended to do, and spoke with great magnanimity.

James Carter had not expected to receive the Old Lord’s favor. Stunned for a moment, he was then overjoyed. After standing in place and pondering for a while, he finally spoke: “Thank you for your generosity, Old Lord. In that case, I would like to learn your ‘One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones’ and your secret techniques for artifact refining and alchemy. Please bestow them upon me.”

There was no need to say much about One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones. Thomas Jefferson’s artifact refining methods were absolutely top-tier; every item produced by the Old Lord, whether it was the Diamond Bracelet, the Banana Fan, the Yin-Yang Gourd, or the Jade Purity Bottle, was a supreme immortal artifact. As for alchemy, that went without saying—countless peerless elixirs that made people drool with envy all came from Thomas Jefferson’s hands. Given the choice, James Carter naturally chose the best. However, it seemed that by choosing this way, he was being a bit crafty: the Old Lord only allowed two choices, but James Carter had actually picked three.

“One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones, haha, it’s just a soul-splitting secret art. Let’s call it the ‘Three Pure Arts.’ Remember it well. Your killing intent overflows; the Three Pure Arts can refine that murderous aura and turn it into spiritual awareness. You might find it useful very soon.”

“As for my artifact refining, there’s nothing particularly special—just the Qian-Kun Eight Trigram Furnace and some techniques. However, if you wish, with your dual cultivation of great yin-yang and five elements, even without the Eight Trigram Furnace, you could surpass me. Very well, here is the ‘Qian-Kun Treasure Nurturing Art.’ After each refining, use this art to further temper the artifact, and use it for regular maintenance as well—the results will be even better. Remember it!”

“All this fuss, and in the end, it’s still a matter of my Daoist sect. Fine, I’ll give you my alchemy technique as a parting gift. When you send me off in a moment, do it cleanly. It doesn’t have a name—call it whatever you like. But it’s just the technique, no secret recipes or rare ingredients; you’ll have to gather those yourself!”

After personally sending Thomas Jefferson on his way, James Carter couldn’t quite describe how he felt inside. He memorized the ‘Three Pure Arts,’ the ‘Qian-Kun Treasure Nurturing Art,’ and the ‘Old Lord’s Alchemy Method’ that he himself had named. James Carter was just about to rest for a moment, but the new Heavenly Court seemed unwilling to give him any respite. The previously empty Execution Platform now had two more prisoners awaiting judgment.

This time, there were only two prisoners, but they were the most distinguished of all. When James Carter saw them, the couple stood there without any restraints, standing tall and dignified, looking at James Carter with an imposing air.

Chapter 15: Immeasurable Merit (Part 1)

“I am the Supreme Jade Emperor of the Golden Palace of the Highest Heaven, the True Lord of the Myriad Marvels, the Most Exalted and Natural One! Traitor, how dare you be so insolent!” The man in imperial robes and crown shouted, his voice thundering in James Carter’s ears like a bolt of lightning. Even with the murderous aura swirling around James Carter, it did not shake his spirit in the slightest.

The woman in a phoenix crown standing beside the Jade Emperor remained silent, but the sharp glint in her eyes was enough to make anyone fear her majesty and bow down before her.

“My apologies, esteemed seniors, but this is the Execution Platform. Any immortal who enters here has only one status: a prisoner awaiting judgment!” Facing the former rulers of the Heavenly Court, the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother, James Carter calmly spoke these words: “I am James Carter, the executioner of the Execution Platform!”