The previous epoch belonged to the Martial Ancestor, yet Ancestor Hongjun was by no means inferior. Even in the Eternal Night, if one spoke the name of Hongjun, it carried resounding prestige. This reputation was not fabricated—it was forged through slaughter. Without true strength, how could one suppress entire eras and intimidate countless supreme beings? The moment the Zixiao Palace appeared, the mighty ones of all races across the heavens and myriad worlds revealed expressions of deep respect.
Even figures such as Zeus and Odin were no exception.
Yi Tianxing also nodded slightly, clasping his hands in formal salute.
Swish!!
From the Zixiao Palace, a beam of violet divine light cascaded down, instantly enveloping the entire battlefield.
Within that divine light, one could see the Heavenly Dao Sovereign, the Three Pure Ones, the Two Saints of the West, Ancestor Minghe, and every great power who was present nearby—all were lifted effortlessly into the air and carried toward the Zixiao Palace.
Yi Tianxing and Queen Mother of the West were also among them.
In this process, no one resisted—indeed, it seemed impossible to resist. The light carried an irresistible force, yet instead of oppression, it gave the feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze. One could easily sense there was no hostility within it; submission was simply the natural response.
"Zixiao Palace… I never thought there would be another day when I could step inside."
The Queen Mother of the West looked around at the familiar scene, speaking with deep emotion.
In the previous epoch, she had once been a guest within the Zixiao Palace. Ever since it had vanished, there had been no further opportunity to return. But there was no denying—the Zixiao Palace was where her Dao foundation had been established. Her reverence for Dao Ancestor Hongjun came from the depths of her heart.
"Indeed. But of those who were guests in the Zixiao Palace in ages past, how many still remain to this day?"
Ancestor Kunpeng sighed, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.
Back then, it was here that he had lost the greatest opportunity of his life—a regret that had followed him ever since.
"We return again…"
Haotian gazed upon the gates of the Zixiao Palace, his heart more conflicted than anyone's. This place was his home. From birth, he had grown up within these halls. He had witnessed far too many things here. Now, as the Lord of the Immortal Court, ruling the heavens, he knew the very root of it all was his upbringing in the Zixiao Palace, and his special connection to Dao Ancestor Hongjun. Without that, how many great beings in the world—how could he ever have risen to such supreme heights?
For countless years he had walked with trepidation, yet his deepest memories were still of those days in the Zixiao Palace—tedious, perhaps, but carefree and without worry.
Ding!!
A clear chime of jade bells echoed from within the palace. The crisp sound refreshed mind and spirit, washing away all impurities. The killing aura accumulated from the recent battles quietly dissipated, leaving hearts utterly serene.
Creak!!
The palace gates opened, and two children appeared—one boy and one girl.
Both looked like carved jade figures, exuding innate divine charm. Their foundations were clearly extraordinary. Their cultivation was not weak either—each had already reached the Dao Platform realm. Their manners were graceful, filled with natural etiquette.
"Xuanji!!"
"Tianyin!!"
The boy and girl bowed deeply and said: "We greet all Daoist friends. Please, enter within!!"
Seeing them, the assembled mighty ones all smiled and nodded in return. Though the children's cultivation was not high, no one dared belittle them.
Even a seventh-ranked official before a prime minister commanded respect—how much more so the personal attendants who welcomed guests for the Dao Ancestor?
No one would dare put on airs before them.
The Three Pure Ones walked at the front, followed by the Five Heavens Dao Sovereigns. The other great powers all stepped into the Zixiao Palace.
Inside, the palace seemed boundless, without visible limits.
At the very top stood a Preaching Platform, upon which was placed a violet meditation cushion.
Below it were rows of meditation cushions.
The very first row held fourteen cushions, their placement emanating an indescribable sense of dignity and honor.
Behind them were rows upon rows, each with no fewer than thirty cushions. Altogether, there were no fewer than three thousand seats.
After entering, the Three Pure Ones exchanged glances, then walked to the very front : Laozi sat upon the first cushion, followed by Yuanshi Tianzun, Tongtian Jiaozhu; the Heaven Dao Sovereign : the Xuan, Cang, Jiu, Jun, and Huang Dao Sovereigns; Mother Earth Gaia, Nuwa, Houtu, Jieyin, Zhunti, and Rahu.
Behind them, the second row was taken by Ming he, Kunpeng, Eastern Emperor Taiyi, Emperor Jun, Haotian, and others.
Yi Tianxing also found a cushion and sat down.
In the blink of an eye, the once-empty Zixiao Palace was filled to capacity.
If one looked carefully, they would notice—there were exactly three thousand guests, no more and no less.
When all were seated, they looked up and saw that upon the Preaching Platform, an old man in a dark Daoist robe had appeared silently. If not seen with one's own eyes, his presence could not be sensed at all. Even sitting right before him, it was as if he did not exist—no aura, no presence, nothing. Yet looking at him gave the illusion of beholding the Dao itself.
Yi Tianxing's heart jolted. Inwardly, he grew solemn. This was a true pinnacle existence—his strength would not be any less than that of the Martial Ancestor.
"Greetings, Dao Ancestor!!"
All cultivators saluted in unison.
"There is no need for excessive ceremony."
Hongjun nodded lightly and said: "This time, I appear because your endless battles have shaken the heavens. Hunyuan powerhouses have fallen one after another. Such matters cause Heaven itself to weep, raining blood upon the world. I summon you all here only to mediate, for if this war continues, the ones harmed will be none other than the foundation of the Eternal World itself."
"The Eternal Night still watches greedily, their desire to destroy our Eternal World never ceases. All of you present are pillars of the Eternal World. The loss of any one of you is an immeasurable blow."
Hongjun's voice was calm, but the weight of it pressed upon all hearts.
The war had already claimed too many lives. Every fallen powerhouse was a weakening of Eternity itself.
"Dao Ancestor, this battle was not sought by my Great Yi. It was the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns who pressed us relentlessly, targeting Great Yi from the very beginning. If we had simply allowed it, would they ever have let Great Yi go in the future? Today they struck first, forcing the fight. If there is no consequence, what precedent does that set? From now on, will anyone be able to trample upon my Great Yi at will?"
Yi Tianxing spoke up without hesitation.
Though the battle might not continue, it could not simply end as though nothing had happened. The Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns had moved first, pressing their strength upon the weak. Without punishment, the insult would become precedent. Already, several of their number had fallen—this was blood enmity, irreconcilable.
"There is no need for worry, Yi Daoist friend. The Eternal World cannot afford such endless loss. From this day forth, no being of the Hunyuan Realm may fight within the Eternal World. This decree comes from Heaven itself. Any who defy it will face Heavenly Punishment. Let all take heed."
Dao Ancestor Hongjun looked toward Yi Tianxing, a trace of strange light flashing in his eyes before his expression grew calm once more.
The damage had already been far too great. Though the Eternal World could withstand battles of that level, the losses still weakened its strength. Facing Eternal Night, to continue fighting amongst themselves would only bring joy to the enemy. Thus Heaven itself had intervened, laying down an edict.
Defy it, and even a Saint would fall beneath Heavenly Punishment.
This was no empty threat.
At those words, the faces of all present shifted slightly—even the Three Pure Ones. Until they transcended Heaven, they were bound by it.
"Yes, Dao Ancestor."
Though some were displeased, all gave their assent. They, too, knew Eternal Night was the true enemy. Everything else could be set aside.
"The cause of this strife, I know well—it stems from the Primordial Purple Qi, the path to proving the Hunyuan Dao. Cangtian and the others, with your status, you are already equal to Heaven, born divine and sanctified, embodying the Dao itself. Within you, Primordial Purple Qi already exists, connected to Heaven's source. You do not need external Purple Qi to prove the Dao and become Saints. For you, the Purple Qi is not a blessing, but a calamity. Why not take this opportunity to relinquish it?"
Hongjun turned his gaze upon the five remaining Dao Sovereigns, speaking gently.
Why had the great powers only targeted the Nine Heavens Dao Sovereigns? One reason was the Nine Heavens Demon, but the greater was the Primordial Purple Qi. Everyone knew it. None denied it—for its allure was far too great, a shortcut to proving the Hunyuan Dao.
Hearing this, the faces of the Dao Sovereigns turned pale and flushed by turns.
Indeed, the Purple Qi was of no use to them. They were extensions of Heaven itself. To comprehend the laws was effortless for them. What they sought was not union with Heaven, but freedom from its shackles.
Yet, that did not change the fact that the Purple Qi was a supreme treasure. To surrender it so easily—how could they preserve their dignity? Still, as Hongjun said, keeping it only brought endless covetous eyes.
Hongjun smiled faintly, lips moving slightly without sound. At once, the faces of Cangtian and the others grew solemn, as though conversing with him.
No one knew what was being said. But the Dao Sovereigns' expressions were agitated, emotions stirring strongly.
All eyes in the hall turned toward them. This matter touched upon the very path of the Dao. How could anyone not care? If they willingly surrendered the Purple Qi, countless others might gain the chance to prove the Dao.
This was no small matter—it affected more than one or two.
"At this time, since Dao Ancestor has spoken, we Nine Heavens are not ones to disregard the interests of the Eternal World. We shall entrust the Primordial Purple Qi to Dao Ancestor for safekeeping."
At last, Cangtian Dao Sovereign spoke firmly.
(End of Chapter)