"Damn those feathered birds." Zhurong looked at Taiyi not far away with a grim expression.
At this time, the Witch and Demon Clans had already been fighting for tens of thousands of years, yet neither side had managed to gain a decisive victory.
This forced the Witch Clan to acknowledge the Yao Race's status.
And when Emperor Jun and the others heard Zhurong and the others' words, they knew that their Yao Race had managed to gain a firm foothold in the Primordial World.
When those living beings who had not joined the Yao Race saw that the Yao Race now had the strength to contend with the Witch Clan, they naturally chose to join the Yao Race.
Emperor Jun stepped forward and looked at Dijiang.
"Dijiang, how about our two clans stop fighting? If we continue to fight, we will only end up with both sides suffering."
Gonggong was clearly caught up in the fight, and immediately retorted upon hearing Emperor Jun's words.
"Big brother, ignore these two feathered birds. The Yao Race established by these two feathered birds actually wants to be on par with our Witch Clan."
However, as the Chief Ancestral Witch, Dijiang had more things to consider than the other Ancestral Witches.
"Gonggong, stop. Emperor Jun is right; if our two clans continue to fight, we will only end up with both sides suffering."
Dijiang stopped Gonggong, who still wanted to fight.
"Big brother!" The restrained Gonggong was still a bit unwilling, but after seeing Dijiang's gaze, he still retreated.
Dijiang looked at Emperor Jun.
"Alright, the two clans will cease fighting."
After speaking, he didn't bother with Emperor Jun's reply and directly looked at the Witch Clan.
"Let's go."
Hearing Dijiang's voice, the Witch Clan slowly began to withdraw from the battlefield.
The Yao Race, seeing the Witch Clan withdraw, also slowly began to pull back their troops.
Emperor Jun breathed a sigh of relief after seeing the Ancestral Witches retreat.
In fact, if the Ancestral Witches had continued to entangle them, the only ones who would have ultimately lost would have been the Yao Race.
After all, the Yao Race was a newly formed race, and it was also a Fusion of multiple races.
As long as the Witch Clan kept dragging it out, many people within the Yao Race might not be able to withstand the pressure and choose to withdraw from the Yao Race.
And once such a situation occurred, the newly formed Yao Race would quickly disintegrate.
At this time, there was already such a trend, and their goal had already been achieved. Now, everyone in the Primordial World knew that the Yao Race had the strength to contend with the Witch Clan, so Emperor Jun decisively chose to cease fighting with the Witch Clan to preserve their strength.
Guiche looked at Emperor Jun after the Witch Clan left, waiting for his command.
"Yao Emperor, what do we do now?"
Emperor Jun sighed.
"Our Yao Race still has a gap in strength compared to the Witch Clan, but Saint Hongjun's second lecture is about to begin. Let's go back and recuperate for now."
The other Yao Saints also nodded after hearing Emperor Jun's words.
They were also aware of the strength gap between the Yao Race and the Witch Clan.
Although the conflict between the Witch and Demon Clans had ended, the discussions it stirred up only grew larger.
"It seems the situation in the Primordial World is about to change again."
"Do you think the Yao Race and the Witch Clan will become forces like the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin three clans?"
"I think it's difficult. The strength of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin three clans back then was stronger than all the people in the current Primordial World combined, and back then, the Clan Chiefs of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin three clans were all existences that surpassed the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Realm. The current Witch and Demon Clans haven't produced such existences yet. The current Witch and Demon Clans still have a long way to go if they want to surpass the three clans."
"Not necessarily, right? Now, Saint Hongjun is about to give his second lecture. At that time, I'm afraid the Primordial World will once again trigger a Cultivation craze like this time, and perhaps living beings will once again surpass the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Realm."
"Who knows? But I'm actually a bit interested in joining the Yao Race. Their Luck is flourishing right now. If I join, this humble Daoist might have a chance to Breakthrough to the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Realm."
"Don't even think about it. Haven't you seen the fate of the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin three clans who Cultivated the Dao of Luck?"
…
Not long after leaving Mount Penglai, Taichu also sensed the cease-fire between the Witch and Demon Clans.
"The Witch and Demon Clans have ceased fighting."
"However, this conflict was just a test between the two sides. After so many years of fighting, it's time for it to end."
After pausing to sigh, Taichu no longer paid attention. The current conflict between the Witch and Demon Clans had nothing to do with him, and he had no intention of interfering.
Since the cease-fire between the Witch and Demon Clans, Taichu traveled for several thousand years and finally arrived at the East Sea Dragon Palace, which was also the Dragon Clan's main base at this time.
As for the North Sea, South Sea, and West Sea, although they were still the Dragon Clan's territory at this time, the Dragon Clan no longer had absolute ruling power.
Taichu also knew that the Dragon Clan would only become weaker in the future. When Haotian took control of the Heavenly Court, the Dragon Clan would even be subject to the Heavenly Court's jurisdiction, and their status in the Heavenly Court would not be high.
The reason for all of this was the monstrous Karma that the Dragon Clan now carried. This Karma would not only erode the strength of the Dragon Clan members still alive, but also weaken the Dragon Clan's Bloodline. The Bloodline of the Dragon Clan born during the Dragon Han Calamity was far inferior to before.
The Dragon Clan gradually declined under such circumstances. For the Dragon Clan to revive, they would have to wait until they had repaid all that monstrous Karma.
As soon as Taichu arrived above the East Sea Dragon Palace, he released his aura.
"This humble Daoist Taichu, here to visit Fellow Daoist Bi'an and Fellow Daoist Prison Ox."
Ao Guang, who was Cultivating in the East Sea Dragon Palace, sensed Taichu's aura the moment it was released.
"Taichu actually came to visit our Dragon Clan, and specifically asked to see the two Clan Elders, Bi'an and Prison Ox. I wonder if this is a blessing or a misfortune."
Although no members of the Dragon Clan went to Zixiao Palace to listen to the Dao due to Karma, their Dragon Clan had heard that Taichu could sit below Hongjun.
After the Dragon Han Calamity, their Dragon Clan almost retreated to their own territory and no longer entered the world, but there were still many petty individuals who coveted their Dragon Clan. After all, before the Dragon Han Calamity, their Dragon Clan was undoubtedly the strongest force in the Primordial World, and their Dragon Clan was known as the wealthiest in the Primordial World at that time.
The good reputation of that time had now become a source of disaster for the Dragon Clan.
However, there had been no instances of Grand Unity Golden Immortals attacking the Dragon Clan before, so Taichu's arrival naturally worried Ao Guang.
But with Taichu's formal visit, Ao Guang, as the current Dragon Clan Chief, had to go out and receive him, both in terms of emotion and reason.
"Ao Guang, Dragon King of the East Sea Dragon Palace, greets Fellow Daoist Taichu."
Taichu scrutinized Ao Guang, who appeared before him.
"This is Ao Guang, the nominal Chief of the Four Seas Dragon Clan, who will later be in charge of almost all matters concerning the Dragon Clan."
"Fellow Daoist Ao Guang, I apologize for my abrupt visit."
Ao Guang breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that Taichu's tone was not harsh.
Although their Dragon Clan still had about ten Grand Unity Golden Immortals, these ten Grand Unity Golden Immortals were currently entangled with Karma. Every time they made a move, it was a burden to them, and their strength was also suppressed by Karma, preventing them from exerting their full power.
"The two Clan Elders, Bi'an and Prison Ox, are currently in seclusion Cultivating and are not convenient for receiving guests. May I ask the purpose of Fellow Daoist Taichu's visit?"
"Bi'an and Prison Ox are both in seclusion?"
Taichu frowned upon hearing Ao Guang's words. His purpose for this visit was actually to borrow the Dragon Clan's Dragon patterns for observation, but he didn't expect both Bi'an and Prison Ox to be in seclusion.
A voice entered Ao Guang's ear: "Ao Guang, bring Fellow Daoist Taichu in."
Ao Guang was stunned after hearing this voice; he was very familiar with it.
"Didn't Clan Elder Bi'an enter a death seclusion with the other clan elders? He wouldn't emerge without a major event, so why did he come out just because Fellow Daoist Taichu arrived?"
"Fellow Daoist Taichu, I just received a message from Clan Elder Bi'an; he has emerged from seclusion. Please follow me, Fellow Daoist."
Hearing Ao Guang's words, Taichu nodded. He had sensed Bi'an's message just now.
Taichu followed Ao Guang into the East Sea Dragon Palace. At this moment, Bi'an was naturally seated on the main hall of the East Sea Dragon Palace.
However, compared to their last meeting, Bi'an's aura was incredibly weak, and due to the Dragon Clan's Karma, Bi'an's strength had already fallen to the Early Stage of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Realm.
Most frighteningly, Bi'an, as a Grand Unity Golden Immortal, was now exhibiting signs of old age, which meant he had a lifespan.
One must know that in the Primordial World, as long as a living being's cultivation reached the Golden Immortal Realm, they would no longer worry about their lifespan. However, Bi'an, this Grand Unity Golden Immortal, was now experiencing the loss of his lifespan, even if the rate of loss was very slow. But once this lifespan completely vanished, Bi'an would have no other path but for his true spirit to enter the Dao Ruins.
Bi'an looked at Taichu in the Void Realm and sighed with emotion, "Fellow Daoist Taichu, it has been many years since we last met, and you are still as magnificent as ever."
Taichu looked at Bi'an with a complex expression, "Fellow Daoist Bi'an…"
Just as Taichu was about to speak, he was interrupted by Bi'an again, "Fellow Daoist Taichu, there is no need to say more. The Primordial World was almost shattered because of our three clans, and the consequences naturally ought to be borne by us three clans."
"Fellow Daoist, your visit to my Dragon Clan this time must be for our clan's dragon crest, correct?"
Bi'an looked at Taichu and asked.
Taichu nodded after hearing Bi'an's words, "Yes, this humble Daoist's visit to the Dragon Clan this time is for your esteemed clan's dragon crest."
Bi'an looked at Ao Guang, who was standing beside him, after hearing Taichu's words, "Ao Guang, go and retrieve our clan's dragon crest."
Ao Guang was shocked after hearing the conversation between Bi'an and Taichu.
"What!!!"
"This Fellow Daoist Taichu actually came for our clan's dragon crest. This is an item concerning our Dragon Clan's Legacy; how can it be easily shown to others?"
However, even though Ao Guang was unwilling, he did not refuse outright.
He knew that although it was not difficult for the current Dragon Clan to retain a Grand Unity Golden Immortal, doing so would severely impact the Dragon Clan.
Moreover, this matter was clearly something Bi'an had discussed with Taichu beforehand.
"Fellow Daoist Taichu, please wait here for a moment. This humble Daoist will return shortly."
After Ao Guang finished speaking, his figure vanished from the main hall.
After Ao Guang disappeared, Bi'an looked at Taichu again, "Fellow Daoist Taichu, what do you think of the current Witch and Demon Clans?"
"Bi'an asks me this, could it be that Emperor Jun and the others have already sought out the Dragon Clan?"
"But that's right, the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin clans were the previous overlords of the Primordial World, and the definition of the Yao Race includes the three clans. It's normal for Emperor Jun to have ideas about the three clans."
Taichu's thoughts turned slightly upon hearing Bi'an's words.
"This humble Daoist has not had much contact with either the Witch and Demon Clans, so I cannot offer Fellow Daoist any opinions. However, this humble Daoist believes that the current Yao Race is like a raging fire, not a good time to join."
"It seems Fellow Daoist does not favor the Yao Race?"
Taichu shook his head, "It's not that I don't favor the Yao Race, but rather I don't favor the current Yao Race."
Bi'an nodded upon hearing Taichu's words.
"Then, may I ask, Fellow Daoist, what do you think our Dragon Clan's path should be in the future?"
"Fellow Daoist, your words overestimate this humble Daoist. This humble Daoist does not have the ability to help the Dragon Clan."
Bi'an sighed after hearing Taichu's words.
"Indeed, it was this humble Daoist who was too demanding."
Actually, Bi'an didn't know why, but he just felt that Taichu knew how the Dragon Clan's future path should be taken, but Taichu was unwilling to say more, so he couldn't press him.
At this moment, Ao Guang also returned to Bi'an's side and handed a dragon crest jade disc to Bi'an.
"Fellow Daoist Taichu, our clan's dragon crest is lent to you, and I hope Fellow Daoist will not forget your previous promise."
With a wave of Bi'an's hand, the dragon crest jade disc arrived beside Taichu.
"Fellow Daoist Bi'an, rest assured, this humble Daoist will not break his promise."
Taichu and Bi'an exchanged a few more words in the East Sea Dragon Palace for a period of time before leaving the East Sea.
After Taichu left, Bi'an looked at Ao Guang, "Ao Guang, are you very puzzled as to why I am so polite to Fellow Daoist Taichu?"
"Yes, although Fellow Daoist Taichu's strength is formidable, the dragon crest is a useless item to outsiders, but it is very important to our Dragon Clan."
"Why did Clan Elder lend the dragon crest to Fellow Daoist Taichu?"
Ao Guang looked at Bi'an with a hint of confusion.
"Fellow Daoist Taichu is not simple. He discovered the problem with the Dao of Luck very early on, and he can also gain the regard of Saint Hongjun."
"The dragon crest's symbolic meaning for our clan is greater than its practical use, and the dragon crest has no effect on beings outside the Dragon Clan. Lending the dragon crest to Fellow Daoist Taichu is more beneficial than detrimental."
"Moreover, the Yao Race's last visit was clearly with ill intentions. The Dragon Clan is now a piece of fat in the eyes of the Yao Race. The strength of Fellow Daoist Taichu and his brother Minghe is definitely no less than that of the Emperor Jun brothers of the Yao Race. If the Yao Race forces our Dragon Clan, they will be a helper."
Ao Guang asked with some confusion after hearing Bi'an's words, "Clan Elder, didn't we still haven't decided whether to join the Yao Race before?"
"Have we made a decision now?"
Bi'an nodded after hearing Ao Guang's question.
Previously, Bai Ze had visited the Dragon Clan and invited them to join the Yao Race. However, at that time, the Yao Race had not yet been formally established, and for the Dragon Clan, the risk was too great, and the Dragon Clan's pride prevented them from merging the Dragon Clan into the Yao Race, so they did not give a clear reply.
But now, the Yao Race has been formally established, and the Dragon Clan has also discovered that after some races joined the Yao Race, their racial Karma was suppressed by the Yao Race's immense Luck, making it possible for them to revive again. This has caused the Dragon Clan to split into three factions.
Every step the current Dragon Clan takes is like walking on a tightrope; every step must be taken with extreme caution.
"I'm afraid the Yao Race won't give up on our Dragon Clan so easily."
Ao Guang looked at Bi'an with some worry.
"No matter, the Yao Race's biggest opponent now is the Witch Clan. Even if we refuse the Yao Race, the Yao Race won't do anything to our Dragon Clan. You can rest assured about this."
"As for what happens after the conflict between the Witch and Demon Clans, who can predict it? Just like before, who could have predicted that our three clans would eventually fall to our current plight?" Bi'an looked at Ao Guang meaningfully.
Ao Guang's eyes were filled with shock after hearing Bi'an's words, "Clan Elder Bi'an, do you mean…"
Ao Guang's subsequent words were left unsaid.
"Alright, I should return to seclusion. The Dragon Clan will rely on you to manage it."
After Bi'an finished speaking, his figure vanished from the main hall.
Outside the East Sea Dragon Palace, Taichu stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping across the vast sea, a faint smile playing on his lips.
His purpose in coming to the Dragon Clan had been achieved, but more importantly, he could clearly feel the agitation of the Spiritual Qi within his body—the opportune moment for his Breakthrough had arrived.
With a flash of his figure, Taichu transformed into a streak of light and sped towards a distant deserted island.
The deserted island stood isolated between Heaven and Earth, surrounded by swirling mist, as if cut off from the world.
Taichu landed, and with a raise of his hand, incantations flew, and rays of light shot from his fingertips, setting up layers of great formations around the deserted island.
This great formation served not only to protect him from disturbance during his Breakthrough but also to gather Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi to aid his Breakthrough.
After the arrangements were complete, Taichu sat cross-legged, forming hand seals, and the Innate Spiritual Qi around him immediately surged like a boiling sea.
He slowly closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into a deep pool, instantly plunging into the depths of his Sea of Consciousness, fully impacting the Bottleneck of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Middle Stage.
Outside, Heaven and Earth seemed to respond.
The originally calm Void Realm suddenly rippled, and Spiritual Qi, as if summoned by some powerful force, roared from all directions, forming a huge Spiritual Qi vortex above the deserted island.
The vortex was like the mouth of a giant beast, madly pouring Spiritual Qi into Taichu's body.
Within Taichu's Sea of Consciousness, the three flowers shone brightly, like three dazzling suns.
From their pistils, streaks of light emerged, intertwining and coiling in the air, finally merging to form a towering pillar of light that pierced through the Sea of Consciousness and rushed towards the Void Realm.
Wherever the pillar of light passed, space vibrated, emitting bursts of buzzing.
Taichu's Primordial Spirit sat beneath the pillar of light, his demeanor serene and solemn, his eyes tightly closed, fully comprehending the rhythm of the Great Dao.
At the same time, in the outer Void Realm, as Taichu's three flowers intensely fluctuated, Boundless Great Dao began to manifest around him.
The Great Dao's radiance was dazzling, containing endless mysteries.
And within the Boundless Great Dao, Dao projections emerged like bamboo shoots after rain, like branches of a great tree, intertwining around the Boundless Great Dao.
As the Dao projections appeared, Taichu's Aura steadily rose.
He felt his connection with the Heaven and Earth Great Dao instantly draw closer, as if he could touch the Context of the Great Dao.
In an instant, the Spiritual Qi within his body was like a bursting flood, breaking through its restraints and surging forth.
The three flowers also underwent a transformation, their petals becoming increasingly crystal clear, each emitting a rich power of the Great Dao, as if containing the might to split Heaven and Earth.
"Boom!" A roar that shattered the Void Realm suddenly erupted, and the shackles of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Middle Stage were instantly broken.
Taichu successfully broke through the Bottleneck, entering the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Late Stage Realm.
He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze shining brightly, as if containing myriad stars, and seemingly capable of discerning the mysteries of the Great Dao.
At this moment, a powerful Dao rhyme enveloped him, perfectly fusing with the Aura emitted by the three flowers, as if he had become one with the Heaven and Earth Great Dao, and every move he made seemed to contain the power to destroy Heaven and Earth.
However, this powerful Aura only lasted for an instant before Taichu completely reined it in.
He frowned slightly, pondering to himself, "I didn't expect this Breakthrough to take so much time. Fortunately, I can still make it to Hongjun's second lecture."
Immediately, Taichu activated his Divine Ability, and his figure transformed into a rainbow light, flying towards the depths of Chaos. The rainbow light cut through the sky at an extremely fast speed, leaving a brilliant trail in its wake.
Thousands of years, in the eyes of cultivators, were but a flick of a finger.
Relying on his powerful strength, Taichu soon arrived at Zixiao Palace.
At this moment, Zixiao Palace had already gathered almost all the Innate Sacreds.
However, among the Twelve Ancestral Witches, only Houtu came to listen to the Dao this time. Taichu knew that the other Ancestral Witches had gained nothing from their previous visit, leading the other eleven Ancestral Witches to believe that coming to Zixiao Palace to listen to the Dao was a complete waste of time.
As for those who had not yet arrived, they would likely never have another chance to step through the gates of Zixiao Palace.
As soon as Taichu's figure appeared, it attracted everyone's attention.
The Three Pure Ones and others nodded slightly upon seeing Taichu arrive.
Taichu's gaze swept around, and he quickly spotted Minghe sitting in a corner.
His mind stirred, and he transmitted a message, asking, "Brother, how is the matter of the Sea of Blood?"
Minghe felt Taichu's transmission, paused slightly, and then detailed to Taichu Yang Mei's visit to the Sea of Blood and their joint entry into the hidden world within the Sea of Blood.
Upon hearing this, Taichu pondered to himself, "It seems the Netherworld already existed, and was not formed by Houtu. With Houtu's quasi-Saint Realm, it would be almost impossible for her to transform into such a vast world as the Netherworld. My previous speculation that Houtu's transformation into Reincarnation was merely a catalyst seems to be correct."
He paused, then continued to ponder, "However, before Yang Mei left, he specifically went to the Netherworld and left a Divided Soul. It seems he discovered the secret within the Netherworld and wanted to use the power of the Netherworld's Earth Dao to conceal his Divided Soul, leaving a fallback for himself when he leaves the Primordial World."
Taichu understood that Yang Mei's reason for choosing to resolve his Karma with Hongjun and leave the Primordial World after Hongjun's second lecture had always been a mystery.
Now it seemed highly probable that Yang Mei was forced to leave by the Heavenly Dao.
After all, if Yang Mei had left voluntarily, his Divided Soul could have remained elsewhere in the Primordial World; there would have been no need to forcibly intrude into the Netherworld, which was not yet ready to emerge.
"I just wonder to what extent the Netherworld has been perfected. Once Brother and I both Break through to the quasi-Saint Realm, perhaps I can have Brother try to locate the Netherworld's position using the will of the Sea of Blood," Taichu murmured to himself.
Minghe's expression was solemn as he transmitted, "Taichu, do you think Yang Mei's actions in the Sea of Blood this time will affect us and the Sea of Blood?"
Upon hearing this, Taichu fell into deep thought.
After a moment, he slowly transmitted, "Brother, this Yang Mei should be a Chaotic Primeval Great Luo Golden Immortal. With our current strength, even if he has plans for the Sea of Blood, it would be difficult for us to resist.
Moreover, as I said before, although the Sea of Blood is where the filth of the Primordial World gathers, it is crucial to the Primordial World; that mysterious world is the meaning of the Sea of Blood's existence. Even if Yang Mei has intentions, he will not easily destroy the Sea of Blood."
"Chaotic Primeval Great Luo Golden Immortal!!!"
Minghe was greatly startled and couldn't help but confirm through transmission, "Taichu, are you sure Yang Mei is a Chaotic Primeval Great Luo Golden Immortal?"
Although he had previously suspected Yang Mei's extraordinary strength, hearing Taichu's judgment firsthand still left him deeply shocked.
Taichu nodded slightly, explaining, "Yes, Yang Mei should be the first Chaotic Primeval Great Luo Golden Immortal in the Primordial World. He once fought against Beast Emperor Divine Reverse and Demon Ancestor Luo Hou alongside Saint Hongjun, and he is suspected to be related to the Space Demon God."
Upon hearing this, Minghe suddenly realized, "Now that you mention it, I remember. Last time in the Western Earth Meridian, we seemed to sense Yang Mei's Aura among those confronting Luo Hou. At that time, we were worried about being detected by Luo Hou and didn't dare to sense carefully, so when we later saw Yang Mei in the Sea of Blood, we didn't connect the two events."
With Taichu's analysis, the worries in Minghe's heart immediately dissipated.
Just then, a hearty voice came from within Zixiao Palace: "Fellow Daoist Taichu, this Zixiao Palace is not your Daoist temple. Standing at the entrance and not entering, are you perhaps planning to be our guard?"
The speaker was none other than Hongyun.
Taichu looked in the direction of the voice, a smile playing on his lips: "Fellow Daoist Hongyun, it's been many years, and your verbal skills have become even more formidable."
With that, his figure moved like a wisp of smoke, instantly appearing on the foremost cushion.
Zhenyuanzi also looked at Taichu and nodded.
As Hongyun and Taichu conversed, the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa, among others, looked towards Taichu.
Laozi, the leader of the Three Pure Ones, looked at Taichu with narrowed eyes.
"Fellow Daoist Taichu, after a few years apart, you have actually stepped into the Late Stage of Grand Unity Golden Immortal. Such speed truly makes us feel out of reach. Heavenly Dao favors you, congratulations!"
His voice was steady, yet the admiration in his tone was hard to conceal.
Taichu's heart jolted, secretly astonished.
He had already perfectly concealed his aura, yet Laozi had seen through him at a glance. This level of Cultivation was truly unfathomable.
"It was merely a coincidence, a stroke of luck to be favored by Heaven And Earth. I truly do not deserve such praise, Fellow Daoist."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire Zixiao Palace instantly fell into an uproar. Countless gazes were cast towards Taichu, some with surprise, some with envy, and some with scrutiny.
Yuanshi Tianzun stroked his long beard, a complex expression flashing in his eyes: "Fellow Daoist Taichu's blessings are profound. It is reasonable for him to have such a great Opportunity."
Although he said this, the envy in his tone was hard to conceal—he had Cultivated in seclusion for thousands of years, only a step away from Breakthrough, yet he could never find that crucial Opportunity. Seeing Taichu get there first, it was inevitable for his heart to stir.
However, with Yuanshi's state of mind, it was more of an expectation for a Fellow Daoist, without a hint of jealousy.
The lively Tongtian Cult Master could no longer suppress his curiosity.
"Fellow Daoist Taichu, why are you so late this time? Did you perhaps encounter something interesting on the way?"
"To be honest with everyone, this trip to the East Sea involved many matters, which caused some delay," Taichu said frankly.
"East Sea?"
The Tongtian Cult Master's eyes couldn't help but show curiosity.
"That is the territory of the Dragon Clan. It is rumored that rare treasures are piled up like mountains there, and even Innate Spirit Treasures occasionally appear. Is that true or false?"
Taichu nodded slightly, and after a moment of thought, slowly said: "It indeed contains many Heaven And Earth Treasures, but for us, their efficacy is ultimately limited. However, although the East Sea is not as spiritually rich as Fellow Daoists' Kunlun Mountain, it is still a rare and excellent place for Cultivation."
The Tongtian Cult Master clapped his hands and laughed: "In that case, I must go to the East Sea to investigate one day! Perhaps I can even find a few useful treasures!"
Listening to this conversation, Taichu pondered inwardly, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the Tongtian Cult Master.
He suddenly remembered that in the future, when the Three Pure Ones separated, the Tongtian Cult Master would move his Daoist temple to Jin'ao Island in the East Sea. Combining this with the current conversation, he secretly speculated: "Could it be that this choice of location was not accidental, but had an earlier origin?"
Thinking of this, he nodded and smiled at the Tongtian Cult Master: "If Fellow Daoist goes, you will surely gain something."
This conversation attracted Fuxi, the Nuwa siblings, and Zhenyuanzi, among other great powers, to join in.
For a time, discussions rose and fell within Zixiao Palace.
After an unknown period, the originally open gates of Zixiao Palace suddenly let out a heavy rumbling sound.
The gates of Zixiao Palace slowly closed, and a faint pressure swept over like a tide, making everyone's breath catch.
At some unknown point, Hongjun Daoist, dressed in a plain white Daoist robe, was already seated on the high platform.
His gaze was indifferent as he scanned the crowd below. That look seemed to penetrate everything, inspiring awe.
Taichu keenly noticed that compared to their last meeting, Hongjun's surrounding Dao was even more profound and unfathomable. Within that indifferent aura, there was a faint hint of Fusion with the Heavenly Dao. It seemed that he was not far from the Realm of Demonstration.
"The time has come. My second lecture on the Dao begins!"
Hongjun's voice was calm, yet it seemed to contain infinite majesty, echoing long in Zixiao Palace.
This voice seemed to have a magical power, instantly plunging the noisy palace into dead silence.
Upon hearing this, everyone's faces were filled with unconcealed joy.
They still remembered that Hongjun had said during his last lecture that this time he would teach the Three Corpses Severing Method that he had created.
Many of the guests in Zixiao Palace present had already broken through to the Grand Unity Golden Immortal, but they were still confused about how to proceed after the Grand Unity Golden Immortal.
Taichu was also full of anticipation. Although he had no intention of taking the Three Corpses Severing Method to Demonstration.
However, 'the stones of others can be used to polish one's own jade.' Listening to this lecture might bring new inspiration to his own path of Cultivation.
Hongjun ignored the expectant gazes of the crowd. As soon as the thirty thousand year period arrived, he lightly pointed his slender finger, and instantly, tens of thousands of Dao patterns appeared in the Void Realm.
He began to explain the Three Corpses Severing Method. As the explanation deepened, the expressions of the people in Zixiao Palace varied: some showed ecstatic joy, as if they had comprehended the true meaning of the Dao, and Spiritual Qi surged wildly around them; some frowned and relaxed, showing an expression of sudden realization, muttering to themselves; others couldn't help themselves, crying loudly, tears wetting their clothes without them even noticing.
Taichu listened intently, pondering inwardly: "This Three Corpses Severing Method is indeed profound. As I recall, it involves severing the good, evil, and obsessive thoughts, making them independent and entrusting them to Innate Spirit Treasures. However, it is not about cutting off emotions and love, but about allowing one to control their thoughts, making them more aligned with the Heaven And Earth Dao, which is beneficial for the Cultivation of living beings. It is indeed an excellent path to Demonstration."
In his Sea of Consciousness, the Three Corpses trembled slightly, as if resonating with Hongjun's Dao.
As the explanation deepened, everyone gradually learned that Hongjun divided the path to Primordial Demonstration into three steps, corresponding to the Quasi-Saint Realm.
However, as Hongjun's lecture progressed, those with insufficient Cultivation in Zixiao Palace gradually showed troubled expressions, feeling that Hongjun's words were like heavenly scriptures.
Even if they tried to memorize them, the difficult-to-understand contents dissipated like bubbles.
But even so, many people's Qi improved under the influence of the Dao, subtly showing signs of Breakthrough.
However, this lecture only lasted for a thousand years. After a thousand years of lecturing, Hongjun's lecture abruptly stopped.
Hongjun seemed to sense something and looked towards the Great Desolation.
"The Dharma is not to be passed to the Six-Eared Macaque."
In an instant, a shrill scream came from a certain mountaintop in the Great Desolation.
A monkey with golden fur all over its body fell to the ground with a thud, blood beads oozing from its six ears. It was clutching its head and rolling in the dust: "Saint, spare my life! Little monkey was wrong, little monkey will never eavesdrop again!"
This Six-Eared Macaque, who had just entered the Golden Immortal Realm, attempted to spy on the Zixiao Palace lecture with its innate Divine Ability, unaware that it had angered the Heavenly Dao.
Everyone in the hall was startled by this sudden change and began to calculate with their fingers.
When they learned that it was due to the Six-Eared Macaque's eavesdropping, many people's expressions changed drastically.
Taichu sighed softly, the Dao patterns on his fingertips trembling slightly.
"Alas, no wonder after this, the Six-Eared Macaque was shunned by many powerful beings when he sought the Dao. I'm afraid it's not just because they were worried about offending Dao Ancestor Hongjun, but also because of the great Karma on the Six-Eared Macaque's body.
After all, the Six-Eared Macaque's eavesdropping interrupted Hongjun's lecture, forcing everyone in Zixiao Palace to stop their state of enlightenment.
The Karma involved in this was too great, so great that even though the Six-Eared Macaque's background and talent were good, no one dared to take him as a disciple.
After all, once taken as a disciple, the Six-Eared Macaque's master would have to bear the Karma for him. This is the reason for the Six-Eared Macaque's tragic fate later on."
Taichu withdrew his gaze, no longer paying much attention.
The Heavenly Dao's Reincarnation has its own destiny. The cause sown by the Six-Eared Macaque would naturally bear the subsequent fruit.
However, for Hongjun, this was merely a minor matter. After saying that one sentence, Hongjun continued his lecture.
The people in Zixiao Palace once again entered a state of Cultivation as Hongjun continued his lecture.
As Hongjun lectured, the Great Dao manifested on Yuanshi's body within Zixiao Palace, indicating that Yuanshi was about to Breakthrough.
Yuanshi was already on the verge of Breakthrough, and listening to the lecture this time made it a natural progression.
He radiated a golden light, and the Three Flowers on his head transformed into a golden bridge, reaching straight to the sky.
With a clear bell chime, he smoothly stepped into the Late Stage of Grand Unity Golden Immortal.
Although Laozi and others did not Breakthrough, they gained a deeper understanding of the Great Dao, and the Dao rhyme around them became even more profound.
Taichu also benefited greatly. Under the baptism of Hongjun's Dao rhyme, he not only thoroughly consolidated his Cultivation, but his state of mind also became clearer.
Taichu looked at the gradually dispersing Dao rhyme and sighed softly, "It's truly not that easy to forge one's own path."
During this visit to Zixiao Palace to listen to the Dao, he had originally intended to use Hongjun's Three Corpses Severing Method as a foundation to deduce a Cultivation path unique to himself.
However, only when he truly attempted it did he realize that creating one's own Dao was far more difficult than imagined.
Even with the Three Corpses Severing Method, he only had a vague concept of his future Cultivation direction, and the path ahead remained shrouded in mist.
Thirty thousand years passed in a flash, like a fleeting white steed, gone in an instant.
The moment Hongjun stopped lecturing, all the previous anomalies in Zixiao Palace, just like last time, quietly dissipated.
The Three Thousand Purple Cloud Guests, who had been immersed in the profound state of listening to and comprehending the Dao, also slowly awakened from their Cultivation.
"Many thanks to Saint Hongjun for helping us clarify the Dao!"
The people in Zixiao Palace looked solemn, bowing in unison, their voices echoing in the hall, full of gratitude and reverence.
This lecture was completely different from the last time.
Last time, Hongjun only spoke about Cultivation methods below the Quasi-Saint realm, and this content was also recorded in everyone's Legacy memories. Although helpful, it was merely for filling in gaps.
However, this time, Hongjun unreservedly expounded his own Dao path completely to everyone in Zixiao Palace, which was of extraordinary significance to them, truly a heaven-sent Opportunity.
Hongjun calmly looked at the bowing crowd, merely nodding slightly, his face serene, showing no emotion whatsoever.
"This lecture is over, but this humble Daoist still has something to announce."
His voice was deep and powerful, particularly clear in the quiet atmosphere of Zixiao Palace.
Upon hearing this, everyone looked up, their gazes focused on Hongjun.
"It seems Hongjun is going to establish the heads of male and female Immortals."
The other people in Zixiao Palace didn't know what Hongjun wanted to say, but Taichu was very clear about what Hongjun needed to announce.
"Currently, the Yin and Yang of the Great Desolation are inverted, and the Qiankun is out of order. Turbid currents overflow, and chaos abounds. If allowed to develop, it will inevitably lead to great disaster. Therefore, I wish to establish the heads of all Immortals, to divide and govern the Yin and Yang of heaven and earth, to harmonize the order of all things, in order to bring peace to the living beings of the Great Desolation and maintain its order."
As soon as Hongjun spoke, Zixiao Palace instantly erupted. The faces of the Zixiao Palace crowd showed surprise, and they whispered in discussion.
In everyone's hearts, Hongjun's intention to establish the heads of all Immortals made people wonder if this meant he also harbored intentions of ruling the Great Desolation?
Thinking of this, the faces of Emperor Jun and Taiyi in the hall instantly turned incredibly ugly.
These two brothers had always painstakingly worked to subdue the myriad races of the Great Desolation and establish the Yao Race, all for the sake of one day unifying the Great Desolation.
The Witch Clan already gave them enough headaches, and now if Hongjun were to intervene, their grand ambition would likely turn into a pipe dream. How could this not make them uncomfortable?
But the two still held a glimmer of hope, what if Dao Ancestor Hongjun chose them, the two brothers?
However, Hongjun's gaze swept over Emperor Jun and Taiyi, then slowly moved backward, finally settling on Eastern King Duke, who was sitting in the corner, and he said in a deep voice, "Eastern King Duke, you were formed from the first wisp of Pure Yang Qi between heaven and earth. You can be the head of the male Immortals in the Great Desolation."
These words exploded like thunder in the hall, and everyone's gaze simultaneously turned towards Eastern King Duke in the corner.
Eastern King Duke himself was completely stunned by this sudden surprise, his eyes wide, his face full of disbelief.
When Hongjun proposed establishing the heads of all Immortals, he had never thought that this honor would fall upon him.
He knew that among the Three Thousand Purple Cloud Guests, although he was not bad, compared to the Three Pure Ones and others, the gap was vast, and he couldn't even compare to Minghe and others.
But very quickly, a brilliant joyous expression bloomed on his face.
Hongjun withdrew his gaze from Eastern King Duke and looked at West Queen Mother, saying, "West Queen Mother, you were formed from the first wisp of Pure Yin Qi between heaven and earth. You can be the head of the female Immortals."
West Queen Mother was also somewhat dazed by this unexpected joy, her mind a blank.
Just then, a cane and a banner appeared in Hongjun's hand.
As soon as these two items appeared, Eastern King Duke and West Queen Mother both showed joy. These two Spirit Treasures were top-tier Innate Spirit Treasures.
And Hongjun bringing out these two Spirit Treasures at this time very likely meant he was going to bestow them upon the two of them.
What they could think of, the people in Zixiao Palace naturally also knew. At this moment, they all looked enviously at Eastern King Duke and West Queen Mother.
Hongjun's next words also confirmed their thoughts.
"Eastern King Duke, this is the top-tier Innate Spirit Treasure, the Dragon Head Crutch. I now bestow it upon you. I hope you will be diligent in your duties and live up to being the head of the male Immortals."
"West Queen Mother, this is the top-tier Innate Spirit Treasure, the Plain Cloud Boundary Banner. I now bestow it upon you. I hope you will be diligent in your duties and live up to being the head of the female Immortals."
Eastern King Duke and West Queen Mother were overjoyed, hastily kneeling to express their gratitude: "We respectfully obey the Saint's decree."
Emperor Jun and Taiyi's faces instantly darkened after hearing that Hongjun had given the position of head of all Immortals to Eastern King Duke and West Queen Mother, who were far inferior to themselves.
Emperor Jun secretly fumed, "West Queen Mother is fine; the position of head of female Immortals isn't that crucial, and West Queen Mother's ambition isn't great, so she won't have much impact on our Yao Race.
But this Eastern King Duke, although he has grand ambitions but little talent, he has both ambition and strength. If he becomes the head of male Immortals and has Saint Hongjun as his backer, I'm afraid many people in Zixiao Palace might choose to pledge allegiance to Eastern King Duke. It seems Eastern King Duke is undoubtedly a huge obstacle to my rule over the Great Desolation."
Thinking of this, a hint of killing intent flashed in his eyes.
At this moment, Eastern King Duke was still immersed in the immense joy of becoming the head of male Immortals, completely unaware of Emperor Jun's killing intent towards him.
The other Purple Cloud Guests, meanwhile, cast envious glances.
One must know that Innate Spirit Treasures were already extremely precious, and the Three Corpses Severing Method mentioned by Hongjun in this lecture required the Three Corpses to be entrusted to Innate Spirit Treasures, which would make Innate Spirit Treasures even scarcer afterward.
How could Hongjun's bestowal of two top-tier Innate Spirit Treasures upon Eastern King Duke and West Queen Mother not make everyone envious, jealous, and resentful?
"Now that I have Saint Hongjun as my backer, even the Witch and Demon Clans cannot underestimate me. After I return, I will gather the Fellow Daoists present to join my forces. After I develop for a period, I, Eastern King Duke, can also contend for the position of overlord of the Great Desolation."
As Eastern King Duke thought this, an arrogant and smug expression unconsciously appeared on his face, and then he provocatively glanced in the direction of the Yao Race