Chapter 514
Shame and anger churned within him.
Tongtian's actions were tantamount to publicly slapping Dao Ancestor Hongjun across the face, with unimaginable consequences.
Inside the Zixiao Palace, the atmosphere was so oppressive it reached freezing point.
The Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning's face instantly turned ashen, and the veins on his forehead throbbed faintly. That damned Tongtian!
How dare he be so arrogant! Refusing to accept the Dao Ancestor as a disciple is not only a slap in the face to the Dao Ancestor, but also puts the Three Pure Ones in the eye of the storm!
How will outsiders view them as the true descendants of Pangu? How will they view him as his elder brother?
An uncontrollable rage and shame surged within him. If he hadn't been in Zixiao Palace, he would have rushed up Kunlun Mountain to confront him immediately.
Lao Tzu kept his eyes down, his expression calm, as if all the noise and commotion outside had nothing to do with him.
However, the slight movement of his fingers as he twirled the whisk revealed a subtle undercurrent of emotion.
He sighed inwardly. Tongtian had ultimately chosen the most difficult path.
On the high platform, for the first time, an extremely subtle ripple appeared on the usually calm and composed face of Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
It was not anger, but a pure surprise, a bewilderment at having one's will unexpectedly defied by ants.
He originally thought that offering the position of a personal disciple and the Primordial Purple Qi would be enough to make any living being flock to it, and even Tongtian, who had already embarked on the path of law, would at least hesitate and weigh the pros and cons.
He never expected that the other party would refuse so decisively, even with a hint of...disdain?
How dare this ant?
Hongjun's gaze instantly turned icy cold, like ancient ice. The temperature in the entire Zixiao Palace plummeted, and an invisible pressure from the Heavenly Dao spread out, making the three thousand Zixiao guests unable to breathe. Even Laozi and Yuanshi felt a tremor in their primordial spirits.
"Reaching the Heavens".
Hongjun's voice remained indifferent, yet it contained a chilling coldness that could freeze one's soul.
"Do you know that rejecting the Way of Heaven is to cut yourself off from the great power of the primordial world? Your path will be severed forever! Your elder brothers, Laozi and Yuanshi, have already become my disciples and have been granted the opportunity to become saints."
Your stubbornness will not only harm yourself, but will also tarnish the paths of both of them!
Threat! A blatant threat! Using the Daoist teachings of Lao Tzu and Yuan Shi as leverage!
Upon hearing this, Yuanshi Tianzun's expression grew even more unpleasant, and his gaze toward Kunlun was filled with resentment. Laozi's fingers, which were twirling his whisk, also paused for a moment.
Hongjun changed the subject, his tone now carrying an air of condescension.
"Considering that you are a direct descendant of Pangu and possess extraordinary roots, I will give you another chance. Now that you are becoming my disciple, I will still accept you as my fourth personal disciple, bestow upon you the Primordial Purple Qi, and grant you the innate treasures 'The Four Swords of Immortal Slaughter' and an array diagram!"
This treasure is unparalleled in its destructive power, perfectly suited to your swordsmanship, and can aid you in protecting your path and attaining sainthood! Such an opportunity is unique in the primordial world; do not squander it!
Using both kindness and force! First, threaten with Laozi's primordial Dao path, then tempt with the precious treasures of the Primordial Purple Qi and the Four Swords of Zhuxian!
The Dao Ancestor's methods were undeniably brilliant. The Four Swords of Zhuxian! That was a legendary, invincible formation that only the Four Sages could break!
Countless Zixiao guests listened with reddened eyes and heavy breathing, wishing they could take his place.
At the summit of Kunlun Mountain, the Tongtian Sect Leader's body trembled almost imperceptibly. The Four Swords of Zhuxian!
This treasure is indeed in harmony with his swordsmanship, and its power is boundless.
Hongjun's promise was undeniably tempting.
For a fleeting moment, he did indeed hesitate.
The position of saint is within easy reach, and there are even more treasures to be given as gifts. It seems... not so unacceptable?
Just as his mind wavered, a deep, demonic, and majestic voice resounded directly within the depths of his soul, carrying an all-knowing mockery:
"Young man, don't be fooled by that old Taoist! He's just bluffing! Laozi and Yuanshi are indispensable pieces in his scheme. Why would he easily destroy two such important pieces for your sake? To cut off his own path? That's a joke!"
If he had the ability to easily sever the path of a peak-level Hunyuan Golden Immortal who had embarked on the path of law, why would he need to waste his breath and resort to coercion and enticement?
He's merely afraid that you'll fully embark on the path of proving your path through the laws of nature, escape his control, and become a variable in his grand scheme of heavenly laws! Hold fast to your heart; your sword path must be forged by yourself!
It's Rahu!
A brilliant light burst forth in the eyes of the Tongtian Sect Leader, as if he had been awakened from his slumber, and all his hesitation and wavering vanished in an instant!
An unprecedented sense of clarity and determination filled my heart!
So that's how it is! Master Hongjun, you've got a good plan! You wanted to use my brother's path and treasures to bind me? Dream on!
He suddenly looked up, his gaze like two sword beams tearing through the sky, piercing the void once more. His voice was louder and more resolute than before, carrying a sharp edge that could sever all shackles.
"Dao Ancestor! My Dao lies in the sword, in the heart, and in myself! It is not in the Heavenly Dao, nor in the Sages! The paths of Laozi and Yuanshi have their own destinies, which I cannot control, nor can Dao Ancestor decide them with a single word! As for the Primordial Purple Qi and the Four Swords of Zhuxian…"
Though it is a priceless treasure, it is not what I seek! My sword is my only reliance!
This path leads to the heavens, and I am determined to take it! Dao Ancestor, there's no need for further words!
These words were like a massive boulder thrown into a calm lake! The beings of the primordial world were completely speechless, only gasping in astonishment could be heard.
Inside the Purple Cloud Palace, the usually indifferent face of Dao Ancestor Hongjun finally turned completely gloomy!
An indescribable aura of terror suddenly erupted from his body!
The entire Zixiao Palace trembled violently, flowers rained down from the sky, and the strange phenomenon of golden lotuses emerging from the ground instantly collapsed!
The three thousand Zixiao guests were struck as if by an invisible giant hammer. Those with weaker cultivation levels coughed up blood and collapsed to the ground!
Even the top experts in the front row, including Laozi, Yuanshi, and Nuwa, felt a fear from the depths of their souls, as if they would be crushed by the Heavenly Dao in the next instant!
"Insects! How dare you be so insolent!"
Hongjun's voice was like a cold wind from the deepest hell, containing a fury powerful enough to freeze time and space.
He slowly raised his hand, and a point of chaotic light condensed at his fingertips. Although the light was small, it seemed to contain the supreme power to create the world and recreate chaos!
The Heavenly Laws of the entire primordial world resonated and trembled in response!
He's about to make his move! Dao Ancestor Hongjun is actually going to personally eliminate Tongtian Jiaozhu!
The hearts of all living beings were in their throats. The direction of Kunlun Mountain was shrouded in an apocalyptic pressure, causing vegetation to wither and rocks to crumble!
At this critical moment!
"Teacher, please calm down!"
Two voices rang out almost simultaneously!
Laozi took a step forward, blocking Hongjun's raised fingertips, and bowed deeply. His voice remained calm, but carried an unprecedented solemnity.
“Junior Brother Tongtian is strong-willed and stubborn in his pursuit of the Dao. His words may sometimes be offensive, but his heart is set on the Dao, and he has no intention of disrespecting the Dao or defying his teacher!”
I humbly beg you, Master, to spare him this time, considering that he is an incarnation of Pangu's primordial spirit, possessing profound roots, and that he has not yet committed a grave error! This disciple is willing to take the punishment in his place!
Immediately afterward, Yuanshi Tianzun also stepped forward with a heavy heart. Although he was extremely angry with Tongtian, he also understood that if his teacher really killed Tongtian, the Three Pure Ones, being of the same origin and connected by fate, would suffer a severe blow, and his own path of cultivation would also be affected!
He suppressed his resentment towards Tongtian and bowed.
"Teacher! Although Tongtian is stubborn and unyielding, he is still our younger brother! We beg you, Teacher, to spare his life for the sake of your disciple and senior brother! We will discipline him strictly, make him reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors, and he will never dare to offend your holy majesty again!"
Laozi and Yuanshi actually stood up at the same time to plead for Tongtian!
Hongjun paused slightly with his raised fingertip, the chaotic light condensing at the fingertip flickering uncertainly.
His cold eyes swept over Laozi and Yuanshi, who were bowing and unable to rise, with a very subtle calculation deep in his eyes.
Lao Tzu, embodying non-action and tranquility, is a key figure in the future leadership of the Humanist School, tasked with educating humanity. Yuan Shi, elucidating the Dao of Heaven, is the future leader of the Chan School and a crucial figure in the Investiture of the Gods.
These two are indispensable pillars in his Heavenly Way Chess Game!
If he were to kill Tongtian in a fit of rage, causing the collapse of the Three Pure Ones' fortunes and obstructing or even severing the paths of Laozi and Yuanshi, the impact on his entire plan would be devastating! It would be a losing proposition!
Moreover, Tongtian has clearly embarked on the path of proving the Dao through the laws, and by rejecting the Primordial Purple Qi, he has already deviated from the path of becoming a saint that Tongtian had set out for him.
Rather than forcibly eliminating a variable that is destined to be out of our control and causing unpredictable consequences, perhaps we should... let it go for now?
Once the six sages return to their positions and the Heavenly Dao is established, how much of a ripple can a mere Law Chaos cause?
Thinking of this, the raging anger in Hongjun's heart cooled down as if doused with a bucket of cold water.
He slowly withdrew his hand, and the chaotic light at his fingertips quietly dissipated.
The world-destroying pressure that had enveloped the entire primordial world also receded.
"Humph!"
Hongjun snorted coldly, his voice returning to its previous indifference, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.
"Since you have pleaded for him, and out of consideration for the legacy of Pangu, I will spare him this time. However, while he may be spared the death penalty, he cannot escape punishment! Tongtian has defied the Heavenly Way and disobeyed the Holy Will. From this day forward, he shall be stripped of his status as a disciple of the Xuanmen Sect and shall never again be allowed to enter the Zixiao Palace to listen to lectures!"
What their future path may be, whether they live or die, is none of our Xuanmen's concern! You all should take care of yourselves!
"Thank you for your mercy, Teacher!"
Laozi and Yuanshi both breathed a sigh of relief and quickly bowed in gratitude again.
Yuanshi's lowered eyes held a sinister glint: Tongtian! Today's humiliation is all because of you! When I become a saint, I will make you pay!
Hongjun ignored the direction of Kunlun Mountain, as if nothing had happened.
His gaze returned to the Purple Cloud Palace.
At this moment, the three thousand Zixiao guests in the hall, after experiencing that thrilling scene, had their minds racing!
The Dao Ancestor originally intended to take in six disciples and bestow upon them six streams of Primordial Purple Qi.
Now that the Tongtian Sect Leader has refused to become an apprentice, doesn't that mean... a disciple spot has become vacant? A wisp of Primordial Purple Qi has become vacant?!
This thought spread like wildfire, instantly igniting the long-suppressed desires in the hearts of all the unchosen powerful beings!
They thought the dust had settled and the holy position was out of their reach, but unexpectedly, a glimmer of hope appeared!
All eyes were once again focused on Hongjun Daozu on the high platform, filled with unprecedented anticipation and greed!
Who will possess that vacant spot, that unclaimed primordial purple energy? Will it be myself?
Inside Zixiao Palace, the vacant disciple position and the Primordial Purple Qi, left vacant due to Tongtian's rejection, were like a drop of cold water thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the greed and desire of all the unselected Zixiao guests!
The long-suppressed ambitions erupted, and the atmosphere in the entire hall became incredibly heated and chaotic.
"Dao Ancestor! I, Di Jun, was born with the fortune of the Sun Star and command billions of demons. I wish to become your disciple and dedicate myself to the stability of the primordial world and the prosperity of the Heavenly Dao!"
Di Jun took a step forward, his body radiating the true fire of the sun, displaying the majesty of an emperor. His voice was loud and clear as he spoke first.
He was anxious. The Witch Clan was powerful, and the Twelve Ancestral Witches were invincible in physical form. If he could not obtain the status of a disciple of a sage and use the power of the Heavenly Dao to suppress them, the Demon Clan would be in danger!
"My younger brother, Taiyi, wields the Chaos Bell and possesses the power to suppress the primordial chaos! I wish to follow my elder brother to become his disciple, to uphold the Heavenly Dao, and to sweep away the rebellious!"
Donghuang Taiyi followed closely behind, with the illusory image of the Chaos Bell floating above his head. The bell rang softly, shaking the void with astonishing power.
The two brothers had burning eyes, determined to win.
"Dao Ancestor, please forgive me! I, the Eastern King Duke, have received your decree to lead the male immortals, to regulate the Yin and Yang of the primordial world and harmonize the Qi of heaven and earth. I now wish to become your disciple, to fulfill my duties and repay the grace of heaven!"
The Eastern King also stepped forward, his posture respectful and his words earnest, as if he were wholeheartedly devoted to the public good.
However, he was rapidly calculating in his mind: He had to fight for this disciple position! Otherwise, how could he maintain the Dao Ancestor's trust and continue to lie low?
But... if he really obtained the Primordial Purple Qi and became a disciple of a sage, how should he conduct himself as a spy? His mind raced for a moment, but he showed no sign of it on his face.
"Dao Ancestor! I, Kunpeng, was born in the Northern Sea, possess the power of Feng Shui, and also have a heart that yearns for the Dao! I am willing to serve as your servant and listen to your teachings!"
"Dao Ancestor! I am Styx, the River of Blood will never dry up, the River of Blood will never die! I am willing to use the River of Blood as the foundation to establish a great religion, to educate the Asuras, and to mend the deficiencies of the Heavenly Dao!"
"Dao Ancestor! I, Zhen Yuanzi, am a ruler of the world, wielding the Book of Earth, and untangling the primordial earth's veins! I wish..."
"Dao Ancestor! I, Fuxi, comprehend the Eight Trigrams and understand the secrets of heaven..."
"Dao Ancestor..."
In an instant, the atmosphere within Zixiao Palace was electric! Emperor Jun, Taiyi, Dongwanggong, Kunpeng, Styx Ancestor, Zhenyuanzi, Fuxi…
One after another, the most powerful beings in the primordial world stepped forward, displaying their supernatural abilities, recounting their achievements, or expressing their loyalty. Their voices rose and fell, each showcasing their most dazzling side, all for the sake of vying for that one and only disciple spot!
A burning flame blazed in everyone's eyes—the light of hope leading to sainthood!
The aura within the hall surged, and the laws of nature were faintly visible. If Zixiao Palace were not the Dao Ancestor's Daoist temple, suppressed by the power of the Heavenly Dao, it would probably have been overwhelmed by the aura of these numerous powerful beings long ago!
On the high platform, Hongjun Daozu looked down expressionlessly at the noisy and competitive scene below, his eyes filled with coldness and indifference.
In his eyes, these creatures were nothing more than chess pieces, their value already determined through countless cycles of calculation.
Di Jun Taiyi? The ruler of the demon race? He is merely a person destined to face the tribulation of the future Lich War, and is destined to perish.
The Eastern King Duke? A pawn whose true nature has long been exposed; his value lies solely in conveying information.
Kunpeng? Styx? Zhen Yuanzi? Fuxi? Each has its own destiny, but none of them are the key piece in his heart that can perfectly fit the game of Heaven's Way.
That empty spot was originally reserved for Tongtian, a chess piece with deep roots and boundless potential, yet destined to be controlled.
Now that Tongtian is out of his control, he cannot find a suitable replacement in a short period of time who is worthy of his investment of a wisp of Primordial Purple Qi.
Forcibly bestowing it? It's nothing but a waste of resources, and might even create a variable that gets out of control.
"enough!"
The indifferent voice was like a cold spring from the heavens, instantly extinguishing all the noise.
Hongjun's gaze swept over the faces below, some expectant, some nervous, and some fervent, and he slowly spoke.
"The throne is predetermined, and the path to sainthood is established long ago." (End of Chapter)