Chapter Thirty-Five: The True Lineage of the Mystic Sect

Tongtian reluctantly agreed, for after all, following the Way of Heaven was the prevailing trend, and now Ancestor Hongjun's words represented the mandate of Heaven itself.

Ancestor Hongjun nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the Three Pure Ones and said, “Would you three care to become my disciples?”

The words were spoken gently, but their meaning was clear: become my disciples, and with me as your sheltering tree, nothing will trouble you.

Moreover, Taishang Laojun and Yuanshi Tianzun had been saved by Ancestor Hongjun during the great battle on Kunlun Mountain, and their hearts were filled with gratitude. It was this burning sense of gratitude that allowed them to overcome the Two Principles Particle Formation.

Although Hongjun had already accepted Taishang Laojun and Yuanshi Tianzun as disciples at that time, the circumstances now were different. For Hongjun to request that the Three Pure Ones become his disciples in such a setting not only meant he lowered himself, but also elevated the status of the Three Pure Ones, making them the focus of everyone’s admiration.

The three of them knelt and called out, “Greetings, Master!”

Seeing the sincere manner in which the Three Pure Ones performed the ceremony, Hongjun smiled without speaking. Then he turned his gaze toward Nuwa, pointed at her, and said, “You may become my registered disciple.”

Nuwa hurriedly rose and said, “Thank you for your mercy, Master. It’s just that my elder brother—” Her words were somewhat vague; after all, she herself had become the disciple of the Dao Ancestor, while her brother was left without such fate. How could she not be anxious?

“A living being follows its own law of survival; the Way differs for each,” Ancestor Hongjun replied, then closed his eyes and spoke no further.

Below, Jieyin and Zhunti were extremely anxious. The previous ones had become the Dao Ancestor’s disciples, yet the two of them could not hear the Great Dao. Their hearts were uneasy. Zhunti then spoke up, “Dao Ancestor, please accept us, myself and Senior Brother Jieyin!”

“Ah, very well. Though you two and I do not share the predestined bond of master and disciple, your devotion is sincere; I shall accept you as registered disciples.” At this, Hongjun opened his eyes and spoke to Jieyin and Zhunti.

Beneath the platform, Eastern Emperor Taiyi, Demon Emperor Dijun, and others led the way, bowing low and calling out, “We implore the Dao Ancestor to accept us; may the Dao Ancestor fulfill our wish.”

Hongjun waved his hand lightly, and everyone rose to their feet. He addressed the crowd below: “You truly do not share the bond of master and disciple with me.”

The crowd wished to speak further, but Hongjun’s face grew cold, and instantly no one dared utter a word.

With a sweep of Hongjun’s great hand, six streams of purple qi drilled into the dantian of six individuals.

Unable to restrain himself, Zhunti asked Hongjun, “Master, what is this?”

“This is called ‘Hongmeng Purple Qi,’ and it is essential for attaining the realm of Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal.” Hongjun then explained to everyone.

Eastern Emperor Taiyi and Demon Emperor Dijun, sharp-eyed, immediately knelt and cried out, “Dao Ancestor, have mercy, grant us the opportunity to become saints!” The others followed their lead, kneeling and shouting, “Dao Ancestor, have mercy, Dao Ancestor, have mercy!”

The Dao Ancestor gave a soft hum, then extended a finger toward the sky above the crowd. The Hongmeng Purple Qi hovered uncertainly above them, as everyone watched, hoping the opportunity for the Great Dao would descend upon their own heads. Were it not for the fact that this was the Zixiao Palace, the appearance of the Hongmeng Purple Qi would have incited madness throughout the entire primordial world.

The Hongmeng Purple Qi circled above Ancestor Hongyun’s head, and suddenly transformed into a beam of purple light, shooting into Hongyun’s primordial spirit. Hongyun’s face flushed, bursting with joy; he laughed loudly, disregarding the sacred setting of the Dao Ancestor, and strode out of Zixiao Palace, followed by his close friend Zhenyuanzi, who frowned but still went after him.

Hongjun saw Hongyun’s demeanor, and his gaze involuntarily narrowed, though it was only a brief flicker, noticed by Tongtian.

Tongtian felt pity for Ancestor Hongyun, regretting that he, who had attained the Dao from the first rainbow cloud at the dawn of creation, had lost his place in Zixiao Palace to Zhunti. This weakened the fortune of the East and made Tongtian lament Hongyun’s ignorance and arrogance.

Hongjun made no comment on Hongyun’s recent setback, but changed the subject, saying, “Since I began teaching the Dao, over ten thousand years have passed. My Dao shall henceforth be named ‘The Profound Gate,’ and all my disciples may claim themselves as inheritors of the Profound Gate lineage.”

“We honor the Dao Ancestor’s decree.” All bowed respectfully to the Dao Ancestor.

“Now that my teachings are complete, you must await my summons ten thousand years hence before returning to Zixiao Palace,” Hongjun declared.

“Master, your disciple has a request,” Demon Emperor Dijun stepped forward and bowed.

“What request?” Hongjun asked.

“My brother and I have been chosen by all the tribes of the primordial world as their leaders. To resolve the conflicts among the various races, we have privately named all spirits of plants and trees as the Demon Clan. We hope Master will not blame us.” Dijun’s face showed a look of terror—whether real or feigned was uncertain.

“It is of no concern. May you govern the Demon Clan of the primordial world well,” Hongjun replied, his expression impassive as he sat atop the high platform, addressing Dijun and Taiyi below.

“Heaven has already acknowledged it, bestowing boundless merit; now to speak of it is somewhat late. Still, for the sake of saving face, I shall recognize it.” Hongjun thought quietly.

“Thank you for your kindness, Master,” Dijun and Taiyi bowed in gratitude.

Hongjun responded with a faint hum.

“Though we manage the Demon Clan, the descendants of Pangu—the Wu Clan—are ruthless toward our kind. In Wu Clan territory, all demon beasts are slaughtered. For the sake of the Demon Clan, I ask Master to judge fairly.” The meaning was clear: Dijun wished to rule the primordial world, but lacked the proper status. Even with power, without the Dao Ancestor’s approval, it would be meaningless. Though his words were tactful, the intent was unmistakable.

At this moment, Hongjun’s eyes grew clear, and an imposing aura swept from the platform toward all cultivators, especially Dijun and Taiyi, who felt the greatest pressure.

“I am not so easily manipulated,” the aura seemed to proclaim. In truth, Dijun need not have been so roundabout; after all the cultivators had left Zixiao Palace, he could have come alone to show respect to the Dao Ancestor. But now, daring to scheme against Hongjun warranted punishment.

Hongjun appeared to deliberate, though in reality he was consulting with the Way of Heaven, which soon gave him an answer. Dijun and Taiyi were meant to be the protagonists and principal forces in the upcoming war between the Wu and Demon clans; without the Dao Ancestor’s approval, they could not rightfully “rule” the various tribes of the primordial world.

“Our Demon Clan shall be responsible for governing the stars in the heavens, gathering the main forces together. I will open a new realm, named ‘Heavenly Realm,’ situated above Buzhou Mountain and beneath Zixiao Palace, to command all the constellations. The Wu Clan must not leave Buzhou Mountain for a hundred million miles, as they are to suppress the innate turbid qi beneath Buzhou Mountain.” Hongjun addressed the assembly.

“We obey the Dao Ancestor’s decree.” All bowed as one.

“Withdraw now,” Hongjun waved his hand.

The cultivators immediately withdrew from Zixiao Palace and returned to their own abodes. One, however, walked with heavy steps—Ancestor Kunpeng. He resented Ancestor Hongyun for his good fortune and was plotting something in his heart.