Over the three thousand years, nourished by boundless Dao essence, Chen Ku's cultivation had improved tremendously.
The Primal Chaos Sutra advanced at an astonishing rate, making Chen Ku's Dao attainments ever deeper and his aura increasingly vast.
Although he had not directly broken through to the Quasi-Saint realm, for him, it was only half a step away.
If one sensed him carefully, his aura was nearly no weaker than that of the Quasi-Saint-level figures present.
Fortunately, Hongjun's sermon had been an immense opportunity to begin with, and many great powers present had also achieved breakthroughs from time to time.
Within the vast Purple Cloud Palace, immortal light filled the heavens, while divine radiance erupted in every direction.
Thus, no one paid particular attention to Chen Ku's improvement.
On this day, the three-thousand-year period came to an end, and Hongjun slowly ceased his sermon.
The faint immortal music gradually faded, vanishing into the void.
The visions filling the sky also slowly disappeared without a trace.
Chen Ku's aura settled, and he was quite satisfied with this improvement.
Yet after sighing inwardly, Chen Ku looked strangely at the unruffled Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
"Still, it is a pity that this is the final sermon."
"If there were a few more, it would not be impossible for me to reach the Quasi-Saint realm directly."
With Heaven-Defying Comprehension empowering him, Chen Ku had absolute confidence in this.
Of course, the thought vanished as quickly as it came.
After all, it was fortunate that he had taken form early enough to catch this final sermon.
Otherwise, he might have missed even this opportunity.
Just as Chen Ku pondered inwardly, Hongjun also awakened from meditation.
His gaze was calm, but an imperceptible trace of strangeness flashed through it as he glanced at Chen Ku.
He still wanted a few more sermons?!
Did this shameless brat take me for some tool to deliver sermons?!
That was right!
Hongjun was a Saint, and Chen Ku had not deliberately concealed himself.
Therefore, in an instant, Hongjun saw through Chen Ku's thoughts and was left speechless.
Only Chen Ku, a "newborn calf unafraid of tigers," would dare harbor such outrageous thoughts.
Still, Hongjun had already witnessed Chen Ku's thick skin in secret before, so he said nothing more.
He withdrew his gaze, his presence containing an indescribable and overwhelming majesty, then turned toward the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and the others.
"From this day onward, I shall use the Harmonization Method and no longer appear in the world!"
"Since you are my disciples, today I shall bestow some treasures upon you for your use."
As he spoke, Hongjun waved his hand.
In an instant, streaks of divine radiance shot forth, transforming into spheres of light that hovered above the heads of the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and the other four.
Within every sphere of light was a spiritual treasure.
Above Laozi's head were the Taiji Diagram, Eight Trigrams Furnace, Diamond Bracelet, Off-Ground Flame Light Banner, and more.
Above Yuanshi's head were the Pangu Banner, All Heavens Celebration Cloud, Jade Clarity Glazed Lamp, Wu-Ji Apricot Yellow Banner, and others.
Tongtian received the Four Swords of Zhuxian, Six Souls Banner, Eight Treasures Cloud Light Scarf, and more.
Nuwa received the Mountains and Rivers State Diagram, Red Embroidered Ball, Demon Summoning Banner, and more.
Every one of them was an Innate Spiritual Treasure, and there were even Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures and Innate Supreme Treasures among them.
One could imagine how magnificent this sight appeared to everyone, stirring their hearts deeply.
Having received such immense fortune, the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa were all moved, overjoyed beyond measure.
The four immediately bowed respectfully, expressing their gratitude for Dao Ancestor Hongjun's grace.
This scene instantly made the eyes of the many great powers present burn with desire, their breathing quickening.
Every one of those treasures could be called a supreme treasure, possessing peerless divine might.
Obtaining even one of them would be an immense blessing.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's generosity was truly astounding.
Yet amid their envy, some great powers looked at Jie Yin and Zhun Ti with inexplicable expressions.
"Hehe, the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa have all received spiritual treasures, while Jie Yin and Zhun Ti alone have been completely ignored by the Dao Ancestor."
"Hmph, those two are shameless and despicable. Even their Enlightenment Mat came from dubious means. Naturally, they are unqualified to receive the Dao Ancestor's reward."
"It seems nominal disciples are ultimately inferior to direct disciples."
Some great powers whispered among themselves, snickering as though watching Jie Yin and Zhun Ti make fools of themselves.
In their eyes, Jie Yin and Zhun Ti's Enlightenment Mat had never been obtained honorably.
Therefore, it was only natural that they could not be treated like the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa. Being ignored by Dao Ancestor Hongjun was only to be expected.
They reveled in their misfortune!
They kicked them while they were down!
All sorts of emotions were displayed vividly across the faces of the great powers.
This darkened Jie Yin and Zhun Ti's expressions somewhat, making them look rather unpleasant, yet neither said a word.
Likewise, as they looked at the many spiritual treasures, Jie Yin and Zhun Ti were naturally tempted.
His expression shifting, Zhun Ti prepared to step forward.
At worst, he would play the victim again!
In any case, he had already become thoroughly skilled and experienced at it.
However, at that moment, Chen Ku beside them moved first.
"Misery... such misery..."
"Honored Patriarch, see clearly: we beings of the West have suffered terribly."
"In the past, that damned Demon Ancestor Rahu fought the Patriarch in a great battle. In his fury, he detonated the spiritual veins of the West, leaving the Western World unable to recover ever since."
"Moreover, although Master Jie Yin and martial uncle Zhun Ti entered under the Patriarch's tutelage, they are merely nominal disciples!"
"Honored Patriarch, please be compassionate and do not favor one over another. Remember the hardships of the West and bestow upon us some opportunity as well..."
He suddenly began to "weep his grievances," drawing everyone's attention.
Even Jie Yin and Zhun Ti were greatly startled.
Then, the two revealed gratified smiles.
That was right!
He was teachable!
If not for Chen Ku, Jie Yin and Zhun Ti had been ready to personally step forward and play the victim once more.
Now that Chen Ku was doing it instead, it was even more appropriate.
After all, Chen Ku was ultimately a junior. His actions were understandable, and even Dao Ancestor Hongjun presumably could not lash out at him.
Still, upon hearing Chen Ku's words, Jie Yin and Zhun Ti could not help but secretly break into a cold sweat for him.
This brat actually dared bring up the War of the Dao and the Demon?
Wasn't he indirectly pointing out that Dao Ancestor Hongjun himself could not escape blame for the West ending up in such a state?!
He truly was bold!
But Jie Yin and Zhun Ti did not notice that the three thousand great powers around them now wore grave expressions, without a trace of mockery.
At first, seeing Chen Ku play the victim so miserably, everyone had secretly disdained him, believing that he and Jie Yin and Zhun Ti were birds of a feather—like master, like disciple.
But as Chen Ku's cries of misery continued, the Primal Chaos Sutra began circulating in secret.
One must know that the Primal Chaos Sutra had been deduced from the Hundred Bitter Sutra, the Nine Revolutions Primordial Skill, and the Nine Revolutions Profound Skill.
Thus, this technique had incorporated the effects of the Hundred Bitter Sutra.
With every cry of suffering, it unconsciously stirred the sympathy of those around him.
By the end, the many great powers seemed to feel deeply alike, their faces filled with compassion.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun was naturally not greatly affected.
But his brows furrowed tightly. He had not expected Chen Ku to be so "difficult to handle."
Yet seeing everyone's reactions, he could not say much.
Thus, after pondering for a moment, he spoke:
"Very well!"
"I shall bestow upon you of the West the Green Lotus Treasured Banner, Nine-Ringed Staff, and Purifying Water Bowl!"
Hongjun knew that if he refused again, he would likely earn the reputation of being "cold-hearted and merciless."
After some thought, he could only compromise.
Before you continue