Founding a Sect!

Since there was no opportunity, he even secretly used his talent to eavesdrop. Anyone in his place would have been displeased.

Otherwise, if he had been allowed to listen to the sermon and then spread it everywhere, saying, "I eavesdropped on the Dao Ancestor's sermon," wouldn't that break the rules?

That's why that saying came about.

As for later, would the dignified Dao Ancestor still care about this matter?

That's not necessarily true.

If he truly held a grudge against a little monkey from back then because of this, then the Dao Ancestor would be too petty.

If that were really the case, he would have crushed him with a single palm the moment he discovered him eavesdropping, instead of waiting until now.

After hearing these words, Nuwa was first stunned, then carefully considered them and gradually agreed with Tongtian's view.

Meanwhile, the Six-Eared Macaque, unaware that a turning point was imminent, stood in the formation, full of anticipation.

Ever since he was isolated by the Dao Ancestor's words that day, he had sought masters everywhere but found no one willing to take him in.

This loneliness and bitterness filled his heart with regret and remorse.

Of course, he was not entirely blameless.

He knew that the fault was his own, first and foremost.

But even so, he did not give up.

When he accidentally heard the news that the Intercepting Sect was establishing itself and widely recruiting disciples, hope arose in his heart.

As long as he could pass the assessment, he could become a disciple of the Intercepting Sect.

For this, he traveled thousands of miles, undeterred by hardships, and spent a full thousand years, finally arriving at the East Sea.

He had only one thought in his heart--

To enter the Intercepting Sect!

Even if he were just a lowly errand boy, he would be content!

Just as Tongtian and Nuwa noticed the Six-Eared Macaque...

On the island, several ancient powerful beings, who were enjoying the banquet while secretly observing the assessment, also turned their gaze towards him.

After several rounds of telepathic communication, everyone was aware of the situation.

Some were displeased, some frowned, and some secretly rejoiced...

Among them were those who had refused him in the past.

For a time, everyone's expressions were varied, and their thoughts were unfathomable.

A thousand years passed in a flash.

Out of the initial hundreds of billions of cultivators who participated in the trial, only one million two hundred thousand and nine thousand six hundred remained after enduring numerous trials.

Although this number was still large.

It seemed insignificant compared to the number of those eliminated.

At this moment, the eliminated cultivators were scattered across the East Sea.

Gazing at the Three Immortal Islands in the distance, their eyes were filled with longing and yearning.

There were even those whose cultivation had reached the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm, yet they still failed to pass.

They were seen beating their chests and stamping their feet, full of regret and unwillingness.

"The assessment is complete. Those who have not passed, please depart. You may participate again when the sect recruits disciples next time."

"The specific time will be announced separately."

Fuxi stood on the high platform, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd as he announced in a peaceful tone.

Despite these words, a hint of disdain had already risen in his heart.

The reason for this was actually very simple.

Among these people, apart from a few with pure backgrounds like Fu Yuan, many others had improper conduct and impure intentions.

Therefore, they were naturally detected by the grand formation, revealing themselves.

If it weren't for the sake of the Intercepting Sect's reputation, Fuxi would not have bothered to say another word based on this alone.

Hearing that there was still room for maneuver, everyone's hearts ignited with a flicker of hope.

They secretly resolved to cultivate diligently and strive for progress upon their return!

As the crowd gradually dispersed, the great beings who had come to witness the ceremony nodded to each other and took their leave one after another.

The disciple-receiving ceremony had been completed, and the subsequent matters were internal arrangements of the Intercepting Sect. It would not have been appropriate for them to stay any longer.

Thus, they left of their own accord, without any hesitation.

Seeing Fuxi lead the many newly admitted disciples back to the dojo, Sect Master Tongtian emerged from Biyou Palace at the opportune moment.

"Disciples pay their respects to the Sect Master!"

More than a million disciples shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens, causing even the spiritual energy near the Three Immortal Islands to momentarily stagnate.

Looking out, everyone's eyes burned with fervent light, almost carving the word "admiration" into their very souls.

"Rise."

"As the saying goes, without rules, there can be no order.

Today, I shall establish the sect rules here. I hope you will engrave them in your hearts and discipline yourselves strictly."

"First: The Sect Master's word is doctrine. It cannot be questioned, much less disobeyed!"

"Second: Fellow disciples shall not harm one another. Sparring is permitted, but stop before causing serious injury."

"Third: When facing adversity, we must advance and retreat together. If any fellow disciple is in danger, the entire sect must provide full support."

"Fourth: Do not engage in any actions that damage the sect's reputation. Violators will be severely punished without leniency."

As soon as the words fell, the crowd, as if having rehearsed countless times, responded in unison.

"Disciples respectfully obey your decree!"

Seeing the disciples' enthusiastic response, Tongtian's face showed satisfaction as he continued:

"Second, I will preach the Dao for a thousand years shortly. How much you comprehend will depend on your own fortune."

Upon hearing that they had the opportunity to listen to the Sect Master preach the Dao so soon after joining, everyone was overjoyed.

If the occasion were not so solemn, they would have surely erupted in cheers.

"Third, after the sermon, you will need to go to the Hall of Enforcement to collect your identity waist tokens."

"Different realms will receive different levels of waist tokens, which will serve as proof of identity."

"All resources required in the future will be distributed based on these tokens."

"Aside from the mission board, the other four major boards will be activated simultaneously after the waist tokens have been distributed."

"The rankings on these boards will be updated every thousand years, with the top hundred receiving generous rewards."

"Rewards include, but are not limited to, rare resources such as Spiritual Treasures, elixirs, and materials."

Having finished explaining the subsequent arrangements in one breath, Tongtian's lips curved upwards as he gazed at his excited disciples.

He couldn't help but recall a saying from later generations:

"You might make a fortune, but I never lose."

The very functions provided by the system ensured that he would always profit.

Furthermore, the stronger his disciples became, the stronger he would become.

This was a true win-win situation!

"Disciples thank the Sect Master!"

A deafening roar erupted, and Tongtian, seated in the void, parted his lips:

"There is a thing, chaotic and complete, born before heaven and earth. Silent, empty, it stands alone and unchanging."

"It moves without ceasing, and can be the mother of heaven and earth."

"I know not its name, so I call it the 'Dao'; I force upon it the name 'Great'."

"'Great' means flowing; flowing means going afar; going afar means returning."

Profound and mysterious Daoist sounds echoed in the air, penetrating the hearts of all.

In an instant, flowers rained from the sky, and golden lotuses rose from the earth.

Myriad phenomena and magnificent visions unfolded around Tongtian.

The disciples' minds drifted into a mystical state, their internal magical power began to circulate unconsciously, and the abundant spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged in like a tide, quickly condensing into a colossal spiritual energy vortex spanning billions of miles.

The grandeur of the scene left even Nuwa, Fuxi, and several elders dumbfounded and shocked.

As the spiritual energy entered their bodies, the disciples' cultivation levels quietly increased...

On the Sun Star, "Tongtian's strength has greatly increased this time. Will this affect the future situation of the Primordial World? What are your thoughts?" Dijun asked, massaging his temples as he sat in the main seat.

He wasn't worried if it were Laozi, Yuanshi, or others.

But Tongtian was different.

Not to mention his unfathomable personal strength, given the current state of the Primordial World, almost no one except the Dao Ancestor Hongjun was his match.

Moreover, the disciples he had taken in now were all exceptionally talented.

If given enough time, this batch of disciples would undoubtedly pose a massive threat to the Demon Race!

Not to mention he also possessed the Universe Cauldron—a supreme treasure capable of mass-producing innate spiritual treasures!

He had a vague premonition: if the Intercepting Sect were allowed to continue growing stronger, the future landscape of the world might undergo unpredictable changes...

Within two epochs, no other force in the Primordial World would be able to contend with the Intercepting Sect.

This was the very definition of a "king without a crown."

The mere thought of Sect Master Tongtian's terrifying strength caused Kunpeng and the others' expressions to darken slightly.

Even Eastern Emperor Taiyi, who had always believed in ruling by force, couldn't help but fall into contemplation.

He did admire strength, but that didn't mean he was reckless.

Knowing he couldn't even withstand a single blow, why would he foolishly consider confronting the opponent head-on!

With a sigh, Dijun found himself in a rather awkward, almost comical situation.

The proud individuals they were in the past now lost all courage at the mere mention of Tongtian's name.

How ironic was this!

After a long while, Kunpeng, revered as the Demon Master, finally spoke slowly.

"For now, the Intercepting Sect isn't a true threat. Our primary concern should still be the Witch Race."

"At the same time, the Demon Race should also begin clearing out some obstacles."

"First, we'll unify or eliminate other factions, and then we'll contend with the Witch Race."

"If we win, we can then join forces with Laozi, Yuanshi, and those from the West to deal with Tongtian together."

"If we lose..."

He didn't finish the sentence, but everyone understood.

If the Demon Race were defeated, they would have no energy left to worry about Tongtian and the Intercepting Sect.

Whether they could even keep their lives would be uncertain!

Dijun pondered for a moment before finally nodding in agreement and stating gravely:

"Very well, we shall follow the Demon Master's counsel."

"Taiyi, lead a portion of the Demon Race forces to Qing Luan and the other avian tribes who refuse to submit."

"Demon Master, take a portion of the Demon Race to purge the scaled, armored, and beastly tribes."

"Bai Ze, you and the remaining nine demon gods will deal with the plant and wood spirits."

"If they refuse to surrender, eliminate them directly!"

"Once all factions are integrated, we will march our armies towards Purple Mansion."

Although these words carried a sense of bloodshed and cruelty, no one in the hall raised any objections.

The unification of the Demon Race must not be hindered by the resistance of a few stubborn factions!

Kunlun Mountain.

Seeing Yuanshi sitting on a cushion, looking restless and scratching his ears, Laozi frowned slightly.

"Second brother, your state of mind is disturbed."

"Eldest brother, Tongtian is already widely accepting disciples. Should we also establish our own sect and take in some disciples?" Yuanshi asked in a low voice after a slight pause.

To be honest, ever since their brotherhood fractured, his dissatisfaction with Tongtian had deepened.

Therefore, upon seeing him widely accepting disciples, a competitive urge naturally arose within him.

He was confident that, with his status as Pangu's Orthodox Lineage, the disciples who came to seek tutelage would surely not be fewer than Tongtian's!

If he could then select disciples with outstanding talent and profound destiny, he would naturally be able to suppress Tongtian in terms of momentum.

"This matter requires careful consideration," Laozi stated concisely after a moment of thought.

It wasn't that he didn't want to contend with Tongtian, but he was more clear-headed than Yuanshi.

Currently, they lacked both fame and resources.