Big Matters Are Approaching!

As soon as the words fell, he began to pour out his woes incessantly, talking about how his attempts at enlightenment had failed and his state of mind was blocked, only stopping when his mouth was dry.

Tongtian appeared unfazed, but inwardly, he was already overjoyed.

In reality, the fellow's complaints boiled down to one thing: Laozi and the other four had successively achieved sainthood and were basking in glory, while his own Primordial Violet Qi remained dormant, causing him to fret like an ant on a hot pan.

But none of that mattered.

What was truly interesting was that Fuxi's pathetic demeanor was only half due to genuine worry about his cultivation; the other half was purely an act for Tongtian's benefit.

This was because rumors were now circulating throughout the Primordial World:

Nuwa's achievement of sainthood was entirely due to Tongtian's secret support.

And after Laozi left the Three Immortal Islands, he had suddenly traveled the world, achieving enlightenment within a thousand years, following a path eerily similar to Nuwa's past.

Hundreds of billions had listened to his teachings then, and even the most secretive matters could not entirely escape notice.

Moreover, Laozi's sudden and uncharacteristic travels seemed like he had stumbled upon some great fortune.

At first, Fuxi had wanted to step forward and clarify, as the truth was the exact opposite – Tongtian not only hadn't helped but had explicitly forbidden him from using the Human Race's power to achieve enlightenment.

To block someone's path was akin to seeking vengeance for a destroyed clan!

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them mortal enemies!

But the problem was, he couldn't possibly reveal that he had gone to the Dao Ancestor to complain and seek justice, could he?

Thus, he could only swallow his pride and tacitly allow the rumors to spread.

His silence, in turn, became the most powerful form of corroboration.

The outside world naturally concluded: If there was nothing to hide, why not refute it? The parties involved admitted it, so how could it be false?

Tongtian inwardly shook his head, utterly speechless at the speculative abilities of these cultivators.

The hall remained silent for a long time. Seeing no response, Fuxi finally couldn't sit still.

Good heavens! I've played the victim and hinted at my plight, putting on a whole act, and you're just going to pretend not to understand?

Doesn't your conscience ache at all?

After a few internal grumbles, he coughed lightly, rubbed his hands, and with a sheepish grin, sidled closer:

"Uh... brother-in-law, you know what kind of relationship we have, right? You should show some appreciation."

"For example, arrange some opportunities for me to achieve enlightenment or something."

He even winked, his expression quite mercenary.

Thankfully, no one else was around to witness such a lack of decorum.

Otherwise, the entire hall would likely have been stunned – everyone would have exclaimed in unison: So this is what Fuxi is truly like!

Seeing his esteemed congenital deity of an elder brother acting so childishly and shamelessly, Tongtian found it incredibly amusing for the first time.

His own brother-in-law possessed such a hilariously exasperating personality.

Tongtian's lips curved upwards, a hint of amusement in his eyes, as he slowly spread his hands.

"That 'brother-in-law' you called me sounds pleasant, and your flattery was smooth. Your performance just now was also quite convincing."

"But speaking of which, I genuinely don't know about your opportunity to achieve enlightenment."

As soon as he spoke, Fuxi's eagerly expectant eyes instantly drooped, the smile on his face receding like a tide, replaced by undisguised disappointment.

His expression almost made Tongtian blurt out, "Good heavens."

He inwardly rolled his eyes – this person was far too transparent.

Just as Fuxi hung his head in dejection and prepared to turn away, Tongtian slowly added:

"However..."

"However, what?" Fuxi's steps halted abruptly, his entire body jolted as if struck by lightning. The next moment, he flashed back in front of Tongtian, his face once again plastered with that thick-skinned smile.

The speed of his emotional shift was simply astonishing.

Even more absurd was that he seemed to have completely forgotten his previous emotional roller coaster, his face radiating a confidence that proclaimed, I have never bowed my head in subservience.

"It's nothing, it's just that your 'brother-in-law' greeting was quite pleasing to me. If you don't find it too tiring, feel free to say it a few more times." Tongtian teased with a grin, his eyes full of mischief.

In truth...

Ever since he had first considered involving Fuxi, Tongtian had already made his plans.

The position of Heavenly Emperor among the Human Race's Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors was precisely the opportunity he was secretly arranging for Fuxi.

There would be no need to experience tribulations or reincarnate. He would only need to send a wisp of his Primordial Spirit into the cycle of reincarnation, and Tongtian himself would personally take him as a disciple.

This way, he would gain the merits of the Heavenly Emperor and enjoy the karmic rewards of an Imperial Teacher.

If his cultivation were to reach the peak of a Quasi-Saint by then, with the double blessings of merit, coupled with that wisp of Primordial Violet Qi that should have remained hidden deep within his brow, he might just be able to take that final step and achieve sainthood.

After all, the Heavenly Dao could only accommodate nine Saints. Excluding the "one that escapes" and the Old Ancestor Hongjun, there were actually only seven seats remaining.

If Fuxi were to be added now, it would perfectly fill the quota.

But such calculations would naturally not be revealed at this moment.

It's not too late to wait for the opportune moment and then proceed slowly.

"Even though you're the sect leader, I can still refuse you, right?" Fuxi's tone was filled with helplessness, his entire face etched with frustration.

His expression was like a declaration: This is my last shred of dignity!

"Sigh— I was originally planning to arrange a great fortune for my brother-in-law."

"Since you don't cherish it, I'll give it to Zhenyuanzi or West Queen Mother instead."

"I imagine they'll be more appreciative of its value."

Tongtian sighed softly. His words were casual, yet each one felt like a hook, digging directly into Fuxi's ears.

Upon hearing this, Fuxi's eyes immediately lit up. Without a word, he shamelessly sidled closer, adopting the demeanor of a "dead pig unafraid of boiling water."

"Brother-in-law! Brother-in-law! Brother-in-law!"

"Huh? Didn't you just say you didn't want to call me that?" Tongtian feigned surprise.

"I didn't say that! I never did! Don't spout nonsense!" Fuxi immediately denied everything, his face unblushing and his heart steady. His shamelessness was astonishing.

The scene of him completely backtracking, like a "true fragrance" moment, stunned Tongtian for a moment.

Then, he smiled and asked, "So, the question is— what exactly is this opportunity?"

"Huh? Did I mention anything? You must have misheard. What opportunity? How could it possibly be my turn?" Tongtian played dumb, speaking nonsense with a straight face.

As soon as he said this, Fuxi froze on the spot, his expectant expression instantly solidifying. He even forgot to let his twitching mouth stop.

He remained stunned for a good while, until he caught the almost uncontrollable upturn of Tongtian's lips. Only then did he suddenly realize— he had been tricked again.

Ten thousand curses surged in his heart, but he swallowed them all, leaving only a silent cry:

My heart is so tired, I really want to find a place to howl!

Just then, Nuwa quietly appeared.

"Alright, stop teasing him," she said softly.

She had actually noticed Fuxi's arrival earlier and had intended to quietly listen to their conversation, but…

Fuxi's behavior—

It was truly embarrassing!

Seeing his sister suddenly appear, Fuxi immediately covered his face, his heart crying out in despair. He was in a panic:

It's over, it's over! My years of maintaining a cool, aloof, and wise image are completely ruined!

What should I do?!

Help! Online and waiting! Really urgent!

"Why are you here? We only just parted, and you miss me already?" Tongtian teased with a smile.

"What nonsense are you spouting!" Nuwa, mindful of Fuxi's presence, her ear tips reddening slightly, spat at him, her annoyance tinged with a charming pout.

Fuxi pouted and turned his head away, pretending not to hear.

Women, so troublesome.

Just their chatter is annoying enough, and they even delay my enlightenment!

"Fuxi, the opportunity for your enlightenment has not yet arrived."

"When you can reach the peak of the Quasi-Saint realm, that opportunity will naturally reveal itself."

Tongtian's expression turned serious, his tone becoming solemn as he left behind an ambiguous statement.

Before Fuxi could rejoice and ask for details, he continued with his command:

"The Intercepting Sect has been established for many years now."

"Issue an order— in a thousand years, the Intercepting Sect will hold a grand ceremony, inviting guests from all over the world."

"The rules for the competition are clear: miscellaneous disciples will compete amongst themselves, and outer disciples will only spar with those of the same level."

"After rounds of elimination, the top three in each category will be selected."

"The rewards will be personally bestowed by me, and they will be substantial."

As soon as he said this, Fuxi and Nuwa were almost simultaneously stunned.

Again? Is he planning to stir up another storm?

No need to think too much— even without rewards, those elders and disciples who are almost fanatically devoted to Tongtian would rush to sign up.

Moreover, this time, Tongtian himself will be presenting the awards.

He is the ultimate idol in their hearts!

It was foreseeable that once the news spread, the entire Intercepting Sect would likely explode.

"What kind of prizes will be prepared? Spiritual artifacts? Or high-level pills?"

Fuxi nodded slightly and asked.

He knew that even without rewards, people would eagerly participate.

But the Intercepting Sect is, after all, the foremost sect in the Primordial World, a sacred land where myriad immortals pay homage.

If they couldn't offer worthy rewards, wouldn't it invite ridicule if the news spread?

"You just need to arrange the proceedings properly. As for the prizes, would I, the great Tongtian, ever do something to tarnish my own reputation?"

Tongtian's lips curved upwards, his expression unreadable, and he didn't reveal the specific details.

Inwardly, he grumbled: It was just a sudden whim, how could he have had time to think about the prizes?

If he told them the truth, that he hadn't decided yet, wouldn't that be a complete loss of face?

On the surface, he remained calm and composed, as if everything were under his control.

"Alright, I'll go do it now."

Fuxi responded, turned, and strode towards the Elders' Hall.

In less than a moment, the Elders' Hall was in chaos, documents flying, figures darting about.

Soon, the news that the Intercepting Sect would hold a grand competition in a thousand years swept across the island like the wind.

Three Immortal Islands instantly erupted in excitement.

Countless disciples' faces turned flushed with excitement, their arms raised in cheers, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

Some had already begun strategizing against their opponents, while others quietly meditated, determined to make a name for themselves on that day.

Even more had made grand declarations:

"The position of the core disciple's champion will be mine!"

Kong Xuan, upon hearing the news, his eyes flashed, his gaze as firm as a rock.

Not far away, the Six-Eared Macaque, sitting in his cave abode, also felt a spark ignite within his heart.

The reason he cultivated so desperately, never slacking, was only to repay the sect that gave him a sense of belonging, and to repay the Sect Master who was like a father and a teacher.

He had tasted the cold indifference of the world, alone and helpless.

The Intercepting Sect had taken him in, and Tongtian had enlightened him.

Now, he wanted to compete for first place, not for fame or fortune, but only to let that person know—

I have not failed your expectations.

Even if you never paid me any special attention.

It wasn't just him; Duobao, San Xiao, Zhao Gongming, Wudang, Guiling, Jinling, and the Six Attendant Immortals, along with a host of other prodigies, all secretly set their goals.

For a time, the Three Immortal Islands buzzed with energy, battle intent soared, and even the air was filled with an atmosphere of striving.

Five hundred years passed in the blink of an eye.

Perhaps the allure of "being able to meet Tongtian up close" was too strong, as disciples broke through their realms almost every day.

The continuous breakthroughs shook the heavens and alerted all directions.

Many powerful figures in the Primordial World sensed the anomaly and cast their gazes, but they dared not rashly investigate the Saint's dojo, only discussing it privately.

"Could it be that Saint Tongtian is secretly preaching? How else could such a dense wave of enlightenment be triggered?"

"To be honest, I'm so envious I could gnash my teeth, but when I wanted to join them last time, I was rejected."

"In my opinion, something big is about to happen in the Intercepting Sect!"

"Speaking of which, the last time Saint Nuwa descended upon the Three Immortal Islands, did you notice how well-off all those disciples were?"

"Hmph, disciples of a Saint's sect are naturally extraordinary, what's so strange about that?"

"Fellow Daoist, you might be mistaken. I mean they each held several Spiritual Treasures, and their elixirs were given away casually, without any hesitation."