Purple Cloud Palace.
Hongjun opened his eyes, a trace of surprise flashing through them.
"Zhen Yuanzi's comprehension of the Earth Book has actually reached such a level?"
Back then, he had used Zhen Yuanzi's Earth Book to stabilize the shattered Primordial Wilderness and establish the Earthly Immortal Realm. In truth, it had also been a calculation.
Otherwise, Zhen Yuanzi should have become the master of the Earthly Immortal Realm and perhaps even proven Dao through it.
Yet now, Zhen Yuanzi was merely the Ancestor of Earth Immortals in name, without any real authority.
The changes in the Primordial Wilderness at this moment were clearly connected to Zhen Yuanzi.
And Zhen Yuanzi had just visited Tushita Palace.
Hongjun's gaze narrowed as he looked toward Taiqing Realm, Grand Luo Heaven. This undoubtedly had something to do with Taiqing.
Yet Hongjun could not intervene.
After all, Zhen Yuanzi was comprehending his own Earth Book. Even the Heavenly Dao could not interfere.
The workings of heaven and earth followed their own laws, and Hongjun could not act against the rules.
Hongjun's tone was indifferent as the aura of the Heavenly Dao spread throughout Purple Cloud Palace.
Side Hall of Purple Cloud Palace.
Black light flickered in Tongtian's eyes. His aura was chaotic, and his face alternated between red and white.
He knew full well that the Saintfall Pill was difficult to dispel. Determined to save the Interception Sect, he continually tried to break through his restraints.
Yet as the greatest curse upon a Saint, the Saintfall Pill had left him without progress for many years.
Now, sensing the Heavenly Dao aura within Purple Cloud Palace growing ever more violent, Tongtian was filled with despair, fearing that he would never be able to leave this place.
Taiqing Realm, Daluo Heaven, Eight Sceneries Palace.
Laozi sensed the violent fluctuations in the Primordial Origin and faintly curled his lips.
As the Four Great Continents merged, the Earthly Immortal Realm shook incessantly, and heaven and earth grew even broader.
As spiritual energy surged, it seemed as though the magnificent Primordial Wilderness of antiquity had reappeared.
The Earthly Immortal Realm was undergoing sublimation.
Longevity Mountain, Five Villages Monastery.
A powerful aura suddenly erupted, sweeping across the Three Realms.
Zhen Yuanzi's figure appeared between heaven and earth.
A golden book floated above his head, while supreme Dao resonance radiated from his body.
The Sub-Saint Realm!
All the experts in the Primordial Wilderness were shocked.
"Zhen Yuanzi has actually reached the Sub-Saint Realm?"
"Could all these changes be related to Zhen Yuan Great Immortal?"
Even the Saints could not help but turn their attention toward him.
Zhen Yuanzi had actually stepped into the Sub-Saint Realm through his own efforts?
A Sub-Saint was a Half-Step Saint!
What an immense opportunity was that?
Yet this was far from over!
As Zhen Yuanzi appeared between heaven and earth.
The Primordial Nine Heavens suddenly trembled!
Boundless Heavenly Dao merit poured down like a waterfall!
It merged into the golden book above Zhen Yuanzi's head!
Zhen Yuanzi sensed that his aura was still rising!
His heart surged with excitement!
Could it be that he was about to ascend to the Great Dao?
But then Zhen Yuanzi's heart jolted as he felt an imposing and crushing pressure!
It was the cold, merciless gaze of Heavenly Dao Hongjun from beyond Chaos!
Had merit not protected him, Zhen Yuanzi's mind would have nearly shattered.
At that moment.
Taiqing's calm voice echoed in his heart.
"Zhen Yuanzi, if you retreat now, you will never have another chance at the Great Dao for the rest of your life."
Zhen Yuanzi's gaze instantly became resolute, and his mind turned clear!
The next instant!
The Primordial Dao-Forging Method began to circulate!
The aura of the Great Dao erupted like a tidal wave!
He forcefully broke through!
"I, Zhen Yuanzi, shall today prove Dao as a Primal Unity Golden Immortal!"
Zhen Yuanzi's voice resounded through heaven and earth.
All the experts in the Primordial Wilderness were stunned.
What?!
Zhen Yuanzi was going to prove Dao?
What kind of joke was this!
He did not have Primordial Purple Qi!
Could he be using the Primordial Dao-Forging Method to prove Dao through sheer force?
Before anyone could think further.
The next instant!
The Earth Book released supreme radiance.
The entire Earthly Immortal Realm resonated with it.
Heavenly phenomena appeared.
The supreme Heavenly Dao manifested within the Primordial Wilderness.
At the same time!
The aura of a Primal Unity Golden Immortal instantly spread throughout the entire Primordial Wilderness.
Zhen Yuanzi had proven Dao!
The Earthly Immortal Realm was also elevated.
Zhen Yuanzi froze for a moment, then was overcome with wild joy.
Taiqing had not deceived him!
News of Zhen Yuanzi becoming a Saint shook the Primordial Wilderness.
Even the Saints found it difficult to believe.
Within Purple Cloud Palace.
Hongjun's face darkened.
Law Proving Dao, Primal Unity Golden Immortal.
Taiqing's scheme had actually succeeded.
Western Paradise.
Receiver and Cundi stood dumbfounded.
"How is this possible?"
"Zhen Yuanzi has no Primordial Purple Qi, so how did he prove Dao?"
Primordial Purple Qi was the foundation of becoming a Saint. This was everyone's common understanding.
Kunlun Mountain, Jade Void Palace.
Yuanshi was filled with disbelief and shock.
"This is Elder Brother's Primal Chaos Dao Method. It must be his scheme!"
Yuanshi, too, was deeply shaken by Taiqing's handiwork.
Grand Simplicity Heaven, Wa Huang Palace.
Brilliance flowed through Nüwa's eyes, and her heart was full of emotion.
"As expected, it is a Dao method that leads directly to Primordial Chaos!"
"Senior Taiqing is truly far too powerful!"
Taiqing's actions had completely overturned the traditional understanding of the Primordial Wilderness!
Underworld, Six Paths of Reincarnation.
Pingxin was likewise stunned, yet her heart was filled with emotion.
"Taiqing Laozi is broad-minded. Though this method can directly prove Primordial Chaos, he still used it to benefit the Primordial Wilderness."
At this moment.
The Primordial World Beings erupted into an uproar!
"Zhen Yuan Great Immortal truly became a Saint?!"
"Heavens, how is this possible?!"
"He must have comprehended Taiqing Saint's Primordial Chaos method! Sure enough, one can become a Saint without Primordial Purple Qi!"
"Grand Supreme Moral Lord! His creation blesses the ages! Unmatched through all eternity!"
The Primordial World Beings were completely exhilarated!
At this moment, no one doubted that the Primordial Great Dao taught by Taiqing Saint was real!
If Zhen Yuanzi could succeed, then they would certainly have a chance as well!
The entire Primordial Wilderness fell into ecstatic celebration.
Yet at this very moment.
An incomparably powerful Saintly Might descended!
Heaven and earth seemed to freeze.
The Primordial World Beings instantly fell silent.
All was deathly quiet!
Even the Saints fell completely silent.
Above the Nine Heavens, a phantom figure appeared.
This supreme aura shook the Three Realms with merely a trace of its presence!
"Zhen Yuanzi, since you have attained Sagehood, you should go to Chaos and cultivate in seclusion."
"From this day onward, you may not return to the Primordial Wilderness."
Hongjun's cold voice echoed between heaven and earth.
Hongjun sneered inwardly.
What use was there in Taiqing painstakingly spreading the Great Dao throughout the Primordial Wilderness?
What meaning was there even if Zhen Yuanzi proved Primordial Chaos?
So what if they learned of Taiqing's scheme?
He was the Heavenly Dao. In the end, everything remained under his control.
"I am already a Primal Unity Golden Immortal. I need not be bound by the Heavenly Dao."
"I will cultivate in seclusion within the Primordial Wilderness."
Zhen Yuanzi could not help but speak.
Having become a Saint only to have his freedom restricted was no better than never becoming one.
"The will of heaven cannot be defied."
Hongjun's icy voice once again spread throughout the Primordial Wilderness.
A terrifying aura spread out, making all creation tremble.
The Primordial Wilderness fell into deathly silence.
Every expert could sense that indescribable taboo and fear.
The Dao Ancestor was the Heavenly Dao itself, not to be gazed upon or discussed.
Yet everyone inwardly sighed in regret.
No one could change the Heavenly Dao's decree.
Even if Zhen Yuan Great Immortal had attained Sagehood, he could never defy the Dao Ancestor.
Netherworld Underworld.
Pingxin stared at Hongjun's phantom, cold hatred flashing through her eyes.
Yet in the end, she could only sigh helplessly.
"They say that all beneath Saints are ants."
"But are Saints not ants as well?"
For a time, Pingxin became disheartened and no longer wished to concern herself with the changes in the Primordial Wilderness.
Heavenly Dao Hongjun looked down upon all beings, and all beings were merely pieces on his board.
Thus, all resistance was meaningless.
Purple Cloud Palace, Side Hall.
Watching Zhen Yuanzi struggle bitterly, Tongtian could not help but sigh.
"A futile struggle."
Tongtian deeply understood Zhen Yuanzi's current predicament.
Back when the Interception Sect was destroyed, Tongtian had been consumed by rage and sought to recreate earth, water, fire, and wind.
Yet with a mere wave of Dao Ancestor Hongjun's hand, he had been utterly defeated.
That had become the most despairing moment of his life!
Hongjun's intervention had made everything inevitable!
No one could escape this outcome!
Western Paradise, Mount Sumeru.
Cundi let out a breath of relief and smiled. "As expected, everything is under Master's control!"
"The great rise of the West cannot be stopped by anyone!"
Receiver pressed his palms together and nodded. "Amitabha, the West is destined by Heaven."
Zhen Yuanzi was about to become a saint, which was not good news for the West.
After all, the next Calamity would be the Buddhist Dharma Eastward Transmission. If a saint intervened, no force in the Primordial Wilderness would be able to contend against them.
The gap between a saint and a non-saint was simply impossible to bridge.
Now that Zhen Yuanzi had been confined, the West was naturally overjoyed.
Grand Simplicity Heaven, Wa Huang Palace.
Nüwa watched Zhen Yuanzi teeter on the brink and gently shook her head.
Within the Primordial Wilderness, no one could confront Hongjun head-on.
In the end, Nüwa's gaze turned toward Taiqing Daluo Heaven.
Hongjun had appeared. Would Taiqing make a move?
"Senior Taiqing, how will you respond to the Heavenly Dao's arrangements?"
Nüwa murmured softly.
Kunlun Mountain, Jade Void Palace.
Yuanshi stared steadfastly toward Taiqing Daluo Heaven.
He firmly believed that his Elder Brother must have a plan!
Since the Primordial Wilderness had first been created, there had never been a Primal Unity Golden Immortal. Now that his Elder Brother had reached this realm, it was an achievement without precedent and never to be surpassed.
How could he allow Hongjun to have his way so easily?
Yuanshi was filled with confidence in Taiqing.
Taiqing Realm, Daluo Heaven.
Within Eight Sceneries Palace.
Taiqing Laozi calmly raised his head, his gaze piercing through Chaos as though he were looking directly at Hongjun.
How could Taiqing possibly lack any trump cards when playing against the Heavenly Dao?
The corners of his lips lifted into a faint smile.
He slowly spoke.
"Zhen Yuanzi, swear an oath with me."
As his words fell.
Brilliant light shone in Taiqing Laozi's eyes!
Infinite Great Dao Starlight surged forth!
The aura of the Primordial Origin roiled violently!
This was the authority of the Primordial Origin!
Primordial Wilderness, Earthly Immortal Realm.
As everyone lamented Zhen Yuanzi's fate.
Zhen Yuanzi suddenly stopped resisting and poured his saintly power into the Earth Book.
With a solemn expression, he said in a deep voice, "Heavenly Dao above, I, Zhen Yuanzi, am willing to merge with the Earthly Immortal Realm and guard the Primordial Wilderness for all eternity."
The moment those words were spoken, everyone was stunned.
What exactly was Zhen Yuan Great Immortal trying to do?
Hongjun's expression shifted slightly.
The Earth Book flashed with light, transforming into the embryonic form of heaven and earth. It rapidly expanded, swallowing Chaos.
In an instant, the Heavenly Disciples stirred, and all beings were shaken!
The Primordial World visibly expanded.
This left both Primordial World Beings and saints utterly astonished.
As the Earthly Immortal Realm expanded, everyone seemed to glimpse the vast and boundless Primordial Wilderness of old.
Could the ancient Primordial Wilderness be about to reappear?
But how could Zhen Yuanzi accomplish this with his power alone?
No one knew.
At this moment, above the Nine Heavens.
The Heavenly Dao Eye appeared, watching Zhen Yuanzi.
Vast Heavenly Sound echoed throughout the Primordial Wilderness.
"Good."
The Heavenly Dao approved!
With a thunderous boom, boundless merit descended.
Zhen Yuanzi's aura recovered and even advanced further.
He bowed deeply toward the Nine Heavens.
"Zhen Yuanzi thanks the Heavenly Dao."
Zhen Yuanzi was overwhelmed with excitement!
Taiqing Saint's methods were truly unfathomable!
Hongjun's expression grew increasingly grim.
He sensed that his authority over the Earthly Immortal Realm was slipping away.
Hongjun acknowledged all of this. Zhen Yuanzi's fusion with the Earthly Immortal Realm was not only harmless, but beneficial to the Primordial Wilderness.
This was precisely the outcome the Heavenly Dao desired.
Hongjun said coldly, "Zhen Yuanzi, although you wield authority over the Earthly Immortal Realm, you may not take part in the Calamity." As soon as he finished speaking, Hongjun's figure vanished.
All Primordial World Beings were stunned, unable to understand why the situation had suddenly changed.
What exactly had Zhen Yuanzi done? And why had the Primordial Wilderness suddenly expanded? Even ancient great cultivators could not comprehend it.
Only the saints had noticed something...
Six Paths of Reincarnation!
Pingxin abruptly turned around, her gaze filled with shock and disbelief.
"How did Zhen Yuanzi influence the Heavenly Dao?!"
Western Paradise!
Receiver and Cundi stood dumbfounded, unable to believe what they were seeing.
Had Dao Ancestor failed?
Wa Huang Palace!
Nüwa's beautiful eyes widened, her face full of shock.
It was actually Taiqing? He could influence the Heavenly Dao? This completely exceeded her imagination!
Jade Void Palace!
Though Yuanshi was surprised, he was even more ecstatic.
Before you continue