Looking toward the Heavenly Court, someone murmured in astonishment:
His master had actually reappeared in the Primordial Wilderness?
Ever since Integrating with Dao, Hongjun had rarely interfered in the affairs of the Primordial Wilderness.
Only when a calamity went awry and the Heavenly Dao fell into disorder would he appear to intervene.
Hongjun's sudden arrival this time
signaled that a heaven-shaking upheaval was bound to occur in the Primordial Wilderness.
The Twelve Ancestral Witches sensed Hongjun's aura,
yet showed no fear.
Di Jiang stared at Hongjun, fury churning within his chest.
He recalled the past,
when they had once slaughtered the demon race like this,
fighting all the way to the Demon Court.
Just as they had been about to destroy the Demon Court,
Hongjun had appeared,
ordering them to cease fighting on the grounds that countless lives would suffer,
and had further established the rule that demons ruled the heavens while witches ruled the earth,
commanding both sides not to wage war for a million years.
The Ancestral Witches had been unwilling,
believing that Hongjun had favored the demon race.
Yet the circumstances had forced their hand,
and they could only comply.
Now Hongjun had descended at another critical moment.
Was this not favoritism once again?
At this moment, Di Jun and the other Demon Emperors, bloodlust clouding their eyes, also saw Hongjun arrive.
They immediately restrained their killing intent and bowed respectfully.
Hongjun stepped onto the River of Time and Space, looked down upon the Witch Clan, and sternly rebuked them:
"Bold Ancestral Witches! You dare defy a Sage's decree and violate the rules!
Do you admit your guilt?"
As soon as the sacred words rang out,
supreme pressure swept across heaven and earth,
suppressing countless Witch Clan warriors.
When a Sage raged, heaven and earth collapsed, mountains and rivers overturned,
and billions of stars turned to dust.
The faces of the Twelve Ancestral Witches twisted as defiance surged within them.
They revered only Pangu, respected neither the Heavenly Dao nor Sages, and would rather break than bend!
Now that they were being restrained again,
every one of them was consumed with fury.
Di Jiang's expression turned solemn. Already resolved to fight to the death, he shouted:
"We of the Witch Clan respect neither heaven nor earth, honor no Sage, and revere only Father God Pangu!"
His voice shook all directions,
and countless witch warriors blazed with momentum as they roared in unison:
"We of the Witch Clan respect neither heaven nor earth, honor no Sage, and revere only Father God Pangu!"
Their roar resounded through the skies,
as though they meant to fight Hongjun and the demon race to the death.
Just as the tension reached its peak,
a leisurely voice drifted in from beyond the heavens:
"I believe the Dao Ancestor's words are not without reason."
The voice echoed between heaven and earth,
leaving all living beings stunned.
In an instant,
the Primordial Land shook violently.
Thunder boomed beneath clear skies, divine might surged vast and boundless,
and clouds for ten thousand miles billowed like dragons soaring through the nine heavens.
Lightning flashed, rosy clouds painted the firmament, and heaven and earth changed abruptly.
Amid the terror of all living beings,
the spiritual energy of the Primordial Wilderness surged like a tidal wave.
The spiritual essence of heaven and earth rose everywhere, and the qi of the four seas ascended.
Endless Merit Golden Clouds rolled in, blanketing heaven and earth.
For a time,
the sun and moon fell into disorder, stars hung upside down, and the waters of the nine heavens flowed in reverse.
Heaven and earth dissolved into chaos, as if the primordial beginning had returned!
Within the rolling golden clouds,
immortal music from the great current of the Dao chimed in unison, and creation hymns echoed.
Dao rhythms flowed, laws resonated, the heavens rejoiced together, and the Myriad Worlds offered welcome.
Gui Che of the demon race turned pale in horror at the sight:
"Boundless Heavenly Venerable! What deity is this? Such grandeur even surpasses a Sage?"
The soldiers of both the Witch Clan and demon race raised their heads toward the sky, shocked by this phenomenon that surpassed Saintly Might.
Clop—clop—
Amid the shock of all living beings,
the sound of hoofbeats shattered the void.
From the vast golden clouds, a purple-gold imperial carriage broke through the boundary.
Eight golden horses galloped before it, their hooves treading upon the currents of the heavens.
They crossed the River of Time and Space, trampling waves as they neighed,
splashing up the waters of years and shattering the void of the Myriad Worlds.
The aura of the Heavenly Dao was vast and solemn.
Heaven and earth in the Primordial Wilderness trembled, the River of Years nearly bowed its head,
and the Myriad Worlds all displayed submission.
Divine might swept across the eight wilds, Dao rhythms pierced the firmament,
and dragon horses shattered the void as the golden carriage descended into the world!
Phoenix cries rang melodiously through the sky, while a giant roc spread its wings to blot out the light of heaven.
Billions of feathers formed a river of stars, and living creatures flicked their tails like shooting stars streaking across the sky.
Amid the interwoven starlight, someone stood with his hands behind his back. As his robes fluttered—
countless spiritual treasures formed a long staircase, while billions of immortal branches adorned a canopy.
Innate primal qi circulated, and treasure light illuminated the universe.
Dragon horses crushed the starlight. Immortal spirits surrounded them, myriad beings cheered until the skies shook, the Heavenly Dao bestowed auspicious signs, and all living beings were stunned!
Dao Ancestor Hongjun revealed a look of surprise. Gazing at the eight dragon-patterned golden carriages racing through the rosy clouds, he was dazed for a moment.
Di Jun's soul trembled, and his face went pale:
"How could anyone in this world be so extravagant?"
Under the stunned gaze of all living beings, Lu Changqing stepped out of the carriage.
His plain white robe was adorned with dark patterns, and his entire bearing was refined and elegant.
He smiled at the frowning Hongjun and offered the courtesy of an equal:
"I am Lu Changqing, master of Wuji Heaven. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Hongjun."
The moment his words fell, an uproar erupted in every direction.
He was actually the master of Wuji Heaven!
The true appearance of the Longevity Immortal Venerable was actually so young!
Over several thousand years, countless cultivators had entered Wuji Heaven. Yet the Primordial Wilderness was vast, and myriad beings had still never seen the Immortal Venerable's true face.
Only when heavenly phenomena appeared and Sages opened the heavens had the name of the Longevity Immortal Venerable finally resounded throughout the Primordial Wilderness.
Now that they saw him, they finally understood the bearing of an Immortal Venerable.
His presence was actually no less than that of a Sage!
Within the territories of the Witch Clan and demon race, billions of eyes focused upon that white-clad figure.
Many had once gone to Wuji Heaven to exchange merit, but King Father of the East had usually received them. Only great powers of the Primordial Wilderness could meet Lu Changqing in person.
Now that the Immortal Venerable had appeared, most living beings were seeing his true face for the first time.
Within the Daoist fields of the Six Saints, divine thoughts intertwined.
Inside Biyou Palace on Golden Ao Island, Sect Master Tongtian frowned. "Has Fellow Daoist Changqing come to stop the conflict?"
The other Sages all thought the same.
Ever since Lu Changqing had opened a Great Thousand World and reorganized its order, all the Sages had felt that his ambitions were not small. It was only natural for him to intervene in the war between witches and demons.
Hongjun's gaze was sharp as torches, and his divine sense swept wantonly over Lu Changqing's entire body.
His Dao realm could be perceived, but everything else was obscured.
Encountering such a mysterious existence for the first time, the Dao Ancestor was filled with doubts.
Sensing the probing, Lu Changqing chuckled and shook his head:
"Fellow Daoist, do you rely on your profound cultivation to treat others so lightly?"
By the customs of the Primordial Wilderness, equals could not casually probe one another's foundations.
Hongjun replied indifferently, "You are so mysterious. What harm is there in taking a look?"
Though he knew the Heavenly Dao protected this man, he held no killing intent and had made no move. What was there to fear? Could the dignified Dao Ancestor possibly fear a mere Quasi-Saint? No matter how deep his blessings, he had yet to attain the Primordial Unity.
I will not touch you or harbor killing intent.
What can you do to me?
A faint, contemptuous smile rose at the corner of Hongjun's lips.
What was there to fear from a mere Quasi-Saint?
Seeing how calm Hongjun was, even carrying a trace of arrogance,
the smile on Lu Changqing's lips deepened.
With a thought,
boundless Golden Light of Merit surged forth behind him,
instantly illuminating the nine heavens and ten lands, the universe and all creation.
For a moment, every living being present was stunned by that blinding golden radiance.
Who was showing off their might?
Golden light stretched for ten thousand zhang, too dazzling to open one's eyes!
Even Dao Ancestor Hongjun could not help turning his head,
raising his sleeve to shield his face.
Lu Changqing suddenly called out:
"Heavenly Dao above, ** is being bullied!
His voice shook the nine heavens as golden brilliance filled the sky,
leaving all living beings dumbfounded.
Since ancient times in the Primordial Wilderness, the Heavenly Dao had been formless.
When had it ever manifested itself?
Yet someone now directly called upon the Heavenly Dao.
Had he gone mad?
Did he not know the Heavenly Dao was supreme?
Could this youth be one favored by the heavens?
As they were still reeling in shock,
the firmament abruptly split apart and Dao rhythms flowed.
Supreme pressure enveloped the eight wilds.
A fissure tore open in the canopy of heaven,
and the Eye of Heavenly Punishment appeared in dazzling majesty.
All living beings trembled in fear.
The Heavenly Dao had truly answered his call?
Was the Longevity Immortal Venerable truly the beloved son of the Heavenly Dao?
Hongjun's expression changed drastically as well.
Before he could think further, Heavenly Punishment descended.
Divine lightning from the nine heavens, carrying world-destroying might, crashed down.
Boom—
The Purple Sky Daoist robe was charred and torn.
Hongjun staggered back several steps, his Sage body trembling slightly.
The Primordial Wilderness's great powers were all aghast.
This was world-destroying lightning.
The Dao Ancestor had actually taken it head-on!
Had it been anyone else, they would have long since been reduced to ashes.
Hongjun forcefully suppressed his churning blood and qi.
He looked at Lu Changqing in disbelief.
How could this be?
The Twelve Ancestral Witches and the Demon Emperor were both stunned.
Hongjun was the incarnation of the Heavenly Dao.
Yet he had suffered Heavenly Punishment over a single remark?
Di Jun said in a trembling voice:
Since the creation of the world, Heavenly Punishment has appeared only this once!
Eastern Emperor Taiyi gazed up at the heavens.
A single word had brought down Heavenly Punishment. Just who was this man...
Di Jiang suddenly recalled an old rumor.
He whispered in horror:
How was he the Son of Heaven?
He was clearly the Father of Heaven!
Zhu Rong threw back his head and laughed.
That settles it! The Heavenly Dao comes whenever he calls—he must be a page beneath the Immortal Venerable!
Hongjun was in a wretched state as he cursed inwardly.
I am the Heavenly Dao's spokesperson!
Could this damned Heaven-Piercing Eye be blind?
Yet he did not dare act recklessly.
He could only cup his hands toward Lu Changqing.
"Fellow Daoist... I was offensive just now."
All living beings erupted in uproar.
The Dao Ancestor had actually lowered his head to a Quasi-Saint?
Lu Changqing raised a brow and sneered.
"What are you looking at? Still dissatisfied? Then fight again?"
King Father of the East and the others were scared out of their wits.
He actually dared speak to the Dao Ancestor like that?
Di Jun stared wide-eyed.
"Fellow Daoist Changqing... have you gone mad?"
Di Jiang clapped his hands in admiration.
"What courage! Unmatched in the Primordial Wilderness!"
Countless beings whispered among themselves.
Arrogant! Such arrogance had never been seen since ancient times!
Hongjun's face twitched.
At last, he let out a long sigh.
"Fellow Daoist... please forgive me."
The Twelve Ancestral Witches immediately felt closer to him.
Di Jiang asked loudly:
"Fellow Daoist, have you come to aid the demons?"
Lu Changqing waved a hand.
"I merely dislike your fighting and killing, delaying the Primordial Wilderness's living beings from coming to my Wuji Heaven to exchange for merit."
Then he swept a cold gaze over them.
"If you obstruct the circulation of my merit, I will ask the Heavenly Dao to wipe you out!"
The entire world fell silent.
Well, damn.
They had thought he was here to mediate the calamity.
Who would have thought he had come to flaunt his wealth?
Hongjun's eyelids twitched violently.
He... he thought he had too much merit?
His master had been struck by lightning for no reason and humiliated, all because he had obstructed someone else's showing off?
That was far too stifling.
Di Jun and Tai Yi snapped out of their shock and hurriedly explained:
"This conflict has nothing to do with us! Those barbarians were the ones who attacked first!"
The Twelve Ancestral Witches flew into a rage upon hearing this.
"You two feathered beasts are spouting nonsense!"
"It was clearly your demon race that repeatedly invaded Witch Clan territory!"
"You must be tired of living!"
Di Jun and Tai Yi burned with fury.
You're courting death!
"If you want to fight, then fight! When have Witch Clan warriors ever feared anyone?"
Both sides stood at the brink of battle, and the flames of war were about to rise again.
Lu Changqing grew irritated by their bickering and shouted sharply:
"Do you all have nothing better to do?"
"Since you love fighting and killing so much, why not help me earn merit instead?"
Di Jun gave a bitter smile.
"We want to as well, but we lack the ability to create a Great Thousand World!"
"If we possessed the cultivation of a Sage, who would be willing to fight and kill?"
"Isn't it all for that little bit of opportunity?"
"If we could earn merit by creating worlds, who would still risk their lives?"
Lu Changqing smiled.
"If you cannot create a Great Thousand World, then a Medium Thousand World or Minor World will do, won't it?"
"At worst, worlds among the heavens or stellar river universes will work too."
"As long as you create them, you will receive merit!"
"Well? Do you want to give it a try?"
The moment these words were spoken, the Six Saints watching in secret were all dumbfounded.
Had he gone mad?
Creating a Great Thousand World was understandable, since it benefited the Primordial Wilderness.
But what use were Medium Thousand Worlds and Minor Worlds?
Wasn't this simply wasting merit for nothing?
The Six Saints all shook their heads.
They had never seen anyone so extravagantly wasteful!
Within Biyou Palace on Golden Ao Island, Sect Master Tongtian frowned tightly.
"What does Fellow Daoist Changqing mean by this? What is the point of creating Minor Worlds?"
Within Jade Void Palace on Kunlun Mountain, Primordial Heavenly Venerate was equally puzzled.
"Fellow Daoist Changqing's actions are unfathomable."
Though he found Lu Changqing's actions absurd, Yuanshi did not dare underestimate him—
This was an unparalleled genius who never miscalculated.
On Shouyang Mountain, Taiqing Laozi shared Yuanshi's thoughts.
"With Fellow Daoist Changqing's wisdom, this matter must carry profound meaning."
The Two Saints of the West, however, differed from the Three Pure Ones.
After their surprise faded, they were overjoyed—
Since Minor Worlds could also earn merit, did that not mean their opportunity had arrived?
The two Saints sighed.
"Fellow Daoist Changqing truly is the Primordial Wilderness's greatest spendthrift!"
Within Wa Imperial Palace, Empress Nuwa focused her mind and calculated.
"Fellow Daoist Changqing's actions must benefit the Primordial Wilderness."
"But where exactly does this plan lead?"
She gazed toward Lu Changqing's figure from afar, deep in thought.
At this moment, Di Jun, Tai Yi, and Fu Xi, who had heard these words, all revealed delighted expressions.
Why would they care whether he was a spendthrift or not?
If they failed to seize such a heaven-sent opportunity, then they would be the real fools.
Their only concern was that such a massive undertaking would surely require an enormous amount of merit.
With such shocking expenditure, even Longevity Immortal Venerable of Wuji Heaven might find it difficult to sustain, right?
After hearing Lu Changqing's words, the Twelve Ancestral Witches exchanged glances, their eyes filled with excitement.
Di Jiang said excitedly, "The Witch Clan must seize such an opportunity!"
Houtu nodded in agreement as well. "Big Brother is right. Fellow Daoist Changqing has always kept his word. We absolutely cannot miss this opportunity."
Ever since first meeting Lu Changqing, Houtu had trusted him completely. After all, she had never forgotten the kindness of his help in allowing her primordial spirit to be born.
Meanwhile, within Guanghan Palace on the Moon Star, Xi He and Chang Xi also heard Lu Changqing's voice.
They had long heard of the master of Wuji Heaven, Longevity Immortal Venerable, but such a decision would surely consume immeasurable merit! Creating worlds was no easy task, yet even if only half the living beings participated, the numbers would still be astonishing!
Xi He sighed softly.
Chang Xi echoed her, "Yes. The Primordial Wilderness is so vast, with countless living beings. Where could Longevity Immortal Venerable find such confidence?"
Before you continue