Meanwhile, above Grand Unity Heaven, the Sea of Clouds churned.
A palace floated at the peak of the highest heavens, its supreme divine inscription bearing the words "Grand Unity Palace" and radiating golden brilliance for miles.
Deep within the palace, Li Fan sat upon the Heavenly Emperor's throne, idly playing with the Chaos Bell.
He raised his eyes toward Inner Chaos, in the direction of Purple Heaven Palace, and a teasing smile curled at his lips.
"Old Daoist Hongjun has arrived."
Beside him, Nüyi smiled. "Heavenly Emperor, Old Ancestor Hongjun has come. Shall Baihua go welcome him?"
Li Fan chuckled and tossed the Chaos Bell into the air. The supreme treasure spun around once before landing back in his palm.
"Welcome him? No need," he said blandly. "Hongjun definitely isn't here for anything good."
He paused, a glint flashing through his eyes. "Inform the Five Luminaries Star Gods. Just let him in."
Nüyi replied, "Understood, Lord Heavenly Emperor!"
At that moment, outside the Grand Unity Heaven Gate, Taibai, Suixing, Chenxing, Yinghuo, and Zhenxing were still gathered together, chatting and gossiping.
Upon receiving Goddess Baihua's order, they hurriedly opened a corner of the Zhou Tian Star Array. The heavenly gate slowly opened, and a path of golden light spread out, leading straight into the depths of the Sea of Clouds.
Hongjun's figure was walking through the air, each step carrying him across the horizon as he slowly set foot upon the golden path.
Just as the Five Luminaries Star Gods were about to close the heavenly gate, an angry shout came from the distant horizon. "Wait! I'm coming too!"
Before the words had faded, a figure tore through the air, surrounded by faint Imperial Might. It was Haotian, hurrying over.
Before the golden light beneath Haotian's feet had even dispersed, he