Seeking the Dao Ancestor in Purple Cloud Palace, Haotian Exhausted Their Old Ties

Depths of Chaos.

A Golden Light pierced through the Chaos and finally stopped in front of the ancient palace gate of the Purple Cloud Palace.

Haotian's figure appeared incredibly small in front of the palace gate.

He straightened his imperial robes, his face adopting a respectful, humble, and even somewhat aggrieved and helpless expression.

He bowed deeply before the tightly closed palace gates.

"Haotian requests an Old Master."

In the Chaos, all was silent, except for his voice, which echoed slowly but did not cause the slightest ripple.

Time slips away, bit by bit.

There was no response from inside the Purple Cloud Palace.

Haotian stood there quietly, bowing, maintaining the posture of a salute, without moving.

He knew the Old Master could hear him.

I don't know how much time passed; perhaps it was a moment, perhaps it was ten thousand years.

The long-unopened gate of the Purple Cloud Palace silently and slowly opened a crack inward.

Heavenly Heart delighted, but dared not show it on his face.

He maintained his respectful and humble demeanor, carefully step by step, entering the familiar yet unfamiliar hall.

Inside the Purple Cloud Palace, everything remained the same.

Spacious, Great Dao, and simple.

On the High Platform, a blurry figure sat cross-legged on Cushion, his Surrounding Body radiating Dao Rhyme, as if he were one with the Great Dao.

It was none other than the Dao Ancestor Hongjun.

Haotian walked to the center of the main hall, knelt down, and respectfully kowtowed.

"Haotian greets Your Old Master, and wishes Your Old Master a long and prosperous life."

"Stand up and speak."

"Thank you, Old Master."

"Why have you come to my Purple Cloud Palace instead of handling affairs in Heavenly Court?"

Hongjun's voice was flat and emotionless.

Haotian took a deep breath and began to slowly recite the words he had prepared in his heart.

"Old Master Majesty, Haotian is incompetent."

"I have failed in my duty, Old Master."

His words were filled with guilt and self-reproach.

"After the Immortal-Demon Calamity, Old Master Meng valued me and Yaochi, appointing me to take charge of the Heavenly Court."

"We toil day and night, daring not to slacken in the slightest, but alas, the Heavenly Court's foundation is shallow, and its weakness is difficult to reverse."

Several Eon passed, Heavenly Court... remains in a state of disrepair, with little progress to be seen.

"Haotian... I feel guilty."

By the end, his voice even trembled slightly.

Hongjun remained silent, simply listening quietly.

Haotian continued.

"In order to strengthen the Heavenly Court, I have opened the Heavenly Gates wide over the years to recruit rogue Rogue cultivator from the Primordial Wilderness."

"Unfortunately... most of these people have shallow foundations and low cultivation levels."

"The Heavenly Court today appears to have many immortals and gods, but in reality, it is all show and no substance."

"If a major incident were to occur, no one would be capable of shouldering the responsibility and suppressing the situation."

"Haotian felt deeply powerless and, after much thought, had come to trouble you, Old Master."

"I implore you, Old Master... to show me the right path, to show the Heavenly Court the right path."

On the cloud platform, Hongjun remained silent for a moment.

How do you want me to help you?

It's here!

Heavenly Heart certain; he knew that the most crucial step had arrived.

"Reporting to Your Old Master, the disciples of Primordial Lord Brother Yuanshi's Clarify Sect are all individuals of profound fortune and extraordinary potential."

"Whether in terms of cultivation or character, he is among the best in the Primordial Wilderness."

"They are the Orthodox Daoist Sect, and they are the future hope of our Mystic Gate."

"If... if I could invite them to serve as officials in Heaven and assist me, what would I have to worry about if Heavenly Court did not prosper?"

"I Old Master request that you explain things to Primordial Lord Brother Yuanshi."

"Let him send his disciples to my Heavenly Court to serve Divine Office."

"Let us work together for the sake of all living beings in the Three Realms and for the prosperity of the Mystic Gate!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire Purple Cloud Palace fell into a deathly silence.

Haotian could feel an invisible gaze falling upon him.

That gaze wasn't oppressive at all, yet it seemed to see through his past and future, and understand every thought deep within his heart.

Under such scrutiny, all his carefully prepared remarks seemed so pale and laughable.

He knew that his little schemes were completely exposed before the Dao Ancestor.

Time seemed to stretch on endlessly at that moment.

Each breath felt like an entire Eon.

Haotian's heart sank little by little.

Could it be... that I lost the bet?

Does the Old Master... ultimately value That One Direct Disciple more?

Endless humiliation and resentment surged into my heart once again.

No!

We can't just let this go!

"Thump!"

Haotian's knees buckled, and he knelt down once more.

This time, he gave no reason.

He simply kowtowed heavily, his voice choked with suppressed sobs.

"Please have mercy, Old Master!"

"For the sake of Haotian and Yaochi, who have served you for countless Eon, please help me this once!"

"Since Yaochi and I were born with intelligence under Old Master tutelage, we have always followed you and never had a disloyal heart."

"Now... now that I hold the reins of the Heavenly Court, I find myself in dire straits... I truly... truly fail to live up to the trust placed in me by my Old Master!"

He kowtowed heavily as he spoke.

One after another.

The ground of the Purple Cloud Palace, paved with Chaos stones, resounded loudly as he slammed his foot on it.

This is not just acting; it is the complete eruption of all the grievances and resentment that he has suppressed for many years!

On the High Platform, the blurry figure seemed to move slightly.

A long sigh echoed in the empty hall.

Are you sure?

Those three simple words sent a shiver down Haotian's spine.

He instantly understood what the Old Master meant.

This is giving him one last chance to choose.

Once he nodded, it meant...

He will completely break ties with Yuanshi Tianzun, leaving no room for reconciliation.

From this day forward, it's a fight to the death!

Is it worth it?

In order to vent his anger, he completely offended a Heavenly Dao Saint.

Is it really worthwhile to completely push the Clarify Sect to the opposite side of oneself?

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

There were tearful eyes like those of Yaochi, arrogant provocations like those of Guangchengzi, and the indifference of Yuanshi Tianzun who regarded him as an ant...

Moreover, there is the endless humiliation of himself, as the ruler of the Heavenly Court, being controlled by others at every turn, and not even being able to protect his own sister!

These images were ultimately fixed on the cold, arrogant face of Yuanshi Tianzun.

Worth!

Haotian suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with no more hesitation, only an overwhelming determination!

"Reporting to your Old Master!"

"Haotian... has thought it through!"

"Please, Old Master, grant my request!"

He slammed his head down again, his forehead hitting the ground, and never lifted it again.

Inside the Purple Cloud Palace, another long silence ensued.

Then, a barely audible sigh seemed to echo throughout the hall.

"Good."

Hongjun's voice finally came again.

"I will discuss this matter with Primordial Lord."

"But... Haotian."

"You'd better take care of yourself from now on."

Heavenly Heart trembled.

He knew that these words were the final admonition from the Dao Ancestor to him.

This means that the Old Master helped him this time out of consideration for his years of service.

But this friendship has come to an end.

From that time on, there was no longer any affection between him and the Old Master.

If the Houtian, the Old Master will no longer offer assistance.

But Haotian had no regrets whatsoever.

As long as I can embarrass Primordial Lord, as long as I can trample the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan Sect under my feet and make them obey my orders!

Even if we exhaust all our goodwill, what then?

At worst... we'll just completely side with the Wu Clan from now on!

Cling tightly to Zhou Ming Primordial Wilderness's most powerful and influential leg!

With the support of the Wu Clan, he might not be afraid of Primordial Lord!

"Thank you so much, Old Master! Haotian kowtows in gratitude for Old Master divine favor!"

Haotian kowtowed again with great excitement, his voice filled with barely suppressed joy.

"Alright."

"If there is nothing else, you may leave."

On the High Platform, Hongjun's voice rang out again, carrying a hint of detachment and indifference.

"Yes, Haotian takes his leave."