Eight hundred years later.
Hongjun finished preaching the Dao.
"Hm? Is it over?"
"Damn it, I can't remember what the Dao Ancestor said?"
"Ah, no! I only wrote down a little, and it's already over."
Everyone was still immersed in the Dao Ancestor's teachings on the Saintly Dao. There had simply not been enough time.
Hongjun did not care about that. He said solemnly, "I was invited by the Heavenly Dao to preach the Dao three times to all living beings of the Primordial Wilderness. Now that my merit is complete, you must fulfill your duties, accumulate virtue, do good, cultivate diligently, and attain great freedom."
"The Heavenly Dao has fifty paths, yet one escapes. That is the thread of life."
Everyone rose to their feet and loudly praised the Dao Ancestor's wisdom.
Hongjun nodded, then turned to look at Lin Tian beside him. Seeing that Lin Tian made no further move, he continued, "The Heavenly Dao is incomplete. As its spokesperson and the holder of the Jade Plate of Creation, I must set an example. Today, I shall merge with the Heavenly Dao and use myself to complete it, seeking a thread of life for all beings of the Primordial Wilderness. From this day onward, Hongjun shall be the Heavenly Dao, but the Heavenly Dao shall not be Hongjun."
Everyone was dumbfounded and cried out in alarm, "Dao Ancestor, don't!"
"Dao Ancestor, we can't bear to lose you!"
Tears nearly flowed from everyone's eyes, but Hongjun knew full well that they were merely putting on an act, so he ignored them.
In truth, they did not care whether Hongjun merged with the Dao. What they cared about was losing someone who could restrain them.
"There is no need to say more. This is my path. From now on, you