The Dao Ancestor descended.
The great hall fell deathly silent.
The moment that blurry figure in purple robes appeared on the Light Screen, it seemed to drain all sound and color from the Three Realms.
Daoist Duobao's legs gave out, and he collapsed to the floor. Even his primordial spirit came to a standstill beneath that supreme will.
Zhao Gongming and the others had forgotten even how to breathe. Their bodies were rigid, unable to move.
Only Chen Changsheng remained.
He merely rose calmly to his feet and gave the Light Screen a respectful yet unyielding bow.
"Disciple Chen Changsheng pays respects to the Dao Ancestor."
The blurry figure within the Light Screen seemed to nod faintly.
That utterly emotionless voice rang out again.
"Continue."
Two simple words, yet they carried the unquestionable majesty of the Heavenly Dao.
Zhao Gongming jolted, his primordial spirit instantly snapping back into place. He did not dare delay in the slightest, and with trembling hands, he formed several seals, forcibly linking the two Sage divine senses from the West to the Cloud Mirror Array as well.
The Light Screen distorted, and the image split into three.
On the left was the ethereal Wa Huang Palace, where Empress Nuwa's expression was as dark as water.
On the right, Buddha Light shone everywhere, revealing two figures. One was sallow and gaunt, his expression full of suffering—it was Jieyin.
The other held the Seven Treasures Wondrous Tree, a compassionate smile on his face. It was Zhunti.
At the very center lay that blurry expanse of chaos, where Dao Ancestor Hongjun's figure suppressed everything.
"May the Dao Ancestor be well."
The moment Sage Zhunti appeared, he bowed with a beaming smile, attempting to seize the initiative.
"To be fortunate enough to behold the Dao Ancestor's countenance today is