The Three Pure Ones Refused to Sign the Investiture of the Gods. Hongjun: Fine, Then Fight-The Losers Go on the List!

Years went uncounted in the Primordial Wilderness.

In the blink of an eye, the ten thousand years allotted by Dao Ancestor Hongjun had quietly come to an end.

Shouyang Mountain, Eight Sceneries Palace.

Saint Taiqing slowly opened his eyes, rose from his cushion, and took a single step, vanishing from the palace.

Kunlun Mountain, Jade Void Palace.

Immortal light flashed around Venerable Lord Yuanshi as he, too, tore through the void and departed.

Jinao Island, Biyou Palace.

Sect Master Tongtian reined in the sword intent surrounding him, transformed into a streak of azure light, and shot straight toward Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens.

The ancient doors of Zixiao Palace stood open as always, as though they had never closed throughout the ages.

Three figures arrived before the palace gates at almost the same instant.

They exchanged glances, yet none spoke.

Yuanshi's expression was icy, Tongtian's face was full of defiance, and Taiqing remained as placid as ever.

In silence, the three stepped into the vast, deathly still hall together.

The cushion on the raised platform was empty. Dao Ancestor Hongjun was nowhere to be seen.

Just as confusion arose in their hearts—

Hum!

A profound ripple spread through the hall.

A golden scroll quietly appeared at the center of the hall, radiating an unfathomable aura.

Only the name "Taishang Laojun," written in four ancient Dao characters, adorned the scroll, emitting a faint mystic glow.

The three understood. Their teacher wanted them to discuss the matter themselves and make their final decision.

For a time, the immense Zixiao Palace fell silent once more.

The three stood in the hall without a word, the atmosphere even more oppressive than before.

None spoke first.

Saint Taiqing quietly regarded the Investiture of the Gods, his gaze deep and inscrutable.

Venerable Lord Yuanshi stood with