"I planned to go to Spirit Mountain in the West first."
"Then make a trip to the Heavenly Court."
"To see those former disciples."
"After I've seen them, I'll return to Jinao Island, close my doors, and cultivate in peace."
Zhou Ming raised his brows slightly, studied Tongtian, and asked casually, "Fellow Daoist, are you planning to revive the Jie Sect?"
Tongtian shook his head.
"No."
The two words came out crisp and clean, without the slightest hesitation.
Houtu was somewhat surprised and turned her head slightly.
The Jie Sect had been Tongtian's life's work.
Back then, when he had Myriad Immortals Come to Court, the Jie Sect had tens of thousands of disciples under its banner and was known as the greatest sect in the Primordial Wilderness.
Such a grand spectacle—yet he could say he did not want it, and simply not want it?
Tongtian sensed Houtu's gaze and smiled.
There was a trace of helplessness in that smile, and a trace of release.
"The Jie Sect has already become the past. Myriad Immortals Come to Court was nothing but passing clouds and smoke."
"The orthodoxy was destroyed, its Fortune scattered. There's nothing worth clinging to."
"The disciples are scattered between Buddhism and the Heavenly Court, each with their own place to belong. Forcibly rebuilding it would be meaningless."
Tongtian looked toward the churning sea of clouds outside the hall.
"Back then, I was a useless master."
"During the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation, I failed to protect my disciples and let them suffer every grievance."
"Now that I have gained some strength, I ought to see how they're living."
"If I can make up for a little, then I'll make up for a little."
"As for anything else, I no longer insist on it."
This was his sole