Hongjun

Thus, time slipped quietly by, and before they knew it, an epoch had passed.

Xuanxiao finally ceased his sermon.

The Three Pure Ones gradually emerged from their enlightened state, one after another.

The three of them slowly awoke from their meditative trance, faces unable to conceal their joy.

They could clearly sense that, thanks to Xuanxiao's sermon, their time of birth had been greatly advanced, saving them a vast amount of cultivation effort.

"Thank you, Second Uncle!" The Three Pure Ones smiled warmly at Xuanxiao, their eyes brimming with gratitude.

Through this period of time together, their bond with Xuanxiao had grown noticeably closer.

"Enough, we're all family. Why say such distant words?" Xuanxiao waved a hand dismissively.

He looked at the Three Pure Ones and said with a gentle smile, "Three Pure Ones, I've stayed with you for quite a while now. It's time for me to leave. When you're born into the world someday, if you wish to see me, come find me at Thunder Marsh."

Hearing that Xuanxiao was leaving, the Three Pure Ones couldn't hide their reluctance.

"Second Uncle, why not stay here? This is the finest cave heaven and blessed land in the entire Primordial World—the conditions are excellent." Tongtian looked at Xuanxiao with hopeful eyes, trying to persuade him.

Xuanxiao shook his head and said, "No. This Primordial World was created by Big Brother himself. Now that he can no longer witness its sights, I must travel and see it in his stead. I plan to roam the Primordial World freely for a while, then return to Thunder Marsh to cultivate in seclusion. I won't linger here."

Hearing Xuanxiao's explanation, the Three Pure Ones could no longer insist. They could only say, "Then, Second Uncle, please be careful on your journey. If you have time, remember to come back and see us. Once we are born and take form, we will come find you immediately."

Xuanxiao smiled and nodded. "Alright, I'll be off now. After I leave, you must cultivate diligently and never slack off."

After a moment's thought, Xuanxiao added earnestly, "Oh, and you have twelve brothers as well. Though they were not born from Big Brother's Primordial Spirit, they were formed from his heart's blood. If you ever meet them, don't start conflicts lightly. And you three—small quarrels among yourselves are fine, but never join outsiders against your own. If any disputes arise, come to Second Uncle, and I'll help resolve them." His gaze was gentle yet carried a hint of seriousness as he looked at the Three Pure Ones.

The Three Pure Ones were startled to hear they had twelve brothers, then quickly nodded, indicating they would remember.

"Alright, I've said all I need to. Second Uncle will take his leave now." With that, Xuanxiao turned and vanished from before the Three Pure Ones in an instant.

Staring at the spot where Xuanxiao had disappeared, the Three Pure Ones' faces were filled with reluctance.

After a long moment, Laozi was the first to come to his senses. He looked at Yuanshi and Tongtian and said, "Alright, Second Uncle is just traveling through the Primordial World—it's not like he's never coming back. What matters most now is that we focus on cultivation, take form as soon as possible, and then we can go find him. Besides, Second Uncle said we have twelve brothers. Though he told us not to clash with them, we can't fall behind. When we meet, a sparring match will be inevitable."

Yuanshi and Tongtian listened and nodded seriously.

Then, the three quickly adjusted their state and threw themselves wholeheartedly into cultivation.

Meanwhile, Xuanxiao, strolling leisurely through the void, happened to overhear Laozi's words. He couldn't help but shake his head slightly, thinking to himself: This Laozi has such thoughts—but that's fine. The Laozi I remember was too cold and detached. Though that might be closer to the essence of the Dao, I still prefer a bit more humanity. Besides, when Big Brother was on the verge of attaining the Dao, he was at his most human. It shows that the path of emotion isn't necessarily inferior to the path of detachment.

With that thought, Xuanxiao continued on his way, leaving the domain of the Three Pure Ones behind.

This time, Xuanxiao set no destination. He roamed the Primordial World entirely at his whim.

By now, countless beings had been born across the Primordial World, with the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin tribes flourishing the most. Having contributed greatly during the previous Fierce Beast Tribulation, these three tribes now enjoyed the favor of the Heavenly Dao, their power rising like the midday sun as they expanded rapidly.

Still, none of this had much to do with Xuanxiao. He had no intention of meddling in the conflicts among the three tribes. As long as their actions didn't bring catastrophic destruction to the Primordial World, he wouldn't intervene.

And so, Xuanxiao wandered aimlessly through the Primordial World for ten epochs.

One day, he arrived at a nameless valley and was idly strolling about.

Suddenly, as if sensing something, a smile spread across his face. He spoke toward the void, "Come out. I know the Jade Butterfly of Creation all too well—you can't hide your Aura with it. Am I right, Hongjun?"

As his words fell, a white-robed Daoist slowly emerged from the void. It was Hongjun.

Xuanxiao's gaze fell on Hongjun, sizing him up, and he mused inwardly: I didn't expect this Hongjun to be different from the white-robed old man I remember. It seems the things in my memory aren't entirely accurate. Besides, with me as a variable in this Primordial World now, I'll have to be more cautious going forward and not rely solely on that memory to judge.

Seeing Xuanxiao staring at him with a hint of puzzlement, Hongjun asked, "Dao Venerable, is there something amiss with this Poor Daoist?"

Hearing Hongjun's question, Xuanxiao snapped out of his reverie.

"Nothing serious. I was just recalling some past events. But just now, you addressed me as 'Dao Venerable'—what does that mean?" Xuanxiao looked at Hongjun with curiosity and asked. He had never heard of such an honorific title for himself.

Hongjun bowed slightly and explained, "Fellow Daoist may not know this, but 'Dao Venerable' is a title bestowed upon you by the Heavenly Dao. For now, only Poor Daoist, through the Jade Butterfly of Creation, can communicate with the Heavenly Dao and thus know of this title. However, the Heavenly Dao should soon make the name 'Dao Venerable' known to all living beings in the Primordial World."

Xuanxiao was taken aback for a moment. He truly hadn't expected the Heavenly Dao to specially grant him a title. Though he didn't care much about such things, he still cupped his hands toward the void and said, "Brother Heavenly Dao, even if this title seems to have no real use, thanks all the same."

"This Dao Venerable truly lives up to being the reincarnation of Great God Pangu's younger brother—so bold as to openly discuss the Heavenly Dao." Though Hongjun had long known that Xuanxiao's status was supremely exalted, witnessing him "converse" with the Heavenly Dao like this still stirred surprise in his heart.