As he gazed at the Three Realms, where immortals and mortals had been completely separated, a faint smile slowly surfaced in Xuanxiao's eyes.
The dust had settled, the Calamity Cycle had finally ended, and the Primordial Wilderness had at last broken its shackles and entered a new era.
He turned toward Hongjun beside him, his voice carrying genuine gratitude. "Hongjun, go. You have toiled for the Primordial Wilderness for endless years, even sacrificing your divine power to maintain the Heavenly Dao's order yourself. Your merits have long since reached completion. Lay down your shackles and break free of the Heavenly Dao's restraints. In the years to come, you should live for yourself for once."
Hearing this, Hongjun slowly raised his eyes and gazed at the boundless Nine Heavens.
The crushing exhaustion and stifling restraints that had weighed upon him for countless millions of years vanished like smoke. A pure, unclouded smile of relief bloomed on his face, free of all attachments.
Through an unseen connection, he could clearly sense the primordial violet qi slowly peeling away from his body. His supreme authority over the Heavenly Dao and his cultivation were gradually receding with it.
Yet Hongjun felt neither loss nor resentment, only utter ease and wild joy.
This meant he had finally, completely escaped his role as the Heavenly Dao's spokesperson. No longer its puppet or the Primordial Wilderness's tool, he was free and unbound.
He had endured, hoped, and suffered for this day through endless years—more than a hundred eons.
He turned around and bowed deeply to Xuanxiao with the utmost reverence. "Dao Venerable, words of thanks cannot repay such immense kindness!"
Hongjun's bow came from the depths of his heart, without the slightest hesitation.
He knew better than anyone that without Xuanxiao's meticulous plans and quiet assistance, he