The Opponent Who Left Hongjun Helpless, and the Two Shakya's Hesitant Plea for Western Flourishing

For a moment.

As Qingyuan's words rang out.

The atmosphere in Zixiao Palace grew stranger still.

It was as though an invisible force had emptied the hall of air, leaving an oppressive weight to spread silently.

The standoff between the two left every Hunyuan Saint present feeling an indescribable, crushing restraint. It was deeply uncomfortable, stirring memories long buried.

Memories of when they had been weak, watching mighty figures pass by or clash, their auras powerful enough to destroy heaven and earth.

They had trembled in terror.

Who would have thought that, even after becoming Hunyuan Saints, they would feel that way again?

A cold light flickered in Dao Ancestor Hongjun's eyes.

In the end, he suppressed it and said gravely, "Since fellow Daoist Qingyuan says he has no ulterior motive, I will believe him. I hope you do not disappoint me."

"Don't worry, Grandmaster. If there's one thing I value, it's respecting my teachers and honoring the Dao."

Qingyuan replied with a smile, "I certainly won't let you down."

"Mm."

Hongjun nodded and said no more on the matter. He looked calmly at the gathered saints. "Does anyone else have business? If not, you may all leave."

As his words fell.

The Two Shakya stepped forward with miserable expressions.

Looking utterly dejected, Daoist Zhunti said, "Teacher, you may have no more business, but you've forgotten the anguish in your disciples' hearts!"

"Do you still remember what you promised your disciples long ago, Teacher?"

"Ah, our Western Lands are poor and afflicted, our talent scarce and our Earth Veins severed. Even now, little life has returned. My senior brother and I have traveled the Primordial Wilderness for countless Yuan Hui to mend those veins, and only today did we see a little progress. Yet, after all these upheavals, the Western