Dividing into Two Paths
Upon hearing Duobao's words, a flicker of barely concealed excitement flashed in Xiao Yi Yi's eyes.
Shizun... have you finally come to your senses?
That's right!
Shizun must have sensed the Heavenly Dao Dao's conspiracy, but due to his status, he couldn't speak openly. That's why he used Duobao's words to summon me back to discuss important matters!
This must be the result of the Dao Ancestor's secret machinations!
Even though the Dao Ancestor was imprisoned, he did not forget to plan ahead. First, he sent his son Hong Tian to contact us, and then he had his Shizun summon me back!
With such profound foresight and the ability to endure humiliation, the Dao Ancestor truly deserves to be called the number one person in the Prehistoric World!
I, Xiao Yi, will certainly live up to the high expectations of the Dao Ancestor and my Shizun!
"Shizun... did he really say that?" Xiao Yi's voice was slightly choked, his acting skills instantly on full display.
Seeing Xiao Yi's reaction, Duobao sighed inwardly.
Shizun was right after all; Senior Brother Xiao Yi still has feelings for the Interception Sect.
He nodded emphatically. "Absolutely true! Shizun specifically instructed that you must return, Senior Brother, Interception Sect needs you!"
Xiao Yi was filled with passion after hearing this.
To defy the Heavenly Dao and save the Prehistoric World, who else but me!
Shizun is implying to me that the future of the Interception Sect and even the Mystic Sect rests on my shoulders!
He turned to Hong Tian and the other two, and solemnly said:
"Uncle-Master Hong Tian, fellow Daoists, our Shizun has summoned us, and we dare not disobey."
"It seems that my return to the Interception Sect was also part of the Dao Ancestor's plan."
"Our first step in our Heaven-Defying Alliance should perhaps be to join the Interception Sect!"
Hong Heavenly Eye!
Brilliant!
He was just wondering how to get the powerful Jie Interception Sect onto his side.
Does Heavenly Dao want to control the Interception Sect through Xiao Yi?
Sorry, Xiao Yi is now a member of my Heaven-Defying Alliance!
This is called turning the tables on someone else and outmaneuvering them!
Hong Tian clapped his hands and laughed loudly, "Excellent! This is heaven's help!"
Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun: "..."
They're starting to have some doubts.
Will this Heaven-Defying Alliance eventually become a fan club for the Heavenly Dao...?
Hong Tian's gaze swept over the four people present, his mind racing, and a perfect plan quickly took shape.
Hong Tian coughed lightly and arranged his troops, saying:
"The return of Junior Nephew Xiao Yi to the Interception Sect is of great importance. Someone needs to provide support and cover, and also find an opportunity to persuade Senior Brother Tongtian."
"Brother Zhenyuanzi is highly respected and has a long-standing relationship with Senior Brother Tongtian. This task is best left to you."
Zhenyuanzi stroked his beard and nodded. "This Poor Daoist cannot shirk his duty."
Hong Tian continued, "Fellow Daoist Hongyun. Let's make a trip to the Heavenly Court and see if we can persuade Hao Tian to help us."
Hong Yun cupped her hands in greeting. "Hong Yun obeys."
Hong Tian's idea was simple.
Xiao Yi couldn't yet confirm whether someone was on his side, so he sent Zhenyuanzi with him to monitor him.
Winning over Hao Tian was a crucial step in his defying the heavens!
Bringing Hao Tian into the group? That's just a smokescreen.
His real intentions are far more complex than they seem.
The Heavenly Dao is now overwhelming; to confront it head-on is tantamount to suicide.
However, if he could stir up trouble and create a situation where various forces check and balance each other, he, as the Dao Ancestor son, could reap the benefits.
Ideally, the Heavenly Court and the Interception Sect should fight each other first, thus weakening the power of Heavenly Dao's minions.
A cold glint flashed in Hong Heavenly Eye.
If I could find an opportunity amidst the chaos to make my cheapskate father perish in the confusion...
Then wouldn't I, as the only biological son, be able to rightfully inherit the legacy of the Zixiao Palace, and even the Heavenly Dao Authority over the entire Prehistoric World?
He could even plot to kill Hao Tian and become the Heavenly Emperor himself!
Of course, this needs to be done slowly and cautiously, step by step.
Hong Tian said solemnly, "Since that's the case, let's proceed."
The other three members of the Heaven-Defying Alliance nodded.
Zhenyuanzi and Xiao Yi went to the Interception Sect.
Hong Tian, pulling Hong Yun along, hurried towards the Heavenly Court.
Before long, the two arrived outside the South Heaven Gate.
Auspicious clouds paved the way, and thousands of auspicious Auspicious Qi shone forth, with Heavenly Soldiers and Generals standing solemnly on both sides.
"This is the Heavenly Court... truly magnificent." Hong Tian exclaimed, but a barely perceptible glint of ambition flashed in his eyes.
One day, this place will be his!
"Halt!"
The gatekeeper stepped forward and stopped Hong Tian and Hong Yun.
"This is a sacred ground of the Heavenly Court; please stop here, seniors."
Hong Tian is full of confidence:
"This Poor Daoist Hong Tian, the son of the Dao Ancestor Hongjun. I have come to pay my respects to the Hao Tian Shangdi, as I have important matters to discuss."
"The one beside me is Ancestor Hong Yun."
The gatekeeper. "..."
The celestial Heavenly Soldier: "..."
Is he the son of Dao Ancestor Hongjun?
The Dao Ancestor, who had Dao Integration countless Primordial Era, when did he have a son?
A few of the goalkeepers chuckled, but their professionalism made them quickly regain their seriousness.
"The son of Dao Ancestor?"
He glanced at Hong Tian, then looked at the incredibly embarrassed Hong Yun beside him.
"Does the senior have any proof?"
Hong Tian raised his head slightly, his body radiating Daoist energy, and a trace of the Purple Heaven Daoist intent that originated from the same source as Hongjun was faintly emanating from him.
"My bloodline is that of the Dao Ancestor, and these Five Innate Banners are proof of it!"
He raised his hand and took out the Five Innate Banners.
The gatekeeper's eyes narrowed. "Senior, why are there only four?"
Hong Tian was taken aback upon hearing this. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the Wuji Apricot Yellow Flag was missing from the Five Innate Banners.
What's going on?!
Hong Tian gasped.
The Heavenly Dao had quietly taken away the Wuji Apricot Yellow Flag, its purpose being to prevent him from setting up the Five Elements Grand Array.
It seems we need to expedite the process of winning over Hao Tian.
Hong Tian subtly released a trace of Great Luo's aura. "What, do you think my cultivation level is fake?"
The goalkeeper was sweating profusely.
He came here to cultivate by borrowing the Heavenly Court's Fortune, not to risk his life.
"Please wait a moment, seniors, while I go and inform them."
The Lingxiao Treasure Hall.
Hao Tian sat high on the imperial throne, wearing Twelve-Tassel Crown and a black imperial robe embroidered with the Stars of the heavens, his majesty growing ever stronger.
He was reviewing the documents submitted by the mountain gods and local deities from various places when he suddenly sensed something unusual at the South Heaven Gate.
"Hong Tian, the son of the Dao Ancestor?"
Hao Tian put down the jade pen, his brows furrowing slightly.
"When did the Dao Ancestor have an heir? How come I knew nothing about it?"
Taibai Jinxing, who was standing to the side, bowed and said, "Your His Majesty, this matter is truly strange."
Hao Tian raised his hand, and a point of clear light appeared at his fingertip, illuminating the figures of Hong Tian and Hong Yun outside the South Heaven Gate.
"The Five Innate Banners are definitely not fake."
Hao Tian's eyes were sharp, and he instantly saw through Hong Tian's true nature.
"This person is most likely an Outer-Heaven Demon."
Hao Tian's lips curled into a cold smile.
"You've got some nerve, daring to impersonate the Dao Ancestor's son and even come to my Heavenly Court."
Taibai Jinxing cautiously asked, "Your His Majesty, it seems that Ancestor Hong Yun was traveling with him. Perhaps...?"
"Hong Yun?"
Hao Tian glanced at the Hong Yun in the picture, his mind racing, and he understood.
It seems Hong Yun is just playing along with this reckless Outer-Heaven Demon.
If that's the case...
"Issue my decree."
Hao Tian's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
"Hong Tian's identity is questionable. He is impersonating Dao Ancestor. His intentions are questionable. Considering this is his first offense, we will not investigate further. He is ordered to leave immediately and is not to approach the Heavenly Court again."
"As for Ancestor Hong Yun... since he is a guest, please come to the Yao Chi for tea. I will meet him later."
"Your humble servant obeys the decree." Taibai Jinxing bowed and withdrew.