What a coincidence—North Star had run into Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun at the Immortal Court in the Eastern Realm. He hurried over and clasped his hands in greeting. "Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, Daoist Hong Yun, it's been a long time!"
"Indeed, it has!" Hong Yun replied in his usual good-natured manner. Dressed in a bright red robe, he looked rather vacant, like a pure and innocent groom who had just entered the bridal chamber. "Daoist Mystic Turtle, your cultivation has improved greatly again. You've actually reached the late Quasi-Saint stage—truly impressive!"
"Not at all, it's nothing special." North Star fixed his gaze on Hong Yun. "Twelve hundred years ago, Daoist Hong Yun became a nominal disciple of Dao Ancestor Hongjun. Although you didn't receive a Quasi-Saint Pill, you've still entered the Quasi-Saint Realm by now. Congratulations!"
"Haha, thank you for the praise, Daoist Mystic Turtle. You flatter me!"
Perhaps he was simply too kind-hearted. Everything Hong Yun did gave people the impression that he was rather honest to the point of foolishness.
Zhen Yuanzi was still at the early Quasi-Saint stage. A faint trace of Heavenly Dao karma clung to him, suppressing his cultivation and preventing him from advancing.
Now that North Star had reached the late Quasi-Saint stage while he remained stuck at the early stage, Zhen Yuanzi felt both envious and somewhat troubled.
His face clouded with worry. He seemed to know that the Heavenly Dao was suppressing him.
After all, at the Purple Cloud Palace, he had entered the Quasi-Saint Realm without following Hongjun's teachings. Then, when he spoke with North Star about it, Hongjun overheard them, earning him Old Ancestor Hongjun's disdain.
Old Ancestor Hongjun had joined with the Heavenly Dao, so suppressing Zhen Yuanzi was also one of his methods.
At the Purple Cloud Palace,