More importantly, none of the Primordial Great Powers—including Kunpeng himself—knew that the six golden clouds represented the future Saint Positions!
Once Hongjun revealed the secret of the Saint Positions during the Third Sermon, Kunpeng would learn that Hong Yun's actions had cost him his chance at a Saint Position...
Only then would Kunpeng's hatred and murderous intent truly reach their peak!
And the tribulation that would bring about Hong Yun's downfall would follow!
Considering this, Haotian slowly shook his head, his expression grave. "The Karma has already taken deep root. It will be difficult to unravel."
"This poor Daoist... has no way to resolve it completely."
At these words, deep disappointment and worry flickered in Zhenyuanzi's eyes.
Then Haotian changed tack. "However, although I cannot resolve it, I do have a plan that might help Fellow Daoist Hong Yun... avert the calamity brought about by this Karma."
Zhenyuanzi's spirits lifted, and he hurriedly asked, "Please, tell us! What is this wise plan?"
Even Hong Yun, who had paid little attention until now, perked up.
He had always acted as if he didn't care about Zhenyuanzi's warnings.
But in truth, some worry had already begun to stir in his heart. Now that he heard Haotian might have a solution, he couldn't help but take an interest.
Haotian's gaze swept over the two of them. His voice calm, he uttered a single earth-shattering word: "Kill!"
"Kill?" Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun both froze.
"Precisely." Haotian nodded, his tone indifferent yet tinged with coldness. "Since Kunpeng is the source of the hatred, find a way to eliminate him."
"When the root is gone, all the calamities and entanglements arising from it will naturally vanish."
Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun: "...!"
The two stood dumbstruck for dozens of breaths. The only sound in the hall was the faint rustle of leaves on the Ginseng Fruit Tree.
Hong Yun was the first to recover. He knitted his brows and shook his head repeatedly, his tone disapproving. "Fellow Daoist, you are mistaken!"
"Between me and Fellow Daoist Kunpeng, there was only a minor misunderstanding and dispute. Things are nowhere near the point of mortal enmity or an irreconcilable feud."
"How could I recklessly harbor murderous intent over a worry of my own?"
"Such an act would violate Heaven's harmony. It is no deed for a benevolent man!"
Zhenyuanzi recovered from his shock, let out a long sigh, and gave a bitter smile as he shook his head. "Fellow Daoist, this plan... would be difficult to carry out."
"Setting aside the fact that killing a fellow Innate Divine Being without cause would violate the natural order and risk Karma Backlash..."
"Fellow Daoist Kunpeng is a Grand Unity Golden Immortal with a deep Origin. What's more, he possesses one of the fastest escape techniques in the Primordial Wilderness, famed for carrying him ninety thousand li with a single beat of his wings, soaring to the very heavens."
"Even if the two of us could gain a slight advantage by joining forces, to kill him outright..."
"It would be harder than scaling the heavens."
"If he were determined to flee, no one in all the Primordial Wilderness could likely stop him."
Haotian showed no surprise or displeasure at their reaction.
He had expected this outcome.
Hong Yun was so kindhearted and magnanimous that he was almost foolishly rigid.
Zhenyuanzi was more practical, but his close friendship with Hong Yun showed that he was no cold-blooded killer, either.
There was almost no chance that they would willingly adopt such a ruthless plan to "root out the problem."
Still, given what Haotian knew of the "future," this was the most direct and effective solution he could offer.
Kunpeng was narrow-minded and held grudges over the smallest slights.
If you did him a kindness, he might not appreciate it.
If you crossed him, he would remember it and wait for a chance to take revenge.
The secret of the Saint Positions had yet to be revealed, but his hatred had already taken root.
The day the truth came to light would be the day the Killing Tribulation arrived.
Their enemy was powerful, possessed peerless escape arts, and lurked in the shadows.
Unless Hong Yun never left Zhenyuanzi's protection for the rest of his life, there would be no way to guard against him forever. Sooner or later, a moment of carelessness would leave an opening.
As the saying went, "You can't spend every day robbing a house, but you can't spend every day guarding against a thief, either."
Seeing that both men were firmly opposed, Haotian said no more about the plan. Instead, he cupped his hands and said, "This is ultimately a matter for the two of you, Fellow Daoists. The decision is yours to make, according to your own hearts."
"I have other matters to attend to, so I won't impose on you any longer."
Hong Yun's opinion of Haotian had fallen slightly after his suggestion to "eliminate Kunpeng." He felt the proposal was too ruthless, at odds with his idea of what a "benevolent" friend should be.
But he knew Haotian had only meant to help him, so he felt no aversion toward him.
When he heard that Haotian wished to leave, he still tried to persuade him to stay. "Why the hurry, Fellow Daoist?"
"Why not stay a while longer? We could enjoy tea and discuss the Dao. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Zhenyuanzi hurriedly cupped his hands as well, concern showing on his face. "Have my younger brother Hong Yun and I treated you poorly in some way, Fellow Daoist, and made you unhappy?"
"Please don't misunderstand, Fellow Daoist Zhenyuan." Haotian smiled, his expression sincere. "You have both shown me such warm hospitality. I am deeply grateful."
"I truly have urgent matters to attend to and must take my leave. I hold not the slightest dissatisfaction toward either of you."
Hearing him say this, Zhenyuanzi felt somewhat relieved.
Unlike Hong Yun, Zhenyuanzi valued his connection with Haotian not only for his character, but even more for the mysterious ability that made him seem to "foresee the future."
Haotian's warning outside the gates of Purple Firmament Palace had come true inside the palace. That had shown Zhenyuanzi that this Saint Child must harbor a great secret or possess a tremendous opportunity, making him well worth befriending.
Hong Yun, by contrast, valued character and shared principles when choosing his friends. He admired the magnanimity and humility Haotian had shown earlier.
"In that case, I won't insist on keeping you here."
"I hope your journey goes smoothly and that you soon achieve what you seek." Zhenyuanzi cupped his hands, his tone tinged with reluctance.
Hong Yun composed himself and said sincerely, "Whenever you have time, whether you visit my Huoyun Cave or return to Wuzhuang Temple, Elder Brother and I will welcome you with open arms."
Haotian replied with a smile, "Certainly. If fate allows, I'll visit again someday."
With that, he rose and straightened his robes, preparing to ride the clouds away.
"Fellow Daoist, wait!" Zhenyuanzi suddenly called out.
Haotian stopped and turned back.
Zhenyuanzi had fetched a smooth jade box. He carefully placed the three Ginseng Fruits Haotian had left untouched, along with the three remaining before himself, inside it.
Then he closed the lid, sealed it with Daoist resonance, and offered it to Haotian with both hands.
"Our gathering was so hurried that I couldn't make your visit more enjoyable. And you gave us a couplet and answered our questions. I would feel uneasy if I let you leave without a token of my gratitude."
"These six little fruits are nothing much, but please accept them as a snack for your journey and as a small gesture of my goodwill. I hope you won't refuse." Zhenyuanzi spoke earnestly, his expression solemn.
Seeing this, Haotian understood that Zhenyuanzi was sincere. Refusing again would only seem affected.
He accepted the jade box with both hands, put it away in the Great Dao Space, and cupped his hands solemnly. "In that case, I'll accept your generous gift."
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for your kindness. When we meet again, I'll repay you."
Zhenyuanzi and Hong Yun escorted Haotian all the way to the gates of Wuzhuang Temple.
Haotian cupped his hands in farewell once more, then rode off on a clear, elegant cloud. In an instant, he vanished into the Spirit Mist and rosy light drifting around Longevity Mountain.
Before the gates of Wuzhuang Temple, Zhenyuanzi gazed in the direction Haotian had gone. His brows furrowed deeply, and he remained silent for a long time. The worry on his face only grew.
Before you continue