Saint Position

Purple Heaven Palace.

The edge of the petals above Dao Xuan's head glinted with a faint, imperceptible golden radiance, his Dao resonance growing more solid.

The magic power within him surged like a dragon, charging toward the threshold of the mid-stage Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm!

That barrier was already clearly visible; with just a little more time, it would be a natural progression, a further advancement!

At this critical juncture!

The heavenly sound that had echoed through his Primordial Spirit, expounding the supreme Great Dao, abruptly ceased without warning!

Like a surging river instantly cut off!

Like a burning flame suddenly extinguished!

Within the Purple Heaven Palace, heavenly flowers stopped falling, golden lotuses ceased to appear, and the pervasive torrent of Dao resonance seemed to be choked off by an invisible giant hand!

"Ugh!"

Dao Xuan grunted, his face instantly turning ashen!

The surging magic power within him suddenly lost its guidance, like a runaway wild horse, rampaging through his meridians!

The three flowers above his head swayed violently, their golden light scattering. The realm barrier that was about to be broken was not only not breached, but due to the backlash from this forced interruption, it became even more firm and stagnant!

A strong, indescribable feeling of suffocation, irritation, and even rage erupted in his chest like volcanic magma!

"Which bastard dared to interrupt Dao Master's breakthrough?! Are they tired of living?! I'll...!"

Dao Xuan's eyes snapped open, bloodshot and filled with fierce light. He was about to curse loudly, to tear apart the scoundrel who had interrupted his fortuitous encounter!

However!

When his fiery gaze met the gray-robed figure on the high platform, a figure that seemed ordinary yet integrated with the entire chaotic universe.

It was like being doused with a basin of ice water from head to toe on the coldest winter day!

All his anger, all his ferocity, all his impulsiveness, instantly froze, shattered, and vanished!

His mind buzzed, achieving an unprecedented clarity!

Cold sweat instantly soaked through his Daoist robe!

On the high platform, Dao Ancestor Hongjun's indifferent gaze calmly swept over those below.

Did that gaze... did it linger on him for a mere fraction of a second?

Dao Xuan even felt that on the Dao Ancestor's indistinct face, the corners of his mouth seemed to twitch upward ever so slightly?

A half-smile?

A chill ran from the base of his spine straight to the crown of his head!

Dao Xuan shivered uncontrollably, all distracting thoughts instantly cleared, leaving only boundless reverence and lingering fear.

He immediately focused his gaze on his nose, his nose on his heart, and sat up straight, as docile as a quail, even minimizing his breathing.

"Phew... that was close! I almost courted death!

The one who interrupted my breakthrough was the Dao Ancestor himself?!

What's the difference between this and complaining to King Yama that the Book of Life and Death has a mistake?

Am I tired of living?"

Dao Xuan complained wildly in his heart, while his face struggled to maintain a respectful calm.

He secretly raised his eyes, quickly scanning his surroundings.

He saw that in the Purple Firmament Palace, almost all the listeners were like him.

Some had flushed faces and disordered breathing.

Some had furrowed brows, looking unwilling.

Some were even bleeding from the corners of their mouths, clearly not lightly injured.

Clearly, he was not the only one whose enlightenment, or even breakthrough, had been forcibly interrupted!

The entire hall was filled with a suppressed, about-to-explode resentment and anger.

But when everyone's gaze fell upon the figure on the high platform.

All resentment and anger melted away like snow under a scorching sun.

In their place was deep reverence and a hint of... suppressed indignation.

The hall was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun paid no heed to the reactions of those below, as if the act of forcibly interrupting the lecture was as trivial as brushing away a speck of dust.

He was silent for a moment, and his indifferent voice rang out again, clearly entering the Primordial Spirit of every being:

"This sermon has concluded. My Great Dao has been fully imparted here."

"From this day forward, the Purple Heaven Palace will be closed and will not open for lectures again."

"I shall merge with the Dao to complete the workings of the Heavenly Dao. Henceforth, unless there is an immeasurable calamity, Hongjun shall not appear."

The moment these words were spoken, it was like a boulder being dropped into a calm lake!

BOOM!

The three thousand guests in Purple Heaven Palace below erupted in an uproar!

Although many were secretly pleased—after all, with one less "father" controlling heaven, earth, and air, they could act with fewer scruples.

On the surface, however, each and every one of them acted as if they had lost their parents, wailing loudly!

"Teacher! You mustn't!" Daoist Jieyin reacted the fastest, prostrating himself on the ground, his voice choked with grief, his sallow face filled with anguish.

"Teacher is the stabilizing needle of the Great Desolation; how can you speak of merging with the Dao so lightly? All beings in the Great Desolation need Teacher's protection!"

"Teacher, please reconsider!"

Daoist Zhunti followed closely, falling to his knees with a thud. Tears streamed down his fair face, staining his bright red immortal robe with dust.

"Disciples have listened to the Great Dao and bathed in its blessings, yet we have not fully grasped Teacher's true teachings. How can Teacher abandon us? The Great Desolation cannot go a day without Teacher!"

"We implore Teacher to retract your decree!"

Empress Nuwa also showed a sorrowful expression, bowing gracefully. Even the aura of Creation carried a hint of sadness.

"Teacher!" The Three Pure Ones, Dijun and Taiyi, Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun, along with a host of other top-tier great beings, whether their grief was genuine or feigned, all prostrated themselves at this moment, begging with mournful voices that shook the Purple Heaven Palace.

For a time, Purple Heaven Palace was filled with weeping, the sounds of sorrow reaching the heavens, as if the Dao Ancestor merging with the Dao was the end of the Great Desolation.

Dao Xuan sat behind Laozi, watching this scene of collective "Oscar-worthy" acting, and his lips couldn't help but twitch.

Good heavens... this acting, this speed of reaction... it's a waste for those two Daoist friends from the West not to be in the opera. All the great beings of the Great Desolation are actors, by default!

He grumbled inwardly but followed the crowd, feigning a sorrowful expression.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's expression was indifferent, as if the crying and wailing below were not the top great beings of the Great Desolation, but a swarm of ants clamoring.

He gently raised his hand, and an invisible force swept through, lifting all the kneeling figures with a gentle yet irresistible power.

"My mind is made up. You need not say more."

His voice was calm but carried an undeniable majesty, instantly silencing all the sorrowful cries.

"Before I merge with the Dao, if any of you have questions or difficulties in your cultivation, you may ask."

The great hall fell silent.

After a brief pause.

Grand Pure One Laozi stepped forward, bowed deeply towards the high platform, his voice calm yet carrying a hint of inquiry:

"May I ask Teacher, what is a 'Saint'?"

This question, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly captured everyone's attention!

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze flickered upward, and he spoke indifferently. His voice was not loud, but it struck every being's heart like a thunderclap:

"A Saint is the Dao fruit of a Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortal."

"The Primordial Spirit is entrusted to the void of the Heavenly Dao, enduring myriad tribulations without being worn down, stained by karma yet remaining untainted."

"Below a Saint, all are ants."

"Saints are immortal and indestructible."

BOOM!!!

These simple words were like divine thunder that split the heavens and earth, striking the hearts and minds of all the great beings in the Purple Heaven Palace!

Below a Saint, all are ants!

Saints are immortal and indestructible!

What kind of realm was this? What kind of power?!

Those who had been "weeping" for the Dao Ancestor's merging with the Dao now had terrifying glints in their eyes, their breathing becoming heavy!

It was the ultimate desire for supreme power! The ultimate pursuit of eternal indestructibility!

Dao Xuan's heart also trembled violently. Although he knew this setting, hearing it directly from the Dao Ancestor's mouth was still an unparalleled shock.

Saints... this is the true peak of the Great Desolation!

His heart burned with longing for that supreme realm.

The Primordial Heavenly Venerate, following Laozi, stepped forward. His face was stern, and his voice carried a hint of solemnity:

"May I ask Teacher, is there a fixed number for the Saint positions in this Great Desolation?"

This question struck a chord with everyone!

Becoming a Saint was so alluring, but how many spots were there?

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze swept over those below and he slowly said:

"Below the Heavenly Dao, nine is the extreme number."

"I have occupied one."

"There are eight remaining Saint positions."

Eight spots!

Only eight spots!

The area below instantly fell silent!

The burning ambition that had just ignited seemed to be doused by a basin of cold water!

Three thousand guests of the Purple Heaven Palace, countless Grand Unity Golden Immortals, and even a number of Quasi-Saints, yet only eight spots to become a Saint?!

How fierce was this competition?! It was practically the Great Desolation's version of "a thousand troops crossing a single-plank bridge"!

Many great beings' eyes already showed despair, especially those who knew their foundations were shallow and their fortune was not deep.

Jieyin and Zhunti exchanged glances, their worry deepening.

Sect Master Tongtian, with his most direct nature, pushed through the crowd. His voice, clear and sharp, carried an edge as he asked the most crucial question that everyone was concerned about:

"May I ask, Teacher, are there methods to prove the Dao and become a Saint?"

Swish!

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on Tongtian like searchlights, filled with gratitude and anticipation!

Good question! Uncle-Master Tongtian (Fellow Daoist Tongtian) truly spoke everyone's mind! countless great beings shouted inwardly.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun looked at Tongtian and said indifferently:

"The Great Dao has three thousand paths, all of which can lead to proving the Dao. However, there are mainly three methods to become a Saint."

"First, to Prove Dao with Strength."

"Emulating Pangu, using supreme power to forcibly break through the Heavenly Dao's restraints and prove the Primordial Unity. This method is the most difficult, yet also the most powerful. However, Pangu himself did not achieve complete success, his body transforming into the Great Desolation."

Great God Pangu failed?!

Everyone's heart grew heavy, feeling the path ahead was bleak.

"Second, to Prove Dao with Merit."

"Accumulate great merit in the heavens and earth, gain the Heavenly Dao's recognition, and receive immeasurable merit, forging a Saint body of merit, and one can also become a Saint.

However, the required merit is vast, and only immense merits such as opening the heavens, creation, or mending the heavens will suffice."

Opening the heavens? Creation? Mending the heavens? The difficulty of this was no less than Proving Dao with Strength!

Everyone's hearts sank again.

"Third, to Prove Dao by Slaying Three Corpses."

"Slay your own three corpses: the good thought, the evil thought, and the self-obsessed thought, and entrust them to an Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Once the three corpses are slain, one's cultivation reaches perfection, then using the Primordial Violet Qi as a guide, the three corpses merge, and the Primordial Spirit is entrusted to the Heavenly Dao's void, and one can prove the Primordial Unity Dao fruit."

"I myself became a Saint using this method."

Slaying Three Corpses! Primordial Violet Qi!

The key information had arrived!

Everyone's ears perked up, afraid of missing a single word!

"May I ask, Teacher," Laozi spoke again, asking the core question, "is the Primordial Violet Qi the foundation for becoming a Saint?"

"Indeed."

Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded. "The Primordial Violet Qi is the foundation of the Great Dao, formed from the origin of the Heavenly Dao. Without this Qi, even if one slays all three corpses and reaches perfection in cultivation, one cannot sense the Heavenly Dao or entrust their Primordial Spirit, and ultimately cannot become a Saint."

Boom!

Like cold water dropped into a boiling oil pan!

The entire Azure Palace erupted!

Primordial Violet Qi! The foundation for becoming a Saint! Without it, all previous efforts were in vain!

Everyone's gaze became incredibly fervent, staring intently at the Dao Ancestor, as if asking: Where is the Violet Qi?!

Dao Ancestor Hongjun seemed to see through their thoughts and said no more.

He gently waved his sleeve.

Instantly, the Purple Firmament Palace was filled with surging violet energy!

Seven strands of purple airflow, as fine as a hair but containing the highest supreme Dao rhythm, flew out from his sleeve!

As this violet Qi emerged, the Dao rhythm of the entire Purple Heaven Palace resonated!

Heavenly flowers and golden lotuses reappeared, as if in worship!

The seven strands of violet Qi, like seven agile little dragons, circled and danced within the hall, emitting an intoxicating aura that seemed to reach eternity!

Everyone's breathing stopped!

Their eyes widened!

Their hearts nearly leaped out of their chests!

Primordial Violet Qi! The foundation of the Great Dao! The key to becoming a Saint!

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze swept over those below, his voice indifferent:

"This is the Primordial Violet Qi, the foundation of the Great Dao."

"With it, one can comprehend the Heavenly Dao and have hope of becoming a Saint."

As soon as these words were spoken, the Purple Firmament Palace fell silent, every gaze fixed on the seven streams of purple energy swirling and dancing, imbued with supreme Dao rhythm, their breathing ceasing.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze first fell upon Taiqing Laozi at the front.

"Taiqing Laozi."

Laozi, his expression calm upon hearing his name, stepped forward and bowed, "Your disciple is here."

"You were born from the pure energy of Pangu's Primordial Spirit, with deep roots, long fortune, and great merit and great destiny."

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's voice was placid, yet carried the majesty that settled the world.

"I now accept you as my foremost disciple and bestow upon you one strand of Primordial Violet Qi to aid your comprehension of the Heavenly Dao and your achievement of a Saint position."

As the words fell, a strand of Primordial Violet Qi, like a purple dragon, joyfully flew towards Laozi.

Laozi's Qingyun above his head unfurled slightly, and the purple energy merged into it, hidden deep within his Primordial Spirit, shimmering in tandem with the phantom image of the Xuanhuang Exquisite Pagoda.

"Disciple Laozi thanks Master for his grace!"

Laozi bowed again, his voice still peaceful, but now with the confirmation of the master-disciple relationship.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded slightly and turned his gaze to Primordial Heavenly Venerate.

"Yuqing Yuanshi."

Primordial Heavenly Venerate stepped forward solemnly, "Your disciple is here."

"You too were born from Pangu's Primordial Spirit, naturally noble, in accordance with heaven and people. You shall establish a sect to expound the Heavenly Dao and enlighten all beings, possessing great merit and great destiny."

"I now accept you as my second disciple and bestow upon you one strand of Primordial Violet Qi."

Another strand of purple energy flew out and merged into Primordial Heavenly Venerate's Primordial Spirit. The phantom image in his Qingyun fluttered, and the golden lamps and necklaces shone even brighter.

"Disciple Yuanshi thanks Master!" Primordial Heavenly Venerate's voice held a hint of excitement.

"Shangqing Tongtian."

Sect Master Tongtian stepped forward, full of heroic spirit, "Your disciple is here!"

"You were born from Pangu's Primordial Spirit, with a righteous and straightforward nature, and a determined will to advance. You shall establish a sect to intercept a sliver of life, teaching all without discrimination, also possessing great merit and great destiny."

"I now accept you as my third disciple and bestow upon you one strand of Primordial Violet Qi."

The third strand of purple energy merged into Sect Master Tongtian's Primordial Spirit, the phantom image of the Qingping Sword's resonance sharpening its edge.

"Disciple Tongtian thanks Master for his generous gift!" Sect Master Tongtian said loudly, his eyes filled with a mixture of fighting spirit and anticipation.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gaze fell upon Empress Nuwa.

"Nuwa."

Empress Nuwa moved with graceful steps and bowed gracefully, "Your disciple is here."

"You are an Innate Divine Being, cultivating the Dao of Creation, with deep fortune. In the future, you shall perform great acts of creation, possessing immeasurable merit and supreme destiny."

"I now accept you as my fourth disciple and bestow upon you one strand of Primordial Violet Qi."

The fourth strand of purple energy flew into Nuwa's Primordial Spirit, the aura of creation spreading, full of vitality.

"Disciple Nuwa thanks Master for his kindness!" Empress Nuwa's voice was gentle, unable to hide her joy.

With this, four strands of Primordial Violet Qi had been distributed, and the positions of four direct disciples were set.

Dao Ancestor Hongjun closed his eyes, remaining silent, as if all matters had been settled.

Those below watched, their hearts surging with emotion, a mix of envy and jealousy, yet none dared to speak further.

However, Jieyin and Zhunti from the Western lands were filled with anxiety!

Seeing that the four strands of Primordial Violet Qi had found their owners and the positions of the direct disciples were set, yet their names were not among them!

The "kind" smile on Daoist Zhunti's face had long since vanished, his complexion pale, his eyes full of anxiety.

Daoist Jieyin's sallow and thin face was covered in an unshakeable look of sorrow.

"Senior Brother!" Zhunti transmitted his voice secretly, his voice choked with tears, "Master... Master forgot about us?!"

"Do not speak rashly!" Jieyin forced himself to remain calm, but his voice trembled, "Destiny... destiny must be sought oneself!"

The two exchanged a glance and instantly reached a consensus.

Thump!

Thump!

Two muffled sounds!

Under the astonished gazes of everyone, Jieyin and Zhunti both fell to the ground, prostrating themselves before Dao Ancestor Hongjun on the high platform, their heads striking the ground as they wailed loudly!

"Master, have mercy! Master, show pity!"

Daoist Zhunti's voice was heart-wrenching, tears streaming down his face, his bright red immortal robe stained with dust, utterly devoid of the demeanor of a great being.

"Master!"

Daoist Jieyin cried out even more mournfully, his voice filled with endless suffering.

"My Western lands are barren and cold, and the beings here are ignorant! My fellow disciple and I have made a grand vow to save all suffering beings in the West, to establish a sect, spread the teachings, and guide people toward goodness! However, our foundations are shallow, and our path to the Dao is arduous!"

"We implore Master to consider our sincerity and, for the sake of the billions of beings in the West, accept us as your disciples!

Even if we are only nominal disciples, serving tea and water, sweeping the courtyards, we will do so willingly and without complaint!"

"Master! The West is suffering! Please show mercy! Grant us the foundation of the Great Dao and save the beings of the West from this sea of suffering!"

The two wept with genuine emotion, tears streaming down their faces, painting the West as a veritable hell and themselves as tragic figures who cared for all living beings and endured humiliation.

The sorrowful cries echoed through the Purple Firmament Palace, causing many powerful beings to twitch their lips and show disdain.

"Utterly shameless!" Ancestor Kunpeng cursed inwardly.

"To become a Saint, they've thrown all shame aside!" Ancestor Minghe's eyes flashed with blood-red light.

Dijun and Taiyi also frowned deeply.

The Three Pure Ones' expressions were calm, while Empress Nuwa frowned slightly.

Dao Xuan, sitting behind Laozi, watched with wide eyes:

"Good heavens... this acting, this shamelessness... No wonder they'll become Saints later!

The greatest actor in the Great Desolation, truly deserving of the title!

As expected, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and the noisy cultivator gets the Primordial Violet Qi..."

On the high platform, Dao Ancestor Hongjun, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, seemed to furrow his brow ever so slightly, as if disturbed by the clamorous crying.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling upon Jieyin and Zhunti, who were crying as if they would pass out. His indifferent voice rang out, carrying a hint of imperceptible... helplessness?

"Fine."

"Considering your hearts are set on the West and you have made a grand vow to save the world, and you possess a desire for the Dao."

"I shall accept you two as nominal disciples."

"I bestow upon you both, one strand of Primordial Violet Qi each."

As the words fell, two strands of purple qi flew towards Jieyin and Zhunti respectively.

Jieyin and Zhunti were overjoyed, instantly ceasing their cries. With lightning speed, they absorbed the purple qi into their Primordial Spirits. They then kowtowed repeatedly, their voices trembling with ecstasy:

"Disciples Jieyin (Zhunti) thank Master for your heavenly grace! Master is merciful! The beings of the West will forever be grateful for your great virtue!"

Six strands of purple qi had been distributed!

Direct Disciples: Laozi, Yuanshi, Tongtian, Nuwa.

Nominal Disciples: Jieyin, Zhunti.

The final strand of Primordial Violet Qi still swirled before Dao Ancestor Hongjun.

In an instant!

The atmosphere in the entire Purple Firmament Palace tensed to its absolute limit once more!

All the powerful beings who had not yet received the purple qi had their gazes instantly turn scorching hot and greedy!

"Master, have mercy!"

"Please bestow the purple qi upon us, Master!"

"This disciple is willing to brave fire and water for Master!"

Thump! Thump! Thump!

This time, the powerful beings who had reacted, no matter how reserved they had been before, now scrambled to kneel on the ground, kowtowing frantically to Dao Ancestor Hongjun, begging with earnest pleas. The sound of their voices almost threatened to blow off the roof of the Purple Heaven Palace!

Ancestor Kunpeng was the first to kneel, his eyes filled with longing and madness.

Ancestor Minghe also prostrated himself, his blood qi surging around him.

Great Immortal Zhenyuanzi frowned slightly but followed the crowd in kneeling.

Ancestor Hongyun was a beat slower but also knelt with the others, a hint of bewilderment and anticipation on his face.

Dao Xuan, sitting behind Laozi, watched the spectacular scene of "ten thousand immortals kneeling and begging," and sighed inwardly:

"So much competition! It's too much! For a position... no, for a Saint position, the great figures of the Great Desolation are really giving it their all!"

Dao Ancestor Hongjun looked at the sea of black figures kneeling below, their cries shaking the heavens. His brow seemed to furrow again.

He appeared to be bothered by the noise and did not wish to prolong the matter.

"Destiny is predetermined, and fate is thus."

His indifferent voice drowned out all the crying.

"As for the final strand of purple qi, it will depend on your own karmic affinity."

With that, he gently flicked his sleeve.

The last strand of Primordial Violet Qi, like an arrow loosed from a bow, instantly shot out!

It rapidly circled and danced within the grand hall of the Purple Heaven Palace, like a nimble, divine purple dragon trailing a long tail of Dao charm.

All eyes were fixed on it, their hearts pounding in their chests!

The purple qi swept over Dijun and Taiyi's heads, circled halfway, and didn't stop.

It swept over Zhenyuanzi, and didn't stop.

It swept over Old Ancestor Kunpeng, whose sinister gaze seemed ready to spew fire, yet the purple qi moved on without lingering.

It swept over Old Ancestor Minghe, the sea of blood churned, but the purple qi still didn't stop.

It weaved through the hall, causing countless powerful beings to tremble, yet it never descended.

Finally!

Under the gaze of countless eyes filled with disappointment, jealousy, or confusion.

That streak of purple qi, like a young swallow returning to its nest, flew straight in one direction!

In that direction knelt Hongyun, who had just raised his head, a look of simple-minded bewilderment still on his face!

"Huh?"

Old Ancestor Hongyun hadn't reacted at all. He only felt a warm, profound, and mysterious aura instantly enter his brow, merging deep within his Primordial Spirit!

He subconsciously touched his forehead, feeling the supreme purple qi that had appeared in his Primordial Spirit. He was completely stunned.

Immediately, immense, unbelievable ecstasy surged into his heart!

"It's... it's me?!"

"Hahaha! It's me! Hongyun has obtained the foundation of this Great Dao! Thank you, Teacher! Thank you for your generous gift, Teacher!"

Old Ancestor Hongyun danced with excitement, repeatedly kowtowing towards the high platform, his joy evident on his face. He didn't notice the sudden, strange atmosphere around him.

Old Ancestor Kunpeng stared intently at Hongyun, especially seeing the faint purple glow within his Primordial Spirit. His eyes instantly erupted with boundless venom and hatred!

"Hongyun!!"

Kunpeng roared inwardly, his teeth nearly grinding to dust!

If not for this good-natured old man's feigned humility back in the Purple Heaven Palace, how could he have lost that crucial fifth cushion?!

If he hadn't lost the cushion, this Primordial Violet Qi today should have been his, Kunpeng's!

Boundless hatred gnawed at his heart like a poisonous snake, twisting Kunpeng's face.

The other powerful beings, like Minghe, and some top-tier powerful beings who considered themselves blessed with great fortune, looked at Hongyun with eyes full of jealousy, unwillingness, and hidden greed.

"Innocent people are often blamed for possessing treasures... Fellow Daoist Hongyun, Fellow Daoist Hongyun, you, the foremost good-natured person in the Great Desolation, are likely in for big trouble."

Dao Xuan sighed inwardly, breaking out in a cold sweat for Hongyun.