A thousand years after returning from the Chaos Purple Firmament Palace to Mount Fang Island, East King Duke was still weighing his agreement with Hongjun.
"The young friend should know that I originally intended for you to prove the Primordial Grand Unity and become a Golden Immortal Saint, just as I did. But the great war in the West left me owing Karma to the Primordial World. I had no choice but to become a Heavenly Dao Saint. With my primordial spirit entrusted to the Heavenly Dao, I became constrained by it. I was burdened by Karmic Sin and could make no further progress, so I had no choice but to swear to unite with the Dao. That is how I ended up in this predicament. I now ask you to help me transcend and escape the Heavenly Dao's control!"
East King Duke had been utterly shocked when he heard this. If Hongjun had not explained himself, he might not even have dared to stay.
"Young friend, there's no need to worry. The Purple Firmament Palace was built from Outer Realm Spirit Stone and lies within Chaos. Even the Primordial World Heavenly Dao cannot see through it. Here, Hongjun is simply Hongjun."
"What I ask of you will have to wait until you have proved the Dao before we can make plans. There's no need to rush. If you're willing to help, you may ask for anything within my power."
East King Duke had been apprehensive, but Hongjun had offered far too much for him to refuse. So, after returning to Mount Fang Island, he had continued weighing the pros and cons.
His conclusion was that, while there were risks, the plan was feasible. He decided not to dwell on it any further. After all, proving the Dao would take