Seeing that Xuandu's expression remained unchanged, Zhen Yuanzi continued:
"Fellow Daoist Xuandu, I know you invite people into the sect for the prosperity of the Jie Sect, for all living beings of the Great Wilderness, and for the Martial Dao Inheritance."
"I also know that all who join the Jie Sect will have fortune bestowed upon them, and their cultivation will proceed smoothly."
"But I am different."
He slowly closed the Earth Book in his hand, and its earthy yellow halo gradually faded.
"I have the Earth Book's protection, my connection to the earth veins, and the shelter of a great formation."
"I need neither fortune upon me nor the Jie Sect's protection."
"Besides..."
He paused, his gaze dimming slightly.
"Do you still remember what happened to Hong Yun?"
Xuandu's eyes shifted faintly.
Hong Yun.
The Great Wilderness's foremost good man, Zhen Yuanzi's closest friend. Back when they listened to the Dao at Purple Heaven Palace, he gave up his Sage seat and received a strand of Primordial Violet Qi.
Yet that strand of Primordial Violet Qi became the death warrant that claimed his life.
The demon race besieged him, the West coveted him, and Various Factions watched him like tigers eyeing prey.
In the end, Hong Yun fell, and Zhen Yuanzi protected his final wisp of True Spirit.
Zhen Yuanzi slowly closed his eyes.
"When Hong Yun obtained the Primordial Violet Qi, I urged him not to leave my Wuzhuang Temple."
"He did not listen."
"And what was the result?"
He opened his eyes. Deep within those clear, water-like eyes flashed an unmistakable grief.
"The result was that billions of yuanhui of cultivation vanished in a single day."
"I watched him fall with my own eyes, yet I could do nothing."
"Though I have the Earth Book's protection, it