Ten Thousand Miles Away.
Deep within the void.
A green-clad figure stood with his hands behind his back, concealed within the Chaos Qi.
The radiance of the Chaos Bead enveloped his body, concealing his aura, karma, and origin completely.
Even Hongjun, even Shen Ni, could not sense the slightest trace of him.
Xuandu watched the two figures confronting each other, and the corners of his mouth slowly curled into a smile.
The smile was faint, yet it carried the clarity of one who could see through everything.
He had originally intended to wait for Shen Ni at the edge of chaos.
With the Chaos Bead concealing his aura, he would strike in a surprise attack once Shen Ni drew near.
An early Nine Heavens cultivator against one at Nine Heavens Peak—his chances were not high in a frontal battle.
But with a sneak attack, it would be different.
With the Chaos Bead in hand, the Innate Five Elements Great Formation protecting him, and the Martial Dao Law empowering him, even against someone at Nine Heavens Peak, he was confident he could inflict severe injuries.
Yet he had not expected Hongjun to arrive before he could make a move.
He had come so quickly, so coincidentally.
"Dao Ancestor, you really are in a hurry."
Xuandu spoke in a low voice, his words drifting through the chaos.
"Are you afraid Shen Ni will barge into the Great Wilderness and ruin your grand scheme for the Investiture of the Gods?"
"Afraid the Heavenly Dao's Predetermined Number will be thrown into disorder by this Emperor of Fierce Beasts?"
"Afraid your arrangements spanning hundreds of millions of eras will fail at the last step?"
He lightly shook his head, the smile on his lips growing deeper.
"Dao Ancestor, rest assured."
"This disciple will not let