East Sea, Purple Qi Island.
Sea and sky merged into one, drifting clouds hung between them like tufts of silk, while seabirds flew back and forth with clear cries.
Surging waves crashed thunderously against the jagged, precipitous cliff face, shattering themselves to pieces, only for another wall of water to come roaring in behind them...
On the cliff, Dao Hong Dao Venerable watched the layers of white breakers below, his gaze deep and contemplative.
Beside Dao Hong Dao Venerable stood a tall, erect middle-aged cultivator. He wore a purple-gold carefree crown and a purple dharma robe embroidered with golden patterns.
He had long brows and phoenix eyes, a heroic face, and an imposing bearing. Standing with his hands behind his back, he naturally carried the majesty of one who ruled all things.
Dao Hong Dao Venerable was stern and dignified as well, but this man possessed an added air of forceful dominance. In sheer presence, he clearly surpassed Dao Hong Dao Venerable.
The two powerful figures faced the sea in silence. After a long while, Eastern Pole Heavenly Lord, wearing the purple-gold carefree crown, finally spoke. "Junior Brother, does such a trivial matter truly require this much thought?"
"Senior Brother, this is no trivial matter."
Dao Hong Dao Venerable turned to look at Eastern Pole Heavenly Lord. "Since the upheaval of heaven and earth, Nine Provinces has produced only one peerless genius like Gao Xian. In my view, he rose in response to the calamity and bears the great fortune of our human race!"
"What great fortune? It is merely that heaven and earth have changed and order has collapsed, so naturally newcomers have seized the chance to rise. Only if he succeeds can it be called great fortune. If he fails, then he is nothing."
Eastern Pole Heavenly Lord