The mere presence of innate spiritual treasures was enough to drive the gathered cultivators into a frenzy. And with five strands of the Grandmist Purple Aura, the foundation of the Great Dao, they were even more impatient.
The moment the gates of Purple Cloud Palace opened, the gathered cultivators rushed out. In the blink of an eye, the entire palace stood empty.
Hongjun was not surprised. A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, as if some scheme of his had succeeded.
But in the very next moment, Hongjun's smile froze. To his surprise, someone was striding into Purple Cloud Palace.
"Daoist Hongjun, does my coming to see you now count as showing you enough respect? How do you intend to repay this karma?"
The visitor was none other than Chen Xuan, who had turned back. By now, he had returned to his original appearance.
Seeing Chen Xuan enter Purple Cloud Palace, Hongjun's heart trembled. Chen Xuan's words had struck him right in the heart.
Though he was loath to do so, he had no choice but to rise, bow to Chen Xuan, and speak.
"Daoist Azure Lotus, I advise you not to push things too far. Otherwise, it may not end well for either of us."
Chen Xuan smiled and shook his head. "I don't see how I've gone too far. You, Daoist Hongjun, forced my disciple to become your apprentice. Now that was truly going too far."
Seeing Chen Xuan bring it up again, Hongjun's face showed a trace of helplessness. He gave a cold snort and said,
"I admit that I acted improperly, but I've already given you the All-Heavens Auspicious Cloud. Is that not enough to settle this karma?"
By saying this, Hongjun had effectively and officially given the All-Heavens Auspicious Cloud to Chen