The Beginning of Calamity!

Below, the assembled great powers reacted in all manner of ways: some sighed in disappointment, some fumed with dissatisfaction, some felt wronged and vexed, and some boldly recommended themselves. Yet the Dao Ancestor merely lowered his brows and closed his eyes, saying nothing.

At that moment, Jieyin and Zhun Ti both rose to their feet and bowed to the Dao Ancestor. "The two of us came all the way from Western Heaven, undaunted by hardship and danger, because our hearts yearned for the Grand Dao with utter sincerity. We beg Teacher to show mercy and accept us! Then, in the Western Realm, we may establish another branch of the Mystic Sect and spread Teacher's Grand Dao far and wide."

Jieyin and Zhun Ti spoke so extravagantly that flowers seemed to rain from the sky. Hongjun frowned when he saw them, then sighed. "Very well. You two possess great perseverance, great wisdom, and great fortune. I shall accept you as named disciples."

Upon hearing this, Jieyin and Zhun Ti were overjoyed. Though they were only named disciples, they still bore the title of disciples, which would make things much more convenient for them in the future. With that thought, the two hurriedly offered their thanks and performed the rites of becoming disciples once more.

When the great powers saw Jieyin and Zhun Ti obtain the name of disciples, they assumed Hongjun had softened his heart. They immediately began pleading as well, hoping that Hongjun would accept them.

This time, however, Hongjun seemed to have hardened his heart like iron. He ignored them all and merely said flatly, "Each of you shall have your own fate and opportunity in the future. Do not beg again."

After saying that, Hongjun did not linger. With a flash, he vanished without a trace.

After Hongjun