A New Game Begins

"Even Kunlun Mountain has been placed under Heavenly Court's jurisdiction. How can we hold our heads high anywhere in the Primordial World after this?"

Tongtian sounded unwilling to accept it.

"We have to swallow it, whether we like it or not."

Laozi sighed, a thoughtful gleam in his eyes. "What we need most right now is time."

"Time?" Yuanshi and Tongtian both froze.

"That's right."

Laozi nodded. "The Dao Ancestor first helped us in secret, then saved us at the critical moment. That tells us he doesn't want the Witch Cult to dominate everything either. We need only cultivate in seclusion on Kunlun Mountain, consolidate our Sage realms, and comprehend the Heavenly Dao Laws."

"Once we grow stronger, or the Dao Ancestor issues a new decree, it won't be too late to settle accounts with them."

Yuanshi and Tongtian still seethed, but they knew Laozi was right. For now, it was their only option.

"Fine! Then we'll cultivate in seclusion!"

Yuanshi Tianzun gritted his teeth. "Once I've consolidated my Sage realm, I'll forge an unparalleled weapon and cut those twelve brutes to pieces!"

In the west, on Spirit Mountain.

Jieyin and Zhunti sat facing each other, both shaken but relieved.

"Senior Brother, thank goodness we got away quickly. If that Pangu Phantom had brought its axe down on us, our bodies might have been shattered just like the Three Pure Ones'." Zhunti patted his chest, still frightened.

"Indeed."

Jieyin pressed his palms together, his expression compassionate despite the wariness in his eyes. "The Witch Cult is terrifyingly powerful. Even the Three Pure Ones together couldn't fight back. Our Western Religion has far fewer resources. We can't afford to provoke them."

"Then what do we do? Hide on Spirit Mountain forever?" Zhunti asked, frustrated.

"Hide? Why would we?"

Jieyin smiled.