The Netherworld.
Zhen Yuanzi, now a Sage, the Underworld Lord of the Netherworld, and the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, watched the changes unfolding between heaven and earth with a grave expression, saying nothing.
Seated below Zhen Yuanzi was another figure.
Hong Yun, who had returned once more from the Great Dao True Spirit Sea, raised a hand to stroke his beard, his eyes glinting with concern.
He said:
"The world's sublimation is imminent. Before long... quite a few fellow Daoists will likely claim the Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortal Dao Fruit!"
At those words.
Zhen Yuanzi nodded solemnly.
"That is only natural!"
At that point.
Zhen Yuanzi's gaze softened as he turned toward his closest friend, Hong Yun.
He said with a smile:
"But you need not worry. I will protect your path and help you reach the Dao-Proven Realm!"
His words drew a hearty laugh from Hong Yun.
"Hahaha..."
Hong Yun had cultivated for countless years across his past and present lives.
The best thing he had ever done was probably befriending Zhen Yuanzi, a truly devoted friend.
The Three-Dao Primordial Realm.
Inside the Violet Cloud Palace.
As he watched the Primordial World begin its sublimation, old Hongjun also felt the shackles placed upon him by Merging with the Dao begin to loosen.
Yet old Hongjun felt no joy at this.
It was not because he would lose his position as the Heavenly Dao's spokesman. Though that position brought him benefits, it was far more a shackle and a restraint.
What worried him—
Was that once the Primordial World completed its sublimation, the likelihood of the cosmos being exposed within Chaos would grow even greater.
From then on.
Regardless of whether peace prevailed within the Primordial World, dangers and assaults from outside were sure to come!
He feared—