Yet the excited Tongtian failed to notice that, at that very moment, the faces of his eldest and second brothers, whom he trusted most, had both darkened. Laozi narrowed his eyes, a flicker of wariness flashing through his gaze, while Yuanshi's eyes turned red, blazing with jealousy.
Nuwa looked at the Three Pure Ones' differing expressions, pursed her lips slightly, and smiled without a word. Beside her, Zhunti and Jieyin first glanced warily at Tongtian, then noticed something amiss with Yuanshi's and Laozi's expressions. They exchanged smiles, unable to suppress the amusement at the corners of their mouths.
Seated high on the dais, Hongjun watched the scene unfold. Though his face betrayed nothing, he was immensely satisfied inwardly. He had tricked all of them into following the path of Slaying the Three Corpses, ensuring that their future achievements could never surpass his. Still, six Saints united as one would have been somewhat troublesome to handle. Now, even the Three Pure Ones, who had always come and gone together, were beginning to drift apart as brothers. Nothing could have served his interests better.
After nodding in satisfaction, Hongjun turned to Nuwa. "Nuwa, this is the Red Silk Ball, another Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. It can govern marriage bonds. I bestow it upon you!"
Hongjun handed the Red Silk Ball to Nuwa as he spoke. But when he turned to Zhunti and Jieyin, he found himself in a bind: he had no Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures left.
Compared with the Hongjun of the original history, the present Hongjun was far more strapped for resources.
After all, this lifetime had an additional Lin Tian. Ever since the Primordial World's creation, he had constantly hunted for treasures, visiting Mount Buzhou alone countless times. He had combed through practically every famous blessed land and immortal