Who had spoken?
It was none other than Primordial Heavenly Venerable, who had been forced into seclusion.
After discovering that Dao Ancestor Hongjun's consciousness was in turmoil and that he was about to merge with the Heavenly Dao,
the fellow had lifted his own confinement.
He had left the Jade Void Palace to make trouble for Daochen again.
Just as they were talking, a figure abruptly appeared beside them.
"You lot, come with me to the Purple Heavens Palace."
Hearing that voice, and especially that familiar tone, everyone shuddered in unison.
They turned around, their eyes widening as though they had seen a ghost.
Primordial Heavenly Venerable stammered, "D-Dao Ancestor Hongjun."
Dao Ancestor Hongjun snorted coldly. "A pack of unfilial disciples. Go to the Purple Heavens Palace first. I'll settle accounts with you later."
The Sages exchanged glances before finally turning their eyes toward Laozi.
"Eldest senior brother?"
Moral Heavenly Venerable Laozi cupped his hands toward Dao Ancestor Hongjun. "Dao Ancestor, your disciple has sinned. Please forgive me before I ask: are you still Dao Ancestor Hongjun? Or are you the Heavenly Dao?"
They could not tell whether the person before them truly was the Dao Ancestor.
After all, the Dao Ancestor Hongjun they had seen not long ago had suffered an enormous shock and had already begun gradually merging with the Heavenly Dao.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun snorted coldly. "Hmph. I am Dao Ancestor Hongjun. There was merely a slight mishap earlier."
He felt rather helpless himself. These Sages were each more shrewd than the last.
How could they fail to notice his current condition?
They had only asked that question to gauge his attitude.
His circumstances were awkward now, and he needed their help. He no longer dared to rebuke them at will.
Hearing Dao Ancestor Hongjun's response, they