Laozi and Yuanshi were completely captivated by the future Hongjun had described.
As such, neither of them hesitated much.
Laozi spoke first, "This disciple greets Master!"
Yuanshi also said solemnly, "This disciple is also willing to become your disciple."
Seeing that both agreed to become his disciples, a smile immediately appeared on Hongjun's face.
It seemed the master-disciple connection was secured this time.
With Laozi and Yuanshi having expressed their stances, they both turned their gaze to Tongtian.
Hongjun was also waiting for Tongtian's decision.
However, he wasn't worried. The Three Pure Ones were three brothers; they would surely advance and retreat together.
Since Laozi and Yuanshi had already agreed to be his disciples, would Tongtian still refuse?
What he didn't expect was that Tongtian genuinely didn't want to become his disciple.
So, he resolutely shook his head and said, "I hope you can forgive me, senior, but I do not wish to take a master for now."
His words stunned Hongjun completely.
What was going on?
This was completely different from what he had expected!
Moreover, with Laozi and Yuanshi already his disciples, Tongtian had no reason to refuse!
Laozi and Yuanshi were also bewildered. They couldn't quite understand their third brother's peculiar move.
Hongjun had clearly stated that becoming his disciple would guarantee they could ascend the Great Dao.
Such a guarantee was incredibly potent.
Yet, why would Tongtian refuse?
Could it be that he didn't want to achieve the Great Dao in the end?
That was impossible!
If he didn't enjoy cultivation, his cultivation wouldn't have surpassed theirs, his two elder brothers.
It wasn't just Laozi and Yuanshi who were confused; Ao Li and Xihe, the two sisters, were also scratching their heads.
Neither of them had expected Tongtian to outright refuse.
Ao Li couldn't fathom Tongtian's thoughts. After all, Hongjun's strength and reputation were no less than her father, the First Dragon.
If he could become Hongjun's disciple, the Dragon Clan would likely stop bothering him.
This was clearly an opportunity with numerous benefits.
Why did Tongtian refuse so directly?
Yuanshi coughed lightly and asked directly, "Third Brother, what do you mean by this?"
"We three brothers should advance and retreat together!"
Laozi also said solemnly, "Opportunities are fleeting; they don't come twice."
"Third Brother, you must consider this carefully."
Tongtian cupped his hands and said, "I know my two elder brothers are considering me."
"But I truly have no intention of taking a master."
"Senior Hongjun's cultivation is profound, but he has not yet reached the point of conquering me."
"Unless he possesses absolute strength, I will not choose to become his disciple."
Hongjun was indeed a Primordial mighty figure, but let's not forget that Tongtian was currently at the peak of Grand Luo Golden Immortal.
He wasn't far from becoming a Primordial Golden Immortal.
Unless Hongjun had already attained sainthood, Tongtian would definitely not be willing to become his disciple.
Hongjun also realized this and lamented that he had thought too simplistically.
He sighed, "Very well!"
"Although you are unwilling to become my disciple, there is indeed a master-disciple connection between us."
"Wait until I have fully comprehended the Heavenly Dao, and then you may become my disciple."
Hongjun was very confident in himself.
As long as he could successfully comprehend the Heavenly Dao, he would become the undisputed number one person in the Primordial World.
At that time, with him dominating the Primordial World, Tongtian would surely no longer refuse to become his disciple.
As for now, Tongtian indeed had the confidence to refuse discipleship.
After all, his own cultivation was still a bit lower, and the gap between him and Tongtian was not significant.
Therefore, he could understand Tongtian's reasoning.
Hearing this, Tongtian cupped his hands and said, "I wish Senior an early enlightenment of the Heavenly Dao."
Hongjun listened to his words with a smile on his face.
Although Tongtian had not formally taken him as a master, Hongjun greatly appreciated Tongtian's quick wit and intelligence.
In comparison, Laozi and Yuanshi were somewhat lacking.
"You are only a single step away from becoming a Primordial Golden Immortal."
"Truly a formidable junior!"
Hongjun said with a light laugh.
He could see very clearly that Tongtian's cultivation was extremely stable.
Achieving the Primordial Golden Immortal realm would not be difficult for him.
Not to mention that he also possessed the powerful foundation of being a Pangu Sect Disciple.
The Primordial realm was within his easy grasp.
The sisters Xihe and Changxi also understood Tongtian's meaning upon hearing this.
However, neither of them had expected that Tongtian was already so close to becoming a Primordial Golden Immortal.
This level of cultivation far surpassed their own.
No wonder he dared to claim he could protect them in the Primordial World.
The most shocked were Laozi and Yuanshi. They had initially thought Tongtian's cultivation was only slightly superior to theirs.
Who knew that Tongtian was already at the peak of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal stage!
It could be said that he had already half-stepped into the Primordial Golden Immortal realm!
Keep in mind that they themselves were currently only at the Mid-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal, so Tongtian's realm had directly surpassed theirs by two levels!
They couldn't help but wonder how he had cultivated while away all these years.
This progress was simply too rapid!
Hongjun continued at this moment, "Although you have not yet formally taken me as your master."
"We still have a master-disciple connection. I intend to give a sermon to your two elder brothers."
"You should stay and listen; it will be greatly beneficial for you to achieve the Primordial realm."
Tongtian cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Senior, for your guidance."
Hongjun nodded with satisfaction, then his gaze fell upon Ao Li and the sisters Xihe, his expression showing some hesitation.
Ao Li and the two sisters were also intelligent individuals and immediately offered to withdraw.
Tongtian shook his head, "Absolutely not!"
"You came to Kunlun Mountain with me."
"If you were to withdraw voluntarily, wouldn't it seem as though I, as your host, had failed to entertain you properly?"
After speaking, he looked at Hongjun and pondered, "If Senior finds this difficult."
"Then I will take them and withdraw as well."
The implication was clear: if Xihe and the others could not stay, then he would not listen either.
Laozi and Yuanshi became anxious upon hearing this.
How could their third brother, such a clever person, be so foolish in this matter?
Moreover, to give up such a great opportunity to listen to a sermon for the sake of Xihe and Changxi was simply not worth it!
This was an opportunity to listen to a sermon from a Primordial mighty being like Hongjun; how could they miss it because of two female Immortals?
They weren't even his Dao companions; why did he care so much?!
Xihe and Changxi were deeply moved upon hearing this.
Neither of them had expected Tongtian to consider their situation to such an extent.
Ao Li was also filled with emotion.
Tongtian was willing to refuse such an opportunity for their sake!
This was truly a testament to his deep affection and loyalty!
Seeing that they were about to leave together, Hongjun felt a sense of helplessness.
But in the next moment, he thought, Doesn't this just show that Tongtian is a person who values relationships?
Such character was extremely rare in the Primordial World.
Especially for Hongjun, who had experienced the ebb and flow of time and had long witnessed those who would do anything for personal gain.
This made him appreciate Tongtian even more.
He immediately said, "Our meeting is indeed a rare twist of fate."
"In that case, stay and listen to the Dao!"
"How much enlightenment you gain from it will depend on your individual destiny."
Ao Li and the other two were overjoyed. This was a chance to listen to a Primordial expert expound on the Dao.
It was a tremendous opportunity!
Moreover, Hongjun wasn't just any Primordial expert; he was arguably the strongest being in the Primordial World!
They each picked a spot and sat down, preparing to listen.
Seeing everyone was ready, Hongjun began his lecture.
He didn't immediately delve into overly profound and mysterious aspects of the Great Dao.
Instead, he chose to start from the Earth Immortal realm.
Earth Immortal, Heaven Immortal, True Immortal, Profound Immortal, Golden Immortal, Taiyi Golden Immortal, Grand Luo Golden Immortal.
Hongjun explained each realm in great detail.
This allowed everyone present to gain much more insight, and their cultivation foundations became even more stable.
Tongtian also comprehended many new things, which greatly benefited his own cultivation.
Although there was no lecture content beyond the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, it still made Tongtian's Dao foundation and underlying strength more robust.
His magical power had also increased significantly!
Each of these realms contained Hongjun's unique understanding of the Dao.
In the blink of an eye, a thousand years passed.
Under this profound comprehension, Laozi and Yuanshi's cultivation advanced significantly, successfully breaking through to the late-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.
The sisters Xihe and Changxi also smoothly broke through to the mid-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.
Ao Li didn't break through to the mid-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, but she already showed signs of an impending breakthrough.
After all, while her origins were not weak, that was in comparison to other beings in the Primordial World.
Everyone present, at the very least, had the origins of Innate Gods.
Compared to them, Ao Li's foundation was still somewhat lacking. She would need more time to digest and integrate these insights.
After the lecture concluded, Hongjun spoke, "This lecture will end here."
"It seems you have all gained considerable benefits. Seize this time to comprehend the Dao."
"I have some matters to attend to and should be departing."
Upon hearing this, Tongtian immediately understood Hongjun's intention.
This made him somewhat eager. This was a rare opportunity.
If he could gain some benefits from this great battle, it would allow his combat power to increase significantly.
Considering the timing, it was indeed about that time. Hongjun was definitely heading to the battlefield of the three clans.
There would eventually be a great battle between him and Rahou.
It was precisely because of this battle that he would be able to establish his future position as the Dao Ancestor.
And even become the first Saint in the Primordial World!
Thinking of this, Tongtian immediately had an idea. The victor of this battle would undoubtedly be Hongjun.
As long as he followed closely behind, he was sure to gain some benefits.
Of course, participating with his current cultivation level would be dangerous.
But fortune favors the bold.
If he wasn't willing to take such risks, how could he quickly catch up to the innate demon gods like Hongjun?
Moreover, he wasn't without means of self-preservation. He had several defensive Spiritual Treasures to protect himself, as well as a large amount of Heaven-Opening Merit to shield him.
The Heaven-Opening Merit would ensure he wouldn't perish, and that was enough.
"Senior, my cultivation is already stable."
"Even if I continue to cultivate in seclusion, I fear I won't gain much more. Therefore, I wish to descend the mountain to broaden my horizons and temper myself. Perhaps I can find an opportunity to prove the Dao and become a Primordial."
Tongtian spoke up proactively.
Hongjun instantly understood Tongtian's meaning, a glint flashing in his eyes.
Tongtian's descent at this time undoubtedly meant he wanted to gain some benefits from this Great Tribulation.
Such intentions could not be hidden from him.
However, he hadn't expected Tongtian to be so bold.
"Have you thought it through?"
"The Great Tribulation of the Worlds is extremely dangerous. Even I don't have absolute certainty."
"If you go down the mountain, you might get caught up in the Great Tribulation."
"You'll likely gain no opportunities and might even damage your cultivation foundation."
Hongjun warned with a serious expression.
Lao Luo was his old rival, and although he had made thorough preparations to deal with him, Hongjun knew clearly that Lao Luo must also have his own plans.
Therefore, resolving him completely would not be a simple matter.
In such a situation, he couldn't spare much attention to look after Tongtian.
Of course, he also knew that Tongtian possessed Heaven-Opening Merit, so even if Lao Luo had the chance, he wouldn't dare to kill Tongtian directly.
Tongtian chuckled, "I naturally know the Great Tribulation is incredibly dangerous."
"That's why I've decided to accompany Senior. With your protection, I'm sure it will be much safer!"
Although he hadn't formally become a disciple, he could still latch onto Hongjun's coattails.
These words were an unspoken compliment to Hongjun, which he greatly appreciated.
Coupled with the fact that he already thought highly of Tongtian, He immediately said, "Alright!"
"Then you shall descend the mountain with this Daoist."
"While my cultivation may not be the best in the Primordial World, protecting you is certainly not an issue."
Tongtian was overjoyed by this.
Both the Three Clans and Lao Luo possessed numerous Spiritual Treasures.
If he could obtain even one or two, this trip wouldn't be in vain.
There was even a chance to acquire a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure!
Laozi and Yuanshi also felt a stir of desire upon hearing this.
They cultivated on Kunlun Mountain, and the Great Tribulation of the Worlds was partly the reason for their efforts.
But now that they had taken Hongjun as their master, they had a powerful backer.
If they could go down the mountain with him, they were sure to gain something.
They couldn't miss out on such a good opportunity!
So, Laozi said solemnly, "This disciple also wishes to descend the mountain. I hope Master will permit it."
Yuanshi eagerly added, "This disciple is also willing to descend the mountain to assist Master."
They both knew the Great Tribulation of the Worlds was a rare opportunity.
Moreover, they had too few Spiritual Treasures, only one Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure!
Even if they couldn't acquire another Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, they certainly wouldn't return empty-handed.
Hongjun naturally understood their intentions, but he felt their cultivation levels were still too low.
He shook his head, "You two have only recently broken through."
"Your cultivation is not yet stable, and you won't be able to exert your full strength if you go down the mountain."
"It's best to stay on the mountain and continue to comprehend the Dao and cultivate!"
Laozi and Yuanshi looked disappointed upon hearing this.
Their Master had clearly refused, so what else could they say?
However, the fact that Tongtian could descend the mountain with Hongjun while they couldn't made them grumble inwardly.
They were his direct disciples who had formally joined Hongjun's sect!
Why did it feel like Tongtian had a higher status than them?
But Hongjun's reasoning was sound; it was their cultivation that was inferior to Tongtian's!
They could only nod in acceptance.
Tongtian chuckled, "Eldest brothers, cultivation is important."
"Senior is also considering your best interests."
After speaking, he turned his gaze to Ao Li and the other two, pondering, "This Great Tribulation is perilous, and I am merely going for some experience."
"The three of you should remain on Kunlun Mountain to stabilize your cultivation."
Xihe nodded, "Rest assured, Daoist friend. We are not unreasonable people."
"We will naturally not make things difficult for you."
Changxi also obediently agreed, not forgetting to express her concern for Tongtian.
"Daoist friend, your combat power is immense, but you must still be cautious."
"The Great Tribulation is dangerous; do not take any unnecessary risks."
Tongtian nodded slightly, he was just going to try his luck.
Great opportunities like those definitely wouldn't fall to him.
As long as he could gain something, he would be content.
Seeing that Tongtian had two fairies who cared for him, Laozi and Yuanshi felt even worse.
They were clearly brothers who had taken form at the same time!
Was the gap between them really that big?
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