Refusing to Take a Master! Hongjun Preaches the Dao!

Laozi and Yuanshi were completely captivated by the future Hongjun had described.

Thus, neither of them hesitated for long.

Laozi was the first to say, "This disciple greets Master!"

Yuanshi also said solemnly, "This disciple is likewise willing to take a master."

Seeing that both had agreed to become his disciples, a smile immediately appeared on Hongjun's face.

It seemed that this journey's master-disciple fate would proceed without issue.

Now that Laozi and Yuanshi had expressed their positions one after another, they both turned their gazes toward Tongtian.

Hongjun, too, was waiting for Tongtian to make his choice.

Yet he was not worried. The Three Pure Ones were three brothers and would surely advance and retreat together.

Laozi and Yuanshi had already taken him as their master. Could Tongtian possibly refuse?

What he had not expected was that Tongtian truly had no desire to take a master.

So Tongtian decisively shook his head and said, "I hope Senior will forgive me, but I do not wish to take a master for the time being."

That single sentence left Hongjun utterly dumbfounded.

What was going on?

This was completely different from what he had imagined!

Moreover, Laozi and Yuanshi had both already become his disciples. Tongtian had absolutely no reason to refuse!

Laozi and Yuanshi were equally bewildered. They could not understand their third brother's bizarre move either.

Hongjun had clearly said that as long as they became his disciples, he would ensure they could climb the Great Dao.

Such a promise was tremendously compelling.

But why had Tongtian refused?

Could it be that he did not wish to ultimately attain the Great Dao?

That was impossible!

If he did not enjoy cultivation, his cultivation level could never have surpassed those of his two elder brothers.

Not only could Laozi and Yuanshi not understand, even Ao Li and the Xihe sisters were utterly confused.

None of them had expected Tongtian to refuse outright.

Ao Li could not fathom Tongtian's thoughts either. After all, whether in strength or reputation, Hongjun was no inferior to her father, the First Dragon.

If he could enter Hongjun's sect, the Dragon Clan would likely no longer dare trouble him so casually.

This was clearly something that carried countless benefits.

Why had Tongtian directly refused?

Yuanshi gave a light cough and directly asked, "Third Brother, what do you mean by this?"

"We three brothers should advance and retreat together!"

Laozi also said gravely, "Opportunity does not come twice."

"Third Brother, you must consider this carefully."

Tongtian cupped his hands and said, "I know my two elder brothers are thinking of 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 someone possesses absolute strength, I will not choose to take a master."

It was true that Hongjun was a Primordial Golden Immortal, but one should not forget that Tongtian was currently at the peak of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

There was not much difference between him and the Primordial Golden Immortal realm to begin with.

Unless Hongjun had already attained the Dao and become a Saint, Tongtian would certainly be unwilling to take him as his master.

Hongjun also thought of this, inwardly lamenting that he had still thought things too simply.

He sighed softly. "Very well!"

"Though you are unwilling to take a master, there is indeed master-disciple fate between us."

"When this poor Daoist has fully comprehended the Heavenly Dao, I shall wait for you to become my disciple then."

Hongjun was still very confident in himself.

As long as he could successfully comprehend the Heavenly Dao, he would become the undisputed foremost figure of the Primordial World.

At that time, when he stood unrivaled in the Primordial World, Tongtian would surely no longer refuse to take him as his master.

For now, however, Tongtian indeed had the confidence to refuse.

After all, Hongjun's cultivation was indeed somewhat lower, and the gap between him and Tongtian was not great.

Thus, he could understand Tongtian's thoughts as well.

Upon hearing this, Tongtian cupped his hands. "I wish Senior an early comprehension of the Heavenly Dao."

Hongjun smiled upon hearing those words.

Although Tongtian had not become his disciple, Hongjun greatly admired Tongtian's quick wit and intelligence.

By comparison, Laozi and Yuanshi were somewhat lacking.

"You are only one step away from becoming a Primordial Golden Immortal."

"Young people are indeed formidable!"

Hongjun said with a soft laugh.

He could see very clearly that Tongtian's cultivation was extremely stable.

For Tongtian, attaining the Dao as a Primordial Golden Immortal was no difficult matter.

Not to mention that he possessed the powerful foundation of a Pangu Sect Disciple.

The Primordial realm was practically within his grasp.

As Xihe and Changxi listened, they also understood Tongtian's meaning.

Yet neither of them had expected Tongtian to already be so close to the Primordial Golden Immortal realm.

This cultivation level far surpassed that of the two sisters.

No wonder he had dared say he would protect them in the Primordial World.

The most shocked were still Laozi and Yuanshi. They had assumed Tongtian's cultivation was merely a little stronger than theirs.

Who would have thought Tongtian was already at the peak of the Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm!

It could be said that he already had one foot in the Primordial Golden Immortal realm!

They were both only at the mid-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, yet Tongtian's realm exceeded theirs by two full stages!

They had no idea how he had cultivated out in the world all these years.

His progress was simply far too rapid!

Hongjun continued, "Though you have not yet taken a master."

"There is master-disciple fate between us, so this poor Daoist intends to preach the Dao to your two elder brothers."

"You may remain and listen as well. It will also greatly benefit your attainment of the Primordial realm."

Tongtian cupped his hands. "Thank you for your instruction, Senior."

Hongjun nodded in satisfaction, then looked toward Ao Li and the Xihe sisters, his expression becoming somewhat hesitant.

Ao Li and the other two were perceptive women, and they immediately offered to excuse themselves.

Tongtian shook his head. "No!"

"You came to Kunlun Mountain with me."

"If you were to excuse yourselves, would that not make me, your host, seem inhospitable?"

After saying this, he looked at Hongjun and pondered aloud, "If Senior finds this difficult."

"Then I shall take them with me and excuse ourselves."

The implication was naturally that if Xihe and the others could not remain, then he would not listen either.

These words immediately made Laozi and Yuanshi anxious.

Their third brother was such an intelligent person. How could he get confused over something like this?

And for Xihe and Changxi, he was willing to give up such a tremendous opportunity as listening to the Dao.

It truly was not worth it!

This was a chance to hear a Primordial Golden Immortal like Hongjun preach the Dao. How could he miss it because of two female immortals?

Neither of them was even his Dao companion, so why did he care so much?!

Yet Xihe and Changxi were deeply moved upon hearing this.

Neither of them had expected Tongtian to consider them to such an extent.

Ao Li was also filled with emotion.

For their sake, Tongtian was actually willing to turn down such an opportunity!

His loyalty and affection were truly profound!

Seeing that they were about to leave together, Hongjun instead felt somewhat helpless.

But upon further thought, did this not precisely show that Tongtian was someone who valued affection and loyalty?

Such character was exceedingly rare in the Primordial World.

Especially for Hongjun, who had weathered the passage of countless years and long grown accustomed to people who would stop at nothing for profit.

This made him appreciate Tongtian even more.

He immediately said, "Meeting one another is itself a rare fate."

"Then remain and listen to the Dao together!"

"How much insight you gain from it will depend on each of your own fortunes."

Ao Li and the other two were all overjoyed. This was a chance to hear a Primordial Golden Immortal preach the Dao.

An immense opportunity!

Moreover, Hongjun was no ordinary Primordial Golden Immortal. He could be called one of the foremost experts between Heaven and Earth!

Thus, each chose a place to sit and prepared to listen to the Dao.

Seeing that everyone was ready, Hongjun began preaching the Dao directly.

He did not immediately expound upon excessively profound and mysterious Great Dao principles.

Instead, he chose to begin with the Earthly Immortal realm.

Earthly Immortal, Heavenly Immortal, True Immortal, Profound Immortal, Golden Immortal, Taiyi Golden Immortal, Grand Luo Golden Immortal.

Hongjun explained every realm in great detail.

This gave everyone present many new insights, while their cultivation foundations became even more stable.

Tongtian also comprehended quite a few new things from it, which greatly benefited his own cultivation.

Although there was no preaching regarding realms above the Grand Luo Golden Immortal, it still made Tongtian's Dao foundation and reserves all the more profound.

His mana increased considerably as well!

Every realm contained Hongjun's unique understanding of the Dao.

In the blink of an eye, a thousand years passed swiftly.

Under such enlightenment, Laozi and Yuanshi's cultivation both advanced greatly, and they successfully broke through to the late-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Xihe and Changxi also smoothly broke through to the mid-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Ao Li did not break through to the mid-stage Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm, but she had already shown signs of a breakthrough.

After all, though her foundation was not weak, that was only in comparison with other living beings of the Primordial World.

Even the weakest among those present possessed the foundation of an Innate God.

Compared to them, Ao Li's reserves were still somewhat lacking. She needed more time to digest these insights and integrate them into herself.

After the sermon ended, Hongjun said, "This preaching of the Dao shall end here!"

"It seems you have all gained much. Seize the time to comprehend the Dao."

"This poor Daoist still has some matters to attend to, so it is time for me to depart."

Upon hearing this, Tongtian immediately understood Hongjun's intention.

This stirred his interest. It was a rare opportunity.

If he could gain some benefits from that battle, his combat strength could rise significantly once more.

Calculating the timing, it was indeed about time. Hongjun was surely heading to the battlefield of the Three Clans.

There would ultimately be a great battle between him and Rahou.

It was precisely because of that battle that Hongjun would establish his future position as the Dao Ancestor.

He would also become the first Saint of the Primordial World!

Thinking of this, Tongtian immediately formed an idea. The victor of that battle would certainly be Hongjun.

As long as he followed behind him closely, he would surely gain something.

Naturally, with his current cultivation, participating in it would definitely be dangerous.

But wealth was sought amid danger.

If he was unwilling to take even this small risk, how could he rapidly catch up to Innate Demon Gods like Hongjun?

Besides, he was not without means of self-preservation. He had several defensive spirit treasures protecting him, as well as a great amount of Heaven-Opening Merit guarding his body.

Heaven-Opening Merit could ensure that he would not perish. That was enough.

"Senior, my cultivation has long since stabilized."

"Even if I continue cultivating in seclusion, I fear I will not gain much more."

"Therefore, I wish to descend the mountain to broaden my horizons and temper myself. Perhaps I may find an opportunity to attain the Primordial realm."

Tongtian took the initiative to speak.

Hongjun instantly understood Tongtian's meaning, and a glint flashed through his eyes.

At a time like this, Tongtian's descent from the mountain undoubtedly meant he wanted to gain some benefits from this Great Tribulation of the Worlds as well.

Such thoughts certainly could not be concealed from him.

Still, he had not expected Tongtian's courage to be so great.

"Have you thought this through?"

"The Great Tribulation of the Worlds is exceedingly dangerous. Even this poor Daoist does not possess absolute confidence."

"If you go down the mountain, you may well be caught up in the calamity when the time comes."

"Not only might you gain no opportunities, you could even damage the foundation of your cultivation."

Hongjun warned him with a grave expression.

Rahou was his old adversary. Although he had already made thorough preparations to deal with him,

Hongjun also knew that Rahou must have all sorts of preparations of his own.

Therefore, completely eliminating him would certainly not be an easy matter.

Under such circumstances, he could not spare much attention to watch over Tongtian.

Of course, he also knew that Tongtian possessed Heaven-Opening Merit. Even if Rahou were given the chance, he would not dare directly make a killing move against Tongtian.

Tongtian said with a cheerful smile, "I naturally know how incomparably dangerous the Great Tribulation is."

"So I have decided to go with you, Senior. With your protection, I should be much safer!"

Though he had not become Hongjun's disciple, he could still cling to Hongjun's thigh.

These words subtly flattered Hongjun, and Hongjun found them quite pleasing.

Moreover, he had already thought highly of Tongtian.

So he directly said, "Very well!"

"Then follow me down the mountain."

"Though my cultivation may not be unrivaled in the Primordial World, protecting you will certainly not be a problem."

This delighted Tongtian beyond measure.

Whether it was the Three Clans or Rahou, they all possessed numerous spiritual treasures.

If he could casually obtain one or two, this trip would not have been in vain.

Never mind spiritual treasures of other grades—he might even have a chance at a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure!

Laozi and Yuanshi were also tempted as they listened.

Part of the reason they cultivated within Kunlun Mountain was the Great Tribulation of the Worlds.

But now that they had become Hongjun's disciples, they already had someone powerful to rely on.

If they followed him down the mountain, they would surely gain something.

They could not miss such a good opportunity!

Thus, Laozi said in a deep voice, "This disciple also wishes to go down the mountain. I hope Master will grant permission."

Yuanshi also said impatiently, "This disciple is likewise willing to go down the mountain and assist Master."

They both knew that the Great Tribulation of the Worlds was a rare opportunity.

Besides, they possessed far too few spiritual treasures—only one Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure each!

Even if they could not obtain a Top-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, they certainly would not return empty-handed.

Hongjun naturally understood what the two were thinking, but in his eyes, their cultivation was still too weak.

He shook his head. "The two of you have only recently broken through."

"Your cultivation has not yet stabilized, so even if you go down the mountain, you will not be able to wield your full strength."

"You should remain on the mountain and continue comprehending the Dao and cultivating."

Laozi and Yuanshi both wore helpless expressions upon hearing this.

Their master had already clearly refused them. What else could they say?

Still, Tongtian could follow Hongjun down the mountain while the two of them could not, leaving them both grumbling inwardly.

Clearly, they were Hongjun's direct disciples!

Why did it feel as though their status was lower than Tongtian's?

However, Hongjun's words made sense. Who told them their cultivation was inferior to Tongtian's?

They could only nod and accept it.

Tongtian said with a cheerful smile, "Two elder brothers, cultivation is important."

"Senior is also considering the two of you."

After saying that, he turned his gaze toward Ao Li and the other two. After pondering for a moment, he said, "This Great Tribulation is dangerous, and I am only going to gain some experience."

"The three of you should remain in Kunlun Mountain and stabilize your cultivation."

Xihe nodded. "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. We are not unreasonable people."

"We naturally will not make things difficult for you."

Changxi also obediently agreed, while not forgetting to show concern for Tongtian.

"Fellow Daoist, your combat strength is formidable, but you must still be cautious."

"The Great Tribulation is perilous. You must never act recklessly."

Tongtian nodded slightly. He was merely going to try his luck.

Those great opportunities certainly would not fall to him.

As long as he could gain something, he would be satisfied.

Seeing that Tongtian even had two immortals concerned for him, Laozi and Yuanshi felt even worse.

They were clearly brothers who had transformed together!

Was the gap between them really that great?