Hongjun had already taken in everything happening outside.
He could tell that everyone was genuinely worried about Gu Changqing's safety.
Indeed, just as Dijiang and the others had said, if Gu Changqing died in Zixiao Palace today, they would fight to the death, storm Zixiao Palace, and leave Heaven and Earth in turmoil and the Sages without peace.
The thoughts this stirred in Hongjun's heart were beyond words!
For one thing, Gu Changqing's ability to rally others was simply astonishing. Before he knew it, even Hongjun seemed to have been left feeling inferior!
For another, Gu Changqing's growth had been nothing short of staggering!
Once, he had been no more than a lowly disciple of a Saint's Lineage, not even a personal disciple.
Now, several of the most powerful beings in the world were willing to risk everything for him.
That made Hongjun all the more grave!
It was precisely this that gave Hongjun pause and kept him from striking Gu Changqing down.
In fact, he dared not do anything even slightly detrimental to him.
After his thoughts churned for a long while, Hongjun finally looked at Gu Changqing with a helpless expression.
"Heh, what a Wine Sword Immortal you are!"
"Had I known this day would come, I should have slain you when we first met!"
In the past, those words from Hongjun would surely have carried a chilling killing intent, or outright hatred.
Now, however, he spoke with a faint smile.
His tone was calmer and more composed than ever, as though he were merely stating some insignificant fact.
The reason was simple!
Hongjun knew there was no hope of slaying Gu Changqing today!
His lament merely gave voice to the considerable regret in his heart.
As for Gu Changqing!
Although Dao Ancestor Hongjun had forcibly brought him