But now all those petty schemes have vanished, leaving only despair and fear.
He lunged at Han Xuanji's divine avatar, kowtowing frantically, his voice filled with heart-wrenching despair, so humble it was utterly unbecoming of his status as Chaos Overlord.
"My lord, spare my life! I truly know I was wrong! I'm willing to give everything, I'm willing to be your slave, please give me a chance to live!"
He knew that all his means of survival had been eliminated, and even the causal connections had been severed. Once Han Xuanji made a move, he would surely die, with no chance of rebirth whatsoever.
The Devil Ancestor's tough demeanor was completely replaced by an indescribable bitterness, his heart ashen.
He also sensed the disappearance of all his backup plans. Those things he relied on to roam the Chaos for countless years and to be reborn from desperate situations were all gone now, without even a trace.
The Devil Ancestor gave a bitter smile, slowly closed his eyes, and made no more threats, nor did he kneel down and beg for mercy like Merchant Venerable Juntian.
He knew better than anyone that Han Xuanji would never let him go, no matter who else she let go.
Begging for mercy is futile and will only make things worse.
He Chaos countless years of chaos, experiencing countless life-and-death situations. He was besieged by many powerful beings and his true form perished. Yet each time, he was able to make a comeback and ultimately win by relying on his prepared backup plans and clones.
But he never expected that all his scheming and plotting throughout his life would ultimately lead to his downfall at the hands of Han Xuanji, a fall so complete that he had no chance of turning things around, and even his only means of rebirth was utterly severed.
Han Xuanji looked at the two men, whose appearances were so different yet equally desperate, but his expression remained calm, without the slightest pity.
With a slight thought, the power of the three thousand Great Daos within the Great Dao Pagoda surged instantly, and countless Great Dao runes flowed, forming two powerful primal shackles that enveloped Merchant Venerable Juntian and the Devil Ancestor respectively.
These shackles not only suppress their physical bodies and souls, but also penetrate directly into the depths of their very being, forcibly suppressing their will and erasing their ability to think.
From this moment on, they could not move, nor could they even have any thoughts. They could not beg for mercy, could not be angry, could not feel resentment. They could only be like soulless puppets, firmly suppressed at the Great Dao Pagoda, enduring the erosion of the primordial power day after day, quietly waiting for the moment when their souls would be annihilated and their primordial power would completely dissipate. They could not even perceive the fear of death.
This is an outcome that inspires utter despair.
After dealing with Merchant Venerable Juntian and Devil Ancestor, Han Xuanji slowly turned his gaze to Star Ancestor and Dragon Ancestor beside him.
The two were tense, their expressions complex. Looking at the miserable state of the Devil Ancestor and Merchant Venerable Juntian, they felt both fear and a sliver of relief.
They hadn't left any backup plans, nor did they have many ulterior motives, which ironically gave them a chance to survive.
Han Xuanji spoke calmly, his tone serene yet carrying an undeniable air of authority:
"I consider that you are not guilty of heinous crimes, but have been misled by treacherous people, and that you possess some strength. I will give you a choice—submit to me, serve me as your master, and follow me to protect the Immortal Realm and stabilize Chaos, in which case you may be spared. If you are unwilling, then you will be completely suppressed like those two, and your souls will be scattered."
The instant Han Xuanji finished speaking, Star Ancestor knelt down without the slightest hesitation, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and spoke with utmost respect, without the slightest hesitation:
"My lord, please understand that I was misled by that Devil Ancestor. I have realized my mistake. Your subordinate, Star Ancestor, is willing to sincerely submit to Mystic Heaven Dao Venerable, serve Dao Venerable as my master, and never have any disloyalty for all eternity!"
If this oath is broken, the Dao fruit will shatter, the origin will be annihilated, and one will never be reborn!
He had long been terrified by Han Xuanji's terrifying strength, and having witnessed the fate of the Devil Ancestor and Merchant Venerable Juntian, he no longer had any thought of resistance.
Being able to save his life, and even follow a peerless expert like Han Xuanji, might actually allow him to break through his bottleneck and reach a higher realm. For him, this would undoubtedly be the best outcome.
However, the Dragon Ancestor's face showed difficulty, his expression was extremely conflicted, his brows were tightly furrowed, and he was caught in a fierce struggle.
On one hand, he was once the first being of the Chaos, the ancestor of the Dragon Race, who had devoted his life to the principle of returning great power to himself and had been proud for countless years. It was hard for him to accept that he should submit to others and give up his dignity. On the other hand, the instinct for survival kept urging him to kneel down. He was unwilling to perish like this, unwilling to let the great path he had cultivated throughout his life go to waste.
He stood there, stiff, his expression shifting. He neither submitted decisively like Star Ancestor nor refused. His eyes were filled with struggle and pain—he couldn't choose between dignity and life.
Seeing this, Star Ancestor understood and quickly offered Dragon Ancestor a way out:
" Dragon Ancestor, now that things have come to this, why cling to temporary dignity? The Mystic Heaven Dao Venerable's strength is overwhelming; he has already ascended to the pinnacle of Chaos. By following the Dao Venerable, you can not only save your life but also receive Dao Venerable guidance."
Perhaps, following the Dao Venerable in cultivation will make it easier to reach transcendence, and even step into a realm beyond the Hunyuan Wuji, than to explore on your own. Isn't that better than clinging to dignity and perishing in vain?
Are you willing to let countless years of cultivation be destroyed in an instant?
The Star Ancestor's words were like a wake-up call, instantly waking the struggling Dragon Ancestor.
He suddenly looked up at Han Xuanji, a hint of attraction flashing in his eyes.
What he pursued throughout his life was the ultimate Dao, the breaking through the shackles of the Hunyuan Wuji. If he had the opportunity to realize this lifelong wish, temporary dignity did not seem so undesirable.
Seeing his wavering expression, Han Xuanji spoke calmly, his tone carrying a hint of expectation and a touch of authority:
"I always keep my word. If you two sincerely submit, make contributions, and remain loyal, I will not only guide you in your cultivation in the future, but also give you the opportunity to transcend."
" The Chaos is vast, and only I can help you break through the shackles and step into a higher realm."
These words completely shattered the last line of defense in the Dragon Ancestor's heart.
He has dedicated his life to spiritual practice, seeking the path to transcendence. Now that such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has presented itself, how could he possibly miss it?
Moreover, Han Xuanji's strength has already proven that his words were indeed true. Following such a powerful figure may not be a disgrace, but rather an fortuitous opportunity.
The struggle in the Dragon Ancestor's eyes gradually faded, replaced by determination and emotion.
He took a deep breath, slowly knelt down, and respectfully kowtowed to Han Xuanji, his tone extremely solemn, setting aside all his arrogance:
" Ying Shi sincerely submits to Dao Venerable, regards Dao Venerable as his master, and will follow Dao Venerable's lead from now on, going through fire and water without hesitation!"
If you harbor any disloyalty, may you suffer the backlash of the Great Dao, your soul and spirit annihilated, never to be reborn!
Han Xuanji nodded as he looked at the two men's respectful and submissive demeanor, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
Both are quite capable; they can serve as Little White for the journey to the Primordial Sea, or as formidable henchmen.