Beyond the Thirty-three Heavens, within the chaos, Purple Cloud Palace.
By the time Tongtian arrived, Yuanshi had only just arrived as well.
"Second brother!"
"Why are you late?!" Yuanshi frowned slightly.
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Tongtian, for bringing Liu Mang here."
Nu Wa stepped through the void and slowly approached, seemingly answering Yuanshi's question.
Liu Mang poked his head out from behind Tongtian. "Greetings, Second Martial Uncle."
Yuanshi's expression improved somewhat.
"Once we enter Purple Cloud Palace, do not act rashly! Listen to your master in all things."
"I understand. Thank you, Second Martial Uncle."
As they chatted, Zhunti arrived atop a golden lotus, Buddhist chants ringing around him.
"Greetings, fellow Daoists. The West is far away, so this junior brother arrived late."
Seeing his false benevolent act, displeasure flashed through Yuanshi's eyes. He simply turned his head aside, too lazy to acknowledge him.
Seeing that Yuanshi ignored him, Zhunti did not press closer. Instead, he turned his attention to Tongtian and Nu Wa and began lamenting the suffering of the West.
"Senior Brother Tongtian, Senior Sister Nu Wa, you do not know how bitterly the West suffers~ Not only is it barren, but..."
What followed was the same old routine, and Liu Mang watched with great interest.
Only when Hou Tu and Di Jun arrived late did Zhunti finally stop, because the doors of Purple Cloud Palace had opened.
The boy Haotian opened the palace gates. His gaze swept across everyone's faces before settling on Di Jun and Liu Mang. He was clearly startled for a moment, then pretended not to care. "The master invites you in!"
Everyone passed by Haotian one after another, treating him as though he did not exist and not sparing him another glance.
Only when Liu Mang, who was at the very end, passed