The moment Yuan Zhexian stepped into Zixiao Palace, a solemn and dignified atmosphere enveloped him.
Just then, a kind voice rang in his ear: "Please sit down."
Following the sound, Yuan Zhexian looked up and saw Hongjun Laozu sitting on a cloud, looking at him with a smile.
As Hongjun finished speaking, a cloud as white as snow suddenly appeared in front of Yuan Zhexian.
Upon seeing this, he stepped forward without hesitation, sat cross-legged, and faced Hongjun Laozu.
Hongjun Patriarch nodded slightly and continued, "As a Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal, who is on par with a sage, it is one’s duty to educate all living beings and maintain the order of heaven and earth."
"I would like to hear your opinion on this."
Although his voice was gentle, the authority it contained was impossible to ignore.
Yuan Zhexian pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Dao Ancestor, Hua Yuan doesn't know that much power to enlighten all living beings under heaven."
His tone was humble and sincere: "However, it is Hua Yuan's duty to maintain the order of heaven and earth and protect all living things in the world."
Upon hearing this, Hongjun Laozu smiled with satisfaction and nodded slightly, indicating his great appreciation for Yuan Zhexian's answer.
Then, he pressed further, "If such a person truly existed and wreaked havoc on the world, or if this event were to occur, how would you respond?"
Yuan Zhexian's gaze was firm, and he answered without hesitation: "Slay!"
His voice was strong and resolute, revealing a sense of determination and decisiveness.
Hongjun then asked, "Even if it costs you your terrifying cultivation, or even your life, would you be willing?"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Zhexian's expression turned solemn, but his gaze remained unwavering as he looked firmly at Hongjun and nodded without hesitation, saying, "That's for sure! Not only all things in heaven and earth, but I also have people I need to protect."
Looking at Yuan Zhexian's resolute expression, Hongjun secretly sighed, such a firm will and determination were truly rare.
Immediately, a look of excitement flashed in Hongjun's eyes, and then he said with satisfaction, "Good! You proved the Dao with force, which shows great perseverance and that you are not one to give in."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Zhexian bowed slightly to show his humility.
Seeing this, Hongjun smiled and continued, "I look forward to what you have to say! Protect all living things in heaven and earth."
However, at this moment, Hongjun suddenly changed the subject and slowly said, "The next immeasurable eon will be the rise of Buddhism."
Hongjun then explained, "As the Dao Ancestor, I cannot change this immeasurable calamity."
His voice revealed a sense of helplessness and powerlessness.
Hongjun continued, "This is also what happened back then when I destroyed the Western lands during my battle with Luo Hou, the Daoist and the Demonic."
"This is the cause and effect that led to the complete destruction of the foundation of the West and its current state of desolation."
His tone carried a hint of regret.
Then Hongjun continued, "Now that this karmic debt is settled, Buddhism will surely flourish."
Finally, Hongjun's gaze turned unusually serious. He stared intently at Yuan Zhexian and solemnly said, "What I am about to tell you is of utmost importance and must not be known to a third person."
"You must keep this secret."
Upon seeing this, Yuan Zhexian nodded without hesitation, indicating that he understood.
Seeing that Yuan Zhexian was so cooperative, Hongjun breathed a slight sigh of relief and continued, "In fact, the Heavenly Dao is not a physical entity; it is merely a wisp of will."
He paused, as if recalling that experience.
"When I first obtained the Jade Tablet of Creation, I was eager to reach a higher level, so I hastily agreed to merge with the Dao of Heaven."
At this point, a hint of regret crept into Hongjun's voice.
"This also put me in a deep predicament, unable to take control of my true form, and I could only be controlled by the will of Heaven."
"But fortunately, the appearance of you, this chaotic being, has disrupted the plans of Heaven."
"Disrupting the Investiture of the Gods obscured the secrets of Heaven, causing the Heavenly Dao to suffer a backlash."
"It is precisely because of this that I was able to temporarily regain control over my body."
Then, Hongjun's expression became solemn, "And each immeasurable calamity created by the Heavenly Dao..."
"They will bring endless disasters to the entire prehistoric world, causing countless lives to be lost."
"The next immeasurable eon will be no exception,"
Hongjun's voice grew even deeper, "Therefore, we must stop the Heavenly Dao, and even obliterate it, in order to protect the living beings of the primordial world."
At this point, Hongjun's voice suddenly turned extremely cold, as if it could freeze the entire world.
His tone was not only cold but also revealed a deep resentment, as if he were venting all the pent-up hatred he had accumulated over the years into this single sentence.
Finally, Hongjun calmed down and said...
"In this way, I can also be freed from this predicament and return to a state of freedom."
Then, Hongjun paused briefly before continuing, "Why did I seek you out instead of my six disciples?"
His question was brief and direct, leaving one puzzled.
"Because they all attained enlightenment through the primordial chaos and became sages of the Heavenly Dao."
Hongjun's answer was equally concise and clear, without any unnecessary elaboration.
"That primordial energy is formed from the power of the Heavenly Dao."
"so!"
Hongjun's voice rose again, and his tone became increasingly stern.
"With just a thought from Heaven, they will be instantly reduced to ashes!"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Zhexian immediately thought of his ancestor and distant ancestors.
However, Yuan Zhexian was not worried about this.
After all, the strength of the progenitors and distant ancestors could be much greater than that of the Heavenly Dao.
Such a thing is unlikely.
However, at that moment, Hongjun's tone suddenly softened.
“But you are different. You are a Primordial Golden Immortal, not subject to the Heavenly Dao, and you have not refined the Primordial Qi.”
His words revealed a sense of helplessness and weighing of options, suggesting that he made the decision after careful consideration.
"After much thought, I've decided to tell you these things."
Hongjun's tone became somewhat serious.
"Therefore, I want to hear a clear answer from you: are you willing to defy the will of Heaven?"
After speaking, Hongjun paused slightly, seemingly giving the other party some time to think.
Then he continued, "Of course, if you don't want to, I will erase this conversation from your memory once you leave Zixiao Palace."
"Let's pretend none of this ever happened. I'll find another way."
Looking at Hongjun, Yuan Zhexian couldn't help but feel a little more favorably disposed towards him.
After all, Hongjun did not rely on his higher cultivation level than Yuan Zhexian, but discussed matters with him as an equal.
This attitude of treating each other as equals made Yuan Zhexian feel very comfortable.
Of course, Yuan Zhexian also understood that Hongjun did this largely so that he could break free from the constraints of the Heavenly Dao.
This is perfectly reasonable, and Yuan Zhexian could understand it completely.
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