Xu Fang naturally understood Dong Wang Gong’s intentions but was very pessimistic about them.
“You have no chance,” Xu Fang broke Dong Wang Gong’s fantasy. The matter of accepting disciples, distributing treasures, and giving out the Primordial Violet Qi had already been decided.
The owners of the six futons in front of Zixiao Palace were destined saints. The Wu and Yao clans, despite their immense power, were not as highly regarded by Dao Ancestor Hongjun. What chance did Dong Wang Gong, the once-prominent leader of male immortals, have?
Dong Wang Gong was indignant and was about to retort when, with a creaking sound, the great doors of Zixiao Palace finally slowly opened.
Haotian and Yaochi, the attendants of Dao Ancestor Hongjun, stood on either side, gesturing for them to enter.
Xu Fang patted Dong Wang Gong’s shoulder, said nothing more, and entered Zixiao Palace with the Golden-winged Great Peng and Ao Xue.
Dong Wang Gong watched Xu Fang depart, then looked up at the towering gate of Zixiao Palace. He gritted his teeth. Whether destiny could be changed depended on this moment!
With such thoughts, Dong Wang Gong stepped into Zixiao Palace with the Queen Mother of the West, a place that had once changed their destinies.
Inside Zixiao Palace, powerful beings were gathered, with three thousand worldly guests assembled, all faces filled with anticipation.
This was the path to sainthood!
For this, they had prepared for an unknown duration and yearned for countless nights and days. Finally, their wishes were about to be fulfilled.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun did not keep the beings waiting long. A flash of light and auspicious signs appeared. After the customary astonishing spectacle, Dao Ancestor Hongjun materialized in Zixiao Palace.
“Greetings, Dao Ancestor!”
The beings in Zixiao Palace bowed deeply to Dao Ancestor Hongjun, showing their reverence.
“En.”
Dao Ancestor Hongjun responded with a hum, waved his hand to signal them to rise, and after sweeping his gaze across everyone, he spoke.
“I am pleased to see you all have arrived as expected.”
“This is the third and final lecture in Zixiao Palace. I shall expound upon the path of sainthood for you all. I hope you will listen with a focused mind and not lose this opportunity!”
As Dao Ancestor Hongjun finished speaking, the assembled beings were overjoyed. Suppressing their excitement, they gazed intently at Dao Ancestor Hongjun, waiting quietly.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun wasted no further words and began his lecture.
“For quasi-saints, to advance further and attempt true transcendence is to embark upon the path of Hunyuan.”
“There are three thousand Great Dao, and every path is viable. Without restriction, each can lead to the path of Hunyuan.”
“Hunyuan Golden Immortal is the realm of quasi-saint, and Hunyuan Da Luo Jinxian is the realm of saint.”
“Hunyuan means the primordial chaos united, the beginning of primal qi. When a being cultivates to the realms of Hunyuan, Wuji, and Taishang, they possess the power to travel far into chaotic realms beyond.”
“Henceforth, they shall be indestructible through all kalpas, free from karmic entanglement, omniscient, and omnipotent. They can become the ultimate of eternity, thus becoming a saint!”
Dao Ancestor Hongjun’s voice echoed through Zixiao Palace, detailing the differences between quasi-saints and saints, starting from the basics and progressing to deeper concepts as he explained the path to sainthood.
This lecture was naturally more profound than the previous one on quasi-dao.
The beings in Zixiao Palace knew this was the greatest opportunity of the three lectures. At this moment, they were all calm and collected, listening with rapt attention.
However, despite everyone focusing intently, their origins and cultivation levels varied. While they could all understand at first, the disparity became apparent as the lecture progressed.
As the lecture continued, the words of Dao Ancestor Hongjun became increasingly profound and abstruse. Many beings were lost in a fog, unable to comprehend their meaning.
Of course, there were those who could keep pace with Dao Ancestor Hongjun from beginning to end, such as the Sanqing and others. They listened and pondered, clearly benefiting greatly.
As for Xu Fang, although his origins were not exceptional, he had transmigrated from another world. While he couldn't match the Sanqing in ease, he was not far behind.
The lecture continued, and time flowed by. After an unknown duration, most beings in Zixiao Palace could no longer understand what Dao Ancestor Hongjun was saying.
Resigned, they had to admit they could not grasp this opportunity and began to meditate, focusing on understanding and digesting what they could comprehend.
This was akin to climbing a mountain; everyone wished to reach the summit, but if their strength fell short, there was nothing they could do.
However, the Sanqing and others were clearly determined to reach the peak, still immersed in Dao Ancestor Hongjun’s lecture, lost in contemplation and appearing deeply enlightened.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded slightly, quite satisfied.
After all, as long as the most important beings could understand, the rest were on their own.
“However, this Xu Fang truly surprises me.”
Dao Ancestor Hongjun was inwardly astonished. Xu Fang, with his humble origins and aptitude, could still listen attentively and appear contemplative, which was truly unexpected.
“It seems the deal with Yang Mei was indeed worthwhile. Perhaps it will unfold as Yang Mei predicted.”
Dao Ancestor Hongjun thought to himself, deciding to observe, as per his agreement with Yang Mei, whether this individual would truly grow to the extent Yang Mei had foretold.
Without showing any outward change, he continued his lecture.
In the blink of an eye, three thousand years passed. Dao Ancestor Hongjun finally ceased his lecture.
“Very well, this lecture has concluded.”
Dao Ancestor Hongjun announced. Unlike the previous two times, the beings did not feel a sense of unfinished business, as this lecture was not even halfway through for them, and they had already lost comprehension.
Of course, there were those who felt they had not had enough, such as the Sanqing, Nuwa, and the two from the West who occupied the first six futons.
The Sanqing and Nuwa did not mind; if Dao Ancestor Hongjun said it was over, then it was over. However, Zhunti Daoist and Jieyin Daoist from the West were not pleased.
“Dao Ancestor, is that it?”
“Yes, we haven’t heard enough!”
Zhunti Daoist and Jieyin Daoist spoke one after another, as if complaining, appearing as if they were still hungry.
Xu Fang chuckled inwardly at their words.
“What are these two up to again? They’re truly making a fuss after already gaining so much.”
Xu Fang scoffed. Their origins and aptitudes, when truly compared, were inferior to many of the powerful beings present.
The only reason they could keep up with Dao Ancestor Hongjun’s lecture was due to the futons they occupied, which enhanced their understanding and listening, creating a gap with other beings.
As a result, these two truly believed they were exceptional and had to step forward to show off, acting as if they had suffered a loss when they had actually gained so much.
Zhunti Daoist and Jieyin Daoist had precisely this mindset. During this lecture, they noticed that other beings were only half-understanding, or even completely clueless, while they themselves listened without any hindrance. Naturally, their confidence soared.
They couldn't help but step forward, subtly boasting and subtly mocking the assembled beings.
Of course, the most important thing was to attract Dao Ancestor Hongjun’s attention, to showcase their excellent performance, and to be valued even more!