As the Three Pure Ones and others became Xuanmen disciples under the guidance of Dao Ancestor Hongjun, receiving treasures and the Primordial Violet Qi, the sentient beings in Zixiao Palace were naturally filled with envy and disappointment, and an unspoken sense of resentment.
They all felt that their presence in Zixiao Palace, listening to the Dao, was merely to accompany these six, gaining nothing but the teachings themselves.
However, this was Zixiao Palace, and Dao Ancestor Hongjun was present. Even with their dissatisfaction, they were powerless.
Now, seeing another strand of Primordial Violet Qi floating beside Dao Ancestor Hongjun, the sentient beings' discontent vanished, and they eagerly began to speak.
"Dao Ancestor, my father truly said I possess the potential for sainthood. I implore Dao Ancestor Hongjun to show favor!"
"If I can obtain this Primordial Violet Qi, I am willing to be Dao Ancestor Hongjun's dog, following his every command!"
"Help me, please! Our homeland has never produced a saint. I want to make history!"
The sentient beings now employed every means, making promises and pleading, their desperation exceeding even that of the two from the West when they begged for seats.
This surprised Zhun Ti Daoist and Jie Yin Daoist, wondering when the West had gained so many followers.
It was not the fault of the sentient beings; the opportunity presented by the Primordial Violet Qi was simply too enticing.
With the successful ascension of the Western figures as a precedent, everyone felt that sacrificing pride for such an opportunity was worthwhile; possessing it was what truly mattered.
This was a chance for sainthood! Even a single strand, though not as significant as the ones received by the Xuanmen disciples like the Three Pure Ones, could accelerate their progress on the Great Dao compared to other beings.
Who among those present did not desire such an opportunity?
Well, there was one such being: Xu Fang.
Xu Fang gazed at the Primordial Violet Qi floating beside Dao Ancestor Hongjun, admiring the Dao Ancestor's shrewdness. Knowing the dissatisfaction, he had left this strand to divert attention and quell the anger.
As for the Primordial Violet Qi, while others clamored for it, Xu Fang wished to avoid it.
He found the desperate pleas of the sentient beings amusing.
"The Heavenly Saints are already predetermined. Do they truly believe they have a chance to obtain this strand of Primordial Violet Qi?"
Xu Fang thought this, then looked at Daoist Hong Yun with a slight sigh.
It seemed this Daoist Hong Yun could not escape being manipulated by Heaven's Will and the Dao Ancestor.
Listening to the pleas, Dao Ancestor Hongjun swept his gaze across the crowd and sighed.
"I have already bestowed six strands of Primordial Violet Qi upon the Xuanmen disciples such as the Three Pure Ones, for they are destined by Heaven and are the future saints."
"As for the remaining strand, it is unclaimed, ownerless. Since you all seek it so fervently, I cannot bear to refuse, so let this Primordial Violet Qi choose its own master!"
Upon hearing Dao Ancestor Hongjun's words, the sentient beings were startled, then rejoiced.
With self-selection, they might still have a chance!
Thus, as the sentient beings stood ready, Dao Ancestor Hongjun waved his hand and sent the strand of Primordial Violet Qi flying.
The Primordial Violet Qi flew, circling above the heads of the sentient beings within Zixiao Palace, as if choosing its master.
Naturally, they did not stand idly by. They unleashed their divine abilities and exerted their auras, attempting to attract the Primordial Violet Qi to themselves.
However, despite the wafting energies, the Primordial Violet Qi remained unaffected, freely drifting through Zixiao Palace, occasionally pausing above a powerful being.
But before those beings could rejoice, the Primordial Violet Qi would fly away again, landing on another sentient being.
Even when a powerful being reached out to grasp it, they could not hold on, watching it slip from their grasp.
When the Primordial Violet Qi landed above Xu Fang's head, his heart stirred, thinking of using the Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda to capture it.
"Master, worry not! The Seven Treasures Exquisite Pagoda declares it can complete the task!"
"Indeed, just drag this Primordial Violet Qi in, and we'll all work together; it won't be able to escape!"
"Come on, trap the dog!"
Upon receiving Xu Fang's thought, the magical treasures all chimed in, assuring him it was no problem.
Xu Fang's intent grew stronger, but looking at Dao Ancestor Hongjun's gentle smile and then at the Primordial Violet Qi above his head, he ultimately shook his head.
"Never mind, this Primordial Violet Qi is predetermined. We should give up!"
Xu Fang transmitted his thoughts to the magical treasures, abandoning the plan to trap it.
Regardless of whether he obtained the Primordial Violet Qi, Heaven's Will and the Dao Ancestor had already made arrangements, and he would not be able to control it smoothly.
Even if he managed to acquire it and merge it into his primordial spirit, if he couldn't detach himself, he would be unknowingly manipulated by Heaven's Will.
It would be a loss if he were to inadvertently take Hong Yun's place in a calamity.
Indeed, Xu Fang did not covet the Primordial Violet Qi. His momentary thought was merely to help Daoist Hong Yun.
However, in the end, due to his reservations, Xu Fang did not act.
The Primordial Violet Qi drifted away, and after some flight, it finally settled above Daoist Hong Yun's head, circled for a moment, and then entered his body.
"This!"
Daoist Hong Yun was overjoyed, never expecting to receive a strand of Primordial Violet Qi at this juncture!
Seeing this, the sentient beings, though regretful, understood.
After all, when Daoist Hong Yun first entered Zixiao Palace, he had sat on one of the front futons. Even though he had eventually lost his futon, the Primordial Violet Qi choosing him now seemed like a natural outcome.
With this thought, they couldn't help but glance at Kunpeng, who had also occupied a futon. Seeing his undisguised murderous intent, they understood his bitter hatred and felt a sense of schadenfreude.
So what if Hong Yun obtained the Primordial Violet Qi? He also gained an enemy!
Zhen Yuanzi looked at his overjoyed friend, then at the resentful Kunpeng, his brow furrowed deeply.
Now, with Hong Yun obtaining the Primordial Violet Qi, it was uncertain whether it was a blessing or a curse!
Seeing that matters had settled according to the predetermined course, Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded and spoke.
"Alright, this Primordial Violet Qi chose its master by chance. You all need not be too disappointed."
Dao Ancestor Hongjun tried to appease the sentient beings, but it had little effect. They were all dejected, even feeling a degree of disappointment towards Dao Ancestor Hongjun himself.
What did "by chance" mean? Whether it was the disciple spots or the opportunity for Primordial Violet Qi, had it not all been determined by the futon positions?
Dao Ancestor Hongjun knew many beings were dissatisfied. He would not have his Zixiao Palace teachings, held thrice, lead to widespread grievances. He certainly wanted all three thousand guests of Zixiao Palace to be satisfied and sing his praises!
Therefore, Dao Ancestor Hongjun smiled slightly at the disheartened sentient beings.
"All of you have come to my Zixiao Palace to listen to the Dao, and you all have a connection with me. Why be disheartened?"
"I will certainly not let you return empty-handed. Please, all of you, look!"
As Dao Ancestor Hongjun finished speaking, the sentient beings suddenly felt a lightness beneath their feet. Looking around, they realized they were no longer in Zixiao Palace, but had been transported to an unknown space!