Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren were not just displeased; they were extremely dissatisfied.
The six futons in Zixiao Palace, arranged in a line, were widely recognized as a place of great fortune.
Now, among those occupying these futons, the Three Pure Ones and Nuwa were all accepted as direct disciples by Dao Ancestor Hongjun, while their Western counterparts were merely registered disciples.
This was clearly a demotion. How could Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren possibly be satisfied with such differential treatment?
However, looking up, they saw Dao Ancestor Hongjun smiling faintly, and the surrounding beings also looked eager.
Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren exchanged a look, shook their heads, and abandoned any thought of making a scene. They then respectfully bowed to Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
"Disciple Jie Yin greets Master Hongjun!"
"Disciple Zhun Ti greets Master Hongjun!"
Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren paid their respects repeatedly, accepting the status of registered disciples.
What else could they do? Looking at Dao Ancestor Hongjun's attitude, he didn't seem to mind replacing them. These were not simpletons like Hong Yun Dao Ren; they dared not gamble!
The beings around them also yearned for the status of registered disciples, seemingly unconcerned by the dissatisfaction expressed by the two.
Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren felt helpless. Registered disciples, so be it. It was better than gaining nothing. At least, when they went out, they could claim to be under Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
Hongjun paid no mind to the two. His gaze swept over the beings in Zixiao Palace. Feeling the Dao Ancestor's attention, all the beings' spirits lifted, and they gazed at Dao Ancestor Hongjun with eager eyes, full of expectation.
Xu Fang inwardly chuckled. These fellows, did they still think they had a chance?
As expected, Dao Ancestor Hongjun soon spoke, extinguishing the hopes of the assembled beings.
"Thus, I shall take these six as my disciples. As for the rest of you, your fate has not yet arrived, and your opportunities have not yet come. It shall be so!"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun's words settled the matter of accepting disciples, leaving all the beings greatly disappointed.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun claimed to accept those with fate as his disciples, but in reality, the disciple slots were completely taken by the owners of the first six futons, leaving nothing for anyone else.
Moreover, it was likely that during the first sermon, when the seats were arranged, the matter of disciples had already been decided, and this was merely a formal announcement!
Thinking of this, all the beings were filled with regret. If they had known earlier, they would have fought tooth and nail for a futon!
Kun Peng was filled with even greater resentment. He stared intently at Hong Yun Dao Ren, thinking how detestable he was. Not only had he himself lost his opportunity, but he had also dragged him down!
Hong Yun Dao Ren felt the hateful gaze of Kun Peng and sighed helplessly.
His momentary act of kindness had not only cost him his opportunity but also Kun Peng's!
This karma was immense, and he would inevitably be in an unending feud with Kun Peng in the future. Alas!
Dao Ancestor Hongjun paid no attention to the disappointed expressions of the beings. He withdrew his gaze and focused on the six futon boxes in front.
"You are now my Xuanmen disciples. I shall bestow treasures upon you to protect yourselves and to fortify the fortune of my Xuanmen."
As Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke, he waved his hand, and dozens of treasures flew out from his sleeve.
Instantly, an aura spread out, and a brilliant light shone, illuminating the entire Zixiao Palace and blinding the eyes of the assembled beings.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun waved his hand, dispelling the phenomenon, and the beings could finally see the treasures clearly.
"So many supreme treasures!"
They couldn't help but exclaim in unison. The Tai Chi Diagram, the Pangu Banner, the Immortal Slaying Four Swords and the Immortal Slaying Formation Diagram, and other treasures floated before them, astonishing to behold.
Gazing at this collection of treasures, even these great beings gathered in the Primordial Era couldn't help but swallow hard.
If even one or two of these treasures had fallen into their hands, it would have been a tremendous stroke of luck!
However, Dao Ancestor Hongjun had stated that these treasures were bestowed upon the Xuanmen disciples. No matter how fervent their gazes, they could only look on with envy.
As expected, Dao Ancestor Hongjun waved his hand, and these treasures flew out, landing before the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and the two from the West.
Taishang received the Tai Chi Diagram, formed from the back of the Heaven-Opening Divine Axe. Yuanshi received the Pangu Banner, formed from the blade of the Heaven-Opening Divine Axe. Tongtian received the Immortal Slaying Sword and the Immortal Slaying Formation.
Although Nuwa did not receive such supreme innate treasures, the Mountain and River Geographical Map and the Red Embroidered Ball were also top-grade innate spiritual treasures.
As for the two from the West, they each received the Twelve-Petal Golden Lotus of Merit and the Eastern Azure Lotus Banner.
The six looked at the treasures floating before them, filled with joy. They quickly collected them into their spatial storage and thanked Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
"Disciples thank Master for bestowing treasures. We will strive to expand the Xuanmen in the future!"
Hearing the synchronized responses of these six Xuanmen disciples, the assembled beings could only sigh with envy and lament.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded, highly satisfied.
"Very well, since you are all my Xuanmen disciples and address me as Master, how can I not assist you on the Great Dao?"
As Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke, a phenomenon occurred in Zixiao Palace. An incredibly profound aura appeared before Dao Ancestor Hongjun, immensely powerful, startling all the beings present.
"What is this!"
"Primordial Violet Qi!"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun had explained it to them before. Now, seeing this aura appear and feeling its immense power, they all recognized what it was.
This was the Primordial Violet Qi, which could attract the favor of the Heavenly Dao, the foundation of the Great Dao, and the opportunity for sainthood.
"Indeed, this is the Primordial Violet Qi."
Dao Ancestor Hongjun did not conceal it and admitted it.
"Since you are my Xuanmen disciples, and have emerged victorious among the three thousand beings of the mortal world, I shall, in accordance with the will of heaven, bestow upon you the Primordial Violet Qi."
As Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke, wisps of Primordial Violet Qi flew out and landed on the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and the two from the West. They vanished instantly, having entered their primordial spirits.
The Three Pure Ones and the others felt the powerful aura within them and were overjoyed. They immediately bowed in unison.
"Many thanks, Master, for bestowing upon us the opportunity for sainthood!"
The assembled beings watched the excited Three Pure Ones and the others, filled with envy.
Indeed, the greatest opportunities in the Zixiao Palace sermon were these first six futons!
Seeing them receive treasures and Primordial Violet Qi, while they could only watch, was truly agonizing and tormenting!
Just as the assembled beings were feeling dejected, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Wait! How is there still a wisp of Primordial Violet Qi!"
It was a sharp-eyed being who had discovered a problem and exclaimed in surprise.
The assembled beings looked at the sound and, indeed, as the wisps of Primordial Violet Qi flew into the bodies of the Three Pure Ones and others, there was still a wisp of Primordial Violet Qi beside Dao Ancestor Hongjun!