Xu Fang found it amusing to see the expressions on the faces of Zhunti Daoist and Jieyin Daoist from the west.
These two fellows were truly getting out of hand, had they already forgotten the fear of being dominated by him?
No matter, the more they acted like this, the clearer Xu Fang's goal became, and he had already figured out how to deal with them.
Of course, all of this would have to wait. They were still in Zixiao Palace, with Dao Ancestor Hongjun above. Xu Fang naturally wouldn't make a move in front of Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
Thinking this, Xu Fang found it even more amusing. Should he tell Zhunti Daoist and Jieyin Daoist to "stay after class"?
Dao Ancestor Hongjun swept his gaze over the great figures in Zixiao Palace, his eyes deep, as if pondering something. Finally, his gaze landed on the Three Pure Ones, specifically Taishang.
With a wave of his hand, Dao Ancestor Hongjun conjured a treasure that shone with radiance.
With another casual gesture, Dao Ancestor Hongjun extinguished its brilliance, revealing the treasure to all the great figures.
Upon closer inspection, they saw it was a golden staff, adorned with nine dragons coiled around it, soaring through the clouds and mist, lifelike and majestic.
They gazed at the treasure, all of them puzzled by Dao Ancestor Hongjun's intentions.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun wasted no time in explaining.
"This is the Nine Dragon Golden Staff, the walking stick I wielded before I attained sainthood. It is also a supreme weapon that has witnessed countless rise and fall events in the Primordial Era. This artifact shall serve as the symbol of leadership for my Xuanmen."
Dao Ancestor Hongjun revealed the origin of the treasure, his gaze lingering on the Nine Dragon Golden Staff in his hand, filled with emotion, as if reminiscing about past glories.
The great figures in Zixiao Palace, having never seen Dao Ancestor Hongjun so sentimental, were quite surprised.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun did not linger in sorrow for long. With another wave of his hand, the Nine Dragon Golden Staff descended before Taishang.
"Taishang, as you are now the head of Xuanmen, I shall bestow this Nine Dragon Golden Staff upon you today."
As Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke, he chanted:
"Today, nine dragons bestow upon Taishang, forever honored to lead Xuanmen!"
Hearing Dao Ancestor Hongjun's words, the great figures understood that this was no mere bestowal of a treasure; it was the complete transfer of leadership for Xuanmen to Taiqing Taishang!
Dao Ancestor Hongjun had established Xuanmen and accepted disciples who possessed the Primordial Violet Energy, destined to become saints.
Even those who were not directly accepted as disciples but attended the lectures in Zixiao Palace had a master-disciple relationship with Dao Ancestor Hongjun in spirit.
With the leadership of Xuanmen falling to Taishang, would he not become a figure second only to Dao Ancestor Hongjun in the Primordial Era?
For a moment, their gazes toward Taishang were filled with fervent admiration and envy.
They all imagined that Taishang must have understood this implication. However, despite his inner delight, he had to suppress it and step forward to bow to Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
"Master, you are now the foremost saint of heaven and earth, unmatched in the Primordial Era. I, your unworthy disciple, how dare I accept such a weighty responsibility?"
"I implore Master to retract your decree. I dare not accept this Nine Dragon Golden Staff!"
Taishang quickly declined. With Dao Ancestor Hongjun still present, if he accepted this treasure symbolizing the leadership of Xuanmen, wouldn't it imply he harbored ulterior motives?
Taishang felt this was merely a test from Dao Ancestor Hongjun, and thus, despite his intense desire, he strongly refused to accept it.
Upon hearing Taishang's words, the other great figures also realized that this might be Dao Ancestor Hongjun testing the Dao heart of his foremost disciple with treasure and status.
Otherwise, with Dao Ancestor Hongjun's power and standing, why would he act in such a manner, as if entrusting his legacy?
Only Xu Fang smiled faintly, knowing with absolute certainty that Dao Ancestor Hongjun was indeed entrusting his legacy.
As expected, seeing that Taishang did not accept the Nine Dragon Golden Staff, Dao Ancestor Hongjun chuckled.
"Do you all think this is a test for Taishang?"
"Very well, I shall explain it to you!"
Dao Ancestor Hongjun straightened his expression and spoke with solemnity.
"In the beginning, chaos reigned supreme, and sentient beings struggled to emerge. Only demonic gods existed. Great God Pangu, with his immense divine powers, split the heavens and earth, attained the Great Dao, and then his being became all things, thus creating the Primordial World and allowing heaven and earth to flourish."
"I, Hongjun, though unworthy, obtained the divine artifact of creation and, in accordance with the will of heaven, after Great God Pangu, finally attained the Dao once more, becoming a saint."
Dao Ancestor Hongjun reminisced about the past, sighing softly. However, he soon regained his composure and continued:
"I, Hongjun, having achieved sainthood and attained the Dao, and having lectured in Zixiao Palace, have fulfilled my merits and am worthy of the title Dao Ancestor. Now, I perceive that the Great Dao of the Primordial World is still incomplete, and I wish to merge with the Dao."
"This act is, of course, to mend the gaps in the Great Dao, much like Great God Pangu achieved for the Primordial World. From this point onwards, the Heavenly Dao shall be Hongjun, and Hongjun shall not be the Heavenly Dao. The affairs of Xuanmen shall be entrusted to you, Taishang."
As Dao Ancestor Hongjun's words fell, the great figures in Zixiao Palace were utterly shocked. Dao Ancestor Hongjun was going to merge with the Dao!
Henceforth, the Heavenly Dao would be Hongjun, and Hongjun would not be the Heavenly Dao. It truly seemed as if he were entrusting his legacy!
"Dao Ancestor, absolutely not! The Primordial Era cannot be without you!"
"Indeed, the Primordial Era has not yet given birth to many saints, and we still need you to preside over it. How can you leave us now?"
"Dao Ancestor, without you, how can I live!"
The great figures quickly reacted, each speaking out to express their reluctance to part with Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
Xu Fang scoffed inwardly. These fellows were truly hypocritical. Who wished for Dao Ancestor Hongjun to depart the most? It was precisely these top great figures of the Primordial Era!
After all, if Hongjun continued to exist, he would always be a towering mountain above all beings in the Primordial Era.
Now that Hongjun was merging with the heavens, he would no longer be able to interfere in major worldly affairs casually. This would make things much easier for these top great figures to act.
Of course, they still had to put on a show.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun, naturally, understood the thoughts of the great figures, but he paid them no mind.
Would he truly depart after merging with the Dao? Heh!
Dao Ancestor Hongjun continued speaking.
"Although I am merging with the Dao, the fifty paths of the Great Dao are ultimately difficult to perfect, with one missing as the escapee. However, after I merge with the Dao, the heavens and earth will stabilize. Henceforth, the Heavenly Dao shall be supreme, and the general trend of the Primordial World's affairs cannot be changed, though minor changes are possible. You shall all conduct yourselves wisely!"
As Dao Ancestor Hongjun spoke, his gaze fell upon the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa, and Jieyin and Zhunti.
"My merging with the Dao is only one aspect. The world still lacks pillars of support. You must all strive to become saints soon and contribute to the stability of heaven and earth."
The Three Pure Ones and the others remained silent for the moment, bowing solemnly.
Dao Ancestor Hongjun nodded with satisfaction. Seeing the great figures looking quite dejected, he smiled slightly and slowly said,
"The number of heaven and earth is nine, the extreme of numbers. This Primordial World shall see nine saints descend to support it. You too must work diligently, and it is not impossible for you to step into the realm of sainthood."
Upon hearing this, the great figures were immediately overjoyed. Such a thing could happen?