Observing Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren in the west acting in such a manner, the other beings, sensing the boastfulness in their words, exchanged glances, at a loss for what to say.
Even those who inwardly disdained the two had to admit that by obtaining the earlier futons, they had soared to unprecedented heights, surpassing them all.
However, the only thing that stirred resentment was the smug, insufferable demeanor of these two.
Yet, being in Zixiao Palace at this moment, with Dao Ancestor Hong Jun before them, they had no choice but to suppress their discontent.
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun looked at Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren, fully aware of their thoughts.
"Very well, this sermon was hurried, and much was left unsaid. If any of you have questions, you may ask this old man."
As Dao Ancestor Hong Jun spoke, Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren were overjoyed. This was Dao Ancestor Hong Jun agreeing to their request, demonstrating his regard for them.
However, before they could utter a word, Dao Ancestor Hong Jun's gaze shifted to Tai Shang, nodding for Tai Shang to ask.
The words that had been on the tip of Zhun Ti Dao Ren and Jie Yin Dao Ren's tongues had to be swallowed back.
So be it. Tai Shang was, after all, one of the three thousand guests in Zixiao Palace and the owner of the first futon. It was only right for him to begin.
Tai Shang, still deeply engrossed in listening to the Dao, did not decline the opportunity. He immediately stood up, bowed to Hong Jun, and posed his question.
"Dare I ask Dao Ancestor Hong Jun, what is a Saint? And what is a Da Luo Golden Immortal?"
Upon hearing this, all the beings present pricked up their ears, as this was a question that had long puzzled them.
Why, in Dao Ancestor Hong Jun's sermons, were the Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortal and Saint so similar, yet often distinguished?
Hong Jun heard the question and looked at Tai Shang, appearing quite satisfied.
As expected of someone he valued, he had asked the most crucial question.
"Saints and Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortals appear similar but are vastly different. They are not two names for the same realm, but rather distinct pursuits of the Great Dao."
"A Saint can be considered a Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortal, but a Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortal, strictly speaking, is not a Saint."
"A Saint is one whose primordial spirit is entrusted to the Heavenly Dao. While existing in the Great Desolation, they are immortal and eternal as long as the Heavenly Dao endures."
"A Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortal attains their Dao fruit through self-cultivation, a arduous path. Even if their realm and strength are comparable, they are far from being able to contend with a Saint."
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun spoke, elaborating on the distinction between Saints and Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortals for Tai Shang and all present.
The beings present nodded repeatedly, realizing the significant difference between Saints and Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortals.
According to Dao Ancestor Hong Jun, Saints were clearly superior to Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortals. After all, the Heavenly Dao reigned supreme in the Great Desolation, controlling everything within it. Aligning oneself with the Heavenly Dao would undoubtedly garner its assistance.
At this realization, the beings present yearned for the status of Saint.
Only Xu Fang, upon hearing Dao Ancestor Hong Jun's words, scoffed inwardly.
"Is this kind of disparagement meaningful?"
Xu Fang understood that the difference between Saints and Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortals was not significant in essence. It was merely a matter of Heavenly Dao recognition. Put simply, one was legitimate, and the other was not.
In reality, Heavenly Dao Saints received the Heavenly Dao's aid but were also bound by its constraints, lacking the freedom of Hun Yuan Da Luo Golden Immortals.
However, despite his dissatisfaction, Xu Fang did not voice his dissent.
After all, Dao Ancestor Hong Jun was the spokesperson for the Heavenly Dao, and his perspective was shaped by his position. Such pronouncements were perfectly understandable.
Judging by the gleaming eyes of the assembled beings, this propaganda was highly effective.
Tai Shang was also very pleased with Dao Ancestor Hong Jun's reply. He bowed to Dao Ancestor Hong Jun again and sat down. Yuan Shi, seated beside him, then stood up.
"Dao Ancestor, I wish to ask, how does one become a Saint?"
If Tai Shang's question had voiced the collective curiosity of the beings present, then Yuan Shi's question articulated their most fervent desire.
At this moment, everyone held their breath, looking at Dao Ancestor Hong Jun.
After all, who wouldn't want to advance further on the Great Dao and ascend to the lofty status of a Saint?
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun observed the reactions of all beings and, appearing satisfied, replied.
"The Great Dao has three thousand paths, each leading to the highest attainment, and each can assist a being in becoming a Saint."
"However, there are only three methods that are truly feasible for achieving Sainthood, as far as I know."
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun paused here, causing the beings who were listening intently to grow anxious. The methods for achieving Sainthood were within reach, yet only partially revealed!
Fortunately, Dao Ancestor Hong Jun did not prolong the suspense and continued.
"The first method is to emulate the great Pangu, by splitting heaven and earth. This is to prove the Dao by force, and it is the strongest path to Sainthood."
The beings present shook their heads as they listened. They were all familiar with the exploits of Pangu, and the monumental feat of splitting heaven and earth was something they felt incapable of accomplishing, thus they immediately abandoned this thought.
"The second method is the technique of severing three corpses, which I have imparted to you. While this method is not as formidable as Pangu's path of proving the Dao by force, it is the most stable and has been personally validated by me."
The beings present nodded in agreement. The method of severing three corpses involves severing the three obsessions of good, evil, and self, then cultivating one's power to the utmost, and finally merging the three corpses to achieve Sainthood.
This was something Dao Ancestor Hong Jun had taught before and personally experienced, making it undoubtedly the most stable path.
"The third method is to prove the Dao through merit! If one's cultivation is sufficiently profound and they obtain Heavenly Dao merit through a great opportunity, they can prove the Dao through merit and attain the status of a Saint."
"This method is the weakest among the three paths to proving the Dao, but it is still a viable option."
"However, regardless of the path, becoming a Saint should be the ultimate pursuit of any cultivator, for below a Saint, all are but ants!"
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun quickly concluded his explanation of the three methods for achieving Sainthood. The beings present were all stunned by the words, "Below a Saint, all are but ants!"
These words, spoken by Dao Ancestor Hong Jun, the foremost Saint in the Great Desolation, were not to be doubted by any being present.
At this moment, they all felt an immense shock, realizing that to transcend the mundane world, they could only aspire to become Saints!
They all fell into deep contemplation, their expressions solemn, considering which method of proving the Dao to achieve Sainthood they should choose, to embark on this path of transcendence.
Xu Fang chuckled. "You all get so flustered by such pronouncements. Do you truly believe that becoming a Saint means transcendence? The Heavenly Dao is still watching you!"
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun's gaze then fell upon Tong Tian.
"You can contemplate these matters later. What I wish to ask now is, since Heavenly Dao Saints are so powerful, how can we gain the Heavenly Dao's acknowledgment and firmly secure our positions as Heavenly Dao Saints?"
Tong Tian stood up, without any preamble, and got straight to the point.