Yang Mei Great Immortal's words fell, and Dao Ancestor Hong Jun instantly understood, his surprise evident.
"What virtue and ability does this Penglai creature possess to make you take such a risk and place yourself in such peril?"
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun couldn't comprehend it. That Penglai creature was merely a transformed blade of grass, ordinary and unremarkable. Although it had made a name for itself in the Primordial Era, its fame was widespread, but that was all.
Hong Jun was about to merge with the Heavenly Dao and naturally had a general understanding of the future trajectory of the Primordial Era. In the vast river of time, amidst the monumental events that greatly influenced the Primordial Era, there was no trace of this individual.
Therefore, no matter how dazzling this individual appeared at this moment, it was merely a fleeting glimmer of a shooting star, likely to perish one day, disappearing entirely from the Primordial Era.
This was even less significant than the Demon race and the two from the West whom he had humiliated, for the Demon race were the children of destiny in the coming tribulation, and the two from the West were destined saints.
Thus, Yang Mei's act of intervening to protect this creature, risking suppression by the Heavenly Dao, truly baffled Hong Jun.
"It is best that you cannot comprehend it; this is more advantageous for us."
Yang Mei Great Immortal had no intention of explaining his doubts to Dao Ancestor Hong Jun. He spoke again.
"I can feel that this creature will change the Primordial Era, and our opportunities for the Great Dao also lie with him."
Upon saying this, Yang Mei saw Dao Ancestor Hong Jun's indifferent expression and shook his head.
"Do not be like this. Even if you merge with the Heavenly Dao, will you truly achieve what you desire?"
"Hong Jun, we are both remnants of innate demon gods, the last of our companions. I advise you, it is best to leave yourself a way out!"
Yang Mei's words were more convincing than any ethereal, invisible opportunity or fate. Dao Ancestor Hong Jun fell into deep thought.
Indeed, even if he merged with the Heavenly Dao, would he become omnipotent and fearless?
Clearly not. For one thing, the Heavenly Dao's arrangement of those two from the West had already caused Dao Ancestor Hong Jun immense displeasure, yet he could not resist, only complying.
Hearing Yang Mei's words now, he was deeply moved.
After a long period of contemplation, Dao Ancestor Hong Jun finally spoke.
"Alright, I agree. I will not make a move against this Penglai creature."
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun accepted Yang Mei's request, but added a final condition.
"However, if he does anything that violates the Heavenly Dao, I will not be able to stand idly by. You understand."
How could Yang Mei Great Immortal not understand? He nodded repeatedly.
"Rest assured, at that time, I will not stand idly by either."
Yang Mei Great Immortal finally let out a sigh of relief.
This time, with such a promise from Hong Jun, this individual was finally safe.
At some point in the past, this Penglai creature had already caught Yang Mei Great Immortal's attention.
After witnessing the battle at Penglai Immortal Island, Yang Mei Great Immortal had a feeling that this individual possessed an unseen power, silently reshaping the Primordial Era.
This might be the path to transcendence that Yang Mei Great Immortal had always sought, to be free from the constraints of the Heavenly Dao, to return to the uninhibited freedom of the initial creation!
Of course, such an emergence would inevitably attract the suppression of the Heavenly Dao. Yang Mei Great Immortal did not wish for this hope to be extinguished prematurely, so he came to find Hong Jun before Hong Jun completely merged with the Heavenly Dao.
Fortunately, Hong Jun had not completely lost his free will and agreed to the matter.
"Alright, Hong Jun, remember, under the Heavenly Dao, no one is truly free, not even you."
"This is not only my way out, but also your retreat."
Yang Mei Great Immortal bowed solemnly to Hong Jun and spoke.
"Take care of yourself. I hope we do not meet as enemies next time."
Saying this, Yang Mei Great Immortal's figure flashed and he disappeared before Hong Jun.
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun looked at the empty space before him, as if nothing had happened, yet his heart was still shaken.
"This Penglai creature is so highly regarded by Yang Mei. I want to see what unknown abilities he truly possesses!"
Dao Ancestor Hong Jun thought this, abandoning the idea of attacking Xu Fang. He wanted to observe closely whether this creature was truly as Yang Mei described.
If Yang Mei was right, it would also serve as leaving himself a path of retreat.
Meanwhile, Xu Fang, completely unaware that he had just narrowly escaped a great peril to his life, was flying through the chaotic sea with Dong Wang Gong and others.
As the Purple Cloud Palace gradually receded, and eventually disappeared from sight, Dong Wang Gong and Xi Wang Mu were filled with sighs.
"Alas! I should not have come to the Purple Cloud Palace again. Such drastic ups and downs in immortal life are truly unfathomable!"
"Indeed. How good it was on Yingzhou Island. Why come here to be humiliated?"
Dong Wang Gong and Xi Wang Mu were still resentful. After all, they had arrived in good spirits, as the foremost of male and female immortals.
Yet, their visit to the Purple Cloud Palace had resulted in them completely losing Dao Ancestor Hong Jun's support, their rightful positions, and being thoroughly humiliated by the new powers from the West. They were filled with indignation.
Seeing the two in such a state, Xu Fang's anger flared.
"Enough, enough. Do you truly wish to be pawns?"
Xu Fang spoke without reservation. In any case, they were currently in the chaotic sea, and while Dao Ancestor Hong Jun was powerful, he was within the Primordial Era and could not reach them here.
"Dao Ancestor Hong Jun is merely a chess player. Would you expect a chess player to have any affection for their pawns?"
"Do not envy the San Qing, Nuwa, and others. Although they appear glorious now, they are merely a rerun of your situation."
This was not Xu Fang deliberately disparaging them to comfort Dong Wang Gong and Xi Wang Mu, but the truth.
Even if the San Qing and others advanced further than Dong Wang Gong and his companions in the future, becoming the high and mighty Heavenly Dao Saints, they would still be unable to escape the fate of being pawns.
Hearing this, Dong Wang Gong and Xi Wang Mu fell into contemplation. When they spoke again, there was a hint of acceptance.
"So be it. Although we have lost Dao Ancestor Hong Jun as our backer, we are at least free and can act as we please!"
"Yes. In this way, you can follow your own ideas and achieve your great ambitions."
After Xu Fang's persuasion, Dong Wang Gong and Xi Wang Mu quickly came to understand.
Without Dao Ancestor Hong Jun as their backer, they also had fewer obstacles!
Since the Heavenly Court's influence was already established, they could completely act according to their own desires and realize their dreams!
A blessing in disguise; this might not be entirely a bad thing.
Seeing Dong Wang Gong and Xi Wang Mu in this state, Xu Fang frowned. Had the medicine been too strong, causing them to overcorrect?
Therefore, as Dong Wang Gong and Xi Wang Mu looked forward to a new life, Xu Fang had to speak, shattering their beautiful illusions.
"Enough, both of you. It is not yet time for you to be happy. You still have great troubles ahead!"