Chapter 64
Chapter 64: The Melancholy of Heavenly Lord, Leaving Buzhou Mountain
“Purposefully! He must have done it intentionally!”
Under the Heavenly Lord’s deliberate suppression, Laozi and Yuanshi displayed anger and reluctance, their inner roars akin to wild animals. At this moment, as they were compelled to kneel on the ground, they had lost all the majestic presence associated with the Three Pure Ones. There was no trace of their ancient aloofness. In front of the Primordial Unity Saint, everything crumbled, including Laozi and Yuanshi’s self-esteem and dignity. They were utterly humiliated.
Heavenly Lord, however, remained unperturbed, wearing an expression that was neither joyful nor sorrowful. In the past, Laozi and Yuanshi had often held the upper hand over him. If it weren’t for his affiliation with Ye Xiu’s sect, they might still wield power over him now.
Additionally, after reaching the realm of the Primordial Unity Saint, the Heavenly Lord’s insight into the world, encompassing the past, present, and future, had become remarkably acute. He had foreseen the challenges and uncertainties that awaited the Jiejiao Sect, the tragic fate of numerous disciples, and his sorrows. All deduced multiple times since his attainment of Primordial Unity.
This had severely eroded the Heavenly Lord’s favor towards Laozi and Yuanshi. Their friendship had evaporated entirely. However, the Heavenly Lord remained oblivious to that Laozi and Yuanshi had never truly regarded him as a brother.
Nonetheless, the Heavenly Lord appeared solemn, and his deep gaze seemed to hide countless sharp swords, exuding an intense sharpness that pierced the vast expanse of the universe and landed on Kunlun Mountain. As his expression shifted, it appeared he had resolved, muttering to himself, “Laozi… Yuanshi… I will slay them with my sword if we ever cross paths again.”
His words were chillingly indifferent, laden with an overwhelming intent to kill, driven by the thought of the Jiejiao’s destruction at Laozi and Yuanshi’s hands. Heavenly Lord gradually regained his composure, dispelling the cold sword intent that had permeated the prehistoric world, his mind calm as still water. Laozi and Yuanshi breathed sighs of relief, their hearts still pounding, sweat dripping down their foreheads, fearing for a moment that the Heavenly Lord might have considered killing them.
…
Heavenly Lord then turned his attention to Ye Xiu. Even after achieving the Primordial Unity Taoguo, his demeanor remained far from triumphant. Instead, a profound weightiness and melancholy loomed over him.
Ye Xiu didn’t question him about this, understanding the source of his preoccupation. He was well aware that the Heavenly Lord had likely foreseen the fate of the Jiejiao after his attainment of Primordial Unity, which would naturally weigh heavily on his mood.
Observing the Heavenly Lord deep in thought for an extended period, Ye Xiu took his leave, saying, “Master… now that I have become a certified Primordial Unity sage, it is no longer appropriate to remain on Buzhou Mountain. It is time for me to establish my dojo.”
“…”
Ye Xiu remained silent, his expression devoid of emotion, merely nodding slightly in agreement with Heavenly Lord’s decision. As the newly honored Primordial Unity Saint, the path ahead was now for the Heavenly Lord to tread alone. The Heavenly Lord’s and the Jiejiao’s future rested entirely on his choices.
Before their parting, the Heavenly Lord knelt before Ye Xiu for a hundred years and performed three bows and nine kowtows as a gesture of gratitude. Throughout this exchange, Ye Xiu never uttered a word, silently watching as the Heavenly Lord departed with his sword, flying towards the East China Sea in search of his dojo. Meanwhile, Laozi and Yuanshi’s anger in the Kunlun Mountains still smoked, and a sense of reluctance lingered, their Tao hearts in turmoil.
“Brother, why don’t we follow Styx and Heavenly Lord’s example, swear an oath to the way of heaven, establish a religion to seek merit and use it to attain enlightenment and holiness… What do you think?” Yuanshi suggested through gritted teeth.
Laozi hesitated, contemplating whether this approach would be viable. The human race had just come into existence, their fortune was meager, and the foundation was unstable. Moreover, Styx and the Heavenly Lord had already taken their oaths, effectively claiming a significant portion of the human race’s luck. It was uncertain how much benefit they could gain by swearing to the way of heaven and founding a religion.
After much contemplation, Laozi found it challenging to decide and sought to communicate with Hongjun, who was in seclusion at the Purple Heaven Palace, through their spiritual connection. He began, “Master, we wish to…”
However, before Laozi and Yuanshi could finish their thoughts, Hongjun’s dispassionate voice suddenly echoed in their minds, “You must not! The human race has just emerged, and its foundation is unstable, with limited luck. This is not conducive to establishing a religion for your path.”
“This matter… must be considered slowly.”
Hongjun was well-informed about the events in Honghuang. The successive attainments of Primordial Unity by Styx and Heavenly Lord were not welcomed developments for him; they were variables. Moreover, as he was on the brink of joining the Tao, there was no room for error.
Upon hearing Hongjun’s response, Laozi and Yuanshi were immediately shocked, experiencing a sense of disappointment and growing unwillingness.