Chapter Sixty-One: Hongjun Distributes the Treasures

Within the grand hall of the Palace of Purple Clouds, the atmosphere was especially oppressive. Yet the man responsible for this scene looked at Tongtian with a broad grin, inwardly thinking, “Let’s see how you respond, Tongtian.”

In truth, Tongtian had long sympathized with the plight of Jieyin and Zhunti. The East was a land of abundance, filled with thriving flora and fauna, and treasures of Heaven and Earth scattered everywhere. But what of their own West? There was nothing—no rich spiritual energy, and consequently, hardly any living creatures could thrive there. Not to say there were none at all, but the Western lands were harsh and unforgiving.

Despite such adversity, Jieyin and Zhunti managed to transform this barren land into a holy place coveted by all of the Great Desolation, a feat that spoke of their extraordinary perseverance and wisdom. Tongtian reflected that while he dwelt in the “big city,” they had only a humble “village,” yet their achievements would even surpass those of the “metropolis.” Clearly, these were no ordinary men! But he, too, was not just any man.

Watching Zhunti revel in his small triumph, Tongtian narrowed his eyes, a flash of cold menace passing through them. Zhunti, feeling the chill, shivered and dared not meet Tongtian’s gaze again.

Tongtian did not respond to his question, but merely snorted, refusing to acknowledge him further.

At that moment, a figure began to take shape atop the high dais. All present, upon seeing the indistinct human form, bowed deeply and declared, “Greetings, Teacher. May you enjoy boundless longevity!”

It was none other than the Daoist Patriarch, Hongjun.

Hongjun sat serenely above the assembly, steady as a mountain, his face calm as a mirror, betraying no emotion as he addressed them: “Rise, all of you.”

“Thank you, Teacher!” The group straightened and seated themselves, awaiting the Patriarch’s words. The atmosphere here was the very opposite of that found in later generations’ schools, where teachers would wish fervently for their students to absorb all their knowledge, yet few truly did. Here, each “student” strove desperately to commit every word of their teacher’s lessons to heart. The environment shaped their attitudes: their reverence for Hongjun lay not simply in his peerless cultivation, but in his profound understanding of the Dao.

“Do you know why I have summoned you here?” Hongjun spoke in a detached tone.

The six bowed in unison. “We do not know.” Like obedient children, they all shook their heads. No matter their status or prestige in the world of the Great Desolation, here, each was but a “primary school student.”

“In truth, I called you here, first and foremost, to command you not to take part in the war between the Wu and the Yao.” Now, Hongjun no longer appeared as a kindly elder, but rather as a figure of unyielding authority, admonishing those assembled below.

At such a pivotal moment in history, Hongjun had summoned them all, and they already suspected his purpose was to keep them from being embroiled in the coming catastrophe. Yet there was no need for such measures; a single word from him would ensure none dared wade into those troubled waters. But now, having heard him say “first,” did that mean there was something more?

As one who knew what was to come, Tongtian understood Hongjun’s true intentions. The Patriarch was about to merge with the Dao, but also, it was his very words that had sown in everyone’s hearts an obsession: to sever one’s negative aspects, one must possess a suitable treasure.

Thus, the so-called war between the Wu and Yao was not so much a battle for supremacy as it was a struggle to eliminate powerful rivals and seize treasures to strengthen oneself. That was the true root of it all. Otherwise, why would the good and evil aspects of Dijun and Taiyi aid the demon master Kunpeng? If Kunpeng had only wanted them to join the fight, that alone would not have sufficed.

In short, Hongjun was about to distribute treasures.

Seeing the attitude of those below, Hongjun was comforted. “Moreover, none of you possess supreme treasures for protection. If the beings of the Great Desolation were to witness your predicament, what would they say of your teacher?”

“Teacher, you are too kind!” At the mention of “gifts,” their hearts shone with anticipation, and their voices grew several times louder.

Hongjun paid no heed to their excitement, turning to the Three Pure Ones. “The Three Pure Ones are born of the three streams of pure energy from the primordial spirit of Pangu, and possess great merit. Therefore, I grant to Taiqing the Diagram of the Supreme Ultimate.”

A diagram floated from Hongjun’s hand and settled before the Grand Supreme Elder Lord. The Elder Lord, both awed and anxious, said, “Thank you, Teacher, for your immense grace!” and kowtowed loudly.

Hongjun smiled reassuringly, then turned to Yuanshi Tianzun. “To Yuqing, I grant the Banner of Pangu. May you use it well to teach and enlighten the world.” Hongjun’s words to Yuanshi Tianzun were many and kind, showing his particular favor.

A banner appeared before Yuanshi Tianzun, who bowed low. “Thank you, Teacher. Your disciple is deeply grateful!”

Hongjun’s face bore a faint smile as he said, “You may rise.” His tone was gentle, but the meaning was unmistakable.

Now Hongjun’s gaze fell upon Tongtian, who sat motionless, back straight, eyes narrowed to slits. Hongjun smiled and said, “To Tongtian, I grant the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation. Let it be known that this formation cannot be broken unless four of equal cultivation unite against it.”

The implication was clear: to break this formation, one must gather four who match Tongtian’s level. Among those present, the Three Pure Ones were of one body; alongside Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti, if the Three Pure Ones remained united, Tongtian could, by virtue of this formation, sweep across the world unchallenged.

With this in mind, everyone (except Tongtian, of course) resolved to tread carefully around him in the future. The Grand Supreme Elder Lord sat demurely, while Yuanshi Tianzun’s face was dark with displeasure.

Zhunti, meanwhile, was vexed—why had he been so impudent as to offend this nemesis?

Tongtian replied with dignified composure, “Thank you, Teacher, for your immense grace. Your disciple is deeply grateful!”

Hongjun nodded, then bestowed upon Nuwa a red silk ball and a scroll, named the “Map of Rivers and Mountains.”

Jieyin and Zhunti received a treasure flag called the “Azure Lotus Banner,” as well as a Divine Banner of Salvation and a Staff of Demon Subjugation. Even so, Zhunti felt Hongjun was being rather stingy and spoke up, “Teacher, could you not bestow us some better treasures?”

Hongjun regarded him with cold indifference. “You are not of my school, yet you shamelessly meddle here and now even clamor for more treasures.”

Hongjun sighed inwardly and said, “Enough, enough.” With a flick of his sleeve, a golden lotus appeared before them all. The assembly gasped in astonishment, while Tongtian exclaimed from above, “A Twelve-Petaled Merit Golden Lotus?”

Everyone turned to him, puzzled. “What is the Twelve-Petaled Merit Golden Lotus?”

Tongtian looked to Hongjun, who explained, “Amidst the chaos, there was a lotus known as the ‘Creation Green Lotus.’ This flower absorbed and purified the primordial energies, nourishing the entire realm of chaos.”

All present drew sharp breaths, their hearts pounding with awe. What manner of treasure could possess such power?

“Later, when Pangu cleaved heaven from earth, the lotus was sundered by the great tribulation into four seeds: the Twelve-Petaled Merit Golden Lotus, the Twelve-Petaled Red Lotus of Karma, the Twelve-Petaled Black Lotus of Destruction, and the Twelve-Petaled Azure Lotus of Purity. This is the Twelve-Petaled Merit Golden Lotus.” Hongjun’s tone was calm.

Zhunti’s heart soared with delight—see, the Patriarch still favored him! He could not help but smile, while Nuwa and the others burned with resentment.

As if sensing their concerns, Hongjun said, “On the Cliff of Treasure outside the palace, there are spiritual treasures. Go and claim them.”

The assembly took their leave and went to the palace gates, where a great stone stood wreathed in immortal light and drifting clouds.

Seeing no one else make a move, the Three Pure Ones acted first, seizing treasures for themselves. The Grand Supreme Elder Lord used the Supreme Ultimate Diagram to collect several items: the Banner of Earthly Flame, the Wind-and-Fire Wheel, the Eight Trigrams Furnace, and others. Knowing his own nature was not suited for true proselytizing, he was not overly greedy in claiming treasures.

Yuanshi Tianzun, unconcerned with anyone else, shook his Pangu Banner, and several treasures fell into his hands at once.

Tongtian, however, was even bolder. He said to Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa, “Fellow Daoist Nuwa, feel free to take a few dozen items. As for Jieyin and Zhunti, ten each should suffice.”

As he spoke, Tongtian released the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation, its murderous aura swirling above the Cliff of Treasure. The three, knowing this was no time for confrontation, quietly selected a few treasures and returned to the palace. Yet Tongtian had thoroughly offended them. Not that he cared—he knew the day would come when they would seek his aid.

With a wave of his hand, Tongtian swept up every remaining treasure—including the entire Cliff of Treasure—into his own possession.