Volume One: The Cataclysm of the Lich Chapter 102: Hongjun Begins His Sermon, the Gates of the Purple Cloud Palace Open

Time passed swiftly, the years flying by like a shuttle. More than two great kalpas had slipped away unnoticed.

At this moment, countless beings throughout the vast world found cultivation increasingly arduous—many struggled to advance, yet could grasp no true method. Numerous others, who had once barely glimpsed the great Dao, now found themselves unable to sense it at all. For a time, confusion reigned; no one knew how to proceed.

Just as countless spirits despaired over their cultivation, a voice, as though arising from the depths of their hearts, echoed and was heard by many:

"The time of the Three Kalpas approaches. This humble Daoist will preach the Dao beyond the thirty-three heavens, in the Palace of Purple Firmament. All who are fated may come."

Immediately, a ripple spread through the hearts of countless beings.

"At last, opportunity has arrived. I cannot recall how long I've waited for this moment."

"A Sage will teach the Dao—such a rare chance. I must arrive early to secure a good place."

"Three kalpas... it feels as though an eternity has passed."

Mount Kunlun, Supreme Purity Peak.

"Elder brother, the period of three kalpas approaches—let us depart at once and strive to secure a favorable seat," one urged.

Supreme Purity, hearing this, turned to address his two younger brothers. "The time has come. Let the three of us go together."

Examined closely, Supreme Purity's cultivation had already reached the consummate stage of the Grand Luo. Jade Purity and Upper Purity were but a step away from perfection themselves.

Without delay, the three soared into the sky, heading directly toward the heavens beyond the thirtieth layer.

Meanwhile, on Phoenix Perch Mountain, Mount Sumeru, and other places, figures burst into the sky at this very moment—all journeying to hear the Dao.

At Five Villages Temple on Longevity Mountain—

"Fellow Daoist Zhenyuan, the Sage's sermon is imminent. I have come to seek your company for the journey," said Hongyun, instead of heading directly to the thirty-third heaven, coming first to see Zhenyuanzi.

"Fellow Hongyun, I will not go. You should go alone. If you delay, you may miss a good seat—or even a great opportunity."

"Ah, Brother Zhenyuanzi, come with this humble Daoist to hear the teaching! It is, after all, the Sage's sermon. Who knows, you might even encounter your old master."

Seeing the genuine reluctance in Zhenyuanzi’s eyes, Hongyun grew anxious and continued to persuade him.

In the end, after considering Hongyun's words and fearing he might truly impede his friend's fortune, Zhenyuanzi relented.

Hongyun instantly transformed into a streak of crimson light; Zhenyuanzi followed suit.

"Your skills are formidable, my friend. I have yet to see anyone whose escape technique matches yours," Zhenyuanzi remarked with a smile, saying no more.

Beneath Mount Buzhou, Pangu Hall.

"Elder brother Dijang, are you truly not going?" Houtu asked her elder brothers.

"Enough, little sister Houtu, you have asked this question at least ten times. You should go with Jumang," came the response.

At last, Houtu could only sigh and soar into the sky with Jumang.

In the ancient starry sky, on the Ziwei Star—

"Your Majesty, shall none of us attend the Sage's sermon?"

"Tayin Star Lords, you may go. I sense that this journey will bring fortune to you both." The Ziwei Emperor looked at the two Star Lords of the Moon, Xihe and Changxi, then turned to the others.

"The rest of you, go if you wish, but do not disrupt the great formation's operation."

Upon hearing this, most chose to stay, a few to go; among them were the twelve Yuanchen and other star gods.

On the Sun Star—

"Elder brother, the Sage's sermon has begun. Let us hurry," Taiyi said to his brother Dijun after hearing Hongjun's message.

Dijun nodded, and the two transformed into three-legged golden crows, soaring skyward in a streak of light.

Deep within the Blood Sea, Minghe also heard Hongjun's voice. As he debated whether to go, a message arrived. He, too, left the Blood Sea and flew into the sky.

With his departure, the Blood Sea reverted to its previous state, filled with murderous energy. Soul cultivators of Grand Luo strength could barely resist, but others fell into confusion and stupor.

Once all had soared beyond the thirty-three heavens, they found themselves gradually losing all sense of direction. Entering the chaos, only those above Grand Luo could barely withstand the chaotic energy; those less powerful could not even resist the fifth layer of chaotic qi, let alone find their way.

When the Three Purities arrived, they discovered that many had already gathered, but none dared to proceed further. All eyed one another warily.

"Brothers, let's go!" Supreme Purity produced the Exquisite Tower of Heaven and Earth, enveloped the three of them, and with a shout, led them into the vast chaos.

As the Three Purities advanced, others likewise drew their treasures and entered the chaos. Some traveled together, like the two Moon Star Lords, Xihe and Changxi; others, like Dijun and Taiyi, the Western Saints, Nuwa and Fuxi.

Last came Hongyun and Zhenyuanzi, who arrived a step behind. Just as Hongyun gazed anxiously at the chaotic space before them—

"Do not worry, my friend. Watch what my treasure can do," Zhenyuanzi said, flicking his Earthly Duster and summoning the Tome of the Earth from his primordial spirit.

The treasure enveloped them both, and Hongyun realized that the turbulent currents of chaos could not so much as brush their robes.

"Brother Zhenyuanzi, your treasure is truly marvelous," Hongyun said with a hearty laugh, his eyes free of any trace of greed.

Zhenyuanzi merely smiled and replied, "This treasure of mine is the Mirror of Heaven and Earth, peerless in defense. It is perfect for such situations."

With that, the two surveyed their surroundings and pressed on.

At this moment, Houtu and Jumang arrived, watching as more and more entered the chaos, yet at intervals, cries of agony rang out.

Houtu frowned deeply at the sound, but Jumang simply led her forward.

Upon entering, they found the chaotic currents assailing their ancestral bodies.

"Fortunately, our tribe specializes in bodily cultivation. Though this current is fierce, with our strength and physical resilience, we need not fear. On the contrary, it may temper us further," Jumang remarked, finally understanding why so many had been turned back.

Meanwhile, the Three Purities had already traveled far within the chaos. The brothers discovered that in this space, distance seemed meaningless—they walked for ages, yet no exit appeared.

Just as they reached the limits of their endurance, a light appeared before them.

They pressed toward it, and after passing through a membrane of light, found themselves standing before a grand palace.

"We are early. The hall has yet to open," Upper Purity said with a laugh.

At this time, Chenrui led Ao Qing and Geng Ning from Mount Buzhou.

"Ao Qing, bring Geng Ning. Let us seek out Fellow Daoist Hongjun," he said, taking the lead.

After the Three Purities had waited some time, Fuxi and Nuwa, Dijun and Taiyi, Kunpeng from the North Sea, and others arrived in succession.

"What is going on? The doors have not opened yet!"

"Say no more. This is a Sage's sacred ground. Be careful, or you may lose your chance to hear the Dao."

Meanwhile, Chenrui, with Ao Qing and Geng Ning, concealed themselves in the shadows, quietly watching the farce unfold before them.