As Han Xuanji's voice fell, a brief silence descended upon the square.
There was not a hint of hesitation in Star Ancestor's eyes as he bowed to Han Xuanji, his expression respectful and submissive.
He knew clearly in his heart that he had long since surrendered to Han Xuanji, his life and death held in Han Xuanji's hands. To receive Han Xuanji's promise to take them along after his Transcendence was already a monumental Opportunity; how could he have the slightest objection?
Star Ancestor spoke in a low voice, his tone filled with awe:
"Since Master has made arrangements, we shall obey. No matter how long it takes, we will quietly wait for the day of Master's Transcendence without a single word of complaint."
Dragon Ancestor took a deep breath. Over the many years, Han Xuanji had not oppressed or humiliated them. For a moment, he had almost forgotten his status; he quickly chimed in, his eyes full of gratitude:
"Star Ancestor is right. We are content just to follow in Master's footsteps and dare not ask for anything more."
In their view, Han Xuanji's willingness to let them touch Transcendence was already an act of extraordinary grace. As for when or how to transcend, it was entirely up to Han Xuanji's arrangement; they only needed to obey absolutely.
To put it bluntly, there were other Powerful Experts at the stage of Perfected Primordial Limitless in Chaos who had no way to transcend even if they wanted to.
If Han Xuanji could truly lead them to successful Transcendence and step into a higher Realm in the future, those Powerful Experts of Chaos would likely be begging Han Xuanji to take them in.
Upon hearing Han Xuanji's thoughts and recalling his previous words about the dangers of Transcendence and the terrifyingly Powerful Experts beyond Chaos, the Immortal Ancestor and the Supreme Divine Venerable understood Han Xuanji's deep intentions.
They all understood that while Han Xuanji's words seemed like a promise to guide them toward Transcendence in the future, he was actually subtly admitting that he already possessed the method to transcend, but it was simply inconvenient to take them along right now.
They were all old monsters who had lived through countless ages; with a little thought, they understood the crux of the matter.
It wasn't that Han Xuanji was unwilling, but rather that he was unable.
Even if he had already touched the Realm of Transcendence or perhaps even broken through to a higher level, he might not necessarily have the ability to protect them all.
After all, the world beyond Chaos was full of unknowns. If these chaotic beings were targeted by some ill-intentioned Powerful Experts, not only would they face the risk of being captured and killed, but it might even implicate the entire Chaos, which would not be worth the cost.
Han Xuanji would transcend alone, head to the Eternal Continent, and accumulate enough strength. Once he was certain he could protect them, he would return to lead them into Transcendence together.
This was being responsible for them, as well as for the entire Chaos.
Taishang Dao Venerable and the others had actually realized this long ago; after all, the Dao Ancestor's intention back then had been much the same.
It was just that the Dao Ancestor and his peers might have already failed.
Thinking of this, Taishang Dao Venerable said:
"I can understand what Fellow Daoist Xuantian has said. Please rest assured, Fellow Daoist, we will properly guard the Immortal Realm."
The Immortal Ancestor sighed, his voice filled with emotion:
"Previously, we were so eager to break free from the shackles of the will of chaos and single-mindedly pursued Transcendence that we never considered the dangers involved, nor did we imagine there were such terrifying existences beyond Chaos."
"Rest assured, Xuanji. We will certainly maintain the order of the Immortal Realm and will not act rashly. We shall quietly await your return after Transcendence."
Ever since being rescued by Han Xuanji, the Immortal Ancestor's obsession with Transcendence had actually lessened significantly. His resentment toward the will of chaos even surpassed his obsession with Transcendence.
Hearing that Han Xuanji had a way to deal with the will of chaos, he was no longer as keen on Transcendence.
Seeing that everyone chose to believe in Han Xuanji, the Supreme Divine Venerable also nodded silently, expressing that he too would wait for Han Xuanji. In reality, if it was something even Han Xuanji couldn't do, they likely wouldn't stand a chance either.
This was a realization shared by everyone present.
Although Han Xuanji hadn't said it explicitly, they clearly sensed that he had likely made a significant Breakthrough. Even if he hadn't reached a higher Realm yet, he was probably close.
"Rest assured, everyone. Since I have made a promise, I will not break it. You only need to focus on stabilizing your cultivation and protecting the living beings of Chaos. When I return, I will certainly not fail your trust."
Han Xuanji looked at the crowd, a faint smile touching the corners of his mouth as he gave a slight nod. The feeling of being trusted was actually quite pleasant.
As his voice fell, the dao-rhythm around Han Xuanji stirred slightly, and a gentle force enveloped everyone, signaling that they could depart. The group bowed once more and then turned to leave one by one. Their hearts were clear, no longer filled with the previous confusion and resentment, but only with expectations for the future and awe for Han Xuanji.
On the vast square, only Han Xuanji remained in the end, a deep look flashing in his eyes.
It wouldn't be long before his Transcendence. Having already broken through to the Eternal Dao Master Realm, it was time to deal with the ticking time bomb that was the will of chaos.
With a flicker of his figure, Han Xuanji disappeared from the Xuantian Dao Palace and arrived outside the Immortal Realm.
Standing within the chaotic void, he released strands of invisible Divine Thought. These thoughts, like invisible threads, pierced through infinite time and space to reach the special dimension where the will of chaos resided.
The will of chaos was originally a naturally born instinct of Chaos, possessing little wisdom. Usually, it remained in a dormant state. Since its last battle with the Immortal Ancestor, it had even lost part of its Origin. It would only awaken prematurely if it sensed a great crisis in Chaos or if a living being attempted to transcend Chaos.
"Awaken."
Han Xuanji's voice rang out, carrying the power of the Eternal Dao Principle, brooking no resistance.
At this moment, under Han Xuanji's compulsion, the will of chaos that had been dormant for eons actually began to slowly awaken. A majestic and ancient aura spread out, sweeping through the entire Chaos. Wherever it passed, chaotic currents churned violently, causing even the Immortal Realm to tremble slightly.
Many Powerful Experts in Chaos sensed this fluctuation, though they did not know it was the awakening of the will of chaos. Only the Immortal Ancestor and the Supreme Divine Venerable recognized this aura as the will of chaos itself.