Inside Wuzhuang Temple, a gentle breeze rustled.
Under the Ginseng Fruit Tree, Zhenyuanzi and Fellow Daoist Hong Yun sat silently opposite each other, and an indescribable dullness permeated the air.
After the Dao lecture in Zixiao Palace concluded, Hongyun did not return to Huoyun Cave; instead, he followed Zhenyuanzi back to Wuzhuang Temple.
At this moment, his heart was in turmoil, his mind a complete mess.
That strand of Hongmeng Purple Energy lay deep within his Primordial Spirit, emitting an alluring Dao aura—it was the foundation for becoming a Saint, the ultimate Opportunity countless powerful beings in the Grandmist yearned for.
But the thought of Kunpeng's gaze, which seemed ready to devour him alive, made Hongyun restless.
To give?
Or not to give?
That was the question.
Giving meant completely abandoning the Saint position that was within reach, handing over this immense Opportunity to another.
Who could be willing?
Who could bear to part with it?
That was a Saint position! In the Grandmist, who didn't crave it?
Hongyun asked himself, he couldn't bear to, he really couldn't bear to!
But if he didn't give it.
Then the Karma formed with Kunpeng would have no chance of being resolved.
The grudge for obstructing his Dao was an endless feud!
Hongyun had some understanding of Kunpeng's nature; he was definitely a vindictive and ruthless individual.
Being targeted by him would likely mean no peace for the rest of his days.
Zhenyuanzi picked up his teacup, took a gentle sip, and slowly set it down.
He watched Hongyun's fluctuating expression, neither urging nor persuading him.
He understood Hongyun's current feelings.
Hongmeng Purple Energy, the foundation for becoming a Saint—the weight of this thing was too, too heavy.
If it were any other being in the Grandmist, upon suddenly obtaining such a supreme treasure, how could they easily give it up?
Even if they knew there were mountains of daggers and seas of fire ahead, they would probably risk everything for a chance.
For Hongyun to be conflicted for so long was already quite remarkable.
Hongyun kept his eyes tightly shut, but in his mind, the scene of his conversation with Wu Ming in Pangu Hall involuntarily surfaced.
At that time, he had not yet obtained this Hongmeng Purple Energy; he was only worried about the matter of giving up his seat.
Wu Ming's words now echoed with unusual clarity in his ears.
"After the third lecture, this poor Daoist will inform you of the method to resolve it. I only hope, Fellow Daoist, that when the time comes, you do not hesitate."
"Never! As long as I can resolve this Karma with Fellow Daoist Kunpeng, even if it means paying a great price, this poor Daoist is willing!"
"I only hope that Fellow Daoist's words today are not just a moment of impulse. When that time comes... do not regret it because the price is too great, and be unwilling to part with it."
"Fellow Daoist Wu Ming, rest assured! As long as I can resolve this Karma with Fellow Daoist Kunpeng, even if it means giving up all my possessions, or even this life, Hongyun will not bat an eyelid! I will never go back on my word!"
How resolute, how confident he had been at that time.
Thinking about it now, it truly was...
Hongyun couldn't help but reveal a bitter, self-mocking smile.
"Heh... No wonder, no wonder Fellow Daoist Wu Ming warned me so solemnly..."
Yes, Hongmeng Purple Energy, the foundation for becoming a Saint—how could this price be merely "too great"?
This was simply life-threatening!
Something a thousand, ten thousand times more important than his own life!
Looking at the entire Grandmist, how many people could truly abandon such a temptation?
But...
After all, it was he who had given up his seat initially, indirectly implicating Fellow Daoist Kunpeng.
Although Fellow Daoist Wu Ming had said that the cushion was not originally Kunpeng's, and the Heavenly Dao had already determined it.
But Kunpeng wouldn't believe it.
In his eyes, it was he who had ruined his Opportunity for a Saint position.
This endless Karma had truly fallen upon him.
Moreover, he had already made a solemn promise in front of Fellow Daoist Wu Ming and Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi.
To go back on his word now?
What would that make him?
A faithless, cowardly, petty person whose mind was clouded by the Saint position?
How could he face Fellow Daoist Wu Ming in the future?
How could he face Fellow Daoist Zhenyuanzi, his closest friend?
Hongyun had always prided himself on acting openly and honestly, being helpful, and making friends throughout the Grandmist. What did he rely on?
Wasn't it the words "trust" and "righteousness"!
If, for the sake of this Hongmeng Purple Energy, he could abandon even the most basic trust and righteousness...
Then even if he luckily escaped Kunpeng's pursuit in the future, and even truly became a Saint, would he still be the original Hongyun?
How could his Dao Heart find peace?
After a long while.
Hongyun suddenly opened his eyes, a fierce struggle flashing deep within them, but in the end, all of it transformed into a sense of relief and resolute determination.
So be it!
So be it!
Ultimately, it is I, Hongyun, who owes Fellow Daoist Kunpeng.
This Hongmeng Purple Energy, I will give it to him!
Thinking this, Hongyun's state of mind strangely calmed down. Although it still felt empty, carrying a huge sense of loss, the suffocating entanglement that had weighed him down had disappeared.
He looked at Zhenyuanzi, his voice a little hoarse, but unusually clear.
"Fellow Daoist."
Zhenyuanzi looked up at him, his gaze calm.
"Come with me, let's go find Fellow Daoist Wu Ming."
Zhenyuanzi's movements paused. He gazed into Hongyun's eyes, as if wanting to confirm something.
After a moment, he slowly spoke.
"Fellow Daoist, have you decided?"
"Yes." Hongyun nodded, his tone firm, "I have decided."
Zhenyuanzi fell silent again. The wind within the temple seemed to have stopped, only the leaves of the Ginseng Fruit Tree occasionally rustling softly.
"Hongmeng Purple Energy..." Zhenyuanzi slowly uttered these four words, each one heavy as a thousand pounds, "That is the foundation for becoming a Saint, Fellow Daoist Hong Yun, you..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.
"I know." Hongyun interrupted him, a bleak smile appearing on his face, "I know better than anyone what this is."
"But Karma is Karma, and a promise is a promise."
"If I betray my promise because I can't bear to part with this Hongmeng Purple Energy, then what difference is there between me, Hongyun, and a fickle, petty person?"
"Moreover, if I don't resolve this Karma, and Fellow Daoist Kunpeng comes seeking trouble in the future, even you, Fellow Daoist, will likely be implicated by me."
Zhenyuanzi frowned: "Kunpeng... If he obtains the Hongmeng Purple Energy, he might not appreciate your kindness. Perhaps, he might even think it's only right, or even..."
He might even think that you, Hongyun, owe him, and giving it to him is what you should do, and even with the Hongmeng Purple Energy, he still won't let you off!
Zhenyuanzi didn't voice the rest of his thoughts, but Hongyun understood.
"So what? I only seek to resolve the Karma and gain peace of mind."
"As for what he thinks or does after obtaining the Hongmeng Purple Energy, that is his business."
"At least, on the surface, this endless Karma will be resolved."
Zhenyuanzi looked at Hongyun.
He saw the resolute determination in Hongyun's eyes, that painful yet unwavering expression.
He asked one last question.
"No regrets?"
"Absolutely no regrets!" Hongyun's eyes were clear, free of the previous struggle and confusion.
Zhenyuanzi slowly nodded, saying no more.
"Good. Since Fellow Daoist's mind is made up, then this poor Daoist will accompany you on this journey."
"It's just... we'll be bothering Fellow Daoist Wu Ming again."
Hongyun also stood up and bowed deeply to Zhenyuanzi: "Thank you, Fellow Daoist."
Zhenyuanzi reached out to support him: "Between you and me, there's no need for thanks."
"Let's go."
As his words fell, the two no longer lingered. They transformed into two streaks of light, shooting out of Wuzhuang Temple and speeding towards Mount Buzhou.