Chapter Twenty-Two: Hongjun's First Disciple

Hongjun gazed calmly at the crowd and said, “The Great Dao is unfathomable; even if I spoke for millions of years, it would not be exhausted. This sermon ends here. I, Hongjun, act as Heaven’s agent to enlighten all beings and must take several disciples to help guide the multitudes.”

A sage taking disciples?

Upon hearing Hongjun’s words, everyone grew excited, their eyes fixed on him atop the dais. Each hoped to be chosen by the sage, for if one became his disciple, who in this vast primordial world would dare provoke them?

However, when Hongjun’s gaze settled upon Li Tian, the Three Purities, and the other six on the dais, everyone’s hearts sank. At last, they understood the significance of the seats; those who seized one had a chance to become the sage’s disciple!

Instantly, countless regretted bitterly, beating their chests and stomping their feet—why hadn’t they thought of it sooner? Kunpeng glared at Hongyun with murderous eyes; he was so close! Why had Hongyun, who hadn’t even wanted a seat, competed with him? If he’d succeeded, how could it have gone to that shameless fellow?

Even Hongyun, always a good-natured soul, was stunned. Could a seat truly mean becoming the sage’s disciple? Yet he quickly accepted his fate, deciding it was not meant to be and no longer dwelling on it.

Hongjun looked first to Li Tian and said, “Supreme Sumeru Celestial Emperor, you are the innate Golden Crow born of the Sun Star, itself formed from Pangu’s left eye. You possess the aura of true royalty, and in the future may command all races of the primordial world as emperor. You shall be my first disciple.”

He added, “May you earnestly guide all beings, lessen slaughter, and not disappoint your teacher.”

Li Tian was overwhelmed with excitement and immediately bowed in thanks. “Supreme Sumeru Celestial Emperor greets the teacher.”

He could scarcely believe Hongjun had chosen him first. Did this mean that even the Three Purities would have to call him senior brother in the future? Moreover, he had heard clearly that Hongjun said he could lead all races of the primordial world—not just the demon race! Could his destined fate have already changed?

Others were full of envy, some already preparing to curry favor, for Hongjun had said Li Tian would command all races.

Some noticed Li Tian’s lengthy title—Supreme Sumeru Celestial Emperor—and wondered why they hadn’t thought to name themselves so grandly. Immediately, several began pondering new names… even the Three Purities twitched their ears, considering the idea.

Li Tian had no notion that he had unwittingly sparked a naming trend across the primordial world, leading future gods and Buddhas to adopt ever longer names.

Hongjun next turned to the Three Purities and said, “You three were born of Pangu’s primal spirit, possess the merit of creation, and share a bond of teacher and disciple with me. You shall enter my school as disciples.”

“Laozi, Yuanshi, Tongtian, greet the teacher,” the Three Purities exchanged glances and bowed in unison.

In truth, the Three Purities, proud as they were, disliked being anyone’s disciple, even a sage’s. Yet Hongjun did not ask their consent, so they dared not refuse.

Though proud, the Three Purities were not foolish.

“Nuwa, you and I also share a teacher-disciple bond. Are you willing to become my final disciple?”

As Nuwa anxiously awaited her fate, Hongjun turned to her. This time, he asked, “Are you willing?”—giving Nuwa the choice to refuse, an honor neither Li Tian nor the Three Purities had received.

Li Tian quickly looked at her, fearing his butterfly effect might prompt Nuwa to refuse, which could have unforeseen consequences.

“I am willing,” Nuwa replied softly, bowing. Hongjun nodded in satisfaction and said no more, clearly not intending to take further disciples.

The others without seats were disappointed but said nothing, having already prepared themselves. Zhunti, however, was anxious. If Nuwa was the last disciple, what about himself?

Zhunti knelt and wept, “Teacher, please take pity on the suffering of the West and accept me as your disciple!”

“You are of the side path and share no teacher-disciple bond with me,” Hongjun frowned, but seeing Zhunti’s persistent tears, sighed and relented, “Very well, you shall be a named disciple.”

A named disciple?

Zhunti was stunned, but quickly stifled his tears and shouted, “Disciple greets the teacher!”

Seeing Zhunti become a named disciple through crying and pleading, hope flared in many others’ eyes. A named disciple was better than nothing, and anyone could cry.

Soon, many knelt and begged, “Teacher, accept me as your disciple!”

But this time, Hongjun closed his eyes and said nothing. After a moment, as silently as he had arrived, he vanished.

Seeing this, Haotian stepped forward and proclaimed, “This sermon has ended. Please depart. The next sermon will be after a while.”

A “while” is eighteen thousand years. One “yuan” equals one hundred twenty-nine thousand six hundred years. A “yuan hui” is one yuan times one while, totaling thirteen million nine hundred ninety-six thousand eight hundred years.

With the sermon over, everyone began to leave. Many had not fully comprehended Hongjun’s teachings and were eager to return to seclusion. Many who had only reached Golden Immortal and arrived by luck now possessed the ability to resist chaotic qi on their own; those still unable formed small groups for mutual protection, making the journey far less perilous.

“Farewell, junior brothers.”

Li Tian rose, smiled at the Three Purities, and, regardless of their reaction, took Nuwa’s hand and prepared to leave.

Zhunti, ever shameless, followed eagerly, smiling, “Senior brother, I have gained much from the sermon. Why not discuss our insights together?”

“I have matters to attend to. Farewell,” Li Tian glanced back, shook his head, and refused outright.

Zhunti was disappointed, but his smile remained unchanged as he turned to the Three Purities, seeking their favor, “Senior brothers…”

But before he could finish, Yuanshi shut him down, “I never speak to petty men!”

Zhunti’s smile froze. Laozi ignored him completely, walking on with composed dignity, and Tongtian showed him no warmth.

…

“Sister,” Fuxi came forward, seeing Li Tian and Nuwa naturally holding hands. He smiled and called to Li Tian, “Brother-in-law.”

Li Tian was startled, not expecting Fuxi to address him so suddenly. Nuwa blushed and quickly let go of Li Tian’s hand, then chased after Fuxi to chastise him. Fuxi pleaded for mercy, and in the end, Li Tian had to intervene to resolve the matter.