Chapter 11 - Emperor Jun’s Seclusion – Refining the Primordial Purple Qi for Sainthood
Chapter 11: Emperor Jun’s Seclusion – Refining the Primordial Purple Qi for Sainthood
The Primordial Purple Qi, a treasure surpassing even the Great Dao, now lay in Emperor Jun’s possession, a surreal moment he could barely believe. Its presence represented an opportunity so rare that even saints would covet it.
Emperor Jun and Taiyi were acutely aware of how slim their chances had been to seize the Purple Qi from Hongyun. Beyond the resistance of the Twelve Ancestors of Wu, countless other powerful entities would intervene to prevent such a monumental shift in balance. The likelihood of success had always been infinitesimal.
Now, with the treasure handed over willingly by Xia Tian, Emperor Jun could barely contain his gratitude and relief.
Standing beside him, Taiyi shared in the joy. He harboured no jealousy towards his brother’s impending ascension, his admiration and hope for their clan’s future shone through.
“Congratulations, elder brother. Soon, you shall stand among the saints,” Taiyi declared, his voice filled with genuine elation.
The bond between Emperor Jun and Taiyi was unshakeable. Born as celestial manifestations of the Sun Star, their connection ran deeper than even that of the Western saints, Zhunti and Jieyin.
[Zhunti (Zhǔn Tí 准提) is often associated with Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin, 观音) in their manifestation of compassion and mercy. Zhunti is seen as a guide for those seeking enlightenment. Jieyin (Jiē Yǐn 接引) is often associated with Amitabha Buddha (阿弥陀佛) and the Pure Land tradition. Jieyin’s role is to welcome and guide souls into the Western Pure Land (西方极乐世界), a realm of bliss and spiritual progress.]
Taiyi harboured no resentment; he remained confident in his own eventual ascension. The essence of a Da Luo Daozu was rooted in the certainty of the Great Dao. To reach sainthood was inevitable, given enough time.
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“Since fate has blessed me with this treasure, I will waste no time. I shall enter seclusion immediately to refine the Purple Qi and prepare for sainthood,” Emperor Jun declared, his tone resolute.
However, he turned to Taiyi with a grave reminder.
“Though this treasure grants me an unprecedented opportunity, we cannot abandon our plans for Hongyun’s Qi. Lead our forces tomorrow. If success eludes us, no harm will come; but should fortune favour us, our clan’s destiny shall rise even further.”
Taiyi nodded in understanding.
Before retreating, Emperor Jun turned his gaze to Xia Tian, his expression softening. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a radiant object. A white jade tome, emanating profound divine light, appeared in his grasp.
“This is the Hetu and Luoshu, my personal Dao treasure. Take it with you as protection, my son. It shall shield you from harm and conceal your divine flames while you traverse the world,” Emperor Jun said warmly, handing the treasure to Xia Tian.
[Hetu and Luoshu (河图洛书): A legendary treasure capable of controlling fate and interpreting the cosmos. Its profound abilities rank it among the finest innate divine treasures.]
Xia Tian accepted the tome reverently, marvelling at its infinite depth. Within its luminous glow, it seemed to encompass entire worlds and dimensions, an ultimate tool for both protection and enlightenment.
“Thank you, Father,” Xia Tian said, his voice trembling with gratitude.
With a final nod to his son and brother, Emperor Jun vanished, retreating to the deepest sanctum of the Heavenly Court to begin his arduous journey of refinement. Though the treasure was now his, sainthood would not come easily. Even the Three Purities and other saints had required considerable time to fully comprehend the essence of the Purple Qi.
As the doors to Emperor Jun’s sanctuary closed, Taiyi and Xia Tian stepped out of the Lingxiao Palace.
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Standing atop the vast Honghuang Earth, Xia Tian gazed out at the boundless horizon. The colossal expanse before him was a stark contrast to the constraints he had felt in the Heavenly Court.
For the first time since his arrival in this world, he felt a profound sense of freedom. With his father now poised to ascend and his own path ahead, Xia Tian’s worries began to ease.
His heart swelled with determination. He had been gifted the chance to not only survive but also thrive in this perilous, divine realm.