In the end, Yu Yuan lifted his head, his gaze determined: "Ancestor Master, I seek nothing else, only to receive some guidance—how exactly can I achieve sainthood through enlightenment? If Ancestor Master could provide guidance on the method to become a Saint, I would be endlessly grateful."

Upon hearing this, Hierarch Tongtian's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

He nodded and then with a wave of his hand, numerous Immortal Grass and Spiritual Fruit flew out from every corner of the palace, converging into a splendid radiance that fluttered towards Yu Yuan.

"Alright, you can distribute these heavenly materials and earthly treasures yourself. As for the matter of enlightenment, allow me to contemplate it further before I explain in detail." Hierarch Tongtian's voice carried an undeniable authority while also revealing indulgence towards his junior disciple.

Yu Yuan's heart surged with excitement, he quickly bent over to pay his respects: "Thank you for your generous gift, Ancestor Master."

Hierarch Tongtian nodded with satisfaction; he knew this disciple was no ordinary person.

He smiled faintly then fell silent, closing his eyes in contemplation, as if he were preparing for the guidance he would soon offer Yu Yuan.

Yu Yuan stood by, silently calculating how to make use of these heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

Although these treasures were of little use to him, they were extremely important to Huo Ling'er, Wen Zhong, and the others.

After a moment of conversation, Hierarch Tongtian suddenly changed the subject and with a wave of his hand, summoned a refined and elegant Go board, speaking indifferently: "Yu Yuan, it has been a long time since we had a game of Go. How about a match today?"

Yu Yuan was slightly taken aback, not expecting Hierarch Tongtian to propose a game of Go at this time, but he quickly realized that there might be a deeper meaning behind it. Approaching the Go board, he respectfully said: "Your disciple is willing to learn."

On the board, the black and white stones lay quietly, as though waiting for the intense clash between the two players. Hierarch Tongtian picked up a black stone and gently placed it in the center of the board, saying: "For our game, there's no need to stick to the normal conventions, play as freely as you wish."

Yu Yuan nodded, picked up a white stone, and firmly placed it on the board.

The game slowly unfolded, with both players showcasing distinct styles. Hierarch Tongtian's moves were grand, each stone imbued with profound implications; Yu Yuan, on the other hand, was calm and composed, methodically strategizing, attempting to find a breach in his Ancestor Master's grand plan.

As the game deepened, the battle on the board grew more intense. Between black and white, offense and defense switched back and forth, like a true battlefield. Each clash seemed to hint at the struggle and contention within the Heavenly Dao.

Following his move, Hierarch Tongtian raised his head to look at Yu Yuan, his eyes carrying a trace of profound meaning: "Yu Yuan, do you not realize that even a Merit Saint is not truly free. Above the Heavenly Dao, there are higher rules and restrictions."

Yu Yuan's hand, holding a white stone, paused in mid-air, his expression solemn, understanding the weight of his Ancestor Master's words. He slowly placed his stone, saying: "Ancestor Master's meaning, your disciple understands. Under the Heavenly Dao, all beings are but chess pieces—even Saints cannot escape from the game."

Hierarch Tongtian nodded, his fingers lightly tapping on the board, his voice deep: "Yes, each of us is searching for our own place and path in this grand game of Go."

On the board, the interlaced black and white stones formed an intricate pattern with each move, symbolizing the intersection of Yin and Yang, the natural Daoist Skill.

Pointing at the game board, Hierarch Tongtian spoke with a hint of depth in his voice: "Becoming a Merit Saint may grant you access to a portion of Heavenly Dao Power, but it doesn't mean complete freedom."

Yu Yuan's chess pieces faltered, he looked up towards Hierarch Tongtian, a flicker of puzzlement in his eyes: "What does Ancestor Master mean by this?"

Hierarch Tongtian pointed at the board: "Look at this game, the pieces can move freely on the board, but in reality, every move is constrained by the board itself. Even as a Merit Saint, while you can draw upon the power of Heavenly Dao, your actions will likewise be restricted by the Heavenly Dao."

After a moment of contemplation, Yu Yuan slowly nodded, seemingly gaining some insight.

But then, Hierarch Tongtian's words exploded in his ears like a thunderclap, interrupting his thoughts.

"The reason Zixiao Palace has decreed you to be an extraterritorial demon that must be eradicated is that there is a problem with the Heavenly Dao. My recent visit to Zixiao Palace revealed that the one I met was not the Hong Jun Taoist Ancestor." Hierarch Tongtian's voice was heavy, his eyes flickering with barely concealed worry.

Yu Yuan was startled, but he quickly regained his composure, as he had already sensed this possibility in his heart. Previous signs had silently hinted at this potential issue.

He looked up at Hierarch Tongtian, curiosity gleaming in his eyes: "Then, who might the impostor in Zixiao Palace be? Why would he pretend to be Hong Jun Taoist Ancestor?"

Hierarch Tongtian sighed, his eyes growing deep: "I am unclear about his true identity, but what's certain is that his Cultivation is extraordinary, and in some aspects, he is no less powerful than the Taoist Ancestor himself. His impersonation of the Taoist Ancestor and theft of the control of Heavenly Dao must have a deep purpose. This represents a tremendous threat to the entire Three Realms."

Yu Yuan was silent for a moment before speaking slowly: "Then, what should we do now?"

Hierarch Tongtian's gaze was piercing, a sharpness passing through his eyes: "What is most important now is to uncover his true intentions and the consequences of all that he has done to the Heavenly Dao. I need to consult with the other Saints on this matter. The responsibility for the Divine Enthronement is entirely yours to bear."

Yu Yuan's heart felt a chill, he did not hesitate and replied with conviction: "Rest assured, Ancestor Master, your disciple will do his utmost."