Chapter 1352: Chapter 484: Hongjun’s Contradictions

“Teacher?”

Houtu softly murmured, looking at the elderly figure that had appeared ahead.

Everything around became misty and blurred.

Hongjun’s towering figure appeared somewhat hunched at this moment.

He frowned as he looked at Houtu, gently sighed, and said, “The time has come.”

Houtu, the Ancestral Witch, gently furrowed her brow and bowed her head, remaining silent.

Hongjun asked, “Logically speaking, you should have already comprehended your own mission. Today, the Sea of Blood and Minghe are about to die, and it’s time for you to fulfill this task… Do you have any questions?”

“Teacher, this disciple has too many questions.”

Houtu raised her head to look at Hongjun, and said slowly:

“I want to ask you, Teacher, what exactly is right and what is wrong?”

“Right and wrong depend on the matter and the context,” Hongjun said slowly, “Why do you have this question?”

“I just haven’t been able to figure it out,” Houtu lightly sighed, “You said long ago, Teacher, that you didn’t want to interfere with the evolution of heaven and earth, didn’t want to be tainted by karma, but haven’t you always been intervening?”

Hongjun remained silent.

Houtu murmured, “Did I truly comprehend the Samsara Path myself? Or is it because the path of Earth I control aligns closely with the Samsara Path, which is why I was chosen by you, Teacher?”

Hongjun just stood with his hands behind his back and did not answer, his old eyes carrying a sense of desolation.

Houtu continued to speak:

“From ancient times to now, there’s always been a large hand controlling everything.

“This disciple is willing to open up the matter of reincarnation for living beings, so that the Witch Clan can have a place to reside, to repay the many favors of the Heavenly Emperor.

“But I’m afraid of one thing… that this was arranged by you.

“I cannot see clearly, nor understand. Reincarnation should be highly beneficial to heaven, earth, and all beings, but I dare not take that step, because… this is your scheme.”

Hongjun closed his eyes and sighed, “Houtu, there are many things that This Poor Daoist cannot explain to you.”

“Won’t you even explain to your disciple now, Teacher?”

Houtu chuckled bitterly, “Or perhaps it would be more fitting for this disciple to consult the Heavenly Emperor.”

“You know about the matter of the Transcender.”

Hongjun said:

“He watches over us every moment; hence, some things I cannot make too obvious. The desire for this universe to become perfect is not just yours.”

Houtu countered, “So, Teacher, you set up today’s scenario, letting the Human Emperor die in battle, so that the Heavenly Court would control the Human Race?”

Hongjun pondered for a moment, “Indeed, this matter is related to me.”

“Teacher, you said before, that was your last return to the Desolate Era…”

“Too many changes have occurred, forcing me to personally manage and arrange some matters.”

Hongjun said slowly:

“Without that Transcender, I wouldn’t have had to expend so much effort.

“If not aware of the matter of transcendence, I wouldn’t be continually coerced by that Transcender step by step.

“Alas, I know you are now somewhat distrustful of me, but establishing the Six Paths of Reincarnation is indeed the only path to lead heaven and earth towards perfection. There will be many difficult trials ahead, but if this step is not taken, how can the subsequent path be discussed?”

Houtu slightly pursed her lips, quietly observing Hongjun.

She wanted to know more.

Or rather, she needed Hongjun to persuade her, to believe that Hongjun truly harbored no ulterior motives.

Hongjun stood silently with his hands behind his back for a while, seemingly in deliberation.

In the end, he actively explained to Houtu:

“Many things are not as simple as they appear; the constraints forcing me not to stand aside involve more than just the threat of the Transcender.

“Now, I am caught between the Transcender and the Three Pure Ones. Sometimes I don’t even know what I truly desire. If seeking transcendence, I would turn a blind eye to the universe, but in the end, still can’t bring myself to do that.”

“Who can truly remain untouched by karma?”

“Even the Pangu God formed karma with the Innate Gods and Demons.”

“As long as one is within the Tangible Realm, karma is unavoidable.”

“Houtu, I can tell you three things. If you still cannot dispel your concerns, then I need not press further.”

Houtu slightly nodded, “Please forgive this disciple’s impertinence, just go ahead and speak.”

“Firstly, the background of Li Ping’an and Li Dazhi is quite unusual.”

Hongjun slowly said:

“I dared not pursue this matter, because the moment I start investigating, the clues are abruptly severed.”

“Secondly, this universe has some inexplicable issues, seemingly everywhere is correct, yet nowhere is right.”

“Although I haven’t seen it firsthand, under my prior hints, Fuxi Shi who went into the Chaos Sea post-ancient to seek answers, has met misfortune.”

Houtu hesitated for a moment.

Hongjun continued, “And thirdly, don’t you think Li Ping’an became the Heavenly Emperor too easily? With almost no formidable enemies, fortune favors him, and heaven and earth work in concert! If there’s no one pushing behind the scenes, that’s absolutely impossible.”

Houtu sighed, “Teacher, you’re somewhat obsessed.”

“Obsessed?” Hongjun slightly furrowed his brow, “What obsession are you referring to?”

Houtu asked, “Teacher, what do you think of Ping’an as Emperor of Heaven?”

Hongjun said, “Gentle in temperament, strategic in thinking, proficient in planning, astute and capable, he excellently maintains various balances, and the rapid development of the Heavenly Court is predominantly attributed to him.”

Houtu asked again, “Then do you think, Teacher, if the boy I once saw were to become the Heavenly Emperor, could he do better than Ping’an?”

“Haotian indeed lacks such ideas.”

Hongjun shook his head and sighed:

“Speaking of this, even the Three Pure Ones are inclined towards our Heavenly Emperor. Taiqing worries that I might use Haotian later to manipulate the Heavenly Court, Heavenly Dao, and Li Ping’an, thus forced me to eliminate Haotian.”

“Back then, my sealing Haotian was irrational, and when I obliterated him, I didn’t give him any reason.”

“This left a knot in my heart.”

Houtu slowly nodded, “Senior Brother Taiqing’s action is indeed appropriate, since Ping’an is so outstanding as Heavenly Emperor, why retain such a potential threat?”