Primordial Era: I am a treasure trove, full of magical treasures.

Xuanbao's heart was churning with turmoil, but he dared not show the slightest expression on his face. He simply lowered his head, feigning deep thought. The "one that escaped..." This concept, closely linked to the number of the Great Dao and the glimmer of hope in later legends, was uttered by Hongjun. Why did he bring it up now? Did Hongjun suspect that I was that "one that escaped," or that my soul essence did not belong to this primordial world, and that his precognition had repeatedly and "coincidentally" altered my course?

Yes, given Hongjun's attainment of the Dao after merging with it, he is almost one with the Heavenly Dao, and might be able to perceive certain "abnormalities in cause and effect" and "deviations in trajectory," especially since I have repeatedly altered the course of events. But Hongjun didn't directly point this out, instead using such vague language. Was he leaving me room to maneuver? Or was he also unable to be completely certain?

In a flash, Xuanbao's mind raced. Yet, he remained remarkably calm and respectfully inquired, "This disciple is foolish and has heard that the Great Dao is fifty, the Heavenly Evolution is forty-nine, and one is missing. This 'one' is the glimmer of life in the world, the source of all change, mysterious beyond measure. Grandmaster, you have suddenly mentioned this Dao; I wonder... what profound meaning it holds? This disciple is terrified and begs for your clarification."

Xuanbao avoided giving a specific answer to "whether he knew or not," and instead quoted a classic description, throwing the question back to Hongjun while expressing his "puzzling" attitude.

The figure on the futon seemed to move slightly, or perhaps it was just an illusion of light and shadow. Hongjun's voice remained calm, yet it seemed to carry an indescribable rhythm, as if expounding the ultimate truth: "The Great Dao is fifty, but its use is forty-nine. That one that escapes is indeed a variable, a chance for life, an unpredictable and incalculable 'accident' within all predetermined trajectories."

His gaze fell on Xuanbao again, this time not just observing, but more like... investigating. "Since the beginning of the primordial world, the Heavenly Dao has evolved, the general trend has gradually stabilized, all things are born and die, cause and effect are reincarnated, all within the Dao. However, where there is a fixed number, there is also a variable. This variable originates from the will of living beings. Everything must have a glimmer of hope, otherwise the primordial world would be a stagnant wasteland."

Xuanbao felt his heart skip a beat. The unexpected intervention of something beyond the Dao, something prior to reason… this was practically a blatant declaration! He felt as if he had been stripped naked and placed under the gaze of the Heavenly Dao, with nowhere to hide. Cold sweat instantly soaked his inner robe, but deep within his primordial spirit, the Human Emperor Banner, the Kongtong Seal, and even the Earthly Dao merit he had just obtained, all trembled slightly, emanating a calm and stable aura, as if invisibly supporting his mind.

Don't panic! Absolutely don't lose your composure! If Hongjun truly wanted to eliminate this variable, he probably wouldn't have needed to summon me, much less say anything. Since he pointed it out to my face, there must be a reason.

Xuanbao took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and said with even greater humility, "Grandmaster, the Great Dao is profound and mysterious, and my cultivation is too shallow to fully comprehend it. However, I know that the primordial world was created by Father God Pangu, and all living beings have their own Dao. As a being of the primordial world, I have received the creation of heaven and earth and the teachings of my masters. I only wish to follow the Dao and act in accordance with the natural order, to contribute my meager strength to the perfection of heaven and earth and the peace of all living beings. As for the elusive Dao... such supreme and profound principles, I can only revere them and dare not presume to fathom them. My thoughts and actions are only to be true to my conscience and in accordance with reason. If I occasionally deviate from the established path, it is all for the purpose of making up for and perfecting, and I have absolutely no intention of rebellious against the Dao. Heaven and earth can bear witness to this heart and this will, and I beg Grandmaster to understand."

Xuanbao reiterated his identity as a "primordial being".

"The beings of the primordial world! That's not necessarily true. In the primordial world I saw after I slew myself and attained enlightenment, there was no being as special as you." Hongjun spoke slowly, his voice seemingly coming from the endless void. Xuanbao's heart tightened, knowing that Hongjun no longer intended to let him get away with it.

"Although you have a foothold in the primordial world, you are different from those who transcend the primordial world's cause and effect. This variable of yours, when you first came to Zixiao Palace, I could not see your origin or future. Everything about you is unknown."

"Your words and actions, seemingly in accordance with the will of Heaven, have in fact repeatedly undermined the very foundation of the great forces. Houtu should have been bound by her will after her body entered the cycle of reincarnation, but you used a rare treasure to help her achieve perfection; the six paths of reincarnation were predetermined, but you created your own race to fill the gaps; the great calamity of the Lich King and the Demon King should have resulted in rivers of blood, but you secretly orchestrated events to alter the outcome." Hongjun's voice remained calm, but every word struck Xuanbao's heart like a heavy hammer. "Furthermore, you seem to... be able to glimpse certain trajectories that have not yet occurred."

Xuanbao felt a chill run through his body. Sure enough, before Hongjun, who had merged with the Dao, his supposedly concealed actions and his plans based on "foresight" had likely already been seen through completely. But why hadn't Hongjun intervened before? Why had he only exposed him now?

"This disciple is terrified." Xuanbao's voice was unusually firm at this moment. "This disciple has indeed had some fortuitous encounters, a chance to glimpse fragments of the future. Sister Houtu is merciful; reincarnation is what heaven and earth need, and this disciple's assistance is in accordance with the natural order. The Holy Spirit Clan fills the gap in reincarnation because the Asura Clan has not yet emerged, hindering the operation of reincarnation. As the Great Emperor of Fengdu, this disciple should fulfill his duty. The conflict between the Witch and the Demon has caused immense suffering to all living beings, and this disciple... simply cannot bear to see the primordial world devastated, and is willing to do his utmost to protect it. All this disciple has done is from his heart and in accordance with the Great Dao. Even if there are changes, they will be towards a better, more complete, and less calamity-ridden direction. If this is the 'variable,' then this disciple is willing to be... the variable."

Xuanbao spoke his last sentence with absolute certainty. Since he had already been seen through, there was no point in hiding it anymore. As for his own exposed cards, he didn't need to worry about others revealing theirs first. It was better to openly admit some of the facts and attribute all his actions to the noble causes of "perfecting things in accordance with the times," "fulfilling his responsibilities," and "compassion." It was more important to glorify himself first. Judging from the current situation, Hongjun wouldn't touch him, and Xuanbao had already calmed down.

Hongjun merged with the Dao, seeking only the stability and perfection of the primordial world. As long as his actions benefit the world and do not violate any unshakeable bottom lines, Hongjun has no reason, and perhaps cannot, to easily erase himself, a "variable" burdened with multiple causes and effects, fortune, and great merit. Moreover, it is rumored that the one who escaped is equal to the Heavenly Dao, and the Heavenly Dao cannot do anything to the one who escaped, although he does not know if he is that one who escaped.

A long silence fell over Zixiao Palace. Hongjun did not speak, but simply looked at Xuanbao lying on the ground. His gaze seemed to pierce through flesh and blood, through the primordial spirit, reaching the deepest part of the soul, examining that chaotic and strange essence that did not belong to this world.

Xuanbao could feel an indescribable force sweeping across his entire body. It wasn't magic power, nor divine sense, but more like… the scrutiny of the rules themselves. The mark from another world deep within his soul trembled slightly, as if it might be exposed to the light of day at any moment. The Human Emperor Banner, the Kongtong Seal, the Chaos Gourd, and even the newly acquired Fengdu Emperor Seal all emitted a faint light, connected to his fortune, subtly forming a protective layer. The merits of the Earthly Dao flowed within his primordial spirit, emanating a heavy and serene aura, as if silently declaring: this body has gained the approval of the Earthly Dao and has rendered meritorious service to Heaven and Earth.

After an unknown amount of time, the omnipresent sense of scrutiny slowly faded away.

"Variables..." Hongjun repeated these two words, a faint, almost imperceptible fluctuation in his tone, like a sigh, or something else entirely. "Do you know that variables are also calamities? To alter the established trajectory will inevitably bring back karmic consequences. Small trends can be changed, but large trends are difficult to reverse. Forcibly reversing them may lead to even more severe calamities."

Xuanbao slowly straightened up, maintaining his respectful posture, but his gaze no longer darted away, meeting Hongjun's eyes, which contained the Dao of Heaven: "Disciple understands. However, disciple also knows that the Dao of Heaven is both ruthless and compassionate, and the Great Dao is both impartial and benevolent. If one escapes, it is a chance for life, and therefore there must be a reason for its continuation."

The disciple promised that he would not do anything to harm the Primordial World, and would spare no effort to improve it and make it more perfect.

Xuanbao's stance was made completely clear: I am the variable, I want to change some "established trajectories" that I think are bad, but I am not doing it to destroy, but to strive for a better prehistoric world.

Hongjun silently watched him, the laws within his eyes operating at their peak, as if deducing countless possibilities. Xuanbao could even see countless lights and shadows arising and ceasing on the illusory dome of the Purple Cloud Palace behind Hongjun—fragments of the future, tributaries of cause and effect, infinite possibilities arising from Xuanbao's intervention as a "variable." In some fragments, the primordial world was prosperous and thriving, all living beings in harmony; in others, calamities were even greater, heaven and earth collapsing; and in still others, chaos reigned, obscuring everything…

"The rise and fall of calamities are predetermined. However, within the predetermined, there are also variables." Hongjun spoke slowly, his voice seemingly coming from an extremely high level of the Heavenly Dao, carrying a magnificent rhythm. "Since you are willing to bear this cause and effect and grasp this variable, I will not hinder your path. However, there are a few things you must remember."

Xuanbao's spirits lifted, knowing that the most crucial moment had arrived. Hongjun's attitude did not mean he wanted to eliminate him, but rather... conditional acquiescence, or even some degree of exploitation.

"Please instruct me, Grandmaster," Xuanbao said respectfully.

"Firstly, reincarnation is the foundation of the primordial world, and the earthly path has already manifested; it must not be disrupted. As the Great Emperor of Fengdu, you should diligently manage it, ensuring its orderly, fair, and impartial operation. This is your duty and the foundation upon which you stand. The authority of the underworld must not be coveted by outsiders, but you must not use it to act recklessly and disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang."

"Disciple will remember," Xuanbao replied. This was natural; the Netherworld was his base, and he had to manage it well.

"Secondly, the Lich Calamity has begun, a calamity of slaughter has commenced, and cause and effect are intertwined. This is the inevitable process of the Heavenly Dao's operation, cleansing the evil energy of heaven and earth, and restoring order to the universe. You can guide it in accordance with the trend, reducing unnecessary killing and destruction, and protecting the inheritance of some living beings, but you must not forcibly stop the calamity from occurring, much less attempt to completely eliminate it. As long as the calamity is not over and the evil energy is not dispelled, heaven and earth will not be at peace. If you forcibly go against it, the calamity's energy will backfire, and you will be the first to suffer the consequences."

Xuanbao's heart sank. This drew a red line for his actions during the Lich Calamity: he could act as a "buffer" and "rescuer," but not a "terminator." Completely avoiding a Lich-Demon war and the mutual destruction of both races would be extremely difficult. However, he was mentally prepared; saving as many as possible and preserving more vitality for both the human and the Lich race would be a victory. "Disciple understands. Disciple only seeks to protect a sliver of life during this calamity, to reduce the damage to heaven and earth, and dares not presume to defy the heavens and change the course of the calamity."

"Thirdly, the rise of the human race is ordained. You are connected to the fate of the human race, so you should guide them well and lead them onto the right path. Do not rely on your foresight to force their growth or lead them astray. The rise of the human race depends on self-strengthening, virtue, and conformity to the laws of heaven and human ethics. You can protect them, but you cannot rule them."

"Disciple obeys. Disciple will faithfully fulfill his duty and remain a protector of the human race, never overstepping his bounds," Xuanbao solemnly promised. He had no intention of completely controlling the human race; he only hoped that the human race could avoid detours and develop more smoothly.

"Fourth," Hongjun's gaze seemed to deepen, "your origins are special, and the 'future' you see may not be the only future, nor the whole picture. The river of time and space has countless tributaries, and what you see may only be a fragment of one tributary heading in a bad direction. Over-reliance on 'prophet' and clinging to the so-called 'original trajectory' may trap you, causing you to miss true opportunities and even lead the primordial world to an even more unpredictable state. You should focus on the present, rely on the Great Dao, assess the situation, and respond flexibly. The future lies in the choices you all make, not in a predetermined book."

These words were like a sudden awakening, shaking Xuanbao to his core. He had indeed relied to some extent on his understanding of the original plot to orchestrate his plans, subconsciously aiming to "change the tragedy," without truly considering that his intervention itself was creating a new "original story," and that the future he knew might only be one of countless possibilities. Being overly fixated on changing the "known" might cause him to overlook the more important opportunities of the "present," and even lead to flawed judgments due to preconceived notions. Hongjun was reminding him not to be blinded by the "prophet's" wisdom, but to view the primordial world with a developmental perspective.

"Thank you for your guidance, Grandmaster! I have learned a great deal!" Xuanbao said these words sincerely. This reminder was indeed crucial.

"Fifth," Hongjun paused, his voice seeming to lower but becoming clearer, "Ever since I first saw you at Zixiao Palace, your karma has been concealed by me. Apart from the Three Pure Ones, even the two saints Zhunti and Jieyin cannot fathom your special nature."

"However, this cover-up can only protect you temporarily. If you act carelessly in the future and trigger too much karma, you may be exposed. When that person learns of your existence, they will certainly not let you go," Hongjun said calmly.

Xuanbao was startled. He had never heard of any Boss in the Primordial World. He quickly asked, "Grandmaster, who is that?" Hongjun did not answer directly, but said, "You only need to know that my condition is very unstable right now. You need to find a way to break through to the Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal realm as soon as possible. This will also help the Three Pure Ones break through their cultivation levels. You will know when that time comes. Knowing too early now is not good for anyone."

As he spoke, Hongjun pointed his finger, and a ray of white light entered Xuanbao's sea of ​​knowledge.

Xuanbao felt a sudden clarity in the sea, as if countless pieces of information were flowing in. When Xuanbao came to his senses, Hongjun was no longer speaking. Xuanbao respectfully bowed and said, "Thank you for your teachings, Grandmaster. I will remember them and strive to cultivate diligently." After saying this, he slowly withdrew from Zixiao Palace.

Although Xuanbao was full of doubts, he knew that Hongjun would not say anything more at this moment. He respectfully kowtowed and said, "This disciple will follow the teachings of my master and will strive to cultivate diligently to break through to the Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal realm as soon as possible."

Hongjun nodded slightly and said, "Go, and be more careful in your future actions."

Xuanbao left Zixiao Palace, his mind filled with countless thoughts. However, Xuanbao was certain that Hongjun was forced into a corner, which was why he came to him and put on such a show.

At this moment, Hongjun in Zixiao Palace underwent a dramatic change in expression, his initial hint of humanity turning into icy indifference. "Hongjun, what have you done?"

……