Hongjun passes by Mount Kunlun and, by chance, picks up Shangqing Tongtian, who has run away from home.
Looking at the mass of Shangqing energy before him, not yet transformed into human form, Hongjun feels a stir of affection and can't help drawing close. He looks delicious, and eating him would be so nourishing.
Unfortunately, this mass of Shangqing energy has an extraordinary origin. If Hongjun eats him, the Heavenly Dao will hold it against him, so he can only let the chance pass with regret.
Later, thinking of all the dangers in the Primordial Chaos, Hongjun worries that the newly arrived mass of Shangqing energy will get hurt. After turning it over in his mind, he decides that raising him himself is the safest option.
Hongjun: The mass of Shangqing energy is still so weak. Someone else might catch and eat him, so of course I have to protect him.
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After the Investiture of the Gods, Tongtian Jiaozhu, the Sage of the Jie Sect, is brought back to Zixiao Palace by the Dao Ancestor to reflect for three thousand years.
Through those long three thousand years of reflection, he keeps thinking about how, during the Investiture of the Gods, his two elder brothers showed no brotherly affection, berated him, and even joined forces with outsiders to destroy the Jie Sect. He is furious: The Red Flower, White Lotus Root, and Green Lotus Leaves were supposed to be one family. If he could start over, he would never want to be brothers with Laozi and Yuanshi again.
Perhaps the Great Dao hears Tongtian's thoughts. When he wakes from a dream, he has returned to the dawn of the Primordial Chaos, before the Three Pure Ones have even taken human form.
Tongtian: Is this for real? That can actually happen?
Since the Great Dao has given him a chance to start over, this time he'll do as he pleases.
Tongtian makes up his mind on the spot and leaves Mount Kunlun.
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Caught by Hongjun as soon as he comes down the mountain, Tongtian looks at the familiar person right before him, his thoughts a jumble. In that moment, he remembers the three thousand years he spent with his master in Zixiao Palace, day in and day out, those long three thousand years that would bore even a Sage.
Hongjun studies the mass of Shangqing energy before him, then belatedly notices that this being, who hasn't even taken human form, is looking at him with a hint of pity.
Hongjun: I don't know why, but this feels weird. Maybe I should just eat him.
After thinking hard for a long time, Tongtian finally realizes that Hongjun means "eat" literally. A sense of crisis immediately hits him.
Tongtian: Master, I'm going to be your favorite disciple in the future!!!
Hongjun notices the words "favorite disciple" and thinks: Is that true? It seems this "favorite" is an exaggeration.
This mass of Shangqing energy is a bit too mischievous.
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Much later, Hongjun proves countless times through his actions that Tongtian's claim about being his favorite was no lie.
How could he bear to let Shangqing Tongtian suffer even the slightest grievance?
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1. Hongjun x Tongtian
2. Lots of original worldbuilding, and my writing isn't great.
3. I feel like I forgot something. I'll add it later.
Theme: Leave no regrets
How to Pass as a Normal Person at Jujutsu High
Something's Wrong with My Golden Finger! [Quick Transmigration]
After Climbing Up from the Bottom of the Cliff, My Engagement Was Broken Off
An Unremarkable Life in the Primordial World, All the Way to Sainthood
[Honghuang] My Unspeakable Martial Uncle
After Tongtian Had a Child with the Dao Ancestor