111: Something was wrong with Hongyun, and they parted ways.

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhenyuanzi, who was nearby, also looked at Hongyun with curiosity.

After all, he couldn't think of why Hongyun would suddenly ask about such things at this moment; based on his understanding of Hongyun, the latter wasn't someone who cared much about the situation of the Wu Clan.

"Indeed, there are some matters I need to discuss with the Ancestral Witches!"

Facing their gazes, Hongyun gave an awkward smile.

Then, without holding anything back, Hongyun spoke directly: "To tell you the truth, the reason I want to find the Ancestral Witches is because the Method of Proving the Dao I obtained doesn't seem to suit me!"

"So I want to discuss with the Ancestral Witches whether I can exchange it for another Method of Proving the Dao to Cultivate!"

Hearing this, both Li Yun and Zhenyuanzi were stunned.

They never expected Hongyun to say such a thing.

Moreover, Li Yun knew very well that what he had given Hongyun was the powerful Dao Proving through Law method. After all, as far as he knew, Hongyun was the transformation of the first Innate red cloud.

This meant he was a unique existence and must carry his own Law Legacy. Why would he choose to give it up? Why would he even want to change his Method of Proving the Dao?

For a moment, Li Yun scanned Hongyun. The latter still had that honest, good-natured appearance; one really couldn't see anything wrong at first glance.

But for some reason, Li Yun vaguely felt that something was off about Hongyun. It seemed as though something was obstructing his investigation, a hazy sense of concealment.

"I can do that..."

After about a dozen breaths, Li Yun regained his senses and looked at Hongyun, saying, "Since Fellow Daoist has already decided, I can mention this matter to the Ancestral Witches."

"However, I cannot give a full guarantee, even for the Ancestral Witches!"

"Both Fellow Daoists are aware of the situation regarding Di Yi. Although he is cooperating with the Ancestral Witches, it is an equal relationship; the Ancestral Witches cannot order him to do anything."

At this point, a sharp glint flashed in Li Yun's eyes, and he added, "However, I have heard a rumor. I wonder if it will be of help to you?"

"What rumor?"

Hearing this, Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun immediately leaned in and asked curiously.

Although they were Great Divine Power Holders, they were still quite interested in gossip.

Most importantly, since Li Yun said it could help Hongyun, it meant this rumor likely originated from within the Wu Clan, from Di Yi and those behind him.

"Spiritual Roots!"

Not hiding anything, Li Yun intended to test Hongyun's thoughts and said without hesitation, "According to a rumor I inadvertently heard within the Wu Clan, Di Yi obtained many Innate Spirit Treasures and innate spiritual roots from the Ancestral Witches. But aside from powerful Innate Spirit Treasures, he wanted none of the others."

"However, Spiritual Roots are different. It's said that he is collecting High Grade and above innate spiritual roots, especially those on the level of the ginseng fruit tree. Such items are of immense value, enough for him to answer your questions and resolve your doubts!"

"Of course, I don't mean for you to hand over the ginseng fruit tree, but rather something of similar quality!"

As soon as these words came out, the pupils of Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun constricted.

Di Yi was collecting innate spiritual roots.

This was truly unexpected news.

But it was undeniable that this matter itself held great hope.

As long as they found enough Spiritual Roots and catered to his interests, it wasn't impossible to seek other Methods of Proving the Dao from Di Yi.

For example, Minghe.

He had given up his Twelve-Grade Karmic Fire Red Lotus to exchange for three Methods of Proving the Dao directly from Di Yi.

"Thank you for informing me, Fellow Daoist Li Yun!"

Hongyun cupped his hands in a salute to Li Yun and said, "I have indeed encountered many Spiritual Roots before, but at that time, I didn't think they were of much value to me, so I didn't choose to collect or seize them!"

"It seems I must prepare for this properly now."

At this point, Hongyun no longer hesitated. He cupped his hands to Zhenyuanzi and Li Yun and said, "Old friend, Fellow Daoist Li Yun, I shall take my leave first!"

"This matter should be handled sooner rather than later. I must head into the Great Desolate as soon as possible to seek those necessary items!"

Saying this, Hongyun turned to leave.

Judging by his demeanor, he seemed somewhat impatient, even desperate to exchange for a Method of Proving the Dao.

"Something's not right!"

"Hongyun's situation is very strange!"

Taking all this in, Li Yun remained calm on the surface, but inwardly, he vaguely sensed that something was different about this matter.

Although he didn't know exactly what Hongyun's reasons were, his actions were indeed suspicious.

However, even though he felt something was off, Li Yun couldn't tell what it was for the moment, so he naturally couldn't make a judgment.

"Old friend, wait a moment!"

Right then, Zhenyuanzi called out, "The Great Desolate is so dangerous right now; I'll go with you!"

Having said that, Zhenyuanzi seemed to think of something and turned to ask Li Yun, "Fellow Daoist Li Yun, do you want to travel with us for a while?"

"This..."

Hongyun opened his mouth, momentarily stunned, and Li Yun was no exception.

Neither of them expected Zhenyuanzi to actually plan on going out with Hongyun to look for Spiritual Roots.

Despite his surprise, Li Yun quickly reacted and cupped his hands, saying, "There's no need for that!"

"Now that the banquet is over, I should return to West Kunlun for closed-door Cultivation."

"After all, I have reached the Golden Immortal Realm Perfection; next, I only need to wait for the arrival of the Nine Tribulations!"

Hearing this, Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun weren't surprised.

After nodding, neither of them insisted on the invitation.

After the three of them exchanged a few more pleasantries, they left Wuzhuang Temple.

Once Zhenyuanzi activated the Restrictions around the Wuzhuang Temple area, the three did not separate immediately but flew together toward Kunlun Mountain.

It wasn't that Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun intended to go to Kunlun Mountain to find anything, but because Li Yun had previously offended Jieyin and Zhunti, they were worried he might be ambushed on the road, so they escorted him for a distance.

After flying out of the desolate western region, Li Yun, Zhenyuanzi, and Hongyun parted ways.

After a brief farewell, Zhenyuanzi and Hongyun flew off in one direction, while Li Yun headed toward Kunlun Mountain.

After all these years, Laozi had already advanced to the Quasi-Saint realm, and it was time for him to go back and claim his reward.

"yellow middle plum!"

"Five-Needle Pine!"

"immortal apricot!"

"I'm coming!"

Muttering to himself, Li Yun's eyes were full of anticipation.

These were three of the ten great innate spiritual roots. As long as he could achieve Fusion with them in his body, the improvement and enhancement to himself would reach an unparalleled level.

Setting aside his cultivation level, his heritage and foundation alone should be able to rival the Three Pure Ones, or even surpass them.

"Fellow Daoist, where are you going?"