Chapter 78: Congratulatory Gift
Everyone was stunned.
They had originally thought that this Heavenly Stars Earthly Fiends Sword Formation was an ancient inheritance obtained by Dragon Mountain Daoist, but from Wang Family Old Ancestor’s words, it might not be the case.
Dragon Mountain Daoist pondered for a moment, then smiled faintly:
“Wang Family Old Ancestor truly has sharp eyes. This sword formation… was newly created recently.”
At this point.
He felt somewhat guilty and subtly glanced at his disciple Ning Qi. Only after seeing that Ning Qi was not paying attention here did he secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
That’s right.
This Heavenly Stars Earthly Fiends Sword Formation had been created by Ning Qi not long ago and handed to him. Previously, Ning Qi had sensed the Iron Ridge Three Fiends coming to attack, and the other disciples could only watch helplessly against such experts, so he created this sword formation in his spare time. It could combine the strength of the congregation to defeat the strong with the weak, and externally it was proclaimed as created by Dragon Mountain Daoist.
Today was the Heavenly Human Ceremony, which was originally to showcase True Martial Sect’s foundation, so Dragon Mountain Daoist naturally would not modestly say it came from elsewhere.
Anyway, he hadn’t said who created it.
If others misunderstood, that was not his business.
At this time.
The several Heavenly Humans naturally assumed it was created by Dragon Mountain Daoist. After all, True Martial Sect only had Dragon Mountain Daoist as a Heavenly Human Realm expert, so it couldn’t be anyone else, right?
In an instant, White River True Person and the others looked at Dragon Mountain Daoist with even more solemn expressions.
To create such a peerless and matchless sword formation, his comprehension was truly extraordinary.
White River True Person praised:
“No wonder Fellow Daoist stepped into the Heavenly Human Realm at such a young age. With such comprehension, I am far inferior. In the future, Daoist Sect will have another expert!”
He had previously thought that Green Ox Swordsman’s words were mostly to support Dragon Mountain Daoist, but now it seemed there was probably some sincerity in them. With this thought, he immediately planned to convince the Sect Leader to support True Martial Sect after returning to True Profound Sect.
Such a potential stock would surely enter the top-tier sequence of Daoist Sect sooner or later.
Carefree Lord also sincerely praised:
“Brother Dragon Mountain being able to create such a peerless sword formation truly impresses me. I, Ren Xiaoyao, have never taken a disciple in my life because I felt my martial arts system was too chaotic. If I could be like Brother Dragon Mountain, I’m afraid I would have already founded a sect!”
Dragon Mountain Daoist listened to the congregation’s praises and suddenly felt a bit uneasy, merely smiling repeatedly in response.
Someone under the stage also heard Carefree Lord’s loud laughter.
Instantly, there were even more gasps of admiration.
Vaguely, words like “Dragon Mountain True Person’s comprehension is peerless” and “Dragon Mountain True Person is truly extraordinary” could be heard. Dragon Mountain Daoist suddenly felt his face slightly flushed. If he were the type to seek fame and reputation, it would be fine, but at this moment, it was just to avoid his young disciple’s sharpness being too prominent, which felt like being roasted over a fire.
Ning Qi listened to the discussions around him and chuckled inwardly.
He didn’t need to look to know what mindset his master had now; he was probably feeling restless.
But it wasn’t a bad thing.
It could be seen from the increasingly amiable and friendly expressions of the martial artists toward True Martial Sect disciples.
Fortunately.
The True Martial Disciples’ sword dance soon ended.
On the training ground, cups clinked and glasses mingled, and the atmosphere grew even more heated.
Someone took the lead, and then everyone stood up, congratulating in unison:
“We congratulate Dragon Mountain True Person on entering the Heavenly Human Realm, henceforth enjoying freedom and ease!”
The congregation’s eyes held reverence and longing. Heavenly Human Realm experts enjoyed a lifespan of eight hundred years, could ride the wind and manipulate celestial phenomena—what difference was there from immortals and gods to ordinary people?
After this Heavenly Human Ceremony, Dragon Mountain Daoist was already honored as a True Person. For Daoist Sect Heavenly Humans, True Person was a mark of glory. White River True Person coming here was an acknowledgment of Dragon Mountain True Person’s status.
Dragon Mountain Daoist stroked his beard and laughed heartily:
“Coming from afar, this poor Daoist is deeply grateful. I only ask everyone to drink this cup to the full!”
He was in high spirits, his mood elated.
A long-cherished wish fulfilled in an instant; henceforth, he would refine himself while revitalizing the sect.
Everyone drained their cups, feeling the excitement of participating in a grand event.
At this point.
The Heavenly Human Ceremony had entered its prime, but what the congregation anticipated most was not this.
What was a Heavenly Human Ceremony?
It was for Heavenly Humans to showcase their majesty and methods.
And Heavenly Humans lecturing on the Dao was naturally an indispensable part.
Why did some Gang Yuan Realm experts, even Core Elixir Realm experts, come from thousands of miles away? It was for this. If the Heavenly Humans could share some insights on breakthroughs, or even fragments of Heavenly Human Realm comprehensions, it would benefit them for life.
Even some with good luck might gain an opportunity from it, a flash of spiritual insight to step into the Heavenly Human Realm.
And newly advanced Heavenly Humans used this chance to “bestow favors,” consolidating their reputation and majesty.
However.
Heavenly Humans lecturing on the Dao was not casual.
The guests coming to observe the ceremony needed to offer “tuition.”
The amount didn’t matter; what mattered was the sincerity. But most people prepared carefully, for if the congratulatory gift was too meager in such a setting, it would lose face. In a sense, this was also an excellent opportunity to enhance their own prestige.
Some guests whose congratulatory gifts they felt were not substantial enough had already given them to True Martial Sect disciples before coming, and those who hadn’t given yet basically had sufficient confidence in their gifts.
At this moment.
As the congratulations ended.
Cangzhou Sea Overturning Gang’s gang leader was the first to stand up. He first scanned the surroundings and cupped his fists apologetically:
“Fellow martial world comrades, this Li Guangde is untalented and will throw out a brick to attract jade first—please excuse my poor offering!”
He respectfully bowed to the Heavenly Humans, then loudly congratulated:
“My Sea Overturning Gang obtained a pair of top-grade luminous pearls some time ago, to congratulate Dragon Mountain True Person on entering the Heavenly Human Realm!”
He slowly opened the purple-gold sandalwood wooden box in his hand, and a pair of exquisitely beautiful pearls entered the congregation’s sight, immediately eliciting low gasps of admiration, especially from some female martial artists, whose eyes showed fascination.
These top-grade luminous pearls had extraordinary quality, emitting a warm luster even under the blazing sun—extremely mystical.
But everyone knew.
These luminous pearls were not just for looks.
“Luminous pearls belong to water. If martial artists cultivating water-attribute inner strength or Gang Yuan hold them, their martial path will see significant gains.”
“Sea Overturning Gang has invested heavily. It’s said they control many waterways in the Cangzhou area, with growing power, top-tier among first-rate forces. Now it seems true!”
“Tsk tsk, no wonder he dared to be the first to stand. He indeed has some real skill.”
In an instant.
Sea Overturning Gang made a big splash. Sea Overturning Gang’s gang leader listened to the surrounding discussions and was secretly delighted, feeling the gift was well worth it.
In the rivers and lakes, it’s not just about fighting and killing; often it’s about acting on reputation and face.
Today, Sea Overturning Gang’s prestige soared, known to more people, making things smoother for the gang members in the future.
Even Ning Qi couldn’t help but look at the pair of luminous pearls a few times.
“If ground into powder, luminous pearls make an excellent medicinal ingredient. Might be useful in the future.”
Although the Quenching Gang Pill’s effects were temporarily unsatisfactory, Ning Qi wouldn’t abandon continuing to study the Pill Way. If resources became abundant later, the Pill Way would greatly aid the Martial Way.
He felt.
After this Heavenly Human Ceremony, True Martial Sect’s treasury would fatten up again.
Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled:
“Gang Leader Li is thoughtful.”
Sea Overturning Gang’s gang leader was delighted but sensibly sat down. Making a splash was enough; today’s protagonist wasn’t him.
And after Li Guangde took the lead, the many experts in the training ground.
Also eagerly offered their congratulatory gifts one after another.
