Chapter 5, The Grand Ceremony of the Golden Elixir

Your Highness, the intertwining of divine thoughts appears chaotic and noisy if a powerful practitioner uses their spiritual awareness to listen

Do not remain silent! Do you really think you can keep the Golden Elixir Master in the dark with your whispers?

Before the table, the discussed Ying Tianxiao sat quietly on the mat, his eyes slightly closed, ignoring the surroundings. At the table sat a young Daoist in a bright red robe, attended by two female disciples who were serving him wine, their expressions a mix of smiles and non-smiles. Suddenly, he greeted, "Daoist Ying, we meet again. It has been four or five decades, yet it seems that you are the only one from the Shaoyang Sect who is active outside."

Your Highness, there are two rows of tables arranged, and upon a rough count, there are at least two to three hundred of them. Many guests have already taken their seats at the tables. A closer look reveals that in the rear section of the grand hall, the seats are occupied by cultivators from smaller sects and loose cultivators with relatively low cultivation levels, while in the front section, the seats are taken by experts from sects that are slightly inferior to the Three Sects and Six Schools of Dongsheng Continent, or by Golden Core masters among the loose cultivators.

Xu Zhuang sat cross-legged on the mat, and the table was already set with the highest quality spiritual fruit and celestial tea, pastries, and beverages. Among them, one dish contained four fruits, the size of longan, round and smooth like pearl balls, with a blood-red hue, resembling vermilion fruits. Although they were not aged for long, they were still quite precious. The disciples from Vietnam, including Li Changfeng, could only stand at the back, their eyes wide with astonishment.

This single process consumed half a day, and only then could the formal congratulations be considered concluded

As a dignified Nascent Soul, it is amusing to serve as a congratulatory gift for the Grand Ceremony of the Golden Elixir, but if it can leave a good connection in the heart of the Pure Yang True Monarch, it would be greatly worthwhile

It turns out to be a Grade One Five Elements True Sand. This single grain of Five Elements True Sand contains spiritual energy comparable to that of thousands of spirit stones. Such a grade is valued no less than a small spiritual vein. The richness in spiritual energy is not the only aspect that makes this item precious; it contains the Five Elements True Spirit, which is complete in all five elements, manifesting as it is born. It is said that regardless of the cultivation method or magical power practiced, it can be refined at will, directly increasing magical power without any loss, making it a coveted treasure for practitioners.

Do you see the appearance of this meteorite dojo? Does it have any grandeur? This time, the Tai Xuan Sect is hosting the Golden Elixir Grand Ceremony, which is sure to celebrate individuals who have achieved high-grade Golden Elixirs. The three sects and six factions are known as the nine great sects of the Eastern Victory Continent. If high-grade Golden Elixir masters do not attend, wouldn't that be a disgrace?

Is the Tai Xuan Sect really that impressive? I have heard that representatives from the three sects and six factions are coming, each of whom is a master of the top-grade Golden Elixir.

At last, the guests have all arrived, and the auspicious hour has come. The long bell tolls one after another, resonating far and wide. After a full nine tolls, a young Daoist priest with a star crown on his head entered, accompanied by a ceremonial procession. He was tall and slender, with a sharp appearance, and his expression bore a hint of pride that he did not attempt to conceal

Two days later, the sky is high and the air is fresh, with white clouds floating in abundance

Above the main hall is placed a white jade armchair, beside which stands Jiang Han, dressed in a Daoist robe, with a steady demeanor

For the masses, there is nothing that cannot be accepted. The Nascent Soul appears exceedingly exalted in the eyes of ordinary people; however, for those of the highest grade Golden Core, breaking the core to become an infant is a natural progression, and it is not inappropriate to consider them as fellow practitioners.

Who is the Daoist, daring to sit at the forefront of the three sects and six schools, ranking among the foremost of all cultivators? It turns out that they indeed possess this qualification

It is indeed peculiar that a distinguished Nascent Soul cultivator would attend the Golden Core Ceremony of juniors, which naturally led to strange expressions among the gathered cultivators. It is likely that some were secretly mocking him, thinking: a dignified Nascent Soul cultivator, attending to offer congratulations for the Golden Core, all to flatter the Taixuan Sect, has completely lost his dignity.

At this moment, Jiang Han also stood up again and said in a loud voice: "Fellow Daoists, the other day I made an agreement with several Daoists from the three sects and six schools to hold a small Dharma assembly during today's grand ceremony, allowing the disciples to exchange insights on the 'Diagram' and 'Book'.

The Celestial Being has arrived

Ying Tianxiao raised an eyebrow; in nearly a century, the six major authentic teachings of Tai Su had gained fame across the divine land, clearly indicating a flourishing fortune, akin to fire cooking oil. Unexpectedly, another high-grade Golden Elixir was born so soon. Reflecting on his own Shaoyang Sect, although there were over ten authentic teachings, only he had achieved the high-grade Golden Elixir, creating a stark contrast between the old and the new. He could not help but open his eyes to take a look.

Yang Lian's expression was playful, as if he had more to say. Suddenly, his expression darkened, and he heard the sound of ceremonial music from outside the hall, announcing: "The Great Pure Authenticity, Master Xu Zhuang has arrived!"

At this moment, the time was drawing near, and the calling of names outside the hall was incessant. Soon, Yu Jing and others from Xuanzong also arrived one after another. After Yu Jing took her seat in the first position on the right, a long-standing Golden Elixir Master from Lingbao Sect, named Xie Zonghuan, took his seat in the second position on the left... Thus, with the arrival of the three sects and six schools, only the first position on the left remained unoccupied among the top ten.

Upon hearing these words, the disciples of the minor sects and the wandering cultivators in the court displayed their joy openly, with many of them rubbing their fists in anticipation, eager to take action.

However, times have changed; this day marks the first Golden Elixir Ceremony of the Tai Xuan Sect. At this moment, within the celestial palace on Tai Xuan Peak, it is bustling with activity, a stark contrast to the usual tranquility.

Is that the Five-Clawed Flame Dragon Yang Lian from the Heavenly Fire Sect? And who is that person?

A disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect held a jade plate, on which lay a precious substance resembling true sand. Each grain was shaped like a jade pearl, plump and round, translucent and bright, with internal energy swirling like clouds and mist, suffused with five colors.

Such a scene seems to have exceeded the expectations of many, provoking considerable discussion. Among the disciples accompanying the masters of the three sects and six schools, some have begun to express their dissatisfaction, while Yu Jing, Xu Zhuang, and others remain composed.

Xu Zhuang, under the guidance of a disciple from the Tai Xuan Sect's inner circle, arrived at the front of the main hall and took a seat at the second table on the right, still ahead of Yang Lian and the books.

After everyone sat back at the table, Qiao Feifeng formally took his seat in the armchair. At this moment, Jiang Han walked in front of him with a smile and said: "Junior Brother Qiao, on behalf of the sect, I congratulate you on achieving the upper-grade golden elixir."

As soon as this object appeared, it immediately caused a slight stir, yet no one raised their voice in commotion

At this moment, the various cultivators within the hall began to partake of the spiritual fruits and celestial tea on the tables. Disciples of the Tai Xuan Sect and maidservants entered in succession, occasionally refilling the guests' tea and water, and replenishing the spiritual fruits

In this regard, it is fortunate that the Shaoyang Sect still has a top-grade Golden Elixir in contemporary times

However, Xu Zhuang is seated in the second position on the right, with three seats ahead. It is likely that these are the positions of the other two sects, the Upper Xuan Sect and the Ling Bao Sect. As for the remaining seat, it is intriguing to wonder who this esteemed individual is, capable of being ranked above Tai Su and even before the three sects.

Although it did not cause an uproar at the moment, it still surprised many, including Xu Zhuang and others, who could not help but show strange expressions

One could see that the newcomer had striking features, with eyebrows that soared into the hairline and a pair of eyes that sparkled like the stars. Dressed in a ceremonial robe with flowing sleeves, even someone of the caliber of Ying Tianxiao could only secretly admire him, for his demeanor was extraordinary

The Nascent Soul practitioner, the Nascent Spirit infant, can already be regarded with the respectful title of a great cultivator, and is also referred to as a venerable one. In today's cultivation world of the Divine Continent, where the Nascent Spirit True Person does not manifest, the Nascent Soul Venerable is seen as the pinnacle of the cultivation realm in the eyes of ordinary cultivators, and naturally has the qualification to occupy the foremost seat

This is because the Three Sects and Six Schools, commonly referred to as the Nine Great Gates, have actually been transmitting their teachings for countless years, consistently holding the orthodox status of the Xuanmen in the Eastern Victory Continent, and are subtly positioned above the Six Schools. Although Xu Zhuang's time in ascending to the Golden Elixir is still short and he is not as renowned as Yang Lian, Ying Tianxiao, and others, he still must sit before them.

Xu Zhuang indeed does not entertain such trivial thoughts. After all, in the eyes of ordinary cultivators, the Yuanying Zunzhang is a lofty existence. The Yuanshen Zhenren and figures from *Tushu* are beings of the celestial and divine level, existing only in legends. In reality, for common cultivators, the Jindan Master often represents the pinnacle of cultivation.

The Taoist approached the Lingyu armchair in the hall amidst the sounds of congratulations, turned around, and clasped his hands in salute, saying: "Qiao Feifeng expresses gratitude to all fellow Taoists. Please take a seat."

Tai Xuan Peak, as the name suggests, is the core of the Tai Xuan Sect and the Fallen Star Daoist Temple. Normally, it is absolutely impossible for outsiders to enter.

Once these words were spoken, they naturally caused a stir of astonishment. Some well-informed individuals had already been aware, but many others felt that the Golden Elixir Grand Ceremony of the Supreme Profound Sect was indeed far from tranquil, and it had finally reached a critical moment

Jiang Hanchong of the Three Schools and Six Sects, the true disciples nodded in agreement, receiving a small cup from the hands of the disciples behind them. He raised his hand and said: "As the host of this Dharma assembly, our Tai Xuan Sect naturally must present some incentives. This item is called 'Jade Yang Divine Sand', which shares a similar efficacy with the Five Elements True Sand. While the Five Elements True Sand can directly enhance one's magical power, the Jade Yang Divine Sand can naturally purify magical energy. Today, whichever disciple can achieve first place will be rewarded with this item."

As for Xu Zhuang and the others who are true disciples of the Dao Sect, they deeply understand that the True Person of the Primordial Spirit, who transcends the threshold of life and death, achieves longevity and eternal vision, is fundamentally different from the likes of Golden Elixir and Primordial Infant, not to mention the Pure Yang True Monarch, which represents an entirely different concept

Ying Tianxiao maintained a calm expression, replying without even opening his eyes: "As the foremost true disciple, it is my duty to strive for the sect, so there is no need for Brother Yang to worry."

The young man in question was none other than Yang Lian, a true disciple of the Tianhuo Sect, who had previously engaged in a brief encounter with Xu Zhuang.

Who is the Starry Constellation Sage? He is a renowned Nascent Soul cultivator in the realm of spiritual practice in the Divine Continent, known as the Venerable One

Upon seeing him enter, Jiang Han finally moved in the main hall, first cupping his hands and saying: "Congratulations to Junior Brother Qiao for achieving the Superior Grade Golden Core Elixir." All the seated cultivators, including the Starry Sky Master, immediately stood up and collectively said: "Congratulations to Daoist Friend Qiao / Senior for achieving the Superior Grade Golden Core."

After Jiang Han finished his congratulations, the Starry Immortal, as the chief guest, slowly stood up and stepped forward. He came alone and unexpectedly took out a jade box from his sleeve, personally presenting it to Qiao Feifeng as a congratulatory gift. Following this, the three sects and six factions, including Xu Zhuang and others, presented the gifts prepared by their respective sects, and subsequently, other cultivators also came forward one by one

After a while, as the auspicious hour approached, all the tables in the main hall were filled with monks. Just as everyone was eagerly anticipating the seat of honor, the long-awaited call of names suddenly resounded once more.

At the front of the main hall, the table is clearly designated as the seating area for the guests from the three sects and six factions. At this moment, some individuals have already taken their seats, prompting the guests in the hall to engage in hushed discussions.

As soon as this name was mentioned, a disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect was seen leading a person into the main hall, heading straight for the seat of honor. The newcomer had white hair yet a youthful face, was tall and broad-shouldered, and wore a blue robe adorned with star and constellation patterns, cloud motifs, and symbols of incantation, radiating a splendid light and exuding a pure aura

Of course, fellow cultivators, or disciples and students, as long as your cultivation is still at the Dao Foundation stage, you are welcome to participate if you have the intention to do so

As soon as Fang Yi took his seat, he heard the names being called from outside the hall. The members of the Yuxiao Sect entered under guidance, and in this formal occasion, it was Lin Shanshang, as the true disciple, who led the way. Lin Ling could only attend to her side, not forgetting to wink at Xu Zhuang. The group then settled down beside Xu Zhuang, in the third seat on the right, and naturally, there was a round of pleasantries.

The celestial being of the Star Constellation is unaware of the thoughts harbored by the cultivators on either side, or perhaps is aware but indifferent, quietly following the guidance to settle at the main seat, while smilingly nodding in acknowledgment to several Golden Elixir masters from the three sects and six schools.

Hehe, you haven't seen this before, that is the only top-grade Golden Elixir Master of the Shaoyang Sect in contemporary times, Ying Tianxiao