The sky was clear and crisp, a perfect day for a grand ceremony.
Ji Buwang and Elder Qing Feng, along with a group of elders, had already proceeded to the plaza to officiate.
Xu Yi, however, did not go.
She sat in the grand hall behind the plaza, sipping tea with several teachers from Kunlun Academy.
“Xu Yi, you truly know how to keep your composure,” remarked Teacher Li, glancing at the relaxed Xu Yi with a soft scoff.
He always felt a pang of irritation whenever he saw Xu Yi’s carefree demeanor. She was a prodigy with exceptional talent, yet her conduct was unconventional and unrestrained.
Before Xu Yi could respond, Teacher Yuwen from her side began to defend her.
“Xu Yi is simply confident in her plans. We’ve been meticulously planning for days, waiting for this very moment, so she deserves a moment’s rest.”
Teacher Lian also shot a glare at Teacher Li. “Yuwen is right, old man Li. You’ve lost your edge with age; don’t assume everyone is like you.”
As soon as Teacher Lian spoke, Xu Yi inwardly winced.
As expected, Teacher Li, enraged by Teacher Lian’s words, flew into a rage, rolling up his sleeves to throw a punch. He was held back by Yu Chun Dao and Liu Yin Xiao.
Yet, Teacher Lian, who never shied away from trouble, planted his hands on his hips and taunted, “What, can’t argue so you resort to violence? Come on then. Even if you and that bald donkey Zhi Ming ganged up on me, I wouldn’t fear you anymore.”
Teacher Zhi Ming, who was quietly sipping tea, was inexplicably dragged into the fray, looking utterly innocent. He wasn’t angry; instead, he offered a Buddhist salute and calmly stated, “Teacher Lian has an overactive liver; he should eat more chrysanthemum to cool down.”
“Nonsense! I’m perfectly healthy, you bald donkey! Are you cursing me!”
Seeing the argument escalating and threatening to spill beyond their group, Xu Yi could no longer sit still. She quickly stepped forward to mediate. These were all teachers who had guided her, and Xu Yi understood their temperaments very well.
In less than the time it takes for half a cup of tea, she managed to pacify them and guide them back to their seats.
Teacher Li’s anger had not yet subsided. As he was about to speak, the solemn chime of bells echoed from outside. His expression sharpened, and he said gravely, “The ceremony has begun.”
Xu Yi nodded lightly. “Yes, it’s finally starting.”
On the plaza, the attending cultivators sat with perfect posture, their gazes fixed on the man atop the high platform. Only the reverberating sound of the bells could be heard.
“Thank you, esteemed seniors and fellow Daoists, for attending the Xuan Ji Sect’s grand ceremony. I am Qing Feng, and on behalf of the Xuan Ji Sect, I express my gratitude to all of you. Welcome, esteemed guests who have traveled from afar.”
Elder Qing Feng was the one presiding over the sect’s grand ceremony. He stood on the high platform, clad in the grand elder’s robes of the Xuan Ji Sect, his demeanor serious and imposing, a stark contrast to his usual jovial manner.
The cultivators, who had been brimming with anticipation for the ceremony to commence, gradually calmed down. All eyes were focused on his words. Unnoticed by anyone, in various corners of the seating area, some individuals silently lowered their heads, a fleeting flash of red in their eyes.
From the direction of the Xuan Qing Sect, Long Hao Tian sat behind the sect leader of Qing Lian. His head was turned towards the high platform, but his eyes kept darting backward.
Wang Yi An didn’t notice at first, as his attention was also on the platform. However, being perceptive, he soon sensed Long Hao Tian’s unusual behavior beside him.
He lowered his voice, “Senior Brother Long, what are you looking at?”
Long Hao Tian’s brow twitched, and he shook his head. “Nothing.”
Yesterday, he had learned some secrets from his father that could not be revealed. He was now filled with anxiety but could not confide in Wang Yi An, so he simply brushed it off.
Seeing Long Hao Tian’s expression, Wang Yi An knew something was on his mind. After a moment’s thought, he decided not to pry further. However, he couldn’t help but shift a portion of his attention to Long Hao Tian.
The ceremony proceeded smoothly. Everyone was in high spirits, engaged in pleasant conversation, creating a warm atmosphere.
Elder Qing Feng glanced at the sky, noting that the opportune moment had arrived. He then spoke loudly, “Today, there is also a joyous matter to announce to everyone. I believe you all have already heard about it.”
The crowd stirred, realizing the main event was about to unfold. The reason the Xuan Ji Sect was holding this grand ceremony was for their Ancestor Xu Yi, whose emergence was still a mystery. It was indeed strange, as Xu Yi’s name had been heard before. She had ranked first in the sect’s grand competition, single-handedly dismantled the Zhen Tian Alliance, and defeated its leader, Qiu Yuan Feng. A rising star. This was the general assessment of Xu Yi.
However, no one expected Xu Yi, who had vanished for over a century, to suddenly reappear as the Ancestor of the Xuan Ji Sect, astonishing countless people. Their attendance at this ceremony was primarily to ascertain Xu Yi’s true identity.
Someone called out, “Elder Qing Feng, we are here precisely to celebrate this matter. Please, tell us quickly.”
“Hahaha, please do not be anxious. I shall now invite the Ancestor to grace us with her presence and speak with you all.” Elder Qing Feng responded, then turned towards the grand hall, bowing respectfully. “We respectfully welcome the Ancestor.”
From the sect leader Ji Buwang down to the newest disciples of the Xuan Ji Sect, everyone rose in unison, bowing towards the grand hall and shouting in unison, “We respectfully welcome the Ancestor.”
The overwhelming acclamations sent a chill through the attendees, and their faces instinctively displayed solemnity. Cultivators familiar with Xu Yi also clenched their fists, looking expectantly towards the grand hall.
Just as everyone anticipated Xu Yi’s grand entrance amidst the admiring gazes, several figures suddenly stood up from their seats, emitting eerie cackling laughter.
“Senior Brother Ma, what’s wrong?” Zhao Tian looked at Senior Brother Ma behind her, who had risen and was laughing uncontrollably, finding it strange.
Chi Xiao Xi, seated beside Zhao Tian, turned her head upon hearing this. She happened to catch sight of the sinister glow flashing in Senior Brother Ma’s eyes. A chill coursed through her body. She instinctively grabbed Zhao Tian’s arm, preventing her from stepping forward. This Senior Brother Ma was problematic. She suddenly recalled the odd sensation she had felt earlier, and her heart skipped a beat. Could it be what she suspected?
The Valley Master of Liuli Valley also sensed something amiss and shouted sternly, “Ma Tao, what are you doing! Sit down quickly and do not disrupt the ceremony!”
Ma Tao, however, turned a deaf ear, continuing to laugh maniacally, sending shivers down everyone’s spines.
A similar situation occurred in other seating areas. Wang Yi An, observing the peculiar behavior of Junior Brother Liu not far away, and then looking at Long Hao Tian, who was clenching his fist with an inexplicable look of excitement, became lost in thought. The direction Long Hao Tian had been looking backward earlier seemed to be exactly where Junior Brother Liu was seated. This was likely no coincidence.
The guests attending the ceremony, witnessing such bizarre behavior from familiar sect members or disciples from neighboring sects, couldn’t help but murmur amongst themselves. This seemed like a bad omen. However, to their surprise, the Xuan Ji Sect did not react. The Xuan Ji disciples stood their ground, watching everything impassively, as if they had anticipated this. Everyone suddenly realized that something significant was about to happen today.