A few days later, the Dragon Country's celebration banquet officially commenced.
Within the Dragon Capital, countless martial arts powerhouses had gathered from all directions, specifically to witness this celebratory feast.
In a grand hotel in the Dragon Capital, numerous tables were laid out. The attending masters were seated in order. Despite their injuries, they could not miss such a grand celebration.
The atmosphere within the hotel was lively, with many beaming with pride. Those who had managed to enter this hotel were all renowned for their distinguished military achievements.
In addition to these individuals, envoys from other countries were also present, including the Xuanwu Empire. The Xuanwu Empire had dispatched many strong individuals to provide aid during the battle in the outer regions, and the Dragon Country was deeply grateful to them.
At the main table of the banquet hall, the elders were seated in order, seemingly awaiting someone.
"Why hasn't that kid arrived yet?" Elder Nine inquired, "Could it be that he intends to make a grand entrance?"
"I believe he does!" Elder Seven smiled, "But he also has the strength for it! He is now revered as a guardian deity, holding a higher status in the Dragon Country than we do!"
"The capable shall lead!" Elder Four smiled, "His strength speaks for itself. If any of you are not convinced, you are welcome to compare yourselves."
The others exchanged glances, their faces instantly contorting into wry smiles. They knew that even Yan Cangtian had been defeated by Lu Fan, and they were no match for him anymore.
Shortly thereafter, Lu Fan and his companions arrived at the banquet hall, appearing energetic and spirited. Jiang Meili and Lin Ke accompanied him, dressed in elegant dresses.
As Lu Fan entered, many martial artists in the banquet hall rose to their feet, their expressions becoming solemn. They gazed intently at Lu Fan. If not for Lu Fan's decisive intervention in the battle of the outer regions, the Dragon Country would likely have been in grave peril.
"Lu kid, you've timed your arrival perfectly!" Elder Four smiled, "A chair has been specially reserved for you here!"
"This table is for the elders; wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to sit here?" Lu Fan smiled.
"What's inappropriate about it? Within the Dragon Country, your reputation far surpasses ours. It is only fitting for you to sit here!" Elder Four smiled, "We mustn't dampen the spirits at today's celebration!"
"Then I shall gratefully accept," Lu Fan nodded slightly, not paying it much mind.
It was merely a seat, and he naturally wouldn't dwell on it.
Once most of the guests had arrived, Elder Four ascended the main stage. "If not for the assistance of the Qingyun Sect in the battle of the outer regions, we would have likely been annexed! After deliberation by all elders, we hereby grant the Qingyun Sect the title of 'Guardian Sect of the Nation.' Henceforth, within the Dragon Country, the Qingyun Sect shall have jurisdiction over any region, free from the restrictions of the Dragon Country's headquarters!"
As his words fell, everyone rose in disbelief. Even Lu Fan looked astonished, "Elder Four, why didn't you discuss this with me?"
"The Qingyun Sect suffered countless casualties in the outer regions. Although you were not directly involved, you were willing to sacrifice yourselves for the nation. As an elder of the Dragon Country, how could I let you feel disheartened?" Elder Four's expression was solemn.
The members of the Qingyun Sect were filled with fervor. They had not expected the Qingyun Sect to be chosen as the Guardian Sect of the Nation, as this was an honor of immense prestige.
In ancient times, some sects had been chosen as Guardian Sects of the Nation, but these sects were exceptionally powerful and not comparable to ordinary sects.
After bestowing the sect's title, Elder Four turned his gaze to the many experts from the outer regions of the Dragon Country. "You have guarded the outer regions your entire lives, and your contributions to this battle were immense. All of you shall be promoted by one rank!"
Upon hearing this, the martial arts experts were filled with excitement. While the promotion itself did not stir great emotion, receiving the recognition of the Dragon Country, even unto death, would be without fear.
Having concluded these matters, Elder Four's gaze fell upon Long Aotian. "Next, it is your turn!"
The members of the Dragon Group looked on with excitement, their gazes fixed on Long Aotian. They knew very well that Long Aotian had broken through to the War King realm, and he would undoubtedly play a significant role in the Dragon Country's future.
"Long Aotian has always managed the Dragon Group with utmost dedication, and his performance in the outer regions battle was exceptionally outstanding!" Elder Four stated directly, "Henceforth, you shall be the 10th Elder of the Dragon Country!"
Long Aotian was startled, a hint of panic on his face. Although he had some inkling, he was still deeply moved when it actually happened. Su Dan Novel Network
"The 10th Elder of the Dragon Country!"
Han Bing and the others rejoiced. This had always been Long Aotian's aspiration: to become an elder of the Dragon Country and work for the welfare of its people. All of this filled them with ecstatic joy.
"My qualifications are still shallow; I fear I may not be fit for the position of Elder!" Long Aotian spoke, his expression earnest.
"Your strength has reached the War King realm, and you have dedicated considerable effort to the affairs of the Dragon Country over the years. Your appointment as the 10th Elder is entirely normal," Elder Four waved his hand, "So there is no need to decline!"
Upon hearing this, Long Aotian nodded slightly, finding it difficult to refuse further. Today was, after all, a celebration banquet, and he could not dampen the spirits of everyone present.
"Other members of the Dragon Group, you must intensify your cultivation in the future. If you can become War King powerhouses, you may enter the Elder Council!" Elder Four stated directly, "This is the most direct opportunity; do not miss it lightly!"
The members of the Dragon Group nodded in unison. They were talents cultivated by the Dragon Country at great cost and were naturally expected to train diligently and serve the nation in the future.
After bestowing rewards upon everyone, Elder Four turned his attention to Elder Yeshan of the Xuanwu Kingdom. "If not for your country's intervention this time, our Dragon Country might not have achieved such success. In the future, should the Xuanwu Kingdom encounter any difficulties, the Dragon Country will spare no effort to assist!"
"Elder Four, there is no need for such formality!" Elder Yeshan smiled, "If not for relying on the Dragon Country these past few years, the Xuanwu Kingdom would have long since vanished. Moreover, Xuanwu and the Dragon Country have been amicable for generations. If the Dragon Country were destroyed, Xuanwu would surely suffer the same fate, as they are as inseparable as lips and teeth!"
"The Xuanwu Kingdom also sustained losses this time. The Dragon Country has prepared numerous rare treasures and medicinal herbs. After the celebration banquet concludes, we hope Elder Yeshan will not be too modest to accept them!" Elder Four spoke again.
Elder Yeshan initially intended to refuse, but seeing Elder Four's genuine sincerity, he could only accept. The Xuanwu Kingdom had indeed suffered losses among its martial artists, but these losses were negligible to the Dragon Country.
Having completed all these matters, Elder Four finally turned his gaze to Lu Fan. "If not for your selfless protection in the outer regions battle, the Dragon Country would surely cease to exist!"
At this point, Elder Four produced a token. "This was given to me by the Grand Elder before he went into seclusion, entrusting me with the governance of the nation! Now, this token shall be passed on to you!"
The assembled crowd was slightly taken aback. The token in Elder Four's hand represented supreme authority; it was the Grand Elder's Edict.