Chapter 965: Conclusion of the Grand Ceremony, News from the Daolord of the Pantheon Sect
Chapter 965: Conclusion of the Grand Ceremony, News from the Daolord of the Pantheon Sect
Editor: Henyee Translations
As the auspicious moment arrived and all guests were present, the celestial altar of the Haoran Sect was bustling with activity. This time, those seated in the inner circle of the celestial altar were the high-ranking members of various sects.
As the ceremony commenced with the playing of ritual music, similar to the previous succession ceremony, mythical beasts soared and radiant light spread under the sounds of drums and horns, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Jiang Chengxuan, dressed in the formal attire of the Sect Master of the Haoran Sect, appeared at the highest platform, hand in hand with Shen Ruyan. The necessary procedures were quite similar to those of the succession ceremony but on a grander scale, and this time, Shen Ruyan was by his side.
In such a diplomatic setting, it was appropriate for Shen Ruyan, as Jiang Chengxuan’s partner, to appear together. Moreover, the people of Thunderclap Valley also preferred this, as it demonstrated the close relationship between the two sects.
Following them, Qin Shenwu and Xue Ping arrived side by side, their formidable presence awe-inspiring. In front of the guests from various sects, they did not restrain their auras but displayed their formidable presence openly, completing the ascension ritual for Jiang Chengxuan once again.
Jiang Chengxuan too, displayed his strength unabashedly, bathed in celestial light, commanding and dignified.
The display of strength by the three of them undoubtedly shocked all the sects present, reinforced by the celestial light from the upper realms. This demonstrated the profound foundation of the Haoran Sect, which was now under Jiang Chengxuan’s control.
The main purpose of the grand ceremony was to formalize this fact.
Once the ascension ritual was completed, the formal exchange of greetings and gifts began.
Jiang Chengxuan, accompanied by Shen Ruyan, descended to personally greet and get acquainted with the leaders of each sect, discussing matters concerning relations between their sects.
Then, the time came to present the gifts, which were announced loudly by an appointed announcer.
“The Qian Family presents a Treasure Money Tree, wishing Sect Master Jiang prosperity…”
“The Flying Gate presents a heaven-connecting spiritual treasure, wishing Sect Master Jiang…”
“The Northern Region’s Extreme Yin Sect presents a Polar Dragon Flower…”
“The Northern Region’s Frozen Heavens Doorway presents a box of Ice Essence…”
“The Western Region’s Tianzhu Sect presents a Nine-Hearted Spirit Bull Herb…”
Representatives from sects across the Floodgate Realm, from the Northern to the Western regions, gathered to present their gifts, making the occasion even more spectacular.
These were the forces that had received Jiang Chengxuan’s assistance during the Five Realms War, and they were now repaying their gratitude.
Among them, Jiang Chengxuan and Shen Ruyan saw many old acquaintances, such as Saint Extreme Yin and Saint Frozen Heavens, who had personally come to present their gifts. After a long time without seeing each other, their reunion involved lengthy exchanges of pleasantries.
“The Pantheon Sect presents an Arcane Celestial Treasure, wishing Sect Master Jiang a prosperous martial future!”
This announcement undoubtedly stunned everyone present. The Pantheon Sect had given Jiang Chengxuan such a significant gift, raising questions about the depth of their relationship.
Even for a lavish sect like the Pantheon, an Arcane Celestial Treasure was typically reserved for use by the sect’s Daolords.
The crowd turned towards the Pantheon Sect’s delegation, and even Jiang Chengxuan was taken aback.
Leading the Pantheon Sect’s delegation was none other than the Daolord of the Pantheon Sect!
Even Qin Shenwu raised an eyebrow in surprise at his presence.
“Daolord of the Pantheon, your visit honors our sect immensely,” Jiang Chengxuan said, welcoming the esteemed guest.
Despite it being their first meeting, the cordiality displayed by the Daolord of the Pantheon left a good impression on Jiang Chengxuan.
The Daolord’s gift was indeed generous.
“Too kind, too kind.”
Jiang Chengxuan responded with a smile, engaging in a conversation that, despite being their first, was surprisingly congenial.
After this small interlude, the grand ceremony continued without any further surprises and concluded successfully.
Jiang Chengxuan now had a good understanding of the forces within the Floodgate Realm, and the sect leaders who attended today were now acquaintances.
Future collaborations between the sects would likely proceed smoothly, which was one of the significances of this ascension ceremony.
As the drums fell silent and the banquet ended, the Haoran Sect, crowded with people, returned to tranquility amid farewells.
Jiang Chengxuan watched as the guests departed, finally allowing himself a moment of relaxation.
Just then, his master, Qin Shenwu approached with a light chuckle, clapping Jiang Chengxuan on the shoulder, about to share some words of encouragement or perhaps a casual comment. However, his attention was suddenly drawn to an unexpected visitor.
“Daolord of the Pantheon, it’s been a long time,” Qin Shenwu greeted warmly, standing beside Jiang Chengxuan as they both faced the newcomer—today’s leader of the Pantheon Sect’s delegation, the Daolord himself.
“Daolord, what brings you here alone? Is there something that still needs to be addressed?” Jiang Chengxuan asked politely, acknowledging their newfound acquaintance from earlier in the day.
“Indeed,” the Daolord of the Pantheon began, nodding first at Qin Shenwu before addressing both of them. “Today, besides congratulating the new Sect Master of the Haoran Sect, I also came to deliver a piece of news that I thought you should know.”
He smiled at Jiang Chengxuan and Qin Shenwu, who both sensed that there was more to his visit than just ceremonial pleasantries. The presence of such a high-ranking figure at a routine ceremony was unusual.
Given Jiang Chengxuan’s speculation during the day that there might be more to the Daolord’s visit, he was prepared for a significant revelation.
“Heh, please speak, Daolord. If there’s any way we can assist, I’m all ears,” Jiang Chengxuan responded, inviting the Daolord to continue.
“In fact, my Pantheon Sect recently discovered an ancient ruin in the outer territories, believed to be the cave abode of an immortal!”
The Daolord’s announcement caused both Jiang Chengxuan and Qin Shenwu to take a sharp intake of breath. This was clearly no trivial matter; it was something that would warrant the personal attention of a Daolord.
A celestial cave dwelling!
The significance of such words was clear to any cultivator. Anything related to immortals invariably involved unparalleled secrets and treasures.
“And…?” Jiang Chengxuan prompted, eager to hear more.
“Since I’ve mentioned it, naturally, there’s only one request I have,” the Daolord continued. “I hope that Daolord Shenwu and Sect Master Jiang can join forces with my Pantheon Sect to explore it. The treasures within, we would distribute according to each party’s contributions.”
This was precisely the sort of proposal Jiang Chengxuan had been hoping for. The Daolord was not only sharing potentially monumental information but also offering a share in the discovery, likely seeing potential in Jiang Chengxuan’s capabilities and the reputation of the Haoran Sect.
Perhaps, he was also banking on Jiang Chengxuan’s emerging influence and the inherent integrity of the Haoran Sect.