Across the vast land, amid mountains, rivers, lakes, and marshes.
The wild-haired gods of the mountains, the Earth Gods, and the City Gods all raised their heads, looking toward the heavenly splendor and golden radiance descending upon the Central Plains Kingdom. Though separated by tens of thousands of miles, they still saw the Daoist ascending into the heavens.
Within that heavenly splendor and golden brilliance, heavenly flowers fell in profusion, clear radiance rippled outward, immortal birds and Cloud Cranes circled about, while golden carp and jade dragons manifested.
Within that rosy glow and auspicious mist, the Daoist's features could not be seen clearly. Yet the mountain gods, Earth Gods, City Gods, and Water Lords were certain that he had to be a figure of magnificent bearing and handsome grace.
Even a bamboo crown and cloth robes could not conceal his quality. Like a banished immortal ascending to heaven, he left behind only the echoing sounds of the Dao. Celestial phenomena shone together in dazzling splendor, filling the living beings of the ten kingdoms with boundless envy.
Such celestial phenomena could be seen clearly not merely from tens of thousands of miles away—even from the very end of the world.
This was not merely for the creatures of this world to see. It was also for all the talented prodigies and Dao scions participating in the competition to see:
The first Azure Edict contestant had appeared. You all had better work harder.
"An edict talisman from Great Emperor Huangtian. This man truly has excellent fortune—he is about to become an official in the Heavenly Palace."
"From now on, he will be a true god in the heavens. When will wild-haired gods like us ever enter the Great Emperor's eyes...?"
"That is the renowned Sword Immortal Jiang of recent years. I heard