Ming Xiao True Monarch's Nascent Soul Ceremony

"Very good!"

Chu Tianze was overjoyed upon hearing this. "If I had known that Brother Xiao had the Barrier Breaking Flag here, I wouldn't have had to run around asking for information."

"To be honest, before coming here, I was worried that the rumors I had received might be unreliable."

"Now I can finally relax."

Chu Tianze visibly breathed a sigh of relief before remembering the reward: "Brother Xiao, can I exchange for different spiritual items in two separate transactions?"

"This time, let's exchange for 100,000 Spirit Stone and this Barrier Breaking Flag."

"Please save the rest for me first, and we'll decide what to exchange it for after we return from the Earth Dragon Relic."

When he inquired about the situation beforehand, he heard that there were many kinds of spiritual objects in the Earth Dragon Relic, and it all depended on one's own fortuitous opportunity.

Some people searched for over a month but only obtained a handful of rare Spirit Herb.

Some people, after only three days inside, unexpectedly obtained the True Essence Convergence Pill, which helps them break through to the Golden Core stage.

Therefore, for Chu Tianze, the best way to maximize his benefits is not to rush to claim the reward.

Instead, they used 100,000 Spirit Stone to purchase elixirs and Talisman, making full preparations for exploring the ruins.

Then, after emerging from the Earth Dragon Relic, he would decide, based on his specific gains, which additional spiritual items he needed to exchange for.

"Of course, no problem!"

Xiao Chen agreed without hesitation, "You can think about it slowly later and figure out exactly what you're missing."

"When you've made up your mind, just bring a list and come find me."

After saying that, he handed over the Barrier Breaking Flag along with 100,000 Spirit Stone to the other party.

After Chu Tianze accepted the Barrier Breaking Flag, he looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Xiao Chen immediately added, "Also, we don't need to count the Spirit Stone for this flag; consider it a prize for your diligent investigation."

For him, this Barrier Breaking Flag was neither useful for his own use nor worth much money to sell.

It would be better to use that money to encourage the other person to collect the Magic Treasure Fragment; that's the really important thing.

"Hehe, I can't possibly accept that."

Although Chu Tianze said that, he actually put the Barrier Breaking Flag into his personal Storage Bag.

Xiao Chen saw through it but didn't say anything, "What's there to be embarrassed about? Since you call me 'Big Brother,' I should definitely take care of you, right?"

Also, remember to be careful.

"Once you enter the Earth Dragon Relic, don't rush. Remember, protecting yourself is the most important thing."

"Based on this, we can then slowly explore for the remaining fragments."

"Once you return safely, I'll take you to the auction in the second half of the year."

Although it sounded like he was just being polite, Xiao Chen was actually speaking from the heart.

In terms of sentiment, it was Xiao Chen who brought Chu Tianze from a place that was almost like an isolated island to the much larger world of the Compassion Sea.

He was also one of the few cultivators he was relatively familiar with here.

Logically speaking, Xiao Chen felt that Chu Tianze had good Fortune and was very suitable to act as a human-shaped Treasure Seeking Rat.

For example, places like the Earth Dragon Relic, which restrict entry to high-level cultivators, could be used to secure a spot for him to explore.

What if he unexpectedly gains something like a Fourth-Order Spiritual Item or Ancient Magic Treasure Fragment?

Ultimately, Xiao Chen is still the beneficiary.

After all, it's better to sell directly to him than to risk selling those things to someone you don't know.

It's both safe and generous; you simply can't find another like it.

Therefore, both emotionally and rationally, Xiao Chen hoped that Chu Tianze could return safely.

Even though, for safety reasons, they were unable to retrieve the fragments this time.

He can also help collect the remaining Barrier Breaking Flag and start over.

Therefore, what Xiao Chen said was truly sincere and heartfelt.

Chu Tianze could naturally feel that simple sincerity, and he was somewhat moved as well.

Brother Xiao is a good person!

In the treacherous and sometimes brutally ruthless Cultivation World, it is truly rare to encounter such a kind and compassionate person.

Rumors had long circulated that Xiao Chen had previously dealt with Human Race Traitor one by one in the New Ruin, killing without blinking an eye.

Moreover, he always keeps to himself and is mostly a cold and ruthless person.

Chu Tianze initially felt that there was some truth to it, but now it seems that it was purely a misunderstanding caused by a small number of people who did not understand the real situation.

Traitors should be treated with the same ruthlessness as a harsh winter.

In contrast, when dealing with others, whether it was himself or the one who guarded the Golden Core, Brother Xiao was clearly very approachable.

"Yes, I will definitely be careful."

Chu Tianze nodded seriously, and then rushed to the Earth Dragon Relic.

Xiao Chen originally wanted to persuade him to stay and participate in the upcoming Nascent Soul Ceremony.

However, seeing that he was already eager to use the Barrier Breaking Flag, they didn't linger.

Anyway, there will be more and more ceremonies like this in the future.

Once the Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill becomes widely available, its ripple effect will inevitably lead to an increase in the number of high-level cultivators in the Compassion Sea.

In a few hundred years, there will likely be several times more Nascent Soul True Lord than there are now.

Given Chu Tianze's potential and age, he will inevitably have to participate in many Nascent Soul Ceremony in the future.

But that's a matter for the future.

In this day and age, the Nascent Soul Ceremony is still a rare event.

Therefore, the Azure Sea Immortal Sect also made exceptionally careful preparations.

In the final days, Xiao Chen could see many inner disciple taking on various tasks and participating in the preparations for the grand ceremony.

They thoroughly turmoiled the entire area within a thousand miles, from top to bottom and inside to outside.

It's worth mentioning that on the fourth to last day, for some reason, all the original red lanterns were suddenly removed and replaced with a lighter shade of blue.

That evening, when Xiao Chen attended Tea Party, he learned that it was because Ming Xiao True Monarch seemed to possess a rare Wind Spiritual Root.

So someone suggested that the bright red lanterns looked too tacky, and it would be better to change them to cyan to represent the attribute of wind.

As the saying goes, the spring breeze has turned the south bank of the Yangtze River green again.

It subtly aligns with the fact that Ming Xiao True Monarch possesses Wind Spiritual Root, while also adding a touch of novelty and charm.

Then, on the third-to-last day, they suddenly and hastily removed all the blue lanterns and replaced them all with silver ones.

The reason is simple: light blue is easily mistaken for Wood Spiritual Root.

That wasn't all. On the second-to-last day before the ceremony, the Azure Sea Immortal Sect once again repainted all the brand-new silver lanterns with gold powder.

"What kind of explanation is this?"

Xiao Chen, holding a cup of tea, lay back in a rocking chair, watching his busy disciples below. "Blue and silver can both be said to be somewhat related to the trend, but gold shouldn't be associated with it, right?"

However, the Gang Yuan True Monarch nearby said, "This was an idea I suggested to Daoist Iron Fan last night."

"While silver can represent the Wind Spiritual Root, gold and silver have always been related."

"Whether from an appearance standpoint or from its connotations, silver doesn't convey the same grandeur or wealth as gold."

"Look down there, it's all golden now, isn't it beautiful!"

Good grief, so it was your terrible idea!

Xiao Chen was speechless. What kind of reason was that?

You keep switching them around like this, and outsiders don't know the inside story. They'll just look at the golden lanterns and feel confused.

It is both an unusual and special decoration, and has nothing to do with the main character of the ceremony Ming Xiao True Monarch.

However, Iron Fan True Monarch quickly realized this as well.

So, on the last day before the ceremony, they urgently arranged for the disciples to remove all the golden lanterns and replace them with the traditional bright red lanterns.

After all, tradition represents stability and classicism.

After some back and forth, they switched back to the original, old version of the plan.

"Actually, traditionally speaking, there have been times when purplish-red was the main color..."

Gang Yuan True Monarch Gangyuan, not content with just talking, was even thinking of new suggestions.

"Stop!"

However, he was interrupted by Iron Fan True Monarch, who happened to arrive just in time. "No need to change it, there's no time to change it anyway, just keep it as it is."

He then cleared his throat lightly and formally bowed to all directions, saying, "On behalf of my junior Junior Brother Ming Xiao and the entire Azure Sea Immortal Sect, I welcome all fellow cultivators to our presence."

"A platform has been prepared at the Main Peak, and all fellow practitioners are welcome to move to the summit at any time to observe the ceremony."

"Junior Brother Ming Xiao is already waiting over there."

According to seniority and experience, Ming Xiao True Monarch should take the initiative to pay respects to some of the Veteran True Lord present.

But as the host of today's ceremony, it's inconvenient for him to travel around.

So Iron Fan True Monarch announced on his behalf that the Nascent Soul Ceremony had officially begun.

Now that the ceremony had begun, Xiao Chen followed the others to the newly built viewing platform at the summit.

The view is naturally different when you stand at the highest point and look down.

Needless to say, the crowds were immense, and the dazzling array of magical objects was even more spectacular.

The only pity is that Xiao Chen is no longer the slightly naive young man who first arrived at the Compassion Sea.

He has seen much more and better things.

Seeing such a grand scene now, one loses some of the sense of awe and is no longer as excited as the guests below.

The focus, however, fell more on the radiant Ming Xiao True Monarch, who was dressed in a silver Spirit Robe.

The other party had arrived at the entrance of the viewing platform in advance, and at the reminder of Iron Fan True Monarch, they greeted the other Fourth-Order Cultivator in turn.

The main purpose is to get to know each other so that it will be easier to recognize each other in the future.

"Daoist Xiao, I've known you for a long time!"

When it was Xiao Chen's turn, Ming Xiao True Monarch recognized him without needing any prompting. "I witnessed your heroic bearing five years ago on Red Flower Island."

"I was immediately impressed by your exceptional combat skills, fellow Daoist."

"I've discussed this with many fellow students privately on numerous occasions, and each time I've expressed my deepest admiration and envy."

"Later, during the fight against the Sea Race, I repeatedly heard of Daoist Xiao's illustrious achievements."

"I have truly heard so much about you!"

"It is an honor to stand here today and address you as a fellow Daoist; this fulfills a long-cherished wish of mine."

oh?

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen's lips curled slightly involuntarily, but he quickly suppressed it. "Ah~, Fellow Daoist Mingxiao, you flatter me."

"Actually, I often hear Daoist Iron Fan praise him, saying that there is only one person in the sect who cultivates steadily, has outstanding potential, and is most likely to Nascent Soul Formation in the future."

"Upon meeting you today, you are indeed a man of extraordinary character and appearance, a truly remarkable person."

"It is my great honor to have this opportunity to get to know Fellow Daoist Mingxiao."

The two lavished compliments on each other, acting like longtime friends who hadn't seen each other for years.

After chatting for about half a cup of tea's time, Xiao Chen finally made way for Gang Yuan True Monarch was waiting behind him, to step forward.

He went up to the viewing platform and took a seat, where he watched the spectacular group dance performed by hundreds of female disciples on the mountainside.

To be honest, this grand ceremony did have quite a few parts planned.

It features a variety of songs, dances, and music, as well as a wide array of fine wines and delicacies.

The younger generation from different sects competed against each other, vying to demonstrate their skills in front of many True Lord and vying for prizes and rankings.

Many Golden Core cultivator specialize in alchemy, artifact crafting, and talisman arrays also took turns showcasing their Dao Arts, seeking recognition and guidance.

The number of cultivators present was extremely large, making for a grand spectacle.

Many disciples were also very excited, hoping to make a name for themselves in one battle and take the title of the number one young person in the Compassion Sea, which had been vacated after Xiao Chen broke through to the Nascent Soul.

Watching them fight with high morale and fierce intensity.

Xiao Chen, standing on the viewing platform, couldn't help but feel a little tempted to participate.

After all, even among Golden Core cultivator, he is considered to be among the younger ones.

If eligibility for the competition is based on age, he is absolutely qualified to participate.

Unfortunately, he was no longer able or comfortable competing with the younger generation.

Thinking of this, Xiao Chen couldn't help but turn his gaze to the other Fourth-Order Cultivator present.

Since we're already here, why don't we all have a fight?

Since all the representatives from Great Powers have arrived, why not take this opportunity to hold the first Immortal Dao Convention of the Compassion Sea?

Whoever defeats the others will be the ' Number One Expert of the Compassion Sea '.

Unfortunately, it seems that only Xiao Chen thinks this way.

Other True Lord or Zen Master leisurely savored their Spirit Tea, while others commented on the performance of their juniors, showing no intention whatsoever of personally participating in the competition.

For them...

They finally managed to cultivate to the Nascent Soul Realm and become respectable figures like the Grand Elder or Sect Master of their own sect.

Since everyone here is a respectable person, apart from special circumstances like Sea Race Invasion, we naturally can no longer easily roll up our sleeves and fight like we used to.

Alas, the strong are always lonely!

Xiao Chen looked left and right, but no one could meet his gaze.

So he put aside those thoughts and simply enjoyed the festive atmosphere as the ceremony unfolded.

From time to time, he would also discuss with the other True Lord which of the following outstanding disciples would win.

When the mood strikes, each person will also take out some ordinary Fourth-Order Spirit Pill or fourth-tier spirit materials as a prize, serving as an extra reward for the winner.

These temporary bonuses often make the subsequent battles several times more dangerous.

However, with so many True Lord watching over them, no serious injuries or even deaths occurred; all the injuries were minor.

There will be some routine bidding or sermon sessions afterwards.

But those are all spiritual items or Cultivation Insights are only useful to low-level cultivators.

In any case, none of it mattered to Xiao Chen.

Amidst the excitement and a touch of boredom, seven days flew by, and the Nascent Soul Ceremony finally came to a close.

Fortunately, aside from attending the ceremony on the first day and watching the final match on the third day, I was able to attend the other events.

Xiao Chen spent the rest of his time practicing Law Technique in his courtyard, only occasionally using his Divine Sense to glance outside to see if there was anything interesting happening.

If not, then continue your cultivation.

So although the ceremony was somewhat boring for him, it didn't actually have much of an impact.

Consider it a retreat in a different place.

However, after the last day ended, Xiao Chen was originally preparing to return to Secluded Doom Island.

But they found that a large group of people had suddenly arrived and were guarding the entrance to the courtyard.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out that all six major sects of the Daoist Sect had arrived, including Zhang Shouquan.

"Eh, fellow cultivators, what brings you all here?"

Xiao Chen opened the door curiously and asked, "Has something happened?"

Could it be that you are planning to hold an additional Immortal Ceremony, exclusively for the Daoist Sect sects, after the Nascent Immortal Dao Convention Nascent Soul Ceremony is completed?

Unfortunately, that's not why people came.

"Daoist Xiao, have you been so engrossed in studying Law Technique that you've forgotten the time?"

Crane Cry True Monarch joked, then smiled and reminded, "We all agreed in the Shallow Sky Sea that after defeating the Sea Race, we would go to investigate the Heaven and Earth Phenomenon in the southeast."

"Speaking of which, that rain has been falling for a full six and a half years."

"Clearly, some anomaly has occurred, causing the celestial phenomena to change."

"After discussing it with each other over the past few days, we both feel that we really should go and take a look."

"Firstly, if this continues to drag on, it might be a good thing, but I'm afraid it could be a bad omen, and we won't be able to deal with it in time."

"Secondly, this Nascent Soul Ceremony has provided an opportunity for everyone to gather together."

"Since we're already here, we might as well just get this over with."

After he finished speaking, the other True Lord nodded in agreement.

People are indeed somewhat worried about this.

That place is indeed quite remote, so it's unlikely that any minor anomalies would cause any significant impact; otherwise, they would have come to urge action long ago.

"I see. Speaking of which, we really should go and take a look."

After understanding everyone's purpose, Xiao Chen agreed with this statement, "In that case, let's find a time to set off together as soon as possible."

"I don't need to prepare anything here, so I can set off anytime."

"Even if we leave right now, there won't be any problem."

All his belongings were stored in his Storage Ring, and he usually traveled by teleportation, so he could set off at any time to do whatever he wanted.

However, the other True Lord still prefer to travel by spirit boat.

Firstly, for them, the speed of a fourth-tier spirit ship is not only slightly slower than their escape speed.

Even when moving long distances, since there's no need to adjust one's breathing to replenish the consumed true energy, it's actually faster overall.

Secondly, the spirit ship offers a better environment, making it more convenient for both cultivation and rest.

So everyone agreed to prepare the hearse today and set off together tomorrow morning.

Xiao Chen didn't really care; he could leave tomorrow if he wanted.

He continued to reinforce the Azure Wave Piercing Bone Needle several times, and then arrived at the edge of the island on time the next morning.

"Hey, Daoist Iron Fan, aren't you going? And Daoist Gang Yuan, aren't you going either?"

Upon arrival, Xiao Chen discovered that, apart from Ming Xiao True Monarch joining at the last minute, the rest of the chosen people were exactly the same as those previously agreed upon.

So I couldn't help but wonder, "Since we're already here, why don't we all leave together?"

We can't exactly say, "Everyone's busy," can we?

"Sigh, I'm an old man now, I won't join you young people in the fun."

Crane Cry True Monarch was the first to make a self-deprecating remark. "Besides, I also believe that with Fellow Daoist Xiao here, it's enough to handle any anomalies that might exist there."

"I can also benefit from your presence here and slack off a bit."

That was obviously a joke.

There are only two real reasons.

The first reason is just as Crane Cry True Monarch said at the very beginning.

Of course, it's not that they're all too old, as mentioned in the first part. The point is that we hope the younger generation will spend more time with Xiao Chen so they can get to know each other better.

In such a situation, having fewer people can also help to enhance communication and avoid distractions.

Since they are all young people of similar age, they may find it easier to get along and develop a friendship.

Everyone even reached a tacit understanding on this point that didn't require further explanation.

That means each sect only sends its youngest member.

The second reason is that, in case there is some heavenly materials and earthly treasures there, the unusual phenomena outside are actually a sign that it is about to mature.

Rather than going there and then being filled with envy and frustration, it's better not to go at all; out of sight, out of mind.

After all, no one wanted to compete with Xiao Chen for the spiritual item.

Firstly, they might not be able to steal it, and secondly, even if they did manage to steal it in the chaos, it would create a grudge, and in the end, it would most likely be a losing proposition.

In that case, it would be better not to go at all in the first place.

Letting this group of young people go there will prevent the possibility of robbery from the outset.

As for what to do if there is a real disaster?

It doesn't really matter; they can just call people from their respective sects.

Anyway, six and a half years have already passed, so when that time comes, it won't make a difference to wait another month or two.

And so, in the end, amidst everyone's farewell...

Xiao Chen and the younger generation of the six major sects, along with Zhang Shouquan, comprised a total of eight Nascent Soul True Lord.

Together they boarded four large spirit ships and headed to the southeast side of the Compassion Sea.

As luck would have it, less than three days after setting off, the group encountered a massive disaster covering tens of thousands of miles— Frost Condensing Mist Lock.

To be on the safe side, the fleet circled the edge of the water, taking almost an extra day.

Fortunately, things went relatively smoothly afterward.

There was only a minor, insignificant thunderstorm, and no new emergencies were encountered.

Finally, after more than half a month, they successfully reached the Outer Sea southeast of the Compassion Sea.

The area covered by the Heaven and Earth Phenomenon mentioned in the intelligence report was still about 30,000 li away.

Everyone then noticed that leaden-gray clouds were gradually appearing in the sky.

The closer you get to that side, the more serious the situation becomes.

When the distance was about 10,000 miles, the gray clouds had completely dominated the entire sky.

Although it hadn't completely blocked out the sunlight, the world had already turned a grayish-brown.

Xiao Chen scanned the sea surface with his Divine Sense, but did not see a single live fish within a radius of a thousand miles.

Even planktonic organisms like seaweed have vanished without a trace.

Only on a Desolate Island beach that I passed by did I see a few fish bones, which seemed to come from some giant Sea Fish.

Its surface has tiny holes remaining, suggesting that it has been subjected to some kind of erosion.