On Kunlun Mountain, the Sanqing sensed Daoist Taishi's aura and opened their eyes at the same time.
"Daoist friend Taishi has returned," Taiqing said calmly.
Yuqing Yuanshi nodded. "And he brought back five disciples."
Shangqing Lingbao said, "Those five little ones have excellent aptitude."
The Sanqing rose to welcome Daoist Taishi.
Daoist Taishi merged with the Sanqing, while the five disciples paid their respects to them.
"Disciples Shi Ritian, Martial Ancestor, Ye Fan, Chu Luoli, and Swallow Heaven pay respects to our three Masters!" the five said in unison.
Taiqing nodded slightly. "Good, good.
"You have had a hard journey. Go rest first and familiarize yourselves with the laws and Great Dao of the Great Desolation World. The formal apprenticeship rites will be held tomorrow."
"Yes, Master." The five respectfully withdrew.
The next day, Kunlun Mountain shone with ten thousand rays of rosy light and a thousand strands of auspicious mist.
The Sanqing set up a dao altar atop Kunlun Mountain's main peak and held a grand apprenticeship ceremony.
All Twelve Ancestral Witches were present. Ancestor Reincarnation, Old Ancestor Yang Mei, World Daoist, Ancestor Yin Yang, Old Ancestor Wuxing, Old Ancestor Qiankun, Old Ancestor Creation, Ancestor Soul, and other reincarnated Chaos Demon God powerhouses also came to witness the ceremony.
Nuwa, Styx, Zhen Yuanzi, Hong Yun, and other Grand Elders of the Witch Race were likewise in attendance.
Heavenly Dao Saints such as Di Jun, Haotian, and Yaochi also sent people bearing congratulatory gifts.
The whole of Kunlun Mountain was wreathed in immortal mist and dotted with auspicious clouds, a scene of solemn peace and harmony.
Upon the dao altar, Taiqing sat in the center, Yuqing Yuanshi on the left, and Shangqing Lingbao on the right.
Houtu was likewise seated upon the dao altar, her position even slightly higher than