After a simple meal, Chen Qing returned to the sect.
Having been away for several months, and with the Xuanming True Water Art having now broken through to the first layer, it was the perfect time to return to the Wutai Sect, and while he was there, make copies of the Chiyang Burning Heart Art and the Eight Desolations Mountain Suppressing Art.
The cold wind was like a blade, carrying frost as it lashed against the icy stone steps of the Wutai Sect's mountain gate.
Dingbo Lake had long since frozen over, becoming a deathly silent expanse of glass.
The Qingmu Institute was unusually lively instead of its usual quietness. Figures filled the training ground; disciples were either loosening their limbs or murmuring together in small groups. It was far more bustling than usual.
Chen Qing's gaze swept across the square before the hall, passing over quite a few unfamiliar faces.
These newly inducted junior brothers were richly dressed and carried themselves with uncommon bearing. Clearly, they were sons of wealthy families who had knocked open the sect's gates over the past half year with generous "tuition gifts."
The surrounding disciples were discussing animatedly, and every topic revolved around the sect's grand ceremony four months from now.
"Have you heard? The sect's grand celebration four months from now will be personally presided over by the Sect Master!"
"That's not all! The elites of all five institutes will be out in force. They say even the elders who have spent years in secluded cultivation will show themselves!"
"A seven-hundred-year celebration... This is the foremost event our Wutai Sect has held in decades. The scale will surely be unprecedented!"
Chen Qing had heard of it long ago.
This grand sect celebration, scheduled for four months later, would gather all five institutes