The newcomer was none other than-Dongfang Lei.
Dongfang Lei stepped out, a Thunder Ancestor Divine Whip hanging at his waist. As he emerged from the Golden Chariot, Nine Heavens Divine Thunder accompanied him, mingling with heavenly thunder as though about to become thunder itself.
The Thunder Ancestor Divine Whip was pitch-black, its length densely covered in thunder inscriptions, each containing Golden Immortal-level Thunder Dao Laws.
This law artifact was known as the "Ancestral Artifact of the Thunder Department."
With this whip alone, one could command the cultivators of the Twenty-Four Domains of the Thunder Department.
Looking at his fellow countrymen, who had all fallen silent, Dongfang Lei smiled faintly. "What, it's only been a hundred years, and you no longer recognize me?"
First Yuji said softly, "Dongfang, I never expected you would truly come."
Dongfang Lei bowed respectfully. "For raising me and teaching me the Dao-though our bond as master and disciple has ended, I, Dongfang Lei, will always remember your past kindness."
"The Myriad Heavens and Myriad Domains are my roots, and the Creation Immortal Sect is my natal home."
"How could I miss today's founding ceremony?"
These three statements were neither servile nor overbearing, yet they warmed the hearts of everyone in the Creation Immortal Sect.
Though Dongfang Lei had joined the Nine Heavens Thunder Venerable Immortal Sect and his status was no longer what it had been, he had never forgotten his roots.
That bond weighed more than any congratulatory gift.
Dongfang Lei waved his hand, and a row of palace maidens flew out from behind the chariot, presenting all manner of congratulatory gifts.
Zhao Guangzheng personally announced and inspected them. "From Dongfang Lei of the Nine Heavens Thunder Venerable Immortal Sect-five thousand immortal crystals and five Three-Aperture Immortal Pills."
"Countless third-grade, second-grade, and first-grade immortal-grade cultivation