At the summit of Doujian Peak, atop an arena surrounded by formations, two protectors clad in Myriad Sword Sect robes were fiercely battling with their respective Flying Swords. Spiritual light flashed repeatedly, while the sounds of clashing sword arts rang without end.
To the east, west, and south of the arena sat Foundation Establishment disciples of the Myriad Sword Sect, low-level disciples who had come to observe the ceremony, and several dozen Core Formation protectors participating in the sword duel.
To the north stood a pavilion overflowing with precious light. Not only were the elders of the Myriad Sword Sect's various halls seated within, but there were also Nascent Soul elders from more than ten sects in the surrounding prefectures.
Yet whether they were hall elders or Nascent Soul cultivators from other sects, they could only sit on the second floor. The sole seat on the third floor remained empty, and no one dared approach it.
"Brother Tong, those several dozen disciples participating in the Centennial Sword Duel should be the future backbone of the Myriad Sword Sect.
"Hehe, reaching the Core Formation Stage at barely over a hundred years old—having a great tree to lean on really does provide fine shade!"
Among the honored guests, a gaunt old man with a sinister face sneered coldly at the Nascent Soul cultivator beside him.
"With exceptional talent and ample resources, forming a core at a hundred years old is not all that astonishing.
"Still, unless one reaches the Nascent Soul realm, one is ultimately nothing more than an ant. One cannot support a major sect."
Tong Qilin spoke expressionlessly, anger flashing in his eyes.
"Hehe, Brother Tong is absolutely right.
"Ancestor Lord Hong has not shown himself for more than a century since that great battle. If he were still well,