644: A Gathering of Heroes

After the women had paid their respects to Lu Li, the gathering of top-ranking nobles and powerful figures finally made their way over to the two Daoist priests to exchange pleasantries.

The protagonists of this apprenticeship ceremony, Tong Shao and the siblings Yi An and Yi Ping, were there as well.

Tong Shao wore a snow-white Daoist robe and stood beside Zhenyangzi;

Yi An and Yi Ping, meanwhile, wore lake-blue archery uniforms and stood at attention beside Li Yuanzhong.

The three children were all old enough to be in middle school, and their bodies had begun to fill out. Standing tall and proud, they looked quite spirited.

Jiang Shixiang led the compliments. "Eyes clear as mirrors, hair rippling like wheat fields—the three young friends have all reached the realm of 'Meditative Entry and Marrow Cleansing.' So young, yet already so accomplished!"

"What's most remarkable is their calm, steady nature."

Liu Jintang gazed at the three children, who were neither arrogant nor obsequious, and praised them sincerely. "Having such outstanding disciples would make anyone green with envy. Congratulations, Daoist brothers!"

"Not at all, not at all. You're all too kind."

Li Yuanzhong and Zhenyangzi repeatedly demurred, but they couldn't hide the smiles on their faces. They were clearly delighted with their disciples.

The three children had exceptional talent, worked hard themselves, and had close ties to Lu Li. Their futures were boundless.

The crowd surrounded them with one compliment after another, their praise ringing without end.

The sight of such a splendid occasion filled Xu Shou and Chen Zhizhong with immense satisfaction.

As the three children's close relatives, the two of them were there too.

Chen Zhizhong was thoroughly pleased that his daughter could become a direct disciple of the renowned Daoist Priest Li.

His face was flushed with joy, and