Showcase

The lecture continued for roughly two hours. After Xu Yuan finished the planned material, he set aside another half hour to answer the questions of the cultivators below.

The questions from the crowd came in all shapes and sizes: difficulties in cultivation, choices of cultivation techniques, and some even asked about the proper governance of the Clear Sand River. Xu Yuan answered every one with patience, his words concise and striking at the heart of the matter. Time and again, he sent the questioners away satisfied, drawing endless cries of admiration and respect from the audience.

"The lecture ends here for now."

At last, Xu Yuan rose to his feet and faced the crowd, his voice carrying across the entire venue. "The next three days will be the Clear Sand Dharma Assembly. Ten arenas have been set up here. Any fellow cultivator below the Foundation Establishment Realm may take the stage to exchange pointers, make friends through martial skill, and verify what they have learned."

"The winners of the arena matches will receive spirit stones, pills, magical artifacts, and even insights into cultivation techniques prepared by the Clear Sand River as rewards. At the same time, the market district is open. Fellow Daoists may trade freely and exchange what they have for what they lack."

His gaze swept over the entire gathering, lingering briefly on several VIP sections. His tone grew slightly grave. "The Clear Sand River has only just been established. We wish to treat our guests sincerely and befriend others through the Dharma Assembly. Yet without rules, no circle can be drawn and no square can be formed. During the assembly, I ask all fellow Daoists to abide by the rules set by the Clear Sand River: compete fairly in the arenas and trade honestly in the market."