The Grand Gathering of the Mystic Gate

Fortunately, Jieyin and Zhunti shielded them with a wave of their sleeves.

The Two Sages of the West rose into the air, confronting the four Sages.

Six Sages gathered!

Just then.

Three spatial rifts opened.

Three teams lined up on the cloud platform behind the Three Pure Ones.

"Thank you all for gracing us with your presence."

Taiqing performed the rites, his voice like a great bell:

"This Mystic Gate Grand Gathering is, firstly, to witness Yuqing and Shangqing discuss the Dao.

Jieyin and Zhunti's esteemed disciples are also present.

Secondly, since our last meeting at Zixiao Palace, we haven't discussed the Dao in a long time. We hope to collectively explore its profound mysteries."

Concise and to the point.

Suddenly, nectar appeared before the immortals' tables.

Lu Tian's Divine Sense stirred—

A 3000-year aged brew!

Just smelling its aroma increased one's cultivation!

Taiqing raised his cup.

A stream of light flew from Yuqing's sleeve, forming a set of Houtian Spiritual Treasure wine vessels that shone like stars.

Maitreya, beside Lu Tian, was dumbfounded.

Using Spiritual Treasures as cups?

Such extravagance...

He swallowed, smacking his lips in secret.

Lu Tian understood—

The Three Pure Ones were revealing their foundations!

Taiqing transformed wine with the Pill Dao, Yuqing fashioned cups with the Artifact Dao, then Shangqing...

Before the thought had even finished, streams of sword light had transformed into profound formation diagrams, causing the jade goblets to rotate and form a formation on their own!

Lu Tian found it difficult to comprehend the formation's mysteries for a moment, but he understood that Tongtian was displaying his skills.

After the Three Pure Ones finished showcasing their Supernatural abilities, their gazes all turned towards Jieyin and Zhunti.

The intention was obvious—

It's your turn.

It had to be said, even though Yuanshi and Tongtian now had some friction, they were still united against the West on this matter.

Lu Tian keenly sensed that countless powerful beings' gazes were focused here, as if waiting to see Jieyin and Zhunti make fools of themselves.

After all, who didn't know how notoriously poor these two were?

Jieyin, however, smiled calmly and waved his sleeve, scattering streams of spiritual light towards everyone.

"I considered that some might not enjoy wine, so I've brought spiritual tea as a gift, to quench your thirst."

His tone was plain, but it made the Quasi-Saints present's eyes light up!

The Three Pure Ones also showed surprise—

Top-grade Innate Spiritual Roots?!

When did Jieyin and Zhunti become so generous?

One had to know that even Zhenyuanzi, who possessed a Top-grade Innate Spiritual Root, was reluctant to give away even a small amount.

Yet now, Jieyin was giving ten leaves to each person!

In comparison, the Three Pure Ones' gifts seemed rather meager.

"Heh heh, I'm accustomed to poverty, I truly don't have anything presentable."

"I'll use clear water to help everyone brew their tea,"

Zhunti said humbly with a chuckle, tapping his fingertip. Ripples of Three Lights Divine Water immediately appeared in the cups—

The Primordial World's number one healing holy water!

In an instant, the way everyone looked at Jieyin and Zhunti completely changed.

Since when did the Western Teachings become so extravagant?

They were actually using Three Lights Divine Water to brew Top-grade Innate Spiritual Roots?!

Facing the burning gazes of the crowd, Jieyin and Zhunti smiled outwardly, but inwardly, they were extremely exhilarated--

So this was what showing off wealth felt like?

Heavenly Dao be my witness.

Jieyin and Zhunti had cultivated for tens of thousands of years, yet they had never experienced such joy.

In terms of cultivation, they already stood at the pinnacle of the Primordial World;

In terms of fortune, they were also considered top-tier.

However, when it came to "wealth," they had always been struggling.

Naturally, at their level, money was no longer important.

What was truly scarce were heaven and earth rare treasures like Dao De Tianzun's Golden Core and Zhenyuanzi's Ginseng Fruit.

It was precisely because of this that the name "poor and shabby" had followed them like a shadow.

And today, they finally tasted the feeling of holding their heads high--

What about spiritual wine? What about Magic Treasures?

What were formations?

They couldn't compare to Top-grade Innate Spiritual Roots plus Three Lights Divine Water!

One had to admit...

Even the two of them couldn't help but have a bit of a nouveau riche mentality.

Having lived for countless years, this was the first time they experienced such a wondrous feeling.

Of course.

With their Dao hearts, they would be happy when they should be happy, and they would never deliberately suppress it.

However, this excitement only lasted for a moment, and they quickly returned to normal.

Getting arrogant was out of the question.

A hint of embarrassment flashed in the eyes of the Three Pure Ones.

They were the ones who organized the Mystic Gate Grand Gathering, yet they were upstaged by Jieyin and Zhunti!

The problem was--

Where did these two get so many good things?

Top-grade Innate Spiritual Roots, Three Lights Divine Water, each one was a rare treasure, and they just took them out so casually?

Not to mention taking in such an enviable disciple as Lu Tian.

Could it be that the Western Teachings were truly about to rise?

The Three Pure Ones secretly sized up Jieyin and Zhunti, their hearts filled with doubt.

But their expressions remained calm.

"Esteemed guests, please be seated."

Dao De Tianzun spoke calmly, and after watching this silent battle, the Quasi-Saints chuckled and took their seats.

The Six Sages descended simultaneously.

Jieyin and Zhunti stood in front of everyone, their Divine Sense subtly sweeping over Lu Tian.

This time, it was all thanks to this kid.

Neither of these two treasures was something they could have produced themselves.

If it weren't for Lu Tian's Three Lights Divine Water and Enlightenment Tea Tree, they would have been disgraced this time.

Beside Lu Tian, Maitreya's eyes gleamed.

He muttered to himself, When did our sect become so wealthy?

Lu Tian stood silently behind his Master.

He had indeed been "fleeced."

But it didn't matter.

This expenditure was but a drop in the bucket.

He had an entire sea of Three Lights Divine Water.

Although he didn't have many Enlightenment Tea Leaves, how many Great Powers were present?

He had only used about a hundred leaves in total.

Compared to the prestige it brought to the Western Teachings, it was hardly worth mentioning.

As the Sages took their seats, the Mystic Gate Grand Gathering officially began.

No arrangement was needed from the Sages.

From behind Dao De Tianzun, Xuandu stepped forward, bowed to the Quasi-Saints, and then cupped his hands towards the Sages.

"Fellow Daoists, the Mystic Gate Grand Gathering now commences.

I wonder which of you wishes to offer guidance first?"

As soon as the words fell.

A booming voice sounded from behind Tongtian Jiaozhu:

"I will!"

A stream of light flashed and landed directly in the valley.

Tongtian casually threw out formation flags, instantly setting up a grand formation.

This Mystic Gate Grand Gathering centers on discussing the Dao. The formation in the arena serves as both a restriction and a shelter for the cultivators.

"This humble one is Zhao Gongming, an outer disciple of the Intercepting Sect. I wonder which Daoist friend wishes to spar with me?"

"Zhao Gongming!"

Lu Tian instantly recognized this person's identity.

It wasn't that he had any connection with Zhao Gongming. Back when he was an outer disciple of the Intercepting Sect, he was just one of the most insignificant among thousands of low-level cultivators. Naturally, he had no interaction with prominent outer disciples like Zhao Gongming and Sanxiao.

He had only seen them from afar a few times when Tongtian Jiaozhu was lecturing.

At that time, the opponent's cultivation had indeed left a deep impression on him.

Back then...

He was still a minor cultivator struggling in the outer sect, desperately seeking to break through to the Golden Immortal realm and attain longevity.

Zhao Gongming was still someone he needed to look up to!

But now, times had changed.

From this moment on, let's sever the karma with the Intercepting Sect.

Just as Lu Tian was about to accept the challenge.

A stream of light suddenly fell into the mountain valley from behind Yuanshi Tianzun.

The figure that appeared was a slender man in an apricot-yellow Daoist robe. He was taller than Zhao Gongming but lacked some of his heroic spirit.

"I am True Person Huang Long of the Heavenly Origin Sect. I ask for your guidance, fellow Daoist."

"True Person Huang Long..."

Lu Tian looked at the scene in the arena, a meaningful smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

According to the records in Investiture of the Gods, Huang Long was utterly defeated by Zhao Gongming, unable to fight back. Even Chi Jingzi's rescue attempt failed to turn the tide!

He wondered what the gap between them was now.

However, Huang Long appeared full of confidence at the moment.

Currently, the Heavenly Origin Sect and the Intercepting Sect were both located in Kunlun, and their disciples frequently interacted.

Sparring and discussing the Dao was also a common occurrence.

These kinds of competitions emphasized stopping at the right moment and maintaining the dignity of the sect, naturally making it difficult to gauge their true strength.

Zhao Gongming's strength ranked among the top three among the Intercepting Sect's disciples!

However, his identity as an outer disciple was quite deceptive, making it difficult for the Heavenly Origin Sect to accurately assess him.

Due to this identity, the Heavenly Origin Sect had not sent their top disciples.

Although True Person Huang Long was among the Twelve Golden Immortals, he was likely the weakest among them.

He possessed neither famous Magic Treasures nor any signature divine abilities.

He was likely going to suffer some hardship under Zhao Gongming this time.

As expected.

As soon as Lu Tian had this thought.

After Zhao Gongming and Huang Long exchanged greetings, they immediately engaged in a fierce battle!

Zhao Gongming wielded his Divine Whip, instantly sealing off the surrounding space and cutting off Huang Long's possibility of escaping into the Void.

His movements were as fast as lightning, and in the blink of an eye, he had reached Huang Long, his Divine Whip only three inches from the opponent's crown.

Huang Long was greatly alarmed and immediately transformed into a golden light.

"Earth-Soaring Golden Light technique!"

This divine ability, which had once left Lu Tian helpless, was also performed by Huang Long with masterful skill. In an instant, he vanished from Zhao Gongming's sight.

Zhao Gongming's figure flickered, and he had already appeared behind True Person Huang Long. With a sweep of his fly whisk, he was about to capture him!

Yuanshi Tianzun's ** Daoist magic indeed had unique aspects.

However, Zhao Gongming was even better.

He was strong to the point of being caught completely off guard!

Knowing he couldn't match the speed of Earth-Soaring Golden Light, he planted his feet firmly and met the opponent's technique head-on!

The golden rope from his sleeve shot out like a dragon leaving its cave, heading straight for True Person Huang Long's throat!

Just as True Person Huang Long was about to use his evasion technique--

Zhao Gongming's voice boomed like thunder!

His ferocious Divine Sense shook True Person Huang Long's soul, causing his body to freeze instantly!

The Dragon-Binding Rope seized the opportunity to wrap around him, binding him tightly!

Before Huang Long could struggle, the Primordial Golden Whip descended with the force of wind and thunder, instantly rendering him unable to fight!

In a flash of lightning, the victor was decided!

The onlookers' expressions all changed. The Senior Brothers beside Lu Tian's pupils contracted violently.

"The Intercepting Sect's outer disciple ** actually possesses such power?" Daoist Moonlight exclaimed in disbelief.

Medicine Master Glazed Light's expression was solemn.

Even though he had improved his cultivation with Enlightenment Tea Leaves over the years, he wasn't confident of victory. His gaze involuntarily turned to Lu Tian--

To what extent had this Junior Brother, who had broken through to the Taiyi Realm, grown?

The defeated True Person Huang Long had already been recalled.

The Heavenly Origin Sect's camp fell into dead silence.

Huang Long stood with his head bowed behind Yuanshi, his dragon claws beneath his Daoist robe trembling slightly.

He was never highly regarded anyway--merely one of the scaly and horned beings.

Yuanshi Tianzun had often sighed in the past: "If I had taken in Lu Tian of the Western Teachings back then, the Twelve Golden Immortals wouldn't be incomplete!"

His situation after being defeated by an outer disciple of the Intercepting Sect today could well be imagined.

Regardless of Zhao Gongming's true cultivation level, the disgrace of an outer disciple defeating a direct disciple had been imprinted.

Yuanshi Tianzun's face was like ice.

He could naturally see that Zhao Gongming was an outstanding figure in the Taiyi Realm, and deciding who should fight him now had become a difficult problem.

The Quasi-Saints observing the event whispered amongst themselves, the focus of the battlefield entirely gathered on that figure standing proudly in the clouds.

Just as Yuanshi was pondering--

In the Western Teachings' territory, a beam of light streaked across the sky and landed in the arena.

The moment that figure appeared, Styx, who had been chatting and laughing with others, brightened slightly and transmitted his voice to his surroundings: "This ** from the Western Teachings actually has some courage. I appreciate him."