After Xugeng's impassioned speech, his aura suddenly burst forth.
Everyone abruptly felt an overwhelming pressure, as though they bore the weight of ten thousand jun.
Yet this pressure—vast, but not violent; boundless, but not crushing.
Everyone felt their own insignificance, yet they were not crushed beneath it.
The next moment.
The heavens suddenly split open, and a dazzling golden beam shot down, falling straight upon Xugeng.
Within the golden light, spiritual energy as pure as top-grade spirit stones spread outward, instantly causing the surrounding spiritual energy density to soar.
At the same time, several wisps of seven-colored energy coiled around Xugeng, slowly burrowing into his body.
Xugeng formed a hand seal, gathering three wisps of the seven-colored energy and condensing them into a seven-colored orb the size of a walnut.
"Fellow Daoist Ying Wu, these three wisps of immortal spiritual energy are for you, as payment for all these years."
As soon as he spoke, Xugeng casually tossed out the seven-colored orb. It flew directly toward Ying Wu, who stood at the prow of one of the giant ships.
Ying Wu swept his gaze over the many cultivators watching him, his expression as still as an ancient well.
"Many thanks for your gift, Fellow Daoist Xugeng."
Ying Wu put the seven-colored orb into his storage ring.
Xugeng gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze toward the rift high in the sky.
"I, Xugeng, whose true name is... Qiao Sanming, ascend to the Immortal Realm today!"
The moment his words fell, many members of the Divine Blood Sect aboard the hundred giant ships cried out in clear voices.
"Congratulations on your ascension, Patriarch Xugeng!"
"May Patriarch's fortune flourish, and may your fame resound once more in the Immortal Realm!"
The outside guests below also shouted one after another.
"Farewell, Senior