Shi Songquan swept his gaze across the hall and spoke, his deep voice ringing through the vast chamber. Every word reached the ears of those gathered.
"Fellow disciples! The Mahayana Evil Cult has brought chaos to the Southern Region for decades. The Mother-Child Demon Embryos have gathered their strength and taken shape. Once they emerge, they will surely overturn Qingchuan and Dengzhou, plunge the orthodox path into turmoil, drive the people from their homes, and destroy sects. We face a crisis without precedent!"
"At this desperate hour, Cheng Heng stepped forward. He entered the Demon Abyss alone, braved the Nine Formations alone, and survived countless battles to the death. He slew the Demon Altar's Altar Master, shattered the Ninefold Maze Formation, and destroyed the Origin Demon Embryo! By his strength alone, he ended decades of demonic calamity, safeguarded a million lives, and preserved the foundations of our Cloudpiercing Sect! His deed benefited the people and served the sect. It is a world-shaking achievement of the highest order!"
His words settled. The hall fell silent for a moment, then the elders voiced their heartfelt agreement.
"He deserves every bit of this honor!"
Shi Songquan nodded slightly. His gaze came to rest on Cheng Heng, who stood in the hall, and he formally read out the sect's decree of reward.
"The sect has resolved to abolish the post of acting head of the Fire Vajra Court and formally appoint Cheng Heng as head of the Cloudpiercing Sect's Fire Vajra Court! He is awarded two hundred high-grade spirit stones and a chest of Profound-Rank Supreme-Grade Foundation-Healing Pills! He is granted full access to the fifth floor of the Scripture Repository! His monthly stipend is raised to ten Vajra-Condensing Pills, and he shall enjoy every privilege accorded to the sect's highest-ranking court heads!"
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