Xu Qingtong accompanied the three Spirit Transformation powerhouses straight up to the viewing platform.
As the red sun rose and the auspicious hour arrived, Dong Yunxiao stepped into the center of the grounds, cupped his hands, and bowed in all directions. He declared in a ringing voice, "Welcome, fellow cultivators, to the Tianhua Sect's Sect-Founding Celebration! The auspicious hour has arrived. Let the celebration begin! Pay homage to Heaven, to Earth, and to the revered masters and sacred patriarchs!"
Xu Qingtong nodded to Lü Wenqiu and Shen Haotian, then stepped down from the viewing platform and approached the incense table in the center of the grounds. He accepted tall incense sticks from a disciple, lit them, and placed them in the incense burner.
Behind him, the assembled members of the Tianhua Sect followed Xu Qingtong in performing the rites.
When the rites were complete, Xu Qingtong formally announced the establishment of the Tianhua Sect. He then explained the sect's rules and sphere of influence in detail.
"All sects within the Tianhua Sect's sphere of influence must abide by our rules and pay annual tribute. Once the celebration is over, discuss the amount with our Grand Elder."
He had barely finished speaking when a red-faced, middle-aged man stood up and said loudly, "Sect Leader Xu, our sect was previously under the Wuji Sect's jurisdiction, and there was no requirement to pay annual tribute. Why must we pay tribute now that your sect has taken over?"
Xu Qingtong glanced at the man. His cultivation was only at the Golden Core Late Stage, and Xu Qingtong did not recognize him.
"Who are you?"
The red-faced, middle-aged man replied, "I am Cheng Fang, Sect Leader of the Redfire Sect!"
The Redfire Sect lay over three thousand li northwest of Nine Cauldron Mountain, built atop