No need for formalities!
Immortal Venerable Yuheng stroked his beard and smiled, his gaze lingering on Jiang Hao for a moment longer, and he sighed:
" Jiang Hao's cultivation has reached the Late-Stage Taiyi Golden Immortal, and he is on the verge of becoming Daluo Immortal. Nangong's Sword Intent is also divine, and his sharpness is hidden within."
Excellent! Excellent indeed! Truly a worthy successor from my Spirit Void Heavenly Palace, a worthy disciple of my Spirit Void Heavenly Palace's Dao Child!
"The sect is aware of your actions outside. Now that you have returned, the sect has prepared a grand banquet to welcome you two elders back!"
The chief ministers were all sensible people; they knew that Han Xuanji was hiding many secrets from them, but so what?
Han Xuanji had made a great contribution by exposing Devil Race spy, which clearly shows that he had the sect in mind.
Just then, an even more ancient aura descended upon this place.
In the sky, clouds gathered, revealing a blurry, illusory figure dressed in an ancient Daoist robe.
As soon as this phantom appeared, everyone, including the chief members, became solemn and bowed their heads respectfully.
"Greetings, Ancestor Divine Radiance!"
The one who arrived was one of the Daluo Ancestors of the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace, who had just returned from a top-tier secret realm a hundred years ago.
The illusory figure of the Ancestor Divine Radiance's gaze fell upon Jiang Hao and Nangong Wenjian, lingered for a moment, and then slowly spoke:
"With your return, the fortunes of the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace have increased even further; this is a great blessing for the sect."
These words shocked the entire audience.
"Thank you for your praise, Ancestor!"
Jiang Hao and Nangong Wenjian quickly bowed, both slightly surprised.
They hadn't expected the commotion to be so great, even alarming a sect patriarch who was a rare figure in a thousand years.
The illusory figure of the Ancestor Divine Radiance nodded slightly, said nothing, and slowly dissipated, but the shock brought by the pressure of the Daluo Golden Immortal lingered in everyone's hearts for a long time.
With the ancestor setting the tone, the welcoming banquet was naturally raised to the highest standard.
However, Jiang Hao and Nangong Wenjian with the other leaders, they stated that they needed to return to Myriad Phenomena Garden to report to their master.
The chief ministers all felt this was perfectly reasonable.
"That's only right. Dao Child must also be waiting for you two. The banquet can wait a little longer."
Under countless envious and admiring gazes, Jiang Hao and Nangong Wenjian to everyone and headed towards the Myriad Phenomena Garden with Su Ming.
As they passed through the familiar array, the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the garden instantly enveloped them.
Sensing the even stronger Innate Qi than before, Jiang Hao took a deep breath, a complex smile appearing on his face, and said self-deprecatingly:
"After a century of fighting abroad, gaining some empty fame, and experiencing life-and-death perils, it all seems so glorious. But suddenly I feel... that for my own cultivation of the Great Dao, perhaps it's not as practical as quietly cultivating in this garden."
Upon hearing this, Su Ming smiled.
"Senior Brother Jiang's words have seen through a layer of illusion; the tempering of the heart in the mortal world is ultimately for the purpose of understanding one's true nature."
"Your experiences abroad have been invaluable insights. Now that you've returned with these insights, and through quiet contemplation and reflection, your understanding will surely far surpass that of simply practicing asceticism behind closed doors."
At this point, Su Ming paused, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes.
"However, my current strength might indeed be... a tiny bit stronger than yours, Brother Jiang."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Hao became somewhat Qi Ingestion again:
"You, Su Ming! It's been a while, and not only have your skills improved, but your tongue has also reached a new level!"
"Shall we have a go at it then?"
"OK."
That's exactly what Su Ming was waiting for.
He did not believe that as Chaos Devil God, he was incapable of defeating someone with Chaos Physique.
"Junior Brother Jiang! Senior Brother Nangong! You're finally back!"
A shout like muffled thunder rang out, and Lin Potian's tall figure charged forward like a raging bull, crashing directly into Jiang Hao.
Lin Potian has a straightforward personality and a very good relationship with Jiang Hao. They often spar with each other in private to verify what they have learned.
Jiang Hao didn't move; instead, he turned around with a smile and gave Lin Potian a firm hug.
"Senior Brother Lin, your strength has increased again."
Li Taiqing also walked over slowly, still with that gentle demeanor, and nodded to Jiang Hao and Nangong Wenjian, saying:
"It's good that you're back safe and sound. The garden is quiet and peaceful, perfect for a moment of reflection."
Nangong Wenjian nodded slightly to Li Taiqing and said in a deep voice:
"Senior Brother Li's sword seems... different."
"A slight improvement, but not as sharp as the edge that Junior Brother Nangong has honed amidst thousands of troops."
Li Taiqing didn't care about these things; compared to Nangong Wenjian, his sharpness was more restrained.
"Yeah?"
Nangong Wenjian didn't talk much. As fellow practitioners of Sword Dao, they often discussed Sword Dao, so there was no rush.
Meanwhile, while everyone was exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Hong was already eager to see Han Xuanji.
"Come in."
Han Xuanji spoke.
Upon hearing this, a streak of crimson light eagerly darted into the quiet room where Han Xuanji was. Xiao Hong Red held its head high, its tail feathers shimmering with light.
Han Xuanji sat quietly within the Chaos Azure Lotus, slightly raising his eyelids to glance at it:
"Look at you!"
Xiao Hong Red shrank back, but immediately took a few steps closer, her phoenix eyes blinking with great anticipation:
"Master, I've done a fantastic job with the task you assigned me!"
Lu Fan smoothly ascended to the throne of the Human Emperor. Although a few groups of ignorant Devil Race and villains tried to cause trouble, hehe, I didn't even need to use my full strength. Just a slight hint of my aura was enough to scare them into running away with their tails between their legs!
The deterrent effect is absolutely phenomenal!
The 'benefits' you mentioned back then...
It deliberately drew out its words, its wings fluttering gently, giving off a knowing look.
This guy looks exactly the same as he did during the Dark Nether Crow era.
What a waste of such good looks.
Han Xuanji was somewhat speechless, but this guy had indeed made a significant contribution:
"Your injuries are more of a physical injury, and normally they will take a long time to heal on their own."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Hong Red's crimson feathers faltered slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes.
This is the terrifying aspect of the Dao-Devouring Insect; it can even mercilessly devour the primordial power of the Hunyuan Taiji Realm.
His innate divine Divine Ability, the Nine Nether Dao-Devouring Phoenix, is to devour all things and transform them for his own use. However, under Han Xuanji's restraint, he cannot act recklessly. At most, he can only devour some fools.
Unfortunately, the Devil Race weren't stupid, and they didn't continue sending people to their deaths.
"In recognition of your meritorious service in protecting us this time, this will serve as your reward."
As soon as he finished speaking, Han Xuanji raised his right hand slightly, and a point of extremely deep, ethereal light quietly appeared at the tip of his index finger.
This eerie light was completely different from ordinary Spiritual Qi or power; it was part of the Devil God Origin power that Han Xuanji had previously signed in.
These are all the Devil God Origin that were signed in at the Land of Returning to the Ruins. They belong to the Hunyuan level of power, and their intrinsic nature is the same as that of Xiao Hong, which can help him heal his Dao injuries.
"Nice one!"
Xiao Hong's eyes lit up instantly, and an almost instinctive desire welled up within her.
This Devil God Origin is practically a tailor-made tonic for it!