" Tianxing, it's rumored that you've met Heavenly Venerable Han. Is that true?"
From the back of the crowd, a man dressed in the robes of True Disciple of the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace asked.
Although Han Xuanji had stayed in the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace for many years, he lived a secluded life. Apart from a few sect leaders, others only learned about this matter when Han Tianzun's name spread throughout the Immortal Realm on that Heavenly Venerable Han, and realized that the Dao Child was actually the Supreme Heavenly Venerable.
Upon hearing this, Ji Tianxing was somewhat dazed, as if he were recalling his own days of high spirits. Back then, he regarded Su Ming as merely a lucky person and thought Han Xuanji was nothing special. Now, looking back, he realized how ignorant and foolish he had been.
He shared the same thought as Zhou Tianchen: if they had known earlier that Han Xuanji was hiding his true abilities, they would have been willing to swallow their pride and befriend this unparalleled figure!
Therefore, Ji Tianxing would occasionally go to some entertainment venues in the Immortal Realm to read some novels about Immortal Venerable being reborn. These were the means of entertainment for mortals in the lower realm, but he would sometimes immerse himself in them and even fantasize about what he would do if he went back to the past.
Of course, these are all just fantasies.
"I have... You might not believe it, but I even demonstrated my alchemy techniques in front of Heavenly Venerable Han."
Ji Tianxing gathered his thoughts and said with considerable pride.
"Huh? Really?"
Upon hearing this, the people around were shocked and exclaimed:
"Does Heavenly Venerable Han perhaps know you? Have you spoken to Heavenly Venerable?"
"Ahem... Heavenly Venerable Excellency, you should recognize me, right?"
Ji Tianxing wasn't sure.
After all, he did show off his alchemy skills in front of Han Xuanji once, but most likely others have long forgotten about him.
Although Ji Tianxing's words were vague, everyone knew that this was something they absolutely dared not speak of lightly.
"I never expected Senior Brother Ji to have such a fortuitous opportunity; we are truly envious."
A female True Disciple's eyes gleamed with a sharp light, much like a teenage girl chasing after a star.
"Yes... if Heavenly Venerable Han can remember my name, that will be enough."
On the other side, Li Taiqing's sword light slowly descended.
The moment Li Taiqing appeared, all eyes were on him.
The changes in Li Taiqing, whom they hadn't seen in a short time, secretly alarmed them.
Back then, when Li Taiqing and Lu Fan appeared in Divine Mechanism City, they were already at the level of Daluo Golden Immortal, but they were clearly still a bit immature. Now, their aura has returned to its original simplicity, and when they stand there quietly, they are like a deep, unfathomable pool.
Even the Ancestor Divine Radiance couldn't see through his cultivation level, which clearly showed that Li Taiqing's strength was already above his.
"Truly, the younger generation is to be feared... or rather, this is the method of Heavenly Venerable Han."
Everyone knew Li Taiqing's background well; he was simply the reincarnation of an ordinary immortal from the upper realm. In fact, there were many such people in the immortal Immortal Realm.
A glint flashed in the eyes of the Ancestor Divine Radiance, and he took the first step forward.
He did not put on airs of Taishang elder; instead, he bowed to Li Taiqing with an extremely solemn posture, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible respect, and spoke in a loud voice:
" The Daoist Divine Radiance of the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace, leading all the people within the palace, respectfully welcomes the arrival of the Heavenly Venerable King, the chief disciple of the Immortal King Taiqing!"
Upon hearing this, the seven chief disciples, all the elders, Peak Master, and disciples behind him all bowed respectfully, their postures extremely humble.
"Welcome to the presence of the Immortal King Taiqing!"
No one addressed him as "disciple" or mentioned their past seniority; instead, they addressed him directly as "Head Disciple of the Heavenly Venerable" and " Immortal King."
What may seem like a distance is precisely a reflection of the wisdom and sense of propriety of the high-ranking officials of the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace.
They Taiqing that Li Taiqing now represented not only himself, but also Han Xuanji, the Xuan Han Xuanji who had already ascended to the Mystic Heaven Dao Venerable Hunyuan Wuji in the Heaven Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens!
While old ties and connections need to be maintained, those of higher status and greater power must be given absolute respect.
Any attempt to rely on seniority or try to use past relationships to bind someone is foolish and dangerous.
This was something that Ancestor Divine Radiance and others had decided on a long time ago.
In fact, such things have happened before in the history of the Immortal Realm.
Li Taiqing remained calm, showing no surprise or discomfort.
He has now grown accustomed to the changes in his social status.
Even the Heavenly Court Emperor Lord had to speak to them with great respect, let alone the higher-ups of the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace?
However, Li Taiqing did not become arrogant because of this; he returned the greeting with equal solemnity, his voice clear and melodious.
"Senior Shenhui, you may call me Taiqing; there's no need for such formalities."
You say your piece, I'll say mine.
"You flatter me Taiqing. It is a great honor for my Spirit Void Heavenly Palace that you can return to your 'home'!"
Ancestor Divine Radiance sincerely and stepped aside to lead the way.
"Please, let's talk inside the hall."
Only the chief disciples and sect elders entered the Lingxu Hall; everyone else was kept outside.
Li Taiqing was placed in the host's seat, accompanied by the sect's patriarch and the seven chief disciples in turn. The atmosphere in the hall was solemn yet subtly subtle.
Upon entering the hall, they didn't immediately get to the point. After Li Taiqing recalled some past events, Ancestor Divine Radiance recounted some information about the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace, which Li Taiqing listened to silently.
After they left, the status of the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace rose accordingly, and it was treated with great respect by various forces in the Immortal Realm. Many geniuses came here to cultivate, hoping to catch a glimpse of Han Xuanji.
Many people are unaware that Han Xuanji had already left Spirit Void Heavenly Palace.
Even knowing that Han Xuanji was not in the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace could not dampen the enthusiasm of the geniuses. Many were determined to cultivate here, feeling that given time, perhaps a Heavenly Venerable could emerge from this place, or they would be satisfied with even one-tenth of the achievements of Heavenly Venerable.
After exchanging pleasantries, they quickly got down to business.
Ancestor Divine Radiance carefully considered his tone before speaking:
" Taiqing's return this time is surely not merely to revisit old haunts. I wonder if Heavenly Venerable Majesty has issued any decree? We, the entire Spirit Void Heavenly Palace, will obey without question."
He paused, then continued.
"Furthermore, since the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace was the first to bear the brunt of the previous demonic calamity and performed meritorious service in its defense, the Heavenly Court has bestowed rewards upon it. This old man dares not take credit for it, and I request that the Taiqing distribute them accordingly."
"The list of rewards is here; please Taiqing, Your Majesty."
As he spoke, a Jade Slip flew to Li Taiqing's front.
Li Taiqing knew the main point was coming, so he didn't use his divine sense to investigate. He simply pushed the Jade Slip back gently and shook his head slightly.
"My master did not issue any specific decree, but only, out of consideration for our past relationship, instructed me to come and pay my respects, to express my gratitude."
"As for the Heavenly Court reward... it is an affirmation of the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace's united efforts in protecting its territory."
How to allocate and use the funds should be decided by Senior Shenhui and the other leaders themselves, based on the palace rules and the actual situation.
The Master has no objection and will not interfere.
Upon hearing this, Ancestor Divine Radiance and the others felt relieved, as if a great burden had been lifted from their shoulders.
Ancestor Divine Radiance and the seven chief disciples exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with light.
The Heavenly Court's rewards were indeed generous, enough to elevate the overall strength of the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace to a new level.
However, how these resources should be allocated has long been a subject of internal strife, with each faction having its own demands.