Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the day of my birthday.
The entire Spring-Returning Mountain was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, making it a vibrant and beautiful place.
Those unsuspecting disciples in the mountains could be seen everywhere, hurrying along with joyful smiles on their faces.
But some people had a hint of sadness in their eyes.
The Golden Core lifespan of five hundred years.
Even if he were to extend his lifespan, it wouldn't be by much; in other words, Gongye Chun didn't have much time left to live.
Breaking through to the Nascent Soul is good...
But if one can break through to the Nascent Soul... why linger at the Early Golden Core Stage for over two hundred years?
The birthday banquet was held in the Danxia Hall on Heavenly Furnace Peak of Spring-Returning Mountain.
This sacred peak is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round, and its earth fire Spiritual Qi is the most abundant and richest. It has always been the place where the Foundation Establishment in the mountain hold meetings, and its status is quite noble. Now, it is just right to use it to hold the birthday celebration of the Supreme Elder Gongye Chun.
When the master and disciple arrived, the disciple was seen bustling about, arranging the feast, setting out spiritual fruits and fine wines, and laying out brocades, busy as a bee.
The air was filled with the faint fragrance of elixirs and the aroma of spiritual fruits, and plates of carefully prepared spiritual dishes were already on the table. Each jade table had a small Law Technique to control the temperature, and the fragrance never stopped wafting through the air.
Furthermore, musicians were invited from who-knows-where, and the sounds of bells, chimes, and string instruments could be faintly heard, creating a grand and lively atmosphere.
Although the disciples tried their best to show joy on their faces, the unease in their eyes was hard to completely hide.
Led by Liu Wenyan, Chen Shuangbai and Yi Chongyue were seated near the head of the table, demonstrating the importance the hosts placed on them.
Not long after.
The hall was filled with guests. Most of the prominent elders, stewards, and elite inner disciples of Spring-Returning Mountain were present, each entertaining the guests who had come to celebrate the birthday, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.
Among these people, Chen Shuangbai saw the two cultivators from a few days ago.
One was old, the other young; the old one was at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage stage, and the young one was at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, just like himself.
In addition, powerful local forces in Wu Country, as well as major cultivation forces from the surrounding countries, those who had business dealings with Spring-Returning Mountain, or those who had personal connections with a certain elder in the mountain, were all invited to the banquet.
The local forces of Wu Country were divided into two factions.
The "one mountain" refers to Spring-Returning Mountain, and the "two sects" refer to the Setting Sun Sect and Painstaking Heart Sect.
As for the remaining minor sects and cultivation Lineage, they all depend on these three families for survival. Of course, there are also those like the Yuliu Su Clan, who have climbed up the ranks to the Jade Spring Sect in the Jing Kingdom. As long as they don't cause much trouble and don't have much ambition, they can simply ignore it.
As the guests gradually arrived, the auspicious time approached.
A streak of grayish-blue light descended from the sky and landed before the palace gate, revealing Gongye's figure. He was tall and straight, with white hair and a youthful face, full of vitality. In particular, his eyes had a fierce and ruthless quality, like those of a serpent. No one dared to underestimate this old True Person.
The aura of Golden Core True Person was naturally revealed, making it impossible for anyone to look directly at them.
As for Zhang Jing... although he was somewhat unwilling, he still obediently stood up, led his disciples in performing the disciple's salute to Gongye Chun, and respectfully shouted:
"Welcome, Supreme Elder!"
Gongye Chun walked to the main seat, slowly sat down, his gaze swept across the entire room, and after a few moments, he slowly spoke:
"Today marks my 500th birthday. I am deeply grateful to all my fellow practitioners and guests for taking the time to attend."
His voice was booming, resonating in the hearts of many guests present.
The distinguished guests naturally showered them with compliments and then presented them with carefully prepared gifts.
To celebrate the birthday of a Golden Core True Person, one must not be careless in one's actions.
From small antiques and paintings by ordinary people to exquisitely crafted magical Law Artifact and talismans... the entire hall was instantly filled with dazzling light, demonstrating their immense value.
Yi Chongyue's gift to Gongye Chun was a jade lingzhi mushroom, which was half artifact and half Spirit Artifact. It could nourish a cultivator's body and slow down decay, showing his thoughtfulness.
But Chen Shuangbai secretly believed that his master had most likely given the [ Aging-Delay Pill ] to this grandmaster.
This elixir was not something that could be easily shown to others, so no one in the hall knew about it.
Both sects of Wu Country sent people, each bringing a Golden Core True Person.
Chen Shuangbai recognized one of them; he was one of the two people Song Zheyu had personally escorted out that day. Directly in front of them sat a burly man with a thick beard, dressed in a crimson Daoist robe.
It was none other than True Person Qian from the Setting Sun Sect, and his gift was [ Earth's Core Fire Jade ].
This thing can only be created in the fire veins at the earth's core, and it takes a thousand years to take shape. It is most suitable for cultivators like Alchemist who are constantly in contact with fire magic.
" Fellow Daoist Qian, you're too kind."
Gongye Chun's smile became more genuine, and he nodded slightly.
The Setting Sun Sect and Spring-Returning Mountain have cooperated extensively on elixirs and have always had a good relationship, so this congratulatory gift is quite thoughtful.
Most importantly, Setting Sun Sect had a decent relationship with Gongye Chun. A few years ago, this True Person Qian had visited them many times and had asked Gongye Chun to refine several batches of pills.
Immediately afterwards, the True Person from the Painstaking Heart Sect also presented a congratulatory gift.
Chen Shuangbai looked over and saw a refined and elegant True Person presenting a piece of calligraphy. The calligraphy depicted the myriad aspects of life in a mundane marketplace, revealing the worldly atmosphere and a profound Daoist charm.
" Zhao Buyan, Painstaking Heart Sect, extends his congratulations on the 500th birthday of Senior Gongye."
"This painting was created by our sect's patriarch during his early travels in the mortal world, inspired by his experiences. It is untitled, but it is of great help in tempering the spirit."
True Person Zhao spoke gently as he fully unfurled the scroll. The numerous figures on the scroll rippled outwards like waves, as if the entire scene had come alive. A peddler called out his wares along the street, women haggled with vendors, scholars engaged in lively discussions in a tavern, and children played and chased each other on the street...
Hundreds of figures, though rendered in ink wash, are lifelike, each with a unique expression, and brimming with vibrant life.
The guests felt as if they were all part of it.
"Fellow Daoist Zhao, your Painstaking Heart Sect and dedication are truly appreciated."
Gongye Chun still had a smile on his face, but Chen Shuangbai could sense that his grandmaster's enthusiasm had diminished slightly... no, it seemed more like an act.
All the gifts from outsiders have been given out; now it's time for the gifts from our own family in the mountains.
The first to be affected was Zhang Jing, a younger man.
Although he was also True Person, he was completely suppressed by Gongye Chun in terms of seniority. As long as Gongye Chun was still alive, he would not be able to make decisions for the entire Spring-Returning Mountain.
Just as he was about to order his men to bring out the congratulatory gifts, the birthday celebrant, who was sitting in the main seat, raised his hand, and his voice immediately carried inside and outside the hall.
"Wait!"
Zhang Jing looked at Gongye Chun, and his instincts told him... it wasn't a good thing that this old codger was speaking up now.
Chen Shuangbai looked at this grandmaster with some surprise.
Unexpectedly, this grandmaster... was so decisive! He wanted to make his point clear right away!
[PS: This is the third update today! Please give a 5-star review to improve the rating! Please support me with gifts! Thank you!]