An immortal carriage descended to welcome a mystic guest; amid crimson clouds, heroes gathered to discuss the sword
The sunlight was blazing.
This magnificent carriage, imbued with the aura of immortals and exuding nobility, slowly landed before the gates of the Profound Firmament Sect. The spirit banners and precious flags were lowered, and the golden boy and jade maiden slightly turned their heads to bow before the carriage in reverence.
Immediately, the carriage slowly opened, and first a black boot stepped out. The boot was woven with dark silk with cloud and water patterns. The sound of the footsteps was silent, yet it seemed as if a clear light flowed around it.
A young Daoist priest slowly stepped out of the carriage.
He was dressed in a pine-frost-colored robe, the fabric as light as water, with fine cloud and water patterns embroidered in silver thread on the cuffs and collar. Underneath, he wore a black cross-collar undergarment with pine and crane patterns on the lapels. A green jade belt was tied around his waist with a bamboo-joint buckle, from which hung a crystal-clear jade pendant that swayed gently with his steps, producing a crisp and melodious clinking sound.
He had a handsome face, a very tall stature, and an outstanding demeanor. His thick eyebrows were relaxed and flat, his eyes were like cold stars, his skin was as white as jade, and there was a faint smile on his lips. His sleeves were flowing, and he wore a tall crown and a wide belt. When he stood there, he was like a bright moon descending from the sky, its clear light shining down, making people dare not look directly at him.
What's even more captivating is the radiant aura, Divine Ability power possessed only by those at the Golden Core True Person, subtly swirling around him, illuminating the surrounding area even before nightfall.
The Profound Firmament Sect disciple who had previously stopped the dragon-drawn chariot immediately lowered his gaze, his tone becoming respectful, and said, "We dare not be negligent in welcoming the True Person. Please wait a moment, this junior will immediately inform the sect to send someone..."
But before he could finish speaking, Chen Shuangbai's gaze shifted from him to the entrance of the Profound Firmament Sect. There, a Daoist priest wearing a purple-gold crown strode out, his movements graceful and imposing. He had a crimson gourd hanging from his waist and a sword on his back. A fiery, Divine Ability light flowed down from his robes, yet it was not scorching at all; instead, it seemed to carry a gentle, life-giving power.
The Sword-Bearing Daoist looked at Chen Shuangbai and couldn't help but smile. He stepped forward and said loudly, "From afar, I saw bright lights outside the mountain gate, and also saw azure clouds and a dragon-beast chariot. I knew then that fellow Daoists from the Jade Spring Sect had arrived!"
"I never expected that it would be True Person Xuhong who came. Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly!"
Chen Shuangbai also laughed, his Golden Core radiance fading, and bowed respectfully. " Fellow Daoist Zhao, it's been decades since we last met. How have you been?"
The visitor was none other than Zhao Shiyong.
Back then, Chen Shuangbai could tell that this person had an extraordinary destiny, exceptional talent, and his own unique way of handling things. Chen Shuangbai was certain that he would achieve great things in the Profound Firmament Sect.
Looking at it now, it's clear that he has indeed attained the Golden Core.
Zhao Shiyong had long known that Chen Shuangbai would come. After dismissing his disciples, he was about to pull Chen Shuangbai when another Golden Core light slowly descended.
Other things aside, this Golden Core True Person's radiance and blessings were extremely widespread, even vaguely encompassing Chen Shuangbai and Zhao Shiyong, which was tantamount to a provocation.
Zhao Shiyong frowned slightly, and the fiery Golden Core radiance emanating from his body suddenly solidified, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, severing the all-encompassing light of blessing.
He turned around, his gaze falling on the slowly descending Golden Core light, his tone tinged with displeasure. "Which fellow Daoist has arrived? Why such rudeness?"
The Golden Core elixir's radiance gradually faded, revealing a young Daoist riding a black spirit tiger, dressed in a pure and embroidered robe. He was accompanied by a man and a woman, as well as two Daoist boys, who held a treasure screen and a treasure seal. Their demeanor was not much inferior to that of Chen Shuangbai.
The young Daoist priest had a calm gaze and spoke in a very gentle tone, but his demeanor gave off an air of disdain. A young Daoist disciple behind him stepped forward and loudly proclaimed, " Arrayed Mystery Sect True Person Jixuan Sect has been invited to participate in the [ Sword Continuation Dharma Assembly ]!"
Arrayed Mystery Sect?!
The three words " Arrayed Mystery Sect " were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up ripples outside the mountain gate.
The surrounding cultivators, who had been observing, all changed color and began to whisper among themselves.
" Arrayed Mystery Sect? Is that the Arrayed Mystery Sect, the dominant force in the Zheng Kingdom?"
"Isn't the Heavenly Star Mystic Sect of the Yong Kingdom locked in a fierce battle with his family? How come they still have time to participate in the [ Sword Continuation Dharma Assembly ]?"
"I've heard that the two families have been at odds for years... With this person here, I'm afraid the Heavenly Star Mystic Sect might also send someone?"
"I've also heard of this True Person Jixuan."
"His real name is Gong Yue. He is said to be a direct disciple of the sect leader of the Arrayed Mystery Sect, with a cultivation level of the Middle Golden Core Stage. He is skilled in the [ Nine Transformations of the Profound Heaven ] Divine Ability, and is rarely matched among his peers in the Northern Region."
Amidst the murmurs, the young Daoist priest— True Person Jixuan —slowly dismounted from the back of the black spirit tiger.
His gaze swept casually over everyone present, finally settling on Chen Shuangbai, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"It seems this... must be True Person Xuhong of the Jade Spring Sect?!"
Gong Yue spoke, his voice calm yet carrying a condescending tone, "I've long admired your name."
Chen Shuangbai's gaze was calm, showing no sign of being offended or angry, nor did he reveal any of his Divine Ability powers. He simply said, "Is that so?"
Gong Yue's gaze sharpened slightly, clearly surprised by Chen Shuangbai's composure. However, he did not become angry but continued calmly, "I heard that Fellow Daoist Chen, in the battle at Yunlong Lake in Ningguo, defeated the Golden Spring Master of the Huasheng Sect with only a mid-stage Golden Core cultivation. Truly, a hero emerges from among the young."
"I came to participate in the Sword Continuation Dharma Assembly today to see for myself what makes Fellow Daoist Chen's Supreme Yin Sword Technique so extraordinary."
His words sounded like a compliment, but the subtle provocation in his tone was obvious to everyone.
Chen Shuangbai wanted to say something more, but Zhao Shiyong spoke first, his face displeased, and shouted, "Fellow Daoist Gong, if this is your attitude, then my Profound Firmament Sect does not welcome you!"
Gong Yue narrowed his eyes, as if he wanted to say something, but then he seemed to remember something, smiled slightly, turned around and sat back on the black spirit tiger, letting the Profound Firmament Sect disciples lead him to the guest quarters.
Watching his departing figure, Zhao Shiyong couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Arrogant fool!"
Chen Shuangbai simply smiled and said, "It's alright."
This [ Sword Continuation Dharma Assembly ] is a grand gathering for all those in the world who aspire to the way of the sword.
This Dharma assembly upholds the aspirations of the [ Sword Immortal Huanzhen ], and therefore opens the door to all, whether they are independent Rogue Cultivator or from sects, they can participate.
As the hegemon of the Zheng Kingdom and a major sect of Nascent Soul, Arrayed Mystery Sect has a bad reputation in the Northern Region, but reputation aside, it also has its merits in terms of strength.
Although Zhao Shiyong wasn't very optimistic, the Dharma assembly upheld fairness, so he naturally had to invite them.