Silver Heron Sacred Mountain.
Located in the central part of the Heron Empire, Silver Heron Sacred Mountain is the venue for the Immortal Ascension Ceremony every year at this time. Now, it is even more lively, with people coming and going.
Within the Heron Empire, almost every major power with a name would be present.
Even the seven most renowned sects of the Heron Empire...
"Huh? That's strange. Why are all seven major sects absent this year? Only five of them are here. In previous years, there was never a single one of the seven major sects missing."
"Neither the Illusory Feather Sect nor the Jade Balance Sword Palace have seen anyone come."
Some people were puzzled and made various guesses.
"Regarding the Illusory Feather Sect... I do know some rumors. It's said that something unexpected happened, and they've closed their mountain retreat." Someone suddenly said.
"Huh? Closing the mountain at this time, tsk tsk... What's going on, brother? Tell us quickly!" The people around him looked at him expectantly.
"Then we'll have to wait and see..."
"It's a pity, I was actually thinking of joining the Illusory Feather Sect."
The cultivators surrounding Silver Heron Sacred Mountain were engaged in lively discussion.
The two sects they mentioned most often, Jade Void Sword Sect and Azure Luan Pavilion, are the first and second most important sects in the Heron Empire, second only to the Heron Empire's royal family.
The two sects have a strong foundation and formidable strength, and have long held the top two positions among the seven sects of the Heron Empire. Only in recent years has the Spirit Firmament Sect shown signs of threatening the Azure Luan Pavilion, but it is only a threat.
As powerful and established sects with profound heritage, the two sects hold an extremely high position in the Heron Empire and are deeply respected. Countless geniuses and sons of princes and nobles aspire to become their disciples.
For the people of the Heron Empire, the Jade Void Sword Sect and the Azure Luan Pavilion are the sacred places of cultivation in their hearts.
The sky above Silver Heron Sacred Mountain shimmered with light, and elders and high-ranking officials from various forces arrived from time to time. Lin Xuan and Chen Xiong followed closely behind.
The appearance of the two quickly attracted the attention of many cultivators.
They didn't recognize Lin Xuan, but they were quite familiar with Chen Xiong Lin Xuan, who was standing beside him. After all, King Realm expert was someone who ranked highly in the entire Heron Empire.
" The Jade Balance Sword Palace has finally arrived! We thought they weren't coming!"
" The Jade Balance Sword Palace arrived a bit late this year; in previous years they were the most enthusiastic and the first to arrive."
"It must be Chen Xiong, the second elder of the Jade Balance Sword Palace, one of the three King Realm of the Jade Balance Sword Palace."
Who is the woman next to him?
"Unfamiliar appearance, young age, probably Elder Chen's disciple."
Chen Xiong was quite well-known, after all, he was one of only three King Realm in the Jade Balance Sword Palace. And in the Heron Empire, the weakest empire among the Seven Moon-Reflecting Kingdoms, King Realm was an absolute powerhouse.
As for Lin Xuan, he was unfamiliar to everyone, so they didn't pay much attention to him.
Hearing the offensive words, Chen Xiong was displeased. He turned to look at the cultivator who had spoken, and was about to speak when Lin Xuan stopped him.
"There's no need."
Lin Xuan didn't care about any of that.
Chen Xiong shook his head with a wry smile. " Senior Lin, you really don't care about these empty titles at all."
Just as the two landed on the high platform prepared for the Jade Balance Sword Palace, a figure in earthen yellow walked over dejectedly, looking uneasy and embarrassed.
"Fellow Daoist Chen Xiong, and also, Senior Lin... Senior Lin."
The person's clothing collar features a soaring falcon piercing the clouds, entwined with evergreen vine patterns, clearly the emblem of the Spirit Firmament Sect.
He was Elder Yan sent by the Spirit Firmament Sect to recruit disciples. He was also King Realm. When he saw the young man in the image stone, he hurriedly came up to greet him.
Lin Xuan nodded slightly to him.
Although he didn't know this elder from the Spirit Firmament Sect, Lin Xuan couldn't refuse such a warm welcome; one shouldn't be rude to someone who's all smiles.
As for what happened before... it's all in the past, and Lin Xuan didn't bother to dwell on it. The sect leader of the Spirit Firmament Sect had already personally come to apologize and presented the apology gifts as requested. The grudges were settled and wiped clean.
At this time, apart from the Illusory Feather Sect was sealed off from the mountain, all six major sects sent people to Silver Heron Sacred Mountain. Almost all of them were elders. After all, this was just an Ascension Assembly, and sect leaders would not lower themselves to come. Generally, the King Realm elders within the sect were sufficient.
Elder Yan dared not disturb Lin Xuan too much, so he lingered beside Chen Xiong, saying a few words here and there, which surprised everyone around him.
Although they were far apart and couldn't hear exactly what they were saying, everyone still noticed Elder Yan Yan's polite and warm manner.
Elder Yan's cultivation level was not weak, at the King Realm Second Layer, but his status was noble. After all, he came from the Spirit Firmament Sect, which was second only to the Jade Void Sword Sect and the Azure Luan Pavilion. His status was far above that of ordinary King Realm Second Layer. Even the sect leaders or deputy sect leaders of the lower-ranked sects of the Seven Sects would have to treat Elder Yan with utmost respect, if not with courtesy.
It's truly unexpected that Elder Yan would lower himself to greet an elder from a lowly sect like the Jade Balance Sword Palace with such warmth.
If it were the Fairy Cold Moon of the Jade Balance Sword Palace, it would be somewhat understandable, but...
Elder Yan noticed the surrounding chatter and surprise, but he ignored it.
Others may not know, but doesn't he?
The Jade Balance Sword Palace of today is no longer the Jade Balance Sword Palace of the past.
He can't afford to offend the Jade Balance Sword Palace now.
Let alone him, even their sect leader, or even the entire Spirit Firmament Sect, cannot afford to offend him!
After the sect leader went to apologize that day, he sternly warned them all that they must not offend the Jade Balance Sword Palace from now on, and if possible, they should try to befriend them.
His enthusiasm wasn't intended to curry favor with Lin Xuan; he simply hoped to leave a good impression.
Elder Yan and Chen Xiong were chatting enthusiastically. He carefully glanced at Lin Xuan's expression and, seeing that the other party was not averse to it, felt relieved, knowing that he had made the right move!
However, just when Elder Yan was in a good mood, someone had to spoil the mood.
"I was wondering who this was. Is the Jade Balance Sword Palace out of talent? They only sent one at the King Realm First Layer, ha--"
" The Jade Balance Sword Palace is truly becoming more and more desolate; it's quite a laughing stock."
An untimely voice, mixed with scornful laughter, came from behind Elder Yan.
When everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw who was speaking, they all understood.
The person who spoke was Elder Feng who represented the Azure Luan Pavilion in recruiting disciples. His cultivation level was at the King Realm Second Layer.
There wasn't really any real grudge between Elder Feng and the Jade Balance Sword Palace, but she had a significant conflict with Fairy Cold Moon.
The specifics are unknown to outsiders; perhaps only the two female cultivators themselves know the details of their grudge.
Every time the two met, Elder Feng's expression was never pleasant; he looked like he had swallowed gunpowder, and he would always mock and ridicule them. However, Fairy Cold Moon was a well-known ice beauty and rarely paid any attention to Elder Feng.
Even so, Elder Feng's hatred never lessened whenever he saw Fairy Cold Moon.
Every year at the Silver Heron Sacred Mountain Immortal Ascension Ceremony, guests always witness the classic scene of Elder Feng mocking Fairy Cold Moon. This year, however, Fairy Cold Moon did not come, so Chen Xiong and Lin Xuan from the Jade Balance Sword Palace naturally became Elder Feng's prime targets.
Upon seeing Elder Feng, Chen Xiong's eyes flashed with disgust, and he snorted coldly before turning his head away.
"Whom my Jade Balance Sword Palace sends has nothing to do with Elder Feng."
He naturally knew about the feud between the Deputy Palace Master of Han Yue and Elder Feng. In fact, apart from Lin Xuan, probably no one present was unaware of it. Therefore, Chen Xiong was particularly annoyed by this crazy woman who would occasionally go mad.
Elder Feng looked down on Chen Xiong and rolled his eyes in disdain.
"None of my business? Apart from the Illusory Feather Sect, which of my six major sects didn't send at least one elder at the King Realm Second Layer? Only your Jade Balance Sword Palace sent someone like you... tsk tsk, you've really lowered the status of my six sects."
"What? If Han Yue doesn't come, your Jade Balance Sword Palace can't find another King Realm Second Layer? Where's that old dog Lu Ming? Dead?"
She looked at Chen Xiong with disdain, shifting her gaze and clicking her tongue repeatedly, as if she had seen something unclean.
Chen Xiong clenched his fists and looked at Elder Feng, who was spewing filth, wishing he could slap her twice.
But he knew he couldn't do that. Not to mention that this was the site of the Immortal Ascension Ceremony, his strength was no match for this crazy woman. Chen Xiong turned his head away in disgust, treating Elder Feng as if he were invisible.
This woman goes crazy every year, year after year, never getting tired of it, her mouth is extremely vicious and foul.
Chen Xiong sometimes wondered if Elder Feng hadn't been in seclusion at all these years, but had instead been practicing her verbal skills so that she could insult people differently each year.
It's truly baffling whether the Vice Palace Master killed her entire family or stole her man, that she harbors such deep resentment, attacking her like a mad dog the moment they meet. She's like a toad on the skin of someone's foot!
Those around them watched Elder Feng spouting nonsense, and their gazes toward Chen Xiong were filled with pity.
Elder Chen of the Jade Balance Sword Palace... is quite pitiful.
Elder Feng, having failed to see Fairy Cold Moon, vented all his anger on Chen Xiong.
" Elder Feng, say less," Elder Yan advised, frowning from the side.
He had no grudges or affections with Elder Feng, but the Spirit Firmament Sect and Azure Luan Pavilion had a fairly good relationship, which is why he gave him a reminder.
The Jade Balance Sword Palace is no longer what it used to be. The Spirit Firmament Sect Azure Luan Pavilion is stronger than the Spirit Firmament Sect overall, it's still only slightly stronger. Faced with the Jade Balance Sword Palace now... it can only be crushed.
If she were to accidentally anger Senior Lin, even though she came from the Azure Luan Pavilion, she would surely die.
If it weren't for the relationship between the two families, Elder Yan really wouldn't have been willing to say that.
He meant well, but the other person might not accept his kindness.
"Roll!"
Elder Feng glared at him fiercely, showing no respect whatsoever to Elder Yan in his words!
Upon seeing this, Elder Yan's expression changed drastically. This woman had been humiliated in front of so many people; she was beyond saving.
"Snort."
Elder Yan snorted coldly and said nothing more.
He'd given all the necessary reminders, but the other person simply didn't appreciate them. What more can be said?
Just don't blame him for not reminding you when the time comes.
" Senior Lin, let's go. Don't pay any attention to this crazy woman," Chen Xiong secretly transmitted to Lin Xuan.
His thoughts were similar to Elder Yan's; he was unwilling to lower his status by arguing with a woman, so he quickly sat down with Lin Xuan.
Elder Yan bowed slightly and then hurried to his location at the Spirit Firmament Sect.
With all six sects present and the Immortal Ascension Incense burned out, the Immortal Ascension Ceremony officially begins!
At the summit of Silver Heron Sacred Mountain, the Seven Sects are positioned in a formation resembling seven stars guarding the summit. Other first-rate forces occasionally follow behind the Seven Sects. Although they are not as powerful as the Seven Sects, they are not lacking in forces with the King Realm experts in charge.
This time, the open space at the top of Silver Heron Sacred Mountain was particularly eye-catching.
The absence of the Illusory Feather Sect sparked much discussion and speculation, but only Chen Xiong, Elder Yan, and a few others knew why they hadn't come.
"With the sect leader dead, it would be strange if the Illusory Feather Sect were in the mood to come."
With the death of the sect leader of the Illusory Feather Sect, only two King Realm remain in the sect. This strength is insufficient to support Illusory Feather Sect, causing the sect, which was originally stronger than Jade Balance Sword Palace Illusory Feather Sect, to fall to the bottom of the seven sects.
As for the Heron Empire, there are quite a few who covet the position of one of the Seven Sects. The Illusory Feather Sect should probably think about how to protect its precarious position first.
Elder Yan thought to himself, feeling both lingering fear and relief.
It seems likely that the Illusory Feather Sect will not appear in the public eye for a long time to come.
The Immortal Ascension Ceremony is not complicated. It is more like a disciple-acceptance ceremony jointly held by the seven sects than a grand ceremony. After the ceremony begins, there is only one part: testing talent.
In spiritual practice, aptitude is the most important factor.
Other things... can't be said to be unimportant, but ultimately they are not as important as qualifications.
In the center of the plaza built atop Silver Heron Sacred Mountain stands a massive memorial stele.
This spirit tablet is used to test talent. It has ten pillars of light. The pillar that the test taker can light up represents their aptitude.
The testing spirit tablet is extremely precious. Besides the Jade Void Sword Sect, the leader of the seven major sects, only the Heron Sacred Mountain possesses one, which is enveloped by numerous arrays, making it difficult to destroy.
The elders in charge of presiding over the Immortal Ascension Ceremony have taken the stage. The elders are different every year, but they are all selected from the seven sects and rotate annually to ensure fairness and impartiality as much as possible.
" The Immortal Ascension Ceremony officially begins!"
"The testing of the spirit tablet has begun. Everyone, are you ready?"
As the Immortal Ascension Ceremony began, Silver Heron Sacred Mountain fell silent, with only the elders on the platform reciting the rules.
This was a routine procedure, and although most people had heard it many times before, no one interrupted; everyone listened quietly.
"As you can see, the spirit tablet has ten pillars of light. Reach out and touch the spirit tablet. If you successfully light it up, it means you have talent for cultivation and have the opportunity to enter a sect and gain great fortune. If you cannot light the spirit tablet, it is fate, and you must not complain or make a fuss!"
"If the spirit tablet is lit up with four beams of light, it indicates exceptional talent, making one eligible to join one of our seven sects."
"Five or six beams of light are required for inner sect or True Disciple."
"Seven beams of light, a rare sight indeed. The young sect leader of my Jade Void Sword Sect and the Holy Maiden of the Azure Luan Pavilion Phoenix Pavilion detected seven beams of light back then."
"These two are young but exceptionally talented, and they are already at the Earth Mysterious Fourth Layer Realm, truly deserving of the title of Heaven's Chosen Ones."
The elder who presided over this year's test came from the Jade Void Sword Sect, and when he mentioned his young sect leader, his tone was naturally one of pride.