After leaving the Myriad Worlds Graveyard, the void passage opened by the Chi Lineage stretched across the vast sky, with countless layers of space flowing past them like water. When Qin Yu returned to the clan's territory with Chi Boqian and his clansmen, the sky had already sunk into a deep twilight.
The final results of today's competition among the Lineage had already spread like wildfire throughout the entire Chi Lineage before everyone even arrived: Qin Yu, the outsider, had emerged victorious.
For the Chi Lineage, this honor has long transcended the realm of ordinary victory or defeat. For hundreds of years, the Lineage have been vying for supremacy, and each martial arts tournament has affected the reputation and foundation of the younger generation, maintaining the face and foundation of each family.
Although the Chi Lineage had once won the championship, no outside cultivator had ever been able to overpower the top talents of the three families, and no one had ever been able to defeat Hua Jingmeng head-on in that life-or-death Ultimate showdown, thus bringing the title of the supreme number one back to the Chi Lineage land with dignity.
Therefore, when the ancient ancestral gate of the Chi Lineage, which spans the sky and has stood for eternity, came into view, the scene was no longer solemn and desolate as before; the entire Chi Family Lineage estate was ablaze with lights.
Amidst the sprawling palace complex, thousands of towering pavilions are adorned with gleaming lanterns, and layers of jade steps stretch from the heart of the inner city all the way to the clan's gate. The protective Dao patterns that usually lie dormant in the sky, guarding the ancestral land, have all shed their fierce and menacing aura, transforming into a grand celebratory scene.
The vast spiritual light stretched freely across the sky, laying out dozens of magnificent rivers of light in the deep twilight. It did not display its ferocity, but only reflected and manifested the ancient emblems passed down through generations of the Chi Lineage.
Looking into the distance, the entire ancestral land was covered with a solemn yet intensely warm glow. In the distance, between the floating palaces, the Chi Lineage's exclusive Daoist banners fluttered in the wind, and thousands of spiritual light ribbons flowed and swayed along the eaves, illuminating this ancient ancestral land with unprecedented brilliance.
Outside the clan gate, a huge crowd had already gathered, all of them members of the Chi Family Lineage who had been waiting for a long time.
Sect elders, serving deacons, young disciples, members of various lineages, and even many reclusive elders who have been in seclusion for many years and do not concern themselves with worldly disputes, all personally appeared to wait for him today.
The young disciples at the forefront could no longer contain their excitement. When they saw the void passage dissipate and Chi Boqian and his group appear, their eyes lit up. Immediately, someone in the crowd shouted out the name that had resounded throughout the entire Chi Lineage.
"The clan leader and the others are back!" These words instantly caused a stir among the orderly crowd in front of the clan gate. "It's said that Fellow Daoist Qin defeated Hua Jingmeng and won first place!"
"It really is Fellow Daoist Qin!" "My Chi Lineage has won the grand competition!"
Countless eager gazes swept over the crowd and fell upon Qin Yu. Many clansmen who had not personally experienced the Myriad Worlds Graveyard had already learned of the perilous and brutal final battle through messages from their clans. Now, seeing him return Anran, their admiration was no longer concealed.
Those clansmen who were fortunate enough to witness the battle recounted the thrilling final showdown in public. They talked about how Hua Jingmeng activated the Vast Sea Dao-Burying Sword and unleashed her trump card, the Cangyan Burial Vast Annihilation God-Burying Banner, unleashing her full power in a desperate situation. When Qin Yu defied the odds and used the fifth form of the Silent Origin Stainless Sword to shatter the Life Silence Return to the Ruins and reverse the outcome, the exclamations of amazement from all around were endless.
Chi Boqian stood before the crowd, gazing at the magnificent scene, the smile that had been suppressed in his heart for days growing even stronger. He did not stop the clansmen from celebrating and making noise, but turned to look at Qin Yu, raised his hand and said with a gentle smile, "Fellow Daoist Qin, this scene today is not something I deliberately arranged. The news of the victory in the competition has already made the clansmen very excited."
After discussion, the elders decided to change the small banquet in the inner hall into a grand banquet for the entire clan. "If our Chi Lineage were to hide and keep a low profile the unparalleled glory you have brought to the Chi Lineage today, it would be beneath our dignity."
Qin Yu raised his eyes, gazing at the boundless spectacle of lights before him, and seeing the heartfelt joy on the faces of his clansmen on both sides. The faint somberness that remained between his brows due to the damage to his Fate Soul eased slightly. He calmly cupped his hands in greeting to Chi Boqian.
"Senior's hospitality is too kind for this junior to bear." "Hey!" Chi Boqian immediately waved his hand, pretending to be serious, but his eyes were full of joy. "No need for such humility and politeness today." The surrounding elders smiled and echoed his words.
An elder stroked his beard and smiled, "The patriarch is absolutely right. If Fellow Daoist Qin still feels unworthy of such an honor, then all the participating disciples of the Chi Lineage would be too ashamed to even sit at the banquet."
Another elder chimed in, his tone earnest. "You, as an outsider, seized the title of champion that our Chi Lineage has never achieved in hundreds of years, and you also decisively defeated the Hua Lineage's prodigy. Today's banquet seat is rightfully yours."
Laughter and cheers filled the clan gate. Seeing the sincerity of everyone's intentions, Qin Yu no longer declined, only nodding slightly and smiling faintly. Chi Boqian waved his sleeve and said in a loud and clear voice, "Return to the clan!"
The crowd marched in a grand procession through the majestic clan gate. Today, the Chi Lineage held the highest level of ceremony in the clan, displaying a grand spectacle unseen for a century. The main banquet was held at the Myriad Pools Heavenly Palace, the core of the ancestral land. This supreme palace was usually only opened for ancestral worship ceremonies, the transmission of the Daoist tradition, and the presence of distinguished guests. In ordinary times, it was quiet and solemn all year round.
At this moment, all ninety-nine jade steps of the Heavenly Palace were illuminated with primordial spiritual light. Thousands of seats were arranged in the Pre-Nonbeing, and people from various clans took their seats in an orderly manner. Hundreds of floating jade platforms surrounded the main hall and stood suspended in the air. A vast light screen spread out in the sky, reflecting the Dao Crystal images of the decisive battle in the Myriad Worlds Graveyard layer by layer onto the sky.
As the image of Qin Yu's final sword strike Life Silence Return to the Ruins and reversing the tide of battle slowly appeared on the light screen, the entire noisy square suddenly fell silent.
The next instant, a deafening cheer erupted, echoing through the sky. Chi Boqian sat in the main seat, gazing at the magnificent scene before him, nodding repeatedly. He then raised his jade cup and toasted Qin Yu from afar.
"Fellow Daoist Qin!" A loud call drew everyone's attention. Chi Boqian stood up, his usual patriarchal demeanor gone, replaced by a heart full of openness and joy. "This cup, on behalf of the entire Chi Lineage, is a toast to you!"
Upon hearing the voice, the elders from all directions rose in unison, followed by their clansmen. Hundreds of figures stood solemnly, their voices resounding powerfully. "Homage to Fellow Daoist Qin!" The booming sound echoed Myriad Pools Heavenly Palace, lingering for a long time.
Qin Yu's heart stirred slightly, and he did not sit Anran to accept the congratulations. He slowly stood up, held the cup in both hands, first nodded to Chi Boqian in greeting, and then returned the greeting to the clansmen from all directions with a calm and composed demeanor, neither arrogant nor impatient.
"Esteemed seniors and fellow Daoists, you flatter me greatly. I am deeply grateful for Senior Chi's trust in granting me the opportunity to participate in this battle, and I have benefited immensely from it. This cup is my toast to you all."
After speaking, he tilted his head back and drank the fine wine in his cup in one gulp. The cheers from the entire hall rose again, one after another, extremely enthusiastic.
After that drink, the banquet completely shed its formality, and the atmosphere became even more lively. The young disciples sat together, discussing the several earth-shattering battles of the day, their words filled with excitement; while the elders gathered around to discuss the Dao, carefully analyzing Qin Yu's transformation of the Great Dao when he finally attained Silent Origin Return to Truth, praising him endlessly.
Despite his triumph, Qin Yu displayed no arrogance or haughtiness. Whenever someone came to congratulate him, he responded with impeccable manners and composure. When faced with questions from young disciples filled with admiration, he would only offer brief insights into his combat experiences, touching upon them briefly and stopping short of revealing them, displaying humility and restraint.
As the banquet reached its midpoint, a Qingwan female voice drifted from the side. "Fellow Daoist Qin."
Qin Yu turned his head and saw Chi Ninghua slowly walking over with a wine cup in her hand. The aura of her Eternal Silence Realm Initial Stage was completely concealed, without any trace of the pressure of a powerful figure. Her eyebrows and eyes were relaxed, and she had a bright smile that was rare in recent days.
She stood before Qin Yu, silently observing him for a moment before solemnly raising her cup in a toast. "The final battle at the Myriad Worlds Graveyard —you and Hua Jingmeng fought to the very end. I witnessed the entire battle from within the clan through the Shadow Soul Mirror, and I was truly on edge for the latter half."
As she finished speaking, she smiled faintly, her eyes still holding the thrill of watching the battle. "Especially when the Life Silence Return to the Ruins' unfolded, I almost thought you were trapped in a deadly situation. I never imagined you could break through against the odds and save your life with a single sword strike."
She gently shook her head, the emotion in her eyes gradually fading, replaced by complete seriousness.
"With this toast, I congratulate you on reaching the top and thank you for bringing this unparalleled glory back to the Chi Lineage. For hundreds of years, no outsider has ever been able to win the championship in the Four Great Lineage Grand Competition. From now on, your name is destined to be an indelible legend in this grand event."
Qin Yu calmly raised his glass in response, his tone gentle. "Senior, you flatter me." Chi Ninghua gently shook her head, her eyes sincere. "Not at all." She leaned slightly forward, her voice softer, each word earnest.
"You fought to the bitter end for the Chi Lineage, even at the cost of damaging your Fate Soul. The entire Chi Lineage will never take this for granted."
Qin Yu's gaze paused slightly, then he nodded gently, and the two raised their glasses to drink together. Chi Ninghua did not linger, but smiled and told him to enjoy himself tonight before stepping aside so as not to disturb him while entertaining his guests.