The Sanqing Immortal Sect possessed a profound heritage, so the inauguration ceremony for the new Saint Heir was an intricate affair. The process began with ascending the Ascension Altar to chant prayers, notifying the ancestors and reaching out to the divine spirits. This was followed by the proclamation of a declaration, the crowning of the Saint Heir, the receiving of the Heavenly Decree that represented his new identity, the acceptance of a baptism from the Saints, and finally, the prostration of the disciples.
By the ti the entire ceremony was complete, night had already fallen. The mountains and fields were bathed in brilliant starlight, and the festive lanterns cast an enchanting glow.
Inside the great hall of Fenglai Peak, a banquet had already been prepared, and guests from all the Great Immortal Gates were invited to take their seats.
"What a handso young man, with sharp brows, star-bright eyes, and a heroic bearing! The Saint Heir of Sanqing truly lives up to his reputation!" an old man praised with a beaming smile as he sized up Wang Xiu.
"And you are, Senior?" Wang Xiu inquired with a polite smile and a bow.
"Saint Heir, this is the Peak Master of Qingling Peak from Mount Shu, a man of profound virtue and formidable cultivation!" an Elder from Fenglai Peak hurriedly introduced.
Wang Xiu’s eyes widened in understanding. Mount Shu’s seventy-two peaks were roughly equivalent to the various branches of the Sanqing Immortal Sect. The status of a Peak Master was on par with that of a Chief. This Qingling Peak Master radiated a powerful presence and extraordinary strength. He was clearly a great figure above the Saint Manifestation realm. Even among other Peak Masters, he would rank near the very top. For the Mount Shu Immortal Sect to send a Saint to witness the ceremony truly showed their sincerity.
"Greetings, Senior! You praise too highly," Wang Xiu said, cupping his hands in a gesture that was neither servile nor arrogant.
"Ah, there is no need for such modesty, Saint Heir! You took great care of our Saintess in the Holy Realm. She has told us all about it! If anything, we should be the ones thanking you," Li Hanqiu said, stroking his beard. He looked at Wang Xiu with a happy expression and a peculiar glint in his eye.
"To be frank, Xuan Qi... is a junior of my own clan!" a voice transmission entered Wang Xiu’s ear.
Wang Xiu was montarily stunned before understanding dawned on him. "I see!" he laughed.
Li Hanqiu continued, "Xuan Qi said that you saved her life in the Holy Realm and gave her many fortuitous encounters! Without you, she could never have gained so much there!"
Wang Xiu smiled. "How could I dare take the credit? Senior Sister Li overstates my role. With her extraordinary talent and great fortune, she would have done just fine even without !"
Li Hanqiu laughed heartily. "Xuan Qi said you were silver-tongued, always saying exactly what people want to hear. I didn’t believe her at first, but it seems she was right!"
Wang Xiu was speechless. The corner of his mouth twitched as he subconsciously glanced at Li Xuanqi, who was seated near the front of the guest section.
As if sensing his gaze, she turned her head. Her bright eyes and pearly teeth flashed in a smile, and her radiant, jade-like skin seed to glow—a beauty so stunning it could make one’s heart tremble. Then, with graceful, swaying steps, she walked right over.
"What’s this? Are you talking about ?" Li Xuanqi asked, a slight smile on her lips as she lightly brushed a strand of hair from her ear.
"Isn’t our Saintess always pining for the Sanqing Saint Heir? She’s so head over heels she can’t even eat or drink. Seeing that broke this old man’s heart... so I took the liberty of conveying the ssage for her!" Li Hanqiu bood with laughter.
Li Xuanqi’s face turned slightly red. "Junior Brother Wang Xiu, don’t listen to my Uncle-Ancestor’s nonsense," she retorted with a light scoff. "He’s just an old man who loves to tease young people!"
She had only ntioned Wang Xiu a few tis when she had nothing better to do. It was hardly as if she had lost her appetite over it.
Wang Xiu rely smiled.
Li Hanqiu looked at the young man and woman before him, growing more and more satisfied with what he saw.
How suitable. A perfect match!
He resolved then and there to be their matchmaker.
"Li Hanqiu!" Just then, Ji Yan suddenly strode over, stopping in front of Li Hanqiu with a look of great surprise. "Well, well, if it isn’t you, old boy?"
"Ji Yan?" Li Hanqiu was also startled. He looked him up and down and said, "I heard you beca obsessed with the fairer sex these past few years and that your cultivation has fallen off considerably. I’m surprised you managed to reach the Saint Manifestation realm!"
The two were clearly old acquaintances who had their share of dealings in the past.
"Long ti no see, and your mouth is still as foul as ever! But never mind that. Today is the auspicious day my son-in-law ascends to the position of Saint Heir, so I won’t hold it against you. Co, co... have a few good drinks with !" Ji Yan said, grabbing Li Hanqiu’s arm and pulling him aside.
"Your son-in-law?" Li Hanqiu’s eyes widened. He stared at Wang Xiu for a mont in disbelief. "Stop bluffing. With a face like yours, what kind of fine fruit could you possibly produce?"
Li Xuanqi was also taken aback and subconsciously glanced at Wang Xiu, who remained perfectly composed.
"Hey, I don’t like the sound of that! Daughter, co here!" Ji Yan huffed, stroking his beard and calling Ji Zidian to his side.
She was dressed in her finest today, wearing a long purple gown whose hem fluttered like violet clouds around her. Her raven hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her bright, clear eyes were like pristine springs. Her skin was as white as snow, and her light makeup had shed so of her girlish immaturity for a more mature allure. She was so charming that she seed to dim the lights of the great hall, drawing countless gazes.
Ji Zidian seems different today, and not just because of her makeup, Wang Xiu thought. Is it my imagination? The size of a certain part of her seems to have grown by more than just a little since I last saw her. What has this girl been up to?
"Dad! Senior Brother... Senior Sister Li!" Ji Zidian called out in a clear, pretty voice as she discreetly moved to stand between Wang Xiu and Li Xuanqi.
Honestly, if I wasn’t so worried about my etiquette, I would have co over long ago!
"This is your daughter?" Li Hanqiu was stunned. He found it hard to believe. How could the unsightly Ji Yan have fathered such a beautiful daughter?
"So? She’s no worse than your Saintess, is she?" Ji Yan said with imnse pride, his beard practically bristling toward the sky.
"Hmph!" Li Hanqiu snorted, flicking his sleeve and falling silent.
"Now, don’t be angry. In light of our many years of friendship, when these two get married, I’ll still allow him to take concubines. When that ti cos... I’ll definitely save the first position for your Saintess!" Ji Yan said, patting Li Hanqiu’s shoulder while he transmitted the ssage, his eyes twinkling triumphantly.
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