Immortal of the Nine Realms

Not only did the Dao cultivators present look at the Dragon Sovereign with awe and admiration, but the leaders of the various factions in the Azure Dao Manor also expressed deep respect.

The Morning Star Dao Sect had a long legacy, unlike the newer rising sects like the Innate Dao Sect and the Great Expansion Dao Sect. The Morning Star Dao Sect's position in the Central Continent was firmly established and deeply ingrained in people's minds.

Legend has it that the founder of the Morning Star Dao Sect was the guardian immortal beast of the original Three Thousand Dao Sect—a true dragon!

The Dragon Sovereign before them had an extraordinarily long lifespan. Many of those present had not even been born when he had already become the ancestor of the Morning Star Dao Sect and ruled over all the Dao Sects.

However, legends were only legends, after all. Ever since the gates to the Immortal Realm were closed, no true dragons had appeared in the world. Many had speculated that the Dragon Sovereign's origins were likely tied to the Dragon Blood Family.

In the eyes of many cultivators, Dragon Blood cultivators were highly sought after as they were akin to living saint-grade spiritual herbs. Anyone with such bloodlines would surely attract assassination attempts and plots. Only the Dragon Sovereign was a figure no one dared to target.

When they heard the Dragon Sovereign threaten the annihilation of the Langya Clan, everyone shuddered inwardly. It was clear that after today, the Langya Clan would face the threat of extermination. Even if they weren't wiped out, their future in the Azure Dao Manor would be uncertain.

The Wei Family's ancestor wore a smirk as he was secretly happy at their misfortune.

"Immortal King Dragon Sovereign, regarding the matters of the Grand Thousand Dao Sect... it might be connected to the Void Immortal Sword Sect as well..." reminded Qi Jian softly.

Ouyang Xuanzhen and the Dragon Sovereign exchanged a glance but remained silent. Another figure, however, let out a cold laugh. "The Void Immortal Sword Sect will not intervene in today's matters."

The crowd suddenly recalled that they had seen three figures earlier. If this person hadn't spoken, they would have forgotten about him. A chill ran down their spines as they turned their attention toward him.

This man appeared unremarkable with his Dao robe torn and tattered. If he was seen in a common setting, no one would have cared about him. Moreover, his face was so ordinary that one would easily forget the moment they turned away.

They gasped in realization. This was none other than the rarely-seen Immortal King of the Innate Dao Sect—Immortal King Gu Xi!

It was rumored that Immortal King Gu Xi's ability to avoid danger was unparalleled. Wherever there was danger, he would never appear. Now that he had shown up, could it mean that...the Grand Thousand Dao Sect's attempt to re-establish the Three Thousand Dao Sect was a joke?

Those who had been wavering instantly knew who to side with.

"It's almost time," said Ouyang Xuanzhen with an undecipherable smile.

He commanded Daoist Yuanju, "Let those people in."

The crowd immediately understood what Ouyang Xuanzhen meant. The Immortal King of the Great Expansion Dao Sect was making it clear to everyone that the Daoists of the Three Thousand Dao Sect were about to witness who truly had the say over the Dao Sects, once and for all!

At that moment, someone said, "Grandfather, maybe we should just forget it. Given the stance of the Nine Yang Dao Sect...we simply can't attend the Grand Thousand Dao Sect's ceremony..."

"Father, some have already left. If we stay any longer, we risk being remembered by the Nine Yang Dao Sect and they will likely settle the score with us in the future..." advised one of Qi Gongxu's sons.

Listening to the advice, Qi Gongxu slowly set down his teacup and gazed around. He saw that the place had already gathered hundreds and thousands of Daoists. Most of them wore simple clothing and presented themselves as members of family clans rather than founders of sects.

"Since we've come this far, what's a few more days?" said Qi Gongxu nonchalantly.

The Qi Family exchanged glances and sighed inwardly.

Bai Lixiao's sharp gaze swept across the crowd and suddenly, a thought came to his mind. A look of surprise flashed on his face as he turned to the others and shouted loudly, "Aren't you all heading to the Grand Thousand Dao Sect? Since the tea is finished, let's go together."

The crowd looked at each other in confusion.

"What's going on!?"

Was the Nine Yang Dao Sect suddenly changing its stance or was something else happening?

"Father, this trip might be dangerous," warned his son.

"I've lived long enough. If I don't go now, I may never have the chance again," replied Qi Gongxu stubbornly.

He slowly stood up and joined the crowd moving towards the Grand Thousand Dao Sect.

As the time drew near, a brilliant white light surged above the Grand Thousand Dao Sect. A group of inner sanctum disciples led by Pei Qingfeng began to step out one after another. ȒἁΝỗ𝐁ÊŠ

"It seems not many have come to the ceremony..." commented the elders of the various peaks as they exchanged uncertain glances.

Li Daoye glanced at them and smiled. "Whether we invite them or not is our business and whether they come or not is theirs. It doesn't affect today's ceremony."

An elder forced a smile and replied awkwardly, "Daoist Li is right."

Hundreds of disciples now stood in two rows before the main entrance while martial Daoists stood behind the crowd. Their faces were filled with excitement and anticipation.

Some of the worshippers were unaware of today's event at the Grand Thousand Dao Sect. Their curiosity piqued as they whispered among themselves.

"Aside from the Langya Clan, there's no one from the Azure Dao Prefecture here?" asked one quietly.

Zhou Bufan silently observed the scene while sipping his tea. Upon seeing this, he was relieved.

Wu Weizi and the others also secretly gloated. If that was the case, it seemed that the Grand Thousand Dao Sect wasn't as powerful as they had feared. The humiliation they had suffered could likely be repaid in a very short time!

With this thought, the group's mood brightened and the tea in their cups no longer seemed as bitter and hard to swallow.

In the center of the entrance, there was a plaque made from a thousand-year-old ancient tree awaiting Fang Chen to write with a brush.

Pei Qingfeng glanced at the blazing sun in the sky that caused everyone's shadows to cast long on the ground.

He immediately shouted, "The time has come. Martial Uncle, please take the brush!"

"The time has come. Martial Ancestor Uncle, please take the brush!"

"The time has come. Ancestor, please take the brush!"

One by one, the calls echoed across the land for miles.

Many disciples felt their hearts stir as they eagerly waited for what was to come.

Fang Chen smiled. He slowly walked up to the plaque and picked up a brush nearby.

However, before he could begin writing, hundreds and thousands of Immortal Boats slowly appeared in the void.

On the Immortal Boats stood countless figures, shrouded in clouds and mist, their forms flickering in and out of sight. The ordinary people who witnessed this spectacle were filled with shock.

"The Dragon Sovereign of the Morning Star Dao Sect has arrived!"

"Immortal King Gu Xi of the Innate Dao Sect has arrived!"

"Immortal King Xuanzhen of the Great Expansion Dao Sect has arrived!"

The immortal sounds, like thunderous roars, reverberated across the land and realms for over a thousand miles.

Then, one after another, more voices of greeting rang out. The names of the Sect Masters from the various Dao Sects, the leaders of the grand clans, and the names of other prominent figures like Qijian were heard.

Zhou Bufan and the others looked on in astonishment. They instinctively stood up and gazed behind.

Each of these names was grand and powerful, representing mighty cultivators with immense strength.

As the sounds of greeting faded, the cultivators, led by the Three Grand Immortal Kings, stepped through the air. With each step, the mood of the Grand Thousand Dao Sect's disciples grew heavier.

The ordinary people who were unaware of the ongoing power struggles were in awe and looked on with elation. Some had already dropped to their knees and worshiped these figures.

These were, in their eyes, true immortals!

At the same time, Daoists from all over the world rushed to the scene after being released by the Nine Yang Dao Sect. Upon seeing the immense gathering before them, they too were struck with fear and awe.

"Master Yuanju is here as well."

Wu Weizi and the others noticed Daoist Yuanju, who gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Overwhelmed with emotion, some of them were on the verge of tears. One of them even smashed his teacup in front of him and pointed at Fang Chen, laughing maniacally, "You're finished! You're finished now, hahaha..."