vstars Chapter 145 Mahayana Ritual 3
Chapter 145 Mahayana Ritual 3
The distant sky was ablaze with golden light, and everyone's gaze turned toward that sliver of light separating the two horizons—the guests had arrived!
These four words resonated in everyone's hearts, and made everyone take it seriously.
Mao Hongsheng cleared away the bowls and chopsticks on the table, then took his leave. Li Weixin lay lazily on the chair. Although he was not a disciple of Guiyuan Sect, who could recognize him as a disciple of Longyuan Sect standing here?
To maintain his sect's reputation, he also made sure he looked neat and tidy.
Six people stood in front of the jade platform, ready to welcome the guests.
With his gaze fixed on the layers of magnificent light on the horizon, Cheng Jiu said hesitantly, "It seems like there are quite a few guests here!"
Upon closer inspection, the golden light was not golden light at all, but a strange phenomenon deliberately amplified by numerous powerful spirit beasts. However, because there were so many spirit beasts, the mutual reflection of each other resulted in only a sky-piercing golden light.
Chang Yue squinted as she looked into the distance, then addressed the somewhat sluggish line on the other side: "What are you all standing around for? The guests have officially arrived! Hurry up and get ready for the rehearsal!"
The line over there was a bit of a commotion after Chang Yue's shout. Soon, four disciples, two men and two women, came out and prepared a table and chairs, placing them at the entrance of the jade platform, which was actually separated by railings, with a huge stone platform in front of it.
Behind them was the jade platform where Cheng Jiu and his group greeted guests, but no one had sat there before, so the two places weren't separated.
Compared to the place where Cheng Jiu and his group greeted guests, the huge platform in front seemed rather simple, but fortunately it occupied a large area.
One female disciple sat in a chair, while another female disciple ground ink and added incense for her.
Two disciples stood on either side of the railing. Although their movements were somewhat hasty, they were chaotic yet orderly.
The staff is already in place and ready to greet guests before they arrive.
This group of guests seemed to have arrived together, and there were quite a lot of them. The platform simply couldn't accommodate them all. At this moment, disciples from the Enforcement Hall were already watching from a distance, ready to come over and maintain order if any disturbance occurred.
The reason for remaining silent from afar is to save face for these powerful figures who have lived for who knows how long.
It was obvious that the group of powerful figures who had arrived could not accommodate so many people on the platform. However, since they were all powerful figures and cared about their dignity, they showed each other courtesy and arranged themselves in order of cultivation level before flying down one by one.
Cheng Jiu and the others were also amazed, having never seen so many kinds of spirit beasts before. The first to disembark was a handsome middle-aged man riding a white spirit tiger, with a six-year-old boy behind him, who was clearly not yet a Daoist.
It's not surprising, as none of the five major sects have yet held a ceremony to accept disciples.
If one intends to pursue the Five Great Sects, postponing one's entry into the Dao is considered normal.
After the powerful figure dismounted from the spirit tiger, he reached out and picked up the boy. Immediately, a disciple ran over and led the spirit tiger away. The white spirit tiger did not resist and followed the disciple's force to walk away into the distance.
The boy seemed a little shy. After getting off the spirit tiger, he grabbed the great man's hand and followed closely beside him, his big, dark eyes not daring to look anywhere else.
The boy was exquisitely beautiful, and what caught the eye most was the red mole between his eyebrows, which made him look like a little fairy from heaven, so adorable.
The powerful figure led him up the white jade steps, took out the invitation from his bosom, and the male disciple on his left immediately accepted it respectfully with both hands. He then took out a ring and handed it to the male disciple on his right.
"Merchant, Venerable Songsong, gifts for eighty people: two Heavenly Cold Ice Souls, four Cold Jade Orchids, eight Golden Spirit Needles, and six drops of Snow Cold Dew..." The male disciple took the gift list and loudly recited it, speaking very quickly and in a very loud voice. He finished reciting the gift list in no time and handed it to her to keep safe. He then passed it to the female disciple behind the female disciple who was grinding ink and writing.
A commotion broke out among the crowd behind them: "As expected of a merchant, they're really generous. Two Heavenly Cold Ice Souls right off the bat!"
"I heard a long time ago that the merchant had two Heavenly Cold Ice Souls in his collection. I went to his door to buy them, but that old thief actually told me he didn't have any. I never expected he would use them here!" Another voice rang out through gritted teeth.
"After all, it's a grand ceremony for Qingxu and Qingyang, so it's only right that they spend a lot of money to curry favor. However, I remember that the Heavenly Cold Ice Soul is suitable for cultivators with ice spiritual roots, so it's not surprising," another voice replied.
"But brother, what do you need the Heavenly Cold Ice Soul for?" The person next to him looked at the powerful figure who wanted to buy the Heavenly Cold Ice Soul with a puzzled expression, and then saw the sword on his back. He immediately understood. Sword cultivators are not surprised to want any kind of ore.
Meanwhile, Venerable Songsong led the boy onto the jade platform, where disciples were already waiting.
His gaze fell upon six disciples on the other side, all of whom possessed remarkable cultivation, striking appearances, and elegant attire, and he silently made a mental note of them.
The six people were clearly disciples of the Immortal Lord, there to receive guests.
And neither he nor those who came after him were the guests the other party was supposed to entertain.
He didn't stop walking, but followed the disciple who came to greet him toward the reception hall.
Although the boy beside him was only six years old, his behavior was very measured. As he passed the six people, his bright eyes curiously looked in their direction. Finally, he followed Venerable Songsong into the reception hall.
Cheng Jiu and the others also noticed the child; he was quite eye-catching.
Cheng Jiu looked at the child and sighed, "Now I know what it means to be overflowing with spiritual energy. That child looks exceptionally talented."
The other person has a kind of intelligent and graceful charm that makes people feel good just by looking at them.
"Look at the red mole between his eyebrows. If he passes the Ascension Platform, the Heavenly Mystery Sect will probably cherish him like a precious gem." Chang Yue nodded in agreement.
A red mole between the eyebrows has special significance in the cultivation world, especially if it is congenital. It is considered a sign of a person who is born with pure senses and is a good candidate for cultivation.
He is especially favored by Heaven. If he also has a connection with the Heavenly Mystery Sect, he will probably be revered as the Holy Son of the Heavenly Mystery Sect and the future Sect Master of the Heavenly Mystery Sect is a sure thing.
However, the Heavenly Mystery Sect only accepts disciples recognized by the Flying Immortal Platform, which is why Chang Yue said that.
After this merchant lord, all those who came were family lords and independent cultivators. Some of these lords brought a child of school age with them. None of the five major sects accepted disciples, nor has there been any news of them accepting disciples.
These venerable rulers were naturally quite anxious and decided to take a different approach, hoping to find a mentor at this ceremony and see which elder of the five major sects would be willing to accept their child as a disciple. Of course, in addition to these young children, there were also some teenagers.
He was about ten years older than Cheng Jiu and the others. He came here partly to broaden his horizons, partly to show everyone his junior, and partly to make some friends.
These people didn't need Cheng Jiu and his group to receive them; instead, Cheng Jiu and his group carefully examined the children.
They weren't interested in their peers; frankly, they weren't even in the same league. Several of them were already at the Nascent Soul stage, while these others were still at the Golden Core stage. In some ways, the sect's direct disciples were far superior to those outside.
Therefore, these children give them a greater sense of novelty than their peers.
It has to be said that the children who can be brought here are all quite remarkable. I don't know how others feel, but Cheng Jiu feels it more strongly; the difference is just too great.
These children haven't entered the Daoist path yet, but you can see the shadows of future cultivation in them.
For example, some children have an upright posture and an aura when they walk or sit, and you can tell at a glance that they are sword cultivators.
Another group of children were robust and had a cold, hard aura, clearly destined for physical cultivation.
There were also children with flutes and other musical instruments hanging from their waists, clearly indicating they would learn music in the future.
Of course, since their spiritual roots are still untested, nothing is certain. But it is undeniable that these children have laid a very solid foundation, and once they enter the path of cultivation, they will be able to create a significant gap between themselves and their peers.
Just looking at it makes one think of four words: meticulous cultivation! You can't achieve this effect without spending a lot of money.
It seems that the word "scroll" has been deeply ingrained in everyone's mind since ancient times. Looking at these great families training their disciples, Cheng Jiu suddenly felt that he was very ignorant.
Besides the disciples they brought with them, there were also their mounts.
They come in all shapes and sizes, with very few repetitions.
The group gained a great deal of knowledge.
Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing.
Cheng Jiu and the others were quite surprised. They never expected that even a Tribulation Transcending Venerable would be so foolish as to cause trouble at such a solemn occasion that the entire cultivation world takes very seriously.
Not all Venerable Lords bring their disciples; some bring their Daoist partners. But this Venerable Lord brought his beloved concubine. It's safe to say that the disciples who received the invitation were dumbfounded.
A Daoist partner is a fellow cultivator who walks the same path with you for life, while a concubine, although in the cultivation world, is based on mutual affection.
However, it was ultimately inappropriate to bring one's concubine to such a grand occasion, especially the Mahayana ceremony of the two immortal lords.
I'd like to ask this venerable lord: what are you trying to do? Are you looking down on the two immortal lords?
The disciple in charge of receiving the guest was in a dilemma, but did not let the other party in. He looked at the six people on the other side, as if asking whether to let this Venerable Lord in.
Cheng Jiu, Gong Cheng, and Gong Yu exchanged a glance and walked over. The three of them were not only representing themselves, but also their master.
When the venerable ruler saw the three approaching, his previously agitated mind suddenly cooled down, and he realized what a foolish thing he had done.
"Today is the Mahayana ceremony for our two masters, and this..." Cheng Jiu paused for a moment, then looked at the disciple who was collecting invitations.
"The Pang family, Lord Tai'an," the disciple who received the invitation replied tactfully.
"Do you have some kind of problem with our master? How dare you bring your concubine here on such a day? Do you consider this a provocation?" Cheng Jiu asked coldly.
He could bring his Daoist partner, or he could come alone, but he actually brought his concubine. If she were to be included, not only would her master feel uncomfortable, but the Venerable Ones sitting with him would feel even more uncomfortable.
To do something like this without the necessary strength is nothing short of provocation to those in power.
"Please forgive me, nephew. Madam is unwell. I was out of my mind, I was out of my mind!" Although one was a Nascent Soul cultivator and the other was a Tribulation Transcending Venerable, he could only force a smile at the three of them.
"Husband, didn't you promise to bring me here to witness the Mahayana ceremony? You're just a few Nascent Soul cultivators, why are you bothering with a few greenhorns..." The woman in his arms spoke sweetly, her tone arrogant and domineering, her words towards the three men laced with malice.
"Shut up right now!"
The Transcending Tribulation Venerable, who had previously thought that his concubine was simple-minded and even a little willful, was very cute, now only wanted to strangle the woman in his arms.
"It's one thing to act like this at home, but she doesn't even consider the occasion." "Nephews, don't mind her. This woman is stupid. I'll make her apologize properly, and I'll teach her a lesson when we get back!"
Cheng Jiu frowned: "It's done!" Looking at the two of them, he said coldly: "I'm not interested in your family affairs. Today is an important day for my master, and I don't want to argue with you. Since you didn't come here sincerely, we don't need another guest like you!"
Meanwhile, Miyagi, standing beside her, took the invitation from the disciple on her left and burned it.
Gong Yu then tossed the gift list and presents into the other party's arms, and then had the disciples of the Enforcement Hall, who had been secretly watching and maintaining order, escort the Lord of Tai'an and his concubine out.
Only then did this Venerable Lord Tai'an realize he was in a panic. He had offended the five major sects, and even with him, the Venerable Lord, protecting his family, their future was doomed!
"Please forgive me, fairy! Please show mercy!" But he couldn't care less about his concubines anymore. His movements were so exaggerated that the disciples beside him couldn't control him.
The other party was one of the last few people in the previous group. After this group, no other group came in, only a handful of Tribulation Transcending Venerables from small families.
This not only made the three of them frown, but the other Transcending Tribulation Venerables behind them also felt extremely embarrassed, since they were all of equal cultivation.
In terms of power, the opposing family was even larger than theirs, which is why they were ranked ahead of them.
Now, to actually show such an ugly side in front of several Nascent Soul stage cultivators, even though I know the other party has a good reason, I still can't help but feel ashamed and saddened by the plight of the rabbit mourning the death of the fox.
At this moment, this Transcending Tribulation Venerable was exceptionally clear-headed. He knew all too well that as soon as he left the Guiyuan Sect, his family would be finished. If he offended the Guiyuan Sect, those wolves outside would not give up their family as a piece of fat meat.
He was filled with deep regret, feeling as if he had been bewitched to bring a concubine to the Mahayana Immortal Lord's Mahayana Ceremony of Guiyuan Sect.
So what if we lower ourselves? So what if we lose face? Compared to death and the extermination of our race, this is nothing.
Cheng Jiu had given a very firm order at the time, but seeing this, he was at a loss. He exchanged a glance with Gong Cheng and Gong Yu next to him, wondering what to do since the other party was like this.
Cheng Jiu was extremely unwilling to let the other party re-enter the banquet. He should have thought of the consequences if he had done such a thing. Just thinking about letting him in felt like defiling his master's grand ceremony.
But given his current state, and considering he was still a Transcending Tribulation Venerable, Cheng Jiu found it difficult to say "no."
Gong Cheng and Gong Yu, standing nearby, also looked at Cheng Jiu. Their thoughts were the same as Cheng Jiu's, but they couldn't bring themselves to say it, as if they would commit a heinous crime if they did.
Caught in a dilemma, Cheng Jiu was somewhat annoyed with the other party. If they knew this would be the outcome, why did they bring their concubines to the Mahayana ceremony in the first place? If they brought them, why couldn't they take responsibility for the consequences like a person? What are they doing now?
That's disgusting! Doesn't he know who else brings a concubine like him? What if he came alone?
"What happened?" A clear yet serious voice broke in.
"Senior Brother Nan!" Cheng Jiu's eyes lit up as he looked at Nan Xingze, who had just stepped down from the jade sculpture.
"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up and ask this venerable one to leave! Don't delay the reception of other guests!" Nan Xingze smiled at the three of them, then turned to look at the kneeling Venerable Tai'an with a cold tone.
The disciples of the Enforcement Hall, having received permission, immediately stepped forward and escorted the other party towards the sect's exit.
His concubine had long since collapsed to the ground, utterly powerless to resist, and dared not utter a single word. Her master was always extremely concerned with his reputation, but today…
She already knew that whether she stayed here or was expelled from the sect, she, who had brought shame upon her master, would only have one thing to say: she was finished!
Seeing that Lord Tai'an still wanted to resist, Nan Xingze said, "I'm not like your three grandmaster uncles. I'm young and won't fall for your tricks. If you cause trouble again, don't blame me for being blacklisted by the Guiyuan Sect!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Lord Tai'an was driven out by the disciples of the Enforcement Hall like a stray dog, and his spirit beast was also sent to the outside of the sect at the same time.
His concubine trembled with fear, and Lord Tai'an's eyes were filled with murderous intent, yet he dared not lay a hand on anyone in front of the Guiyuan Sect.
Seeing that the other party was hiding inside the Guiyuan Sect's gate, he couldn't bring himself to pull the other party out.
The gatekeeper noticed something amiss, but instead of driving the concubine away, he simply watched indifferently.
Lord Tai'an glanced at the concubines who were still hiding, smiled coldly, and without a second thought, rode his spirit beast away.
A woman as fragile as a dodder has been abandoned! How long can she live? He doesn't believe that the Guiyuan Sect will protect her for life.
Watching the Venerable Lord of Tai'an fly away, the concubine collapsed to the ground, her eyes filled with fear and confusion about the future.
Just as Tai'an Zunjun thought, how could she, a parasitic vine dependent on the other party, possibly survive? Her future was bleak.
But compared to the certain death that awaited him if he were taken back by the Venerable Lord Tai'an, things are much better now.
She wanted to stay a little longer, but she was quickly cleared away by the gatekeeper. There were going to be many guests later, and she was a woman who was not a disciple of the Guiyuan Sect. What would that mean?