The day of the Sect Reunification Ceremony. . .

In the ancient mountains, where clouds swirled around towering peaks and every cultivator’s aura could be felt, a historic event was unfolding. Two sects, long separated by ancient grudges and differing beliefs, were finally coming together in a grand reunion!

As the sun peeked over the craggy peaks, disciples from both sides gathered in the vast courtyard of the hosting sect. Their robes fluttered in the breeze, adorned with symbols representing centuries of tradition and profound cultivation techniques.

Among them were not only top disciples but also representatives from smaller clans and lesser-known sects, eager to witness history. Their eyes sparkled with anticipation as they exchanged greetings and shared tales of their journeys. Even those who couldn’t attend sent envoys.

Some were there to see the Fate Defying Elder, while others sought alliances with what would likely become the most powerful sect in the Lower Regions.

The Azure Tree was this massive Tao dimension, and most sects had ties to other cultivator clans and factions in the lower regions. Because of that, a ton of people, mortals and cultivators alike, descended on the Linwu Kingdom for the ceremony, so many that the city couldn’t handle them all, and they had to camp out in the surrounding area.

Everyone was itching to get their sect affiliated with the Celestial Serpent Sect. They knew survival in the cultivation world meant pulling out all the stops.

Even the Queen of the Linwu Kingdom herself ensured the ceremony would go smoothly, doing it as a favor to the Fate Defying Elder she hoped to one day meet. Everyone in the kingdom and across the Northern Ravages was roped into participating, knowing it’d be a historic moment they couldn’t afford to miss.

At the heart of the courtyard stood a magnificent platform, crafted from the finest jade and etched with intricate runes pulsing with latent energy. Here, the leaders of the two sects, Matriarchs Dragon Star and Fangblade, would meet, and their mere presence was capable of stirring noise from the endless crowd.

High above the crowd of cultivators, the matriarchs maintained their usual elegance. Bai Suzhen, as the founding ancestor, led the pack with a serious expression.

Below them were the three Spirit Ascension Realm cultivators: Grandmaster Lin Feng, Elder Qian, and Mu Lingxi. They had every right to be there, being valuable assets to the sect and symbols of hope for its future success.

Further down were the peak chiefs and chief elders of both sects, excluding Grandmaster Lin Feng and Sun Yurong.

This ideal presence alone was enough to reassure the younger cultivators aspiring for strength. Some already imagined themselves as future pillars of the sect.

“This is crazy! It’s the first time we ever get to see all five matriarchs!”

“You mean four, right?”

“Four? How?”

“Have you forgotten Daoist Dragon Sun had her cultivation completely crippled. That automatically disqualifies her.”

“Don’t you dare say such about her!”

Soon, various sects were granted entry through the grand gates, with lines of disciples bearing gifts. Some gifts were for the entire sect, while others were tokens of gratitude for the Fate Defying Elder himself. However, many felt their gifts were inadequate to thank him for his efforts during the Heavenly Court assault. Some even felt unworthy to stand on the same ground as him.

“We, the Iron Bear Brotherhood come bearing gifts!”

“We, the Blue Rose Sect come bearing gifts!”

“We, the Silver Fox Guild come…!”

“We, the Crimson Dragon Clan come…!”

“We, the White Tiger School come…!”

When the appointed hour drew near, a hush fell over the gathered crowd, broken only by the soft rustle of robes and whispers of anticipation. . .

Then, with ceremonial music playing, Bai Suzhen gently flew forward, her usual playful demeanor replaced by the solemnity of a venerable master. Her face was marked with the wisdom of ages, one which commanded attention. And the matriarchs stood behind her with piercing gazes, sharp as the keenest sword.

Bai Suzhen cleared her throat and addressed the multitude. . .

“Our two sects have been apart for over 10,000 years. If I ever said I believed such a thing would happen while I was sealed, I’d be lying. But fate has its own plans, inevitable and unyielding. Our Dragon Blossom Sect and White Serpent Sect will merge once more, rising from its disgraceful ashes as the Celestial Serpent Sect.

We leave behind sins and painful memories, that it may be lost in the endless sands of time, hoping for mutual understanding and respect.”

She bowed her head.

“I, Bai Suzhen, declare the start of the reunification ceremony!”

The disciples blew the horns with force, while others beat the drums of reconciliation. The sound echoed throughout the Northern Ravages, a signal for all to witness.

Then, all the matriarchs bowed their heads respectfully and solemnly recited the sacred oath, sealing their loyalty lost over 10,000 years ago. This was the crucial moment, and even after the horns stopped, the drums kept pounding as everyone maintained decorum to hear the sacred oath.

They individually spoke. . .

“I, Liáng Xīnyuè…”

“I, Tian Mingxia…”

“I, Yuehei Ménglóng…”

“I, Xu Tung-Mei…”

Then together said. . .

“Vow to erase every the memory of every sin made or received, every blood saved or spilled, and every war lost or won. We seal this oath with the chains of our faith, that we may remain loyal to the end, and fight as one!”

More drums pounded.

Bai Suzhen redirected her focus to the crowd.

“Now that the two sects are united, we must demonstrate that peace will prevail, and any who oppose it will meet their death. Two capable individuals have been chosen as symbols of peace, with authority almost equal to that of the matriarchs. They must be respected and feared for they have earned the right to be. Behold, the Celestial Serpent Sect’s harmony elders!”

Excitement and anticipation filled the air as the crowd erupted into applause.

Meanwhile, in a towering pagoda, Yang Wei sat in meditation, cultivating his mind and preparing himself for the task ahead.

Sun Yurong entered the room, “I think that’s our cue. We should go meet the crowd.”

Before proceeding, Yang Wei asked, “Have you spoken with Yuying?”

Sun Yurong’s face immediately squeezed like a person who’d just licked a sour lemon. It was as though any words of her daughter who she’d “neglected” all this time would always make her furious. “I don’t see how that’s any of your concern,” she retorted sharply.

Yang Wei rose calmly and acknowledged her response with a small nod. He flicked the hem of his robes back and stepped forward, “You may be right,” he conceded. “But I understand your apprehension. You fear rejection… the thought that if you meet your own daughter and talk to her, she’ll reject you──that idea scares you doesn’t it. You think she believes you’re a terrible mother.

Yet, I don’t share that belief.”

Sun Yurong was taken aback by his candid words. What could she say in response to such wisdom and diligence? Nothing.

Yang Wei and Sun stepped out onto the grand balcony of the pagoda, and as soon as people caught sight of them, cheers erupted, accompanied by the joyful beat of drums and the blare of horns. Envoys and representatives from various sects, who had managed to attend, were all captivated by the sight of the Fate Defying Elder.

Learning that he was also the Harmony Elder of the next big sect destined for the Middle Regions only fueled their excitement further.

Rich merchants and sect masters with substantial wealth present began whispering plans among their sect brothers and sisters.

“I think we know what our next plan is after this ceremony!”

“What do you mean, Sect Master?”

“We must trick the Fate Defying Elder into marrying a few women from our sect!”

“Shhhh! You’re a little too loud, Sect Master!”

“Hah! You both are delusional, you think the Fate Defying Elder has any interest in your backwater sect?! He will marry into the illustrious Bai Clan, we’re the richest merchants across every continent in the Mashyan World!”

“Save face or die, merchant!”

“Imagine if I get married to the Fate Defying Elder… I don’t mind being a 20th wife as long as I get to even touch his hair!”

“And I’m sure he has a huge jade stalk~♡”

“How can you tell?”

“It’s in their personality…♡♡”

Yang Wei cleared his throat, but before he could speak, someone unexpected, Wu Fengtian, shouted for silence, asserting, “Can you all shut up, my Senior Brother is about to speak!”

Surprisingly, a large portion of the crowd complied, perhaps out of respect for the Fate Defying Elder, causing a ripple effect that silenced millions.

Wu Fengtian looked genuinely surprised by the sudden quiet.

W-, wow, it actually worked──?

Yang Wei raised an eyebrow in response.

Hmm, well, I’d expect Feng to return back to the sect considering it’s one of the biggest ceremonies ever. At least he could’ve told me so I’d send them a ride or something… now, I look incompetent. Foolish boy.

Sun Yurong, sensing Yang Wei’s reaction, inquired, “Do you know him by chance?” Find adventures at empire

Yang Wei covered his face with his palm, letting out a sigh as he admitted, “Unfortunately…”

Sun Yurong gave Yang Wei a side-eye, folding her arms as she tilted her head, inadvertently causing her big melons to experience a watery bounce. “Well, whatever, just address the crowd,” she urged.

“Huh, shouldn’t you be the one doing it?”

“Well, *shrug* I don’t feel like it…”

“Hmm…” Yang Wei grumbled, staring at her suspiciously.

He was certain Sun Yurong knew he didn’t prepare a speech ahead of time as he expected her to do most of the talking. Nevertheless, he would do his own thing.

Yang Wei stepped forward to the outermost part of the grand, greatly decorated balcony to speak.

Wu Fengtian’s parents, Wu Shu and Yifei, were watching from the crowd as well. Rather than dressed in their usual commonplace attire, they seemed to be dressed like very rich merchants. There were smiles on their faces. Normally, they wouldn’t leave the Red Lantern Village for anything, but for their “son” they would do anything.

Wu Meixiang heard sobbing sounds and said, “Hm? Where’s that sound coming from…?”

Awkwardly, Wu Yifei replied, “I-, it’s from your father.”

“Jeez.”

“Meixiang, my daughter…” Wu Shu sobbed a bit more.

“I something wrong, Father?” Wu Meixiang raised an eyebrow as she looked at her Wu Shu.

“YOU’RE GOING TO MARRY YANG WEI IF IT’S THE LAST WISH I MAKE!”

Wu Meixiang’s cheeks turned red the moment she noticed everyone looking at them. She edged closer to her father and jabbed him in the side a bit. “FATHER!” Her cheeks burned red-hot like she was under a raging sun. “You’re going to embarrass me in front of all this people…!” she whispered loudly.

“Well…” Wu Yifei dressed her hair to the side a bit, “It is the truth, Meixiang.”

“I-, I…” she looked to the side, “Whatever…”

Wu Xinqi yanked on her brother’s robe, “Feng-Feng?”

Wu Fengtian looked down at his little sister who was now completely healed after consuming the Meridian Stream Pill. Anytime he looked at her without her bandages, it would always bring a smile to his face. “What’s the matter? You wanna stay closer to your big brother?” he proudly said.

“What? No. I want you to carry me so I can wave at my other Senior Brother.”

“Eh…” Wu Fengtian defeatedly sighed.

He lifted his sister up, carrying her on his neck so she could clearly see through the sea of people. Wu Xinqi giggled happily as she saw Yang Wei dressed in an attire befitting only royalty.

“WEI-WEI!!” she shouted and waved.

Yang Wei noticed her and waved back a bit.

A simple action that made numerous women furious. They didn’t even care whether his was a little girl or not. Everyone of them stared at her with animosity in their eyes.

Uncomfortably, Yang Wei cleared his throat and spoke. . .

“I… don’t have much to say. However, it’s been quite some time since I arrived in this world, and I didn’t expect a lot of things to turn out the way it did. However, I am grateful for it nonetheless. I’ve met a lot of amazing people, and each time I look back on my earlier times in the sect, all I can picture is happy memories.

I’m glad to standing here today as your Savior, Fate Defying Elder, and Harmony Elder… and I hope I can do more for our sect going forward. No matter what, we will advance to the Middle Regions, and establish our greatness once lost, there. I, Yang Wei, will do my best to protect every weak disciple and motivate every strong disciple!

For glory and peace, I swear that our advancement is guaranteed, and that no force will dare stop us! As long as I exist, so will this sect… Celestial Serpent Sect!”

Immediately, cheers blasted through the air and fireworks shot high into the skies, panting it with different sparkling colors.

Bai Suzhen then finalized it all. “From today on, Yang Wei and Sun Yurong, are officially harmony elders of the reunified Celestial Serpent Sect!”

Everyone, regardless of clan, race or sect, lowered their heads on respect.

“Greetings, Harmony Elders!”

“Long live the Fate Defying Elder!”

“Greetings, Harmony Elder!”

“Long live the Fate Defying Elder!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep