Chapter 100: The Wind as a Boat, the Clouds as a Platform

After the Alliance of Extraordinary Beings fell silent, the arena instantly cleared.

Zhang Yuanyi did not return to the Red Pine Taoist Palace but stood aside, sword in hand, waiting for the arrival of other scattered cultivators, seemingly to serve as a temporary host.

This scene secretly alarmed the extraordinary beings present.

As practitioners, some might look down on martial arts masters, but never on a Grand Martial Master!

In ancient times, such a figure was someone who could condense the innate Dao seed, a true heir within the great sects.

Now, at the end of the world’s age, without the emergence of foundational power, a Grand Martial Master was practically invincible.

Even the late-stage True Qi cultivators of the Immortal Dao, though wielding spiritual treasures not inferior to Grand Masters, did not possess infinite True Qi.

Once exhausted, they had to rely on elixirs. Even if victorious, the cost might outweigh the gain.

With such a Grand Master stationed here, anyone daring to act rashly would think twice. Thus, most present continued to sit cross-legged, awaiting the ceremony’s commencement.

After all, with spiritual incense to enjoy, there was no rush.

By around the fifth watch, nearly all cultivators had gathered. Although the sky remained pitch black, signs of dawn were visible.

At this moment, from the peak of Red Pine Mountain came nine clear, resonant bell tolls.

Nine bell rings signaled the start of the ceremony.

Everyone’s spirits lifted, knowing the long-awaited ritual was about to officially begin.

Suddenly, atop Red Pine Peak, a gigantic bright moon rose, its luminous glow bathing the entire summit in daylight-like brightness.

Beneath the moonlight, dozens of rosy-cheeked, white-toothed Daoist boys held invitation cards, gracefully riding the wind toward the mountain where the crowd gathered.

Their immortal elegance and calm composure evoked the image of ancient immortals hosting a banquet, inviting honored guests.

The scattered cultivators and extraordinary beings present had seen many scenes and, though impressed, remained composed.

However, among the Dan Ding Sect’s mostly mortal disciples, none had witnessed such a breathtaking spectacle. They stood dumbfounded, feeling as if they had stepped into a fairyland.

Even the proud Senior Brother Li reined in his arrogance, appearing somewhat restrained.

Yet, his eyes still gleamed with uncontrollable excitement.

It was as if he already envisioned himself sitting among Immortal Dao cultivators, discussing profound truths and savoring spiritual elixirs together.

But when his gaze swept over the other Dan Ding disciples and caught their fervent stares, he could not help but feel disdain.

Especially toward Zhao Fan, who was neither from a noble lineage nor a wealthy family—merely someone who had scraped into the Dan Ding Sect through a faint opportunity. How could he possibly sit at the same table as him?

While lost in these thoughts, the Grand Martial Master took an invitation from a Daoist boy and approached their sect’s mountain.

This caused the Alliance of Extraordinary Beings to rejoice inwardly; it seemed the Grand Master was unwilling to alienate them after all.

Ling Xu’s face revealed a faint smile—it appeared that Daoist Yu Chen had softened and was extending an olive branch after the earlier incident.

Hu Sheng Daoist quietly advised, “Ling Xu fellow Daoist, since this person is yielding, it’s best we call it a day. After all, the opponent has a Grand Martial Master; it would be unwise to make things ugly.”

Ling Xu nodded slightly. “Rest assured, Hu Sheng Daoist. I understand. Let’s first attend the Dan Yuan ceremony. If the Gu Master doesn’t appear, then there’s no need to talk about the alchemical contest.”

They had the backing of the Gu Master, who had perfected his True Qi, giving them confidence to probe Yu Chen’s intentions.

But if the Gu Master was absent, they wouldn’t risk offending a Grand Martial Master by opposing Yu Chen.

Having agreed, Ling Xu stepped forward to receive the invitation.

However, Zhang Yuanyi showed no intention of handing the invitation to him. Instead, he asked the Dan Ding disciples, “Is Zhao Fan here?”

The crowd instantly fell silent.

Even the other scattered cultivators grew curious, wondering who Zhao Fan was to warrant a Grand Martial Master personally delivering an invitation.

Zhao Fan, amidst the crowd, looked both honored and astonished. He never imagined that Senior Yu Chen would dispatch a Grand Martial Master to escort him!

His heart surged with mixed emotions and a stirring sense of loyalty.

Though he knew Senior Yu Chen was like a distant star and moon, while he himself was but a small candle, even a faint light could offer some service. He vowed never to lose in this alchemical contest.

Stepping forward, he approached Zhang Yuanyi.

Under the cold gazes of Hu Sheng Daoist and Ling Xu, he respectfully accepted the invitation card and said, “Thank you, Senior!”

Zhang Yuanyi nodded slightly. “It seems your teacher values you greatly. I hope you won’t disappoint that trust.”

He looked at the unremarkable youth before him, unsure why Senior Yu Chen entrusted him to Zhang Yuanyi’s personal protection, but he sensed deep meaning in the gesture.

Hearing their exchange, the Alliance of Extraordinary Beings finally realized the invitation was not for them.

Ling Xu’s face darkened like still water, his aura surging.

The Grand Martial Master’s actions were a blatant slap in the face, implying these cultivators were inferior even to a mortal disciple!

Hu Sheng Daoist shouted harshly, “How dare you! What’s your name? Planning to defect? Have you forgotten the sect’s kindness?”

Zhao Fan smiled wryly.

He never expected that after two years in the Dan Ding Sect, Hu Sheng Daoist didn’t even know his name.

Even when helping him refine pills last time, no one had asked.

“Disciple” was clearly just a perfunctory title.

He had only gained entry by contributing spiritual herbs and spent two years doing menial chores without any chance to cultivate. What kindness had the Dan Ding Sect shown him?

Fortunately, with Senior Yu Chen’s help, he was finally free of the Dan Ding Sect, no longer forced to serve as a precarious pill-refining errand boy.

Otherwise, he wasn’t sure how much longer he would have survived.

With these thoughts, holding the invitation, he turned to Hu Sheng Daoist and gave a final salute.

“Sect Leader, humble disciple Zhao Fan hereby resigns from the Dan Ding Sect.”

Then, as if breaking free from chains, a thrilling sense of liberation swept over him. He felt reborn.

Now brimming with youthful vigor, Zhao Fan’s presence even caused Hu Sheng Daoist to feel a twinge of discomfort.

Then he saw the youth, who until now had been ignored, bow to him with a peer’s respect.

“Dan Sect’s Zhao Fan, greets Daoist Hu!”

After the salute, the transformed youth strode away without looking back.

The scene stunned everyone present. Who would have thought such a spectacle would precede the ceremony?

Only the scattered cultivators of the Alliance looked displeased.

One of them couldn’t help asking, “Where is our invitation?”

Zhang Yuanyi replied coolly, “My teacher invited fellow Daoists, not unwelcome guests. Since you are unwelcome, please wait here. After the ceremony ends, the teacher will summon you.”

“Too much arrogance!”

Ling Xu could no longer contain himself. His sword was about to be drawn, but he felt an overwhelming sword intent instantly lock onto him.

With unmatched sharpness, it forcibly suppressed the sword intent rising within him.

The Grand Martial Master’s sword intent was terrifying! Ling Xu’s heart trembled.

Only now did he truly grasp the vast gap between them. Without allies of equal realm, he was no match.

While the Alliance of Extraordinary Beings mourned like orphans, the other scattered cultivators had already boarded boats formed from their invitation cards.

Lifted by a gentle breeze, dozens of flying boats rose simultaneously, drifting toward a cloud terrace beneath the bright moon on the horizon.

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