200: banquet

Suddenly, above the sky outside the hall, ten brilliant lights pierced through the sky like falling meteors, arriving in an instant.

As the light dissipated, ten figures stepped through the air, their robes fluttering amidst a vast immortal majesty.

The leader was none other than Ancestor Fu, his expression peaceful yet unfathomable, while the nine Immortal Emperors behind him each possessed their own imposing dignity.

The Supreme Immortal Emperor's gaze was like lightning; the Artifact Martial Immortal Emperor carried a pair of giant hammers on his back; the Five Elements Immortal Emperor had the power of the Five Elements circulating around him; the Prison Suppressing Immortal Emperor had a black mark like a lock between his brows; the Asura Immortal Emperor's Killing Intent was restrained; the Peerless Immortal Emperor's Aura could swallow mountains and rivers; the Immortal Immortal Emperor's breath was long and steady; the Wuji Immortal Emperor stood firm like a deep pool or a high mountain; and the Martial God was calm and reserved.

The Qianyuan Sword Emperor and the other three immediately stepped forward, cupping their hands in greeting: "Greetings, ten lords."

Ancestor Fu smiled slightly and raised his hand in a dismissive gesture: "You four Fellow Daoists are too polite." His voice was gentle, yet it contained a hidden, Supreme majesty.

The Qianyuan Sword Emperor stepped aside to lead the way, saying: "The ten lords have come from afar. I have prepared a banquet; please follow me to your seats."

Ancestor Fu nodded: "Thank you for the trouble."

At the banquet.

Jade Nectar, immortal fruits, and delicacies were laid out on the tables.

After everyone was seated and three rounds of drinks had passed, the Qianyuan Sword Emperor set down his cup and said solemnly: "Ancestor Fu, I wonder what our next move should be?"

Ancestor Fu tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, pondering for a moment before saying: "In three days, the Sword Saint's celebration will begin, and the Lingxiao Sect will surely be there. We will use them to send word to the Divine Realm and lure its people here."

The Qianyuan Sword Emperor's gaze sharpened, and he said in a deep voice: "Everything will be as Ancestor Fu arranges."

The banquet gradually wound down, and everyone departed.

Three days later.

The day of the Sword Pavilion's celebration finally arrived, and the entire Sword Pavilion was buzzing with excitement.

Three days ago, the Sword Saint had condensed the Eleven Supreme Heavenly Fates, breaking through to the Realm of the Strongest Sword Emperor in one fell swoop, shaking the universe.

As the news spread, countless Sword Cultivators looked toward the Sword Pavilion with eyes full of awe and longing.

And today was the day the Sword Saint had invited all the various forces of the Sword Realm to gather at the Sword Pavilion to celebrate this grand occasion together.

Inside the main hall of the Sword Pavilion, the decorations were already incredibly luxurious.

Within the hall, tens of thousands of banquet tables were neatly arranged, laden with delicacies and fine wine, as melodious immortal music echoed throughout.

A thousand glazed lamps hung from the hall's vaulted ceiling, their bright light making the interior look magnificent and golden.

Countless brilliant gems were embedded in the surrounding walls, sparkling under the lights like a galaxy pouring down.

Outside the hall, a welcoming path made of pure gold led directly to the mountain gate. On both sides stood Sword Pavilion Disciples holding long swords, their Aura like a surging rainbow.

In the sky, many beautiful carriages drawn by rare birds and exotic beasts landed one after another. The Sect Heads and Elders of various forces stepped onto the red carpet and entered the hall.

Some wore magnificent robes, while others carried famous swords, every gesture exuding a noble temperament.

The Sword Pavilion Disciples respectfully welcomed the guests and registered the gifts in an orderly manner.

The Sword Saint stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze like a torch. Sword Qi swirled around him as if he were in resonance with heaven and earth.

The guests were shocked by the peerless elegance of this newly ascended Strongest Sword Emperor.

Attendants moved through the rows of seats, serving exquisite delicacies.

There were soups brewed from thousand-year Spirit Medicine, ice-crystal spirit fruits from the Extreme North, and the Sword Pavilion's secret "Sword Heart Brew," its mellow fragrance clearing the mind of anyone who drank it.

Musicians played melodious sword tunes; the zither's notes were forceful, and the flute's sound was clear, intertwining with the laughter and chatter in the hall.

This celebration was not only the Sword Saint's personal glory but also a grand event rarely seen in the Sword Realm in a hundred thousand years.

Every detail showcased the heritage and style of the Sword Pavilion, leaving everyone in awe.

Just as everyone was exchanging pleasantries, a loud voice suddenly came from outside the hall: "Lingxiao Sect's Sect Master, Lingxiao Sword Emperor, and Tunyu Sword Emperor have arrived."

The hall suddenly fell silent, and everyone's eyes turned toward the door.

The Lingxiao Sect was the third-largest force in the Sword Realm, second only to the Sword Pavilion and the Qianyuan Sect. The arrival of these two powerhouses naturally drew significant attention.

Two men of extraordinary temperament entered side by side. The Lingxiao Sword Emperor's pace was steady, seemingly surrounded by a gentle breeze; the Tunyu Sword Emperor's gaze was like a torch, and every step he took seemed to land on a node of the Void Realm.

The two walked to the center of the hall and cupped their hands together: "Congratulations to the Sword Saint on breaking through to become the Strongest Sword Emperor."

The Sword Saint rose to return the gesture, a smile on his lips: "It was merely luck. Your presence brings honor to the Sword Pavilion." With that, he personally led them to their seats, arranging for them to sit in the guest-of-honor positions.

Attendants quickly served the specially made Sword Heart Tea. A faint Sword Qi appeared within the tea's fragrance—the highest standard of hospitality at the Sword Pavilion.

Seeing this, the guests whispered among themselves—there weren't many in the entire Sword Realm who could receive a personal reception from the Sword Saint.

The two then took their seats.

The Lingxiao Sword Emperor took a sip of the tea, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings as he silently marveled at the depth of the Sword Pavilion's heritage.

As more guests arrived, the hall became exceptionally lively. Suddenly, another announcement came from outside—

"Qianyuan Sect Master, Qianyuan Sword Emperor has arrived; Immortal Realm's Ancestor Fu has arrived."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall instantly fell silent, and everyone showed expressions of shock.

The Qianyuan Sect was originally a local force in the Sword Realm and had a decent relationship with the Sword Pavilion, so its arrival wasn't surprising. However, Ancestor Fu was a big shot from the Immortal Realm with a revered status. His personal arrival was truly unexpected.

At the entrance of the hall, two figures entered side by side.

The person on the left had a solemn face—it was the Qianyuan Sword Emperor. The person on the right had runes circulating around him and an Aura as vast as an abyss—it was indeed Ancestor Fu from the Immortal Realm.

The Sword Saint and the Sword God exchanged a glance and then quickly stepped forward. The Sword Saint cupped his hands and smiled: "Ancestor Fu's presence brings honor to the Sword Pavilion. Please forgive us for not welcoming you sooner."

Ancestor Fu smiled indifferently and said: "Hearing that Fellow Daoist Sword Saint has broken through to become the Strongest Sword Emperor, Your Majesty specifically ordered me to come and offer congratulations." With a wave of his sleeve, a crystal-clear jade bottle appeared in his palm. Runes flickered on the bottle, and the power of Supreme heavenly mandate faintly circulated within.

"This is the 'supreme heavenly mandate immortal bottle.' It can help you stabilize your Realm. Please accept it."

The Sword Saint looked surprised: "This item is too precious; I truly do not deserve such a gift."

Ancestor Fu shook his head: "It is a mere trifle, not worth mentioning."

The Sword Saint pondered for a moment before finally accepting it solemnly, saying: "Thank you, Ancestor Fu. Please also convey my thanks to the Heavenly Emperor."

Afterward, the Sword Saint personally led Ancestor Fu and the Qianyuan Sword Emperor to their seats, which happened to be at the same table as the Lingxiao Sword Emperor and the Tunyu Sword Emperor.

Seeing this, the expressions of the Lingxiao Sword Emperor and the Tunyu Sword Emperor tightened slightly.

Behind the Lingxiao Sect was the power of the Divine Realm, and their relationship with the Immortal Realm was not good. Being seated at the same table as Ancestor Fu now, they couldn't help but feel guarded.

But since Ancestor Fu's strength was unfathomable, the two could only grit their teeth and cup their hands: "Greetings, Ancestor Fu."

Ancestor Fu's gaze swept over them with a half-smile: "You two Fellow Daoists need not be so formal. Today is the Sword Saint's grand celebration; I will not cause any trouble."

The Lingxiao Sword Emperor gave a forced smile and said no more, though he remained secretly vigilant.

The Tunyu Sword Emperor also remained silent, merely drinking his wine.

The people in the hall had originally thought that Ancestor Fu's arrival might cause a stir, but seeing both sides simply exchange pleasantries and then sit down peacefully, they breathed a sigh of relief.

The banquet lasted for a long time, and both guests and hosts enjoyed themselves.