236: Chapter 236 Core Formation Ceremony, Guests from the Shangqing Sect!

The news of Sun Chengzhu's Core Formation spread throughout Ming Prefecture in just a few short days, then traveled along the trade routes to all eight provinces of the Qingcang Kingdom.

A Golden Core of the Sword Dao carried immense weight.

Sword Cultivators were already the cream of the crop within the same realm, their combat prowess evident, and with their transcendent Heart-Nature, they were destined to carve out a place for themselves in the future.

Not to mention, three Golden Cores in one Sect!

A powerful Great Demon and a Sword Dao Golden Core were enough to support a major School; by comparison, Daoist Yun Du, with his Cloud Dao Golden Core, seemed somewhat insignificant—it was a loss of Face.

White Cloud Temple was radiating a new atmosphere, sweeping away the gloom of previous years; even the Utility Disciples walked with a spirited gait.

In previous years, one person after another had died during Core Formation, leading to low morale within the Sect.

Now, Sun Chengzhu's Core Formation had parted the clouds, greatly inspiring everyone and reigniting the ambition of countless Disciples to ascend!

Inside the Meeting Hall, Daoist Yun Du flipped through the gift list, the wrinkles on his old Face smoothing out.

"Temple Master, the invitations have already been sent out." Lu Xun stood in the lower position, respectfully handing over a booklet, and said, "In the eight provinces of the Qingcang Kingdom, every major Family and School with a Golden Core Master in charge has received an invitation."

"Also, the Foundation Establishment Families under our jurisdiction and those we have daily business dealings with have all been notified; everything is ready."

Daoist Yun Du took the booklet and scanned it. "If we're going to make a spectacle, we should make it big."

The old Daoist tapped his fingertips on the table. "This is not just a joyous occasion for the Sun Clan, but also a good time for my White Cloud Temple to establish our prestige!"

"Three Golden Cores in one Sect—looking across the entire Qingcang Kingdom, aside from the major Nascent Soul Sects and those few established powerful Schools, who would dare challenge us?"

"After so many years, it's finally time for my White Cloud Temple to act arrogantly!"

Lu Xun nodded in agreement. Zhao Yanshan, standing to the side with his hands behind his back, reminded him at this moment, "The other Schools are easy to handle, but what does the Temple Master intend to do about the Shangqing Sect?"

"Rest assured, I've already sent someone to invite them." Daoist Yun Du picked up his teacup and skimmed the foam off the top. "Shi Yin holds the title of Elder there, and the Zhou Family relies on him for their livelihood."

"Even if the Shangqing Sect doesn't care about our Face, they must consider Shi Yin. The person coming this time shouldn't have a low status."

Having said that, everyone felt a sense of relief. Now that White Cloud Temple had finally made it, they had to take advantage of this Core Formation Ceremony to properly show their Face!

Things went exactly as Daoist Yun Du had expected.

Half a month later, White Cloud Immortal City was already overcrowded; inns and restaurants had long hung up signs saying they were full, and even outside the city, it was packed with Loose Cultivators.

The gates of White Cloud Temple were thrown wide open, and the bells welcoming guests rang from morning until night.

Golden Core Masters from all walks of life arrived in an endless stream.

The Black Water Sect of Yin Province, the Beast Valley of Huang Prefecture, and several major Families from Qing Prefecture—figures who were usually arrogant—all respectfully presented their congratulatory gifts when they arrived at the gates of White Cloud Temple.

"Beast Valley of Huang Prefecture, congratulatory gift: two pairs of Low Grade Magic Treasure Spirit Beast Rings, ten eight-hundred-year-old Spirit Medicines!"

"Black Water Sect of Yin Province, congratulatory gift: one bottle of Third Tier Medium Grade Weak Water Essence!"

"Longfeng Family of Di Province, gifting three bottles of Third Tier Low Grade Medicinal Pill, Return Qi Pill, and one five-hundred-year-old Blood Flood Dragon Grass!"

"Qingguang Sect of Ming Prefecture, gifting one bottle of Third Tier Medium Grade Medicinal Pill, Ten Thousand Beast Pill, two thousand-year-old Spirit Medicines, and ten bottles of Third Tier Low Grade Spirit Taming Pills!"

The Disciple announcing the gifts had almost shouted himself hoarse.

Sun Chengzhu was wearing a brand-new dark gold Daoist robe, standing on the guest reception platform. His thin cheeks had gained a bit of ruddiness, his back was straight, his Sword Qi was restrained yet not dissipated, and his entire person was like a sword, sharp and exposed!

Every time a Cultivator of the same level arrived, he would cup his hands in return. He didn't say much, but that steady demeanor made many veteran Golden Core Masters nod to themselves.

"Fellow Daoist Sun, this Sword Intent of yours is hidden quite deep." The Sect Master of the Black Water Sect was a gaunt old man who stroked his beard while sizing up Sun Chengzhu. "To have such an aura just after Core Formation, White Cloud Temple has successors indeed."

"Senior, you flatter me." Sun Chengzhu's tone was calm.

Bustling as it was, anyone with a discerning eye could see that White Cloud Temple had truly stood up this time, ushering in a glorious day for the Sect.

Daoist Yun Du handled internal affairs, being tactful and sociable; Sun Chengzhu handled external affairs, with his sword pointing the way; added to that was the unfathomable Old Ancestor Shi Jian in the back mountain, as well as Shi Yin far away at the Shangqing Sect.

This power had already exceeded the scope of an ordinary Golden Core Sect.

The banquet was set up on the Main Peak plaza. Hundreds of tables were laid out, with Spirit Fruits and Spirit Wine supplied freely; Foundation Establishment Cultivator could only sit on the periphery, while the core circle consisted entirely of Golden Core Masters.

After three rounds of drinks, a crane's cry suddenly came from the horizon.

A white jade flying boat broke through the clouds, with an old man in green robes standing at the bow, his sleeves embroidered with the cloud and water patterns of the Shangqing Sect.

The plaza instantly fell silent. Daoist Yun Du put down his wine cup and stood up to greet them. Sun Chengzhu followed closely behind.

"The Shangqing Sect, Master Xuan Cheng has arrived!"

Master Xuan Cheng, with Late Stage Golden Core cultivation, was in charge of external affairs within the Shangqing Sect and held a high and powerful position. His personal arrival gave White Cloud Temple plenty of Face.

"Temple Master Yun, I trust you have been well." Master Xuan Cheng lowered the flying boat, smiling, and let his gaze sweep over Sun Chengzhu. "This must be Fellow Daoist Sun, right? Truly, heroes emerge from the youth."

"Brother Daoist Xuan Cheng, your arrival makes my White Cloud Temple shine with brilliance." Daoist Yun Du stepped aside to make way. "Fellow Daoist, please, take a seat."

Master Xuan Cheng did not stand on ceremony and walked to the main table to sit down. He looked around, raised his wine cup, and offered his congratulations with great respect: "Today is Fellow Daoist Sun's Core Formation Ceremony, and I have come on behalf of the Sect to offer my congratulations."

"White Cloud Temple has made contributions to guarding the borders of the Qingcang Kingdom over these years, and the Sect has seen it all. Come, let me toast everyone."

"A toast to Fellow Daoist Sun!" Everyone raised their cups one after another, echoing him repeatedly.

The atmosphere at the banquet became increasingly lively. Master Xuan Cheng put down his wine cup and lowered his voice to say to Daoist Yun Du, "Temple Master Yun, will Fellow Daoist Shi be making an appearance today?"

Daoist Yun Du understood; Shi Jian had always disliked such occasions, as there was a difference between human and demon status after all, but the Shangqing Sect had to be given Face.

"Fellow Daoist Shi is cultivating in the back mountain; I have already sent someone to invite him." Daoist Yun Du replied. No sooner had he finished speaking than an extremely violent Spiritual Pressure soared into the sky from the direction of Zixiao Peak, causing dark clouds to surge wildly!

Purple-gold lightning flashed across the sky. In the next instant, Shi Jian's massive body landed beside the main table; he had transformed into a bear-beast the size of a human, with arcs of lightning dancing between his fur.

"Fellow Daoist Xuan Cheng, long time no see." Shi Jian's voice was low, his aura incomparably profound yet extremely restrained.

Master Xuan Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly. Shi Jian's aura was even more formidable than rumors suggested; that demonic nature was suppressed by the power of thunder, instead revealing an indescribable majesty.

"Back when the war against the Jin State began, I heard of Fellow Daoist Shi, and now, so many years later, your demeanor remains the same."

Master Xuan Cheng cupped his hands with a smile: "Several True Lords within the Sect have nothing but praise for you, and as for Shi Yin, whom you taught, I imagine his ability to reach Core Formation is likely thanks to your guidance back then, Old Ancestor."

"Fellow Daoist, you joke. He has his own fate; it doesn't have much to do with me." Shi Jian picked up a Spirit Fruit, tossed it into his mouth, and chewed it with a crunching sound.

Master Xuan Cheng smiled, said no more, and turned to chat with Daoist Yun Du about his experiences in Mo Prefecture.

The banquet lasted for a whole day. By nightfall, the guests were happy and began to disperse one after another.

After the accommodations were arranged, Master Xuan Cheng did not return to his guest room, but instead proposed to have a private conversation with the three Golden Cores of White Cloud Temple.

Daoist Yun Du understood and invited him to a side hall in the back mountain.