The Transmigrator's Cultivation Arc 18: Lu Jian Peak's Affairs | Chapter 351: Ceremony

Arc 18: Lu Jian Peak's Affairs | Chapter 351: Ceremony

In an instant, the conversations among the guests came to a halt; no one spoke any further.

Although those great powers did not have any intention of suppressing others, merely releasing a hint of their aura was enough to silence everyone into submission.

Some bolder guests quietly looked up, letting out a soft “oh.”

It turned out that the Nascent Soul Laozu had indeed arrived, but they did not descend to the ground. Instead, they concealed themselves in the void, not showing themselves to anyone.

As a result, people could only sense that great powers were observing from various places in the air, but those of lesser cultivation below could not discern their exact locations.

At this moment, several young men and women suddenly appeared at the peak, each one remarkable in appearance and bearing.

Among them, a round-faced cultivator who looked no older than eighteen or nineteen led the group, standing at one end of the path made of spiritual ice and jade.

In the crowd of guests, a thin old man exclaimed, “It’s Lao Qiu! How did you become so youthful?”

Several middle-aged and older cultivators who seemed to have a good relations.h.i.+p with the old man also looked surprised; they recognized him as well.

The round-faced cultivator was none other than the one presiding over the grand ceremony, Qiu He Zhenren. He had regained his youthful appearance, startling his old friends. Behind him were his disciples and followers.

Among them, Qiu Ze, Yun Zhengrui, and Yun Tianheng needed no introduction. The other strange beings were also recognized as disciples of the Xiaozhu Peak lineage under Xu and Yun.

Qiu He Zhenren glanced at the thin old man, smiling with some pride as he said, “I recently took a spiritual herb, gifted to me by my eldest disciple, which has completely removed my acc.u.mulated pain. My vitality has been revitalized, hence this appearance.” There was an air of boastfulness in his words, but he did not mention Xu Ziqing’s name. Over the years, he had experienced much deception and was aware of many schemes, so he was somewhat cautious about this miraculous herb.

If others knew that his second disciple, Xu Ziqing, possessed such a herb, many old ancestors would likely attempt to s.n.a.t.c.h it away. However, if the herb was in the hands of his eldest disciple, it would be somewhat understandable due to his capabilities; moreover, others would have to be wary of his cultivation level. Although the second disciple was to become a partner with the eldest disciple, there was still a difference.

Indeed, envy flickered in the eyes of the old men, while many guests listened intently. But upon learning that it was a gift from the peak master to his master, they could only sigh to themselves. Especially those ordinary Zhenren who had also faced many hards.h.i.+ps to reach the Golden Core stage felt a twinge of jealousy towards Qiu He Zhenren’s filial disciples.

Fortunately, they had been neighbors for many years and shared considerable camaraderie, quickly calming their minds and letting it go.

They thought to themselves: After all, it was Qiu He’s fortune.

The disciples and Yan Hua and Yue Hua began to move about, each carrying storage items filled with five-element fruits, meats from five-element monsters, and five-element spiritual grains, distributing them carefully onto the various tables. There were also prepared spiritual wines and teas to share with the guests.

Some guests, seeing how outstanding these disciples looked, couldn’t help but express their admiration.

In addition, a gigantic demon bird transformed from Chonghua carried many banquet items on its back, including some rare seafood, all of which were quite delicious.

Yan Shuang transformed into a spiritual bird, and as he soared into the air, he suddenly changed into a human form, standing on the back of Chong Hua. He respectfully presented food and drinks to the many great powers who had come to witness the ceremony, his demeanor earnest and careful, not daring to show any negligence.

The disciples were extremely busy, while Qiu He Zhenren also composed himself and quickly walked to the end of the path made of spiritual ice and jade.

At this moment, many guests had already noticed that this Golden Core Zhenren, who rarely ventured out, was wearing a splendid ceremonial robe.

His expression was solemn as he stood there, reciting something under his breath.

Before long, Qiu He Zhenren let out a low shout, and suddenly, a precious cauldron flew out from his sleeve!

The cauldron landed on the ground, expanding in the wind to a width of nine feet and a height of six feet, perfectly conforming to the number five-four.

The cauldron was dark in color, exuding an innate n.o.bility, yet its brilliance was restrained, lacking much ornamentation.

As Qiu He continued to mutter, he suddenly raised two fingers.

A hint of a spell formed at his fingertips, which he abruptly pointed at the cauldron—

In the next moment, the precious cauldron erupted in brilliant light, bursting forth with dazzling colors and nurturing the power of the five elements, appearing immensely n.o.ble!

This was an essential item for the oath of Dao partners, a sacrificial cauldron meant for heaven, which needed to be carefully selected, with a precious artifact being the best choice.

The cauldron before him had been exchanged by Yun Lie from his sect, making it an excellent treasure.

Once the precious cauldron was prepared, Qiu He let out a slight sigh of relief. He then glanced at the sky and knew that the auspicious time was approaching.

After a while, the bell rang again.

Eighty-one tolls echoed, each resounding through the heavens, vast and distant, like an ancient legend reborn, evoking a sense of grandeur and marking history.

As the bell’s sound gradually faded and the winds settled, two figures appeared, hand in hand.

Once the wind pa.s.sed, the bell fell silent.

At the beginning of the path made of spiritual ice and jade stood two figures clad in black ceremonial robes, standing side by side.

One of them was tall and handsome, his refined features complemented by his black robes, making his fair skin stand out even more.

This person’s temperament was gentle, and as his eyes s.h.i.+fted, it seemed as if countless life forces flowed through them, along with hints of reincarnation—mysterious and unfathomable.

It was none other than the Golden Core Zhenren, Xu Ziqing.

The other person was even half a head taller, exuding an icy aura. His brows appeared to hold a frost that had never melted for thousands of years. His expression showed no fear, no joy, and no sorrow, as if he were impervious to emotions, keeping others at a distance. His sword intent soared to the heavens, pure and lethal, yet deeply concealed within him. Nevertheless, even with such restraint, his pressure was still extraordinarily sharp, making it easy for others to feel they could not approach him.

This was Yun Lie, the peak master of the Lujian Peak and a Nascent Soul Laozu.

Their temperaments were initially completely opposite, but now, standing together, they exhibited a remarkable tacit understanding without needing to move.

It was as if they had already merged into one, not only avoiding any sense of strangeness but appearing exceedingly harmonious.

The many guests present had only heard of Yun Lie’s extraordinary talents and his fierce killing intent, and they were aware of his renowned reputation, considering him the best among his peers. Many admired or feared him, and thus, he received much attention. In contrast, Xu Ziqing was almost unheard of—at most, they knew of his friends.h.i.+p with Yun Lie, but little else about him was known.

Now, during this grand ceremony, upon seeing Xu Ziqing, everyone realized that he also possessed remarkable talents. Even though his current cultivation was insufficient and did not exhibit the same overt strength as Yun Lie, he carried a sense of inclusiveness and harmony that made people feel an instant closeness upon seeing him. Standing next to Yun Lie, he showed no signs of awkwardness; his demeanor and aura were not overshadowed by Yun Lie at all.

At a glance, the two seemed perfectly matched.

Seeing the bearing of his two disciples, Qiu He Zhenren felt a sense of relief in his heart: “The auspicious time has arrived. Yun Er, Ziqing, let the oath ceremony commence.”

Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie exchanged a glance—one with a gentle smile, the other with a somewhat softened gaze, full of warmth.

“Yes, s.h.i.+zun.”

At that moment, the numerous guests fell silent, all earnestly observing the ceremony.

Qiu He Zhenren leaped into the air, and beneath him, a cloud of auspiciousness suddenly appeared, lifting him as he sat cross-legged behind the precious cauldron, nine zhang away from its mouth. He then spoke loudly, “To offer to the Heavenly Dao—”

Yun Lie took a step forward, waving his sleeve to reveal several jade basins before him.

Xu Ziqing did the same, and identical basins appeared in front of him.

These contained five-colored fruits of the five elements, the hearts of five spiritual beasts of the five elements, spiritual grains of the five colors, and spiritual brews of the five elements.

The many offerings were presented one by one.

The guests recognized them immediately.

Each item consisted of eighty-one varieties, clearly demonstrating the deep regard that Peak Master Yun and Xu Zhenren held for each other and their sincerity in making this oath.

Then, both Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing pointed with their fingers, two flames appearing at their fingertips—one black and gold, the other light green—both radiating dazzling light.

With a flick of their fingers, the flames surged forward, enveloping the offerings in the jade basins, instantly igniting them.

The contents of the basins burned rapidly, leaving no impurities behind, transforming into clouds of smoke that formed a long dragon as they entered the precious cauldron.

Seeing this, Qiu He Zhenren nodded in satisfaction: “Stand, Blood Oath—” After saying this, he tossed out a black talisman that bore no characters.

The talisman transformed into a small flag shape, unfurling and floating between the two.

Xu Ziqing cut his wrist, allowing blood to flow down and form a blood sphere before him.

Yun Lie did the same, his blood also forming a sphere, merging with Xu Ziqing’s blood, causing its color to s.h.i.+ft and s.h.i.+mmer.

The guests were astonished at the sight.

When cultivators form a Dao partner bond, they usually swear by shedding blood; the more blood shed, the more sincere the intent. Typically, this involves a mere puncture of the fingertip, releasing a few drops of blood to show seriousness. Yet, witnessing this copious shedding of blood was truly unprecedented.

Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie felt no discomfort; their fingertips merely brushed over their wrists, and the blood marks disappeared.

Then, they pointed in unison, dipping their fingers into the merged blood sphere and using it as ink to write swiftly on the small flag-like talisman.

Soon, two lines of blood characters emerged from Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie’s fingers, forming solemn runes on the talisman.

When the final stroke was completed, two voices echoed: “By my path, I make this vow; by my blood, as a pledge; by my primordial spirit, I swear; by the Heavenly Dao as bear witness—Xu Ziqing/Yun Lie shall share the path to immortality with Yun Lie/Xu Ziqing, forever in companions.h.i.+p.”

After the voices faded, the talisman ignited spontaneously, transforming into blood-colored smoke that similarly entered the precious cauldron.

Thus, the oath was established under the supervision of the Heavenly Dao.

After hearing the two make their oath, the guests were left in disbelief.

This oath was extraordinarily severe. Should anyone betray it, their blood would be drained from their physical body, their foundational path would be destroyed, and even their primordial spirit would be erased by the Heavenly Dao. Thus, they would have no path to reincarnation and would dissipate between heaven and earth. Such an oath completely entrusted one’s life to another, leaving no room for survival!

Qiu He Zhenren sighed inwardly upon hearing this. However, his gaze remained warm; his two disciples shared such deep feelings for each other. As long as their hearts did not waver, what was there to fear from a stringent oath? He then continued, “The oath is complete; let us burn incense to commemorate!”

Xu Ziqing smiled slightly, revealing three sticks of purple-gold incense in his palm. He held the incense in both hands and turned to Yun Lie.

Yun Lie stepped to the side, covering Xu Ziqing’s hands with his own.

Together, they took a step forward and placed the three sticks of incense into the precious cauldron.

In the next moment, the three sticks ignited suddenly within the cauldron.

The fragrant smoke curled and intertwined in the air… Gradually, this smoke merged together, taking on a hue that was neither entirely golden nor entirely wooden.

Then, with a sudden split, it transformed into two smoke dragons that entered the bodies of Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie.

Translator: Lynn

Translations are not 100% correct. Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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