Outside the gate of Xuanji Sect, the crowd was buzzing.
Cultivators in colorful robes sat or stood, conversing excitedly, holding cups of tea brimming with spiritual energy. Joyful expressions lit up every face.
These were all rogue cultivators who hadn't had the chance to join Xuanji Sect. They had arrived early outside the gates specifically to witness the grand ceremony.
Xuanji Sect had anticipated such a situation and had set up several tea stalls outside the mountain gate, offering free refreshments for the rogue cultivators.
This gesture earned them considerable goodwill, with many praising Xuanji Sect for its magnanimity and generosity.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the crowd.
"Look! The people from Xuanqing Sect are here!"
"Make way, clear the path!"
The cultivators hurriedly parted, creating an open space.
A luxurious vessel, adorned with shimmering pearls and jade, hovered briefly above before slowly descending.
"The Xuanqing Sect has arrived! All five major sects are finally gathered!"
"Nonsense! Daqi Sect hasn't arrived yet!"
"Ah, they're not here yet? I thought they would be the first to arrive... Hey, look! Daqi Sect is here!"
The cultivators who had just cleared a space were forced to retreat further.
The seven-tiered pagoda, whether intentionally or not, slowly floated to a stop, brushing against the hull of the luxurious vessel.
The closest distance between the two large flying artifacts was no more than a finger's length.
Xuanqing Sect disciples disembarked first and immediately noticed Daqi Sect's petty move, becoming quite incensed.
It was clear Daqi Sect had done it on purpose.
As soon as the Daqi Sect disciples landed, the Xuanqing Sect disciples glared at them, their eyes burning with anger.
The Daqi Sect disciples, not to be outdone, glared back defiantly.
A silent battle commenced between the two groups through their gazes.
Qinglian, the sect leader, stood at the front of his disciples, seemingly oblivious to the tension. Instead, he smiled and nodded in greeting to the sect leader of Daqi Sect.
The sect leader of Daqi Sect was robust and sturdy, with a dignified appearance and an air of righteousness.
He let out a hearty laugh and strode towards Qinglian, "Qinglian, the last time we met was at Wanfo Sect for Buddha's Birthday. It's been over two hundred years, and you're as radiant as ever!"
"Po Jun, you are also full of vigor, no less than in the past," Qinglian replied with a smile.
The two leaders exchanged smiles, their interaction appearing to be exceptionally cordial. However, a subtle undercurrent of tension flowed between them.
"Sect Leader Qinglian, Sect Leader Po Jun, please forgive my late arrival. I apologize for keeping you waiting."
Elder Qingfeng, having received the news, hurried from within the mountain gate.
Upon seeing the two sect leaders standing together, his heart skipped a beat, and he inwardly lamented, "Oh no, this is bad. Why did these two sects have to bump into each other?"
The reason for the discord between Daqi Sect and Xuanqing Sect stemmed from an apparent old feud between their sect leaders, which in turn led to frequent animosity between their disciples.
Xuanji Sect, anticipating potential friction, had deliberately arranged for the two sects' accommodations within the sect to be on opposite sides, in locations where they wouldn't easily encounter each other.
Yet, these two sects had run into each other the moment they arrived.
Elder Qingfeng inwardly nursed a headache, but his face maintained a smile as warm as spring sunshine as he greeted the two sect leaders.
"It is Elder Qingfeng."
Sect Leader Po Jun's expression remained unchanged, but his tone carried a subtle hint of displeasure.
He was expressing his dissatisfaction.
The five major sects held equal standing, and as the leaders of their respective sects, it was customary for Xuanji Sect's Sect Leader Buwang to personally greet them, rather than dispatching an elder.
Even though Elder Qingfeng held a position close to that of the sect leader within Xuanji Sect, the implication was vastly different.
Sect Leader Po Jun had every reason to feel displeased.
Elder Qingfeng, discerning the unspoken meaning in Sect Leader Po Jun's words, amplified his smile and apologized, "Sect Leaders, Buwang sends his apologies. He had intended to welcome you personally.
However, not long ago, a senior from Kunlun Academy paid a visit, and Buwang had to attend to the guest alongside our ancestor. Thus, he regrets any inconvenience caused and has specifically asked me to explain the reason.
Once the esteemed guests are settled, he will personally extend his apologies to you both."
"You mean teachers from Kunlun Academy are also here?"
A flash of astonishment crossed Sect Leader Po Jun's eyes, and the lingering dissatisfaction vanished.
In the Kyushu Continent, there was no entity that could overshadow the five major sects, except for the transcendentally positioned Kunlun Academy.
Even the usually proud Sect Leader Po Jun dared not act presumptuously in the presence of seniors from Kunlun Academy.
Sect Leader Qinglian was equally astonished.
Kunlun Academy's transcendent status was due to its role in cultivating elite disciples from various sects, while remaining largely detached from any affairs in the Kyushu Continent and rarely participating in celebrations like sect grand ceremonies.
Two hundred years ago, when Wanfo Sect hosted its Buddha's Birthday, all sects in the Kyushu Continent were invited, yet no one from Kunlun Academy had attended.
The presence of seniors from Kunlun Academy at Xuanji Sect's grand ceremony this time – was it out of respect for Xuanji Sect's ancestor, Xu Yi, or did they have other intentions?
Sect Leader Qinglian smiled faintly, "So that's how it is. Seniors from Kunlun Academy are highly respected, and it is only fitting that Sect Leader Buwang personally receives them. We understand completely."
"Sect Leader Qinglian speaks wisely," Sect Leader Po Jun seconded Qinglian's sentiment before adding, "May I inquire which esteemed seniors have arrived? Would it be permissible for us to pay them a visit together?"
The teachers of Kunlun Academy were all shrouded in mystery. Most information about them came from disciples studying at the academy, and Sect Leader Po Jun, having never met them in person, was deeply curious and wished to form a connection.
Elder Qingfeng hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement, "Naturally. How about we first escort the two sects into the mountain gate and have them settled, then I shall personally lead you to visit the seniors. What do you say?"
"That would be excellent. We shall trouble you then, Elder Qingfeng."
"Thank you."
Both sect leaders had no objections.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the disciples of the two sects entered Xuanji Sect amidst envious and jealous gazes.
Xuanji Sect's Hall of Discussions.
Ji Buwang suddenly rose and cupped his hands to the assembled group, "Esteemed seniors, sect leaders, Xuanqing Sect and Daqi Sect have arrived. The sect leaders of both sects will be here shortly."
Teacher Jing smiled and nodded, "No rush, no rush. Let them get settled before they come."
Liu Yin Xiao, Yu Chun Dao, and others nodded repeatedly.
Teacher Li, however, perked up, "Daqi Sect has finally arrived."
Xu Yi chuckled.
Earlier, when she and Ji Buwang had greeted Teacher Li and the others, Teacher Li's first question had been whether Daqi Sect had arrived.
Upon learning that Daqi Sect had not yet arrived, Teacher Li's disappointment had been visibly apparent.
Now, upon hearing news of Daqi Sect, he immediately regained his vigor.
Xu Yi couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern for the Sect Leader of Daqi Sect.
She wondered if he could withstand the unique attention from Teacher Li.
Sect Leader Changshou of Yushou Sect and Sect Leader Fa Neng of Wanfo Sect exchanged a subtle glance, recognizing the gravity in each other's eyes.
They had already received advance notice from Xuanji Sect and had been contemplating the situation. Now, with the arrival of people from Kunlun Academy, they once again realized the seriousness of the matter.
And once Daqi Sect and Xuanqing Sect arrived, the real agenda would begin.
They wondered if they would be able to retreat unscathed this time.