65 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

After another fruitless Immortal Ascension Ceremony, and with the festival gifts delivered one by one—among them a new specialty from Heihe, the [Scaly Boar Fish]—chores finally concluded, Chu Qin Sect entered its fourth year since settling in Heihe. Qi Xiu, donned in a brand-new, first-grade robe headed to attend the Zhaos' Grand Speed Ceremony. Unlike the dull, gray cheap attire of the past, this robe was a freshly commissioned scarlet Taoist robe from Qi Nan City, adorned with three runic arrays: [Purification], [Wind Shield], and [Yang Warmth]. The characters "Chu Qin" were embroidered over the heart, exuding magnificence and, naturally, a hefty price. Yet, he had procured two sets for every person in the sect. Business at [Heihe Market] thrived day by day; stall space in the black market became scarce, the rent soaring after multiple increases, with the monthly profits reported by Zhan Yuan reaching new heights. The sect's reserves now amounted to over twenty third-grade spirit stones, making it feel almost like living in a dream. Back then, the menacing Liuhua Sect that chased the Chu Qin members out like stray dogs grimaced over parting with fifteen third-grade spirit stones during a trade involving the Red Jade Array. With three Foundation Establishment cultivators, the current achievements of Chu Qin Sect seemed to have slapped many faces, including theirs. Indeed, Qi Xiu was riding the wave of success—not only had he surpassed the first threshold in Qi Refinement, with the fifth layer being within reach, but the sect was thriving with peace and prosperity, showing signs of blossoming vibrantly. The standing in Heihe grew with it; Master Qi of Chu Qin was no longer an unknown pawn in the realm of Qi Refinement. However, the one blemish in his tapestry of success was 'that matter' he did for the Zhao family. It remained his heart's thorn, deeply buried within. Reaching the boundary of the Beast Taming Sect, a sect cultivator indicated that this 'Grand Speed Ceremony' was hosted by Zhao Liangde. It occurred once every five years, featuring under-fifteen cultivators under his stewardship, specialized in beast taming, and was a test of the young talents' beast-taming prowess, marked by solemnity and intense competition. Unlike before, the sect cultivator did not lead him to the usual spot but further into the depths of the Beast Taming Sect. After nearly half an hour, they witnessed about a dozen gigantic [Silver-backed Rays], intertwined at head and tail, forming an awe-inspiring airborne circular city, a spectacle to behold. On the backs of these rays, it was bustling with voices; a myriad of cultivators were scattered among an array of land and aerial beasts. Banquets were set up, and revelries had commenced. Scantily-clad mortal dancers gyrated before the banquets, painting a scene of indulgent prosperity. Guards on giant eagles came forward to inquire, and upon Qi Xiu announcing his name, they shouted loudly to the rear: "Master Qi of Chu Qin Sect, Qi Xiu has arrived~" The final note was stretched long as guards relayed this shout down the line. "This Zhao Liangde, even Jin Dan Chu Duo of Nan Chu Sect only has a Foundation Establishment guard. What splendor this is!" Qi Xiu inwardly sneered. Just then, another guard approached, loudly proclaiming, "Administrator Zhao orders that Master Qi be immediately escorted to see him." He was swiftly ushered onto the back of one of the giant rays. On that ray's back were roughly a hundred people, reputable local cultivators, and some guests in the Foundation Establishment period, seated on the ground in a grand circle, drinking and conversing. Zhao Liangde sat at the center with a beautiful woman perched on his thigh, bantering playfully. Seeing Qi Xiu approach, he patted the soft couch beside him and cheerfully beckoned, "The lad from Chu Qin Sect is here, come, come, sit here." "Not at all, not at all, sitting at the back would suffice," Qi Xiu, unsure why the sudden favor, quickly offered courtesy and declined. Zhao Liangde's cheeks were ruddy, appearing exceedingly pleased about something, as he playfully chided, "Just sit here, don’t be so polite! I have something to talk with you about." "Yes, then I'm honored for your hospitality," Qi Xiu bowed, then took a seat to the side. Despite mastering [Mind Study] innate talent giving him unparalleled self-control, he kept a humble demeanor out of habit and a desire to maintain a low profile. "That's more like it," Zhao Liangde chuckled, then queried about the Scaly Boar Fish harvest, news about his family's relative who married off, the market business, and such. While Qi Xiu answered, he felt Zhao's attention waver; his beady eyes flitted among the gathered guests, uninterested in the responses. "Sweetheart, go inside and play for a while," after managing some guests, Zhao Liangde dismissed the lady on his lap. He leaned casually towards Qi Xiu, bringing them closer. "Here comes the meaty part!" Qi Xiu braced internally, the reminder from Chu Duo ringing in his ears—a counsel from a Jin Dan elder would never be in vain! "Young Qi, tell me... how do you think I’ve treated you?" Seemingly casual, Zhao Liangde asked, yet Qi Xiu immediately felt the scrutinizing attention on his face. Quickly controlling his expression, he assumed an appreciative look and respectfully replied, "Naturally, with deep care, a considerable favor to our Chu Qin Sect." "Hehe, that's a bit overdone," Zhao Liangde chuckled lightly. "But aren't we in-laws now? Our connection is unmatched by others. I ask you, if… just if, one day I need your Chu Qin Sect to fight for life and death on my behalf, would you be willing?" As he asked, his small eyes bored intensely into Qi Xiu’s expression. “Agree! Agree!” Chu Duo's mandate echoed ceaselessly in Qi Xiu’s mind. Though a thousand times unwilling, he deftly kept his emotions in check, responding in a steady tone, "I dare not do otherwise!" face sincere. “Hahaha, good, good,” Zhao Liangde saw no hint of falsity in Qi Xiu’s demeanor, clearly delighted, patting the seat repeatedly, “Your word puts my heart at ease. Should the day come, I hope you won’t forget today’s promise.” “Of course.” “Great! You may step aside for now and later join in observing our sect’s grand ceremony!” “Yes!” Qi Xiu bowed again, withdrew to blend in with the crowd, found a corner to sit in, and silently cursed Chu Duo and Zhao Liangde tens of thousands of times. Today’s consent to Zhao Liangde, if it escalates to actual life-and-death conflict, it was all because of Chu Duo’s pressure. If Chu Qin Sect suffers losses down the line, who could this injustice be directed at? The ceremony eventually commenced, with dozens of young cultivators, all in their teens, each controlling a young [Silver-backed Ray], forming several lines, flying to the center of the aerial circular city. Stepping forward, Zhao Liangde extolled them, then showcased a roster of rewards, each a rare second-grade artifact or spirit pill, which spurred the youngsters further, roaring enthusiastically, the Wildness of Beast Taming Sect’s prodigies on full display. “Ready, go!” At Zhao Liangde’s command, the young ones streaked forward on their juvenile rays like arrows, vying in fierce competition, swiftly heading in one direction. The giant rays reformed into a column, closely following the youngsters, given the fledgling rays couldn’t escape the giant rays' surveillance. Among the beast tamers on the rays, supporters shouted; some opened betting stalls, cheers rising in frenzy. Other sect cultivators, too, were drawn into the intense, exhilarating competition, watching enraptured, but Qi Xiu, preoccupied, found himself detached from the lively ambience. At long last, the ceremony drew to a close, departing from Zhao Liangde, Qi Xiu returned to Heihe Peak, dejected.