Chapter 203 - 145: Rebellion_1
Guo Bei Academy, Xu Yang returned, back to his home.
“Young Master!”
Miss Xin Shisi came to greet him and saw a smile on his face, she already knew the result, but still asked, “Was your journey smooth?”
“Ha!”
Xu Yang chuckled lightly, embracing her waist.
“Order the word passed down, a grand feast for three days, a celebration for all under heaven!”
After speaking, he bent his head for a kiss, causing the beauty to moan softly, her cheeks flushing with misty tears.
Although she was a married woman and the couple had been so for years, she still showed a young girl’s shyness at intimate moments.
The handmaidens standing by, too, promptly withdrew with discernment, turning to prepare for the grand feast.
Xu Yang was to host a banquet, a grand feast for all under heaven to celebrate together.
It wasn’t that he was indulging in pleasure and idleness, pursuing enjoyment as soon as he achieved a little success.
Rather, it was… social propriety, something that must be done.
The Orchid Ghost Realm had been entrenched for many years, always seen as a thorn in Jinhua’s side.
Now that it had been uprooted, by reason and emotion, it was necessary to proclaim it to the world. It would not only stabilize the public heart but also enhance prestige—why not do it?
Additionally, this demon-subduing ritual brought forth efforts from all aspects. Once victory was secured, it was appropriate to acknowledge contributions and rewards, thereby benefiting unity among the people.
Also, it was an opportunity, a chance to see the reaction of others.
Pressure, after all, is always relative.
The presence of Pudu Cihang was a constant worry in his heart, but wasn’t he also the sword hanging over Pudu Cihang’s head?
Now that he had slain the Black Mountain Old Demon, accomplishing what past Heavenly Masters couldn’t, it would undoubtedly redouble the pressure on Pudu Cihang.
He was certain to do something.
Therefore, Xu Yang gave him the opportunity, let him put on a show, to see what tactics he could employ.
Three days later, the banquet began.
Guo Bei, adorned with lanterns and streamers, celebrated with all under heaven.
Even the seven provinces, in various sub-branches, all partook in the beneficence.
“White Cloud Taoist Temple, True Monarch Changrong has arrived!”
“Qingping Taoist Temple, True Man Qinghe has arrived!”
“Mana Bright Temple, White Mountain Master has arrived!”
“Phoenix Song Mountain, Fairy Qingluan has arrived!”
“…”
That night, with the moon high and lights shining bright, the entire city was destined for sleeplessness.
The banquet flowed like a river, with distinguished guests filling the seats.
Laughter and greetings were exchanged, and from time to time, radiance soared into the sky, and auspicious clouds descended as various high-ranking Taoists arrived to offer their congratulations.
Amidst the worldly fireworks and immortal spells, a unique charm emerged under their mutual reflection.
Apart from the people from Guo Bei Academy itself, there were also those who had joined the system and boarded the same warship, including the major Taoist sects and some hesitant, wavering neutral forces unsure of where to cast their lot.
Anyone could see that this banquet was not just a simple celebration of victory, but also carried a strong “political” overtone, determining the fate not only of the seven southern provinces, north and south lands, the three major sects, all Taoist Unity, but also the entire world’s destiny.
Therefore, no one dared to treat this lightly; all invitees made sure to attend this grand banquet.
At the banquet, guests took their seats, clearly separated by their affiliations.
The Taoists were led by True Monarch Changrong, flanked by Great Scholars from Confucian Gate and high monks from Buddhism.
Now, with the southern seven provinces, the Three Teaching Sects, and the major Taoist sects—even Loose Cultivators from the Taoist Temples—all under the Guo Bei Academy, there was indeed no shortage of True Monarchs present, totaling thirty-six.
They represented the southern Cultivation Realm.
On the other side, various demon immortals, led by Fairy Qingluan from Fengwu Mountain, along with several Kind Spirit Monsters who had stepped into the sixth realm. Although they were fewer in number, their power was not to be underestimated, and they were even closer to the Academy than the major sects, some with the intent to fully commit.
After all, as Spirit Monsters, they need not consider the inheritance of the sects, nor are they concerned with sectarian views; survival is their primary concern.
Many Kind Spirit Monsters had in the past joined the major Taoist sects, becoming the so-called Divine beasts guarding the mountains or even mounts and pets.
Now, faced with the Guo Bei Academy, which offered better treatment and equal status, what reason did they have to refuse?
Three Teaching Sects, all Taoist Unity, the entire southern Cultivation Realm, along with a bunch of demon immortals, the Taoist True Monarchs present, and Cultivators of the sixth realm, nearly amounted to fifty in total.
At any time and place, they formed a force that could not be ignored.
Below the True Monarchs were the True Men, not to mention the countless, there were thousands, mostly disciples of the Academy and Kind Spirit Monsters, followed by disciples from the major sects.
As for Mages below True Men… they could only be arranged on the periphery.
There were three main seats set aside in the banquet hall, all currently empty.
But the crowd didn’t have to wait long, as two figures soon arrived hand in hand.
One stood tall and proud, brimming with a brave and extraordinary aura, subtly holding great power and authority, and also displayed scholarly grace.
The other wore a striking red robe over an impeccable white attire, her youthful appearance rivaling that of a nation’s beauty, stunningly exquisite.
The two entered together, hand in hand, immediately becoming the center of attention in the room.
“Greetings to the headmaster!”
“Brother Dao of Sword Minister!”
“Young Master Liuxian!”
The crowd stood up, each paying their respects.
“The presence of such distinguished guests brings glory to this humble place.”
“Please!”
Xu Yang smiled, took his seat, and then invited the rest to do the same, before finally speaking, “Today we have a grand celebration, a joy shared by all under heaven. My two elder brothers should have been here, but just recently, while sweeping through the Orchid Ghost Realm, my eldest brother witnessed the disorder of the ghostly realms and the chaos of Yin and Yang, and thus he wished to restore the order of the Dual Realm of Yin and Yang, establishing the Yin Mountain Mansion to uphold the laws of the Governors.”
“Yin Mountain Mansion?”
The crowd was momentarily startled upon hearing this.
But soon the Taoist True Monarchs came to an understanding and unanimously praised, “Brother Dao of Yin Mountain has boundless merit!”
It had been said before that the order of the Yin and Yang realms was deteriorating.
Hence, each major Taoist sect had to allocate resources to maintain the order of the Governors, to prevent the chaos of Yin and Yang.
However, the Netherworld was perilously dangerous, not only infested with numerous Evil Ghosts but also inhabited by age-old demons like those from Black Mountain.
Even for the major Taoist sects, they could only barely maintain the situation in the Netherworld, and with regards to self-governing entities like the City of Unjust Death, they were willing but powerless to regulate.