As Gu Sheng recounted his tale, the celestial maidens listened with rapt attention. Elder Ziwei nodded repeatedly, a glimmer of excitement flashing in his eyes. "These secrets are crucial to our Yaochi Holy Land and even the entire Cultivation World."
The Holy Daughter added, "Indeed, especially those mystical tombstonesâthey seem to conceal some tremendous power. If we can harness it, perhaps we could stand against the impending apocalypse."
The atmosphere froze at the mention of "apocalypse," but Qin Xuan quickly broke the silence. "Oh, stop overthinking it! Brother Gu has just returned; we should celebrate properly!"
"Well said!" Su Yao chimed in. "We ought to throw Brother Gu a grand welcome party!"
With the celestial maidens orchestrating, a grand banquet swiftly unfolded at Yaochi Holy Landâs central plaza. Fine wine and exquisite delicacies adorned the tables. Ethereal melodies filled the air as the maidens, clad in elegant robes, danced gracefully. Gu Sheng, encircled by the lively crowd, relished this rare moment of joyful gathering.
"Gu Sheng, youâre the celebrity of Yaochi Holy Land now," Elder Ziwei teased, holding his wine cup. "Have you ever thought about settling down and starting a family?"
Startled by the remark, Gu Sheng chuckled and replied, "Elder, you jest. Iâm still young, and with the apocalypse looming, how can I focus on love and marriage?"
"Ah, youâre too responsible for your own good," Elder Ziwei said with a gentle pat on Gu Shengâs shoulder. "Still, you ought to give it some thought. Look at the maidens of our Holy Landâeach one has feelings for you, donât they?"
At that, Elder Ziwei even gestured towards the direction of the Holy Daughter. Gu Sheng followed his gaze and met the Holy Daughterâs smiling eyes. His heart stirred, but he merely responded with a faint smile, refraining from deeper conversation.
As the festivities reached their peak, Su Yao and Qin Xuan pulled Gu Sheng into a cheerful dance. Their laughter and jubilant cries resonated through every corner of Yaochi Holy Land, as if the heavens themselves were infected by the merriment.
Amidst this joyous laughter, Gu Sheng never forgot his heavy burden. He was acutely aware that the threat of the apocalypse loomed overhead. He had to continue cultivating diligently to protect those around him.
As night fell, the banquet gradually wound down. Standing atop a high platform, Gu Sheng gazed at the maidens below, his heart brimming with gratitude and determination. He resolved to face any future trials alongside these companions.
"Thank you all for your company tonight." Gu Sheng raised his wine cup and called out aloud, "Let us toast to the future of Yaochi Holy Land, the peace and tranquility of the Cultivation World, and the dreams and aspirations we all chaseâcheers!"
The crowd raised their cups in unison, their hearts tightly entwined, as if united into one...
Gu Shengâs fame was too overwhelming, drawing resentment from many, especially the spirited young generation.
Within days of returning, Gu Sheng received an invitation from Jiang Yichen to pay a friendly visit to the Heavenly Dao Sect.
Gu Sheng was eager to see the grandeur of a sect like Heavenly Dao Sect and broaden his horizons.
For this occasion, Jiang Yichen invited numerous young talents.
Among them were Shaking Light Saintess, Shaking Light Saint, Wei Daoyuan, Shadow Mist, Ji familyâs Ji Xuri and Ji Yewei, Xu Ruoyun from Infinite Mountain, Long Youguang from Longyun Country, Jin Huang from Golden Country, Jing Yin the little nun, and others.
The gatheringâs venue was set atop Lingxiao Mountain.
Sky light and drifting clouds lingered amidst the peaks, like streams of sentient light unraveling ancient enigmas. A radiance of myriad hues swept across, resembling crimson silk rolling through the air. Auspicious energy wove through layers of purple mist, exuding the serene allure of Immortal Energy that enraptured the heart.
Cascading waterfalls plunged from the mountain summit, forming an ethereal spray that veiled the landscape in a dreamy haze. Immortal Herbs presented a vibrant spectacle, blooming in a kaleidoscope of colors like an endless sea of flowersâutterly breathtaking.
Amidst such an Immortal Realm, a grand gathering was underway. Those invited were none other than the young geniuses from various domains, each possessing unmatched charmâwhether strikingly handsome or stunningly beautiful, their presence carried an aura of transcendence.
"Brother Gu, how has your visit to Heavenly Dao Sect been so far?" Jiang Yichen raised his cup toward Gu Sheng, his snow-white robe shimmering, his elegance as striking as an immortal descending to the mortal world.
"Brother Jiang, Heavenly Dao Sect truly lives up to its reputationâthe Immortal Realm-like scenery here is utterly mesmerizing." Gu Sheng raised his cup in response, his black robe highlighting his deep, penetrating gaze, which seemingly unveiled all illusions.
"Haha, Iâm glad Brother Gu likes it. With so many young talents gathered today, why not have them showcase their skills?" Jiang Yichen suggested jovially.
"Thatâs an excellent ideaâIâm curious to witness their unique abilities as well." Gu Sheng readily agreed.
At Jiang Yichenâs command, the young talents began preparing their performances.
The first to step forward was Shaking Light Saintess. Draped in flowing white garments that fluttered ethereally, she appeared as if a blooming lotus descended from the heavens. With a graceful wave of her delicate hand, clusters of white lotuses materialized and drifted through the air, each emitting a gentle glow like celestial blessings.
"So this is Shaking Light Sacred Landâs famed White Lotus Blossoms. Truly it deserves its acclaim." Gu Sheng remarked in awe.
Next came Shadow Mistâs performance. Cloaked entirely in black, his aura exuded mystery. With a mere flip of his palm, clouds roiled into form; with a swift motion, rain cascaded downward. Under his command, layers of fog shifted unpredictably, as if he could control the very fabric of heaven and earth.