Chapter 16: The Gathering of Immortals to Honor the Master, An Inevitable Clash of Daoist Debate
To seek the Great Dao—what is there to fear?
Whosoever obstructs my path, I shall wield my three-foot Magic Sword to sever them!
Without an indomitable Daoist heart to brave all obstacles, how can one ever hope to achieve enlightenment?
Besides, Li Mingzhu wasn't truly striving to alter the inevitable downfall of the Jie Sect. Entering the great calamity was merely a means to acquire more fortuitous opportunities.
As for the Jie Sect, having joined it, he would naturally do his best. But knowingly attempting the impossible? Even the Sage Tongtian had prepared for failure—what could a mere True Immortal like him accomplish?
On second thought, if he didn't join the Jie Sect, could he truly avoid the calamity of the Divine Enthronement?
Having settled his thoughts, Li Mingzhu felt a great weight lifted from him. It was, after all, a simple problem that he had temporarily failed to grasp.
What's more, even if there was no path forward, Li Mingzhu was prepared to forge one himself.
The night passed without incident. Li Mingzhu calmed his mind and meditated, patiently awaiting the arrival of Duobao's birthday gathering the next day.
Early the next morning, Li Mingzhu left the Jingshui Cave Mansion with the young Zhu Xiong. Without needing a guide, he went directly to Biyou Palace.
Golden Turtle Island's Biyou Palace, in ancient times, had been the Daoist school of the Supreme Purity Sect Hierarch Tongtian. Since the Sage Tongtian had ventured into the Chaos to establish his Daoist domain, the upkeep had been managed by Duobao.
This gathering was naturally held in Biyou Palace. In the Primordial World, anyone qualified to attend was practically present.
Along the way, Li Mingzhu encountered many Immortal figures of note but didn't proactively greet them. For the most part, he simply nodded in acknowledgment as he passed.
Of course, the majority of those arriving were neither highly cultivated nor deeply connected.
Within the grand hall of Biyou Palace, rows of seats lined both sides, though no one had yet taken their place.
The seats within the hall were essentially reserved. No one dared casually occupy them.
While not exactly a formal rule, it had long been an unwritten convention. Such practices dated back to antiquity, broken only when great powers fell.
Li Mingzhu stood among the crowd, waiting for the gathering to begin and for the great figures to arrive.
Duobao entered today clad in a pitch-black Daoist robe, adorned with the Red Cloud Crown atop his head and the Seven Star Shoes on his feet. His bearing exuded solemnity, a far cry from the casual demeanor he had shown Li Mingzhu previously.
Behind him stood the seven other direct disciples of Sage Tongtian. Duobao took the lead in seating himself, followed by Wudang and the others.
The timing was precise; just as Duobao sat down, a voice offering congratulations echoed through the hall.
"From the Great Red Heaven Palace of Doushuai Temple, Grand Disciple of Heavenly Saint Taiqing, the Xuandu Master has arrived to offer congratulations, bearing fifty thousand pounds of Shouyang Pure Copper."
The first to arrive was the Xuandu Master, the foremost disciple under the Profound Sect.
"From Wuzhuang Temple on Longevity Mountain, Grand Immortal Zhen Yuanzi has come to offer congratulations, bearing ten Ginsengfruits."
For some, the nature of Shouyang Pure Copper might be unclear. But Ginsengfruits were something else entirely—known far and wide, the mere mention of their name caused audible gasps among the gathered.
Some couldn't help but marvel aloud at Zhen Yuanzi's tremendous generosity.
....
Afterward came Guang Chengzi from the Chan Sect, Mile from the Western Sect, and many renowned Loose Cultivators, such as Minghe of the Blood Sea, Kunpeng from Beiming, and Old Ancestor Panshan—all arriving one after another.
Naturally, all these arrivals brought generous gifts. Even if private grudges simmered beneath the surface—as between the Jie and Chan Sects—on this occasion, appearances remained amiably cordial.
"This humble Daoist owes much to my honored mentor for taking me under their wing. The Heavenly Emperor has attained enlightenment, and now we undertake this grand occasion, troubling all my Fellow Daoists to journey from afar. I am deeply uneasy at heart."
Duobao rose and saluted all those present with formal courtesy. His words were elegantly spoken, his demeanor impeccable—a performance par excellence.
Li Mingzhu could only think to himself: the denizens of the Primordial World truly excelled at theatrics.
Duobao, beyond being the foremost cultivator under Tongtian in the Jie Sect, displayed a grace and poise that left even the younger generation attending such an event for the first time in awe.
Only the seasoned veterans stood by quietly, smiles playing at their lips but saying little.
"Fellow Daoist Duobao jests; how could we dare miss such a grand event?"
Zhen Yuanzi, seated at the prominent right-hand position, replied with a smile, his simple hempen Daoist robe exuding refinement.
"Zhen Yuan Fellow Daoist speaks truly—Junior Brother Duobao, there's no need for such modesty." The Xuandu Master, occupying the corresponding seat on the left, added in agreement.
"I thank you all for your kind words. Taking advantage of this gathering, this humble Daoist seeks your witness for a matter concerning my fellow Junior Sister Wudang."
Before the proceedings officially commenced, Duobao suddenly adopted a serious tone. At the same time, Wudang stepped forward.
"Esteemed Fellow Daoists, today the Jie Sect's Wudang intends to take Li Mingzhu of Chentang Pass as a disciple. May I request you all to bear witness?"
Wudang cupped her hands in salute, her expression solemn, her presence unassailable at the center of the grand hall.
"Since Junior Sister Wudang has asked, it is only right that we oblige," the Xuandu Master said, rising to his feet as the first to offer support.
"Excellent!"
The gathered guests echoed in unison. Though Guang Chengzi and Mile inwardly disapproved of the Jie Sect's grandstanding, they dared not voice their complaints.
"Where is Li Mingzhu of Chentang Pass?"
Zhen Yuanzi's booming voice rang out. Being the most senior present, it was natural for him to preside, and none dared object.
Li Mingzhu stepped into the grand hall, his expression composed even under the scrutinizing gazes of the assembled luminaries.
"Li Mingzhu of Chentang Pass pays respects to the esteemed seniors, greets Teacher Wudang, Grandmaster Duobao, and the honored uncles and elders."
Kneeling before Wudang, Li Mingzhu performed the formal rituals of accepting a mentor.
"Good! Good! Good! From this day forth, you shall be my first disciple, under my tutelage in the Jie Sect. You are bound to uphold the sect's rules and honor the teachings of the Sage."
Wudang Saint Mother spoke three resounding "goods" before laughing heartily.
Despite the numerous challenges, the matter was finally concluded.
Within the great hall, even the lowest cultivation of those present was at least Daluo Golden Immortal level. With a bit of calculation, it didn't take long for them to recognize Li Mingzhu's identity. Upon learning that he had rejected the Taiyi True Immortal of the Chan Sect and instead joined Wudang Saint Mother of the Jie Sect, many exchanged peculiar smiles.
What was most notable, however, was not just Li Mingzhu's decision but Duobao's act of bringing it up on such a prominent occasion. Did the Jie Sect truly require so many witnesses for accepting a disciple?
If they claimed there was no deeper motive behind this move, no one present would believe it even under duress.
Amused smiles spread; Guang Chengzi of the Chan Sect, however, appeared visibly displeased. His face darkened to a shade that rivaled Zhao Gongming's infamous expression.
The Western Sect, meanwhile, found pleasure in the unfolding drama. Should Guang Chengzi lose his composure and confront the Jie Sect, they would be the happiest of all.
Yet even they couldn't help sighing internally—it was a missed opportunity. Had they approached Li Mingzhu sooner, such a rare talent and gem in the making, once even a servant of Nuwa Herself, would not have been passed over.
"I shall follow my Teacher's instructions."
Li Mingzhu declared in a loud and clear voice, officially solidifying his status as a disciple of the Jie Sect.
"Very well, let us continue,"
Duobao, satisfied with the proceedings, started rounding up the various luminaries for drinking and merrymaking.
"Grandmaster, your junior presents this as a token of respect," Li Mingzhu said, stepping forward midway through the feast.
"Oh? What offering do you have?"
"An exceptional Spirit Vein and two pieces of Innate Spiritual Treasure." Li Mingzhu smiled, presenting the Spirit Vein and treasures—spoils he had seized from the East Sea and the Xuanlong Palace.
"Excellent!"
Duobao laughed as he accepted them. As for any potential karmic repercussions with the East Sea Dragon Clan, was the Jie Sect afraid?
His earlier remarks about it had merely been for show. Of course, Duobao now felt a headache coming on—having accepted such favors from Li Mingzhu, he would likely be forced to give a lavish gift in return.
After all, he was the Grandmaster, and the disciple's acceptance gift still needed to be given.
As the gathering progressed, it gradually shifted in tone. Sparked by Li Mingzhu's initiation, the ensuing debates transitioned into clashes between the Jie Sect and the Chan Sect, the Chan Sect and the Western Sect, and the Western Sect and the Jie Sect.
In the midst of this discord, the ever-moderating Xuandu Master, along with Zhen Yuanzi, sought to reconcile the factions. This, too, had become customary.
From past events, like the Peach Banquet, they were accustomed to such spectacles; it no longer surprised them.
Fortunately, this was the Jie Sect's domain, where their numbers and power outweighed the rest. Guang Chengzi and Mile dared not go too far.
After all, this was no sparsely populated Heavenly Court. Within Biyou Palace, Tongtian's eight direct disciples were all present.
As expected, yet another grand event had devolved into a battle of ideologies between the sects.