SWDnovel Chapter 29 Setting Up a Challenge
Chapter 29 Setting Up a Challenge
Those who can enter the main hall of the Ghost Palace are basically members of forces above the Nascent Soul level in the Tianluo Kingdom. Some Core Formation and Foundation Establishment forces, and even some rogue cultivators from the Tianluo Kingdom come to offer their birthday wishes. The Ghost Spirit Sect welcomes all of them, but their seats are in the outer square.
Those closest to the center of the high platform in the hall were all cultivators from the six sects of the Demonic Path.
The cultivators from the Thousand Illusions Sect were arranged to sit next to the cultivators from the Joyful Union Sect, while opposite them were the high-ranking members of the Ghost Spirit Sect who were attending the birthday banquet.
Su Mixin sat at the same table with Lu Xin, Madam Yulan, and Xin Ruyin. When she looked up, she saw that the person sitting directly opposite her was none other than Wang Chan, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect.
At 3:45 AM, the birthday banquet officially began.
A Core Formation cultivator dressed in a red robe stepped onto the high platform and began his opening speech. His voice was amplified by divine sense and spread throughout the entire Wanhun Peak area.
"Fellow immortals, fellow Daoists from all directions, guests from various sects of the Tianluo Kingdom, and esteemed Nascent Soul seniors!"
"Clouds part to reveal the heavens, rosy clouds illuminate the celestial court, a thousand auspicious wisps encircle the jade palace, and ten thousand rays of auspicious light gather at the Jade Terrace."
"On this auspicious day, heaven and earth rejoice, mountains and rivers celebrate, and we gather here to jointly celebrate the 700th birthday of the Soul-Shattering Immortal!"
"On this auspicious occasion of birthday celebration, auspicious purple clouds rise from the east, celestial music resounds, and auspicious omens gather."
"May the True Immortal Shattered Soul ascend to heaven one day, his Dao body forever healthy, his immortal foundation eternally solid, his cultivation advancing by leaps and bounds, his realm rising steadily, free from calamities year after year, attaining longevity year after year, living freely for eternity, and eternally existing between heaven and earth!"
"Enough of idle talk. The auspicious time for the birthday banquet has arrived. We cordially invite all fellow Daoists to take their seats and celebrate together, to drink the spiritual wine, to enjoy the spiritual feast, and to wish the Soul-Shattering True Man a thousand years of immortality and the eternal continuation of his Dao!"
As soon as the red-robed host finished speaking, the gongs and drums, which had been ready to go, suddenly roared!
Thump! Clang! Thump! Clang!
The sound of gongs and drums filled the air, accompanied by the melodious strains of celestial music.
The drumbeats rolled across Wanhun Peak like thunder, causing the spirit banners on the square to flutter loudly. The clear sound of gongs pierced the sky, intertwining with the celestial music inside and outside the hall. The elegant strings and bamboo instruments accompanied the resounding heavy instruments, truly blending celestial music with the mortal world, creating an extraordinary spectacle.
The red-robed host on the high platform raised his hand in a gesture of cessation, and the gongs, drums, and celestial music paused briefly.
His divine sense spread out again, his voice steady and powerful: "The auspicious hour has arrived, the birthday banquet begins! However, the gifts for this birthday celebration are the sincere wishes of all fellow immortals to wish the Soul-Shattering Immortal a long and blessed life. How can we not announce this to heaven and earth, and share in the joy!"
After saying that, he stepped down from the high platform and went straight to the main entrance of the Ghost Palace. There, Ghost Spirit Sect disciples were already lined up neatly, holding lists of congratulatory gifts from all sides.
The red-robed presiding monk, now at the Core Formation stage, unfolded the first volume of the animal hide register. His gaze swept over it, and he proclaimed loudly, "First, the congratulatory gifts from the Hehuan Sect of the Tianluo Kingdom: a pair of 'United Hearts' magic treasures and ten jars of 'Drunken Spring Brew,' wishing the Soul-Shattering True Person eternal bliss and carefree existence!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the disciples of the Hehuan Sect in the hall nodded slightly in acknowledgment, and a low murmur of praise came from the square.
The red-robed host continued his announcement without pausing: "Next, the Heavenly Net Kingdom presents its gifts: a live Blood Thread Dragon egg and a Buddha statue forged from golden essence. May the Soul-Shattering Immortal be awe-inspiring throughout the land, impervious to all magic!"
"A gift from the Thousand Illusion Sect of the Heavenly Luo Kingdom: a 2,500-year-old Yin Beard Spirit, and one hundred mid-grade spirit stones. Wishing True Immortal Shattered Soul good health and an unobstructed path to immortality!"
As the gifts were announced one by one, the Nascent Soul cultivators in the hall remained calm, occasionally raising an eyebrow at a rare gift.
The Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators and independent cultivators in the square listened with increasing enthusiasm, discussing the various techniques employed.
The red-robed host's voice continued to echo across Ten Thousand Souls Peak: "Congratulations to True Person Tianfang, a rogue cultivator from the Tianluo Kingdom! I present several hundred-year-old spiritual herbs and one level-five Azure-Winged Sparrow Demon Core, wishing True Person Suihun a long and blessed life, and that he may bestow blessings upon all fellow cultivators!"
"Golden Cloud Valley, a powerful force at the Core Formation stage, presents a gift: a bottle of 'Spiritual Mystic Harmony Pill' and three top-tier magic artifacts to congratulate you on your birthday!"
After each family announced their name, the corresponding cultivator would stand up to signal, and the celestial music would change tune accordingly, with the sounds of gongs and drums sometimes light and sometimes heavy, pushing the festive atmosphere of the birthday banquet to a climax.
After all the congratulatory gifts were announced, the noise in the hall gradually subsided, and both inside and outside the hall became quiet.
The host in red robes bowed and stepped aside, his gaze respectfully fixed on the main seat on the high platform.
Seated at the head of the table, the Soul Shattering True Man in a dark purple Daoist robe slowly raised his eyes. His aged yet infinitely majestic gaze swept across the entire arena, and a powerful and imposing pressure from a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator spread out, causing many cultivators in the arena to subconsciously restrain their auras and fall silent, not daring to act recklessly.
He slowly rose to his feet, his hoarse, deep voice amplified by his divine sense, resounding throughout the entire Ten Thousand Souls Peak, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present.
"I will gladly accept your presence, esteemed guests, as you have come from afar to celebrate my 700th birthday."
"The path of cultivation is long and boundless. All people seek the Great Dao of Immortality and the opportunity for a peaceful life. I have been in the Nascent Soul stage for hundreds of years, and I have witnessed the rise and fall of sects. I am very gratified to have fellow cultivators from all directions come to congratulate me."
The Soul Shattering True Man spoke calmly, exuding authority without anger. His gaze swept over the members of the six demonic sects, then turned to the densely packed low-level cultivators outside the hall, his tone softening slightly.
"Today's birthday banquet will not follow any formalities or elaborate rituals, nor will it discuss sectarian differences or distinctions of cultivation levels. All we ask for is for everyone to be filled with joy and celebrate this auspicious occasion together."
At this moment, among the group of Nascent Soul elders on the high platform, one of them suddenly stood up. It was Wang Tiangu, who had come to greet the Thousand Illusions Sect team when they arrived at the Ghost Spirit Sect's mountain gate.
Wang Tiangu walked up to Shattered Soul True Man, cupped his hands in greeting, then turned around and announced through amplified divine sense: "To celebrate the 700th birthday of my sect's senior brother Shattered Soul, our Ghost Spirit Sect is offering generous rewards to host a contest of magic among young cultivators."
"Firstly, it will add some liveliness to the birthday banquet, so that all the immortal friends can enjoy the show."
"Secondly, it also provides a platform for the younger generation of Tianluo Kingdom to gain experience, allowing them to learn from each other, exchange ideas, and make up for their shortcomings."
"Thirdly, the rewards are generous enough to allow the younger generation of cultivators to share in the joy, so that everyone can celebrate and rejoice."
Wang Tiangu's laughter echoed throughout the area. His gaze swept over the eager young cultivators in the square, and his tone became increasingly impassioned.
"Our Ghost Spirit Sect has specially set up three floating arenas for this competition. Anyone under the age of sixty, regardless of cultivation level, whether a sect disciple or a rogue cultivator, whether righteous or demonic, is welcome to participate!"
"The rules of this duel are as follows: 1. The fight ends when the opponent has made a move; no killing is permitted. Violators will be severely punished by our Ghost Spirit Sect!"
"Second, the use of consumable high-power treasures such as talismans, true treasures, and heavenly thunder is prohibited, as are the use of mid-level and higher talismans."
"Third, this contest will last for one hour. The three cultivators standing on the three arenas at the end will be the final victors. If two cultivators remain without a winner when the time is up, the younger one will be the winner."
As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous cheers erupted in the square, and countless young cultivators rubbed their hands together, their eyes burning with fervor.
Inside the hall, the cultivators from various sects appeared more composed, but their competitive spirit was still evident in their eyes.
Even the young disciples at the dozens of tables of the six major sects of the Demonic Path at the core couldn't sit still. They all looked at their elders, hoping to get permission to go on stage.
Su Mixin looked up and saw Wang Chan directly opposite her, lightly tapping the table with his fingertips, a confident smile on his lips, clearly unable to contain himself any longer.
On the seats of the Thousand Illusions Sect, several young disciples huddled together and whispered among themselves. Madam Yulan turned her head and exchanged a glance with Lu Xin, both nodding with smiles, tacitly approving the eagerness of her disciples.
"As for the reward!"
Wang Tiangu deliberately paused, and only after the entire room fell silent did he announce it loudly.
"One hour later, the cultivators who remain on the three arenas will each receive a 'Soul Tempering Pill,' a secret recipe from the Ghost Spirit Sect. It can nourish the soul, strengthen the divine sense, and stabilize the foundation of the Dao, greatly benefiting the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages."
These words caused an uproar in the room!
They actually took out three Core Formation spiritual items.
The rogue cultivators in the square were so excited that their faces turned red. Even the disciples of many sects in the hall nodded in approval, praising the Ghost Spirit Sect for its grand gesture, truly befitting one of the six major sects of the demonic path.
"Enough with the small talk!" Wang Tiangu raised his hand and waved, sending eight beams of spiritual light towards the plaza outside the gate. Instantly, three pitch-black floating arenas appeared, each ten feet wide. They had all been crafted into magical artifacts and were covered with restrictive spiritual light.
"The battle begins! Young warriors, give it your all and don't waste this opportunity!"
Before Wang Tiangu finished speaking, the young cultivators under the age of fifty in the square were instantly filled with excitement. They all moved quickly and rushed towards the three floating arenas.
It should be known that before the age of sixty, no matter how outstanding one's talent, one can at most cultivate to the Foundation Establishment stage, and there is absolutely no possibility of stepping into the Core Formation stage.
Therefore, all those who took the stage were Foundation Establishment talents from various sects and independent cultivators, with varying levels of cultivation and unique skills.
In an instant, spiritual light shone everywhere, and various magical artifacts intertwined with light, creating an extremely lively scene.
In just a few breaths, six Foundation Establishment cultivators had already seized the initiative and stood in pairs on the three floating arenas.
Inside the hall, the seniors sat leisurely and watched with composure as the younger generation competed below the stage, their demeanor serene and unperturbed.
The young disciples of the six sects of the Demonic Path were all itching to go, frequently glancing at their elders, their eyes filled with eagerness to take the stage and try their luck.
The temptation of forming a golden core is still too great.
Moreover, among all spiritual items that assist in the formation of the Golden Core, the Soul-Refining Pill, which enhances spiritual sense to aid in the formation of the Golden Core, is the most precious.
Most importantly, its effects do not overlap with or conflict with other common Core Formation spiritual items, and they can be used together.
Su Mixin sat calmly, her gaze sweeping lightly across the arena outside the palace, her expression serene and unwavering.
Wang Chan, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect, leaned forward slightly, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table, a faint, playful smile playing on his lips. He was clearly also secretly assessing the strength of these young men of his generation.
Several young disciples of the Thousand Illusions Sect could no longer contain themselves and frequently looked at Lu Xin and Madam Yulan. The two exchanged a smile and nodded slightly in agreement. Immediately, several young Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Thousand Illusions Sect stood up and quickly walked towards the square outside the palace, preparing to go on stage for a duel.
"Young men, feel free to spar with us!"
Wang Tiangu's loud shout echoed throughout Wanhun Peak, and in an instant, a fierce battle officially began on the three floating arenas.