331: Heading to Saint Dan City

Three days later, the Xiao Family mountain range was adorned with lanterns and streamers, filled with an atmosphere of joy.

On the enormous plaza, white jade formed the steps, red carpets covered the ground, and countless rare spiritual plants were interspersed, with the rich energy of heaven and earth almost materializing into a misty, swirling haze.

Suspended pavilions and platforms were arranged in an orderly fashion, offering guests a place to rest and observe the ceremony.

In the sky, various magnificent flying magical beasts and resplendent flying boats arrived in an endless stream, carrying the prominent figures of various forces to this place.

Xiao Zhen, the Old Ancestor of the Xiao Family, had achieved the Dou Zun realm!

This news, as if it had grown wings, had already spread throughout the entire northern border region, and even attracted the attention of some more distant forces.

The birth of a Dou Zun meant that the power structure of this region would be completely rewritten.

Whether genuinely friendly or coming to ascertain the truth, almost no force would miss this grand event.

Xiao Zhen, dressed in a brand new dark-gold robe, stood before the main hall, his face ruddy and his eyes like lightning.

Although he deliberately restrained his aura, the faint pressure belonging to a Dou Zun, and the subtle, profound artistic conception of his body subtly merging with space, still instilled awe in all the guests who came to offer congratulations, making them dare not show the slightest disrespect.

"Black City Lord, Senior Shi Meng has arrived! Congratulatory gift: one thousand-year-old blood coral, one seventh-grade earth-attribute magic core!"

"Flowing Cloud Sword Sect Leader, Senior Yun Feiyang has arrived! Congratulatory gift: one scroll of the Flowing Cloud Sword Art rubbing, one golden bloodstone!"

"Zheng Family Old Ancestor, Zheng Shanhe has arrived! Congratulatory gift: one dragon beard root, thirty million gold coins!"

The announcements came one after another, and rare treasures that could cause a bloody storm in the outside world were now presented like ordinary gifts, showcasing the Xiao Family's current soaring prestige.

Zheng Shanhe had even come in person; he was now an Eight-Star Dou Zong, his aura even more profound than before. Seeing Xiao Zhen, he laughed heartily and stepped forward to cup his hands in greeting.

"Brother Xiao, congratulations! From now on, our northern border also has a Zun realm expert presiding over it!"

Xiao Zhen was beaming, returning the greetings one by one, and chatting cheerfully with the leaders of various forces.

Xiao Han, dressed in the Young Sect Leader's ceremonial robe, was busy attending to arrangements and receiving guests, his demeanor composed, already subtly exhibiting the bearing of a powerful lord.

Everyone in the Xiao Family stood tall, their faces beaming with pride and excitement.

However, all the guests present, regardless of their status, after congratulating Xiao Zhen, would involuntarily glance towards the side of the main hall, at the young man in a green shirt quietly sitting in the VIP section, sipping a cup of clear tea alone.

He looked too young, with a handsome face and a calm expression, as if the surrounding commotion had nothing to do with him. But no one dared to underestimate him.

Because anyone with slightly stronger perception could feel an unfathomable aura, like a deep abyss, emanating from him.

It was a power fluctuation far more restrained, yet also more unsettling, than Xiao Zhen's newly advanced Dou Zun pressure.

A Two-Star Dou Zun!

This realization lingered like a nightmare in the hearts of every powerful guest.

They had long learned through various channels that this young man named Jiang Donghua was the true stabilizing force behind the Xiao Family's rise, and his strength even surpassed that of the newly promoted Dou Zun, Xiao Zhen!

"Hiss~ Is this the revered Jiang Zun? As expected, he's unfathomable!"

"Such a young Dou Zun is simply unheard of! What great fortune did the Xiao Family have to befriend such a person?"

"It seems the rumors are true. The Xiao Family will not only be unrivaled within a thousand li radius, but likely in this northern border, no one will dare provoke them."

Whispers spread privately, filled with awe, envy, and deep apprehension.

The atmosphere of the banquet was lively and harmonious; no one dared to cause trouble in such an occasion.

However, hundreds of miles away from the Xiao Family mountain range, high in the clouds, an almost transparent black shadow subtly hovered.

The black shadow was surrounded by an extremely faint, chilling aura that perfectly blended with its surroundings; it was a Soul Hall Protector.

He was ordered to patrol the movements of various forces and happened to pass by this area, attracted by the immense energy fluctuations of the Xiao Family's celebration.

He did not approach, but merely sensed the venue from afar with his Soul Power.

When his perception swept over Jiang Donghua, the black shadow rippled slightly, emitting a barely audible soft 'hmm'.

"Such powerful Soul Power. This child is so young, yet his soul realm seems to have reached the Spiritual Realm?"

"When did such a person appear in the northern border?"

The Soul Hall Protector was secretly startled.

"Xiao Family, Jiang Donghua. This matter needs to be reported to Elder Zun immediately for a decision."

He took a deep look in the direction of the Xiao Family, then no longer lingered. His figure flickered, and he merged into the clouds like a phantom, disappearing, heading straight for a secret branch hall of the Hall of Souls in the northern region.

He would bring this unexpected discovery back to Elder Zun, who was stationed at the branch hall.

As for the level of attention this information would attract from the Hall of Souls, that was not something a Protector could fathom.

The Hall of Souls' influence spread across the continent, and a Dou Zun was also worth recruiting.

During the banquet, perhaps to ease the slightly suppressed atmosphere due to Jiang Donghua's presence, or perhaps due to the competitive spirit among young people, a Young Sect Leader of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect, already a One-Star Dou Zong at a young age and quite famous in the northern region, seized the opportunity while offering a toast. His gaze fixed on Jiang Donghua, his tone carrying a hint of the challenging spirit peculiar to young people.

"I've long heard of the revered Jiang Zun's great name, it's like thunder in my ears. I, your junior, am untalented, having practiced the sword for many years. Today, seeing Your Excellency, my heart is itching. I wonder if I might request some guidance from Your Excellency?"

As soon as he spoke, the entire banquet instantly fell silent.

Everyone held their breath, looking at Jiang Donghua.

The Flowing Cloud Sword Sect Leader's expression changed slightly, and he was about to scold his son for being presumptuous, but Xiao Zhen stopped him with a look.

Xiao Zhen had a faint smile on his face; he also wanted to see how Jiang Donghua would respond.

Jiang Donghua put down his teacup, raised his eyes to look at the Young Sect Leader, his gaze calm and unruffled.

He did not stand up, nor did he make any movements, but merely spoke lightly.

"Your sword intent is sharp but lacks refinement. With too many distracting thoughts in your heart, how can you reach the pinnacle?"

His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

At the same time, an invisible, intangible, yet vast and ocean-like soul pressure, like a spring breeze brushing over water, gently but irresistibly enveloped the Young Sect Leader.

The Young Sect Leader felt his entire body stiffen, as if crushed by an invisible mountain, unable to move even a finger.

The Dou Qi surging within him instantly solidified, and his originally sharp sword intent, before this pressure, disintegrated like ice and snow meeting the scorching sun.

What was terrifying was that he felt all his thoughts were seen through by the other party, and a chill from the depths of his soul swept through his entire body.

Cold sweat instantly soaked his back.

His face was pale, his lips trembling, unable to utter a single word, his eyes filled with fear and disbelief.

Only then did he realize the vast difference between himself and the other party!

The other party didn't even need to make a move; just a trace of his aura was enough to render him utterly defenseless!

Jiang Donghua withdrew his soul pressure, as if nothing had happened, and picked up his teacup again.

The Flowing Cloud Sword Sect Young Sect Leader, as if granted a great pardon, staggered back two steps, quickly supported by his father. He no longer dared to look Jiang Donghua in the eye, his heart filled only with endless reverence.

This scene made all the guests gasp.

Although they didn't feel the direct pressure, seeing the Young Sect Leader's reaction, they understood everything.

Soul attack!

And it was Soul Power that was effortless and controlled to the minutest detail!

This revered Jiang Zun not only had terrifying Dou Qi cultivation, but his Soul Power was also extremely formidable!

As expected of an Alchemist who could casually refine seventh-grade pills!

No one dared to harbor any thoughts of testing him again.

Some forces who had harbored intentions of befriending or exploiting him now completely gave up. Dealing with such an existence required only sincerity and reverence; any petty schemes would only lead to self-humiliation.

After this small interlude, the atmosphere of the banquet became even more harmonious and respectful.

Everyone understood that with Xiao Zhen, the Dou Zun, the Xiao Family had already leaped over the dragon's gate.

And with the great deity Jiang Donghua presiding, even if temporarily, the Xiao Family would absolutely become the undisputed number one overlord within a thousand li radius, its status unshakable!

Rather than being jealous, it was better to befriend them early.

As the guests gradually dispersed and the commotion settled.

In the core secret chamber of the Xiao Family, only Xiao Zhen, Jiang Donghua, and Xiao Han remained.

Xiao Zhen looked at Jiang Donghua, filled with emotion.

"Donghua, after today, no one in the northern border will not know your name. It is truly heaven's blessing that my Xiao Family could form a good relationship with you."

Jiang Donghua smiled slightly.

"Senior, you overstate it; it's merely mutual benefit."

Xiao Zhen's expression became serious, and he said.

"This stage is ultimately too small. With your abilities, you should set your sights on the entire Central Plains! The next Pill Tower Grand Meeting is less than two years away; that will be the best time for you to make your name across the continent!"

A sharp glint flashed in Jiang Donghua's eyes, and he nodded.

"I will definitely attend the Pill Tower Grand Meeting."

"Good!"

Xiao Zhen clapped his hands.

"I have prepared everything for you. Holy Pill City is a mixed bag of dragons and snakes; you must be careful when going alone. This is my Xiao Family's guest elder token. There is a Serene Tea House in Holy Pill City that is our Xiao Family's property; you can use this token to seek help."

Jiang Donghua took the token; it felt warm and smooth in his hand, knowing it was a token of Xiao Zhen's goodwill.

The next day, as the first rays of dawn appeared.

Jiang Donghua politely declined Xiao Zhen's send-off. Alone, he soared into the sky, his figure transforming into a streak of azure light, speeding towards the south, towards the broader and more magnificent core region of the Central Plains, in the direction of Holy Pill City.

Xiao Zhen and Xiao Han stood on the mountain peak, watching the figure disappear into the horizon, both understanding that the latent dragon had emerged from the abyss, and the winds and clouds of the Central Plains would surely surge because of him.