68: Chapter 68 Nascent Soul Ceremony, the Master's Majesty

On this day, the entire Yin Yang Sect was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, filled with a festive atmosphere.

The Nascent Soul Formation Celebration was a grand event rarely seen in the Sect for a century.

After all, the Yin Yang Sect had not produced a new Nascent Soul Cultivator for over one hundred and fifty years.

On this day, not only did all the Sect's Cultivators gather, but even those Disciples who were nearby performing missions had rushed back.

Some Cultivators in seclusion came out early just to witness this historic moment with their own eyes.

Various major powers from the Southern Territories, and even Sects and Cultivator Families from regions like the Eastern Wastelands and Western Ridges that had dealings with the Yin Yang Sect, all sent representatives to offer generous gifts.

Among the Cultivators who came to observe the ceremony, many wanted to catch a glimpse of the peerless beauty of Liu Yunshuang, the newly promoted female Nascent Soul True Lord.

After all, rumors about her beauty had long since spread, not limited to just the Southern Territories.

The celebration was held at the plaza in front of the Yin Yang Sect's Hall of Deliberation.

The plaza had long been decorated grandly and beautifully.

A red carpet was laid from the mountain gate all the way to the high platform, with colorful flags fluttering on both sides, and the Sect flags embroidered with the Yin and Yang patterns snapping in the wind.

On the high platform sat a carved purple sandalwood main seat, covered with soft Spirit Beast fur.

That was the seat for the protagonist of the day, Liu Yunshuang.

Below the platform, guests were as numerous as clouds.

The Yin Yang Sect's Elders and Inner Sect Disciples were lined up on both sides according to their cultivation level and status.

The Outer Sect Disciples were arranged on the surrounding mountain peaks and could only watch from afar.

Representatives from other forces sat in a dedicated observation area, where deacon Disciples served them attentively.

Ye Xiaoyao and Ji Chanxi stood in the front row of the Inner Sect Disciples.

Today, Ye Xiaoyao wore a brand-new azure Daoist robe, the collar and cuffs embroidered with delicate cloud patterns in silver thread, a jade belt tied around his waist, and his hair tied up with a jade hairpin, making him look spirited and radiant.

Ji Chanxi was still in a black dress, the hem embroidered with dark golden vine patterns, standing by his side, her temperament as cold as the moon.

According to the rules, Ji Chanxi should have stood in the position of the Saintess.

That is, standing side by side with the Saint, Ji Youying.

But she would certainly not stand with Ji Youying, preferring to accompany Ye Xiaoyao in the ranks of the Disciples.

Many gazes fell upon Ye Xiaoyao.

Some were curious, some envious, and some jealous.

Various emotions were intertwined in these gazes.

After all, many Disciples had heard that Ye Xiaoyao had become the Saintess's Dao Companion, but had never seen him in person.

"Is that the Saintess's Dao Companion?"

"He looks quite handsome..."

"I heard he is only at the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage, what makes him qualified?"

"A three-element average Spiritual Root, and an ordinary background, I really don't know what the Saintess sees in him."

Whispers came faintly from around, sounding like buzzing mosquitoes.

Ji Chanxi frowned slightly, turned her head to look at Ye Xiaoyao, her eyes filled with inquiry.

Should she step forward to scold them?

Ye Xiaoyao shook his head slightly at her, a faint smile on his lips, signaling that it was unnecessary to care.

He looked calmly toward the high platform, his demeanor as composed as if he hadn't heard those discussions.

Ji Chanxi couldn't help but admire him a little more in her heart.

With such a steady Heart-Nature, if it were any other young Cultivator, they would likely have been furious by now.

In an occasion where representatives from other Sects gathered, it was indeed inappropriate to cause a bigger disturbance.

Just at this moment, the bell rang.

"Dang—"

The nine-peal bell sound was long and deep, echoing among the mountains.

Each sound struck the hearts of the people, making the noisy plaza gradually quiet down.

Before the lingering echoes of the bell had faded, a purple figure slowly walked onto the high platform.

Today, Liu Yunshuang was wearing the formal Sect Master's robes.

The deep purple robe was embroidered with intricate Yin and Yang patterns in gold thread, the hem trailing on the ground, flowing like clouds as she moved.

Her long hair was tied up high, secured by an exquisite mutton-fat jade hairpin, with a few strands of fine tassels hanging in front of her forehead.

This attire was solemn and majestic, yet it also revealed her unique graceful demeanor.

She walked to the main seat and turned to face the crowd.

Although the Nascent Soul Stage pressure was deliberately restrained, that invisible Aura still made everyone below the platform hold their breath involuntarily.

It was a suppression of life levels, like ants facing a high mountain, instinctively feeling awe.

"Today, I am grateful for the presence of all Fellow Daoists."

Liu Yunshuang spoke, her voice not loud.

Yet it clearly spread throughout the entire plaza, and even reached the ears of the Outer Sect Disciples watching from the surrounding peaks.

"That I have luckily succeeded in Nascent Soul Formation is entirely due to the Sect's cultivation and the support of my fellow Disciples."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the dense crowd below the platform, and continued to say some words of thanks to the Sect and encouragement to the Disciples.

Her words were appropriate, her demeanor composed, fully displaying the style of a Sect Master.

After saying this, her tone shifted.

"Taking advantage of this celebration, I have an announcement to make."

The whole audience was instantly silent.

Everyone's eyes were focused on her, waiting for what followed.

Liu Yunshuang's gaze slowly swept over the audience, finally falling on Ye Xiaoyao, lingering for a moment, before looking back at the crowd.

"I have newly accepted a Personal Disciple, Ye Xiaoyao."

As the words fell, countless gazes focused on Ye Xiaoyao with a "whoosh".

Surprise, envy, jealousy, and confusion.

Various emotions exploded in these gazes.

A suppressed gasp sounded in the ranks of the Inner Sect Disciples, and there was also a lot of whispering among the representatives in the observation area.

Ye Xiaoyao took a deep breath and stepped out of the ranks under the watchful eyes of everyone.

His steps were steady, his expression composed, and his azure Daoist robe glowed faintly in the morning light.

He climbed the steps one by one, walked to Liu Yunshuang, bowed and saluted, his movements standard and respectful.

"Disciple Ye Xiaoyao, pays respects to Revered Master."

Liu Yunshuang smiled and raised her hand in a gesture of lifting him up.

"Rise."

She took a glossy white jade tablet from her Storage Pouch and handed it to Ye Xiaoyao.

This was the token of a Personal Disciple, different from the jade tablet previously given to him to enter and exit the Immortal Cave; this one was the formal symbol of his identity.

"This is the token of a Personal Disciple, I hope you will Cultivate diligently and not fail the Sect."

Ye Xiaoyao took the jade tablet with both hands, feeling its warm and smooth texture.

He bowed again.

"Disciple will remember Revered Master's teachings."

Applause rang out from below the platform.

At first sparse, then spreading, gradually becoming enthusiastic.

Some were sincerely congratulating, while others were clapping along with the crowd.

Just then, a voice rang out abruptly.

"Sect Master, wait a moment!"

The applause stopped abruptly.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw an Elder in gray robes standing up from the Elder's seating area.

This person had a thin face and a goatee; it was Elder Liu, who had always supported Ji Youying.

Liu Yunshuang's beautiful eyebrows furrowed imperceptibly, and she said in a calm tone:

"Elder Liu, what advice do you have?"

Elder Liu bowed and said in a loud voice:

"Sect Master, now that you are a Nascent Soul True Lord, accepting a Disciple with such ordinary Aptitude as Ye Xiaoyao as a Personal Disciple, I am afraid this matter... is inappropriate, right?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Ye Xiaoyao, his tone carrying obvious questioning.

"As far as this old man knows, this Martial Nephew Ye has a three-element average Spiritual Root, and his background is also ordinary. If you let such a Cultivator with average strength and Aptitude become your Personal Disciple, I am afraid our Sect will be ridiculed by Fellow Daoists from other Sects!"

He raised his head, looked at Liu Yunshuang, his tone deliberately earnest.

"I ask the Sect Master to reconsider!"

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar below the platform.

Many Disciples looked at each other, and the representatives in the observation area also showed interest.

This play was more exciting than expected.

Ye Xiaoyao stood on the high platform, his face unchanged, but his heart was as clear as a mirror.

Just when Liu Yunshuang announced the acceptance of a Disciple, he had caught a glimpse of Ji Youying's face turning livid, with cold light flashing in his eyes.

Now that Elder Liu jumped out to question him, it was self-evident who was behind it.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yunshuang's beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly, and her tone turned cold:

"Elder Liu, when this Sect Master accepts a Personal Disciple, do I still need your approval?"

Her voice was not loud, but the pressure of the Nascent Soul Stage was slightly released, making Elder Liu's face turn pale, and he involuntarily took half a step back.

"According to what you say."

Liu Yunshuang continued, each word like ice beads hitting the ground.

"Are you questioning this Sect Master's judgment?"

Cold sweat seeped from Elder Liu's forehead, and he quickly bowed and said:

"Sect Master, please calm down! This old man dares not! It is just... I just feel that this Martial Nephew Ye's Aptitude is really ordinary, that is why I have this question, absolutely no intention to question the Sect Master!"

Liu Yunshuang looked at him and suddenly smiled.

That smile was very beautiful, but carried an indescribable majesty.

"In the Dao of Cultivation, does one only look at Aptitude?"

Her gaze swept over the crowd below the platform, her voice exceptionally clear.

"Heart-Nature, perseverance, and Opportunity are all important. Ye Xiaoyao has a steady Heart-Nature and firm perseverance; that is exactly what I value."

Liu Yunshuang paused and said quite confidently:

"Furthermore, the three Disciples I previously accepted, Song Yu, Fu Hongxue, and Ji Chanxi, have all entered the Core Formation Stage early. This is enough to prove that this Sect Master's judgment in recognizing people is not so bad as to need advice from others."

These words were spoken with great force.

Everyone below the platform nodded upon hearing this.

Indeed, those three Personal Disciples of Liu Yunshuang were all dragons and phoenixes among people, having long proven her keen eye.

Elder Liu's face alternated between green and white, and he opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

But seeing the coldness in Liu Yunshuang's eyes, he finally didn't dare to speak again and retreated to his seat in dismay.

Ji Youying sat in the front row of the observation area, expressionless, but inwardly scolded:

"That brat surnamed Ye is so lucky to have the Sect Master value him like this."

Liu Yunshuang ignored him, turned to the audience, and resumed her gentle smile:

"The celebration continues."

The music started again, melodious and joyful.

Deacon Disciples shuttled between the guests with Spirit wine and Spirit fruits, and the atmosphere became lively again.

Ye Xiaoyao walked down from the high platform and returned to Ji Chanxi's side.

Ji Chanxi looked at him, her eyes filled with smiles, and whispered:

"Were you nervous just now?"

"A little."

Ye Xiaoyao admitted honestly, then smiled, and transmitted his voice to her:

"But thinking that I have you and Shuanger backing me, I wasn't afraid."

"Slick-tongued."

Ji Chanxi hummed lightly, but the corners of her mouth curled up.

The two stood side by side, watching the celebration continue in laughter.

The sun was just right, spilling onto the plaza, gilding everything with a layer of warm gold.

And in the distance, Ji Youying watched their backs coldly, the killing intent in his eyes flashing and vanishing.

Two and a half years.

Ye Xiaoyao, you just wait.