362: Chapter 362 Grand Ceremony of the Year, Pacifying Cangwu

After this day, the Seal on the Northwest Main Rift came to an end, and the remaining Demon Army was completely eliminated.

A month and a half later, Cangwu City welcomed an unprecedented grand occasion.

In the center, voices were loud and clamorous, with ten thousand Cultivators gathered. On the magnificent Yuji Platform square, representatives of all forces above the fifth rank in Cangwu, along with powerful figures from all sides, waited in anticipation.

Within the Moonshadow Sect's compound, a quiet courtyard, tightly shrouded by heavy, profound Formations, isolated the noise from the outside world.

The door of the inner chamber was gently pushed open, and Yu Lingshuang walked in.

Inside the room, Ximen Huaping was kneeling before Ling Hao, the hem of her merfolk silk dress spread out on the floor, meticulously cleaning his body.

When Yu Lingshuang entered, her cleaning was nearing its end. Ximen Huaping picked up a cup of tea from the table, tilted her head slightly, her throat rolling, and after wiping the moisture from her lips with her hand, she stood up and bowed respectfully.

Yu Lingshuang's cold, clear gaze swept over, and she nodded slightly. Her gaze then fell on Ling Hao, her willow brows slightly furrowed, and she chided: "The time for the ceremony is approaching, yet you, the protagonist, are still leisurely here? Why not get dressed quickly?"

Ling Hao's lips curled up, carrying a teasing smile: "Wasn't I waiting for you? Shuang'er, come help me."

Yu Lingshuang glared at him, the cinnabar tear mole at the corner of her left eye seemingly reddening by a fraction, yet she still walked forward.

She took the solemn black ink-colored robe from the rack on the side. On the surface of the robe, intricate stars and Qilin patterns were woven with secret silver thread, shimmering with faint light. Her movements were swift yet gentle as she dressed Ling Hao neatly, smoothing out every wrinkle.

At the same time, Ximen Huaping also shed the thin gauze dress stained with traces, changing into a moon-white wide-sleeved immortal dress, the sun and moon patterns embroidered with gold thread glimmering as she moved.

Ling Hao, clad in the solemn robe, possessed an Aura that seemed natural and inherent. After taking one last look at his reflection in the mirror, he turned and said: "Let's go."

The sun was at its zenith.

Ling Hao's figure appeared at the highest point, his black ink robe flowing with restrained brilliance under the sunlight. He swept his gaze across the crowd below, his voice filled with Supreme authority, spreading to every corner of Cangwu City.

"Everyone! All the Main Rifts in Cangwu have been sealed, and the calamity of the True Demon Realm is temporarily pacified! However, the evil root suppressed by the wu tripod is a serious threat that cannot be ignored! From today on, every three years here, the Year-End Suppression Ceremony will be held! We will gather the Luck of our entire Cangwu province to reinforce the wu tripod and suppress the evil root forever! At the same time, the power of the wu tripod will coordinate with the world-suppressing monument network to suppress all space rifts and erosion qi related to the True Demon Realm within Cangwu, ensuring the peace of our province!"

"This first ceremony will be kept simple."

"We respectfully obey the Supreme's decree!"

The mountain-shaking, sea-roaring response was earth-shattering.

Removing the Demon calamity, suppressing erosion qi! This was a true blessing to Cangwu!

All the Mortals and Cultivators were filled with surging emotions, their faces showing fanaticism.

Ling Hao formed Seals with both hands.

Hum—!

On the land of Cangwu, the world-suppressing monuments scattered in all directions vibrated in unison, and the resonance dao tower shone brilliantly!

Countless pillars of Spiritual Qi shot into the sky from all over the province, converging above Cangwu City. The vast and mighty Luck of Cangwu province was stirred, transforming into a majestic, purple-gold Luck Dragon, emitting a dragon roar that shook the heavens.

The giant dragon spiraled and dived, slamming into the phantom of the ancient and majestic wu tripod hovering above the city.

Brilliant light erupted, the phantom of the wu tripod instantly solidified, and ancient runes were ignited, flowing with sacred and powerful strength, firmly locking the Luck and suppressing the main roots deep underground.

Purple-gold rays illuminated the firmament, auspicious clouds and colorful lights appeared, and the phenomenon lasted for a long time before slowly dissipating. Everyone who witnessed it was deeply shocked.

Just as this phenomenon reached its peak and was about to slowly dissipate, Ling Hao, seated high on the Yuji Platform, waved his sleeves gently.

"To celebrate this first time, I bestow, the Nectar of Luck!"

In an instant, the purple-gold light and pure Luck still remaining in the sky transformed into billions of gentle golden light spots, like a sacred nectar, drifting and covering the entire Cangwu City, radiating further into the province.

"Ah! This is..."

The Mortals in the city felt the change first. An old man with white hair and beard suddenly straightened his hunched back, his cloudy old eyes revealing surprise: "My old cold legs... don't hurt anymore! My whole body feels warm, as if I've become ten years younger!"

"Mother! My illness feels much better!"

A pale-faced child pulled at his mother's clothes in surprise, a healthy blush appearing on his small face.

In the area where Cultivators gathered, the reaction was even more intense.

A Cultivator who had been stuck at the Golden Core Bottleneck for many years was integrated with a few golden light spots, his whole body shaking violently, his Aura climbing sharply, and the Bottleneck shattered with a roar. He trembled with excitement, kowtowing in the direction of the Yuji Platform, his voice choked and hoarse.

"I broke through! I broke through! Thank you, Supreme, for your grace! May the Moonshadow Sect last forever!"

A Nascent Soul Cultivator nearby took a deep breath, absorbing the surrounding light spots into his body, feeling his spiritual platform clearer than ever, and his understanding of Dao laws deepened instantly. His eyes shot out brilliant light, and he shouted fanatically.

"The Supreme's Divine Might!"

His words immediately triggered a wider resonance.

"The Moonshadow Sect's holy virtue!"

"Cangwu forever secure! Moonshadow immortal!"

The mountain-shaking, sea-roaring fanatical praise was even more surging than before, and the gazes looking at the figure at the highest point of the Yuji Platform were full of pious faith and the most fervent worship.

This Nectar of Luck deeply branded Ling Hao's prestige and the Moonshadow Sect's sacred status in the hearts of the billions of living beings in Cangwu.

The golden light spots gradually dissipated, like falling star rain, but the fanatical atmosphere lingered for a long time, permeating every corner of Cangwu City.

After the ceremony, the atmosphere in the core meeting hall of the Yuji Platform was solemn.

Ling Hao sat in the main seat, Ximen Huaping stood by his side, and Yu Lingshuang sat in the first seat below.

Tianyuan Empress Gu Qingyao, dressed in moon-white imperial robes with green Phoenix and landscape patterns, sat on the upper left with the lazy yet sharp-eyed Yu Linglong.

On the upper right was Wutong Empress Su Fengyi, her crimson gold Phoenix-patterned palace dress setting off her majestic Fengyi, with Ye Xinglan and An Hongxiu sitting behind her.

Wan Shou Mountain Revered Master Zheng Nanxun and Hong Wanping were in the second seat on the right, and leaders of seventh-rank Sects such as Chixiao Sect, Xuangui Island, and Qinglan Valley were seated in order.

Yu Lingshuang took a step forward and spoke.

"The Erosion Beast Tide in the Ten Thousand Miasma Demon Forest of Baiyan Province is continuous, and the remaining Demon Army within the territory also needs to be cleared. Defense and patrol are the current top priorities. Now, the specific patrol strategy, coordination details for each Sect, and resource allocation plan are announced."

"Tianyuan Immortal Dynasty..."

When Yu Lingshuang finished, Ling Hao swept his gaze across the audience, his voice steady.

"Do you have any opinions or thoughts? If there are difficulties, you can speak."

Gu Qingyao replied first, her voice clear and crisp.

"None. The Tianyuan Immortal Dynasty will mobilize elites to form the Demon-Slaying Army, relying on the 'monument-tower integration' network to coordinate with the Moonshadow Sect fleet to clear the remaining Demon Army within the territory. At the same time, outposts will be set up in the area bordering Wan Shou Mountain to strengthen the early warning of the Erosion Beast Tide, and once there is any movement, we will respond immediately."

Su Fengyi lifted her Phoenix eyes slightly and added: "None. The Wutong Divine Dynasty will build three more defense lines on the western and southwestern borders, and set up the Phoenix True Flame Purification Formation. In addition, three ancient teleportation arrays within the territory can be opened for the emergency mobilization of other Sects and the Demon-Slaying Army."

Wan Shou Mountain Revered Master Zheng Nanxun's voice was like a booming bell.

"The defense line bordering Baiyan Province has been reinforced according to the Supreme's previous requirements! As long as there are enough Spirit Stones, spiritual materials, and other resources to operate this Formation, the defense line will surely be impregnable!"

Ling Hao nodded: "Resource supply is the cornerstone of defense, and all Sects must implement it. The main force of the patrol will still be the Moonshadow Sect fleet. The Tianque, Suixu, and Liuguang ships will rotate to patrol the entire province. Sect Master Zheng, you will oversee and coordinate the western defense line, and all Sects must cooperate closely."

"Obey the Supreme's order!" Zheng Nanxun clasped his fists.

Ling Hao looked at Ximen Huaping, "Elder Ximen, please explain the details of the 'Further Studies System' to everyone."

Ximen Huaping stepped forward, her voice echoing in the hall.

"The Moonshadow Sect's 'Ten Thousand Flower Heavenly Steps' trial will be the only channel for Disciples recommended by various Sects to enter the Wind Spirit Sect. The assessment standards have been distributed to all Sects. Eighth-rank Sects can recommend ten quotas per year, and seventh-rank Sects five."

"There are a total of thirty quotas for Sects below the sixth rank. The Wutong Divine Dynasty is responsible for the recommendation, resource collection, and preliminary screening coordination for Sects in northern Cangwu; Wan Shou Mountain for the west; and the Tianyuan Immortal Dynasty for the rest."

"Each Sect must provide a quota of Spirit Stones, specific spiritual materials, and complete corresponding intelligence point tasks according to their rank. The basic duration of further studies for Disciples in the Wind Spirit Sect is five years, which can be extended for those with outstanding performance."

As soon as she finished speaking, several seventh-rank Sect Masters whispered, their eyes eager.

Fairy Yun Yi of Qinglan Valley asked: "Elder Ximen, does the 'Nine-Turn Corridor' trial also only require passing the sixth turn?"

Ximen Huaping shook her head and replied: "Disciples for further studies need to pass the 'Nine-Turn Corridor' trial to the eighth turn to enter, or if they can gain the favor of the Sect Master, they can also enter."

Everyone present nodded, not feeling anything wrong.

It was reasonable to require passing the sixth turn to join the Moonshadow Sect, and requiring the eighth turn for further study Disciples was also reasonable. After all, they were outsiders.

If one could gain the favor of the Supreme, that would be even better!

Although there were discussions throughout the meeting, under Ling Hao's absolute prestige, all resolutions proceeded smoothly.

Although there were deliberations on the details of resource allocation, the overall framework was recognized by all forces, and it finally came to an end in harmony.

The next morning, at dawn.

At the entrance of the compound, Ling Hao prepared to set off to return to the Moonshadow Sect.

Su Fengyi lifted her Phoenix eyes slightly, looking at Gu Qingyao beside Ling Hao. This woman, who was once her most trusted official, was now the Empress of a new dynasty with a status that was vaguely transcendent. A trace of complexity flashed in her heart, but it quickly faded.

This was nothing.

Yue Qianqian pulled Lan Zhiwei's hand and hopped in front of Ling Hao.

"Revered Master~ We want to go to the Tianyuan Immortal Dynasty with the Second Senior Sister to have a look! We will come back to find you at the Moonshadow Sect immediately after!"

Lan Zhiwei, who was on the side, heard this, a flush flashing across her face, and she hurriedly waved her hand to deny it.

"No... I didn't want to go."

Yue Qianqian tilted her head in confusion, her big eyes blinking: "Eh? But Third Senior Sister, didn't you say in the room last night that you wanted to see what the Immortal Dynasty governed by the Second Senior Sister looks like?"

Lan Zhiwei: "..."

She pursed her lips tightly, her earlobes slightly red, choosing to remain silent and looking elsewhere.

An Hongxiu stepped forward heroically, clasped her fists and said loudly: "Supreme, my Revered Master and I intend to return to the Wutong Divine Dynasty to assist in completing the final clearing matters!"

Ling Hao turned his gaze to Ye Xinglan. Ye Xinglan met his gaze and nodded slightly, indicating confirmation.

Su Fengyi looked at the two Revered Master and Disciple, secretly snorting in her heart.

At least you still have some conscience, not all of you ran off with Ling Hao. Whether you do work or not, at least by returning to the Wutong Divine Dynasty, I have someone to keep me company.

But then she thought about her position as Empress, working day and night. Now that the overall situation in Cangwu was initially settled, if Ye Xinglan and her Disciple stayed until this busy period was over and then went to the Moonshadow Sect to live happily, while she was trapped in Qifeng Hall reviewing the mountain of memorials? Just thinking about this future made her scalp tingle!

No, I must start the imperial examination immediately upon returning to select talent!

It doesn't matter if their ability is slightly lacking, as long as they can share the political affairs and are willing to work hard!

...

Three years passed like a white horse passing a gap.

Cangwu, under the protection of the "monument-tower integration" network, had space as solid as a rock, and the Demon calamity within the territory was almost extinct.

Although the Erosion Beast Tide surging from the Ten Thousand Miasma Demon Forest in Baiyan Province was turbulent, under the perfect early warning mechanism, the thunderous strikes of the Moonshadow Sect fleet, and the joint defense of all Sects, this surging beast tide was firmly contained outside the border defense line and could no longer penetrate deep into the province to wreak havoc.

erosion qi dissipated, Demon calamity ceased, the Niding Alliance was gone, and the Erosion Beast Tide was contained.

Cangwu, settled!

And the "Further Studies System" had already blossomed and borne fruit.

Within the Wind Spirit Sect, Genius Disciples from various Sects, nourished by the abundant resources and high-level Legacy of the Moonshadow Sect, advanced their cultivation by leaps and bounds.

They returned to their respective Sects with recognition and gratitude for the Moonshadow Sect, gradually becoming the backbone, invisibly deepening the ties between various forces and the Moonshadow Sect.

Even a few stunningly talented ones, after experiencing hardships, successfully passed the "Nine-Turn Corridor" and entered the Moonshadow Sect, injecting a continuous stream of vitality into this behemoth.

Within three years, the Moonshadow Sect's own strength also climbed steadily.