Chapter 1020: The Ceremony
Chapter 1020: The Ceremony
Above a stall, a burly man with a rugged appearance sat cross-legged in the void.
His body was densely covered with Myriad Beast Tattoos.
Each tattoo seemed to depict a celestial beast!
Their expressions were ferocious, poised as if to pounce. These were clearly no ordinary tattoos, but rather a demonic skin-painting technique, where the essence, blood, and soul of celestial beasts were refined into tattoo markings, hidden on the body. When a spell was cast, they could directly transform into myriad beasts, extraordinarily fierce.
"An Immortal, and not just an ordinary Immortal!"
Fang Xi muttered to himself, then looked at the stall, and immediately understood.
On the stall, there were only a few potted plants.
But each potted plant was an exceedingly precious Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root.
A true Fusang Wood, when unfurled, could likely shroud an entire realm, allowing the Great Sun Golden Crow to perch upon it.
Besides that, there was also an ‘Undying Tree’, whose life-and-death fluctuations made even Fang Xi marvel. Unfortunately, this one was even more tragic; not only did its trunk bear several deep sword marks, but even most of its roots had been severed, presenting an image of utterly withered vitality.
"Daoist friend, have you taken a liking to this venerable one's spirit plants?"
The beast-robed, tattooed man's eyes flashed with a sharp gleam: "Alas. . . this venerable one is not selling spirit plants, but seeking a way to restore these few. If daoist friend succeeds, anything — Immortal Jade, pills, Immortal Artifacts, or even a promise of this venerable one's assistance — can be offered. . ."
"So, you're seeking a cure. . ."
Fang Xi chuckled. He knew Fang Xian had taken a liking to the spirit plants here.
For cultivators who practiced the Earth Immortal Way, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Roots were objects they relentlessly pursued.
As for the injuries of these spirit plants, they were indeed troublesome for ordinary people.
"These injuries. . . they're quite troublesome, actually. . ."
Fang Xi glanced over them, then sighed: "Although the true essence of some cultivators who practice top-tier wood-element cultivation methods has the wondrous effect of rejuvenating and can even spur the growth of spiritual roots, it also depends on their grade. These two are not ordinary immortal roots; even Nascent Soul True Immortals who cultivate wood-attribute methods would likely find it hard to save them. . ."
"If they could be easily saved, this venerable one wouldn't be setting up a stall here. . . I've already searched for many spirit plant cultivators, but alas, I've found nothing."
The beast-robed burly man shook his head.
Fang Xian looked at the Fusang Wood, then at Fang Xi.
Fang Xi couldn't help but smile: "This daoist friend, I have a small fortune and wish to purchase spiritual items to refine Immortal Artifacts. Would you be willing to part with them?"
"Certainly not!"
The beast-robed burly man's eyes widened, and he repeatedly shook his head, then looked somewhat suspicious: "I observe your distinguished bearing. Do you truly have no method of cure?"
"Indeed, I do not. . ."
Fang Xi shook his head and left with Fang Xian.
"Master. . ."
After walking a short distance, Fang Xian secretly transmitted: "Why?"
With the wonders of the 'Withered Glory Chant', it was hard to say for the Undying Tree, but that Fusang Wood should not have been much of a problem.
Of course, it wouldn't be him, but Fang Xi making the move himself. With his mastery as a spirit plant cultivator combined with the Myriad Wood Mother Qi, it was very likely he could have saved it.
Yet, for some reason, his master merely asked once and then stopped.
"Do not be pleased by external things, nor saddened by oneself. . . lacking one immortal root makes little difference to you or I."
Fang Xi shook his head.
Ever since he heard that Tongtian Palace had demanded all Immortal Palaces strictly investigate ascended Immortals, and that the timing coincided with his own ascension, he had become more vigilant.
'But it doesn't really matter, I'm just an External Avatar anyway. . . '
'If danger arises, it's just little Fang Xian's bad luck. . . '
He shifted his gaze and saw a pavilion, his eyes lighting up: "A restaurant under the Immortal Food Palace? Perfect, today Master will treat you to a grand meal. . ."
This Myriad Immortals Gathering was a prime opportunity for other forces to conduct business.
Not to mention, Fang Xi knew that factions like the Immortal Food Palace and Heavenly Maiden Palace had practically moved their entire sects here. Their business was endless every day, truly earning centuries' worth of profit in a single year.
"Thank you, Master. . ."
Fang Xian bowed, like a young scholar.
...
Before the stall of the tattooed burly man.
A disheveled scholar suddenly walked over, glanced around, and a faint smile appeared on his face as he secretly transmitted: "Wan Shou Zun Zhe. . . have you had any catch these past few days?"
Wan Shou Zun Zhe's eyes slightly chilled, then he transmitted back: "Besides a few who wanted to pick up a bargain, there was nothing unusual. . ."
"What a pity. These immortal roots are indeed damaged at their very essence. Only Earth Immortals who cultivate those specific techniques might be able to save them. . ."
The disheveled scholar chuckled: "But it was merely a move made while idle, so there's no need to rush. . . The Dao Child is already refining an Immortal Artifact modeled after the 'Nine Dragon Withered Glory Immortal Instrument'. After visiting that Dao Monarch of the North Star Immortal Palace, they have promised to allow us to perform that secret art once during the ceremony. . . At that time, we will surely find the remnants who cultivate the 'Withered Glory Immortal Palace' techniques! You won't have to work so hard either. . ."
"All for the Dao Child's work. . ."
Wan Shou Zun Zhe smiled.
Only with the backing of Tongtian Palace could North Star Immortal Palace bend its head and cooperate so readily.
...
In a blink of an eye, nine days passed, and it was the day of the Myriad Immortals Gathering.
On the immense Star Plaza, a gigantic altar had already been prepared.
This altar was circular, ascending layer by layer, continuously upward.
Each layer was inscribed with a vast amount of complex and abstruse Immortal runes, along with numerous sacrificial ritual implements.
Fang Xi and the Immortals from Fengyuan Chamber of Commerce discreetly followed Yu Xiu, still guided by Feng Huang, arriving at a corner of the altar's first layer and taking their seats.
"As expected of a ceremony that happens once every hundred thousand years. From the ritual altar to the attire, and even the various ritual implements and offerings. . . everything is meticulously arranged. And there are so many starry Guards armed with halberds, standing guard. . ."
Xu Qing Xian Ren was also among them, transmitting to Fang Xi.
"Precisely so. . . "Fang Xi also nodded.
He had truly never witnessed such an ancient ritual of the True Immortal World before, and it was quite an eye-opener.
Furthermore, the North Star Immortal Palace's Myriad Immortals Gathering, with its wondrous ability to condense 'Star Essence Liquid', had strict regulations for participants.
Little Fang Xian was not yet an Immortal, so he could only remain on the Star Plaza like the other disciples.
To be safe, Fang Xi had also placed a void coordinate mark on Fang Xian.
At this moment, as Immortals settled into their respective places on the altar, the place truly lived up to its name: 'Myriad Immortals Gathered'.
"This humble palace master of North Star Immortal Palace thanks all fellow Immortals for traveling so far. . ."
An Immortal, dressed in a Myriad Star Immortal Robe and appearing merely youthful, cupped his hands to all sides. His expression then grew solemn, and guided by several ritual officers, he slowly walked towards the highest point of the altar.
'Hmm? '
When Fang Xi saw the master of North Star Immortal Palace, his heart stirred.
This individual was naturally not that Dao Monarch, but his cultivation had absolutely reached the peak of the Immortal realm, having taken at least two or more steps of the Dao Monarch's four steps.
The oppressive feeling he exuded was entirely different from that of other Immortals. Even the previous Dugu Fang couldn't compare.
"The auspicious hour has arrived!"
A ritual officer shouted loudly.
"Arise!"
All Immortals present solemnly rose, gazing at the North Star Palace Master at the highest point.
The North Star Palace Master, adorned with a tall crown and star-patterned robes, reached out and took a bronze wine chalice offered by a nearby ritual officer. Inside the chalice was a pool of silvery liquid.
After the heaven-worshipping ritual, he sprinkled the liquid forward.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The wine was incredibly heavy, solidifying into countless tiny silver beads in mid-air, landing with an audible sound. They rolled along the ritual path, arriving at a certain point on the altar.
From the void, strange crane beaks suddenly appeared, seemingly vying to peck at the silver beads. . .
'The rituals of this True Immortal World are quite peculiar. . . '
Fang Xi watched this scene, a thoughtful expression on his face: 'Using the aura of myriad Immortals to subtly form an array. . . that wine liquid is an excellent Heaven and Earth Treasure. In this way, it's preparing to. . . fish? '
The next moment!
Crack!
The void suddenly split open, revealing the true form of those myriad crane beaks: it was a bizarre creature with a thousand crane heads.
Its aura was vast and terrifying, making all the Immortals present feel as if thorns were pricking their backs.
"A Dao Monarch?"
"No, that's not right. . . it's a bit weaker. . . but still quite terrifying."
"This. . . this seems to be the fabled 'Thousand Falcon Star Crane', rumored to be formed from a Heavenly Immortal who failed to prove their Dao. . ."
The Immortals swiftly exchanged divine senses.
Fang Xi even heard the 'Thousand Falcon Star Crane' raise its thousand heads in unison, emitting ear-piercing shrieks!
Chirp! Chirp!
"How dare you, vile creature? !"
All Immortals present simultaneously attacked, countless true Immortal mana pouring into the altar.
Streaks of starlight chains emerged, coiling around the 'Thousand Falcon Star Crane'.
The turbulent aftershocks were completely neutralized by the various ritual implements.
'No wonder they don't allow disciples to come here. Otherwise, just that one attack would probably result in heavy casualties. . . '
Fang Xi looked on, and saw the North Star Palace Master raise a bone blade and slash it across the void!
Whoosh!
Head after head of the ferocious and strange flying cranes fell, with streams of cyan blood flowing out.
This blood condensed into a pool, like a small lake, with wisps of cyan qi permeating, appearing extremely profound. It even seemed as if it would completely dissipate into thin air the next moment.
Just then, above the firmament, star after star glittered.
A terrifying power of laws descended!
Even Dao Seed prototypes could only tremble before this power of laws!
"A Dao Monarch has made a move!"
Fang Xi's heart stirred. He saw the lake-like pool of cyan qi continuously condense, then transform into several drops of peculiar liquid, which fell into a bronze 'Four-Ram Zun' in front of the North Star Palace Master.
"The ceremony is complete. . ."
The ritual officer shouted loudly. Then, the North Star Palace Master said: "I ask all fellow Immortals to wait a moment. To thank all of you for your assistance, our North Star Immortal Palace has decided to increase the auction quota this time. At the upcoming grand auction, three drops of 'Star Essence Liquid' will be featured as the finale."
"Three drops? ! Isn't it usually only one or two?"
Yu Xiu muttered, a hint of fanaticism appearing on his face.
Even knowing the hope was slim, he couldn't help but fantasize.
And at this very moment, at an infinitely high place.
Zi Yin Dao Zi smiled faintly and bowed to a vast silhouette: "Thank you, Dao Monarch!"
He immediately turned, and a Nine Dragon Jade Pendant appeared in his hand.
A flash of purple qi appeared on his face, and within the Nine Dragon Jade Pendant, nine small purple dragons seemed eager to break free and fly out. . .
The second update will be later
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