Everyone was momentarily stunned.
They had originally thought that the Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiend Sword Formation was an ancient inheritance acquired by Daoist Longshan, but from what the Wang Clan Patriarch just said, that might not be the case.
Daoist Longshan hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said:
"Patriarch Wang, you have sharp eyes indeed. This sword formation... was only recently created."
At this point.
He felt a bit guilty and glanced unobtrusively at his disciple Ning Qi. Only after confirming that Ning Qi wasn't paying any attention did he secretly let out a sigh of relief.
That's right.
This Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiend Sword Formation was something Ning Qi had created and handed to him not long ago. Back then, Ning Qi sensed the incoming threat from the Three Fiends of Iron Ridge, and realizing that the other disciples could only stare helplessly at such powerful enemies, he took some time to create this sword formation. It allowed multiple people to join forces and use the weak to defeat the strong. Outwardly, it was announced as a creation of Daoist Longshan.
Today was the Heaven-Man Ceremony, a perfect occasion to showcase the foundation of the Zhenwu Sect, so naturally, Daoist Longshan wasn't going to downplay it by saying it came from elsewhere.
After all, he never said who actually created it.
If others misunderstood, that wasn't his problem.
At this moment.
The Heaven-Man experts present naturally assumed it was created by Daoist Longshan. After all, the Zhenwu Sect only had one expert at the Heaven-Man Realm—Daoist Longshan. It couldn't possibly be someone else, could it?
In an instant, Daoist Baihe and the others looked at Daoist Longshan with even more respect and caution.
To be able to create such a magnificent sword formation, his comprehension was truly extraordinary.
Daoist Baihe praised:
"No wonder you reached the Heaven-Man Realm at such a young age. Your comprehension far surpasses mine. In time, our Daoist community will have another mighty powerhouse!"
He had previously thought the Green Ox Bladesman was just endorsing Daoist Longshan, but now it seemed there was genuine sincerity behind those words. Thinking of this, he made up his mind to convince the head of the Zhenxuan Sect to support the Zhenwu Sect when he returned.
Such a promising figure would surely rise to the top ranks of the Daoist world one day.
Lord Xiaoyao also praised sincerely:
"Brother Longshan, to be able to create such a peerless sword formation—I'm truly impressed. I, Ren Xiaoyao, never took a disciple in this life because I thought my martial system was too chaotic. If I were like you, I probably would have already founded my own sect!"
Hearing all this praise, Daoist Longshan felt a little uncomfortable and could only respond with a constant smile.
Below the stage, some also heard Lord Xiaoyao's loud laughter.
Exclamations of amazement quickly spread.
Phrases like "Daoist Longshan's comprehension is unparalleled" and "Daoist Longshan is truly extraordinary" could be vaguely heard. Daoist Longshan's face grew slightly hot. He wasn't someone who craved false fame, but just to keep his disciple from standing out too much, he now felt like he was being roasted over a fire.
Ning Qi heard the surrounding chatter and secretly chuckled to himself.
He didn't even need to look to know exactly how his Master was feeling—probably quite restless.
But it wasn't a bad thing.
From the increasingly friendly and respectful expressions of the surrounding martial experts toward the Zhenwu disciples, it was clear.
Fortunately.
The Zhenwu disciples' sword dance soon ended.
The Dao Arena was filled with toasts and laughter, and the atmosphere became more and more lively.
Someone took the lead, and then everyone stood up together and shouted in unison:
"We congratulate Daoist Longshan on entering the Heaven-Man Realm! From now on, may you roam freely and live in peace!"
Their eyes were filled with awe and admiration. The Heaven-Man Realm brought a lifespan of 800 years, the ability to walk on air, and the power to shift celestial phenomena. To ordinary people, that was no different from immortals.
After this Heaven-Man Ceremony, Daoist Longshan would be recognized as a true Daoist Master. For Daoist Heaven-Man experts, the title of "Master" was an honor. Daoist Baihe's presence here was an acknowledgment of Daoist Longshan's new status.
Daoist Longshan stroked his beard and laughed:
"Thank you all for coming from afar. This humble Daoist is deeply grateful. Please, let us all drain this cup!"
He was full of spirit and joy.
A lifelong dream fulfilled in one day. From here on, he would focus on improving himself while also revitalizing the sect.
Everyone drank in one go, excited to be part of such a grand occasion.
By now.
The Heaven-Man Ceremony was entering full swing, but this wasn't the part everyone was most looking forward to.
What was the Heaven-Man Ceremony?
It was when the Heaven-Man displayed their might and skills.
And the lecture by the Heaven-Man was an essential part of it.
Why had so many Qi Origin Realm and even Core Formation Realm experts traveled thousands of miles to attend? This was why. If the Heaven-Man shared even a bit of their insights on breaking through or their comprehension of the Heaven-Man Realm, it would benefit them for a lifetime.
Some with good fortune might even gain a breakthrough opportunity or receive a flash of inspiration leading them toward the Heaven-Man Realm.
For a newly promoted Heaven-Man, this was also a chance to "grant blessings," solidifying their reputation and prestige.
However.
Lectures by Heaven-Man experts weren't free.
The attendees had to present "tuition."
It didn't have to be a lot—what mattered was sincerity. Still, most people prepared carefully. A meager congratulatory gift would be embarrassing on such an occasion. In fact, it was an excellent opportunity to boost one's own reputation.
Those who felt their gifts weren't substantial enough had already handed them over to the Zhenwu disciples beforehand. Those who hadn't yet delivered theirs were confident in what they had to offer.
At this moment.
After the wave of congratulations.
The Sea-Overturning Gang's leader from Cangzhou was the first to step forward. He looked around and cupped his fists apologetically:
"Fellow martial artists, I, Li Guangde, may not be very talented, but allow me to take the lead and make a humble offering!"
He respectfully bowed to the Heaven-Man experts and then said loudly:
"Our Sea-Overturning Gang recently obtained a pair of supreme-grade luminous pearls, which we present in honor of Daoist Longshan's ascension to the Heaven-Man Realm!"
He slowly opened a purple-gold sandalwood box, revealing a pair of exquisite pearls. Gasps of wonder echoed throughout the crowd, especially from some female martial artists whose eyes sparkled with fascination.
These luminous pearls were extraordinary in appearance, even under the blazing sun they emitted a soft glow—truly remarkable.
But everyone knew.
These pearls weren't just beautiful.
"Luminous pearls are water-aligned. If a martial artist who cultivates water-based Internal Energy or Qi Origin holds one, it provides significant benefits."
"The Sea-Overturning Gang really went all in. I heard they control a number of waterways in the Cangzhou region and are growing stronger. Looks like it's true!"
"Tut-tut, no wonder he dared to go first—he really brought something impressive."
In an instant.
The Sea-Overturning Gang stole the spotlight. Hearing the surrounding discussions, their leader was overjoyed—this gift was totally worth it.
In the martial world, it wasn't just about fighting. Often, things ran on reputation and face.
Today, the Sea-Overturning Gang's fame had grown tremendously. Their members would surely find things smoother going forward.
Even Ning Qi couldn't help but glance at those luminous pearls.
"If ground into powder, these would make excellent medicinal catalysts. Might come in handy later."
Though the Tempering Qi Pill's effects weren't currently ideal, Ning Qi wasn't giving up on studying alchemy. If he had more resources later on, alchemy would be a huge boost to martial cultivation.
He had a feeling.
After this Heaven-Man Ceremony, the Zhenwu Sect's treasury would definitely swell once again.
Daoist Longshan smiled and said:
"Chief Li, your generosity is appreciated."
The Sea-Overturning Gang leader was delighted but tactfully sat down—making a splash was enough, he knew today wasn't about him.
And after Li Guangde took the lead, many of the strong cultivators in the arena.
Also couldn't wait to present their congratulatory gifts.