C701 Guest Elder

Inside Heavenly Death Peak, the alternating waves of hot and cold lasted for a full seven days and nights. Although no one could get close, the commotion from within the Eastern Residence suggested to Uncle Fu and the others that Woo Zhengyang was practicing some profound martial arts technique, which put their minds at ease.

Even so, Uncle Fu and Nie Fengyu couldn't help but worry. They dismissed the other disciples but stayed behind themselves, along with Bing Yue.

After seven days, Woo Zhengyang emerged once more from Heavenly Death Peak. He hadn't expected that breaking through to the Tendon Bone Stage would take so long, but the extended time only proved the extraordinary nature of the "Dragon Tendon Phoenix Bone Body Technique."

Seeing the three waiting outside warmed Zhengyang's heart. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he couldn't resist asking about Loong Zhiwu's whereabouts.

Upon learning that Zhengyang was searching for someone, the four nations of the former Heavenly Martial Sect, along with various sects and factions, eagerly volunteered to join the search effort. Even some sects and families beyond the four nations sent messages pledging their full support.

Zhengyang wasn't familiar with these sects and families, but Nie Fengyu and Bing Yue knew them well. Each was a formidable force, boasting one or even several martial kings. Their willingness to offer help was undoubtedly due to being awed by Zhengyang's formidable strength.

For them, the sudden rise of the enigmatic Woo Zhengyang was someone they absolutely needed to befriend, even more so than the Golden Scale Sect. Due to the Martial Alliance Pact, the Golden Scale Sect couldn't easily act against its subordinate sects. However, Woo Zhengyang was different. His sect was still the Profound Heaven Sect and hadn't officially become the Profound Heaven Gate, so there were no restrictions on actions between sects of the same or higher level.

Unfortunately, despite the efforts of many factions, they had exhausted all means and still found no trace of Loong Zhiwu. Woo Zhengyang was anxious, but as Bing Yue had said, if Loong Zhiwu left so decisively, it wouldn't be easy to find him. All Woo Zhengyang could do was wait.

In the blink of an eye, another seven days passed. During this time, Woo Zhengyang barely left Heavenly Death Peak, diligently absorbing spirit crystals to further his cultivation in the Shape Gathering Stage. Yet, he underestimated the speed of the Sword Sacrificing Spell. Even though he had reached the peak of the Shape Gathering Stage and his first sword essence was nearly crystallized, he was always just a small step away from achieving complete mastery.

Before dawn broke, Woo Zhengyang stopped his training and stepped out of Heavenly Death Peak. Today was a significant day for the Profound Heaven Sect, as it would officially advance to become the Profound Heaven Gate, taking command over the territories previously under the Heavenly Martial Sect.

Woo Zhengyang always thought that martial cultivators, even if not entirely detached from worldly desires, were at least indifferent to elaborate ceremonies. It wasn't until recently that he realized he was mistaken.

Martial cultivators give off an air of detachment because most things fail to capture their attention. However, when something does pique their interest, they go all out in a way that leaves others speechless. This was evident from the advancement ceremony at the Profound Heaven Sect.

There were no gaudy decorations, but the vast Profound Heaven Sect was enveloped in a vibrant, seven-colored formation. This formation had no offensive or defensive capabilities; it merely emitted radiant colors. Yet, it consumed Heavenly Essence Stones at a rate comparable to standard attack or defense formations, constantly draining resources.

Imagine the entire Profound Heaven Sect wrapped in this formation, and you get a sense of the staggering daily consumption of Heavenly Essence Stones. Beyond that, the entrance to the Heavenly Martial Sect was adorned with various formations like the Melody Array, Shadow Screen Array, and Blossom Array. All of these served no purpose other than to be visually and audibly pleasing, yet they were incredibly resource-intensive.

Seeing these elaborate formations, Woo Zhengyang was at a loss for words. Still, he understood the reasoning behind such actions. No matter how advanced one's cultivation, no one is entirely free from societal norms. To put it bluntly, how many martial cultivators are truly determined to reach the pinnacle of martial arts at any cost? Most strive to improve for the sake of pride and reputation.

The Profound Heaven Sect had been suppressed to the brink of destruction, but now it was finally able to hold its head high, advancing to the status of the Profound Heaven Gate. Such an achievement naturally called for a grand celebration. Even without the dark past, the elevation of a sect to a gate was a monumental event.

"Brother Zhengyang!"

Woo Zhengyang was wandering around, taking in the sights, when a disciple from the Profound Heaven Sect suddenly approached him. It was someone he recognized—Lee Yunsheng, whom he had met in the Mystic Trace Realm.

Thanks to Woo Zhengyang's influence, Lee Yunsheng's personality had transformed, and his dedication to martial arts had grown stronger. He was now a mid-level martial artist in the Reality Condensing Stage, far surpassing his peers.

Moreover, he had caught the eye of Nie Fengyu, who took him on as a nominal disciple. After a period of evaluation, he had the potential to become a direct disciple alongside Fu Chuan.

Lee Yunsheng had come on Nie Fengyu's orders to deliver the schedule and important details for today's grand ceremony marking the Profound Heaven Sect's advancement.

Woo Zhengyang was a bit surprised. These ceremonial details were usually quite similar, so there seemed to be no need to inform him specifically. Despite his confusion, he decided to take a look.

The first item was the welcoming ceremony. Before the auspicious time, guests from all directions would be received, and the most valuable item on the guest list would be announced, ensuring both the guests and the Profound Heaven Sect gained face.

The second item was the ancestral tribute. The so-called ancestor was Xuan Tianshang, the founder of the Profound Heaven Sect. Regardless of the sect's rise or fall, they could never forget this founding master.

The third item on the agenda was the grand feast. Guests couldn't just stand around watching as the name of the Profound Heaven Sect was changed to Profound Heaven Gate and then leave. After honoring the ancestors, it was time for the banquet to begin.

The fourth item involved the auspicious moment to change the plaque and deliver the opening blessing. This marked the conclusion of the ceremony. Although Woo Zhengyang had announced the transition from Profound Heaven Sect to Profound Heaven Gate over ten days ago, it was merely a verbal declaration. Even with Woo Zhengyang's influence, the plaque at the entrance still bore the name Profound Heaven Sect. Only after this public unveiling would the Profound Heaven Gate truly come into existence. Transitioning from a sect to a gate was akin to a new beginning, making the blessing speech essential.

The fifth item was the announcement of the battle rankings. This was the final part of all sect ceremonies. The so-called battle rankings were essentially the list of positions within the sect, often organized by strength. Announcing the battle rankings was a way to publicly display the sect's power, serving as a deterrent.

Woo Zhengyang briefly reviewed the agenda and returned it to Lee Yunsheng, intending for him to share it with others. Unexpectedly, Lee Yunsheng did not take it. Instead, he said to Woo Zhengyang, "Zhengyang, you should take a closer look at the fifth item!"

Woo Zhengyang, filled with doubt, opened the document again and took another look at the fifth item. It was then he noticed that there was a list of names for the battle rankings right after it. Now he understood why Lee Yunsheng wanted him to take another look.

The first name on the battle rankings list was: Woo Zhengyang!

And next to Woo Zhengyang's name, his position was boldly marked as: Guest Elder!