C709 Profound Heaven Sect the World!

The dishes were exquisite, offering a variety of rare and delicious flavors. The wine, crafted from mystical fruits and flowers, was infused with a unique energy beneficial to practitioners. Yet, despite the tempting spread, Woo Zhengyang found himself uninterested. The reason sat right beside him: Sovereign Hee Wanli. This seemingly kind and approachable figure had repeatedly tested Woo Zhengyang, even attempting to attack his spirit, leaving him uneasy.

While Woo Zhengyang lacked enthusiasm, others were quite eager. Some members from smaller groups couldn't help but swallow in anticipation. The Profound Heaven Sect had spared no expense for this feast, including some dishes with ingredients as potent as the rarest fruits on earth.

However, no one touched their utensils. Though the food and drink were served, there was a ritual to complete before anyone could begin: honoring the ancestors. For this occasion, the Profound Heaven Sect had commissioned a massive statue of Xuan Tianshang. Standing nearly 90 feet tall, the statue was an awe-inspiring sight, capturing the admiration of many.

Yet, Woo Zhengyang couldn't shake a sense of oddity. He had seen Xuan Tianshang in person and knew him to be a short, stocky man with a thick beard and hair, often seen shirtless. The statue bore no resemblance to the real man he remembered.

Woo Zhengyang wasn't foolish enough to undermine his own people. After Nie Fengyu finished reciting the ceremonial words, everyone poured a triple shot of liquor over the statue, and then the feast began.

As the feast kicked off, the entire venue buzzed with excitement. After a few rounds of drinks, more people started moving between tables to toast with others. However, there were certain unspoken rules about toasting; not just anyone from a minor sect could approach the main table. At the very least, they had to be of equal standing, like those from the Iron Cloud Sect or similar groups.

This was the usual scenario, but today brought an unexpected guest: Hee Wanli, known as the Sovereign of the Golden Scale Domain. His presence made everyone more cautious about approaching the main table. Many sect leaders and even senior elders didn't have the privilege of interacting with someone of his stature.

However, it wasn't long before everyone relaxed. Surprisingly, Hee Wanli didn't carry himself with the airs of a Sovereign. He welcomed everyone who came to toast at the main table and even exchanged a few words with each person, leaving many feeling honored and eager to approach him.

The more Hee Wanli behaved this way, the more uneasy Woo Zhengyang felt. People who presented such a friendly facade while hiding their true intentions were the most dangerous. You never knew when or why they might suddenly reveal their true nature.

Yet, Hee Wanli's actions did help ease the tension for Woo Zhengyang, who had been feeling like he was sitting on pins and needles.

The main targets for toasting at the head table were two individuals: the Grand Elder of the Golden Scale Sect, Sovereign Hee Wanli, and the rising star, Woo Zhengyang, who had boldly toppled the Profound Heaven Sect. Conveniently, they were seated together, making it easy for guests to address both at once.

This arrangement spared Woo Zhengyang and Hee Wanli from much of the superficial small talk and forced smiles. However, Woo Zhengyang still found himself uncomfortable, as Hee Wanli effortlessly navigated situations that he struggled with.

During breaks between toasts, Hee Wanli would casually chat with Woo Zhengyang. Although it seemed offhand, each question Hee Wanli posed had an underlying probing intent. As the evening progressed, Hee Wanli, in high spirits and with a flushed face, became increasingly friendly, making Woo Zhengyang even more uneasy.

Finally, Woo Zhengyang's ordeal came to an end as the auspicious moment approached. The highlight of the day was the ceremonial changing of the plaque and the mountain-opening blessing. The chosen time was precisely noon, with the sun at its zenith, symbolizing the bright future of the Profound Heaven Sect.

Led by Nie Fengyu, the crowd gathered in front of a massive mountain gate, towering several hundred feet high, rivaling the surrounding peaks. The enormous plaque above was draped in vibrant red, creating a striking image against the backdrop.

The auspicious moment arrived, with a crimson glow descending as the words "Profound Heaven Sect" appeared majestically, exuding grandeur against the backdrop of the massive, unified mountain gate. Even the well-traveled Hee Wanli was taken aback, realizing that the enormous gate before him had no visible seams, indicating it was crafted from a single piece.

Given the capabilities of the Profound Heaven Sect, such a feat seemed impossible. Hee Wanli cast a suspicious glance at Woo Zhengyang, pondering if this was his doing, which would necessitate a reevaluation of Woo Zhengyang's abilities.

While Hee Wanli was astonished, the major sects under the Golden Scale Domain were equally shocked. However, members of smaller sects were less surprised, viewing the gate as a natural advantage of the Profound Heaven Sect, perhaps even a clever manipulation. This gate was originally the inner portal of the Profound Heaven Sect.

The gate stood at an impressive 9,900 feet tall and 990 feet wide. Legend has it that the founder of the Profound Heaven Sect, Xuan Tianshang, single-handedly forged it from a solitary peak and had it blessed with enduring enchantments, impervious to the elements.

Back then, sects were not bound by strict naming conventions, and the Profound Heaven Sect was known as the Profound Heaven Faction. The gate served as a symbol of the faction's prestige. However, with the advent of martial alliances imposing restrictions, the Profound Heaven Faction became the Profound Heaven Sect, and the gate was relegated to an inner portal, hidden from public view.

Unexpectedly, Xuan Tianshang's unintended actions led to the current situation, transforming the Profound Heaven Sect into what is now known as the Profound Heaven Gate. Reflecting on this, Woo Zhengyang couldn't help but recall his promise to Xuan Tianshang about turning the Profound Heaven Sect into the Profound Heaven Gate. It was a youthful ambition, and only now does he realize the weight of the responsibility.

To achieve this transformation, a Sovereign-level presence is necessary. Originally, this seemed out of reach, but for Woo Zhengyang, it's not so distant. Hongnu is on the verge of reaching the Sovereign realm, and her years of dedication make failure nearly impossible.

The real challenge, however, is that even if Hongnu becomes a Sovereign, turning the Profound Heaven Sect into the Profound Heaven Gate remains unlikely. In the current Golden Scale Domain, the Golden Scale Sect reigns supreme. Regardless of Hee Wanli's ulterior motives, he would never allow another sect to challenge his dominance. The best way to maintain supremacy is to eliminate any potential threats before they manifest.

Woo Zhengyang strongly suspects that Hee Wanli already sees him and the Profound Heaven Sect as such a threat...

While Woo Zhengyang was lost in thought, Nie Fengyu finished reading the inauguration speech. From this day forward, the Profound Heaven Sect ceases to exist. The Profound Heaven Gate emerges!

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