Summoning the Gods: Start by creating the Eternal Night.

Inside the private room of Tianwailou, Xiao Ling'er, her little belly round and full, leaned back in her chair and let out a small burp.

"Hiccup!"

Shangguan Yan picked up a soft handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of her mouth, which was stained with crumbs of pastry, with her fingertips. The movement was exceptionally gentle.

The little guy couldn't sit still for a second; he immediately slid off the chair with his short legs and ran to Ye Junlin's side.

Her little hands gripped his clothes tightly, her delicate, rosy face tilted up, her voice soft and childlike:

"Daddy, hug me!"

Ye Junlin looked down at her blinking, watery eyes and sighed helplessly.

He bent down and reached out, steadily scooping the little girl into his arms.

He raised his hand and gently stroked Xiao Ling'er's soft hair, trying to patiently discuss it with her:

"Ling'er, from now on, call me brother, okay?"

He asked himself honestly, since coming into this world, he had never had any entanglements with any woman.

There's no way I could have a daughter out of thin air; I'll just consider it as having picked up a cute little girl.

But as soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Ling'er pouted, and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

Her little head shook like a rattle-drum, tears welling up in her eyes, she cried out in a sob:

"No! I want to call you 'Daddy,' you are my daddy!"

Seeing her reddened nose and tearful expression,

Ye Junlin's heart softened, and the refusal that was on the tip of his tongue could no longer be uttered. He could only compromise and sigh softly:

"Alright, alright, whatever you want to call me, call me whatever you want."

Never mind, it's just a title.

This little girl is so adorable, it's like adopting a sweet little daughter.

He didn't feel any aversion; instead, he felt a strange sense of doting affection.

Little Ling'er immediately stopped crying and started laughing, nuzzling her head against his chest, her voice lazy and soft:

"Daddy, I'm sleepy, I want to sleep in your arms."

"Okay! Go to sleep."

Ye Junlin spoke very slowly, raising his hand to gently pat her back, his movements tender.

In a short while, he heard Xiao Ling'er's even breathing in his arms. Her little face was pressed tightly against his chest, and she was sleeping peacefully and obediently.

Ye Junlin looked down at the sleeping little girl in his arms, then looked up.

Looking at Cao Zhengchun, who had just returned from downstairs and was bowing in greeting, his tone regained its usual calm and authoritative tone:

"Ring the bell. The opening ceremony of Eternal Night City officially begins."

"Yes!" Cao Zhengchun replied in a deep voice, not daring to delay for a moment, and quickly left the private room.

Before long, a deep and resonant chime rang out from the clock tower in the central square of Eternal Night City.

"Thump—thump—thump—"

The bell tolled through the streets and alleys, resounding throughout the city, its echo lingering long afterward.

Cao Zhengchun stood beneath the clock tower, circulating his spiritual energy, his voice clearly resounding throughout every corner of Eternal Night City:

"The opening ceremony of Eternal Night City officially begins!"

The cultivators passing by on the street immediately stopped in their tracks and all looked towards the square.

"The opening ceremony of the city has begun!"

"Let's go take a look!"

The crowd surged toward the square, creating a bustling and lively scene.

Inside the Heavenly Pavilion, Ye Junlin held the sleeping Ling'er, looked at Yuan Tiangang beside him, and spoke calmly:

"Those who are meant to come, it's about time they showed up."

Yuan Tiangang nodded slightly: "The main forces of Daqian, Xuanming Sect, and Wanfo Temple have all entered the city, and the leaders of each side are the pillars of their respective factions."

A playful smile appeared on Ye Junlin's lips, a cold glint flashing in his eyes:

"I'd like to see how they plan to play this game!"

On the other side, the square had already been prepared.

The seats for each faction are arranged in order of their strength.

They formed a large circle, leaving an open space in the middle for the opening ceremony.

Cao Zhengchun stood at the entrance of the square, accompanied by Shangguan Lie and Nangong Gong.

The two stood ramrod straight, their eyes scanning the arriving cultivators warily, not daring to relax for a moment.

"Star Pavilion congratulates Eternal Night City on its grand opening!"

A crisp sound rang out, and Xing Luoyao walked slowly with more than a dozen people from the Star Pavilion. Their dresses fluttered, and their temperament was gentle and graceful.

Cao Zhengchun immediately stepped forward, his face beaming with a welcoming smile, and cupped his hands in greeting:

"It is an honor to have the Pavilion Master Luo Yao grace us with her presence. We are so sorry for not welcoming you sooner. Please take a seat."

He then led the group toward the VIP seats at the very front.

Xing Luoyao smiled faintly, "Eunuch Cao, you are too kind. In the future, we will need your help to take care of Xingchen Pavilion's many businesses in the city."

"Of course, of course!" Cao Zhengchun replied with a smile.

Just as the people from the Star Pavilion had been settled, another steady voice came:

"Xuanqing Taoism congratulates the opening ceremony of Yongye City and wishes you all the best."

Elders Yuan Yi and Dao Ji, two of the Four Imperial Elders of Xuanqing Taoism, arrived with their disciples.

Dressed in a plain-colored Taoist robe, he exuded a refined and aloof air, resembling a hermit sage.

"Welcome, two Taoist priests. Please take your seats." Cao Zhengchun greeted them with a smile.

Just as they were about to be led to their seats, a sharp, mocking voice broke the silence.

"Hey, isn't this the old Taoist priest from the Xuanqing Sect?"

"He usually hides in the mountains, cultivating immortality behind closed doors, claiming to be detached from worldly affairs. Why is he getting involved in this kind of commotion today?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a group of people from the Xuanming Sect walking slowly towards them.

Ancestor Xuanming walked at the front, his murderous aura contained, followed closely by Sect Leader Mingshang and Vice Sect Leader Leng Wuyai, with disciples of the Xuanming Sect behind them, their imposing presence overwhelming.

The one who spoke was Leng Wuyai. He glanced at Yuan Yi and the other two with a sneer, his face full of disdain.

Yuan Yi's brows furrowed instantly, his tone calm yet tinged with anger:

"I have come here only to offer my congratulations, and I have no involvement in any disputes. Unlike some people, who have ulterior motives and come with ill intentions."

The two sides were at loggerheads, and the atmosphere became tense for a moment. Just as Cao Zhengchun was about to smooth things over, another voice came from behind.

"The Great Qian Dynasty congratulates the opening ceremony of Eternal Night City!"

Qian Tian, ​​dressed in a brocade robe with dragon patterns, walked slowly with several top court officials. His aura was calm and dignified, exuding imperial majesty.

Following closely behind, two eminent monks from Wanfo Temple, Xuanci and Xuanzhi, arrived with a group of monks, wearing kasaya robes, holding prayer beads, and with kind faces.

Cao Zhengchun composed himself and went forward to greet each of them, leading the various factions to their seats in turn.

Sitting in the front row, Xing Luoyao, Yuan Yi, and the others felt a chill in their hearts as they looked at the formations of the Great Qian, Xuanming Sect, and Wanfo Temple.

These three forces were all led by their own leaders; they hadn't come specifically to offer congratulations, but rather to stir up trouble with ulterior motives!

Before long, all the top powers and small and medium-sized sects arrived, filling the square to capacity.

Cao Zhengchun raised his hand to signal, and the maids beside him hurriedly carried wine and dishes, the plates and bowls clinking softly, and soon the banquet tables were filled.

Cao Zhengchun walked to the head seat, picked up the wine glass on the table, looked at everyone, and spoke loudly:

"Gentlemen, you have traveled a long way to celebrate the opening of our Eternal Night City. On behalf of Eternal Night Heaven, I raise a toast to you all!"

After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.

However, only the Star Pavilion and the Xuanqing Taoist Sect raised their glasses in response.

The people from Daqian, Xuanming Sect, and Wanfo Temple all sat still, showing no intention of raising their cups, clearly disregarding their courtesy.