Journey to the West: Starting with the True Lord of the Pure Land

At the summit of Xuanguang Peak, the bell tolls nine times, its sound resounding through the clouds.

Today, the Xuan Guang Sword Pavilion has shed its former silence, and is now brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful lights.

From the mountain gate, the blue stone steps are spotless, and the sides are lined with banners with sword patterns, fluttering in the wind.

The disciples who came to greet guests were all dressed in brand-new Taoist robes, their solemn expressions revealing a deliberate air of pride.

On the open sword-debating platform at the summit, hundreds of jade tables had already been set up, displaying spiritual fruits and fine wines, their fragrant aromas filling the air.

In the center of the courtyard, a nine-foot-high jade platform rises abruptly from the ground.

The stage was empty, except for a magic sword with a sky-blue brocade scabbard leaning against the seat.

The sword energy was contained and not revealed; it was none other than Master Xuanguang's sword, "Caiyun".

As the sun rises, its rays cast countless beams of light, making the palaces atop the peak appear even more majestic.

Guests from all directions arrived in droves, riding in streaks of light and on exotic beasts.

They were either sect elders, heads of aristocratic families, or renowned rogue cultivators; all were prominent figures in the cultivation world near Aolai Kingdom.

The sun is high in the sky; the auspicious time has arrived.

"Welcome, Venerable Master Xuanguang!"

The master of ceremonies' disciple gave a clear shout, which carried far and wide.

The square fell silent instantly, all eyes turning to the slowly opening gates of the Xuan Guang Palace.

As the glow of dawn poured into the hall, a figure bathed in golden light slowly emerged.

Master Xuanguang wore a Daoist robe with cloud and star patterns, which made his face look even more handsome, and the golden elixir between his brows naturally revealed his majesty.

However, as soon as their gaze fell upon him, a golden core pressure quietly spread out like a tide. It was not domineering, but it weighed heavily on everyone's heart, making it impossible for anyone to feel any rebellion.

The few remaining noises in the square completely disappeared, leaving only the sound of the wind and breathing.

He didn't say much, just nodded slightly, and then walked to the head seat to sit down.

He was composed, as if everything was under his control.

Master Changhe stepped forward and delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of Sword Pavilion. His words were sincere, expressing gratitude to fellow Daoists from all sides for their presence, praising the Venerable Master's achievements, and looking forward to the future of the sect.

The guests below the stage echoed the sentiment, raising their glasses in celebration, and the atmosphere seemed to reach its climax.

The guests and hosts had finished exchanging pleasantries.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became more lively.

However, as everyone knows, the main event has not yet begun.

Sure enough, the bell rang three times, and the scene gradually quieted down.

In the open space in the center of the square, several thick black iron chains, each as thick as a child's arm, suddenly rose from the ground, rattling loudly.

At the end of the chains, three enormous creatures, each with a different shape and exuding a terrifying demonic aura, were bound together.

These three great demons had their pipa pierced, revealing their true forms. They were all different in appearance, but their demonic aura was not weak. They were all great demons above the Foundation Establishment stage.

Even now that it has been captured, it remains fierce and arrogant.

The Third Elder stepped forward and, channeling his magic, proclaimed in a clear voice:

"These three wicked beasts usually occupy a place and cause a lot of trouble."

A little over a month ago, Venerable Xuanguang personally captured it. Today, we will use this demon's blood to consecrate the sword of my Sword Pavilion and uphold the might of the righteous path.

Before he finished speaking, a chorus of low cheers erupted from the audience!

"It's actually that lion demon from the Golden Burning Cave! How could a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator end up like this?" a guest exclaimed in a low voice, his face filled with horror.

This demon has entrenched itself in the Golden Burning Cave for hundreds of years, and is infamous for its ferocity. It once burned down three villages and towns in one night.

"The old crocodile of the Cold Pool! Has this bastard finally met his end? How delightful!" Someone recognized him and gritted his teeth.

"It's the Sky-Piercing Eagle! This demon is extremely cunning and difficult to deal with, incredibly fast, and its claws and teeth are comparable to magical treasures. It once devoured a Foundation Establishment cultivator, yet it was captured by the Venerable One?"

A suppressed gasp rippled through the crowd as everyone recognized that these three great demons were no ordinary beings.

Many people have dealt with these powerful demons or their forces and know how troublesome they are. They are formidable figures who give cultivators in the surrounding areas a headache.

He was captured alive by Xuan Guang Shang!

Seeing them bound here like lambs to the slaughter, they gained a more direct understanding of the Golden Core Profound Light Master's strength, and their expressions of awe deepened.

Master Xuanguang sat upright in the main seat, his expression indifferent, as if the people below were merely ants to be dealt with.

"go!"

He raised his fingers lightly like a sword, and the sword, "Cut Clouds," was drawn from its sheath with a clear, bright sound, like a pool of autumn water.

A cool, clear light leaped out of the sheath, like a cloud falling from the heavens.

In an instant, the three-headed demon facing the sword light narrowed its pupils, and its roars and howls fell silent.

Where the sword light passed, only a thin, hair-like sword mark remained on the demon's body, yet it was clear from front to back.

The sword light swirled and vanished without a trace.

The next moment, the three-headed Foundation Establishment demon's ferocious head was silently severed at the neck.

The wound was as smooth as a mirror, without a single drop of blood splattering. The enormous demonic body stood upright for a moment before crashing to the ground, stirring up a little dust.

The whole process was breathtakingly fast!

Golden Core cultivators slay Foundation Establishment demons with the ease of taking candy from a baby.

The square was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Is this the Golden Core technique?!

A strong, pungent smell of blood filled the air, stimulating everyone's senses.

A moment later, an even more enthusiastic chorus of exclamations and compliments erupted.

The disciples of Jian Ge stood tall, proud of their achievement.

Just as everyone was still reeling from the power of the sword, their minds were still racing.

Suddenly, a crimson glow spread across the sky, initially extremely far away, but in an instant reaching the sky above the peak, gently yet majestically enveloping the entire area.

In the glow of the sunset, an elderly man dressed in a crimson Taoist robe, with a rosy complexion like a baby and holding a whisk, stepped down and took his seat at the head of the guest table.

It has no imposing aura, yet wherever it goes, the spiritual energy is naturally harmonious, as if it were integrated with heaven and earth.

The visitor was none other than the only Golden Core cultivator in the royal family of Aolai Kingdom—the Crimson Cloud Immortal.

"It's...it's Aolai's chief retainer, a Golden Core True Immortal—Crimson Cloud Immortal!" someone exclaimed in a low voice.

"He actually came in person?!"

An even greater commotion immediately erupted in the arena.

True Man Chixia was a rogue cultivator in the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, renowned for his long-standing reputation. He held a nominal position as a retainer because of his past connection with the royal family of Aolai Kingdom.

His arrival undoubtedly elevated the banquet to another level.

Even Master Xuanguang's eyes flashed with surprise, which quickly transformed into deeper pride and self-satisfaction as he rose to greet him:

"Fellow Daoist Chixia, your presence is an honor to our humble abode!"

True Man Chixia returned the greeting with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the three Foundation Establishment demon corpses in the arena before settling on Venerable Xuanguang.

A subtle ripple appeared on his usually placid face, a mixture of approval and barely perceptible scrutiny.

He spoke slowly, his voice calm yet imposing:

"Fellow Daoist Xuanguang has already achieved such skill at the very beginning of his Golden Core cultivation. He is truly a formidable young man."

The Xuan Guang Sword Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation as the foremost of the three sects.

Master Xuanguang felt exhilarated and reached the peak of his spirits.

He surveyed the entire room and saw that all the guests held their breath and focused their awe on him, including the lofty and awe-inspiring Crimson Cloud Immortal.

Then, he stood up proudly, raised his glass, looked around at the crowd, and spoke in a clear, resonant voice that echoed throughout the square:

"As you all know, our Sword Pavilion has been plagued by many troubles in recent years."

However, since our Sword Pavilion sect was established here, it has a responsibility to protect this region.

However, there are those wicked demons who do not know the will of Heaven. Taking advantage of my seclusion, they have repeatedly invaded my mountain gate, injured my disciples, and even seized Qingchi Ridge, disturbing the peace of the four directions.

Today's gathering serves two purposes: first, to celebrate my successful completion of the Golden Core stage; and second, to set things right, purify the demonic atmosphere, and comfort the spirits of the disciples of my Sword Pavilion who have fallen in recent years.

The square fell silent instantly, and all eyes were on him.

Everyone understood who he was referring to.

With the Azure Scale Demon Lord having fled, only the current Lord of Yunmang Mountain remains—Xuan Ling.

Master Xuanguang put down his wine cup, stood with his hands behind his back, looked towards Qingchi Ridge, and said calmly:

"Besides, how can such a grand event be without a grand finale?"

Please wait a moment, everyone. I will be right back.

Master Xuanguang said no more. His proud figure transformed into a dazzling sword light, soaring into the sky like a rainbow, heading straight towards the direction of Qingchi Ridge and Yunmang Mountain.

All that remained were the astonished guests and the suddenly frozen air.