After everyone was seated, Song Shijun said, "It's about time. Grand Beginning Abbey is nowhere to be seen. What do you say, Sect Master Qi?"

Qi Yunke was in a difficult position. Fortunately, Venerable Fakong came to his rescue, "This old monk just passed Wind and Cloud Peak and saw Abbot Qiu's party just making their way up the mountain. Since Grand Beginning Abbey has brought many people this time, they will likely be delayed for a moment."

Song Shijun grumbled, "He's never willing to arrive until the very last moment."

Yang Heying was more furious than if he'd been cuckolded, "What's the point of bringing so many people to the Grandmaster's memorial ceremony? What an inappropriate time to show off!" In truth, he also wanted to bring many, many disciples and grand-disciples to put on a show.

Qi Yunke pretended to look elsewhere. Ever since getting married and becoming the Sect Master, he had discovered that being hard of hearing was truly the greatest skill in the world.

Just then, Zeng Dalou came to report, "Master, it's time to strike the ceremonial gong."

Qi Yunke glanced again at the empty seat for the Master of Grand Beginning Abbey and said, "The time for striking the ceremonial gong cannot be delayed. Let's strike it first. Brother Qiu can make up for it when he arrives."

Song Shijun was instantly as happy as a two-hundred-jin child, praising Qi Yunke for his decisiveness.

Zeng Dalou ordered the disciples to open all sixteen doors of the main hall. Outside, on a wide stone platform, stood a vermilion gong stand over twenty zhang tall. From it, suspended by extremely thick iron chains, hung a Giant Profound Iron Gong that was a full half-chi thick.

The astral winds on the mountaintop were extremely fierce, and the gong stand was very high. Banners only five or six zhang tall beside it were nearly torn apart by the wind, yet the Giant Profound Iron Gong barely moved under the gale's assault, a testament to its immense weight.

Led by The Five Sect Masters of Beichen, everyone stood on the spacious stone platform outside the hall, holding their breath in concentration.

Cai Zhao asked curiously, "What are they doing?"

Fan Xingjia had unknowingly slipped over again, "This gong was left behind by the Grandmaster. It's said to be cast from profound iron from the bottom of the sea, ten thousand li away. On every major memorial ceremony or the birthdays of The Three Pure Ones, it must be struck to inform the deities in all four directions."

"Only the Qingque Sect has this, right?" Cai Zhao figured Falling Blossoms Valley probably didn't have such a thing.

"Of course," said Fan Xingjia. "It's a good thing the ceremony isn't being held at Vast Heaven Sect, or they would've had to move this big gong over there."

"And after moving it, Vast Heaven Sect definitely wouldn't want to return it," Chang Ning said coolly. Seeing Cai Zhao's gaze sweep over, he quickly added, "Sect Leader Song seems to have a lukewarm relationship with Falling Blossoms Valley." Meaning, Song Shijun doesn't count as your elder, does he?

Cai Zhao: -_-

Fan Xingjia held back a laugh—he just knew it was more interesting to be with these two.

Qi Yunke took a step forward. Without any visible preparation, he simply sank his qi and thrust a palm toward the distant giant gong. A moment later, an extremely deep and powerful chime sounded above everyone's heads. The Giant Profound Iron Gong, as if struck heavily by an invisible mallet, hummed unceasingly with astonishing power, and the dust accumulated over many years rustled down.

The crowd cheered in unison, all praising Qi Yunke for his profound inner strength. Yin Sulian's face glowed with joy.

The second turn should have gone to Song Shijun, but he suddenly became modest and insisted on letting Zhou Zhizhen strike the gong. Unwilling to argue, Zhou Zhizhen smiled, then similarly thrust a palm toward the giant gong. The second chime immediately rang out across the plaza. The sound was equally astonishing, but the cheers for him were slightly softer. Zhou Zhizhen didn't mind.

Seeing this, Cai Zhao couldn't help but ask, "They have to strike this giant gong at every ceremony. What if someone's skill isn't enough to make it sound?"

Chang Ning lowered his voice, "Are you silly? Do you really think striking this gong is to inform the deities? It's to intimidate fellow members of the Wulin. Those without this level of skill shouldn't covet the status of the Six Sects of Beichen."

Fan Xingjia nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

Finally, it was Song Shijun's turn. With a profound expression, he stepped forward, took a profound stance, and then, in a seemingly casual but actually cautious manner, channeled his energy, raised his palm, and struck. For the third time, the crowd heard the giant gong ring.

Just then, someone suddenly cried out, "Look at the gong!"

Everyone strained their eyes to see. In the very center of the dark Giant Profound Iron Gong, a palm print, half a cun deep, had appeared.

The scene was like salt thrown into a wok of hot oil. The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, all discussing Song Shijun's unfathomable skill—

"That's profound iron! Profound iron that can't be pierced by blades or spears! What realm has Sect Leader Song reached in his cultivation!"

"No wonder Vast Heaven Sect has grown so much stronger in recent years, even Qingque Sect has to give way!"

"I heard that if Sect Leader Song hadn't been set to inherit the position of Sect Leader of Vast Heaven Sect, Old Sect Master Yin originally wanted this eldest son-in-law to become the Sect Master of Qingque Sect!"

...

Faced with such discussions, Qi Yunke just smiled helplessly, but Yin Sulian's face turned pale with anger.

Cai Zhao muttered, "I don't think Uncle Qi and Uncle Zhou are incapable of making a palm print."

Fan Xingjia also said resentfully, "Exactly. No wonder he deliberately let Manor Master Zhou go first. Wasn't he just afraid that Manor Master Zhou would follow his example and also make a palm print! Master is humble by nature and can't be bothered to compete over these things!"

Chang Ning: "I think Sect Master Qi could slap Song Shijun across the face. I guarantee it would be even more astonishing."

"?? " Fan Xingjia and Cai Zhao turned to look at him at the same time.

Song Shijun, praised to the point of feeling immortal, gestured for everyone to be quiet with the air of a humble gentleman.

Next was Yang Heying. He wanted to display the might of the Siqi Sect without displeasing Song Shijun, and after a moment's thought, he had a plan. He struck a pose, channeled his qi, and threw a powerful punch upwards. After a loud clang, the crowd looked and saw a shallow fist print next to Song Shijun's palm print. Another round of cheers erupted, and although the praise wasn't as loud as before, it was much greater than what Qi Yunke and Zhou Zhizhen had received.

For the same amount of power, a fist is more concentrated than a palm, so it was clear that Song Shijun's skill was superior. In this way, he both received a round of applause and avoided stealing the limelight from Vast Heaven Sect.

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Fan Xingjia and Cai Zhao both snorted 'Tch' in unison.

Chang Ning suddenly said, "This Yang Heying's skill is far inferior."

Cai Zhao didn't understand. Chang Ning explained, "Look at the fist print. The impressions of the middle and ring fingers are the deepest, while the index and little fingers are much shallower. Although fingers have different lengths, when striking the giant gong with internal energy, the force should be even. Look at Sect Leader Song's palm print; it's perfectly uniform, with no difference in depth. This shows that Yang Heying's power is insufficient. He had to gather all his strength into one spot, unlike the first three sect masters who performed with effortless ease."

Fan Xingjia and Cai Zhao took a closer look and saw that it was indeed so. Seeing Venerable Fakong standing perfectly still, Abbess Jingyuan watching coldly, and even a hint of slight mockery under the gentle smiles of Qi Yunke and Zhou Zhizhen, they knew that what Chang Ning said was true.

The last to strike the gong was Cai Pingchun. Cai Zhao was so nervous she clenched her small fists.

Cai Pingchun's expression was normal. Without even waiting for the surroundings to quiet down, he swung a completely unremarkable flat palm. The giant gong then rang with a similarly unremarkable sound. The only difference was—the previous palm print and fist print were completely gone, as if wiped clean from a mud wall.

The Giant Profound Iron Gong might have once been as smooth as a mirror, but after being struck for two hundred years, it was long since uneven. Now, after being wiped by Cai Pingchun, it was like a rough yellow mud wall that had been scraped flat.

The surroundings suddenly fell silent. Everyone looked at each other, no one speaking. Firstly, they were astonished. Secondly, if they cheered loudly, they feared displeasing Vast Heaven Sect and Siqi Sect.

The solemn and stern face of Abbess Jingyuan softened.

Venerable Fakong recited a Buddhist chant and smiled, "Patron Xiao Cai has made great progress these years." Back when he first met the Cai siblings, Cai Pingchun was only twelve, so he was used to calling him Patron Xiao Cai.

Great Master Juexing, at the side, smiled, "The Valley Master of Falling Blossoms Valley is almost forty, Master. Why do you still call him Patron Xiao Cai?" Although he had become a monk, his brother-in-law was still his brother-in-law.

Venerable Fakong was very kind and smiled, "That is very true."

Seeing that the abbot of Evergreen Monastery had spoken, everyone began to offer praise one after another. Although they didn't dare to be too effusive, the gazes directed at the disciples of Falling Blossoms Valley now held much more respect and apprehension.

Qi Yunke seemed to have expected this outcome and laughed heartily, "Well done, Xiaochun! You've saved me the trouble of sending a disciple up to hammer that iron gong flat."

Song Shijun rolled his eyes and said sarcastically, "Truly, a master does not show his skills. Brother Pingchun's abilities have grown. It seems your sister wasn't wrong back then when she always said your aptitude wasn't bad and your future was limitless."

Cai Pingchun said calmly, "In my sister's eyes, everyone in the world has their strengths. No one is born mediocre."

Song Shijun turned his head away in a huff. Zhou Zhizhen patted Cai Pingchun's shoulder in approval. In contrast, Yang Heying's expression was much uglier.

The gong-striking ceremony ended. Just as everyone was about to enter the hall, they suddenly heard an outer sect disciple acting as master of ceremonies announce loudly, 'Abbot Qiu of Grand Beginning Abbey and his fellow disciples have arrived to pay their respects to the Grandmaster'!

Everyone was stunned. Following the sound of neat, powerful footsteps, a group of Daoists dressed in light purple, wide-sleeved robes with gold embroidery drifted in. The man in the lead was about forty years old, tall and burly, with a handsome, square face. His dark purple Daoist robe was embroidered with a star-filled sky in dark gold thread. This was none other than the Abbot of Grand Beginning Abbey, Qiu Yuanfeng.

The disciples in purple robes parted like a river. Four disciples were seen carrying a bamboo palanquin, upon which sat an old man with a grizzled beard. Everyone looked and saw that the old man had a ruddy complexion and a vigorous spirit, but both his legs were severed at the knees.

Qi Yunke and the others were taken aback. They all stepped forward to offer the greetings of a junior, saying, "Martial Uncle Cangqiong."

Venerable Fakong and Abbess Jingyuan also came forward to pay their respects.

"After parting all those years ago, I never thought I would see Daoist Master Cangqiong again in my lifetime," Venerable Fakong said with great emotion.

Cangqiong Zi smiled, "This old Daoist was ambushed by those Demonic Cult villains back then and had no choice but to amputate my legs. I thought the rest of my life would be destitute. Fortunately, my martial nephew has made something of himself, so I came to join the fun today. Sect Master Qi wouldn't be unwelcoming, would he?"

Cangqiong Zi was the only remaining elder of the older generation among the Six Sects. How could Qi Yunke say no?

Cangqiong Zi was very satisfied. He looked up and said, "My nephew Yuanfeng, strike the gong first."

Qiu Yuanfeng bowed to accept the command. He swung a palm upwards in a seemingly casual manner. The Giant Profound Iron Gong rang out four times in succession—clang, clang, clang, clang—as if it had been repeatedly struck by an iron hammer. The surroundings were in an uproar, and Cangqiong Zi looked particularly proud.

"Th-th-this must be Grand Beginning Abbey's ultimate skill, the Purple Sun Divine Art! One palm strike, four echoes, circling and reciprocating, endlessly linked. It is indeed a perfect balance of hardness and softness, radiating with dominance!"

"...If it's a balance of hardness and softness, how can it be dominant?"

"Don't be a spoilsport! Anyway, I think Abbot Qiu's divine skill is unparalleled, no less than that of Heroine Cai Pingshu back in her day!"

"No wonder Grand Beginning Abbey's prestige has been soaring these years, it looks like they're about to surpass Vast Heaven Sect..."

"Shh, don't talk nonsense. Vast Heaven Sect has many disciples here, don't let them hear you!"

Now it was Song Shijun's turn to look ugly.

Although Cai Pingchun's earlier strike was impressive, he was confident he could do it. However, Qiu Yuanfeng's move was no small feat, and Song Shijun wasn't sure if he could replicate it.

Seeing Song Shijun's poor expression, Yang Heying immediately shouted, "Brother Yuanfeng, what a grand display! Today is the anniversary of the Grandmaster's death, not a battle against the Demonic Cult. Who are you trying to intimidate by bringing this huge crowd of people!"

Everyone looked and saw that Grand Beginning Abbey had indeed brought more disciples than any other sect. These disciples were either holding brocade boxes, carrying brocade bundles on their backs, or holding high banners... the formation was extremely grand.

Qiu Yuanfeng naturally paid no mind to Yang Heying and laughed, "The Grandmaster's two-hundredth death anniversary is a rare occasion. Every disciple of Grand Beginning Abbey wanted to show some filial piety to the Grandmaster. Seeing their sincerity, I brought a few more along. What's the matter, Sect Master Qi? Surely the Qingque Sect can accommodate my Abbey's disciples?"

Qi Yunke was displeased and said sternly, "The Qingque Sect can naturally accommodate them, but Twilight Palace cannot. Later, during the ceremony in the Chaoyang Main Hall, many disciples will have to remain outside."

"That's no problem," Qiu Yuanfeng said nonchalantly.

Song Shijun snorted heavily, "Since you know the Grandmaster's two-hundredth anniversary is a rare occasion, why did you have to dawdle until the very last moment to arrive? It's hard not to suspect you're being deliberately disrespectful!"

Qiu Yuanfeng seemed to have been waiting for this very line. He laughed heartily and called to someone behind him, "Second Senior Brother, bring it up."

A refined and proper-looking middle-aged Daoist slowly stepped forward and presented a mahogany box he was holding.

Cai Zhao asked softly, "Is he ordering his own senior brother around?" Isn't this kind of task more suitable for a disciple?

Chang Ning glanced at the middle-aged Daoist a few times and said, "That man is Wang Yuanjing, the second disciple of Grand Beginning Abbey's late Old Abbot, Canghuan Zi. Qiu Yuanfeng is the third disciple. That Cangqiong Zi with the broken legs is the Old Abbot's junior brother."

Cai Zhao frowned, "Then what about Old Abbot Canghuan's first disciple?"

"He died at the hands of a Demonic Cult elder twenty years ago." Chang Ning's eyes were calm.

Fan Xingjia couldn't help but say, "I heard from Martial Uncle Lei that Daoist Master Canghuan's first disciple, the great hero Wu Yuanying, was a prominent figure in the Jianghu back then. Not only were his martial arts superb, but he was also righteous and incredibly gallant. Martial Uncle Lei said he loved to bring his junior brothers, carrying huge wine jars, up to Myriad Waters Thousand Mountains Cliff to drink with everyone. Sigh..."

Cai Zhao sighed, then said, "Is Martial Uncle Lei not coming out today either? Even Martial Uncle Li from the outer sect is here."

Fan Xingjia's mood sank, "Master has invited him many times. Martial Uncle Lei said that in his crippled state, he won't come out and bring shame to the sect."

As they spoke, Wang Yuanjing had already placed the mahogany box on the empty ground in the middle. Song Shijun frowned, "What is this?"

Qiu Yuanfeng waved his hand, "Second Senior Brother, no need to be so cautious. Just open it for everyone to see."

A young, handsome Daoist next to Wang Yuanjing looked angry, as if wanting to retort to Qiu Yuanfeng's disrespectful gesture, but was held back by Wang Yuanjing. Then, Wang Yuanjing personally stepped forward and opened the mahogany box.

Everyone looked over in unison and then gasped in succession—inside the box was a ferocious-looking human head with its hair and beard standing on end!

Cai Zhao was also startled and covered her mouth, afraid to make a sound.

Chang Ning thought about how she had yet to see a dead person and couldn't help but feel pity. However, Young Master Chang's way of cherishing the fairer sex was unique. It was neither soft words of comfort nor standing protectively in front of the girl, but rather saying very seriously in Cai Zhao's ear, "Don't be afraid. The dead won't harm you. It's the living who are truly terrifying."

Unsurprisingly, Cai Zhao glared back at him, "Thank you for telling me, Senior Brother!" After speaking, she turned away sharply.

Fan Xingjia silently expressed his respect for Chang Ning.

"Who is this?!" Zhou Zhizhen rarely lost his composure. "Martial Uncle Cangqiong, today is the anniversary of the Grandmaster's death. What is the meaning of this, Brother Qiu!"

Cangqiong Zi waved his hand dismissively, "This old Daoist has long since stopped meddling in worldly affairs. Yuanfeng is the Abbot now; he makes all the decisions." Though he said this, the expression on his face was clearly very smug.

Qiu Yuanfeng looked at Song Shijun's extremely ugly expression and said slowly, "Brother Zhou may not recognize this person, but Brother Song certainly does—this is the master of Thunder Duke Fortress, Sima An."

Thunder Duke Fortress was a sizable stronghold located within Vast Heaven Sect's sphere of influence, managing a remote, dense forest. It had a minor reputation in the Jianghu. Sima An was the new master of Thunder Duke Fortress, not only skilled in martial arts but also adept at management and flattery.

When Qiu Yuanfeng said this, the crowd became even more confused.

Song Shijun slowly took a step forward, "What does Abbot Qiu mean?" Of course, he recognized this person. Last year, for his birthday, this Sima An had personally come to Vast Heaven Sect to present a lavish gift.

Qiu Yuanfeng smiled faintly and said pointedly, "The Grandmaster took it upon himself to eliminate the violent and pacify the good during his lifetime. I bring this man's head today precisely to pay tribute to the Grandmaster's spirit in heaven!"

Song Shijun's pupils contracted sharply.

Yang Heying stepped forward, "Thunder Duke Fortress is located within the territory governed by Vast Heaven Sect. Even if this Sima An has done something wrong, it should be up to Brother Song to arbitrate. What business is it of your Grand Beginning Abbey!"

"I'm afraid there was no time to wait," Qiu Yuanfeng said sarcastically.

Seeing that the situation was turning sour, Qi Yunke stepped forward and said in a grave voice, "What exactly did this Sima An do? Brother Yuanfeng, you might as well speak plainly."

Qiu Yuanfeng lifted his robes and slowly walked forward, putting on airs before finally speaking, "Thunder Duke Fortress originally belonged to the Lei family. The old fortress master adopted this Sima An many years ago. Seeing his aptitude wasn't bad, he taught him all his martial arts. When he grew up, seeing his talents surpassed his own son's, he simply passed the position of fortress master to him and even betrothed his beloved daughter. Who knew that this ungrateful wolf would see the beauty of the old fortress master's daughter-in-law and covet her! This beast first plotted to have the old fortress master's son fall to his death from a cliff, then poisoned Miss Lei with a lingering, incurable illness. If Grand Beginning Abbey had arrived just half a day later, I'm afraid the old fortress master would have also met with misfortune."

After hearing this story of an ingrate, the crowd sighed. Yang Heying thought to himself, 'Adopted sons and sworn sons are never as reliable as one's own flesh and blood,' and glanced at Cai Pingchun beside him, implicitly mocking that only an unrefined place like Falling Blossoms Valley would treat a live-in son-in-law as one of their own.

Amidst the discussions, Song Shijun said in a low voice, "How is it that I know nothing of these matters?"

Qiu Yuanfeng laughed, "Hehehe, actually, someone did try to report it. The old fortress master's daughter-in-law is quite resourceful. Seeing that Sima An had taken control of the entire fortress, she feigned compliance while sending a trusted maid to find help. However, Vast Heaven Sect is a grand and powerful sect, and its disciples are arrogant. They paid no heed to the tattered little maid. It's said they didn't even let her explain before kicking her out on the spot."

"And then that little maid ran into people from Grand Beginning Abbey?" Song Shijun's expression was extremely grim.

"Correct." Qiu Yuanfeng couldn't hide his smugness. "By the grace of heaven, there was someone to uphold justice for the Lei family after all."

Cangqiong Zi chimed in at the right moment, "It is thanks to Martial Nephew Yuanfeng's attentiveness that the Lei father and daughter were saved."

After the full story was revealed, every disciple from Grand Beginning Abbey was extremely proud, while the members of Vast Heaven Sect all looked grim and unlucky.

The field fell silent. Everyone knew that Vast Heaven Sect had lost a great deal of face.

In such a situation, even Qi Yunke found it difficult to pass judgment.

First, Grand Beginning Abbey had indeed overstepped its bounds.

Second, Grand Beginning Abbey had indeed saved the Lei family.

Third, if he were to praise Qiu Yuanfeng for doing the right thing, wouldn't Vast Heaven Sect and Song Shijun lose face?

Fourth, if he were to reprimand Qiu Yuanfeng, it would be unreasonable.

Fifth,...

—There was no fifth. The great Sect Master's head was aching.