Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1089 - 768: The Ceremony Begins, Luoyun Tiger
Previously on Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book...
Lingyun Peak once again buzzed with energy as the Purple Mansion Ceremony approached. Spirit Birds soared through the skies, trained Mountain-devouring Rats scurried across the terrain, and Spring Tea bushes flourished on the slopes. The entirety of Lingyun Peak throbbed with vitality, no less so than a decade prior.
At the mountain's base, a multitude of cultivators had already congregated. These individuals, forming small groups, had even initiated temporary trade gatherings on the minor peaks surrounding Lingyun Peak.
"Truly befitting the Lingyun Ye Family," most cultivators were exclaiming animatedly.
"Indeed, even after numerous Beast Tides, the Ye Family's prosperity continues to grow, and the Spirit Vein of Lingyun Peak itself is strengthening!"
"A land that cultivates exceptional individuals—future Purple Mansion cultivators are likely to emerge continuously, perhaps even impacting the status of a Golden Core Clan one day!"
"I heard the previous Patriarch of the Ye Family discovered a Secret Realm within the Taihang Mountain Range, and given their strong ties with the Taiyi Sect, they likely already possess the groundwork for a Golden Core Clan!"
As the discussions continued, the gathered cultivators noticed that even before the Purple Mansion Ceremony commenced, free Spirit Tea was being distributed in the distance.
Despite it being merely the Ye Family's most common Spring Tea, it was still considered Entry Tier Spirit Tea, much to the delight of many cultivators.
Typically, at such grand events, attendees only needed to present a gift to enjoy a Spiritual Cuisine banquet, attend a sermon, and possibly even set up a stall to vend their treasures. This made it an exceptionally cost-effective occasion for many Loose Cultivators.
"It's not just Spirit Tea. You'll understand once you go and see for yourself—the Ye Family is truly being generous this time!" exclaimed someone who had already received their Spirit Tea, savoring the lingering taste and unable to resist spreading the word.
This naturally piqued the curiosity of the other cultivators even further.
They eagerly inquired, but the individual merely adopted a mysterious demeanor, urging everyone to discover it for themselves.
Wang Xianyu, a humble Loose Cultivator, found himself tempted. He promptly brought along his son, who had shown signs of Spirit Roots in his teenage years, and they made their way towards the Ye Family's Lingyun Peak.
Upon reaching the foot of Lingyun Peak, they indeed observed ornate pavilions where members of the Ye Family were distributing Spirit Tea and handing out Tokens.
"Keep this safe. This is the Ye Family's Spirit Stone Order. With this Order, you may visit the Ye Family Tavern or the Pill Pavilion and Artifact Workshop in Taihang Market. You will receive a discount of ten Spirit Stones on any Spiritual Objects purchased, and in one year's time, the Ye Family will host an auction. Many treasures unearthed from the Secret Realm will be made available for bidding!" a Ye clansman clad in a Daoist Robe explained to the assembled Loose Cultivators.
Hearing this, Wang Xianyu's countenance was alight with joy.
He had only prepared a gift valued at a few dozen Spirit Stones; now, he would not only have the chance to hear a Purple Mansion sermon and partake in Spiritual Cuisine, Spiritual Food, and Spirit Tea but also receive a Spirit Stone Order valued at ten Spirit Stones.
Naturally, he quickly joined the queue at the back.
...
Higher up the mountain, Ye Jingyu's appearance had been altered to that of Ye Jingcheng. Standing beside him were Ye Jing Yun, Ye Jingli, and Ye Jing Hu.
Ye Jingli had already returned earlier from Cyan Willow Lake. Upon seeing Ye Jingyu, he was overjoyed, but his attention was currently fixed on the distribution of Spirit Stone Orders at the mountain's base.
"The clan has amassed quite a collection of treasures over the years. Hopefully, this round of promotion proves effective!" Ye Jingyu remarked.
Although the Ye Family had conducted an auction following the conclusion of the Beast Tide, the outcome had been less than ideal, as the Beast Tide had only just subsided.
Neither the number of cultivators nor their spending power had met the Ye Family's expectations.
This time, with the Purple Mansion Ceremony drawing numerous Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivators, and likely several smaller clans, it presented an opportune moment for promotion.
As for the Secret Realm treasure auction, it was based on the narrative of the Secret Realm that the Ye Family had previously circulated to provide Ye Jingcheng and the others a plausible reason to travel to the Desert Sea.
Now, they simply had to await the establishment of the Teleportation Array. Once communication lines with the Desert Sea were re-established, they could then present their treasures for auction.
Whether it was prized Spirit Fruits or potent Magical Artifacts from the Desert Sea, a reasonable selection could be presented. After all, the conditions within Secret Realms differ drastically; as long as the treasures weren't overly unique, it would generally pose no issue. Naturally, the most critical factor was that both the Taiyi Sect and the Tian Dao Sect were now firmly aligned with the Ye Family. The circumstances were no longer like those in the past. "When the time arrives, Sixth Brother can also showcase his talents more. Your renown within the Yan Kingdom is quite significant now!" Ye Jingyu remarked, casting another glance at Ye Jingli. Ye Jingli's Tri-Colored Bone Fire Beads, even his Four-Colored Bone Fire Beads, had gained considerable fame during the recent Beast Tide. The various Magical Artifacts he forged were also widely recognized. "Fourth Brother, you jest with me again. My humble abilities hardly warrant public display; people merely exaggerate!" Ye Jingli replied with false modesty, though inwardly, he was elated. He had meticulously refined Magical Artifacts precisely for moments like this. And this commendation, coming from his own Fourth Brother, was immensely gratifying. "Sixth Brother, that's simply because you haven't visited the Taihang Market. Any Magical Artifact known to be refined by you fetches a substantially higher price in Spirit Stones!" Ye Jing Yun chimed in from the side. For a short period, smiles graced everyone's countenances. Ye Jingli had also managed to advance to the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment, and the strength of the Lingyun Ye Family was already rather formidable. "Indeed, Fourth Brother, we've identified spies from the Jin Family and the Kong Family among the Loose Cultivators. Furthermore, according to information from Qing Yan, they are expected to reach Lingyun Peak in two days. Many Ascendants will be present this time, but among the True Masters, only Master Tianzhen and Master Ziyue are reportedly attending!" Ye Jing Yun added. "So, the Jin Family and Kong Family might truly make an appearance. You must maintain vigilant observation of this matter!" Ye Jingyu also found it peculiar that so few True Masters from the Taiyi Sect were coming. He couldn't help but speculate if Fairy Linghong of the Taiyi Sect was on the verge of a breakthrough. After all, by his estimation, she had been in Seclusion for over two decades. Even if her spiritual foundation wasn't exceptionally deep previously, a breakthrough following such an extended period of Seclusion should be imminent. "If the Jin Family and Kong Family do indeed show up, make arrangements for them to be accommodated in the courtyards equipped with Shadow Wood Puppets," Ye Jingyu instructed, then turned his attention to Ye Jing Hu. "Jing Hu, what was the response from the Tian Dao Sect?" "The Xiao Family, along with the Gu Family and the Xuan Family, are expected to attend. Additionally, Master Mo Dao has also consented to be present," Ye Jing Hu responded calmly. The Xiao Family and the Xuan Family were both Purple Mansion Clans hailing from Celestial Arrival Commandery, while the Gu Family was even a Golden Core Clan. This time, the Ye Family had extended invitations to a significant number of cultivators from Celestial Arrival Commandery, as well as many from Taichang Commandery and Taiqing Commandery. Although a substantial portion of Taiqing Commandery has been conceded, numerous Foundation Establishment Clans still reside there, though no Purple Mansion Clan has emerged yet. As for the former Purple Mansion Clans within Taiqing Commandery, the Wan Family was annihilated, and the remaining clans, such as the Cheng Family, had all pledged allegiance to the Qinghe Sect. The Ye Family, understandably, could not extend invitations to them. "Excellent work!" Ye Jingyu couldn't refrain from offering praise. This commendation instantly filled Ye Jing Hu with immense pleasure. At this juncture, he also recognized the disparity between himself and Ye Jingyun, as well as Ye Jingyu. While he performed admirably in handling specific tasks, when entrusted with overseeing the broader situation, he felt somewhat inadequate. For instance, offering timely encouragement and grasping the intricate details of every matter – he believed he lacked the capacity for such responsibilities. Of course, his mindset had since adapted. Once the Teleportation Array was operational, he intended to assume a position at the Talisman Hall; beyond that, he no longer desired to shoulder additional burdens. He would then dedicate himself to nurturing the Thunder Roc and focus intently on his cultivation. He had heard that Ye Qingshuang had already attained the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, and the Ye Family's own Ye Yunxi was also at the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment. If he didn't apply himself diligently, he genuinely feared being surpassed by the Qing Generation and Yun Generation of the Ye Family. Such an outcome would be an utter disgrace to his Thunder Spirit Root. ... An additional three days elapsed. As the first light of dawn appeared at the horizon's edge, several Scarlet Birds soared forth from the mountains. Their piercing cries echoed ceaselessly through the air. The grand Array encircling Lingyun Peak also converged countless auspicious clouds, which then settled serenely in the heavens.With the entirety of Lingyun Peak adorned in lanterns and vibrant banners, the scene was exceptionally magnificent.
The grand Purple Mansion ceremony had finally dawned.
Numerous Cultivators journeyed from various peaks, arriving in droves.
The distinguished Purple Mansion Golden Core Cultivators would, of course, make their appearance only after midday.
However, the majority of Cultivators were compelled to arrive much earlier, waiting at the base of Lingyun Peak to gain entry and be seated.
This was an unwritten decree within the cultivation world.
Naturally, arriving ahead of time offered its own set of advantages. The Ye Family had thoughtfully prepared Spirit Fruit and Spirit Tea, refreshing them at regular intervals.
All guest Loose Cultivators, provided they refrained from any clandestine hoarding, were permitted to partake freely.
The assembly for this ceremony comprised a considerable number of Cultivators. At this very moment, Ye Jing Hu stood in the peak's plaza, observing the throng of supporters and feeling a surge of heroic spirit.
After all, this was his own momentous ceremony.
Yet, he swiftly reined in his burgeoning pride. He was acutely aware that Ye Jingcheng had already achieved Golden Core formation.
To one day host a Golden Core ceremony would be a truly awe-inspiring feat.
Dong!
Dong!
As the resonant gongs signaled the commencement, Cultivators began their ascent and took their designated places. From Lingyun Peak's base to its slopes, numerous pavilions had been erected; most Cultivators would be seated here, while those of higher standing—Foundation Establishment Cultivators and even Foundation Establishment Powers—occupied spots further up the mountainside. As for the Purple Mansion Golden Core Cultivators, they were to be received within and before the Assembly Hall.
Naturally, the most significant distinction remained in the caliber of gifts presented.
Gifts of Tier One Treasures, offered by Qi Cultivators and Qi Cultivation Clans, elicited no cheers whatsoever.
Foundation Establishment Clans and Foundation Establishment Cultivators garnered cheers, but these came from the Qi Cultivators; only when Purple Mansion cultivators appeared would Foundation Establishment Cultivators offer cheers, accompanied by layered auspicious phenomena.
"Loose Cultivator Xiao Yufeng from East Sun Peak extends his congratulations to Ascendant Lei Hu on his breakthrough, specially presenting a single stalk of Tier Two Seeking Sun Grass!"
"Xun Ke Wei, representing the Xun Family of Taichang Commandery, congratulates Ascendant Lei Hu on his breakthrough and specially presents one piece of Tier Two Profound Sun Stone!"
...
Ye Jing Hu's Daoist appellation had been meticulously derived from his own Spirit Root and given name.
While selecting his name, he had harbored a future aspiration: to subdue a Thunder Attribute Spirit Tiger and claim it as his Spirit Pet.
And it was at this precise moment that the Wei Family could be observed approaching in the distance.
Wei Dazhong, still broad-shouldered and portly, strode forward with immense steps, leading his clansmen.
After a brief interval, a clansman loudly proclaimed:
"Wei Dazhong of the Cloud Lake Wei Family congratulates Ascendant Lei Hu on his breakthrough, specially presenting one cub of the Tier Three Great Demon Luoyun Tiger!" As this congratulatory announcement echoed—
Ye Jing Hu himself was taken aback.
This Luoyun Tiger possessed a considerable reputation, and its cub was, by extension, of no meager value.
The Wei Family had previously gifted Golden Dragon Fish, and now they presented a Luoyun Tiger cub. This truly astonished Ye Jing Hu and the other senior members of the Ye Family.
"I'd wager it's because the Jin Family fled, and he fears our Ye Family will relentlessly pursue the matter, not even leaving them a Tier Two Mountain Peak. It must be said, this Wei Dazhong is truly a man blessed by fortune!" Ye Jingyun couldn't help but communicate via Transmission.
The Wei Family had, in the past, aligned themselves with the Qinghe Sect and had narrowly avoided utter annihilation, with only Wei Dazhong remaining as a solitary Foundation Establishment Cultivator.
Now, it was reported that the clan already numbered five or six Foundation Establishment Cultivators.
And that was merely on the surface; in secrecy, there were likely even more. The Wei Family's expertise in crafting Spirit Talismans was, undeniably, remarkable.
They had amassed a significant quantity of Spirit Stones. Most critically, they demonstrated a willingness to deplete their resources entirely to acquire Foundation Establishment Pills.
At every single auction, the Wei Family's sole objective was the acquisition of Foundation Establishment Pills.
In contrast, they displayed minimal interest in Magical Artifacts and other Treasures!
"He is indeed a remarkable fellow!" Ye Jingyu found himself echoing the sentiment.
Of course, at this juncture, Ye Jingyu's gaze was fixed upon the distant horizon. He eagerly awaited the arrival of the disciples from the Taiyi Sect, as well as the esteemed Master Mo Dao!