"The Zheng clan is courting death if you ask me. They dared to steal the secret realm that opens once every thousand years from the Xing clan... they're fortunate the Xing clan chose not to retaliate."
"Well, Rumor has it that the Xing clan stole a 500-year-old Blood Tempering Ginseng from the Zheng clan.
The Blood Ginseng is said to be born from a battlefield filled with the blood essence, sorrow, and despair of fallen cultivators.
It is capable of elevating a mortal with no cultivation base to the Foundation Establishment realm in a single use.
It also tempers the body and mind, enabling a cultivator to challenge those in higher stages of the same realm if their body has been tempered well."
"If that's the case then I don't blame the Zheng clan "
Rogue and faction cultivators from myriad races filled one of the floating mountains of the Demiurge clan.
This place, suspended high in the sky, was reserved solely for the clan's younger generation to train and for holding important secret events, such as the Gathering.
"Different cultivators from various sections of the Central Continent, welcome to the banquet hosted by the Demiurge Clan, one of the six great clans," said a middle-aged flamboyant-looking man as he descended from the sky.
His extravagant outfit captured the attention of the surrounding cultivators, their gazes drawn to the dazzling display.
"is that useless and talentless junior Han, I last saw him a hundred years ago"
"I heard he suffered from Qi deviation when attempting to step into the Golden Core Formation realm, but seeing he succeeded suggests he has strong backing"
"Today is not about me but about the Demiurge clan and the banquet, so let's be respectful and keep our thoughts to ourselves," said Ming Han, using Qi to amplify his voice.
Despite his composed words, his trembling tone betrayed his struggle to hold back tears as he endured the ridicule and jeers of those around him.
"All the vessels of the six great clans have been seated on their respective platforms, along with representatives from various factions such as sects, blacksmithing institutions, the Star Array Association, and others," said Ming Han, beads of sweat forming on his face.
He noticed the malice radiating from factions he hadn't mentioned explicitly or had grouped collectively, and he knew they wouldn't let it slide.
"We first welcome the Azure Clan, known for handling the economic matters of sects, institutions, and associations across the Central Continent," said Ming Han, his voice filled with vigor and excitement, drawing a wave of approval from the audience.
As soon as Ming Han finished his announcement, a giant closed lotus manifested in the sky, radiating an ethereal glow.
As the lotus slowly began to open, figures dressed in green and white celestial cultivation attire were revealed, their presence exuding an aura of grace and authority.
Petals began to fall from the lotus, drifting gracefully through the air before arranging themselves into luminous stairways. These petals formed a divine path, acting as stairs for the Azure Clan to descend upon.
Step by step, the cultivators made their way to the ground with synchronized elegance, their every movement radiating power and serenity.
The Azure Clan, like the other six great clans, is traditionally composed of six elders, three great elders, a patriarch or matriarch, a guardian elder, and an ancestor.
However, currently, only one great elder, three elders, and the Matriarch were present.
Their striking silver hair and piercing indigo eyes exuded a commanding and awe-inspiring aura, reflecting their profound heritage and status within the clan hierarchy.
"Hmm, this cultivation era may indeed be the new golden era... this generation is not too bad," remarked the great elder, his tone carrying a mix of appraisal and indifference.
As the members of the Azure Clan made their way to their designated sitting platform, they paid no heed to the sycophantic gazes and fawning gestures of the other factions, their dignified demeanor further emphasizing their superiority.
"Well, now that the Azure Clan has been properly introduced, let's welcome the Wang Clan!" announced Ming Han, his brazen voice brimming with awe.
"Renowned for their unparalleled craftsmanship, the Wang Clan creates items essential to both mortals and cultivators across the Central Continent.
Their steadfast neutrality among sects and factions has made them a pillar of fairness and an indispensable force in maintaining balance."
A sudden mist spread across the area, forming a dense fog that veiled the vision of the surrounding cultivators.
Within this obscurity, five short figures emerged, their silhouettes barely visible.
As the fog gradually dissipated, the lineup of the Wang Clan became clear, their composed demeanor radiating an air of quiet confidence.
Without a word, they proceeded to their designated platform, their silent presence speaking volumes of their reputation and strength.
Ming Han continued to introduce the Su clan, which specialized in dealing with the sea, the Zumo clan, which dealt with the sky, and the Zenin clan, which dealt with the borders between cities and dynasties in the Central continent.
The Su Clan governs maritime borders and oversees the safety of sea-based trade routes, ensuring security against sea monsters and invaders.
They facilitate crucial economic exchanges between the six continents, playing a vital role in regional commerce.
The Zumo Clan manages aerial transport and trade, controlling the skies and addressing aerial threats. Their diplomatic influence ensures the neutrality and security of air travel across the region.
The Zenin Clan maintains peace by regulating conflicts between cities and dynasties. They have the authority to approve or deny wars, ensuring stability and preventing unnecessary violence across the Central Continent.
"Now for those who are responsible for the banquet welcome the Demiurge clan
The Demiurge Clan is renowned for its elite warriors who defend against invaders from other realms and mortal planes.
They are known for exploring the uncharted territories of the continent and uncovering dangerous and forgotten lands.
The clan is also dedicated to hunting demonic beasts and slaying those who follow the demonic path, maintaining order by eliminating those who disrupt the natural balance.
While their meritocratic system makes them ruthless, they are also respected for their fairness within the orthodox factions.
The Demiurge Clan values strength and intelligence above all else, fostering a culture where personal nature is secondary to one's achievements.
This unique balance has allowed them to thrive and remain a powerful and influential force within the world." said Ming Han with a tone filled with glazing surprising the audience but he didn't care
The sky darkened abruptly, clouds rolling in like a tide after Ming Han's announcement. A strange tension gripped the air, heavy and electric.
At first, soft raindrops began to fall, but they quickly transformed—bright streaks of harmless lightning descending to the ground.
The crowd gasped in shock and awe, watching as the rain of light danced around them.
Then came the thunderous strike. Bolts of lightning tore through the sky with deafening force, slamming into the ground and sending up plumes of dust and smoke.
The impact reverberated through the earth, silencing the murmurs of the crowd.
As the dust began to settle, 5 figures emerged from the haze. Clad in jet-black cultivation robes, their imposing presence silenced even the boldest onlookers.
At the forefront stood Azazel, his aura commanding and suffocating, An initial Soul Formation realm cultivator and a great elder of the Demiurge clan, his mere presence radiated overwhelming pressure.
Behind him, the junior elders of the clan stepped forward, each exuding a sharp, unyielding spiritual pressure.
Their strength honed to perfection at the Nascent Soul realm, was evident in their every movement.
The crowd watched in stunned silence. This was not just an arrival—it was a demonstration of authority, precision, and absolute control.
"Surnamed Su, how many times must I remind you?" Azazel said with a faint smirk, his tone dripping with condescension. "You can envy me... but you'll never be me."
With deliberate elegance, he reached into his robes and pulled out a finely polished mirror, angling it to admire his reflection. His expression was one of pure satisfaction, as though his beauty alone was an unassailable truth.
Suddenly, the spiritual Qi within the mountain began to condense, spiraling toward the sky. A massive door started to take shape, its appearance sending ripples of alarm through nearby factions.
As the door slowly opened, Haniel emerged, holding her twin children. Their presence instantly drew every eye, the sheer weight of her aura suffocating the surrounding atmosphere.
"Is that the Blood Fairy?" someone muttered in disbelief. "Her beauty surpasses the rumors."
"I've never seen her before," another whispered, "but I heard someone tried to divine her fate once… their eyes and soul combusted on the spot."
Haniel ignored the growing noise, descending from the sky with a calm yet commanding demeanor.
As she passed, her gaze briefly landed on the Matriarch of the Azure Clan, and for a split second, a sharp wave of killing intent erupted from her.
The matriarch froze, stunned, but before anyone could react, Haniel withdrew her intent and continued on her way, a soft smile gracing her face.
...