Chapter 509: Guess What Was Refined

Jiang Xueling’s words, of course, were not binding. The Immortal Gathering had to proceed. Under the repeated urging of the younger disciples from Weimei Sect, she finally gulped down her cup of tea, stood up, and left with them.

Soon, a wisp of cloud carried the group of female cultivators from Weimei Sect into the sky, flying towards the distant Tiandao Peak, with Jiang Xueling leading the way.

It wasn't just them; dazzling or subtle streaks of light also flew from all directions, all headed for Tiandao Peak.

Jiufeng Mountain was undoubtedly the largest mountain range within Jiufeng Cave Heaven. Its peaks were steep, with the nine most spectacular ones towering into the clouds. The mountains were also perpetually shrouded in mist, yet surprisingly, they didn't feel dark, as the constantly shifting mists always left gaps for sunlight to filter through.

Tiandao Peak, as the main peak of Jiufeng Mountain and the most magnificent of the nine, was open today to host the Immortal Gathering. It had been decorated by the Jiufeng Mountain cultivators with spells to create a profound sense of sacredness.

Even before reaching Tiandao Peak, one could see the entire massive mountain enveloped in auspicious, divine light, like multi-colored auroras swirling around it. Waves of celestial music also emanated from it, bringing comfort to all who heard it.

Wei Yuansheng, following behind Qiu Feng, could barely conceal his excitement, just like the other senior and junior disciples of Yuhuai Mountain. Streaks of immortal light, near and far, surrounded them, each representing an immortal cultivator or a group of them. This scale was far grander than the scene Ji Yuan had witnessed when the immortals of Xianxia Island rushed by in Chunhui Prefecture.

Qiu Feng, Yang Ming, and the other True Persons were hardly better off, equally awestruck. Except for True Person Ju Yuanzi, this was the first Immortal Gathering for everyone present.

"Master, since True Person Ju and Mr. Ji aren't here, will we be alright?"

As they got closer to Tiandao Peak, Wei Yuansheng finally snapped out of his admiration for the scenery and quietly asked Qiu Feng beside him.

"Don't be afraid. We immortal cultivators must remain calm in any situation. Since True Person Ju and Mr. Ji are not here, we should just sit quietly and peacefully. Don't get involved in any discussions about the Dao."

"Oh... right, Master, I heard the Immortal Gathering requires us to sit on the mountain for a long time at the beginning. What about food? Will Jiufeng Mountain provide meals?"

People with shallow cultivation like Wei Yuansheng couldn't go without food for extended periods; they would start to feel hungry after a few days.

"Haha, Yuansheng, don't worry. The Immortal Gathering isn't just a talk fest. Eminent masters from all sides will display their powers, and there will be discussions about the Dao, as well as demonstrations and even duels. As the hosts, Jiufeng Mountain has considered every aspect; nothing will be lacking. There will be plenty of fruits, immortal wines, and exquisite pastries everywhere."

"Yes, your senior brother is right. As Mr. Ji says, to some extent, immortals are also people who enjoy pursuing beauty. At appropriate times, they naturally prefer to be comfortable, so you absolutely won't starve. Otherwise, the Daoist friends of Jiufeng Mountain would be considered poor hosts!"

"Hahahahaha…"

The True Persons of Yuhuai Mountain all laughed, and the disciples behind them also chuckled, some, like Wei Yuansheng, visibly relieved.

"But the Immortal Gathering has already begun, and Mr. Ji and True Person Ju still haven't returned. They probably won't make it, will they?"

Hearing Shang Yiyi’s words, Yang Ming looked back in the direction of Xianlai Peak.

"We don't need to worry about that. There are many people concerned about Xianlai Peak now!"

"Everyone, straighten your robes. We've arrived."

Passing through swirling mists, the celestial light ahead grew brighter, and the Yuhuai Mountain group gradually descended onto the summit of Tiandao Peak.

Although it was just a single peak, Tiandao Peak was immensely large. Its scattered summit felt like a small mountain range with various peaks. On each sub-peak, there were pavilions, towers, and serene settings, complete with tables, clear tea, fruits, and meditation cushions—nothing was missing.

The Yuhuai Mountain group landed at a mid-level mountain pavilion, where a Jiufeng Mountain cultivator stood quietly waiting.

"Lin Jian of Jiufeng Mountain greets all Daoist friends from Yuhuai Mountain."

Lin Jian was the Jiufeng Mountain cultivator who had a brief encounter with Ji Yuan on the East Sea. It was he and Chi Gui who had invited Ji Yuan to the Immortal Gathering. This connection was known to an ancestor-level figure in Jiufeng Mountain, who specifically arranged for Lin Jian to receive the Yuhuai Mountain group.

"Greetings, Daoist Lin!" "We greet Daoist Lin!"

After they exchanged greetings, Lin Jian gestured towards the pavilion behind him, introducing the setup. It featured various tables, each laden with drinks and fruits, and incense burners from which wisps of green smoke curled.

As Lin Jian provided explanations, the Yuhuai Mountain cultivators took their seats. After receiving new tokens, Lin Jian bowed and departed.

Not just here, but everywhere, near and far, streaks of immortal light descended. The various small Daoist venues of each immortal sect were spaced approximately ten to dozens of yards apart, neither too close nor too far. In the very center of Tiandao Peak was the "Dao Discussion Platform," essential for the Immortal Gathering.

The Dao Discussion Platform had specific specifications. Here at Jiufeng Mountain, it was based on a massive circular bluestone slab, inscribed with countless spiritual texts and formations, symbolizing the reception of the Dao of Heaven and Earth.

The entire Dao Discussion Platform was not small, approximately a hundred *zhang* in diameter. At its center, a huge spiritual talisman flickered with constant radiant light. The spiritual script on it continuously transformed, and with each flash, immortal light projected across the entire Tiandao Peak, displaying various beautiful scenes of heaven and earth, from distant green mountains and clear waters to detailed flowers and trees, and even frolicking creatures.

The celestial music on Tiandao Peak was performed live by about thirty ethereal female immortals, holding various instruments, on a higher sub-peak Daoist venue. One could see gentle streams of light accompanying the celestial music, flowing across the entire Tiandao Peak area.

"Master, what do the constantly changing scenes on the Dao Discussion Platform mean?"

Qiu Feng stroked his short beard, pondered for a moment, and replied.

"It should symbolize the wondrous changes in heaven and earth, and also the cycle of the Heavenly Dao. Look at the changing seasons, the life cycles of flowers, plants, trees, birds, and beasts, then the transformations of land and sea, sunrise and sunset—isn't that the Dao of Heaven and Earth?"

Qiu Feng actually didn't know the true meaning himself, but he felt this was the correct understanding. The other True Persons of Yuhuai Mountain also nodded in agreement.

Approximately seven or eight small peaks away, the female cultivators of Weimei Sect descended. Just then, the spiritual talisman on the Dao Discussion Platform evolved into a scene of a hundred flowers blooming, radiating to every corner of Tiandao Peak's summit, making it seem as if ethereal flowers were faintly blooming around everyone.

Jiang Xueling bent down, reached out, and plucked a vibrant, dewy red peony from the ground. She brought it to her nose and gently sniffed, and a faint floral fragrance immediately wafted towards her.

Jiang Xueling's action seemed to break some mysterious rule. All at once, the entire Tiandao Peak summit was filled with floral scents. The illusory flower sea around them seemed to come alive, and various floral fragrances emanated from it, intoxicating all the immortal cultivators.

"This, well, this feels a bit more like an Immortal Gathering!"

Jiang Xueling said with a smile before sitting down on a meditation cushion in the pavilion. The other female cultivators of Weimei Sect also took their seats, while the Jiufeng Mountain cultivator responsible for their reception secretly glanced at Jiang Xueling again before bowing and departing.

Weimei Sect disliked interacting with outsiders, always appearing uninterested in anything and keeping others at a distance. This was truly keeping people at a distance; within a thousand *li* of Weimei Sect's mountain gate, no demons, monsters, or even accomplished immortal cultivators or Buddhist monks were welcome.

There was even a rumor in the cultivation world that Weimei Sect's cultivation of the path of tranquility bordered on emotionlessness. While this might be an exaggeration, it certainly stemmed from Weimei Sect's own attitude.

Streaks of immortal light continued to descend, and Tiandao Peak soon gathered a number of immortal cultivators far exceeding Jiufeng Mountain's own population.

The Sect Master of Jiufeng Mountain, accompanied by several highly accomplished cultivators from Jiufeng Mountain, stood on the Dao Discussion Platform, transmitting their voices with Daoist resonance across the entire Jiufeng Mountain range.

"We immortal cultivators, we roam the ten directions and various realms, witnessing transformations of land and sea, observing the wonders of heaven and earth... firstly to comprehend the Dao, and secondly to live freely! Yet, how vast are heaven and earth, how boundless is the Heavenly Dao! Now, another sixty years have passed, and we wandering immortals, having journeyed far and wide, gather here at Tiandao Peak to discuss the wondrous Dao of heaven and earth. As the Immortal Gathering commences, I, Zhao, wish all Daoist friends an early attainment of the Dao!"

With that, the Sect Master of Jiufeng Mountain pointed a finger towards the sky. Although no magical change was apparent, his fair hand seemed to transcend space and size, touching the spiritual talisman in the air.

This produced a melodious chime, unlike the heavy bronze bell sounds of temples. This chime was crisp and clear, its echo like waves of celestial music.

Seven-colored auroras flashed across the entire Tiandao Peak. After nine clear chimes, the Sect Master of Jiufeng Mountain, along with the Jiufeng Mountain cultivators, left the Dao Discussion Platform. They didn't use any flying spells but walked step by step to a sub-peak nearby, settling on meditation cushions in its pavilion.

Celestial music lingered, clouds and mist swirled, and amidst the dazzling light, the entire Tiandao Peak seemed to fall silent. All the immortal cultivators appeared to be meditating, immersed in a profound, mysterious sensation.

Unbeknownst to them, a handsome man in a long, flowing yellow robe had stepped onto the Dao Discussion Platform. His robes were so wide and long that they seemed to trail on the ground, yet their clean and bright appearance suggested they didn't actually touch the surface.

The man looked around, smiled, and pointed towards the spiritual talisman in the sky, sending a faint magical light towards it.

Another clear chime sounded, and the man's voice spread across Tiandao Peak with the chime.

"There's no time like the present, and all things are fated. Why don't we start by guessing what marvelous treasure our fellow Daoists on Xianlai Peak have refined?"

On a nearby small peak, the Sect Master of Jiufeng Mountain also smiled and whispered to the person next to him.

"Good, this is very good. It reduces potential disputes."

The person next to him was a ruddy-faced middle-aged man, whose long hair, however, was a mix of black and silver, appearing grizzled. Hearing the Jiufeng Mountain Sect Master's words, he merely smiled.

"Sect Master Zhao, you are overly optimistic!"