The door of the Primordial Magnetic Main Peak Hall had long been opened, with white jade pillars supporting the majestic dome, the Daoist Sect's engraved crest on the pillars glimmering under the play of light and shadow.
The bell of the Inner Sect Assembly had sounded thrice, and over three hundred Inner Sect Golden Core Cultivators stood solemnly in neat rows.
The scene of Chen Sheng breaking through to the Nascent Soul on Golden Light Peak was still fresh in everyone's memory, and all knew the theme of this assembly.
At this moment, all eyes were directed towards the void in the center of the hall, in anticipation of the appearance of the newly promoted Nascent Soul True Monarch.
Outside the hall, the cloud sea flowed slowly, with sunlight pouring through the doors, casting long patches of light on the ground.
At this moment, two gentle ripples suddenly appeared in the void at the center of the hall. Pale blue sword mist intertwined with the multicolored void spiritual light, rippling out like water waves, capturing everyone's attention.
In the next second, two figures slowly emerged from the ripples.
On the left stood Chen Xihua, clad in a blue sword robe, surrounded by condensed sword intent, with a sharpness unique to a Nascent Soul Sword Cultivator emanating from his brows.
On the right was Chen Sheng, attired in a moon-white daoist robe, its edges embroidered with intricate pill patterns and sword patterns, his aura deep as the void, yet gently soothing.
The father and son stood side by side, Chen Xihua slightly turned his body, raising his hand in a gesture of invitation, yielding the position of honor to Chen Sheng.
Chen Sheng scanned through the hall, a gentle yet authoritative smile gracing his lips, clearly sensing the awe and envy in each of the Golden Core Cultivators' gazes.
In past Inner Sect Assemblies, though he was respected as a Pill Vein magnate and a quasi-Tier Four Alchemist, there was always a sense of "Golden Core Cultivator" level-to-level look.
Now with his advancement to Nascent Soul, this respect transformed completely into reverence for a "True Monarch".
"Greetings to Micro-Image True Monarch!"
Krijg op elke leeftijd een erectie met deze oude truc! Tweemaal daags innemenOpen
From the crowd, strong joy flickered in Chen Xihai's eyes as he was the first to speak, his voice trembling.
Immediately, the Golden Core Cultivators below acted almost simultaneously—they bowed in unison, their hands forming the standard greeting gesture in front of their chests, arms parallel to the ground, backs bent at ninety degrees, executing the motion without the slightest hesitation.
"Greetings to Micro-Image True Monarch!"
The deafening sound reverberated within the hall, resounding like thunder against the dome!
The Golden Core Cultivators were full of amazement—father and son, both Nascent Soul, standing together in the same hall, how rare it was!
Chen Sheng gazed at the scene before him, his eyes lingering on Chen Xihai for a moment, filled with gentleness, a faint smile on his lips.
He slowly raised his hand, a faint silver-white spirit light emanating from his palm, the gesture simultaneously embodying the majesty of a Nascent Soul True Monarch and an approachable warmth:
"Elders, no need for such formalities."
His voice transmitted through the void across the hall, falling clearly into everyone's ears, carrying a power that soothed the heart.
Upon hearing, the cultivators below straightened up, yet maintained a respectful demeanor, their eyes glowing with fervor as they gazed at the platform.
Chen Sheng's gaze slowly swept over the hall, capturing everyone's reactions:
"Today, my fortunate Nascent Soul formation is merely due to a bit more opportunity and an earlier step than you all."
He paused, his tone carrying a few hints of reminiscence and reflection:
"Two hundred years ago, I was like you, stuck at the Golden Core Realm, tirelessly cultivating day and night to break through the bottleneck, once plagued by heart demons that kept me sleepless, and troubled by the scarcity of spiritual materials."
These words carried none of the high aloofness of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, but rather the sincerity of a senior daoist sharing cultivation insights, instantly closing the distance with the cultivators below.
"But such is the path of cultivation!"
"I achieved Golden Core Perfection at the age of three hundred and twenty, and after two hundred years of diligent cultivation without a moment's relaxation, I finally reached the Nascent Soul Realm at the age of five hundred and twenty-one."
Chen Sheng's voice gradually strengthened, his eyes sparkling with awe and dedication to the Great Dao, raising his hand to point towards the cloud sea outside the hall, his voice penetrating:
"Everyone, look, beyond that cloud sea lies the scenery of the Nascent Soul Realm, and even higher realms, the Great Dao lies ahead, endless!"
Saying this, his gaze returned to the cultivators below, brimming with encouragement:
"All of you, being Golden Core members of the Daoist Sect's Inner Sect, possess extraordinary talent and resolute determination. May you be encouraged together, each reaching the Great Success of Nascent Soul one day."
As these words fell, the hall descended into a brief silence, followed by Chen Xihai once again taking the lead in clapping, the applause spreading like a tidal wave, echoing throughout the entire hall.
...
After the Inner Sect Assembly at the Primordial Magnetic Main Peak Hall ended, Chen Sheng left with Chen Xihua side by side.
As they passed by Nine Cloud Peak, Chen Sheng instinctively looked towards the cave abode he had occupied for several centuries.
Situated halfway up Nine Cloud Peak, supported by a Tier Three Top Grade Spiritual Vein, the cave abode could no longer meet the cultivation needs of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Chen Xihua caught the focus of his father's gaze, and softly said:
"Father, the spiritual vein of Nine Cloud Peak is insufficient to support your Nascent Soul cultivation. I have found a new cave abode for you in the sect core region."
Chen Sheng nodded in acknowledgment, flying with Chen Xihua toward the core region of the Daoist Sect.
Before long, a peak shrouded in mist loomed before them—this peak named Divine Dawn Peak, the entire mountain was pinkish in hue, and at dawn, the sunlight cast over the mountainside would produce a sky full of dawn glow, thereby earning its name.
The peak was surrounded by dense spiritual qi, which condensed into tangible spiritual mist, covering the mountain like a light veil. Inhaling a breath of it could cause a cultivator's mana to surge slightly.
"Father, this is Divine Dawn Peak."
Chen Xihua led Chen Sheng to the entrance of the cave dwelling at the top of the peak and pushed open the jade door with a raised hand.
The portal slowly opened, and an even denser wave of spiritual qi swept over—inside, the floors of the cave dwelling were paved with warm jade, and countless glowing spirit crystals were embedded in the walls, illuminating the dwelling as if it were broad daylight.
Deep inside the cave dwelling, a spring bubbled gently. The spring water shimmered with a faint golden hue—it was the rare Spirit Marrow Spring, able to nourish the divine soul and accelerate the circulation of mana.
Chen Xihua guided Chen Sheng to the center of the cave dwelling, pointing to the faintly visible lines of the spirit vein beneath the ground:
"The spirit vein under this cave dwelling is very similar to the one at my Golden Light Peak; both are Tier Four High Grade Spiritual Veins."
"I have already arranged for the cave dwelling to be prepared. The Spirit Gathering Array and Defense Array have all been set up. You only need to focus on your cultivation with peace of mind."
The two sat by the stone table inside the cave dwelling, and Chen Xihua poured a cup of spirit tea for his father with a raised hand.
The tea was a faint green, exuding a refreshing aroma that soothed the mind. It was brewed with the unique Dawn Mist Tea from Divine Dawn Peak, offering effects that calm the heart and focus the mind.
"Father, I have already sent messages to several other True Monarchs who are traveling,"
Chen Xihua looked at Chen Sheng, with a touch of solemnity in his tone:
"They'll return to the sect in a few months at the most, or a year at the latest. At that time, a grand True Monarch ceremony will be held for you, announcing your advancement to the Nascent Soul to the entire Yue Country!"
Chen Sheng raised the teacup, taking a gentle sip, a refreshing sensation coursing through his body as the tea passed down his throat:
"Leave the celebration arrangements to you. I have just achieved the Nascent Soul, and my realm has yet to stabilize. The Sword Infant within me still needs nourishment from spiritual qi, and my control over void power requires further refinement."
"Next, I plan to go into seclusion to stabilize my realm. I'll leave the affairs of the family and the sect to you."
Chen Xihua nodded quickly upon hearing this:
"Rest assured, Father, as the Rotating True Monarch, these are my duties. You can focus on your closed-door training. Should important matters arise with the family, I'll consult with eldest brother first and then decide whether to disturb you."
Understanding his father's dedication to cultivation—especially after his recent breakthrough to the Nascent Soul—Chen Xihua refrained from further mention of the ceremony.
In the following days, Chen Sheng began familiarizing himself with the environment of the cave dwelling at Divine Dawn Peak.
With the authority of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, he went to the Daoist Sect's Scripture Pavilion, accessing the ninth floor that was previously off-limits to him.
This floor of the Scripture Pavilion stored the Daoist Sect's profound legacies accumulated over millennia—jade scrolls recording insights into late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation, techniques for mastering void power, along with rare pill formulas, array maps, and sword techniques.
Chen Sheng entered the Treasure Vault, immersing himself daily in the ocean of legacy, selecting cultivation techniques and insights suitable for himself.
Having decided on a cultivation path, Chen Sheng commenced his closed-door training, sitting cross-legged by the Spirit Marrow Spring, simultaneously absorbing the spiritual qi from the Tier Four High Grade Spiritual Vein to nourish the Sword Infant, while practicing the Seven Emotions Sword Scripture.
He contemplated the fusion of void power and sword intent, occasionally taking out jade scrolls borrowed from the Scripture Pavilion to delve into the cultivation tips for Nascent Soul cultivators.
...
The wind from Golden Light Peak carried the moisture unique to the spirit vein, brushing against Chen Xihua's azure sword robe. He stood on the observation deck at the top of the peak, gazing past the layers of cloud sea towards Divine Dawn Peak.
There, shrouded in mist and clouds, the outline of the cave dwelling could faintly be seen, with his father Chen Sheng in seclusion within, cutting off all contact with the outside world.
The attendant beside him had just reported that the "Divine Radiance Peak Isolation Array has been fully activated," leaving Chen Xihua in silence.
He raised his hand, brushing away a wisp of cloud silk from his sleeve, softly sighing, "Father's dedication to the Dao is truly steadfast."
As far back as his vague memories went, his father Chen Sheng was a renowned Golden Core cultivator and Tier Three Alchemist within the Daoist Sect.
He would often be woken by the medicinal aroma from the alchemy room in the early mornings, then see his father sitting beside the pill furnace, focused on controlling the fire.
In the evenings, he would find his father at the martial arts arena, either practicing arrays by sketching intricate array patterns with spiritual sand on the ground, repeatedly calculating the position of the array hub, or sitting in meditation, surrounded by a faint spiritual qi...
Apart from occasionally drinking and discussing the Dao with friends, he had no indulgences, dedicating himself entirely to the cultivation of the Great Dao.
Chen Xihua's heart was filled with admiration:
"As a child, I always thought my father was too stern, until I embarked on the path of cultivation myself, realizing his earnest intentions. Cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you don't advance, you fall back. If you indulge in enjoyment, the Great Dao will eventually abandon you."
He thought of his brothers, with eldest brother Chen Xixing being steady and diligent, maintaining an unwavering four-hour cultivation despite family duties; fifteenth brother Chen Xilong, dedicated to body refining, persisting in physical training even at the late-stage Golden Core...
The other brothers were much the same, with hardly anyone daring to slack in cultivation, each developing in areas they were passionate about.
This wasn't due to anyone's mandate but stemmed from growing up around their father, shaped by years of wordless guidance.
The father, through his actions, conveyed to them that "Cultivation is a lifelong pursuit," instilling this diligence into the very bones and blood of the Chen Clan's descendants.
Now, this family ethos has been passed to the next generation. Although the third generation lacks the excellent spiritual root aptitude of the second, Golden Core cultivators are gradually emerging as well.
It is precisely this ethos of "diligent pursuit of the Dao" that enabled the rapid rise of the Chen Clan over hundreds of years, achieving the illustrious status of "One Family, Two Nascent Souls, a Hundred Golden Cores across three generations!"
This has become an exceedingly rare achievement in the Cultivation Realm of Yue Country.