While Xiang Shaoyun was waiting for the construction to be completed, a Dragon Phoenix Academy envoy arrived. The envoy was Xiao Wei, the person who had brought Xiang Shaoyun into the Dragon Phoenix Academy and the elder who had helped him a lot in the academy.
When Xiang Shaoyun saw Xiao Wei, he politely said, “Elder Xiao, how have you been?”
If this was any other elder, Xiang Shaoyun wouldn’t be so polite. But since he still felt grateful to Xiao Wei, he naturally gave Xiao Wei better treatment.
“Shaoyun, I finally get to see you again. It truly isn’t easy to see you nowadays,” said Xiao Wei with a sigh.
He had always been optimistic about Xiang Shaoyun’s future. Unfortunately, there were some villains in the academy who had forced Xiang Shaoyun to leave. Xiao Wei had been resentful about that. Xiang Shaoyun had now grown into a young king among Saints whose fame spread throughout the dominion. Alas, he no longer had anything to do with the Dragon Phoenix Academy. Xiao Wei had always felt regretful about that. He was here to invite Xiang Shaoyun back to the academy.
When Xiang Shaoyun heard of the invitation, he replied unhesitatingly, “Elder Xiao, don’t talk about my return anymore.”
When he was in the academy, he was mercilessly suppressed. Apart from his master, nobody had even bothered to help him. Thus, his heart was filled with resentment toward the academy.
“Shaoyun, do not be so quick to say no. If you’re willing to return, you will no longer be a disciple. Instead, you’ll be a high-rank elder,” said Xiao Wei.
The elder of an ancient academy was an extremely prestigious position. This was a position many would want to obtain even in their dreams. However, Xiang Shaoyun had no interest whatsoever in the position. He made his choice clear, “Whatever position I’m offered, I do not wish to let that place restrict me anymore. I only want to stay in the Ziling Sect.”
“The principal and the elders all wish for you to return,” Xiao Wei tried again, unwilling to give up so easily.
Xiang Shaoyun shook his head without saying anything else. With his firm willpower, how could he waver so easily?
“The grand elders also wish for you to return.”
“Don’t bother, Elder Xiao. I won’t agree.”
“Sigh, I knew this would happen. Nobody would be willing to return after suffering such mistreatment from the academy,” said Xiao Wei with a sigh. “However, you really need to agree. Even the gravekeeper elder wishes for you to return.”
“What? Master wants me to return?” Xiang Shaoyun could no longer keep his calm when his master was in the picture as well.
The only person worth his respect in the academy was his master.
“That’s right. You can check with the gravekeeper elder to see if I’m telling the truth once you return to the academy. He ended his seclusion for you and shook the entire dominion with his actions,” said Xiao Wei solemnly. “Of course, the gravekeeper elder is not asking you to return for nothing. He has managed to obtain a lot of benefits for you. So long as you agree to return, all the benefits will be yours.”
Left with no choice, Xiang Shaoyun nodded and said, “Fine. I’ll find some time and return once. If this is really my master’s wish, I won’t say no.”
“Good. I’ll be staying here for a bit and return with you when you’re ready, then. You don’t mind having me as a guest, right?” asked Xiao Wei.
“You’re always welcome here,” said Xiang Shaoyun.
He then had some people prepare a feast to welcome Xiao Wei’s arrival. He also told Xiao Wei that the Ziling Sect was preparing to advance into a tier-8 organization. Because of that, it would take him some time before he could return to the academy. Xiao Wei did not push him to return faster. Everything could wait until he was done with all his affairs at the sect.
After some time, the Ziling Sect finally fully took over the Dragon Society, the Brightflower Chamber, and their subsidiary organizations. The number of cities under their rule increased to 58 cities, with 2 tier-7 subsidiary organizations, 7 tier-6 subsidiary organizations, 37 tier-5 subsidiary organizations, and so on. They now met all the requirements to become a tier-8 organization.
After collecting all the subsidiary contracts, Xiang Shaoyun gathered all the Ziling Sect members. When the massive number of members were gathered in one place, a powerful aura bloomed above the sect.
At the same time, all the subsidiary organizations under them were also holding their respective assemblies. An incorporeal resonance seemed to form between all of them, causing the Ziling Sect’s incorporeal power to grow further. Instantly, a curtain of boundless radiance appeared above the Ziling Sect.
Xiang Shaoyun, Scarlet Flame Monarch, Green Ghost, Despair, Bing Busi, Tie Ta, the turtle, the toad, and the other Saints all stood atop the stage. All in all, 30 Saints had been gathered together. Originally, the Ziling Sect only had several Saints. The Ghostface Sect had contributed the largest number of Saints, and the Army of Despair had also contributed several Saints. Most of these Saints weren’t the direct members of the sect, but they still represented the strongest group of combatants the sect possessed.
Also gathered were 180 Sovereigns, each with a solemn expression and powerful aura. Behind them were the Emperors and Kings, totaling to about 10,000 people. There were so many experts gathered here that it was scary.
On the stage, Pang Tongyuan assumed the task of a priest as he started providing incense offerings to the altar. Looking at the sky, he said, “Heavens beyond the dominion, the Ziling Sect was founded 145 years ago. Today, 30 Saints, 180 Sovereigns, and over 10,000 Emperors and Kings have been gathered. To the east, our young sect master, Xiang Shaoyun, conquered the Dragon Society. To the south, we conquered the Brightflower Chamber. Two tier-7 organizations fell under our fold during the two campaigns. We now rule a total of 58 cities. Today, we are applying to the Guardians Guild to have our sect upgraded to a tier-8 organization.”
“Xiang Shaoyun and the sect members hereby apply from the Guardians Guild to have our sect upgraded into a tier-8 organization,” said Xiang Shaoyun.
“Upgrade the Ziling Sect into a tier-8 organization!” the Saints behind Xiang Shaoyun roared.
Next, the 180 Sovereigns also roared, “Upgrade the Ziling Sect into a tier-8 organization!”
“Upgrade the Ziling Sect into a tier-8 organization!”
“Upgrade the Ziling Sect into a tier-8 organization!”
…
The rumbling voices merged with the sect’s flower of incorporeal power. It bloomed and spread in all directions. At this time, everyone in the Celestial King Province seemed to have heard these voices in their heads. Even in the Soaring Dragon Province, some were able to hear the voices as well. The voices and the incorporeal power broke through the sky, turned into a river, and flowed straight toward the Guardians Guild.
At the central part of the Western Desert was a massive city hidden in the void. From this city, the entire Western Desert could be observed. The voices from the Ziling Sect were also heard here. A certain power left the city, broke through space, and appeared beyond the Ziling Sect. At this time, all the Ziling Sect members had a sensation that they were being overlooked by something. It was as though they were completely incapable of hiding from that thing overlooking them.
“The Ziling Sect has met the requirements for advancement. Please accept the promotion token.”
