Stealthily cultivating in the chaotic world of demons and martial artists
Chapter 1165 - 1019 Ceremony

Chapter 1165: Chapter 1019 Ceremony

Above the stall, a rough-looking man sat cross-legged in the void.

On his body clustered densely packed tattoos of ten thousand beasts.

Each tattoo seemed to be an immortal beast!

With fierce expressions and poised as if to pounce, these were no ordinary tattoos, but likely the Demonic Skin-painting Skill, which used the essence blood and spirits of the fairy beasts to craft each tattoo. Usually hidden on the body, they could evolve into ten thousand ferocious beasts when casting magic.

’An Immortal, and not an ordinary one at that!’ Fang Xi thought to himself, then glanced over the stall and understood at once.

There were but a few potted plants displayed on the stall.

However, each plant was an extraordinarily precious Heaven and Earth Spirit Root.

One of the plants, a ’Fusang Tree’ with fiery red branches, appeared extremely withered, although it was just a potted plant, even its pot was a Heaven Treasure.

In full bloom, a true Fusang Tree might cover a realm and provide a perch for the Great Sun Golden Crow.

Besides that, there was an ’Immortal Tree’ sending out life and death fluctuations that even Fang Xi found remarkable, but sadly this one was in even worse condition. Its trunk bore numerous deep sword marks, and more than half of its roots was cut away, showing no signs of vitality.

"Sir, are you interested in this noble one’s Spirit Plants?"

The tattooed beast-robed man’s eyes flashed, "Unfortunately... this noble one is not selling Spirit Plants but seeking a way to restore these few plants... If Sir can do so, whether it be Immortal Jade, elixirs, or even Immortal Weapons or a promise of this noble one’s intervention, all can be offered..."

"So it’s a cure that is sought..."

Fang Xi chuckled, aware that Fang Xian was tempted by the Spirit Plants here.

For a Cultivator pursuing the Way of Earth Immortal, Heaven and Earth Spirit Roots are the very objects of their arduous quest.

As for the injuries to these Spirit Plants, they indeed posed a challenge for the average person.

"These injuries are rather troublesome..."

Fang Xi glanced over and sighed, "Although some cultivators at the apex of Wooden Element Cultivation possess True Element with rejuvenating miracles and could even promote the growth of a Spiritual Root, it depends on the grade... These two are not ordinary Immortal Roots, perhaps even a True Immortal of Origin Soul cultivating in the wood attribute might struggle to save them..."

"If they could be easily saved, this noble one would not be setting up a stall here... This noble one has sought many Spirit Plant Farmers, but alas, to no avail," the beast-robed man shook his head.

Fang Xian looked over the Fusang Tree, then at Fang Xi.

Fang Xi smiled, "Esteemed Sir, I have some family assets and wish to purchase Spiritual Objects to forge an Immortal Weapon, may I ask if you would part with them?"

"Certainly not!"

The beast-robed man glared with widened eyes, shaking his head repeatedly, then looked doubtful, "Judging from your extraordinary demeanor, do you truly have no means of healing?"

"Indeed, I do not..."

Fang Xi shook his head and walked away with Fang Xian.

"Master..."

After a short distance, Fang Xian secretly transmitted, "Why?"

With the miraculous ’Kuyong Skills’, the Immortal Tree might be a lost cause, but the Fusang Tree should not pose much of a problem.

Of course, not him, but Fang Xi personally, with his expertise as a Spirit Plant Farmer combined with the Mother Qi of All Woods, might very well be able to save it.

Yet for some reason, the master asked only once before quickly moving on.

"Not pleased by things, not saddened by oneself... Missing one Immortal Root makes little difference to you and me," Fang Xi shook his head.

Ever since hearing about the Heavenly Palace demanding that all Immortal Palaces strictly scrutinize ascended Immortals, and the timing coincided exactly with his own ascension, he had been extra cautious.

’But actually, it doesn’t matter, as I am just an Externalization...’.

’If danger comes, it’s just the bad luck of Little Immortal Fang...’ Fang Xi’s gaze shifted and lit up as he saw a pavilion, "An eatery under the jurisdiction of the Immortal Food Palace? Perfect, today the master will take you for a grand meal..."

This Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Immortals is a prime business opportunity for other forces.

Needless to say, Fang Xi knew that places like the Immortal Food Palace and Heavenly Girl Palace had virtually moved their entire gates here, bustling with business every day, making what they would in a hundred or even a thousand years in just one year.

"Thank you, master..."

Fang Xian bowed, looking every bit the small, scholarly master.

...

In front of the tattooed strongman’s stall.

A down-and-out scholar suddenly approached, took a few glances, and a smile appeared on his face as he secretly transmitted: ’Beast Sovereign... Have your days of fishing yielded anything?’

The eyes of the Beast Sovereign turned slightly cold, and he responded similarly: ’Apart from a few who wished to take advantage of the situation, there has been nothing out of the ordinary...’

’A pity, these Immortal Roots are indeed damaged at their core. Only an Earth Immortal who cultivates those few special skills might be able to save them...’ the disheveled scholar said with a smile. ’But it’s just the casting of a casual move, so there’s no need to hurry... Daozi has been refining an Immortal Weapon modeled after the ’Nine Dragon Kuyong Immortal Instrument’ and after visiting the Prime Taoist Master of Beichen Immortal Palace, he promised to allow us to perform that secret skill once during the celebration... When the time comes, we will definitely be able to find remnants who cultivate the ’Kuyong Palace’ Skill! You won’t need to work so hard anymore...’

’It’s all for the sake of Daozi...’

The Beast Sovereign smiled in return.

Only with the backing of the Heavenly Palace could they make Beichen Immortal Palace bow its head and be so cooperative.

...

In the blink of an eye, nine days passed, and the day of the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Immortals arrived.

The vast Star Field Square had been arranged into a grand sacrificial altar.

This altar was circular, ascending layer by layer, continuously upwards.

Each layer was engraved with a multitude of complex and profound writings of the Immortals, with many ceremonial vessels and offerings.

Fang Xi, along with the Immortals from Abundant Karma House, remained low-key as they followed Yu Xiu, led by Feng Huang to a corner of the first level of the altar where they took their seats.

"Worthy of a celebration that happens only once every hundred thousand years, this ritual is meticulous in details from the altar to attire, and even to various ceremonial vessels and offerings. And there are so many star guards armed and vigilant..."

Immortal Xuan Qing was among them as well, and he transmitted his voice to Fang Xi.

"Exactly..."

Fang Xi also nodded in agreement.

He had actually never seen such an ancient ceremony of the True Immortal Realm before, so it was quite an eye-opener for him.

The Assembly of Ten Thousand Immortals held by the Beichen Immortal Palace, and the marvelous use of condensing "Star Dew," both had strict regulations for those entering as well.

Little Immortal Fang was not yet an immortal, so he could only stay in Star Field Square with other disciples.

In case of emergencies, Fang Xi also placed Void Coordinates on his body.

At this moment, with each successive immortal landing in various places upon the heavenly altar, this place could truly be described as a "gathering of ten thousand immortals."

"This humble person, the Lord of Beichen Immortal Palace, thanks all the immortals who have come from afar..."

An immortal clad in a robe adorned with thousands of stars, appearing youthful, bowed in all directions and then assumed a most solemn expression. Guided by several master of ceremonies, he slowly moved towards the highest place of the heavenly altar.

’Hmm?’

Seeing the Lord of the Beichen Immortal Palace, Fang Xi’s heart stirred.

This individual was certainly not the Prime Taoist Master, but his cultivation had definitely reached the pinnacle among immortals, at least having taken more than two of the Four Taoist Masters’ steps.

The oppressive aura he exuded was entirely different from the other immortals, even surpassing Dugu Fang from the past.

"The auspicious time has arrived!"

One of the masters of ceremonies exclaimed loudly.

"Arise!"

All the immortals in attendance rose with solemn faces, gazing towards the Beichen Palace Lord at the peak.

The Beichen Palace Lord, in his tall crown and starred robe, took a bronze chalice handed over by the master of ceremonies next to him. Within the chalice was a pool of silver liquid.

After sacrificing to the heavens, he scattered the liquid forth.

Whirring!

The liquid, heavy to the extreme, transformed into countless tiny silver beads in mid-air that made a sound as they fell to the ground, rolling along the ritual path, reaching a specific place on the altar.

Out of the void, suddenly appeared the beaks of strange cranes, seemingly competing to peck at those silver beads...

’This ceremony of the True Immortal Realm is rather peculiar...’ Fang Xi considered the scene before him thoughtfully: ’Using the breath of ten thousand immortals to subtly form an array... The liquid is a top-notch heavenly material and earthly treasure. So in doing this, are they preparing... to fish?’

The next moment!

Whirring!

The void suddenly split open, revealing the true forms of those multitude of crane beaks, which turned out to be a bizarre creature with a thousand crane heads.

Its immense and terrifying aura caused all the immortals present to feel as if thorns were on their backs.

"Prime Taoist Master?"

"No, not quite...It’s slightly inferior...but still incredibly formidable."

"This...This seems to be the rumored ’Thousand Falcon Star Crane’, said to be transformed from a Celestial Immortal who failed in their Dao confirmation..."

A group of immortals exchanged thoughts swiftly with their divine souls.

Fang Xi, even more so, heard the ’Thousand Falcon Star Crane’ a thousand heads all lift up at once, letting out a piercing screech!

Tweet, tweet!

"How dare you, vile beast?"

The immortals in attendance took action together, a flood of True Immortal magic power flowing into the altar.

Chains of starlight appeared, entwining around the ’Thousand Falcon Star Crane’.

The ripples of disturbance that traveled through were all dissolved by the ritual implements.

’No wonder they did not allow disciples to come over, otherwise just this attack alone would likely have caused heavy casualties...’

Fang Xi looked around and saw the Beichen Palace Lord lift a bone knife and slash it through the void!

Whirring!

The macabre, bizarre heads of the flying cranes fell, and green blood trickled out.

This blood gathered together to form a lake, with streams of green qi diffusing throughout, incredibly profound, and it seemed as if the next moment they would completely disperse into the air.

But at that moment, above the dome of heaven, one star after another twinkled brightly.

An overwhelming force of Rules descended!

Even the nascent forms of Taoist Species could only tremble before this force of Rules!

"A Prime Taoist Master has made his move!"

Fang Xi’s heart stirred, as he saw the pool of green qi continuously condense, eventually turning into a few drops of a mysterious liquid and falling into a square bronze cup with four sheep heads in front of the Beichen Palace Lord.

"The ceremony is complete..."

The master of ceremonies shouted loudly, followed by the Beichen Palace Lord’s words, "Please wait a moment, dear immortals. In gratitude for the assistance of all the immortals here, my Beichen Immortal Palace has decided to increase the auction quota this time. At the upcoming grand auction, three drops of ’Star Dew’ will be offered as the finale."

"Three drops? Isn’t it usually just one or two on a regular basis?"

Yu Xiu murmured to himself, his face revealing a fervent look.

Even knowing the chance was slim, he couldn’t help but harbor some wild thoughts.

Meanwhile, in the infinite heights above.

Zi Yin Daozi gave a slight smile and bowed to a vast silhouette, "Thank you, Prime Taoist Master!"

He immediately turned around, and a nine dragons jade pendant appeared in his hand.

With a flash of purple qi on his face, the nine purple dragons within the nine dragons jade pendant seemed on the verge of leaving the pendant to fly out...