CHAPTER 1009: CHAPTER 1008: MEETING AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE

This is an informal high-level gathering, also a tradition of large gatherings on Jinxiu Continent. The idea is for everyone to get familiar with each other in private and resolve differences, so as to avoid awkward situations in public during the formal meeting.

As the evening approached, the Ice and Snow Sword Pavilion was newly adorned. Various fruits and wines from Shan Country, Anhe, and Ying Platform were laid out on the massive ice table, but it was all just for show; rarely did anyone actually partake.

Nevertheless, it had to be displayed, as it was part of the formalities.

At the end of the period before sunset, esteemed guests arrived, and with three resonant sword whistles, Hou Niao entered the Ice and Snow Sword Pavilion, accompanied by several Masters of the Sword Sect, looking impressive and graceful.

Countless eyes were cast upon him, filled with scrutiny, dread, amusement, disdain, suspicion, and indifference, yet without a trace of admiration.

But there was nothing he could do; either their Realms were higher than his, or their backgrounds more substantial — that was simply the reality.

But so what? Even if these people were virtuous and well-connected, didn’t they still have to graciously come to congratulate and participate in the events of someone like him, supposedly a minor figure?

By this point, Hou Niao had long discarded the script given to him by Li Chuping; he detested being manipulated, especially on such occasions. Sticking to a script merely courted malice.

According to Li Chuping’s design, he was supposed to act modestly, utter some polite words about being young and undeserving of his position, but he couldn’t manage it since he was there to seize power openly. Why hide it? He seized the authority of the Sword Sect today and intended to seize control of the entire Continent in the future.

A soft whistle, and suddenly a sword light burst forth, causing the Golden Core Masters present to feel a brief shock. However, being powerful enough, none reacted excessively. Hundreds of sword lights flickered briefly, causing hundreds of ice lamps in the Ice and Snow Sword Pavilion to tremble and light up simultaneously. This was supposed to be the task of the sword cultivator attendant, but he took care of it himself.

Then he began to speak, "Nine Lock Mountain is deep in ice and snow, with a peak reaching above the clouds. From here, one can reach the True Residence Realm and ascend to meet the immortals in the azure sky... On this auspicious day, with beautiful blooms and a full moon, eat well, drink well, and mingle both near and far."

He wasn’t planning to make any formalities. With hundreds of Masters and dozens from the Upper Realm, how could he socialize with everyone? Better to be straightforward, as he was known for his coarse behavior in the Jinxiu Cultivation Realm anyway.

As he raised his cup, the awkward Sword Sect Masters could only raise theirs as well to play along. Such a sloppy start was at least not in a formal setting, so it passed somewhat carelessly.

With raised cups and drinks at hand, things proceeded with everyone mingling freely. In groups of threes and twos, people sought out friends, inquired about each other’s purposes for being there, and exchanged some hearsay and gossip.

This kind of gathering was necessary because otherwise, they had few opportunities to communicate privately. Soon enough, the vast Sword Pavilion split into groups here and there, forming dozens of cultivator circles, which were ever-changing.

Hou Niao, led by Master Xu, began making the rounds to pay respects.

How to pay respects? There was a skill to it, as starting with the strong or weak would be seen as too deliberate, causing offense. Master Xu understood this well, always maintaining a rhythm of visiting one Daoist, one Buddhist, and one side door representative in turn, without leaving traces.

Of course, most Masters would offer encouragement, as their Realms dictated, with little else proper to say, especially in such an occasion.

His main conversation partners were preachers from the Upper Realm, as their Realms and ages were similar, representing the future, fostering exchanges that oscillated between courteous and sharp.

Zhi Xuan Daoist was the first, with a Qi Sect background supported by Taiching, positioning this Daoist Sect as the de facto leader of the Continent.

"The ice dwelling on Dushan is quite nice. Your idea? But it’s somewhat too deliberate — not Xiao Mountain, but Snow Mountain; must Jinxiu adhere strictly to snow mountains, using an inflexible model that doesn’t align with the Dao of Sword Cultivation?"

"Just learning the basics, attempting to understand the principles of swordplay. Unsophisticated as I am, I can only imitate what I see. You’ve seen through it, and I appreciate your feedback."

There wasn’t much to discuss with this guy, nor was he interested in verbal dueling. Whether what Hong Xiu Fairy said was true or not, he and this Daoist were rivals by fate.

Next was a monk, "Amitabha, does Benefactor Hou know that in the Universe, the Buddhist Sect and Sword Sect have always maintained good relations? We’ve fought side by side before, rarely causing true harm to one another."

Hou Niao knew he was subtly accusing the Sword Sect of fracturing the Buddhist Sect system, as hinted at the White Waterfall Temple, but he couldn’t respond directly, so he played dumb,

"Really? In the Jinxiu Cultivation Realm, we’re rather ignorant; matters of the Universe are distant from us. I hope what the master mentioned will also appear on the Jinxiu Continent. Mutual respect is the principle of Jinxiu Sword Vein."

His implication was clear: negotiations were welcome, but one must not impose by force, bringing a band of monks by flying craft en masse — was this the right attitude for negotiation?

The Supreme Rong Guang of the Zhou Sect was very casual, "We could get closer, but before that, the Sword Sect needs to show your worth?"

Hou Niao responded unflinchingly, "Then where is the value of the Zhou Sect? Is it merely following Taiching and echoing what others say?"

Watching the young Sect Hierarch leave, Rong Guang Daoist chuckled silently, "Regardless of ability, this temper is learned perfectly. Quite interesting."

... He had to visit over a hundred factions like this, not seeing much practical significance, but he had to do it, recognizing leaders was essential, as they would deal with each other sooner or later.

By the end, his words became mechanical, and he couldn’t be bothered to think. With over a hundred factions, it was a tangled mess, making it impossible to identify any useful threads. He just hoped it would all end soon.

Until the next group from a small Daoist sect of the Southeast, a voice from Master Xu said, "Master Yuantong of Harmony Dao."

Hou Niao almost blurted out how much he missed her, luckily his quick reaction made him swallow the words, "Greetings, Master Yuantong."

Master Yuantong’s expressions were much more practiced than his, "Sect Hierarch Hou is young and promising, truly a hero of his time. With you, Jinxiu will surely have a broader future."

He gestured to a woman beside him, "This is Fairy Fei Bai, our preacher from Harmony Dao."

Hou Niao suppressed his inner surprise, managing to hold back a laugh, "Daoist Fei Bai, we meet again. Truly, one never knows where friends might meet in life."

Master Yuantong appropriately feigned surprise, "You two know each other?"

Hou Niao smiled broadly, "We’ve fought shoulder to shoulder before. Fairy Fei Bai is one of the exceptional heroines I met on Prison Star. I’m truly delighted to see her today."

Their experiences on Prison Star were normal enough, drawing no particular attention.