Chapter 1326
People Gather, All for One Word from the Dao Ancestor
One of the disciples was the first to react.
"I heard from my senior brothers in the inner sect that this Purple Lightning Silver Peach ripens only once every twenty years and contains pure Yang spiritual energy, making it a rare and precious material for low-level cultivators to break through to the Martial Realm!"
"It's more than just breaking through to the Martial Artist realm!"
Another disciple, who was more knowledgeable, had a gleam in his eyes and said in a low voice.
"I once saw a record in the sect's records that this Purple Lightning Silver Peach Tree was carried out by Dao Ancestor Ye from the extremely dangerous Evergreen Barrier when he was young!"
"Back then, Dao Ancestor was just an unknown cultivator. Within the Evergreen Barrier, demonic beasts roamed freely and space was chaotic. In order to find this spiritual seedling, Dao Ancestor risked his life and carried the peach seedling, which was only the thickness of a fist at the time, out of the barrier."
Even the usually calm and collected Elder Dantang came in person, gently stroking the peaches on the branches and nodding repeatedly.
“Excellent, excellent! The quality of these Purple Lightning Silver Peaches is even better than those recorded in ancient books.”
"A single fruit is worth ten years of arduous cultivation. The disciples of my Flying Heaven Sect are truly blessed!"
Soon, the report was relayed up the chain of command.
Gu Xuan and Ye Yang then arrived at the peach grove together.
As Ye Yang gazed at the lush Purple Lightning Silver Peach Tree before him, a trace of reminiscence flashed in his eyes. The dangers he had faced within the Evergreen Barrier seemed to still be vivid in his mind.
White Lotus Demoness, Wang Dong, Li Bayuan
It's as if all those old friends are right before my eyes, but sadly, with the passage of time, they have all passed away.
"Dao Ancestor, this time the Purple Lightning Silver Peach yielded a total of 3,726 fruits, all of excellent quality."
The elder in charge of guarding the peach grove stepped forward, bowed, and reported with utmost respect.
"The disciples have finished counting the fruits and are now asking the Dao Ancestor and the Sect Leader for instructions on how to dispose of them."
Ye Yang withdrew his gaze.
"The Flying Heaven Sect's success today is inseparable from the dedication and hard work of all its disciples. Half of these fruits will be reserved and given priority to the outer disciples who are stuck at the peak of the Qi Circulation Realm and have the potential to break through to the Martial Artist Realm."
"The other half of the fruit should be properly sealed. This time, my Flying Heaven Sect is holding a sermon conference, and fellow Daoists from all over the country have come to attend. These Purple Lightning Silver Peaches will be given as souvenirs to all the fellow Daoists who come to listen to the sermon. This will not only show the sincerity of my Flying Heaven Sect, but also let all the fellow Daoists see the spiritual foundation of my Flying Heaven Sect."
In the following days, everyone at Flying Heaven Sect was extremely busy.
A group of disciples were responsible for carefully picking the Purple Lightning Silver Peaches, placing them one by one into the Mystic Ice Jade Box, and sealing them properly.
A group of disciples were responsible for counting the fruit, separating it into two parts: one for distribution to other disciples and another for gifts to fellow Daoists, and then registering them.
The news that the Flying Heaven Sect's Purple Lightning Silver Peach had ripened and would be given to fellow Daoists who came to listen to the Dao spread throughout the entire cultivation world as fellow Daoists from all over the world arrived one after another.
In a short time, fellow Daoists flocked to the Flying Heaven Sect for the gathering.
Not only were there disciples and elders from surrounding sects, but also many ancient families that had been in seclusion for many years, senior cultivators, and new holy sons.
The news sent shockwaves through the entire cultivation world.
"The Flying Heaven Sect is incredibly generous, giving away such a rare and precious treasure as the Purple Lightning Silver Peach so readily!"
"It seems that the Flying Heaven Sect really went all out for this sermon conference."
"With Master Ye giving a sermon and presenting me with purple lightning and silver peaches, this trip is sure to be worthwhile!"
In an instant, all the forces that had been observing the situation quickened their pace toward the Flying Gate.
Three days before the preaching conference.
At the foot of Feitianmen Mountain, people and carriages were everywhere.
Cultivators from all over the cultivation world arrived either by riding on clouds or by carriage, flocking to the Flying Heaven Gate in an endless stream.
The outer disciples of the Flying Heaven Sect were already lined up at the mountain gate to welcome and guide the guests from all directions into the mountain.
"Elder Li Xuanji of the Heavenly Sword Sect, accompanied by twelve disciples, has come to listen to the Dao!"
"Abbot Yun Zhongzi of Qingyun Temple, accompanied by eight disciples, has come to listen to the teachings!"
"The rogue cultivator Wang Tieshan has come to listen to the Dao!"
As names were read out one by one, the disciples of the Flying Heaven Sect responsible for receiving them were extremely busy.
Just then, a dragon's roar suddenly came from the distant horizon.
Everyone looked up and saw a hundred-zhang-long azure dragon emerging from the clouds, its majestic power awe-inspiring and terrifying.
On the back of the dragon stood an old man with white hair, dressed in a blue Taoist robe, exuding an air of otherworldly wisdom.
"It's the Azure Dragon Daoist!"
Someone in the crowd recognized the newcomer and exclaimed in surprise.
"The Azure Dragon Daoist is a senior who achieved the Dharma Aspect realm three hundred years ago. I didn't expect him to come too!"
The Azure Dragon Daoist slowly descended in front of the mountain gate, riding a dragon. He glanced around and said calmly.
"I have been in seclusion for three hundred years. Today I came out of seclusion and heard that Daoist Ye was going to open an altar to preach. So I came to listen to his teachings."
No sooner had he finished speaking than the sound of bells rang out in the distance.
A golden pagoda descended from the sky, its nine stories radiating a rich Buddhist light.
The pagoda landed, the pagoda door opened, and an old monk wearing a kasaya walked out, his hands clasped together in prayer.
“Amitabha, this old monk Fakong has come to pay his respects to Master Ye.”
"Master Fakong!"
Someone else recognized the newcomer.
"Master Fakong is a highly accomplished monk in Buddhism, said to have attained an indestructible body. I never expected him to come!"
In the following period, one after another, reclusive elders appeared.
Some arrived riding spirit beasts, some flew on swords, and some rode magical treasures, each displaying their unique abilities.
These senior figures were all renowned in the cultivation world, ranging from powerful cultivators at the Dharma Aspect Realm to peak Golden Core cultivators. Their appearance shocked everyone present.
"I never expected this sermon conference to attract so many senior figures!"
"Being able to meet these senior figures in person makes my life complete!"
There was much discussion among the crowd, and they were filled with anticipation for the upcoming sermon conference.
The disciples of the Flying Heaven Sect were also extremely busy.
They received these senior figures with utmost care.
When encountering highly respected elders, Gu Xuan would personally escort them into the mountain gate and arrange them in the VIP seats that had been prepared in advance.
The day the sermon conference was held.
Qingyun Mountain was packed with people.
Feitianmen specially opened up a vast open space on the back mountain as a preaching platform.
The pulpit was circular, with a diameter of 100 zhang (approximately 33 meters). In the center, a high platform was erected, upon which a futon was placed.
The high platform was surrounded by a densely packed crowd of cultivators who had come to listen to the teachings; there were at least several thousand of them.
Among these cultivators were disciples of the Flying Heaven Sect, elders from various sects, rogue cultivators, and senior figures who had been living in seclusion for many years.
Everyone's face was filled with anticipation and awe as they quietly awaited the appearance of Daozu Ye.
Sect Leader Gu Xuan stood on one side of the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings, and spoke loudly.
"Fellow Daoists, it is truly a blessing for our Flying Heaven Sect and for the cultivation world that we can gather here today to celebrate this grand occasion."
"Master Ye's cultivation is extraordinary and his Taoist arts are profound. Today, he is opening an altar to preach the Tao, which will surely benefit you all greatly."
"Before the sermon begins, my Flying Heaven Sect has prepared a small gift for all of you fellow Daoists."
With that, he waved his hand.
Dozens of Flying Heaven Sect disciples carried out jade boxes and distributed them to every cultivator present.
The cultivators opened the jade box and found a fist-sized silver peach lying quietly inside, its surface crackling with faint purple lightning.
"This is... Purple Lightning Silver Peach!"
Someone exclaimed in surprise.
"This is a priceless treasure for breaking through to the martial arts realm!"
"The Flying Gate has really gone all out!"
"Although they are only for use by low-level disciples, it is rare to see so many of them."
An uproar erupted in the crowd; everyone was stunned by the generosity of the Flying Heaven Gate.
Just as everyone was eagerly anticipating the moment and the murmurs were gradually subsiding, a dazzling golden light suddenly appeared on the distant horizon.
Golden light pierced the sky and instantly enveloped the entire square.
Immediately afterwards, a powerful yet gentle aura slowly emanated.
The cultivators all looked up, their eyes filled with shock and awe.
Amidst the golden light, a tall and imposing figure slowly emerged, dressed in a plain-colored Taoist robe, with a handsome face and an otherworldly air.
"It's Dao Ancestor Ye! Dao Ancestor Ye has arrived!"
A gasp of surprise rang out.
Immediately afterwards, all the cultivators on the plaza bowed respectfully. Whether they were reclusive elders or sect leaders, they were all extremely respectful and showed no sign of negligence.
"Welcome, Dao Ancestor Ye!"
Ye Yang raised his hand in greeting.
"Fellow Daoists, there's no need for formalities, please have a seat."
Upon hearing this, everyone respectfully sat down, their gazes still fixed on Ye Yang, their eyes filled with anticipation.
They knew that this highly anticipated preaching conference was finally about to begin.
Looking at this unprecedented scene, Ye Yang felt a sense of emotion.
Hundreds of years ago, the Flying Gate was dilapidated and neglected.
Nowadays, it is just a sermon conference, yet it can attract so many fellow believers to come and listen to the sermon.
All the hardships and efforts along the way have not been in vain.
He sighed, then slowly began to speak.
"Fellow Daoists, it is truly my honor to be able to discuss the Dao with you all today."
"The path of cultivation is inherently defying the heavens; everyone has their own way and their own method."
"I am here today not to impart any profound techniques, nor to expound any mysterious principles."
"I just wanted to share some of my insights on the path of cultivation with you all, hoping that they will be of some help to you."
He paused, his voice becoming distant and deep.
"The path of cultivation lies in enlightenment, in practice, and in perseverance."
There was complete silence on the pulpit.
Only Ye Yang's voice echoed between heaven and earth. (End of Chapter)