"Tianxing, rumors say you've met Heavenly Venerable Han. Is that true?"
Behind the crowd, a man wearing the robes of a True Disciple of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace asked.
Although Han Xuanji had stayed at the Lingxu Heavenly Palace for many years, he lived in seclusion. Aside from a few of the Sect's First Seats, others only realized the truth on the day the name of Heavenly Venerable Han shook the Immortal Realm—that the former Dao Child was actually the supreme Heavenly Venerable.
Hearing this, Ji Tianxing felt a bit dazed, as if remembering his high-spirited days. Back then, he viewed Su Ming as merely a lucky person and felt Han Xuanji was nothing special. Thinking back now, he realized how ignorant and foolish he had been.
He shared the same thought as Zhou Tianchen: if he had known earlier that Han Xuanji was hiding his brilliance, he would have cast aside his pride to befriend such a supreme figure!
To this end, Ji Tianxing would occasionally visit entertainment venues in the Immortal Realm to read novels about Immortal Venerables being reborn. Those were pastimes for Mortals of the Lower Realm, but he would occasionally project himself into them, even fantasizing about what he would do if he could return to the past.
Of course, these were all just fantasies.
"I've met him... You might not believe it, but I even demonstrated my Alchemy techniques in front of Heavenly Venerable Han."
Ji Tianxing pulled his thoughts together and spoke with considerable pride.
"Ah? Really?"
Hearing this, the people around him were shocked and chimed in:
"Does Heavenly Venerable Han actually know you? Have you spoken to the Heavenly Venerable?"
*Cough, cough*... "The Heavenly Venerable should know me, right?"
Ji Tianxing said, sounding uncertain.
After all, he had indeed shown off his Alchemy once before Han Xuanji, but there was a high probability the other man had long since forgotten him.
Although Ji Tianxing's words were vague, everyone knew that one wouldn't dare to lie about such a matter.
"I didn't expect Senior Brother Ji to have such an Opportunity. It truly makes us envious."
A female True Disciple's eyes sparkled, looking very much like a star-struck girl.
"Indeed... if one could have their name remembered by Heavenly Venerable Han, that would be enough."
...On the other side, Li Taiqing's sword light slowly descended.
The moment Li Taiqing appeared, everyone's gaze focused on him.
Having not seen him for a short while, the changes in Li Taiqing startled them inwardly.
When Li Taiqing, Lu Fan, and the others first appeared in Shenji City, they already had Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivation, but they were clearly a bit green. Now, his aura had returned to a state of simplicity; standing there, he was like a bottomless, quiet pool.
Even Ancestor Shenhui could not see through his cultivation. Clearly, Li Taiqing's strength was already above his own.
"Truly, the younger generation is to be feared... or rather, these are the methods of Heavenly Venerable Han."
Everyone actually knew Li Taiqing's background quite well; he was merely the Reincarnation of an ordinary Immortal from the Upper Realm. Such individuals were actually quite common throughout the Immortal Realm.
A sharp light flashed in Ancestor Shenhui's eyes as he took the first step forward.
He did not put on the airs of a Grand Elder. Instead, with a very solemn posture that even carried a trace of imperceptible respect, he cupped his hands in greeting toward Li Taiqing and spoke in a booming voice:
"Daoist Shenhui of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace, leading everyone in the palace, welcomes the First Disciple of the Heavenly Venerable—the arrival of Immortal King Taiqing!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the seven First Seats behind him, along with all the Elders, Peak Masters, and various Disciples, all cupped their hands and bowed in unison with utmost respect:
"We welcome the arrival of Immortal King Taiqing!"
No one called him "Martial Nephew," nor did they mention past seniority. They addressed him directly as the "Heavenly Venerable's First Disciple" and "Immortal King."
While it seemed distant, it was precisely a manifestation of the wisdom and sense of propriety held by the high-level members of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace.
They knew all too well that the current Li Taiqing represented not just himself, but also Han Xuanji, the Xuantian Dao Venerable who had already ascended to the Limitless Primordial and established a supreme lineage beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens!
Old ties needed to be maintained, but the higher status and disparity in strength demanded absolute respect.
Any attempt to pull rank based on age or to use old sentiments as a bond would be foolish and dangerous behavior.
This was something Ancestor Shenhui and the others had decided long ago.
In the history of the Immortal Realm, such things had actually happened before.
Li Taiqing's expression was calm; he was not surprised by this, nor did he find it inappropriate.
He had already grown accustomed to the changes in his status and position.
Even the Heavenly Court Emperor had to speak politely to them, let alone the high-level members of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace.
However, Li Taiqing did not become arrogant because of this. He returned the salute with equal solemnity, his voice clear:
"Senior Shenhui, you may just call me Taiqing. There is no need for such ceremony."
You address me your way, and I'll address you mine.
"Taiqing, you're too kind. That you can return to your 'maternal home' for a visit is a great honor for our Lingxu Heavenly Palace!"
Ancestor Shenhui's smile was genuine as he stepped aside to lead the way.
"Please, let us converse inside the hall."
Only the various First Seats and the Sect Ancestor entered the The Human Cultivators Alliance Hall; the others were kept outside.
Li Taiqing was honored with the seat of the primary guest, while the Sect Ancestor and the seven First Seats sat below him in accompaniment. The atmosphere in the hall was solemn with a hint of subtle tension.
Upon entering the hall, they did not immediately get down to business. After Li Taiqing reminisced about some old matters, Ancestor Shenhui described the current situation of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace, while Li Taiqing listened silently.
After they had left, the status of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace had soared. It was treated with great courtesy by various forces in the Immortal Realm, and many Prodigies came here to cultivate in hopes of catching a glimpse of Han Xuanji.
Many people did not know that Han Xuanji had long since left the Lingxu Heavenly Palace.
But even knowing Han Xuanji wasn't there couldn't deter the enthusiasm of the Prodigies. Many insisted on cultivating here, feeling that in time, perhaps another Heavenly Venerable might emerge from this place, or they would be satisfied with even a tenth of a Heavenly Venerable's achievements.
After the pleasantries, they quickly moved to the main topic.
Ancestor Shenhui weighed his tone and spoke:
"Taiqing, your return this time is surely not just to visit your old home. I wonder if the Heavenly Venerable has any Decrees to pass down? Everyone in the Lingxu Heavenly Palace will obey without fail."
He paused and continued,
"Furthermore, because the Lingxu Heavenly Palace bore the brunt of the previous Demon Tribulation and held firm with merit, the Heavenly Court has sent down rewards. This old man does not dare to take the credit; I ask Taiqing to distribute them."
"The list of rewards is here. Please take a look, Taiqing."
As he spoke, a Jade Slip flew before Li Taiqing.
Li Taiqing knew the main point had arrived. He did not use his Divine Thought to inspect it, but simply pushed the Jade Slip back gently, shaking his head slightly:
"Master has no specific Decree. He merely remembered old sentiments and told me to come pay a visit as a small token of his regard."
"As for those Heavenly Court rewards... they are an affirmation of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace's unity and its defense of the territory."
"How they are distributed and used should be decided by Senior Shenhui and the various First Seats through your own discussions, based on palace regulations and the actual situation."
"Master has no opinion on the matter, nor will he interfere."
Ancestor Shenhui and the seven First Seats exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with light.
The Heavenly Court's rewards were indeed generous, enough to raise the overall strength of the Lingxu Heavenly Palace to another level.
However, how these resources would be distributed had already caused undercurrents within, as each branch had its own demands.
With these words, Ancestor Shenhui and the others felt their hearts ease, as a great burden was lifted.