The majestic Tianshu City was renewed today. Ten thousand feet of rosy clouds fell from the nine heavens, illuminating this magnificent city like a glass fairyland. Since the demonic calamity erupted, the cultivation world had not seen such a grand sight for a long time. Representatives from the human, demon, and sea races, controlling various flying artifacts, spirit beast mounts, or riding surging spiritual clouds, gathered here from all directions. In the sky, dragon golden scales shone in the sunlight, demon tribe flags fluttered in the wind, human sect flying boats were arranged in order, and deep-sea demon races controlled huge water bubbles containing coral and pearls, flowing with light and color. On the ground, the central square that had been cleared and the eighteen main streets extending out were now packed shoulder to shoulder, with ten thousand cultivators coming to pay tribute. The air was filled with the fragrance of spirit fruits, sandalwood, and a joy and excitement of surviving calamity and celebrating peace together.
Tang Xiaoqi stood at the top of the temporarily constructed hundred-zhang-high "Prayer Altar," wearing simple clean green robes, not any luxurious attire, simply tying his hair. However, merely standing there, his body naturally flowed with a deep and stable aura resonating with heaven and earth. After the demon lair bloody battle and this period of rest, his late Nascent Soul stage cultivation was thoroughly stabilized. Due to the perfect fusion of Green Lotus origin with his own dao heart, his temperament became increasingly returning to simplicity and truth. When his eyes opened and closed, star rivers seemed to circulate, all things being born and dying.
Behind him at slightly lower positions stood Mu Xue, Ao Qin, Third Senior Sister Liu Yun, Eldest Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng (representing Qingxu Temple and alliance affairs), Zhao Tiezhu, and Second Senior Brother Luo Feng floating in a special soul body form within an exquisite puppet core. They also bathed in the attention of all, representing the core force that fought side by side and turned the tide in this demonic calamity.
The auspicious time arrived. Nine bells rang, shaking the universe. The originally noisy square instantly quieted. Countless gazes focused on the Prayer Altar's top.
A highly respected white-haired old imperial uncle from the Central Prefecture Dynasty, wearing formal court dress, walked steadily to the altar's offering platform. With an aged voice containing spiritual power, he began reading the prayer text to heaven. The text enumerated the Demonic Lord's crimes of rampage, mourned the fallen heroes, praised the Three Realms allied army's heroic deeds of not fearing sacrifice and resisting the demonic calamity together. The words were earnest, moving all who heard. When reading about the key battles, especially Tang Xiaoqi leading an elite team deep into the demon lair, finally dueling the Demonic Lord, causing the demon lair to collapse and the Demonic Lord to retreat, the square erupted in deafening cheers. Countless cultivators had tears in their eyes, waving the artifacts or flags in their hands.
The prayer to heaven completed. The old imperial uncle turned around, facing Tang Xiaoqi on the altar, deeply bowing. His voice was resonant and filled with respect: "The demonic calamity raged, all beings in dire straits. Fortunately heaven blessed us, sending forth a hero. True Lord Tang Xiaoqi, accepting orders in danger, bravely taking responsibility, leading from the front, cleansing demonic miasma. At Ten Thousand Poison Swamp first establishing defensive lines, purification domain illuminating the battlefield; at demon lair depths dueling the Demonic Lord, Green Lotus blooming purifying the origin. His merit is high as sun and moon; his virtue is thick, blessing all beings. After the Three Realms alliance joint discussion, all tribes unanimously nominated, specially conferring the title—'World-Purifying True Lord'! May the True Lord's dao be like a bright moon in the sky, forever illuminating the Three Realms!"
"World-Purifying True Lord!"
"World-Purifying True Lord!"
"World-Purifying True Lord!"
Mountain-wave-like shouts rose wave after wave, spreading from Tianshu City's central square outward, sweeping the entire city, even triggering the surrounding mountains' spiritual energy resonance, emitting buzzing dao sounds. This was the heartfelt reverence and gratitude of Three Realms beings.
Tang Xiaoqi's expression was calm, not showing any pride from this supreme glory. He stepped forward, slightly supporting the old imperial uncle. His voice was clear and melodious, yet clearly entered every being's ears present: "The demonic calamity was the Three Realms' shared karma, not my Xiao Qi's alone achievement. This victory relied on the temple master, my father Xu Zhan and other predecessors and martyrs sacrificing themselves for righteousness, laying the foundation; depended on Eldest Senior Brother, Third Senior Sister and other fellow disciples working together with one heart, stabilizing the rear; even more had Fairy Mu Xue, Crown Prince Ao Qin, Brother Zhao Tiezhu, and countless nameless allied soldiers, blood sprinkled on the battlefield, souls returning to heaven and earth. Today's celebration belongs to every hero who fought to guard this world, belongs to every being in the Three Realms who yearns for peace. Xiao Qi merely happened to be there, fulfilled his duty. This title is received with shame, yet refusing would be disrespectful. Let it serve as a shared memorial for all sacrificers, as a spur for our continued journey forward."
His words were sincere, without any artifice. Attributing credit to everyone, to the sacrificers, showed his breadth of mind and perspective even more, making many veterans and cultivators who experienced bloody battles feel the same, their eyes moistening again.
Immediately after, the old imperial uncle on behalf of the alliance announced rewards for Qingxu Temple. Because Qingxu Temple in this demonic calamity not only cultivated a pillar like Tang Xiaoqi, but also contributed outstandingly in early resistance, mid-stage support, and late-stage rescue. Sect disciples' casualties were also extremely heavy. Specially honoring Qingxu Temple as "Leader of the World's Righteous Path," enjoying Three Realms' shared respect. The alliance would allocate massive resources to help rebuild the mountain gate, expand scale, and grant Qingxu Temple a hundred-year mining right to a premium spirit vein near Tianshu City. At the same time, Qingxu Temple would have three permanent seats in the alliance council, with very high voice in Three Realms major affairs.
Eldest Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng stepped forward representing Qingxu Temple, steadily accepting. He deeply understood this honor was both glory and a heavy responsibility. Qingxu Temple from now on would be placed under the spotlight, every word and action concerning the world's righteous path direction.
After the reward ceremony came the grand celebration parade and feast. In the sky, various spell lights bloomed, condensing into auspicious patterns—Green Lotus, giant dragons, phoenixes, auspicious clouds, mythical beasts... dazzling and magnificent. On the ground, performance troupes from various tribes and sects took turns performing sword dances, shamanic rituals, sea race songs and dances, demon tribe acrobatics, brilliant and diverse. Spirit wine, spirit fruits, carefully prepared spirit food were presented like flowing water for all attendees to enjoy to their heart's content.
Tang Xiaoqi didn't stay long on the Prayer Altar. He took Mu Xue and the others, walking down the high altar, merging into the celebrating crowd. Wherever he passed, crowds automatically parted a path. Whether human powerhouses, demon elders, or sea race generals, all respectfully bowed to him, their eyes filled with fervor and worship. He smiled and nodded in response, occasionally stopping to exchange a few words with some young cultivators with immature faces and yearning eyes, encouraging them to cultivate diligently and guard this hard-won peace.
He even walked among those cultivators injured in demonic energy pollution, able to participate in the celebration after being treated by the "Demon-Purifying Institute." These people might still bear faint "demon spots," their expressions somewhat restrained. Seeing Tang Xiaoqi approach, they were even more excited and at a loss. Xiao Qi circulated a thread of gentle Green Lotus power, silently brushing over them, bringing comfort and hope. He didn't say much, but that equal concern made these cultivators who once wandered on the edge of despair instantly redden their eyes, their hearts filled with warm currents.
Night fell. The celebration atmosphere became even more enthusiastic. Inextinguishable spirit lamps were lit throughout Tianshu City, reflecting with the bright moon and stars in the sky. Huge bonfires were lit in the central square. Cultivators of all tribes sang and danced around the bonfires, making no distinction between them.
Tang Xiaoqi and Mu Xue stood side by side on a higher pavilion balcony, gazing at the ocean of celebration below, the distance being Tianshu City with lights like a star sea fallen to earth.
"How does it feel? World-Purifying True Lord." Mu Xue turned her head, a rare teasing trace in her cool eyes.
Xiao Qi gently held her hand, feeling the slight coolness and determination from his palm, shaking his head, his gaze distant: "Honor upon my body, all people's reverence,固然 makes one's heart surge. But Xue'er, you know, there isn't much joy in my heart. Instead... I feel even more heavy."
He paused, continuing: "The Demonic Lord wasn't destroyed, only retreated to hide; the Three Realms seem united, but there are undercurrents within; beneath this prosperous scene, how many families were broken by war, how many wounds not yet healed? The two words 'World-Purifying,' how easily said. Today's celebration is an end point, even more a starting point. The road beneath our feet is still very long."
Mu Xue was silent, holding his hand tighter. She understood his feelings. Behind this glory transcending ordinary people was responsibility and foresight equally transcending ordinary people.
Just then, Eldest Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng's figure appeared at the balcony entrance. His face showed the celebration's slight intoxication, but his eyes remained clear and wise. He walked to Xiao Qi's side, whispering: "Xiao Qi, congratulatory gifts from all sides have piled up like mountains, including many rare treasures and ancient secret scrolls. How to handle them needs your decision. Additionally, several demon powerhouses and sea race princes have privately expressed hope to establish closer ties with Qingxu Temple, or rather with you."
Xiao Qi hearing this, lightly sighed, looking at the dancing bonfires in the distance, and the faces under the firelight—some wildly joyful, some relieved, some yearning.
"After cataloging the gifts, store most in the treasury for alliance and sect future development. Rare items can be appropriately rewarded to those with merit in this battle. As for those powers showing goodwill..." he pondered a moment, his gaze becoming firm, "Eldest Senior Brother, you handle it fully. The principle is only one: unbiased, maintaining Three Realms balance. Qingxu Temple as the leader should lead by example, not getting involved in meaningless power struggles."
"I understand." Eldest Senior Brother nodded, his eyes showing relief and peace of mind. Xiao Qi hadn't been carried away by the glory before his eyes, still maintaining clear judgment.
"Let's go," Xiao Qi released Mu Xue's hand, saying to Eldest Senior Brother and the companions beside him, "Let's go down and have another drink with everyone. Today, temporarily set aside all burdens, only for this hard-won victory, only to console those departed heroic souls, drink to our hearts' content!"
His face showed a heartfelt smile carrying some relief and heroic spirit. In this moment, he was no longer the high and mighty World-Purifying True Lord, but more like the Tang Xiaoqi at Qingxu Temple who joked and played with senior brothers and sisters and fellow disciples.
Several people exchanged smiles, together walking down the pavilion, again merging into that ocean of celebration. Starlight, firelight, spirit light, interwove into this era's most brilliant footnote, witnessing a hero's coronation, even more witnessing a new era's opening. And the story belonging to Tang Xiaoqi and his companions was far from over.