The news that Tang Xiaoqi had traveled west to Iron Wall Pass and, relying solely on his own power without unsheathing a single blade, forced the Sun Radiance God Clan's hundred thousand troops to retreat and sign a thousand-year peace treaty spread with astonishing speed throughout the entire cultivation world like wings had carried it.
If the title "World-Purifying True Lord" before had been more a result of his heroic efforts during the demonic tribulation, carrying a sense of legend and reverence, then this western border incident proclaimed to the entire Three Realms in an irrefutable, almost domineering manner what true peak power was, what absolute deterrence meant!
Late Nascent Soul great perfection! Suspected to have touched the threshold of Spirit Transformation!
One person's power, holding back a hundred thousand troops!
This was no longer within the imagination of ordinary cultivators—it was nearly mythological. Combined with his identity as Master of Qingxu Temple and de facto leader of the Three Realms Alliance, his personal prestige and Qingxu Temple's reputation were instantly pushed to an unprecedented peak, like the sun at noon, with no other force able to contend.
And the new policies of "education without discrimination, equal emphasis on virtue and law" that Qingxu Temple had previously announced, along with the ongoing compilation of the "World-Purifying Dao Canon" and the establishment of the "Myriad Phenomena Pavilion" and "Mind-Clearing Institute," were also spread in detail on the tailwinds of this "True Lord's deterrence."
For a time, the continuous mountain range where Qingxu Temple's gates were located became the focus of the entire cultivation world's attention. Every day, all roads leading to Qingxu Temple were crowded with traffic, streams of light, and endless streams of visitors.
There were envoys piloting magnificent flying boats representing major sects and families coming for formal visits to consolidate relationships; cultivators riding exotic spirit beasts from distant regions wanting to witness the "World-Purifying True Lord's" demeanor and Qingxu's new atmosphere; and countless young cultivators filled with dreams and longing, either trekking alone or led by their teachers, pouring in from all directions, hoping for a chance to enter this number one sacred ground of the cultivation world!
Outside Qingxu Temple's gates, the Welcoming Immortals Plaza originally used for large ceremonies was long unable to accommodate such crowds. The Alliance and Qingxu Temple had to join forces to open several temporary camps in the surrounding mountains, setting up reception points, just barely managing to maintain order.
The disciple attendants responsible for reception were so busy their feet barely touched the ground—registering names, preliminary screening, arranging lodging, answering questions... Though exhausted, every disciple's face was filled with pride and excitement. When had Qingxu Temple, though already a famous major sect, ever seen such a scene of ten thousand sects paying homage, of the world's finest talents vying to enter?
Inside the main peak's council hall, Tang Xiaoqi was not deceived by this superficial prosperity and bustle. He knew well that the higher the prestige, the greater the responsibility, and the more one needed to stay calm and focused. He delegated most of the reception and daily affairs to senior brother Mu Qingfeng, while he himself devoted more energy to compiling the "World-Purifying Dao Canon" and thinking about the sect's long-term development.
However, necessary appearances and receptions were still indispensable.
On this day, in the newly rebuilt "Way-Seeking Hall," he received a group of sect representatives and cultivation family heads from the Southern Frontier, Western Regions, Northern Plains, and even overseas. Many of these people were allies who had fought alongside Qingxu Temple during the demonic tribulation, while others came with curiosity and probing after hearing about the new policies.
Inside the Way-Seeking Hall, the atmosphere was solemn yet harmonious. Xiao Qi did not sit high on the main seat but sat together with everyone as host and guests, with only a cup of clear tea before him.
A sect leader from the Western Desert with dark skin and a fierce presence, his voice like a great bell, was the first to speak, his words filled with admiration: "True Lord! That move of yours at the western border was absolutely brilliant! I, Old Sha, am convinced! Thoroughly convinced! From now on, for anything you or Qingxu Temple needs in the Western Regions, my Sand Camel Sect will have absolutely no second thoughts!" His words also represented the feelings of many small and medium forces present. Before absolute power and prestige, attaching oneself to the strong was the wisest choice.
An elder from a Southern Frontier witch village was more concerned about Qingxu Temple's new policies. He stroked the beast fang hanging on his chest and asked curiously: "True Lord, regarding the 'education without discrimination' you proposed, would you even be willing to include and study our witchcraft and gu arts that are considered unorthodox?"
Xiao Qi smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping across everyone present, his voice peaceful yet carrying undeniable power: "The Great Dao has three thousand paths, all capable of reaching the Dao. Witchcraft and gu arts are also crystallizations of ancestral wisdom and have their own mysterious aspects. Our Qingxu Temple established the 'Myriad Phenomena Pavilion' with the aim of gathering strengths from all sources and integrating them. As long as the techniques do not harm heaven and earth or violate human ethics and the righteous path, all may be studied in the pavilion, taking the essence and discarding the dross. If any of you have unique transmissions you are willing to exchange, Qingxu Temple's doors are wide open, with empty seats awaiting."
His words immediately brightened the eyes of many representatives from non-mainstream cultivation regions, feeling unprecedented respect and inclusion.
Then, others asked about the "World-Purifying Dao Canon" and the "Mind-Clearing Institute." Xiao Qi explained his concepts of "purifying hearts" and "equal emphasis on virtue and law" in accessible terms, emphasizing that cultivation must begin with cultivating the heart, and power must be used for good.
He did not speak empty grand principles but combined them with actual examples from the demonic tribulation and various tragedies caused by corrupt hearts throughout the world, narrating them in an engaging way that made everyone sometimes contemplative, sometimes nodding in agreement.
This reception lasted an entire afternoon. When everyone departed, their faces all showed satisfaction and excitement. They had not only felt Tang Xiaoqi's unfathomable power but also appreciated his grand vision and lofty aspirations. Qingxu Temple was no longer just a powerful sect but had faintly become a beacon and academic center leading the entire cultivation world's trends and thoughts.
Similar scenes played out daily within Qingxu Temple. Thoughts from different regions and different schools collided and exchanged here. Inside the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion, the research atmosphere led by second senior brother Luo Feng's spirit form grew increasingly intense, with new ideas and achievements constantly emerging. The Mind-Clearing Institute, under senior brother's management, had also preliminarily drafted a set of character development regulations and had begun pilot teaching for the first batch of selected disciples.
The entire Qingxu Temple presented unprecedented vitality and openness. Disciples no longer merely buried their heads in cultivation but actively participated in the sect's various affairs—taking on missions for training, entering the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion to elect techniques they were interested in, or discussing Dao principles and philosophy at the Mind-Clearing Institute. A sect atmosphere of positivity, inclusiveness, and courage in taking responsibility was quietly forming.
Tang Xiaoqi walked within the sect, watching the ceaseless flow of people, hearing the different accents from all directions, feeling that vigorous energy and thirst for knowledge, his heart also filled with myriad emotions.
This scene of "ten thousand sects paying homage, Qingxu's prosperous age" was glory, was affirmation, and even more so, was motivation.
He knew the burden on his shoulders had grown heavier. Qingxu Temple had become a benchmark, a symbol. He must lead this giant ship well, not only maintaining leadership in power but also becoming a model in morality, truly practicing that "World-Purifying" Dao, in order to live up to this prosperous age's name and the expectations of the multitude.
The setting sun's afterglow spilled onto the eaves of the rebuilt halls, gilding them with a brilliant golden edge. Tang Xiaoqi stood at the summit of the main peak, looking down at that unprecedented scene of prosperity below, his gaze firm and distant.
The prosperous age had arrived, yet the road was long and difficult. This "World-Purifying" path, he would steadfastly continue walking.