Zhao Li confronted the fear in his heart and then conquered it.
People always like to use "settling down" as an excuse for their own retreat.
True settling down is for a more violent eruption next time, but Zhao Li understood that for most people who settle down, once they sink, they are truly sunk and can't rise again, just like a small stream flowing into the ocean, without a single ripple.
Fortunately, before being submerged, Zhao Li straightened up.
Thinking of this, the gloom in Zhao Li's heart seemed to dissipate a little. Feeling happy, the Dou Qi within him seemed to be cheering for him, circulating a fraction faster.
Looking at the expectation in Lin Lan's eyes, he smiled freely:
"Master, just watch."
From his calm words, Lin Lan sensed Zhao Li's change and also smiled sincerely.
After more than ten years, he saw Zhao Li again. Besides being shocked by Zhao Li's progress, he also noticed that Zhao Li had been somewhat suppressed.
His strength was clearly much greater than when he was a youth, but he no longer had the same carefree, unrestrained spirit of his youth. Now, it seemed he had found himself again...
On the mountain peak, a gentle breeze blew, causing their robes to flutter and rustle, and their hair to fly...
Time passed quickly. These past few days, people arrived at the Danyuan Sect one after another.
Some arrived directly on the mountain riding various Magical Beasts, some trekked step by step along the Azure Steed Ancient Path, enjoying the mountain scenery as they ascended, and some, with powerful Cultivation Levels, manifested brilliant wings, descending like streaks of light.
It could be said that it was like the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Each Showing Their Divine Powers.
In short, Danxia Peak has been bustling with visitors these past few days. Every single one of them was a top figure in their respective regions.
Today was the auspicious day chosen by Elder Wu and the others. Almost all the guests who could and would attend the Grand Ceremony had arrived.
For a time, the wide Plaza on the mountain was full of people. They were dressed in elaborate clothing, holding gifts, and looked solemn as they gazed at the high platform.
Some were allies of the Danyuan Sect, some were relatives and friends of the high-ranking members, some were past seekers of Pills, some were among the top families in the empires surrounding Great Qian, and there were also some Rogue Cultivators with good Cultivation Levels.
Elder Wu glanced at the clock nearby. It was almost time.
He stood up, walked to the edge of the high platform, exchanged a few pleasantries with the guests who had come to attend the ceremony, and then got to the point:
"Today is the Sect Master Succession Ceremony of my Danyuan Sect. First, I want to thank all of you friends for being willing to give my Danyuan Sect a little face by coming to observe. Under the leadership of the previous Sect Master Lin Lan, my Danyuan Sect has developed rapidly, which is inseparable from everyone's support. Now, my sect has become the number one sect in Great Qian, and has had more or less interaction with all of you. I hope that in the future, everyone will continue to help and support us."
Elder Wu spoke of the Danyuan Sect's glory, his face full of pride. He had once been somewhat jealous that his father had passed the position of Sect Master to an outsider, but now, he only felt fortunate.
Although Lin Lan had not done much in the decades since he took over, his strength and status far surpassed any previous Sect Master. It was precisely because of his deterrence and influence that the Danyuan Sect was able to grow rapidly and become a transcendent force within the Great Qian Empire.
Elder Wu was filled with emotion. He paused and continued:
"Now, Lin Lan will step down from the position of Sect Master and pass it on to his disciple, Zhao Li. A new Sect Master brings new hope. I believe that under the leadership of Sect Master Zhao Li, the Danyuan Sect can reach even greater heights. Now, the Sect Master Succession Ceremony will begin."
As his voice fell, the guests on the field looked at the old and young figures sitting on the high platform, one on the left and one on the right.
Even without an introduction, whether they knew him or not, everyone knew that the protagonist of today was that young man.
Although they had heard the name Zhao Li quite a bit these past few days, they had never seen him in person. Today was the first time.
Seeing how young Zhao Li was, they were surprised and also began to doubt the things they had heard in the past.
Some felt that it was unwise for the Danyuan Sect to fabricate things out of thin air to create Momentum for the new Sect Master:
"Even if the Danyuan Sect wants to build Momentum for the new Sect Master, they shouldn't be so shameless, right? Could it be that they've developed too quickly in recent years and have become arrogant?"
Some people had some guesses in their hearts and explained:
"Maybe it's a Face-Preserving Technique, or they took some Pills. I know of one that can make you look like a youth after taking it, even a Dou Emperor might not be able to tell. Besides, it's understandable for cultivators to look young."
"Heh heh, just because you can't do it, doesn't mean others can't? All of you, you're unwilling to believe it. Maybe they really are that monstrous."
Some people mocked and retorted, but everyone could hear the sarcasm in their words.
"I think the Danyuan Sect is just going to stay like this."
...
The people on the field slowly started communicating, and it became a little noisy. Of course, they were just guests after all, so even when they communicated, it was extremely quiet. The unpleasant words were only discussed through sound transmission.
On the stage, Zhao Li stood up, following Lin Lan's movements, waiting for him to hand over the Sect Master Seal.
At the same time, he 'listened' to everyone's discussions and doubts. He didn't feel any anger in his heart; he even found them a little amusing.
They were so condescending. If you didn't know better, you'd think he was God.
He suddenly sent a sound transmission:
"Huh? Who is so condescending as to directly decide the future of the entire Danyuan Sect? Oh, I don't know them. Truly frightening. I thought it was some big shot whose Words Become Law, whatever they say is what happens."
The person who said the Danyuan Sect was just going to stay like this suddenly heard this sentence. He was stunned for a moment, his face turning bright red.
If he really had that ability, why would he be talking big here?
He stopped talking and quietly looked around, but couldn't find who was laughing at him.
After Zhao Li finished speaking, he no longer paid attention to them. Looking at Lin Lan praising him with great enthusiasm, he blushed a little and said softly:
"Master, that's enough."
Lin Lan paused slightly, reined it in a bit, and handed the seal to Zhao Li, saying:
"Zhao Li, from today onwards, you are the seventh generation Sect Master of the Danyuan Sect. I hope that under your leadership, the sect will become increasingly prosperous."
The Danyuan Sect has been around for over three hundred years, with several Sect Masters before. It used to be roughly on par with the Imperial Family's influence. It was only after Lin Lan returned that it rapidly expanded.
Zhao Li felt this scene was like a performance at a ceremony in his previous life and was a bit uncomfortable. But he couldn't leave. He accepted the Sect Master Seal, briefly shouted a slogan, said things like he wouldn't let everyone down and would manage the sect with all his heart, and then quickly withdrew, clearly just going through the motions.
Lin Lan knew exactly what he was like and was afraid that if he kept talking, Zhao Li would bring up all sorts of random things again, so he just let him do as he pleased.
After the ceremony ended, Elder Wu stepped forward again to continue presiding over the next part of the proceedings.
It was still some official talk, but he was also very shrewd and not rigid. His conversation was witty and engaging, and those watching the ceremony didn't find it boring.
Under his guidance, the ceremony proceeded in an orderly fashion.
"Next, Announce the Gift List!"
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