Three days later.1

Xiao Huan Mountain, which had been quiet for an entire year, suddenly bustled with life.0

Lanterns fluttered in the breeze, colorful banners draped across terraces, and the once-quiet paths bustled with footsteps and conversation. Between pavilions and towers, vibrant floral arrangements bloomed in full splendor. The whole scene shimmered with a dreamlike, festive air.0

Cultivators even cast spells to conjure a misty cloudscape that veiled the entire scene in ethereal beauty. At first glance, the setup appeared festive and celebratory.0

But upon closer inspection… it was a little disjointed. The decorations clashed, the aesthetic was uneven, and the coordination left something to be desired. Still, as a coalition of rogue cultivators banded together, no one really cared about such trivialities.0

Liveliness was all that mattered!1

In truth, there weren’t many precedents for Foundation Establishment Ceremonies. In sects and sacred groups, where disciples numbered in the thousands, no one threw a celebration just because some junior reached Foundation Establishment. At most, close friends and family might gather, offer a few words of congratulations, and move on.0

Only when a cultivator stepped into the Nascent Soul Realm would the mountains open, banners rise, and guests from all corners of the cultivation world arrive to witness the birth of a Sage.0

But in small, remote corners of the world like Dahe Market or Snow Lotus Market, where most cultivators never made it beyond Qi-Refining, even one Foundation Establishment Initiate was enough to shake the land.2

To show off their strength, the sect or faction of such a cultivator would often host what they called a "Foundation Establishment Ceremony."0

Now, Luo Tian Society atop Xiao Huan Mountain was doing the same.0

Even the number of guests from outside was limited, more out of practicality than humility. The crowd was made up mostly of internal members, all gathered to celebrate their president's...0