Donghua City.
The residence of the String Music Sect.
In front of the main hall, all the elders and elite disciples were lined up on both sides.
Everyone bowed slightly, their faces filled with immense reverence and sincerity.
Because today was a grand occasion!
Suddenly.
A ray of divine light shot up into the sky!
After a long while.
As the divine light dispersed, an old man walked out of the main hall with steady steps.
"Greetings, Sect Master, on your successful emergence from seclusion!" the elders and disciples respectfully shouted.
"Greetings, Sect Master, on your successful emergence from seclusion!"
"Greetings, Sect Master, on your successful emergence from seclusion!"
"Greetings, Sect Master, on your successful emergence from seclusion!"
...
The shouts echoed, wave after wave.
From the main hall to the core area, and from the core area to the inner and outer gates.
Finally, they spread throughout the entire String Music Sect!
"You are all very thoughtful," the Sect Master of the String Music Sect, Li Tian'gou, nodded with satisfaction.
He looked about seventy years old, but his spirit was very vigorous.
Of course, his actual age was over a thousand years old.
He could have easily used his magic power to maintain a youthful appearance, but he preferred his current look.
After all, he wasn't like those female cultivators who cared about their looks; an image of venerable authority was more fitting for his status!
"Sect Master, have you... broken through to the tenth level?" the Grand Elder asked excitedly.
As soon as he spoke, the other elders and disciples all turned their gazes towards Li Tian'gou.
"Indeed." Li Tian'gou smiled and stroked his beard. "This old man has reached the tenth level of Nascent Soul."
Upon hearing this, everyone present became excited!
Although the String Music Sect had been a top sect in Donghua City before, there were several other sect leaders who were also at the ninth level of Nascent Soul.
Therefore, Donghua City did not have a true undisputed leader.
But now, things were different!
Even though there was only a difference of one small realm between the ninth and tenth levels, it represented two completely different worlds!
Before the Nascent Soul realm, a difference of one small realm could barely be compensated for by sheer numbers.
However, after reaching the Nascent Soul realm, such an idea was completely out of the question!
Even if countless cultivators at the ninth level of Nascent Soul were gathered together, they would not be enough for one strike from someone at the tenth level!
This meant that from now on, the String Music Sect would be the undisputed leader of Donghua City!
This was not just a matter of ranking; it directly affected major issues such as resource allocation and mining!
"Sect Master, tomorrow is your two thousandth birthday." the Grand Elder asked for instructions, "Do you think it's time to send out the invitations now?"
Because Li Tian'gou had been in seclusion before, the Grand Elder had not dared to act on his own.
Otherwise, if guests arrived and their Sect Master was still in seclusion, wouldn't that be a laughingstock?
"Go ahead," Li Tian'gou replied indifferently. "It's a good opportunity to let them know who will be in charge of Donghua City from now on."
"By the way, Sect Master." The Grand Elder was about to turn away when he suddenly remembered something. "Elder Eleven and the others just sent a message, saying they have completed their task and are on their way back."
"I was wondering why I didn't see that old fellow." Li Tian'gou said, suddenly realizing. "What were they out doing this time?"
"He didn't say, but he mentioned preparing a great birthday gift for you." the Grand Elder replied respectfully. "But he asked me not to tell you yet, saying he wants to give you a surprise tomorrow."
"This old fellow is actually playing coy." Li Tian'gou scoffed with a smile and didn't think much of it.
In his opinion, it was probably just some rare treasures. But given Elder Eleven's capabilities, the things he found were unlikely to be anything extraordinary.
At most, they would be novel.
In the evening, all the influential sects in Donghua City received invitations from the String Music Sect.
However, their moods were a bit complicated.
They were all somewhat aware of Li Tian'gou's seclusion, as every sect had spies and informants planted in others.
Inspiration was something that could not be forced; Li Tian'gou would not have ended his seclusion early just for his birthday.
This meant that Li Tian'gou had likely broken through to the tenth level of Nascent Soul!
Thinking of this, everyone's hearts grew heavy.
The heavens of Donghua City were about to change!
The next day.
The various sect leaders, along with their trusted followers and birthday gifts, arrived at the String Music Sect's residence.
Tian'gou Hall.
Although called a hall, it was no less grand than a plaza.
It could easily accommodate tens of thousands of people.
Upon seeing Li Tian'gou, these sect leaders felt a sudden tightening in their chests!
He had indeed broken through!
"Congratulations to True Man Tian'gou on your two thousandth birthday!" After taking their seats, all the guests raised their cups in congratulation.
This gesture wasn't just raising their wine cups.
It also conveyed their submission.
They weren't foolish.
Faced with such an absolute difference in strength, it was the most sensible choice to yield.
"You are all too kind," Li Tian'gou said with a smile, raising his cup. "The future development of Donghua City will still depend on all of your strong support!"
His tone and demeanor clearly indicated that he now considered himself the master of Donghua City.
These people were very sensible, and Li Tian'gou was very satisfied!
Everything proceeded smoothly, and soon it was time for the gift-giving ceremony.
Whenever a guest presented a gift, the announcer beside them would loudly proclaim it.
This year, the gifts presented were noticeably more precious than in previous years, with several rare third-tier materials even appearing!
To be precise, these gifts were all hastily replaced by the sect leaders after they had met Li Tian'gou.
Although it pained them, there was no other choice...
Li Tian'gou's face was beaming with joy.
Third-tier materials could be considered treasures for the String Music Sect.
Of course, what he was more pleased about was the attitude of complete submission from these people.
After the gift-giving ceremony concluded, Li Tian'gou smiled and gestured, "Alright, now I officially announce the banquet..."
Just then, the Grand Elder suddenly stepped forward and whispered a few words in Li Tian'gou's ear.
"Esteemed guests, our Sect Master's Elder Eleven will be arriving soon, and he claims to have a gift of unparalleled value."
Li Tian'gou nodded, then gestured to the crowd:
"Perhaps you would all like to witness it together?"
"True Man Tian'gou is too kind," everyone quickly replied. "We would be delighted to broaden our horizons at this opportunity!"
A few minutes later, Elder Eleven and his group arrived.
"Congratulations to the Sect Master on your two thousandth birthday! We have specially prepared a grand gift for the Sect Master!" Elder Eleven and his group bowed respectfully.
"Elder Eleven, I have kept everyone waiting for a long time for you."
True Man Tian'gou said with a smile:
"If your gift fails to satisfy everyone, then I won't be able to protect you."
"Sect Master, esteemed guests." Elder Eleven smiled and cupped his fists. "I believe this gift will absolutely astonish everyone!"
After speaking, Elder Eleven reached out and pulled off the red cloth covering the gift.
Then...
A coffin was presented before everyone's eyes...
All the guests were stunned!
Holy cow?
Is Elder Eleven of the String Music Sect this daring?
Sending a coffin as a birthday gift?
Is he not planning to continue his sect duties?
Then, everyone looked at Li Tian'gou with strange expressions.
As expected, Li Tian'gou's face had turned darker than the bottom of a pot!
"Elder Eleven, is this the grand gift you prepared for me?" Li Tian'gou asked, his face grim, squeezing the words out through gritted teeth. "This gift of yours truly 'satisfies' me immensely!"
Elder Eleven was immediately bewildered.
His mind was filled with a single, enormous question.
Something was wrong?
Where were Gouzi and the Nine-tailed Spirit Fox?