The Lord of Dragon Gate!
Han Tiandao!
At the mention of this name, all idle chatter and greetings in the hall came to an abrupt halt. Eyes turned towards the main entrance, some with shock, others with indifference.
But more were filled with confusion.
Most had not expected that the Bai family's invitation this time would even alarm Dragon Gate.
After all, Dragon Gate, an ancient martial arts force, was second to none, even across the entire southern province.
This was because within this sect, there truly existed Martial God level figures, and likely more than one.
Therefore, some people felt uneasy about their arrival.
"Wasn't this invitation from the Bai family meant to share the method of breaking through the Martial Emperor's shackles and stepping into the Martial God realm? Why are people from Dragon Gate here?"
"Indeed! For top sects like theirs, which already possess supreme Martial Gods, why would they need others' methods?"
"Alas! Perhaps they're here to learn from each other!"
"Forget it! As long as we get the method to break through the Martial Emperor's shackles, other matters are irrelevant to us!"
"That's right, just stay out of trouble!"
"..."
Amidst the hushed discussions, the reason why the Bai family could gather so many ancient martial arts forces was indirectly revealed.
That was the path to becoming a Martial God.
Such an opportunity, it was unlikely any ancient martial artist could resist.
From this perspective, these ancient martial artists who accepted the invitation seemed not to have realized the true value of the cultivation techniques imparted by Ye Ming.
Otherwise, why would they have come?
It could truly be said to be putting the cart before the horse.
...
"Lord Han's visit to my Bai family truly makes our humble abode shine with honor!" Bai Tai strode forward, a smile on his face as he looked at the three figures entering from outside. He quickly cupped his fists in a salute.
The three figures before him were led by a middle-aged man, clad in a black robe, with thick brows and hawk-like eyes. A hint of the pressure of a superior was reflected in his jet-black pupils. It seemed that before him, everyone's aura would weaken a bit.
This person was the Lord of Dragon Gate, Han Tiandao.
Daring to name himself with "Tiandao" (Heavenly Dao) showed the man's imperious nature.
Behind Han Tiandao followed two others.
An old man and a young man.
The old man's hair was as white as snow, his face deeply wrinkled and pockmarked, looking somewhat eerie. He squinted his aged eyes, emanating a chilling aura. His withered hands were hidden within his long sleeves, giving people an uncomfortable feeling.
And also dangerous.
As for the other man, if Ji Hongying were present, she would likely recognize him at a glance.
It was none other than her adoptive father.
Lin Fengxuan!
He had indeed appeared.
And to be able to follow behind Han Tiandao, it showed that his status and position might be more than just that of one of the "Twelve Generals."
"I heard that the Bai family head will be sharing the mystery of breaking through to Martial Emperor, and I, Han, am also very curious, hence I've come to learn from you." Han Tiandao played with two black and white Yin-Yang pearls in his hand, speaking with a smile.
"Lord Han is too kind. You have already broken through to the Martial God realm. The meager methods we possess might embarrass us in front of you."
Bai Tai responded with a chuckle, gestured to the side, and led Han Tiandao and his companions inside.
"Greetings, Lord Han!"
"Greetings, Lord Han!"
"..."
Anyone who saw Han Tiandao bowed and cupped their fists in salute. Even the leaders of the Bu Jianqiu and Chi Lie factions were no exception.
This demonstrated the supreme status of Dragon Gate.
Han Tiandao merely nodded slightly in response.
Half an hour later.
All the ancient martial arts forces invited by the Bai family had gathered in the main hall, with no absentees.
At a rough estimate, there were at least nearly ten factions.
Among them, Dragon Gate naturally took the lead.
"First, I, Bai, would like to thank everyone for gracing my Bai family with your presence. I offer this cup to express my respect!" Bai Tai sat at the head of the table, raising his wine cup and thanking everyone.
"Patriarch Bai is too polite!"
"..."
The others responded with smiles, all for the sake of pleasantries.
Bai Tai wasted no more words and went straight to the core topic.
"The reason why I, Bai, have invited you all this time, I believe you already know from the previous invitation letters. The era of ancient martial arts is upon us. Under this great trend, my Bai family also wishes to forge alliances with fellow daoists, to find a corner of peace amidst the chaotic currents of the future era." Bai Tai said with emotion, "I am grateful that everyone present thinks highly of me, Bai, and is willing to participate in this feast of the era. To express my gratitude, I, Bai, am willing to share the Martial God insights passed down from my ancestors with all of you, in exchange for friendship!"
Martial God insights.
The moment these four words were uttered, the pupils of most people present burned with fervor, their breathing quickened. Wasn't this what they were waiting for?
"Patriarch Bai is magnanimous. My Chang Qiang Sect is willing to forge friendship with the Bai family and pursue the great trend together!" A middle-aged man seated at the end stood up and cupped his fists.
With one leading the way, others followed suit.
"My Wu Fa Temple is willing to forge friendship with the Bai family and pursue the great trend together!"
"My San Qing Mountain is willing to forge friendship with the Bai family and pursue the great trend together!"
"My Gu Quan Sect..."
"My Liu Yun Sect..."
"..."
After some small and medium-sized ancient martial arts forces declared their stance, only Dragon Gate, Qi Sect, and Tian Jian Mountain remained silent.
The gaze of others then converged towards these three factions.
The scene fell into silence for a moment.
Bai Tai did not rush, and merely waited patiently.
If, before sending out the invitations, he might have felt anxious facing such a situation. But now, with certain matters having changed, he was indifferent.
Even if this gathering ended in a disagreement, he would be content.
However, at this moment, the eldest son of the Bai family, standing behind him, spoke with a smile.
"Oh, by the way, there's something my grandfather might have forgotten to tell everyone!"
Bai Fenglang had a faint smile on his face, and he casually glanced at Bai Tai, as if conveying something.
At this moment, Chi Chuan, standing behind Chi Lie, exchanged a knowing smile with Bai Fenglang, and then asked, "Oh! Brother Fenglang, what do you mean by that!"
Others were also curious.
Bai Tai slightly raised his head, his previously relaxed brows furrowing slightly.
He had no idea what Bai Fenglang was about to do.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Bai Fenglang simply smiled faintly, and then slowly spoke, "Actually, my Bai family ancestors not only passed down Martial God insights, but also something even more precious than these Martial God insights."
Something more precious.
This statement instantly caused a stir.
"Interesting!"
Bai Fenglang's words not only surprised the vast majority, but even the Lord of Dragon Gate, Han Tiandao, whose expression had remained largely unchanged, showed a flicker of emotion.
"What is this more precious thing you speak of? Tell me!"
Han Tiandao asked directly.
His tone carried a hint of command.
"Hmph?"
This tone caused the relaxed smile on Bai Fenglang's face to fade. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, but he eventually concealed it. "That more precious thing is..."
"The path to breaking through to Martial God."