Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

A streak of azure light descended from the top of the Flowing Cloud Palace. As the light and shadow dissipated, Shen Mo appeared in the main seat.

He wasn't dressed in fancy clothes, but still wore a simple blue robe. His face was peaceful, his eyes were gentle, and there was no oppressive spiritual pressure around him, yet he naturally became the center of the world.

He simply stood there, exuding an aura of profound composure and towering grandeur that inspired awe.

"Welcome Sect Leader (Master Shen)!" The disciples of Qingyun Sect greeted him in unison, their voices resounding through the heavens. Regardless of their own thoughts, the people below the stage also rose and bowed in greeting.

"Fellow Daoists, you have traveled a long way and must be tired. I am Shen Mo's most courteous guest." Shen Mo returned the greeting with a cupped hand. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, like a gentle spring breeze.

"Today's gathering serves two purposes: first, to celebrate Mr. Shen's fortunate achievement of forming the Golden Core; and second, to express our gratitude to the Heavenly Dao and our desire to share the profound teachings with fellow practitioners in the Southern Region, exchanging knowledge and resources."

The opening remarks were simple and peaceful, without any arrogance, which put many small and medium-sized sects and independent cultivators at ease and made them feel good about the situation.

After everyone was seated, the ceremony proceeded according to the established procedures. First, representatives from various factions stepped forward to offer their congratulations and present gifts.

Chen Hao from Baibaoge was the first to step forward, his chubby face beaming with smiles. He directed his disciples to bring over a dozen large boxes and announced loudly, "Baibaoge has prepared a small gift to congratulate True Person Shen on achieving his Golden Core, and to wish the Qingyun Sect continued prosperity!"

"A mere hundred catties of 'Stardust Sand,' ten cubic meters of 'Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron,' and a thousand seeds of various spiritual herbs... are but a token of my respect!"

The gift list was read out loud and clear, causing quite a stir; this was no small affair.

Shen Mo smiled and nodded: "Manager Chen is very kind. Qingyun Sect will remember this."

When it was the turn of Huoyun Daoist of the Lieyang Sect, he stood up, cupped his hands, and said in a slightly stiff tone: "The Lieyang Sect congratulates Sect Leader Shen on achieving the Core Formation. We present a piece of 'Crimson Sun Refined Gold' as a token of our appreciation."

The gift wasn't cheap, but it was much more meager compared to the treasures displayed in the store, and the tone was indifferent.

Shen Mo's expression remained unchanged, still gentle: "Thank you, Elder Huoyun. How is Venerable Xuanyang? Please give my regards to him."

Huoyun Daoist's eye twitched almost imperceptibly. Shen Mo's words sounded polite, but in reality, they implied a warning by pointing out that Xuan Yang Shangren had not yet arrived.

He replied with difficulty, "Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader Shen. The Venerable One is well, but he is busy with sect affairs and therefore sent me here."

Tianjian Sect's Jian Wuhen was even simpler, rising to say coldly, "Tianjian Sect, a congratulatory gift: the 'Autumn Water Sword'."

He said no more. The Autumn Water Sword was full of spiritual energy and was a fine sword, but everyone knew that the Heavenly Sword Sect was founded on swords, so the meaning behind giving away the sword was intriguing.

Shen Mo gave Jian Wuhen a deep look, took the sword, lightly flicked the blade with his fingertips, producing a clear and melodious dragon's roar, and praised:

"A fine sword! The Heavenly Sword Sect's sword-forging techniques are indeed well-deserved. However, though the sword is sharp, its power can only be unleashed if the wielder is of upright character and sincere intentions. Elder Wuhen, do you agree?"

Jian Wuhen's face paled. Shen Mo's words directly addressed the matter of Jian Wuji's damaged Dao Heart. He groaned and sat down dejectedly without replying.

Xuanbing Pavilion, Xuanyin Sect, and others also presented gifts one after another, creating a subtle atmosphere.

Shen Mo responded calmly and appropriately, displaying the demeanor of a powerful ruler.

After the offering of gifts, the discussion began. Shen Mo did not engage in grand pronouncements, but instead started with the most basic Qi cultivation and body refinement. His words were simple, yet they directly pointed to the origin of the Great Dao, encapsulating the righteous, peaceful, and inclusive philosophy of the Flowing Cloud Daoist tradition within simple principles.

Not only were the lower-level cultivators completely absorbed in the story, but even Golden Core cultivators like Huo Yun and Ling Shuang gradually began to ponder.

"...Therefore it is said: the Tao follows nature, and the sea embraces all rivers. The way of flowing clouds lies in the word 'tolerance.' Tolerate the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, tolerate the growth of all things, tolerate the competition of all laws, only then can it become great and last long." Shen Mo's voice was calm, yet it carried a comforting power.

Many independent cultivators and cultivators from small sects in the audience were deeply moved, feeling that many of their previous doubts about cultivation had suddenly become clear, and they felt increasingly close to the Qingyun Sect and Shen Mo.

"Sect Leader Shen's insightful remarks have enlightened me greatly," Huoyun Daoist suddenly spoke, breaking the harmonious atmosphere. His sharp gaze fell upon Shen Mo.

"However, there is one thing I do not understand. I have heard that your sect has obtained the 'Source Pearl,' a supreme treasure of the Myriad Laws Abyss, containing the origin of all laws. I wonder how it differs from the path we cultivate?"

"Since Sect Leader Shen spoke of 'inclusiveness,' could you perhaps allow us to witness the wondrous techniques of the Source Pearl, so as to broaden our horizons?"

This question was tricky; it seemed like a request for advice, but in reality, it was forcing Shen Mo to reveal his trump card. If Shen Mo refused, it would be inconsistent with his words and actions; if he did reveal it, it might expose the true nature of the Source Pearl.

The audience fell silent instantly, everyone holding their breath and looking at Shen Mo.

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo smiled slightly and did not answer directly, but instead flicked his sleeve.

Suddenly, the space behind the platform distorted, and a scene of light and shadow materialized—it was the scene of the entrance to the "Minor Myriad Laws Secret Realm"!

The scene was dazzling with light and color, with fragments of laws flying like a galaxy and the phantom of an ancient stele floating in the air. Although it was only the tip of the iceberg, the vast Daoist charm and the pure fluctuations of laws had already shaken the minds of all the cultivators present!

"Wow!"

"This is the secret realm?!"

"My God, what a rich Taoist aura!"

Exclamations of surprise rose and fell. Especially the rogue cultivators, whose eyes widened in astonishment.

His gaze swept across the entire room, lingering for a moment on the faces of Huoyun Daoren, Jian Wuhen, and others, before he continued:

"As for Elder Huoyun's question about the similarities and differences among all methods, the Great Dao is simple, and all methods return to the same source. The power of the Source Pearl lies in enlightenment, not replacement."

"Just like this secret realm, it will not directly grant you power, but it can help you understand your true nature and verify your own path."

He paused, then revealed his true intentions, dropping a bombshell: "To thank all fellow cultivators for their support, and for the prosperity of the cultivation world in the Southern Region, I, Shen, have decided that, starting today, the Qingyun Sect will open a limited number of trial slots for the 'Minor Myriad Laws Secret Realm'!"

"All cultivators in our Southern Region, regardless of their sect affiliation, can obtain the opportunity to enter and gain enlightenment by completing alliance missions or exchanging corresponding resources!"

Upon hearing this, the entire audience fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a deafening roar!

"What?! The secret realm is open?!"

"Really? Even independent cultivators can get in?"

"What an incredible opportunity!"

The smaller sects and independent cultivators have gone completely mad! In the past, the secret realms were controlled by the major sects, and they didn't even have the right to approach them!

The fact that Qingyun Sect is now willing to open up, even if it is "limited," is an unprecedented act of kindness!

Huoyun Daoist, Jian Wuhen, Guishou, and the others' expressions instantly turned extremely ugly. Shen Mo's move was too ruthless! Using the secret realm quota to buy people's hearts, he directly pushed the Qingyun Sect to the moral high ground!

If they oppose it, they will be making enemies of all the lower and middle-level cultivators in the entire Southern Region!

Chen Hao clapped his hands and laughed: "Master Shen has a broad mind and his benevolence extends to the Southern Region. I admire him! The Hundred Treasures Pavilion is willing to fully support this matter!"

Elder Ling Shuang nodded slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. The Qingyun Sect's move was indeed magnanimous.

Shen Mo raised his hand to suppress the commotion and smiled, "The specific details will be announced by Elder Han after the ceremony. After the ceremony, Qingyun Sect is willing to join hands with all fellow Daoists to explore the mysteries of the Great Dao."

He calmly looked at the ashen-faced Daoist Huoyun: "Elder Huoyun, are you satisfied with this 'insight'?"

Huoyun Daoist gurgled in his throat, and after a long while, he finally managed to squeeze out a few words through his teeth: "Sect Leader Shen... excellent skills! I... admire you!" He sat down heavily, his chest heaving violently.

Jian Wuhen snorted coldly and turned his head away.

On the high platform, Shen Mo's blue robe fluttered, his expression remaining calm. Below the platform, people's hearts were already in turmoil.

With the awe-inspiring power of his Golden Core cultivation, the explanation of the Flowing Cloud Daoist tradition, and especially the offer of a spot in the secret realm, Shen Mo had gained an absolute advantage in the first confrontation of this Dharma Assembly without shedding a drop of blood.