Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Shen Mo walked to the center of the platform and stood there, his gaze sweeping over the dark mass of people below. The square was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Han Lin announced loudly, "Shen Mo, the current head of the Qingyun Sect, is renowned for his virtue and profound cultivation. At the founding of the Qingyun Alliance, he was chosen by popular vote as its first leader! In accordance with the alliance rules, the coronation ceremony shall be performed!"

A carefully selected, pretty inner disciple stepped forward, carrying a sandalwood tray.

The plate was covered with bright yellow brocade, upon which rested a seal that was neither gold nor jade, but shimmered with light and possessed an ancient and grand design—the seal of the Qingyun Alliance Leader! Beside the seal was a scroll of the Alliance Leader's decree, woven from spirit silkworm silk and radiating a soft glow.

Han Lin held up the seal with both hands, faced Shen Mo, and said loudly, "Please, Alliance Leader, accept the seal!"

Shen Mo bowed slightly and accepted the heavy seal with both hands. It felt warm and smooth to the touch, yet one could sense the immense fortune and responsibility it contained.

"Please, Alliance Leader, announce your inauguration!" Han Lin said again.

Shen Mo stepped forward, gently placed the Alliance Leader's Seal on the table, and then faced the entire audience. He did not speak immediately, but instead slowly scanned the crowd again, his gaze calm yet seemingly able to penetrate the hearts of everyone.

Fire Cloud Daoist of the Blazing Sun Sect subconsciously avoided his gaze, Sword Wuhen of the Heavenly Sword Sect clenched his fist, Elder Ling Shuang of the Profound Ice Pavilion nodded slightly, Chen Hao of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion was so excited that his chubby face turned red, and many people in the loose cultivator area held their breath.

"Fellow Daoists," Shen Mo spoke, his voice not loud, yet clearly reaching everyone's ears, like a clear mountain spring flowing through their hearts, "Today, Shen Mo is here, entrusted with this important task, and my heart is filled with only trepidation and gratitude."

His tone was sincere, without the slightest hint of pride: "I am apprehensive because the position of Alliance Leader concerns the future of the Southern Region, and the responsibility is heavier than a mountain. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by all my fellow Daoists, who have entrusted this important task to Shen Mo and to the Qingyun Sect."

He then changed the subject, his voice rising in pitch: "However, having accepted this position, Shen Mo hereby swears that he will faithfully perform his duties, prioritizing the interests of the alliance and the well-being of all fellow Daoists! He will uphold impartiality, strictly abide by the alliance rules, reward merit and punish wrongdoing!"

He paused slightly, his gaze becoming distant and profound, as if piercing through time and space: "Our Qingyun Sect inherits the lineage of Ancestor Liuyun. As our ancestor said: 'The Dao follows nature, and the sea embraces all rivers.' The Dao of Liuyun lies in inclusiveness and in the ceaseless cycle of life."

"Today's Qingyun Alliance is not an alliance of a single sect or faction, but a home built by countless like-minded individuals in the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness! We should follow the legacy of our ancestors, not be bound by sectarianism or the difference between strength and weakness, but help and support each other, and share the Great Dao!"

He perfectly combined the "Flowing Clouds Tradition" with the "Alliance Ideals," endowing the Alliance with a sacred and ancient legitimacy.

"The alliance's purpose is 'harmony'! Internal harmony leads to common development! The alliance's cornerstone is 'trust'! Allies entrust each other with trust and righteousness! The alliance's goal is 'progress'! Let's join hands and explore the path to longevity!"

With each word he spoke, his voice rose, carrying an infectious power: "The resources of the secret realm should be developed in an orderly manner, and used according to contribution! External threats should be met with united hatred and joint resistance!"

"We cultivators already face immense difficulties defying fate; if we continue to fight amongst ourselves, wasting our vital energy, when will we ever be able to glimpse the true essence of the Great Dao?"

His gaze swept over the members of the Blazing Sun Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect, and he spoke earnestly: "Past grudges are like yesterday's death. Future opportunities are like today's birth. Shen Mo hereby promises that all those who are willing to abide by the alliance rules and work together for development, regardless of the past, are brothers and sisters of my Azure Cloud Alliance!"

"Within the alliance, there are only like-minded people, no longer any enemies!"

These words demonstrate both an inclusive attitude and a bottom line: those who abide by the rules are truly one of us.

Finally, he raised his hand, pointed to the sky, and his voice, like a resounding bell, echoed through the heavens: "We should aspire to the highest heavens, soaring to the highest peaks! We should cherish the flowing clouds, bringing blessings to all living beings!"

"Today, I pledge my oath on this mountain and my covenant with this alliance, and I am willing to join hands with all my fellow Daoists to create a new era in the Southern Region and together attain the supreme Dao!"

'

"Long live the Alliance Leader!"

"Qingyun Alliance, Wansheng!"

"I am willing to follow the Alliance Leader and together create a new era!"

Below the stage, led by Chen Hao of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, Ling Shuang of the Profound Ice Pavilion, and numerous small and medium-sized sects and independent cultivators, a thunderous cheer erupted! Many people were so excited that tears welled up in their eyes, as if they could see a bright future.

Shen Mo's speech was devoid of empty slogans; every sentence was grounded in reality, and the vision he outlined was both practical and grand, deeply touching their hearts.

The Fire Cloud Daoist of the Blazing Sun Sect looked extremely ugly, and the Sword Without Trace of the Heavenly Sword Sect dug his nails into his palms, but under these circumstances, they dared not offend the crowd and could only reluctantly follow suit with their hands clasped, their faces ashen.

The Ghost Hand of the Xuan Yin Sect had a flicker in his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

The coronation ceremony reached its climax amidst cheers from the crowd. What followed was a grand celebration, with sacred wine and fruit served in abundance, accompanied by singing and dancing, creating a scene of jubilation.

However, beneath this clamor, undercurrents still flow.

During a break in the celebration, Shen Mo and a few core members briefly gathered in a side hall of the Liuyun Palace.

"Sect Leader, no, Alliance Leader!" Shi Tie grinned widely, excitedly. "Now we're the rightful boss! Let's see who dares to cause trouble now!"

Su Xiao calmly replied, "Alliance Leader, although the ceremony has been completed, the hidden dangers have not been eliminated. Although the Blazing Sun Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect have not acted today, their resentment must be deep. The Profound Yin Sect is unpredictable and treacherous."

"Furthermore, within the alliance, there are countless details regarding the distribution of benefits and the assessment of contributions. Any slight unfairness can easily lead to rifts."

Han Lin stroked his beard and said, "Junior Sister Xiao is absolutely right. Our Qingyun Sect is currently in the eye of the storm. It may seem glorious, but in reality, every step we take is fraught with danger. This position of Alliance Leader is not easy to hold."

Shen Mo stood with his hands behind his back by the window, gazing calmly at the commotion in the square: "As expected. The title of Alliance Leader is both power and a shackle. In the future, we must be even more cautious and fair in our actions."

"Junior Sister Xiao, the Shadow Guards' eyes need to see further."

"Elder Han, the alliance rules should be finalized and published as soon as possible to ensure that there are rules to follow."

"Junior Brother Tie, the enforcement team needs to train rigorously. They must be able to fight and also understand the rules."

"Yes!" the three answered in unison.

Shen Mo turned to them, his voice deep and serious: "From today onwards, in the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness, my Qingyun Sect will be the target of everyone's wrath. Gentlemen, the real test has only just begun."

Outside the hall, the joyous sounds of celebration could be faintly heard. Inside, however, the expressions of the people present grew increasingly solemn.

Inside the Flowing Cloud Palace, the seal and edicts symbolizing the alliance leader's authority were quietly displayed on the jade table, exuding a faint sense of power. Shen Mo removed his solemn alliance leader's robes and changed back into his ordinary blue shirt.

He stood before the palace, gazing calmly at the distant mountains where the sea of ​​clouds surged. The cheers of the crowd at the coronation ceremony still echoed in his ears, but he knew in his heart that the invisible "crown" brought not only power, but also an overwhelming responsibility and countless prying eyes.

"Sect Leader," Su Xiao's voice sounded from behind. She was still used to this title. "All forces have gradually withdrawn. The Shadow Guards reported that the people from the Blazing Sun Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect left very quietly, and the Xuan Yin Sect's movements are elusive."

"Within the alliance, Elder Han has begun to refine the contribution rules, and Manager Chen Hao has also expressed his full cooperation in resource allocation."

"Hmm." Shen Mo responded softly without turning around. "The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. This position of alliance leader is both a spotlight and a target. It's time to solidify our foundation."

He turned to look at Su Xiao, as well as Han Lin and Shi Tie who had rushed over upon hearing the news: "I need to go into seclusion again. This time, it's not for a breakthrough, but to thoroughly refine the Myriad Laws Source Pearl and deeply integrate it with the spiritual veins of Qingyun Mountain, the secret realm, and the grand formations of each hall."

"Only by transforming the power of the Source Pearl into the true foundation of the sect can we cope with the storms of the future."