At a glance, it was clear that this was not something the mortal world could ever compare to. The Lingxiao Immortal Court held its Grand Peach Banquet at the Jade Pool, and naturally, the Great Yi could not fall behind. They too had to showcase their heritage and strength. Such a dreamlike scene was more than fitting, perfectly suited for the occasion.
Now, within the entire Xinghe Garden, auspicious clouds floated in patches, as though one had stepped into a fantastical realm. Unknowingly, dusk had fallen, and night gradually veiled the world. On the drifting clouds were set rows of jade tables, each adorned with fruit platters.
These were no ordinary fruits. Grapes, mandarins, cantaloupes, watermelons, cherry tomatoes, apples, bananas—each one was a spirit fruit, already sliced and artfully arranged by the palace maids into delicate fruit platters. Every fruit carried spiritual essence, but more importantly, every selection was chosen for its supreme flavor. Their taste was exquisite, something recognized and praised by countless gourmet masters.
Just these fruit platters alone were something no ordinary force could possibly present.
Besides fruit platters, there were candied treats, confections, Da Yi's own chocolate, and various pastries—each one exquisite, delicious beyond compare.
The ministers of Da Yi, who arrived first, each took their places before the jade tables, chatting leisurely while savoring the platters of fruits. The sweetness of the spirit fruits spread across their tongues, filling them with joy and satisfaction, smiles blooming across their faces.
Da Yi had risen to its current heights, and they, as ministers, naturally shared in its glory.
Before long, rainbow-hued divine lights tore through the void, and in the blink of an eye, many renowned Immortals and gods arrived one after another.
"From the Jie Sect, the Three Pure Saints arrive!!"
"From the Western Buddhist Gate, Maitreya Buddha arrives!!"
"From the Western Buddhist Gate, the Laughing Buddha arrives!!"
"From the Chan Sect, Celestial Master Yuding arrives!!"
Figures wreathed in Immortal light descended at the Da Yi Immortal Palace. Under the guidance of palace attendants, they entered Xinghe Garden and took their seats before the jade tables, glancing around while sampling the fruits and delicacies. Many of the female Immortals' eyes lit up with delight after tasting the sweets, their expressions filled with longing and appreciation.
"These wondrous treats of Da Yi never cease to amaze. Their culinary arts are truly unique, remarkable beyond words. Sisters, you must try this dessert called 'chocolate.' It is smooth, sweet, and utterly delicious."
Bixiao, one of the Three Pure Saints, had already begun sampling eagerly.
These dainty snacks were exactly her favorite kind, and tasting them now, her eyes narrowed in delight.
"I've heard Da Yi has prepared many top-grade Immortal Peaches for this banquet. Soon, you can eat to your heart's content," Yunxiao said with a light smile.
"This Immortal Peach Banquet is in no way inferior to the Grand Peach Banquet of the Jade Pool. The fame of the Eternal First Immortal Court is no mere jest. I only wonder how many great powers will arrive today… and whether any Saints themselves will appear."
Qiongxiao's voice carried curiosity as her eyes roved about, especially toward the ministers of Da Yi. She couldn't help but marvel inwardly—Da Yi was a destiny dynasty that had risen in this very epoch. Many here had once been ordinary people, yet in just a century, they had reached such heights of cultivation. In time, advancing even further would be as natural as flowing water.
Cultivation within a dynasty of destiny was blessed with fortune. In the early stages, progress was swift, leaps and bounds each day. Though the higher one climbed, the less obvious the aid of destiny became, it never disappeared completely. At higher levels, advancement required not just accumulation of mana, but comprehension of the Dao, of the laws of heaven and earth. Talent and insight became the key.
Still, compared to ordinary cultivators, Da Yi's people advanced at astonishing speeds.
Now, these ministers were no longer mortals.
Truly, when one person attained the Dao, even their chickens and dogs ascended.
It was hard not to marvel at the wonders of fate, the mysteries of a destiny dynasty.
In the near future, it would not be difficult for them to reach the level of the Three Immortal Sisters. It was only a matter of time. No one would dare look down on such people.
An Immortal Court could not be toppled overnight, especially one as deeply rooted as Da Yi's.
"The White Lotus Heavenly Maiden from the White Lotus Forbidden Zone arrives!!"
Lotus blossoms bloomed in the void, forming a sea of flowers. From it stepped a peerless maiden in white palace robes, holy and pure as a lotus, unsullied by the dust of the world. Each step she took birthed new lotuses beneath her feet. To gaze upon her was to feel one's own unworthiness, unable to look directly.
"From the Lunar Palace, Fairy Chang'e arrives!!"
A figure emerged, eclipsing heaven and earth itself, as if she had stepped out from the Moon Palace, bathed in moonlight. Her presence even surpassed that of the White Lotus Maiden, perfectly displaying the unparalleled divine grace of the foremost celestial maiden beneath heaven.
Her beauty was beyond mortal comprehension.
Chang'e's arrival alone added countless colors to the feast.
Afterward, more great powers arrived one after another.
From the Dark Realm, hundreds of mighty experts appeared, none absent. With their deep ties to Da Yi, none would dare miss this event.
Da Yi was a true pillar of support.
"The Patriarch of Earth Immortals, Great Immortal Zhenyuanzi arrives!!"
Zhenyuanzi descended upon Xinghe Garden, and celestial visions instantly filled the skies.
"From the Blood Sea, Ancestor Ming He arrives!!"
Ming He followed, along with many other mighty Slaughter Heaven experts who had once appeared at the Tidewatch Terrace. Their arrival made the gathering overwhelmingly grand, shaking to behold. Not only had the eastern great powers come, but also the top experts of the western races. Each one was an awe-inspiring figure.
Even the likes of Odin, Zeus and Poseidon arrived, instantly raising the banquet's prestige to unimaginable heights.
One had to know—these figures had not attended the Lingxiao Immortal Court's banquet. In this contrast, the difference became glaring.
Seeing this, Haotian's expression darkened.
At that moment, atop a dragon throne, divine light flashed, and Yi Tianxing's figure appeared. None knew when he had arrived, but there he sat, exuding majesty. Without anger, he inspired awe, his authority naturally spreading across Xinghe Garden. Every Immortal and god present instinctively stiffened, sensing his irresistible dignity.
Seated there, it was as though heaven and earth rested in his grasp—his bearing like that of a true sovereign.
"Greetings to His Majesty, the Immortal Emperor Yi!!"
The assembled Immortals rose and bowed deeply.
There was no trace of disrespect in their expressions.
"Rise. Today, all who have come are honored guests of Da Yi. No need for excessive ceremony—enjoy yourselves freely, that is the true principle."
Yi Tianxing spoke with a smile.
Whoosh!!
Suddenly, the skies burst with purple qi, covering heaven and earth. Auspicious radiance spread in ten thousand beams, golden blossoms rained down, celestial maidens danced.
"Empress Nuwa arrives!!"
"Empress Houtu arrives!!"
"Saint of the Grand Pure, Laozi arrives!!"
"Primordial Heavenly Lord arrives!!"
"Grandmaster Tongtian arrives!!"
The next instant, Saintly might surged like mountains and prisons, shaking heaven and earth. The Pure Saints had arrived together.
"Gaia, Mother Goddess of the Earth, arrives!!"
A breathtakingly beautiful, benevolent middle-aged woman appeared, her presence like that of the universal mother, evoking natural warmth and reverence.
"The Holy Son arrives!!"
A middle-aged man in golden robes, majestic and awe-inspiring, stepped forth. His aura was in no way inferior to that of Saints. This was none other than the progenitor of the Holy Spirit Race, the Holy Son. The Holy Spirits were beings born of heaven and earth, called the children of the Dao. By great fortune, their progenitor had broken through to the Hunyuan Realm, revered directly as the Holy Son—a true child of Heaven.
Wherever he went, celestial phenomena followed.
Soon after, endless Buddha light blossomed.
"The Saint of Reception arrives!!"
"The Saint of Zhunti arrives!!"
The Saints of the West had also come.
In an instant, Xinghe Garden shone with unmatched brilliance. The banquet's prestige soared to an unparalleled height, beyond compare.
Unknowingly, the moon now hung high in the sky, starlight filling the heavens. Beams of starlight descended into Xinghe Garden, forming a vast river of stars. Seated within, one felt transported into the cosmos itself, transcendent and ethereal.
"The Immortal Peach Banquet officially begins. Serve the Immortal Peaches!!"
Seeing that the hour had come, Cao Zhengchun raised his horsetail whisk and announced.
At his command, palace maids entered gracefully, each bearing jade trays. Like butterflies among flowers, they moved through the tables, placing plates of Immortal Peaches before every guest. Each platter held a selection of peaches, each unique. Their fragrance wafted through the air, filling the garden and beyond.
Countless Immortals and gods secretly swallowed their saliva.
At the announcement, they eagerly picked up the peaches and tasted them with care.
Even those who had eaten the Jade Pool's peaches found themselves astonished, eyes lighting up with wonder at the flavor of Da Yi's peaches. They bit eagerly, and as they swallowed, auspicious light radiated from their bodies, making them appear even more divine.
During the banquet, music and dance were performed.
The performances of Da Yi were stunning beyond belief, captivating the Immortals and gods present.
Boom—!!
Just then, thunderous rumbling suddenly echoed from beyond.
(End of Chapter)