Invincible Divine Sword Chapter 2064: Paying Respects to the Holy Realm’s Majesty
Previously on Invincible Divine Sword...
The elder leading Yang Xiaotian toward the Main Hall shifted his gaze in the same direction. His expression flickered upon seeing the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix, and he immediately offered a respectful bow and cupped his hands from a distance.
Turning to Yang Xiaotian, he whispered, "That is the Lord Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix!"
The Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix!
Yang Xiaotian was stunned to learn the middle-aged man’s identity. This figure was once as legendary as Long Yi. Following the elder's example, he also performed a distant salute.
Although the bond between the Long Clan and the Phoenix Clan was merely average, the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix shared a friendship with both Long Yi and the Ancestor of the Sun God Tribe.
Once the formalities were finished, the elder resumed guiding Yang Xiaotian toward the Main Hall.
The Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix kept his eyes fixed on the youth. "Is that Yang Xiaotian?"
Feng Yuanshan, the head of the Feng Family from the Ancestor Continent, had accompanied the Phoenix Clan for the Apprenticeship Ceremony. Hearing the question, he stepped forward quickly and replied, "Indeed, Lord Nine Heavens, that is Yang Xiaotian."
Watching Yang Xiaotian’s retreating back, the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix nodded slowly. "The First of Eternity Heart and 129,600 Kaitian Holy Paths... such talent truly defies the heavens."
"I wonder how high this boy will soar in the days to come!"
Having said his piece, he continued leading his entourage toward the Main Hall.
"Earlier, voices from the Abyss of Darkness claimed this child would eventually surpass the Master of Holy Realm," remarked the Phoenix Clan leader walking beside him. "Many are currently debating whether such a feat is even possible for him."
The Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix shook his head with a faint smile. "Surpass the Master of Holy Realm? Unless the Master of Holy Realm falls and this boy seizes the Holy Realm Origin Power, he can never hope to eclipse him!"
In his view, since the Master of Holy Realm currently wielded the Holy Realm Origin Power, he was immortal and invincible within this realm. Since his death was impossible, Yang Xiaotian surpassing him was equally inconceivable.
Shortly after, the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix arrived with his clan at the plaza fronting the Main Hall.
They found the area already packed with formidable figures from every corner of the world.
These powerful experts were organized into groups based on their respective continents.
Despite the massive crowd, the gathering was orderly.
A multitude of experts looked toward the entrance of the World Academy Main Hall with expressions of deep reverence.
"Lord Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix has arrived!" an elder of the World Academy announced, his voice booming across the plaza.
The vast assembly of experts, looking like a sea of ants, turned their heads in surprise.
Upon seeing the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix, every powerhouse—including the ancient Ancestors and the Supreme Overlords ranked on the Holy Realm List—bowed in respect.
Even though he was not the Ancestor of the Phoenix Clan, his prestige and standing were equal to one, mirroring the status Long Yi held in the past.
The Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix returned the gesture with cupped hands before leading his people to the very front of the plaza.
They touched down in the elite section.
The front of the plaza was partitioned into ten specific zones, meaning only the ten most influential factions were permitted to stand there.
Before long, the Ancestor of the Devourer Beast Clan arrived with his kin, occupying one of the ten premier spots.
However, the Devourer Beast Clan was positioned slightly toward the flank.
The Phoenix Clan, by contrast, was situated much closer to the center.
Following them, several other pinnacle clans of the Holy Realm arrived in succession.
Yet, the absolute center of the front row remained unoccupied.
Every onlooker glanced at that empty space with a sense of awe and trepidation.
That central position was reserved exclusively for the Master of Holy Realm and the Holy Realm Academy.
Soon, Yang Xiaotian emerged from the Inner Hall, following his master Bai Yan and a group of World Academy elders.
The moment Bai Yan appeared, the gathered experts bowed as one, their voices thundering, "Greetings to the Dean!"
Even the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix joined the salute.
While the World Academy had been established by the Creator Lord, Bai Yan was the only person to ever hold the title of Dean.
Back when the Master of Holy Realm, Long Yi, and the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix were part of the academy's first generation of disciples, Bai Yan was already the one in charge.
Consequently, the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix treated Bai Yan with immense respect.
Bai Yan’s true origins were a mystery.
Some believed he was a direct disciple of the Creator Lord, while others whispered he was one of the Holy Realm's original beings and the strongest of that first generation.
Bai Yan scanned the assembly, his gaze lingering briefly on the vacant central area. He then cupped his hands and spoke loudly to the crowd, "Today marks the day I take a new disciple. I thank you all for traveling such distances to bring your congratulations!"
He followed this with a concise address.
Once he finished, Luo Chong, the elder of the Mission Hall, stepped forward. "Dean, the auspicious hour for the ceremony is nearly here. Shall we commence?"
He was subtly suggesting they should not wait any longer for the Master of Holy Realm.
Bai Yan was about to reply when he spotted a colossal ship cutting through the clouds like it was riding massive waves.
At that same moment, every powerhouse present felt the disturbance and looked toward the heavens.
Standing at the ship's prow was a middle-aged man draped in a golden battle robe.
Even from miles away, his overwhelming presence was palpable. He stood tall and unyielding, looking as though his spine would never bend, even if the heavens themselves were to fall.
Standard protocol required even the mightiest Ancestors to stow their vessels or halt them outside the World Academy. However, this massive ship ignored all rules, speeding directly toward the Main Hall without slowing down.
The sight of the ship and the man standing upon it sent a wave of shock through the crowd.
Even those who had never laid eyes on the Master of Holy Realm knew exactly who had arrived.
Breath hitched in throats.
A heavy silence fell over the plaza.
The ship finally came to a halt directly above the plaza, and the Master of Holy Realm descended.
As his feet touched the ground, the world seemed to vibrate, as if nature itself were bowing to his authority.
"Bow before His Majesty of the Holy Realm!" many experts cried out, dropping to their knees.
Even the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix, the Devourer Beast Ancestor, and the high elders of the World Academy bowed deeply with cupped hands.
Bai Yan stepped forward as well, leaning on his World Staff with a slight bow of his head. "Greetings to Your Majesty of the Holy Realm!"
The Master of Holy Realm surveyed the crowd with a sovereign gaze. His eyes paused momentarily on Yang Xiaotian before he moved to assist Bai Yan. He declared loudly, "The Dean does not need to bow to me."
He then signaled for the gathered experts to rise.
Once everyone was standing, the Master of Holy Realm smiled at Bai Yan. "I have not been back in many years. Upon hearing the Dean was taking a disciple, I decided to come and see. I hope you will forgive my unannounced arrival."
Bai Yan chuckled. "Your presence, Your Majesty, is a great honor. How could we possibly take offense?"
The Master of Holy Realm laughed softly and glanced toward the Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix. "Feng Tian, you have come as well!"