More than a month later.
Central Continent. Spirit Affinity House headquarters.
High in the sky, a Daoist temple floated above the clouds.
Immortal Gu aura permeated every direction — this temple was Spirit Affinity House's Time Dao Immortal Gu House, the Sun Moon Observatory.
The ceremonial gateway, the main hall, and the side halls were integrated into a single structure. This temple was one of Spirit Affinity House's foundational reserves, specializing above all in providing convenience for Gu Immortals' cultivation.
Under normal circumstances, the Sun Moon Observatory was kept in the possession of Spirit Affinity House's Supreme Elders, passed among them in rotation to assist their cultivation.
But at this moment, the Sun Moon Observatory had been displayed openly, positioned high in the sky. Moreover, its power had been activated — every corner of the temple, every tile and brick, sequentially radiated the faint glow of sun and moon.
Magnificent radiance illuminated the surrounding clouds, making them billow like auspicious vapors, splendor spread across the land — a majestic scene of an immortal paradise.
In the temple's main hall, Gu Immortals had already assembled.
Nearly all of Spirit Affinity House's Supreme Elders were in attendance — Feng Jiuge, Fairy Baiqing, Xu Hao, Li Junying, and even Zhao Lianyun, the current Spirit Affinity House Fairy who had most recently attained Gu Immortal status.
However, the protagonist of this occasion was none of them, but rather Feng Jinhuang.
Feng Jinhuang wore a plain white robe, neat and crisp, her small face filled with solemn gravity.
She knelt on the ground, performing a full kowtow before Dragon Lord, who sat in the seat of honor.
Yes — this was Feng Jinhuang's master-taking ceremony!
Ordinarily, for Feng Jinhuang, who had already joined a sect, it would have been extremely difficult to take a Gu Immortal outside the sect as her master.
But who was Dragon Lord?
All of Spirit Affinity House, from top to bottom, complied without the slightest objection — in fact, they were overjoyed. Spirit Affinity House's Supreme Elders even discussed arranging everything to the highest standard, and making a grand public announcement to elevate their sect's prestige.
However, this proposal was rejected by Dragon Lord.
Dragon Lord's instruction: everything should be kept simple, no fanfare — but the standards must not be lowered.
Spirit Affinity House's Grand Supreme Elder personally presided, painstakingly consulting ancient texts, referencing the ancient master-taking customs from Dragon Lord's era, and expending tremendous effort.
Dragon Lord's expression revealed nothing, but in his heart he was rather satisfied with this master-taking ceremony.
Especially when his gaze settled upon Feng Jinhuang, a hint of warm gratification surfaced in his eyes.
After the kowtowing rituals were completed, Feng Jinhuang rose to her feet, produced a cup of tea, and presented it with both hands to Dragon Lord.
In the silent hall, Feng Jinhuang spoke in a clear voice: "Great Dragon Lord, please accept a cup of Golden Morning Dew Tea from your disciple Jinhuang."
Dragon Lord took the cup and first removed the lid.
Instantly, the tea radiated a brilliant yet gentle golden glow, illuminating the ceiling above the assembled immortals with a dazzling sheen.
Dragon Lord slowly closed his eyes, raised the cup to his nose, and gently inhaled.
The tea's fragrance was subtle yet unmistakable, carrying an extraordinarily fresh and clean scent — as if it were the smell of morning dew on green grass on a spring dawn, pure and blemishless, yet suffused with an aura of light and vitality.
"This tea is fine." Dragon Lord smiled faintly, slowly opened his eyes, and took a sip.
As the tea slid down his throat, it proved truly extraordinary. Even Dragon Lord, looking back over his entire life, acknowledged it as a rare and exceptional brew.
"Feng Jinhuang, you are a Grand Master of Refinement. The tea you prepare is naturally extraordinary. Very well — from this day forward, you are my second disciple."
The moment these words left his mouth, the main hall buzzed with murmurs.
Every Gu Immortal beamed with joy — even Xu Hao and Li Junying were no exception.
"Play the immortal music," Spirit Affinity House's Grand Supreme Elder called softly. The next moment, resounding and beautiful immortal music began to play, majestic and grand.
"This disciple greets her Master!" Feng Jinhuang knelt to the ground once more. Only now could she address Dragon Lord as "Master" and refer to herself as "disciple."