When An Jiaye brought this group of Divine Dao cultivators to Jiang Chen and explained their intention to join the Upper Ancient Glazed Tile Palace, Jiang Chen was not particularly surprised.
The reason he had brought these people to the human domain and allowed them to reside in the Glazed Tile Palace for so long was precisely so they could experience the charm of the Upper Ancient Glazed Tile Palace for themselves.
It had to be admitted that Jiang Chen placed great importance on this group. Their combat strength would absolutely surpass that of Lan Tianhao, Yu Gong, and their lot.
After all, Lan Tianhao and Yu Gong's cultivation was still a far cry behind An Jiaye and his people. Moreover, among An Jiaye's group, there were two or three individuals whose strength was nearly comparable to An Jiaye himself.
Naturally, Jiang Chen welcomed their addition with open arms.
"All of you wish to join the Upper Ancient Glazed Tile Palace and contribute together to the great cause of resisting the demons — I am naturally most welcoming. However, there is one matter I must be upfront about."
Jiang Chen's gaze was earnest, without the slightest trace of insincerity.
"The Upper Ancient Glazed Tile Palace was the foremost great sect of antiquity. The foremost sect has its own heritage and foundations, as well as its own rules and strictures. Once you join, you will enjoy the Glazed Tile Palace's treatment, but you will also be bound by its rules. Are you all prepared for that?"
These were indeed words spoken upfront. Jiang Chen had no desire for unpleasant incidents to arise later that would make things ugly for everyone.
An Jiaye smiled. "To be honest, I already mentioned all of this to them beforehand. Our fellow cultivators have their minds prepared."
The cultivators all looked at Jiang Chen and spoke with sincere voices. "Young Master Jiang Chen, please rest easy. Though we cultivators have always been free-spirited, we understand the bigger picture. The Glazed Tile Palace is the foremost great sect of antiquity. If we are to join, we will naturally abide by its rules and never bring disgrace to the foremost sect."
"Exactly. The Glazed Tile Palace is in the process of being rebuilt. For us to join at this stage is our honor, and we will bear witness to the Glazed Tile Palace's rise once more. We should take pride in that and will naturally do our utmost."
That was the honest truth.
The Glazed Tile Palace was still in its reconstruction phase. By joining now, they would count among its founding members. As founding members, they naturally needed to contribute more and strive to consolidate their positions.
At this stage, no one would be foolish enough to bring disgrace to the Glazed Tile Palace.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen broke into a hearty laugh. "Good, good, good! In that case, I shall formally accept all of you into the Glazed Tile Palace on its behalf. After the ceremony, you will all hold the rank of elder. Once your cultivation breaks through to the mid-stage of the Divine Dao, you may become Upper Elders."
The status of an Upper Elder was even higher than that of an ordinary elder.
At this stage, the Glazed Tile Palace did not yet have a single Upper Elder — only one Supreme Elder in Xia Tianze.
Of course, Xia Tianze was an ancient founding member. His status was transcendent, and his strength held an overwhelming advantage. No one could question his position.
Upon hearing this, the crowd was overjoyed.
To receive an elder's rank immediately upon joining naturally delighted them and stoked their enthusiasm even further.
Even An Jiaye sighed, "I never imagined that one day I would join a sect's forces. However, the temptation of the foremost great sect of antiquity is something even I cannot refuse!"
That was the honest truth. An Jiaye truly could not resist the allure of the Glazed Tile Palace.
"Whatever promises Elder Xia made to you before, I shall not interfere. Now that you have all joined, I have a promise of my own. Someday, I will bestow upon each of you an opportunity that will elevate your cultivation by one full realm — unconditionally."
This was Jiang Chen's solemn promise.
Everyone was startled upon hearing this.
An Jiaye blurted out, "Unconditionally advance by one realm?"