Later on, even the King of the Tiangui Kingdom was overwhelmed, bringing all his civil and military officials to the Jiang residence to congratulate Jiang Chen.
While they called it congratulations, their thoughts were all the same: to associate with Jiang Chen, to curry favor with him, and to support his endeavors.
Jiang Chen's current status, without a doubt, absolutely surpassed that of the Tiangui Kingdom's King.
The King of the Tiangui Kingdom, in terms of status and foundation, might not truly fear even an ordinary elder of the Treasure Tree Sect.
But a genius like Jiang Chen was far beyond the reach of an ordinary sect elder.
Over the past half year, countless legends about Jiang Chen had emerged, each version embellishing his monstrous performance in the selection tournament, describing him as earth-shattering and incredibly miraculous.
These legends, while somewhat exaggerated, contained a core of absolute truth: his array of titles was genuine.
Champion of the secular preliminary, champion of the Mystic Spirit Zone, champion of the Earth Spirit Zone, and finally, in the decisive battle of the selection tournament, he defeated powerful enemies one after another, culminating in the slaying of Long Juxue to become the undisputed champion.
Long Juxue, across the Sixteen Kingdoms Alliance, had long been a legendary genius due to his Innate Spirit Body.
Yet, even such a legendary genius could not escape the fate of being slain by Jiang Chen's blade.
That single strike which killed Long Juxue was enough to say it all.
What's more, even Ancestor Qianye of the Treasure Tree Sect, who usually didn't meddle in worldly affairs, had personally declared that regardless of whether Jiang Chen lived or died, the Jiang family must be protected.
This showed just how much Ancestor Qianye valued Jiang Chen.
Now that Jiang Chen had returned safely, like a dragon returning to the sea, he was bound to set off a new saga of genius across the Sixteen Kingdoms Alliance.
How could they not seize the opportunity to curry favor with such a person?
Moreover, missing this chance meant who knew if Jiang Chen would ever return to the Tiangui Kingdom? Even if he did, who knew when he would come back?
This was undoubtedly their best opportunity to align themselves with Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen himself seemed surprised by this situation.
Although the Jiang residence was fairly spacious, nearly all the nobles of the Tiangui Kingdom had arrived, and each had brought their children, eager to bring the younger generation to learn from Jiang Chen. Even receiving just a word or two of guidance would be a lifelong benefit.
Because there were too many people and the scene was too chaotic, the royal family had to step in to maintain order. The King hosted a banquet for Jiang Chen, inviting all the dignitaries of the Tiangui Kingdom, but each family was allowed only two representatives.
Even so, the scene was still incredibly lively.
Jiang Chen was already accustomed to such situations; the tendency of people to suck up to the powerful was nothing new.
However, he did not refuse. During the banquet, he interacted closely with Prince Ye Rong, signaling to everyone that he still supported Prince Ye Rong and was his strong backing.
This made Prince Ye Rong the greatest beneficiary. Now, everyone in the royal capital knew clearly that Prince Ye Rong's position as heir was absolutely unshakable.
Even the King himself would not dare to move against Ye Rong's position anymore.
Qianlan Southern Palace, Qingyang Valley, and Duobao Dojo, having close ties with Jiang Chen, were also very active at this banquet.
Especially Palace Master Ning of Qianlan Southern Palace, who lamented and rejoiced that she had not married her daughter to Xiao Yu of Qianlan Northern Palace, but had chosen Qiao Baishi instead. Otherwise, she would be regretting it deeply now.
Duobao Dojo, thanks to Jiang Yu, also had a close relationship with Jiang Chen. Deputy Sect Master Shi Xiaoyao praised Jiang Chen profusely.
The entire Qingyang Valley, now that Elder Fei Xuan had joined the Elder Council, saw their status among the four major dojos rise to the top. This was all thanks to Jiang Chen, so they naturally adored him.
Besides the four major dojos, Grand Steward Shangguan Yi of the Dragon Tooth Guard was also filled with emotion during the feast, feeling profoundly grateful that he had not been foolish enough to side with Deputy Steward Yang Zhao. Otherwise, would there even be a place for him at this banquet?
He might not even have been able to keep his position as Grand Steward of the Dragon Tooth Guard.
The banquet concluded in a joyous atmosphere, with everyone feeling unwilling to part. They stepped forward one after another to try and get closer to Jiang Chen, who did not stand on ceremony and politely engaged with them all.
Only after the guests had left did Jiang Chen gather with a few acquaintances.
Prince Ye Rong sighed, "Chen Shao, I was among the first in the Tiangui Kingdom to recognize your potential, but I must admit, even back then, I couldn't have imagined you would reach this point."
Tian Shao didn't say those words, but his smiling expression clearly agreed with Prince Ye Rong.
They were all friends who had shared hardships, so the atmosphere was relaxed.
Jiang Chen raised his glass, "A toast to those days we went through together."
Everyone laughed and raised their glasses in turn.
Sitting beside Tian Shao, Tang Long, who had developed over the years, was now capable of taking charge on his own, having risen to Battalion Commander. However, seeing Jiang Chen, he felt even more awe.
His destiny had been completely changed by Jiang Chen. For someone from a humble background to reach this point, to become a Battalion Commander in the Dragon Tooth Guard, this life trajectory was simply dreamlike.
Also present was Ling Qianli of Qianlan Southern Palace, another trusted aide of Prince Ye Rong, who had previously attended Elder Ye Chonglou's banquet with Jiang Chen.