togophonebook 87. Celebration
87. Celebration
At the summit of Junji Peak, the grand signing of the new Jianghu Covenant and the aftershocks of the four great families' has not yet completely subsided, but an even more fervent and uplifting atmosphere has already resounded throughout Mount Song like a long-brewing spring thunder.
With the new alliance established and the covenant completed, how can there be no celebration to demonstrate its strength and unite its people?
As the host and one of the core pillars of the alliance, the Seven Absolutes Sect spared no effort in organizing the event. From the summit of Junji Peak to the mountain gate, the path was already adorned with lanterns and colorful banners fluttering in the wind, embroidered with the emblems of various sects within the alliance. Among them, the Seven Absolutes Sect's "Seven Mysterious Star Pattern" and the newly designed "Azure Mysterious Sword Seal" representing Lin Mo were the most eye-catching. Along both sides of the mountain path, every ten steps, spirited Seven Absolutes Sect disciples stood with swords in hand, serving both as a ceremonial guard and as guides to the endless stream of guests.
The invitations had already been sent out by a dedicated swift-flying team before the convention was even signed, reaching all corners of the land. Now, those who received the invitations, regardless of the distance, whether they wished to make friends with the new alliance or were simply curious and wanted to find out more, prepared generous gifts and traveled day and night to come.
From dawn, the roads leading to the Seven Absolutes Sect's mountain gate were bustling with carriages and people. There were lone swordsmen riding tall horses, full of vigor and spirit; there were gang leaders riding in magnificent carriages, surrounded by their entourages; and there were also many representatives of small sects, dressed simply but with sharp eyes. Their faces radiated an unprecedented glow, and they walked with an air of confidence, as if they were not attending a celebration, but their own coronation ceremony.
"The Golden Saber Sect Leader has arrived! His gifts: eight hundred taels of pure gold and ten fine horses from the Western Regions!"
"The chief镖头 (chief镖师) of the Wuliu Escort Agency has arrived! His gifts include: a jade Buddha statue and one hundred bolts of fine silk!"
"Sect Leader Liu of the Qingxia Sect has arrived! Gifts include: a pair of century-old ginseng roots and the ancient sword 'Flowing Shadow'!"
The sounds of greetings rose and fell at the mountain gate, each one louder than the last. The Seven Absolutes Sect steward, recording the gift list, wrote with swift, flowing strokes, his smile almost overflowing. These gifts not only represented the sentiments of each faction but also symbolized their recognition and commitment to the new alliance.
The main venue was set up in the Seven Absolutes Sect's largest martial arts arena. At this moment, the usual weapon racks had been removed, and hundreds of sandalwood tables and chairs had been set up, laden with fine wines, delicacies, and fresh fruits. Servants and maids in uniform moved about among them, attending to the guests attentively. Temporary viewing platforms had been erected around the arena, with a giant platform, about ten feet above the ground, covered with a scarlet carpet, in the center—the seating area for the alliance's core members and important guests to pay their respects later.
Just past 9 AM, the square was already bustling with activity. Acquaintances among the martial arts world exchanged greetings, their voices booming as they discussed the four great families' humiliation during the signing of yesterday's treaty, their words brimming with triumphant satisfaction. Many leaders of smaller sects actively befriended those at neighboring tables, exchanging views on the future in a lively and harmonious atmosphere.
"Sect Leader Liu, congratulations! The Qingxia Sect is sure to have a bright future within the alliance!"
"Chief镖师 Liu, congratulations! If it weren't for Alliance Leader Lin taking the lead, where would we find such confidence today?"
"Speaking of which, it's Alliance Leader Lin who's truly brilliant, snatching this piece of meat from the jaws of the four great families—no, reclaiming what rightfully belonged to us!"
Lin Mo, along with the Seven Absolutes Sect's Grand Elder, Zhao Kun, and other key figures, did not appear early. They stood at the window of a pavilion behind the square, overlooking the bustling and vibrant scene below.
The Grand Elder stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes full of satisfaction: "I have been in charge of the Seven Absolutes Sect for decades, and I have never seen so many people from different sects gather together so peacefully, even calling each other brothers. Young friend Lin Mo, your actions are truly meritorious."
Zhao Kun was even more excited, rubbing his hands together and saying, "Alliance Leader, look at this scene! Our alliance is truly established! Let's see who dares to look down on us from now on!"
Lin Mo's gaze slowly swept across the entire arena, taking in every face that displayed excitement, anticipation, or awe. His expression remained calm, but a subtle ripple flickered deep within his eyes. In his past life, he had sought revenge alone, struggling and relentlessly. He had never imagined he would find himself in this situation, where a single call to arms would garner such overwhelming support. This life's path seemed truly different.
However, the string in his heart remained taut. The magical artifact sealing his lover's soul lay quietly in his personal storage pouch; it was the initial motivation behind all his actions, and also the deepest softness and pain in his heart. The four great families would never let this go, and there were also those faintly emerging fragments of memories about the world's restart... The clamor and excitement before him were more like a brief calm before the storm.
"With our foundations newly established, we are far from being able to rest easy," Lin Mo said calmly, his voice steady. "Today's celebration is both a celebration of our achievements and a demonstration of our authority. We must let the world see that our alliance is not a rabble, but a new force with rules, strength, and a future."
It is precisely the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), the auspicious time has arrived.
"Thump—thump—thump—"
Three deep and resonant chimes echoed throughout Mount Song, and the noise in the square gradually subsided. Everyone's eyes turned to the tall main stage.
Led by the Grand Elder of the Seven Absolutes Sect, with Lin Mo half a step behind, more than ten core members of the alliance and important sect leaders, including Zhao Kun, Liu Rufeng, and Chief Escort Liu, slowly ascended the stage. Each of them possessed a composed demeanor and clear eyes; their invisible auras converged, instantly making the entire square solemn.
As the host and a veteran of the alliance, the Grand Elder delivered the opening address. His voice was loud and clear, projected with internal energy, reaching everyone's ears clearly: "Fellow martial artists and friends! Today, under a clear sky and gentle breeze, we gather at Mount Song to celebrate the official establishment of the 'Martial Arts Alliance'! This is a grand event for the martial world, and even more so, the starting point for us martial artists to break free from our shackles and jointly forge a new chapter!"
He recounted the arduous journey of the alliance's formation, praised Lin Mo's courage and the unity of all factions, and finally raised his glass: "This toast is to the alliance! May our alliance be as majestic as Mount Song, its foundation ever solid! May our comrades flow like rivers, united in heart and mind! Cheers!"
"Dry!"
Thousands of people below the stage responded in unison, their voices echoing across the area, as they raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp. The strong aroma of alcohol mingled with their heroic spirit, filling the air above the square.
Immediately afterwards, Lin Mo stepped forward. Today he was dressed in a black close-fitting outfit, with a blue robe embroidered with dark gold sword patterns on top, and the Taixu Ancient Sword hanging at his waist. Although he did not deliberately exude an aura, the composure tempered by two lifetimes and the subtle sharpness that he revealed made everyone hold their breath.
He spoke little, his gaze sharp as lightning sweeping across the room: "The covenant is the ironclad rule of our alliance. I urge you all to remember this: to join our alliance is to abide by its rules. Merit will be rewarded, and transgressions will be punished. Within the alliance, there is no distinction of rank, only justice and order! Outside the alliance, we will not attack unless attacked; but if attacked," he paused, his voice suddenly turning cold, carrying a chilling aura of killing intent, "we will punish them, no matter how far away, no matter how powerful!"
"I obey the Alliance Leader's command!"
A thunderous response erupted from the audience once again, many faces flushed with excitement. Lin Mo's words, a combination of kindness and firmness, were far more effective in calming people's hearts and rallying their strength than any lengthy discourse.
Following this was the grand ceremony of bestowing the seal upon the leader of the alliance. The Grand Elder of the Seven Absolutes Sect personally and solemnly handed a large black iron seal, engraved with "Seal of the Leader of the Jianghu Mutual Aid Alliance," to Lin Mo. Lin Mo held the seal in one hand and displayed it to the audience, once again drawing thunderous cheers.
Following the ceremony, the celebrations officially commenced. In the central area of the martial arts square, the pre-arranged entertainment began. Disciples of the Seven Absolutes Sect performed an exquisite sword formation, the sword light flashing like a swirling galaxy; exotic dancers from the Western Regions performed the passionate and unrestrained Sogdian Whirl Dance, their colorful sleeves fluttering, dazzling the eye; and a remarkable ventriloquist imitated the roars of beasts and the clash of battle with uncanny realism, drawing cheers from the audience.
The banquet reached its climax, with a continuous stream of delicacies served, and jars of fine wine opened one after another, their rich aromas filling the entire venue. The hearty and boisterous江湖客 (jianghu ke, a term referring to people from the martial arts world) drank merrily, calling out to their friends, their voices ringing out as they played drinking games. People kept coming down to the main stage to toast Lin Mo and the core members, expressing their congratulations and loyalty.
Lin Mo did not refuse, but he only dabbled and remained sober. He moved among the guests, speaking politely and behaving calmly, neither overly familiar nor distant, firmly controlling the atmosphere of the entire event.
As the sun gradually set in the west, bathing the peaks of Mount Song in a golden glow, the celebratory atmosphere remained undiminished, growing even more exuberant with the deepening of the wine. Everyone was immersed in this unprecedented unity and joy, as if a brand new era of martial arts was already within reach.
However, beneath this hustle and bustle, Lin Mo's keen senses subtly detected a strange aura that seemed out of place with the festive atmosphere, like an undercurrent quietly passing beneath a calm lake.