Chapter 366 : A Banquet At Wushan Temple
Wushan Temple Sect stood tall among the ten great sects that dominate the cultivation world. This esteemed institution sat atop Mount Wu, a majestic peak shrouded in clouds and mist, where the air was always fresh and the water was always pure.
Admission to the sect was a coveted privilege, granted only to those who possessed exceptional talent and potential. Even then, an admission was not guaranteed. Very few sects opened their arms to prospective disciples from unknown backgrounds.
Wushan Temple Sect required a personal recommendation from its existing members before even considering an applicant. This stringent process ensured that only the most deserving and dedicated individuals were admitted into its sacred temple.
Once accepted, initiates embarked on a transformative journey. They were required to leave behind their families and worldly attachments, embracing a life of discipline and devotion. Within the sect’s walls, they lived and trained alongside their fellow disciples, forming bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that transcended blood and circumstance.
Tonight, a vibrant tapestry of light illuminated the Wushan Temple Sect. Hundreds of lanterns, each radiating a warm glow, adorned the mountaintop sanctuary, transforming it into a luminous spectacle. This outpouring of light celebrated a momentous occasion -- the eighteenth birthday of Bai Ling, the only daughter of Sect Leader Bai Siyang.
A festive atmosphere permeated the air as the front courtyard of Wushan Temple underwent a remarkable transformation. Gone was the serene tranquility of the usual space; in its place, a vigorous banquet venue pulsed with life.
The centerpiece of the festivity was a raised platform constructed in the center of the courtyard. This stage served as the canvas for an array of talented entertainers, who had journeyed from nearby towns to add their voices and instruments to the joyous occasion.
Around the stage, ten long dining tables were strategically arranged, radiating outwards like the spokes of a wheel. These tables, draped in bright red and yellow silk cloths, were intended for the esteemed guests, representatives from all the great sects who had come to honor Bai Ling and her family.
Behind the long tables, smaller circular dining tables were scattered like fallen stars, offering a warm and welcoming space for Wushan Temple Sect’s disciples and honorable guests from the surrounding towns and villages.
At the ten long dining tables, a distinct solemnity prevailed. Here, amidst the representatives of various sects, formality held sway. Conversations were measured, laughter subdued, and every gesture carried a weight of respect and protocol.
In stark contrast, the smaller circular tables buzzed with a vibrant energy. A symphony of joyous laughter and lively chatter filled the air, punctuated by the delicate clinking of glasses as guests raised their cups in toast. The melodic strains of music from the stage drifted through the courtyard, further enhancing the festive mood.