After observing that the members of the various sects had taken their seats in their respective areas, Feng Aotian made a gesture with his hand. Instantaneously, young attendants presented fruits and snacks upon each table.

Since Ding Hao had emerged victorious and claimed the first position this time, in accordance with the established protocol, the contingent from the Limitless Demon Sect was seated at the lower table adjacent to that of the Purgatory Demon Sect. This was, indeed, the most ceremonious treatment that the Limitless Demon Sect had been accorded in numerous years.

In the past, subsequent to each iteration of the Soul-refining Sect Assembly, the Limitless Demon Sect would depart in a state of abashment, much like the Black Demon Sect on this present occasion. Even during the sporadic Broken Soul Mountain Sect Conferences, the Limitless Demon Sect invariably occupied the rearmost seat. Who could have anticipated such preferential treatment today?

Feng Aotian motioned with his hand, signaling for everyone to maintain silence. His piercing eyes swept across the assemblage as he pronounced, "It is no trifling matter for us all to convene here today. For the past century, the Limitless Demon Sect has languished at the nadir of the sects domiciled upon the Broken Soul Mountain. However, during this particular session of the Soul-refining Sect Assembly, the disciple Ding Hao of their sect has radiated with resplendent glory and captured the spotlight, a development that has entirely surpassed my anticipations. Although the Black Demon Sect has been utterly eradicated this time, it does not in any way vitiate the fundamental tenet of this assembly. The principle of survival of the fittest endures as an immutable verity. It is my earnest hope that all sects will persevere in their endeavors. The progression of a sect resembles rowing against the current; if one fails to advance, one is bound to regress. All sects ought to regard this as a solemn admonition and refrain from repeating the same errors."

Feng Aotian paused momentarily and then proceeded, "The puissance of your respective sects is tantamount to the might of our entire Broken Soul Mountain lineage. In the current epoch, the realm of cultivation is seething with unrest. Apart from our Broken Soul Mountain, the puissance of several other sects is also waxing stronger with each passing day and is in no way inferior to ours. Should we not collaborate in unison to augment our strength, then, sooner or later, we shall be subsumed by other sects, and by then, it shall be far too late for remorse."

Scarcely had Feng Aotian's words subsided when the sect masters of the several sects proffered their assent in unison and subsequently engaged in a bout of deliberation among themselves.

After a brief interlude, a gentleman from the Yin-Yang Harmony Sect rose to his feet. He appeared to be approximately thirty years of age, his complexion fair and delicate, bearing a resemblance to that of a woman. His verdant shirt bestowed upon him an air of consummate refinement and elegance.

This individual saluted Feng Aotian with due deference and avowed, "Sect Master Feng, your words are unerringly correct. We have thrived under the aegis of the Purgatory Demon Sect hereupon the Broken Soul Mountain and have hitherto experienced an unimpeded course of development. Be that as it may, should anyone dare to impugn the dignity of the Broken Soul Mountain, without the necessity for your sect to intercede, our Yin-Yang Harmony Sect shall be the first to mete out retribution and not permit such an affront to pass unchallenged."

Perceiving his attire, it seemed plausible that he was the Sect Master of the Yin-Yang Harmony Sect. However, Ding Hao discerned that, in addition to this gentleman, there was also a bewitching and alluring young woman attired in an identical manner. Thus, he directed a quizzical glance towards Chen Ling.

Noticing Ding Hao's perplexed mien, Chen Ling elucidated in a sotto voce tone, "Owing to the idiosyncratic cultivation methodology of the Yin-Yang Harmony Sect, the office of the sect master therein diverges from that of other sects. Whereas other sects are endowed with a single sect master, the Yin-Yang Harmony Sect is presided over by two, who respectively cultivate the Yin Art and the Yang Art."

"Sect Master Yang, it is truly a cause for jubilation that you harbor such a sentiment. Nevertheless, our Broken Soul Mountain is not a domain that any individual may trifle with. With the exception of the five major sects, who would dare to foment unrest upon the Broken Soul Mountain?" Feng Aotian declared with an air of hauteur.

"Sect Master Feng, I chanced upon certain tidings a while ago. I am uncertain as to whether I ought to disclose them or not." Sect Master Yang hesitated and enunciated.

"Oh, what is it that has so preoccupied Sect Master Yang? Pray, speak without reservation." Feng Aotian responded in a composed manner.

"I was informed that three celestial sword arts manifested themselves during the Treasure-gathering Sect Assembly on the previous occasion. I merely received this intelligence secondhand and am thus ignorant as to its veracity. However, Miss Xingran happened to be present at Juqu Mountain at that time. She must surely possess some degree of discernment regarding this matter, must she not?" Sect Master Yang inquired.

No sooner had these words been uttered than the members of the various sects abruptly lapsed into silence and riveted their attention upon the substance of their conversation. The affair of the celestial sword arts is no trifling concern. Even after the passage of a considerable span of time, it still could not quell the avarice that simmered within the hearts of all.

"Yes, there was such an occurrence. However, our sect only became cognizant of it post facto. It is reputed that these sword arts were procured by the Blood Demon Lie Shan. As to whether there exist any other latent secrets, our sect remains in a state of nescience."

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Perceiving that the members of the various sects had taken note of this matter, Feng Aotian expounded in a placid tone. Upon concluding his utterance, he cast a surreptitious glance towards Ding Hao.

"Oh, is that truly the case? It would seem that Lie Shan, that venerable devil, has reaped a bountiful harvest. Fortunately, he is unaffiliated with any sect. Otherwise, it would pose a formidable menace to all sects." Sect Master Yang exclaimed in astonishment.

"Indeed. It is more propitious for Lie Shan to have obtained this than for any of the other five major sects. Lie Shan is a solitary devil within this realm. Even if his cultivation were to progress further, it would not imperil the foundation of our Broken Soul Mountain." Feng Aotian asseverated. After a momentary hiatus, he added, "Even if he were to master the three celestial sword arts, what of it? He originally cultivates the Blood Scripture. Employing this scripture to activate the sword arts, he would be incapable of fully unleashing their potency. Hence, we have no cause for concern."

Upon hearing these words, all present concurred. If these sword arts were to fall into the hands of the Taoist sects, it would be the most calamitous of outcomes. For the cultivation methods of the Taoist sects are congruent with the celestial sword arts and would assuredly enable them to manifest a considerable degree of their puissance. Particularly, the three major Taoist sects are already possessed of extraordinary might. If they were to acquire these sword arts, it would truly spell disaster for the Demon Sect. The fact that Lie Shan has obtained them is, by contrast, more palatable to all. After all, Lie Shan is a denizen of the Demon Sect.

Feng Aotian emitted a light cough, thereby redirecting the attention of all towards himself. With a deft wave of his solitary hand, ten brocade boxes materialized out of thin air upon the front table.

Witnessing such a transformation, all were cognizant that the most momentous juncture of the Soul-refining Sect Assembly had finally arrived. In truth, the ultimate objective of the participating disciples of all sects was the contents of these boxes.

"Esteemed colleagues, the treasures that the top ten of this Soul-refining Sect Assembly are entitled to are ensconced within these boxes. As to the precise nature of the contents within the boxes, the fortunate recipient of the treasure shall discern it at a single glance. Our sect shall refrain from providing a detailed exposition. However, the top three are all of the highest grade of magic weapons and are indubitably capable of augmenting one's strength by a significant margin." Feng Aotian beamed.

Upon hearing Feng Aotian's words, the disciples who had ranked among the top in the competition all evinced expressions of pleasant surprise.

Ding Hao, too, was somewhat taken aback. It was little wonder that all strove with such desperation during each iteration of the Soul-refining Sect Assembly. The allure of high-grade magic weapons was far from negligible. Some of these magic weapons were not even assuredly wearable by the more feeble elders, let alone the third-generation disciples.

Unquestionably, the acquisition of such an item would incontrovertibly enhance one's strength. However, with the Heaven-defying Demon Sword already in his possession, Ding Hao did not harbor a significant craving for attack-type magic weapons. He was, in fact, rather intrigued as to the contents of the box reserved for the first-place winner.

Whilst he was immersed in ruminations, Feng Aotian elevated his right hand. The brocade boxes that had hitherto lain flat in front seemed to be ensnared by an invisible force and hurtled towards the victorious disciples.

One of the boxes soared towards Ding Hao. Just as Ding Hao was on the verge of extending his hand to grasp it, the box abruptly altered its trajectory, eluding Ding Hao's outstretched hand and instead hurtling towards his visage.

Observing such a transformation, Ding Hao remained unperturbed. His other suspended left hand quivered in the air, emitting a resonant buzzing sound of rapid gyration. Several shafts of white light erupted from between his five fingers, severing completely the thread of true qi that Feng Aotian had left upon the box. The brocade box came to an abrupt halt just prior to colliding with Ding Hao's face and plummeted into his grasp.

Ding Hao intoned with respect, "I am deeply grateful, Sect Master, for bestowing this magic weapon."

"Excellent! Excellent! Your attainment of the first place in this assembly is no fortuitous occurrence. The Limitless Demon Sect has, at long last, achieved something of note after centuries of obscurity. It is my fervent hope that you will carry forward the cultivation methods of the Limitless Demon Sect. Heh heh, do not disappoint me." Feng Aotian chuckled in conclusion. Whether it was a figment of his imagination or not, Ding Hao was perpetually haunted by the perception that Feng Aotian seemed to evince a particular interest in him. Perhaps it was on account of Feng Xingran. Ding Hao mused self-mockingly.

Ding Hao repeatedly proffered expressions of modesty and attributed the credit to Sect Master Li Nantian and the four elders. The several individuals felt a profound sense of honor and were consequently far more amicable in their demeanor towards Ding Hao.

Ding Hao inserted his hand into the box and was immediately greeted with a countenance of astonishment. It transpired that there was a jet-black suit of armor within the box. Although high-grade magic weapons were not in short supply, there was a preponderance of attack-type ones, and defensive ones were comparatively more precious. With the Heaven-defying Demon Sword already in his possession, what Ding Hao required most was precisely this genre of magic weapon. Although his physical form was already of prodigious strength, the possession of an armor to safeguard his body would be an added boon. The armor proffered by Yin Feng on the previous occasion was of inferior quality, and he had thus bestowed it upon Chen Ling. However, this high-grade armor was perfectly poised to fill the lacuna in his defenses. With this armor in his possession, in conjunction with his robust physical form, he could disregard ordinary attacks with impunity. His strength was, without a doubt, further enhanced.

Originally, with the Heaven-defying Demon Sword in his possession, Ding Hao was already a force to be reckoned with. Complemented by his increasingly proficient Nine Nether Ghost Art, the eight-winged purple python that had evolved to possess two wings, and his formidable physical form, the acquisition of such an armor rendered him both a potent offensive and defensive asset. Opponents of comparable strength would assuredly meet their demise if they were to cross paths with Ding Hao. Even in a cross-level encounter, as long as the disparity in strength was not overly pronounced, the outcome remained indeterminate.

Perceiving that Feng Aotian had concluded the distribution of the treasures, Feng Xingran cast a significant glance towards Feng Aotian. Feng Aotian comprehended the unspoken message and declared, "Prior to the commencement of the assembly, I did aver that the first-place winner would not only be entitled to the originally designated magic weapon but that my daughter also had an item to bestow. Well, Young Master Ding Hao, it would behoove you to accompany my daughter to retrieve the item."

Scarcely had these words been uttered than Ding Hao was instantly the recipient of envious stares from all present. These two, father and daughter, were evidently engaged in a concerted stratagem. The several elder individuals had some inkling of their designs and secretly begrudged the fact that their own disciples had not acquitted themselves more admirably.

The members of the Limitless Demon Sect regarded Ding Hao with even more peculiar gazes. They were truly at a loss to fathom why Ding Hao could bask in such resplendent glory. He had only been affiliated with the sect for a few decades, and yet his achievements were truly astonishing. Be that as it may, since he was a member of the Limitless Demon Sect, his success was unequivocally beneficial and in no way detrimental to the sect. If they could adroitly capitalize on his association with the Purgatory Demon Sect, it would prove highly advantageous for the development of the Limitless Demon Sect.

Beholding Feng Xingran's self-satisfied expression, Ding Hao was cognizant that he could not elude this encounter. However, during this assembly, he was bereft of any pretext to decline. He ruminated in silence, yet found himself bereft of any viable recourse. He could only emit a wry smile and follow in Feng Xingran's wake.

Feng Xingran led the way, and Ding Hao trailed behind with his head bowed in taciturnity. After a brief interval, Ding Hao espied Feng Xingran come to a halt. He thus raised his head, and his countenance underwent a further transformation.

Unwittingly, Feng Xingran had ushered Ding Hao into her private boudoir.