Zuo Ling's strength was extraordinary; his opponent had not only inherited the quasi-emperor's legacy but also possessed a quasi-emperor's secret treasure for protection. His power was undoubtedly formidable.
However, times have changed.
Before understanding the Dao of a sage, Gu Tiangang did not fully grasp the majesty of a sage. It was only after truly stepping into the saintly realm that he comprehended the grandeur of this state.
Compared to the past, Gu Tiangang was confident that he could now easily defeat his former self within ten strikes.
This is the might of a sage.
Indeed, the quasi-emperor's secret treasure is immensely powerful, but as one's cultivation deepens, the advantage brought by such treasures gradually diminishes.
Moreover, having ascended to sainthood, Gu Tiangang could now fully harness the power of a saint's weapon.
A sage wielding a top-tier saintly weapon against a perfected true monarch carrying an unwieldy quasi-emperor's treasure like Zuo Ling, Gu Tiangang believed he had a decisive advantage.
Unless Zuo Ling also became a sage, Gu Tiangang was fully confident in his ability to suppress him.
A sage with the Ancient Wasteland Sacred Body was no ordinary sage.
However,
Gu Tiangang had only recently broken through, and perhaps he should first consolidate his cultivation.
...
On the other side.
The news of Gu Tiangang's ascension to sainthood quickly spread, and all notable forces received invitations from Ancient Wasteland Heaven to attend the saintly celebration.
Many forces were reluctant to attend, but out of respect for the sage, they had no choice but to send representatives.
Within days, Ancient Wasteland Heaven was brightly lit and bustling with joy as various forces arrived, bringing great honor to the disciples of the sect.
"The head of the Dongfang family has arrived, presenting a three-thousand-year-old spiritual herb as a gift!"
"The head of the Ye family has arrived, presenting a precious Dragon Transformation treasure as a gift!"
"The head of the Qin family has arrived, presenting a precious Dragon Transformation treasure as a gift!"
"The head of the Nine Heavens Sect has arrived, presenting a True Person treasure as a gift!"
"The head of the Xianshui Sect..."
Voices announcing arrivals and gifts echoed, drawing the attention of many already present.
A three-thousand-year-old spiritual herb!
A Dragon Transformation treasure!
These were rare treasures for ordinary cultivators. After all, Dragon Transformation experts were top-tier in the Ancient Wasteland, and treasures and herbs of the same level were naturally extremely valuable.
Higher still were the treasures held by great sects and heavens.
"Wow, almost all of the nine great families of the Ancient Wasteland are here, and even great sects like the Nine Heavens Sect and Xianshui Sect have come. The scale of Ancient Wasteland Heaven's event is truly impressive."
"Now, only the other two great heavens have yet to make a move!"
Nine great families!
Various great sects!
These were top-tier forces, second only to the three great heavens, and held significant influence in the Ancient Wasteland.
At this moment, the cultivators from these forces were all smiles at the saintly banquet in Ancient Wasteland Heaven, showcasing the immense power of Ancient Wasteland Heaven.
Someone sighed, "Ancient Wasteland Heaven is one of the three great heavens, with a prestigious status. Now, with a saint born, its reputation has reached new heights. In places like the Central State and Xianhuang, where no saints have appeared yet, the ancient sect master is undoubtedly the only sage in the current era. Who wouldn't give him some respect?"
"If the news of the saintly banquet hadn't spread so recently, top forces from Xianhuang and the Central State would have already sent their experts to witness the event..."
As these words were spoken, a deep voice suddenly resonated, instantly silencing the crowd.
"The young master of Taichu Heaven from Xianhuang has arrived, presenting a ten-thousand-year-old spiritual herb as a gift!"
Upon hearing this,
Everyone turned their gaze towards the entrance of the banquet, seeing a young man in white robes walking in. Although his appearance was ordinary, he carried an undeniable presence.
At the same time, the elders of Ancient Wasteland Heaven were also alerted, personally stepping forward to greet him.
"Wow, even the young master of Taichu Heaven has come. Ancient Wasteland Heaven's face is really impressive this time!"
"After this saintly banquet, the reputation of Ancient Wasteland Heaven will surely soar!"
Facing the gazes of the crowd, Zhang Ming smiled calmly and, under the guidance of the elders of Ancient Wasteland Heaven, took a seat in the prominent position.
He had come here in disguise, using transformation techniques to alter his appearance.
However, although his appearance had changed, Zhang Ming was not worried about his identity being questioned.
After all, as the foremost young master of Taichu Heaven, he rarely appeared in public, only showing up when secret realms and legacies emerged. Even in Xianhuang, few people knew him, let alone in the Ancient Wasteland.
Even though he had come incognito, Zhang Ming was confident that no one would dare question his identity.
Because, the identity token he held was genuine.
Moreover,
Who would dare impersonate the young master of an imperial-level force?
Such an act, once exposed, would invite certain death.
As Zhang Ming took his seat, a powerful aura spread from the void, and Gu Tiangang, in a black and gold robe, arrived through the air.
As soon as he appeared, all the cultivators stood up and saluted.
"Greetings, Lord of the Heaven!"
"No need for formalities, everyone. Today, Ancient Wasteland Heaven is hosting a banquet. It is an honor to have you all here. Please feel free to enjoy yourselves."
Gu Tiangang responded with a smile.
As he finished speaking, his gaze fell upon Zhang Ming. With just a glance, he recognized the attire of Taichu Heaven and the token at his waist, which bore the name "Zhang Ming."
Identity tokens of top-tier forces were difficult to forge, and as the master of a sacred land, Gu Tiangang was well-versed in the details of these forces.
Therefore,
Gu Tiangang did not doubt Zhang Ming's identity and said with a smile, "I have long heard that Young Master Zhang is exceptionally talented, a standout of Taichu Heaven. Seeing you today, your reputation is well deserved!"
"Lord of the Heaven flatters me. I have been traveling the world recently and happened to pass through the Ancient Wasteland. Upon hearing of the Lord's ascension to sainthood, I came to pay my respects. I hope the Lord does not mind my uninvited visit."
Zhang Ming responded with composure. Even in the face of a saint, he remained calm and dignified, earning the admiration of onlookers.
Indeed, being from a great force, his bearing was exceptional, displaying extraordinary poise with every gesture.
Ordinary cultivators, facing a saint, would struggle to maintain such composure.
Gu Tiangang laughed, "Young Master's visit is a great honor for Ancient Wasteland Heaven. How could I be displeased? Since you are here, why not stay for a few days and enjoy the scenery of the Ancient Wasteland?"
"That would be delightful..."
As the two conversed, two more announcements were made.
"The elder of the Feng family from the Central State has arrived, presenting a ten-thousand-year-old spiritual herb as a gift!"
"The young master of the War God Palace from the Central State has arrived, presenting a ten-thousand-year-old spiritual herb as a gift!"
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