Chapter 193: The Grand Assembly Announces the Heaven Sacrifice!

At the summit of Jiugong Mountain, clouds and mist dissipated, the vast sky ever more revealing high heavens and thin clouds.

On the treasure hall with flying eaves and hooked corners, rows of tall-built Mysterious Cloth Guard stood beneath the corridors, each waist bearing an Embroidered Spring Long Blade, faces solemn.

Looking afar, all around the treasure hall corridors and the lower steps, guards stood solemn, while banners filled the sky, rustling in the wind.

Below lay a hundred-zhang central plaza paved with blue stone bricks, a red carpet extending to the northern high platform.

On both sides of the carpet, the guest stands rose step by step; already they were packed to capacity.

They were either persons from various sects come to observe the ceremony, or wandering jianghu knights, or city grandees from Jingxiang and surrounding areas.

On the high platform stood a Heaven Sacrifice Cauldron at the center, nine elevated fire basins blazing, heat waves rolling; those below lifting their gaze could see the youth in ceremonial robes, dimly visible.

Before the platform, Li Gonggong stood expressionless, sideways, an iron hand holding a roll of yellow silk, standing still like a statue.

At this moment his face seemed calm, but in his heart he cursed Niu Dingtian roundly; even if he survived and returned today, the officials or the old ancestors would surely not spare him lightly.

Not far off, Niu Dingtian sat upon a carved sandalwood chair, his countenance resolute and steady; when his glance flicked to Li Gonggong, his clear eyes sparkled.

To him, having such a ready-made master of ceremonies was no waste; better to let the youngster take charge.

Seeing that the time was about right, the old eunuch still showed no movement; Niu Dingtian sent a mental whisper: 'Delay the auspicious hour, and I, the sect leader, will replace your prosthetic limbs.'

Li Gonggong shuddered at once.

He then narrowed his eyes, looked up at the sun, then turned to face the crowd below; suddenly a sharp, hoarse yet lofty voice rang out over the square: 'The auspicious hour has arrived!!'

Boom~boom~boom~

The ox drum's sound boomed loudly.

Woo~woo~woo~

Next, the horn's sound rose; for a moment, the summit of Jiugong Mountain echoed to the heavens, piercing the clouds.

The drum and horn sounds blared for a full hundred breaths.

"Heaven Sacrifice Announce!"

Niu Dingtian slowly rose, approached the Heaven Sacrifice Cauldron; flames roasted beneath it, meat fragrance filled the interior; he placed his hands, focused his gaze, and bowed, speaking loudly:

"In accordance with Heaven's mandate, on the eighth day of the eighth month of the Xin Si year, Niu Dingtian establishes the Sun Moon Divine Sect, leading the sect's disciples, the Black Tortoise, the Divine Eagle Kunpeng, to offer reverent sacrifice to Heaven and Earth."

"Heaven and earth vast, sun and moon shining together. Our sect's rise follows Heaven's will. The light of sun and moon shines on all sides, guiding us to walk the righteous path."

"Having established the Divine Sect, we must take humanity as our foundation, protect the myriad beings. Fear no power, evil not dreaded; uphold loyalty and courage, quell violence, ensure peace. Sect members must unite as one, share life and death, share weal and woe, together forge glory."

"May Heaven bless the Divine Sect, for thousands of ages, flourishing undiminished. May the sect united exalt its prestige; may the sun and moon's light forever shine upon mankind. Accept! Offer!"

After the Heaven Sacrifice proclamation was finished, all directions fell silent, not even a sparrow's chirp.

Niu Dingtian's face solemn and stern, he placed his hands on the Heaven Sacrifice Cauldron, bowed deeply three times.

"Ritual complete!"

"Proclaim the imperial edict!"

Li Gonggong's eyes slightly narrowed, his thin, hoarse voice sounded from his mouth.

Upon hearing the edict read below, they all began to whisper, hesitating whether to rise.

The Beggar Sect disciples originally intended to rise and kneel, this stemming from bloodline suppression.

Seeing their own chief and the other three greats merely standing there, they each cupped fists in salute toward the high platform.

As for the Quanzhen Sect members, now their sect lies within Jin State territory, not a fief granted by themselves; it would be utterly impossible for them to perform the great kowtow under everyone's eyes.

Moreover, the Eastern Heretic, Western Poison, Southern Emperor, Northern Beggar did not kneel; naturally they would not lose face for the Quanzhen Sect.

Thus, a few scattered people on the viewing platform rose and stood with bowed bodies.

Southern sects and some local gentry magnates, mostly awed by imperial authority, promptly knelt on the ground.

Watching this scene, Li Gonggong's eyes turned cold and angry: all are rebellious ministers and traitors deserving of tendon-splitting and skin-flaying!

Niu Dingtian raised his sword-brows, sending a mental message: 'Just proclaim it, handle affairs well for the sect leader; if satisfied, I'll naturally let you go back. As for how to deal with these rebels, that's still up to you, Earl.'

Li Gonggong's face stalled, he exhaled, cleared his throat, then read downward: 'I have received Heaven's mandate, inherited the founders' great base. Considering rewarding ministers' virtue, to glorify the forefathers' merit.'

"Formerly there was Ningguo Army Commissioner-in-Chief Niu Gao, Deputy Commander of the Horse and Foot Troops of Hunan South Road, loyal and brave surpassing the world, aspiring to serve the nation. In wartime he advanced courageously, repeatedly earned merit, establishing great achievements for the stability of the Great Song state and people's peace; his fame spread far, loyalty and righteousness commendable, worthy to be a pillar of the court."

"Now posthumously enfeoff Niu Gao as the Song Assistant Literary Marquis, hereditary without replacement, to manifest his merit and illuminate his virtue."

"Niu Gao's grandson Niu Dingtian, inheriting his ancestor's ambition and also possessing talent, is specially appointed as Commissioner of Xiangfan, concurrently Pacifier of Jingxi Southwest Road, granted discretionary command. May he inherit his ancestor's business, fulfill his duties, guard the realm and pacify the people, not disappoint my expectations."

"Furthermore, allow him to inherit his great-grandfather's title; may you remember my favor, so that the Great Song may prosper, advance resolutely, and achieve new merit."

"Thus this edict is issued; let it be known!"

After the edict was proclaimed, Niu Dingtian walked forward with a bland expression, bluntly taking it from Li Gonggong's hands.

Those below who had bowed and risen also stood up, then a clamor gradually arose.

Originally they thought no matter how high your martial arts, everyone was just a mud-legged jianghu rascal; unexpectedly you turned out well, becoming a scion of a prestigious family, and in the blink of an eye you had risen to the upper class.

Now everyone felt envy and jealousy.

"Everyone!!"

Niu Dingtian slowly approached the high platform, clad in red-black ceremonial robes, gleaming under the scorching sun, plus a faintly overflowing aura, adding a touch of solemnity.

"Today the Sun Moon Divine Sect is established; the sect leader shall here set forth the sect's principles!"

A solemn voice seemed to descend from heaven, transmitting to every corner of the mountain, even clearly audible inside Xiangyang City several li away.

On the platform, Ouyang Feng and Ouyang Ke's faces changed drastically, Huang Lao Xie, Yi Deng, Hong Qigong, Su Lu Zhi, Yan Hongshou, Jin Buhuan, and the Quanzhen Sect's inner-strength adepts all turned pale.

Those with shallow martial arts or no combat skill were even more terrified, this person's divine skill being so fearsome! At that moment, on the streets of Xiangyang City, the formerly noisy crowd hearing this voice as if a heavenly sound instantly fell into utter silence.

Following the sound, they looked toward Jiugong Mountain; after realizing, even more crowds directly knelt, bowing to heaven.

At the mountaintop, Grandma Sun today did not go to watch the ceremony; the reason was that the maiden surnamed Mu in the household, being sensible, made her heart ache.

Originally there was a laundry servant on the mountain, but perhaps finding the clothes worn out or for other reasons, the little girl insisted on doing it herself.

Having just soaked a basin of laundry not yet washed, she also washed her foolish old father's hands, cleansed his face, and fed him.

Seeing the small figure busy thus, Grandma Sun's warm heart could not bear it.

Then, after helping wash a basin of clothes, he went to the side of the foolish Yang Tiexin and personally taught Mu Nianci how to take care of people.

After all, she is an old maid who has served people for half her life, experienced, while Yang Tiexin is now no different from that infant.

In the side room, just as Granny Sun had wrung dry the cloth in her hand, a booming voice came from outside: 'Today the Divine Sect has been established; the Sect Leader shall here establish the sect's principles.'

The sound was extremely loud; when it suddenly rang, it startled both Granny Sun and Mu Nianci, and even the corner of Yang Tiexin's usually dull and unmoving eyes twitched slightly.

Granny Sun stared, then after reacting, she smiled at Mu Nianci and said: 'That's the voice of Niu Dingtian; this guy's martial arts are very high, even Miss Mu says he's no match.'

Mu Nianci's clear eyes were like water; a hint of curiosity flashed across her bright, lovely face as she softly asked: 'Granny, when did you meet him?'

Granny Sun smiled and recalled: 'Last late spring, when the mountain flowers in the rear mountains of Zhongnan Mountain were in full bloom, that day was also the liveliest time for our Ancient Tomb Sect in recent years.'

Hearing this, Mu Nianci's eyes flickered; she involuntarily thought of her father and herself, and a hint of wistfulness appeared on her jade-like face.

Granny Sun noticed this, was about to comfort her, when she heard Niu Dingtian's majestic voice from outside again:

'There is loss of state, there is loss of realm; how to distinguish loss of state from loss of realm?'

'It is said: changing the surname and altering the title is called loss of state; taking over Tang as Song is called loss of state. When benevolence and righteousness fill the world yet it reaches the point where beasts eat people and people devour each other, that is called loss of realm! When barbarians invade and the Divine Land shatters, China sinks, that is called loss of realm!'

'Those who preserve the state are its ruler and ministers, the meat-eaters plan it! Those who preserve the realm are the humble commoners, who bear responsibility!'

After those booming sounds fell, although they stopped, both Granny Sun and Mu Nianci still felt a buzzing in their heads.

Of course, this is not merely the effect of the speech's loudness; it is also the impact of these words on their entrenched notions.

Although Granny Sun came from a lowly background, she had a certain level of literacy and could read characters; Mu Nianci also had read some books casually since childhood.

Since childhood they had known that the ruler equals the Son of Heaven, and the Song dynasty equals the realm; thus splitting court and realm like this, the shock to their minds can be imagined.

Not only them, at this moment many old scholars in Fragrant Sun City, facing the direction of Nine Palaces Mountain, shouted angrily: 'Heretical fallacies! Heretical fallacies! The Great Song dynasty and the realm's scholars share the realm; how can loss of state not be loss of realm?'

Granny Sun looked at the cloth in her hand, sighed, for a moment also forgot the foolish Yang Tiexin beside her, and worriedly sighed: 'These words sound quite reasonable, but no emperor likes to hear such talk; this kid keeps bringing trouble upon himself.'

Mu Nianci, though not speaking, could not hide worry on her lovely face; after hesitating, she softly said: 'Granny, could you watch over me for a while? I want to go take a look.'

Granny Sun's eyes flashed with surprise, then she suddenly understood, and smiled: 'Good child, don't be polite with me. Over there is sure to be lively; go take a look, your parents will help watch over you.'

'Thank you, granny.'

Mu Nianci smiled brightly, thanked softly, then rose and quickly left the side room.

Central plaza, atop the high platform.

Niu Dingtian wore ceremonial robes; under the scorching sun, he naturally bore a dignified air. At this moment, his expression was solemn and calm, like a pool of dark water.

After the noisy discussion below gradually subsided, the booming sound again echoed across the mountain peak: 'It is said that the rise and fall of the realm is the responsibility of the common man. All disciples of my Divine Sect should cherish the heart of the nation and realm.'

'If the state is peaceful and the people safe, then the greatest hero serves the country and the people! If the court is unsettled, then uphold justice and act on heaven's behalf! If the Divine Land is shattered, then expel the barbarians and restore China!'

'These forty-two characters are the ten-thousand-year principle of my Divine Sect; past sect leaders, elders, and disciples should keep and practice them. If anyone in the sect acts against the Way, regardless of rank, all disciples should unite to punish them.'

'Divine Sect! Eternal ages!'

'Civil and military virtue! Grace spreading across the rivers and lakes!'

'Divine Sect! Eternal ages!'

'Civil and military virtue! Grace spreading across the rivers and lakes!'

As Niu Dingtian's booming sound faded, on the treasure hall above, on the steps, around the plaza, countless black-clad guards became excited, faces flushed, raising their arms in unison to shout; this sudden momentum echoed across the peak of Nine Palaces Mountain.

Niu Dingtian gazed around, raised his hand, and the shouting ceased instantly.

Afterwards, Niu Dingtian on the spot announced some conditions for recruiting disciples into the Divine Sect, treatment, and a series of friendly external policies.

In short, only by uniting closely around the Divine Sect can you develop, grow strong, and have no one dare to bully you.

'Alas, if our Manichaean Sect had initially possessed such momentum, how could that surnamed Yang have taken advantage?'

On the viewing platform, Su Lu Zhi saw the surrounding momentum, sighed beside Yan Hongshou, his envious eyes impossible to hide.

Yan Hongshou still wore a completely red robe; among those present today, he was the most celebratory.

He laughed and said: 'Su brother, choose your words carefully; today you and I are both members of the Divine Sect, what Manichaean Sect is there?'

The white-clad elder beside him, Jin Buhuan, although usually unsmiling, also took up the conversation, lightly saying: 'Yan brother, your words are reasonable.'

'Since we have sworn allegiance under Chief Niu Dingtian, we ought not speak such words anymore; moreover, the chief having cut off that person's arm also counts as having already fulfilled half of our condition.'

Upon hearing this, Su Lu Zhi's double gray-white brows furrowed, he sighed dejectedly: 'A place one has struggled for a lifetime is not so easily abandoned. However, I truly admire our sect leader; being able to carry out rebellion openly and righteously is commendable.'

'I heard that the old eunuch was still shouting about fighting and killing a few days ago, but now he has meekly issued the edict. The Xiangfan Commissioner, also the Jingxinan Route Pacification Commissioner, was even given a convenient command; the old emperor, even if his eyes are dim, could not possibly just give away such a title for nothing; I reckon that imperial edict is probably...'

Su Lu Zhi was just sighing and complaining to his close brother when he suddenly felt a cold stare directed at him, instantly shutting his mouth.

Fen Tian's bright, shining eyes fixed on Su Lu Zhi, and she coldly said: 'Old Su, you weren't so muddle-headed before; if you keep spouting such rumors, I can't guarantee I'll be able to save your life.'

Su Lu Zhi's heart jolted, he instantly became somewhat clearer, and guiltily said: 'It is I who am muddle-headed.'

He also understood that the three of them being able to survive, and even having the treatment of present Divine Sect elders, were all due to this person's efforts.

If, due to a momentary loose tongue, they spread a bad impression, they would ultimately implicate this person before them.

Fen Tian's expression eased slightly, and she lightly said: 'I know Old Su is a sentimental person; since this cannot be done, as long as the martial arts of the Bright Ancestor can be passed down in the sect, that too is a kind of continuation.'

Su Lu Zhi stared, his turbid eyes holding a hint of surprise, and he whispered: 'Miss, you mean…'

Fen Tian's beautiful eyes flashed bright and clear, then without a reply she turned her body. (End of chapter)