149 The Ceremony (1/2)
It was the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the Xia Calendar. The day was marked as an auspicious one, and was a suitable day for those who wanted to start a business or travel.
The weather was pleasant and there was a gentle breeze.
Within the Secluded Mountain Prefecture, families took down the white cloths that were put up to mourn for Liu Yan, and changed to red cloths, in celebration of the appointment of the new Prefecture Master.
Fang Yuan chose this date to hold his appointment ceremony.
A few days ago, martial artists and sect masters from all over came to the Prefecture City, making it livelier than before.
As the gates of the Prefecture City opened, guests and visitors flowed in.
”The Governor of Lieyang County is here!”
”The Five Ghosts Sect Sect Master is here!”
”The Governor of Cangyi County is here!”
”The gang leader of Giant Whale Gang is here!”
...
As they reported their names, those who held high appointments within the Secluded Mountain Prefecture gathered in the main hall.
Yu Xinlou and company put in a lot of effort for the entire ceremony. From the rituals to the details on welcoming every guest, everything was settled very well, and had the vibe of an extremely important ceremony.
”Master taking over as Prefecture Master is what everyone wants!”
From afar, Fang Yuan watched silently, and behind him was Zhang Qingfeng, who exclaimed.
”That's right, what everyone wants!”
Fang Yuan wore a grand silk robe and a crown. He looked like a fine gentleman and had a domineering vibe.
At his appointment ceremony, everyone was congratulatory; no one had any opposing intent.
Firstly, it was because there were all aware of the impending invasion from the Wu Country. No matter how capable this young man would be, he would still lose.
Secondly was that Fang Yuan's appointment was official.
There was an agreement stating that the strongest among the Prefecture would be the Prefecture Master.
Based on skill, who could match up against the martial artist cum spiritual knight Fang Yuan?
In terms of influence, he already had the loyalty of the Secluded Mountain Prefecture Armed Forces, and his own base at Qinghe County, Qingye City. With Niu Dingtian's and Xiang Zilong's support when they return, there was no one else who could fight with him for this appointment.
He had the skill and the means and therefore was only natural for him to be the Prefecture Master.
Of course, with this appointment responsibilities would come.
”The auspicious time is here!”
Accompanying the firecrackers, the ceremony master's voice became louder.
”Let's go!”
Fang Yuan took the golden cloak over and draped it over himself. With the airs of a master, he walked into the main hall.
”Greetings to Prefecture Master!”
Every guest greeted him with a smile as he walked past.
If not for his dream master cultivation and his shocking magical energy, he would not have known the true feelings of these guests.
'Suspicious... afraid... fearful... There are only a few true loyal ones!'
His mind was cold but he kept his joyful appearance.
His footsteps were silent as he walked up to the stage. At one side, Zhang Qiingfeng looked serious as he held a tray with a black seal on it. It was the Secluded Mountain Seal.
In reality, all the loose ends were tied up; this was just a ceremony.
”Prefecture Master, will you please have the Secluded Mountain Seal!”
As drum beats were heard, Zhang Qingfeng kneeled down and presented the seal.
”Mmm!”
Fang Yuan held the seal in his hands and walked up to the Prefecture Master's seat. He sat down and appeared composed.
”As Prefecture Master takes his seat, subordinates shall pay our greetings!”
As the ceremony master exclaimed, even the most scheming subordinate had to follow the flow, kneel down and bow three times in respect.
'This is a gentleman's pleasure!'
Seeing the masses kneeling before him, Fang Yuan felt that he harnessed a huge power, which could make him go over his head easily.
Fang Yuan being Fang Yuan, he was able to be awakened from the trance easily after countless training from dreams.
It only took a simple thought for him to regain clarity.
Regardless if he was taking over Qingye City or taking control of Secluded Mountain Prefecture, it was simply just dealing with others.
When it was time to give up, he could do so easily with little to no attachment to the power.
”Life is like a game of chess, and the other people are like the chess pieces. As a Prefecture Master, I shall engage in a good game of chess with the surrounding countries!”
Within a thought, Fang Yuan felt enlightened as the cultivation of his mind became deepened.
The experiences in his dream world were ultimately fake. However, they were of a great assistance as training opportunities to cultivate his mind in the real world.
As he regained his composure, a clear voice travelled through the entire hall. ”Everyone, please rise... As the new Prefecture Master takes his place, we have a lot of unfinished business to settle, and I hope everyone will cooperate!”
Everyone got up to their feet and looked at each other, and saw the majestic and young Prefecture Master, as everyone flinched in their hearts.
”The messenger from Wu Country is here!”
At this point in time, the door outside shook, and the ceremony master's voice of hesitation was heard.