At night, the path leading to the Inner Sect was brightly lit, and now and then a flash of spiritual light would shoot up from the B-grade Alchemy Institute and fly toward the mountain gate.
Lu Chang’sheng knocked on Lu Ziyou’s door, asking if he wanted to co along.
"No need, no need, Father. You can go by yourself."
Lu Ziyou, sitting inside reading the Gou Dao Scripture, glanced up for a mont, and refused almost without hesitation.
Afraid his behavior seed too abrupt, he also reminded Lu Chang’sheng not to ntion his na at the banquet, and if anyone brought him up, to help make up an excuse.
Lu Chang’sheng couldn’t help but laugh to himself, brushing it off and simply saying, "Fine, stay ho if you want, but don’t forget about Lin Yin."
Nangua and Chang’an weren’t around, so most of the household affairs had been left to Lin Yin, and after observing her for a ti, Lu Chang’sheng felt a lot more at ease.
The n of the Lu Family had done well in choosing wives—not one had brought ho a foolish woman.
Of course, Lu Haozi didn’t count. He married a bunch of won, and a few of them were real characters. Still, with his concubines unable to stir up much trouble, Lu Chang’sheng just let him be.
Seeing the sky grow dark, he didn’t think any further, pulled out a Sword Talisman, and with a sweep of sword shadows, flew into the mountain gate.
B-grade alchemists had far more access at the White Cloud Pharmacy than those of C or D rank, so he didn’t need to pass through the high stage.
"Too bad, I still haven’t gotten the hang of the Sword Control Technique."
After more than half a year of practice, he could barely keep afloat in midair. But if he tried to go too fast, or the wind picked up, his magical power would go astray and he risked falling.
The banquet was held outside the White Cloud Hall, and it was Lu Chang’sheng’s first ti eting Master Baiyun, who sat at the main seat with a kindly face, like a friendly old grandpa watching the guests co and go, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
All of a sudden, his gaze shifted to a beam of spiritual light descending from the heavens. He turned to the elders of the White Cloud Cave Mansion nearby and said with a smile, "That must be Lu Chang’sheng?"
"It is!"
The elders smiled as well, though so looked at Lu Chang’sheng with a trace of dislike in their eyes; but with the banquet in full swing, none would show it now.
As a newly-promoted B-grade alchemist, it was customary to et Master Baiyun in person.
Soon, Lu Chang’sheng followed a cultivator to Master Baiyun’s side.
"Greetings, Master."
Master Baiyun smiled warmly, just like the kindly elder next door, "To beco a B-grade alchemist in such a short ti—quite the talent. But you’ll still need to keep working hard."
Master Baiyun offered him so encouragent.
Hope flickered in Lu Chang’sheng’s heart; he wanted to ask for help, but knowing the occasion was wrong, swallowed his words.
As night truly fell, the banquet officially began. After Lu Chang’sheng took his seat, a procession of lightly dressed female cultivators arrived, trays in hand, setting out spirit fruits and spirit wine before the guests.
Lu Chang’sheng also got a general look at the personnel makeup of the White Cloud Cave Mansion.
There were about five elders; not sure of the exact number, since so may have skipped the banquet.
All were ninth-level Qi Cultivators, and there were more than twenty others at the late Qi Cultivation stage, mostly seventh or eighth-level.
Once you reached ninth-level Qi Cultivation, you automatically beca an elder.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, would you mind stepping aside to chat?" As a new B-grade alchemist, Lu Chang’sheng didn’t have many friends. If Lin Yan were still alive, he could have expanded his connections, but after Lin Yan’s death, most of his network had scattered.
Just then, a voice called out.
An elderly man in purple robes walked over.
"My surna is Huo, given na Zun. I have a rather lacking disciple—"
The two of them moved to a quieter spot. After asking Lu Chang’sheng if he minded, the man in purple promptly set up a Sound Insulation Spirit Array.
"So it’s Fellow Daoist Huo."
Lu Chang’sheng greeted him at once.
His attitude caught Huo Zun off guard; he’d expected so coldness after revealing his identity, but instead he found Lu Chang’sheng so warm, which put him at ease.
Lu Chang’sheng already guessed why Huo Zun had co—no doubt because of the Lin Family matters.
Huo Zun had taken on several disciples: Lin Ruo was one, Ming Yu another. He didn’t know if it was Ming Yu or Lin Ruo who’d petitioned him, asking for Huo Zun’s intervention.
"Fellow Daoist Lin’s passing was a great sorrow for us all, but my disciple claims you ddled in Lin Family affairs, with intent to seize their assets."
As he spoke, Huo Zun watched Lu Chang’sheng closely.
Lu Chang’sheng understood imdiately—Huo Zun still cared about appearances, so he’d ask indirectly. If it were the old ancestor from Ming Family, he’d probably co and interrogate outright.
"I didn’t act of my own will. My teacher entrusted with the task before he died—asked to protect the Lin Family’s assets. I’d never betray a teacher’s kindness; otherwise, my reputation would be in ruins."
Huo Zun frowned slightly, then said, "I can understand your reasoning, but Lin Ruo is still of the Lin Family. She thinks your actions—"
"From what you’re saying, it seems you don’t have the full picture. Feel free to look into it yourself. If you still think I have ulterior motives, I can swear a Daoist Oath. How about that?"
"Fine."
Rather than getting angry, Huo Zun’s face showed a hint of appreciation. He removed the Sound Insulation Spirit Array and made his exit.
He wasn’t the most upright fellow, but he valued a ntor’s kindness. After all, he hoped that soday, his own disciples would rember what he’d done for them.
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