Jiang Chen rode the paper crane toward the agreed-upon location.

Upon arrival, he immediately spotted Jin Fugui squatting by the roadside.

He never expected this guy’s outfit today to be a bit… greasy.

Already plump, he was dressed in pale golden robes. He looked just like a gold toad squatting by the road. All ten fingers were adorned with jade rings. At first glance, he exuded an astonishing air of wealth and luxury.

But in reality, his short and stout stature made him seem like someone trying to imitate a tiger but ending up looking like a dog. This getup made him look like a complete nouveau riche.

Jiang Chen controlled the paper crane to land smoothly, then asked with a look of surprise, “What’s with this outfit?”

“Me?” Jin Fugui patted the dust off his legs, stood up, then sized up the person before him with a scrutinizing, even somewhat critical gaze. “You knew we were going matchmaking today, yet you’re still dressed like a Spirit Farmer?”

Hearing this, Jiang Chen’s mouth twitched. “Yesterday you said it was just a gathering. Not even pretending now, huh?”

Jin Fugui grinned foolishly. “Same thing.”

Jiang Chen opened his small storage pouch and handed over 150 catties of Spirit Rice. “This is your share.”

Seeing it was Top-quality Spirit Rice again, Jin Fugui’s eyes immediately lit up. “Old Jiang, you’re still the best. The other guys I’m working with either make excuses or barely meet the quotas.”

As expected, Old Jiang was the most reliable.

Afterward, the two rode their paper cranes toward Red Leaf Valley.

Regardless of spring, summer, autumn, or winter, the towering maple tree within Red Leaf Valley never showed any change. Every leaf was as tender as a baby’s hand. Whenever anyone approached, they rustled with a pa-pa sound, as if clapping in welcome.

However, this time, their destination wasn’t the market inside, but the sea of flowers at the valley’s end.

As they drew closer, the valley ahead suddenly opened up, revealing a vast grassland.

The green grass was like a carpet. Ripples swayed gently on its surface; a soft breeze blew, stirring circles of green waves across it.

With the broadening view, both their moods became more relaxed and pleasant.

Jiang Chen saw kites of various colors and shapes. Some resembled drifting white clouds. Others looked like octopuses with claws outstretched. There were also small and delicate ones that seemed somewhat perfunctory.

But this wasn’t the sea of flowers yet, so they didn’t see anyone here for matchmaking.

Continuing forward, the scent of flowers gradually grew stronger.

And it wasn’t just one scent. It contained many varieties. The fragrances didn’t clash; instead, they blended into a rich aroma. The refreshing scent completely relaxed one’s mind and spirit.

Jiang Chen looked down from above.

Below was an endless expanse of wildflowers. They were colorful and vibrant, both competing for brilliance and complementing each other.

On the ground were various parked paper cranes and land-based spirit beasts. The more advanced vessels included flying shuttles and flying boats.

On one particular deck flew a golden banner fluttering in the wind. Embroidered on it was a large black character shaped like a dragon or snake: [Feng].

“Never thought we’d run into the Feng Clan at this matchmaking event,” Jin Fugui said with great surprise.

Jiang Chen asked, “What’s the background of this Feng Clan?”

Jin Fugui replied, “You know besides the five major spiritual roots, there are several special spiritual roots too, right?”

Pointing at the [Feng] character, Jin Fugui said, “The owner of this ship is none other than the famous number one cultivation family of Wind Cliff—the Feng Clan.”

Basically, for each spiritual root type within Cloud Sea Sect territory, there was one most powerful cultivation family. They were often deeply intertwined with the sect itself, long since becoming inseparable.

Like the Chen Clan of the Rain Pavilion. Or The Zhao Clan of the Spirit Farm.

But if they were talking about the most famous cultivation families within the entire Cloud Sea Sect, the Feng Clan definitely ranked in the top three.

Jiang Chen frowned. “But I’ve never heard of them.”

Jin Fugui said with considerable envy, “They don’t bother buying rice from our Spirit Farm. This Feng Clan holds the imperial surname of the Heaven Empire—one of the Azure Realm’s five great empires!”

Jin Fugui added meaningfully, “You think cultivation relies only on spiritual roots and comprehension?”

“People at that level come to a sea of flowers for matchmaking?” Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow.

Jin Fugui shrugged. “Who knows.”

Afterward, Jiang Chen controlled his paper crane to land.

It must be said that people coming here for matchmaking—no, more accurately for finding Dao Companions—were truly as numerous as hairs on an ox.

Visibly everywhere were handsome men and beautiful women, each looking bright and glamorous.

In contrast, Jiang Chen and Jin Fugui seemed somewhat out of place. One looked like a nouveau riche, while the other, though young, seemed rustic and unsophisticated.

Since it was his first time here, Jiang Chen asked, “What should we do?”

Jin Fugui scratched his head. “I heard from other Senior Brothers that finding a Dao Companion either depends on mutual attraction at first sight or on each other’s needs.”

Dao Companions were divided into two types.

One was hired Dao Companions. As the name implied, you spent Spirit Stones or resources to hire them.

The other was partnership Dao Companions. You could marry and have children with them or simply support each other mutually.

Jiang Chen pointed toward where most people were gathered ahead. “You mean over there?”

Jin Fugui beckoned. “Let’s go see for ourselves.”

Subsequently, the two moved closer to where the crowd was thickest.

“How many catties of Spirit Rice do you produce per season? How many Spirit Stones do you earn per year?”

“Why aren’t you piloting giant swords? What are you doing here joining in?”

Jiang Chen’s beautiful illusions were shattered right then and there.

He originally thought finding a Dao Companion would be more of a dreamy scene. He never expected it to be quite similar to haggling in a vegetable market.

Here, people who had been Dao Companions many times before were actually highly sought after. First-timers or newcomers with poor aptitude or low comprehension were all treated poorly.

Moreover, it wasn’t necessarily men seeking women or women seeking men. There were also men seeking men. Even women seeking women.

Suddenly, Jiang Chen recognized a face. “Isn’t that Su Qing’s little pretty boy?”

Back when attending Chen Tian’s birthday banquet, Su Qing from the Harvest Alliance had this little pretty boy by her side. From how things looked now, he’d probably been dumped.

Still, plenty of people liked this guy quite a bit. A crowd had gathered around him. Both men and women seized any chance to approach him and discuss terms.

While Jiang Chen was wondering what to do, Jin Fugui seized an opportunity and approached an Earth Spirit Root female disciple. “Fellow Daoist! I observe your face is lovely and your figure is hot! How about we chat?”

Curious, Jiang Chen looked over.

This Earth Spirit Root female disciple had decent looks. Not exactly an oval face; somewhat chubby-cheeked. Her figure wasn’t just hot; it was downright hefty.

Never thought Jin Fugui liked this type.

Then, the Earth Spirit Root female disciple retorted, “My name is Lin Su! What’s yours?”

“My name is Jin Fugui!”

Jin Fugui introduced himself cheerfully.

Lin Su sized him up. “What spiritual roots do you have?”

Jin Fugui blinked. “Fire and Metal Dual Spirit Roots!”

“Opposing elements?” Lin Su’s expression turned subtle.

Jin Fugui quickly added, “Even though they’re opposing elements! I’m from Beast Mountain!”

Hearing Beast Mountain, Lin Su’s attitude softened slightly. “Beast Mountain is indeed good! Are you specialized in taming spirit beasts or breeding them?”

Grinning broadly, Jin Fugui said very confidently, “I sell spirit beast manure!!!”