Night fell.

Wuji Market once again came alive. Cultivators, having eaten and drunk their fill, headed in groups of three or five toward Joyous Lane, excitement written on their faces.

As they walked, they chatted animatedly about the events of the day.

As expected, the most shocking topic was the incident at Dehe Garden.

An old Loose Cultivator, after watching “The Tale of Wuji,” had publicly insulted Zhang Zhenyuan, the founding elder of the Wuji Sect.

This brazen act had incited fury among the sect’s cultivators. The vast majority of disciples had rushed out to pursue and kill the old man. It was even rumored that the matter had alarmed Li Qingdu himself.

As Qin Lu walked along, he spotted several Loose Cultivators sitting by a roadside snack stall, chatting leisurely.

Hearing their vivid conversation, he couldn’t help but stop and inquire.

“Fellow Daoists, was that old man who spouted such arrogant words ever caught?”

Hearing the question, the leading Loose Cultivator chuckled.

“Ha, how could they catch him? That old man ran incredibly fast; many couldn’t even keep up. In the end, he disappeared into East Head Ridge. Finding him again will be difficult.”

“Just who is this old man? How dare he be so brazen?” Qin Lu asked.

“No idea, never seen him before. But seeing how fast he ran reminds me of that female thief from two months ago.”

Hearing this, a nearby cultivator immediately chimed in.

“Oh! You mean that ‘Mother Tiger,’ right? Don’t know if she’s dead or alive; haven’t heard any news about her lately…”

“Hehe, first a crazy old man, then a Mother Tiger. This market truly has all kinds of talents. They talk so well, too, really interesting…”

As they chatted, the topic gradually shifted to other gossip. They even started blabbering without restraint about a scandal involving a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Sunset Valley and his wife.

Seeing this, Qin Lu quickly thanked them and left.

The journey was uneventful. Qin Lu arrived in front of Yueman Tower.

He walked in and asked the welcoming attendant for the specific private room. The attendant immediately led the way.

This banquet was privately organized by Lu Xian, not the Xuanyang Sect, so it wasn’t a grand affair. After all, Lu Xian’s purse couldn’t handle such an expense.

Lu Xian had only booked two private rooms, set up a few tables, and invited neighbors, friends, and relatives for a gathering.

By the time Qin Lu arrived, quite a few cultivators were already there. He recognized several neighbors from his street—people who were usually just nodding acquaintances.

“Ah! Brother Qin! You’re here!”

Lu Xian, wearing a brand-new magical robe and looking radiant, came forward to greet him. “Come on, come on! Sit over here!”

“Congratulations, Brother Lu! A small gift; please don’t think it disrespectful!”

Qin Lu smiled brightly and casually handed two talismans to Lu Xian.

“Ah! Brother Qin is too kind! Come, have a seat!”

Lu Xian accepted the talismans naturally and led Qin Lu to a round table designated for the neighbors.

“Oh! It’s Fellow Daoist Qin!”

“It really is! I’ve long heard of your great name!”

“Fellow Daoist Qin came just in time!”

“Here, let me pour Fellow Daoist Qin a cup of fine wine!”

As soon as Qin Lu sat down, several cultivators beside him greeted him with great enthusiasm.

“Alright, alright! No need to be so polite!” Qin Lu quickly exchanged pleasantries.

Ever since his fight against the six Feiyun Gang members, his social standing had improved significantly. Neighbors who used to offer cold, perfunctory responses now treated him with warmth, as if they had been friends for years.

“Alright, you all sit first. I’ll come over later to drink a few cups with you!”

After making sure everyone was settled, Lu Xian returned to the entrance to welcome more guests.

Qin Lu stayed at the table, conversing with his neighbors and exchanging names. They chatted idly, raising their cups to clink together every so often.

This was Qin Lu’s first time drinking spirit wine.

The liquid was soft and slightly sweet, spreading a clear coolness through his body. The wine was mellow, and unlike mortal alcohol, it didn’t sting his throat. Instead, it felt extremely comfortable, leaving a lingering fragrance between his teeth.

Qin Lu found himself quite fond of it immediately.

Drinking and talking made the time pass quickly. Soon enough, all the guests had arrived.

Everyone gathered around the tables, eating and drinking heartily. The atmosphere was lively.

Lu Xian’s family of three began making rounds to toast at each table.

As an auctioneer, Lu Xian was extremely eloquent. Combined with his friendly personality, he enjoyed great popularity. Everywhere he went, he elicited laughter and cheers.

Even the usually stern-faced Lu Anchen wore a beaming smile, holding his wine cup ready to drain it in one go—full of heroic spirit.

Before long, the family arrived at Qin Lu’s table.

“Hahaha, thank you all so much for coming tonight to liven things up! Is everyone enjoying the food?” Lu Xian greeted them with a smile.

“Naturally, it’s extremely delicious!”

“Thank you, Senior Lu, for bringing us here to enjoy such good fortune!”

“Congratulations, Senior Lu! Your son truly has an impressive appearance and dignified bearing…”

Everyone stood up one after another, filling the air with polite compliments and creating an amiable atmosphere. Following Lu Xian’s lead, they raised their cups for a collective drink.

“Alright, you all drink first, I…”

Just as Lu Xian prepared to move to the next table, Lu Anchen suddenly poured himself a fresh cup and walked up to Qin Lu.

“Uncle Qin, I offer you a toast,” Lu Anchen said, smiling.

This action immediately drew the attention of the neighbors at the table, flashes of strange light appearing in their eyes. Even Lu Xian and his wife seemed slightly startled.

Seeing this, Qin Lu stood up, poured himself a cup, and lightly clinked it against Lu Anchen’s.

“Young Xiao-Lu, you truly hide your depths. You actually kept an ace up your sleeve. Being able to join the Xuanyang Sect surely means a boundless future ahead!” Qin Lu said, delivering a polite compliment.

“Hahaha!” Lu Anchen laughed heartily, then paused. “Uncle Qin, actually, you could also join the Xuanyang Sect. I don’t know if you’re interested?”

The room instantly quieted down. The neighbors looked toward Qin Lu, their eyes holding traces of envy.

Being able to join one of the four major market forces was the dream of countless Loose Cultivators.

“Huh? Why ask me?” Qin Lu asked, somewhat puzzled.

“What reason is needed? Uncle Qin, everyone heard about that street fight. Unscathed, fighting one against six—your strength completely qualifies you for the Xuanyang Sect combat team,” Lu Anchen stated matter-of-factly.

“Yes, yes, Fellow Daoist Qin’s strength is indeed sufficient.”

“Right! That day I was there and saw it with my own eyes. Fellow Daoist Qin killed those robbers within a few breaths!”

“Indeed, Fellow Daoist Qin is very strong!”

Voices of agreement erupted around the room. Regarding Qin Lu’s combat prowess, they had all heard the stories.

Everyone assumed Qin Lu would agree on the spot. However, the situation took an unexpected turn.

Qin Lu waved his hand, speaking directly.

“Forget it. I currently have no thoughts of joining any force.”

Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent.