Chapter 540: A Meeting Gift

That day, after Li Ruojian finished taking inventory of the items Duan Rong had brought and had put everything away, he was just about to rest when a voice suddenly rang out by his ear.

"Come to my Cave Abode for a moment!"

The voice was deep, gloomy, and heavy; it was precisely the voice of the Taiyi Sect Ancestor, Lv Yinlin.

Li Ruojian's pupils flickered in the darkness, and his heart was suddenly filled with unease. He did not know why this Taiyi Sect Ancestor had suddenly summoned him, or what it was about.

However, having reached this point, he was the fish and the meat on the chopping block; no matter what the Taiyi Sect Ancestor wanted to do to him, he could only endure it.

Li Ruojian rose and walked out of his Cave Abode, passing through the deep valley bathed in water-like moonlight, and arrived inside Lv Yinlin's Cave Abode.

Lv Yinlin sat in the depths of the Cave Abode, his expression warm.

Li Ruojian stepped forward slowly, lifted his robes to kneel, and called out, "Ruojian pays his respects to Senior Lv!"

Lv Yinlin glanced at Li Ruojian on the ground and said, "Rise!"

Upon hearing this, Li Ruojian kowtowed and then stood up.

Lv Yinlin said, "Is there anything you are lacking in your Cave Abode?"

Li Ruojian said, "Reporting to Senior, all daily necessities have already been taken care of for me by Senior Brother Duan Rong."

Lv Yinlin nodded and said, "That is good. Since you have come, settle down and live here peacefully."

Having said this, Lv Yinlin suddenly changed the subject, looked at Li Ruojian, and said, "Raise your right hand a bit!"

Li Ruojian was slightly stunned; it took a breath of time for him to react. He did not know what Lv Yinlin's intention was, but he still raised his right hand and held it at his side.

Lv Yinlin suddenly reached into his robe sleeve and flicked an object out, which struck exactly at the wrist of Li Ruojian's raised right hand.

Li Ruojian was looking at Lv Yinlin with a tense expression when he suddenly felt a shadow flash by. On his right wrist, a copper ring was spinning rapidly, emitting a humming sound, and ancient, mysterious symbols appeared and disappeared upon it.

Lv Yinlin pinched his palm, and in an instant, Li Ruojian felt the copper ring on his wrist stop abruptly, no longer spinning. He turned his head and saw, under the glow of the fluorescent light, a simple, unadorned copper ring with intricate patterns locked onto his wrist.

His gaze sharpened, and he saw that what Lv Yinlin held in his hand was also a copper ring, identical in color and pattern to the one on his own wrist.

Lv Yinlin suddenly raised his hand and pointed into the air at the center of Li Ruojian's brow; instantly, a drop of Essence Blood seeped out from Li Ruojian's brow.

That drop of Essence Blood rose into the air, split into two in mid-flight, and dripped onto the two simple, intricately patterned copper rings, instantly sinking into them.

Lv Yinlin looked at Li Ruojian and said, "This is the Dragon-Phoenix Ring, a magic treasure for self-defense and life-preservation. Once your Essence Blood has dripped into it, you can activate it with your thoughts!"

Li Ruojian's expression shifted, and he cupped his hands, saying, "Many thanks to Senior for the gift of the treasure!"

Light swirled in Li Ruojian's pupils as he glanced at the copper ring in Lv Yinlin's hand. Since it was a Dragon-Phoenix Ring, there must be a distinction between a Dragon Ring and a Phoenix Ring; the self-defense aspect of this item was likely secondary.

Seeing Li Ruojian's expression, Lv Yinlin knew what he was thinking and said, "You guessed correctly! The one in my hand is the Dragon Ring, while the one on your wrist is the Phoenix Ring. The dragon and phoenix seek each other; when I activate this ring, I can sense your location. With the symbols corresponding, you cannot escape even if you flee ten thousand miles!"

Li Ruojian's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly said, "Since this junior is a hostage, I will certainly cultivate peacefully by Senior's side; how would I dare to harbor thoughts of escaping?!"

"That is good!" Lv Yinlin said. "As a hostage, you are tied to the alliance between the two sects. I must not only ensure your safety but also keep you firmly in my grasp. Otherwise, if the Tianyan Sect were to demand you from me, what would I do?"

Li Ruojian's expression dimmed, and he said, "Many thanks for your instruction, Senior. Ruojian understands his situation."

Lv Yinlin nodded; he could see that Li Ruojian was a sharp-minded person.

With a wave of Lv Yinlin's hand, an Array Ruler floated in front of Li Ruojian.

"From now on, you may enter and leave this deep valley freely. This object is the Array Ruler for the Symbol Array within the valley. As long as you do not leave the Changliu Mountain Range of these Endless Great Mountains, I will not interfere!"

Li Ruojian glanced at the verdigris-covered Array Ruler beside him and grasped it in his hand.

Being able to leave this deep valley was at least better than being a bird in a cage, living under the nose of the Taiyi Sect Ancestor every day, not even daring to cry or laugh freely.

Lv Yinlin said, "You can have Duan Rong teach you how to use the Array Ruler!"

"Yes, many thanks, Senior!"

"You may go now!"

"Yes! Ruojian takes his leave!"

Li Ruojian gripped the Array Ruler, bowed, stepped back twice, and only then turned to leave.

Walking out of Lv Yinlin's Cave Abode, Li Ruojian looked at the verdigris-covered Array Ruler in his hand. He even wanted to ask Duan Rong right then how to use it to enter and exit the Symbol Array, but seeing the moonlight filling the valley, it was already late at night, so he had to give up on the idea.

On Cuiwei Peak, within the manor halfway up the mountain, the lanterns had already been lit, and the lights throughout the garden were like brilliant stars.

Inside the main hall, everyone had already taken their seats in order.

Chu Qiushan and Li Yunjing sat in the seats of honor on the left and right, respectively.

Lv Zhongtang glanced at the young man sitting beside Li Yunjing; he looked to be only in his early twenties, but he was born with a face like jade and had sword-like brows and bright eyes.

Although Lv Zhongtang was of the Taiyi Sect Ancestor's bloodline, he did not often move among the various sects. General sect affairs and interactions between sects were handled by Chu Qiushan and Zhu He, so Li Yunjing was most familiar with those two, and he had no impression of Lv Zhongtang at all.

But this time, besides discussing the alliance treaty, the matter of the marriage between the two sects was also crucial, so before coming, he had already obtained a portrait of Lv Zhongtang.

As soon as everyone was seated, Li Yunjing and his son both recognized Lv Zhongtang at a glance.

Li Ruozhou noticed that Lv Zhongtang was looking toward him, so he smiled lightly in response.

In fact, it would have been better if he hadn't smiled; he looked quite decent, but this smile carried an irrepressible, wicked charm.

Under the reflection of the lights, it made Lv Zhongtang's heart tremble as he recalled the notorious deeds of this youth that spies had reported back from You Province. That wicked smile just now was like a nightmare, impossible to banish from his mind.

Lv Zhongtang turned his head away, his expression cold, and stopped looking at Li Ruozhou.

Li Ruozhou noticed the change in Lv Zhongtang's expression, and a flash of confusion crossed his eyes.

During the banquet, everyone raised their glasses to toast one another, exchanging polite pleasantries, which goes without saying. After three rounds of wine, Li Ruozhou rose to toast the Elders of the Taiyi Sect.

He was handsome and spoke beautifully, which won him a round of praise from the Taiyi Sect Elders.

When Li Ruojian toasted Lv Zhongtang, he did not say much, just as he had when toasting the other Elders; both of them went through the motions with expressionless faces.

After the welcoming banquet, Chu Qiushan took the group of Taiyi Sect Elders and left; after all, the people from the Tianyan Sect had come from afar and were weary from their journey, so they should rest early.

Chu Qiushan and Li Yunjing exchanged a few final polite words, agreed to discuss the alliance treaty in the Elder Council tomorrow morning, and then left the manor.

After Chu Qiushan left, the gates of the manor were closed.

The maids and Attendants in the manor began to clear away the leftovers from the banquet, and the people from the Tianyan Sect dispersed, intending to return to their rooms to rest.

Li Yunjing and his son walked slowly along the Corridor.

Li Ruozhou said, "Father, just now at the banquet, why did I feel that Lv Zhongtang's attitude toward me seemed somewhat cold?"

Li Yunjing gave a cold snort and said, "Do you really think people don't know about those sordid things you did earlier!"

Li Ruzhou's face stiffened, and he said, "Father, those are all rumors! Your son is perfectly innocent now."

Hearing this, Li Yunjing could not help but smile. "Fine! As long as you know how to restrain yourself! It doesn't matter what Lv Zhongtang likes or dislikes; this is a matter decided by the Ancestors of both Sects! For now, we just need to treat him with proper courtesy."

Li Ruzhou said, "Your teaching is correct, Father!"

Li Yunjing smiled and said, "Go back to your room and get some good rest; tomorrow will be quite busy!"

"Yes! Father, please get some good rest as well!" Li Ruzhou gave a well-behaved bow, turned around, and walked toward the other end.

Li Ruzhou walked along the Corridor to the door of his room, pushed it open, and entered.

Inside the room, a Personal Attendant was preparing tea. Li Ruzhou suddenly pushed the door open and entered, causing the Personal Attendant to let out a cry of "Ah," and the teacup in their hand nearly fell.

The Tianyan Sect had not only brought many Elders but also brought quite a few Guards, Personal Attendants, and gift chests.

The Personal Attendant in Li Ruzhou's room was the very one he had personally selected to serve him closely.

He had drunk quite a bit of wine at the banquet; at this moment, he reeked of alcohol, and his face was flushed red.

"What have you been doing all this time? Can't I even have a cup of hot tea when I return?" Li Ruzhou sat there, glaring at the somewhat flustered Personal Attendant, and barked angrily.

"There... there is tea!" The Personal Attendant carried a cup of tea and walked toward Li Ruzhou.

As soon as the Personal Attendant got close, Li Ruzhou grabbed the teacup, slammed it onto the side table, and with a pull of his hand, dragged the Personal Attendant into his arms, his hand already wrapping around the Personal Attendant's waist.

"Young Sect Master, please don't!" The Personal Attendant struggled, their hat falling off, and their coiled, waterfall-like black hair sliding down.

"Little girl! After sitting on the Cloud-Feather Mad Eagle for three days, my fire is burning quite hot!..."

"..."

The next morning, the people from the Taiyi Sect and the Tianyan Sect took their seats in the Council Hall within the Elder Council of Cuiwei Peak.

On the Taiyi Sect side, Chu Qiushan, Zhu He, Lin Youjian, Yang Sixuan, Lv Zhongtang, Zheng Yi, Sun Fuga, and others sat on one side.

The people from the Tianyan Sect sat on the other side.

After Chu Qiushan and Li Yunjing exchanged a few opening remarks, they went straight into discussing the specific terms of the alliance. These concerned the concrete interests of both Sects, and the Elders in charge from each side began to haggle and bargain.

In the blink of an eye, it was noon. Although these people were all powerhouses of the Dongming Realm, most of them had already achieved Inedia, except for a few who were greedy for the pleasures of the palate.

However, the etiquette of hosting guests could not be neglected, so a sumptuous lunch was still prepared in the manor at noon!

Everyone walked out of the Elder Council and dispersed.

"Mr. Lv, could you please stay for a moment?"

As Lv Zhongtang walked out of the Elder Council and was about to leave, he suddenly heard someone calling him. He turned his head and saw Li Yunjing looking at him with a smile.

Lv Zhongtang turned back, cupped his hands, and said, "Sect Leader Li!"

Li Yunjing returned the salute and said, "Mr. Lv, please step aside for a word!"

The two of them walked toward a quiet, empty space to the side of the Elder Council.

Seeing the two of them conversing like this, the others had different expressions on their faces.

The marriage between Li Ruzhou and Lv Qingzhu had not been made public. Although these people were all Elders of the two Sects, some knew about it, while others did not.

Those who were not privy to the Sect's intelligence did not know about this matter, and they could not help but speculate in their hearts.

Walking to a quiet, deserted place, Li Yunjing looked at Lv Zhongtang and said, "Mr. Lv, I intend to pay a visit to your residence tonight. I wonder if you might be free?"

Lv Zhongtang smiled somewhat unnaturally and said, "It would be an honor for Sect Leader Li to come."

Li Yunjing smiled and said, "Mr. Lv, there is no need for such formalities; we will be in-laws in the future. The matter between Ruzhou and Qingzhu is a matter that will benefit both our families and both Sects for generations to come."

"Yes, Sect Leader Li is right," Lv Zhongtang echoed.

Li Yunjing said, "Tonight, I will come to your residence, and we can exchange the birth date slips."

"Very well, I will prepare them!" Lv Zhongtang said.

"That's good, Mr. Lv, see you tonight!" Li Yunjing said, cupping his hands.

"See you tonight!" Lv Zhongtang returned the salute.

Li Yunjing walked away with a faint smile!

Just as the Xu hour arrived that evening, Lv Zhongtang sat in the living room waiting.

Before long, a servant came to report that Li Yunjing had already entered the residence.

Li Yunjing was dressed in casual clothes, followed by two Personal Attendants carrying a chest.

Lv Zhongtang walked out of the living room, and the two exchanged pleasantries in the courtyard. Li Yunjing glanced at the chest behind him and said, "Just a small token of my respect; I hope you won't find it too shabby, my dear in-law!"

"Sect Leader Li, you are too modest!" Lv Zhongtang turned his head and said, "Han Cheng, take the chest and lead these two young men to the Back Courtyard for some tea."

A middle-aged man came out with two servants, took the chest, and one of the Personal Attendants carrying the chest handed a gift list to Han Cheng. Han Cheng tucked the list into his sleeve and led the two Personal Attendants toward the Back Courtyard.

Lv Zhongtang and Li Yunjing took their seats in the living room, and Li Baoyue personally poured two cups of ginseng tea.

The two chatted for a while, with Lv Zhongtang merely asking if Li Yunjing was accustomed to staying in the manor.

The two had no prior connection, and their temperaments were quite incompatible. Although Li Yunjing was accustomed to socializing, he found it difficult to warm up the atmosphere, so after chatting for a bit more, he went straight to the point.

"Mr. Lv, this is my son's birth date!" Li Yunjing took a red brocade slip from his sleeve and handed it to Lv Zhongtang.

Lv Zhongtang took the slip and handed another one to Li Yunjing.

Li Yunjing opened the slip, looked at it, and could not help but smile, saying, "This is a stroke of good fortune; the birth dates actually match quite well!"

Hearing this, Lv Zhongtang smiled awkwardly. In his view, the two birth dates were very ordinary and could only be considered as not conflicting!

Li Yunjing said, "Mr. Lv, since the birth dates match! Shall we arrange for their meeting ceremony tomorrow night?"

"Tomorrow night? Is it that urgent?" Lv Zhongtang asked in surprise.

Li Yunjing smiled and said, "The moment the alliance is negotiated is the day the two Sects form an alliance! As the saying goes, good things come in pairs! I have calculated the dates; six days after tomorrow night's meeting ceremony is an auspicious day, which is a great day for the betrothal! My intention is to hold the betrothal ceremony at your Sect! After the betrothal, once the wedding date is set, we can promptly notify the Nine Provinces Eight Sects to come to my Tianyan Sect to witness the ceremony!"

"The Ancestor has already given orders regarding this wedding, instructing us that it must be unprecedentedly grand! To be honest with you, Mr. Lv, I had already begun arranging manpower to prepare for it before I even set off."

"Ah... that is indeed fast..." Lv Zhongtang's face was somewhat stiff as he said, "Since you already have a plan in mind, Sect Leader Li, then we shall do as you wish... However, tomorrow night for the meeting ceremony is truly a bit rushed. I think it would be better to postpone it by one day. I need to instruct my daughter so she doesn't act rashly..."

Lv Zhongtang was afraid that if the meeting ceremony were tomorrow night, Lv Qingzhu would refuse to come, and he would not even have time to maneuver, so he wanted to push it back by a day.

The customs of this realm are to follow the sequence of the meeting gift, the betrothal, and the wedding.

During the meeting gift, the man and woman must exchange gifts as a token of their affection, serving as preparation for the subsequent betrothal ceremony and to announce it to relatives and friends.

(End of chapter)