Chapter 161: with translation of chapter title

Everyone was drinking immortal wine, eating spirit fruits, and chatting casually.

The Peak Masters and Elders of Dao Yi Sect were present, along with many Inner Disciples.

They were all major cultivators of Dongzhou, acquainted with each other, so they appeared harmonious.

However, it was not hard to notice that the crowd roughly split into four factions, each led by one of the four great sects.

Dao Yi Sect, Luo Xia Sect, Qing Yun Sect, Huang Ji Sect—the crowd basically gathered around these four great sects.

As the Shíchén arrived, Qi Xiong appeared on the main seat, looking down at the crowd and speaking loudly.

Welcome, everyone, to my Dao Yi Sect to attend this gathering; I raise a cup to you all.

Sect Master Qi, you're too polite.

Yes, it is an honor for us to be able to come to Dao Yi Sect.

Haha, Sect Master Qi, please join us in drinking this cup.

Good, then I will share this cup with you all.

Everyone raised their cups together and drank them dry.

This gathering is to welcome Daoist Qing Shi into our Dao Yi Sect.......................

What followed was just the usual procedure, but looking at Qi Xiong on the main platform, the crowd felt puzzled—where was Qing Shi?

Logically, Qing Shi should be the star of this event; why hasn't he appeared yet?

Speaking of Daoist Qing Shi, where is he?

I don't know.

Yeah, why hasn't he shown up yet?

Many were doubtful, and Qi Xiong on the main platform naturally took in everyone's expressions, inwardly cursing, 'These two troublemakers make me, a grand sect master, stand out front like a fool.'

But there was nothing to be done; the gathering had to continue, so Qi Xiong could only grit his teeth and go on.

After he finished speaking and had another cup, just as he was about to let everyone drink freely, someone spoke up.

Everyone, this banquet needs no restraint; it's rare for us to gather like this, so today we must drink heartily, come....................

Sect Master Qi, where is Daoist Qing Shi? He is supposed to be the main guest today—why hasn't he shown up yet?

Upon hearing this, everyone present was startled; the strong cultivators of Dao Yi Sect frowned and glanced hostilely toward the source of the voice.

A white-haired old man, of extraordinary bearing, dressed in a black robe, looked quite imposing.

This person was Su Luoxing, sect master of Luo Xia Sect, a prominent figure in Dongzhou, whose status matched Qi Xiong's, so it's no wonder he dared to interrupt Qi Xiong directly.

However, his words clearly carried a provocative tone, which everyone naturally picked up on.

Facing the gaze of Dao Yi Sect's strong cultivators, Su Luoxing remained unfazed, gave a slight smile, and said.

Sect Master Qi, you've been talking up there for a while, yet Daoist Qing Shi still hasn't appeared—that seems rather inappropriate.

Hearing that, Qi Xiong narrowed his eyes, coldly staring at Su Luoxing; their gazes met, and the atmosphere tensed momentarily.

The four great immortal sects of Dongzhou, though allied and jointly resisting the demon race and demonic cultivators, naturally compete in daily affairs.

After all, who wouldn't want to become the top sect and dominate Dongzhou?

Seeing that the matter involved the four great sects, the cultivators present dared not speak, for they did not wish to get entangled in such trouble.

Fortunately, after a moment of mutual staring, Qi Xiong laughed loudly and said.

Coincidentally, Qing Shi and Hong Zun were just sent out by me to handle some matters; they are currently not in the sect.

Upon learning that Su Luoxing had come in person, Qi Xiong knew this old man harbored ill intent; after years of rivalry, he knew exactly what kind of person he was.

He had prepared his excuse beforehand; rather than continue hiding it, it was better to admit openly, completely shutting down this old man's follow‑up—anyway, I've admitted they're not here; what can you do?

As expected, upon hearing that, Su Luoxing blinked slightly, then quickly smiled and said.

With the gathering imminent, Sect Master Qi still sent Daoist Qing Shi away—this is indeed puzzling.

It happened suddenly, that's all.

Really? But lately nothing major has happened in Dongzhou, has it?

What, you mean according to Sect Master Su, we have to inform you whenever our sect does something?

No need for that.

After some back‑and‑forth, Qi Xiong turned to the crowd and said.

Qing Shi is indeed not in the sect now, but that does not hinder this gathering; our Dao Yi Sect's welcome for him remains unchanged—please join me in another cup to celebrate his joining Dao Yi Sect.

Qi Xiong spoke, and the crowd naturally did not dare to refuse; they all raised their cups and drank them dry.

The matter was considered settled; although it still looked a bit awkward, it was fine enough—after all, Qi Xiong had truly done his best.

However, since Su Xing He had personally come to Dao Yi Sect, he would certainly not let it go; he just wanted to annoy Qi Xiong and annoy Dao Yi Sect.

So, after only a few cups, this old man spoke again.

Sect Master Qi, just drinking like this is rather bland; why don't we add some entertainment?

What kind of entertainment do you want?

This old man truly can't sit still; he's always looking to stir up trouble every minute," Qi Xiong said calmly.

I actually brought a few disciples; why not let them spar with Dao Yi Sect's disciples to liven up the drinking?

Sparring? Basically just wanting to save face, but regarding our own disciples, Qi Xiong is fully confident—if you want to fight, then fight.

Fine, since Sect Master Su is so keen, I naturally won't spoil the fun.

Refreshing, but plain fighting is boring; why not add some wagers?

Sure enough, this old man had planned it all along.

Sitting behind Bai Hua Xianzi, a month passed, and Bai Hua Xianzi also returned to the sect.

Originally not interested in such sparring, but upon hearing about the wagers, Zhao Rou, Zhong Ling, and several others instantly perked up.

Immediately, the old man Su and Qi Xiong each produced numerous treasures.

Basically they are all spirit fruits that help cultivation, and things like pills.

Seeing this, Zhong Ling's eyes lit up as they said.

"There's even this good thing?"

You should know, although they managed to get some Sect Points, it's still far from enough; to raise their cultivation, they need spirit fruits, pills, cultivation methods—nothing can be lacking.

Tens of thousands of Sect Points would be gone in a minute.

But now, with all these treasures placed before them, to Zhong Ling it seemed like a free gift.

Originally they didn't want to attend this gathering; it was just a bunch of old fogies boasting to each other, what's the point—but the master had given an order, so those few Inner Disciples of theirs had no choice but to come, and the other peaks were the same.

But now, they instantly felt that this trip was worthwhile.

If they hadn't come, where could they have gotten so many treasures?

A quick calculation shows that the spirit fruits and pills Su Luoxing took out, if converted to Sect Points, would be nearly three hundred thousand.

That's a huge amount of Sect Points.

"Hehe, hehe.............."

In a moment, Zhao Rou, Zhong Ling and the others let out low laughter; Bai Hua Xianzi, sitting ahead, heard the continual foolish laughter from behind, couldn't help but frown slightly—what are these little things up to? How could such a normal laugh be so eerie?