Chapter 2144: Go try that Xu Jie

Along the way, this immortal beast kept thinking about this matter.

At most there are just that many people; how could they possibly consume so much food in such a short time?

After thinking it over, the immortal beast could only come up with one conclusion: the Dao One Immortal Sect must be hiding people.

Otherwise there is no other explanation.

The rat demon had said before that for humans, eating is more like a gathering; it's not mainly about what or how much they eat, but about everyone being together.

Given human nature, banquets are often not pure, but mixed with all kinds of interests and disputes.

"Despicable humans."

The more he thought, the more it seemed so; in that light, the elephant ancestor's temporary retreat earlier was indeed a wise move.

Otherwise he might really have fallen into the Dao One Immortal Sect's trap.

Feigning weakness to the enemy—if there were no other purpose, who would believe it?

"When you return, tell me in detail everything you know; do not omit anything."

He spoke to the thousands of rescued beastfolk; upon hearing, they all nodded respectfully.

Among the beastfolk, relations can be even simpler and cruder: kill you over a disagreement, even eat your own kind—these are completely normal.

No one cares what this immortal beast is thinking.

At this moment, another person with a headache is Li Hongyan of Wuji Xiancheng.

Looking at the beastfolk's reply in his hand, Li Hongyan couldn't help but sneer.

"Hahaha, what a pack of beasts, even knowing how to borrow a knife to kill."

The beastfolk simply abandoned Lingtai Dong, which somewhat surprised Li Hongyan, after all, Wuji Xiancheng had negotiated extensively with them over Lingtai Dong before.

But back then, faced with the various conditions Wuji Xiancheng offered, the beastfolk, without exception, refused to exchange them for ownership of Lingtai Dong.

Yet now, without a word, they simply gave up Lingtai Dong so readily, handing it over.

Obviously, the motive is not the wine.

However, after the laughter subsided, Li Hongyan quickly formed a plan.

Playing mind games, the beastfolk are naturally no match for humans.

Looking up at his subordinate before him, Li Hongyan said lightly.

"I recall that the Heavenly Pride fool of the Hong family is currently in the city, right?"

"The Hong family's foolish Heavenly Pride? Hongyun?"

Upon hearing, that subordinate's mind swiftly flashed an image of a tall, sturdy figure.

The Hong family is not considered a powerful clan in the Immortal Realm, but a few years ago they made a big splash, successfully letting many know that such a family exists in the Immortal Realm.

The key reason is that the Hong family patriarch had a son late in life, but he is a fool, born with incomplete spiritual intellect.

If that were all, it wouldn't attract attention.

What truly made the Hong family famous is that this fool was born with a War God's body, possessing divine strength.

He possesses top-tier Heavenly Pride qualifications, yet his spiritual intellect is lacking, making him a fool; the combination inevitably draws attention.

And the Hong family values that foolish Heavenly Pride all the more, for there is no choice—the War God's body is simply too terrifying.

Take the current Hongyun: since he began cultivation, not long has passed, yet he has already achieved perfected cultivation in the Immortal King realm, his combat power can be called top among peers.

The reason he dare not be called invincible is that several Yāoniè press down upon his head.

Quickly regaining his composure, that subordinate hurriedly nodded and said.

"Yes, Hongyun is currently in the city, personally accompanied by the Hong family patriarch."

Li Hongyan had not looked into why the Hongyun father and son came to Wuji Xiancheng, but the present situation can be used.

Let that Hongyun test the authenticity of Xu Jie of the Dao One Immortal Sect.

If the rumors are true, then Xu Jie is a Yāoniè in disposition; even if Hongyun faced him, he would likely fare poorly, probably unable to escape being killed.

But what does that have to do with his Wuji Xiancheng?

If the Hong family's Heavenly Pride dies, the Hong family would be furious, yet he could just as well probe Xu Jie's true nature.

If the rumors are true, then the Dao One Immortal Sect must not be offended; at least on the surface they can only maintain friendly relations.

Having thought this through, Li Hongyan immediately said.

"Go invite them father and son, and say I specially prepared a banquet to welcome Young Friend Hongyun, to show the host's courtesy."

"Yes."

Having already guessed what Li Hongyan intended, that subordinate merely nodded in assent without extra talk.

That very evening, Li Hongyan hosted a banquet for the Hongyun father and son.

At the banquet, Li Hongyan and Hong's father drank and chatted casually, while Hongyun appeared somewhat dull, sitting stiffly in his seat, only eating.

Looking at Hongyun's foolish appearance, Li Hongyan secretly laughed; the Hong family's foolish Heavenly Pride, indeed..................

After a round of casual talk, Li Hongyan suddenly changed the subject, bringing up Lingtai Dong.

"Brother Hong, do you know of my Wuji Xiancheng's Lingtai Dong?"

"How could I not know?"

Upon hearing, Hong's father nodded, not knowing what Li Hongyan meant.

"Lingtai Dong is about to open; today, upon meeting Brother Hong, it feels like we've known each other long, and this timing is perfect—if Brother Hong is willing, I will take the responsibility to give Hongyun a spot this time."

"This.................."

Li Hongyan spoke feigning magnanimity; upon hearing, Hong's father first stared, then could not help but burst into wild joy.

After all, coming from a small clan, a cultivation treasure like Lingtai Dong is already a rare treasure for the Hong family.

Moreover, Lingtai Dong offers many benefits to Hongyun; there is really no reason to refuse.

Although his heart was wildly joyful, Hong's father still put on an act of restraint.

Brother Li, what are you doing? This is such a precious quota—how can my father and I possibly accept it?

We need to keep punctuation? Probably keep as is but translate.

We need to output 【61】 translation.

Brother Hong, your words make me feel like an outsider. I can see that Hongyun is quite fond of it, and since I haven't prepared any meeting gift today, let's just consider this as the gift.

This..............

Brother Hong, if you have any misgivings, why not have you discipline someone for me? That person is just a junior; I really don't want to get involved.

Please, Brother Li, explain in detail.

This boy is named Xu Jie; his talent is decent, but he's arrogant. He's actually the son of my late friend—too bad his disposition is unruly. I also share some blame, since I've been preoccupied with city matters and neglected his upbringing, which is why he turned out this way.

He will also be entering the Lingtai Cave this time, and since he doesn't know Hongyun, I'd like to ask Hongyun to discipline him when he arrives—show him that there's always something greater beyond the heavens, so he can focus on his cultivation. In doing so, I'll also feel I've given an account to my late friend.

Li Hongyan didn't have Hongyun kill Xu Jie, because that would be outright murder—even a fool would grow suspicious.

So he invented a story that his late friend's son was unruly, just to get Hongyun to give Xu Jie a mild scolding.

Li Hongyan merely wants to gauge Xu Jie's true ability to confirm whether the earlier rumors are accurate; whether to kill him or not is not important right now.

As expected, upon hearing this, Hong's father thought for only a moment before happily nodding his agreement.

Just a light lesson, there won't be any serious consequences; this is essentially getting a free slot to enter Lingtai Dong—who would refuse?