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Two years had passed.
The date of the secret meeting was approaching.
Qi Yuan had transferred several female disciples from the Miaoyin Sect to help with receiving guests, serving tea, and handling other arrangements.
A concealed formation in the living room transmitted all conversations directly to Xin Ruyin's room, allowing both master and servant to hear the cultivation insights shared by the Jindan-stage cultivators without missing a word.
They were also given Bu Tian Dan, which slowly purified their spiritual roots.
On the 49th floor of the Holy Mountain, inside a cavern:
Qi Yuan wore a finely tailored black robe embroidered with golden thread, exuding a composed and dignified presence. His hair was gathered in a blue jade crown, and his face was solemn, carrying an aura of unshakable authority.
Standing beside him, Yan Ruyan wore an elegant and resplendent outfit. A radiant phoenix hairpin adorned her hair, and her makeup, slightly heavier than usual, complemented her refined and graceful features. She carried the presence of a true hostess.
Since it was inconvenient for Xin Ruyin and the others to appear, and Yuan Yao and Yan Li's cultivation levels were still too low to take prominent roles, only Yan Ruyan, who had already entered the early Jindan stage, was suited to make an appearance.
"Ruyan, you look stunning in this dress."
Qi Yuan smiled as he glanced at her and reached out to gently pinch her cheek. Her skin was so soft and smooth that he hesitated to let go.
Yan Ruyan swatted his hand away, wary that it might stray further. Though she usually let him act freely, today was different—guests were arriving, and there would be no tolerance for nonsense.
Behind them, Yuan Yao and Yan Li stifled their laughter at their young master's rejection.
"You dare laugh at your young master? That's a serious offense. After the secret meeting, both of you will be punished with an extra three hours."
Qi Yuan turned and playfully tapped their noses, feigning seriousness.
Yan Li's eyes shimmered mischievously as she smiled and said, "Why wait until after the meeting? There's still time now. You can punish me right away."
Qi Yuan gave a sharp inhale. This temptress was becoming more and more daring, openly challenging his resolve.
Just then, a maid arrived, saving him from further embarrassment.
"Sir, the guests have begun to arrive."
Qi Yuan cleared his throat. "Ruyan, stay inside and help entertain. You two, come with me to greet them."
Yuan Yao and Yan Li bowed and followed him outside.
At the entrance stood an elderly man at mid-Jindan stage, accompanied by a young girl in the early Foundation Establishment stage.
The white-haired elder said kindly, "Mo'er, behave yourself when meeting Fellow Daoist Qi. Even though the invitation allows for guests, don't act recklessly."
"I know, Grandpa. You've told me so many times my ears are ringing."
The girl playfully stuck out her tongue and covered her ears.
Qi Yuan, accompanied by the two maids, flew out and recognized the man immediately.
"Friend Jian, it's been years."
Jian Chun, a free cultivator, had once left the sect to pursue his own path. After enduring many hardships, he had reached the Jindan stage and earned widespread respect.
Jian Chun squinted and his wrinkled face lit up. "Thank you for your concern, Daoist Qi. These old bones are still holding up. I still haven't forgotten how you tricked me back then."
"That? I just arranged for eighteen girls to serve you. How was that a trap?"
Qi Yuan grinned, face full of mystery.
The girl by Jian Chun's side gasped, covering her mouth. She had never imagined her grandfather had such a scandalous past.
"You shameless rogue, I'm not talking to you anymore."
Jian Chun pulled his granddaughter along and strode into the cave before things got any more embarrassing.
"Yao'er, see them inside."
Yuan Yao nodded and led them in.
Shortly after, a flash of orange light descended from the sky, revealing a young man in a robe embedded with gems, exuding noble refinement. His cultivation level was at the early Jindan stage.
He was the heir of a wealthy merchant alliance, second only to the four major chambers of commerce in influence.
"Daoist Feng."
"Daoist Qi."
The two exchanged nods before Qi Yuan welcomed him in.
Within half an hour, several more Jindan cultivators arrived. Qi Yuan greeted and received them one by one.
Then, two streaks of light appeared. Huang Jing had arrived, bringing Ling Yuling.
Qi Yuan stepped forward with a smile. "Daoist Huang, Brother Ling, please come in."
"Daoist Qi's cave is certainly more splendid than mine," Huang Jing commented, her almond-shaped eyes taking in the surroundings.
Ling Yuling snapped her fan shut and glanced at the maids behind Qi Yuan.
"Brother Qi lives like a nobleman with many beauties at his side. With that kind of lifestyle, he'd need a grand place to house them. I must admit, I'm jealous."
Qi Yuan laughed. "No matter how grand, this is still a rental. The true owners are the Twin Saints of Star Palace."
Huang Jing smiled politely, saying nothing. Ling Yuling gave him a lazy look but did not respond either.
"My apologies. Please, come in."
After the two were seated, five identical brothers arrived. Each possessed a different spiritual root—gold, wood, water, fire, and earth.
An extraordinary and near-miraculous occurrence, their bond enabled them to practice the formidable Great Five Elements Sword Formation.
Though individually at the early Jindan stage, their combined formation allowed them to rival late-stage cultivators.
Their synergy was flawless, their mana cumulative, and their coordination deadly.
After them came a demonic cultivator.
Though Qi Yuan was a wanted man among the Demonic Path, that path was far from unified. While they worked together against Star Palace, in other matters, they acted independently.
Some demonic cultivators were still willing to maintain a courteous, though distant, relationship with him.
"Li'er, have all the guests arrived?"
Qi Yuan estimated that most were already here.
Yan Li furrowed her brows thoughtfully. "Only Master Zhou from Miaoyin Sect hasn't arrived yet."
Qi Yuan had, of course, invited Zhou Yuan, entrusting the task to Fan Jingmei. Yet it was nearly time, and she still hadn't shown up.
Could she have been delayed?
Suddenly, a soft voice rang out. "Sorry to keep you waiting, little brother."
Zhou Yuan appeared, graceful and charming. Her eyes met Qi Yuan's briefly before she looked away, remembering something Fan Jingmei had told her.
She didn't dare look him in the eyes.
Qi Yuan smiled gently. "It's good to see you here, Sister-in-law. Come in, everyone's already arrived."
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Zhou Yuan's expression dimmed with guilt.
Qi Yuan replied sincerely, "You're right on time. Please, don't feel bad."
Zhou Yuan smiled and walked into the cave alongside him.
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