Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen: The Challenge

It was only when the "modest banquet" mentioned by Hong Qisheng was laid out that Feng Sanchu and the others were struck with awe.

After all, he had amassed his wealth in Jicheng; he was incomparably wealthier than the impoverished disciples of the Lingzhen Sect. The vegetables, fruits, meats, and delicacies all carried a hint of spiritual energy; as everyone ate, they felt their cultivation increase ever so slightly.

Knowing he was riding on Meng Han's coattails, Feng Sanchu smiled and said, "The food is fresh and delicious. It is clear that Fellow Daoist Hong has prepared this with great care. Don't you agree, Senior Brother?"

Meng Han gulped down a mouthful of strong liquor, feeling quite comfortable himself, and followed his lead: "He is indeed thoughtful."

"To ensure my guests are content is precisely the duty of a host." Hong Qisheng stood up and raised his wine cup. "I toast you all. Thank you endlessly for coming to assist with my daughter's selection of a husband!"

Since Zhao Chun and Liao Xiaoyi did not drink alcohol, they substituted it with tea and drained their cups in one go.

Hong Qian was also present, sitting beside her mother and feigning a taciturn demeanor, though her eyes kept darting toward Zhao Chun.

"I have long heard of the Lingzhen Sect's great reputation, but because my status is lowly, I have never had the honor of visiting the Hidden Valley. It is truly a regret." Hong Qisheng sat back down, sighing incessantly. "In a flash, twenty years of cultivation have passed, and my daughter has reached marriageable age. It feels like only yesterday that she received the immortal's pill."

More pleasantries filled the table.

A moment later, he signaled with his hand, and servants stepped forward to present lacquered redwood boxes to Zhao Chun and the others. Feng Sanchu and Meng Han maintained their composure, calmly placing the boxes beneath their seats, while the Liao siblings could not hide their joy and followed suit.

It was the first time she had received such a generous gift in public; Zhao Chun weighed it twice before placing it beside her.

"A small token of my appreciation. I hope you all will accept it."

The token was indeed substantial. Zhao Chun estimated the Essence Stones in the box would be worth several hundred; this trip was well worth it. However, by principle, one should perform a task in exchange for receiving wealth, but if the sky were to fall, there were taller men to hold it up. With Meng Han and Feng Sanchu present, even if Hong Qisheng had a request, he wouldn't be able to ask it of a second-layer Qi Refinement disciple like her.

Seeing everyone accept the gifts, even Meng Han taking a box, Hong Qisheng's heart finally settled. He spoke up, "To welcome you all today, I have specially prepared—"

A sudden roar exploded in the room, followed by billowing thick smoke. Meng Han let out a "Tsk!"

The smoke cleared instantly, leaving nothing but a chaotic mess at the banquet table.

Those with cultivation remained seated in their original positions, shielding their faces with their sleeves. As for the mortals, they had long since been thrown into disarray, fleeing in terror and trampling everything in their path, causing the tables to overturn and soup to spill across the floor.

"What is the meaning of this!" Hong Qisheng roared in fury. "Get out, all of you!"

The servants scattered, and Madam Hong pulled her shaken daughter back into the inner chambers, leaving only the six guests in the hall.

"Regarding today's incident, I will surely provide you all with an explanation!"

Feng Sanchu's eyes flickered. He rose from his seat, strode to the center of the banquet, picked up an object, and said solemnly, "Fellow Daoist Hong, look at this!"

He stepped forward and opened his palm, revealing half of a small copper sphere that was faintly emitting gray smoke and a burnt, acrid odor.

Suspicious, Hong Qisheng asked, "What... what is this?"

"A Flame Pellet from the Changhui Sect." Meng Han rose from his seat, his brow furrowed. "Using fire-element talisman methods, runes are engraved onto copper spheres. Their power is five times that of a standard talisman."

"But this one..." He took the half-sphere from Feng Sanchu's hand and sneered, "I wondered what it was. It turns out it's a fake. No wonder the power is so meager."

"However, the Changhui Sect is far from here, and most of their disciples focus solely on runes, rarely causing trouble externally." Meng Han said doubtfully, "Have you offended anyone recently?"

Hong Qisheng smiled bitterly. "Because of the Daoist methods passed down by the immortal, the number of people in Jicheng eyeing my juniors is countless. I truly do not know who it might be..."

Meng Han let out a "Tsk," crushed the sphere in his hand, and said coldly, "A challenge has been issued to your very doorstep, and yet you are still oblivious."

"Senior, your reprimand is correct!" Hong Qisheng could only nod.

"To only dare use such a thing to test us... they are nothing but cowards hiding their heads."

Feng Sanchu advised, "Fellow Daoist Hong, do not worry. With Senior Brother here, those petty thieves will not dare to cause trouble. We need only meet them with whatever comes our way!"

"Exactly! Exactly!" Hong Qisheng wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, though a shadow of gloom had settled in his heart, one that would not be easily brushed away.

Following this incident, the group lost interest in continuing and returned to their rooms in a listless mood.

Zhao Chun had hoped this trip would pass without incident, but now it seemed that would not be the case. Meng Han, naturally, was not afraid at all; among the five, only Zhao Chun had the lowest cultivation. She feared that the fire at the city gates might catch the fish in the pond—that the fighting between immortals would result in a little ghost like her suffering the consequences.

Her desire to increase her strength grew even more intense. Zhao Chun told herself there was no need to rush, yet she felt a slight sense of anxiety.

She decided to open the lacquer box and take inventory, letting the unexpected wealth calm her down.

A box full of emerald-green pebbles was indeed a sight to gladden the heart. Who in this world does not love wealth? Zhao Chun ran her fingers through the box; the Essence Stones were cool and smooth as they rolled against her skin. She counted them carefully—exactly three hundred!

This did not even include the reward for the bounty itself. If included, it would be four hundred and fifty Essence Stones. She could finally afford a copy of the *Tiger Strength Manual*!

She was also benefiting from others; if Zhao Chun had relied solely on her own abilities, she might not even have had the change.

"Do not let this create a sense of disparity. My cultivation has lasted less than a year. Once my cultivation rises in the future, I shall repay them then!" Zhao Chun cautioned herself. The foundation for a cultivator to constantly move forward is a resilient and clear Daoist heart.

Several days passed without any unusual movement, but the atmosphere in the Hong estate did not lighten; instead, it grew heavier.

Hong Qisheng instinctively felt that this person was coming for the Daoist methods, and he lived in constant fear every day that something would happen to his wife and daughter.

The day for the marriage proposal arrived amidst the silence.

Everyone was on high alert. Hong Qisheng settled his wife and daughter before leading the five members of the Lingzhen Sect out to greet the guests.