Jiang Fan, seeing that Lu Yi was unharmed, breathed a sigh of relief and said, “I noticed several groups of disciples from the Heavenly Serpent Sect and the Blood Spirit Sect acting together and heading in the same direction. It seemed suspicious, so I captured one of the Heavenly Serpent Sect disciples. After interrogation, I discovered they were planning to ambush you, Brother Lu, so I hurried over to assist you!”


    Lu Yi noticed that Jiang Fan’s breathing was still uneven. Smiling slightly, he felt a warm sense of gratitude in his heart. He had indeed made the right decision to help Jiang Fan before.


    Lu Yi chuckled and said, “Brother Jiang, there’s no need to worry. Sit down and have something to eat?”


    Nearby, You Jing and Wang Chuanlu both brightened up upon seeing Jiang Fan.


    You Jing immediately said, “Brother Jiang, you’re here! You and Brother Lu are close, so try to persuade him. There’s still time for us to leave! Brother Lu hasn’t been cultivating for long. He can wait until he grows stronger before taking on the Blood Spirit Sect and Heavenly Serpent Sect. There’s no need to act on impulse.”


    Wang Chuanlu nodded repeatedly. “That’s right, Brother Jiang. Try to talk some sense into Brother Lu. We haven’t been able to convince him! Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo are not easy opponents.”


    Hearing this, Jiang Fan looked at Lu Yi, whose expression remained calm. Jiang Fan then laughed and sat down beside Lu Yi. “Since Brother Lu has decided to stay, then I’ll stay and risk my life with him. Do we have wine? Just roasted meat alone is a bit dry.”


    Lu Yi smiled and took out some Spirit-Nourishing Dew. “I have fine wine. Drink as much as you like.”


    Seeing the Spirit-Nourishing Dew, Jiang Fan’s eyes lit up, and he licked his lips. “Spirit-Nourishing Dew? The last time I had this was half a year ago. Finally, I can enjoy it again.”


    You Jing: “…”


    Wang Chuanlu: “…”


    The two of them, seeing Jiang Fan’s glowing eyes fixed on the Spirit-Nourishing Dew, felt numb all over. They exchanged glances, both looking exhausted.


    “Brother Jiang, what are you doing?”


    “Exactly, Brother Jiang! How can you join Brother Lu in this foolishness?”


    Lu Yi glanced at the two of them and smiled. “If you two are worried, you can leave now. You won’t be able to leave later.”


    Hearing this, You Jing and Wang Chuanlu’s expressions turned serious.


    You Jing said, “Brother, you underestimate us!”


    “Exactly. Without your help earlier, we would have been surrounded and killed. Not to mention, you gave us Perfect White Jade Pills to heal our injuries. That’s a life-saving grace. How could we abandon you at a time like this?”


    Jiang Fan glanced at the two of them, his gaze softening slightly. Taking the wine flask from Lu Yi, he smiled. “Since we’re staying, let’s drink properly. Brother Lu’s Spirit-Nourishing Dew is truly the finest of the mortal world. You two will definitely love it.”


    He then took out four cups, filled them, and with a wave of his hand, sent three cups to Lu Yi, You Jing, and Wang Chuanlu.


    You Jing and Wang Chuanlu took their cups. Wang Chuanlu said dismissively, “I believe it’s good wine, but I’ve been cultivating for decades and tasted many kinds of wine. Calling it the finest of the mortal world might be a bit much.”


    Saying this, he took a sip. As soon as the Spirit-Nourishing Dew entered his throat, a wave of cool energy rose and gathered at his brow. He felt his spiritual power becoming unusually active and even slightly increasing.


    This made Wang Chuanlu freeze, his eyes widening in shock.


    You Jing, noticing Wang Chuanlu’s odd expression, said with a strange look, “Wang, you’re overreacting. Your acting is too exaggerated.”


    He then took a sip himself. Upon feeling the effects, his eyes also widened, and he exclaimed, “This wine can actually enhance spiritual power?!”


    It was well-known that even Foundation Establishment cultivators considered medicines and techniques that boosted spiritual power to be extremely rare treasures.


    Yet, this wine, despite emitting only Qi Refining-level spiritual fluctuations, could enhance spiritual power?!


    Both You Jing and Wang Chuanlu found it unbelievable, as if they were in a dream.


    Jiang Fan, seeing their shock, recalled his own astonishment when he first tasted the Spirit-Nourishing Dew. He downed his cup and laughed. “So, was I exaggerating? This wine deserves to be called the finest of the mortal world, doesn’t it?”


    Wang Chuanlu and You Jing took deep breaths and looked at Jiang Fan, then at Lu Yi.


    “Brother Jiang is right.”


    “Excellent wine! Truly excellent wine!” You Jing’s eyes shone with anticipation as he asked Lu Yi, “Brother Lu, where did you buy this wine? I need to get some for myself!”


    This wine could boost spiritual power—how could he let such an opportunity slip away?


    Lu Yi smiled. “It’s not particularly rare. I brewed it myself during my free time. It just takes considerable effort. If you two need some, I’ll gift you a jar later.”


    Seeing that the two were willing to stay, they likely intended to fight to the death if necessary. Lu Yi naturally wouldn’t be stingy.


    “You brewed it yourself?!”


    “Brother, not only are you skilled in spiritual cooking, but you can also brew such fine wine?!”


    Both of them were utterly shocked.


    Lu Yi chuckled and nodded. “I was fortunate to acquire the recipe and decided to give it a try. It turned out better than I expected.”


    You Jing and Wang Chuanlu were speechless once more.


    As the group continued drinking and eating, the number of approaching auras increased. Jiang Fan and the others didn’t notice, but Lu Yi felt it clearly.


    Yet, his heart remained calm, even somewhat amused.


    ‘It’s better if they all come at once. I can deal with them in one go.’


    While the group enjoyed their feast, the disciples from the Heavenly Serpent Sect and Blood Spirit Sect in the distance looked grim.


    “Damn it! Look at them enjoying themselves!”


    “Hmph! They have no idea they’re already dead! Do they really think surviving a lightning tribulation at Qi Refining makes them invincible?!”


    “Once Brother Tianhen arrives, we’ll turn him into a blood puppet and make him suffer for eternity!”


    “How much longer until Brother Tianhen and Brother Qin arrive?”


    “Soon! The East Forest ruins are large, but they’re coming at full speed.”


    Meanwhile, in another area, Han Yu and three disciples of the Cold Winter Valley watched Lu Yi’s group. Their expressions varied.


    A cold-looking female disciple sneered. “So, this is Lu Yi? He’s far less impressive than rumored. Eating and drinking at a time like this? Even with confidence, he should be preparing himself.”


    A male disciple frowned. “Underestimating the enemy is the easiest way to fail. Even a prodigy is still human. If he dies prematurely, he’ll be nothing.”


    Another disciple turned to Han Yu and asked, “Brother, what do you think?”


    Han Yu gazed deeply at Lu Yi and shook his head. “I can’t see through his cultivation. He must have a powerful concealment technique. But… he wouldn’t act like this without absolute confidence.”


    Hearing this, the others’ expressions subtly shifted.


    “Brother, do you think Lu Yi has absolute confidence to face both Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo?”


    “How is that possible? Brother Hanyu, you fought Xue Tianhen before, and it was a draw. No matter how strong Lu Yi is, can he be stronger than you?”


    “Exactly. Even if he has extraordinary talent, it has only been a year since he broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Even for a heavenly prodigy, growth takes time, right?”If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Hanyu listened to the three disciples'' words, his expression calm. He simply shook his head. “I cannot see through him. Perhaps, he has a trump card.”


    The three disciples fell silent.


    Not far away, Yun Xi and two disciples from the Myriad Flower Sect were moving.


    One of the disciples complained, “Sister Yun Xi, you don’t know the way, can’t you slow down a bit? We’ve been chasing after you for a while.”


    The other disciple nodded repeatedly. “Exactly, exactly.”


    Yun Xi scratched her head and smiled apologetically. “Hehehe, didn’t I come back to find you? Don’t be mad, okay? I promise I won’t leave you behind next time… Hmm? What a nice smell.”


    Her expression shifted slightly as she stepped forward and quickly moved toward the source.


    “Sister Yun Xi?!”


    The two Myriad Flower Sect disciples were dumbfounded.


    “Didn’t you just promise not to leave us behind?!”


    The two hurriedly followed her.


    This time, however, they didn’t have to walk far before spotting Yun Xi. But when they saw where she was, their expressions changed drastically.


    Yun Xi was standing in front of Lu Yi, looking intently at the wine in his hands.


    She smiled brightly and said, “I really want to drink this wine. Can you sell me some? I’ll pay you.”


    The two Myriad Flower Sect disciples covered their faces, looking utterly hopeless.


    “…Not again…!”


    “Sister Yun Xi has always done as she pleases, but that’s Lu Yi! Isn’t he about to face Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo?”


    The two looked at each other, then quickly rushed over.


    …………


    Lu Yi and his companions had been eating when Lu Yi suddenly noticed something, his gaze flickering with surprise. He looked up and saw a green silhouette appear out of nowhere—it was Yun Xi.


    Lu Yi remained calm, but the others were clearly startled.


    Yun Xi’s sudden appearance, without any warning, shocked them. They all stood up, staring at her in disbelief.


    You Jing stared at Yun Xi and muttered, “…Yun Xi of the Myriad Flower Sect?”


    Wang Chuanlu whispered, “Such a fast movement technique. When did she get here?”


    Jiang Fan glanced at Yun Xi, then at Lu Yi, his brows furrowed slightly. “Brother Lu? What now?”


    Seeing their nervousness, Yun Xi smiled. “I mean no harm. Don’t be so tense.”


    She then turned to look at the wine in Lu Yi’s hands, her smile sweet. “I really want to drink this wine. Can you sell me some? I’ll pay you.”


    Everyone’s expressions froze, turning strange.


    Lu Yi also looked at her with an odd expression and said speechlessly, “Daoist Yun Xi, do you not recognize me?”


    Yun Xi smiled. “Of course I do. Lu Yi, the heavenly prodigy of White Cloud Sect. Granny said you’re amazing.”


    Lu Yi smiled faintly. “I’m waiting here to fight Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo in a decisive battle. Isn’t it inappropriate for you to come and ask to buy wine?”


    Yun Xi blinked and looked at Lu Yi. “What does your fight have to do with me buying wine? I just want to drink some. I feel like this wine is really good.”


    Lu Yi raised his eyebrows, a bit surprised. This woman has sharp instincts.


    But… What kind of logic is this? He was about to fight, and she treated this place like a tavern?


    Lu Yi was speechless and smiled. “I’m sorry, but this wine is not for sale. Daoist Yun Xi, please leave.”


    Yun Xi frowned, looking disappointed. “Not for sale?”


    She then glanced at Jiang Fan and the others. “Then why can they drink it?”


    Wang Chuanlu said helplessly, “We are Brother Lu’s fellow disciples, and we’re about to fight a bloody battle!”


    He felt aggrieved. This might be our last meal. Why can’t we drink it?!


    Yun Xi turned back to Lu Yi, who smiled and said, “They are my brothers, and they agreed to stay and fight with me.”


    Yun Xi fell silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “I can’t join the White Cloud Sect, or Granny will be upset. But I can recognize you as my brother and help you fight. Will you give me wine then?”


    Lu Yi: “???”


    Jiang Fan: “???”


    Everyone looked at Yun Xi with strange expressions, full of question marks.


    They exchanged glances, and the same thought crossed their minds: What’s with this woman? Is she out of her mind?


    At that moment, the two Myriad Flower Sect disciples arrived and overheard Yun Xi’s last words. Their expressions froze, and they almost tripped.


    “Sister Yun Xi! What are you saying?!”


    “Yeah! Sister Yun Xi! Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo are key figures of the Blood Spirit Sect and the Heavenly Serpent Sect. You represent our Myriad Flower Sect! If you stay, this means too much!”


    “Sister Yun Xi, we need to leave now!”


    One of the Myriad Flower Sect disciples, as if facing a tiger, grabbed Yun Xi and tried to pull her away.


    The other disciple smiled apologetically at Lu Yi. “Young Master Lu, Sister Yun Xi has a simple mind. Please don’t take her words seriously. Our Myriad Flower Sect does not intend to oppose White Cloud Sect, nor do we want to get involved in this conflict.”


    Yun Xi, dragged by her sisters, protested, “I stayed to deal with Xue Tianhen. I was planning to kill him anyway.”


    The Myriad Flower Sect disciple felt her head throbbing and said, “Sister Yun Xi! So many people are watching! He’s the young master of the Blood Spirit Sect! If you kill him, there will be war between the Blood Spirit Sect and Myriad Flower Sect.”


    Yun Xi frowned, about to argue again, when the other disciple quickly added, “If you keep this up, the Sect Leader will be furious.”


    Hearing this, Yun Xi stiffened, her expression reluctant. But she said no more.


    Lu Yi watched Yun Xi''s departing figure, thought for a moment, and smiled, "Daoist Yun Xi, please wait."


    Hearing this, Yun Xi turned around and looked at Lu Yi, while the other two disciples of the Myriad Flower Sect regarded Lu Yi with vigilance.


    "Young Master Lu, our Myriad Flower Sect does not wish to get involved in this matter."


    "Young Master Lu, you wouldn''t intend to force us to stay, would you?"


    Seeing the wary expressions of the two disciples, Lu Yi couldn''t help but laugh. He said, "You two have misunderstood."


    Lu Yi took out a jar of wine, tossed it to Yun Xi, and said with a light smile, "Daoist Yun Xi, you have a straightforward nature. Today, I offer you this wine as a token of friendship."


    Lu Yi mused to himself, I must defeat Yun Xi.


    [Mission]


    Defeat Yun Xi.


    Reward: 30 drops of Ten-Thousand-Year Spiritual Dew, a wisp of Natural Intent.


    Accept? Yes/No


    As expected, Yun Xi was a Myriad Flower Spiritual Body, extraordinarily talented, and her cultivation was not low. The reward for sparring with her was extremely high.


    Thirty whole drops of Ten-Thousand-Year Spiritual Dew—one must know that even after clearing the 30th level of the Trial Tower and defeating a Golden Core Stage cultivator at the tenth level, the reward was only 10 drops of Ten-Thousand-Year Spiritual Dew.


    Not only that, but there was also a far more precious wisp of Natural Intent.


    Although they had little interaction now, forming a friendship could always provide an excuse to spar in the future.


    For him, a jar of Spirit Nourishing Dew was nothing. Making a friend, on the other hand, was a profitable endeavor.


    Yun Xi took the jar of Spirit Nourishing Dew, looked down at the wine, then glanced at Lu Yi. She smiled brightly, "Thank you. I think you''re a good person. Let''s be friends from now on."


    Lu Yi: "???"


    For some reason, those words sounded a bit strange.


    Nonetheless, Lu Yi''s goal was achieved. He smiled slightly, looked at the two Myriad Flower Sect disciples beside Yun Xi, and said, "Ladies, please escort your sister away."


    The disciples of the Myriad Flower Sect saw that Lu Yi had no intention of making things difficult for them and breathed a sigh of relief.


    One of them smiled and said, "Thank you for understanding, Young Master Lu."


    She exchanged a glance with the other disciple, and the two hurriedly dragged Yun Xi away.


    Only after putting some distance between themselves and Lu Yi did the two disciples stop.


    One of them let out a soft breath and said, "Fortunately, Young Master Lu is broad-minded and didn''t trouble us. Otherwise, we would have been in big trouble this time."


    The other disciple also nodded and then looked at Yun Xi helplessly, "Sister... can''t you be more careful? Given the current situation, who Lu Yi is, and the sensitivity of this moment, how could you just approach him?"


    Yun Xi took out the jar of Spirit Nourishing Dew, smiled, and said, "But I had a feeling this wine is really good."


    As she spoke, she opened the lid, took out a jade wine cup, and poured three cups. "Let''s have a taste!"


    The two disciples were surprised. "We get some too?"


    Yun Xi nodded and smiled, "Of course. This wine will benefit you as well."


    The two disciples, knowing Yun Xi''s personality, exchanged a glance and then nodded, accepting the wine.


    After drinking the wine, the two disciples trembled slightly and widened their eyes.


    "This wine... it can enhance spiritual power!"


    "A spiritual wine suitable for the Qi Refining Stage that can enhance spiritual power? This... must be extremely rare."


    The two looked at each other in disbelief.


    "Such precious wine, and Young Master Lu just gave it to Sister Yun Xi?"


    Yun Xi also drank some. She smiled and said, "As I thought, this wine is very precious. Daoist Lu Yi is very kind to have given me an entire jar."


    The two looked at Lu Yi, who was far away, and felt a bit ashamed.


    "Young Master Lu gave such a precious gift, yet we didn''t offer anything in return."


    "Now that Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo have joined forces, I wonder if Young Master Lu can get through this unscathed."


    The two sighed but dared not get involved in such disputes, as the stakes were too high and could even lead to sect wars.


    They even glanced worriedly at Yun Xi. Given their understanding of her, if Lu Yi were truly in danger, she might step in to help.


    Yun Xi noticed their looks, glanced toward Lu Yi, and smiled. "You don''t need to worry. Daoist Lu Yi is very strong. Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo may not be his match."


    Hearing this, the two disciples were stunned and looked at Yun Xi in shock.


    "Sister Yun Xi... are you saying that Young Master Lu''s strength is already comparable to Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo?"


    "How is that possible?! Didn''t he just reach the Foundation Establishment Stage a year ago?!"


    The two couldn''t believe it.


    Yun Xi also looked toward Lu Yi, her expression unusually serious. "I''m not entirely sure, but my instincts tell me he is very strong—so strong that I am no match for him."


    "Hiss..."


    The two disciples gasped, their faces full of disbelief.


    Yun Xi''s instincts, like those of a pure-hearted child, were extremely accurate and rarely wrong. If Yun Xi said so, it was likely true.


    This revelation left them even more shaken.


    "Let''s wait and see."


    The three curiously observed Lu Yi, who had returned to his seat, drinking and eating.


    The atmosphere grew increasingly heavy, like the calm before a storm.


    Lu Yi, a core talent of White Cloud Sect, was of great significance to his sect. Meanwhile, Xue Tianhen and Qin Luo were also peerless prodigies of the Blood Spirit Sect and Heavenly Serpent Sect. The conflict between the three had already transcended personal rivalry and now involved the sects themselves.


    If Lu Yi were harmed, White Cloud Sect would surely retaliate. Similarly, if Xue Tianhen or Qin Luo fell, the Blood Spirit Sect and Heavenly Serpent Sect would not let the matter rest.


    Yet, at the center of this storm, Lu Yi remained completely unaware.


    Nearby, You Jing spoke sourly, "Brother Lu, you are really generous. She is a disciple of the Myriad Flower Sect, yet you gave her an entire jar of Spirit Nourishing Dew."


    Wang Chuanlu smiled knowingly. "I understand. Daoist Yun Xi is indeed a beauty. Brother Lu''s actions are perfectly natural."


    Lu Yi said helplessly, "My Sister Liu Ningshuang and Sister Mingyue are equally beautiful. What does it matter? I just found Yun Xi''s personality amusing."


    "Heh, we understand."


    You Jing and Wang Chuanlu both grinned. Even Jiang Fan raised his cup and said, "Brother Lu is exceptionally talented. I’m sure Daoist Yun Xi will admire you greatly."


    Lu Yi: "..."


    He was speechless. How could they know how generous the sparring mission rewards were?


    As they joked and laughed, a tyrannical aura suddenly erupted. A cold voice sneered, "Laugh all you want. Eat all you want. This will be your last meal!"


    Jiang Fan and the others'' expressions changed as they turned toward the source of the aura. A flash of dark-gold light streaked through the air and crashed to the ground, leaving a deep crater.


    A figure emerged—a young man wearing dark-gold armor, exuding overwhelming blood energy and a terrifying aura.


    "Qin Luo!" Wang Chuanlu took a deep breath and said slowly.


    This man was none other than Qin Luo of the Heavenly Serpent Sect.