The Heaven Encovering Sect's great hall was alive with song and dance, the melodies of silk strings and bamboo flutes lingering in the air. Below, a troupe of dancers in revealing attire swayed gracefully to the rhythm.
On the upper level of the hall, a row of Emperor Realm masters sat along both the left and right sides, each with a table before them laden with exquisite fruits and fine spiritual wine. At the head, the Heaven Encovering Sect Master Mi Qi sat side by side with a white-haired, white-bearded elder, personally attending to their guest.
The elder was well advanced in years, and his clothing was plain—nothing that would stand out in a crowd. Several small pouches hung at his waist, bulging with unseen contents of unknown nature.
Yet it was precisely this unassuming old man whom Mi Qi, a figure of his stature, chose to personally entertain, and the seat he was given was level with Mi Qi's own. It was clear just how much the Sect Master valued this person.
Below, the Heaven Encovering Sect's elders and protectors continuously raised their cups in toasting.
The elder accepted every drink without refusal. The rare and precious spiritual wine dripped down his snow-white beard, a sight that made the elders' hearts ache with every drop.
They had spent considerable effort and wealth to brew these spiritual wines, and even they themselves rarely indulged. To bring them out for a guest, only to watch them be wasted like this—yet the elder's identity was one none of them dared offend. Even as they silently cursed, all they could do was maintain their polite smiles.
The elder drank with one hand while ogling the graceful, alluring dancers below with lewd eyes. In his other hand, he clutched a handful of grape-like berries, popping them into his mouth one by one, his mouth watering with every bite, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Those berries were quite striking to look at—each one a luminous blue, like translucent gemstones.
Those who knew these fruits understood, however, that while they looked beautiful, they absolutely did not taste good.
Blue Jade Fruit was a type of spirit fruit that could be used to refine spiritual pills, but its utility was limited. Eaten raw, it was extremely sour and astringent, nearly impossible to swallow. On top of that, cultivation was difficult, so across the entire Star Realm, Blue Jade Fruit was quite rare.
Little practical use, unpleasant to eat, and hard to grow—naturally, no one was willing to expend effort on it.
Yet the Heaven Encovering Sect had invested heavily in Blue Jade Fruit, cultivating large quantities year after year. The reason was simple: this elder named Tao had a particular fondness for them. To each their own—what was nearly inedible in others' eyes was, in Elder Tao's estimation, the most delicious delicacy in the world. No one understood why his taste was so peculiar.
Elder Tao's background was extraordinary. Mi Qi had come to know him by chance years ago and had invited him to visit the Heaven Encovering Sect. When the elder had happened upon the Blue Jade Fruit and couldn't put them down, Mi Qi had naturally catered to his preferences, spending enormous resources to establish a Blue Jade Fruit orchard in the sect's medicine garden. Each year, it was carefully tended, and at harvest time, Elder Tao was invited to sample the fruits. When he departed, every last Blue Jade Fruit was packed up and given to him as a gift.
Over many years, Elder Tao had developed a habit of visiting the Heaven Encovering Sect for a few days each year to satisfy his craving. With repeated visits, the relationship between them had naturally grown familiar.
The day Li Jiao had delivered Yang Kai's message and departed, Mi Qi had immediately sent word to Elder Tao, informing him that the Blue Jade Fruit was nearly ripe and inviting him to come. Elder Tao had agreed without hesitation and arrived posthaste, whereupon fine wine and elaborate dishes were promptly served.
Mi Qi knew full well that the Heaven Encovering Sect was no match for the Lingxiao Palace. Those three great demon kings were no mere decorations. Ever since he and Li Jiao had been outwitted by Yang Kai, he had harbored a lasting grudge. If he could now use Elder Tao's hand to break free from the Lingxiao Palace's stranglehold, he would gladly pay any price. The three great demon kings were indeed formidable, but in front of Elder Tao, they likely weren't quite enough.
He toasted热情ously, a cold laugh echoing in his heart, eagerly hoping Yang Kai would deliver himself right to their doorstep so the man would learn that the Heaven Encovering Sect was not one he could bully at will.
Just then, a figure quietly entered through the door and whispered a few words to Mi Qi via voice transmission.
Hearing this, Mi Qi's expression changed. He hastily set down his cup and said, "Elder Tao, please wait a moment. I shall return shortly." His face wore a look of alarm.
Elder Tao gazed at him curiously. "What is it?"
Mi Qi forced a smile. "It's a trivial matter—no need to trouble yourself, Elder Tao. I'll handle it myself."
Elder Tao popped a Blue Jade Fruit into his mouth, chewing as he let out a raspy laugh, revealing teeth stained blue. "Brother Mi is treating me like an outsider, it seems."
"How could I dare?" Mi Qi hastily waved his hands. "Having Elder Tao visit our humble sect is a tremendous honor. I would never think of you as an outsider."
Elder Tao said, "If it concerns your sect's secrets, Brother Mi need not say. But if you've run into some trouble, don't hold back. I may not have much strength, but I still have a little face with people. Perhaps I can help resolve things for you."
He had noticed the uneasy look on Mi Qi's face and could tell something was wrong.
Mi Qi hesitated for a long moment, as though wrestling with himself. Finally, he sighed. "Since Elder Tao doesn't consider me an outsider, then I won't be ashamed to air my dirty laundry." He raised his cup and drained it in one gulp, as though drowning his worries in drink.
"Dirty laundry? What on earth happened?" Elder Tao's curiosity was piqued.