Published: March 3, 2025
An old monk who appeared to be in his seventies parted the crowd like flowing water.
His face was aged, and his movements exuded a compassionate and solemn aura, as if his wise eyes contained the essence of all living beings and the heavens.
At a glance, the cultivators in the crowd felt a single term arise in their hearts—enlightened master.
Especially the strands of spiritual pressure he emanated, which were as grand as mountains and seas, left all cultivators feeling a sense of unapproachable awe, like standing at the foot of a towering mountain.
This man was none other than Master Kongzhao.
His cultivation was at the peak of the nascent soul early stage. Although he was not as powerful as the Black Bear Demon King, it was not an issue for him to protect himself in a short period of time.
After some entanglement, he would smoothly retreat with Huang Mei before the Demon King Aohai returned.
In the reverent gazes of the low-level cultivators, Master Kongzhao stopped before an ancient, elegant pavilion, the plaque of which boldly displayed three large characters: "Celestial Immortal Residence."
The Celestial Immortal Residence was a well-known inn at the Five Elements Pass, a gathering place for many high-level cultivators.
Low-level cultivators didn't even have the qualifications to enter; the minimum requirement was the golden core realm.
Everything inside, be it spiritual wine or spiritual food, was considered "heavenly priced" for low-level cultivators!
This building had a total of nine floors, and the higher one's strength and status, the higher the floor they could access, along with vastly different treatment.
After a pause, Master Kongzhao walked straight into the "Celestial Immortal Residence," following the attendant's lead as he ascended.
Before long, they arrived at the highest ninth floor, stopping before a spacious and luxurious room.
As they approached, a voice called from afar.
"It’s Master Kongzhao! Please come in!"
Inside the room, Liu Yu, Mo Mei, and Huang Mei had already taken their seats, with Mo Mei warmly welcoming them.
"I apologize for being late; I was held up by a small matter, causing you three friends to wait!"
Master Kongzhao smiled slightly upon hearing this, waved his hand to dismiss the attendant, and entered the room with his hands clasped together.
Being cultivators of the same realm, they naturally had no pretensions. Liu Yu and Huang Mei also stood up and cupped their hands in greeting.
"Haha, Master, you’ve kept us waiting! You must self-punish with three cups later!"
Huang Mei laughed heartily.
Mo Mei, safe and sound after overcoming this tribulation, was soon to receive the Breakthrough Elixir "True Pill," and the matter of her breakthrough was now settled, making her mood very pleasant.
"This..."
A slight difficulty appeared on Master Kongzhao's face.
However, understanding that the other party was joking and also in a good mood, he didn’t take it to heart.
"Friend Huang Mei's words are incorrect; as a monk, I have some reservations about this matter and shouldn't break the rules."
Seeing Master Kongzhao's predicament, Mo Mei smiled lightly and took the initiative to ease the tension.
"It is indeed not right for me to be late."
"How about this, let’s substitute tea for wine and I’ll self-punish with three cups to express my apologies."
Not taking it to heart, Master Kongzhao smiled.
Then, he walked to an empty table and poured three cups of spiritual tea, drinking them one after another.
With everyone in place, the banquet officially began. After a few cups of spiritual wine and tea, the atmosphere gradually became warm.
"To successfully overcome this tribulation, it was all thanks to the three friends' wholehearted assistance; I toast you all!"
After a few cups, Mo Mei's expression suddenly became serious, and she poured a full cup of spiritual wine, addressing the three with gravity.
"Friend Mo Mei has profound blessings; even without our assistance, I believe you would have turned danger into safety!"