A show of strength, absolutely a show of strength

Three days later.

A hundred miles outside Purple Sun Prefecture, an eight-carried palanquin draped in red and black silk weaved through the forest paths. The palanquin was spacious, and through its curtains, one could see a young man dressed in lavish robes sitting inside. His handsome features were marred by a sickly pallor, giving him the appearance of a dissipated noble scion from a prestigious family.

"Where’s Luo Yexian?"

The Demon-Summoning Holy Son twisted the ring on his index finger as he spoke.

"A message just came in—he’s already waiting in Purple Sun Prefecture," a voice drifted from the void, audible only to the Holy Son.

This was a technique far more advanced than mere sound transmission.

"Hmph. If he weren’t my brother-in-law, and if we weren’t in dire need of manpower right now..."

The Holy Son snorted coldly, clearly in a foul mood.

Lately, he had grown increasingly suspicious of this so-called "Myriad Phenomena Immortal Sect."

He had sent people to investigate the southern border.

The villages that had once supplied them with the power of the masses were now digging mountains, dredging rivers, and building roads—all in the name of offerings to the "Celestial Venerable Immortal."

What true powerhouse would ever need such trivial tributes?

Still, he remained skeptical.

Coincidentally, one of the three ancestral gods of their sect—the Dream God—had recently awakened, leading them to uncover faint traces of what might be the Dream God’s hidden grotto. It was rumored to contain something of immense importance.

Unfortunately, they still couldn’t gain entry.

This was the perfect opportunity to test the so-called "Beloved Disciple of the Celestial Venerable."

"Nephew Holy Son, greetings."

Before long, as they drew closer to Purple Sun Prefecture, Luo Yexian—disguised as a merchant—stepped forward from a side path and bowed in greeting.

"Why take these backroads instead of the main road?"

The Holy Son felt a surge of irritation at the sight of his brother-in-law.

"Replying to Nephew Holy Son, we are a demonic sect. Traveling openly on official roads would be far too conspicuous."

Luo Yexian wore an expression of deep contemplation, speaking with grave earnestness:

"We bear the weight of the sect’s mission. Caution is paramount."

"......"

The Holy Son’s eyelid twitched.

You’re disguised as a merchant, yet instead of taking the main road, you choose these obscure, winding paths—does that really make sense?

But he couldn’t be bothered to argue. Cutting straight to the point, he asked:

"Did that so-called ‘Immortal’ agree?"

"He did. The Immortal said to meet tonight."

Luo Yexian nodded, then added with some confusion:

"But why let him set the time while we choose the location?"

"Allowing him to set the time is a gesture of respect. Choosing the location ourselves prevents him from setting up any traps. For all we know, last time you walked right into a carefully prepared snare."

The Holy Son narrowed his eyes.

"What? That’s impossible! The Immortal would never deceive me..."

"Hmph. Have you truly become so narrow-minded after staying too long in the southern border? The world is vast and full of wonders. The Yin-Yang Hall can turn men into women and women into men. The Yellow Millet Hall can kill people in their dreams. If they can deceive you with special methods, why couldn’t this ‘Immortal’? There’s nothing in this world that’s truly impossible!"

"You’ll understand once you meet the Immortal."

Luo Yexian shook his head, still unwavering in his faith.

After all, the Immortal was his future, his great merit, his hope of ascending to greater heights and breaking through to the Dharma Body realm.

How could he doubt his own hope?

"Where did you choose for the meeting?"

The Holy Son had no patience for further debate.

"Happy Sheep Hotpot Restaurant."

"?"

"That place is famous, and it’s been around for a while—no way it has any connection to the other party. Plus, it’s crowded, perfect for... discreet dealings."

Luo Yexian swallowed hard.

The Holy Son suspected Luo Yexian had chosen the place simply because he craved hotpot in the winter.

But he had no proof.

......

Happy Sheep Hotpot Restaurant.

"Waiter, one spicy hotpot—extra spicy—and five plates of lamb."

"G-Guest... our portions are quite generous..."

"No worries. Martial artists have big appetites."

"Very well..."

Jiang Chulong finished taking the order and turned to leave, but then peeked back inside for another glance.

Seated at the table was a young man with an air of immortal grace, dressed in a simple blue robe despite the cold, sipping wine by himself.

The little princess felt there was something familiar about him.

Tilting her head, she headed to the kitchen.

Unbeknownst to her, the young man’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure.

"Chulong has grown taller. She’ll need new clothes soon."

"Oh, and I should prepare some red envelopes for New Year’s money..."

Li Mo had arrived in Purple Sun Prefecture by noon.

His meeting with the Demon-Summoning Sect was set for the evening—after all, only at night could he use Shared Moonlight to communicate with the Ice Queen. With her as his backup, he felt much more at ease.

The location was to be decided by the other party, and he was still waiting for their reply.

So Li Mo decided to pass the time at the hotpot restaurant, checking in on Chulong and the kids from Mud Corner Alley.

Unfortunately, he was currently wearing the Faceless Glass Mask. To avoid unnecessary complications, he’d have to wait until his business was concluded before resuming his role as the hotpot restaurant owner.

"Where will Luo Yexian choose, I wonder?"

Li Mo swirled a slice of lamb in the broth, glancing out the window as the sky gradually darkened.

Before long, the Beast Token in his pocket vibrated faintly, delivering a new message:

"Happy Sheep Hotpot Restaurant. We await your esteemed presence."

"?"

Downstairs at the hotpot restaurant.

The Demon-Summoning Holy Son, Luo Yexian, and a group of sect members disguised as merchants braced against the wind and snow as they entered.

"Smells amazing—almost as good as southern-style barbecue. Mouthwatering."

Luo Yexian smacked his lips.

"Nephew, have you ever tried barbecue? The southern kind? Ah, the flavor..."

"Are we here to eat or to conduct business? Send the message already!"

The Holy Son clenched his fists, barely restraining the urge to punch him.

Luo Yexian shrank back and reached for his token.

But before he could transmit the message, his eyes suddenly bulged.

"Nephew..."

"Address me properly outsi—never mind. What is it? Has he arrived?"

"The Immortal says... he’s been here all along. He’s waiting for us on the second floor."

"!!?"

The Holy Son’s expression froze, his breath hitching for a split second.

Been here... all along?

But they were the ones who chose the location!

They had only just stepped into the restaurant and sent the message—yet the other party had arrived before them?

What did this mean?

It meant the other party had known in advance that they would choose this very spot!

"Did we have any tails on the way here?"

"Reporting to the Holy Son, neither I nor the Lawless Dharma King detected any surveillance."

Indeed, if there had been pursuers, the two Dharma Kings would have alerted him.

The Holy Son’s heart grew heavier.

To evade the detection of sixth-realm experts—whatever method was used, it spoke of unfathomable skill.

"Perfectly normal. The Immortal saw right through my mahjong game last time... ahem."

Luo Yexian grinned, recognizing in the Holy Son’s face the same stunned disbelief he himself had once worn.

The Holy Son ignored him, taking a deep breath.

The other party arrived ahead of time and, using unfathomable means, openly made their intentions clear.

What a power move!

This is absolutely a power play!

"Let's go meet them. I want to see just who this so-called 'divine being' really is!"