Chu Xingchen received the response and with a sweeping gesture, pushed the suspended river water forward. If possible, he would have liked to pour each person a full cup, but the quantity given was too meager—offering just a drop per person would have been far too lacking in grandeur.
From all directions, spiritual energy reached out to collect the wine infused with the essence of spring warmth.
Shortly after, a man strode across the river from afar, arriving before Chu Xingchen in mere moments. The man had the appearance of a middle-aged uncle, with a few unshaven stubbles still clinging to his face. His physique was lean and robust, and the spiritual energy swirling around him indicated a cultivation level that was by no means low for the Eastern Victory Divine Continent.
Chu Xingchen’s gaze swept over the man.
[Target: Gu Sanyang]
[Cultivation: Early-stage Divine Transformation]
[Purple Trait: Keen Insight]
[Blue Trait: Skilled Cultivation]
[Blue Trait: Decent Talent]
[White Trait: Suspicious Nature]
Gu Sanyang stood a few feet away from the bamboo raft and cupped his hands in salute.
"Subordinate Gu Sanyang, holding the position of Deputy Envoy, awaits the Envoy’s orders. Most of those present here have concealed identities and are strangers to one another. Their attendance today is solely to catch a glimpse of the Envoy’s visage. Should the Envoy wish to meet them individually later, they can be summoned separately. I hope the Envoy does not take offense."
Chu Xingchen nodded lightly. "Given the circumstances, there’s no reason to blame anyone."
"Many thanks for the Envoy’s understanding." Gu Sanyang straightened up, his expression neither servile nor overbearing, though his tone was exceptionally gentle. "And thank you, Envoy, for this sip of wine. Without your generosity, I might never have tasted it in this lifetime."
Chu Xingchen chuckled. "The road of life is long, and opportunities are unpredictable. There are still many matters I’d like to ask you about. Why not step aboard?"
Gu Sanyang saluted again before cautiously stepping onto the bamboo raft, positioning himself at the very edge without advancing further.
Chu Xingchen paid it no mind and instead raised his wine cup, lightly clinking it against Daoist Yuyang’s.
"A toast to you."
With that, Chu Xingchen downed his drink in one go.
Daoist Yuyang observed him quietly for a moment before doing the same.
"If possible, I’d prefer not to trouble you, Brother Yuyang," Chu Xingchen said, tossing his cup into the river. "After all, no one enjoys being asked for favors purely based on friendship."
Daoist Yuyang also discarded his cup and replied calmly, "It’s fine. At the very least, your attitude today is sincere."
Watching this exchange, Daoist Yuyang understood the reason Chu Xingchen had insisted on gathering here—he needed help, but he wouldn’t conceal the nature of the request.
This was the highest form of courtesy when asking for assistance, yet also the most fundamental.
Chu Xingchen sighed softly. "My attitude is merely to show that what I’m about to say is sincere—not perfunctory, not born of petty suspicions, and not duplicitous."
Daoist Yuyang’s gaze shifted. Though he shared a friendship with Chu Xingchen, he represented the Taidao Sect and bore the responsibility of safeguarding its interests and reputation.
Some matters were not dictated by personal likes or dislikes but required pure rationality.
After a pause, Daoist Yuyang finally spoke. "Go ahead."
Chu Xingchen raised his hand, conjuring a barrier of spiritual energy to isolate their conversation from outside ears.
"The demons have risen again across the Five Continents. The Tianyan Sect and the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect have detected traces of their activity in the Eastern Victory Divine Continent," Chu Xingchen said, retrieving a pitch-black crystalline shard from his spatial ring.
"The Tianyan Sect’s previous actions were aimed at tracking this. I know it may be hard to believe—that the demons, supposedly eradicated a millennium ago, have not only resurfaced but also regained enough strength to conduct such experiments."
"I don’t want to believe it either, but the evidence is here, and my words are true."
"Their methods of concealment far exceed our expectations… and their revival may be far more advanced than we imagined."
Daoist Yuyang frowned slightly as he examined the crystalline shard in Chu Xingchen’s hand, his voice tinged with skepticism.
"Can you swear that what you’re saying is true and not fabricated?"
Chu Xingchen replied with unwavering certainty. "Absolutely."
Daoist Yuyang’s expression relaxed, and he turned his gaze toward the distant river.
"In that case, I’ll naturally lend my aid. This concerns the fate of humanity—as one of its members, it’s my duty."
His impression of Chu Xingchen was still favorable. Though the story sounded far-fetched, their friendship made it worth trusting him once. If Chu Xingchen deceived him, it would at least reveal the true nature of a man he’d have to deal with in the future—hardly a great loss.
Besides, he wasn’t a fool. Once involved, he’d assess the situation himself, cross-referencing with the Taidao Sect’s intelligence network to verify the claims.
If Chu Xingchen harbored ulterior motives, he’d have time to prepare.
Still… he hoped he wasn’t misjudging his friend.
Chu Xingchen slung an arm around Daoist Yuyang’s shoulder. "Before we proceed, there are a few things I need to clarify."
"I’ve always believed in acting with a clear conscience. The mission may fail, but I don’t want it to ruin our friendship."
"If you have concerns or objections, voice them. I’ll take them into account to avoid misunderstandings."
"And above all—no secrets between us. Whatever can be shared, will be shared."
"Most importantly, when this is over, I’ll treat you to wine."
Daoist Yuyang ignored the earlier remarks and only responded to the last.
"It had better not be that spring warmth brew."
Chu Xingchen grinned. "If we run out, I’ll take you to steal more from the Tianyan Sect."
Daoist Yuyang turned to face him. "Then speak. What’s the plan?"
Chu Xingchen’s gaze shifted to Gu Sanyang, who stood nearby.
"Share whatever intelligence you have here. If there are any arrangements or strategies, lay them out."
Gu Sanyang naturally recognized the young Daoist beside Chu Xingchen—the legendary Flawless Daoist, Daoist Yuyang.
By protocol, such matters shouldn’t be discussed in front of outsiders. But Chu Xingchen’s earlier words weren’t just for Daoist Yuyang—they were also directed at him.
The way great figures conducted business was always so unrestrained.
Perhaps high cultivation truly allowed one to act with impunity. Regardless, Gu Sanyang knew he could never emulate such a style.
Still, he was acutely aware of his place. Without hesitation, he spoke.
"That object is likely just a prototype. The rogue cultivators we’ve been tracking are merely pawns used to test it."
"Unremarkable pawns can be discarded, but if they offer the demons hope of a finished product, they might lure out the masterminds behind the scenes."
"They’ve hidden too well—all we’ve found are faint traces."
"So before the Envoy’s arrival, I’ve already set the stage, creating the illusion of a new rogue cultivator faction’s emergence. The goal is to draw out those pulling the strings."
"However… the rogue cultivators willing to cooperate aren’t particularly strong."
"And after that incident, they’ve grown even more cautious. Baiting them won’t be easy."
Chu Xingchen arched a brow.
"You need more formidable rogue cultivators, is that it?"